Towpath Talk April 2024 issue **FREE!!**

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Lockclosurecutsoffboaters’ linktonationalcanalnetwork

ByJanetRichardson

BOATERShavebeenleftonthewrong sideofaccessto130milesofnavigable waterwaysintheAnglianregionduetoa failuretoremoveabuild-upoftidalsilt.

NavigationauthorityMiddleLevel Commissionersisresponsibleforthe

FenwaterwaysbetweenStanground LockinPeterboroughandSalter’sLode LocknearDownhamMarketinNorfolk.

Oneofthreemajorwinterprojects deliveredbythecommissionersonthis linkroutehasseenaround280tonnes oftidalsiltremovedfromthemainlock penatSalter’sLodeLock.Butnavigation

Germans pumping station near King’s Lynn

hashadtobesuspended,effectively closingtheDenvercrossing,untiltidal riversilthasbeenaddressed.

Theshortestuarycrossingnormally providesaccesstotheriversGreatOuse, Lark,LittleOuse,CamandWissey.But itsclosuremeanstheonlyconnection betweentheGreatOuseandtherest

IFYOUhavereadthisbyFriday,March29you’ve stilltimetotakepartintheIWABoaters’Survey aboutcruisingexperiencesin2023,aspartofthe FundBritain’sWaterways(FBW)campaign.There areopportunitieswith‘opentext’questionstoreport specificissueswhichimpactedyourcruisingbut pleasekeeptheseconciseandincludeanypositive comments.Resultsofthisanonymoussurveywill provideasnapshotontheconditionofourwaterways andwillbesharedwithnavigationauthorities.

https://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/CyefaTXS

ofthesystemisbythedifficultWash crossinguntiltheproposedBedford/ MiltonKeynesLinkisestablished. Thisclosurehasbeencausedbythe build-upofsiltonthetidalGreatOuse managedbytheEnvironmentAgency.

Boat Safety Scheme

THE Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, BroadsAuthorityandAssociationofInlandNavigation Authorities are announcing governance changes to the Boat Safety Scheme to become a not-for-profit company It will take on the work of the existing scheme from April with income continuing to fund running costs and safety improvements Customers won’t see any change to their BSS Certification or licence/registration processes; current certificates will remain valid until their renewal date

Salter’sLodeLockiscurrentlyclosedtoboattraffic. PHOTO:GEOFFJACKSON

‘MODALSHIFT’:FREIGHT SUPPORTGRANT P14

LUXURYBOATREVIEW: DRAKE

Ourleadstorythismonthaboutthe Salter’sLodeLockclosurehighlights theimpactonboaters,businesses andcommunitieswhentheyare leftstrandedthroughnofaultof theirown.Forthosefollowingthis particularsituation,itthenbegsthe question:howwidelywillthistypeof disruptionbeseenelsewhereacross thecountryastimegoeson?Wewill, nodoubt,bekeepingacloseeyeon thingsandcontinuetoreportbackas situationsdevelopandunfold.

Thankfully,though,it’snotalldoom andgloomouttherewithtradeshow BoatLifebeinghailedasaresounding successbyorganisersandattendees alike.PhilPickinprovidesuswith hisreportandpicturesoftheshow (p40)andspeculatesastowhether the2025showwillgoontoseeeven moreinterestthanitdidthis,which, ifitdoes,bodeswellfortheindustry asawhole.

Lockclosurecutsoffboaters’ linktonationalcanalnetwork

•Continuedfrompage1

MLCchiefexecutivePaulBurrows stated:“Ifweopenthegate,thereisa riskthatthesiltbuiltuponthetidal sidewillslumpintothelock.Thisthen createstheriskthatwemaynotbeable tofullyclosethegatewhichisatidal flooddefenceforlocalcommunities.”

AspokespersonfortheEnvironment Agencysaid:“Wewouldliketoclarify thatwehavebeenandwillcontinue toprogressplansfortheclearanceof theblockagescausedbythebuild-up ofsiltinthetidalriveratDenverLock andSalter’sLodewithinthescopeofour availablebudget.

“Wehavebeensubjecttodelaysacross allournavigationworksprogramme asadirectresultoftheweatherand subsequentriverconditions.Wewill continuetoworkwithourdelivery partnerstoresolvethesituationassoon aswecan.”

UpdateswillbeprovidedonEA’s navigationnoticeswhichcanbefound at:VisitAnglianWaterways:boating, moorings,navigationnotices

arelefttocounttheirlossesbecauseof theEnvironmentAgency’sinaction.”

HireboatoperatorPaulaSyredof FoxNarrowboatsatMarchexpressed frustrationatthelackofcommunication. Shetoldus:“Wedon’tknowhowlongit isgoingtobeshutfor,weareemailing contactsandgettingnowhere.”

companyhadtocancelEasterbookings. Althoughtherearenohireboatsonthe wrongsideoftheclosure,acustomer whowishestorelocatetotheMarch marinacan’tmakethemove.

Allthiscomesontopoftheimpacts fromtheCovidpandemicandasimilar situationlastyearwhensiltbuild-up causedboatgroundingsandthe

Dan

Ialsohadabitofa‘wow’moment whilereadingthismonth’sboatreview (p41)aswelookedat Drake,and askedthequestion:isthisthemost luxurioushireboatonthecanals?I can’tsaywhetheritisornot,butIcan tellyouthatitgotmyjuicesflowing! It’sanamazingboatineveryaspect, andperfectlysuitedtoitsexternal colourofgreen,asIthinkplentyofus willcertainlybegreenwith envyeachtimeweseeit.

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FundBritain’sWaterways chairmanLesEtheridgesaid:“This demonstratestheimpactofclimate changeonourinlandwaterwaysand howwidelyinadequatefundingby governmentimpacts.Thedamage donewillcontinuetobeseenacross thecountryunlessgovernmentproperly recognisesthemanybenefitsourinland waterwaysprovide.

“Howmuchdamagewillbedone beforegovernmentrecognisesits responsibilities?Thosewithaninterest inthewaterwaysneedtojointhe FBWcampaigntoensurethemessage isheard.”

Impactonboating

IWAdeputynationalchairmanSue O’Harecommented:“Weareappalled thatboatersareleftstrandedthroughno faultoftheirown,andthatbusinesses

“Wehavehadtorescheduleworkshop jobsandourslipwayisfullybookedfor thewholeofAprilbuttheboatscan’tget here.Itmakesplanninganightmare.The GreatOuseisalsocurrentlyinfloodand peoplewhohavewinteredherewithus liketostarttheirexploringandwould normallyheadoffalongtheriver.”

Itwillalsoimpactonanyonewho hasalreadyboughttheirAnglianPass allowingfreemovementontherivers Cam,Ouse,NeneandMiddleLevels.

Onthesubjectofwhen–andif–thedredgingwouldtakeplace,Paula addedshehadtriedtogetanswers fromtheEnvironmentAgency.“Even abestguesstimatewouldbebetter thannothing.”

MLC’sPaulBurrowstoldushewas alsowaitingforsomeclarity.“Thereisan urgencyaboutthis–boatersarewanting togooutfromoursystemorcomeback ontoit.Wehavealsojustemployeda newlockkeeperatSalter’sLodewhose livelihooddependsonitreopening.

“Wehaveobviouslyhadanextremely

THEsluicemechanismwhich helpspreventfloodingalong theRiversWisseyandLittle OuseinNorfolkandSuffolk iscurrentlynotworkingto fullcapacity.

Levelsinthereliefchannel areremaininghigherthan usualduetoreduced dischargeintothetidalriver atTailSluice.

Inarecentbriefing, theEnvironmentAgency

acknowledgedthatthreeofthe sevengateswhichdischarge waterfromthechannelinto thetidalRiverGreatOusehave beenoutofaction.

Itstatedthatrepairstotwo ofthegates(twoandsix)could takemonthstoresolveand EAisinvestigatinglocations toinstallhigh-volumepumps forcontingencypurposes. Theseareduetobeinplace inreadinessfornextwinter.

Gatefiveisswitchedoffand worksareongoingtogetthis backintoautomode.

LesEtheridge,chairman ofFundBritain’sWaterways, said:“Itismostconcerning thatpublicsafetyisputatrisk withtheEnvironmentAgency beingunabletorepairthese importantflooddefenceassets inatimelyfashion.

“Theneedtoincurthe additionalcostofthe

wetwinter–thewettesteverforour floodprotectionpumping–butwe havebeenincrediblybusyandwithin thisI’mproudthatoursmallteamhave alsomanagedtodeliverthreesignificant piecesofworkalongthelinkroute.”

Thesehaveinvolvedremovinga numberofsunkenvesselsjustoutside March,replacingasetoflockgatesat MarmontPrioryandtheremovalof about280tonnesofsiltfromSalter’s LodeLockpen–about5ftindepth.

“Weareextremelyreliantnowonthe EnvironmentAgency.Silthasbuiltup again–itisaperennialproblem–andwe wantclarityabouttheagency’splans.” Headdedthatheappreciatesthetidal siltationhadbecomeanincreasingly costlychallengetomanage.

SueO’HareofIWAconcluded:“We sympathisewiththeMiddleLevel Commissioners’wishtokeeptheirlock clearofsiltandfunctioningcorrectlyfor itsdualpurposesofnavigationandflood protectionforlocalcommunities,and wesympathisewiththeEnvironment Agencyathavingtodealwithmorethan doubletheusualmonthlyrainfallinthis areasofarthisyear,buttheagencyhas alegaldutytokeepthewaterwayopen fornavigation.”

contingencypumpssimply makesaninadequatefunding positionworse.Budgetcuts increaserisksanddon’t savemoney.Notonlywill additionalcostsbeincurred butthelevellingup,economic, environmental,healthand well-beingbenefitsprovided bytheinlandwaterwayswill bereduced.

“TheFBWcampaignto ensurethatthewaterways

areproperlyfundedby governmentismoreimportant thanever.”

Normallyallgateswould befunctioningandallowing dischargeinfloodmode.They arepartoftheSouthLevel FloodAlleviationScheme whichconsistsofaseriesof sluicesthatintercepttherivers Lark(BartonMills);Little Ouse(Hockwold)andWissey (StokeFerry).

TheRiverWisseyatWhittington. PHOTO:IVANCANE

Thecurrentbuild-upofsiltat Salter’sLode. PHOTO:PAULBURROWS

TheguillotinegateatSalter’sLode Lock. PHOTO: GEOFFJACKSON

SiltationpreviouslybeingclearedbytheEnvironmentAgency. PHOTO:CHRISHOWES

Volunteersneededfor CotswoldCanalsproject

RESTORATIONofthe‘MissingMile’of thewesternsectionoftheStroudwater Navigationhasbeengiventhethumbs upbyStroudDistrictCouncilplanners.

Securingplanningpermissionwas acriticalstepintheCotswoldCanals ConnectedPhase1BProjectplanto restoretheStroudwaterCanallinking theCotswoldCanalstothenational waterwaysatSaulJunction.

ItishopedthatCotswoldCanalsTrust volunteerswillbeabletostartworklater thisyear.Thiswillincludeexcavating 85,000m3 ofgroundforthenewcanal channelandboatbasin,floodbanksand twonewlocks.Theaimistoworkfrom theA38roundaboutgoingeastwards.

CCTgeneralmanagerLisaMant said:“Thisisanothermilestoneinthe restorationproject.Subjecttosome‘i’s beingdottedand‘t’sbeingcrossedin thecomingweeks,itmeanswecanget

startedonthissectionlaterthisyear.We needtorecruitmorevolunteersandget sponsorsforplantandequipment.”

ChairmanofCotswoldCanalsDavid Haggadded:“Theresolveofvolunteers neverfailsandtheirhardworkhas meantthecommunityalreadybenefits fromeightmilesofrestoredcanal.

“Wehopethisnewswillinspirethem tocontinuewiththeireffortsinthenext stageofrestorationtofulfiltheambition torestoretheCotswoldCanals.”

ThenewcanalchannelfromJohn Robinson(Westfield)LockatEastington nearWestfieldBridgewillconnect withthechannelalreadyconstructed attheA38roundabout.Thescheme coversbothsidesoftheM5andplans includeatowpathwithnewpedestrian bridge,mooringbasinwithspacefor 44non-residentialmooringsanda two-storeybuildingincludingcafeand

canalbasinmanager’saccommodation.

SDCEnvironmentCommittee chairmanCounChloeTurnersaid: “Thisisanimportantstepforward fortherestorationoftheStroudwater Navigationandalignswithourcouncil planobjectivetosubmitaplanning applicationforthe‘MissingMile’.”

SinceStroudDistrictCounciland CCTtookonleadershipoftheproject in2008,7.5kmofcanalbetweenStroud andStonehousehasbeenrestored, transformingtherouteintoapeaceful walkingandcyclingalternativetothe busyadjacentA419,andcreateda vibrantnewwaterhabitatfornature.

Diversion

Theroutedivertsawayfromthehistoric routeofthecanal,asthisoriginalroute hasbeenbuiltonatthemotorway junction,highwaydepotandA38 roundaboutandlinkroad.Thenew canalchanneldivertssouthfrom WestfieldBridgebeforegoingunder

themotorway,sharingtheexistingRiver Fromeunderpasswithadividingwall whichwillactasafloodbarrier.

Keypartnersintheprojectinclude GloucestershireCountyCouncil,Canal &RiverTrustandGloucestershire WildlifeTrust,pluscharitiesincluding CotswoldBoatmobility.Canal restorationhasmadeaccesstothe watereasierforawidersectionofthe community,andseenthesuccessful stagingoftalksandeventsincluding TheLockChallenge.

Thetrustiscurrentlyscalingup itsrestorationvolunteerteamswith theskills,equipmentandresources requiredtodeliverthisproject.

Tosignupasavolunteerandget involvedvisithttps://cotswoldcanals. org/volunteer

Tocontribute,contactLisaMant: mail@cotswoldcanals.orgorcall:01453 752568.Progresscanalsobefollowedon Facebookatcotswoldcanalstrustand cotswoldcanalsconnected

Allsystemsgo forGloucester summerseason

THEcompletionofwinter dredgingbetweenGloucester LockandMonksMeadowshould enablefullopeningofthecity’s waterwaysthissummer.

AfterthesuccessfulFund Gloucester’sWaterwaysboatrally andcampaignwhichattracted nearly100boatslastautumn, variousissueswereraisedrelating totheRiverSevern,Gloucester DocksandtheGloucesterto SharpnessCanalinadditionto thenationalcampaigntoincrease fundingforthewaterways.FGW’s ColinBrookssaid:“Wehadvery usefulmeetingswithCRT’s Gloucesterteamandinputting theboater’sviewpointforwardon thekeyissuescausedbysomeof thetrust’splans.Theoutcome isimprovementforallboaters visitingGloucesterthissummer.”

CRThasannouncedthatthe Gloucester&SharpnessCanal bridgesandriverlocksaretobe fullyopenthissummer,seven daysaweek,fromApril1to October31,8amto6pm.

Newmanagementplancouldsecure short-termfutureofBasingstokeCanal

ANEWoperatingmodelfor theBasingstokeCanalhas beenagreedbyHampshire CountyCouncil. Thisfollowsafallin contributionsfromsome oftheriparianauthorities thatlinethecanalroute.

Undertheproposal,the CanalCentreatMytchettin Surreyandleisureservices, suchascampingandboat hire,wouldbecomethe directresponsibilityof SurreyCountyCouncil fromApril2024.

Theproposedchanges tothemanagement arrangementscurrently deliveredthroughthe BasingstokeCanal Authoritywereagreed byCounRussell Oppenheimerathis DecisionDayonMonday, March11.

Hesaid:“Basingstoke

Canalisawell-loved waterwayandrecreational landmarkwhichisenjoyed bythousandsofpeople everyyear.

“Italsoplaysavital roleinmanagingflood risksalongitsroute,while providingimportant habitatsformanyspecies includingbirds,fish andinsects.

“Itisafantasticasset thatwearecommittedto protectingforthefuture.

“Historicallythe BasingstokeCanal hasreceivedfunding contributionsnotonly fromHampshireand SurreyCountyCouncils, butalsofromthelocal authoritiesthatrun adjacenttothecanal.”

CounOppenheimer explained:“Thefunding frompartnershas

nowreduced,leading HampshireandSurrey CountyCouncils,asthe landownersofthecanal, toconsideranewjoint operatingmodelthatcan safeguarddeliveryofthe corestatutoryfunctions ofthewaterwayusingthe resourcesavailable.

“Underthisnew approach,thecanalwould continuetobemaintained andoperatedfornavigation bytheBasingstokeCanal Authority,toincludethe licensingofcanoeingand boatingactivities.”

VisitorstotheCanal Centrewouldnoticelittle changeandorganisations thatwouldcontinueto offerlicensedboatingand otherpursuitswouldnot stopundertheseplans.

CounOppenheimer added:“Thechanges,

ifalsoagreedlaterthis monthbySurreyCounty Council,enableusto balancethebudgetfor theBasingstokeCanalup to2026/27atwhichpoint thecanal’sreserveswould bedepleted.

“Followingyears ofreductionsinlocal authorityfunding,there nowneedstobeawider conversationabouthow wecontinuetofinancethe canalinthelongerterm.

“TheBasingstokeCanal formspartofthenational waterwaysnetwork,and Iwillbewritingtothe SecretaryofStatefor Environment,Foodand RuralAffairstosetoutthe challengesweface.”

Theproposalisduetobe reviewedbySurreyCounty Council’sleaderTimOliver onMarch26.

TheM5toJohnRobinsonLocksection.

TheA38toM5section. IMAGES:YOUTUBE–COURTABOVETHECUT

Worksettostarton newcanalbridge

CHESTERFIELDCanalTrusthas appointedO’BrienContractorsLtdto buildandinstallanewbridgeoverthe soon-to-be-restoredrouteofthecanal atStaveley,Derbyshire.

Thiswillbethefirststageofa £6millionrestorationproject,thebulk ofthemoneycomingfromtheStaveley TownDeal,agovernmentlevelling-up project.

Describingitasabigmilestone forthetrust,developmentmanager GeorgeRogerssaid:“Installingthis bridgewillopenuptherouteforfuture restorationinmultiplewaysandIam lookingforwardtoseeingitprogress overthesummer.”

Thenew38-metre-longbridgefor pedestriansandcyclistswilltakethe TransPennineTrailacrossthecanal tomeettheArkwrightTrail.

Laterthecanalitselfwillberestored, includinganewbridgeforfarm vehiclesandanewlock.

Therewillalsobeafreshly landscapedrelaxationareaincluding picnicbenchesandinformation boards.Thiswillbecarefullyplanted toencouragewildlife.

O’Brien’swillstartonsiteinApril andmajorgroundworkswillbegin inMay.

DirectorTonyMitchellsaid:“The restorationofthishistoricroutewill benefitthecommunityformanyyears tocome.Welookforwardtoworking withthetrustanditsteamoverthe courseofthisexcitingproject.”

Thebridgewillbeinstalledinthe summerandtherewillbeaformal openingceremonyinSeptember.

StaveleyTownDealBoardchairman

IvanFomincommented:“The expansionofthecanalisanimportant projectforthetowndeal–itwillhelp makethetownamoreattractiveplace tovisitandprovideresidentswithnew outdoorfacilitiestoexplore.

“Ilookforwardtoseeingthebridge completedasthiswillunlockthenext stagesofthisproject.”

Thetrustcurrentlyhasanappeal toraise£50,000togotowards thecostofthegatesforthenew KeithAylingLock,namedaftera formertrustchairman.Tolearn moreandtofollowtheprogress ofthebridgeworksasthey happenvisitwww.chesterfieldcanal-trust.org.uk

LandslipclosesNorthOxfordCanal

THECanal&RiverTrust

hadtocloseasection oftheNorthOxford Canalnearthevillageof BrinklowinWarwickshire afteran18m-highsection ofembankmentslipped, blockingthecanalandthe towpath.

Thisfollowedaperiod ofintense,heavyrainfall andresultedinahuge amountofsoil,debrisand largematuretreesbeing depositedintothecanal, allrequiringspecialist removal.

Inthelatestupdate RichardPreston,regional operationsmanager,said: “Theslipisveryextensive andthereisstillmovement, bothontheexposedmain slipfaceandontheisolated sectionsopposite.”

Howevertheteamhas madegoodprogressand clearedallthevegetation nexttothesliparea. Workhasalsostartedon removingsomeofthe slippedmaterialanditis

stillhopedtoreopenthe canalonMonday,April8 althoughthiscouldchange giventhechallengesfaced.

Itisestimatedthat around4000tonnesof materialneedstobe movedandtherehasalso beenanotherminorslip nexttoBridge84nearby.

Richardcommented: “Thisdamageisoneof theveryrealeffectswe’re seeingofclimatechange affectingourcanals.

Increasingextremesin weatherpatternsare bringingconsiderable challengestoourageing infrastructure.

“Whiletheeffectsof stormsaredramatic, heavyrainisn'ttheonly climatechallengefacing thewaterways.Long, dryspellscanalsobea seriousproblem,causing earthstructurestodry outandincreasingtheir vulnerabilitytoerosion,

MorefundingforMontgomeryCanal

THEnextphaseofrestorationofthe MontgomeryCanalhasbeensecured withmorethan£250,000infunding. Agrantof£177,625hasbeen receivedbytheCanal&RiverTrust throughShropshireCouncilfromthe Government’sUKSharedProsperity Fund.Thishasbeenboostedby anadditional£76,250fromthe ShropshireUnionCanalSocietyand theRestoretheMontgomeryCanal! publicappeal.

MontgomeryCanalPartnership chairmanJohnDodwellsaid:“This newgrantwillhelptoclosethe ‘ShropshireGap’–thetwomilesof dried-outcanalbetweenCrickheath andtheWelshBorderatLlanymynech.

“Itcomplementsrestorationwork beingundertakeninPowysunderthe UKGovernment’sLevellingUpFund. Itisverypleasingthatthematch fundingiscomingfromthevoluntary societiesinadditiontotheirmembers beingvolunteersontheactualwork. Iurgethepublictokeepdonatingso thevolunteerscancontinue.Thisis agoodexampleofworkingtogether withtheCanal&RiverTrust.”

SUCSchairmanDavidCartersaid: “Thenextsectionisatechnically challenginglengthofchannel,being historicallyleaky.Additionally,itwill berebuiltincorporatingwatervolefriendly‘softbanks’.

“Ourenthusiasticandexperienced volunteersaregreatlylookingforward tothechallenge.”

publicappeal,removingthefinal publichighwayblockandunlocking thepotentialforfullnavigationof thecanal.

Worktodatehasensuredthatall35 milesoftowpathareaccessible,with eightmilesofcanalinShropshire madesuitableforboatingbetween CrickheathBasinandFrankton Junctionwherethecanaljoinsthe LlangollenCanal.

Newraffle

A‘granddraw’withcashprizesto supporttheRestoretheMontgomery Canal!Appealwaslaunchedbythe FriendsoftheMontgomeryCanalat theirrecentAGM.Profitswillpayfor materialsandequipmentneededby thevolunteerswhoarecontinuing therestoration.

ChairmanChristinePalintoldthe meetingthatithadbeenamomentous yearfortheMontgomeryCanaland paidtributetotheworkofthevarious groupswhichcontributebothtothe restorationandtotheupkeepof thecanal.

TheseincludetheShropshire UnionCanalSociety,TRAMPS(the Canal&RiverTrustmaintenance groupbasedinWelshpool),theWern NatureReserveTaskForce,theFriday Group,WelshpoolCanoeCluband WaterwayRecoveryGroup.

especiallywhenfollowed byintenserainfallwhen theweatherbreaks.”

Designedbycanal engineerJames Brindley,theOxford Canalwasopened insectionsbetween 1774and1790, withthepurposeof bringingcoalfromthe Coventrycoalfieldsto OxfordandtheRiver Thames.Nowadays thecanal,withits meanderingcontours, isapopularplacefor leisure,withHillmorton LocksinRugbythe busiestcanallocksin EnglandandWales. Boaters,walkers andcyclistscankeep uptodatewiththe worksprogressviathe stoppagenoticespage https://canalrivertrust. org.uk/notices/27385easenhall-cuttingbrinklow-oxford-canal

CRTspokespersonNicola Lewis-Smithadded:“Hundredsof volunteers,withsupportfromthe Canal&RiverTrust,havecampaigned andworkedtirelesslyovermanyyears tomakethisdreamarealityandwe’re gettingnearertoourgoalofhavingthe canalbackopen.”

Nextsection

Thefundingwillenablerestoration ofafurther360msectionofthecanal fromCrickheathtowardsSchoolhouse Bridge,whichwaslevellednearly60 yearsago.

Thisbridgehasjustbeenrebuilt withmoneyraisedthroughthe RestoretheMontgomeryCanal!

Entriesarenowbeingtakenfor theMontgomeryCanalTriathlon onSaturday,May18showcasing sectionsofthecanalwhichhavebeen reopenedandlengthswhichstillhave toberestored.Almost200peopletook partlastyear.

Otherregularactivitiesinclude guidedwalksalongandaroundthe canal,socialmeetingsandapopular coracleeventinWelshpool,allof whicharewellsupported.Friends’ canoescanalsobehiredfromCanal Central,theMaesburytearoom,fora triponthecanal.

Ticketsforthedrawcan beboughtonlineathttps:// themontgomerycanal.org.uk/ donate/raffle-2024/

AnimpressionofthenewbridgeovertheChesterfieldCanalrouteatStaveley.

PHOTO:CHESTERFIELDCANALTRUST

ThelandslipontheOxfordCanal. PHOTO:CRT

TherestoredMontgomeryCanalatCrickheath. PHOTO:CRT

DunsfoldParkdesilting extendsnavigablecanal

THEWey&ArunCanalTrusthasstarted theyearwiththecompletionofdesilting workontheDunsfoldsection.

Thishasresultedinafullynavigable unobstructedwideanddeepchannel fornearly2kmfromFastBridgein SurreydowntoTickner’sHeathanda canalsidepath.

Trustvolunteershadmadehuge progresswithrestorationovermany yearsbutwerethensetbackbyCovid.

TrustchairmanSallySchupke said:“Wearedelightedwiththework carriedoutbyDunsfoldParkandtheir supporttoensurethecanalbecomesan importantfeatureandcommunityasset withintheDunsfoldParkMasterplan.”

Thefinalstagewastakenoverby DunsfoldAirportLtd,whichisbehind thetransformationofDunsfold Aerodrome(nowknownasDunsfold Park)intoanewvillagewhere1800 homesandfurthercommercialzones areplanned.

JimMcAllister,chiefexecutiveof theRutlandGroupwhichmanages DunsfoldPark,said:“We’redelighted thatthedesiltingandreprofilingofthe

banksalongthecanalhasmadethe waterwaysmoreopenandaccessible.

“Enhancingandbuildingonthe naturalenvironmentatDunsfoldPark isakeycomponentofourplansforthe

newvillageandthecanalisanimportant partofthat.”Principalcontractorforthe desiltingwascivilengineeringcompany SirRobertMcAlpinewhichcalledon Land&WaterGroupLtd,whichspent muchoftheyearonDunsfoldAirport Ltd’sbehalfonthismajorproject,with EnvironmentAgencyoversight.

Watercleaning

Allthefishwereremovedandrehomed. Manyofthemwerelargecarp,with whichthecanalhadbeenstockedby theBritishAerospaceanglingclub.

Allthecanalwaterinthesection waspumpedintotemporarylagoons builtonsite.Thewaterwasthen cleanedbysubstantialprocess plantthatusesthepowerofrising airbubblestoremoveharmful contaminantsandthenreturnedto thecanal.

Amodernamphibioustracked excavatorandamoretraditional draglineandbucketwereusedto take13,000m3 ofsiltoutofthecanal whichwillbereusedasfaraspossible forlandscapingonthedevelopment.

Duringthedredging,the contractorsencounteredunexploded ordnancefromthewartimeairfield whichrequiredprofessionaldisposal.

Atthemomentthecanaliswithin thesecureperimeterofDunsfold Parkandwillnotbeopentothe publicuntilthehousingdevelopment isunderway.

However,DunsfoldParkwillallow thetrusttorunspecialeventson thisstretchofcanalandorganise guidedwalks.Ithasaslipwaywithin DunsfoldParktolaunchsmallboats.

Tickner’sHeathcrossing

Atthesouthernendofthissectionis Tickner’sHeath,wheretherouteof thecanalisblockedbythecauseway whichcarriesDunsfoldRoad.A newroadbridgewillbebuiltanda newcanalcutexcavatedtorejoin theoriginalcanaltothewestofthe oldcrossing.

Anewfootbridgewasbuiltin2022 butthenworkhadtobeputonhold awaitinghighwayapprovalsfora temporaryroadandforawatermain tobererouted.

Thetrusthopestorestartthis projectlaterthisyear.

Makingapositiveimpactonpeople’slives

AREPORTpublishedbytheCanal& RiverTrustfocusesonthebenefits canalscanmaketopeople’slives.

Itwaspresentedtopoliticians andpartnerorganisationsaspartof theKeepCanalsAlivecampaignat areceptionheldinWestminsterto coincidewiththespringbudget. Buildinguponanearlierstudy thataggregatesthesocialvalue andeconomicbenefitsofcanalsto society,theImpactReportbrings tolifethestoriesandtestimonies, partnershipsandprojectsthatsit behindthemonetaryvalues.

CRTchairmanDavidOrrsaid: “Asasocietywearefacinganumber ofchallenges–climatechange, biodiversitydecline,watershortages, inactivityandloneliness,toname justafew.Throughourresearch,

Thereport’ssixthemes

andwhatweseeeveryday,weknow thatcanalsinourtownsandcities havethepotentialtotransform communitiesandhelpaddressthese societalchallenges.

“OurImpactReportisashowcase tocurrentandfuturesupporters –fromindividualdonorsand volunteersthroughtolotteries, corporatesponsors,localauthorities andpartnerorganisations.

“Italsoaimstohelpgovernment andpoliticiansunderstandthe partnershiproleofthetrust acrossEnglandandWalesandthe importanceofkeepingourcanals aliveforthewiderbenefitofthe nation.”

TheImpactReportcanbefound at:https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ about-us/our-impact

·Health,well-beingandhappiness: Improvinghealthoutcomesand tacklinginequalities.

·Engagedpeopleandcohesivecommunities: Providingvital‘bluespace’ forninemillion+peoplelivingwithin10–15minutes’walkofacanal. ·Learningandenhancedskills: Providingspaceforoutdoorlearning, particularlyineconomicallydisadvantagedareas.

·Prosperousandconnectedplaces: ContributingtotheUKeconomy throughwaterwaysbusinessesandtourism;supportingwatersideliving andhostingvitalutilities.

·Greenandbluefutures: Floodprotectionbymaintainingembankments andreservoirs;supportingthegreeneconomyandwatersecurity.

·Culturalandenvironmentalassets: Caringforworkingheritage including10,000nationallyimportantassetsand2000milesofwildlife corridors.

Thesummitlevelclean-upat CompassesBridge. PHOTOS:WACT

Workingonthesecondsectionwithanamphibiouslong-reachexcavator.

IWAcampaignstosaveWelshaqueduct

AMOVEtodemolishAberdulais Aqueduct,whichcarriestheTennant CanalovertheRiverNeath,has promptedanangryreactionfromthe InlandWaterwaysAssociation.

Ithassharplycriticisedwhatitcalls ‘alazyproposal’byWelshGovernment quangoNaturalResourcesWales(NRW) thatsaysitisconsideringdemolishing thescheduledancientmonument.

Itdescribedaconsultationwhich closedinlateFebruaryas‘quietlyissued’.

IWAdeputychairmanSueO’Hare said:“DemolishingoneofWales’s renownedhistoricstructureswould benothingshortofbureaucratic vandalismwhilenotachievingtheaim ofsignificantlyreducingthefloodrisk.”

Itisamongfiveoptionsforspending millionsofpoundstoreducetheflood riskfor27propertiesalongsidetheriver, whichhavealonghistoryofflooding.

Twooftheoptions,believedtobe favouredbyNRW,involvecomplete

orpartialdemolitionoftheaqueduct, whichwouldforeverfrustrate restorationproposalstobringthe NeathandTennantcanalsbacktolife aswellasimpactingthewell-being, environmentalandheritagebenefits providedbythecanal.

SuecommentedthatwhileIWAhas everysympathyfortheresidentsof CanalSide,agreatdealofvoluntary effortandpublicmoneyhasgoneinto bringingtheNeathCanalbacktolifefor thebenefitofthecommunity.

“IWAcallsupontheownersofthe NeathandTennantCanals(StModwen andPortTennantCanalCompany), NeathPortTalbotCouncilandthe governmentagenciesconcernedtowork togethertorescuethispreciouspieceof heritageandamenityforthebenefitof futureWelshgenerations,”sheadded.

Flooddamage

TheAberdulaisAqueductspansthe RiverNeathimmediatelysouthofthe A465inAberdulais.The104mstructure, abouttwomilesnorth-eastofNeath, comprises10archesof66metresoverall lengthbridgingtheriverandaretained sectionextendingafurther28metreson theeastbank.

Howevertheaqueductisperceived asanobstructiontotheflowofthe river,withfloodingoftheadjacentland andpropertieshavingoccurredon severaloccasions.

ThepropertiesinCanalSidehavea longhistoryofflooding,withdamaging eventstakingplaceinDecember1979 andOctober1998.

Inrecentyears,climatechangehas worsenedthesituationandfloodshave becomemoreregular,withdamageto theaqueduct.

Astructuralinspectionreport commissionedbyIWA’sWaterway RecoveryGroupinDecember2021 showedthaturgentworkswererequired topreventfurtherdamagebutnothing hasbeendonesofar.

Theaqueductliesabout80metres southoftheconfluencebetweenthe RiverDulaisandtheRiverNeath,close toaweirfromwhichwaterisabstracted tosupplytheTennantCanal.

ThishasfailedandIWAclaimsthat NaturalResourcesWaleshasproved unco-operativeinapprovingitsrepair, leadingtotheTennantCanalbeing

nearlydryinrecentyears,withdamage totheenvironmentandlossofwildlife fromthecanal.

AberdulaisAqueducthistorically formedanavigablelinkbetween theTennantandNeathCanals andwasconstructedtoalsocross overanold1750snavigablecut ontheeasternsideoftheriver. Constructionoftheaqueduct beganin1823,anditwasformally openedinMay1824.

Swimminglessonslaunched forNottinghamblackwomen

THECanal&RiverTrusthaslaunched aninitiativetohelpmembersofthe blackcommunityinNottinghamfeel moreconfidentaroundwater.

Fundinghasbeensecuredfrom SportEnglandtolaunchtheSwimSista Swimprogramme,whichwillgivelocal blackwomentheopportunitytolearn howtoswim.

CRTcommunitywell-being co-ordinatorCarolBurrellsaid: “Theaimofthisprojectistoactasa steppingstoneandhelpwomenfrom Nottingham’sblackcommunitytofeel saferandmoreconfidentaroundwater sothattheycanreallyenjoytheirlocal waterwaysandthebenefitsthatbeing bywaterbrings.”

Swimmingsessionswilltakeplace atthePortlandLeisureCentrein theMeadowsandtherewillalsobe

workshopstounderstandthebarriers thatpreventpeoplefromswimming andtakingpartinwater-based activities.

Oneknownbarrierisaround haircareandso,aspartofthe programme,thetrustisteamingup withSoulCaptoofferfreeswimming capstothosetakingpart.

Overtimeit’shopedthatthose takingpartwillgaintheconfidenceto spendmoretimebywaterandeven tryotherwater-basedactivitiessuchas canoeingandpaddleboarding.

Tofindoutmoreaboutthe programme,andtotake part,contactcarol.burrell@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

ThesiteiswellmaintainedandissituatedalongtheRiverGreatOuse,aprime locationforpassingtrade.Themarinaoffersover100mooringssuitablefor cruisers,smallcraftnarrowboatsandwidebeams,withnearlyallhavingwater andelectricitysupply.Thereisampleparkingavailablealongsidethemoorings, withtheparkalsobenefittingfromsecuregatedaccessandCCTVforsecurity.

TheAberdulaisAqueductwhichcarriestheTennantCanalovertheRiver Neath. PHOTO:IWA

Upgradeforslidingcanalbridge

ENGINEERSfromNetworkRailrecentlycompletedninedaysworkingon theUK’sonlyslidingcanalbridgeatKeadby.

TeamsworkedaroundtheclocktostrengthenoneoftheStainforth& KeadbyCanal’swallsandremoverailsandtrackequipmentthathadbeen inplaceformanyyears,toinstallnewreplacements.

SchemeprojectmanagerSeanEllerbysaid:“Thelastninedayshaveseen anincredibleamountofhardworkfromourteamsastheycarriedouta large-scaleprogrammeofimprovementstotheslidingbridge,railwayand canalwallinKeadby.”

Beforea24.5tonnepre-castconcreteslabwasinstalledonthenorthwall, engineershadtodrainpartofthecanalnearScunthorpeusingalimpet dam.Thisstructureonthesideofthewallcreatedawatertightseal,meaning teamscouldcarryouttheserepairsinasafeanddryenvironment.

Onthebridge’sdeck,woodenbeamswhichhadoldrailsontopof themhavebeenreplacedwithmetalsupportsand200mofnewrailswere installed.Morethan100engineersworkedontheproject.

Theoriginalbridgedatestothe1860s,beforebeingconvertedintoa slidingbridgein1925.ItconnectsDoncasterwithScunthorpeandthe LincolnshirecoastandisoneofthebusiestroutesforfreighttrainsintheUK.

CanalsocietytoastsFacebook

milestonewith1000thmember

THEShropshireUnionCanalSociety haswelcomedthethousandthmember ofitspublicgrouponFacebook.

BrianMillswasinvitedtovisit thecurrentrestorationsiteonthe MontgomeryCanalnearCrickheath BridgeandacceptsomeNavigationAle asvolunteerswereworkingonclosing theShropshireGap.

Hesaid:“I’mobviouslythrilledand feelluckythatIhappenedtobethe onetojointhegroup,justattheright moment.Itookmyyoungchildrento anopendayatEllesmereCanalYard andwasfascinatedbythehistoryofthe canalandtherestorationworkthat’s goingoninthearea.

“Idecidedtolearnmoreaboutthe waterwaysandrestoration,socame upontheFacebookgroup.”

Brianadded:“AlthoughIgrewupin Oswestry,Iknewlittleaboutthecanal andit’sbeengreattovisitthesite,meet thevolunteersandlearnaboutthepast andtheirplans.”

Fromcanaltodot-commania BuildingontheMontgomeryCanal beganinthe‘canalmania’ofthe1790s andsoonbecameabusythoroughfare forgoods,while200yearslaterthe internetwasdevelopedinthe‘dot-com mania’ofthe1990sandthatalso developedintoabusythoroughfare forideas,informationandpictures ofkittens.

ShropshireUnionCanalSociety (SUCS)realiseditmustallowitself tobedraggedintothe21stcentury andatthebeginningoflastyearthe opportunityarose.

TheHeritageLotteryFundgrant, whichhadmadetherestorationto CrickheathBasinpossible,hada

legacyelementtoitandtheCanal &RiverTrustofferedmembers ofSUCSasix-weekcourseon developingacommunicationgroup thatwouldaddressallcurrentforms ofdigitalmediaaswellastraditional printoutlets.

Theresultisthatthesocietynow hasapresenceacrosstheinternetand allmedia.

AnotheroutcomeisNavigationAle, abeerbrewedbyMonty’sBrewery, nearMontgomery.

Amemberofthepublicitygroup approachedthebrewery,andthe firmwaskeentosupporttheproject bybrewingthistastyalewhichhelps toraiseawarenessofthecanaland providesanincomefromevery pintsold.

Gotowww.shropshireunion.org orShropshireUnionCanalSociety –PublicgrouponFacebookand getinvolved.

Elevenexhibits stolenfrom NationalWaterways Museum

THECanal&RiverTrustisexploring waystomakeitscollectionssafer after11exhibitswerestolenfrom theNationalWaterwaysMuseum atEllesmerePort.

Followingapoliceinvestigation intothetheftwhichhappened sometimebetweenFebruary9and 12,linesofenquiryintoidentifying asuspectorlocatingtheitems provednegativeandthecrimehas beenfiledasundetected.

Theexhibitsweretakenfrom theIslandWarehousewheremany smallerobjectsfromthecollection aredisplayed.Thiswastemporarily closedwhileasecurityreview wascompleted.

Itemsstolenincludeamodel of Comberbatch,usedbyICIto transportchemicalsintheMersey/ Weaverareaalongwithseveral smallmodelenginesandthree largeTilleylamps.

“Holding90%oftheUK’sinland waterwayscollection,including some15,000objectsandmorethan 50boats,theNationalWaterways Museumismuch-lovedandtellsa uniquestory,”saidCRTcollections managerSteveBagley.

“Werecentlycarriedouta significantexercisecataloguing ourcollection,sowewereable toidentifyquicklywhichitems weremissing.”

Ifyouhaveanyinformation aboutthetheft,pleasespeakto thepolice.

Anaerialviewoftheworkontheslidingbridgewheretherailway crossestheStainforth&KeadbyCanal. PHOTO:NETWORKRAIL

SUCSchairmanDavidCarter presentssomeNavigationAleto BrianMillsinthecanalchannel withvolunteerslookingon.

PHOTO:SUCS

BlackCountryeventappealsforhelp

ORGANISERSofthepopular BlackCountryBoatingFestival areappealingforparticipantsand volunteerstohelpout.

Theannualeventisbeingheld thisyearoverthelongweekendof September13-15atNetherton.

Co-organiserRossHarrison,31, outlinedthechallengesofrunning suchalargeevent:“Thiswillbeour 38thfestivalatWindmillEnd,or Bumblehole,asit’sknownlocally.It hasgrownsteadilyoveraperiodof time,andourteamhasgrownwithit uptoapoint.

“Butinevitablysomeofourstaff haveeithermovedawayorretired, andsotheyhavetobereplacedforus toremainviableasanorganisation.”

Heexplained:“Wehavevarious rolestofill,frombasicmarshalling duties,tobarstaff,andthenthere’s therunningofthesoundstage.

“Inadvertentlyithasbecomethe largestoutdoormusiceventofits kindintheDudleyarea.Itreallyhas snowballedquitequickly.

“Asalwayswearealsoexpecting dozensofnarrowboatstoturnup, plusanumberoffloatingtraders.”

AndyTidyofAldridge,alongwith wifeHelen,hasbeenattendingthe eventforseveralyears.Theydispense theirownbrandofjamsandpreserves fromwithintheirnarrowboat Montgomery,alsoknownasThe JamButty.

Hesaid:“TheBlackCountry BoatingFestivalhasalwaysbeenone ofourfavouritegatherings.

“Sadlythiswillbeoneofourlast eventsonourcurrentboat,aswe’re gettingalargeroneinthenearfuture. Butwe’dwholeheartedlyrecommend thistoanyonewhowasthinking aboutattending,asit’ssofriendly. It’sbuzzingovertheentireweekend.”

Thechoiceofsiteforthefestival isnotaccidental.Itliesatthesouthwesternfringeofthe100-mile BirminghamCanalNavigations networkandfeaturesoneofthebest knownandextremelyrarewaterway crossroadsintheUK.

Canalenthusiast,writerand localhistorian,PhilClaytonof Wolverhampton,explained: “WindmillEndJunctionwascreated alongwithcanalimprovementsin 1858andtheconstructionofthe 3027ydNethertonTunneltobypass theincreasinglycongestedDudley TunnelatWren’sNest.

“TheoriginallineoftheDudley No2Canalwasbisected,creatinga four-wayintersection,allofwhich remainsnavigabletoday.”

Headded:“Otherexamplesare fewandfarbetween,butinclude RottonParkJunctionnearEdgbaston ReservoirandthemeetingoftheRiver Trent,ErewashCanalandRiverSoar inNottinghamshire,butthat’svast andsomewhatstaggered.”

Interestedinhelpingout?An onlineapplicationformcanbe foundatwww.bcbf.com/or viatheFacebookpageBlack CountryBoatingFestival.

Gettingsetfor liningandblocking

DELIVERYofbuilding blocksandvariousliner materialswillsignal thestartofworkon thenextsectionofthe MontgomeryCanalsouth ofCrickheathTramway. ThesecondShropshire UnionCanalSociety workpartyoftheyear sawavarietyofactivities includingchannel profilingandhedge layinginreadinessfor theresumptionofwork onPhase1Bofthe restorationscheme.

Between50and60 deliveriesoftheblocks wereexpectedandthe linersrequirealargeflat areaformeasuringout andcuttingtolength. Spaceneededcreating inthecompoundand bespokeequipmentfor asmoothandefficient blockhandlingoperation.

Thesociety’soldest volunteer,FredBarrett, steppeduptothetask. Withsawand screwdriverinhand, andablyassistedby

RobDickinson,Fred constructedanewand improvedblockdelivery platform,fitforthefuture. Volunteersapplieda strongbindingofhazel alongthetopofthe83 metresofcutandlaid hedgecompletedsince Decemberandafew morehedgingwhips willbeinsertednext monthwherethehedge remainsthin.Thework partyachievedsignificant progress,saidproject managerTomFulda.

Birminghammooringstrialpromptsboaterstaytimechanges

acrossthecitycentreandtakeeffect fromMonday,April1.

TomFreeland,boatingandcustomer servicesmanager,said:“Iwouldliketo thankeveryonewhohastakenthetime torespondtoourconsultationandtrial. Allthefeedbackwasreviewedand, wherepossible,improvementsmade.

“Webelievethesenewstaytimeswill makethebestuseofthelimitedspace availableandwillalloweveryonethe chancetoexperiencethewonderfulcity ofBirmingham.”

Thenewstandardisedmooringstay timeshavebeenshapedwithfeedback fromindividualboaters,boatinggroups

andlocalboatingbusinesses.Theywill givelocalandvisitingboatersimproved accesstofacilities,shopsandrestaurants inthecitycentre.

Tomadded:“We’llkeepan

ChangesfromApril1

eyeonvisitornumbersandonall customerfeedbackthroughoutthe yearbeforereviewingthesuccessof thenewmooringarrangementsearly nextyear.”

·Visitormooringsincentralzonewillbestandardisedasfour-daymoorings fromApril1toOctober31and14-daymooringsfromNovember1to March31

·Thevisitormooringsnorth-westofSheepcoteStreetontheNew MainlineCanalandsouth-westofGranvilleStreetontheWorcester& BirminghamCanalstandardisedto14daysallyearround

·‘Accessiblemooring’spaceswillbesignedinthreelocations:between CambrianHouseandTindallBridge;southofWorcesterBar;andalongside theInternationalConventionCentre ·ThepontoonsatCambrianBasinalldesignatedaslong-termmoorings

·The‘servicemooring’alongsidetheCanalHouseinGasStreetBasin willbeformalised.Thiswillenableimprovedaccesstothebinstorefor privateboatersandthetrust’slitterboat

·The‘servicemooring’betweentheRoundhouseBirminghamand SheepcoteStreetwillbeformalised.Itwillbeavailableforboatersusingthe facilitiesatSherborneWharfandbyRoundhouseBirminghamtofacilitate events Forfurtherdetailsvisithttps://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/ where-we-work/west-midlands/birmingham-city-centre-visitor-moorings

HelenandAndyTidy–WildsidePreserves.

AnattractivemooringspotinBirminghamcitycentre. PHOTO:CRT

RobDickinsonandFredBarrettwiththeblueprintfortheimproved blockdeliveryplatform. PHOTOS: SUCS

WindmillEndJunction. PHOTOS:©KEVMASLIN

ApreviousBlackCountryBoatingFestival.

CharactersoftheCut

Familyfindsfreedom onthewaterways

ByAliceElgie

FORMichelleRocke-Wharin andherfamily,livingan itinerantlifestyleisnothing new,havingspent13years wanderingthelengthand breadthoftheUnitedKingdom byvan,workingseasonallyas campsitewardens.However, despiteenjoyingthefreedom ofthisrollinglifestyle,there wasoftenacravingformore stability,yetstillwiththe optiontowander–acraving Michellefeltcouldbesatisfied bynarrowboatlife.

Shetellsme:“ForyearsI wouldwalkalongtheShroppie nearGoldstoneWharfasmy in-lawslivednearbyandI’dget thisintenselongingtoliveon anarrowboat,butIknewwe couldn’taffordone.”Everything changedseveralyearsagowhen Michelle’smumdiedandwith theunexpectedmoneyleft toher,sheknewtherewas anopportunitytofinallylive thatdream.

InJanuary2023Michelle andherfamily,whichincludes husband,Colin,17-year-old daughter,Flo,and—until hediedrecently—Patchthe travellingcat,movedonto theirnarrowboat Sundance,a 45ft1991cruiserstern.Michelle says:“Nowwehavemuchmore spaceandagreaterfeelingof stability,butwecanalsopootle offasthefancytakesus!PlusI canstillfeelthesamecloseness tonatureasinavan,likefeeling thechangesoutside,evenby justafewdegrees.”

ItseemsMichelle’sdaughter hasthesameappreciation. “Flohasneverbeentoschool andinsteadwe’vefollowedan unschoolingpathwhereshe learnswhatsheisinterested in.Sheknowstreesand flowersandistheoneamong herfriendswhowillrescuean insectwhileeveryoneelseis squealing!”Michellebelieves thisclosenesstonatureis importantifhumansareto stayconnectedandfeelsboat lifeaffordsthisinspades.

Describingherselfasapagan withadeeploveofMother Earthandallherlifeforms, Michellefollowsthewheelof theyear,immersingherself inthepassingoftheseasons andphasesofthemoon. “Everythingiscyclicaland interconnected,”shetellsme, andneveristhatconnection feltmorekeenlythanwhen thefamilyaremooredonthe LlangollenandMontgomery canals.“Webought Sundance in Ellesmereandstayedtherefor afewmonthsbeforeheading southtofindsomewhere closertoBirminghambutwe struggledwithbeingunableto justmoorupwherewefancied ontheShroppieduetotheshelf, andontheStaffsandWorcswe felttoohemmedin.”Livingin theconstantshadowofthe hedgerowandnotbeingable toseethemoonwashardfor Michelle:“Afterfivemonthswe feltcompelledtoreturntothe openspacesoftheLlangollen

Beforeyoumakethatjourney

TheteamatRiverCanalRescuehelpstogetyoureadyforthefirst cruiseoftheseasonwithsomeusefultipsandadvice…

WITHanearlyEasterthis year,youmayhavealready crankedupyourengineand undertakenthefirstcruiseof theseason.Ifthat’sthecase–howpreparedwereyouforthat initialjourney?

Andifyou’veyettohead off,howoftenhaveyou

Maintenancetips

wherewelovetheskyscapes andbeingabletoseethemoon asshewaxesandwanes.”

Thissoundsfairlyinlinewith Michelle’sinitialidealisticviews aboutwhatlifeafloatmightbe like,whichwerecentredaround peaceandasimplewayoflife, althoughthefamilyhadn’t perhapstakenintoaccounta teen’sneedforgoodWi-Fialong witheasyaccesstoBirmingham tojoinherK-Popcoverdance groupeveryweekend,notto mentionPatchthecat’sdesire formooringsawayfromdogs andcyclists!

Michelleadmitsthoughthat “theseallseemlikeverysmall challengeswhenthepay-off isfeelingfreeandfinding abalancebetweenwinter mooringsandcruisinghas generallysolvedmostissues.”

Cruisingisapartofboating lifeenjoyedbyallthefamily, especiallysinceMichellefaced herfearsofsteeringtheboat. “Whenwedecidedtoheadback totheLlangollenCanal,Colin wasworkingfulltimesoIknew itwasdowntome.I’donlyhad acoupleofgoesatsteeringthe boatasitterrifiedme,butIwas determinedtoshowFlothat despitebeingscaredwecando anything.”ItturnsoutMichelle andFloworkedwellasateam anddespiteafewmishaps, theymadeitbacktoEllesmere inonepiece.“Wegotstuckon theShroppieshelf,Iscrapedoff alotofthenewblackingtrying togothroughlockssideways becauseoftheby-washes,and wegotvery,verywet,butwedid it.FlowasamazingandI’mnot scaredanymore!”

Theyarenowlooking forwardtospring,despitebeing withouttheirfaithfultravelling companion,Patch. “Hediedlastmonthandwe areallbereft.There’saholein ourtightlittlefamily,butwe knowhisspiritlivesonalong thetowpath.”

Instagram:@Off_for_a_ pootle_nbsundance

AliceElgieisawriter andalsocreatorofthe onlinecommunitySlow IntoTheSeasons,along withapodcastofthe samename.Inthese spacesshemusesabout livingaslower,simpler life:slowintotheseasons. substack.com;SlowInto TheSeasonsonSpotify

checkedonyourboatduring thedowntime?Areyou confidentyou’rereadyfor theoff?

Liveaboardsexcluded,it’s surprisinghowmanypeople returntotheirboatstofindflat batteries,fuelleaks,waterleaks andelectricalproblems.

• Checkyouhaveenough fueltocompleteyour journeyandinspectall fuellinesandshut-off valvesforleaks.

• Wherepossibleobtain asampleofyourfuel, checkthereisnodebris floatinginit,itsmells likedieselandisclear andnotcloudy.Ifit’s cloudyorsmellsof‘paint thinners’thisindicates contaminationwhich needstobedealtwith beforegoinganywhere.

• Drainoffanywater frompre-filterhousings ortheagglomerator.

• Checkbatteries arechargingcorrectly andthatthechargerate fromthealternatortothe batteriesisasitshould be.

• Checkthemorse controlisworking correctlyandthethrottle andgearsareselecting smoothly.Stiffness indicatesthecablemay bedueforrenewalorhas rustedduetodisuse.

• Switchisolatorsfrom onepositiontoanother tocleancontacts.Give themaspraywithWD40 contactcleaner.

• Checkthecondition ofthesterngland,ensure there’splentyofgrease suppliedtoitandthatthe propshaftisturningfreely.

• Checktheengineoil andgearboxoillevelsand topupifneedsbe.

• Checkthecondition ofthefanbelt−ifit’sworn getitreplaced.

• Checkallcoolant hosesforleaksand wearandtear.Replaceif required.Forrawwatercoolingengines,check theseacock,impellerand filterandallpipeworkfor leaks.

• Checkthecondition oftheenginemounts,and lookattheenginemount bracketforsignsofcracks orbreaks.Iftheyareworn replacethemorifthe boltsseemloose,tighten beforecruisingagain(but onlyadjustthebottom bolt).

• Checkallcoupling boltsandconnections aretight.

• Checktheairfilter andifdirty,replaceor cleanasneeded.

• Checktheweedhatch sealisintactandthatthe weedhatchissecured.

WhileRCRisalwayson handtosupportthewaterway community,manycalloutscan bepreventedbyundertaking somesimplemaintenance checkspriortoyourjourney, havingsometoolboxessentials onboardandknowingwhatto doifanissuearises.

Toolboxessentials

Thefollowingareusefulto haveonboard:

• Amulti-meter(battery tester)

• PTFEtape(fordealing withunexpecteddomestic leaks)

• Adjustablespanners

• AflatheadandmultifacetedPhilipsscrewdriver

• Pliers

• Ahammer

• Sparelengthsof electricalwire/insulation tape

• Asocketset Anddon’tforgetthe spares,suchas:morse cablesforsteering,throttle andgearselection,fanbelt, impeller,sparkplugs,fuel filter,bulbs,boltsandfuses, plusasupplyofoiland‘stop leak’orputtyforthose unexpectedhullbreaches.

Beforeyoumakethat emergencycall

Belowaresome commonscenarioswhich mayresolvetheproblem:

• Ifyou’relosing propulsionandthe propellerisslow-moving, puttheengineinreverse. Thepropmaybefouled withbagsorweeds.

• Iftheenginecutsout wheningear,checkthe propellerforobstruction.

• Iftheenginecutsout whenrevved,checktheair filter−itmaybeblocked withdust(youcanremove andrunwithoutitinan emergency).Alternatively checkforblockedfuel filters(Vetushasasmall fuelpumpfilterthatis usuallyoverlooked).

• Istheengine overheating?Itcouldbe anairlockinthecooling system.Resolveitby unscrewingtheboltsitting ontopofthewatertank −thiswillreleasetheair.

• Iftheboatwon’tgo intogear,checkthecable ismovingtheselectorarm onthegearbox,ifitisthen thecableisfine.Check theoilinthegearbox.

• Enginewon’tturnoff? Knowwherethemanual stopbuttonorleveris situated,usuallyonthe right-handsideofthe engine.

Moreinfo:www. rivercanalrescue.co.uk

MichelleandColinaboard Sundance.

Onthemove.

Flosteerstheboat.

Calloutscanbepreventedbyundertakingsimple maintenancecheckspriortoyourjourney.

BusytaskpartyontheNorthamptonArm

NORTHAMPTONbranchhelda taskpartyonSunday,March3with 21volunteersattendingonabright winter’sday.Lock16bypasschannel wasclearedofvegetation,whilethe towpathandoffsidegrassweremowed. Theremovalofreedsandlitterresulted inabout10bagsofrubbishbeingpicked up.Additionally,threeshoppingtrolleys andotherassorteditemsofrubbishwere clearedfromthearea.

AtBridge17,10bagsofrubbish andtwomoreshoppingtrolleyswere collected.AtLock17,litterwaspicked uptothestepareaadjacenttoBridge17, vegetationandrubbishwereremoved fromthetopgateareaandthebypass channelwascleared.

Lichfieldbranchtacklestowpathvegetation

VOLUNTEERSfromthe

IWALichfieldbranch recentlyjoinedforces withtheirCanal&River Trustcounterpartsin Stoke-on-Trenttotackle heavilyovergrown saplingsontheTrent& MerseyCanalinWeston inStaffordshire.

Growingonthe towpathsideatthe water’sedge,manyof thesaplingsweremore thantwometreshigh andwithstemsaround 10cmthick.

IWALichfield’sNeil Barnettcommented:

“Thankfullywehadthe useofapole-chainsaw whichI’mqualified tousewhenIdothe offsidevegetation cutting,otherwise itwouldhavetaken muchlongerusingonly handsawsandpruners.”

TheCanal&River Trustisintheprocessof introducinganinitiative calleda‘weedathon’, wherebyvolunteersall overthecountrywill beencouragedtocut downanytallweeds andsaplingswhichare growingatthewater’s

edge.Takingthisaction beforetheweedsgrow toolargewillhelpto alleviatedamagetothe embankmentandassist boatersnavigatingthe waterways.

Neilcontinued:“The majorityofsaplings strewnalongourcanals aresmallenoughto beeasilydealtwith usingbasicloppers orpruners,soit’s importanttodealwith theproblemassoonas possiblebeforemany morebecomefully fledgedtrees.”

FlytippinginBridgwaterasprevalentasever MIKESlade,ofIWA’sWestCountry branch,saidhisgrouprecentlycame acrossan‘astonishing’incidentof fly-tippingalongthecanalatthe rearofLakesideCaravanPark. Hehasurgedlocalswhocome acrossfly-tippingintheareato reportittoSomersetCouncil’sClean Surroundingsdivision.

Mikeexplained:“Thefullextent ofthequantityofitemsdumped wasastonishing.Webaggedupthat rubbish,tookitoutintothecarpark, putitbythedogbin,andadvised CleanSurroundingstopickitup.”

Branchvolunteershavespent 30,000hoursmaintainingthecanal anddocksoverthepast10years,

andsayfly-tippinginBridgwateris justasprevalentasever.Discarded itemsalongthecanalcanbeof immensedangertothepublic.

Mikecontinued:“There’slotsof bitsandpiecesthatwe’repickingup, whereifsomeonedumpsitunder acanalbridge,andanothercomes alongonacycleorwhenit’sdark,it’s potentiallyadanger.Adiscarded jumpercaneasilyincapacitatethe engineofaboat.”Bizarreitemsthe grouphasfoundalongthecanalin Bridgwaterincludeasinglebed,and adoublebed,alongwithaTVbox, whichwereblockingmostofthe path,andonanotheroccasion10 emptyfour-litremilkbottles.

Fly-tippingalongthecanalisstillprevalentandcancausedanger tothepublic,saycampaigners.

Workparties

Northamptonbranchvolunteeringdates:April7and16

WorkpartiesareusuallyheldoneweekdayandoneSundayamonth, alongtheNorthamptonArm.Thetasksusuallyincludevegetationclearance, weeding,litterpickingandpaintingatlocks.

ContactGeoffWood:geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

NorthamptonbranchmembersattheirtaskpartyonSunday,March3.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Above:Saplingsduetobe tackledbytheLichfieldbranch oftheIWAalongwithCRTStoke members. PHOTO:NEILBARNETT

Piecingtogetherthepast:

DianaandPaulMonahan withthejigsawgiftPaulhad createdforDianaoftheir narrowboat Madeley

Piecingtogetherthepast

SallyCliffordchatstoPaulandDianaMonahan,whoseinterestin canalsandhistoricnarrowboatsledtoaloveoflifeonthewater.

ITISnoordinaryjigsaw;when

DianaMonahanopenedthe thoughtfulgiftgiventoherby herhusband,Paul,sherealised theRavensburgerpuzzlewas createdespeciallyforher.For there,ontheboxcover,was aphotoofheraboardtheir narrowboat, Madeley.Sitting patiently,shewasn’tjust completingajigsaw,butpiecing togetherthepast.

TheMonahans’ narrowboatingtravelshave takenthemthelengthand breadthofmostofBritain’s canalnetwork,although, chattingtomeintheir comfortablestonecottagein thecreativecommunityof HebdenBridge,WestYorkshire, therearestillpartstheyintend totravelinretirement.“Wehave beenjustabouteverywhere atleastonce.Istilllikethe Thames,”saysBerkshire-born Paul,whoseenjoymentof canoeingonLondon’siconic riverasayoungboyledtoalife livedlargelynearwater.

DianaandPaultravelled allovertheMidlandswhile runningtheirbusinessArgo CanalServices,deliveringcoal anddieselontheir72ftlong narrowboat Tadworth.Built byYarwoodsofNorthwichin 1937, Tadworth hadpreviously workedforTheGrandUnion CanalCarryingCompany, BritishWaterwaysandAshby CanalCarriers.

“ItworkedmostlyLondonto theMidlands,”saysPaul.

AccordingtotheNational HistoricShipsUKregister, Tadworth hasaveryrare originalrivetedbackcabin. “Thereareveryfewleftwiththe originalsteelcabin,”saysPaul. Pairedwith Tadworth wasthe couple’sbuttyboat, Argo. Built byHarland&WolffofWoolwich in1935, Argo, alsoregistered withNationalHistoricShips UK,wasaStarClassbutty.

Diversecargo

TradingfromGasStreetBasin, Birmingham,wherethey livedontheirboat, Madeley, Paulrecallstheyoftencarried diversecargoes,evenincluding beerandboating-guidewriters!

“Webecameverymuchpart oftheGasStreetcommunity whichwasafriendlyvillage

insideabigcity,”saysDiana.

Theyeventuallysoldthe workingboatsandbusinessand returnedtoYorkshire,settlingin HebdenBridgein1992.

Recallingtheirintroduction toboatinglife,theycredittheir firstnarrowboatholidayafter theymarried.Anarrangement toborrowhireboatsfor weekendsfromalocalboatyard duringquietperiodsledto thempurchasing Monty,a36ft Teddesley,thefirstofwhat becameasmallfamilyfleet.

“WekeptitontheLeedsand Liverpoolcanalaswewere livinginYeadonatthetime,” saysDiana.

Anadvertisementfora coupletocrewthefamous President steamnarrowboat introducedDianaandPaul totheirgreatestadventures. “Theywerelookingforcouples withboatingexperiencetotake somenarrowboattripsfirstlyto theIWARallyatNorthwichin 1979,”saysDiana.

“Weapplied,ofcourse,very quicklyanddidseveraltrips with President,”addsPaul.

Builtin1909inFellows, Morton&Clayton’scompany dockatSaltley,Birmingham, thecargovessel,featuringa distinctive‘josher’hull,became afloatingmuseumduring itstimewithThePresident SteamerCompany.Itwas boughtbytheBlackCountry LivingMuseumin1983andis ontheNationalHistoricShips UKregister.

Homesweethome Madeley, anex-horseboat,is theirmainstayandremains mooredintheMidlands readyfortheirfuturetravels. AccordingtoPaul,itwasone ofonlytwoboatsknownto

havebeenbuiltbyHarrisof NethertonforFellows,Morton &ClaytonLtd.Itspastincluded workingasamaintenanceboat, butPaulrecallstheycamebyit whenitwasinpiecesawaiting restorationatMalcolmBraine’s boatyardinNortonCanes.

While Madeley required muchworktorestoreit,the boatwasidealforthecouple, whohadbeenseekingashorter boatfortheLeedsandLiverpool canalwheretheyweremoored atthattime.Theylivedin Leedsaftermeetingatthecity’s university.“Allthesteelwork andengineinstallationwas doneforus,butwefittedout thecabin,”saysPaul.

Owningandworkingwith historicboatsdeveloped theirwiderinterestinthe canalnetworkanditsrich historyasanearlyroutefor transportation.Diana,who grewupnearGoole,volunteers withtheUpperCalderValley TowpathTaskforceandPaul previouslyservedonthe NationalCounciloftheInland WaterwaysAssociation(IWA).

Theyarebothmembers oftheHistoricNarrowboat ClubwherehasPaulservedas chairman.“Manypeoplewe knowhavebeenboatingfor longerandhavecarriedmore loads,butwewerefortunateto learnhowtorunapairofboats properlyfromthesefriends andfromsomeofthelastof theboatingfamilies,”saysPaul.

Retirementhasopenedup anewchapterintheirboating life,andtheyintendtomake themostofit.“Forme,it’sthe abilitytoseedifferentplaces throughthebackdoor,”says Paul.“Youarenotgoinginas atripperoratourist,yougeta totallydifferentviewpoint.”

PHOTO:SALLYCLIFFORD

Dianaonboard Madeley inthecompletedjigsaw.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Exploringyourcanal ancestry:the‘idlewomen’

Inthelatestinherfamily historyseries,NicolaLisle delvesintothestoryofthe ‘idlewomen’andlooksat wheretofindrecords.

WASyourancestoroneofthe‘idle women’?Thisextraordinarygroupof women,mostofwhomhadlittleorno boatingexperience,helpedtokeepvital suppliesmovingalongBritain’scanals andriversduringtheSecondWorldWar, bravelysteppingintotheshoesofthe menfolkwhowereawayfighting.

Theycamefromavarietyof backgrounds–oneofthebest-knownof the‘idlewomen’,EilyGayford(1903-91), wasadanceteacherandlateralecturer fortheDentalBoardbeforethewar,while othersweremostlystudents,teachers, actorsandfactoryworkers.Initially, theywereresentedbythetraditional boatingcommunity,whoquicklycoined thenickname‘idlewomen’,takenfrom theinitials‘IW’,forInlandWaterways, onthewomen’sbadges.Overthecourse ofthewar,though,these womenwerefarfrom idle.

ItwasMollyTraill whopioneeredtheidea ofrecruitingwomen tocovertheshortage ofmanpoweronthe waterways.Early in1941,sheanda friend,DaphneMarch, convertedtheirpleasure craft, HeatherBell, intoaworkingboat, carryingcargoesof mainlyflourandcoal ontheWorcesterand BirminghamCanal andtheRiverSevern. Needingathirdhand, theyinvitedEily Gayfordtojointhem.

Soonafter,Mollyapproachedthe MinistryofTransportwithanideafor settingupaschemetorecruitandtrain womentoworkthecanalboats.The ideawasapproved,andtheWomen’s TrainingSchemewasofficiallylaunched inFebruary1942bytheGrandUnion CanalCarryingCompany,withMolly TraillandEilyGayfordastrainers.

Theschemelaterextendedtothe LeedsandLiverpoolCanal.

Theinitialresponse wasencouraging; aroundahundred womensignedup forthethree-month training,which includedlearning tooperateapairof cargo-carryingboats –one72ftmotoranda butty–aswellasbasic boatmaintenanceand loading/unloading cargoes.Thedemands oftheworkprovedtoo muchforsomeofthe women,andaround halfdroppedoutbeforetheendof theirtraining.

Butifthetrainingwastough,lifeon theboatswasevenmoreso.Threeweektrips,working20-hourdaysand handling50-toncargoeswhilelivingin crampedconditionswithlittleinthe wayofcreaturecomfortswasarealtest ofbothphysicalandmentalfortitude. Smallwonderthattheofficialletterto recruitsfromtheGrandUnionCanal

CarryingCompanyemphasisedthat ‘onlywomenofrobustconstitution andgoodhealthshouldenterthis employment’.

Notsurprisingly,onlyahandfulof womenmanagedtotoughitouttothe endofthewar.Atitspeak,thescheme hadaround30pairsofboats,each crewedbythreewomen,butbytheend ofthewar,thishaddwindledtojustsix women.ThisincludedEilyGayfordand SoniaSouth,whowaslatertomarryIWA pioneerTomRolt.

Findingoutmore

Foranyonewith‘idlewomen’ancestry, agoodstartingpointistheLondon MetropolitanUniversity’sTUCLibrary, whichholdsrecordsoftheBoatwomen TrainingSchemefrom1942-45,together withcopiesofcorrespondence.

ThearchiveoftheCanalandRiver Trust(www.canalrivertrust.org.uk)has photographs,cuttings,correspondence andotherdocuments,includingletters fromBuckinghamPalacetoEilyGayford aboutherMBE,whichshewasawarded in1945forherservicestothewareffort.

Formoreonthehistoryofthe ‘idlewomen’,thereareanumber offilmsavailabletoviewonline freeofcharge,including:

•MinistryofInformationfilm lookingattheuseofcanalsduring thewar,screenedinfactoriesto inspireworkers.

•BritishPathéfilm,Beautyand theBarge,followingthejourney ofthreewomenalongtheGrand UnionCanalduringwartime.

•BritishMovietonefilm, AnotherJobforWomen,about womenwhoweretakingover men’sjobsonthecanals.

•MargaretCornishtalking aboutherlife,includingher experiencesasoneoftheidle womenduringthewar.

•InterviewwithSoniaRoltin 2011,talkingaboutherwartime experiencesasaboatwoman.

Severalofthe‘idlewomen’wroteabouttheirexperiencesafterthewar,and theseareavailableattheCanalBookShop(www.canalbookshop.co.uk):

•MargaretCornish–MemoirsofaCanalBoatwoman

•EilyGayford–TheAmateurBoatwomen

•NancyRidgway–MemoriesofaWartimeCanalBoatwoman

•EmmaSmith–Maidens’Trip

•SusanWoolfitt–IdleWomen

Below:PossessionsofEily GayfordondisplayattheNational WaterwaysMuseum,Gloucester: PHOTO:NICOLALISLE.

DaphneMarchatthetillerof HeatherBell,headingalongthecanalsoftheindustrialMidlands.

PHOTO:CC-IWM.

EilyGayford(left) teaches Miranda Pigott how tosplice arope. PHOTO: CC-IWM.

The AmateurBoatwomen byEily Gayford. PHOTO: NICOLALISLE.

PlaqueinBirmingham commemoratingallthosewho workedonthecanalsduringboth worldwars. PHOTO:NICOLALISLE.

TwocanalboatstraveltheGrandUnionCanalwithacargoofcoal, boundforLondon.Thesecondofthetwo(the‘butty’)istowedbehind andbeingsteeredbyValerieGribbis,theboatman’sdaughter. PHOTO:CC-IWM.

Over84%ofourcustomersrateour servicesas“Excellent”

39%ofRCRmembersbreakdowneachyear

Over87%ofcalloutsareresolvedonthe1stvisit

Ourengineersaverageattendanceiswithin3.5hrs

CustomerTestimonials

“Theengineerwasthoroughandmethodicalandprovidedadviceonwhat todointhefutureshouldthesameproblemhappenagain.”

“Yourengineerwasonsitewithinhalfanhourofmyinitialcall...theservice wasexceptional,thankyou”

“Averyknowledgeableandpleasantyoungladydealtwithourphonecall. Sheputourmindsatrestandtheengineerwaswithuspromptly”

“Theofficestaffwereclear,courteousandveryresponsive”

Modalshiftormodalrift?

JonathanMosse’s monthlylookatfreight developmentsonthe inlandwaterways.

ICANquiteunderstandwhyregular readerscouldbegrowingsomewhat tiredofmyrehearsingthearguments, ateveryopportunity,forcarryingmore freightontheUK’sinlandwaterways.

So,itmightjustcomeassomethingof asurprisetodiscoverthatthereis(in theoryatleast)amechanisminplace thatcouldgoaverylongwaytomaking thishappen.

ThistakestheformoftheModeShift RevenueSupport(MSRS)grantaimed atencouragingfreightmovementaway fromroadsontomoreenvironmentally soundformsoftransport,namelyrail andwaterways.

Rightnow,railenjoysatotalmonopoly ofthegrant,whichisalmostentirely downtothe(large)sizeoftheoperators involved.Inarecentconsultation, launchedbytheDepartmentfor Transport(DfT)who‘own’thescheme, aconsistentthemetoemergefromthose engagingwithitisthatanapplicationis verychallengingintermsofbothtime andmanpoweras,unliketherailway companies,mostwaterwaycarrierssitin theSmallandMedium-sizedEnterprise (SME)businesscategory.

JohnSpencer,directorofGPSMarine, operatingontheThamesandMedway, goessofarastosay:“Theapplication processisdauntingandIfeelthatmany businessownersopttospendtheir timeandmoneyelsewhere,ratherthan onthistypeofcomplexanddifficult applicationprocessthatmayormaynot provideanybenefitstotheirbusiness.”

Hegoesontopointout:“Duetothe

complexityoftheapplicationprocess, andthefactthatthegrantwilldeliver nocommercialbenefittothosewhose freightistobemoved,Iconsiderit unlikelythatanybodyotherthanfreight operatorsarelikelytoinvestthetimeor moneyrequiredtoapplyforthegrant.

“Inmyexperience,wehavenever beenabletopersuadeanypotential clienttomoveawayfromroadtransport unlesswehavebeenabletodemonstrate anoverallcostsavingofabout10%as aminimum.Therefore,ifMSRSonly bringsthecostofwaterfreight(orany othersustainablealternativetoroad transport)downtoalevelwhereitis thesameasroadtransport,shippers areunlikelytoriskchangingtheir establishedmodeoftransport.”

Movingtoacomparisonbetween roadandwatertransport,Johngoes ontoobserve:“Whenconsideringthe impactoffreightcarryingvehicles, theirtotalharmshouldbeconsidered. Electricfreightvehiclesstillproduce brakedustandcauseroadwearand damage.Buildingandrepairingroads iscarbonintensiveandroadrepairs causedisruption,inconvenienceand increasedcostsforallroadusers.

“Afurtherharmiscongestioncaused byHGVsandtrafficcongestionwhich willnotbecuredbyelectricvehicles. Anotherimpacttobeconsideredis roadtrafficaccidentsinvolvingHGVs, andtheirassociatedinjuriesanddeaths. Becauseelectricvehiclesareheavier thanfossilfuel-poweredvehiclesby aboutone-third,theirpayloadsare lessand,therefore,significantlymore electricHGVs(i.e.about35%)willbe neededtocarrythesameamountof freight.Alltheharmshighlightedabove

SixhundredtonnesprogresseffortlesslythroughcentralLondon,witha fractionoftheemissionsofthe30lorriesotherwiserequired.

willbeincreasedbyasimilarpercentage.

“ItisconceivablethatMSRScouldbe usedtofundsustainableonwardlastmiletransportoffreightcarriedbywater orrailtoandfromwharforrailterminals toproducersandendusers.Such sustainablemodesofonwardtransport areelectricdistributionvehicles,cargo bikesandexoskeletondeliveries.

“Thisadditionalcostoftenscuppers attemptstobringaboutamodalshift, andrevenuesupportforsustainable final-miledistributionwouldprobably bringaboutmoremodalshifttowater andrail,andhelptoreducetheharms flowingfromcurrentdistribution models.”

Inconclusion,Johnpointsout: “Itwouldbeenormouslybeneficial iftheGovernmentweretoactupon atleastsomeofthe27reportsithas

commissioned(inthepastcoupleof decades)whoseconclusionsarethat waterfreightissustainableanddesirable andshouldbeencouraged.

“Similarly,itmightbeusefulforthe Governmenttolistenandtakenoteof thethoughtsofwaterfreightoperators abouthowtoincreasewaterfreightin theUK,ratherthanrelyonourwords asinterpretedbyconsultantsthathave nounderstandingorexperienceofour industry.”

Hisfrustrationbecomespalpable whenhesignsoffhisinputintothe consultationwithaboldstatement, citingsomeprettycompellingstatistics: “GPSMarinetransports1-1.4mtonnes offreightontheThamesannuallywhich, whensupportingmajorprojects,can doubleto3mtonnes…butnobody listenswhenwespeak.”

Goodbye TranquilRose

WordsandphotosbyTimCoghlan

IRECEIVEDacalllastmid-July fromJamesScowen,whomI hadnorecollectionofpreviously meeting.Heaskedif,onAugust 3,Iwouldallowhimtohold whathecalled‘TranquilRose’s 50thbirthdaybash’atBraunston Marina.WithJameshaving recentlyturned70andhis hotelwidebeamboat,whichhe endearinglycalled‘TR’,now50, itwouldbeineffectadouble celebration.Butthepartywould alsobeadoublefarewell.James wouldberetiringinlittlemore thanamonth’stime,having ownedandworked TR forjust over13yearssince2020,quite anundertakingtotakethaton at57.Withhisretirement, TR wouldbeputupforsaleonthe RiverWey,itshomemooring, wherehewouldcompletehis finalvoyage.SadlyJameshad beenunsuccessfulinfinding anyonetobuyandtakeon TR asahotelboat.Withitsspacious accommodation,itwouldnow probablyliveonasaliveaboard.

IofferedJamesthequayside mooringinthefarcornerof whatwecallthe‘OldArm’–the remnantoftheoriginallineofthe OxfordCanal.Itoldhimthiswas anappropriatemooring.Cars couldparkalmostnexttoitand, forthetouchoflivinghistory,it hadbeenusedinthe1950s/early 1960sbyMichaelandPatStreat astheirbasefortheirpairofhotel

narrowboats,the Nancy and Nelson.Behindit,theworkshop andstoretheybuilttoservicethe boatsstillexist.The Nancy and Nelson arecommonlyregarded asthefirstproperlyfullyfitted hotel-narrowboatsonthecanals. TheStreatshadachievedthisin 1953byacquiringandconverting

twoformerwoodenworking narrowboatsofthatname.They workedontheprojectevenings andweekendsonthecanal banksideatLeightonBuzzard, comingupfromLondonto doso.Thefinishedboatswere thenmovedtowhatistoday BraunstonMarina,tohavethat

mooringtouseastheirbase.So itwasanappropriatemooringfor thishistoricoccasion.

Previousoperators

Jamestoldmehewouldbe invitingallknown-surviving operatorsofthe TR,whichhas hadsixownerssinceitwasbuilt byJohnPinderathisthenyard atBurtonuponTrentin1973.

Ofthefirsttwooperators, onewasuntraceableand appearedtobedeceased, andtheotherunableto come.Butrepresentativesof theremainingthreewereall abletoattend,andofcourse Jameswouldbethereashost.

Bestofall, TR’s nownearlegendaryboat-builderJohn Pinder,nowaged82,would becoming.

Guestwereinvitedtoarrive at11am,andperJames’email tothem:“Fingerscrossedthe weatheriskindtous,andwe couldtakeatrundleon TR foracoupleofhoursand returnforapieandapint(or somethingsimilar).”

Iwasinvitedtocomeand

sayhellotowardstheend,butI slightlymis-timedthis.Iarrived abitlateand,asIarrived,Isaw ChristineandAndyNewman leaving,nowbothretiredfrom theirlongandvariedliveson thewaterways,heafterfinally runninghisWillowWren narrowboattraining,andshefor twoseasonsinthemid-1990s runningherrestaurant narrowboat Rachel outof BraunstonMarina.Alsoleaving withthemwasMikePartridge, whostilloperateshisdaytripper boat Charlie fromStokeBruerne. Andtheywereshortlyfollowed bySteveFurness,whonowruns therevivedWeedonhirefleet.I hadlittlemorethanaquickhello withallofthem.

Theonepersonnotinahurry toleave,andseatedwithanearly

fullpintofbeer,wastheboat builderJohnPinder.Hewasvery happytotalktome,andItooto him,onceIalsohadapintinmy hands.John’sworkinglifebegan inhismid-teensworkinginhis father’sgarageinsouth-west Birmingham.Nearbywasthe Worcester&Birminghamcanal, wheresomecarryingtradestill continued,whichcaughtJohn’s eye.Hehadlearntwelding andpanelbeatingtorepairthe rust-bucketcarsofthetime, anditwasonesteptojoining thenewworldofnarrowboat building.Afterworkingforother narrowboatbuilders,hebuilthis firstnarrowboatin1969under thenameofhisnewbusiness –HopwoodCraftLtd.Hethen wentontoopenabranchon thecanalatBurtonuponTrent.

JamesScowen(left)withDavidAtkinson–whohadpreviouslycrewedonthe Tranquil Rose (TR)–seenatthe TR reunionatBraunstonMarinainAugust2023.James’ageing rockstarlookshideahotelboatoperatorofoutstandingabilityinallfields,which allowedhimtosurvive13yearsasowner/operator.

Theelegantcanoesternofthe TranquilRose,designedby boatbuilderJohnPinderwithhisfinetumble-hometothe rearcabin.Asonlycrewwerepermittedonthesterndeck, theratherblandsterndesignoftoday’swidebeamswas notrequired.

Thespacioussaloonlookingbacktowardsthebararea.

Thesaloonwithdiningtable,lookingtothebowall-weatherssittingarea.

ThiswasonthebroadTrent andMerseyCanal,belowthe firstnarrowlock,sonewlybuilt widebeamboatscouldcruise awaydowntotheRiverTrent andbeyond.

Becauseofthis,Johnwas approachedin1973byDavid andJuneTebbetttobuilda70ft by12ft6inhotelboattocruisethe northernwaterways.Itwastobe thefirstpurpose-builtwidebeam hotelboatevermade.Johnhadto designandbuilditfromscratch, inwhichheandhissmallteam dideverything,includingthe elegantjoinerywhichwithpride, Johnpointedoutstillsurvives. Theboatcouldaccommodate

eightguestsinsixcabins,three ofwhichhadWCs,andaweek’s cruisecost£51perperson.The priceoftheboattotheTebbetts was£15,000,asumwhichin thosedayscouldbuyahouse.

Elegance

Iwasfascinatedbytheboat’s elegantcanoesternand associatedwithitthetumblehomeshapingofthesterncabin. Johnsaidthiswasnotacopyof anyexistingwidebeamcraft,such ashadworkedthelikesofthe Leeds&LiverpoolCanal,which Ithoughtitwas.Hisinspiration camefromtheoldworking butties,especiallythejoshers

ofFellows,Morton& Clayton,whichwereof courseallnarrowboats. Asthesternendwas intendedforaworking crewonly,Johndidnot needtoreplicatethe wide,ratherinelegant cruisersternsoftoday’s widebeamboats.

TheTebbettswere typicaloftheenterprising canalpioneersofthetime.The

TheBraunston-basedwoodenhotelnarrowboats

mooredoutsidewhatistodayBraunston Marina.Theboatslookingreatshapeaftertheir c conversionbyMichaelandPatStreat,buttime wasagainstthem,andthe Nancy’s hullwas crushedbeyondrepairinthegreatfreezeof 1962-63. PHOTO:DAVIDCOOPER/TIMCOGHLANCOLLECTION

to Leicester,Foxton, LincolnandBoston anditisclaimedthat the TR wasthefirst hotelboatofanysort to visitYork.Toadd spicetothecruises, theTebbettsalsoused a Daimlerlimousine to transportguests on dayoutingsfrom BurtonuponTrent, wheretheboatbecame based,tothebulbfieldsaround BostonandtothePeakDistrict.

destinationforhisguests.Sadly in2016themodernconcrete Bridge24moveditsfoundations, therebynarrowingthecanalto about12ft,anddespitethebest effortsoftheCRT,ithasnow provedirreparable,andisnow inaccessibletoboatsof12ftbeam andabove.

businesswascalledtheTrent ValleyCruisingHotel.Withits strikingbrightredandgreen livery,in1977theboatmadethe frontcoveroftherelativelynew maggazine,WaterwayysWorld.

The TR cruised

The TR on the Thames for

its40thbirthday,passing throughShiplakeLockand makingthefrontpageof TowpathTalk’sSeptember 2023edition.

In1982theboatwassold toMickandCynthiaHall, whocontinuedcruisingthe northernwaterways.Thenin 1987,itwasbought bytheNewmans.It w wascranedoutin N Nottingham,and m movedbylorryto StokeBruerne,where it waslaunchedinthe carparkhalfwayup theflight.Thename T TR remained,but theoperatorname c changedtoThames ValleyCruisingHotel. It thenhadvarious c changesinowners, operatorsandliveries untilitwasacquired byJamesin2010.He laterchangedthe o operatornameto H HotelBoatHolidays, a andtheliverytoits p presentlightdesign. W With13yearsof ownership,Jameswas atthehelmof TR for longerthananyofthe other previousowner/operators.

Jamescruisedallofthe southernwidecanal,including theoccasionalforayupthe GrandUniontothehistorictown ofWarwick,whichwasapopular

James’retirementandselling TR hasmeantagreatlossto hismanyloyalcustomers,who cameyearafteryear.Somewere elderly,havingretiredfromactive narrowboatingthemselves,and wantedtocontinueenjoyingthe waterways.Todaythereareonly twowidebeamhotelboatsstill operatingonthewidewaterways, andonlyahandfulofsingle narrowboatsandjustonepairof narrowboatsstilloperatingon thecanals.AsJamescommented: “Onceinyearsgoneby,there werehundredsofthem.”

ThelateRobinSmithett recordedalltheknownhotel boatsasbesthecouldinthe appendixtohisdefinitivebook PreciousCargo.Itwasfirst publishedin2000andupdated in2010,shortlybeforehis untimelydeath.Theshortentry belowthatof TranquilRose,for ‘SevernVoyager,’summariesthe tale,indeedfate,ofmanyofthe hotelboats,forwhichtherewere oncehighhopes:“Anex-Severn bargeoperatedinthemid1970s byBobHardiment.Shecruised ontheRiverSevernandwas subsequentlyconvertedtoa floatingtearoominWorcester. Sheisnowabandonedat Gloucester.”

Intheirtime,allthesehotel boatsandtheiroperatorswere intheirdifferentways‘precious cargoes’–includingJames andhis TR –bothofwhich were‘ofsomeservice’tothe inlandwaterways.

Nomoaningatthebar!JamesScowenas‘minehost’witha finedisplayofmicro-brewerybeers.

Elderstatesmanofthecanals:JohnPinderinthesidehatchof TR,whichhebuiltin1973.

T

Nancy (motor)andbutty Nelson backin1956

Right:Precious Cargo–Robin Smithett’sdefining historyoftheinland waterwayshotel boatsfrom2000, whichheupdatedin 2010,shortlybefore hedied. PHOTO:ROBIN SMITHETTESTATE

EasterbunniesontheCut

ITWILLbebunnies,eggsand hotcrossbunsgaloreonthe ChesterfieldCanalthisEaster whentheChesterfieldCanal Trustwillrunahostofcruises onthreedifferentboats.

Everychildwillreceivean Easteregg;adultswillreceive adrinkandahotcrossbun. Allticketscost£9.Booking isessential,justsearchfor ChesterfieldCanalTrustand followthelinks.

Madeline and JohnVarley willberunninghourlycruises fromHollingwoodHub(S43 2PF)onSaturday,March30 andMonday,April1from 10.30am.Thetrusthasfound twinEasterbunnies,onefor eachboat,toaccompanythe happypassengers.

OnSunday,March31, John Varley willberunninghourly cruisesfromthehub,thistime

startingat10am. Pleasenotethat John Varley willberunningfrom HollingwoodHub,notitsusual homeofTaptonLock,because oflowwaterlevels atTapton.This willprovidethe rarespectacle

oftwoboatsoperatingon thesamestretchofcanalin Derbyshire.

OnSunday,March31and Monday,April1therewill becruiseson HughHenshall fromtheLockKeeper pubinWorksop(S801TJ) accompaniedbyyetanother Easterbunnyfromthewarren.

Shouldyoufancyaquiet, bunny-freecruise,youcould booktohaveacruiseon Seth Ellis onSunday,March31. Therewillbetwo-hourcruises at10.30amand2pm,priced at£14or£10forunder16s, ora40-minutecruiseat1pm costing£4.50or£3.These runfromtheChequersInnat Ranby(DN228HT).

Again,tobook,gotothe ChesterfieldCanalTrust websiteatwww.chesterfieldcanal-trust.org.uk

NationalTrailboatFestivalcomestoMoira

THEannualcanal festivalatMoirais hostingtheInland WaterwaysNational TrailboatFestivalthis yearovertheweekend ofMay18-19.

Ittakesplaceonthe banksoftheAshby Canal,lookedoverby theimpressiveGrade II-listedMoiraFurnace.

Lastyearwaswashed out,buttheprevious

AchancetoseeStaffordcanalartefacts

ARTEFACTSunearthedduring canalrestorationworkhave goneondisplayinStaffordshire.

OrganisedbytheStafford RiverwayLink(SRL)the exhibitionshowcasestheitems recoveredbyvolunteerswhile clearingandexcavatingthesite oftheStaffordBranchCanalat Baswich.

Thedisplaywillbeonshow atStoneLibraryfromMonday, March25untilSaturday, April27.

Manyoftheitemscan beattributedtotheformer inhabitantsoftheLockHouse andothersmayhavebeen discardedwhenthenavigation wasopen.Thedisplayalso givessomeinformationabout thelockkeepersandtheir wivesandasksmembersofthe publiclookingattheexhibition whethertheyarerelatedto thesefolk.

Thewaterway,alsoknown astheRiverSowNavigation,

wasinusefrom1816untilthe 1920s,andtheLockHousewas occupieduntil1956.Thegroup thatwastobecometheSRLwas foundedin1997andaimsto restorethe1½milenavigation intoStafford.

Furtherinformationabout theStaffordRiverwayLink istobefoundontheir website:www.staffordriverway-link.co.uk

WHAT’SONINAPRIL

IfyouwantyoureventlistedinourfreemonthlyWhat’sOnsectionemailyourentrytoeditorial@towpathtalk. co.ukorusetheeventsformatwww.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Pleasecheckwithorganiserswhethertheeventisgoingaheadbeforesettingoutonyourjourney.

March30-April1

ChesterfieldCanalTrust: Eastertripsfrom HollingwoodHub,WorksopandRanby,for detailsvisitwww.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk

March31-April1

festivalwasthemost successfulyet,sothe organisershavehigh hopesforthisyear. Therewillbeawide varietyofattractions. Aswellasboats,there

willbetheMilitary WivesChoir,Hey Beatlestributeband, tradjazzandaBattleof BritainMemorialFlight flypast.Alsochildren's entertainment,Morris dancing,classiccars, bar,refreshments,stalls andexhibits–andof courseMotherDuck andtheannualAshby CanalDuckRace!

TherestoredAshby Canalhereiscurrently isolatedfromthe network,butthere arelong-termplans toconnectfromthe terminusatSnarestone toMeashamandMoira.

Forfurther informationcontact moiracanalfestival@ outlook.com

LeawoodPumphouse: Opendayfromnoon to4.30pm.Insteam–thepumpwillbefully operational.Entrancefreebutdonationsare encouraged,especiallyinviewofthecurrentcost ofcoal.HighPeakTrail,Whatstandwell,Matlock DE45HN,accessisasperHighPeakJunction.

UntilApril7

MariaHarryman: Lifeisnotstill–Florigeum exhibitionoflinoprints,paintingsandquilts inspiredbythewildplantsandchanging seasonsontheKennet&AvonCanal.West BerkshireMuseum,Gallery5,NewburyRG14 5AS.OpenWednesdaystoSundays,10am-4pm. Admissionfree.

UntilApril27

StaffordRiverwayLink: Displayofartefacts unearthedbySRLvolunteersfromthecanalat Baswich.StoneLibrary,MarketSquare,Stone ST158AT,

April7

IWATowpathWalksSociety: Regent’sCanal: King’sCross–Hitchcock’sHackney.MeetKing’s CrossbytaxiqueuesignnexttoPretaManger at2.30pm.Nominalcharge£15;concessions, studentsandaccompaniedchildren16and over£10;8-15£5;under-8sfree.Priorbooking recommended,contactLondonWalks:0207 6243978oremaillondon@walks.com

April9

IWANorthamptonBranch: ThreeMenon theBCN(BirminghamCanalNavigations) withTomStewart,withPaulandKevin Cousins,7.30pm.Themeetingsareheldin theupstairsconferenceroomatTheBoatInn, StokeBruerne,NN127SB.Allarewelcome, notjustIWAmembers.Thereisacarpark, andrefreshmentsareavailable.A£2donation towardsexpenseswouldbeappreciated.

April10

LeawoodPumphouse: Opendayfromnoon to4.30pm.Static.Entrancefreebutdonations areencouraged,especiallyinviewofthecurrent costofcoal.HighPeakTrail,Whatstandwell, MatlockDE45HN,accessisasperHighPeak Junction.

April12

NorthStaffordshire&SouthCheshireIWA: TheBirminghamCanalNavigationswithPhil

Clayton.Stoke-on-TrentBoatClub,Endon Wharf,PostLane,Endon,Stoke-on-TrentST9 9DU,7.45for8pmstart.Non-IWAmembers welcome;admissionfree(donationsto waterwaycauseswelcome),refreshments available.Contactsocialsec.nssc@waterways. org.uk

April15

FriendsoftheCromfordCanal: AGMfollowed byProgressatBeggarleeandtheFutureby honoraryengineerChrisBroome.Ironville ChurchHall,CassonStreetNG165NN,car parkingatrear,7.30pm.Admission£2.50,tea, coffee,barandraffle.Non-membersalways welcome.

April17

PocklingtonCanalAmenitySociety: AGM followedbydigitalupdateonthePCASproject torestorethesectionofcanalbetweenthe BielbyArmtoCoatesLock.MelbourneVillage HallYO424QJ,7.30pm.

April19

IWALichfieldBranch: Steamnarrowboat President,illustratedtalkbyNickHaynes, FriendsofPresident.DarwinHall,Heathcot Place,LichfieldWS136RQ,7.15for7.30pm. waterways.org.uk/lichfield

April20-21

RovingCanalTradersAssociation: Floating marketatWillington.

April21

GranthamCanalSociety: SpringCraftFairat WoolsthorpeDepot(behindDirtyDuckpub) NG321NY,10am-3pm.Crafts,games,cakesand boattrips.www.granthamcanal.org

April22

FriendsofCromfordCanal: TheBirdswood StorybyfoundermemberMikeKelley.Gothic WarehouseonCromfordWharfstartingat7pm. Admission£5includingrefreshments.Seating islimitedandbookingcanbemadeatwww. cromfordcanal.org

April27-28

RovingCanalTradersAssociation: Floating marketatMarsworth.

Advancenotice

EtruriaIndustrialMuseum: The2024Etruria CanalsFestivalonSaturdayandSunday,June 1-2atStoke-on-Trentwillcelebratethe50th anniversaryofthereopeningoftheCaldon Canaltonavigation.Forfurtherinformation visitwww.etruriamuseum.org.ukor@ EtruriaMuseumonFacebookandX.

OneoftheChesterfield CanalTrust’sEaster bunnies. PHOTOS:CHESTERFIELD CANALTRUST

TheabandonedAshbyCanalatMoiraFurnaceinthe1950s.

TheStaffordRiverwayLinkdisplay. PHOTO:DAVIDJONES/SRL

AnEasterbunnytakingatripontheChesterfieldCanalonboard JohnVarleyII

Boats on the restored canal at the Moira Canal Festival PHOTOS: MOIRA CANAL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

The238berthmarinaislocatedontheDroitwichCanals,

■

■

Ourboatyardfacilitiesarelocatedcanalside, onthemainlineoutsidetheDistillery

Mooringsintheheartofthecity

MooringinthecentreofBirminghamCity

SherborneStreet,BirminghamB168DE

01214556163/01214545367

www.sherbornewharf.co.ukor

email@sherbornewharf.co.uk

WeareinauniquepositionontheBirminghamCanalNavigationsandhaveberthsavailable closetothecitycentreservingalltypesofboatersforovernight,shorttermandlongtermmoorings.

 QUIETANDSECUREMOORINGS  GAS,DIESELANDPUMPOUT

 BOATREPAIRSANDMAINTENANCE

Boatengineservice £225.00

Singledayemptyandrefill £250.00

Vbottomboatextracharge(atthetimeofbookingyoumustinformusif yourBoatisV-Bottom £100.00

Extradaysinthedockifalreadybookedinforblackingorservicewillbe chargedat £75perday

Blackingconsistsofjetwashingthehulloftheboatdownandmakingsureareaisclean anddry,shouldwefindanythingofconcernwewillcontactyoutoinformyou.Wecan offervariousblackingproductspleasecallusandspeaktous.

Anodesare£160perpairandfitting/weldingis£60.00perpairifpurchasedfromus.

Allotherworksarechargedat£60.00perhour

Blackingischargedper footlengthoftheboat

40FEET

GooleMarinaislocatedinabasinconnectingtotheAireandCalderCanaland closetothecommercialportofGooleintheEastRidingofYorkshire.Themarinaprovides anidealbaseforcruisingthewaterwaysofYorkshireaswellasgivingeasyaccesstothe HumberEstuaryandtheNorthSea.

Wehaveamarinabasintoaccommodate150boatsofvariouslengths&widths. WecanaccommodatealltypesofcraftfromCruiserstoNarrowboatandBarges. Alltypesofmoorings,gardenmooringstofloatingpontoons,whichcanbeaccessed24hrsaday.

OurnewMarinaCafé,CoffeeDock, isnowopentothepublic.

OpenMonday–Saturday9amuntil3pm. Everyonewelcome!

RESIDENTIALFLOATINGHOMESFORSALE 23 April2024

HAREFIELD MARINA HAREFIELDMARINA

Bridge180,GrandUnionCanal, HarefieldUB96PD

Tel:01895822036

muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Facilitiesinclude:-Chandlery -Slipway (upto65ft)

-Pumpout -Boatsales/ brokerage -Engineinboard/ outboardrepairs -gasandcoal

ForestBank

Moorings

Newflood-safemoorings ontheRiverAvoninthe

HeartofEnglandForest

Formoreinformationcontact Markon 07500700718 or mark.waterson@heartofenglandforest.org heartofenglandforest.org/moorings

WelfordRoad,Barton,Bidford-on-Avon, WarwickshireB504NP

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

200secure,nonresidentialruralmooringsin secludedcountrysidesetting5minsfromM25/M40. OnedayscruisingfromtheThames.

•250berthslocatedonriverAvon

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•LakelandLeisureboatbrokerage T:07714095005

E:shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

NORTHWICH QUAY

• 50berthslocatedonriverWeaver

• CentreofNorthwich,Cheshire T:07967461038

E:northwich@land-water.co.uk

CAENHILLMARINA

•248berthslocatedon Kennet&Avoncanal

•NeartoDevizesWiltshire

T:01380827062

E:caenhill@land-water.co.uk

HARTFORD MARINA

SETWITHINTHEPEACE&TRANQUILLITYOFHUNTINGDONSHIRE

HARTFORDMARINA

Takeamomenttosoakinthepeaceandtranquillityofthe HuntingdonshirecountrysideandexperienceallthatHartfordMarina hastooffer.AgatewaytotheRiverGreatOuse,themarinaisperfectly placedforcruisingoneofBritain’slesserdiscoveredwaterways,andis idealforexploringnearbytownsandcities.Withpremiumfacilitiesand capacityforalltypesofboats,fromwidebeamsandnarrowboatstoday boatsandcruisers,HartfordMarinahassomethingforeveryboater.

BERTHSFORALLCRAFTAVAILABLETORESERVETODAY!

BOATBROKERAGE

TingdeneBoatSaleshelpsboatersateverystepoftheirboating journey.Whetherlookingtobuyorsellacraft,ourwidebrokerage network,bothonlineandatourUKinlandmarinas,isyourstoutilise. So,ifyouareinthemarketforanupgradeorhaveaboatyouwishto sellonorclosetotheRiverGreatOuse,contactHartfordMarinaand seehowwecanhelpyou.

ANNUAL&VISITORMOORINGS

NEWANDUSEDBOATSALES

DAYBOATHIRE&WATERSPORTS

FAMILYRESTAURANT

FUEL&PUMPOUTFACILITIES FREEWIFI

SLIPWAYANDCRANINGFACILITIES

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PETFRIENDLY

240VPOWERTOEACHBERTH

FRESHWATERTOEACHBERTH

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MOOR STAY EAT CRUISE

HillFarm

Marina

SouthStratfordCanal

TheViewRestaurantis nowfullyopen www.theview-eat.co.uk

•Enjoyprivateaccesstoatraditional 200acrebeefandsheepfarm

• •Dogsrunfreeindesignatedareas.

• •Watchthechangingseasons,thewildlifeand theanimalsonthefarm

• •Enjoythecompletepeace,freedomand tranquillityofbeinginthecountryside

• •Accesssomegreatlockfreecruisingforday trips,weekendorlongervoyages

• •Easyaccesstothemotorwaynetwork

• •Onsitelaundry,HairdressersandDog Grooming Itgoeswithoutsaying....

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Pleasewatchtheprogress www.hillfarmmarina.co.uk emailinfo@hillfarmmarina.co.ukorcallDavidon07971118953

NorthamptonMarina

TheideallocationforexploringEastAnglia’sWaterways

Calluson01604604344or07867580129 toarrangeavisitortomakeanenquiry.

Officehours:

MondaytoFriday9amto5pm

Saturday&Sunday10amto4pm

www.visitanglianwaterways.org

www.northamptonmarina.co.uk

FindusonFacebook:

NestledalongsideBecket’sPark,NorthamptonMarinahasasecluded,countrysidefeelwhilst beingwithineasywalkingdistanceofthetrainstationandtowncentrewithitsmanyshops, bars,restaurantsandtheatres.

LocatedatthejunctionoftheRiverNeneandtheNorthamptonArmoftheGrandUnion Canal,itisideallyplacedforexploringbothAnglianWaterwaysandthewidercanalnetwork. Offeringboatersafriendlystaywithaccesstoagreatchoiceofcruisingroutes. Ouraward-winningfacilitiesbuildingisopentoallmarinacustomers,including washrooms,laundry,pump-outandElsandisposalpoint.Allofourberthshaveaccessto waterandelectricity.Ourlandscapedgroundsprovidearelaxingrecreation areawithBBQsandpicnictables.

Weofferpermanent,visitorandwintermoorings. YoucanalsopurchaseyourAnglianWaterwaysboatlicencesandnavigationkeysfromour fulltimeSiteOfficer.

WhynotmakeNorthamptonMarinathebaseforyournextboatingadventure?

DiscoverOurIdyllic Retreat&EnjoySummer

Withanabundanceofwildlife,peace, tranquillityandourexperiencedteam onhand,youcanrelaxandenjoyyour ownlittlepieceofheaven.

SecureyourberthontheLlangollenCanal, themostbeautifulcanalinthecountry! Call 01270524571 oremail sales@swanleybridgemarina.com

SwanleyBridgeMarina,SpringeLane,Swanley,Nantwich, Cheshire,CW58NR- www.swanleybridgemarina.com

Moorings,Slipway

HullBlacking&Maintenance Workshop,Brokerage

Gas/Diesel/Coal/Pumpout EngineRepairs&Servicing

OpeningHours:

Monday-Friday9am-1pm Saturday10am-1pm ClosedSunday

Mobile:07581459309

Email:info@othertonboathaven.co.uk

OthertonBoatHavenLtd,Otherton, Penkridge,StaffordST195NX

Inline(sternendtostaging)55ftmin.

LaybyBerthsupto45ft(sterntobank

Annualfee£31.50perfootplus20%VAT

Monthlyfee£2.93perfootplus20%VAT Bankside/Stagingberths (atleast2/3alongsidebankofstaging).

Annualfee£35.00perfootplus20%VAT

Monthlyfee£3.24perfootplus20%VAT CasualMoorings

£10pernightor£60perweekplus20% VATirrespectiveoflength. Maximumcasualmooring2weeks. Carparking£3pernightor£18perweek Forbarges(anyvesselwiderthan7ft) Multiplystandardpriceby1.9

Brass-mate(Brasspolish)

MiracleWaxPolish(Boatpolish)

Wash’n’Wax(Shampoo) MiracleBrassBrite(TarnishRemover) Weather-MateGel(BrassProtection) PortHoleMask(Magnetic)

Over100tillerpinsinstockvisit www.tillerpins.co.uk www.miracleleisureproducts.co.uk e:sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone:01902686569 orDawn07909086868

+£30p&ptoanylocationonUKmainlandorfreecollection(Pleasecallus)

CottonStockinette(CleaningCloths) CanopyKlean Bilge&HullCleaner Fullrangeof TillerPins

FULLYSERVICEDCRUISING ANDRESIDENTIALMOORINGS ANDFULLBOATYARDSERVICES

•Iver(SloughArm)andNortholt (Paddingtonarm)

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•Deliveryofgas,solidfuelanddiesel directtoyourboat

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•Chandlery

•Mechanical,electrical,andcarpentry workundertaken

•Craning,gritblastingandblacking

•Twopartepoxyhulltreatment

•Fuelpolishingservice

sales@high-line.co.uk

01753651496

www.high-line.co.uk

THEBOATYARD MANSIONLANE,IVER, SL09RG

NARROWBOATSAND WIDEBEAMSFORSALEIN WESTLONDON

FORSELLERS

•Freemoorings

•Saleslocationwithestablishedfootfall

•Open6days/week

•TradePlatesforunlicensedcraft

•Presalespreparationandrepairs

FORBUYERS

•Freeguidanceandadvice

•Comprehensivehandover

•Secureclientsbankaccount

•ABYAqualifiedbrokeragestaff

•Industrystandarddocumentation

PRIVATEBUYER’SSERVICE

•Ifyouarebuyingprivately,wecanoffer thefollowingservices:

•Adviceonallaspectsofpurchase

•Provisionofdocumentation

•SecureClientsbankaccount

•Bespokeservice–asmuchoraslittleas youwant,pricedaccordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk

01753652502/07860480079

www.vcmarine.co.uk

MGMBoatsLtd

•Hullsteamcleanedandblacked

•Blastedand2pkblackingsystems

•Anodes,suppliedandfitted

•Weldingworkundertaken

•Painting&SignWriting•Electrical • PlumbingandGas

• PaintandBoatCare•Inboard&OutboardServicing

• FendersandRopes • EngineSpares&Repairs

VisitusandseethelargestIndoorworkingdrydockandwell

•CovereddockforanyDIYworkcanbebooked, incpainting.

• Slipwaycanbebookedformaintenancework,suchas rudderrepairs,sterntubereplacement&alsosurveys (Byothers)

•Engineservice&electricalwork

•WesellCalor13kgpropanegas

Call01162640009or

email:mgmboatyard@gmail.com

(Newwebsiteunderconstruction)

UpperSoar,Leicester.LE48AF

VitershieldTFisback

Tel: 01782812240

Suppliersofeverythingfortheboating andindustrialpaintuser.

SuppliersofBoatPaints•SikkensWoodFinishes •InternationalPaints•Sadolin•Zinsser

•MacphersonPaints

•AirspeedPolyurethane

•AncillaryProducts

Fax: 01782835707

Email: sales@pdipaints.co.uk

Web: www.pdipaints.co.uk

Birmingham&Midland

NARROWBOATTRAINING–RYAINLANDWATERWAYS

NARROWBOAT TRAINING–RYA INLAND WATERWAYS

SERVICES

COMMERCIALSERVICES

•BankSafetyCoverservices, trainingandequipment

•Charterofmarineequipment:safety &rescueboatsandworkboats,tugs, pans,hoppersandworkflats.

•RescueSwimmersand‘in-water’ personnel.

•Commercialvesseldelivery services(Inland,bywater).

•Towing&pushingservices.

•Workplatformandpontoons.

•T.V.&filmwork–marinesupport.

BOATTRAINING

MarineServicesLtd providespecialist skipper,coxswain& watersafetytraining; Plus:Commercialinland, Open-watermarine supporttoindustry.

OCCUPATIONALWATER

COMMERCIAL&LEISURE Helmsman&Powerboattraining, plusBoatMasterancillarycourses forSkippersandCoxswainsvia ourRoyalYachtingAssociation andMaritime&Coastguard AgencyProgrammes.‘Specialist RescueBoat’trainingfor operationsoutsideDEFRA availablebyappointment.

SAFETY&RESCUETRAINING Coursesdeliveredviathe OutreachRescueandRoyalLife SavingSocietyDEFRA&CDM Regulations2015compliant& HSEendorsedschemes.

emes.

Contactusformoreinformationon01902544329oroffice@midlandmarine.co.uk

Orvisitourwebsite:www.midlandmarine.co.uk

Smartawood™️lifelongrecycledplasticlumber-theidealenvironmental solutionforwaterwayprojects.

WithaBBAaccreditationforsimilarapplicationsrequiring120 yearlifespan,WeyandArunCanalTrustinsistonSmartawoodin arangeofprojectapplications.Smartawoodiscarbonnegative, waterproof,infestationandrotfree,anddoesnotleachharmful chemicalsintowaterways.Smartawoodofferslowsliprisk forwalkways,decking,bridges,andboardwalkapplications. Smartawoodis the optimalsolutionreducingtherequirementfor importedtimber(andassociateddeforestationandhugecarbon footprint).

Ourproductrangeincludes:

•Planks,posts,joists,andboards

•Fencing,decking,boardwalks

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•Planters

•Storageboxesandbins

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Calloremailnow:01745827000 paul.segal@plastecowood.com www.plastecowood.com

PlastecowoodLtd,Unit2,ExpresswayBusinessPark, AbergeleRoad,Bodelwyddan,Rhyl, NorthWales,LL185SQ.

SMARTAWOOD:UKECO-POSITIVEPLASTIC

WHAT'SINTHEBOTTOMOF YOURFUELTANK?

More&Morecustomersarefrequentlycomplaining theyhavehadtheirtankcleanedbyacompetitor, onlytobreakdownagain.TheycallTankbusters whoattendandtakesamplesfromthetankand findthefuelstillhaswater/dieselbugandrust inthetank.ClearlyaCOWBOYJOB.Tankbusters filtertoOneMicron&Removeswaterto100ppm Tankbustersfilterfirstbymagnetremovinglarger particlesofrust!Fuel/othercontaminationis thenfilteredtoa1micronfilterbag.Waterfilters removewaterto100partspermillion(ppm)using tankbustersownfiltrationequipment.

CALLTANKBUSTERSFORMOREINFORMATION. GOTO:-www.tankbusters.co.uk -forfull detailsofFuelCleaningServices andEquipment.

Call 07974808277 or email: bruce@tankbusters.co.uk

F.O.C.noobligationmeasure&sample viewingatyourboats.Centrally locatedforyourconvenience.

01827313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

PLEASENOTE: Ourstandardcurtain liningincludesa Teflonfinishfor addedprotectionfrom moistureandsoiling

Magnetfilter

Having

LISTER-PETTERDIESELENGINES

Allenginesandgearboxes aresuppliedfullytestedand withwarranty.Ifyoursis pastit’sbest,calloremail ustofindoutmore.

+44(0)1213776029mail@realdiesels.co.ukwww.realdiesels.co.uk

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SeagoingSaildrivesInlandWaterwaysMarineGeneratingSetsSpares&Support

36yearsofcustomercentredfocus,listeningto needsanddeliveringlongtermvaluesolutions. Specialistsincustomeradviceandsupportatall pointsofaproductslife.

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REDUCECO2 BY90%! Compatibleforcontinuoususe withHVOfuel.*

*IfotherFAMEbiofuelsareusedormixedwestronglyadviseuseofouralternativefuelkit option.Availableforneworretrofit-abletoexistingengines.

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CruiseMoorlaunchsuccess

THElaunchofthenewCruiseMoor schemeatthisyear’sBoatLifeshowat Birmingham’sNEChasbeenhaileda greatsuccess.

Representativesofthefive independentfamily-runmarinas collaboratingtoofferinlandwaterway boaterstheopportunitytoenjoy discountedvisitormooringshelda questionandanswersessiononthe mainstageattheevent.

Commentingonthelaunch,Debbie SkinnerofWhiteMillsMarinasaid: “Weweresothrilledtobeabletouse BoatLifeastheplatformtolaunchour

excitingnewCruiseMoorschemeandit waswonderfultobeabletotakepartin thepaneldiscussiononthemainstage.

“Wehavesincehadsometerrific feedbackalongwithsomereallypositive comments.

“Weareallnowlookingforwardto thecomingseasonandseeingour boatersgettingoutontothewaterways networkandtakingadvantageofCruise Moor,whichwillprovidethemwith theopportunityofstayingoneachof theparticipatingmarinasonavisitor mooringforuptotwoweekswitha fabulous20%discount.”

ThefivemarinasareAqueduct Marina,DroitwichSpaMarina, DunchurchPoolsMarina,Overwater MarinaandWhiteMillsMarina.

Boaterscanfindouthowtoqualify foraCruiseMoorcardfromoneofthe participatingmarinasandthenplan theircruisingseasonintheknowledge thattheycanenjoythefacilitiesof anotherindependentmarinawitha 20%reductioninvisitormooringfees.

Informationleafletsandmaps depictingthelocationofthefabfive marinaswillallbeavailableatCrick BoatShowattheendofMay.

Aprincessamongboats

ONEofthefirstnarrowboatsto besoldattheBoatLifeeventwas Beatrice,builtexclusivelyfor LakelandLeisurebyOxfordshire boatbuildersKingsground.

Thedesignofthe58ftcruiser sternboatblendsclassicnarrowboat aestheticswithcontemporary luxury.Theexteriorboastsasleek andrichgreenfinishwhilethe interiorfeaturesfittingsandfinishes tailoredtohighstandardsofcomfort andelegance.Theexcitement surrounding Beatrice waspalpable, andittranslatedintoaremarkable successstorywithinthefirstfew hours of BoatLife

Thisearlysuccessshowcased thevibrantinterestanddemandin theinlandleisureboatingmarket forqualityandcraftsmanship, highlightingagrowingforluxury narrowboats.

MarkMorgan,managingdirector ofLakelandLeisureEstates,said: “Withagrowingpresence,it’sgreat toseehowBoatLifehasflourished tobecomealeadingpre-season showcaseforinlandandcoastal businesses.

“Ilookforwardtoanotherbusy seasonwithnewmooringsatRoydon MarinaVillageinhighdemandand several boats in build with the highly skilled team at Kingsground”

Bromsgroveboatbuilders buyWarwickshiremarina

FAMILYbusiness CraftedBoatsLtdhas boughtFennyMarina ontheOxfordCanal for£1.1million.

Thesix-acresite–includinga4.5-acre marinabasin,85 servicedberths,a three-bedroomed bungalowandseveral outbuildings–soldthe daybeforetheplanned onlineauction.

DirectorAaron Pindersaid:“Our planforthemarina istocontinueto

operatethemooring andservicesbutto lookatimprovingthe facility.Wewillalsobe offering,aswedoat ourothersites,repaint jobs,hullandtopside work,gritblasting andepoxycoating, pressurewashand blacking,plusengine repairs,tonamejust afewofourservices.”

Withdirectaccessto thecanal,themarina includesachandlery, officesandstores overlookingthecanal.

Thefirmofspecialist boatbuildersand repairerswas establishedin1953 asJLPinder&Son andincorporatedas CraftedBoatsLtdin 2001,supplyingall typesofsteelcraft fromcommercial workboats,hire boats,narrowboats, cruisersandbarges–evenascaled-down RoyalNavydestroyer andsubmarinethat cruisednarrowcanals recruitingsailors.

Workboatnamesurprise forCRTmanagerDavid

THEfirstworkboatofanewconcept designwaslaunchedrecentlyat AqueductMarinainNantwich, Cheshire,whereithasbeenbuilt.

Itsname Bass recognisesCanal& RiverTrustseniorprojectdelivery managerDavidBasswhohasworked forthetrustandpreviouslyBritish Waterwaysfor27years,havingput yearsofhardworkandeffortintothe conceptanditsuniquedesign.

Theboatnamingceremonyhad beenkeptasecretwiththeunveiling presentationbeingledbyMick Carrington,CRTnationalworkboat andplantmanager,joinedbyDavid’s wifeKaren,workcolleaguesfromthe trust,StuartNorton,marinearchitect andalloftheteamatAqueductMarina.

Davidhasbeenaleadingforcein

developingandbuildingthisfirst boat,usinglaser-cutcomponents inthebuildofitshullandCNC-cut componentsforthecabininterior, allofwhichhavereducedthecost offuturebuildsforthetrustandthe manufacturingtimeforAqueduct Marina.

Itsdesignfeaturesaneasierform ofstackablecraft,whichreduces transportationcostsandenablesthe boatandhoppertobemanoeuvred aroundthecanalnetworkwithease.

Thenewworkboat,alongwith twomoreunderconstructionat themarina,willbeusedatvarious locationsaroundthecanalnetworkto enabletrustcolleaguestofamiliarise themselveswiththisnewconceptof workboatandhopper.

SupportservicesshowcasedatMerciaMarina

ASPARTofitswell-beinginitiative, MerciaMarinarecentlyshowcasedthe arrayofsupportservicesaccessiblein SouthDerbyshire.

Boatingbringswithitmany challenges,differentfromlivingin bricksandmortar,butalsobrings withitagreatsupportiveenvironment especiallyatthemarinawhere,as reportedlastmonth,thereisanetwork ofadvocateswhohavesignedupto lookoutfortheirneighbours.

Withadiversecommunity,thesize ofasmallvillage,theeventprovidedan opportunitytobringtogethervarious expertswiththefocusonsupporting lifeaboard.

ItwasdeliveredbySouthDerbyshire localareaco-ordinatorCharlotte Mining,supportedbyHelenAdcock ofSouthDerbyshireCommunity VoluntarySupport(CVS),Ellie GuestofLiveLifeBetterDerbyshire, TinaCurranofDerbyshireCarers

Association,DeniseAustinofDerby CountyCommunityTrust,PaulHemsil ofTeamUpComplexNeedsService andHollyGoodrich,practicemanager atWillingtonSurgery.

Charlottesaid:“Theeventwentreally wellandwehadafantasticturnout.I havehadsomereallypositivefeedback abouttheconversationsthatwerehad.”

Hollyadded:“Itwasgreattomake connectionwiththemarinateam, residentsandtheotherorganisations.”

CelebratingthesuccessfullaunchoftheCruiseMoorschemeare,backrow,fromleft:NickParkes,Droitwich SpaMarina;RobertParton,AqueductMarinaandJoeOliver,DunchurchPoolsMarina.Front,fromleft:Janet Maughan,OverwaterMarinaandDebbieSkinner,WhiteMillsMarina. PHOTOSUPPLIED

Luxurynarrowboat Beatrice wassnappeduponthefirstdayof BoatLife. PHOTOSUPPLIED

DavidBass,left,iscongratulatedbyMickCarringtonattheunveilingoftheworkboatnamedafterhim. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

BoatLifetradereport P40 Boatreview P41

BoatLifesolidifiesposition withUKboatingcommunity

ByPhilPickin

WARMsunshinegreetedthefirstdayof BoatLife2024attheNEC–something ofachangefromthebadweatherthat befelllastyear’sevent,whichcouldbe partofthereasonwhyvisitornumbers forthe2024showheldupwell.Withthis year’svisitornumberscloselymatching thoseof2023,theorganisersnowfeel thattheeventhas“solidifieditsposition asanimportantsalesshowfortheUK boatingcommunity.”

Thisyear’sshowdidseemtohave fewerinlandwaterwaysboatsonshow; however,theorganisersassuredmethat thespacegivenovertothewaterways remainedthesameaslastyear.Infact,it felltoLakelandLeisuretoprovideoneof theevent’smostsignificantnewsstories whentheysoldtwonarrowboatsonthe firstday.Theshow’scontinuedemphasis onlifestyleandfamilyfunwerereflected intheactivitiesinthepool,beachand bararea.

Asusual,witheventsofthistype,there werealotofboatsandequipmentofall typesonshow,fromRIBsandkayaks throughtoprobablythelargestvessel intheshow,the Waterlodge.Fishinggear andawiderangeofwhatyoumightcall ‘lifestyle’companieshadequipmentand servicesonoffer.Asaresult,itdidn’t matterifyouwantedalengthofropeor anarrowboat;youcouldfindonehere.

Despitetherebeingfewernarrowboats onshow,therewereplentyofstandsof interesttothewaterwayscommunity, includingsomeofthecompanies featuredinrecentnewsstories.Onewas therecentlyannouncedcollaboration betweenBarrusandHybridMarine. Althoughthelinksbetweenthetwohave beenwellestablishedforyears,itisonly recentlythatanewbusinesshasbeen formedbetweenthetwo.Althoughthe Barrusstanddidn’tshowanarrowboat package,aShireHybridwasonshow tovisitors.

Discountscheme

Thefirstdayoftheshowalsosaw theofficiallaunchofCruiseMoor, thenewcollaborationbetweenfive inlandwaterwaysmarinas:Aqueduct, DroitwichSpa,DunchurchPools, OverwaterandWhiteMillsmarinas (seepage39).Thefiveindependent family-runmarinasareofferingvisitors theopportunitytostayoneachofthe marinasonavisitormooringforupto twoweekswitha20%discount.The newschemewaslaunchedduringa Q&Asessiononthemainstageatwhich arepresentativefromeachmarina outlinedtheadvantagesofmakinguse ofthisnewcollaboration.

Althoughoutboardsarenotthe chosenpowerplantofyouraverage waterwaysusertherearesomefor whomtheyareideal,anditseemsthat itisthissectionofthemarketthatis seeingthebiggestshiftintotheuseof electricmotors.Itseemedthatwherever youturned,therewasanewelectric outboard,manyofwhichwereonoffer fromsomeofthebignames.Mostofthe unitsonshowwereofamodestsizeand poweroutput, withpetrol

stillseemingtodominatethelarger poweroutputs.Butifthisisanexample ofthegrowthinthissectionofthe market,thereisagoodchanceelectric outboardswillexpandintothehigher outputendofthemarketinfuture.

Havinggotusedtoseeingtraditional outboards,itstillcomesassomething ofasurprisetoseethedesignofsome ofthesenewoutboards.Theyalmost seemunfinished,butmanufacturers likeePropulsionassuredmethat appearancescouldbedeceptiveand thattheywereverycapableoutboards. Eventhedesignofsomeoftheboatson showseemtobetryingtokeepupwith thefuturisticdesignbrief.Thequestion is,willweseesimilarlyradicaldesign developmentsonthewaterwaysover thecomingyears?Itremainstobeseen.

Nottobeoutdonebyallthesenew outboarddesigns,LynchMotors ofDevonhadanumberofelectric motoroptionsonshow.Itsdirector, TrevorLees,outlinedanumberof developmentsthecompanyhasbeen workingon,includingtacklingtheoften difficultissueofbeingabletocarryout a‘straightswap’forthosewhowant tochangefromdieseltoelectricwith aminimumamountoffussandcost.

Ihopetobeabletobringyou moreinformationaboutthisin futureissuesof TowpathTalk, asdevelopmentslikethiscould bejustwhatsomepeopleare waitingfor.

Itwasn’tjustshinynew equipment,boatsortempting offersthatattractedattention. TheAccessibleWaterways Association’sstandseemed tobecontinuallybusywith associationmemberschatting tovisitorsabouttheworkofthe group.Theassociation’sTracey Clarketoldmethatmembers havebeenveryencouragedby theresponsestheyreceivedto theirfirstin-personmeetingin BirminghaminNovemberoflastyear. Thisyearwillseethematmoreevents acrossthecountry,includingCrick.

Mainstage

eventssuchastheCamping&Caravan Show,whichthisyear,accordingtothe organisers,experienced“adeparture fromitstypicalsell-outstatus”.Itwillbe interestingtoseeifnextyear’sBoatLife (February13-16)willcontinuethetrend.

Themainstagehostedanumberof presentationsthroughouttheshow, including,onthefinalday,theYachting Journalists’Association’sawards ceremony,duringwhichLawrieSmith wasawardedYachtsmanoftheYear andJessPowellandBenGreenhalgh emergedasjointwinnersoftheYoung SailoroftheYearaward.Inmanyways, thisprovestheevent’svalueofbeing abletocoverawiderangeofboating disciplineswhilealsoencouragingthe nextgenerationofboatusers.

RichardDove,directorofBoatLife EventsLtd,said:“Itwasgreattowatch BoatLife’sthirdeditioncometolifeand runsosmoothly.Exhibitorswentallout withtheirdisplays,anditwaswonderful towelcomebothnewandreturning companies.Despitethecurrentclimate, theindustryremainsencouragedbythe steadyflowofsalesfromtherighttype ofbuyers.”

BoatLife’sorganisershaveevery reasontocongratulatethemselveson asuccessfulevent,particularlywhen comparingthemselvestolong-standing

BoatLifealsosawthelaunchoftheCruiseMoor scheme,acollaborationbetweenfivemarinas.

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Electricoutboardsseemedtobeverypopularwith visitors.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

OneofLynchMotors’Electric DriveSolutionsforlargerboats. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN.

BoatLifekickingoffthe2024boatingseason.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Fewernarrowboats wereonshow this year, butthose thatwereprovedto be popular withvisitors. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Drake...themostluxurious hireboatonthecanals?

PhilPickintravelsback toBeaconParkBoatsto lookatoneofthemost impressivehireboats currentlyonofferonthe canals.

WHENyou’vebecomeusedtohire fleetboatsbeingmuchofamuchness regardingstylingandlayout,seeingone ofBeaconPark’sboatscomesasquitea surprise.Duringarecentvisit,Alastair Kirkpatrick,proprietorofthecompany, suggestedIhavealookat Drake,oneof themostrecentadditionstothefleet, andwhenIdid,IhavetoadmitIwas takenaback.

FittedoutinBeaconPark’sown workshopsbyitsskilledteam,the resultisaboatthat’snotonlybeautifully finishedbutalsopackedwithnumerous innovationsandsurprises.Thehullis oneofthelastbuiltbyAlexanderBoat Buildersandwasoriginallydesigned withanumberofadaptationsthatwould maketheresultingboatmoresuitable forlessable-bodiedboaters.However, duringconstruction,thedecisionwas madetoreverttoamoretraditional layoutwhilestillretainingsomeof theoriginalelements,includingthe hugesterndeckarea,thewidestentry stepsyouwillfindonanyboatonthe waterwaysandawideaccesscorridor runningalongtheportside.

Grandentrance

Ifyoueverwanttomakeagrand entranceontoaboat Drake provides youwiththeidealopportunity,asthe widestaircasewithhandrailsiscapped offwithapairofhand-carvedduckson eachnewelpost.At2.6m(8ft6in)wide andalmost19m(60ft)long, Drake isnot asmallboat,andgoodusehasbeenput toeverybitofthespaceonoffer.This internalareahasbeenincreasedby(in Alastair’swords)“ditchingthefront deck”,whichhasincreasedthespacein theforwardloungeareaandhasmade theboat‘gasfree’.

Drake’s layoutmakesitidealfor twocouplestousetheboatincomfort whileenjoyingasignificantamountof privacy.Toachievethis,whatmustbe thelargestmasterbathroomyouwill findonanyboatofthistypeislocated betweenthetwodoubleberths,each fittedwith5ftdoublebeds.Themaster bathroomisfittedwithalargeshower areawiththeshowerheadinsetinto theceilingtoprovidethemaximum amountofheadroom.Evenherethereis plentyofdaylightfromaskylightlocated abovethewashbasin.Andwhilethe secondbathroomissmaller,it’sequally luxurious,andeachisfittedwithelectric flushingtoilets.

Bamboo

Insomethingofadeparturefromthe norm,theflooringin Drake isbamboo andwaschosenduetoitsextreme hardwearingproperties,quiteapart fromthefactthatitalsolooksgood. Theinternalwallsarelinedwithamixof ashandsapelewhichgivestheinterior somethingofayachtfeeltoit.Thelarge windowsinthemainlivingareahave beenlowered,whichhasresultedin aperfectvantagepointfromwhichto watchtheboat’snaturalnamesakes

floatingpast,evenwhenyou’reseated. Thesewindowsaredouble-glazedand aseriesofskylightsprovideevenmore daylight.Insetbesidethesearemore LEDlightsthatcomplementthosealong thekickandskirtingboards.

Theheartofmanyahome,bethat floatingorfixed,isthekitchen,andthe galleyareaisjustasimpressiveasthe restoftheboat,withblackworktopsto bothsides,matchingfridge,ovenand inductionhobwithanextractorhood fittedabove.Amicrowaveishidden inoneofthemanystoragecupboards abovewhichisacoffeemakerand toaster.Aflexiblemixertapisfittedto

thestainlesssteeldoublesinkinsetinto oneoftheworktopswhichrunalong bothsidesofthegalleyarea.

With Drake beinggasless,additional batterycapacityhasbeenprovidedvia two5kWlithiumbatteries,charged fromaMastervolt250ampalternator drivenbythe40hpYamahaengine. Thesebatterieshavebeenconveniently locatedbelowthecruiserdeckandare accessedviaahatch,whichhasbeen finishedwithTek-Dek.Propulsionis viaaPRM150gearboxconnectedtoa centreAGMcouplingand,tohelpwith manoeuvring, Drake isfittedwitha bowthruster.Heatingisprovidedbya wetsystemandaseriesofstylishgrey radiators,butthiscanbesupplemented bylightingthesolidfuelstoveinthe livingarea.Fuelforthisstovecomesin theformofbriquettesmadefromthe sawdustandwasteproducedinthe workshopsofBeaconParkBoatswhen itsfleetofdayandholidayboatsare beingbuiltandrefurbished.

Theresultofallthisinnovationand attentiontodetailisastunningboat, onethatisavailableforhireviathe company’swebsite.Although Drake is uniqueandpartofahirefleet,itisgood toseethekindofinnovationthatwould normallyonlybeavailableonabespoke newbuildboatforaprivateowner;there isnoreasonwhysomeoftheseideas cannotbeincorporatedintootherboats. Ifnothingelse,theycanprovidethe inspirationforanyonecontemplatinga refurbishmentofanexistingboat.With agrowingfleetofelectricdayboats, whichwehopetolookatlaterinthe year,BeaconParkBoatswouldseemto besettingthebenchmarkveryhigh.

Thatisaverylargeshower!

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

TechnicalSpecification

Style: Cruiser

Length: 60ft

Width: 8ft6in

Berths: Four

Engine&Transmission: 40hp

YamahaenginethroughaPRM 150gearboxconnectedtoacentre AGMcoupling.Bowthrusterfitted Heating: Centralheatingwith radiatorsandasolidfuelstove

Bathrooms: Two Builderandhirefleetoperator: BeaconParkBoatsLtd,The Boathouse,HillsideRoad, Llangattock,Powys,WalesNP8 1EQ.Tel:01873858277.website: www.beaconparkboats.com

Theloweredwindowson Drake maylookunusualfromtheoutsidebut makeallthedifferencetothoseonboard.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Largecruisersternprovidesplentyofspacetomovearoundandmake useoftherailcushions.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Thesecondbathroomisnonetoo shabby. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Noshortageofseatinginthelivingarea. PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Animpressivegalleywithplentyofroomtomovearoundsafely. PHOTO: PHILPICKIN

Cosyandspacious5ftdoubleberthinthemainbedroom.

PHOTO:PHILPICKIN

Bankholidaybreaks

THEbeautiful3000-milenetworkofBritain’s inlandwaterwaysweavesthroughthecountryside intosomeofourbest-lovedtownsandcities.To celebratetheforthcomingMaybankholidays, Driftershaspublishedaguidetothebestbank holidayboatingcitybreaks.

Worcester: Thisbeautifulcathedralcityonthe RiverSevernisconnectedtothecanalnetworkat DiglisJunction.Driftersofferscanalboatholidays fromWorcesterMarina.Fromthere,boaterscan completetheDroitwichRingonashortbreak.This 20-milecircuittakesboatersthroughWorcester alongtheRiverSevern,alongtheDroitwichCanals andasectionoftheWorcester&BirminghamCanal. Thereare33locksandittakesaround16hours.

Bath: FromBradfordonAvonontheKennet &AvonCanalontheedgeoftheCotswoldHills inWiltshire,boaterscancruisetotheUNESCO WorldHeritageCityofBathandback.Thesix-hour journeytoSydneyWharfontheedgeofthecity centretravelsninemilesthroughtheAvonValley, passingthroughthreelocksalongtheway.Boaters canmoorupatSydneyWharfandtakeatripinto Bathcitycentretovisitattractionsincludingthe RomanBathsandRoyalCrescent.

01606 833668

Middlewich, Cheshire

Edinburgh: Onafour-nightbreakfromDrifters’ canalboatrentallocationatFalkirkwherethe ScottishLowlandcanalsmeet,boaterscancruise toEdinburghQuayandback.Theroutestartsat thesiteoftheFalkirkWheel,theworld’sfirst rotatingboatlift.ThejourneyalongtheUnion CanalgoesthroughtheFalkirkTunnel,across themagnificentAvonAqueductandthrough thevillagesofLinlithgowandRatho.Oncein Edinburgh,boaterscanmoorupinEdinburgh Quayandwalkintothecitycentretovisit attractionsincludingHolyroodPalaceandMary KingClose.

GreenLockontheRiverCam.Fromthere,boaters canexploreCambridge,includingKing’sCollege Chapelandquaintstreetsfilledwithantiqueshops, museums,artgalleries,restaurantsandtearooms. ThejourneyfromElytoCambridgeandWicken Fenandbacktravels38miles,passesthroughsix locks(threeeachway)andtakesaround13hours.

Formoreinformationcall:03449840322orvisit: www.drifters.co.uk

PufferSteamboatHolidays Cruise the sea lochs and cana s of Scotland’s West Coast in an orig na steam powered Clyde Puffer

Tel:07780936407Visit:savethepuffer.co.uk

Enjoyapeacefulandtranquilholidayon thepicturesequeFenlandwaterways

Oxford: FromDrifters’baseontheRiver Thames,boaterscanreachOxfordinaround three-and-a-halfhours,passingthroughfour locksalongtheway.Thereareplacestomoor upnearHytheBridge,ashortwalkintothecity centre.PlacestovisitincludeOxfordCastle,the BodleianLibraryandtheAshmoleanMuseum.

Cambridge: OnashortbreakfromDrifters baseontheRiverOuseatEly,boaterscancruise totheworld-famoushistoriccityofCambridge andback.TherearemooringsjustbelowJesus

Bridge

Boatyard

Ely,Cambridgeshire

www.bridgeboatyard.com

ThestunningFalkirkWheelapproach.BeautifulBradfordonAvon.

G

OakwoodMarina

gl

01606331961

glamping@oakwoodmarina.co.uk

www.oakwoodmarina.co.uk

TheRiverSevern,Worcester. ALLPHOTOS:JANETRICHARDSON

ComfortfoodontheCut

StoryandphotosbyKevinThomas

ASIsitaboard SabiStar inourCaenHillMarina berth,andtypethis,weareenteringspringand temperaturesarepickingup–yetitcanstillbequite chillyofanevening.

Ifwegobackafewmonths,Octoberisalwaysa monthBrenandIlookforwardto.Forus,itmeans readyaccesstounpeeled,plump,juicy,Argentinian jumbokingprawns.Lidlimportsthem,deep frozen,directlyfromArgentina.Theyareobviously harvestedonastrictlycontrolledsustainableyield basis.Thisishowitshouldbe,andtheyareonly availableuntilearlyJanuary,orthereabouts.Inthe threemonthstheyareavailable,however,weenjoy themvirtuallyeverySaturdayevening…andeven keepafewbagsinthefreezertoseeusthrough!

Perhapshavingspentmyentireboyhoodyears closetoMozambiquehadaninfluenceonmy tastebudslikingperi-periprawnssomuch.The ArgentinianprawnsatLidlcomedeep-frozenina 720gbag,andonaveragethereareabout65prawns inthebag,whichatjustover£9isagooddeal, wethink.

Normally,Brenpreparesthembyfirstdefrosting thembylayingtheprawnsbetweenafewsheets ofpapertowel.Thisabsorbsallthewaterasthey defrost.Shethensautéstheminbutterwitha tablespoonoflightoliveoil,sothebutterdoesn’t burn.Tothis,sheaddsfreshchoppedgarlic,dry chilliflakes,orinplaceofthechilliflakes,finely choppedfreshbird’seyechillies(myfavourite). Thesebirdeyechillies areavailablein

mostUKsupermarketchainsandareimported freshfromSouthAfrica,KenyaandBulgaria. Strangeasitis,IfindtheBulgarianchillieshave themostheat,followedbytheKenyanchillies. Weenjoyourprawnsonabedoffriedrice, towhichBrenaddschoppedmushrooms,with choppedgreenandredpeppers.Thericemixis merelystir-fried.Onceallisready,weeachenjoy about20prawnsonabedofrice.Alongsideour plateofprawnsisasmallbowlofwarmwater,with slicedlemoninit,weusethistorinsetheoiloffour fingersafterwe’vepeeledourprawns.Thereare alsotwolittlebowls,onewitholiveoiland

Exploring theThames

ASELF-driveThamescruiseallows holidaymakerstoexploretwosectionsofthe river,thewesternandeasternends.

StartingatLeBoat’sBensonbase,families canpartakeinaninformationtrailaroundKing HenryVIII’shomeatHamptonCourt,orvisit EtonCollege,where20primeministerswere schooled,beforesettlingatMichelin-starred pub,TheCoach,inMarlow,whichcanentertain themostrestlesstraveller.Thedreamingspires anduniversitiesofOxfordareasix-hourcruiseto thewestofBenson,orheadeastandinsixhours guestscanbeinHenley-on-Thames,thehomeof Britishrowing.

HeadingdowntoLeBoat’sChertseybase, guestswillarriveinhistoricWindsorinnotime, wherethewholefamilycanexploreWindsor Castle,takeafamilyaudiotour,andsoakup thetown’sroyalatmosphere.Fancysomefun? LegolandWindsorResortandThorpeParkare bothastone’sthrowaway,withtheirfunrides andliveshows.Therearecountlessthingsforthe kidstodoalongtheriver,makingtheThamesa holidaythey’llrememberforever.

Formoreinformationvisit:www.leboat. co.ukorcall:02392801630.

Perfectlysautéedunpeeledprawns,with asqueezeoflemonjuice,andreadytobe served.

finelychoppedchillies,andonewitholiveoiland finelychoppedgarlic.Thesearetodrizzleoverthe peeledprawnsandricebeforeyougetstuckin.The leftoverprawnswekeepforthefollowingday,and afterpeelingthemweeachplaceabout10inahalf avocado,andlightlydrizzlethemwithSoysauce

andchilli.It’sarealtreat.

Wineisobviouslyalwaysagood accompanimenttoprawns,orforthatmatter, anyseafood,andmyfavouriteisanItalian PinotGrigio,althoughBrenonlydrinksred winesooptsforaglassofred(ortwo)withher meal. SabiStar mightnotbeasun-saturated

Aself-drivecruisemakesforagreatfamilybreak.

Mozambiquebeach,alongsidetheturquoiseIndian Ocean,however,onachillynightwhileseated inourtoastywarmboatenjoyingplumppeeled prawns,I’mquitecontentwithourfabulousfood thatwarmsthesoul.

Readytobeenjoyed,peeledprawnsona bedofricewiththeaddedingredients.The peeledanddiscardedskinscanbeseenin thesideplate.Optionaladditionsarethebird eyechillies,andgarlicinoliveoil.Thelemon waterisforrinsingoilyfingersafterpeeling theprawns.

Thechoppedchestnutmushroomsandgreenpeppers,withchillies beinglightlyfried.

Friedricemixedwithchoppedgreenandredpeppers,chestnut mushroomsandbirdeyechillies.

ArgentinianjumbokingprawnsandKenyan birdeyechillies,withsmokedgarlic.

Sautéingcommenceswiththeprawnsina mixofoliveoilandbutter.

Start-of-seasonboatchecks

BenSutcliffe-Davieshelpsusoutwithkeypreparationtipsbeforecastingoff.

Fuel: Withsomecrafthavingnotbeen runforfiveorsixmonths,it’slikelythat thefuelcouldbecontaminated.Look atyourinlinefuelfilters;ifyouhave aprimaryfuelfilterwithaclearbowl checkitforcontamination.Mostinline filtersdohaveasmalldrain-offtothe bottomofthetank,it’sworthdrainingoff apinttocheckthefuelcondition.Ifnot, tryanduseasmallsiphontodrawsome wateroffthebaseofthetank.Likewise, doingaregularcheckeveryfewmonths willhelpconfirmwhat'sgoingonin thetank.

Deckfiller: Regardlessofifyouhave petrolordieselpowermostownerswill haveadeckfilleronthesidedeck.Check theconditionofthecapseal,manyhave anO-ring–‘anydoubtchuckitout’–replaceandthengreasethethreadswith asilicongrease.Anysmallamountof waterinthetankwillcauseproblems atsomepointandwithdieselcan encouragethedreadeddieselbugissues. Tryandkeepfueltanksfull,thisdoes twothings:itlowersthechanceofwater causingproblemstothefueland,ifyou haveafuelleakinthesystem,itgives youclearindicationthereareproblems.

Tankcondition: Withthedesignof moststeelcanalcraftthefueltankmakes upalargepartoftherearofthecraft.It’s nevereasytofullyinspect,especiallyif youhaven’tgotadrain-downplugon thetank.However,takingasamplewith ahoseandsiphonpumpintoajarcan alsohelpshowtheconditionofthefuel. Ifyoufindyouhavethedreadeddiesel bugtheneitherdrainingthetankand deepcleaningisoftentheonlywayto dealwithit.Therearesomecompanies whodosuccessfullycleanthefueland putanadditiveintohelp.

Fuellinesandfilters: Replacefilters everyyear.Checkconditionofthefuel lines,ensuretheyarewellsupportedand anyrubberhosesareingoodcondition, notrubbingonedgesorfittingswithin theenginecompartment.Lookoutfor perishingandensuretheyaremarked ISO7840.Mostrubberhoseshaveagood operationallifeofabout10years.

Batteries: Overthelast12months manybatteriesmayhavenotbeen properlycycledwithagooddischarge etc.BatterieslikebeingworkedsoI havealreadyseenissueswherethey arecompletelydeadandwon’tretakea charge.Checkthatbatteriesaresecure andnotrelyingonthemaincablingto holdtheminposition.Likewise,check terminalsareproperlycoveredandfitted ingoodventedframes/boxes.Ensure theyareabout10mmaparttoensure

theydon’toverheatwhenoncharge.

Alternator: Checktheconditionof wirestoandfromthealternatorare secureandwhentheengineisrunning checkitactuallychargesthebatteries; somecontrolpanelshavealightorvoltmeter.Withshorepowerandonboard chargingsystems,sometimesafaulty batteryoralternatorisn’tspotteduntil you’vebeenrelyingonthebatteriesso it’swellworthrunningsystemsatthe berthforawhilewithoutshorepower connected.Ifyouareunsureofthe batteryconditiontheycanhaveadrop testundertakenthatwillquicklyconfirm cellcondition.

Drivebelts: Onmanyenginesthere willbetwodrivebelts–oneforthe enginealternatorandthesecondfor adomesticbankchargingplusengine waterpumps,dependingonthetypeof system.Veryoftenwithdrivebeltsand pulleys,smallamountsofcorrosionwill almostcertainlydeveloponthepulley “vees”;thiswillbecomeabrasivetothe rubberdrivebeltsandinsomecases willcausedthebelttofailinhours. Thefirstclueistotheinsideofthe enginecompartmentwhenthedrives potentiallywillthrowrubberfinesonto theareasofthealternatorbodies.

Thesecondistouseyourphone cameraandtakeaquicksnapofthe pulleysandenlargeit.Lastlythemost obviousisthatthebeltwill,despite havingbeentensioned,becomeslack injustafewhours.

Coolantsystems: Thiswinterthere hasbeenarealriskoffreezingofthe systemsobeforeyoustarttheengine checkthebodyoftheenginecasting foranyfracturestothewaterjacket.Ifit hasaninternalwatersystemcheckthe

waterlevels.Ifit’slowinvestigatewhy. Themajorityofthecraftontheinland watershavesomemeansofinternal water-cooledenginethatdoesrelyon agoodwatercirculation,withoneor twoskintanksfitted.Withthistypeof coolantsystems,thewatershouldhave antifreezetoprotectthesystem.Most modernantifreezeshavecorrosion inhibitorsinthem,whichcangostale afterabouttwoorthreeyears;it’svery importanttoreplaceitwiththecorrect typeofantifreeze.Ensureyoumixit toasuitablestrengthtoprotectthe engineforthenextfewseasons.Once started,seetheenginewarmupand checkitiscirculatingthewaterandit’s notoverheating.

Waterpump: Checkeachseasonthe conditionofthewaterpumpimpeller(s) andpumphousingcondition,ensure youhavesparesandtherighttoolson boardtobeabletochangethem.When theengineisrunning,monitorany temperaturegaugesoralarmsfittedas thesewillprovequiteuseful.

Engine: Checktheconditionofall waterhoses.Watchoutforperishingof themespeciallywheretheyaretightly returnedthroughbulkheads.Ifyou haveacalorifier,don’tforgettolookat

thehosestoandfromitaswell.Ifyour enginehasarawwatersystem,look attheconditionoftheseacockand thesecurityofclampswithintherun. Doubleclampingisstronglyadvised.

Enginesecurity: Enginemounts normallyfailfromperishingorfromoil contaminationratherthangoingsoft fromuse.Mountsvarydependingon thetypeofinstallationbutwithfrequent checkingyouwillgetanideawhenthey arenotrightwhiletheengineisrunning. Generally,rubbermountslastabout 10years.

Exhaust: Aregularchecktothe conditionofthepipeworkandsecurity ofanyjointsisimportant.Withdry exhaustsystemsitisessentialtoensure thesystemisairtightorthereisavery highriskoffillingthecompartment andaccommodationwithcarbon monoxide.Onesimpletestiswiththe enginerunning,usearagandholdit overthedischargebrieflyandlistenfor anyblowingwithintherun.Checkyour carbonmonoxidealarmstillworks. Asever,ifindoubtgetanexperttodo thechecksatthesametimeasaservice. Ihopeyouhaveagreattrouble-free season.Findmanyhelpfultipsonmy YouTubechannel:BenSutcliffeMarine.

Slackandworndrivebelts–notealltherubberbeltfinescontaminating theenginearea.

FromHullonlytofullyfitted narrow&widebeamboats builttoyourowndesign 57ftcruisersfullyfittedfrom£125,500 AintreeBeetlerangestartingfrom£45,000

Over28yearsofexperiencesellingindividually inspected,wellpresentedboatsfromyourown mooringanywhereintheUK,orfromourbaseat NorthKilworthMarina,LE176HY

Whetheryouarebuyingorsellingourwebsiteispackedwithinformation andupdateddaily

Establishedin1974,Colecrafthavegainedtheexperience andexpertisetoensurethattheboatwebuildforyouwill lastforyearstocome.

Allourboatsarecustomdesignedandbuiltto individualrequirements. Boatsarebuilttoordertoanystageofcompletion–froma barehullorsuperstructuretoluxuriouslyfittedandfinished. Webuildnarrowbeamandwidebeamboatsforprivateand tradecustomersandarepossiblythelargestsupplierof steelshellstootherboatbuilders/fitters. OurlatesttripboatsincludeCrusaderComunity(Widebeam withHybridpropulsion-fullMCAcertification), Electra(Narrowbeamwithelectricpropulsion-12passengers) andKingfisherMark(Widebeamwithelectricpropulsion12passengers). OurweldersarecodedtomeetMCArequirements.

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•New,60’narrowboat,reverselayout,semicruiserstern,dieselpropulsion

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Viking 26 Widebeam – 2013 – Mercury 25hp Outboard

Well presented 4 berth river cruiser located at Boroughbridge Marina Ideal family boat ready for the season £29,995

Fairline 32 Sedan – 1985 – 2 x 165hp Volvo Penta

Diesel inboards Located at Staniland Marina, this classic Fairline is on a mooring which can be retained Flybridge version £24,995

Salter Bros 30 – 1980 – 32hp BMC Diesel inboard – This ex-hire Broads Cruiser is ideal for a family getting into boating Easy to drive, simple layout and spacious, she is located at Staniland marina where a berth can be retained £19,995

P & D Sea Hunter Viper – 2023 NEW – 30hp Tohatsu

Outboard This brand new package is ready to go Fully loaded, this Viper has all the needs of a dayboat including lighting, cushioned seating, tonneau cover and storage, REDUCED to £14,995 inc VAT

Fletcher Zingaro 30 – 1988 – 2 x Volvo Penta 138hp

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until 2026, Lily ensures a sophisticated and comfortable lifestyle on the water

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DE DONKERE DOGG - a 62 ft 6’ by 12 ft 7’ Dutch Barge constructed in the Netherlands in 1922, equipped with a Ford 115hp engine This vessel comprises a saloon with head height of 5ft 7’, galley, bedroom with storage, bathroom with a shower and a wheelhouse with a washing machine Maintained in excellent condition, it offers potential mooring in the Bristol/Bath area, accompanied by a Boat Safety Certificate valid until June 2025 This lovingly maintained barge has undergone interior renovations, transforming it into an exceptional floating residence

£89,950

JUST CHILLIN - a 55ft Cruiser crafted by Classic Narrowboats, boasting a generously sized enclosed stern Equipped with a reliable Beta 38hp Engine, a sturdy solid fuel stove, a range of electrical systems, a well-appointed galley complete with appliances, four comfortable berths, a walk-through bathroom featuring a cassette toilet, and a valid BSC until July 2024 Recently blacked with new anodes in 2021

CARPE DIEM - a 57ft traditional boat featuring a Beta Marine 38hp engine, central heating requiring attention, and a comfortable Aarrow solid fuel stove The galley is equipped with a Vanette cooker, Shoreline fridge, Twin Tub washer/dryer, and solid wood countertops The boat offers accommodation for 5 berths, a walkthrough bathroom, a cratch cover, and a side hatch It is BSC certified until 2025 and was last blacked in 2019 Embark on your boating journey today!

StanilandMarinaBoatsForSale

Colvic Northerner 26 – 1973 – 32hp BMC Diesel

Inboard Refurbished in 2020, this classic boat is a good example of the popular river cruiser Available with a berth at Boroughbridge Marina where she lies £12,995

Birchwood 29 Sedan – 1980 – Ford 150hp Inboard

Diesel Lying at Boroughbridge, this spacious cruiser requires some DIY TLC but will make a fabulous family boat Berth can be retained if required £12,995

Viking 26 Centre Cockpit – 1992 – 25hp Johnson

Outboard Available with a berth at Staniland Marina where she is located, this popular river cruiser with aft cabin is a great family starter boat £12,495

Seamaster 27 – 1977 – 32hp BMC Inboard Diesel Typical river cruiser with 4 berths Located at Staniland Marina where a berth is retainable Ready to go for

•EngineandHeatingServicing

•BreakdownCalloutandRepairs

•Gas,ElectricalandPlumbingSpecialists

•EngineSalesandInstallation

•Traditionalboatpainting

•SpecialistsinHistoricenginesandcraft

•BoatBrokerage MOORINGS

•MarinaMoorings

•LongandshorttermMoorings

•Coal,Gas,Diesel&Pumpouts DRYDOCK

•BottomBlacking

•AnodeReplacement

•CabinPainting

•Welding

•Surveys

TRANQUILLITY£34,950 42ftTrad4berth,1981byColecraft.Excellent condition,Hullshotblastand2packepoxy, BSSexpires:11/2025.1ownerfromnewvery reluctantsale!

SHUGLEY £49,950

57ft,1991,NorthWestNarrowboats.Areluctantsale ofaverywellcaredforcraft,oneownerfromnew. Mitsubishiengine,solarpanels,centralheating, recenthullsurvey.10/6/4steelspec.

LOCKDOWN£56,950 Newjustarrived,65ftsemi-trad,2007builtby LiverpoolBoats,immaculateinternalwithnew bathroomandkitchen,Isuzu42engine,last blacked2020.BSCMarch2024.

KENTISHSTAR£39,950

58ft,2009,Probuild/BlackPrince,6+2berth -theidealfamilyboatwithoptionalsleeping arrangementof2singlebeds/4bunkbeds/ doublebedintherearcabin.Isuzu42Hpengine.

TA-RA-A-BIT£42,500

50ft,1997,CharlieFox.Cruiserstern.Just arrived,bethefirsttosee.

SARAHJANE£64,950

57ft,2003LiverpoolBoatsTrad,stylishlyrefitted 2023.IsuzuMarineengine,Victronenergyinverter.

CALBRI£34,950 55ft,1997,Cruiser.Newjust arrived,fulldetailscomingsoon.

SHOOTINGSTAR £44,950 50ft,2011,DraytonBoatServices. ShootingStarisawellappointed2 +2berthfittedwithaVetusM4.17 engine.

BOATOFTHEMONTH

REDHILLMARINA BOAT

HOIST&SLIPWAY

GRAND CULO (RM1)

60ft X 12ft

NEW LIFESTYLE NARROWBOAT (LS1)

60ft Steel Narrowboat, Soar Valley Build Lifestyle Fit Out, 45hp Barris Diesel Engine Spacious Contemporary Design £155,000InclusiveofVAT

IN

(TBS1)

SALES

PANTA RHEI (TBS2) 33ft

Facilitiesforupto60tonBoats, Widebeams&DutchBarges

BELGIUM (RB1)

30ft Narrowboat, Traditional Interior Ready to use, Survey Available on Viewing

Transport Quotes for UK Wide Delivery £16,500

IO (TBS3)

40ft Narrowboat Sailaway, Large Front Deck, SR2 Lister Diesel All Welding Work Completed to Highest Standard, 2 Packed Hull £16,500

MISSY LEE (TBS4)

37ft X 13ft Jack Powls Fibreglass Sea Going Cruiser, x2 Perkins 6cyl Turbo Diesel Engines Partly Refitted to High Spec, 600w Solar Plenty Outdoor Deck Area £16,000

HOUSEBOAT PAN (RM2)

40ft X 12ft Steel Houseboat Pan, In Process of Being Built Masses of Potential £9,500

RatcliffeonSoar,Nottingham,NG110EB Tel:07429253325/07760627421

Email:enquiries@redhill-marina.co.uk

AtSwanleyBrokeragewetakepridein ourprofessionalapproachandunrivalled reputationinsellingnarrowboatsforourclients. OurfriendlyandexperiencedBrokerageteam ensureourclientssailsmoothlythroughthe buyingandsellingprocess.

Ifyouwouldliketofindoutmore aboutwhatwecanofferplease call 01270524855 oremail sales@swanleybrokerage.co.uk

SwanleyBridgeMarina,SpringeLane,Swanley,Nantwich, Cheshire,CW58NR- www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk

OPEN7DAYSAWEEK

NEWLYLISTEDWIDEBEAMS AVAILABLEFROM£100,000

SPECIALISTWIDEBEAMAND

WaltonMarina| 01932221689

HartfordMarina| 01480274707

PyrfordMarina| 01932343275

UptonMarina| 01684593111

StourportMarina| 01299827082

ThamesandKennetMarina| 01189477770

Tel:01933551622

boatsales@tingdene.net

www.tingdeneboating.com

VIKINGCANALBOAT65'X12'05'' 'TheJupiter' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

COLLINGWOOD57'X10' 'PlanB’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

COLLINGWOOD60'X10' 'Blaenafon' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

SAGARMARINEDUTCHBARGE ‘LadyMacbeth' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £177,500

WIDEBEAMS&BARGES

BOURNE/NICKTHORPE52' 'Hollie' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £85,000

JONATHANWILSON/FERNWOOD 'GeorginaC' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net £69,950

NEW57'SEMITRADREVERSELAYOUT JonathanWilson/SteveEllis thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

SEAOTTER33'NARROWBOAT 'Dovetail’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £51,950

NARROWBOATS

NARROWBOAT57'6'' 'Bolli’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net £56,950

NARROWBOAT50' ‘Alder' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £44,950

NARROWBOAT58'JDBOATS ‘Dymphna' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £62,950

NARROWBOAT60'RERRYBABCOCK ‘YinTang' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net £54,950

NARROWBOATSALESOFFICES

WALKERBOATS60'x12' DUTCHBARGE 'DreamCatcher'|£225,500 |thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

INTRODUCING THEFAREHAM

Let'sgo

DiscovertheFareham,forstylish modernlivingonthewater.

This60ftnarrowboatfeaturestheclassicreverselayoutwith thegalleyatthesternandareallybeautifulinteriorfinish.

FittedwithaCanaline42HPdieselinboardengine,itcomes withanimpressivespecandincludes4berths,bowthruster, pramcanopy,sterncushions,MorsoSquirrelsolidfuelstove, L-shapedinetteandawashingmachine.

TheFarehamcosts£160,000inc.VATandcomeswith 3monthsfreemooringatselectAquavistamarinas.Come andseethisshinynewboatat SawleyWaterside&Marina orviewitonlineat aquavista.com –we'resureyou'llagree it'sreallyspecial.

BraunstonMarinaLtd TheWharf

Braunston Nr.Daventry Northamptonshire NN117JH

THEREAREMANYGOODREASONSWHYYOUSHOULDSERIOUSLYCONSIDERLETTINGUSSELLYOURBOAT.....

Herearejusttwo:

 Wehaveaprovenrecordforhighandquickturnoverofboatsalesfoundedonourfamousandprominentlocation

 Anexcellentandefficientpurchasingprocedureforourbuyersbackedupbyourcomprehensiveboatyardfacilitiesandservices,and attentive,caringstaff.

CONTACTOURSALESTEAMFORFURTHERINFORMATION

BOATSURGENTLYREQUIREDFORSALETHISSEASON

•Moorings•NarrowboatSales•SteelworkbyArrangement•Chandlery•PumpOut •Laundrette•Diesel•CalorGas•Dry&WetDocks•Blacking•DIYFacilities•Engine Repairs&Servicing•Painting&Signwriting•RopeFenders•Refits&Alterations

24m Tug Style

2005 57ft –John White hull

2001 50ft – Colecraft hull and fitout. Powered by an Beta 1505 Cylinder with a PRM150 Gearbox.

2003 55ft

2004

2006 49ft – Napton Narrowboats hull and fitout. Powered by a Shire 1952 with a PRM260 Gearbox. Boat safety until May 2026.

QualityRiverandCanalMotor Cruisersareavailabletoviewby appointmentatourLeicestershire indoorshowroom.Over20years experienceand2,500boatssold.

Length28ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built1995,6 Berths,cooker,toilet,fridge,shower,hotand coldwaterssystem,12and240voltselectrics, CREAMLEATHERETTECUSHIONCOVERS WITHBLUEPIPING,excellentcanopy,powered byaSuzuki20Hp4stokeoutboardengine (new2023),Bsc2028,alloriginalgelcoat(not painted),hullandsuperstructurefullypolished, newantifouling,includesnewmooringropes, cleanfenders,etc,FREEDELIVERYwithin250 milesorlocalmooringavailable

VIKING20 £13,995 Length20ft,Beam7ft4ins,Built1991,4Berths, cookerwith2ringhobandgrill,pumpedwater system,separatetoiletwithportapotti,12and 240voltselectrics,NEWCREAMLEATHERETTE CABINCUSHIONCOVERSWITHBLUEPIPING, NEWCANOPY,NEWSIDEANDFLOORCARPETS, NEWHEADLING,poweredbyaHonda15Hp4 strokeoutboardengine,justbeenfullyserviced, Bsc2028,alloriginalgelcoat(notpainted), hullpolishedandnewantifouling,includesnew mooringropes,cleanfenders,etc,FREEDELIVERY within250milesorlocalmooringavailable,

VIKING23 £19,995 Length23ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built1995,4Berths, cooker,toilet,fridge,shower,hotandcoldwater system,WARMAIRHEATING,12and240volts electrics,NEWCREAMLEATHERETTECUSHION COVERSWITHBLUEPIPING,NEWCABINAND COCKPITSIDELININGSANDFLOORCARPETS, poweredbyHonda15Hp4strokeoutboardengine, Bsc2028,alloriginalgelcoat(notpainted),hull andsuperstructurefullypolished,newantifouling, includesnewmooringropes,cleanfenders,etc, freedeliverywithin250milesorlocalmooring available,SUPERBBOATINSUPERBCONDITION

AstheVikingMotorCruisersPremierAgentwearedelighted toannouncethearrivaloftheNEWVIKING26WIDEBEAM GOLDENCROWNEDITIONtocelebrate50yearsofViking MotorCruisers.Withneweasyaccessliftoutcockpitsides, newopenplancabinlayout,2tonecockpitupholsteryand warmairheatingasstandard,alongwiththeusualfittings includingcookerwithhob,grill&oven,fridge,hotand coldwatersystem,shower,cassettetoilet,12&240volts electrics,6berths,anda30Hp4strokeoutboardengine.

Pricedat£64,995.

Bookyourviewingnowon07721382619.

MARICK £33,995

40ftcruisersternbuilt1997byPaulBarberpoweredbyBMC1500inboard dieselengine.Fromthesternisthebathroomcomprisingofsmallbathwith showerover,handwashbasinsetinstoragecabinet,mirrorandThetfordporta potti.Thebedroomhasamade-updoublebedwithstorageunder,overhead lockersandgunnelstorage.Movingforwardisthegalleywithstainlesssteelsink &drainerwithtiledsplash-back&work-tops,fridge,4ringgashob,oven&grill, andbulkheadcupboards.Themaincabinhasfixedseatingwhichalsomakesa guestbed,gunnelshelving,solidfuelstovemountedonatiledplinth&surround,

Fromthebowistheopenplanlivingareawithsolidfuelstove andsofabed,nextisthegalleywith4ringgashob,grilland oven,stainlesssteelsink,fridgeandgraniteworktops,thewash roomisnextwithalargeshower,sinkunitandpump-outtoilet, thebedroomistotherearoftheboatandhasafixeddouble withacentralheatingradiatorandwardrobe.IncludesWebasto Centralheating,combiinvertercharger,12and240volts electrics,pramcanopy,3xsolarpanelsandaBsctoMay2025.

HEYPRESTO £46,995

Length58ft,Beam6ft10ins,Built2003byJLPinderwithasemi tradstern,poweredbyaBarrusShiredieselengine,standard layoutwithmainlivingareaatthefrontwithasolidfuelstove andfreestandingfurniture,nextisthegalleywithafullsizegas cooker,fridge,stainlesssteelsinkanddrainerandunitsrunning bothsides,nextisthebathroomwithashoweroverasmall bath,handwashbasinandcassettetoilet,towardsthesternof theboatisthebedroomwithafixeddoublebed,thereisa3kw inverter,120ampbatterycharger,solarpanels,immersionheater, 12and240voltselectricsandpramcanopy.BsctoJuly2025

SUENOS

REF10541-Teiwaz 60foottugstylenarrowboat.£44,950.00

REF10550-Eclipse. 70foottraditionalsternnarrowboat.£54,950.00.

REF10559 70footcruisersternnarrowboat.£42,950.00.

REF10558–Ladydog. 57foottraditionalsternnarrowboat.£69,950.00.

REF10547-BlueDiamond 60foottraditionalsternnarrowboat.£49,950.00

REF10539-QueenMaeve 46footsemitraditionalsternnarrowboat.REDUCEDTO£26,950.00

REF10551-HighlandMist. 56footsemitraditionalsternnarrowboat.JUSTARRIVED.£34,950.00.

REF10552-BrummieJem. 65foottugstylenarrowboat.JUSTARRIVED.£49,950.00.

REF10556–MixedEmotion. 57foottraditionalsternnarrowboat.£46,950.00.

REF10557–Manana. 42foottugstylenarrowboat.£34,950.00.

BALLAST

BOATBUILDER

BOATPAINTERS

BOATSWANTED BOOKS

CANALIA

BOATSWANTED

CANOPIES

ELECTRICALEQUIPMENT

GRAPHICS

CANOPIES

GRITBLASTING

HEATING

CLEANINGPRODUCTS

INSURANCE

COURSES

Dave Freeman

Over25yearsexperienceonthe inlandwaterways

MarineSurveys&BSS Examinations For aCompetitive Quote &PromptService

Tel07918677782

CoveringallAreas BasedBridge69Trent& MerseyCanal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

Narrowboat Surveyor

&BoatSafetyExaminer

MichaelClarke

Dip.S.C.SurAMIMarEST

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

•AFriendlyandProfessionalService •FullyQualified&Insured

•UltrasonicPre-purchase& HullConditionSurveys

•NotravellingCharges-Allareas coveredNorthamptonbased 01604858868 07944856351

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

CetecMarine

Est.1992

Afriendlyandprofessional fullyinsuredservice Steel,GRP&Timbercraft Pre-purchasesurveys Insurancesurveys

Valuations

UltrasonicTesting

PhoneChrisHolmes 07860254369 01784464899 surveyors@cetec.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

AreasCovered 10,12,13,14,15

RHYSKILLIN

Dip.S.C.Sur BSSExaminer

BSSExamination from£160

NeedaSurveyorBoat SafetyExaminer?

Services isanindependentcompanyproviding professionalandcomprehensivesupport servicestoNarrowboatsandInland Waterwaysvessels. BasedinNorthamptonshireweare ideallyplacedtoofferourservices.

Ourservicesinclude:

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 Tel07748861795 rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

MARK EDWARDS

MABSSE BoatSafety

Allclassesofvessels examined Landlords’GasSafety Certificates Caravans,RV’sand domesticproperties

Tel07970384047

Areascovered:2,4,5

•Hullcondition,Pre-purchase,Insuranceand Valuationsurveys. (AccreditedYDSAmember) •Marineconsultancy. Northamptonshireandsurroundingareas.

AREACOVERED:5,6,8,9,10,14 07903945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

BSSExaminer,MarineSurveyor& MarineTechnicalConsultant

Cleanermarinabid

ONEofIreland’slongest-established andmostexperiencedcruiserhire companies,Carrickcraft,hasannounced theintroductionofHVObiofueltoits rangeofboatsforthe2024season.

HVOisasustainable,low-carbon, drop-inreplacementfordieseloil whichCarrickcraftbelieveswill reduceemissionsby92%andimprove boatperformanceandreliability,as wellasresultinginacleanermarina andhealthieratmosphereforboth customersandstaff.

Thosechoosingtohireaboatwith Carrickcraftwillbecontributingin apositivewaytoamoresustainable environment.

OperatingalongthemajesticShannon andtheShannon-Ernenetworkof waterways,Carrickcrafthasprovided idylliccruisingholidaysinIreland foralmost50yearsfromitsbasesat

Carrick-on-Shannon,Banagher and,morerecently,Ballanaleck nearEnniskillen.

Discovermoreat:www. carrickcraft.com

Thefuelchangewillalsohelpto preservehabitatsthathirersmay encounterontheirboatingjourney,in particulartheShannonCallows,which arehometoawidevarietyofbirdand plantlife. ACarrickcraftboatontheLoughAllenCanal.

Ram’sIslandneedsyou!

THERiverBannandLoughNeagh Association(RBLNA)isappealing forvolunteerstohelpwiththeRam’s IslandHeritageProject.

Ram’sIslandisnearlyonemilelong byaquarterofamilewideandisthe largestislandonLoughNeaghin NorthernIreland.Notablefeaturesof theislandincludearoundtowerand theruinsoftheO’Neill’s19th-century summerhouse.Itsremotewilderness andlost-in-timequalitiesmakeRam’s Islandapleasantandattractiveplace tovisit.

Formanyyearstheonlysourceof fundinghascomefromtheAntrim andNewtownabbeyBorough Council.Thisissupplementedwith theincomereceivedfromcamping,

glampinganddaytripstotheisland butwithongoingissueswith Island Warrior,whichhasbeeninuseasa regularferrytotheislandsince2006, thesehavebecomelimited.

TheRam’sIslandHeritageProject isrunbyasmallteamofvolunteers workingtirelesslyfortheregistered charityRBLNA.Therearenopaidstaff andeverythingisundertakenbythe volunteerswhichmeansthat100% ofdonationsreceivedgoestowards themaintenance,upkeepandcareof Ram’sIslandbuttheprojectisvastand morehelpisurgentlyneeded.From litterpickingtoHimalayanbalsam bashing,whetheryouareskilledor unskilled,Ram’sIslandneedsyou!

Ram’sIslandglamping.

PHOTOS:RBLNA

IWAIcelebrates PlatinumJubilee

THEInlandWaterwaysAssociationof Ireland(IWAI)wasformed70years agoandistocelebratethisyear’s PlatinumJubileewithagardenparty foritsmembersinthegroundsofthe birthplaceoftheassociation,IWAI HQDunrovin.

IWAIHQDunrovinwastheformer homeofColonelHarryRice,the founderoftheassociationinIreland. Theacreofgroundsontheshoresof LoughReeatCoosanPoint,Athlone wasbequeathedtotheassociation and,inrecentyears,hasbeen extensivelydevelopedtohouseboth ameetingplacefortheIWAIandan RNLIlifeboatstation.

Thegroundsaremadeupofmature treesandwoodlandwalksandcanbe bookedbyanyIWAIbranchforevents ormeetings.

RecentlyIWAIAthloneplanted floweringbulbsaroundthesitethat overlookstheentrancetoLoughRee’s InnerLakeswhichshouldcreatea spectacularfloralvistaeveryspring formanyyearstocome.

TheIWAIalsohasafullcalendar

ofeventsthroughout2024which includesrallies,cruisesincompany, boatsafetyandtraining,walks andtalks.ThePlatinumJubilee coincideswithanumberofother specialmilestonesincludingthe 60thanniversaryoftheformationof IWAIDublin,whiletheRoyalCanal AmenityGroup(RCAG)celebratesthe 50thanniversaryofitsfounding,and theGrandCanalcelebratesthe220th anniversaryofitsofficialopeningto throughtrafficontotheShannon. TofindoutmoreabouttheIWAI, visititswebsiteat:www.iwai.ie

Ifyouareinterestedinvolunteering, canhelpinanyotherwayorassist withaccessingfundingforthe IslandWarrior, pleasecontactthe Ram’sIslandHeritageProject.Tel: Roberton+44(0)7886088286or mail:volunteers@ramsisland.org

Forfurtherdetailsvisitthe Ram’sIslandwebsiteat:www. ramsisland.org

PermissionsoughtforworksonBarrowNavigation

WATERWAYSIreland(WI)has soughttheconsentoftheplanning authoritiesforafive-yearprogramme ofmaintenanceworksalongtheBarrow Navigationattownlandsthroughout CoCarlow,CoLaoisandCoKildare.

Theproposedworkswillconsistof essentialmaintenanceandrepairof thenavigationassetsandwillinclude dredgingandback-drainmaintenance aswellastowpathandbankrepairs.

Themaintenanceworkswhichare beingproposedbyWIwillseekto improvetheassetsalongtheBarrow navigation,whichisanationally importantrecreationandnavigation corridorandalsohasauniqueheritage andbiodiversityvalue.

TheBarrowNavigationfeaturesmany bridges,locksandbuildingsthatare protectedstructuresand/ornational monuments.

Thesenecessarymaintenance workswillseektoprotectthese structuresaswellasthenatural,

culturalandamenitypotentialof thecorridorandassuch,ensurethe continueduseandaccessibilityof

thewaterwaysforallusers.Following validation,theplanningdocuments willbepubliclyavailableonthe threecouncils’planningportals.WI encouragesthepublicandinterested partiestofamiliarisethemselveswith thedocumentsandsubmitpotential feedbacktothecouncils.

GerardBayly,seniorengineeronthe BarrowwithWaterwaysIreland,said: “TheBarrowNavigationisanationally importantheritagecorridorcomprising arichtapestryofnatural,builtand culturalassets.

“AtWaterwaysIreland,ourgoalis toensurewecanprovidesafeand sustainableexperiencesforallusersof ourwaterways.Weseektomaintainthe heritageandbiodiversityofIreland’s waterwayswhileprovidingahighqualitynavigationandrecreation offering,forthebenefitofall.”

IWAIHQDunrovin.

PHOTO:PADRAIGDEVANEY

TheIWAIShannonRally. PHOTO:MARKGLEESON

AnIWAIevent,RichmondHarbour,RoyalCanal,Richmond.

IslandWarrior outonthewater.

Stone-builtbridgeontheBarrow. PHOTO:WATERWAYSIRELAND

TheRam’sIslandpontoon.

Nomoresoggydoggy

BargeBeagle–sniffingout goodfindsforcrewswith canines

ByAlisonAlderton

EVERYdogneedsagoodtowel, particularlywithalltherecentinclement weatherwehavebeenexperiencing.

Whilemostlovetobedriedwitha thick,fluffycottontowel,thesecanbe impracticalforanumberofreasons;they canbebig,bulkyandheavy,unsuitable forsmallstoragespacesortravel purposes,puppiesandsmallerbreeds mayfindtheweightuncomfortableand theycantakealongtimetodry.With thisinmind,BargeBeaglehasbeen seekingoutanalternative.

Availablefromanumberofsuppliers, suchasHoolarooandTeddyT’s(via Amazon),istheluxuriouslysoftand superabsorbentmicrofibretowel.These arelightweight,donottakeupasmuch roomasabulkytraditionaltowel–ideal forcompactboatcabins–andwhen venturingoutonahikecanbeeasily rolledupandslippedintoaknapsack withoutweighingyoudown.

BargeBeaglecanbeamuckypup;he

lovestopaddleinpuddlesandsnuffle throughmuddywoodlands,resulting inthemicrofibretowelreceivingafull workout.Itstooduptothejobextremely well,infactsurprisinglywell,givenjust howlightitfeelsinyourhands.

Asyouwouldexpect,thedryingtime isalsoreducedcomparedwiththatofa moretraditionaltowel,whichisamazing whenyouconsiderthatmicrofibrecan holduptoseventimesitsownweight inwater.Itisnotdifficulttohangup anddry–forexample,thelightnesswill allowthetoweltobehungonalaundry peghanger,anotherpluspointforsmall boatcabinsandforthosewithlimited outsidespace.

Thetowelscomeinawiderangeof colours,featureanembroideredpaw printandcanbepersonalisedwith yourowndog’sname,orperhapsyour boatnameifsodesired.Thismakesthe towelagreatgiftideatooand,being lightweight,caneasilybepackedintoa jiffybagandpoppedintothepost.

Thedownsidetomicrofibrewhich issynthetic,madeupofpolyesters, polyamidesandpolypropylene,isin thewashingasminuteplasticscan bereleasedintotheenvironmentvia thewatersystem.However,itwinsin otherareassuchasusinglesswaterto produce,lessdyetocolouritandlasting longerthancottoncomparisons.

BargeBeagleloveshismicrofibre towelbutrecommendsthoroughly researchingtheprosandconspriorto purchasetoensureyourownpersonal greenandsustainabilityethosismet.

A100cmx60cmsizemicrofibredog towelweighingabout400gwillcost intheregionof£15.99pluspostand packaging.

PetsontheCut

RosieandJim‘em-bark’ ontheirmaidenvoyage

ByAlisonWilkerson

WEHAVEownedour1978,38ft, 1500BMC-poweredCalcutt-built narrowboat,purchasedviaeBay,for nearly10years.Overthoseyearswe havehadanumberoffriends’dogs aboardfordaytripcruiseswiththeir humanowners,ofcourse.We’vealso hadafewunfamiliardogsventure onourboatwhilemooredup,tothe embarrassmentoftheirowners,who hastilytrytoencouragethemoffwhile apologising.However,wedon’tactually mindandalwayshavedogbiscuitsin thegalleyandputabowloffreshwater onthetowpathnexttoourboat,once safelyandsecurelymooredup.

Wepurchasedtwoadultlifejackets priortopurchasingourboatand recentlyasmallchildren’sonewhich haveallbeenwornwhendeemed appropriateandnecessary–pluswe alsohavealittledoggielifejacket aboardandaliferingasit’sbetterto besafethansorry.Havingwitnessedan off-leadpuppyslipintherainandfall justinfrontoflockgates,itshowsjust howquicklyaccidentscanhappenand howdangerouswaterandlockscanbe. Thankfullyaquick-thinkingandacting crewmembergrabbedthepuppyby thescruffofitsneckandpulleditout. Hehadnocollarorlifejacketon.Afew secondslaterandhewouldhavebeen suckedunderduetotheforceofthe waterthroughthepaddles.

Soafteralltheyearsofborrowing dogs,wefinallyadoptedtworescue

dogsfromourlocalRSPCAcentre. Amum,athree-year-oldtricolour CavalierKingCharlesspanielandher son,asix-month-oldcavapoowhich wenamed…RosieandJimofcourse, afterthechildren’sTVseries.Wedid nothaveanydifficultychoosingtheir namesbuttendtocallJim,Jimmy. Afterafewmonthsofgettingthem inastableroutineandusedtotheir newhome(weliveondryland)and surroundings,aswellasthemgetting usedtousandvisaversa,weembarked (excusethepun),onourmaidenvoyage together.However,notbeingfamiliar withtheirbackgroundandanywater orboatingexperience,wepurchased anotherlifejacketfromalocalDogs Trustcharityshopandtheywereluckily

bothtolerantofhavingthemputon. Tasknumberone.

Oursecondtaskwastogetthemto walk,withleadson,onthejettynext toourboat,whichtheydidwithout hesitationandwereeagertostepon thestern,withoutanyassistance. Theenginewasalreadyrunningso obviouslythatdidnotbotherthemand theystoodandwatchedtheworldgoby aswecommencedourjourney.

Theylovedthewindintheirfurand gotexcitedwhentheysawwildfowl andotherdogssowehadtokeep calmjustincasetheyweretempted tojumpin.Whenabouttomoorup theyevenmanagedthecabinsteps andstayedinside,soourfirsttripwas arealsuccess!

ByLeeSenior

Seedsofannualhalf-hardysummerbedding plantsthatcanbesownnowincludethelikesof ageratum,marigold,impatiensandsalvia.Protect fromfrostuntiltheendofMay.

Thestartofanewgardeningseasonisuponusand springismyfavouritetimeofyear,fullofexciting anticipationforthewarmermonthsahead.

AllacrosstheUK,budsareburstingintonew growth.Thereisplentyoftreeblossomvisiblefrom thetowpathprovidedbythelikesoftheflowering cherry(Prunus)withitseye-catchingwhiteor lilac-pinkblossomandhedgerowfavouritessuch ashawthornandblackthorn(Prunusspinosa).

Atgroundlevel,theunderstoryplantingis dominatedbybluebells,celandines,dandelions, woodanemones,commondog-violets,cowslips andmore.

Topicalmonthlytasks

Aprilisagreatmonthforsowingbothflowerand vegetableseeds.

Growingyourownsaladisquiteeasytodo anddoesn’ttakeuptoomuchroom.Seedsofthe minilettuce‘LittleGem’canbesownfromnow throughoutthesummer.Itisperfectforsmallareas andcontainersandwon’ttakeuptoomuchroom. Mixedsaladleavescanalsobesownnowandare readytoeatamonthlater.Theyareperfectforadding crunchandflavourtosandwiches!

Theseedsofdwarfvarietiesofcucumbersand tomatoescanalsobesowningentleheatthismonth alongwithmizuna,rocketandspringonion.

Earlyandsecondearlypotatoeswillgrowvery successfullyinlargecontainers,barrels,sacks orevenoldcompostbagscontainingJohnInnes compostorgoodqualitygardencompost.

Ifplantednowtheywillbereadyforharvestin 10-12weeks.Protectfromfrostatalltimesandearth upasrequired.

BargeBeaglewrappedinhismicrofibretowel.

RosieandJimintheirsplendiddoggielifejackets.

KenNormancontinueshisseriesoffrivolousbirdcartoonswhich hecreateswhilerelaxingonboardhisnarrowboat Daedalus

Left:Personalisedmicrofibre towel.

Agoodlightweighttowelfor boatingdogs.

ScottishCanalsandGlasgowCity Councilenterglobalcompetition

GLASGOWhasjoined14citiesaround theworld,includingNewYork, MilanandBrussels,toenteraglobal designcompetitionthatcouldsee thecontinuedtransformationofthe city’scanalcorridor.Theglobaldesign competitionforprofessionals,C40’s ReinventingCities,launcheditsfourth editioninFebruarywithScottishCanals andGlasgowCityCouncilsubmitting theApplecrosssite,locatedonthe Forth&ClydeCanalinthecity.C40isa networkofnearly100citiestakingaction toconfronttheclimatecrisis.

Thecompetitionaimsto transformunderusedurbansites throughinnovativeandzero-carbon projects,designedanddevelopedby architects,planners,developersand environmentalists.NorthGlasgow hasalreadyseennewdevelopment includingthePinkstonWatersports complex,ClaypitsLocalNatureReserve, StockingfieldBridgeandEurope’sfirst Smartcanalschemewhichhasunlocked hugeswathesoflandforregeneration anddevelopment.

Smartwaterengineering

Glasgow’sSmartcanalisplayingan importantpartintheregeneration ofnorthGlasgowwhereproblems withsurfacewateracrosslargeareas preventedanydevelopment.The£17m projectwasacombinedeffortfrom ScottishCanals,ScottishWaterand GlasgowCityCouncil.Limitedcapacity intheexistingdrainagesystemsmeant thataninnovativesolutionhadto befoundandtheSmartcanalwas theanswer.

Usingpredictiveweathertechnology

andsensors,thewaterlevelislowered byjust100mmacrossthe21milesof theForth&Clydecanal’stoppound, creatingextracapacityforthesurface waterrun-offvianewdrainagesystems, weirsandsluicesintothecanalandfrom northGlasgowintotheRiverKelvin duringstorms.

Thesystemdivertsthewateraway fromthesewers–reducingtheriskof floodingandpollution–andanswers theproblemofhowtodealwithexcess surfacewater.Theentiresystemcanbe monitoredandmanagedremotely.

Theuseofnewtechandthehistoric canalbringsgreaterresiliencetolongtermclimatechange,increasedrainfall

andthelikelihoodofextremeweather events.Onapracticallevel,thereare alsomoney-savingbenefits.If,for

BellatheBeithirunveiledinGlasgow

STOCKINGFIELDBridge isnowliterallyand figurativelyonthemap withtheunveilingin FebruaryofScotland’s largestcommunitymosaic artworkproject,theBeithir.

TheBeithirformsthe centrepieceofoneof22 artworkscommissioned byScottishCanalsforthe parklandsurrounding thenewcanalbridgeat StockingfieldJunctionon theForth&ClydeCanal.

TheBeithiris,likeits Kelpiecousins,amythical creaturefromScottish

folklore,inthiscasea serpent.

Glasgow’sBeithirwas conjuredupbyScottish artistNicholWheatley, withcollaborationfrom LouiseNolanandRuth ImpeyfromMakeIt Glasgowtocreateand installthemosaictiles.

Theenormouscreature’s head,threemetreswide, twometreshighandfour metreslong,hasbeen decoratedinmosaictiles. Thenextstageoftheproject willbetodecoratethe entirelengthoftheBeithir’s

bodywithtilescales.It’s envisagedthatthiswilltake fiveyearsandinvolveupto 30,000people.Community isatthecentreofboth thebridge(designedfor footandcycleandwhich connectsthreenorth Glasgowcommunities forthefirsttimesincethe canalwasopenedin1790) andtheartwork.

Schoolchildrenand othermembersofthelocal communitydecoratedthe tilesusedontheBeithir headandthemakingand decorationofthescales

willseecommunities cometogetheragain.The majorityoftheartwork comesfromreclaimed materials.

Glasgowwasonce thecentreofScotland’s industrialceramicindustry withaglobalmarket.

Nicholhasaffectionately namedhiscreationBella,a nodtohisheroandmentor, thelateAlisdairGray,who heworkedwithfor15years. Bellaisthemaincharacter inGray’snovel PoorThings, whichhasrecentlybeen adaptedforfilm.

instance,asectionofthecanalneeds drainingforlockgaterepair,thewater levelscanbereducedaheadofthestop planksgoingin,meaningthatthere’s lesswatertobeheldbackanddrained, givingsavingsintimeandbudget. Aswellasbeingthenavigation

authorityforScotland’scanals,Scottish Canalsmustcomplywithawholerange oflegalrequirementsandstatutory dutiesrelatingtowaterqualityand healthandsafety,includingmanaging the19reservoirsthatsupplythecanals withwater.Duringdroughts,wateris drawndownfromthereservoirstokeep thecanalstoppedupwithwater.The waterinthereservoirsthemselvesdrops duringtimesoflowornorainfall.The installationofremotemonitoringand theuseofsustainabledrainagesystems couldmeanthattheexcesswateris storedandusedtomaintainwaterlevels inthenavigation.Remotemonitoringis alreadybeinginstalledonsomeofthe moreremoteanddifficult-to-access reservoirsthatsupplytheCrinanCanal.

Environmentalmonitoringsystems canbeinstalledandexcesswater cleanedatsource,insteadofvia existingsewerageandtreatment plants.It’sacomplexbusiness,butas RossSpeirs,headofengineeringand infrastructureatScottishCanals,says, there’shugepotentialtodevelopwater managementsystemsacrossthecanal systemtopreventfloodingandmeet environmentalrequirementsand concernsinsustainableways.

Toughasoldboots

THE200-year-oldUnionCanalruns for31milesbetweenEdinburghand Falkirk.Itslonghistoryincludesan associationwithBurkeandHare,the notoriousmurdererswhoallegedly usedthecanaltotransportbodies intothecity. Thecanalrecentlyproduced anothermysteryfromthepastwhen anoldbootwasfoundinthedry dockatSeagullTrustCruises’baseat Ratho.It’snotuncommonforrubbish tobewashedintothedrydockbut SeagullTrustvolunteerswereexcited tofindsuchanoldobjectwhenthe dockwasdrained.Ithadobviously beeninthecanalforalongtimeand thecharityimmediatelycontacted NationalMuseumsScotland.After investigation,thebootwasdeclared tobeaman’sleatherworkingboot, withmetallacingeyeletsandpartial laces,datingfrombetween1915–40. Thetrusthasdonatedtheboottothe museumservice,whichwillfurther researchitspast.

TheSeagullTrustcharityisentirely runbyvolunteersandprovidesfree canalcruisesfortheelderly,infirm andthosewithspecialneeds.Stuart Rennie,chairmanof theRathoBranch,has spentmorethan15 yearsvolunteeringon thecanal.Hesaysyou meetmanyinteresting peopleonthewater andthetowpath,most withastorytotell. SeagullTrustCruisesis alwaysonthelookout formorevolunteers andhasadedicated phonenumberand emailaddressfor moreinformation:call 07749034468oremail RathoVolunteer@ seagulltrustcruises. org.uk

The’bodysnatchers’Burkeand Hareworkedasnavviesduringthe constructionoftheUnionCanal. Intheearly19thcentury, EdinburghandGlasgowuniversities werecentresforanatomicalstudy. ByScottishlaw,thesupplyofbodies usedformedicalresearchwas restrictedandtherewasashortage, leadingtounscrupulousgrave robbersprovidingthenecessary. BurkeandHaretookadvantageof thesituationandwere responsibleforaseries of16murdersin1828, whenthebodieswere soldtoEdinburgh University.Visitors tothegraveyardat CadderParishChurch besidetheForth&Clyde CanalwillseeaWatch Housewhere,aftera uneral,relativesand hurchofficialswould mountguardoverthe rave.Itwasthought hatgraverobberswould takeadvantageofthe proximitytothecanal tomovethestolen bodies.

ScottishCanalsbudgetcoversthe costoflargeprojectssuchaslock gaterepairandreplacementon theCaledonianCanal.

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

Theoldbootfoundin thedrydock.

PHOTO: SEAGULLTRUSTCRUISES

BellatheBeithirunveiled.FromleftareRuthImpey,LordProvost JacquelineMclarenandNicholWheatley.Hiddeninsidethemouthisa worldegg.

The old boot found in

ThecanalatApplecross. PHOTO:MARTINSHIELDS

TheWatchHouseatCadder ParishChurch.

PHOTO:CALLUMFREW

TheliftbridgeatApplecross.

PHOTO:SCOTTISHCANALS

DaysOut–Saltaire

Thisseriespickslocationsforgreatdaysoutnearsome veryspecialcanalhighlights−anythingfromtheperfect spotforgongoozling(watchingboatingactivities)to anidyllictowpathstrollpastextraordinarywaterways heritagesightseeing,orperhapsashortboattripand evenabitofsouvenirshopping.Thecanalsarefullof heritageandengineeringwondersandarealsoacalm havenforawidediversityofwildlifeandbirds.You’ll alsoseeboatsonthemoveandbreathethebalmof waterinrustlinggreensurroundings.

Words&images–Coolcanals:Phillippa Greenwood&MartineO’Callaghan

FIRE-spittingchimneysoncechoked thenorthernlandscape;thepreserved buildingscanholdanauraoficonic lonelinessinmemoryoftextileworkers whoenduredpoverty,diseaseand overcrowdedhousing.ButSirTitus Salt’smillisabreathoffreshair,standing boldlybytheLeeds&LiverpoolCanal andtheRiverAire,itsredundant chimneyloomingdownfromthesky withasilentstorythatwantstobeheard.

TheIndustrialRevolutionbrought radicalchange,withthemigrationof theworkforcetonewindustriesalong thecanals,andthenewpeckingorder ofsocialclassesriledinrabidconfusion.

Somemillownersweregreedilyblind tothewrongsofchildlabourandthe socialandeconomicslaveryofworkers

miserablycrammedintourbanslumsof diseaseandsmog.Thankfully,Quakers suchasCadbury,andnon-conformist churchreformerssuchasSalt,provedby examplethatsuccessinbusinesscould bebuiltonfairtrade.

Forhismillworkers,Saltbuiltavillage withneatrowsofhouses,schools,a workers’institute,aparkandmore. Salt’sworkersweregivensecurity, comfortandaqualityoflifebetterthan manyothermillworkersmightexpect. Thenewindustrialcapitalismwasthe cauldronofBritain’sclassstructureand dependedontheso-calledlowerclass. Saltaimedtonurtureacommunitywith onecommoncause-themill.Weavers earnedamodestwageworkingforthe textileindustrythatdominatedworld markets.Saltairetodayisathriving exampleoflivingheritage,immaculately preservedwithordinarylifegoingon.

AbeautifuldayatthetheLeeds&LiverpoolCanalatSaltaire.

Salt’sMillalongsidetheLeeds&LiverpoolCanal.

TheLeeds&LiverpoolCanalatSaltaire.

TitusStreetinSaltaire,whichrunsparallelwithCarolineStreet,the latterbeingnamedafterthewifeofTitusSalt,LadyCaroline.

AbeautifulrowofterracedhousesinTitusStreet.

FACTFILE

Saltaire

TheentireVictorianindustrialvillage ofSaltaire,builtbythephilanthropist SirTitusSalt,isadesignatedUNESCO WorldHeritageSite. whc.unesco.org/en/list

Salt’sMill

Themilloncehoused1200looms producing30,000yardsofalpaca andotherclothsdaily.Steam-driven machineryneeded50tonsofcoal perdayandwaterdrawnfromthe RiverAirethroughpipesrunning underthebuildingandcanal.The mill’scathedralacousticsthatonce bellowedwithloomshavebeen replacedbybackgroundrecordings ofgentlemusic.Nakedbricksarch overheadandstonefloorsechothe atmosphere.Thevoidbetweenis filledwiththelargestpermanent collectionofDavidHockney paintings,andshoppinganddining coverseveralfloors.Thestairsleading throughthelevelsareawayfromthe fussandperhaps,intheiremptiness, holdtherealspiritofthepeoplewho oncetrudgedupanddownthemin aday’swork. www.saltsmill.org.uk

Don’tTellTitus

TitusSaltthoughtalcoholwas

TheTowpathAngler

Ourmonthlylookattheanglingscene

ByDavidKent

IHAVEspentafairbitoftimeinrecent weeks,whentheweatherhasallowed, walkingalongtheErewashCanaland thelocalRiverTrent.Apartfrom tickingtheever-necessaryexercise box,Ihopedtheselittletripswould enablemetoseeifthebehaviourand attitudesofpeopleusingthepaths andtowpathsmightbechanging. StraightawayImustsaythevast majorityofpeopleare,byandlarge, prettytolerantoftheneedsofothers soweareonlyeverreallylookingatthe inconsiderateminority.Ialsowantedto seeiftheviewsofmyfellowanglerswere anydifferent.Notsurprisingly,giventhe ongoingfloodedstateofourrivers,Isaw veryfewfishingthere.

Thatsaid,afewbarbelspecialists wereoutandofthoseIspoketo,most hadbeenpermanentlyhuddledintheir bivviesandsosawandheardverylittle. Oneortwotoldmethatastheywalked thepathsfromtheirparkedvehiclesto theirchosenswimstheywereseeinga significantincreaseindogpooalongthe paths.Interestinglythiswasmirroredby anumberofpeople,includinganglers, whomImetalongthecanaltowpath. Theyallsaidthatthisproblemisactually gettingworse.

verysoonto,hopefully,identifysome resolutionsandkeeptheseclubsonside.

Rainandfloodconsequences

Itdoesbegthequestionaboutthe safetyoftowpathsforanyoneusing them,especiallyforchildren.

Representmembers’views

‘asourceofsocialevil’andhe deliberatelyomittedtobuildalocal boozerforhisworkers.Whatwould hehavesaidwhen,morethan100 yearsafterhisdeath,theBoathouse Innwasopenedrightnexttohis mill.Thepuboverlooksthepark wherewhitedotsofcricketspeckle thegreenandfamiliespushprams andkickballs.Titusprobablywould approveoftheviewsatleast.Saltaire todayevenhasitsownbrewery,and anotherpubhadtheaudacitytoopen inthetree-linedmainstreet,cheekily calledDon’tTellTitus.

Location Saltaire

OSGridref:SE139381

Canal:Leeds&LiverpoolCanal

Howtogetthere

Bytrain NearesttrainstationisSaltaire www.wymetro.com

NationalRailEnquiriesT:08457

484950

Bybus TravelineT:08712002233

Bycar

Largecarparknearthecanal

Onfoot

ThispartoftheLeeds&Liverpool CanalisontheAiredaleGreenway

Route696andNationalCycle NetworkRoute66.

Byboat

Nearestboathire: AngloWelshWaterwayHolidays, Silsdenwww.anglowelsh.co.uk

PennineCruisers,Skiptonwww. penninecruisers.com

SaltaireTripBoat,Saltaire saltairetripboat.wixsite.com/titus SkiptonBoatTrips,Skiptonwww. canaltrips.co.uk

SnaygillBoats,Skiptonwww. snaygillboats.co.uk

Moorings

Thereareplentyofvisitormoorings alongthecanalthroughSaltaire.

Localtouristinfo

YorkshireTouristInformation www.yorkshire.com

Saltairevillagewebsite www.saltairevillage.info

Leeds&LiverpoolCanalSociety www.leedsandliverpoolcanalsociety.co.uk

Canal&RiverTrust

UsetheCanal&RiverTrustwebsiteto findspecificlocalinformation www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Thisleadsmenicelytomynexttopic.I amcurrentlyintheprocessofbuilding anemailgroupofrepresentativesfrom amongthetrust’s240-plusanglingclub customers.Themainobjectiveofthis istoensurethatwhenIspeakwithkey officersatthetrustorattheMembers’ CouncilonbehalfofthoseclubsIcando so,confidentthatItakealongtheviews ofaconsiderablenumberofthoseclubs. Ialreadyhadanumberofclubcontacts inplacebutfollowinganotherrecent circulationofmyintentionsthatnumber isnowrisingquiteimpressively.

Itisimmediatelyclearthatmany ofthetrust’sanglingclubsarefarfrom happy.Issuesrangefromalltheusual anti-socialbehaviour(inallitsforms) incidentstotheequallylong-standing problemssurroundingthetrust’soften poorcommunicationwithitscustomer clubs.Amongthesegrowingnumbers ofresponses,someclubshaveindicated theirfrustrationsareforcingthemto consider“talkingwiththeirfeet”.

Ihopetobeabletomeetwithofficers

Itisnoticeable,nodoubtduetoriversand manystill-watersbeinginaccessibledue toflooding,thatcanalshaveseenmore anglersoflate.Myinformationsuggests, though,thatgenerally,sportonthe canalshasnotbeenparticularlygood. Again,manycanalshavebeenadversely affectedbytherain.Lastweekendasmall clubfishedmylocalcanalandonlyone anglerhadabite,whichhemissed!Also, agoodfriendwholivesinSouthYorkshire travelleduptoamatchontheNew Junctionaweekago.Weightswerewell downonnormalbut,atleast,everyone caught.Itseemedthatpinkies(small maggots)provedtobethebestbait. Sayingthat,pinkiesareprovingtobea goodchoiceofbaitoncommercialstoo. Ispokewithanotherfriend(alsoaDavid) whocamesecondinthecommercial openmatchfortheover-60slastSaturday withalmost40lbofsmallcarp,allofwhich hecaughtonpinkie.

Personally,Ihaveonlywetalinetwice inthepastthreeweeks.Thefirsttime wasdecidedlyunenjoyableasitrained prettymuchallday.Ididmanageto catchacouplethough.Theweatheron thesecondtripwasbeautifulwithsome realwarmthinthesun.Againthefishing washardbutIdidcatch17smallbream andtwocarp,sowaskeptfairlybusy.

Ifyouarethinkingofgettingoutin thecomingdaysjustbearinmindthat, despiteithavingstayedfairlymild,itis stillbesttoapproachyoursessionwith abitofcaution.Fisharestartingtoshow signsofwantingalittlefeedbutlittleis theoperativeword.AsIsaidearlier, pinkiesseemtobeagoodchoiceof baitrightnowsoitmaybeadvisableto takeafewwithyou.Ifyoudoventure outpleasebemindfuloftheamountof waterstillaroundsostaysafe.

Tightlines.

Timetohaveagoatangling

SPRINGintoFishing eventsarehappening alloverthecountry fromAprilrightthrough toJunewithfriendly, helpfulcoachesand volunteerstoshow familieswhatfishingis allabout.

Tackle,instruction andnext-stepsinfoare

allincludedontheday andthesessionsare qualityassuredbythe AnglingTrusttoprovide thebestpossible experienceoffishingto childrenandfamilies.

Initsfifthyear,the campaignisfunded bytheEnvironment AgencyandSport

England,giving everyonethechanceto getoutsideagainafter winter,tryfishingand learnnewskills.

AnglingTrusthead ofparticipationClive Copelandsaid:“Spring intoFishingisthe perfecttimeforfamilies togetbackoutdoors, learntofish,andhave somefunwhenthe countrysideisbursting backintolife.”

Findeventsand subscribeforSpring intoFishingnews andoffersatwww. anglingtrust.net/ springintofishing

ThestunningVictoriaHallinSaltaire.

Ahireboatmooredbythemill.

ThecobbledstreetsofSaltairehavebeenusedin manyTVproductions,fromGentlemanJacktoThe RailwayChildrenReturn.

TheWetWeb

ByHelenGazeley

EVERYONEwhoispuzzledoverorganisingthe interiorofanarrowboatunderstandstheproblem oftryingtomakewhatis,essentially,acorridor feellightandspacious.WhenSharonPeach andhusbandAaranChapmanfellinlovewith narrowboatingafterasingleweekendonthe canalsin2016,itwasaquestionthatwouldleadto acompletelynewventure.

Theyboughtthemselvesarun-down ex-timeshareboatandaskedthemselves:“What happensifwemakealovelyspace?”Researchinto narrowboatinteriorshadn’timpressed.“Itfeltlike narrowboatsingeneralwerestuckinagloomy varnishedplywoodtimewarp,”saysSharon.“We knewwecoulddobetter.”

Applyinginteriordesigntechniquesresulted inamodernlookthatdrewplentyofpraiseand theyrealisedtheywereontosomething.To testouttheiridea,theysurveyed200peopleon narrowboatgroupsandforumsonline.Two-thirds saidthey’dcontemplatemoreonboardholidaysif livingaccommodationweremoremodern,with unfavourablecomparisonsmadebetweenmany hireboatsand1970scaravans.Theresultwas BoutiqueNarrowboats.

OperatingoutofUnionWharf,Market Harborough,AaranandSharonnowrunasmall fleetofholidayhireboats,mainlyforcouples. Thenewconceptinvolved,amongotherthings, acompleterethinkofmaterials.“Materialsneed towithstandsuchextremesofenvironment,”says Sharon.“Attimesoftheyear,everythinggetsdamp, everythinggetsdry.”Practicalandwell-triedas marineplyandvinylareforinteriors,Sharonand Aaranwantedtoleavethembehind.“They’renot verybeautiful,”sheexplains.

Earlytrialsoftongueandgroovepanellingwere notasuccessbecauseofmoistureandtemperature variations.“Itexpandsandcontracts,leavingstrips ofunpaintedwood.Itcracks.”Theanswerhasbeen anMDFproductthatisusuallyputintobathrooms. Earlyattemptsatdoorsresultedinwarping—witha characterthataddswarmthtolightinteriors,those

arenowmadewithareclaimedwoodcladdingover anMDFcoreandarenowanimportantelementin theirsignaturelook.

Butlooksaren’teverything.“Wealwaysknew thatwewantedgueststousetheboatsascloselyas theycantobeingonland,”saysSharon.Aaranisin chargeofengineeringandtheyworkwithaskilled carpenter.Theresultisthatboatshaveking-size beds,alargeshower,andplentyofbatterypowerto allowforappliancesthatincludeacoffeemachine.

Theirlatestaddition, PaperKite,launching thissummer,isgasless.Thisisabonusfroma designpointofview,asitreducesthenumberof ventsrequired.

Whatthey’vedonecertainlyseemstohavegone downwell.InJanuary,theBritishTravelAwards 2023awardedSilvertoBoutiqueNarrowboats astheBestCompanyforUKShortBreaksinthe smallcompaniescategory.“We’resopleased,”says Sharon.“It’svotedforbythepublic.Alotofpeople comebacktousyearafteryear,andcomealong waytostayonourboats–includingfromAmerica andItaly.”

Refittingnarrowboatsturnsouttobea transferableskill.Sharon’snewventureSkipperlings (skipperlings.co.uk),helpsanyoneself-brokering theirboattodresstheirinteriortocreatethebest

FORBREAKING NEWS &BOATSFORSALE visit ourwebsite www.towpathtalk.co.uk

impressionandmaximiseasale.SharonandAaran alsofitoutprivateboatsforownerswhowanta freshapproach–accommodatingwhatSharonsees asanewtrendinnarrowboatownership.“People areviewingthemasmini-apartments,”shesays, “whereasIthinktheyusedtobeseenmoreasa modeoftransport.Whatevertheirtasteisathome, that’swhattheywant.”

So,whataretheirdesignsecrets?Ifyou’veever wishedforalighterfeelandafreerflowofspace, oranalternativetotheubiquitousdinette,Sharon highlightsherideasinaregularblogfortheir website(boutiquenarrowboats.co.uk).

Heritageunderthehammer

A160-year-oldmapofthecourseoftheRiverThames,an authoritativebookletofpapersontheManchesterShipCanaland delightfulriverscenesofleisureactivitiesonboththeWharfeand Wyeareamongcanalandinlandwaterwayssubjectsrecently soldatauction,reportsGeoffCourtney.

Themap,whichwentunder thehammeratthequarterly emailandpostalsaleheldby BrianMoakes’sPaperchase auctionhousethatran fromJanuary14-30,wasa Vacher&Sons’mapdrawn fortheRowingAlmanack andOarsman’sCompanion. Itwaspublishedcirca1860 andshowedthecourseofthe Thamesfromthehistorical landmarkofLondonStonein theCityofLondontoOxford. DrawnbyFWBryant,the pocket-sizedcloth-bound map,whichillustratedlocks, bridges,roadsandrailways, includingtheTwyfordto Henleybranchlinecrossing theriveratWargrave,sold for£40.

TheWyeValleywasthe subjectofthisBRposter bymarineartistGyrth Russellthatsoldfor£460 atauction.

beinganadvisortotheWar OfficeduringtheSecond WorldWarregardingthe camouflageofairfields.

Leisureactivitiesonthe RiverWharfeatIlkley areacentraltheme ofacarriageprintby renownedartistFrank Sherwin. PHOTO:GREAT CENTRALRAILWAYANA 171 J y 202 TheUK’sNumber ONE read for all waterwaysusers TALK TOWPATH FREE 96PAGES BOATS FOR SALE TS P63

swans,leisurecraftanda hand-pulledferrythatcrossed theriver.

FREE INSIDE 2020 YEAR PLANNER YOUNGVOLUNTEER EARNS AWARD P3 NEW APPEALFOR PRESIDENT P4 NARROWBOAT’S UNUSUALCARGO p24 BOATTREKKER AT FINALFRONTIER P25 Boa s gunshot probe Th d b b C d h h h B d d

b Liver ool Lancashir W NG

Towpath Talk alk’s Top T op Teams for 2019 ar eams are revealed anet A p op h h b -

d – h h W d

Winter waters Call01507529529 QUOTEOFFERCODE:TPT05 www.classicmagazines.co.uk/TPT05

Th h CM d p

p al d p h p b –ffi

100-dayachievement UPPERMILLCommunityActionNetwork(UCAN) achievedits100-dayvolunteeringmilestoneafterstarting outi isincludedmorethan230 voluntarywork ylocalpeoplewho,a ng toUCAN,“careabou andarecommittedto,craf ng dmaintainingourbeautifullocalenvironment”. anksweregiventoall supporters,andforthepositive thecommunity.Thenextwork partieswill beonJanuary4and23,andFebruary8and20. meetingpointis10am atthecanalbridge onMoorgat nchange.ContactPeterKilla peterkillan@hotm

Ouse bod es ound E h h Th hh

Thebookletofpaperson theManchesterShipCanal, whichfeaturedinthesame auction,waspublishedbythe InstitutionofCivilEngineers in1898andwastheworkof Williams,EliotandMeadeKing.Itranto88pages, includedafold-outmap, andwentunderthehammer for£46.

Stillonnorthernwaterways, acarriageprintfeaturing leisurecraftonYorkshire’s RiverWharfeatIlkleysold for£15ataGreatCentral Railwayanaauctionon January12.

Itwaspaintedbythe acclaimedDerby-born marineandlandscapeartist FrankSherwin(1896-1986), whoillustratedpostersfora numberofrailwaycompanies. IncludedinSherwin’sCVwas theratherunusualroleof

Thesecondriverscene, whichwentunderthehammer for£460,wasalsosoldby GreatCentralRailwayanaat itsspringauctiononMarch2. Itwasaposterbymarineartist GyrthRussell(1892-1970)that wasissuedbyBritishRailways in1955andillustratedtheWye ValleyatYatGorgefeaturing

Canadian-bornRussell wasanofficialFirstWorld WarartistinnorthernFrance whomovedtotheUKafterthe conflictandalsoservedinthe SecondWorldWar.

Inthesameauction,a MonmouthshireCanal Company2½-milepostsold for£180.AllthreeGreat CentralRailwayanaprices excludethebuyer’spremium of15%(+VAT).

Thiscirca1860smapofthecourseoftheRiverThames fromLondontoOxfordsoldfor£40atauction.

Woodisusedtoaddwarmthtolighter colours. PHOTO:SHARONPEACH

MarbledWhiteshowsthecouple’ssignaturelookofwarmwood, skilledjoineryandlightcolours. PHOTO: SHARONPEACH

Aking-sizebedisstandardinallBoutiqueNarrowboats.

PHOTO: SHARONPEACH

PHOTO:PAPERCHASE

Ahonkingtale

Photos&storybyKevinThomas

AFEWyearsbackIwasn’tsosureif IlikedCanadageese.Ievenwrotea ratherdisparagingarticleaboutthem foramagazine;however,sincethenI’ve grownquitefondofthem,soapologies tothegeeseformyslanderouswords. Grantedthough,they’renoisywhen itcomestocrankingupthe decibelsonthemarina.

Alongthecanalsand waterways,human-habituatedCanada geesecertainlyaren’tshy.They’llquite happilyswimacrosstoanyboatdweller sillyenoughtofeedthem(likeus).And thenthey’llhangaroundtheboat,or standonthepontoon,leeringintoyour boatwhilehavingaloudhonkaboutit.

MostboatdwellersI’vechattedtohave alove-haterelationshipwithCanada geese,andit’sduetothegeese’shabit ofperching,orroosting,onboatcabins, andcausingamess.

Whenthebiggerflocksusedtoroost inCaenHillMarina,andbeforethey’d pairedoff,they’darrivewithalotof noisebuttendedtosettledownonceit gotdark.Inthepre-dawndarkness,the honkingwouldkickoffagain.It’dbuild toacrescendoastheyencouragedeach othertodepart.Andthen,inawelterof water,noiseandflappingwings,they’d liftoff.Wheretheywereheadedto Ihaven’taclue,althoughitwasprobably tofeedinwheatstubbleorsimilar.Over thelastthreeseasons,wehaven’thadthe bigflockssettleinthemarinaovernight.

I’mnotreallysurewhy,asthebigflocks aren’tintimidatedbyourresidentswan whodeteststhem.

DecidingtodelvedeeperintoCanada geesebeingintheUK,Ididsomeonline researchandfoundthey’vebeenhere forcenturies.Thefaultlieswiththe monarchy.Apparently,KingCharlesII

importednumbersofthemfromthe newcoloniesinNorthAmericainabout 1665.Hewantedthemasornamentsin hisLondongarden,normallyreferredto asStJames’sPark.

CanadageesearelargerthantheUK’s nativegraylaggeeseandcertainlymore exoticlooking.Knownascolonialgeese inKingCharlesII’sdays,itwasn’tlong beforetheywerefoundinthegardens ofmanyoftheUK’smoststatelyhomes.

Overtimethough,escapingbecame theorderofthedayandtheescapees soonprocreatedtothepointof establishingaresidentferalCanada goosepopulation.Asmallnumberof Canadageeseapparentlystillmigrate hereeachwinter.However,theUK’s mainpopulationsarethedescendantsof thoseCanadageesewhichoncegraced theBritisharistocracy’sgardens.

Thebigflocksusedtostartarrivingto roostinthemarinaduringlateAugust. Bythentoo,muchofthewheatand barleyonsurroundingfarmshasalready beencombined.Theinvitingstubbleleft onthefieldsattractsthegeese.Bylate Marchthefemalesstartincubating, normally5-7eggs.Duringtheincubation periodthesomewhatprotectivegander standsbyandafterabout30daysthe eggshatch.Thegoslingsaretendedby bothparentsandittakesabout48days beforetheycanfly.Theythenremain withtheirparentsuntilthefollowing breedingseason.Duringextremelycold winterweather,somebirdswillcrossthe EnglishChanneltoFrance,andthere arereputedly62,000breedingpairsof CanadageeseintheUKandmorethan 1000inIreland.

Theparentgeeseseenherecanalsideareattentivetotheiryoung; however,mortalityisattimesquitehighfrompredation.

Couldcanalshelptodivert waterfromflood-riskareas?

Inviewofrecentweather-relatedincidents,Ivor Caplan,IWAnominatedtrusteefortheLichfield& HathertonCanalsRestorationTrust,askswhether canalscanhelptoreduceflooding.

THEhighlevelsofrainfallinearly 2024mayhavemadeyouwonder howtheinlandwaterways,and specificallytheresultsofour restorationefforts,cancontribute towardsmitigatingfloodrisk.

Frommyownexperience, completionoftheDroitwichCanals Restorationin2011,partiallyutilising theRiverSalwarpe,contributedto reducingthefloodriskinVinesPark andthetowncentre.

Ourcanalsareartificialchannels whichcutthroughthenatural drainagepathsandwiththeright investmenttheycouldplayarolein mitigatingfloodrisk.Theyhavethe potentialtointerceptdrainage,hold upflowsandmoveevenmorewater awayfromtownsandpropertiesat risk,tostophousesandbusinesses frombeingflooded.

Thereisalsothepotentialformany ofourstructuresinrivers(weirs, sluicesandlocks)tobemodified toimprovefloodriskmanagement.

Perhapsworthconsideringinthe futurerestorationofLichfield& HathertonCanalsRestoration Trustlocksiswhetherweirscan bedesignedwithagreaterrange

ofoutfallstoallowforvaryingflow conditions.

Thisconstructionmayassistin alleviatingsurfacewaterflooding throughacceptanceandconveyance ofsurfacewaterdischargewhich wouldalsoprovideasourceofwater totopupcanalwaterlevelswhen required.Appropriatesizingofnew culvertsforexistingwatercourses couldbeusedforattenuationof watercoursepeakflowrates.

Althoughourcanalcanhelp toalleviatefloodrisk,weshould alsobeawareoftherisktothe restoredchannelandtowpaths frompossibleovertoppingin floodconditionswhichhasbeen experiencedelsewhere.Allissues forustoconsider,asitseemslikely thatclimatechangewillcausethe UKtoexperienceheavierrainfall andhighersealevels,leadingtoan increasedfloodriskinfuture.

Thisarticle,whichfirstappeared intheL&HCRT’snewsletter CutBothWays,hasbeen reproducedbykindpermission ofIvorCaplan.

Human-habituatedCanadageese aren’tshyaboutvisitingboats.

WenolongergetthebigflocksroostingovernightinCaenHillMarina,andI’mnotsurewhy.

Thegoslingsremain withthe parents until thenext breeding season.

AmatureCanadagoose,oneofa pair,swimmingbetweenlockson theK&A.

IstheGovernmentlistening?

Continuingourongoingseriesofinterviews,Robert Parton,managingdirectorofAqueductMarinaand president-electofBritishMarine,talkstoPhilPickin abouttherecentdiscussionswiththeMinisterfor MaritimeattheDepartmentforTransport

ANUMBERofBritishMarinemembers

recentlyattendedameetingwithLord DaviesofGower,thenewMinister forMaritimeattheDepartmentfor Transport,tooutlinetheprogressthe industryismakingtoreducecarbon emissionsaswellassomeofthe challengesbeingencounteredalong theway.BritishMarine’spresident-elect andownerofAqueductMarina,Robert Parton,tookpartinthemeetingand hasprovideduswithhisviewsonwhat wasdiscussed.

Whatmusthavebeenencouragingfor theBMmemberswhoattendedwasthat, inRobert’sopinion,“theministerwasin listeningmode”andthatduringawiderangingdiscussion,oneofthesubjects thatwouldbeofparticularinteresttothe usersofthewaterwayswasthatofHVO.

Hetoldus:“Oneofthemostimportant pointsIwantedtomakewasthatofthe supplyofhydrogenatedvegetableoil foruseonthewaterways.Withlittle, ifany,HVObeingproducedintheUK combinedwithincreasingdemandas moredieseluserslookforlow-carbon alternatives,thereisalwaysthepotential forsupplydisruption.

“Thispotentialproblem,coupledwith thesignificantpricedifferentialbetween HVOandmineraldiesel,isnotonly puttingoffboatownersfrombuyingthe fuelbutalsocausingmarinastothink twiceaboutinvestinginnewHVOtanks andpumps,thusdelayingtherolloutof alternativefuels.”

Overthepasttwoyears,Aqueduct Marinahassoldintheregionof50klitres ofdieselagainst2klitresofHVO,with thehigherpriceandcustomersbeing unawaretheycansafelyuseHVObeing someofthereasonsforthelackofHVO sales.However,tohelpwiththeissueof

NABOgeneralsecretary PeterBraybrook commentsonsome moretopicalissues.

ICAMEtoboatingfairlylateinlifeat

price,theGovernmenthasintroduced RTFCs(RenewableTransportFuel Certificates),whichwholesalerscan applyfortoreducethedutychargedon biofuels.This,itishoped,willbepassed ontoconsumers.Dieseloutletssuchas marinaswillthenbeabletosellHVO underthesameself-declarationprocess ascurrentlyusedwithstandarddiesel. Thiswillhelpreducethedifference betweenthedifferenttypesoffuel.

AsRobertpointedoutatthemeeting: “We,likemanyothermarinas,are havingtoconsidertheviabilityofthe investmentintheequipmentneeded toimprovetheprovisionofHVOto theboatingcommunity.Weallwant todowhatwecantoreducecarbon emissions,butweareconcernedthat thesuppliesofHVOthatarecominginto thecountrycouldwellbeswallowedup bytheautomotiveandotherindustries, leavinglittleforus”.

WiththeuseofHVObeingjustone wayofreducingcarbonemissionsfrom thewaterways,Robertreportsthat

BirminghamtheBlackCountrywas anythingbutthat.Itwasgreen,verdant andpleasanttocruise.

Inthecity,wesawneedandsome partswere,shallwesay,inneed ofregenerationanddevelopment. Birminghamhasbeenacityin fluxforaslongasIhaveknown it.Sometimestermedthebiggest buildingsiteinEngland,therehave beentowercranesonthecityskyline fordecades.Thereisalwaysaproject goingon.Theprincipleisbetterment, development,andmakingthingsbetter forfuturegenerations.Slumshavebeen cleared,high-riseblockshavebeen replacedwithmorehumanlyscaled developments,industrialareashave beenopenedouttoprovidegreen spacesandnewroadshavebeenbuilt totaketheflowoftrafficaroundthe citycentre.

Thecanaltoohasbeentransformed fromanindustrialtransportationhub ofbasinsandwharvestoatourist attractioninitsownright.Besideit arerestaurantsandbars,meeting hallsandmusicvenues,pleasant walks,museumsandotherlarge attractionsliketheSeaLifeCentre.It isagreatplacetovisit;infact,Iwould

electrificationwasalsodiscussed.“We highlightedthelackofinfrastructure andthefactthatmarinascannotmakea profitfromtheelectricitytheysupplyto boats.Thisresultsinalackofincentiveto investinnewboatchargingequipment.

Wepointedoutthatthisusedtobethe caseintheautomotivesectoruntilthe ruleswerechanged.Asaresult,EV chargersarefarmorewidespreadthan inthepast.Thesameneedstohappen inthemarineindustry,alongwithan improvementingridconnectivity. Thesemeasurescouldwellencourage morepotentialboatownerstooptfor 100%electricsoonerratherthanlater, especiallyintheshorterdayboatwhere electricpropulsionworksbest.”

Robertadded:“Ifeltthatthismeeting providedaninvaluablechancefor BritishMarinetogetacrosstheissues facedbythemarinaleisuresectorand,

aspartofthat,forAqueductMarina tobearepresentativefortheinland waterwaysonthiscriticalmatter.The decarbonisationagendaisachallenge thatposesbothasignificantthreatbut alsosignificantopportunitiesfortheUK marinetrade.”

Someofthequestionsthatcame fromthismeetinghavetobe:wasthe Governmentlisteningtothepoints raised,andifitwas,whatislikelyto happenasaresult?Perhapsmore importantlyfortheminister,the questionofwhetherhewillstillbein postthistimenextyearremainstobe seen.Thiscouldpossiblyhavemore impactontheoutcomeofthemeeting thananythingelse.

WithseriousbushfiresinChile,alack ofsnowintheAlpsandrecordJanuary temperaturesinSpain,let’shopeitisnot alltoolittle,toolate.

recommendmakingitadestinationfor yourstaycation.But,ifyouarevisiting byboat,youwillfindthatthecity centrehasafour-dayrestriction.The moorings‘trial’oflastyearisnowtobe madepermanent.Well,youwouldn’t wanttospendmoreofthetrust’scash onanothersetofbluesigns,wouldyou?

Youwillneedtoascendthe Wolverhampton21outoftheTrent Valley,atleast42locksincludingthe HattonandLapworthflightsfromthe RiverAvonValleyortheCurdworth, Minworth,AstonandFarmersBridge flightsupfromtheTameValley.One routefromtheSevernValleyincludes TardebiggeFlightandmany,many morelocks.Therewasnoshortage ofmooringslastyear.Butthenthere wasnoshortagetheyearbeforeeither. Howcanonemeasurethesuccessof thetrial?Boatmovementdatawould suggestthatfewerboatstriedtoget thereatall.

Weathertakesitstoll

Wehavejustcomethroughthewettest Februaryinhistoryformanypartsof thecountry.Ithinktherehavebeen 16namedstormssincethestartof Septemberanditisnowveryevident

thatclimatechangeandweatherevents areheretostay.Therehavebeentwo majorlandslipsthathavebrought boatingontheNorthOxfordCanaland theWorcesterandBirminghamCanal toahalt.Onewasinaknownunstable cutting.Ihavebeenboatingverygently throughitforalmost20years.There havebeensignsencouragingboaters toslowdown.Ittookmanytreesdown withitwhenitfinallycollapsed.

Butthishasbeenanaccidentwaiting tohappen!

Whatapitythetrustcouldnothave beenproactiveandshoredthecutting upbeforeitendedupinthecanal.No doubtsomeonewillputtheirthinking caponandfindthatthetrustinfact savedmoneybyputtingthisworkoff. Ialsowonderwhethertherehasbeen ascrabbletoreopenthenavigationas quicklyaspossibleorwhethertherehas beenalong-termengineeredsolution toensurethatitdoesnothappenagain inthenearfuture.Therehasalsobeen thefirstdoublepaddlefailureofthe year,meaningthatsomeworkhashad tobedoneonadefectivepaddlerather thancoveringitwithayellowbag.

Asreportedinthelasteditionof TowpathTalk,the2023lockusagedata

hasbeenpublished.Overallitshows thattherehavebeentwofewerlock movementsthanintheyearbefore. Activeboatinghasshrunk.Doesless activityindicatelessinterest?

Ingeneral,ithasalwaysbeenmy intentiontobepartofageneration thatleavesthisworldabetterplacefor itschildrenandgrandchildren.Ithink thatbeingactivelyinvolvedinlifeis onewayofkeepingthataimatthe forefrontofmymind.Unfortunately, though,itappearsthatthereisadearth ofvolunteerstokeepthingsgoing.This monthIhaveheardthataregionofthe AWCChasnotgotenoughpeopleto keepitgoing,leadingtoamerger;an IWAlocalgroupthatusedtohelpin organisingalargecanalfestivalhas toofewmemberswillingtobecome acommitteeandthenationalInland WaterwaysAssociationhasnotbeen abletorecruitorganisersforits organisingcommitteefortheFestival ofWater.WearefortunateinNABOto haveanactivecouncilthatisnotjust retiredpeoplecomingtotheendof theircontributingyears.Weneedto encouragemanymorepeoplewhoare intheirmiddleyearstocomeonboard andpromotetheboatingwayoflife.

BritishMarine’sbreakfastmeetingwithLordDaviesofGower.

LordDaviesofGower. PHOTOS:BRITISHMARINE.

Electricboatcharging.