Towpath Talk - May 2020 - Preview

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Issue 176, June 2020

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Light at the end of the tunnel?

Emerging from the darkness of the Gannow Tunnel on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Burnley.

Could this be the picture for the waterways as we gradually ease out of lockdown?

TEACH YOUR DOG NEW TRICKS

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PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

TWO TIMS TALK OVER LUNCH

P18 PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

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BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

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Waterways set to trickle back into action as lockdown eases IN A gradual easing of lockdown measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic, boaters can now visit their vessels provided the moorings or marinas have reopened.

At the time of going to press, the latest government guidance in England stated day trips to outdoor open spaces, in a private vehicle, are permitted while practising social distancing from other people outside your household. Separate rules applied elsewhere in the UK. Giving its interpretation of the announcement, the Canal & River Trust advised: “You can now visit your boat, provided both you and your boat are in England.

Clearly you will have to confirm that your mooring provider has opened the site where your boat is moored and that you can access it safely. Alternatively, your

mooring provider may be able to carry out checks on your behalf if they are continuing to restrict access.

“Overnight stays are not permitted, so we advise against travelling long distances to visit your boat.”

Previously published guidance regarding the limited use of towpaths and need for social distancing remain in place.

Short-stay visitor moorings, which would usually have returned to their normal times on April 1, were extended, enabling boaters to stay for 14 days until May 23, when it was due to be reviewed.

According to the Government’s advice, all forms of watersports practised on open waterways, including sailing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing and

paddleboarding, were allowed to resume from May 13.

All of these activities must be done alone or with members of your household, and you must always follow social distancing guidelines when encountering others.

CRT stressed: “Watersport activity is permitted for exercise but should not be used for travelling long distances as navigation is still restricted.”

Waterways hire boat holidays are not set to resume before July 4. The Broads Authority announced that it was able to welcome boaters back, day visits only, because maintenance of its waterways had continued throughout the lockdown, see story on page 2.

Canal & River Trust announces three-phase approach to reopening navigations, see also page 2.

Dirt bike scramble

Biodiversity guidance

Fishing resumes

STAFFORDSHIRE Police had seized 50 dirt bikes, some of which were being ridden on canal towpaths, at the time of Towpath Talk going to press. Of these, 17 had been involved in anti-social behaviour and 33 had no insurance or were unregistered. Chief Insp Mat Derrick, who heads the force’s roads policing unit, said this was just the start of their crackdown and pointed out that the police now have drones allowing them to search areas where access is limited.

He also appealed to the public to continue to report these issues.

A SHIFT from ‘infrastructure versus nature’, to an approach where infrastructure is designed, built and maintained in ways that benefit our environment, has led to the publication of a new guidance note written by the Inland Waterways Association’s Restoration Hub team. Introducing Biodiversity Net Gain to Waterway Restorations is designed to support waterway projects with future development opportunities. IWA trustee Mike Palmer said: “BNG will give us the tools to really demonstrate the positive impact waterway restoration can offer.”

THE Angling Trust warmly welcomed the announcement that recreational fishing was among the outdoor sports allowed to resume in England on May 13. This was provided they are carried out alone or with members of the same household and that social distancing rules are followed at all times. This followed weeks of intense advocacy and lobbying by the Angling Trust which unified the angling community and saw 8000 individual emails sent to MPs and dozens of articles in the press in support of a safe return for angling, see page 67.

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WHAT a difference a day – and a decade – make!

Exactly four weeks after writing my welcome to the May edition, it had been feeling a bit like Groundhog Day, with every day blurring into the next following the same stay-at-home routine.

That was until the Prime Minister opened the proverbial can of worms with his ‘road map’ out of lockdown and phased easing of restrictions.

I am writing this on Wednesday, May 13 – the day people could go out again for exercise as many times as they liked and go back to work, if they had to, all within social distancing guidelines.

Each day since the announcement has seen more ‘clarification’ with the resultant press releases from the industries affected, including the inland waterways.

Things have been changing while I have been finishing off the remaining news pages as we go to press which, at this moment in time, have up-to-theminute information… but for how long?

I mentioned a decade – that is because it is 10 years since I wrote my first welcome, having just taken over the editorship of Towpath Talk in May 2010. What a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then.

These were the days of British Waterways, although there was plenty of discussion about the impending move to the ‘third sector’. Although it would be another two years before the Canal & River Trust came into being.

On a sad note, news reached me recently of the death of long-term contributor Suzanne Kelsey, who covered the Thames and Oxford area as well as being a prolific book and pub reviewer. Her name won’t be familiar to many of you because she wrote under the pseudonym Elizabeth Rogers.

I know she still had reviews she was working on so my apologies to any publishers who sent books or pub landlords who she had spoken to, about their non-appearance. Please do contact us if you want us to follow any of these up ourselves.

Stay safe

TOWPATH

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Janet

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – tshaw@mortons.co.uk Advertising sales representative Chris Heaton – cheaton@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm. help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Advertising Tel: 01507 524004. Fax: 01507 529499 Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd. Tel. 01507 523456 Next Issue – June 25, 2020

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Boating is back in England!

BRITISH Marine has welcomed the announcement that all forms of watersports, including the use of privately owned motorised craft, can go ahead.

Considering this in the context of the UK Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Strategy and associated documents, British Marine and The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) conclude that the reopening of marinas (like golf courses), for leisure boating customers is now permissible subject to the strict compliance to social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Although restrictions on outdoor activities have been lifted, many of BM members’ facilities have not had the time to implement the measures set out by the Government to safely manage the gathering of people on their sites.

British Marine would therefore urge all boat owners to consider the following before they plan a day trip to their boat: • Plan ahead – ensure the safety of those around you and try to avoid areas that may attract lots of people.

• Check with your mooring provider before you travel. Be aware that many facilities may not yet be able to open and this could affect services such as fuel and pump-out stations.

• Only use your boat if you can apply social distancing at all times, including when mooring your vessel to leave a safe distance from others.

• Travel with members of your household only, if no one in the group is displaying Covid-19 symptoms.

• You may only meet with people that are not within your household if

Private boats can use Broads waterways

THE Broads Authority received confirmation from Defra as we went to press that privately owned powered boats can be used on the Broads for day trips as long as other guidance on social distancing is followed.

This followed earlier guidance that allowed sailing and paddleboating (including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards) to resume.

While other inland waterways faced a delay in the return of powered private boats, the Broads was able to welcome boaters back because maintenance of the waterways had continued throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.

Chief executive John Packman said: “I want to thank our private boat owners that have continued to pay their tolls during a period when they were not able to enjoy the Broads. It is because of this that we were able to continue the essential work needed to enable their safe return.

“While I still urge all boaters to take appropriate measures to stay safe and

follow government guidelines, it will be great to see people back on the water. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our exercise and recreation does not have a negative impact on our communities and those that have worked so tirelessly to enable some relaxation to the restrictions during this terrible time.”

As well as the relaxation of boating restrictions, owners may also visit their boats for leisure or to do maintenance but are not able to stay overnight away from their usual residence (so day trips only).

The Broads Authority urges people to take care to follow guidelines and respect social distancing and to bear in mind that many businesses associated with boating may not yet be able to open. It is also essential that boaters contact marinas where their vessels are moored directly to see if they are able to access them, as some businesses may not be open or able to facilitate safe access.

you apply social distancing. You should not meet with more than one person outside your household.

• Be aware of the impact on emergency services if you were to get into difficulties. Think about what action you will take if your boat breaks down – recovery services may not be operating.

• Apply all normal sensible safety precautions and always wear a life jacket when on deck.

• Pubs and restaurants are not allowed to open as normal – although some may offer takeaway services.

Check with any businesses you wish to visit before you leave home.

• Be caring and considerate of local residents who may be nervous about the risks of increased numbers of people in the area.

It should also be noted that the Government does not permit the population to leave their homes to ‘stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose’; this suggests that staying overnight on a boat must not happen.

British Marine understands that inland navigation authorities and harbour authorities will also have to consider the Government’s latest guidance in respect of what activities will be permitted across all parts of the UK and how they themselves will return to operation.

Guidance for the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differs and therefore marinas that operate in the UK outside of England remain closed to leisure customers until they are permitted by their government to open.

English waterways to reopen for navigation in three phases IN LINE with the latest government advice issued as we went to press, the Canal & River Trust has announced the phased reopening of navigation to private boating across its waterways in England.

From May 13, private boaters could undertake short boating trips – avoiding use of locks and any staff-operated structures if possible – providing they do not stay away from home overnight and return to their home mooring (where they have one).

From Saturday, May 23 mooring exemptions will come to an end and the trust’s guidance for continuous cruisers comes back into force. This doesn’t mean that every boat without a home mooring needs to move on this day, just that the trust expects it to move off its current mooring within 14 days (by June 6).

Boaters in a high-risk group who need to continue to shield or self-isolate can agree special arrangements with their licence support officer if they haven’t already done so.

From Monday, June 1 the trust anticipates that its navigations will reopen in full, subject to some local

exceptions, making longer journeys on the water possible.

According to current government guidance, those who do not live aboard should not stay overnight.

The trust is seeking further clarification as to whether overnight stays will be permissible once full navigation resumes.

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “I am delighted that the Government has enabled us to announce plans to start to get boating back to normal across English waterways. We ask customers to make just short, local trips from today, with full navigation restored from June 1, as it will take time to get the entire network fully operational, and booking for some passages and services will be required.

“Some sections may be closed for a longer period and our website will be kept up to date with the latest information and advice. Please remember that social distancing continues to be maintained, with only members of your household able to go aboard your boat until further notice.”

Advice may be different for boats on canals elsewhere in the UK.

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All tied up and waiting for somewhere to go. The former working narrowboat Cyprus, captured on a May morning on its canalside mooring above Cowroast Top Lock on the Grand Union Canal. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

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Cotswold canals volunteers rally round to ‘stay afloat’

WITH every week that passes since the start of the lockdown in late March, the Cotswold Canals Trust is losing £2500 from lack of sales.

It was forced to close its charity bookshop and visitor centres as well as battening down the hatches on the trip boats and securing the maintenance depots.

A spokesman said: “These are really difficult times for everyone, especially those who are isolated and missing their families. Our volunteers are no exception; 89% are over the age of 70, many of whom have been restoring the canal corridor for decades.

“Last year they gave the community more than 33,700 hours of their time to clear towpaths, restore bridges, locks and dredge the canal.”

Not content with sitting at home waiting for the charity activities to resume, the volunteers and members rallied and in just four days, put their hands in their own pockets and raised more than £13,500, which is still rising.

A member said: “Lockdown will be covering all your previous valiant clearance with brambles and bindweed.

Such a shame and must be cleared quickly again afterwards. I do lineside clearance for the local steam railway and know how disheartening the present situation is.”

Covid-19 threatens to undo all the good work and CCT needs to raise

enough money to make sure the charity can stay afloat. When lockdown is over and CCT can safely resume activities, it will need money to buy safety equipment, pay the bills and buy fuel.

Anyone who lives in the Stroud area has first-hand experience of how the canal restoration benefits the community and the trust wishes to thank everyone for their ongoing support. Getting back to work gives everyone something to look forward to.

The towpaths have been an issue during lockdown as many people choose to use them as their regular exercise route and in some places they are very narrow.

As each day passes that the volunteers cannot operate, the towpaths will keep getting narrower still so the public are asked for their understanding and patience until lockdown comes to an end.

To make sure the restoration continues to provide the community with a space where they can connect, reflect and improve their well-being, donations can be made via the website at www. cotswoldcanals.org.uk or call Cotswold Canals Trust on 01453 752568.

Canal & River Trust will match donations to Waterway Charities Appeal

FOLLOWING the launch of the Waterway Charities Appeal, the Canal & River Trust announced on May 12 that it will match donations received by the appeal – up to a total of £50,000.

The Wa t e r w a y Charities Appeal, which is open for donations via the JustGiving website, had at the time of going to press received just over 150 donations totalling more than £3700.

It will provide support for many small community-based charities at a time when, without help, the coronavirus pandemic could have a devastating impact on them.

The trust also announced that its trustee, Sue Wilkinson, volunteer chairman of the annual Living Waterways Awards, would lead a small panel comprising other Living Waterways Award independent judges with experience of the work that communitybased waterway charities do, to allocate small grants from the fundraising appeal. The trust hopes to start this work from the

end of May. Having announced that he will donate 20% of his salary for the first three months of the year to the appeal, Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating impact on the dozens of amazing small charities that operate across our network – vastly reducing their activity and funding.

They share our belief in the profound impact that waterways have on so many people’s lives, and they need our collective support at this unprecedented time.

“I would like to thank all those who have donated so far for their generosity and encourage all those who are able to contribute at this difficult time to do so. The trust is pleased to announce that we will match public donations, up to a total of £50k, so that together we can help ensure that these community-based waterways charities are able to continue their amazing work on the other side of the pandemic.”

Sue Wilkinson added: “I’m delighted to be asked to chair the panel distributing this money, and I’d like to thank some of my fellow Living Waterways Awards judges for stepping forward to join me in deciding how best to allocate the funds raised through the appeal. Through the Living Waterways Awards, I have had the pleasure of visiting and seeing first-hand the wonderful impact that many waterways charities have within their local community.

“The threat to their survival at this time is very real, so knowing that together the wider waterways movement can come together to help is heartening.”

To donate, visit https://justgiving. com/campaign/ waterwaycharitiesappeal – 100% of your donation will be distributed by the Canal & River Trust in small grants to local waterway-based community charities to ensure they can continue to operate in the months and years ahead.

The towpaths have been an issue during lockdown as in some places they are very narrow.

PHOTO: COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST

Walking Festival is latest casualty of coronavirus

THE Chesterfield Canal Trust has regretfully decided to cancel its Walking Festival – yet another victim of Covid-19.

This would have been the third year of the very popular festival which had been due to take place in September.

It is the largest walking festival based around a single waterway.

More than 40 walks had been arranged and the trust was about to start designing and printing the brochure and setting up the booking system with the Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre. This would have incurred substantial costs.

The continued uncertainty about whether the brochures could be distributed properly and the fact that a good proportion of the walk leaders and walkers are in the clinically vulnerable groups led the trust to the conclusion that it would be irresponsible to commit to this expenditure.

One of the festival organisers, Rod Auton, said: “In a few months attitudes may have changed, but at present the prospect of walks with everyone at least two metres apart, wearing masks and not talking face to face is not what we envisaged when we started organising our festival.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to the dozens of walk leaders and organisations that have put lots of work into preparing this year’s festival. We hope that it can be carried over to next year.”

He added: “We would also like

One of the busy walks at last year’s festival. to thank all those organisations which had sponsored the festival: Avant Homes, Derbyshire County Council Action Grants, the Canal & River Trust, West Stockwith Parish Council, Misterton Parish Council and Eckington Parish Council.”

This is another blow to the canal trust, which has already cancelled

its Canal Festival which had been due to take place in June.

It has cancelled all its public boat trips until August at the earliest, but even these are in peril.

Its base at Hollingwooad Hub, including the very popular Katey’s Coffee Shop, has been closed since March.

A group of walkers at West Stockwith Lock at the eastern end of the Chesterfield Canal. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

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Stepping up to the forge at Humpy Bridge

By John Guyler

THE Friends of Cromford Canal work party was recently asked to participate in the construction and fitting of new steps up the bank from the boardwalk to the forge site, at the quaintly named Humpy Bridge at Jacksdale.

This location was originally Lock 7 of the Codnor flight of locks, on the Cromford Canal, and is where the canal originally diverged into the Jacksdale Basin.

The timber and fittings were supplied by the Friends of Belper Park Ltd incorporating the Friends of the Forge, a non-profit charity and conservation group that bought the forge site by donations.

Funding for the steps was from a Derbyshire County Council Action Grant. This was primarily to improve access to the forge site for walkers of all ages and to better connect the villages of Codnor Park and Jacksdale. The steps were a primary part of this plan, as were kissing gates, notice boards and general information boards to the public. The hand rails, which are to be fitted, have been funded by an anonymous donor.

The site was brought to the attention of the Friends by Butterfly Conservation.

The site has two BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) species resident and up to

25 species have been recorded on site.

Since the site was bought, it has been realised how rich it is for all species and the intention is to clear as much of the grassland in order for butterfly species to flourish and to protect ground-nesting birds.

Some woodland will be left and specific trees will be planted which benefit particular butterflies. Other areas will be developed to benefit dragonflies etc. For clarity, this site is next to the

Fitting the first flight.

River Erewash, which is the boundary of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire; the forge site is on the Derbyshire side.

The FCC work party group project leader John Boucher put on his civil engineering hat and worked out the angle of bank and determined that two sections would be needed, with a level section between. Each of the flight stringers (side pieces), would be 4.2m long with one-metre-wide risers.

Four work party members, with John supervising, arrived at his workshop one Wednesday and started by setting the wood out, and then giving it the builder’s ritual; all walking around it, standing looking at it, blowing cheeks out, rubbing chins and then offering the first pieces up.

Luckily, John being the professional civil engineer that he is, brought some gauges and drilling fixtures to produce the correct angle of the incline.

Using the fixtures, two of the stringers were drilled with the correct spacing for the step boards to be fitted across. These were fitted into place with two, 200mm timber bolts at each side, working down the whole length of the section. When all were fitted loosely into place, the alignment and positioning of each step was checked and adjusted and the whole assembly was tightened up.

Checking the whole assembly was true and square, measurements were taken across diagonal corners. We found, when both assemblies were checked, we were within 3mm (1⁄8 of an inch) of square.

The day before fitting at the forge site, we had to load the steps for transportation and check the work site. When we were there, we found part of the boardwalk under water with the water level really high. Not only that, the aggregate, all 12 tons of it, had been delivered at the top of the forge site; unfortunately the ground was so boggy that it was dumped just inside the gate, giving us a big problem getting it to the canal side.

Early start

The finished steps before cleaning.

The level section between the two flights being fitted. PHOTOS: FCC

On the day of fitting, four of us were on site early and started preparing the site by digging out the existing steps and widening the location; the early start was to ensure the site was ready when the first flight was delivered. When the flight of steps arrived, we had to manhandle them over the Humpy Bridge and across the partially flooded boardwalk, the comparison to Dad’s Army was close, at one point several volunteers nearly had an early bath. We intentionally kept

Building the steps in the workshop. the initial working group small because of the confined working area.

We then began to lock the flight into place with 50mm x 50mm x 700mm angle iron lengths, sledge-hammered into place and timber screws through the pre-drilled holes in the angle iron.

The call then went out to the other FCC work party group, who were working half a mile away at Ironville, to come and assist with transporting the aggregate from the forge gate to site, about a quarter mile, with wheelbarrows.

We had anticipated the need for the extra hands but did not need them on site until the first flight was fixed. They all turned up, each with a wheelbarrow and spade, and started moving the aggregate.

It was a long, slow operation due to the really wet conditions underfoot. The first flight was then part-filled with backfill from the digging out and then aggregate.

The next phase was to go back to the workshop and load the second flight for transportation; we were not able to carry both flights at one go, due to the weight.

The second flight, delivered and successfully manoeuvred across the If you feel you would like to join either group, details are: The Friends of Cromford Canal work parties: contact John Barker, FCC work party leader; work@ cromfordcanal.org The Friends of the Forge: contact Sally Fisher; sallyfisher28@icloud.com

boardwalk, was then carefully lifted into place. Eventually it fitted, after digging away at the bank to get the alignment correct. With it locked into place, the intermediate level section between the two flights was built and then we started to back fill the risers to within 12mm of the top edge, to allow for a finish dusting to be put on later. Moving the aggregate turned into a major job with volunteers alternating to bring a barrow load back in the wheelbarrows. The top approach to the steps was also landscaped to finish the job. A great job, lots of laughs with great group of people.

Eventually after a very long day and moving several tons of rubble and about seven tons of aggregate, the job was done. We had 16 volunteers at the peak of the work, producing a total, including build and transport, of 122.5 volunteer hours for the project.

We have got to put the hand rail on this section and another flight of steps with hand rail about half a mile away to allow a circular walking route, but that’s when we are allowed to get back to work. This part of the project was completed as described before the coronavirus lockdown.

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species on this list need protection and are part of a global initiative.

The two butterfly species on the forge site are the dingy skipper and the small heath.

Mystery spring clean at old dry dock

By Colin Wareing

A FORMER dry dock at the junction of the Rufford Arm with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has been cleared of weeds and small trees which had threatened to take over the site.

It was last used for boat repairs and maintenance in the 1980s but has been neglected over the years.

Since 2017 members of the Burscough Heritage Group along with a group concerned about the dry dock at Parbold further along the canal have been in negotiations with the Canal & River Trust about the possibility of adopting the dry dock and looking after it.

The hope was to install some interpretation boards and possibly use part of the former boaters’ service block

as a small museum, along with tiding up the floor of the dock.

But as the dry dock is only separated from the canal waters by stop planks, CRT had raised concerns over the safety of allowing access into the dry dock. It is not known when the last time the stop planks where replaced or inspected and there is a continual flow of water through them.

BHG had planned to apply for a Heritage Lottery grant to replace the stop planks but this has not happened and a driving force in the negotiations, Mike Allen, died earlier this year.

Recently the weeds and some of the small trees were cut down and burnt on a small bonfire by, it is believed, local people who decided to take action over its condition.

Vegetation has been cleared from the bed of the old dry dock which is only separated from the canal by stop planks. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

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Motorists urged to take care when crossing historic bridges

THE Canal & River Trust is calling for motorists to slow down when crossing historic canal bridges after a driver caused major damage to one of the most ornate bridges on the waterways network.

Bridge 65 on the Grand Union Canal, known as Ornamental Bridge, was hit by a driver, causing extensive damage to one of the parapets, or walls. Police arrested the driver at the scene and the trust will, if possible, recover the costs of repair from the driver’s insurance.

Ornamental Bridge is a 200-year-old gothic limestone bridge which is Grade II* Listed, putting it in the top 10% of buildings listed in England and giving it a greater level of protection than the famous Abbey Road Studios and the BT Tower in London.

The collision has demolished a 5m length of parapet and it’s possible that other sections of the bridge that have been displaced will need to be rebuilt.

Much of the historic stone will be recovered and reused in the repair but some of the ornamental elements will need to be completely replaced.

Due to the bridge’s listed status the repairs will be carried out carefully and sensitively, under guidance from Historic England.

The bridge carries the main road into the village of Cosgrove, just north of Milton Keynes, so temporary

barriers and traffic lights have been put up to ensure that it can be used safely by local people.

It’s not known why such an ornamental bridge was built in this location but the presence of the nearby Cosgrove Priory, home to the Lord of the Manor at that time, may have had something to do with it. Today the bridge is much loved by people living in Cosgrove and is often used as a backdrop for artists, photographers

The damage caused to one of the bridge parapets. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Ornamental Bridge No 65 over the Grand Union Canal at Cosgrove.

and even wedding parties. Hump-back bridges, synonymous with Britain’s canal network, were built for the passage of horse-drawn carts, not for today’s speeding motorists, who cause up to £1 million of damage to the Canal & River Trust’s bridges each year.

The majority of accidents are ‘hit and run’, leaving the trust unable to recoup the cost of the damage from drivers’ insurers, and diverting vital funds away from work to conserve the nation’s waterways.

Richard Bennett, heritage and environment manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “All historic canal bridges are special but this one is a real gem, it’s beautiful, eccentric and full of character so it’s especially heartbreaking to see it damaged like this.

“It’s also massively frustrating for the people of Cosgrove who really value the bridge and want to use the road.

“Each year we have to spend more than £1 million across the country repairing bridges hit by drivers and that’s money which could be better used maintaining and looking after the region’s canals.

“If motorists just slowed down a bit and took more care and attention, then they would save themselves and us a lot of cost and aggravation and protect the nation’s important canal heritage.”

Limehouse Basin provides refuge for boats on their way to and from the River Thames.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Marina loses appeal over pontoon plans PLANS for an extension to Limehouse Marina in east London have been dismissed on appeal.

British Waterways Marinas Ltd (BWML) had challenged a decision by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to refuse planning permission for five new pontoon moorings. Four of these were proposed for leisure use with a fifth, plus an informal dockside space, to provide 24-hour visitor moorings.

According to the report, Limehouse Basin is a vital ‘port of refuge’ for departing and visiting craft from further down the tidal Thames and the Continent, due to providing the only lock in central London with an adequate tidal window for vessels travelling downstream from the non-tidal Thames and other moorings and basins.

A more regimented system of pontoons would reduce mooring flexibility and capacity among the following: temporary visitor boats, including some preparing to transit to and from the River Thames and boat club rally groups and other convoy groups, in the event that the majority of moorings were unavailable due to prior booking by other leisure boaters.

Planning inspector William Cooper concluded that the additional moorings would have adverse impacts on the character and appearance of the Limehouse Basin and obstruct views of the ‘shimmer and reflectiveness’ of the water.

Relocation of the pump-out facilities would also complicate manoeuvring and contribute to congestion, particularly during the peak spring and summer period.

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Near the River Welland’s present head of navigation at Peakirk, only about 1½ miles from the north-eastern boundary of Peterborough. PHOTO: DAVID PULLEN

Business plan could pave the way along wetland corridor

CONSULTANTS are being commissioned to prepare a business case for the next phase of the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor.

It will ‘revisit’ the report and costings carried out by WS Atkins in 2003 for the Fenland Waterways Link, members of the Lincolnshire branch of the Inland Waterways Association heard during their recent ‘virtual AGM’ held via Zoom.

The update was given by IWA East Midlands chairman David Pullen, who said they were moving forward with the planning phase and it was looking hopeful this would include the rivers Welland and Nene.

“We are working with Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency and Water Resources East (including Anglian Water and Affinity Water) and the

consultants to make a business case for that part of the project.

When that report is published it should give us a good steer as to the way forward,” he said.

David explained that the water companies are required to renew their Water Resource Management Plan on a five-yearly basis. In 2019 Anglian Water and Affinity Water unveiled their draft plan (WRMP19) for the

Water could be transferred from the River Witham near Langrick Bridge to the South Forty-Foot Drain. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON next 25 years, which includes a ‘massive’ above-ground reservoir in south Lincolnshire.

By 2025 it has to have carried out consultations and have the plans in place to build the reservoir and the water supplies to it. This is expected to be sited to the south-west of Spalding between the rivers Glen and Welland.

The new reservoir project is supported by the South Lincolnshire Water Partnership which includes IWA, the Black Sluice and Welland & Deepings Internal Drainage Boards, Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency’s water resources department, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, the National Farmers’ Union and a group of fenland farmers.

open channel transfer rather than pipeline which is of more benefit to fishing, boating, wildlife and the environment.

The reservoir could be fed from two directions with water also coming from the south via the rivers Nene and Welland.

Members were also able to hear an address by IWA national chairman Paul Rodgers during the meeting which David described as ‘very challenging and interesting’ and, as it was on a Thursday evening, included a five-minute break for members to participate in the weekly ‘clap’ for the NHS and key workers.

Although the number of people connecting was slightly

disappointing compared with other branches which had seen more participation from members who would not normally have attended a meeting, it resulted in two new committee members.

At the first committee meeting, branch officers will be elected. It is expected that outgoing chairman Dave Carnell will remain on the committee, concentrating on the county’s northern waterways including the River Ancholme and the Louth Navigation.

It is expected that he will be succeeded by David Pullen, whose emphasis will be on the south, with the River Witham connecting both of their areas.

Water transfer

“The Wetland Corridor would not go through the reservoir, the channels that will feed it are what we are interested in,” David continued.

Part of the proposal is to link the Black Sluice (South Forty-Foot) Drain to the River Glen and bring water through from the River Witham to fill the reservoir. This will be by

A slipway on to the River Welland at Crowland.

PHOTO: DAVID PULLEN

The South Forty-Foot drain near Swineshead. PHOTO: RODNEY BURTON/ WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

NEWS 7

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Trust helping people to grow their own

THE Canal & River Trust has donated young vegetable plants to people living in Birmingham to enable them to grow their own produce during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The plants were being grown by trust colleagues and volunteers with a

Keith Grubb with one of the donated plants.

view to them being planted along the Birmingham Canal Navigations in the centre of the city.

The plants have been donated to community business Share Shack EAT MAKE PLAY, where they have been distributed to vulnerable families and older people in the local area.

They can be planted at home in the garden, in small containers on balconies or in window boxes and will help communities to grow their own fresh vegetables, providing home-grown food to those most in need during the current crisis.

The crops, propagated by the trust in its canalside greenhouse in central Birmingham, include a wide variety such as lettuce, rocket, herbs and beans as well as heritage varieties of carrots and tomatoes.

Keith Grubb, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “We initially planted the greenhouse so we could grow plants

Appeal launched on ‘Giving Tuesday’ SMALL waterway-based charities could benefit from a fundraising appeal launched by the Canal & River Trust on Giving Tuesday (May 5), the global day of giving and unity.

The Waterway Charities Appeal will provide support for many small community-based charities at a time when, without help, the coronavirus pandemic could have a devastating impact on them.

Announcing that he would be donating 20% of his salary for the first

three months of the year to the appeal, Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “There are dozens of amazing small charities operating across our network who share our belief in the profound impact that waterways have on so many people’s lives.

“These charities need our collective support at a time when their survival is jeopardised by the disruption caused by the current crisis, which has vastly reduced their activity and funding.

for our flowerbeds along the canal in Birmingham as well as provide vegetable boxes for our colleagues and the local foodbank.

“With the current lockdown and social distancing measures preventing that, we thought it would be nice to do something to help support our local communities rather than see these veggies go to waste.”

He added: “So far we’ve had a fantastic growing season so we are hoping we can keep on donating until the current restrictions have ended.

There is something lovely about being able to grow your own food from scratch and we are just delighted we are able to help people in our community at a time when everyone needs to pull together.”

In brief

Thieves ransack boat

A CROWDFUNDING appeal has been launched to help pay for repairs to a Wigan-based business which was attacked twice on one night. Thieves initially broke into the boathouse operated by Kittiwake Canal Cruises and stole bottles of alcohol before returning later to ransack the boat.

Since halting operations due to the national lockdown in March, the business has been subject to three attempted break-ins as well as theft of a boat and alcohol. www.gofundme. com/f/helping-the-kitty-wake-getback-a-float

Staying away

Inside the greenhouse where trust colleagues and volunteers have been growing vegetable plants. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST “I hope that those able to during this pandemic will contribute to help provide much-needed funds, so these precious charities are able to play their part in supporting people on the other side of this pandemic.”

He continued: “From the community boats giving trips to the disadvantaged or those with disabilities, to the activity centres that provide chance for local children and young people in some of the most deprived parts of the country to become active and engaged, what they all have in common is that they carry out their invaluable work on our wonderful waterways.

“Together I hope we can support them in these uncertain times, so they can resume their vital work once this crisis abates.”

To donate, visit https :// justgiving.com/campaign/ waterwaycharitiesappeal – 100% of your donation will be distributed by the Canal & River Trust in small grants to local waterway-based community charities to ensure they can continue to operate in the months and years ahead.

Details of how charities can apply for funding from the Waterway Charities Appeal will be available on the trust’s website at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

TOWPATH counters used by the Canal & River Trust since the start of the lockdown have seen a shift away from busy tourist hotspots.

The biggest decreases were recorded in Paddington Basin (-72%) and Camden (-47%) in London, by Brindley Place in Birmingham (-52%), and at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales (-38%). These are in contrast to increases in visits in Burnley (+261%), Sandwell (+199%) and Blackburn (+187%).

Cruiser blaze

AVON firefighters found a 30ft cruiser well alight on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Pulteney Road in Bathwick on May 4. Crews from Bedminster and Bath attended the vessel, which was unoccupied at the time. Avon and Somerset police are investigating the incident as suspected arson and have been reviewing CCTV footage.

8 NEWS

In brief Stay safe near water THE Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has issued a plea for families to learn how to keep themselves safe near open water, to avoid a spike in drowning deaths.

With lifeguard patrols postponed until further notice and emergency services already stretched to the limit, the charity says visiting water sites is currently more dangerous than ever. When the lockdown finally lifts, it says families will flock to beaches and inland water locations without considering the potential dangers. The charity has launched Lifesaver-Lifechanger Toolkit, a free water safety course to teach people how to be lifesavers at www.rlss.org.uk

Path repairs

REPAIRS were carried out recently to the Thames Path through the western area of Oxford. As well as a new surface on the section that runs from close to its junction with Aristotle Lane to Wolvercote Lock, it was widened and overhanging foliage cut back. Local ward member Coun Susanna Pressel said at her city councillor’s surgery that an even better surface could possibly be provided when work begins on the section beyond Wolvercote Lock to the city boundary. The work was carried out by Kier, contractors to the Canal & River Trust.

Bridging the gap

RUGBY players kept their distance and still managed to put a vandalised bridge back in place over the Newport Canal. Towpath walkers had found the bridge at the Vineyard Road end of the canal in a precarious position, prompting town mayor Coun Peter Scott to appeal for help to identify those responsible. A group based at the town’s rugby club safely lifted the structure out of the cut and back into position while socially distancing themselves. They also bolted it down. Signs have been erected warning people to keep off.

Vital income

THE impact of the coronavirus pandemic is dealing a blow to waterways-related charities which rely on trip boats for much of their income. This helps to fund restoration projects and the day-today running of the various trusts and societies. Chesterfield Canal Trust reported in its spring newsletter The Cuckoo that it enjoyed its best Santa trip season, its four boats carrying almost 2500 passengers, a 14% increase on last year.

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Transport history awards for twoo waterways titles TWO waterways history books feature among the award winners in the Transport History Book of the Year Awards for 2020.

Passing Through, the Grand Junction Canal in West Hertfordshire, 1791-1841

by Fabian Hiscock was among 11 titles shortlisted in three categories and the judges awarded a special prize for only the second time in the awards’ history to The Story of the Rebuilding of the Upper Avon Navigation by John Grundy.

Now in their 17th year, these awards were initiated by the Railway & Canal Historical Society in 2004 to encourage the writing and publishing of wellresearched, interesting and readable books in the field of transport history.

Their continuation has been ensured for the foreseeable future by a generous legacy left by the late David St John Thomas, author and co-founder of the publishing house David & Charles.

Judging of the awards proceeded as normal during the early months of 2020 but unfortunately the customary presentation evening had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus epidemic.

In the Canal & Waterways History category, two titles were shortlisted. Fabian Hiscock’s winning book is published by Hertfordshire Publications, an imprint of University of Hertfordshire Press.

Passing Through, the Grand Junction Canal in West Hertfordshire, 1791-1841 poses the question: what impact did the Grand Junction Canal have on the area of Hertfordshire that 25 of its 92 miles passed through? To investigate, the author restricts the study to the period up to 1841 because by this date the London & Birmingham Railway was open and beginning to exert its own influence.

The opening chapter describes the economic and social scene nationally as it was in the 1790s. A north-south divide was beginning to open up in England, with mineral wealth, the beginnings of industrial development and urban migration in the north whereas the south, London excepted, remained largely rural,

agriccultturaal and d self-ssufficcieentt.

This study then considers in detail the situation at that time in west Hertfordshire, before comparing expectations with the reality of the canal’s arrival and how the various sectors of society were actually impacted. Although originating from an academic study, the writing is fluid, readable and commendably free of academic jargon.

The other shortlisted canal book was The Midlands Canals in 1871, the evidence of census by Barrie Trinder, published by Robert Boyd Publications.

Unique record

Awarded a Special Prize for an unusual publishing initiative, the story of the rebuilding of the Upper Avon navigation by John Grundy is privately published by David and Alison Higgins Following the restoration of the

Lower Avon river navigation from Tewkesbury to Evesham and the southern part of the Stratford Canal, the missing link in the waterways network of the West Midlands was the Upper Avon navigation, from Evesham to Stratford-upon-Avon. A trust was formed, and David Hutchings, who had played a corresponding role in the Stratford Canal restoration, was appointed project manager.

With a staff of three (a crane driver, a welder and his part-time secretary) he achieved the reopening of the navigation largely using voluntary labour, working parties from prisons and borstals and, for certain specialist tasks, the Army.

In addition to the engineering aspects, Mr Hutchings had to negotiate with landowners, the drainage authority and the various tiers of local government, overcoming concerns about new weirs and increased flood risk, invasion of private property by citydwelling boaters and a myriad of other issues, not to mention fundraising.

John Grundy was a trainee design and technology teacher and through the involvement of some relatives in the project, was persuaded to write his university dissertation about the restoration which had lain in an attic for 40 years until a chance conversation made David Higgins aware of its existence.

David had already been concerned to create a memorial to David Hutchings, who had died in 2005. He therefore had the dissertation and supporting documentation professionally scanned, printed and bound, with copies placed in appropriate archives and libraries as a resource for future historians and researchers.

John Grundy was a diligent researcher.

The supporting documents include his correspondence with those from whom he sought information – David Hutchings himself, Robert Aickman (who declined assistance because he was ‘already in touch with two people who say they are writing books about our project’), innumerable local government officials, river and drainage authority staff, archivists, newspaper and magazine editors, the list goes on.

There are transcripts of previous legislation, going back to the order of 1635 allowing William Sandys to make the river passable, and a 19th century legal judgment about abandonment.

There are many maps, plans and diagrams and photographs of work in progress and work completed, also an album of press cuttings.

This is not a conventional history book. One judge remarked that it looked like the contents of a filing cabinet but it is also a unique record of history as it was being made. Those two other books mentioned by Aickman never materialised and the judges felt that the combined efforts of John Grundy and Mr and Mrs Higgins to tell and publicise the story were deserving of recognition by the society.

John Grundy is planning to have another batch of his book printed.

Anyone interested in acquiring a copy can express an interest by emailing upperavonstory@gmail.com The cost is anticipated to be around £40 plus post and packing.

Finally, one book was chosen from the three category winners to be the society’s overall Transport History Book of the Year. The judging panel awarded the title to London’s District Railway by Michael Horne. www.rchs.org.uk

Live entertainment during the lockdown

NANTWICH-based singer-songwriter Jonathan Tarplee has kept music lovers entertained during the coronavirus lockdown, writes Jonathan White.

He has performed numerous free live concerts on Facebook Live during the coronavirus crisis to lift the spirits of local residents and beyond during this unprecedented period.

Jonathan lives on a narrowboat and broadcasts his performances from his canal boat moored on the edge of the town in Nantwich.

Viewers are encouraged to add comments, a Like, a Heart and his gigs are also saved, so can be watched back later.

Jonathan said: “There are no gigs in venues at the moment – doing online shows is a way for musicians to just keep doing what we are compelled to do, as well as keeping in touch with the public.”

Information: https://www.facebook. com/tarpleemusic/

Narrowboats on the Shropshire Union Canal at Nantwich. PHOTO: JONATHAN WHITE

Jonathan Tarplee performs on Facebook Live from his narrowboat. PHOTO COURTESY JONATHAN TARPLEE

NEWS 9

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Characters of the Cut

Alice Griffin meets Sam Keay, who packs plant power into her preserves and drinks.

IT’S easy to believe that spirits and preserves are just a delicious treat, but when created from foraged hedgerow bounty we are also tapping into the power of plants used for centuries, providing us with nutrients that our Sam travels the increasingly over-processed diets lack. waterways on her Sam Keay of Gangplank Spirits and Preserves knows all about this as hand-decorated she travels the waterways in her 55ft, narrowboat. PHOTOS SUPPLIED 40-year-old Springer, foraging from the surrounding countryside and bringing the magic of nature to customers along own range and got my o the way. “I strongly believe that wild own premises licence foods should form a big part of our so I could sell online diet as so many plants have medicinal Customers can pick and mix and on the towpath.” properties, which our bodies need.”

Sam believes Sam’s home-made products.

As someone with a passion for plants her enthusiasm for foraging stems from her ‘Good Life’ upbringing. too, I admire Sam’s commitment to sharing this knowledge such as the benefits of “My parents had a big allotment as a way to feed nettles, the tips of which I am currently adding our family of five and we all helped pick, bottle, to my spring soups. “Nettles were a part of the dry and freeze the produce, as well as make Romans’ staple diet, good for blood pressure and home-made wine, beer and damson gin.” balancing blood sugar levels and to ease arthritis These lessons have made Sam passionate about and inflammation if you urticate yourself with the using everything available and she is currently sting,” she tells me. busy organising an exchange service to make “Hawthorn leaves and blossom, known sure nothing goes to waste. “I’m just working out as ‘bread and cheese’, are also good for the finer details of an effective bartering system reducing blood pressure and meadowsweet of foraged or surplus produce in return for my was a forerunner of aspirin, the go-to herb for goods. Last year people brought me quince, indigestion, gastric ulcers, cystitis and bladder medlar, apples, sloes, rhubarb and blackberries!” stones, which I turn into a cordial.”

Despite their being a few downsides such as Always a little nomadic and interested in low space, lack of regular customer base and pesky impact lifestyles, Sam found her way on to the paperwork, Sam has managed to find her way waterways 16 years ago and loves her Springer around them all to live the life she loves. “I’m more narrowboat, which she considers are the V-Dubs connected to nature, have a new little adventure of the canals. “They were a cheap and cheerful way every day and I can embrace a lower-impact way for the masses to get on to the water and I think of of living while being part of a close-knit, kind, mine as a lovely unpretentious workhorse.” helpful and fun community.” However, like most They were usually built from good-quality steel, boat-dwellers, above all Sam cites freedom as the which is why there are still so many around today, biggest pull to life on the water: “I get a very ‘itchy but Sam’s certainly stands out from the crowd tiller’ if I have to stay in one place for too long so with its unique exterior paintwork, created by I like being free to move on to somewhere else.” her own hand. “My original inspiration was from Let’s hope somewhere else will be somewhere seeing the shadow of the grasses and wildflowers near you this year because, with a spiced rum on the side of the boat in the evening glow. They and some whiskies and vodkas currently being looked so lovely I just wanted to paint around made, I know Sam’s delicious treats – with them and the design has evolved from there!” the added benefit of plant power – will be a It’s certainly a look that ensures Sam is seen, welcome indulgence! which is perfect as she grows her business while exploring the network. “I wanted to create a business that would enable me to travel and make a living. I started with cake-baking and a cafe and made preserves, cordials and chutneys to use due to the abundance of fruit on the towpath.”

It wasn’t long before customers of the cafe (which she still opens when at events) asked to buy these goods and then Sam moved on to spirits for a Christmas market. “I decided I should apply for a Temporary Events Notice so I could sell mulled wine and some of the sloe gin I’d brewed. It went down so well that I started my

A colourful display of gins and rums.

Sam Keay has a premises licence so she can sell drinks online and on the towpath.

Alice Griffin is a wandering writer and intermittent boat-dweller, currently on lockdown in France. www.alicegriffin.co.uk /Instagram: alice_is_in_wanderland

Facebook: GangplankGin Instagram: GinGangplank Email: info@gangplank.shop Website: www.gangplank.gin *** Look out for Sam’s current location on her website if you would like to buy produce in person. You can also buy online! ***

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In brief

Funding threat

A £50k funding pot for upgrades to the towpath and areas around a 200-yearold bridge over the Ashby Canal on Nutts Lane, Hinckley, could disappear if invoices are not submitted. The money comes from Section 106 funds paid by developer Taylor Wimpey in respect of a new estate bordering the canal and is currently in the hands of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, which is waiting for the Canal & River Trust to present a scheme. If the July 9 deadline is not met, the cash will revert to the developers.

Photo competition

BUDDING maritime photographers have until August 31 to enter this year’s National Historic Ships UK Photography Competition. The theme is Heritage Through the Seasons and can include vessels on the registers, projects or activities or maritime scenes; images can be up to two years old. Winning entries will be featured in the annual calendar and an awards ceremony is planned in November subject to Covid-19 restrictions. For further details and to enter, visit www. nationalhistoricships.org.uk

Witness appeal

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Police want witnesses after a boater was assaulted on the Grand Union Canal near Long Buckby. Two men boarded a narrowboat moored near Bridge 10 and one attacked the owner. Police say it happened between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Monday, April 27.

The men are described as white, in their late teens and wearing tracksuits.

Call 101 quoting reference number 20000217796 if you can help.

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Towpath transformation planned at city centre site CONTRACTORS Richardson and Ask are working with the Canal & River Trust and its neighbouring developments, including Mustard Wharf, to improve a 200m stretch of towpath in Leeds city centre.

This runs from the trust’s office at Fearns Wharf to the Railway Bridge to provide a route by the water to and from the city’s railway station.

Having been in need of repair for some time, the 200-year-old pathway is popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists and anglers. This traffic-free route is a popular spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Design work is currently under way which will improve the section of towpath adjacent to the Tower Works site in the heart of Leeds and a start on site will be made as soon as the current restrictions allow.

Commenting on the works Alan Daines, infrastructure services regional manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Leeds Southbank area is undergoing a huge transformation presently. Landmark developments close to our canal network, such as Tower Works, are coming to fruition all the time.

“With our research showing that spending time by water can help to improve our health, well-being and happiness we are working closely with developments to help communities to connect to their local waterway and realise the benefits of being

by the water. Previous custodians of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal have undertaken a variety of approaches to towpath repairs over the years, leaving a disjointed and uneven surface due to the different materials used.

“Thanks to the support of developers like Richardson and Ask, our charity is able to realise more ambitious programmes and extend existing works to provide safe pathways with improved access near to water. We have already begun work at Mustard Wharf and the new, continuous path of York stone will look superb.”

Alison Carroll, development project manager for Ask Real Estate, said: “Canal & River Trust is a key stakeholder and we are delighted to be working with them and our neighbours on this important work.

“When building work commences on the Tower Works site we will be partnering with the trust and our construction contractors Sir Robert McAlpine to erect hoardings along the canal path where it borders the site which will ensure we have no impact on the canal during the build programme.

“During the construction phase the towpath will be out of bounds for safety reasons and the path improvement works will take place concurrently to the building of phase one at Tower Works, so when the development work is completed the canal path will also be ready for use.”

An artist’s impression of the Tower Works site. IMAGES SUPPLIED

The three towers are the most prominent landmarks in the Holbeck area of the city.