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Issue 213, July 2023

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GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON IN OUR SUMMER WORDSEARCH

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SCHOOLCHILDREN HELP AT WHARF OPENING

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Montgomery milestone Steam launch Ictus arrives at Crickheath Basin with a group of VIP guests for the official ribbon cutting ceremony to formally re-open the restored basin on the Montgomery Canal. Turn to page 10 for report, more pictures and new appeal for funds. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

CROWDS FLOCK TO CRICK BOAT SHOW

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ANNIVERSARY EVENT ON THE EREWASH

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Watersports still prove popular post pandemic boom MORE THAN 13 million adults in the UK tried a boating activity last year according to the latest Watersports Participation Survey.

One of the growth areas is stand-up paddleboarding, with numbers growing by 536,000.

The report covers the first full year in which Covid restrictions had been largely removed. The pandemic had seen many people heading to the coast and inland waters to make the most of the good weather and spend their leisure time outdoors.

This resulted in massive growth in

the number of people participating in watersports, and it appears that post pandemic the popularity for time on the water has not diminished.

“It is encouraging to see that watersports participation has continued to prove popular with the UK population post the pandemic boom,” commented British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson.

“Paddle sport activities, particularly stand up paddleboarding, have remained extremely popular with participation figures continuing to rise,” although she did point out that the trend points

towards more occasional participation.

Lesley added: “With so many opportunities in the UK we are confident anyone looking to try a new activity or undertake regular boating activities will be able to find just what they need on their doorstep.

“We would encourage anyone looking to get out on the water to make sure they get the right training and advice before heading out, so they have a safe and enjoyable experience.”

The survey is conducted annually by a consortium of leading marine

bodies including British Marine, Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoeing (BC) Canal & River Trust and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

The report, which can be read at www. mymembership.britishmarine.co.uk (click on resources and publications) also provides information on people’s motivations for participating, any issues with access to the water and trends in boat and watersports craft ownership.

Historic yard fire

Mayor’s charity abseil

Foss Society 50th

FIRE has devastated buildings at Bristol’s historic Underfall Yard, where eight boatbuilders work on building and restoring wooden boats. The Underfall Yard Trust, which manages the buildings, has set up a crowdfunder at www.justgiving.com to help restore the buildings and support the small businesses that have been affected. The visitor centre and café are open and operating normally and the monthly open days will continue as planned on July 30 and August 27. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of £3 per person.

RUSHCLIFFE mayor Coun Tina Combellack recently completed an abseil for local charities the Nottingham to Grantham Canal Water Restoration Group and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. As well as hoping to raise money for at least two ambucopter flights she would also like to continue to help with maintenance of the water in the Nottingham to Grantham Canal for its environmental and health benefits. The crowdfunding page at www.justgiving.com remains open till July, so all donations are gratefully received.

THE River Foss Society is celebrating 50 years since its founding by local people concerned – then as now – about their local green environment. They set about developing the footpaths along the river in the York area and started regular monitoring and protection of the green corridor through which the River Foss flows. See the diary dates on page 20 for details of walks in July. For more information about the society, its history, work, activities and how to join see riverfosssociety.co.uk

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2 WELCOME/NEWS

July 2023

WELCOME WHEN you read this we’ll already be past the summer solstice and the peak holiday season will be upon us.

As I write we are in the midst of a heatwave and nothing can be better than relaxing on or beside the water.

I was interested to read about the popularity of paddle sports in our front page story and saw plenty to corroborate this during a trip at the weekend on the Thames with Le Boat – more about this next month.

There were craft of all shapes and sizes on the water, from paddleboards and kayaks to widebeams and large cruisers not to mention serious wild swimmers and people just enjoying a dip and a picnic. My two grandsons, aged 15 and 12, tried out paddleboarding for the first time and were absolutely hooked.

The show season is in full swing and our contributors have been out and about; Phil Pickin at the Crick Boat Show and Les Heath at the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association anniversary rally (see reports on pages 4 and 5). We also have reports from the IWA Canalway Cavalcade on page 7 and the Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Club and National Bargee Travellers Association events on page 16.

A recent edition of Wake Up to Money on Radio Five Live spoke to Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry about how water shortages would affect the canals.

He was optimistic about keeping the waterways open this summer, although restrictions are being introduced at some lock flights to conserve water.

On a sad note, you may be wondering why our usual Cool Canals feature hasn’t appeared again. It is with a heavy heart that I report that Phillippa Greenwood died recently following a short illness. Our thoughts are with her partner Martine O’Callaghan and the family. We hope to see a new feature next month.

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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 – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk 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 – July 27, 2023

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Vandal attack on canalside sculpture

Wolfie is the first of 50 mile markers along the Great Canal Orchard.

THE Canal & River Trust is appealing to people living in Wolverhampton for information after a public art sculpture was vandalised and almost sawn in half.

Part of a series along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, the wooden hand-crafted sculpture was created by local artist Robot.

Wolfie, so called as it depicts a wolf, has been in place for a few months and is one of the first of 50 ‘mile marker’ posts which are planned to mark each mile of the Great Canal Orchard. It is made from timber from a tree that needed to be removed from along the canal and is designed to provide a home for bees, beetles and fungi.

The Great Canal Orchard is an ambitious project to create a community orchard which provides free fruit to local people, boaters and visitors to the canals in Wolverhampton, through to Birmingham and out to Worcester.

CRT senior ecologist Paul Wilkinson said: “It’s really disappointing to see our public art vandalised in this way.

Wolfie is one of the first sculptures we’ve introduced along the canal, and someone has come along and tried to remove the head from the plinth. We don’t know if they wanted to steal the sculpture or if they were just trying to destroy it, but either way we’re upset about this.

“Luckily, the sculpture is repairable, but it is an additional cost we now need to cover. The plan is to make the sculpture more secure to prevent anything like this happening again.”

Mooring trial on Birmingham canals NEW mooring stay times are being trialled along the canals in Birmingham to make the city centre more accessible to visiting boaters and to remove any confusion over stay times at popular mooring spots.

The Canal & River Trust proposals, which were put out to consultation earlier this year, have been shaped by feedback from boaters, boating and canal organisations and boating businesses. They aim to give all visiting boaters, whether local or from other parts of the country, good access to facilities, shops and restaurants in the city centre, now and in the future.

Tom Freeland, boating and customer service manager, said: “We believe this will make the best use of the limited space available and will allow everyone the chance to experience the wonderful city of Birmingham.

The trial, which will start on July 3 and finish on December 31, includes the following changes: · All visitor moorings in the central zone to become four-day moorings from April 3 to October 31, reverting to 14 days from November 1 to March 31 · Visitor moorings north-west

of Sheepcote Street on the New Mainline Canal and south-west of Granville Street on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to become 14 day all year round · Pontoons at Cambrian Basin to all become long-term moorings, including two that are currently designated as visitor moorings · Service moorings established immediately alongside the Canal House in Gas Street Basin and extended between the Roundhouse and Sheepcote Street · Designated accessible mooring spaces for disabled boaters, those with access needs or limited mobility, to be clearly marked in two locations: Between Cambrian House and Tindall Bridge; and south of Worcester Bar · Information about stay times to be displayed on signs alongside all the moorings.

Tom added: “At the end of the trial we will review how many boats have visited and moored in Birmingham and what the feedback is from visiting boaters before making a decision on whether to make the trial permanent.”

Further information available at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

A close-up of the damage.

If anyone has any information about this vandalism, please contact 03030 404040.

PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

CBOA names new president THE Commercial Boat Operators’ Association has elected Mike Garratt as its new president.

He succeeds long-serving David Quarmby, who has agreed to become one of two vice-presidents.

Mike is chairman of transport economists MDS Transmodal Ltd and has spent over 50 years in the sector. He has a long history of support for inland waterway freight, having chaired pressure group Sea

& Water and more recently as a member of the Canal & River T r u s t ’s F re i g h t Advisory Group and Freight Steering Group.

CBOA chairman David Lowe said he has known Mike for over 20 years and is delighted that he had agreed to take on the role at what is a very important and exciting time for the sector.

He said: “I have experienced first-hand his interest and passion for freight carriage on the UK’s commercial

inland waterways and his belief that they have the potential to play an important role as part of a fully sustainable and integrated freight transport system.

“Mike’s expertise and wisdom will be of great benefit to the association as we seek to support our member companies and influence decision makers at all levels to do what they can to attract and facilitate more tonnage to the commercial inland waterways.”

New president of the CBOA Mike Garratt. PHOTO SUPPLIED

NEWS 3

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

New leader at the IWA

With the new information board are, from left, Andrew Hardy, chairman of the Lapal Canal Trust, Andy Street, West Midlands mayor and Hugh Humphries, trustee of the Lapal Canal Trust.

West Midlands mayor opens Whitehouse Wharf Report & photos: Phil PIckin

WEST Midlands mayor, Andy Street, helped by children from the Tiverton Junior and Infant School, has unveiled an information board to officially open the refurbished Whitehouse Wharf in Selly Oak, Birmingham.

The opening attracted significant attention from both members of the Lapal Canal Trust, Canal & River Trust and the general public, who took the opportunity to visit the site close to the busy Bristol Road in the city.

Whitehouse Wharf was designed, financed and managed by the Lapal Canal Trust, with funding provided by over 45 donors. Funding was also forthcoming from a number of major

Whitehouse Wharf is part of the plan donors, including Veolia Environmental Trust, Garfield Weston, Headley Trust to reopen the Dudley No 2 Canal, which, and Unite Students. The freehold to the it is hoped, will eventually link up with site is owned by CRT, while Sainsbury’s the proposed new 100-berth marina at and M&G Real Estate surrendered their California near Dudley. lease rights to the area.

Restoration of the site began in March 2022, helped by Land & Water, which removed more than 5000 tonnes of excess soil.

Over the following year, 480 tonnes of puddle clay from Gloucestershire was used to waterproof the wharf basin, and paths installed along with new mooring bollards from CRT. Finally, a number of benches donated by the Dulverton Trust were installed for visitors to make Considerable interest in the full use of the green space created. opening of Whitehouse Wharf.

A number of boats already making good use of Whitehouse Wharf.

SARAH Niblock has taken up her post as chief executive of the Inland Waterways Association.

She is an experienced CEO in the charity sector with a background in journalism, communications and media.

Sarah will be working three days a week for IWA, in the Chesham office and remotely, with much of her initial time spent getting to know members, staff and volunteers, and to learn more about how IWA does its work.

She said: “The Inland Waterways Association is known for its talented and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

“I look forward to working together in creative new ways to meet the overwhelming needs of our precious waterways assets and the millions of people who depend on them.

“Supporting and regenerating our inland waterways is one of the top talking points in the UK. It’s no wonder, given the w ell-documented role that our rivers, estuaries and canals play in our economy, ecology and wellbeing.”

She continued: “Canals and rivers are invaluable assets which help the country’s economic recovery, save on NHS budgets, connect communities and help climate change resilience.

“I’ve personally benefited from the waterways all my life, and I am determined to place them centre stage in the hearts and minds of parliamentarians, the media and the public.”

Sarah adde d: “My top priority is the Protect Our Waterways campaign to ensure that all our inland waterways are

The IWA’s new CEO Sarah Niblock. PHOTO: IWA

adequately funded to deliver all the benefits detailed in our Waterways For Today report.”

Speaking about her appointment, national chairman Les Etheridge said: “We are very happy to welcome Sarah to the role. Having someone with her experience will drive forward our work to champion waterways for all.

“As our Protect Our Waterways campaign gathers momentum, this is a critical moment to join and lead the organisation from our successful campaigning past into a bright future where everyone recognises the benefits our incredible waterways network offers.

“Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and depth of experience means she will be a great asset and we look forward to welcoming and working with her.”

4 NEWS

July 2023

Kathryn ry y Webley with examples

Plenty of historic boats on show.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

of her Creatures of the Cut ran nge.

Going greener at Crick 2023 Report and photos: Phil Pickin

IT DOESN’T seem a year since we last gathered in Northamptonshire for the 2022 Crick Boat Show, but once again, we found ourselves beside the Grand Union to look at what the marine industry has to offer to the inland waterways community.

Nearly 25,000 visitors are thought to have attended the three-day event to look at more than 200 exhibitors spread over 32,000m3 of exhibition space. But what many visitors wanted to see were the new boats. An estimated 40 craft on show included a good number of historic boats, which looked even more impressive in the warm, sunny weather, which undoubtedly boosted visitor numbers.

Show director Peter Johns said afterwards: “Boat builders reported healthy levels of interest, with many orders secured, and our preview day worked well with most boat viewings fully booked and 1600 trade and public visitors attending.

“Whatever stage of someone’s planning for boat ownership, the show had something to offer. Almost 1200 enjoyed free boat trips along the Grand Union Canal and more than 2500 attended the free seminars and masterclasses on boat ownership.”

The Canal & River Trust welcomed around 2600 visitors to its marquee.

National boating manager Matthew Symonds commented: “Staff and volunteers highlighted the diverse range of work the trust does to care for the waterways and the wildlife that relies upon them.”

A number of the exhibitors were celebrating ‘birthdays’ this year, including boat builder Braidbar which celebrated 40 years of boat design and construction. This year the company showcased Braidbar No 200, aka Reginald, said by the company to be its ‘most unique narrowboat ever built’. It was awarded the trophy for the most admired narrowboat in the show, voted for by visitors. Most admired widebeam was Cricket, displayed by the Bespoke Boat Co in the competition sponsored

by Haven Knox Johnston.

But Braidbar was beaten in the birthday race by Channelglaze Ltd which pipped it to the post by celebrating its 44th year in business.

Alongside these well-established names, there were a number of newer names, including one featured earlier this year in Towpath Talk, that of Floating Ohm. We featured the Cowesbased company’s first boat in its new home of Bristol and interest in its electric canal boats would seem to be growing.

Historic boats looked good in the sunshine.

Not everyone enjoyed the hot weather.

Despite the fact that the boat wasn’t at the show, the company’s stand seemed to be attracting interest.

Although not the only other electric boat builder at the show, Thames Solar Electric Ltd was promoting its 100% solar electric boats and propulsion systems. The company builds bespoke widebeam and narrowboats designed for off-grid living.

Unusually in this sector, it also offers full conversion kits and fitting for boaters who want to move away from diesel engines.

Eye-catching

What seemed very apparent at Crick was the move towards greener and more sustainable products and services. One of the most eye-catching was Hydrogen Afloat Ltd. The company makes domestic power systems for boats using hydrogen fuel cells. These units are housed on the roof of your boat together with the cylinders containing the hydrogen fuel.

In fact, it is these cylinders that take up the majority of the space in the roof box. The generator sits to one end and almost silently produces electricity for

domestic appliances. The result of which is pollution free (at point of use) power.

The only waste product is a small amount of water. Despite the fuel being expensive this could well be a glimpse of the future for boats on the waterways.

Until the use of products such as hydrogen become more widely available, many will opt for solar panels, an option promoted by Onboard Solar, which supplies and fits solar systems to boats and which was one of the many exhibitors offering solutions for those who want to move away from using fossil fuels.

God Save the King.

Good numbers of visitors even on preview day.

Another was the Lithium Battery Shop, a UK manufacturer of lithium batteries.

Described as ‘off-grid specialists and fellow boaters’ the company has, it says, been providing lithium batteries for more than 30 years with a range that extends from standard leisure battery use to electrical propulsion.

But one of the most unusually named products on show was that of NoPuttPutt, which is an all-in-one electric propulsion system designed to power narrowboats, be they new builds or conversions. The UK company’s product range is said to make the most effective use of available solar energy using LiFePO4 batteries and a brushless motor. These can also be used to power the appliances on the boat.

Becoming more environmentally friendly doesn’t always require a major investment in high-tech equipment; it also extends to what might be seen as more mundane but nonetheless important jobs. One product that addresses such a requirement is Keelblack which, according to its manufacturers, ‘is the world’s only eco-friendly bitumen blacking’. The product is said to be long-lasting, inexpensive and is water-based and goes on to damp steel. A very useful if surprising feature.

It was good to see such a wide range of products and services aimed at

Loads of interest in looking around the boats on show. reducing the impact inland waterways boating is having on the environment, but among the shiny new boats and high-tech equipment, there were some more traditional nods towards the environment. One was in the form of a new range of glass art from Kathryn Webley, whose work has been featured in many boats over the years.

Recently Kathryn introduced the Creatures of the Cut to her product range, which features (unsurprisingly) subjects that she has seen on the canals, including otters, kingfishers and deer. With commissioned work booked into 2025, it would seem that her canal-inspired artwork continues to be very popular.

One thing that all of the exhibitors were thankful for was the good weather over the bank holiday weekend. Yet another Crick Boat Show blessed, for the most part, with sunshine.

With what was thought to be record numbers of people camping at the show, it would seem that the event is evolving into something of a festival. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues at next year's show which takes place on May 25-27, 2024.

It wasn’t just the boats that visitors came to see.

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

More reasons to celebrate at Langleyy Mill rallyy

Crowds gather at the stalls above the lock.

Report and photos: Les Heath

A DOUBLE celebration, enhanced by fine weather, attracted large crowds to Langley Mill, Derbyshire over the spring bank holiday weekend.

Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association was celebrating 50 years since the restoration of the Great Northern Basin and the 55th anniversary of the association.

Other milestones included the 40th anniversary of the Erewash Canal being reinstated as a cruiseway and the 30th of the restoration of the Victorian pump house.

The weekend began in style with historic narrowboats carrying Long Eaton Silver Band to the opening ceremony by the lock.

It was fittingly carried out by Chris Corbett, a founder member of the association. Also present were the Mayor of Amber Valley Coun Tony Holmes and the mayoress.

One of the highlights of the weekend was on the Sunday with a low-level flypast by the Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby.

This was followed on the Monday with a flypast by a Spitfire.

A wide variety of traders’ stalls and floating traders together with an impressive selection of working boats, sandwiched in the basin above the lock, were just some of the many attractions for visitors.

Guided tours

Although the weekend belonged to the Erewash association other canal societies were also well represented.

An area for buskers gave musicians an opportunity to contribute to the festival while others who fancied a short walk could have a guided tour of the work in hand to extend the Cromford Canal at Beggarlee.

Those taking the walk were able to view the boat and butty Oak and Ash in Langley Mill Boatyard dry dock.

The restored Victorian pump house was also open to the public with volunteers on hand to explain its purpose.

Erewash Canal, once one of the richest in the country due to coal mines and other industries along its 11-mile length, was opened in 1779.

Boats packed in like sardines beside the old toll house.

The entire canal was dug in less than 20 months at a cost of £21,000 and its staggering prosperity proved to be a boon for shareholders.

But just over 180 years later, as canals declined, the Transport Act of 1968 declared the canal unnavigable above Ilkeston. That’s when enthusiasts stepped in and formed the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association to prevent the canal from sharing the same fate as the Cromford, Derby and Nottingham canals.

Fortunately they were successful and this spring bank holiday celebration was a tribute to all who have achieved so much over the last 55 years to keep the canal open.

Visiting boats extend as far as the eye can see on the canal below the lock.

A few of the historic working boats which arrived for the festival.

GOES

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Ash and Oak in Langley Mill Boatyard dry dock.

Visitors heading to view the work being carried out to extend the Crom mford Canal.

A boater films the Lancaster flypast from the boat’s roof.

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6 NEWS

July 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Locking ahead – the future of maintenance planning

In the third article about how the Canal & River Trust maintains its 200-year-old system, national boating manager Matthew Symonds looks at some of the challenges that lay ahead.

THE canal network is one of the nation’s greatest regeneration stories. From losing many hundreds of miles of waterways in the last century as canals stopped being used to transport freight, in recent decades they have experienced an extraordinary renaissance.

Today there are more boats on the canal network than at the height of the Industrial Revolution and the network provides vital green space by water and access to nature to more than 10 million people each year.

At the Canal & River Trust, we’re proud to be part of that success story. The ongoing maintenance of our canals is at the heart of the work we do, keeping the assets as sound as possible, the infrastructure safe, and the waterways available for navigation. With limited financial resources and with the cost of looking after ageing canals increasing, our rigorous planning

process takes in all aspects of risk, targeting the work where it’s needed most, while retaining the flexibility to carry out emergency repairs when necessary.

The 250-year-old network, which includes the third largest estate of listed structures in the country, is vulnerable to the increasing impact of climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

And all the restoration that took place at the turn of the millennium means many of our lock gates, which have a working life of around 25 years, will need to be replaced or have their lives extended. It is more pressing than ever that sufficient ongoing investment is required to keep the canals open and safe for boats, people and wildlife.

Faced with these challenges, we are having to be more innovative and find ways to work more efficiently. We’ve begun a review of how we carry out our operations

Twenty years after restoration, Anderton Boat Lift needs a major overhaul. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST and maintenance to make it more efficient and effective. We will be working with our teams, volunteers, and with boaters and other stakeholders who use the canals the most over the coming months, to hear new ideas on how we could do things differently.

Long-term plan

We have already begun working towards longer-term planning, with the intention of being able to give three years’ notice of the largest-scale stoppages. While

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

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

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

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

Award presentations to our finalists

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

alk.

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

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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the bulk of our repair work has been carried out over the winter months when there tend to be fewer boats cruising, longer-term planning, that offers plenty of notice to boaters, could enable us to run a year-round maintenance programme. We’d ensure boaters and hire boat companies would have sufficient notice and options to plan alternative routes, and we’d be able to benefit from kinder weather conditions and more hours of daylight.

Another possibility would be to close longer stretches in quieter locations to carry out all the necessary works in the area, leaving it free of disruption for years after.

We’d be able to save money by bringing all our equipment and materials and working along the cut rather than returning multiple times to nearby sites.

This wholesale approach could transform these stretches, without boaters having the frustration of seeing one lock repaired only to run into trouble at the next one.

We are also looking to take advantage of other works and carry out repairs when canals have already been drained.

This is already taking place in some areas, with repairs carried out across the north last summer when some canals were closed due to the drought. Active, joined-up planning will help us identify where these synergies exist.

It’s important to hear the views of boaters.

Our Navigation Advisory Group, which is made up of independent boaters, has a subgroup that focuses on

The specialist lock gate workshop at Stanley Ferry near Wakefield. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST locks. They have been integral in coming up with new ideas for how we can be more efficient, without losing the special character of the canals. They have worked with us to establish how we can refurbish locks to make the gates last longer instead of carrying out full replacements.

This could be by replacing the collars, or adding bespoke metal supports to weakened heels, which can add years to the life of a lock gate.

Gate efficiency

The teams at our specialist lock gate workshops have also been looking at ways to be more efficient.

Work is ongoing to create standardised templates for lock gates. While each gate is unique in terms of its precise measurements, different waterways often use the same gate design. If we can develop templates for different waterways, it could save workshops time and money when it comes to crafting new gates.

It’s important to keep heritage considerations in mind when we’re thinking of how we could make changes to the design of lock gates. The classic lock, with its timber beams painted black and white, is an iconic feature of the nation’s landscape. Any new ideas have to respect the important heritage of the canals, while balancing the needs we have, as a charity, to safeguard the future of the ageing network.

A recent saving has been to save painting metalwork below the waterline, which has saved enough time over the year to make an extra set of gates. This retains the characteristic look while having no impact on the

overall resilience of the gate.

We know there are some huge challenges ahead. For example, 20 years after it was restored, Cheshire’s Anderton Boat Lift, the ‘cathedral of the canals’, needs to have an overhaul: We’ve recently been adding additional safety systems on the gates and doing major maintenance on the hydraulic cylinders. In the longer term the control system needs updating and a full repainting of the cast iron structure is required.

We’ve been planning for this through extensive investigations while the lift was closed last winter, building up a logical approach to the repairs that are required. We’ve been successful in the first round of pursuing funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as the work will cost many millions to complete – and the bid includes improving the overall customer experience at the site.

And Anderton is just one of the thousands of structures– many listed, and many forming an essential part of national infrastructure – that we care for, day in, day out, year on year. We have to adapt if we want to ensure the future of the canals, and the future of boating on the inland waterways. We’re confident that the changes we’re making will help us work more efficiently and make the most of the tools and resources we have to hand.

But there’s only so much we can do in the current climate. We’re calling on boaters to continue to support us, to share the importance of canals with others and to help by lobbying their local MP and backing our campaign for appropriate funding. Together, we can help secure a future for canals for the next 250 years.

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An open day at Seend Locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Winter works on the Caen Hill lock flight.

PHOTO: CLARE GREEN

NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

Canalway Cavalcade celebrates big 40 INLAND Waterways Association’s (IWA) Canalway Cavalcade celebrated its 40th anniversary over the early May bank holiday weekend in Little Venice, London.

Glorious weather on the opening day saw more than 8000 visitors to the event with 120 boats shimmering in the Pool and along the Grand Union Canal.

People from all walks of life came together to share their passion for waterways with narrowboats, both modern and historic, moored alongside widebeam boats in the Pool. Continuous cruisers, liveaboards and leisure boaters, locals and those from further afield gathered to highlight the importance of protecting our waterways at this time of urgent need.

The long weekend included a packed schedule as always with a unique selection of events and activities. Stallholders and food stands brought a variety of crafts and interest to the event this year, most being based locally to Little Venice.

Particular highlights included many regular attendees such as hand-woven baskets made by WoodWoolWillow, Peruvian delights by Inkas Craft, Handmade by Janet, and the regular Candle Powered Victorian Steamboats.

Visitors enjoyed many delicious treats too, including the vibrant Caribbean Hut, mouth-watering Mr Bombay and the delectable Greek Souvlaki. As with each year IWA also welcomed the everprofessional Jervis team and their real ale bar, the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon in the sunshine.

Crowds look on as Chedoona, named best decorated privately entered boat, emerges from under the bridge in the pageant.

Taouzzale, who welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked the IWA for putting on the event.

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, followed with his thanks. IWA national chairman Les Etheridge welcomed everyone, paying special attention to the dedication of volunteers for organising the event.

And finally organising committee

Pageant

At 1.30pm on the first day Libby Bradshaw, ceremonial and children’s activities manager, introduced the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Coun Hamza

The blessing of the boats.

chairman Tom Claydon thanked the volunteers, committee members and supporters while also encouraging attendees to volunteer for the 2024 event. Wrapping up the presentation, Libby asked Coun Taouzzale to ring the bell to formally open the festival. This was echoed by cheers around the Pool, the ringing of bells and sounding of horns, and the start of the pageant.

In Rembrandt Gardens children and adults alike were entertained by Punch and Judy, a circus workshop, and the legendary Alarum Theatre with pieces such as A Century of Boatwomen.

Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend.

Sunday saw the wonderful Teddy Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the garden and the sun warmed the crowds almost the whole weekend. Other children’s and young people’s activities were led by the Pirate Castle from Camden, with paddlesports taking place across the weekend.

This year the evenings brought a vibrant celebration of boating too. Friday night was the regular quiz, a packed tent for the annual Martin Ludgate extravaganza – raising nearly £100 from the raffle for the IWA. Saturday night saw the first variety night led by Mark Saxon, commercial manager, welcoming 25 brilliant artists performing spoken word and live music.

On Sunday evening Craig Haslam once again excelled as master of ceremonies for the procession of illuminated boats, where the boaters covered their craft with as many lights as would fit, to the delight of hundreds of spectators standing on the Horse Bridge and around the Pool.

A particular highlight included the

Canal Dream Company and Slash Arts aboard the Boat Fit Co widebeam 2 Crew and A Cockapoo whose awe-inspiring laser, light and interpretive movement display blew the spectators away.

IWA was delighted to welcome the Canal Dream Company for the second year; its programme throughout the weekend thrilled everyone who saw its performances and IWA thanked the company for taking part.

Awards

On Monday afternoon, the following awards were presented by John Edmonds, vice-president of IWA London Region: Best decorated privately entered boat in the pageant – Chedoona owned by Bob and Mary Metcalf; runner-up –Thyme owned by Elizabeth Jones. Best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group – Sola Gratia, steerer Tim Clarke.

Best illuminated boat – Tros Yr Afon, steerer Phil Gaskell; runners-up – The Canal Dream Company and the Slash Arts Team aboard 2 Crew and a Cockapoo, owned by Calum Henderson. Best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the pageant or illuminated boats – Badger owned by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon; runner-up – Lucky Chance owned by Chris Pratt. Boat handling competition – Middlesex, steerer Robin Hendley; runner-up – Emu, steerer Ben Partridge.

Best novice competitor in the boat handling – Moonraker, steerer Daniel McKnight; runner-up – Badger, steered

by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon; overall Best Boat – Tugby, owned by George Cutting; Idle Women Shield – Freebird, steered

by Cath Jennings; runner-up – Uplander II, steered by Sarah Honeysett; Boaters’ Sunday best costume – the Moore family.

The illuminated procession. PHOTOS: IWA

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8 NEWS

July 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Simulating a boat fire during safety week exercise West Yorkshire Firefighters have been doing their bit to promote boat fire safety awareness. Sally Clifford finds out more…

TOWPATH

TALK

THE dramatic scene is set.

As the sun dips behind grey clouds that have consumed the sky for most of the day, the towpath is relatively busy with pedestrian traffic making the most of the lighter evenings.

The sight of dense smoke filtering out of the canalboat moored at Mirfield’s Shepley Bridge Marina prompted the ‘call’ from the marina’s ‘operator’ who had seen the boat arrive previously and understood there were two people onboard.

Had it not been for the Fire Safety Exercise sign on the towpath, passers-by would have been unaware the dramatic rescue operation unfolding in front of their eyes was actually a simulated

training operation set up by West Yorkshire Firefighters as part of Boat Fire Safety Week.

Earlier in the evening the scene had been set. Artificial smoke pumped into Lady Rhodes, the 56ft long narrowboat – one of the five-strong fleet owned by the Safe Anchor Trust which kindly loaned the vessel, along with arranging the use of the marina, for the exercise organised

by Richard Gordon, crew manager at Rastrick, and Mirfield Fire Stations.

Richard, along with Paul Gurevitch, training support, who oversaw the operation, placed two lifeless dummies in the cabin before Richard hosted a briefing at nearby Mirfield Fire Station for Mirfield’s retained firefighters and Dewsbury’s Green Watch who were involved in the exercise.

Following the call to action, three pumps and 15 firefighters arrived on scene where they were met with their initial challenge – pulling two hose reels across the marina to the boat moored on the opposite side of the site.

Boat fires aren’t a common callout, which made the training exercise

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Crew manager Richard Gordon arranged the training exercise at Shepley Bridge Marina, Mirfield.

The sign says it all – the fire safety exercise is underway. all the more important for firefighters to use their initiative when faced with a challenging situation, and put their skills into practice.

Kitted out with breathing apparatus, first into the smoke-filled cabin was firefighter Michelle Armitage.

Michelle explained the safety of the crew is paramount. Working closely with her colleague through touch and feel in a visually challenging environment due to the dense smoke, they checked for potential dangers and hazards such as gas cylinders.

While they worked inside, locating and recovering the dummies from within the cabin, their colleagues set up a casualty care area on the towpath.

Water safety was another important consideration. “There are different jobs for different safety factors for the crews,” explained Richard.

“The primary aim is to rescue the people on board,” Michelle added.

The casualties were swiftly recovered and, following further safety checks, a PPV fan was used to ventilate the cabin.

Being prepared

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Setting the scene – artificial smoke is pumped into the canalboat, Lady Rhodes, one of the fleet owned by the charity, Safe Anchor Trust. her 11 years in the job; she was previously based at Manchester Fire Service.

“It is really interesting. You learn a lot in a real scenario” she said. “It is useful to do things like that. You don’t want them to happen but, if they do, you are prepared.”

Richard explained the importance of organising the operation for training and to support Boat Fire Safety Week, one of the regular Fire Kills campaign weeks which is supported by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS), a public safety initiative owned equally by the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency.

It is the third time Richard has run the exercise with the help of the Safe Anchor Trust.

Established in 1995, the volunteer-run charity, based at Shepley Bridge Marina, provides canal boat trips for physically and mentally disabled groups as well as the socially disadvantaged through age or social isolation or deprivation.

Kevin Thorburn, a volunteer and trustee of Safe Anchor Trust, explained it is the third time they have been involved in a training exercise organised by the Fire Service.

“Our theme at Safe Anchor Trust

One of the lifeless dummies is recovered by firefighters during the training exercise. is very much about community and helping others. Anything we can do to help our local community or boat owners we are definitely up for,” he said.

A spokesman for the BSS said: “Fire services are often at the front end of tackling boat emergencies on inland waterways and dealing with fires or other boating incidents can add extra risk when working on or next to water.

“So we urge boaters to take on board the advice from the fire services offered during Boat Fire Safety Week and try their best to keep themselves safe, for the sake of their own family and friends and to reduce the risk for potential responders to emergency situations.”

Firefighter Michelle Armitage from Dewsbury’s Green Watch was one of the first onboard during the training exercise. PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD

Fire safety lessons from RCR RIVER Canal Rescue is calling upon boaters to be aware of the fire risks on their vessels, after finding more and more cases of poor electrical wiring, including under-sized wiring, overloaded circuits, and sub-standard connections and cable routing, which can rapidly turn into a loom meltdown or a fire.

Ma na g i n g d i re c t o r Stephanie Horton says with BSS certification failing many boaters, RCR is having to report regularly on boats that are dangerous or at risk.

She commented: “By undertaking the following checks and actions, you can hopefully reduce the likelihood of a fire occurring.” · If you are leaving your vessel for a period of time, it’s important to isolate the batteries and disconnect your shore power if you have it. If leaving your shore power connected in order to charge your batteries, check the connections to the battery are secure, isolate them and set the charger to ‘trickle’ charge. · Inspect your shore power cable for any loose connections or wires and ensure the cable is routed properly so if water levels change or the wind picks up, it’s not too tight, or equally loose so that it dangles in the water. · Never leave fires on or

A River Canal Rescue team recovers a burnt-out boat.

PHOTO: RCR

stoves unattended when you leave the boat. If you have no choice, then remove items near the fire, clear the area of anything that could get ‘hot’ and keep your time away from the boat to a minimum. Last year one boater nipped to the shops and a hot coal escaped from his stove; the boat was gone before he returned. It’s worth noting insurers can refuse to cover these incidents. · One of the biggest issues is circuit overload and the failure of undersized cables, causing a short circuit which can quickly develop and cause a fire. Always investigate spurious ‘trips’ or loss of

power to the boat as this could be an indication a fault is developing. It’s easy to ignore these and simply reset circuit breakers or replace fuses, but these protection devices rarely ‘trip’ without cause. · Where possible, ensure 12V cables are routed separately to 240V systems.

If cables are hot this is a clear indication of an overload or undersized cable – do not ignore it.

Stephanie concluded: “If you are concerned over the certification you have received, you can report it directly to the BSS at www. boatsafetyscheme.org.”

CHARACTER 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

Morgan, Sue and Min on their narrowboat.

PHOTO: MANDY MCKENNA

A fan bird. PHOTOS SUPPLIED UNLESS INDICATED

Characters of the Cut

Morgan, Sue and Min – wild wood and wild swimming

By Alice Griffin

WHEN Morgan, Sue and their much-loved dog, Min, were looking for a different pace of life and deeper engagement with nature, it was having a 58ft cruiser stern narrowboat named Sunbeam built by J D Narrowboats at Shardlow that held the answers.

“It’s the variety of environments, habitats, places and people that are so fascinating on the water and it’s wonderful to see the world pass by from a different angle,” they agreed.

They now happily cruise the network running their business, Handmade on Narrowboat Sunbeam, as they go. While Morgan – who works primarily as an online private tutor – occasionally sells photographic greetings cards of her own images, it’s mainly Sue’s beautifully intricate hand-carved wooden creations that you will discover in their shop.

She shared with me: “I started working with wood in my 20s. I love to explore the grain, colour and shapes in all the wood I work with as well as adding to them with the carving of designs and the application of colour using milk paint, an environmentally friendly paint made from simple ingredients and natural pigments.”

The canal environment makes its way into Sue’s work in many ways, from inspirations in the surrounding scenery to the materials themselves. Sue and Morgan shared with me: “We forage wood as we travel and have also been lucky to have been given pieces of old lock gates when repairs have been undertaken around the system. This means that some of the pieces created are intrinsically tied to the canals we travel on.”

Knowing the provenance of the wood Sue works with adds

Prior to 2020 Morgan and Sue happily traded at canal festivals and floating markets as they continuously cruised the network, but when all events were cancelled, they were forced to move to selling solely online through their Etsy shop.

“We were happy continuously cruising but when lockdown hit we decided to take a mooring on the Montgomery Canal on the Welsh borders.”

They finally set off cruising again two months ago, heading up the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to undertake the planned journey that was previously interrupted.

“Since setting off earlier this year on our coddiwomple (journey without a specific destination), we have continued our online sales but have also returned to selling from the boat along the towpath, popping-up wherever we moor. This is the beauty of a Roving Traders Licence!”

Where they moor can change dramatically because while they love the peace of being so close to nature, Sue and Morgan also have a fondness for the more industrial history of the canal network. “Some of our favourite

A shrink pot tea caddy with scoop.

Carving a hazel flower with a draw knife.

Pendants carved from reclaimed lock wood showing its natural colours. a lot of meaning to the pieces created. She told me: “Different experiences or environments inspire designs, whether that’s shapes and colours of particular items, or a whole series, such as my ‘swimmer’ pendants and when working with reclaimed oak lock wood I often carve acorns and oak leaves to celebrate the lifecycle of that particular piece of wood.”

Cruising resumed

journeys have been through older, former industrial areas and we enjoy gaining a deeper understanding of the canal heritage associated with these areas.”

This changing environment and the opportunity to move as and when they want is what most appeals to Morgan and Sue about their lifestyle. In addition, their love of wild swimming injects even more interest to their cruising patterns. Morgan told me: “Whereas I’d always been far more cautious of swimming anywhere other than in the sea, Sue has always enjoyed wild swimming and took to it regularly during lockdown as a form of exercise and relaxation. Now we both swim all year round in any safe, accessible water.”

Min is also a keen swimmer and Morgan told me how afterwards she gets a little water-crazy and often has the ‘zoomies’ as a result! However, she did have one late-night dip that didn’t go so well…

“One night on the Llangollen Canal we moored up late in a spot where the towpath was on the opposite side to where it was at the previous mooring spot. Letting Min out for a latenight wee, as I came up the back steps I heard an almighty splash. Min had not registered the different side and was now swimming around in the dark.

“Luckily, she had her flashing collar on so I could see her and drag her out!” Morgan and Sue now make sure the pram cover skirt is always up on the boat keeping Min safe and dry, saving water activities for designated swimming trips. “It’s definitely a wholefamily activity – swimming, not zoomies!”

Etsy: handmadeonsunbeam. etsy.com Instagram: @handmade_ on_narrowboat_sunbeam Alice Griffin is a wandering soul who shares nature-inspired yoga, meditation and journalling practices through her online Slow Into the Seasons courses, bringing together like-minded friends all over the world.

Website: www.alice griffin.co.uk YouTube: @wanderingalice

10 NEWS

July 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The first official boat arrives at the Crickheath Basin

By Phil Pickin

BRIGHT sunny weather and a large crowd were on hand to greet the first official narrowboat to navigate the recently restored Crickheath Basin on the Montgomery Canal on the Shropshire/Welsh border.

The canal, which was officially closed in 1944, has been the subject of a huge amount of work since the Big Dig in 1969. Since then volunteer organisations have been working hard to reopen the entire 35 miles of

canal from the Llangollen Canal via Llanymynech and Welshpool to Newtown, Powys.

Steam launch Ictus was used to transport a group of VIP guests to the official opening and in doing so, cut the ribbon to officially open the Crickheath Basin. Boats can now navigate the newly restored section from Frankton Locks – where the canal meets the Llangollen Canal – to the Crickheath Basin. The canal around Welshpool is restored but is yet to be connected to the rest of the canal system.

North Shropshire’s Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan cuts the ribbon to officially open Crickheath Basin. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Crowds await the arrival of the first official boats at the Crickheath Basin.

Over the last eight years, 169 volunteers spent many hundreds of hours restoring the canal and have spent over 300 days relining the canal to make it watertight.

This has involved 100 work parties, mainly at weekends. The volunteers dug out and moved around 15,000 tonnes of material during the work to be able to install 36,000 square metres of liner to create a watertight seal on the canal bed.

A new three-hectare wildlife

The VIP party aboard Ictus.

habitat has also been created within Aston Locks nature reserve to provide a secure environment for aquatic plants, such as the rare floating water-plantain luronium natans. The nature reserve will also provide homes to a range of wildlife, including damselflies, dragonflies, otters, and water voles.

Richard Parry, chief executive at the Canal & River Trust, said: “What these volunteers have achieved, with support from the Canal & River Trust, is inspiring. They have worked tirelessly to restore this section of the Montgomery Canal from a derelict channel to a wonderful canal that boaters, walkers, and cyclists can now use and enjoy. I would also like to thank National Lottery players for supporting this wonderful project.

“There is still plenty of work to do with the volunteers starting on the next phase of the restoration from Crickheath Basin to Schoolhouse Bridge as well as the restoration of

Ictus and the VIPs arrive at Crickheath.

The Shropshire Boatmen entertain visitors. the canal in Wales, which is being funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. As a charity with increasing cost pressures, it’s important we secure external investment to help us restore, protect, and preserve our historic waterways to ensure that we don’t see the decline that took place in the early 20th century.”

He added: “Restoring the entire section of canal has never

been closer and I’m looking forward to the day when boaters will once again travel from England to Wales along the Montgomery Canal.”

David Carter, chairman of Shropshire Union Canal Society, said: “Our volunteers have worked tirelessly for eight years on a very complicated piece of construction work of a type not normally done by volunteers.

Restoring more of the Montgomery Canal Can you support Tim and Pru’s appeal for the money we need to restore more of this wonderful Canal?

“Volunteers working on the very special Montgomery Canal have successfully restored the canal to Crickheath – on time and on budget. Generous supporters’ donations have funded the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, the last highway blockage in Shropshire.With just two miles derelict in England can you now help the volunteers to reopen more of the canal towards theWelsh border?”

- Tim West and Pru Scales (stars of TV’s “Great Canal Journeys”)

Will you help volunteers restore more of the Montgomery Canal?

FROM THIS…

DONATE NOW so we can continue restoration!

…TO THIS

** First £50,000 already raised ** Please see the Appeal Leaflet inserted in this magazine

www.localgiving.org/charity/restorethemontgomerycanal

IF THERE’S a prize for the longest-running restoration the Restore the Montgomery Canal! group doesn’t want it!

Local charities have been working together as Restore the Montgomery Canal! – the Shropshire Union Canal Society, the Inland Waterways Association’s Shrewsbury & North Wales branch and the Friends of the Montgomery Canal, supported by the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

They have already arranged the £1 million reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge entirely thanks to donations from individuals, legacies and grant-giving trusts. The bridge rebuild is under way and should be finished later in the year.

The bridge is only one of this year’s successes on the canal. Another was the opening of the Lotterysupported extension to Crickheath, giving another mile-and-a-half of navigable canal in Shropshire.

In Wales the multi-million pound Levelling-Up project started with dredging near Llanymynech: More dredging will follow, two of four blocked bridges will be rebuilt and new nature

reserves will be established to safeguard rare and protected plants and wildlife.

Further funding could reopen the other two road blockages and repair the canal’s biggest structure, the Vyrnwy aqueduct. In a few years the Welsh section could be navigable to the Shropshire border.

In Shropshire there are just two miles of derelict canal to be restored.

Volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society have already begun clearing and re-profiling the section to Schoolhouse Bridge. But they don’t have the funds to finish the job so a new appeal has been launched to help restoration in Shropshire.

Asked why the Montgomery Canal should be supported again, a spokesman for Restore the Montgomery Canal! said: “Here is a canal with no water supply issues, in water apart from two dry miles into Newtown and another two in Shropshire.

Apart from the section into Newtown it is all in CRT ownership and all the locks have been restored.

“Our restoration strategy is for a navigable canal as an

amenity for residents and visitors with conservation habitats for rare flora and fauna and protection for the unique range of canal-age structures which tell the story of a borderland canal byway.

He continued: “The Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal for Schoolhouse Bridge was supported by many generous donors far and wide. The success of the appeal boosted the support of the local authorities and others who don’t have funds but can help with future funding opportunities.

“With no public funding in sight, the target for our appeal is £250,000 to provide materials and equipment hire for clearing and re-profiling the next section towards the new bridge. We already have £50,000 towards that target. “ The skilled and experienced volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society restored the derelict canal to Crickheath on time and on budget. As they now carry on into the next section we are asking everyone who cares for the future of this special canal to support our appeal so the work parties won’t have to slow their work or stop altogether.”

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

Canal & River Trust CEO Richard Parry and Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, talking to Michael Limbrey, chairman of Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

“They have overcome several major challenges, including very bad ground conditions, a highwater table, the need to relocate the resident great crested newts, and Covid lockdowns. That they managed to complete the work to deadline, on budget and safely is to their great credit.”

John Dodwell, chairman of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: “It’s marvellous to see put into place another part of the jigsaw to restore the 200 years-plus old Montgomery Canal. Its special built and natural heritage offers so much to local people and, more widely, both donations and volunteers come from many parts of the country. The restored canal is also a boost to the regional tourist industry as visitors come to the area to spend their money.”

Thanks to £14 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Montgomery Canal is being restored to the Wales-England border, meaning, once completed, navigation by boat will be possible between Llanymynech and Maerdy.

The project will last two years and includes dredging the canal to a navigable standard while also improving the conditions of the canal for rare floating and other water plants and rebuilding two minor road bridges.

Lezley Picton, leader of Shropshire Council, and Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, unveil a plaque to officially re-open the Crickheath Basin.

Boaters wishing to travel along the Montgomery Canal need to book passage through Frankton Locks. This can be booked by visiting https://canalrivertrust. org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/ go-boating/planning-your-boat-route/ booking-your-passage-online

Fred Barrett, the oldest member of the restoration team, cuts the cake at the re-opening of the Crickheath Basin watched by David Carter, chairman of SUSCs and Jonathan Dodwell of the Montgomery Canal Partnership with, centre, Helen Morgan MP. PHOTOS: PHIL PICKIN UNLESS INDICATED

The Beer Barrel aboard nb Yeltsa.

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Boats and beer celebration THE finall ch hapter off th he latest restoration project on the Montgomery Canal south of Crickheath Bridge near Oswestry was enacted on Saturday, June 2.

Another 700m has now been restored, to advance the restoration towards Llanymynech, including a Winding Hole at Crickheath which enables boats to turn round there.

This section is now in water and a variety of the first boats to enter here from the National Canal network since 1936 were on show including Saturn, a traditional ‘Fly Boat’ once horse drawn, and Ictus an old, iconic passenger steam launch and a variety of other canal craft.

A plaque to commemorate the event had been unveiled at the official re-opening

ceremony organiised d by th he Canal & River Trust the day before.

The volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society, who have been responsible for the very demanding reconstruction of the channel over the last eight years, held their own celebration in a marquee next

Hats off to the happy volunteers.

PHOTOS: SUCS PUBLICITY

to th he basiin on th hat Saturd day evening.

It was the custom when the canals were first dug in the 1800s to reward the navvies with a barrel of beer.

This tradition was observed at the BBQ, enjoyed by over 70 volunteers and supporters, which was washed down with a barrel of Navigation Ale, sponsored by Monty’s Brewery from Montgomery.

A barrel was transported on the bow of narrowboat Yeltsa, from the national canal network at Audlem to Crickheath, to signify this first such journey since 1936 when the canal was closed due to a collapsed aqueduct near Frankton.

This was a very joyous and fitting conclusion, to a very challenging and rewarding project.

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12 IWA ROUND-UP

July 2023

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AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

IWA publishes new guide to Denver crossing LIKE most rivers, the River Great Ouse flows into the sea. The main boundary between the non-tidal river and estuary is at Denver Sluice. The Middle Level is a series of drainage channels.

To get from the non-tidal waters of the River Great Ouse to the Middle Level requires a short estuary crossing between Denver and Salter’s Lode Lock. For those who have not made this crossing before, it can be daunting.

Chris Howes, author of the Imray guides to the Great Ouse and Fenland Waterways, IWA member and Eastern Region

representative, has put together this very useful guide to navigating between the Middle Level and the Great Ouse.

In it you will find details of how to contact the lock keepers at either end for the best times to cross, how the tides affect crossing and how to avoid the sand bar, as well as tips on equipment View, download and print the guide on the IWA website at www. waterways.org.uk

and checks to carry out before you make the crossing.

The crossing between Denver and Salter’s Lode Lock.PHOTO: IWA

Six new Silver Propeller locations added THE IWA’s Silver Propeller Challenge was set up to encourage visitors to the less well-used parts of the system, in boats of all sizes.

To complete the challenge you should visit 20 locations or more and let the IWA know. This year, six new locations have been added, from Scotland to Kent, inviting exploration of some underused but fascinating corners of the waterways system.

Two new Scottish locations have been added: Rutherglen

Take an adventurous trip up the River Clyde and see Glasgow from a new angle, by boat or canoe and enjoy spectacular views ‘doon the watter’.

Although visiting leisure craft are scarce, the tidal river through the city is regularly used by members of the Rutherglen Cruising Club, many of whom moor up at the club moorings for the winter and head off down the Clyde for each summer

spent along the west coast of Scotland.

The club was formed in the 1930s when the Old Pals Club and the Strathclyde Boat Club amalgamated. The club’s home moorings were next to a slaughterhouse on the river bank near to where the Thomas Seath shipbuilding yard was located.

Access to the River Clyde from the connected Lowland Canal System is via Bowling, and then head upstream.

Stirling

Take a scenic cruise along the River Forth and visit the historic city of Stirling by boat or canoe and enjoy the Scottish countryside and distant mountains.

Visiting leisure craft are few and far between, but the new mooring pontoon installed by Stirling Council is a popular spot for canoeing and other water sports by the locals.

Access from the connected Lowland Canals for boaters would be by joining the tidal River Carron at the Kelpies, heading downstream

for a short distance to meet the Firth of Forth at Grangemouth. From there it’s upstream via Kincardine and Alloa to Stirling. The river is tidal all the way.

River(s) Stour

Two rivers sharing a name have also been added, but they are in different counties: The River Stour in Suffolk is navigable from Cattawade near the Orwell Estuary to Brundon Mill, just upstream of Sudbury. Except for the first three quarters of a mile below Sudbury, the river forms the county boundary between Suffolk and Essex and was immortalised in the paintings of John Constable.

Fifteen locks were built by the River Stour Navigation Company, but the waterway had largely fallen out of commercial use by the early 20th century. Restoration of the Navigation was one of IWA’s earliest campaigns, leading to the formation of the River Stour Trust, which runs a high profile campaign for restoration today. Several

locks have been restored and the whole navigation can be used by canoes and other light craft.

There is a right of navigation on the Kentish River Stour to Canterbury.

However, it is presently navigable only from the sea at Pegwell Bay to Fordwich.

There are weirs a short distance above Fordwich Bridge – remnants of old mills. It may be possible to canoe from Canterbury to Fordwich, but there is no official access or portage over the weirs. Fordwich is the location for your Silver Propellor visit, encouraging you to have a scenic cruise along the quiet Kent countryside.

Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal

The Middlewood flight of locks, which connect the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal to the upper River Irwell and thus to the rest of the connected navigable system, were restored and reopened in 2008 as

Boats moored in Ely during the winter. PHOTO: AMY TILLSON

Ely Council responds to IWA call THE small city of Ely with its shops, restaurants and cathedral, has long been a popular stopping point on the River Great Ouse.

East Cambridgeshire District Council enforces mooring time restrictions which, in summer months, ensure everyone gets a fair opportunity to moor for up to

48 hours and issues fixed penalty notices to over-stayers.

The IWA pointed out that when, this winter, the river was frozen, forcing boats to move was unreasonable and dangerous. The council has now agreed to relax mooring restrictions when it has a ‘severe weather protocol’ in place.

London towpath walks schedule THE IWA’s Towpath Walks Society Guided Walks schedule is available, find out more at https://waterways. org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/

events and look for the Guided Walks.

These fascinating two-hour walks around different areas of London need to be booked in advance.

part of a £600 million large property development. However, due to an absence of water supply, the locks are not available for public access and the entrance off the Irwell has silted up.

The upper River Irwell leads into the Manchester Ship Canal and can be accessed via Pomona Dock No 3 from the Bridgewater Canal. A photo of your craft anywhere on the upper River Irwell in the vicinity of Middlewood Locks and the entrance to the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal would be good evidence of your visit.

few waterways visitors other than local paddlesports enthusiasts, ducks and enthusiastic volunteers from the Thames and Medway Canal Association who turn out on regular work parties to keep the waterway clean and accessible – so why not pay them a visit?

The western side of the Thames & Medway Canal was opened between Gravesend and Higham in 1801 and continued in use until 1934, but the eastern end of the canal, mostly comprising Higham Tunnel, took longer to build and was sold to the railway company in 1846 and closed to navigation.

Thames and Medway Canal

The Thames and Medway Canal sees

Organise a National Trailboat Festival FESTIVALS are very useful for drawing attention locally and nationally to the restoration or improvement project your team is working on.

A greater awareness of your need for more support is generated as a result of that attention. Festivals are encouraged and promoted by the IWA to highlight your restoration project.

You will draw local political attention to your example of a successful partial restoration that has brought wider

benefits to all involved and Trailboat Festivals can also be a source of additional income.

When people see others gathering and the tranquil movement of pleasure boats, illuminated at night and decorated with bunting and flags on even a small part of their previously disused canal, it gives a lot of pleasure.

It adds considerably to the quality and tone of the locality – urban or rural. It leaves people wanting to see

A National Trailboat Festival at Moira on the Ashby Canal. PHOTO: PHIL SHARPE

more improvement; it oils the wheels to greater progress; it smooths the passage to reach your goal; you will enrol more supporters, your committee will feel more motivated, and hopefully be offered more funding and resources.

There is no set design for a festival as its very nature will depend upon the waterway being promoted. It will depend in part on the make-up of your committee and the time and effort they are willing to volunteer. Additionally, it will depend on the basic assets and finance that is available and the extent of support from local politicians and the community.

The IWA has supporters in all parts of the country and we can certainly ask those who are local to you if they are willing to help with preparation, and a waterway recovery group team can provide manual assistance in constructing, running and dismantling as they have been putting on events for years who would certainly be available to give advice, perhaps in person, certainly on the phone or by email.

We are also able to free loan a two-ton trailer full of the sort of gear necessary to stage an event, although you would need a 4x4 vehicle with a tow bar so you can collect it. Some marketing for the

event can be carried out centrally as part of the IWA programme advertised each year and the IWA website can also be used. There is also the massive publicity and prestige advantage of your event being badged The IWA National Trailboat Festival for a particular year.

You can apply to our Finance Committee for help with your early organising costs.

The format for applications is to submit a written request. As each event tends to be unique to its waterway and to its organising committee; all we need at the outset is an outline proposal of your festival plan.

We will send you advice on what this should cover and, for your guidance, an example. To secure the approval and support of the IWA it is necessary for us to feel sure the event is likely to take place, also that you will provide an event that is properly planned and a credit to your organising committee, local waterway, and to the IWA. The IWA Marketing Committee is continuously looking for applicants for Trailboat Festivals for four or five years ahead to

allow you plenty of advertising time.

The first step is to check that you have the basic facilities available.

Just email the trailboat officer for the list: Derek Smith at iwa.trailboat. festivals@gmail.com or call 07500 300347.

Fancy hosting a Canal Camp in 2024 THE IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group is looking for canal restoration societies to host Canal Camps next year.

Hosting a Canal Camp on your restoration project can: · Act as a catalyst to your project – making significant progress in just one week. · Attract lots of positive publicity. · Help you complete jobs which may require skills and experience your volunteers currently lack.

Contact Jenny Jodson to discuss further at jenny.hodson@ waterways.org.uk or call 01494 783453 Ext: 605.

13

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

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14 FREIGHT

July 2023

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Skippers don’t grow on trees… …and nor, for that matter, do crew!

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

WHILE I might regularly bang on about the merits of moving freight from road to water, it is but a hollow plea if there are insufficient vessels available, or the crew to man them.

Nationally, it’s probably true to say that while there are enough craft to meet current and anticipated demand, it is extremely doubtful whether there are sufficient, skilled crew to go around.

A couple of months back, in the March edition of Towpath Talk (page 14, issue 209) I covered Blue Mermaid – a steel Thames sailing barge launched in 2019 – and suggested that, amongst many other things, the Sea-Change Sailing Trust offered a route into training for the waterways freight industry.

Blue Mermaid is a replica of the final barges built at Mistley in 1930, the original of the same name being lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary in 1941 during the Second World War. She was built to cargo ship rules with a view to carrying smaller numbers of trainees when moving cargo and with demountable fittings in the hold between two independent sets of accommodation fore and aft.

Crucially, the interest of some funders was sparked by the need to give wind and water awareness to trainees who, these days, tend not to have been messing about in boats from infancy.

More mainstream training revolves

commencement of the Hull – Leeds flow in 2020 had serious implications.

This has not been helped by the way the trade has stuttered on over the subsequent three years with just 50 loads carried – typically work that could easily have been handled by a single vessel in less than six months. Those vessels that were laid up still had to have insurance, a navigation licence and fit for purpose certification, renewable on an annual basis: All carrying significant cost implications.

Formal training

Ricardo Salerno enjoying some downtime away from tug GPS India, his current command.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

around the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Boatmasters’ licensing regime and, for offshore working, the Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster qualifications.

In terms of recognised boat handling skills, a rapidly diminishing number of ‘senior’ skippers still retain grandfather rights, based on long-term experience, onto which they will have grafted formal endorsements such as man overboard, firefighting and first aid.

However gained, all these qualifications have to be maintained alongside a current medical certificate, renewable for under 70-year-olds every five years and annually thereafter. Renewal is contingent on regular working so in the North East, for instance, the gap between the sudden cessation of the Besthorpe – Whitwood aggregate traffic in 2013 and

Traditionally, on the Thames the recognised formal route into working on the river lay through the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, founded by an Act of Parliament in 1514. Outside this time-honoured ‘journeyman’ approach, and common to all inland waterways lies a structured, individual work-based training programme, built on experience progressively documented in a formal training record book.

Skipper Ricardo Salerno, in charge of one of GPS Marine’s Medway-based tugs, is a classic example of this training route. He started as a deckhand 10-or-so years ago, freely admitting that working on the river was his fourth choice of career, having been turned down by the fire service, RAF and the Navy due to Asthma.

Moving along this career path quicker than most, he became a mate after two years and gained his first command after four. This was on one of the smaller tugs in the fleet and since then he has moved onto larger vessels. In parallel with completing his Boatmasters’ licence, he has gained a Yachtmaster Certificate so is not limited to ‘local’ estuarine operations.

Interestingly – and in common with

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other inland waterways skippers that I’ve been fortunate enough to sail with – Ricardo had no real links with the waterways apart, that is, from having a stepfather who worked in GPS Marine’s offices on the Medway!

However, as recently as May 30, the Maritime Journal ran a piece under the headline ‘Shortage of skilled seafarers could spell disaster in maritime’: an observation that is equally pertinent to the inland waterways. The article points out that students and young people are not choosing maritime for their careers, which could have disastrous consequences.

In support of National Apprenticeship week, held in February, Seawork showcased training opportunities last month in recognition that many businesses across the commercial marine sector were considering future skills and recruitment.

They highlighted the fact that “whether on the water or shore based, the commercial marine

Among a suite of other maritime ‘tickets’ Jonathan Branford, left, holds a Boatmasters’ Licence with Yachtmaster endorsement and MCA Master for 200-ton vessels while his father, John, enjoys grandfather rights, having been a skipper for more than 60 years. industry needs to showcase itself to be an attractive, multifaceted sector to appeal to the next generation of school leavers, trainees, college and degreelevel students”.

Blue Mermaid, in sailtraining mode, going at a fair clip with topsail rucked in the wind.

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16 EVENTS ROUND-UP

July 2023

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Having a rocking good time!

THE 56th Annual Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Clubs certainly rocked this year to the theme of Mods & Rockers, writes Samantha Williams.

A fantastic fun-packed weekend was hosted by Tony Walker and his amazing team at the Worsley Cruising Club with the crews of over 100 canal boats in attendance along with guests.

They included: the Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford, Coun Gina Reynolds and Paula Hunt, representative of the Bridgewater Canal Company.

The terrific programme of events included everything from dog shows, commodore’s games, bingo and live music.

The dignitaries’ sailpast, in the glorious sunshine, provided the opportunity to decide some of the awards including the Federation Trophy for the Trimmest Craft and Crew

awarded to NB Jonshe from Worsley CC, and the Federation Silver Bowl for the Best Decorated Boat which was awarded to NB Graymar from the Bridgewater Motor Boat Club.

Other well-deserved awards were also made at the official presentation but it was with particular pleasure that this year the federation chairperson, Phyllis Greenough, was able to award the Walter King Trophy – Good Deed Award to boaters Alf Murray and Derek East.

This recognised the assistance they gave to a distressed member of public in need, helping them out of the canal and providing much-needed warmth and comfort until the ambulance service arrived.

Join us at next year’s rally which is being hosted by Sale Cruising Club with the themee Super Heroes.

Boaters wave to guests enjoying the sailpast.

Old friends reunite.

Presentation of the Walter King Trophy – Good Deed Award by Phyllis Greenough to Alf Murray and Derek East. PHOTOS: DOUG WILDMAN

Hundreds attend Boaters’ Spring Fayre in Hackney Tony Walker casts off the narrowboat carrying the invited guests.

Crossing the Barton aqueduct.

Throwing out the rule book for designing canal boats

The size is 40`x 10` and built using 20mm for the base of the boat 15mm for the sides and 12mm for the upper sections.

The process they use is called extrusion welding

which is typically done on thermoplastics due to their response to heating. Unlike other types of plastics which burn when heat is applied, thermoplastics liquefy and harden again upon cooling.

Extrusion welding is typically used to join components such as tanks and pipes. In trenchless construction, sections of thermoplastic (most often polyethylene) can be extrusion welded together to form a monolithic pipe structure to be inserted into the host pipe for rehabilitation.

In other applications, extrusion welding is ideal for applications that require lengthy welds to be made in a single run. Although most commonly

done on HDPE sheets, extrusion welding can be performed on other thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF This canal boat is ready to be a sail away, at present the interiors are not all complete, for future projects formation plastic have the help and expertise of a multi award-winning yacht and naval architect

A POWERFUL show of support and solidary was expressed by the hundreds of people who turned out to attend the recent Boaters’ Spring Fayre.

Organised by the National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA), the event was held in glorious sunshine from midday until 7pm and drew close to a thousand boaters, locals and allies of the itinerant boater community.

It took place on the River Lea towpath of North Millfields Recreation Ground, sometimes referred to as the Clapton ‘S-bend’, one of the many Water Safety Zones from which, claims NBTA, the Canal & River Trust is trying to erase boaters as part of its London Mooring Strategy.

Following vigorous campaigning, CRT reduced the number of threatened mooring spaces along the River Lea from 550 to 295, which include the entirety of the Clapton ‘S-Bend’ lined on the day of the fayre with a brilliant array of boats, stalls and stages. The boater community celebrated life on the water with music, food, speeches and information on the campaign provided by a whole team of NBTA activists.

The event, which was one of the largest ever

organised by the NBTA, heard from boater activists about the ongoing campaigns to defend the rights of itinerant boaters, alongside speeches in solidarity from Unite, Travellers Pride and Acorn as well as a whole host of performances from both boater and land-based musicians.

NBTA members raised both funds for and awareness of their campaigns with generous donations from the public and a flood of signups to NBTA communications.

Marcus Trower, NBTA London branch secretary and one of the event’s organisers, said: “We’ve had boaters from all across the UK showing up to share memories and experiences of time spent on the River Lea, building our community even further.

“We’ve had dedicated NBTA activists contributing their time, effort, skills and creativity to making the day a resounding success and laying the groundwork for future events.”

To learn more about the NBTA, get involved in their campaigns or donate to the organisation, visit https://www.bargeetraveller.org.uk/.

The moored ‘S-bend’ with stage boat. PHOTO: ALESSANDRO BORELLI

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Some of the crowd at the fayre. PHOTO: NBTA

NBTA branch secretary Marcus Trower delivering a speech.

PHOTO: ALESSANDRO BORELLI

MUSEUM FOCUS 17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

A close-up of the bridge structure.

The roadway across the bridge, heading south.

Tower Bridge, looking east.

The view from the roadway, looking west.

Tower Bridge Exhibition, London Nicola Lisle enjoys panoramic views of the Thames in her latest exploration of inland waterways museums.

A VISIT to one of London’s most iconic landmarks is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the River Thames as well as the opportunity to discover the fascinating history of this remarkable Gothic-style structure, which represents Victorian technological ingenuity at its best.

The rapid expansion of London’s docklands during the 18th and 19th centuries brought with it a growing East End population, whose only roadway across the river was London Bridge.

With the huge demand placed on the bridge daily by pedestrians and vehicles, it was clear by the mid-19th century that a second road bridge was needed.

A public competition was held by the Corporation of London, with both

amateur and professional architects invited to submit their designs for a bridge that not only provided a crossing for road traffic but also accommodated the passing of tall-masted sailing ships to and from the docks.

The winning design came from architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, who produced the now-familiar bridge with its twin towers, high-level linking walkways and a drawbridge that could be raised to allow ships to pass through.

This new bridge was not without its detractors. Queen Victoria was unhappy with the idea of a bridge being built so close to the Tower of London, while the London watermen, whose livelihoods depended on ferrying people across the river, were equally dismayed.

Despite these objections, the Tower Bridge Act was passed in 1885, and work began on London’s new landmark. It took eight years to complete, opening on June 30, 1894, amid lavish celebrations.

Today you can explore the two walkways, which were reopened in 1982

after being closed to the public for 72 years. From the West Walkway you can see the Tower of London to the right, as well as the Shard and the city beyond, while the East Walkway gives views towards the London Docklands. Viewing is behind glass, but look for the camera signs to spot the windows you can open for taking pictures.

Glass floor panels were installed in both walkways in 2014, allowing you to look down at the river swirling beneath your feet. From here you can also see the roadway, the base of the turrets and probably a boat or two passing through!

Entry is via the North Tower, which takes you to the first walkway via a series of steps with information boards along the way, telling the history of the bridge and the stories of the huge and varied workforce – which included divers, steel workers, stonemasons, riveting gangs, stokers, watchmen, signalmen, navvies and gatemen, as well as child labourers.

There is also a reconstruction of the site office, showing John Wolfe Barry in discussion with engineer George

Edward Wilson Crutwell and general manager Andrew Stephenson Biggart.

Between the two walkways is a room showing film footage that captures the history of the bridge, as well as a collection of historical pictures, posters and other exhibits.

As you exit via the South Tower, follow a blue line commemorating many of the unsung heroes who helped build and maintain Tower Bridge.

The final part of the tour is into the Victorian engine rooms, where you can see the original steam engines, coal-fired boilers and water pumps that powered

Inside the east walkway.

the lifting machinery for the drawbridge right up until 1976, when it was replaced with electricity. Find out how it all worked through a series of information panels – and enjoy that distinctive smell of steam engines that still lingers!

Finally, there is a section dedicated to the workers of Tower Bridge, featuring oral histories, film footage and information panels.

The famous drawbridge is opened about 800 times a year. To see this magnificent spectacle, check the website for the list of Bridge Lift dates and times, plus details of which vessels will be sailing through and in which direction they will be heading.

Tickets for Tower Bridge can be obtained on the day or booked in advance, and you can opt to explore at your own pace or book a guided tour (Saturdays and Sundays only). There are also BSL guided tours, relaxed tours, family activities, and the interactive Tower Bridge Cat Trail. And, of course, there is a gift shop!

There are no refreshments on site, but there are plenty of cafes nearby – the day I visited there was also an ice cream van!

For more information, visit www. towerbridge.org.uk

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19 WHAT’S ON

July 2023

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Project will connect young people with city’s maritime heritage THE Daniel Adamson Preservation Society has received a £98,978 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to set up a project connecting young people with the maritime heritage of Liverpool.

The exciting heritage project, Maritime Heritage – Maritime Futures, will focus on connecting young people with the remaining historic vessels in the area, with the huge importance of the maritime heritage of Liverpool, and with the potential future careers in the sector, as both the heritage and maritime sectors work towards a greener future.

The project will at the same time focus on embedding the historic vessel in the identity of the region’s maritime sector industries, thus increasing support for youth development work as well as private hires from the sector, which will all work towards securing the future of this unique vessel.

DAPS director Andrea Ward said: “We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and are confident the project will support young people to develop new skills and an appreciation of their heritage and that they will take the lessons of its importance into their future professional lives.”

Supported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will enable sixth form engineering, foundation and marketing students from across the city region to build an understanding of the development of the port and ships across time, and the current urgency to respond to the climate emergency.

At the end of the first year, the project will culminate in a big Float Your Boat event at Salthouse Dock, with the engineering students sailing the net zero model vessels they have designed and constructed over the course of the year.

Foundation students will also showcase their creative work using natural and recyclable materials to respond to the natural and heritage environment

and marketing students will have created a very exciting campaign to raise awareness of the event.

The project has received further support from partners who share aims to engage young people with the history and future of the Port of Liverpool: · The Canal & River Trust will introduce the young people to the ecology of the docks and how to look after the living waterways · The researcher that Liverpool John Moores University has funded for the Daniel Adamson (the Danny) Mersey-built steam tug boat’s Clean Steam research project will introduce the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint, and the facilities and training available at the university · Peel Ports, Svitzer Marine and other stakeholder industries in the Port of Liverpool will give young people access to learning about career opportunities as well as the industry’s response to net zero 2040. · The Merseyside Maritime Museum will support the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society in grounding the future developments in an understanding of the past.

Cathriona Bourke, the Daniel Adamson learning, participation and partnerships manager, sees the project changing how young people see the relevance of their local history to their future: “It is hard to overstate the historic importance of the Port of Liverpool, but we have been surprised at the hunger of the sixth form students to know more about its history, to experience the working historic vessels and to feel that they are part of a long tradition. The Danny provides a unique opportunity for them to explore the historic and working docks from a vessel that is herself part of that history.”

Students working towards the Float Your Boat challenge will also develop professional skills

and understanding and have the chance to meet many key employers in maritime in the region. The great hope is that many of the participants will be inspired to future careers in the maritime sector, and will take with them into their careers a passion for maintaining their maritime heritage.”

For details of cruises on board the Daniel Adamson along the River Weaver and around Liverpool during the summer, visit www.thedanny.co.uk/events

The Daniel Adamson will help to connect young people with the maritime heritage of Liverpool. PHOTO: DAPS

Bookings can now be made online at www.thedanny.co.uk June

August

FRI 23 National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port - Anderton Boat Lift

SAT 5

Sutton Weaver - Royal Albert Dock

0930-1430

£85

SUN 6

Royal Albert Dock - Sutton Weaver

1430-1900

£85

1100-1630

£56

SAT 24 NOMAD CHEESE & WINE Anderton Boat Lift - Anderton Boat Lift via Acton Bridge

1100-1700

1730-2100

SUN 25 WEAVER RAMBLE & CRUISE Anderton Boat Lift - Sutton Weaver (1200-1330 Acton Bridge - Dutton Walk) 1100-1630

£75

£40

£56

July FRI 14

Sutton Weaver - Acton Bridge

1200-1430

£40

MON 7 WEAVER RAMBLE & CRUISE Sutton Weaver - Anderton Boat Lift (1200-1330 Dutton - Acton Bridge walk) TUE 8

Anderton Boat Lift - Acton Bridge

1100-1230

£30

TUE 8

Acton Bridge - Sutton Weaver

1300-1530

£40

SAT 26 National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port - Mode Wheel Lock, Salford

1100-1600

£85

1100-1600

£85

£60

SUN 16 FISH & CHIP CRUISE Sutton Weaver - Acton Bridge via Marsh Lock 1600-2000

£50

SUN 27 Mode Wheel Lock, Salford - National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

MON 17 GANGPLANK SPIRITS & PRESERVES CRUISE Acton Bridge - Sutton Weaver 1300-1530

£40

MON 28 National Waterways Museums, Ellesmere Port Sutton Weaver via Runcorn Bridges 1200-1530

September FRI 15

WEAVER RAMBLE & CRUISE Sutton Weaver - Anderton Boat Lift (1200-1330 Dutton - Acton Bridge walk)

1100-1630

£56

SAT 16 NOMAD CHEESE & WINE Anderton Boat Lift - Anderton Boat Lift via Acton Bridge 1400-1730

£40

SUN 17 NANTWICH GIN CRUISE Anderton Boat Lift - Sutton Weaver

1200-1600

£50

1300-1530

£40

October SUN 8

Acton Bridge - Sutton Weaver

WHAT’S ON 20

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2023

WHAT’S ON IN JULY July 1-2 Roving Canal Traders’ Association: Floating markets

at Audlem and Atherstone Locks.

Daystar: Roses & Castle workshop weekend at Audlem (Shropshire Union Canal).

10am-4pm. Lunch and refreshments provided, £85.

Contact 01270 811330, jane@ day-star-theatre.co.uk July 2 Louth

Navigation

Trust:

Zero Degrees 2023 presents: Culture @ the canal, noon to 5pm. Live latin and folk music at Navigation Warehouse; Grimsby and Cleethorpes Model Boat Association; watercraft and paddlers will join us on Riverhead Basin.

Please bring your paddleboard, kayak, canoe! Pop-up Pimms bar, tea, coffee and Bensleys tubs of ice-cream.

July 8 Friends of the Montgomery Canal: Coracle Fun Day at the

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

contact Anne Bednarski; annebednarski@hotmail.com July 14-16 Roving Canal Traders’ Association: Floating market

at Gnosall C-Fest.

July 15 Aqueduct Marina: Boating

event at the Cheshire marina between 10am-4pm for day visitors and from 6pm until later in the evening for those who want to enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

Entry to daytime boating events is free, as is parking at the marina at Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DX. More information at www. aqueductmarina.co.uk July 19 River Foss Society: Three-

mile Oulston – Pond Head circular walk. Meet Oulston Village Green at 6.30pm. For more information contact Derek Chivers: derek@chivers. plus.com July 21-22 River Foss Society: Walk the

Town Wharf, Church Street, Welshpool SY21 7AN, 10am2pm. This is a new event for the friends and will give the opportunity to try out one of these unique craft with tuition, buoyancy aids and safety canoes in attendance.

full 28 miles of the River Foss over two days which runs from the centre of York to woods near Yearsley above Oulston (Pond Head) reservoir. For full details contact annebednarski@ hotmail.com

July 13 River Foss Society: Five-mile

July 23 Canal & River Trust: Heritage-

evening Farlington circular walk. Meet in The Blacksmith’s Arms, Farlington car park at 6pm. For more information

themed Canal Town Sunday featuring characters in traditional costume. National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port.

July 22-23 Roving Canal Traders’ Association: Floating markets

All welcome as Aqueduct Boating Event returns

at Cosgrove Canal Festival and Trentham.

July 29 Roving Canal Traders’ Association: Floating market

at Linslade Canal Festival.

Hillside Jamm Music Festival:

Family festival, kids go free!

Plenty of craft drinks and local food and diverse music line-up.

Holroyd House Farm, Napton, Southam CV47 8NY. www. naptoncidery.co.uk July 29-30 Etruria Industrial Museum:

Summer steaming – the mill driven by the 1820s beam engine will be in steam from 12.30pm with blacksmith demonstrations in the forge.

Tea room, toilets and museum in the visitor centre. The museum will be open from 10.30am-4.30pm each day. The main car park and entrance is off Kilndown Close, Etruria Vale Road, Etruria, Stoke-onTrent ST1 4RB. Entry to the museum and mill £7 per adult, guided tours of the mill £10 per adult, under 16s free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Annual Gathering of Historic Boats: Audlem on the

Shropshire Union Canal. The Festival of Transport (historic road vehicles) is also held on the Sunday. Entry to both events is free, with plenty of free parking.

The main boating event at Aqueduct Marina.

SATURDAY, July 15 will see the return of the Aqueduct Marina Boating Event, last held before the pandemic.

The popular event is being held at the Cheshire marina between 10am and 4pm for day visitors and from 6pm until later in the evening for those who want to enjoy the evening's entertainment.

Although aimed at the boating community, the event will also be of interest to those who are looking at buying a boat. If you are thinking of joining the growing number of owners, the event will provide you with an ideal opportunity to get advice from

experts, see a range of boats for sale and gain behind-thescenes access to the marina’s award-winning facilities and exclusive offers in the on-site chandlery.

There will be a range of trade

exhibitors, including Amtrim Covers, Elite Furnishings, Knight ’s Nar rowboats, Lockgate Stoves, LeeSan, Marine 16, Marineware, River Canal Rescue, Rookery Hall, Peter Tindall Boat Surveyor,

A scene from a previous event.

Audlem, Shropshire Union Canal 29/30 July 2023 · 10.00 - 5.00

Free entry · Free parking on Turnpike Field

entrance off A529, Green Lane - What3words ///cutback.regulate.blotches

Organised by Audlem Mill 01270 811059