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1 Issue 190, August 2021

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The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation connects Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. According to the IWA’s Waterways Directory, most of the willow trees along the banks are of a specialist variety of ‘cricket bat willows’ and have been grown as a commercial crop along the Navigation since the early years of the last century. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

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You can boat 5000 miles – IWA research reveals 500 more NEW research from the Inland Waterways Association has revealed that out of 7000 miles of waterways in Great Britain, 5000 are navigable today, with the other 2000 miles either derelict or under restoration.

The IWA’s Waterways Directory, which details all the inland waterways ever brought into navigation, has been updated with detailed research by IWA experts and local volunteers.

Further research in Scotland, improved coverage of former routes of river navigations and including more significant branches of the Grand Union Canal in the London area are the main sources of an additional 500 miles uncovered since the last count (see also story in Scottish Waters feature, page 77) .

John Pomfret, the IWA navigation expert who compiled the directory, explained: “The directory has been

updated to give an authoritative record of the country’s waterways assets, the only place the information is available in one place in such an accessible form.

“It highlights the complexity of protecting and restoring the waterways, with over 200 navigation bodies in Great Britain, and the scale of the invaluable heritage and habitats of our canals and rivers.”

The research sprung out of the

need to know who was responsible for what waterway. This new version also lists every local authority responsible for the areas through which each waterway passes.

Local IWA volunteers use the directory to contact navigation authorities and work towards better local waterways.

You can sign up to receive the latest version of the Waterways Directory at www.waterways.org.uk/directory

Wedding plans

Blue flag

Waterway code

DUDLEY Canal and Tunnel Trust has applied to have its Birmingham New Road site approved for weddings. It has previously hosted ceremonies in its caverns, but it is hoped the new plans will open up the rest of the site and its facilities. Like many attractions, the trust has faced a battle to survive during the pandemic and was forced to cancel weddings planned there over the past year. The trust opened for just 15 weeks in 2020.

THE Canal & River Trust has been awarded England’s first international Blue Flag award for the Royal Albert Dock and Salthouse Dock marinas in Liverpool. The moorings are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront site in the heart of the city, the Royal Albert Dock attracting millions of tourists every year. Events over the summer will include a waterfront Wellbeing Weekend, with a range of fun free activities taking place during the weekend of August 20-22.

A TIMELY reminder has been issued by the Canal & River Trust to share the space considerately. It has worked with boaters and anglers to update the Waterway Code. Many people discovered the joys of the waterways during lockdown and this summer private leisure boating, hire boat holidays, paddle sports and angling are expected to be more popular than ever. Enthusiasts are likely be familiar with much of the advice which offers commonsense guidance.

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WELCOME FOR the first time since summer 2019 we have live events to look forward to although one or two minor festivals and gatherings were able to take place during the brief respite from lockdown last August and September.

As you will already have seen, our Crick Boat Show Special is back and, along with everyone else I am sure, we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be full steam ahead for this show on August 20-22 and the IWA Festival of Water over the bank holiday weekend.

It was great to get out and about again with a joint visit by the Louth Navigation Trust and IWA Lincolnshire branch to the Covenham Reservoir and Water Treatment Works which are mainly fed with water from the Louth Canal, see my report on page 4.

Phil Pickin talks to disabled boater and roving trader Tracey Clarke, who is a co-opted member of the Canal & River Trust council, about the Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum recently set up on Facebook, see page 6.

Another event to look forward to is the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival in September – see the preview on page 11 – and a great route for dog walkers, the Farndon Riverside Loop near Newark, is featured in Barge Beagle on page 18.

Jonathan Mosse concludes his report on Ortomarine’s electric boat trials on the River Severn and IWA Sustainable Boating Group member Malcolm Bridge, designer and owner of nb Ampère, takes a look at electric drive systems, see pages 50 and 51.

And with the promise of better weather ahead, you may be thinking about painting your boat. Surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies stresses the importance of preparation in his technical feature on page 54.

Most of all, enjoy the summer.

Walking backwards to happiness Wacky fundraiser Stuart Kettell sent off on great canal journey by music producer Pete Waterman

By Tim Coghlan

A LARGE crowd of well-wishers gathered at the canal entrance to Braunston Marina to see dedicated fundraiser Stuart Kettell set off on his gruelling journey walking backwards from Northamptonshire to London in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Before sending him off, legendary songwriter and music producer Pete Waterman presented Stuart with a £1000 cheque to Macmillan from Braunston Marina – the principal sponsor for Stuart’s challenge – and wished him every success.

Dressed in green with dyed green hair and specially made shoes, Stuart planned to walk backwards the 100-mile length of the Grand Union Canal from Braunston to the Thames at Limehouse, London, and then on to Macmillan’s headquarters on the Thames at Blackfriars.

This he would do over 10 days, at roughly 10 miles a day – about all he could take going backwards. “The human body is not made to walk this way for anything more than a few paces, and I have had to do a lot of special training,” Stuart explained.

Accompanying Stuart was the escort 60ft narrowboat Bruin, steered

by Norman Woolley, 85, who lost his wife to cancer in 2013 and is now a dedicated supporter of cancer causes.

The narrowboat provided Stuart with sustenance on the route and overnight

A warm send-off from well-wishers at Braunston for fundraiser Stuart Kettell as he begins his backwards towpath walk to London on July 7. accommodation. Norman had to cope with the 102 locks and received much help from volunteers.

Stuart is a professional filmmaker – everything from commercials to weddings – and some years ago, after filming case studies for Macmillan, he drove home wanting to make a difference. Each year since then, bar the Covid lockdown in 2020, he has carried out a wacky fundraising challenge.

The first was a flight around the UK coast, fresh out of training on his flexwing microlight.

Since then, his exploits have included pushing a Brussels sprout up Mount Snowden using only his nose, cycling in a converted bath from John O’Groats to Land’s End, and kayaking from the mouth of the Thames to Coventry.

Prior to the current challenge, Stuart had raised more than £60,000 for Macmillan. He hopes to raise more than £10,000 from this challenge.

Tim Coghlan, of Braunston Marina, said: “We are again delighted to be main sponsor for Stuart, having been main sponsor for him three times in the past.

The Macmillan Nurses are a cause close to my heart, as they nursed my late wife at home for three weeks during the last stages of her cancer, before she finally had to be hospitalised. It gave us such precious time quietly together with the children. And I promised then and there to support Macmillan for the rest of my life.”

The journey south passed largely without incident – despite fears of tripping on mooring lines – and the

cool temperatures made the going much easier. Stuart arrived at Macmillan HQ on Friday, July 16 at 4pm to a welcoming party – strictly limited in accordance with Covid restrictions.

People can still donate on Stuart’s website: www. willthemadfoolmakeit.co.uk

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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 Advertising sales representative Chris Heaton – 01507 529354 cheaton@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: 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 – August 26, 2021

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Legendary songwriter and music producer Pete Waterman presenting Stuart Kettell with a £1000 cheque from Braunston Marina to Macmillan Cancer Support before the start of his backwards walk from Braunston to London. With them are Tim Coghlan, left, of Braunston Marina and Norman Woolley, right, with his narrowboat Bruin which was the escort narrowboat for the challenge.

Stuart Kettell in training on the Hatton Flight near Warwick prior to the start of his epic journey.

He is wearing a flashing warning beacon and carrying a small loudspeaker proclaiming ‘Warning, warning, this person is reversing!’

PHOTOS: VICTORIA JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Chesterfield Canal cruises to restart

WITH the scrapping of social distancing rules, the Chesterfield Canal Trust will be getting its fleet of four tripboats back into action.

First in line Madeline was set to run trips from Hollingwood Hub in Staveley from Saturday, July 24 followed by John Varley ll at Tapton Lock in Chesterfield on July 25.

Also due to start on the Sunday were Hugh Henshall cruising from the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop and Seth Ellis hosting pirate trips in Retford.

Sarah Stephens, the trustee in charge of tripboats, said: “We have been running a few charter cruises with very strict Covid rules since May, but now our crews are delighted to be able to get back to our regular public trips.”

The trust has a host of cruises lined up, running from 20-minute taster trips to six-hour cruises. Cake and Cruise – no problem. Strawberry Cream Tea Cruise – of course.

Altogether there are 17 different types and lengths of trips running from eight different venues. Prices vary from £2 to £22. To see the full list, go to the trust’s website – search for Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Besides all this, it is possible to charter any of the boats for £60 an hour for up to 12 passengers.

All the boats will still be subject to precautions such as proper cleaning regimes, hand sanitising and good ventilation. The wearing of masks will be welcome.

Madeline was due to be the first tripboat back on the water.

PHOTO: CCT

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Underfloor void causes lock leakage

Workboat Gawburn waits as water is pumped around and from within the lock.

PHOTO: COLIN WAREING, COLIN AND CAROLE’S CREATIONS

THE Canal & River Trust was forced to close part of the Ripon Canal in mid-May due to excessive leakage of water from Oxclose Lock while boaters were trying to use it, writes Colin Wareing.

It was also necessary

to extend the closure to include Bellfurrows Lock and Rhodesfield Lock to control water levels.

Once investigated it was found that there was a large void under the timber floor of Oxclose Lock through which

water was leaking. The lock was closed, drained and about 100 tonnes of gravel brought in by workboat to fill the void. This was then stabilised into a solid mass by specialist contractors pumping grout into the

gravel. As we went to press, CRT reported that following repairs, the scaffolding was due to be taken out of the lock and following removal of equipment, the lock was expected to reopen on July 17.

Welsh minister visits Montgomery Canal

SECRETARY of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, recently saw first-hand how the project to extend the navigable section of the Montgomery Canal could boost tourism both sides of the border.

The continuation of the restoration of the canal – with the ambition of linking Mid Wales to Shropshire – is the focus of a £15 million bid by the Canal & River Trust and Powys County Council to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

During his visit, which included a boat trip from Welshpool Wharf, the minister met Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams, North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson and volunteers at the Montgomery Canal Partnership and

Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

Partnership chairman John Dodwell said they had been very pleased that the Secretary of State for Wales had been able to see for himself the great potential which the completion of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal would bring to the people of Powys.

“We hope for a favourable outcome to the recent application to the UK Government for funding.

Restoration will not only bring economic benefits through increased visitors but also improve the well-being opportunities for people living in and near the canal corridor, including enhancing the natural and built heritage.”

Trust chairman Michael Limbrey added: “Many

of us have been working for a long time to see the Montgomery Canal reopened into Mid Wales.

Activity has stepped up in recent years with the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal and high-level meetings with Shropshire and Powys Councils.

“It is most exciting to see the latest bid from the Canal & River Trust and Powys County Council for restoration works from the Welsh border at Llanymynech to the Prince of Wales’ section and Welshpool.”

He added: “And it was even more exciting to see the enthusiasm shown by our visitors, the Secretary of State for Wales, the MPs and Senedd member and county council representatives.

“As we anticipate restoration to Crickheath next year, and the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, now we hope to see more reopening in the years that follow.”

A previous resident of the county, Mr Hart said it had been fantastic to return to Montgomeryshire and to see the very exciting plans to restore the canal.

“Montgomeryshire is central to the UK Government’s plans for a more visible and active role in Wales, not least through the Mid Wales Growth Deal and the Levelling Up Fund.”

He concluded: “These are the opportunities that will bring real investment, real growth and real jobs to these fantastic communities for years to come.”

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Sankey Canal Milestone Project set for completion THE Sankey Canal Restoration Society is about to complete its project with partners at both Warrington and St Helens Borough Councils to replace all milestones on the Sankey Canal.

Society chairman Colin Greenall said: “I can only thank all the milepost sponsors for their generosity in seeing this project through to completion.

It is pleasing to see the response of the many thousands of local people who walk and cycle this canal every day when they look at the mileposts and use them to help plot their walks and rides.”

It was during the Second World War that overzealous authorities removed the mileposts with the express purpose of confusing German paratroopers but none came and all the mileposts disappeared.

For a number of years volunteers searched the banks of the canal in vain but then during earth removal in a restoration project, one was uncovered and the society had the template to copy. This milepost was from the original stretch of the canal to the Mersey at Warrington, opened in 1762.

The extension to Spike Island in Widnes (1833) would have had

mileposts designed by the London and North Western Railway company (LNWR) but none has been found.

Crafted out of sandstone from Ramsbottom Quarry, the whole project has cost £7500 and all 16 mileposts have been sponsored, with the Inland Waterways Association sponsoring four of the posts at a cost of £1824.

Chester and Merseyside IWA chairman Jim Forkin said: “Nationally there is a great movement to make sure that these much-loved milestones are fully back in place on the network and we were delighted to help SCARS make sure that the first industrial canal in Great Britain had a complete set.”

The original mileposts were thought to have dated from between 1762 and 1833, although the LNWR mileposts would probably have been to a different design.

The exact positioning of the posts has also never been discovered and the volunteers have measured as accurately as possible to recreate the scenes. One remaining milepost, a mile from Widnes, is in store awaiting its designated site being cleared from civil engineering work.

Presenting the IWA sponsorship cheque is, left: Jim Forkin, Chester & Merseyside Branch chairman to SCARS representatives Mike Harrison, treasurer; Colin Greenall, chairman and Ian Hornby, work party organiser. PHOTO SUPPLIED

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The intake from the Louth Canal.

Bar screens provide the first defence.

From canal to tap…

By Janet Richardson

NO LONGER an artery for the transshipment of goods, the Louth Canal now plays a vital role in the supply of fresh drinking water to communities between the Humber and the Wash.

Around 600 litres per second is abstracted by open water transfer from the canalised River Lud to the water treatment works at Covenham Reservoir which has an 11 million cubic metre capacity.

Members of the Lincolnshire branch of the Inland Waterways Association and the Louth Navigation Trust were hosted by Anglian Water Operations for a recent visit along with representatives from the Environment Agency and Mott MacDonald, which is leading the concept design project for the proposed South Lincolnshire Reservoir.

Starting at the intake where the canal water enters a feeder channel to the reservoir, senior operator Jon Battersby explained that it is constantly monitored for levels of agrochemicals such as metaldehyde, which has now been banned, nitrates and phosphates.

This also involves scientists visiting farms to check what is entering the watercourse and to ensure that livestock are prevented from entering it.

In summer when reservoir levels are falling, supplies are topped up from the Great Eau river via Alvingham Lock.

Bar screens provide the first line of defence against debris such as branches, weeds, plastics and even dead sheep. An automatically operated rake clears the screens at preset intervals.

We then walked back along the 400m channel to see the band screens in action. These are continuously rotating drums which fine screen the water. Fish and eels are turned back to the canal.

The water is then pumped into the reservoir through the bank, more during the night although with the introduction of solar panels this will be reversed.

Covering some 200 acres, the reservoir is surrounded by a concrete baffle wall and has a 2.25-mile perimeter. When full, it is 16m deep – Jon commented that he had never seen it lower than 9m.

A watersports facility is leased out

by Anglian Water and the reservoir is also used for training by the emergency

The Reservoir Rover leaflet has a choice of six or seven mile circular routes including Covenham reservoir and the Louth Canal. services and armed forces. The path around the reservoir is open to the public and is popular with walkers but

A skip full of zebra mussel waste.

PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON

swimming is strictly forbidden.

Raw water storage is a ‘first line of defence’ against waterborne diseases and a ‘jetting’ system induces an anticlockwise flow of water around the reservoir to ensure adequate mixing of water mass.

Gravity-fed into the treatment works, the water then passes through inline strainers which remove fish and eels as well as shellfish such as zebra mussels.

Jon showed us a skip full of mussel waste which goes to landfill, as a recycling opportunity has yet to be found.

In answer to a question on invasive species he said that crayfish do not present as much of a problem here as in other places. Zooplankton, algae and other microscopic particles are removed by microstrainers before the water goes through the chlorination process.

Drinking water is then supplied to more than 100,000 properties including Louth, along the coast from Grimsby to Skegness and via Miningsby to the Boston area.

Visitors were also shown the treatment process and had the opportunity to walk underneath the reservoir.

An inspection chamber for the eel and fish return pipe.

The eel and fish return.

Senior operator Jon Battersby, centre, addresses the socially distanced group.

Senior operator Jon Battersby, right, explains the relift pumps.

The Covenham Water Treatment Works.

Covenham Reservoir, a vast expanse of water used for training by the emergency services and armed forces.

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Chester achieves first heritage inland port status in UK

LOCAL IWA members have played a pivotal role in the success of Chester’s nomination for canal and river system Heritage Port status.

The team from the Chester and Merseyside Branch have, after much hard work with partners Chester Civic Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), been informed that their nomination has now been recognised by the national body responsible for promoting this new designation scheme.

The plan was submitted to organisers Maritime Heritage Trust (MHT), National Historic Ships (NHS) and European Maritime Heritage (EMH).

The heritage port scheme aims to properly recognise long established but often forgotten ports that played such an important role in the maritime and industrial history of the country.

Jim Forkin, chairman, IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch, said: “This new scheme brilliantly reflects the important role played by inland ports in British industrial and maritime history, hopefully helping preserve these sites for future generations.”

Chester, a port since Roman times and possibly earlier, had to submit an application outlining its unique historical development, cataloguing its surviving features and evaluating the environmental and historical features in relation to the criteria

Chester’s Northgate locks. in Chester, as a result of its position as the highest navigable point for sea-going vessels, was strongly emphasised.

Roman beginnings

The Old Port warehouse. laid down in the heritage harbour designation process.

An interconnected system

The 21-page application stressed that Chester’s waterways were part of an interconnected system linking the open sea, Dee estuary and non-tidal Dee with the national canal network and River Mersey via the Shropshire Union Canal.

Heritage assets covered both maritime and inland waterway features with a focus on Tower Wharf, Northgate Locks, the Dee Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal and the adjacent tidal Dee frontage of the old port of Chester.

Downstream anchorages on the Wirral side of the estuary were also included.

A great deal of the application naturally focused on the Shropshire Union Canal as it An aerial view of the Tower Wharf and threads its way through the city but Taylor’s Boatyard. PHOTOS SUPPLIED the early history of the waterways

One particular advantage the city had was the fact that in Roman times it was the busiest port in north-west England with an old quay wall remaining on the Roodee racecourse. As a port it grew until around 1700 when silting in the river prevented vessels above 20 tons reaching its wharfs.

Even the creation after the 1730s of a 16ft deep navigable channel with associated new warehouses could not prevent the port’s ultimate demise as Liverpool finally grew to be the dominant port in the North West.

In the 1770s the Chester Canal aimed to boost the port’s importance but the canal initially terminated in a dead end at Nantwich and was a failure.

In 1795 saviours were found in the form of the Wirral line of the Ellesmere Canal to the Mersey and by 1833 Chester was fully linked to the national canal network by what was to be known as the Shropshire Union Canal that brought trade from the Midlands, the Potteries and Wales.

It was as a result of these connections that Chester acquired warehousing and a graving dock at Tower Wharf, the core of the heritage port. Trade continued on the waterway through the 19th century but after the First World War this

STOPS OD

Increased use of towpaths results in more Ombudsman enquiries

THE Waterways the complainant Ombudsman and accepted. In the the Waterways upheld complaint Ombudsman a goodwill award Committee have and apology was issued their annual required. reports for 2020/21.

• As in the This is the second previous year annual report of there was a very the Ombudsman, diverse range of Sarah Daniel. complaints, and During the year, again the majority the Ombudsman were about boating issues. The common received 7 7 Ombudsman Sarah Daniel: thread was enquiries about “An unprecedented year.” c o m mu n i cat i o n the Canal & River PHOTO SUPPLIED Trust, a substantial problems. rise in number from the previous The Ombudsman’s report year when there were 41. The includes summaries of all completed number of premature complaints investigations. It also includes details more than doubled on the previous of other work completed by Sarah year’s number to 34. this year and sets out details of future Ten new investigations were work plans for the committee and the opened, a small rise from eight last Ombudsman for the coming year. year and the number of complaints The Waterways Ombudsman Scheme continues to be approved resolved was eight.

Sarah said: “This year has been by its Competent Authority, the unprecedented in terms of external Chartered Trading Standards world events, which has in part Institute, in line with the impacted on the enquiries received, requirements set out in the ADR a number of which were about the (Alternative Dispute Resolution) increased use of the towpaths by all Regulations. It deals with complaints and associated problems this brings. about the Canal & River Trust and “As more people enjoy the space the Avon Navigation Trust, which around the waterways the trusts are referred to the Ombudsman have to continue to work hard to after completion of their own make that possible.” complaints process.

• Of the eight complaints resolved, The Waterways Ombudsman three were upheld in part, one was Committee oversees the work of settled and four were not upheld. A the scheme and remains satisfied goodwill award was proposed in one with the operation and funding of case which was partly upheld, which the scheme.

The annual reports of the Waterways Ombudsman Committee and the Waterways Ombudsman for 2020-21 are available online at: waterwaysombudsman.org/media/1191/woc-annual-report-2020-21.pdf

declined steeply and by 1957 all trade had left the canal.

The 1970s canal revival

The waterways of Chester suffered decay in the 20th century but from the 1940s the public began to take an interest in Britain’s transport history and a revival began. Chester’s remaining port facilities were increasingly recognised from the 1970s as an asset of great historical importance.

John Herson, co-author of the nomination submission, said: “The approval process was stringent on all aspects, from historical buildings to public access and regeneration

potential. Chester, with many listed structures still existing, scored well on historical waterside buildings and public access via towpaths but much lower on regeneration potential. There are admittedly a number of significant challenges to be tackled.”

Jim Forkin added: “Observing canals today, especially post-lockdown, there is absolutely no doubt that the public has a growing appreciation of the waterway network.

“We will continue to campaign for better access to the Dee, especially the non tidal section, and encourage other towns with equally good prospects to apply.”

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New forum for less able canal users up and running

By Phil Pickin

MANY within the boating community will know Tracey and Tim Clarke and their guide dog Oakley, the continuously cruising roving canal traders who live and work aboard their narrowboat Sola Gratia.

The couple first began their liveaboard life back in 2014, three years after Tracey was registered disabled due to sight loss. Many, including the couple themselves, were unsure if a life afloat was the best thing for someone with such a significant disability. However, seven years later, the couple continue to enjoy their life on the canals.

Together with Tim, Tracey now not only trades as The Doggie Boat, selling a range of dog treats and a wide range of other canine accessories, but is are also involved with the Canal Ministries charity. The couple are part of a team of 19 evangelists crewing and living aboard a number of boats on the system. In addition Tim is a photographer who also runs a web-hosting business from Sola Gratia.

As a canal trader, Tracey is acutely aware of the impact the lockdowns have had on

Tracey Clarke with her newly trained guide dog Loki.

Tim and Tracey’s narrowboat Sola Gratia trades as The Doggie Boat. PHOTOS SUPPLIED businesses. She said: “The pandemic has been difficult for many canal traders,” however it would seem the lockdowns have allowed her and Tim to make their business more mailorder. As a result, they have come out of the period with a revised format, one that would seem to be proving successful.

At a locally held, pre-pandemic Canal & River Trust annual

public meeting, Tracey was first approached to stand in the council elections. Despite missing election by the slimmest of margins, she was subsequently co-opted on to the board.

Now in place, she is looking to bring the needs of those who struggle to use the waterways due to disability to the forefront of any discussions.

As a former parish councillor,

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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 Buck.

Fiona and Chaplaincy’s Martin 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 finalists will receive a £100 donation towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

Talk. tth Tal 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 shortlisting the of job panel a difficult four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have the Chesterton told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats on for about five Field, Fen Ditton, and this went 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 bridge canal the at 10am is point meeting Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter l.com peterkillan@hotmai or 878361

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

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Tracey would seem to be an ideal choice for the role.

Facebook group

We caught up with the couple while they were moored in Market Drayton, shortly before setting off to begin exploring more northerly canals. In addition to our discussions about those trying to make a living on the canals, we discussed the setting-up of the Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum (IWAF) Facebook group. Both of these new roles were taken on in an effort to champion the needs of those for whom using the waterways (be they boaters or not) has become increasingly difficult.

Her own particular sight problems provide her with first-hand experience of disabled boating and she acknowledges: “With a system, built 200 years ago, long before people considered health and safety important, it isn’t easy to accommodate everyone’s needs.”

She also made the very valid point: “The system was

built by, and for, fit individuals for whom using locks and operating boats wasn’t a problem.” A far cry from what is sometimes the case nowadays.

Despite the canals being used by people with a wide range of abilities, she quickly added that CRT has a difficult situation to manage and, in her opinion, ‘inherited a mess’ when it took over. Now the trust has to address and balance the needs of modern society with the need to retain the waterways’ heritage. Not an easy thing to achieve.

Tracey highlighted some of the problems she personally encountered as someone with significant sight problems and for whom depth perception is almost impossible.

She has found that some lock gates prove difficult, and she would like to see changes made to the design of some elements of them to make them safer for everyone to use. However, new gates tend to replicate the old ones with, in some cases, all of the problems they can pose.

It is with these thoughts in mind, and after talking to other

towpath users – as well as after a less than pleasant encounter with a cyclist – that she looked at setting up the Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum. This private group on Facebook has been established “as a means of ongoing discussions between the trust/other waterways authorities and users of the canals, rivers and towpaths who have accessibility issues”. The forum is also open to carers if they are interested.

The group would seem to have been generally well-received.

However, Tracey would like more involvement from groups like the IWA, National Trust and the Environment Agency but said that disabled angling and rambling groups have already joined up.

Live chats on social media and the use of Zoom have provided members with opportunities to catch up with each other during the pandemic.

However, she looks forward to the opportunity to meet up properly to discuss issues. Until then, if you would like to know more about the Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum, please visit www.facebook.com/iwaf1

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Tracey with her previous guide dog Oakley working a lock on the Caldon Canal. Oakley retired just over two years ago. “Without him, we would never have been able to realise our dream of living on the waterways.”

NEWS 77

www.towpathtalk.co.uk www.towpathtalk.co.uk Moorings at Market Drayton Aqueduct. PHOTO: STUART FRANCE

CRT criticised for timing of temporary towpath closure

By Phil Pickin

BOATERS and the local community are upset at the Canal & River Trust’s plans to impose a temporary closure of the towpath and moorings between Victoria Bridge and the Market Drayton Aqueduct on the Shropshire Union Canal.

The closure is expected to be in place for more than two months, with claims in the local paper that the closure will “devastate the town’s post-lockdown tourist boom”.

Local councillors, including the mayor, have voiced their concerns about the work, which they say should have

been scheduled after September when the tourist rush has diminished.

Lisa Machin, director of Talbot Wharf boatyard, said that what surprises her is the lack of communication between CRT and the local community. According to Lisa, CRT only informed them in late June about the work, which will include the installation of an all-weather surface.

As a tenant she said she would have expected to have been kept better informed and consulted on the potential impact of the work. Her business, along with many others, has had to weather two lockdowns and the usual quieter periods over the winter.

Lisa told Towpath Talk: “I don’t object

to the work being carried out; it is just the timing. Now, just as things are starting to open up again, this happens. Why can’t CRT do this during the quieter months later in the year?”

Her views are apparently reflected by many local businesses who look to the canal to help boost their tourist trade.

The town’s annual Ginger & Spice Festival, scheduled for September, could be a significant casualty if the works overrun. The attendance of the Roving Canal Traders Association at the event could well be put in jeopardy if CRT’s work isn’t completed in time. The

Floating market, fodder and tipple at Shropshire Ginger & Spice Festival

THE Ginger & Spice Festival, based in Market Drayton, Shropshire, has been shortlisted for the third time as a Midlands finalist in the Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project category of the Rural Business Awards 2021/22.

Now in its fifth year, the festival is set to take place on Saturday, September 25 and will include a freeof-charge spicy street market (on Cheshire Street) including local artisan producers, many with a ginger and spicy twist!

A free self-guided heritage trail and contest will be available for families, including visiting buildings and places of historical significance, with a fun and educational heritage quiz for the

little ones and a best dressed gingerbread person contest for the local businesses – to be judged by the trailgoers.

There will be a brand new Fodder and Tipple Trail which will be ticketed and will guide festivalgoers through the streets of Market Drayton and out into the Shropshire countryside – including the Shropshire Union Canal – towards the floating market (also attending this year’s festival).

This ticketed trail will include local tasting courses and refreshers at several stop-offs along the five-mile route, plus a goody bag with local artisan produce!

The annual celebration coincides with British Food Fortnight, championing and celebrating the unique

result of any delay in completion would further impact the traders and the local business community.

We approached CRT for a comment on the proposed works and the trust provided us with a press release in which Adnan Saif, West Midlands regional director, said: “The canal and towpath at Market Drayton is extremely popular but, when it’s wet, it can become slippery and a bit of a mud bath, making it inaccessible for local people, boaters

culinary heritage and history of the town – the home of gingerbread.

The festival also acts as a vehicle to promote local food producers, the weekly markets, other community groups, plus to explore heritage and places of historical interest and significance in and around the rural market town.

The Rural Business Awards are divided into six regions nationally. The final round of judging for the Midlands region was due to take place in late July and the winner will be announced via an online Midlands Region Presentation on Friday, October 8. Regional winners from each category will then go on to compete in the grand final on February 24, 2022. www.gingerandspicefest. co.uk.

and tourists wanting to explore this rural stretch of canal and the nearby town.

“While we appreciate that doing this work over the summer isn’t ideal for boaters and local people, we do need drier, warmer weather in order to carry out the work as quickly as possible while causing the least amount of disruption.

We are aiming to keep sections of the towpath open during the works so that local people and visitors can still access nearby shops, pubs and restaurants.”

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New chapter for historic narrowboat Buckden as it becomes a ‘book den’

The frame for the new bridge is lifted by a 100-tonne crane.

Peter Silvester of Audlem Mill (left) receives the delivery of books from John Yates of Buckden. Off camera is John’s wife Sue, who was steering. PHOTO: BOB JERVIS BUCKDEN, a former working narrowboat built by Harland & Wolff in 1937, arrived on June 18 at Audlem Wharf, delivering two boxes of books loaded at Dadford’s Shed on the Stourbridge Canal.

The books are further supplies for CanalBookShop at Audlem Mill of the book by Dr Della

Sadler-Moore (who lives in Stourbridge), Lorna York and Christopher M Jones – titled Care on the Cut – the very wellresearched story of the boaters’ nurse Sr Mary Ward at Stoke Bruerne, and more generally health care on the Grand Union Canal.

Liner missing in the canal!

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SHROPSHIRE Union Canal volunteers have been continuing the restoration of the 330m dry section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath.

When finished, this will link the national network to the winding hole, which is in water.

The anticipated start of the waterproof lining of the 100m of shaped and prepared channel has been delayed due to Covid and Brexit issues. These have affected delivery from France of the chemical that impregnates the geotextile blanket, which is then sandwiched between two layers of plastic sheeting.

However considerable progress has been made with other construction and remedial issues.

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The benching process. The start of the line of IBCs can be seen in the background. PHOTO: FRED BARRETT section of towpath subsidence, next to the Crickheath winding hole, has been built up to a metre above the actual level and covered with a line of 76 IBCs – intermediate bulk containers – which were then filled with water to compress the stone. These will remain there for six months.

At the eastern end, the last depressed section has been ‘benched’.

This involves steps being cut into the embankment and then thousands of tonnes of layers of stone are added on top of blankets of geogrid to stabilise these sides of the channel.

Another team of volunteers have transported 2000 concrete blocks by trailer from a previous site to the current position in readiness for the lining process to begin.

To compensate for time lost due to Covid restrictions, there are now two work parties per month until Christmas. New volunteers are always welcome. Interested parties should contact the Shropshire Union Canal website for details.

Milestone moment for restoration project IT WAS a big moment at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s latest major restoration project as the footbridge for the road crossing at Tickner’s Heath in Alfold, Surrey, was put into place.

The 6.5-tonne steel frame was carefully lifted in by a 100-tonne crane, ready to be attached by FourTees Engineers from Fareham, who created the 16m specialist structure.

It is part of a project that will also see the construction of a new road The new bridge takes shape. bridge and excavation of the canal PHOTOS: JULIAN MORGAN/GILL DAVIES/JULIAN NOWELL at the summit.

The original arch bridge across the be no wider than the existing road, the canal has long been demolished and the separate footbridge will be used by road realigned on to an earth causeway pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. which blocks the route of the canal, so Work on the project began last autumn the Wey & Arun Canal Trust intends to and since then volunteers have created create a new road crossing and canal cut culverts, a construction compound and to rejoin the original canal to the west of the concrete bankseats on which the the old crossing. footbridge sits, as well as the brick facing As the road over the new bridge will for the footbridge abutments.

Their next task is to install the oak timber deck and handrails.

Project manager Tony Ford said volunteers and Wey & Arun Canal Trust employees had accomplished a lot in difficult circumstances.

He explained: “Volunteers have really shown their commitment to this project, given construction has been stop-start thanks to the several lockdowns we have experienced over the past year. Small teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure we have reached this point in the build and that we can press on to the next stage.

“We now look forward to constructing a short temporary diversion for Dunsfold Road to take traffic away from the site of the new canal crossing.

“Following that a water main needs diverting by Thames Water and we can then finally get on to build the new road bridge.”

Double the pleasure for UCAN volunteers THERE was an excellent turnout by the Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) as part of the national Great British Spring Clean organised recently by Keep Britain Tidy.

It was a double pleasure – to meet up with fellow volunteers after such a long break and that volunteers could again engage in this valuable environmental work to remove litter, which contributes to keeping the village clean and tidy and helping to protect the local wildlife.

Members were delighted to find that there was far less litter than the last team litter pick thanks, largely, to a number of factors: more people using the bins or taking their litter home, local

walkers collecting litter, UCAN volunteers litter picking on their own during lockdowns and also credit to Oldham Council Street Cleaning Team for its excellent work.

The party collected 10 bin-liner sized bags of litter, UCAN’s volunteer force ready for action in the ranging from the smallest recent litter pick. PHOTO SUPPLIED of items such as cigarette stubs right through to UCAN is now in a position to confirm future work party much larger items such as dates: July 31, August 12 and 28, September 9 and 25; a one-tonne dumpy bag, October 16, November 11 and 27, December 9. a slab of polystyrene and Members usually meet at Spring Gardens, Moorgate a broken gargoyle-type garden ornament.

Street (by the canal bridge) at 10am but information After a full morning of litter will be confirmed nearer to each date. All equipment picking on a beautiful sunny will be provided by the Canal & River Trust and you are day the volunteers enjoyed recommended to wear suitable clothing for the weather some refreshments, with conditions on the day and stout footwear. thanks due to Greg Barratt UCAN is always pleased to welcome new volunteers.

For further information contact Peter Killan on 01457 from Tesco and also to the 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com Canal & River Trust for the loan of equipment.

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Characters of the Cut

Julian grew up on a houseboat in Chelsea.

Julian Dutton: Diving deep into social history

By Alice Griffin

WHEN writer, actor and author Julian Dutton was looking for an ideal lockdown pursuit following the cancellation of his stage tour due to Covid, writing a book seemed like a good idea.

“I have a passion for history and my previous book had been a history of comedy but this time I wanted to tackle something outside the sphere of light entertainment.

Instead I was drawn towards Actor and author memories of Julian Dutton. my childhood at Cheyne Walk, certainly offers a deep dive where I was born, on a houseboat into the social history of – a converted Britain’s waterways.

Reading Julian’s book it’s Normandy obvious that recalling his landing-craft – called Moby Dick.” early life aboard Moby Dick This initial in a Chelsea Embankment idea proved to A river trader approaching enclave stirred thoughts about why people choose be the perfect Henley Bridge. PHOTOS SUPPLIED springboard for a to live on the water. “It was complete history of Britain’s ‘boat a community of a state of mind, if you like. people’ and soon Julian found himself A mixture of people who wanted to be working on a story that unified canal outsiders, and genuinely were outsiders.” living, river living and coastal living – Julian’s parents were both actors, narrowboats, river-traders, houseboats although his mother was the bohemian – as one related historical community. one. “She was arty in the sense of being “You might say it’s a love letter to the very ‘Fifties’ – the beat poetry movement, rich seam of a British way of life that has folk music, then Dylan, Colin Wilson, led hundreds of thousands of Britons to existentialism, guitars and wine bottles.” lead a nomadic existence,” he told me. His father, on the other hand, was much Covering everything from waterways more old-school and Edwardian in his literature, poetry, art and religion, to outlook. “I think houseboat living was watermills, food, clothing, trade and probably my mother’s impulse!” the mechanics of locks, Water Gypsies This impulse certainly added richness

to Julian’s early years. “Growing up in the Sixties on the river, being wheeled along the King’s Road, seeing Mick Jagger, Augustus John and Somerset Maugham – it was a wonderful community of writers, actors and artists and has probably influenced my outlook since.”

However, a combination of their growing family, along with a sense of practicality after the kids began falling in the river a bit too often, led Julian’s parents to sell their boat to Bloomsbury writer David Garnett and move inland, although not without a big dose of regret.

Memories of his childhood lingered and fed Julian’s desire to delve deep into the watery world with his favourite part of research being the lives of river-traders in medieval England. “It’s easy to forget what a great trading nation our country was in those times. It was a bustling hive of waterborne life, which gave birth to the

great riverside towns of course.”

I too was fascinated when reading about the folk who carried malt, timber, pottery, stone and tools hundreds of miles along our waterways. “These people were tough, independent, almost piratical: it was a life of riverside gangs, thieves raiding boats and disputes. They lived aboard for weeks on end in an England that was of course almost wild, with hardly any towns on the banks and the threat of river-pirates at every lock.

An extraordinary time!”

For me, a (less piratical) wildness remains on our waterways, and it’s something Julian addresses in his writings. “There still lingers a kind of inclination in people that is associated with ancient beliefs – or rather not beliefs, but kinship; with nature, water, trees, woodland, fields.” This kinship perhaps echoes our ‘heathen’ past. “I think we have never quite shrugged off our pagan instincts; I think that’s impossible.”

Julian doesn’t shirk from the increased difficulty in seeking this wildness out amid the explosion of waterways living,

though. “London particularly is pricing ‘bohemian’ boat-dwellers out but outside the capital there are still places you can lead as free a life as you possibly can in an advanced western country with bureaucracy, law and regulations.”

It’s comforting to hope that it is this wildness that will keep drawing people to the canals for as long as they can sustain our growth.

When I asked if Julian himself might consider this way of life again, he replies with a wistful: “I’ve been tempted over the years to return and may well do. But perhaps I will choose to travel the rivers rather than the canals!”

Buy the Book: thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/ water-gypsies/9780750995597/ Alice Griffin has been both a water and land gypsy. She currently lives an outdoor yurt life in the Highlands of Scotland. www.alicegriffin.co.uk Instagram: alice_is_in_wanderland

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New Horizons celebrates 40 years of community boating Our regular feature on the work of the National Community Boats Association continues with a landmark for the Stockport Canal Boat Trust.

Chairman Sue Woodgate said: “We are operating cruising for any group who can spend time together – whether single households or support bubbles.

Cruising on the canal is an experience like no other and we’re encouraging people who’ve maybe never thought about it before to get in touch.”

The trust has a number of activities planned to celebrate its 40th year, including offering 40 free cruises to families or bubbles from the SK6 postcode who have had a particularly tough lockdown.

It is looking for nominees of people who really deserve to spend some quality time together and want to thank Co-op Local Causes and the team at Marple Co-op for helping to celebrate the boat’s 40th year.

“Our celebrations will conclude in September when we hope to be able to mark the year with a special commemorative event,” Sue continued.

“It is very notable that for our

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New Horizons at her berth in Marple in 2016 when the Stockport Canal Boat Trust received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. PHOTOS SUPPLIED 40th year we have a new skipper, Ian Gadd, who joined the team in February.”

Ian said: “It’s been such a pleasure becoming skipper of this magnificent boat and it’s been great to see people getting out to enjoy our wonderful canals. The Marple community and the boating community have welcomed me in my new role and I think that’s because of the special role that New Horizons plays for the people of Marple.”

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MARPLE’S New Horizons canal boat celebrates her 40th birthday this year and welcomes her fifth skipper to the helm.

Formally launched by HRH the Prince of Wales in 1981 (see photo) the fully wheelchairaccessible canal boat is used to welcoming groups of disabled people and carers for cruises along the canal.

Since Covid restrictions, the charity trustees have kitted out the boat to become Covid-secure and are now welcoming new groups of cruisers.

Over the years Stockport Canal Boat Trust – a member of the National Community Boats Association – has given canal experience to about 2000 passengers a year from its base at the junction of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals in Marple, Greater Manchester.

All skippers are NCBA Community Boat Management Certificate holders and say they are grateful for the ongoing support of the NCBA.

Ian is only the fifth skipper and this level of commitment from the skippers, the volunteers and trustees is what has ensured that the trust has reached this significant milestone. www.newhorizons.org.uk

HRH the Prince of Wales naming New Horizons in 1981.

New Horizons’ 30th birthday celebrations 10 years ago.

Stockport Canal Boat Trust’s New Horizons.

New Horizons is 70ft long and 6ft 10in wide to allow it to pass through the many narrow bridges and locks on the canal system. It is navigated by a skipper and volunteer crew.

The boat has a boarding ramp, a lift and wheelchair access throughout its length.

There’s accommodation for a maximum of 12 passengers on half-day and whole-day trips.

There is an open air viewing platform at the front of the boat and for cooler days in April and May the interior lounges are

centrally heated. The fully fitted galley has a gas stove, a fridge and a large sink with running hot and cold water. Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils are provided.

There is a private fully accessible toilet area with flush toilet, large wash basin, and plenty of hot water too!

To book a cruise or to find out more visit newhorizons.org.uk. For further information about the NBCA visit national-cba.co.uk

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PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE West Stockwith Lock where the canal joins the River Trent. PHOTOS: CCT

Join the country’s biggest canal walkfest THE third Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival, from September 11-19, is believed to be the biggest such event based on a single canal in the country.

Altogether there are 42 guided walks of various types and lengths. They vary from a one-mile stroll to a full 20 miles and are spread all the way along the canal’s 46 miles from Chesterfield to West Stockwith on the River Trent.

Much of the scenery is beautiful, none more so than the Giant’s Staircase of 23 locks in just over a mile between Kiveton and Shireoaks that features in several of the walks.

The festival is organised by the Chesterfield Canal Trust, whose walks officer, David Blackburn, said: “After last year’s cancellation, we are delighted to be back. The canal is an absolute delight at any time of year, but early autumn possibly sees it at its best.”

There are special interest walks, such as Wildlife, History, Architecture and Restoration, and opportunities to explore some of the attractive towns and villages in North Nottinghamshire or you can combine a walk with a cruise on one of the trust’s trip boats.

If you have never heard of geocaching, you will have the chance to discover its delights while enjoying the canal.

New this year is the opportunity to tow the

trust’s 70ft cuckoo boat and there is even a cycle ride with a difference. Waterway and railway buffs will relish the opportunity of a canal and river walk finishing up with a guided tour of Britain’s last surviving working railway roundhouse at Barrow Hill.

Serious walkers will no doubt want to join the 20-mile jaunt from Chesterfield to Worksop. This covers the 12 miles of canal that has been restored since 1989 and the eight miles that is still to be reawakened.

All the walks are free except for those combined with a boat. They must be booked in advance, either online via the trust’s website – search for Chesterfield Canal Trust – or by ringing 01246 477569.

A brochure with full details is available at various places along the canal, including Hollingwood Hub and local Tourist Information Centres. It is also available online.

Obviously all the walks will be subject to the latest Covid advice, so participants should come prepared with a face covering, even if it will not actually be required.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust wishes to thank all the walk leaders, the many organisations which have helped and the festival’s sponsors: the Canal & River Trust, Avant Homes, Derbyshire County Council Action Grants and Eckington, Misterton and West Stockwith Parish Councils.

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WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM Walks vary from a one-mile stroll to a full 20 miles.