Towpath Talk January 2023 issue preview!

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Issue 207, January 2023

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A snowy scene along the Lee Navigation between Waltham Common Lock and Cheshunt Station in Hertfordshire. But ice spells danger and the Canal & River Trust has issued a timely warning for people to take care on the towpaths, bridges and lock sides. This is a photo kindly submitted to our Instagram page towpathtalkofficial by Joe Dunne and Tamar Saphra.

Future of the UK’s inland waterways debated in Parliament

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THE future and importance of the UK’s canals and waterways was the subject of a House of Commons debate.

Although there was a particular focus on the 2000 miles cared for and looked after by the Canal & River Trust, waterways managed by other navigation authorities were also discussed with MPs from Norfolk, Scotland and Northern Ireland also taking part.

Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield

and chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Waterways, initiated the debate before many other MPs, including Rebecca Pow, the Minister for Waterways, responded.

The debate opened with Mr Fabricant setting out the unique contribution to the nation of the trust and its waterways, from the economic impact through to the huge social and environmental benefits to society.

The debate heard how the Canal & River Trust, formed in 2012 to protect and preserve its waterways across England and Wales, is awaiting the outcome of the UK government’s review of its funding contract beyond 2027. The current grant is fixed until 2027 and is declining both in real terms and as a proportion of the trust’s total income.

MPs spoke about how, with the increased threat from climate change

events not envisaged in 2012, the trust is increasing its spending on the core national infrastructure in its care.

Continued funding from government beyond 2027 is essential to protect the many benefits from waterways, minimise risk to its numerous neighbouring communities and avert the network’s long-term demise, the meeting was told.

Continued on page 2

Top-rated scenes

Docks regeneration

Cornish river find

MORE than 5000 photographs were submitted to the Canal & River Trust through its ‘rate this scene’ initiative. The six-week study, run in collaboration with the University of Warwick, attracted more than 800,000 votes ranking the scenic quality of the pictures on a scale of one to 10. Top of the pics was a summer sunset on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal at Wistow; runner-up was a view of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal approaching Whittington Horse Bridge and third was an autumnal setting on the Lancaster Canal.

THE historic Bridgwater docks which separate the River Parrett from the eastern end of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal will benefit from a £4.2 million share of funding from the government’s towns fund for projects in the town. The Grade II listed docks owned

by Somerset County Council were previously leased to the Canal & River Trust, which operated them as a residential marina. Sedgemoor District Council plans to replace the pontoons and provide ‘a high quality residential and leisure marina community’. Work is scheduled to start in 2024.

AROUND £10,000 worth of jewellery has been found at the bottom of a Cornish river. A diver contacted Devon & Cornwall Police after discovering the gems in the Helford river near Falmouth. The haul included a pearl necklace as well as a number of rings and pendants. Officers are hoping to reunite the jewellery with its owner. A police spokesman described some of the rings and pendants as very distinctive and said: “We are hoping to find the owner as it is clear the jewellery is of huge sentimental value.”

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2 WELCOME/NEWS

January 2023

WELCOME WINTER has arrived but although it can be beautiful to look at, the snow and ice can prove hazardous.

As we go to press our thoughts are with the families of the boys who tragically died after falling through ice on a lake in Solihull. The Canal & River Trust has issued a timely warning highlighting that while the waterways look great on Instagram while they are frosty and snowy, the risk of slipping or falling into the cold water can increase. See the trust’s safety tips in news and views at canalrivertrust.org.uk Also in the news are the strikes currently affecting transport, health services and the postal deliveries.

We apologise for any delay our subscribers may have had in receiving their copy of Towpath Talk, or may have in the period ahead.

One of our subscription packages covering the cost of postage is a great way to receive your paper especially if you are some distance from one of our stockists and while we are doing all we can to make sure copies are with subscribers as soon as possible, we hope the industrial action is resolved quickly.

The weather has certainly changed since I visited the Stanley Ferry lock gate workshop and Kings Road Lock on the Wakefield Branch of the Aire & Calder Navigation at the beginning of December – see my report and photos on page 5 – and there is also a report of other winter works on the Wigan flight on page 6.

Many of our advertisers bring you their season’s greetings starting on page 42 and we look forward to events in 2023 including Boatlife Live, see pages 13, 17 and 47, the Canalway Cavalcade which celebrates its 40th anniversary, also on page 17 and the Braunston Historic Boat Rally, page 18. Hopefully, your free wall planner will come in useful as you look forward to arranging fun days out.

Wishing you a happy new year

TOWPATH

TALK

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 – January 26, 2023

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Future of the UK’s inland waterways debated in Parliament Continued from page 1 Mr Fabricant explained how the delays to the government’s review was causing great concern for waterway users and will soon start to hinder the trust’s ability to plan for the future, with so many important long-term projects to deliver.

Waterways minister Rebecca Pow responded to the debate by commending the array of colleagues present at the debate and acknowledging the role of volunteers and the huge range of public benefits delivered by the inland waterways, from leisure and recreation through to industrial heritage, mental well-being and as the green corridors that canals forge through both the countryside and urban areas.

The minister also spoke about ensuring the critical infrastructure of the canal network is resilient to climate change and how it can help meet net zero targets, not least through active travel and the transfer of water to support the security of public water supply.

On funding, she acknowledged the trust has very effectively worked on generating other income streams to reduce its dependency on government funding and that government was ‘looking with a laser focus’ at all the issues that have been raised and the continued funding case for the grant into the future. She said government has to get the decision right, which is why time is being taken, but an announcement on the trust’s funding beyond 2027 would be made ‘forthwith’.

CRT chief executive Richard Parry commented afterwards: “The trust’s work to protect and preserve our historic canal network delivers wide-ranging benefits to society and it was good to see this unique value, that only comes from a resilient and adequately funded canal system, acknowledged on all sides of the House.

“As we continue our discussions with Defra around our ongoing grant, we welcome the cross-party recognition of the importance of the canal network and remain focused on

Some of the MPs who took part in the parliamentary debate on November 22, with representatives of Canal & River Trust and IWA. From left are: Maggie Throup, MP for Erewash; Richard Parry, chief executive of Canal & River Trust; Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield; Sue O’Hare, deputy chairman of IWA and Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge & Brownhills. PHOTO: PAUL RODGERS achieving an outcome that will enable us to meet the rising cost of sustaining the nation’s historic waterways, managing the potential risk to all the places they run through and delivering our statutory responsibilities for the long term.”

The debate was also welcomed by the Inland Waterways Association but it was disappointed at the minister’s response and in particular to the question of timing for the Defra announcement.

IWA considers that government has missed an opportunity to reassure the public that 2000 miles of waterways

Licence fees to rise in April THE Canal & River Trust’s boat licence fees will rise by 9% from April 1, 2023, for both private boat owners and boating businesses.

When combined with the interim increase introduced from October 1, 2022, this will mean an overall year-on-year increase of 13% for those renewing an annual boat licence in the period from April 1 until September 30, 2023.

Chief executive Richard Parry said: “We are all facing the highest levels of inflation in over 40 years and, as the trust’s costs soar, we must address the budget shortfall to safeguard navigation and the safe upkeep of the waterways.

We hope there is an understanding that this is an essential step to ensure the ongoing maintenance and repair of the historic canals and river navigations in our care.

“Our network is old and vulnerable, especially to the extreme weather events that are becoming more common, and this winter we will deliver one of our largest programmes of repairs and maintenance to date, with large increases in our expenditure on vital reservoir safety works (which are mandatory under the UK Reservoirs Act) in particular.”

The government grant payment, which goes towards the cost of maintaining the waterways, is frozen this year – and hence declining in real terms – with no certainty of what grant will be made available from 2027.

Looking further ahead, the trust proposes to carry out a consultation in 2023 to gather feedback on how boat licence pricing might look over the next 10 years to support the

long-term future of the waterway network.

Richard added: “Boat licences account for around an eighth (12%) of the trust’s annual income and help fund some of the vast amount of work necessary to keep the waterways safe and navigable; as we set out in our annual Boater Report, our core network expenditure is around four times what we raise from boating.”

The trust will continue to support boaters who may be struggling to pay their licence fees on a caseby-case basis. This may include arranging flexible payment plans and signposting to relevant services, for example the Waterways Chaplaincy, local authorities and Citizens Advice. For more information visit: canalrivertrust.org.uk/ enjoy-the-waterways/ boating/do-you-knowa-vulnerable-boater

in England and Wales will receive sufficient funding in the future to keep them safe for the people who live, work and spend time on or near them, and to protect this important infrastructure network for future generations.

Issues raised included the potential

for more water transfer projects, the impact of climate change on historic infrastructure, waterway restoration projects and the hard work put in by volunteers, as well as the most important issue of continued support for the waterways funded by government.

Charity acquires new land for canal restoration A POPULAR stretch of restored canal between Chippenham and Lacock could be extended thanks to a new deal.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has already rebuilt more than a kilometre of the former waterway from Pewsham Locks to Double Bridge. It has now signed a lease with Wiltshire Council for an additional 500m stretch towards Reybridge.

Chairman of the trust’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch, Dave Maloney said: “Walkers, runners and cyclists enjoy this beautiful corridor through the local countryside and we run tripboats through the summer for local families and community groups.

“However, the rewatered section currently ends at Double Bridge and the towpath becomes more uneven after this point. This new lease, which will be automatically renewed every seven years at a peppercorn rent, gives us the confidence to start investing in plans to restore and rewater this length too.”

Coun Nabil Najjar, chairman of the Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership, said: “The land was purchased by the former North Wiltshire District Council specifically to help the restoration project, and the fully restored canal will be an excellent leisure facility and wildlife habitat.”

Expert advice and surveys will be commissioned to improve the habitat and protect the wildlife, beginning in the spring. Assuming no problems are discovered, the channel will be cleared and the towpath raised.

The charity would then remove the bund at Double Bridge and allow water to flow into the new section. It aims to extend the Pewsham stretch towards Lacock and then connect with the original line south of the village, where the trust has already purchased some of the land.

This would join the proposed new ‘Melksham Link’ to provide access to the Kennet & Avon Canal via the River Avon through the town centre.

Dave Maloney beside the newly acquired stretch of canal between Double Bridge and Reybridge. PHOTO: JUSTIN GUY The ultimate ambition is to restore the entire waterway to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

Visit www.wbct.org.uk

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January 2023

NEWS 3

Conference updated on boating industry issues Words and photos: Janet Richardson

BUSINESS leaders from across the inland waterways gathered in Worcester for the British Marine Inland Boating AGM and conference on November 25.

They were updated on a variety of topics from a range of speakers followed by workshops and roundthe-table discussions in the Grahame Hick Pavilion at the county cricket club ground.

The morning began with the AGMs of both BMIB and the Midlands Committee following which a presentation was made to outgoing BMIB chairman Nigel Hamilton of H&H Consulting & Training Services by newly elected chairman Russell Chase of Farncome Leisure Ltd. Vice-chairman is Paula Syred of Fox Narrowboats Ltd. British Marine’s head of technical services Ross Wombwell updated members on the Clean Air Strategy aimed at achieving zero emissions capability by 2025. He said that they have been working on this for the past four years and it should be defined by the end of 2023.

Regarding the HSE code of practice for marinas and boatyards, he said a group of about 20 members had been working to write this in conjunction with HSE (Health & Safety Executive) and should have some form of accreditation in the next six months.

Ross also gave updates about QAB (Quality Assured Boatyard) requirements for hire boat operators and the Hire Boat Code. In the afternoon he led a workshop on HBC Stability Tests.

Head of public affairs Brian Clark spoke about measures which could affect hire boat operators including the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and the Welsh Government’s consultation on a tourism tax which could potentially impact on moorings. He also referred to a Defra consultation on water efficiency and said that BM is seeking an exemption for marine sanitary ware. BM is also working with colleagues on the River Thames regarding the closure of Sunbury Dry Dock in Surrey.

A water resources update was given by the Canal & River Trust’s national hydrology manager Adam Comerford who said that rainfall this year had been

Industry representatives taking part in round-the-table discussions.

British Marine head of technical services Ross Wombwell leading a workshop on HBC Stability Tests. at its lowest level in his 21-year career.

It has been the driest August since 2003 and summer since 1995 as well as being the hottest on record.

This had a significant impact on header reservoirs particularly in the North where the canals are much less resilient to dry weather and where essential reservoir engineering works are taking place. He said that 20 projects costing £24.5 million represent a ‘massive increase in spend’ and which the trust will have a ‘huge challenge’ to deliver on time.

Although the Leeds & Liverpool Canal had started the year 90% full, closures had to be brought in during the summer on the main section, the Oxford and Grand Union canals not faring quite so badly.

Adam said that the navigation authorities have enjoyed 200 years’

exemption from water abstraction licences but have now had to come under the system. Describing it a ‘step change’ he commented: “This is one of the biggest changes in our water resources for a long time.”

Holiday survey

Canal & River Trust’s head of customer services Matthew Symonds said that of 35,000 boats currently licensed by the trust, around 7000 are continuous cruisers without home moorings, a high proportion of these in London and the South East.

The first part of a consultation on customer service facilities had just closed and a minimum standard is to be agreed, he reported. The trust is also trialling a new payment system for pump-out machines.

Matthew added that a recent hire boat

customer survey had revealed that 90% of users were on holidays, 70% of these from May to August and 73% of hirers were families with children under 16.

A hire boat holiday represented good value for money and 86% of those surveyed would recommend a holiday.

Regarding the long-awaited Government grant review, he said they don’t expect an announcement until early 2023.

One of the most thought-provoking talks was given by Stuart Austin of Promarine Finance who described reports of the cost of living crisis by the BBC and other media as ‘dramatic and scaremongering’.

He said that most of the canal boats financed by the company are liveaboards – a market driven by lifestyle and financial choice with buyers mainly seeking to move out of rental accommodation on to a boat which will be their own property. The purchase of boats for leisure use was likely to be more affected by the cost of living crisis but the boating industry is insulated to some extent.

Simon Lunness, director of Holray, which provides software for hire operations, spoke about the benefits of using an online booking system.

The company manages about 1200 boats and also other holiday accommodation such as caravans and lodges and works with customers’ own

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websites and booking systems as well as reducing their admin.

Over the last 10 years, they have handled 194,000 bookings, four people on a four-berth boat being the most popular combination.

Catherine Armstrong of Droitwichbased Cafwin Cruisers spoke about the conversion of 58ft 6in narrowboat Ollie Owl (reviewed by Towpath Talk in July 2022) from diesel to serial electric by Ortomarine for holiday hire use. She said that retro fitting had proved more difficult and expensive then anticipated and new software was needed for the electrical systems.

She explained that the engine is the largest consumer of power followed by the water heater and other 240v mains equipment. However the boat had been fully booked this year and had not run out of power.

Catherine said that it requires a different approach to teaching guests.

This includes driving by kilowatt hours instead of mileage, being aware to moor up with a clear view of the sky to get maximum solar yield and keeping items off the solar panels.

Holidaymakers can enjoy near silent cruising, fume-free operation and closer interaction with nature for which a premium is paid but bookings have been up.

The conference was followed by a gala dinner in the evening.

4 NEWS

January 2023

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Sculptor’s great canal journeys Words and photos: Tim Coghlan

ACTORS and boaters Tim and Pru are not the only ones to make Great Canal Journeys. And whereas those engaging octogenarians have now retired from the fray, Sculptor – the octogenarian historic narrowboat owned and operated by the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne – is once again out and about, now that Covid restrictions have been lifted.

Its travels in the last 12 months stand equal to those of many a narrowboat enthusiast. And they were all meticulously logged by devoted volunteer Kathryn Doddington, whose aunt was one of the wartime canal volunteers – the ‘Idle Women’.

As a warm-up, Sculptor came for the mini Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally on September, 5, 2021, where it found itself in the company of six former working narrowboats. All went well and Sculptor returned to Stoke Bruerne to prepare for the big one, the run up to Northwich on the River Weaver where an extensive programme of overdue repairs – held back by Covid – would now be carried out at Yarwood’s Yard.

This is only yards from where the boat was built by W J Yarwood & Sons Ltd in 1935. Little survives of that once great small ship and narrowboat building yard, but the dry dock does. It is located under a railway bridge, which probably accounts for its survival, and it is now operated by Mike Carter, one of the great experts in these matters.

On October 31, 2021 – when most boaters are thinking of closing down for the winter – volunteer Rob Westlake, 71, and a crew of two from the Canal & River Trust set off from Stoke Bruerne, heading north in all the hours of daylight left. Their route took them up the Grand Union to Braunston, then north up the Oxford and Coventry Canals to Fazeley, then up the Trent & Mersey to the Anderton Lift and on to the River Weaver and Yarwood’s Yard. Here they arrived eight days later on November 8, having beaten all the stoppages. Their one concession to comfort was staying the nights at pre-booked hotels, where they could also enjoy dinner and breakfast and most of all, that bath.

The works, including blasting the hull back to bare metal, required repairs and a full repaint top and bottom, were finally completed, and by July 2022 the boat was ready to move to specialist repairers at the CRT yard at Ellesmere

Ready for the last leg back to Stoke Bruerne. Rob Westlake, 71, at the helm of the beautifully restored Sculptor, with stalwart crew Alyn Jones.

‘Single-handed’ Kathryn Doddington at Sculptor’s tiller shortly after emerging from Stoke Bruerne tunnel. The head of her crew Julia Morgan is just visible in the hold.

Port for further works to the keelson and more.

Living history

By then the Anderton Lift was pronounced out of service, so it was necessary for Rob and his team to take Sculptor down the Trent & Mersey and then a short run up the Manchester Ship Canal, locking up to the yard and canal museum at Ellesmere Port, where the repairs could be seen by visitors as real living history.

In all, Sculptor was there for some eight weeks. Then on October 16 it was time to begin the even Greater Canal Journey south to Stoke Bruerne ‘by another way’.

First there was the sentimental journey down the Shropshire Union, where postSecond World War, Sculptor had been given a new 40-year lease of life as a canal maintenance boat until 1985. (It was then decided to make it a working exhibit for the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, having first been refitted to its original build at Ellesmere Port.)

There then followed a dog leg up the ‘Wolverhampton 21’ and through the middle of Birmingham, then out on the North Stratford Canal, where a team of volunteers were waiting to ‘fly’ them down the Lapworth Flight.

This marked the end of the CRT crew, volunteer lock keepers and hotels. Rob Westlake and friend Alyn Jones took over, sleeping on board in the old way,

Full steam ahead for Stoke Bruerne Museum. but eating their dinner ashore in the places where they tied up. There were hardly any other boats now moving and the pair of them had to manage the Hatton Flight on their own, and likewise pretty well all the wide locks back to Stoke Bruerne.

Sculptor arrived at Braunston Marina on the late afternoon of October 25, where we provided a mooring and our shower facilities. Rob was complaining of some engine problems he was

Making waves. Kathryn Doddington and Rob Westlake acknowledge people on the canalside as Sculptor is at last tied up back at Stoke Bruerne, almost a year after heading north for major repairs.

experiencing with the c1960 Lister HA2 engine – but I thought it was doing pretty well and could limp back.

But we arranged for our neighbour Paul Renshaw, who specialises in vintage engines, to come and look at it the following morning. By midday the boat was okay to get going and by the following evening it had emerged at the southern end of the Blisworth Tunnel, ready for the well-planned celebrations the following morning.

A regional BBC TV crew on hand to film Sculptor’s return had decided they wanted the articulate Kathryn Doddington to front it – with her fine canal pedigree of that Second World War auntie and her strong New Zealand accent. So in the finest tradition of what

you see is not necessarily true, once the camera team were ready, Kathryn reversed Sculptor back into the tunnel, assisted by Julia Morgan – from Australia and now working for CRT. Now it is a strict CRT rule that its boats are always double-crewed, but after the first take, it was decided that Kathryn would look better steering the boat on her own.

For the retake, Julia had to hide in the hold. It gave the dramatic effect required, Kathryn resembling a canal Valkyrie as, with speed and fixed determination, she then steered Sculptor back to its old mooring, outside the museum – just a little short of a year after it had set off.

And there to help tie the boat up was Rob Westlake, who didn’t seem to mind.

Yeah, he’s a good bloke, is our Rob!

Celebrations in the newly refurbished Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, filmed by BBC Look East. From left are: Rob Westlake, Phoebe Robinson, who made the cake of Sculptor, and Alec Swain, both of the CRT museum staff. Braunston Marina generously supplied celebratory sparkling wine.

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

Lock gate workshop welcomes open day visitors Words and photos: Janet Richardson

THE Canal & River Trust’s Stanley Ferry workshop in West Yorkshire hosted an open day on December 3 to showcase where lock gates are made to measure for the 2000-mile network.

Around 350 people were given guided tours of the site beside the Aire & Calder Navigation near Wakefield where a Let’s Fish event was also held for would-be anglers as well as woodwork and festive arts and crafts for younger visitors.

The Stanley Ferry workshop is one of only two places in the UK where CRT manufactures and refurbishes lock gates, the other being Bradley in the West Midlands.

Leading the hourly tours was workshop supervisor Andrew Baylis who explained that more than 100 gate leaves are made on the site every year, each one individually for a particular lock and canal such as those being made for Ravens Lane Lock on the Grand Union.

The timber is mainly sustainably sourced British oak and basically the same method of construction is used as around 200 years ago. It takes between five and 20 days to manufacture a lock gate, each weighing on average 3½ tonnes, with a working life of between 25 and 30 years. One of the biggest made at the workshop, weighing 15 tonnes, was for the River Witham at Boston.

Andrew said that the craftspeople in the woodworking and fabrication workshops are qualified joiners and welders. Trainees serve a three-year apprenticeship, the scheme recently being joined by its first female recruit.

He also lifted the paddle to show water flowing into the dry dock which was built between 1854 and 1856 and has been out of action. Andrew said it is hoped it will be operational again in the next year. The gates were installed about 20 years ago so a number of staff have experience of fitting these.

A minibus was available to take visitors to the stoppage at Kings Road Lock (Lock 3) on the Wakefield Branch which, at around 200ft in length, is one of the largest on the trust’s network.

During the six-week project, work includes extending the lock ladders which involves cutting out some of the masonry and repairing part of the sluice.

The trust is installing new gates across 52 locks, as part of its £58 million winter works programme of major repairs and canal improvements.

Chief executive Richard Parry said: “We work year-round to maintain navigations but the work we carry out over the winter is at the heart of it.

“It’s more important than ever that these historic waterways are properly funded so we can preserve them for boaters, neighbours, and all those who spend time by them.”

Andrew Baylis with Level 2 apprentice Karl Wigglesworth in the fabrication workshop.

Inside the woodworking workshop.

Workshop supervisor Andrew Baylis explaining a bevel to visitors.

A couple of visitors learn more about lock gate construction from one of the woodworking workshop team.

The dry dock.

Metal fittings on display in the fabrication workshop.

Visitors look down into the drained Kings Road Lock.

One of the longest locks on the network.

Jason Finney with Bryan Cunningham of Let’s Fish.

One of the lock ladders which has been extended.

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January 2023

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Cotswold Canals book arrives by boat at launch party THE Cotswold Canals Trust recently held a launch with a difference when it transported a new book by boat from the printers along a restored stretch of canal.

Celebrating the trust’s 50 years of restoring its canals, towpaths and environment, it is entitled Reviving the Cotswold Canals – A Golden Celebration; the Cotswold Canals Trust at 50.

It was received by guests who enjoyed refreshments at the canalside Stroud Brewery where a specially decorated cake was cut by the book’s author, Louise Nicolson.

Much more than just a history of CCT, this substantial book celebrates some of its great moments over the past 50 years, with many personal memories by volunteers.

It puts the Cotswold Canals story in its context past and present and sets out the trust’s vision for the future as well as showing how restoring the canals has a wide reach in benefiting the environment, biodiversity and the community.

This comprehensive book also suggests things to see and do along the canals, nearby villages to explore and places to eat and

drink. It includes a specially commissioned three-page, foldout map by local mapmaker George Stevens.

The photographs are by Mike Gallagher, CCT’s documenting photographer for a decade, and many of them include its volunteers.

Most of all, every page celebrates how loyal members and volunteers have catalysed great things so that today large amounts of the Cotswold Canals and the canal environment are restored for everyone to enjoy.

To recognise this, the book is dedicated on its title page to all volunteers over the past 50 years.

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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.

Talk went to press. tth Tal been identified when Towpath

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Jamie Underwood of Wheatley Printers presents a launch copy of the book to Jim White, CCT chairman of trustees.

Author Louise Nicolson cuts the celebratory cake. PHOTOS: CCT

Reviving the Cotswold Canals – A Golden Celebration by Louise Nicolson is published by the Cotswold Canals Trust (RRP £19) and can be bought from the trust’s new Stonehouse shop on Queen’s Road, open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm or ordered online at https://cotswoldcanals.org/product/reviving-the-cotswold-canals-a-golden-celebration/

Winter works at Wigan Words & photos: Colin Wareing

EMERGENCY repairs have been taking place at Poolstock Lock No 2 on the Leigh branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Wigan in a bid to reduce water leakage.

Pipework from the pumps used to pump water around the lock had to be removed, as was the safety fencing and then a fibre dam that was in place below the lock.

The length of canal above the lock was due to be refilled with water and all the works checked before the lock reopened to boat traffic.

These works were not listed on the planned schedule of winter works, but following the dry spring and summer it had become a challenge to keep enough water flowing to these locks to enable boat passage.

Stop planks and the safety fencing going into place around lock 87 on the Leeds & Liverpool canal in Wigan.

The work to reduce water loss through the bottom gates is being carried out as part of the winter stoppage programme. This lock is the bottom one of the flight of locks that come down from Aspull above Wigan.

Removing the pipework from pumps that had been used to pump water around the Poolstock Lock No 2 while one of the Canal & River Trust workboats is moored on the lock landing and the fibre dam waits to be removed.

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

Double win for Finsley Gate Wharf scheme NEW craft apprentices are being trained in rare heritage skills by the Canal & River Trust in a double win at Burnley’s Finsley Gate Wharf development.

Located on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the 220-year-old former boatyard and canal office have recently been renovated and transformed into a successful restaurant and cafe bar, function room, guest house, community heritage learning hub, working forge and waterside gardens.

The £2.9 million restoration was reopened in July 2021, but Covid and rising material costs delayed work on the final piece of the jigsaw – a small, stone-built washhouse and outdoor toilet, which would once have served the canal supervisor’s house. Constructed in local gritstone, the 160-year-old outhouse, like the rest of the site, was in a poor state of repair, with only five original roofing slates still in place.

Staff from the trust came up with an innovative plan to complete the Finsley Gate redevelopment by using the project as a training opportunity for four new specialist stonemasons.

Finsley Gate washhouse before restoration.

The young craft apprentices, all from Burnley, were originally taken on under the Kick Start scheme after Covid and are now being formally trained as apprentices in the specialist skill of stonemasonry. Dominic Lafrenz, Tyler Williams, Mason Macari and Luke Haywood spend a fortnight every two months at York College, one of very few in England offering courses in stonemasonry. The rest of the time they are learning practical skills on the job with the trust.

Now under the guidance of the CRT’s North West heritage adviser Bill Froggatt, project manager Mark Wigley, apprentice supervisor Graham Mitchell and craft operative James Archer, they are helping to repair the building and convert it into a new storehouse for the site’s volunteer gardeners.

Bill Froggatt explained: “Canals initially brought prosperity through trade during the Industrial Revolution and it’s wonderful that, in the 21st century, they have been reinvented as a place for people to spend their leisure time, get fit, enjoy the outdoors and feel healthier.

“Finsley Gate was an important regional boating centre in the 19th century, fuelling Burnley’s growth as a cotton town. Known locally as Mile Wharf, it is located on a sharp bend next to the town’s famous one-milelong embankment across the Calder Valley, one of Britain’s Seven Wonders of the Waterways.”

Bill added: “This has been a perfect win-win project, which achieves the complete restoration of an important Grade II listed site while giving us an opportunity to offer apprenticeships in the specialist skill of stonemasonry to four local residents who were previously unemployed.

Finsley Gate apprentices Dominic Lafrenz and Tyler Williams with Ja ames Archer and heritage adviser Bill Froggatt at the washhouse restoration.

“Over the next couple of months, we will be completing the job with a new slate roof, and new windows and doors, created by award-winning apprentice carpenter Mani Lau, from our Bradley Workshop near Birmingham. It will be fantastic to see Finsley Gate Wharf finally restored in its entirety and the former washhouse given a new lease of life.”

The wharf site has already become a popular landmark for local residents who are enjoying a wide range of activities from yoga, paddle boarding and canoeing to craft classes, school visits, heritage tours, light refreshments and dining.

Restoration of Finsley Gate Wharf was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, supported by Burnley Borough Council and the new site management company Finsley Gate Wharf Ltd.

Finsley Gate former washhouse and canal supervisor’s house.

Finsley Gate Wharf. PHOTOS: CRT

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January 2023

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Funding secured for next stage of Lichfield Canal restoration UCAN volunteers clearing leaves from the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath.

Peter Killan, who is retiring as group leader. PHOTOS: UCAN

New brooms to sweep clean UPPERMILL Community Action Network (UCAN) in Greater Manchester will be starting 2023 with new group leaders following the decision by Peter Killan to stand down at the end of December.

One volunteer has already offered his services but due to work commitments wishes to share the role with someone else so that the group can continue to hold its twicemonthly work parties.

Press officer Karen Williams conveyed the group’s thanks for Peter’s tireless voluntary work, dedication, difference and impact he has had on the village of Uppermill as a founding member of UCAN which was established in 2015.

“Under his leadership whatever the focus of our activity – from crafting a pond, placing bat and bird boxes in suitable locations, building habitat piles for local wildlife, balsam bashing, litter picking, lock painting and many more activities – the driving force of Peter is one which always approaches the various tasks with boundless enthusiasm, making working with him and the work in hand such a pleasure.

“Peter has always placed

high value in UCAN working in partnership with, for example, the Canal & River Trust, the local Tesco Community Champion, Incredible Edible Saddleworth, Street Scene Greenfield, Keep Britain Tidy and Oldham Council’s Don’t Trash Oldham Campaign. Likewise, he has always welcomed every opportunity of involving young people in the work of UCAN.” Volunteers have also been very grateful to Peter and his wife Judith for finishing the work party activities enjoying their company and warm welcome with hot drinks and biscuits in their garden while reflecting on a good day’s work.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when UCAN activity was on hold, Peter decided to celebrate his 80th birthday by raising funds totalling £6016 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice by clearing leaves from the canal towpath through Uppermill. It is hoped he will continue to volunteer with UCAN with whoever steps forward as new leaders.

Anyone who would like to offer their services or discuss the role can contact Peter on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com

UCAN, supported by Canal and River Trust, was formed in late 2005 to improve and maintain the canal corridor through Uppermill. It is also converting the former dredging tip near the viaduct into a woodland habitat and have added a pond to make it a haven for wildlife.

THE Lichfield Canal will move a step closer to restoration with funding of £116,200 secured for work at the Darnford Moors section of the canal.

Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) will use the money to create an ecology park.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is providing £41,200 of the grant, with match funding of £75,000 from HS2’s Community and Environment Fund (CEF).

This will enable LHCRT to make habitat improvements to the Darnford Brook wetlands, existing woodland and hedgerows from Darnford Lane to past the lift bridge. It will also enable the trust to put the canal channel into water to the east of the liftbridge.

Trust volunteers have been preparing the site and Bluetech Waterfront Solutions Ltd has been commissioned to engage specialist contractors to put the canal channel in water and become an aquatic habitat by February 2023.

LHCRT chairman Carole Mills said: “This funding is fantastic news for the trust, as we will be able to create a wonderful space for wildlife and for the enjoyment of walkers, while also having another section of the canal in water. Grants like this are vital for us to undertake major

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Project with a donation of £500 to each.

The Waterways Chaplains work alongside the Canal & River Trust to make sure boaters who have fallen on hard times or need some sort of support are not missed or lost in the system.

They work with food banks around the country and make sure that essential meals, bag of coal or fuel get to those who might otherwise go without; they maintain contact and support in so many ways.

RCTA traders often come into contact with some of the chaplains who are very

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RCTA chairman Sue Meaders presenting the donation to waterways chaplains Malcolm and Stephanie Grey-Smart.

PHOTO: RCTA

work, as we’re a volunteer-led charity with minimal regular income.

“I want to thank our hard-working volunteers who have spent so much time working on these successful bids.

These ERDF and CEF grants are critical in enabling us to progress and we are looking forward to the completion of the ecology park early next year.”

This part of the Lichfield Canal is close to the new section being constructed as part of the HS2 Cappers Lane diversion.

Independent chairman of the HS2

Funds, Cathy Elliott, added: “We are pleased that Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has successfully secured funding to transform a section of the canal into a new wildlife haven.

I would encourage community-led environmental organisations impacted

by HS2 to contact Groundwork UK to explore the tangible benefits available from the funds.”

Applications are also under way for further funding to put the canal in water to Darnford Lane.

Wendover Canal Trust launches photo competition THE Wendover Canal Trust (WCT) has launched a photography competition to entice people to the canal during the winter.

It is looking for pictures that capture the different scenes of the Wendover Canal – whether it’s the wildlife, the landscapes or people using the canal and towpath.

Said Clive Johnson, WCT chairman: “The canal can be picturesque at all times of year but the winter can be particularly special. However you might be using the towpath or canal, we hope you’ll take the time to capture

Roving traders resume charity donations SINCE the start of Covid-19 the Roving Canal Traders Association (RCTA) along with many other charities, non-profitmaking groups, businesses and traders that make up the canal network have had a tough time.

This year however, things returned to almost normal and the association’s floating markets started to take off once again, enabling RCTA to resume its annual charity donations.

These are voted for by members who, this year, chose the Waterways Chaplaincy and the Forces Vets Afloat

LHCRT trustees Peter Buck (engineering) and Carole Mills (chairman) at Darnford Moors. PHOTO: LHCRT

supportive of the association’s events so it was suggested that the donation was presented to the charity via waterways chaplains Malcolm and Stephanie GreySmart, who live beside the Shropshire Union Canal in Market Drayton and are very well known within the boating community.

Senior chaplain Mark Chester said: “This donation of £500 will make a real difference in the lives of some of the boaters we encounter.”

The Forces Vets Afloat Project is close to finishing one of its donated boats, nb Daisy, ready for a forces veteran to make her their home.

The founder of this project Andy Flint said: “What a lovely email to wake up to,” when informed of the donation.

Members hope it helps them with ongoing projects.

RCTA also makes a smaller annual donation to the Canal & River Trust if possible, as without its support floating markets and other waterways events would not take place.

RCTA is run solely by volunteers and is open to all licensed roving traders. New volunteers and members are welcomed via its website www.rcta.org.uk

a memorable picture.”

Please email just one jpeg picture to rppr@hotmail.co.uk with the location of the picture, your name, address and telephone number by Friday, January 6, 2023.

The finalists will be judged by new trust patron, TV personality Robbie Cumming of BBC 4’s Canal Boat Diaries fame. First prize is £100, second is £50 and third is £25.

Winners will be announced on the trust website in January 2023 and will feature in its future publications. Please note that any pictures of children must have parental consent.

Little Tring Bridge on the Wendover Canal. PHOTO: WCT For further information contact Richard Peel on 07805 083595, email: rppr@hotmail.co.uk

Santa flicks the switch on festive illuminations FATHER Christmas arrived by boat to switch on the Christmas illuminations at Chichester Canal and, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and fireworks, led a countdown before turning on the display.

The event was supported by the Portsmouth Model Boat Club, who brought their popular model boats and by the OK Chorale Chichester choir.

The popular Father Christmas boat trips sold out in days, but there was still plenty to enjoy at the canal through December.

Volunteer teams worked hard to place lights in the trees by the basin and on the buildings and the illuminations have

been switched on for the community to enjoy each afternoon/ evening through December.

The Chichester Ship Canal Trust is selffunded and volunteer led, and all funds raised from the Christmas

activities go to maintain the canal and keep it open and accessible for everyone to enjoy all year round. As the 200th anniversary celebrations draw this year to a close, it’s a great time to explore the canal.

Fireworks on one of the model boats.

PHOTO: DAVID RICHARDSON

NEWS 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

Family Burr Raising a family on the cut

By Alice Griffin

IT WAS on an early morning back in 2011 while working a narrowboat down the Oxford Summit towards Napton as part of a family holiday that Tim and Julie Burr decided they had to make the canals their home.

Julie told me: “Tim’s parents regularly holidayed on the canals before buying their own boat so when we got together 22 years ago canal boats instantly became a big part of our lives. On that particular morning it was a 5am start so me and Tim made the decision to walk and set the locks. It was a warm, misty morning and so quiet and calm with lots of wildlife.

Our son, Harry, was five and curled up on the roof in a duvet with Grandad close by. In that moment we knew this was how we wanted to raise him.”

Two years later they bought their first boat, a 70ft trad called Poshratz, built in 1998 by Neil Hudson. “It was built for a gentleman and his wife to carry the equipment needed for what was called the Fibreway contract. The towpath provided easy access for routing internet from town to town so fibre optic cables are buried alongside many of them.”

At the point of moving on to Poshratz Tim and Julie’s son, Harry, was seven and it was a comfortable space for this family of three. “Harry slept in the back cabin and me and Tim had the double room.”

However, family Burr never imagined they would have another baby but not long after moving afloat, Grace came along. “At first she slept on a shelf above our bed, then moved into a crib in the lounge and on to a travel cot until Tim and my father-in-law came up with a genius idea of a dinette that pushes together.”

However, as Grace got older and Harry outgrew the back cabin, the family were forced to start thinking about space.

Having a love for the old working boats and a desire to learn the new techniques

Grace having fun on the towpath.

Apprentice transport planner Harry is on a mission to visit all the UK’s railway stations. and skills which go with having a pair of boats, they decided a butty would be a sensible choice. “We have owned Bakewell, a 70ft 1936 Harland and Wolff butty built for the GUCCC, for four years now and it is working well. Grace and Harry have their own bedrooms, and there is an office as well as a workshop.”

This extra space also means the family were able to welcome much-loved labradoodle, Teddy, in 2021.

Having their own space is very important, certainly for now 16-yearold son, Harry, who since the first Covid lockdown has been busy working on his own project. “He focused on opening

Julie Burr in the back cabin.

Tim on the tiller with labradoodle Teddy.

a train station at Weedon Bec and his research and proposals ended up being quite valid and detailed enough to draw the attention of people in the rail industry and local councils.”

This led Harry on to BBC radio Northampton, followed a little later by an interview with BBC TV. “His interest has grown from there and now, alongside his new apprenticeship role as a transport planner in Birmingham, he’s on a mission to visit all the stations in the UK. Currently he’s on approximately 400!”

The family have enjoyed a number of years living out on the cut and have faced all challenges with wonderful enthusiasm. Julie’s claim to fame is successfully loading a pram with a bottle of gas, bag of coal, a net of logs, bag of rubbish and of course, a baby! However,

as family commitments increased they found they were struggling. “We love living on the towpath but it is very demanding on time so when Tim began working at Whilton Marina, we decided moving there would be the best option.”

The family have not been tied down though and in this past year alone have spent four months out on the towpath.

Daughter Grace, now eight, loves the lifestyle and talks to everyone she meets about her boats and their way of life.

After almost a decade living on the water, it seems the whole family feels the same. “The canals and our boats have become the most perfect home and we can’t imagine ever feeling any different, but this is in large part due to the small but very close group of friends we’ve made.

Their patience, advice, and generosity

Tim and daughter Grace on board Poshratz. has helped and reassured us beyond measure.” This sense of community means a lot to the Burr family, who now feel strongly about passing along this same kindness to others wanting to start their own boating adventures.

Tim: @timmytwoboats Harry: www.transportmids.com and @sustainable transportmidlands Alice Griffin is a writer and yogi with a gypsy soul. She leads yoga classes and natureinspired e-courses, all from her narrowboat, Melody.

Website: www.alicegriffin.co.uk YouTube: @wanderingalice

Community art project extends along the West Midlands’ canals THE Canal & River Trust has worked with partners along the Walsall and Coventry canals to add to its street art trail in the West Midlands.

The project is part of a national street art trail that transforms spaces alongside canals in England and Wales with the help of local artists and community groups.

CRT interim director for the West Midlands Jon Horsfall said: “It’s wonderful to see how art can help transform places and our canals are no different. Having these bright, fun murals along our waterways encourages people to come and visit and see for themselves why canals are special and feel the wellbeing benefits of spending time by the water.”

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, these new pieces of canal art

have taken inspiration from the local community and its links with the canal.

In Walsall the new art installation has been created

by We are Culla along the canal near Steep Bridge Way.

The artwork was designed

by Dawn Hamblett, a volunteer at the trust and shows a traditional working narrowboat being pulled by a horse.

In Coventry, the canal

The Coventry mural has been designed with the help of local schoolchildren.

art has been installed by Midlands-based street art organisation BRINK Arts and was designed with the help of local schoolchildren in Foleshill. The art celebrates the cottage weaving industry

and its link with the city and local people, encouraging them to visit the canal and enjoy the work of local artists.

It will tell the stories of the different communities who live along the canal.

The Walsall mural designed by CRT volunteer Dawn Hamblett. PHOTOS: CRT

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10 NEWS

January 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Restored waterwheel becomes an internet hit WEY & Arun Canal Trust volunteers’ restoration of a unique waterwheel in West Sussex has become an internet sensation thanks to a YouTube video reaching hundreds of thousands of people.

The waterwheel at Lordings Lock and Orfold Aqueduct near Wisborough Green has been the focus of attention for Brian King and his team of volunteers over the past year and now their hard work has gone viral, with a video of the restored structure being viewed by 320,000 people at the time of writing.

Wear and tear and vandalism

had put the waterwheel – an undershot wheel designed to take water from the River Arun and feed it into the canal – out of action. However, a grant from a charitable trust was received to fund the restoration and project manager Brian King gave YouTubers Paul and Rebecca Whitewick a tour when restoration was complete.

The wheel, which is thought to be the only one of its kind in the UK in working order, has proved something of an enigma over the decades. It was discovered by restoration pioneer Winston Harwood in complete disrepair

in 1992 with no records to show its design, and it was rebuilt in 2003. “No one knew exactly how it worked,” said Brian. “I am in awe of Winston for developing it into this unique working waterwheel,” he added.

How the wheel works

The canal is carried over the River Arun via an aqueduct, with the waterwheel – powered by the river – designed to lift the river water into the lock. The wheel is some 13ft in diameter, located in a narrow brick chamber adjacent to a larger open pit.

Two separate streams come

Project manager Brian King being interviewed at the waterwheel by Paul and Rebecca Whitewick.

The restored waterwheel.

into the waterwheel: one controlled by a manually raised slide gate which admits water to the bottom of the wheel. As the wheel rotates, its 32 buckets pick up water entering from a separate stream of water from a leat gate between the pit and chamber. The buckets raise the water to 9ft at the highest point, where water is discharged down a chute and into the lock.

The repairs

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Investigations found that the wheel’s central support bolts had sheared, so were no longer able to hold and contain the stub shafts. This meant the whole wheel had dropped on to the brick base. The solution was to commission a bespoke single stainless steel shaft with associated end flanges to support the wheel, manufactured to exact sizing and fixed in place by a specialist engineering contractor.

A specialist contractor was brought in to reweld the wheel’s damaged buckets and a new Corten steel chute fitted to convey the water from the wheel to the canal.

Above: Brian King filming the wheel in action.

When it was operated in early autumn Brian recorded the waterwheel’s throughput at 3100 gallons per hour, running at 1.5rpm.

River levels are too high to operate the wheel at this time of year and the area floods, but it is

hoped to demonstrate the wheel in action in the spring.

To watch the YouTube video, go to: https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=QEc925r6Knga

Barby Lane, Barby, Rugby. CV23 8UJ Tel: 01788 890486 Mob: 07899 651306 Email: info@barbymoorings.co.uk Web: www.barbymoorings.co.uk

How Winston Harwood found the waterwheel in 1992.

Some of the waterwheel restoration team at work. PHOTOS: WACT

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NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

A real-time picture of the state of the waterways

By Phil Pickin

ALTHOUGH you may not have heard of it, Planet Patrol mobilised more than 1000 people to participate in its Autumn Water Watch to locations across the UK. Over three days in October, the environmental non-profit organisation co-ordinated the activities of concerned individuals who recorded a series of observations looking at the pollution levels in their local canals, rivers and streams.

The observations included the study of observable pollution, litter and invasive species. These observations were entered into Planet Patrol’s app to build an almost real-time picture of the state of the UK’s waterways.

As a result of the survey, the organisation published the findings in a report which produced some surprising results. Most surprising of these was that 85% of participants rated their local water quality as average or above. This is despite government data showing that none of the UK rivers are in ‘good chemical health’, according to Planet Patrol.

Other statistics that will be of particular interest to the Canal & River Trust are that 79% of those who took part stated that the waterways are “very important to them”, with 93% saying that they have a “positive influence on how they feel”. Apparently, 67% of participants said they enjoyed their waterway at least once a week.

Lizzie Carr, founder of Planet

Planet Patrol founder Lizzie Carr was awarded the MBE in June 2021 for services to environmental activism and to charity.

PHOTO: PLANET PATROL

Patrol and the first person to paddleboard the entire length of Britain’s waterways, solo and unsupported, said: “We know that the state of water quality in the UK is reaching crisis point, but our survey findings reveal that awareness of the problems they face is worryingly low.

“Awareness leads to action, which is exactly why citizen science initiatives like Autumn Water Watch are an invaluable tool in filling information gaps and helping to shape our understanding of how widespread the threats to our waterways are. We must continue to bring attention

to the dangers of poor water quality for the sake of the environment and public health.”

She added: “In lieu of adequate government funding, it’s more important than ever to galvanise public support through people-powered data to help inform solutions.

Citizen science holds immense power, and I’m incredibly grateful to all those who participated and look forward to building on its success in Spring Water Watch 2023.”

Despite the numbers indicating that many of those taking part felt that the water quality was ‘average or above’ the survey also found that 67% of sites observed showed visible signs of pollution. The most common pollutant seen was, unsurprisingly, litter at 36%.

Foam on the water was also present at 19% of sites. Foam is generally the result of synthetic products such as detergents entering the waterways or the result of dissolved organic matter and may be a sign of pollution that could be dangerous to aquatic life.

Invasive plants were also seen, including Himalayan balsam, which was present at 51% of the sites surveyed. In all, 658 sites were observed across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the results being analysed by independent experts from Loughborough University.

If you want to be involved in the 2023 survey, or any of Planet Patrol’s activities, visit the organisation’s website at www. planetpatrol.co

New regional director for CRT in the East Midlands THE Canal & River Trust has announced the appointment of a new director for its East Midlands region.

Linny Beaumont has taken up her new role following on from her interim leadership of the region after the departure of Phil Mulligan to become chief executive of the Peak District National Park.

She joined the trust three years ago to oversee the charity’s partnerships and external relations across the East Midlands.

She previously held senior roles at the Prince’s Trust and Home Start UK. Linny said: “Living right by the River Soar I know just how important the waterways in the East Midlands are to boaters and local

New East Midlands regional director Linny Beaumont. PHOTO: CRT communities and the difference they can make to people’s lives. I’m proud and excited to continue our important work building support for our precious water ways and protecting this

incredible network so that it is here to benefit the community for generations to come.”

She added: “As a charity we need more people to get involved in our work and I’ll be looking to build

the support from parliamentarians, local authorities, businesses and communities that will be so vital in ensuring that our waterways can prosper and never again fall into the decline that we saw in the early and mid-20th century.”

The trust cares for around 300 miles of waterways in the East Midlands, covering Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

With more than 800,000 people in the region living on the doorstep of one of these waterways, they connect communities and bring vital health and well-being benefits as well as supporting jobs and the local visitor economy.

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12 IWA ROUND-UP

January 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

Successful campaign to protect waterways heritage in London IWA’s Heritage Advisory Panel supported the North and East London Branch in objecting to a proposal from Canal & River Trust to dispose of the strip of land alongside Commercial Road Lock on the Regent’s Canal.

IWA felt that disposal of this land threatened the canal’s heritage setting and amenity value.

Taking Limehouse Basin as a meeting place for boats between the tidal Thames and the inland canals, this lock stands as a gateway to the canal system. The two lock chambers fit neatly into the space between two historic bridges, twin arches of the Commercial Road Bridge and the fine single arch of the docks railway, now DLR. This canalscape is very important to the character of the designated Regent’s Canal Conservation Area and IWA felt that anything built on the site would inevitably damage these views.

The second chamber is an important heritage feature and it deserves to be kept to show how the canal operated in its busy commercial days. It is also important to make sure that restoring

Commercial Road Lock stands as a gateway to the canal system.

PHOTO: JAMES TIDY

the second chamber is possible in the future, even if not currently an option.

The association additionally believes that it is inappropriate to dispose of any land that forms part of the operational environment for a canal lock.

Objections were also raised by the Friends of Regent’s Canal, the Commercial Boat Operators Association, the Lower Regents

New year brings fresh ideas and opportunities FOR many of us, the new year will see us set ourselves a series of resolutions that we don’t always keep up. This year set yourself one that you will enjoy continuing with, if you find the right setting, right people and right times for yourself.

Let IWA help you find these and help you to succeed in your 2023 resolutions. Just go to our volunteering pages on the website https://waterways.org.uk/support/ ways-to-get-involved/volunteer and we will help find you something near to where you live, doing something that interests you, maybe something you’ve never tried or thought you’d never get the chance to do.

You don’t have to have skills in that area, we will help you learn along the way and develop the skills you need in a friendly setting with like-minded people who love restoring and looking after our wonderful canals

and waterways for the future. It’s not all about getting dirty in the outdoors either, plenty of other opportunities are available.

Volunteer manager Jenny Hodson said: “Volunteering offers a whole assortment of opportunities which can help meet your personal goals as well as helping others and our natural and built environments. If you want to be more active try our restoration, maintenance or environmental roles.

“If you are thinking of pursuing a job in a leadership or administration role, what better way to see what it’s like than by volunteering in that area? If you have a few spare hours and want to share your present skills or knowledge or learn new ones then just ask.”

Volunteering with IWA brings the opportunity to meet new people, have new experiences and improve your physical and mental health.

Coalition and the Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society.

The Canal & River Trust responded to the objections, saying that the waterways charity had “carefully considered the various representations made,” and accepted that “the sale of this land on a freehold basis is not in the best interests of the trust and we will not be progressing it.”

Donation to steam narrowboat President honours renowned boatbuilder IWA Lichfield Branch has donated £2000 in memory of Malcolm Braine, founding member of Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Society.

The donation to the Black Country Living Museum will support the current restoration work and design and installation of a new boiler for President – one of the world’s few surviving boats of its kind and part of the National Historic Fleet.

IWA’s donation honours Malcolm, a renowned boatbuilder and restorer who formed a link from the historic working boatyards to the modern leisure boats. His abilities for boat renovations were second to none; he worked on almost 150 historic boat conversions during his lifetime.

A hugely respected figure in boatbuilding, Malcolm was recruited

by Tom Rolt into IWA in 1948, which led to his honorary life membership 70 years later.

Sue Gurney, treasurer of Lichfield

IWA, said the donation was “particularly fitting as Malcolm was instrumental in originally rescuing and restoring President in the 1970s”.

The museum needs to raise £20,000 to complete the work. You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/ campaigns/charity/bclm/president Learn a new skill such as bricklaying by volunteering with IWA. PHOTO: IWA

IWA award prize money used to fund Buckingham Canal Society mosaic Receiving the cheque are, from left: Carolyn Sankey, director of development at the Black Country Living Museum and Nick Haynes, chairman of the Friends of President from Sue Gurney, treasurer and Pete Gurney, chairman of IWA Lichfield Branch. PHOTO: IWA

Get involved – work party dates Please contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes and old clothing, and take a waterproof. You may want to take a packed lunch and refreshments.

EAST January 8 and 17 IWA Northampton Branch: Work parties

are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month, along the Arm, 10am2pm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Contact: Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

Tuesdays IWA Milton Keynes Branch: Regular

work party at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal. 9.30am-1.30pm. Work can include vegetation clearance, gardening, litter picking and painting.

Work parties are dependent on weather being agreeable. Contact: Pat Durham on 07510 195918; email

pat.durham@waterways.org.uk WEST Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in the

Somerset area, 10am-1pm. Contact: Mike Slade at mike.slade@waterways. org.uk; 07977 263840.

IN OCTOBER 2022, around 50 people attended the unveiling of a kingfisher mosaic on the restored bridge over the Buckingham Canal at Cosgrove.

The mosaic was created by local artist Melanie Watts and funded by the Christopher Power Prize money awarded by IWA to Athina Beckett in 2020.

The Christopher Power Prize is awarded to a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.

Athina Beckett was nominated for her dedicated and enthusiastic contribution to the Buckingham Canal Society's ongoing restoration of the Grand Union’s Buckingham Branch.

She joined Buckingham Canal Society in 1993 as a

volunteer. Further roles soon followed and in 1997 she took on the job of work party leader, a role she continues to hold today.

She has been particularly successful at encouraging involvement with the Buckingham Canal Society from a number of corporate organisations.

Pete Winkleman of

MKDons, and landowner of the farmland adjacent to the canal, kindly attended and unveiled the mosaic. Canal and River Trust CEO Richard Parry also attended the event and was impressed by the work the Buckingham Canal Society volunteers have done and continue to undertake.

The kingfisher mosaic at Cosgrove. PHOTO: TERRY CAVENDER

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

13

14 FREIGHT

January 2023

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

AT THE end of November, the British Ports Association (BPA) and the UK Chamber of Shipping jointly hosted their annual Scottish Parliamentary Maritime reception in Holyrood, with a sizeable grouping of MSPs, to discuss the sustainability and energy revolution in their sector.

Delivering a Green Future for Scottish Shipping and Ports is the title of their latest report, with Scotland claiming to be leading the UK’s path to a green future, represented by its thrust to reach net zero by 2045, five years ahead of other nations’ targets.

While the BPA acknowledges that there is an unquestionable role for the UK Government in securing ambitious international targets (Rishi Sunak made it to Sharm El-Sheik in the 11th hour, after all) much of what is needed in Scotland can be delivered by the Scottish Government.

Stuart Cresswell, BPA chairman, observed: “We are living through a very important time for not only our industry, but for the nation as a whole as we transition towards the new world of low carbon. It is clear to everyone that Scotland’s ports have an absolutely pivotal role to play in delivering this vision.”

Now that’s all well and good as far as it goes which is, in effect, the coast!

I’d be the first to admit that Scotland’s shoreline is not exactly riddled with navigable inlets, penetrating deep inland. However, the report does major on the importance of infrastructure, and

Unloading stationery on the Thames as part of the now completed River Freight Pilot Case Study.

Parcels and light goods complete their ‘last mile’ journey in small, 200kg ‘containers’ masquerading as bicycles! PHOTOS SUPPLIED what are connected inland waterways (where they exist) if not an important facet of a port’s basic infrastructure?

Just as Glasgow and the River Clyde shun onward, local water transport from, say, Greenock or King George V Dock, London, in direct contrast, embraces it across a broad spectrum of traffic, from bulk aggregates through to last mile parcels traffic.

The Thames trial I reported on in last September’s edition of Towpath Talk is now not only completed, but has been written up in a detailed report and already learning has taken place, with conclusions drawn. It can be read at: www.crossriverpartnership. org/?publications=river-freight-pilotcase-study-summer-2022.

Participants quickly established

that the key to success lay in the preparation. Once everything was in place, problems could be dealt with swiftly and efficiently. It was found that communication channels needed to be clear, with a key contact always available.

Success lay in promoting the pilot as widely as possible. New and innovative ways to take vans off the capital’s roads remains a prescient issue, so gaining traction for the project was never going to be difficult. However, it was apparent that all concerns needed to be shared with stakeholders the moment they occurred.

The River Freight Pilot Case Study, among other things, identified where the Thames leg might, ultimately, fit into an overall delivery picture and John Spencer – director of GPS Marine, who provided the vessel for the trial – gives

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us a clue: “If working to (river) piers, the ideal solution would be for a large vessel to transport the cargo units and for a smaller crane-equipped vessel to shuttle between the larger vessel and the various piers, shuttling loaded and empty cargo units to and fro.”

And if you think that’s a bit of a stretch – a leap too far – going from a 40-tonne juggernaut tearing down a motorway

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to a silent, emission-free, electric cargo bike trickling along a pedestrianised urban street, then think Russian dolls.

Loaded aboard our juggernaut is a full-size container, into which are packed smaller, van-size containers. Into these are fitted bike-sized containers, something in the order of 200kg each and gradually, as the parcel closes in on its destination, the carrying module is broken down to the point where it’s just the package that arrives, fuss-free, on the recipient’s doorstep.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) – a major backer of the River Freight Pilot – is already putting its money where its mouth is, having just acquired Malthouse Terrace Pier, on the Isle of Dogs. This has excellent connections to nearby Canary Wharf and, while it will remain a calling point for the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service, PLA intends to expand the pier with space dedicated to river transportation of light freight and parcels.

Julie Tankard, PLA’s finance director, makes the point: “Through our investment strategy we are working to encourage more trade on the river. It’s a win-win. More river trade boosts the economy, creates jobs, and helps reduce carbon emissions in the capital by taking lorries off the region’s roads.”

So, what is there for Scottish ports, and Glasgow in particular, not to like…?

DHL express parcels riverboat on the Thames with St Paul’s in the background.

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16 MUSEUM FOCUS

January 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The Roundhouse Birmingham Nicola Lisle discovers a new visitor centre in Birmingham in the latest in her museum series.

ONE of Birmingham’s newest visitor attractions, having opened in July 2021, the Roundhouse in Birmingham is a lovely canalside gem in the heart of the city’s Ladywood district.

The horseshoe-shaped building dates back to 1874 and was at the heart of Birmingham’s rapid industrial development – in which, of course, the city’s canal network played a major role.

Birmingham was already a major industrial centre by the time James Brindley’s canal opened in 1769, leading to writer Arthur Young (1741-1820) dubbing it ‘the first manufacturing town in the world’, and its prosperity was further boosted with the opening of Thomas Telford’s new canal in 1838. Raw materials were brought in from London and distributed to the city’s factories, with finished goods then being transported to the Midlands and beyond for shipping all over the world.

The visitor centre entrance.

Fortunately, the building had been given Grade II listed status by Historic England in 1976, so demolition wasn’t an option.

It wasn’t until 2013 that the Canal & River Trust, which now owns the building, formed a partnership with the National Trust with a view to restoring the Roundhouse and bringing it back to life.

Detailed history

The approach to the Roundhouse.

Despite the coming of the railways in the mid-19th century, Birmingham’s industrial might continued, and by the turn of the century several million tons of goods were being carried along the city’s canals.

Now Birmingham’s story has been brought to life in the Roundhouse’s new visitor centre, alongside the story of the Roundhouse itself.

The site on which the Roundhouse now stands was originally Corporation Wharf, established in Sheepcote Street by the Birmingham Corporation in 1864 as a stonebreakers’ yard. The influx of workers into Birmingham had created a demand for new housing and roads, so a hard stone known as Rowley Rag, quarried in the Black Country, was brought to Corporation Wharf by horse-drawn canal boats to be hammered into small pieces by the stonebreakers.

In 1873 local architect William Henry Ward (1844-1917) won a competition held by the Corporation’s Public Works Department to design a new depot at Sheepcote Street. Ward’s Roundhouse was completed a year later, becoming a notable landmark in the city.

For the next 80 years, the Roundhouse

Birmingham Roundhouse entrance. PHOTOS: NICOLA LISLE

Part of the Wander Water exhibition. provided stabling for 50 horses, which carried stone, night soil and other heavy goods around Birmingham by cart or boat.

By the mid-20th century, though, it was the beginning of the end for the Roundhouse. Cars and vans took over from horses and carts, and the Roundhouse’s days as a city depot were numbered. It finally closed during the 1990s, and for a few years it served as a nursery and a space for businesses and exhibitions. As the 21st century dawned, though, the Roundhouse was in need of renovation and a new purpose.

Eight years later, with the help of National Lottery Heritage funding, the Roundhouse opened to the public as a visitor centre with a cafe, exhibition space and offices. Wall displays in the visitor centre tell the story of Birmingham and its canals, from its 19th century industrial heyday to an optimistic and ever-changing 21st century city, with a detailed history of the Roundhouse right up to its renovation and reopening.

There are also outdoor exhibitions, including Wander Water, which opened in September 2022 and is a series of sculptures reflecting the female experience of walking along the local canals.

But there is much more to the Roundhouse than just the building and its courtyard. At the heart of Roundhouse Birmingham, the charity responsible for running the Roundhouse, is a mission to get visitors exploring Birmingham and its canal heritage by foot, bike or boat, and this is the perfect base for doing just that.

There is a programme of events from spring to autumn, including a guided tour of the Roundhouse, kayak tours, paddleboarding experiences, heritage working boat trips, walking and cycling tours, and other activities.

You can also enjoy self-guided walking

and cycling tours. These include Cocoa Canal, which explores the Cadbury connection and takes you from the Roundhouse to Bournville village; Towers, Teddy Bears and Trains, which takes you to Tolkien’s Towers at Edgbaston Reservoir and Chad Valley toys; and Local Look Around, an interactive tour taking in towpath wildlife, the historic Old Turn Junction and narrowboats.

Old Turn Junction which dates from 1769.

Pick up leaflets in the Roundhouse or download from the website.

Audio tours are also available, for which you will need to download the free Geotourist app. Full details are on the website.

Roundhouse Birmingham 1 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AE https://roundhousebirmingham. org.uk

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WHAT’S ON 17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

Canalway Cavalcade prepares for 40th anniversary THE Inland Waterways Association’s Canalway Cavalcade will celebrate its 40th anniversary at Little Venice during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend from April 29-May 1, 2023.

This legendary event has been bringing communities together since 1983 and will once again be transforming the heart of the London canal network, with more than 100 colourfully dressed boats, live music, refreshments, craft stalls and plenty of family fun for all to enjoy.

The vibrant festival is one of the biggest and brightest events in the nation’s waterways calendar and a firm favourite with visitors.

There will be a packed programme of events both on and off the water including a pageant of decorated boats on Saturday; boat handling competitions and an evening procession of illuminated boats on Sunday. Younger visitors can try their hand at kayaking, visit a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, enjoy crafts, games and fairground rides.

Opening times will be Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-6pm and 9-10.30pm and Monday 10am-5pm. For more details

of what’s on, timings, how to get there, how to book in your boat, plus a full listing of food and drink, craft and other stalls, please visit the website: https:// water ways.org.uk/support/ ways-to-get-involved/events/ iwa-canalway-cavalcade-2023 Follow on Facebook (search for IWA Canalway Cavalcade) or use #canalwaycavalcade on Twitter and Instagram.

The colourful Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice.

PHOTO: IWA

One of the most successful and best attended inland waterways events in the country, it is organised, set up and run entirely

by IWA volunteers and more talented people are needed to strengthen the team and fill some much-needed roles.

So, if you have a few hours a month to spare and can make yourself available during the Early May Bank Holiday, IWA would love you to get in touch – whatever your speciality. All you need is enthusiasm and a positive, eager ‘can do’ attitude for the following: secretary, assistant secretary, publicity and marketing assistant, social media manager, commercial assistant and site services assistant.

All roles above require attendance at around eight committee meetings per year (mostly on video conferencing) and the need for general availability during the week leading up to the festival to take on duties attributed to the role. You will of course also be required to attend the event.

For more information, or to register your interest, please contact festival chairman Tom Claydon, email: tom.claydon@ waterways.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY

January 15 IWA Chester & Merseyside: The Llangollen and

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.

Shropshire Union Canals – Barbridge and the surrounding countryside. This circular 3.75-mile walk is sometimes along footpaths not often used but mostly in fair condition; the level route is easy to follow in very rural scenery with some fields to cross.

The main feature is the flight of locks alongside the Hurleston reservoir and another interesting feature is the hamlet of Stoke Manor. There are a few stiles and kissing gates towards the end of the walk and although they are all in good order they are not dog friendly. Meeting at 10.15 for 10.30am start and returning to the parking place about 1pm. On the Thursday before the walk a reminder will be sent to everyone who has booked in which will also give details of where you will need to park. To take part email walk guide derek.smith@waterways.org

January 1 IWA Lichfield: Atherstone and the Coventry

Canal – an easy four-mile circular walk along the towpath, footpaths and pavements with no stiles. Meet in the car park of the Atherstone Red Lion Hotel, 99 Long Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1BB, 10.45 for 11am. Contact Clive Walker, clive.walker@waterays.org.uk January 3 Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society: An evening with ‘Caver Keith’

(Edwards). This local Bromsgrove caver could arguably be described as Britain’s premier underground photographer. Meeting room behind The Weighbridge Pub, Scarfield Hill, Alvechurch, 7.45pm. Free entry.

Erewash Preservation & Development Association: Open day at Sandiacre Lock

Cottages, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5LA, 10.30am-3.30pm. www.ecpda.org.uk

Walk off the excesses of Christmas THE Shrewsbury District and North Wales Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will hold its annual Winter Walk on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

This year's walk will be along the Montgomery Canal towpath.

These annual events are open to all and always prove popular, with walkers keen to spend some time beside the canal. It also helps to blow the cobwebs off after the excesses of the festive period. The walk is also an ideal opportunity to see the restoration work being carried out on the Montgomery Canal.

This year walkers are asked to meet at 10.30am at Canal Central, Maesbury Marsh, where there will be a talk by Chris Hesketh,

trustee of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, on the restoration work currently taking place.

Chris will then lead the walk to Schoolhouse Bridge, returning through Crickheath to Bridge 85 to Canal Central for refreshments.

The walk, which is free of

charge (but donations are always welcome), will be around five miles and include two stiles. The towpath may be a little wet and muddy, so the walk may not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

For anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery of the waterways all year round without the need to take part in the walk, the local IWA branch has a high-quality calendar for sale via https://waterways.org. uk/branch_news/shrewsburybranch-calendar-2023

The annual winter walk organised by the Shrewsbury District and North Wales IWA branch is always popular.

For more information or to book your place on the walk, please email dawn.aylwin@ waterways.org.uk

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

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January 19 IWA Milton Keynes: Kay Andrews, topic to be

January 10 IWA Northampton: Members’ videos and local

confirmed. Bletchley Conservative Club, 105-111 Queensway MK2 2DN, starting at 7.45pm.

waterway film clips with Bernard Morton, ‘techie’ and presenter. The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne. 2.30pm.

IWA Chester & Merseyside: Ian Wilson talks on the history and restoration of the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Cafe, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum CH65 4FW, 7.45pm. Fun raffle, sales and shop available.

January 25 IWA Chiltern Branch: Getting it right: Making

accuracy affordable by Jeremy Batch. RWT Heritage Centre, Batchworth Lock, Rickmansworth WD3 1JJ, 8pm. Admission: IWA members £3; guests £5, refreshments included. Contact john. brice@waterways.org.uk for full programme.

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January 2023

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FEATURE 19

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2023

The Drawbridge, Solihull Lodge – a picture from rom the canal p past

By Tim Coghlan

I HAVE sort of gained a reputation for following up on quirky canal stories that people pass to me. And once on the case, I seem to come up with a lot more than there was to start with.

Please keep those quirky stories coming as I enjoy that sort of thing and am unsurprisingly a long paid-up member of the Inspector Morse Society.

My latest find was a letter I received in late August from Peta Millard, whom I had met with her husband somewhere during my now many canal years. Dated August 25, 2022, it came from an address in a glorious rural setting in Wales.

Peta wrote: “We have a watercolour, unframed, with some foxing of The Drawbridge, Solihull Lodge which is on the North Stratford Canal. How we acquired it was that the former Midlands owner moved to West Wales. When the man died his widow went to South Africa and is also long gone. It was left in the attic and the new owners of the property didn’t want it and gave it to us, while we were working on that property.

“We have no descendants to whom we can pass it and no other relations interested in the waterways. When we pop our clogs it will probably end up in a skip or on a bonfire, which is a shame because of its historical importance.

The area is still called Solihull Lodge, but is now full of houses with Bridge No. 7 having replaced the old wooden structure. We would like you to have it and look forward to hearing from you.”

It was a no-brainer, and I rang Peta immediately to say “Yes please!” Having paid the small sum of £7.99 for postage, the watercolour was now mine. A week or so later, it arrived in a large jiffy bag with the large instruction on the envelope to Royal Mail to ‘Please handle with care,’ which was dutifully followed.

It was a joy and a privilege to receive that watercolour, complete with its original fine mount, with pastel wash lines. Despite foxing – which with modern restoration technology, could largely be removed – it was a very well painted pictorial scene, with The

The Drawbridge, Solihull Lodge. The watercolour was probably painted in the 1920s-30s by an unknown artist, when the drawbridge was still in good condition. It was given to the author by Mrs Peta Millard for long term safekeeping. It provided the inspiration for this article.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN COLLECTION

The same place today. The idyllic drawbridge scene replaced by Bridge No. 7 and a new major road in 1963. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

Chris Fenton, manager of The Drawbridge, Majors Green, Shirley, seen on its canalside patio near the only surviving canal drawbridge on the North Stratford Canal. Chris is holding a recent painting by one of his customers and presented to The Drawbridge.

It shows the old, now demolished drawbridge at nearby Solihull Lodge. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN Drawbridge; Solihull Lodge written on the mount in pencil in a fine copperplate hand.

Sadly the picture was unsigned, but while no masterpiece, it was well painted by one of what were once called ‘weekend artists’ – not professionals, but had enjoyed training to a very good standard. And from my enquiries so far, this is the only watercolour of the drawbridge extant from the canal working days.

In the painting, the drawbridge and the small shop opposite seem to be in good order, compared with the only photograph I could find of the same scene. That was taken by the young canal enthusiast Ian Wright in about 1950, when this was not the case: the canal itself was largely unused and weedinfested, and the shop-cum-pub looked pretty dilapidated. So dating the picture would suggest 1920s-30s, maybe earlier. w Interestingly the watercolour shows no signage on the building, which is very n eevident in Wright’s photograph, with tw wo large signs for Drawbridge Stores and Dares Ales – suggesting it might a have doubled as a shop and pub for the h canal trade when this was still very much a rural location. Certainly there seems to o be a shop window in the watercolour, which is also there in the photograph. w I now felt I needed to revisit the scene and see what had replaced that lifting a bridge and with it, the surrounding b urbanisation of what had once been u unspoilt countryside. I chose an u autumnal Saturday morning, which a promised to be fine and sunny – essential p for canal photography – and rather rare fo aas the wet weather sought to make up ffor the dry summer. I arrived at The Drawbridge inn at 11.15am, wondering D iif I was far too early to be allowed in.

But it was open, with a few elderly B customers about – no doubt saving on heating at home – with their half pints of bitter and tabloid newspapers carrying the latest on Hancock in the Jungle.

I asked the friendly barlady if the manager was about, explaining who I was. Yes he was, and soon I was joined

by Chris Fenton, to whom I explained the reason for my visit, showing him

The same but much deteriorated scene in 1950. A photograph taken by the young canal enthusiastt Ian Wriigh ht, wh ho was then travelling the North Stratford Canal by canoe. Twelve years later and the scene had been obliterated.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN COLLECTION

The welcoming Drawbridge pub and Flaming Grill signs.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

copies of that watercolour and Ian Wright’s photograph. Chris found them fascinating, and willingly accepted my offer to have a display made of them, with explanatory captions, for his pub.

These he would happily add to his existing fine collection of canal memorabilia on the walls. He then went off and collected and brought to me the framed picture one of his ‘old boy’ customers had recently painted of the old drawbridge, the source of which I have yet to ascertain. The picture would shortly be on display.

Chris related how he had been the manager here since 2019 and prior to that he was an assistant manager for a year at the Waterside Pub & Carvery above Hillmorton Locks on the North Oxford Canal, after it was acquired from Marstons by Green King, and had its name changed.

He hails from Derby and had begun his life in the catering trade when, aged 15, he had left school to help his mother with the catering business she had started after becoming what was in effect a war widow, with her husband then very ill. He had served with the Royal Marines in the 1982 Falklands War, where he had been badly injured, and never really recovered from his wounds.

To make ends meet, she started what proved to be a very successful catering

business. The highlight was obtaining the catering contract for Derby County Cricket Club, where Chris worked for her for several years, before he moved on to the pub trade. He still follows cricket, but his real passion now is golf, which he plays two or three times a week.

Shortly after being appointed as the manager of The Drawbridge, Chris soon had his hands full in steering it through the whole of the near two years of the Covid crisis, which at one stage had proved an unforeseen blessing. In a moment of bureaucratic madness, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock shut down whole sections of England as unsafe because of high Covid outbreaks, using ancient county boundaries, rather than focused modern postcodes for the highly infected areas.

The Drawbridge is located just inside Worcestershire, which had the all-clear.

But Warwickshire, about 100 yards away to the east and Birmingham some three hundred yards to the north – on the other side of the canal aqueduct – were both in lockdown. Following strict social distancing, with tables outside in the large car park, Chris and his team were able to enjoy a roaring trade from the very grateful local customers, who could walk or cycle there, many using the canal towpath.

During the very warm summer of 2022, Chris and his team enjoyed an excellent season, including plenty of business from the boaters, with their boats moored on the towpath on either side of the drawbridge as far as the eye could see – many staying overnight enjoying dining in the pub.

Chris showed me round, pointing out just how close the pub building is to the towpath. When the pub was built in the 1960s or thereabouts, the old small

f farmhouse on the site simply had its upper u floor removed and the ground floor incorporated into the building, to fl ggive it a genuine olde-worlde feel.

I then explored the wealth of canal memorabilia on display around the pub, while enjoying a beer. The most fascinating exhibit for me was the extract from the 1884 map OS of the area, with what appears to have been the farmhouse now incorporated into the pub, but otherwise almost no houses at all. Since then the area has been swallowed up into suburbia, with the canal the only surviving green lung.

It was now finally time to visit that crime-against-canals scene. There I saw no trace whatsoever of what had once been the picturesque canal drawbridge and stores at Solihull Lodge. Instead there was a wide fast-flowing urban road and bridge for the canal crossing, which had been built up to allow headroom for the canal now some 10 feet below.

It could be seen through token iron railings, which carried a cast metal plaque, the inscription of which reads: ‘After reconstruction this bridge was opened by Councillor J L Shepherdson Mayor of Solihull 30th March, 1963’ – so just 13 years after Ian Wright’s photograph from another age.

At least the drawbridge half a mile away to the south, beside The Drawbridge, was more fortunate. As the display sign in Chris’s pub informs us: ‘The Drawbridge at Majors Green, is believed to be the only working road bridge left in England. When built it had wooden counter weights but these were replaced in 1965 with steel.’

Chris commented that the Canal & River Trust had recently given the drawbridge a major service and it was now in excellent order. The pub visitors love it and can watch it operating from the canalside patio. And whatever inconvenience it caused to the motorists, not one would dare try and remove it today. It is a sad thought that the drawbridge at Solihull Lodge could also have been saved, but at least we now have that watercolour.

The Drawbridge as seen from the canal drawbridge. Manager Chris Fenton said the inn, immediately adjacent to the towpath, was as close to the canal as you can get! PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

20 NEWS EXTRA

January 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

NCA spring meeting with lock workshop visit THE Northern Canals Association will hold its spring meeting on Sunday, February 12 from 10am5pm hosted by the Bradley Canal Restoration Society in the heart of the Black Country.

As well as activities arranged by

About 50 people, including Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry, attended the unveiling of the kingfisher plaque on the partly restored and partly rebuilt Bridge One at the eastern end of the Buckingham Canal. The rewatered mile or so section beyond the bridge is clearly visible.

the BCRS, the day will also include a tour of the Canal & River Trust’s Bradley Lock Gate Workshop.

For further information, please contact chairman Ivan Cane, at northern.canals2021@btinternet. com

Rail over river

Stunning kingfisher mosaic unveiled on Buckingham Arm bridge

A Nene Valley Railway Santa special crosses the River Nene at Wansford on December 12. The train headed by Southern Railway Bulleid Battle of Britain Pacific No. 34081 92 Squadron is heading for Peterborough.

Words & photos: Tim Coghlan

PHOTO: ROBIN JONES

VISITORS to the partly restored eastern section of the Buckingham Arm, which starts above Cosgrove Lock on the Grand Union Canal, will now be surprised to encounter a kingfisher.

It is not the feathered variety but a beautiful 30in circular mosaic of one, by the now internationally renowned British mosaic artist Melanie Watts.

The choice of the work and its location – on new side-brickwork of the restored and partly rebuilt Bridge One facing Cosgrove Lock – was that of long-time stalwart of the Buckingham Canal Society, Athina Beckett. She was given the Christopher Power Prize, a sum of money awarded by the IWA to ‘a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway’.

This award marked her long years of service since she joined the Buckingham Canal Society in 1993 – nearly 30 years of service, joining only a year after the society was founded. During that time she has taken many roles, including that of chairman. She is currently a trustee and work party leader and is frequently seen running the society’s stand at canal events, including the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rallies.

Athina chose to spend the money on a kingfisher mosaic by Melanie Watts, as she had enjoyed seeing the artist’s canalside owl – almost on a

daily basis, when walking her late dog further south on the Grand Union at Great Linford, Milton Keynes, near where she lives. There is also another major work by the artist of a peacock butterfly further south at Red House Park, the two of them forming part of the Milton Keynes Arts Trail.

What struck Athina was that neither of those ornate pieces had suffered any vandalism since they had been put up – as indeed had none of the other artworks – and hoped this kingfisher would likewise be spared, despite its somewhat remote location at Bridge One. On a fine Saturday morning, some 50 people met for the unveiling, including the Canal & River Trust CEO Richard Parry and a number of senior representatives from the IWA and local councillors. Athina opened proceedings by talking about the work of Buckingham Canal Society – just how much had been achieved by the volunteers in recent years, despite Covid – and the hope that the canal would be fully opened in the not-too-distant future, as ways had been found to get round the remaining obstacles – like the A5 at Stony Stratford. The evidence of the society’s work was there to see.

As she spoke a group of about 30 walkers from Northampton came through, enjoying the recently relaid towpath and the now five-mile circular walk to the end of the restored section

Pete Winkelman of the MK Dons addressing the visitors, watched by, from left, Terry Cavender, Buckingham Canal Society’s executive officer, mosaic artist Melanie Watts and prizewinner Athina Beckett.

and then down to the River Ouse, and back up the Grand Union to Cosgrove.

And to make the point another group came through later during proceedings.

The importance of the restored canal as a community asset could not have been better made.

The plaque was unveiled by Pete Winkelman, chairman of the MK Dons Football Club. A former successful music producer from his historic manor at Great Linford, he is now equally successful as a local property developer and landowner. His farmland adjoined the Buckingham Canal at the eastern end and he had been most supportive of the restoration project, including allowing free access across his land. In his address he praised the work of the society’s many volunteers, whose work he found inspirational.

He was followed by Melanie Watts, who spoke of her 25 years as a professional artist and her commitment to using her art to draw attention to ‘our stunning species, many of which are in decline, which as an artist I am concerned about.’ She worked with materials that would not fade in an outdoor environment, and in the case of this kingfisher, only natural stone had been used to stunning effect.

Her work is now in demand worldwide including America and India.

See IWA’s report of the event on page 12.

Artist Melanie Watts with her now unveiled kingfisher mosaic.

The waterways message is getting through in the North West SPEAKING at the social meeting of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) in December at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, Chester & Merseyside branch chairman Jim Forkin reported a solid year of progress by the IWA, associated organisations and individual members in bringing the need to protect our waterway heritage to a wider audience in the North West.

In particular he noted the success of Chester in becoming the first Inland Heritage Port and the effect that had created on the city, with now a greater will being expressed by councillors to protect what is left of the city’s maritime past.

The economic benefit of bringing both inland craft and sea-going vessels on to the city’s waterfront and potentially navigating upstream of the weir has also been accepted.

To add to the impact of the Inland Heritage Port status, the IWA organised a celebration of 250 years since the Chester Canal, now part of the Shropshire Union, was first inaugurated by Act of Parliament in 1772 which attracted more than 1000 people to the banks of the canal in the city centre.

Chester’s success has been noted by decision makers and hopefully

this will encourage other towns in the region to apply and secure more recognition and thus greater protection for their remaining architecture.

Runcorn Locks were to receive the first tranche of major financial commitment which will see the marvellous start to this unique scheme in 2023; a major step into the regeneration of old Runcorn town centre and the creation of a new canal cruising ring.

The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group demonstrated what can be done with urban green spaces as they improved access via the towpath of the New Cut Canal (Warrington) to the Paddington Meadows and turned a field of former grazing pasture into a wild flower meadow. Regular ecological surveys are carried out.

In addition the group organised a local history exhibition with 10 groups attending including the Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge, a group looking to restore the rare bridge across the River Mersey.

The steamship Daniel Adamson hosted MPs and decision makers from across the North West waterways including funding bodies and interest groups to a day’s cruise on the Weaver.

The Weaver, one of the

least utilised waterways, was showcased as groups associated with the navigation increase pressure for improving facilities and dredging.

Staff and volunteers at the ‘Danny’ have continued to promote the vessel and waterways with a schools programme and the presentation team completing a record 36 presentations to educational groups including history societies all across the region.

However despite these successes and many more, there remained threats to important historical artefacts, particularly the drained Sankey St Helens Canal, the perilous state of the Dee Branch in Chester and the proposed sell-off of Canal & River Trust waterside property in Northwich.

Jim Forkin was eager to stress that new evidence produced by the Inland Waterways Association (in the form of the document, Waterways for Today) showed that Britain’s waterways contributed more than £2.6 billion to the nation’s economy and that canals cam be a major factor in economic generation. Copies of this document, which can be found on the IWA website, were sent to all MPs and leading council representatives with waterways within their constituencies.