Towpath Talk - July 2022 - Preview

1 Issue 201, July 2022 1

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After a three-year absence the Tall Ships Festival returned to Gloucester Docks. Seven ships enjoyed a safe passage along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to be welcomed by more than 150,000 visitors over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. More on page 5. PHOTO: PAUL BOX

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Disappointing delay to grant review decision PUBLICATION of the review into future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust has been delayed until the autumn.

It was due on July 1, which would have coincided with the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Canal & River Trust as a charity on July 2, 2012, when it took over the functions and properties of the former British Waterways Board in England and Wales. Its patron is HRH the Prince of Wales.

Government department Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and the trust have been gathering the information necessary for the review into funding beyond the end of the current grant period in 2027.

A CRT spokesman said: “While we are disappointed at the delay to the review, we are continuing to work with Defra to achieve a successful outcome that will ensure the waterways have the funding

they need so that they can be cared for and continue to be safe and available for the millions of people who enjoy and benefit from them for years to come.”

A statement by Defra confirmed: “Due to extenuating circumstances, including the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government is not yet in a position to reach a decision on possible future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust by July 1, 2022, the

date set in the current grant agreement.”

It expects to publish the review in the autumn.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has been campaigning for continued Government funding for the publicly owned waterways, including the 2000 miles managed by the Canal & River Trust, 630 miles of waterway run by the Environment Agency and those operated by Scottish Canals.

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FOR the whole of July, visitors to the Anderton Boat Lift at Lift Lane, Northwich, Cheshire, can buy a 10am boat trip ticket for £10 per person. The ‘All 10’ promotion is being held to celebrate the Canal & River Trust’s 10th anniversary. The trips, on the glass-sided boat The Edwin Clark, last one hour and usually cost £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children aged 3-15. Tickets can be bought at the venue and only apply to the 10am trip. For more information email info@andertonboatlift.co.uk or go to www. canalrivertrust.org.uk – click on places to visit.

GUIDED kayak tours on the Birmingham Canal Navigations are available during July from 10.30am-12.30pm on available dates, enabling visitors to see the city from a different perspective. No previous experience is necessary and guides will lead the journey through the city’s heart on sit-on-top kayaks which are stable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. For information and to book on a Bustling Birmingham kayak tour which costs £30, concessions £25, under 18s to be accompanied by an adult, visit roundhousebirmingham.org.uk

THE East End Canal Festival over the weekend of July 16-17 will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Regent’s Canal. A free community event in Mile End Park, Clinton Road E3 4QY and on the canal, the festival will be open each day from 11am-5pm. Activities will include boat trips, an art exhibition, entertainment, stalls, five workshops, carnival costumes, a floating cinema, pond dipping and much more. Refreshments include an East End WI tea and cakes. For information visit www.

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2 NEWS

July 2022

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WELCOME​ MIDSUMMER is here already and with the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend now behind us it’s a great time to get out and about on your waterways of choice and make the most of a chance to visit events or places along the way or simply to relax.

Many festivals and gatherings are returning after an absence of three years and it’s good to see people enjoying these once again. Among those featured this month are the Crick Boat Show on page 4, the Tall Ships Festival at Gloucester on page 5 and the Moira Canal Festival, page 6.

In Characters of the Cut on page 9, Alice Griffin talks to potter Tracey Hughes for whom the pandemic provided the opportunity to develop her skills into a business. And on page 11 we welcome new contributor Sally Clifford reporting on York’s ‘scrap saviour’ Tim Rane, who started retrieving rubbish from the Foss when the lockdowns impacted on his work in the aviation industry.

We keep hearing in the news about all the problems facing holidaymakers heading for the sun so it’s not surprising that staycations are still the answer for many people and we are seeing more marinas offering glamping accommodation.

And with climate change never far from the agenda, some of the hire operators are looking at ways to make their fleets more sustainable, see Phil Pickin’s boat review on page 46 and report on page 49.

Marine surveyor Ben SutcliffeDavies takes a timely look at summer safety on your boat on page 50 and Kevin Thomas gives some advice on sharing broad locks on page 78.

Thanks to all the readers who entered our recent wordsearch competition and congratulations go to winners Mr T Barker of Gloucestershire, Mr R Welfare of Surrey and Mr P Borrill of North Yorkshire. Don’t forget to enter our Transcool Giveaway on page 47.

​ ommunity boat crew C seeks more volunteers A DOUBLING in demand for its cruises has prompted the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterways Trust to appeal for more volunteers.

The new all-electric accessible community boat Electra already has a 52-strong team but more are needed.

Volunteer chairperson, Jane Wolfson, said: “Electra volunteers work as one big team to create and deliver a range of enjoyable cruises on the Grand Union Canal. Some people crew the boat, others work behind the scenes to get everything ready and some people do a bit of both!”

There are currently shore-based volunteering vacancies in customer liaison, social media, marketing, outreach, fundraising and project management. There are also vacancies for cabin hosts to welcome and chat with guests and serve a range of food

and drink from the onboard galley bar, among other roles.

Lindsey Patraiko, volunteer social media manager, said: “I volunteered because it was unique, exciting and I wanted to enhance and develop my social media skills with a flair of creativity. I would encourage others to join our keen band of volunteers.”

Volunteer co-ordinator Gill Kirkup, who also volunteers as a cabin host, said: “I joined up because meeting and chatting with the wide variety of guests on Electra, of all ages and from Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to visit Electra’s website https://www.bmkwaterway.org/ electra/volunteering/ or email the team on volunteers.electra@ bmkwaterway.org for further details.

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​Some of Electra’s volunteer crew. PHOTO: LINDSEY PATRAIKO

THE Canal & River Trust is urging people to stay out of the water and to stay away from the edge this summer.

Of the 400 people who drown in the UK every year, more than half the fatalities happen at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.

Locks and weirs are lovely places to spend time gongoozling – watching boats go by – and listening to the calming sounds of the water.

However, when the weather warms up, people sometimes get into difficulties after jumping into the

canals and rivers to cool down.

Locks have hidden ‘shelves’, called cills, which can seriously injure someone should they jump in, while weirs and deeper water can have strong currents which can pull even the strongest swimmers under the water.

The trust is a member of the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), a voluntary network of organisations working together to reduce waterrelated deaths. It works with fellow members of the NWSF to raise awareness of water safety.

Water safety advice

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Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm. help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd. Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – July 28, 2022

higher number of volunteers per head of population than any other city in the UK, with 84,500 of its citizens regularly volunteering.

Stay away from the edge

Janet

TOWPATH

the different communities in Milton Keynes, is the most rewarding part of being a cabin host.”

Milton Keynes claims to have a

Bob Williams making the presentation to outgoing chairman Chris Bull. PHOTO: LHCRT

​ anals restoration C trust welcomes Carole to the chair LICHFIELD and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has a new person in the chair after Christine Bull, who has held the role for five years, handed over the reins to Carole Mills.

Christine’s background was in industry, working on long-term planning for Shell. She later moved to Burton in Staffordshire as marketing intelligence manager for Bass Worthington.

After retirement she undertook several

exciting placements through Voluntary Service Overseas in Namibia, St Helena Island and Tanzania.

Christine, who joined the trust in 2015, said: “I took on the role of chair five years ago on the basis that I would do it for two years and I have enjoyed it, but it has taken its toll on my time and other interests.

“My enthusiasm for the canal meant I was reluctant to simply walk away from the role until I had found

someone willing and able to take on co-ordinating what is now a huge project.

“To my delight and relief, Carole Mills is prepared to become chair and I will continue to be the environment trustee and do the things I enjoy most, including being out on site with our green and grounds team and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers.”

Carole Mills became a member of the trust during lockdown, having enjoyed walking the many and

• Docks, reservoirs, canals and rivers will be really cold, even in the summer.

Jumping into cold water could give you cold water shock which can cause a gasp reflex, meaning you’ll suck in water, which could cause you to drown. If you want to cool down, have

varied heritage canal trails.

She soon became part of the green and grounds team, then joined the board as an advisor and was subsequently co-opted as a trustee.

She has a wealth of experience as a former local authority chief executive officer and finance director, having worked at five large unitary councils, in the National Health Service and in the housing and financial services sectors.

Carole said: “I am excited by this new role and look forward to working with all those who

a cool drink instead.

• If you want to jump and dive, head to your local swimming pool, don’t get in locks or canals. Canals can be shallow and you could hurt yourself if you jump in.

• Sign up to a Let’s Paddle session run by the trust to cool down on a paddleboard.

do so very much for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

Our supportive members, brilliant volunteers and hard-working trustees are doing all they can to restore, reconstruct and reconnect the canals to the national network.

“We are so grateful to them and members of the public who are so generous with their time and resources and without whom we would not have made such good progress nor be able to achieve our future plans.”

She added: “I’d particularly like to thank

Check the website for more information.

• Lounge in the shade of waterside trees, rather than get tangled in waterway reeds.

• Have an ice lolly at a waterside cafe.

• Keep your cool – chill out by the water and enjoy the feeling of peacefulness it brings you.

Chris, who has dedicated so much of her time to the trust. Under her leadership we have made huge progress with the restoration. She will be a very hard act to follow.

“I’m also immensely grateful for the thorough handover and excellent support she’s provided to me as I’ve been preparing to become chair.”

Anyone who would like to get involved can visit www.lhcrt. org.uk/volunteers. html.

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July 2022

New lift bridges needed for major canal project

WORK has begun on another major restoration project for the Wey & Arun Canal Trust as it moves towards its ambition to bring the 23-mile abandoned waterway back to life.

The project, at Birtley, near Bramley in Surrey, involves removing a causeway and installing two lift bridges to create a length of canal suitable for kayaks, paddleboards and canoes to use. The charity has launched a fundraising appeal to help pay for the work.

This stretch at the northern end of the canal was bought by the trust thanks to the generosity of an overseas member and has already become a firm favourite with walkers thanks to the opening of a picturesque circular towpath walk here at the beginning of the year.

The route takes walkers over a bridge constructed in 2019 by regular volunteers and visiting working parties, who built the substructure and later added a temporary deck to open the walk. They now plan to add a lift mechanism to this and build a second lift bridge.

Working parties have begun by setting up an access track, a compound and readying the site ahead of creating a bridleway and cycle path diversion which is needed before the bridge construction begins.

In a first for the trust, volunteers have used a SpeedyDam, a water-filled barrier often used in flood defence, to allow the construction of the temporary footpath and bridleway diversion.

The project isn’t a simple one as it involves the relocation of a gas main under the canal and the trust is liaising with SSE in this. Volunteers in the EWG working party have located the pipe and will be involved in the rechanelling needed.

The proposed traditional counterweight lift bridges will be operated by

Volunteers start to roll out the SpeedyDam from the towpath.

The dam in place across the Wey & Arun Canal. PHOTOS: WACT a manually wound mechanical system and are set to become a distinctive feature on this part of the canal.

For details on how to donate to the project, please go to https://weyarun. org.uk/backdrop/birtley-appeal

The site where a second lift bridge will be installed.

This recently constructed bridge at Birtley needs a lift mechanism.

About the SpeedyDam

In a first for the Wey & Arun Canal Trust a water-inflated dam usually used to protect against flooding has been put to use in a restoration project.

AquaDam Europe’s mobile flood barriers are now being adopted by canal trusts as a fast method of creating a protective barrier during construction work.

The company’s SpeedyDam model has been installed at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s latest restoration project at Birtley.

Volunteers positioned the sausage-shaped device on the towpath in its rolled-up state and filled it by pumping in water, causing the dam to roll out and push across the canal. The threemetre-wide cylindrical tube created a 1.2m-high barrier in a matter of a few hours, much faster and cheaper than bringing in material to achieve the same result.

The dam means volunteers can now dig a trench below the canal bed and build a temporary footpath and bridleway diversion needed here ahead of constructing work on the bridge.

The SpeedyDam has a strong geotextile membrane with a seam-free blown polyethylene liner, much like a car tyre, allowing it to withstand tremendous force. When empty it is easily transportable and will be used on future Wey & Arun Canal Trust restoration projects.

Repairs to historic canal set to begin in Hinckley

WORKS to repair a historic section of the Ashby Canal in Hinckley, Leicestershire are set to get under way.

The Canal & River Trust has been developing plans for the repair of the canal bank near Nutts Lane after it was reported damaged earlier this year.

The damaged section of canal wall resulted in part of the towpath being washed away and the trust is about to begin works to repair the wall and restore the towpath. The repair will involve reinstating the canal bank with steel piling topped off with coping stones along the towpath edge to preserve the historic character of the area.

Construction work is due to begin at the end of June and is expected to last three weeks. The towpath adjacent to the repairs will be closed during the works with

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CRT regional director Phil Mulligan said: “We’re really pleased to be starting these important repairs on what is a popular stretch of towpath and we’re grateful to the local community for their patience while we’ve been getting designs approved and specialist contractors in place.

“The Ashby Canal is a living, working piece of heritage, built more than 200 years ago, so when something unexpected like this happens, it’s important to plan the works carefully so that they

respect the heritage and ecology of the canal.

“It’s a good example of the work we do as a charity to care for the Ashby Canal, protecting and preserving it to ensure it doesn’t fall back into the dark days of canal dereliction and decline that was the story of the early and mid-20th century before their renaissance began.

It is so important that Government, partners, funders and the community continue to support us to raise the money and resources required to sustain our historic but nevermore-relevant canals and river navigations.”

The damaged Ashby Canal towpath where a section has been washed away. PHOTO: CRT

4 NEWS

July 2022

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The sun shining over the marina on the preview day.

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

T​ housands flock to 23rd Crick Boat Show MORE than 23,000 people visited the 23rd Crick Boat Show, which took place at Crick Marina near Daventry in Northamptonshire across the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

The event, which was organised by Waterways World in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Waterside & Marina, saw more than 200 exhibitors gather by the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line for three days of trading and entertainment, with a special Trade & Preview Day held on Thursday, June 2.

Show director Peter Johns said: “The event is firmly established as the focal point of the year for the canal boat industry with more than 30 new boats from many of the country’s top boat builders on display plus a range of previously owned boats from some of the country’s top boat brokerages.

“Boat builders reported healthy levels of interest, with many orders secured, and our preview day worked well with most boat viewings fully booked and

1500 trade and public visitors attending.”

He continued: “Whatever stage of someone’s planning for boat ownership, the show had something to offer. Almost 1200 enjoyed free boat trips along the Grand Union Canal, more than 2500 attended the free seminars and masterclasses on boat ownership and the 100 boat handling taster sessions were fully booked weeks in advance of the show.

“As well as showcasing the boating industry the show is an opportunity for the inland boating world to come together to meet old friends and make new ones. Fifteen bands entertained visitors and exhibitors across the weekend, including Absolute Bowie and Amy – A Tribute.”

Matthew Symonds, national boating manager for the Canal & River Trust, added: “Every year Crick Boat Show, now the UK’s biggest inland waterways festival, celebrates our fantastic network of canals and rivers. It’s the perfect event

to find everything you need to know about inland boating, with something for boaters old and new.

“Our team welcomed around 2500 visitors to the trust marquee over the weekend, with staff and volunteers highlighting the diverse range of work the trust does to care for the waterways so that boaters and many others can enjoy them.

“Research shows spending time by water makes us all healthier and happier. Boating is a great way to enjoy our wonderful 2000-mile network of inland waterways, get close to nature and improve your well-being. We are delighted to have once again been a partner in the Crick Boat Show and welcomed so many of today’s boaters and hopefully many future boaters to the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal over the bank holiday weekend.”

The visitors’ choice for the most admired narrowboat at the show was EvenStar from Oakums Narrowboats.

Visitors take a closer look at the boats on the preview day. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Terence Edgar of www.canalarts. com demonstrating Roses and Castles painting in the Canal & River Trust marquee. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Winning widebeam was Time of Life from Finesse Boats (see pictures of both boats on facing page). The trophies were presented by Paul Knox-Johnston of award sponsors Haven Knox-Johnston.

Next year’s show will take place from May 26-29.

Another royal visitor!

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

A queue of visitors waiting to view this boat on static display from Viking Canal Boats Ltd. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

A royal welcome at the Elite Furnishings stand! PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

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Voted visitors’ favourite narrowboat: EvenStar exhibited by Oakum Narrowboats. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

A line-up of widebeams and narrowboats on show in the marina. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Tall ships return to Gloucester Docks AFTER a three-year absence the magnificent Tall Ships Festival returned to Gloucester Docks.

Seven ships enjoyed a safe passage, made possible by the Canal & River Trust, along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to be welcomed and enjoyed by more than 150,000 visitors over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The trust’s own Dunkirk Little Ship Queen Boadicea II was kept busy with happy passengers while young visitors tried canal building outside the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester. And out on the water, paddleboarders and canoeists enjoyed a different perspective on the ships.

Time of Life from Finesse Boats was voted visitors’ favourite widebeam.

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

A bit of scientific magic with the Canal & River Trust.

PHOTO: BARBARA EVRIPODOU

A young visitor enjoying some fun science with the Canal & River Trust’s Anna Birt.

Jubilee bunting was much in evidence at the show. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

PHOTO: BARBARA EVRIPODOU

Visitors throng Gloucester Docks for the Tall Ships Festival. PHOTO: PAUL BOX

The Thames Solar Electric widebeam attracting much interest.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

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Moira festival is back and better than ever AFTER a gap of three years, the 20th Moira Canal Festival was held over the weekend of May 21-22 in the grounds of the Grade II-listed Moira Furnace, by the banks of the isolated, restored Ashby Canal in North West Leicestershire.

The headline act was the D Day Darlings, which, combined with a flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, brought in the crowds, assisted by

the good weather over both days.

Geoff Pursglove, a founder member of the organising committee, said: “There were a record number of people over the weekend and judging by the feedback it has been the best Moira Canal Festival so far. Not sure we can keep that up for next year!”

Twenty trailable boats attended, travelling from as far as Devon and Wales. Most of these

entered the illuminated boat parade on the Saturday night.

Other attractions included an excellent falconry display and the popular Mother Duck and the Moira Duck race.

Organised by a sub-committee of the Ashby Canal Trust, proceeds will go towards the maintenance of the restored length of the Ashby Canal at Moira and support of the further restoration of the Ashby Canal.

The Wilderness boats organised a competition for the best scarecrow. This one looks a bit glum! PHOTO: GEOFF PURSGLOVE

The D Day Darlings on the stern of Geoff Pursglove’s Sea Otter, Waterloo Sunrise.

PHOTO: GEOFF PURSGLOVE

Mother Duck and her duckling. PHOTO: GEOFF PURSGLOVE

Crowds gathered on the swing bridge following the fire service display where they waited for the duck race. PHOTO: BERNARD SNELL

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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 £100 a finalists will receive towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

Talk. tth Tal publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave 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 from coming told reporters thatt shots, moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on went this Field, Fen Ditton, and no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

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

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

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After more than 70 years, a narrowboat returns to Newport A NARROWBOAT has returned to the Shropshire town of Newport for the first time in more than 70 years, with the arrival of a 42ft cruiser now moored in the town’s basin.

The boat, owned and refurbished by David Ray, managing director of Norbury Wharf Ltd, was transported from Norbury by a low loader before being craned into place in the basin close to the town lock.

The idea to bring a boat back to the canal in Newport began in 2017 when Coun Tim Nelson, who has been a local councillor for 15 years, looked at ways to make the area around the town’s lock and basin something of a feature for the town.

To achieve this, he felt he needed to win ‘the hearts and minds of the public’ and in doing so, he would also be ‘doing his bit to open the canal in Newport’.

And with the help of Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust volunteers, the area is now a

popular place for people to visit and walk along the towpath. New lock gates were recently installed, and the ‘famous’ black shed has also been saved with an agreement now in place for it to be rented, for a peppercorn rent, to Newport Town Council.

To further focus attention, Coun Nelson approached David Ray, who is also a trustee of the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust, to see if he could help provide a boat as a static display in the canal.

As a result, David and two of his employees helped deliver and moor the boat in the canal basin, an event which saw a number of roads in the town closed for the duration.

The whole process of lifting the boat into the canal was watched by a large crowd that included a group of children from a local nursery school.

The boat will remain in its new home until mid-September, when it will return to Norbury so that David and his team can complete the internal works before the boat is offered for sale.

The 42ft narrowboat arrives on the back of a low loader.

The boat is lifted over the road by Steve Foster Cranes.

Lowering the narrowboat into the canal.

Back on the water in front of the black shed.

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NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2022

Eshton Road Lock reopens at last

The new locally sourced stonework and returfed lock side following piling work.

Leeds & Liverpool ‘short boat’ Kennet is the first through the lock, watched by members of the reconstruction team and nearby residents.

Story & photos: Colin Wareing

AFTER a prolonged stoppage the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Eshton Lock in Gargrave reopened on May 25.

This meant for the first time since last autumn the whole length of the canal was again navigable to canal boats.

The first boat to come down through the lock, watched by members of the reconstruction team and folks living in the flats next to the canal, was Kennet, the ‘short boat’ owned and looked after by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, followed down by two narrowboats.

Kennet was travelling from its base at Greenberfield Locks to Keighley to attend and be open to the public at the transport festival over the Jubilee bank holiday.

The new stonework in the lock wall is clearly visible being a lighter colour, but should weather over time and a grand job has been made of filling the

depression and returfing the lock landing.

The lock had been closed over the winter from October 2, 2021, following the discovery of a depression in the towpath at the side of the lock wall.

Canal & River Trust engineers think water had got in behind the lock wall and caused it to bulge inwards to the lock, also creating the depression in the towpath.

Over winter the lock was

The two narrowboats about to leave the Eshton Road Lock to continue their journeys.

The depression in the lock landing and dip in the wall at Eshton Road Lock. drained and extensive repairs took place which included taking part of the lock wall down, repairing it with new locally sourced stone and installing piling behind the wall.

It was originally hoped the lock could have been repaired and reopened by Easter 2022, but this slipped back due to unprecedented rain levels in North Yorkshire during Storm Eunice in February.

Floodwater came over the upper dam installed to protect the work area and flowed through the lock, partially washing away the newly completed temporary working platform located in the lock.

There were also more voids found behind the lock wall than anticipated and supply chain problems with materials contributed to the delay.

The first two narrowboats down the flight, Bee Happy and Moles about to leave Lock 73.

Wigan flight welcomes boat traffic Story & photos: Colin Wareing

LOCKS on the Wigan flight were among those closed for maintenance and repair work during the winter stoppage season.

One of the main jobs was to replace the tail gates on Lock 73 as the offside heel post had split.

However manufacturing delays, mechanical problems on the work boat and further problems with the new gates which resulted in the cill needing to be reset meant the reopening did not take place until late April.

Canal & River Trust staff

and Wigan flight volunteers went up and down the flight

A cruiser passes one of the new wooden gates as it exits the lock.

letting water down to fill up some of the low pounds but still by the time the first boats had got down into Lock 72 they had a 20-minute wait for enough water to fill the pound below and Lock 73 to allow the CRT workboat to come out of the lock.

Narrowboats Moles and Bee Happy were the first boats down for the new boating season. Another six followed while six boats came up including two hire boats from the Shire Cruisers fleet from Sowerby Bridge. They had already come over the Rochdale Canal and were heading for the end of their holiday at Barnoldswick.

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88 NEWS 8

July 2022 July 2022

Chichester Canal recognises volunteer contribution

Making a swan in readiness for the Carnival of Lights.

PHOTO: CHICHESTER SHIP CANAL TRUST

TOWPATH TOWPATH

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THE Chichester Ship Canal Trust took the opportunity during Volunteer Week in June to say thank you to its team of more than 150 helpers.

Many visitors and residents may not realise that the canal, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, is almost entirely volunteerrun. They take on an extraordinary range of activities including maintaining the waterway and its unique environment, keeping the towpath accessible, running boat trips, welcoming customers in the cafe, organising community events and behind-the-scenes governance.

Trustee Dorothy Cox said: “Our volunteers bring a very wide range of skills and experience to the canal, and we can give them opportunities to develop new skills. Recently, for example, a group of volunteers have found themselves working with a tutor and creating a papier mache swan and butterfly, ready for our participation in the Carnival of Lights in June.”

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A group of students from Havant and South Downs College recently turned up to collect litter, completing one of their environmental modules and siblings from North Mundham gave up their time to litter pick too.

Students from Chichester College have completed work experience, as part of their courses in public service and arts and graphics.

Dorothy continued: “We are enormously grateful to our volunteers who give a great deal of their time to help make the canal the very special place it is, enjoyed by so many residents and visitors every year.

“We know from the feedback we receive how much their contribution is appreciated, and we simply couldn’t operate without them.”

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World Books theme at successful 55th rally July 2022

Between the book characters are Halton Mayor Coun Christopher Rowe, rally director Steve Hughes, FBCC chairperson Phyllis Greenough and her husband Barry.

AFTER a delay of two years, what should have been the 2020 event became the 2022 Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Clubs’ rally at the Bridgewater Motorboat Club in Runcorn.

Attended by 163 boats from the FBCC of Bridgewater, Lymm, Sale, Watch House and Worsley, also other visiting boats from the region’s Broken Cross Boat Club, Crooke CC and the Weaver Motorboat Club, the event was declared a total success and proved to

FBCC chairperson Phyllis Greenough addresses the assembled boaters.

be well worth the wait. Blessed by good weather, fun fun fun was the order of the weekend. With stalls, games, a dog show and top class entertainment, a lot of it home grown, all the hard work to make it happen by club members was rewarded in full.

Superbly creative artwork decorated the entire venue with World Books the theme for the fancy dress. The guests of honour included the Mayor and Mayoress of Halton Coun Christopher

Boaters gathered in the large marquee.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

and Mrs Joanne Rowe along with the director of the Bridgewater Canal Peter Parkinson, who were all treated to a sail-by of the visiting boats.

Lots of awards were presented including the Trimmest Craft and Smartest Crew won by Howard Western on nb Invictus from Sale Cruising Club.

It was great to meet up with old boating friends, make some new ones and also to look forward to next year’s Rally at Worsley Cruising Club on May 26-29.

Howard Western on board FBCC trophy winner nb Invictus. PHOTOS: DOUG WILDMAN

Weekend game changer SHROPSHIRE Union Canal Volunteers have continued the fortnightly programme of restoration on the Montgomery Canal near Crickheath.

Terrific progress was made over three days as another 40m of waterproof lining was put down and covered with building blocks.

There is now 140m completed, leaving a further 190m to finish

by Christmas in order that this stretch of canal can be filled with water and retention tested for a grand opening in 2023.

It is anticipated that by the end of August all lining will be finished. This will enable all of the energy to be directed to towpath work and other remedial tasks.

When a length of channel is lined with a ‘sandwich’ of four layers of waterproofing materials, it is then ‘paved’ with building blocks to weight these layers down. These layers are put down as huge overlapping blankets which are 6m wide and stretch from the towpath, down and across, to the top side of the offside bank.

Other tasks involved installing a culvert under the channel near Crickheath and completing a 30m piece of channel shaping in the middle of the canal undergoing restoration.

A stretch of embankment was covered in riprap. This process involves covering an area of canal bank above the waterline with soil and boulders to break up any waves created by boats, to reduce erosion and also promote grass

Covering the waterproof lining with building blocks.

Adding riprap to the embankment.

and vegetation growth.

The team is always seeking new volunteers to work near Crickheath.

Anyone interested can go and introduce themselves along the towpath or look for details on the Shropshire Union website at https:// shropshireunion.org.uk/ Further on down the canal toward

Llanymynech, the Restore Group is gearing up for the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge which is, hopefully, due to begin in the near future.

Beyond this in Powys, Government funding is in place for restoration from Llanymynech to Arddleen, which hopefully will begin later this year.

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Tracey Hughes at work in the covered cratch of Prince Hal.

Pottery in production on board.

Characters of the Cut Tracey Hughes, Prince Hal Pottery

By Alice Griffin

HAVING spent a number of years enjoying travel to far-off destinations including Mongolia and China – all while world schooling her two children – Tracey Hughes is now at a home base in England.

Aboard her 64ft cruiser stern narrowboat, Prince Hal, she has found a way to satisfy her wanderlust, while having the space to indulge her passion for pottery.

“For a long time my two children and I travelled globally and in recent years started taking our campervan to Europe, mostly in the winter months.”

During 2019 they decided to stay put and live in France and Spain, where Tracey discovered that being static for longer periods allowed her to visit a pottery studio several times a week. “I realised I wanted to be more than a hobby potter but I needed space to work on improving my skills.”

Upon returning to England in February 2020 Tracey came to the decision to put down roots.

“As my dad lived on a boat, it seemed like the perfect idea. I love to travel and figured that when I wasn’t campervanning I could ‘cruise the cut,’ plus I knew a boat would give me space to create at least a small studio.”

Tracey and her now teenage children love the life their narrowboat affords them. “Living on a narrowboat is so peaceful, I love how close to nature we are, how we can leave the busy towns behind. I breathe deeper and feel calmer near water.”

As they still enjoy taking off for trips around England in their camper, the family base themselves in a marina for ease.

“We have found it very easy to combine boat life and van life.

The area and marina we are in is beautiful, the kids have space

Tracey has been zoning in on historic pottery.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

to roam and we get to be close to family,” Tracey said. And while this current arrangement works well, she has big plans for more cruising. “One day in the future I know we will take off and keep going. My aim is to follow the floating markets and trade in pottery full-time.”

Historic pottery

Having dabbled with this art form for many years it wasn’t until Tracey took classes in Spain that the seed was sown to make it a greater part of her life and work. She has now turned the back room of Prince Hal into a studio, which spills out into the vessel’s covered cratch.

Her inspiration for designs comes from time spent at the beach and in nature. “I also love canal arts so I enjoy making objects linked to canal living,” Tracey tells me. However, recently she has been zoning in on a particular passion – historic pottery.

“As a family we enjoy re-enacting and for the last

Swan and castle.

Tracey and her family combine boat and van life.

three years we have been part of a medieval re-enacting society called Historia Normannis.”

Mixing a love of history with her creations means Tracey is now selling replica medieval pots at shows and events and is also teaching in the local community.

“My latest workshops, Pottering through History, focus on a specific time period, making replicas from that era. Last week we looked at the great Roman road, Watling Street, which cuts through England and we made Roman/Britain potheads.”

Tracey’s energy for sharing her passion is obvious. “I’ve always loved history and looking at old architecture, even as a child, and I think I passed that on to my kids!” This makes re-enactment weekends a family affair as they settle down together for a night or two beneath the shadow of castles.

It’s fascinating to visit Tracey’s on-board studio as you wouldn’t imagine she would be able to fit one into her family boat, but she has certainly made the most of the space Prince Hal offers and has both a kiln and a pottery wheel! “While a narrowboat has limited space, the great thing is that on a lovely sunny day I can move up on to the deck and work outside.”

Having lived an alternative lifestyle in some shape or form for more than a decade, Tracey is happy knowing that she can now develop her pottery business without fear of taming her love of travel. “Living on a boat feeds my wanderlust soul. Knowing we can take off cruising anytime allows us to stick firmly with the freer lifestyle we have become used to.”

Between her campervan and boat, I would say Tracey has the gypsy lifestyle nailed and while the canals of England might not be an exotic, far-flung destination, they are a beautiful option for those of us who like to keep moving!

Instagram: princehalpottery ladypotter_historicpots Alice Griffin is an author and poet with a gypsy soul. She leads seasonal e-courses to bring us back to nature and ourselves, while wandering the waterways aboard her narrowboat Melody. www.alicegriffin.co.uk

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10 NEWS

July 2022 July 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

New bridge named for Platinum Jubilee

A MAJOR milestone in the regeneration of the Stroudwater Canals in Gloucestershire was reached as a newly constructed railway bridge was officially opened and named to cheers from canal volunteers, canal partners and local residents.

The bridge at Ocean, near Stonehouse, was installed and a section of canal reinstated by Network Rail last Christmas.

On May 23, Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire Karen Morgan joined Stroud District Council leader Doina Cornell and Cotswold Canals Trust chairman Jim White on board the Cotswold Boatmobility boat Zephyrus at Stonehouse Court Hotel Canalside Lawn, before cutting a ribbon across the canal and declaring the bridge open.

Ms Morgan then unveiled a commemorative plaque which renamed the bridge Ocean Jubilee Bridge in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Zephyrus was followed by a flotilla of Cotswold Canals Connected partnership boats under the bridge.

A team of 150 operatives from Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths worked around the clock on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Connected partnership to replace the bridge while the railway was closed for seven days between last Christmas and the new year.

The previous railway bridge had

Cutting the ribbon from the bow of Zephyrus are Sir Peter Hendy and Karen Morgan.

Seated, from left: Aimee Malcolm, Cotswold Canals Connected fundraising ambassador; Claire Feehily, National Lottery Heritage Fund trustee; Colin Wood, Cotswold Boatmobility; Coun Doina Cornell; Kathy O’Leary, chief executive of Stroud District Council (taking photo) and, behind, Jan Thomas, Cotswold Boatmobility. Jim White is out of shot. a narrow opening that was too small for boats to pass through and its replacement is a key part of the work to connect the canal to the national waterway network.

The Ocean railway bridge project took more than two years of planning, which included casting the new bridge sections on site – the largest of which weighed 64 tonnes – catching and relocating thousands of fish and draining a 230m section of the canal.

Coun Cornell said: “This is an exciting achievement in the vision to make Stroud and Stonehouse canal towns once again. The Cotswold Canals Connected project is already bringing enormous benefits to

our communities, economy, environment and the health and well-being of our residents.

“This project would not have been possible without the work by the many volunteers and the generous support of National Lottery players.”

Sir Peter said: “We’d like to thank the local community – and in particular the residents of Court Farm Mews, Avenue Terrace and Beards Mill – for being such great neighbours throughout the entire project. They were especially patient and understanding during the noise and disruption over the Christmas and new year period.

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everyone the best of luck with the remainder of this remarkable restoration project.”

Cotswold Canals Trust chairman of trustees, Jim White, said: “Cotswold Canals Trust is 50 years old this year and this milestone adds grease to our wheels. Together in partnership we will be navigable to the UK waterways by 2025, we will increase tourism and leisure for the Stroud district, we will offer a green-blue corridor that improves health and well-being for our communities and we will educate people about the built and natural heritage of the Stroud valleys.”

He added: “Looking around Stroud now, you can see what canal regeneration can deliver. Please continue to support the restoration in any way you can, through gifts of time, money or skills.”

A team of canal volunteers has replaced the towpath between Ocean swing bridge and Ocean Jubilee Bridge.

It will remain closed while the source of water seeping from the ground near the swing bridge is being investigated; however it was set to open for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend to allow people to walk under the new bridge.

Karen Morgan unveils the plaque, watched by Kathy O’Leary, Jim White and Sir Peter Hendy.

A swan leads Zephyrus at the head of the flotilla.

PHOTOS: MATT BIGWOOD, STROUD TIMES

Another closure of the towpath will be required in the coming months to allow further restoration works to the canal and towpath between Ocean and

Bonds Mill. Notices advising of closures will be placed along the towpath and on the Cotswold Canals Connected social media accounts and website.

Cotswold Canals Connected is a partnership of organisations led by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust which are restoring the canal network. Phase 1A, which is now complete, restored the section between Thrupp and Stonehouse. Phase 1B, which includes this project, will restore a further four-mile section between Stonehouse and Saul Junction, providing a connection to the national waterway network.

Find out more about Cotswold Canals Connected at www. cotswoldcanalsconnected.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Tree dedicated to Gurkha charity supporter

LICHFIELD & Hatherton Canals Restoration work both he and Margaret did while living in Trust attended a very special dedication of a Nepal and afterwards in this country supporting memorial tree.

Gurkha charities, raising A 2.5m rowan stands tall more than £100,000 for the on the route of the Lichfield Gurkha Welfare Trust with Canal near the footpath their tireless efforts over a linking Longbridge number of years.

Rob, from Rugeley, was Road to Tamworth Road a major in the Queen’s in Staffordshire and is Gurkha Royal Engineers dedicated to Margaret and has been chairman Cross by her family. She of the North Midlands died of motor neurone disease in 2020. branch of the Gurkha About 30 friends and Welfare Trust since 1998. family from all over the In addition to planting UK and beyond attended the tree, Rob and his family and tributes were made to made a contribution to Margaret’s commitments LHCRT funds. to community projects Trust chairperson around the world.

Christine Bull said: Her husband Major “LHCRT is always happy Rob Cross and daughters Rob Cross makes a donation to to receive native trees and attended a Buckingham LHCRT chairperson Christine flora and on this occasion Palace Garden Party on Bull, after the dedication of a it is also extremely grateful May 18 for Rob to receive rowan tree in memory of his wife for the kind donation given an MBE in recognition of Margaret. PHOTO: LHCRT by the Cross family.”

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2022

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

Tim Rane with trolleys 50 and 51 retrieved from the River Foss in York.

River Foss Society members Tim Rane, left, with Louise Woodall and Barry Thomas aboard Foxy, York Council’s boat which they use for litter picking.

This was the first litter pick of the year during the York Walls Festival. They retrieved seven trolleys, seven bikes, a sign and many small litter bags.

LD

B

O TS A O

York’s ‘scrap saviour’ Tim Rane has retrieved his 50th trolley from his local waterway.

Sally Clifford investigates his own version of supermarket sweep

CONSIDERATION for his local waterway led Tim Rane to become a scrap saviour.

Tim’s dog walking route along the River Foss, close to his home in the historic city of York, covers about a mile and a half of the Foss, a tributary of the River Ouse.

During these walks along this tranquil stretch of waterway, Tim has noticed over the years it has become a dumping ground for broken bikes and discarded trolleys.

Instead of walking on by, Tim decided to do something about it, and his actions have made him somewhat of a scrap saviour while helping to clean up a peaceful and pleasant stretch of the city’s waterway.

“I started in lockdown. I am in aviation and with hardly any work on, it gave me a lot of free time. I walk the dogs on the river and got sick of seeing trolleys and bikes.”

When we spoke, Tim had pulled 100 bikes and 49 trolleys out of the river. Days later he retrieved his 50th trolley, quickly followed by his 51st at Tang Hall Beck at Foss Islands, about 150m from the River Foss.

Armed with his paddle board and grappling hook, one of the highlights of Tim’s retrievals was reuniting a stolen motorbike with its owner. Had he not spotted it when he did, the loss of fuel from the bike could have polluted the waterway, potentially putting wildlife in danger.

“I was walking the dogs and I found a really large motorbike had been chucked in. I was struggling to get it out so I managed to persuade five or six builders who were

Some of the trolleys and bikes retrieved from the River Foss piled up during the York Walls Festival to demonstrate the issue.

PHOTOS: RIVER FOSS SOCIETY MEMBERS

working on a house and all of us pulled it out. I called the police and they contacted the owner. It had been stolen the night before. I was keen to get it out because of the oil and petrol,” recalls Tim. Thankfully the motorbike was returned to its owner and many of the broken bikes Tim pulls out of the river have been put back into purpose – with the support of a repairer who passes them on to charity, or to those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford two-wheeled transport to get to work.

The only solution Tim has so far found for the trolleys is for them to be melted down.

The sooner the items are found and retrieved the better.

As Tim explains, if silt builds up around them it makes them more difficult to pull out – and can also pose an obstruction on the waterway.

River Foss Society members are raising awareness to discourage things from being dumped through events such as the York Walls Festival.

“We pile up a lot of trolleys and bikes and try to highlight the pollution that goes on in the river,” says Tim. “We want to try and encourage people to use the river for their canoe/paddle boarding because the more use it gets the better it will be.

We are actively trying to get people to enjoy it.

“It is right in the centre of York and it is a fantastic amenity,” says Tim, whose interest in the waterway led him to join the society, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.

Founded at a time when commercial barges were still using the lower stretches of the Foss, the society’s inception in 1973 was led by York printer, William K Sessions.

Today the society has 150 members and its early objectives focusing on aspects such as practical ways to improve footpaths continue to this day, along with regular litter picking; promoting improvements in biodiversity; establishing nature reserves by the water; water sampling and visits to many canals.

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The society is always looking for new members and during July needs lots of people to help pull up the dreaded Himalayan balsam before it sets seed. It’s easy to pull up and does not need bagging – just pile it up or move it out of the way so as not to block paths. Gloves and long sleeves advised, as it’s often among nettles. To find out more, or to get involved, visit www.riverfosssociety.co.uk

Stourbridge event to return in October THE Stourbridge open weekend will be back in October after a two-year lapse and the Stourbridge Navigation Trust is hoping for a good turnout of visiting boats from around the West Midlands.

Having been unable to host the popular two-day event along the Stourbridge Arm Canal for the last two years due to the Covid pandemic, it was decided at a recent meeting that the event would go ahead this year on October 15 and 16.

Members of the trust are looking forward to welcoming back many friends and hope to see a

lot of new boating visitors. It is anticipated that at least one occupied boat will be on site for the week before the event to provide some security for boaters who want to leave boats.

Although entry is free, boaters planning to attend the event must complete a booking form for insurance and administrative purposes.

Rally plaques also have to be pre-ordered by using the entry form which can be downloaded from the trust’s website at https://www. thebondedwarehousestourbridge.co.uk

WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM

12 IWA ROUND-UP

July 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

Civic trust recognises the IWA’s work

AT ITS annual ‘Good Bad and Ugly’ awards hosted by Chester Civic Trust – an event with a little humour held to commemorate a year in tourism and promotion of the city – the Chester and Merseyside Branch of the IWA was honoured with a special award.

This was in recognition of the role it played in the awarding of the status of Inland Heritage Port to the city. The team at the IWA, led by John Herson, played a major role in the achievement of the first such award in the UK. Members of the civic trust were especially pleased that the work done helped raise the profile of its old port area, describing it as ‘an unappreciated part of Chester’.

IWA has campaigned for the restoration and maintenance of all of the UK’s navigable rivers and canals since its formation in 1948 and the Chester & Merseyside branch saw this new award sponsored by, among others, the government-backed National Historic Ships organisation as an ideal way of contributing to good maintenance and protecting this

historic environment.

IWA branch chairman Jim Forkin said: “Britain in the early part of the 20th century abandoned and lost too many of its historic waterway assets and even with the growth of public interest in waterways we still have to

restore and protect what we have left.

“This Historic Port scheme is an excellent way of showing to the public and the powers that be, the need for both protection of remaining artefacts and vigilance in the face of any new developments in these environments.”

A busy spring for volunteers on the Northampton Arm

NORTHAMPTON Branch volunteers have been busy as usual this spring.

They have made much progress in keeping the canal tidy and making it a better place, including building a bug hotel.

They repaired potholes in the towpath and access track, made fencing repairs and with Canal & River Trust supervision and a chipper, they dealt with loads of vegetation that needed cutting back.

A major, deep litter pick was carried out around Lock 17 and the lock island and the Westbridge Arm of the River Nene. Where the canal passes the St James retail park it also

got a lot of much-needed attention; 23 trolleys and 100 bags of rubbish were collected.

Volunteers built a bug hotel in the memorial garden at Lock 10 and repainted parts of the mural at Lock 12 where it had suffered from weathering.

They also planted about 70 mixed hedge whips in the laid hedge adjacent to Locks 4, 5 and 6 as well as planting around 10 oak and cherry saplings in the field adjacent to the above hedge.

All these tasks will make the canal a better place to be, and will contribute to biodiversity along the Arm.

Displaying the special award are, from left: Christine Russell, John Herson, Ann Farrall and Jim Forkin. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Chester raises the profile of its waterway past ALREADY a tourist hotspot with strong links to Roman and medieval times, Chester is increasingly viewing its inland waterways as an additional attraction to bring to the attention of those interested in waterway history.

At a recent ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Chester Martyn Delaney unveiled a new public information board titled Northgate Locks and Cutting and had it well positioned on a sandstone retaining wall.

Also at the unveiling were Ian Green of the Canal & River Trust; Jim Forkin, IWA; John Herson and Ray Buss.

IWA Chester & Merseyside chairman Jim Forkin said: “Tourism underpins Chester’s buoyant economy and it is pleasing to see that the city is increasingly

aware of its waterway and industrial heritage which could further contribute to the city’s economic development.”

The original works date back some 250 years when Chester was losing its medieval position as the North West’s leading port and had to compete with

the rapidly developing Liverpool. The Chester Canal, later to be linked into the Shropshire Union network, originated in Nantwich and was a ‘broad canal’ taking standardsized barges or ‘flats’, some of which were capable of coastal trade.

However Liverpool,

with its access to deep water and world markets, was to eventually grow into the massive port it still is today but with the arrival of Thomas Telford’s Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal and the link to Ellesmere Port, Chester still flourished.

A young volunteer with the bug hotel at Lock 10. PHOTO: IWA

Bridge painting on the Ashton Canal IWA Manchester Branch took advantage of good weather to paint the bridge at Lock 7 on the Ashton Canal.

They hold work parties on the second Saturday of the month and are always keen to see new volunteers.

At the new Northgate Locks information board are, from left: Lord Mayor Martyn Delaney, Ian Green, Jim Forkin and John Herson. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Get involved – work party dates P​ lease 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, old clothing and take a waterproof. You may also want to take a packed lunch and any refreshments.

North West Saturday July 9 IWA Manchester Branch: Work

parties are held on the second Saturday of the month. Contact Barry McGuinness b.mcguinness1@ googlemail.com for details.

East Sunday July 3 and Tuesday July 19 IWA Northampton Branch: Work

parties are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month, along the Arm, 10am-2pm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance,

weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Contact Geoff Wood geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk for details.

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. Contact Pat Durham on 07510 195918 or email pat.durham@waterways.org.uk West

Graffiti daubed on the bridge at Lock 7. PHOTO: IWA

Tuesdays and Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in the

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

Branch talks and socials

In addition to work parties, IWA branches host local waterway talks, walks and socials to share the wonder of the waterways. Many of these are open to anyone who wants to come along. Find something that’s on near you at waterways.org.uk/events

The finished job. PHOTO: IWA

Volunteers painting the bridge.

PHOTO: MAARJA KAARISTO