Towpath Talk - November 2019 - Preview

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96 PAGES

Issue 169, November 2019

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VOTE FOR YOUR TOP TEAM P4

WIN A COPY OF RCR GUIDE 10 Prizes, total value £200

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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TOWPATH JOURNEY: Stratford Canal P90

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Magic moment

Beatrice gives the opportunity for all boat users to have a memorable outing in the beautiful rural setting of the Caldon Canal and experience the many delights of waterway cruising in a safe environment and in surroundings that are often denied to them. Here the boat is moored briefly at Consall Forge especially to catch sight of steam locomotive City of Truro on the parallel Churnet Valley Railway. See page 14 for report on the Beatrice Trust’s Queen’s Award success. PHOTO: HARRY ARNOLD MBE, WATERWAY IMAGES

IWA expresses fears over Heathrow expansion plan THE proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport would cause “significant harm” to the waterways, according to the IWA. The Middlesex Branch led the Inland Waterways Association’s response to a public consultation on plans which would see a third runway built by 2026 in a scheme that includes diverting rivers, moving roads and re-routing the M25 through a tunnel.

“The plans would cause significant harm to the

Canal Camps success

VOLUNTEERS spent time on nine different sites across 20 week-long restoration working holidays as part of Waterway Recovery Group’s summer Canal Camps. Around 300 volunteers joined the camps, spending a total 1818 volunteer days or 14,544 hours on practical restoration. That time equates to a value of £231,300 worth of volunteer hours. The most technical project was on the Wey & Arun Canal, where volunteers worked on the creation of a new lift bridge that will eventually allow boats to reach the new Birtley section. On the Lichfield Canal, three weeks were spent at Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve.

natural environment of local canals and rivers, impacting habitats and heritage, as well as reducing access to the waterways and their benefits for local people,” the IWA claims.

Some 13 miles of the Grand Union Canal and the Slough Arm would be affected by the permanent loss of 900 acres of land in the southern part of the Colne Valley Regional Park.

“The loss of this land will narrow the park and disrupt

CRT election call

THE Canal & River Trust is calling on individuals to stand for election to the charity’s governing council with nominations open October 21 until November 18. The council is currently made up of 50 elected and independently nominated members with six Regional Advisory Board chairmen. The elections are for representatives from private boating, business boating, fisheries and angling, volunteers, Friends of the Trust and trust employees. To stand for election, sponsor an election candidate, or vote in the election, interested parties are referred to the CRT website for the eligibility criteria: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/council-elections-2020

wildlife connectivity between the Thames Basin and the Chilterns,” the report stated.

“IWA is concerned that, particularly in urban areas where the canal offers a green refuge, increased noise and pollution would reduce use of the waterway as an important recreational amenity and that the health and well-being benefits of the canal will be diminished.”

• Continued on page 2

Honour for Lichfield

LICHFIELD’S canal trust will be presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony in the city’s historic Guildhall. The award is the equivalent of the MBE for voluntary sector organisations. The citation praises Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust for ‘restoring a derelict canal to improve the environment and for the benefit of the local community, wildlife and tourism’. The certificate, signed by the Queen, will be presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, to trust president Eric Wood on November 6.

Volunteer Tony Gardner will accept a commemorative domed glass crystal on behalf of the trust.

2 NEWS

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BY THE time you read this the clocks will be about to or will have just gone back, heralding the start of winter and the stoppage season.

This is traditionally the edition when we juggle the last of the festival reports with the preparations for the cold months ahead, including the timely subject of stove safety written specially by marina surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies following his busy programme of talks at the Southampton Boat Show.

Although the events aren’t quite over; the rain came down on Grantham Canal Discovery Day for the second year in succession but this didn’t deter the organisers, who gave a warm welcome to the visitors who braved the weather. My report will appear in the next edition.

I can’t avoid the C-word any longer, especially as the local turkeys for sale sign is counting down to the big day (although not for the turkeys). Turn to page 57 for the first of our gift guides with some diverse ideas for your boating friends and family.

We will also be hoping to bring some Christmas cheer with our Top Team Awards for 2019. It is now down to you the reader to make your choice from the four finalists whose details appear on page 4 together with a voting form. You can also vote online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk with votes closing on December 1.

Canal societies up and down the country will soon be dusting off the Santa outfits and offering seasonal cruises, see Helen Gazeley’s report in the Wet Web, page 92 for a look at what’s on offer.

As you prepare to batten down the hatches, keep warm and safe.

TOWPATH

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Janet

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk

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IWA expresses fears over Heathrow expansion plan • Continued from page 1 The Heathrow expansion ‘masterplan’ also requires three rivers – Wraysbury River, River Colne and Bigley Ditch – to be combined to the north of the airfield to pass under the new runway in a single covered channel, while the Duke of Northumberland’s River and the Longford River will also pass under the runway in a parallel covered channel.

“We are concerned that the roof

voids that would allow limited daylight to the rivers would be open to spillages, causing pollution that could potentially threaten the ecology of the Thames,” said the IWA. “The measures identified for reducing the effects of the Heathrow expansion on the water environment will be insufficient to mitigate the harm to the natural environment.

“Likewise, the expansion of the airport will be detrimental to physical

health and well-being to those in the entire area of the Colne Valley Regional Park and the communities close to the Grand Union Canal and Slough Arm, not just those close to the airport.

“Potential community funding should therefore be widened and include measures to create new open space, improve accessibility and enhancement of the waterway corridor.”

The ‘masterplan’ proposes a

Barrier on its way to Boston

A £100 MILLION flood defence scheme is set to reach a major milestone next month (December) with the installation of the Boston barrier in Lincolnshire.

The project will help protect more than 14,000 properties in the area from tidal flooding, according to the Environment Agency and is due to be completed as whole in 2021.

The barrier is designed to last for the next 100 years and comes after the town was badly hit by flooding in 2013 after a tidal surge battered the east coast.

It is one of the biggest civil engineering projects the area has ever seen.

“Once complete, the barrier and works to the flood defences downstream will provide Boston with one of the best levels of protection for tidal flooding outside of London,” said Lincolnshire County Council.

The barrier and the hydraulic rams that will operate it have now passed their final inspections and are awaiting transport to Boston from overseas, due to be installed by the end of this year.

The 370 tonne barrier gate which has been fabricated in the Netherlands by suppliers Hollandia, will be transported on a mooring barge from Rotterdam across the North Sea and remotely driven from the vessel into position.

The ram arms will be waiting in place for the barrier gate and supported in position vertically with a temporary structure. The hydraulic rams will then be installed after delivery from suppliers Hunger in Germany.

It is a 25m wide steel ‘rising cill’ design and once fully operational, will be raised into position by two hydraulic rams either side. When the barrier is lowered, it will sit flush in a

The Boston barrier painted and set for installation. concrete recess on the river bed to allow navigational craft to safely pass above it.

The town of Boston has a history of tidal flooding. It flooded in 1953, again in 1978, and most recently in December 2013 a tidal surge reached 6.08m AOD over-topping, damaging and breaching defences which caused extensive

The Boston barrier site as work continues.

PHOTOS: LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Second phase of Caledonian Canal repairs PHASE Two of the lock gate replacement works at Fort Augustus are set to start on Monday, October 28, safeguarding the canal for future generations.

Due for completion in spring 2020, they are part of a critical repair programme made possible thanks to £5.35 million funding from the Scottish Government in 2018.

Catherine Topley, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “We are delighted to progress the second phase of these vital canal works after another busy season on the Caledonian Canal.

“These 200-year-old waterways play a vital role in both local communities, generating approximately £7 million of investment each year for the Highland economy, contributing to the marine industry; attracting tourists, visitor spend and investment; as well as stimulating job creation and business growth.”

The completion of Phase One works at Fort Augustus to replace lock gates 2 and strengthen lock gates 3 and 4 took place last winter and the canal reopened to navigation in April 2019.

To accommodate the works in Fort Augustus, the south side road will periodically close to traffic from lock gates 1 to lock gates 6. Access will only be affected during specific dates to accommodate major activities.

Additional works will also be carried out to the embankment to the west of Kytra, which will place some restrictions on the use of the towpath.

So all work can be undertaken safely, the Caledonian Canal water level will be reduced once again from Kytra lock to the top of Fort Augustus.

Similar to events held in Fort Augustus in March this year, Scottish Canals will hold another open day, allowing stakeholders and residents the opportunity to see first-hand the work that’s being done, and find out why it’s so important.

This winter Scottish Canals will also be changing the operating mechanisms from hydraulic systems to electrical systems, which will provide a wide range of benefits, including quieter, more reliable and energy efficient operation.

flooding throughout the town.

As a result, more than 800 properties flooded across 55 streets.

The £100 million Boston barrier scheme is deemed a National Priority Project within the Environment Agency’s Six Year Programme and is fully funded by Government Flood Defence Grant in Aid. The primary role of the Boston barrier is to reduce the risk of tidal flooding, but its multi-functional design means that it has the potential to retain water levels through the town in the future, subject to additional approvals being sought and granted.

This will enable future waterways enhancements as part of the Boston to Peterborough Wetland Corridor.

The first phase of the scheme’s piling work on the right bank finished earlier this year.

Piling is an essential element of the Boston Barrier Scheme and Bam Nuttall and Mott Macdonald (BMMJV), the contractors for the project, who began work on the site in 2017, have so far installed the equivalent of 14km

See page 14 or call 01507 529529

staggered approach, with the new runway to be built in the first phase by 2026, with the rest of the airport infrastructure –including new terminals and access – to be complete by around 2050.

In response to criticism from environmental groups, the plan also outlines a new low-emission zone for the area, meaning additional charges for those who drive a more polluting vehicle to the airport. Visit www. waterways.org.uk/news to find the full IWA consultation response.

Construction so far…

• A large amount of work has been completed inside the cofferdam which provides the watertight working space for the construction of the barrier structure. The 5m wide barrier walls which will support the barrier gate continue to be poured and are now near completion. More than 4000m3 of concrete has been poured on site in total, with the biggest concrete pour so far seeing over 500m3 of concrete poured in a single day from over 76 mixer truck deliveries.

• Pivot anchorages for the hydraulic rams that will operate the barrier have been pre-fabricated onsite and are now being installed against the north and south walls.

• Sixteen concrete riffle blocks have also been installed to create turbulence in the water that will reduce silt build up and damage to the barrier.

• On the left bank, the structure of the barrier control room has now been built and electrical cable installations are ongoing inside.

Windows have been fitted and solar panels have been installed on the roof to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

• A standby generator has also been placed on the first floor roof to serve as a backup energy source if there is ever a loss of mains power when working the barrier. of steel sheet piles into the ground in order to strengthen the riverbanks in preparation for the barrier.

Piling work to reinforce the left bank quay side began in mid-August and will continue on intermittently until the end of the project.

West Midlands work

DETAILS of its programme of important repairs on waterways across the West Midlands this winter have been announced by the Canal & River Trust.

The trust is investing around £2.4 million over the coming months replacing 41 hand-crafted lock gates and carrying out repairs to historic waterway structures.

The works were due to start this month (November) and continue until next March.

The programme includes: • An extensive programme of works along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, including new bottom gates at locks 1 and 2 on the canal at Stourport on Severn, grouting to stop leaks at lock number 30 at Wightwick Mill and repairs to the wall at lock 37 in Penkridge • Repairs to stop leaks at lock 1 and 2 along the Caldon Canal as well as new gates at lock number 12

• Brickwork repairs, lock ladder works and lock gate repairs and replacement along the Dudley No 1 Canal at lock numbers 2 and 8 • Rebuilding of a weir along the Coventry Canal • Repairs to the bed of the canal near Adderley Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal as well as new gates at locks number 2 to 4.

NEWS 3

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Groups urged to join river clean-up campaign ORGANISATIONS are being urged to join the largest ever collaboration to reduce litter along five major UK rivers.

The Treasure Your River campaign will tackle the rivers Avon, Mersey, Thames, Severn and Forth and their tributaries and aims to collect 90 tonnes of rubbish in the next year.

The campaign, which is being run by environmental charity Hubbub and funded by The CocaCola Foundation, will initially focus on prevention and clean-up activities on five major cities based on these rivers – Bristol, Manchester, London, Cardiff and Edinburgh – which between them are home to one in seven of the UK’s population.

Treasure Your River, which is due to launch in May next year, will educate the public about how rivers are transporting rubbish from our streets and riverbanks and washing it to the sea.

It will also tackle littering behaviour with engaging bins and eye-catching interventions.

Trewin Restorick from Hubbub said: “The vast majority of plastics that end up in the world’s oceans are carried there by rivers.

“Cleaning up the river is one thing, but preventing litter getting in there in the first place is really crucial.

Until we change behaviour on land, this problem will just continue.

“Our research showed that 81% of people believe businesses should be doing more to tackle the issue.

We want all organisations along the banks of these rivers to come together and help halt the flow of litter into the sea.

Around 500,000 items of litter make their way into the sea from UK rivers every year.

“Whether you’re a sailing club, a school, a local business, a charity or a resident, we want to hear from you.”

A network of volunteers from organisations including Thames 21, Keep Wales Tidy, Bristol Waste, Mersey Rivers Trust and Changeworks have already signed up.

The plan is for the campaign to expand to further rivers and cities in the UK and

Groups along the banks are asked to help halt the flow of litter.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Hubbub is keen to hear from potential partners in other locations interested in collaborating.

Around 500,000 items of litter make their way into the sea from UK rivers every year, according to the Canal & River Trust. However new research shows that 48% of people don’t believe that litter entering drains can easily end up in rivers and then the sea.

The survey of 2000 UK residents suggests that 64% of people feel helpless about tackling the ocean litter crisis and 75% would like to do more to reduce the amount of litter ending up in the sea.

Liz Lowe, speaking on behalf of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said: “We are all aware of the terrible impact that ocean pollution is having on marine wildlife and the environment, and collaborative action is critical.

“Part of the approach to this is to raise greater awareness of the causes of ocean pollution, which is why we’re funding Treasure Your River – to not only help educate people about how rivers are transporting rubbish from our streets and riverbanks to the sea, but to also help with the clean up of these rivers.”

Treasure Your River will engage the public on how they can make a difference through simple behaviour changes such as taking their rubbish home with them, two-minute litter picks and responsible disposal of fishing tackle.

The campaign aims to create a legacy for each river, with an army of regular volunteers and litter-clearing infrastructure.

To find out more information and to sign up to the campaign visit www.treasureyourriver.co.uk

Oxford boaters asked about health services

A HEALTH watchdog wants to hear from boaters about what it’s like to access NHS services in Oxfordshire.

That includes GPs, hospitals, dentists, mental health services and social care, as well as other support.

A short questionnaire can be filled out online at www.smartsurvey. co.uk/s/1JFXH/ and offers a chance to win a £30 voucher for your time.

From early this month (Novemb er) Healthwatch Oxfordshire will also be dropping paper copies of the questionnaire to boats on the canal and river network

in Oxford and also hopes to reach people around Banbury.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire is an independent watchdog and aims to make sure the voices of people who use services are heard.

“We have heard that some boaters have faced challenges accessing the services they need and would like to hear more about your experiences of this,” said a spokesperson.

“Do feel free to give us a ring to tell us your story if it’s easier on 01865 520 520.”

New bridge to provide safe pedestrian route at Crick A NEW bridge is set to provide a safe route for pedestrians between Crick and the Grand Union Canal.

Work on the road safety project is due to get under way, with Daventry District Council contributing £113,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help deliver a new cycle and footbridge next to where the A428 crosses the canal.

The new bridge will provide a safe route between the village and the canal for pedestrians and those with pushchairs or people in mobility vehicles, who currently have to move into the road to cross because of the narrow footpath on the road bridge.

The route links the village to Crick Marina and is busy all year round, but is especially well used during the annual Crick Boat Show, which attracts around 25,000 visitors.

DDC’s contribution from CIL, which is made up of financial contributions from local housing developers, has bridged a funding shortfall, allowing the proposal by Northamptonshire County Council to go ahead.

Other funding has come from the DIRFT Additional Highway Works Fund, Crick Parish Council and the Winwick Warren wind farm.

It’s hoped that work on the project can begin this autumn.

Call for upgrade to ‘last piece in the towpath jigsaw’

IN BRIEF

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for more improvements to the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Yorkshire, writes Geoff Wood.

Work has been taking place to upgrade the towpath between Skipton and Gargrave, Bradley and Kildwick at a cost of £2 million.

But the campaigners want the work to be extended to include a 3km stretch between Silsden and Kildwick.

Backing the campaign is Keighley MP John Grogan, who said a new scheme would be a boon to cyclists and walkers.

And according to the campaigners calling for the extension, this would be the last piece in the jigsaw between North Yorkshire and the North West.

Model village festival attracts record crowds CANALSIDE Saltaire, the model village in West Yorkshire, attracted record crowds to its annual festival, writes Geoff Wood.

Visitors, including boaters, were attracted by a Continental Market featuring food and drink from around the world.

On the main stand in Roberts Park, which fronts on to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, a variety of bands entertained. Other events included a home and fashion show and a craft market.

Ros Garside, events co-ordinator, said: “It was brilliant, really busy with a friendly atmosphere.”

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Help us choose our Top

WE CAN now reveal the four finalists in our highly anticipated Towpath Talk Top Team award…

Readers have enthusiastically risen to the challenge of finding a group of unsung heroes who have gone that extra mile for their local stretch of towpath, canal or river, waterways association or community boat – and a long and wide-ranging list of nominations has been narrowed down to four by our expert panel of judges.

Month after month we are staggered by the number of teams out there who are rolling up their sleeves and giving up their time in all manner of ways for the benefit of the inland waterways and the wider community in general – and now is the time to recognise just a few of them.

We don’t doubt that every name put forward is deserving, however we can now announce the four that have made the cut

this year and will receive a donation towards their volunteering organisation... and then follows the challenging task of picking out just one worthy winner.

We need your help in selecting first place, which will be announced in our New Year edition.

You can either mark your choice on the form below or online at www.towpathtalk.co.uk with votes to reach us by Sunday, December 1.

Readers’ votes will represent 25% of the final ballot.

Our judging panel again includes: Haley Hadley, sales and marketing director of award sponsor ABC Leisure Group Ltd, Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson, and John Dodwell, one of the Canal & River Trust’s founding trustees, who started volunteering in 1962 and continues to be actively involved in a

Crusader Community Boating

WITH its fully accessible wide beam boat based at Blisworth Marina, Crusader Community Boating specialises in boat trips for disabled people of any age as well as elderly people in care homes.

There is no charge for people from Northamptonshire and the service is run by fully trained crew volunteers and funded through voluntary donations.

For the majority of passengers, the ability to go on a specially equipped boat, along with their carers, provides them with social and leisure opportunities they might well otherwise be denied.

Heartfelt nominations for Crusader Community Boating included one from Colin Grundy, of Park Avenue Methodist Church, Northampton, who said: “The Crusader Boating Crew have spent years taking vulnerable adults and children for days out on the canal. The crews are always friendly and caring, sharing a laugh with the people on the boat. My organisation regularly takes groups on the boat and it is something people look forward to year after year.”

While Kathleen Meredith said: “I run a day centre for people with dementia. We have been on a few day trips with this team over several years. They give up their time freely to help groups like ourselves who would not be able to access the canal and enjoy the pleasure of the waterways if it was not for them. Every one of the team gives us a truly wonderful day and every one of my service users a unique experience. I truly believe this team deserves the recognition on winning this award. Long may they continue.”

Grantham Canal Society volunteers

GRANTHAM Canal Society is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.

It has been steadily working to restore and reclaim stretches of the canal with an ultimate ambition to rejoin the River Trent in Nottingham and have it fully restored and navigable for the enjoyment of all.

Michelle Storer nominated Grantham Canal Society, saying: “The full length of the canal is 33 miles and there are some huge obstacles including the A1 Grantham end and the A52 Nottingham end. However the GCS remains undeterred by the enormity of the task, steadily working their way

down the canal lock by lock, bridge by bridge.”

During the past year the society has (among many other things): Restored lock 15 (the fourth of seven locks on the flight) at Woolsthorpe, with lock 15 opening to boats in September.

Lock 14 is well on the way and is up to flagstone height, hoping for an opening in the next few months.

Overseen clearing and rubbish collection.

Run more than 100 chartered boat trips per year as well as short trips on open days throughout the summer.

“No task is presently beyond the ability of the team of skilled volunteers and they have been willing to give training where applicable and pass on those skills,” said Michelle.

“The enormous sense of pride and satisfaction the team take from seeing a job done well is very apparent and a very recent example of this was the recent opening of Lock 15, which was a splendid event in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, Grantham Canal Partnership and South Kesteven District Council.”

Tick the team you are voting for: Crusader Community Boating

Team

number of waterways associations.

And we are pleased to welcome as our new fourth member Ian McCarthy, better known as Ian Mac, who has a lifelong love of the inland waterways – especially the Rochdale canal – and has been involved in many ways including as a volunteer lock keeper, a representative on the CRT Council and a task force member.

The award has evolved from our individual Volunteer of the Year competition, and is again being generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd, which will be giving the hire of a day boat carrying up to 10 people, which can be taken from any of the following locations: Alvechurch, Aldermaston, Anderton, Whitchurch, Blackwater, Gayton, Goytre or Hilperton.

And so to the finalists…

Friends of the River Nene

FORMED in 2014, Friends of the River Nene was started with the aim of improving facilities on the River Nene for all users, with membership open to anyone who shared a passion for the area.

Three enthusiastic friends and their supporters “started upon a journey to achieve the not-soimpossible” and since then the achievements have been immense.

Anthony Phillips, who nominated the group, said: “This is a local group based on the River Nene in Northamptonshire.

“The group work tirelessly to maintain a number of mooring sites on the river for the

benefit of boaters who travel this beautiful stretch of water.

“Although a quiet stretch of the River Nene, their work is adding and importantly conserving this natural river course to the benefit of boaters who are maybe discovering the area for the first time.

“Their work over many years deserves this nomination.”

Former chairman Alan Buckle, who has been on the River Nene since childhood, said other boaters used to always say the River Nene was lovely “but there’s nowhere to moor”.

Since the Friends were formed however, through gaining the support of local businesses and farmers prepared to allow their land to be used, they have established 12 moorings, with a couple more possibly in the pipeline.

The group has also grown into a committee of nine people, with around 550 members.

“It has done well,” said Alan, who added the moorings were very well-used. “A new mooring a season now would be fantastic.”

Waterways Chaplaincy – Martin and Fiona Buck THE Waterways Chaplaincy team (north west) of Martin and Fiona Buck is nominated “for helping when others tend to look away”.

“They are a very bubbly couple and passionate about the work they do,” said Robert Parton, of Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull.

“Sadly the inland waterways can, for some, become a lonely and forgotten corner of society, where mental and social misfortune can leave some out of sight and out of mind.

“This group is working hard with volunteers to help with either just a friendly face and conversation through to helping signpost people to where they can get assistance.”

Chaplains are volunteers from local churches who regularly visit the waterways offering companionship and a listening ear to individuals and businesses.

Martin and Fiona became waterways chaplains two years ago after becoming concerned about a fellow boater and by coincidence bumping into a waterways chaplain on the towpath and finding out more.

YOUR DETAILS Name:

From there, things “spiralled very quickly”.

“There is definitely a major need for it,” they said. “It has been challenging, rewarding, enriching and humbling.

“There are a lot of people in need out there who don’t necessarily know where to turn to.

“Sadly the infrastructure of the canal network doesn’t always support boaters in need.

“We hope we make a difference to people’s lives just by them knowing there’s someone out there to support them.

“They feel valued.”

Address:

Friends of the River Nene Postcode:

Grantham Canal Society volunteers Waterways Chaplaincy – Martin & Fiona Buck

Email:

Please return form to: Towpath Talk TOTY Reader Vote, Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ by Sunday, December 1, 2019. Alternatively, log on to www.towpathtalk.co.uk and vote online.

Telephone: DATA: Protection of your personal data is important to Mortons. Your data will be stored securely and only be used for the purpose of processing the competition. Data will then be destroyed. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Towpath Talk) please visit www.mortonsmediagroup.com/privacy.

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Toddbrook aftermath dominates annual reports

By Phil Pickin

BOAT navigation remains central – that was a recurring theme at the Canal and River Trust’s annual public meeting held recently at the Institute for Engineering Technology building in Birmingham.

In a perfect location, given its proximity to the canal in Birmingham city centre, the financial, boaters and heritage reports for the year were presented with their results outlined by a number of speakers, including chief executive Richard Parry.

He highlighted a number of the trust’s achievements over the last year but one event dominated – Toddbrook.

It would seem that each year, the trust has one major project or incident that features in many of the reports.

This year it was Toddbrook and the near-collapse of the Derbyshire High Peak reservoir in August.

The meeting gave Daniel Greenhalgh, North West regional director, and Simon Bamford, asset improvement director, the opportunity to thank staff, the emergency services,

IN BRIEF

Rowers’ bravery earns award

TWO members of the Royal Agricultural University Boat Club who rescued a man from the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal in February are to receive bravery awards from the Royal Humane Society. Rower Alfie England and cox Henry Jackson went to the aid of the man who was unable to climb out and, in bitterly cold water, fell into shock.

They jumped into the water and, with the help of a nearby boater, were able to get the unconscious man out of the water. The man was successfully resuscitated and went on to make a full recovery.

volunteers and the residents of Toddbrook for their help during the emergency.

They also gave more information as to what happened, including the pumping of more than one billion litres of water from the reservoir. They went on to detail what’s happening now as work continues at the site.

Several pumps are still in use to keep the water at a safe level, something that is likely to be happening for many months to come.

CRT’s aim of being a ‘Natural Health Service’ continues, but on many occasions, it was stressed that ‘boat navigation’ would continue to be central to everything the trust does.

The need to engage with younger people, and the use of ‘Well-B’ the towpath floating robot, was also highlighted with CRT chairman Allan Leighton stating that the video has been viewed more than two million times on YouTube.

Overall the trust has met or exceeded most of its targets for the past 12 months, but the reports also highlighted some rather more

disturbing facts. It would seem there has been an increase in the number of injuries and accidents within the trust’s workforce and partners.

This fact was further highlighted by a former volunteer who, during the Q&A session that followed, told Richard Parry and Allan Leighton that she had suffered two injuries within four weeks. She went on to say that although these injuries had been reported to the trust, she’d had not been contacted since the incidents.

Richard and Allan expressed their sadness at both the injuries and the lack of contact with the victim.

Both asked to speak to the woman in question after the meeting to get more information to enable them to look into the matter further.

Communications, or a lack of them, also seemed to be a recurring theme with several attendees asking questions about an absence of replies to questions phoned or emailed to CRT. Boaters related stories of messages being sent highlighting issues including a lack of bins and the excessive growth of offside vegetation

Top museum honour for trust volunteers DUDLEY Canal Trust volunteers have scooped a prestigious award for their work in museum learning.

The Schools and Family Activities Volunteers at Dudley Canal Tunnel & Limestone Mines received the 2018 Marsh Award for Volunteers in

Museum Learning, West Midlands Regional Award.

These sought-after awards are run in partnership with the British Museum and recognise the best and most innovative ways in which volunteers work within local and

Swan rescue

A SWAN and her cygnet had to be rescued after falling into a deep trench on a canal, writes Geoff Wood. They got stuck down a water overflow trench on the St Helens Canal. They were able to swim in the water at the bottom of the trench but the walls were too high for them to get out. A member of the public spotted their plight and told the RSPCA, who came to the rescue using ladders.

that made navigation difficult.

According to the questioners, none of these issues has been addressed.

In CRT’s defence, Richard Parry did point out that the trust receives more than 117,500 customer service contacts per year and that the majority are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.

Sadly, it seems, a number do not and, once again, he asked to discuss this after the meeting to enable him to look into the matter further.

The final speaker was Adnan Saif, West Midlands regional director, who received the most enthusiastic applause from the attendees. He outlined the progress being made in the West Midlands in engaging with local groups, something he obviously cares a great deal about.

His enthusiasm was evident, and it seems to be spreading to all of those he and his team are involved with. With the Commonwealth Games being held in the area in 2022, it looks like he will have a lot to be enthusiastic about.

Reaction to Toddbrook inspection report, see page 93.

Dudley Canal Trust’s winning team includes, left to right, Ron Hurley, volunteer; Cynthia Hurley, volunteer; Lyn Head, volunteer; Claire Healy, volunteer co-ordinator assistant; Becci CooperSayer, volunteer co-ordinator; Caroline Smith, volunteer.

PHOTO: BENEDICT JOHNSON

national museums and galleries to engage the public with collections and exhibitions.

Lyn Head, Caroline Smith and Cynthia Hurley went to the British Museum in London to collect their award.

Becci Cooper-Sayer, volunteer co-ordinator, said: “It was so lovely to see the volunteers collect the award. They bring so much joy to the children and families they work with, it’s great to see this dedication being recognised outside of the organisation.”

The award praises the trust’s volunteers and the support they give to thousands of school children and families that visit the site each year.

“We’re delighted that our volunteers and the work they do have been recognised nationally,” said Traci Dix-Williams, chief executive of Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust. “Receiving this award is a testament to the constant hard work and dedication of our volunteers.”

People living in the local community wishing to join this award-winning volunteer team can do so by getting in touch with Becci at volunteering@dctt.org.uk Discover more on their website www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

IN BRIEF Licences worth £21m IN 2018/19 private boat licences contributed £21.1 million to Canal & River Trust finances. That’s around 10% of its total income, according to the CRT’s most recent Boater Report.

Once the money from moorings and boating businesses is included, the CRT received £40.2 million – 19% of total income – directly from boating activities last year. Investment and property income brought in the most cash, at £53.4 million, followed by Defra grant funding at £51.3 million.

Donations totalled £5.3 million, a drop from £6.1 million the previous year. Total income was £210 million, up from £204.9 million in 2017/18.

130 major projects completed THE bulk of Canal & River Trust funds were spent on operating the waterways and taking care of their infrastructure in 2018/19. The amount of money that CRT spent on waterway operation, maintenance and repair rose to £134.7 million from £131.6 million the previous year, as it completed 130 major projects and the direct services team undertook 800 planned repairs, according to the latest Boater Report. Through its 224 planned stoppage projects the CRT repaired more than 1000 defects and replaced 137 lock gates. It also undertook the day-to-day running of the network, including keeping water supplies at the right levels.

More than £7m is spent on dredging CANAL & River Trust spent £7.2 million dredging around 150km in 2018/19, shifting 100,000m3 in the process, according to the latest Boater Report. The CRT aims for two boats to be able to pass with reasonable depth beneath the hull, based on the waterway standards, plus adequate depth at the bank for defined moorings and facilities (as many canals were constructed as shallow dishes, this is not always possible). A specialist hydrographic survey team carries out a rolling inspection programme covering the whole network roughly every seven years. Combined with customer reports, graded by seriousness, this tells the CRT which sections need attention most urgently.

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Litter-picker Richard goes the extra mile AN Oxford man went a step further than most in keeping his local canal clean – around 156,000 steps, more accurately.

For many, “doing their bit to keep tidy” may be picking up the odd crisp packet; however, 39-yearold Richard MacKenzie has just completed a 78-mile litter-pick.

He was so disappointed by the amount of litter and plastic pollution in the waterways of his city and beyond, he made it his mission to clean up around the historic Oxford Canal, from Coventry to its terminus in the heart of Oxford’s city centre.

Richard lives with his wife and two young children full-time on the family’s narrowboat, Bluebell, cruising the Oxford Canal.

He has been shocked by the amount of litter and fly-tipping he has encountered and working

locally as a gardener, protecting the natural world is a passion and he was committed to playing his part.

Richard has also been fundraising for the Oxfordshire charity Bridewell Gardens, which provides support for those recovering from mental illness.

With his wife Jackie at the helm of Bluebell alongside, Richard left Hawksbury Junction in Coventry and, armed with his litter-picker stick and a supply of bin bags, collected around 70 sacks of rubbish.

Plastic bottles, packets, cans, broken glass, dog poo and fly-tipped domestic waste was collected from hedges, towpath margins and the canal itself.

When Richard reached Hythe Bridge in Oxford he was welcomed

by Coun Tom Hayes, Oxford City Council’s lead member for

Lord Mayor Craig Simmons thanks Richard for his epic clean-up efforts. PHOTO SUPPLIED

the waterways, and Lord Mayor Craig Simmons. Coun Hayes thanked Richard for his efforts and said: “What a fantastic achievement – Richard has shown great personal commitment to keeping the waterways of Oxford – and over 70 miles beyond our city – clean and tidy, protecting our environment.

“Taking some pride in our local area, particularly our waterways, matters. We can all ensure Oxford is a safe, clean and welcoming place to be and that we respect the natural world we live in.”

Richard said: “It’s been a huge challenge – early starts and some horrible weather along the way.

I’m enormously grateful to my wife Jackie and the children for their support and lots of cups of tea.

“I wanted to make a difference as the Oxford Canal is my home.

But I want to raise awareness too – we all have to take greater care of our environment.

“It’s a sign to us all when we consider that I found a crisp packet that was more than 20 years old, showing almost no sign of rot.

Everyday litter poses a threat to our environment for years and years to come.

“I want to thank all those who have sponsored me – we raised over £1000 for Bridewell Gardens, an incredible local charity, which has helped me in the past and continues to support those recovering from mental illness.”

To contribute to Richard’s fundraising efforts, visit https ://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/fundraiser-display/ showROFundraiserPage?userUrl

Mystery pollution prompts plea CANAL & River Trust is urging the public to help with a mystery problem affecting Olton Reservoir in Solihull.

Working with volunteers from the trust, Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency, as part of the ConnectRight campaign, CRT is trying to work out where some mystery pollution seems to be coming from.

Appearing intermittently in a stream that feeds water to the reservoir, the pollution turns the water a milky white colour that sometimes has a pungent smell to accompany it.

Now the charity is asking for local people to help solve the mystery and see if they can work out where this pollution is originating from.

Olton Reservoir was built in 1799 to supply the Grand Union Canal and is the largest area of open water in Solihull. It is home to a wide variety of waterfowl and the local sailing club uses the water for leisure activities.

Alex May, environmental scientist at the CRT, said: “This has really got us scratching our heads. We’ve been out on several occasions to see if we can find the source of this pollution, but frustratingly we haven’t yet found it.

“Many people do not realise that what you put down your drain doesn’t always end up in the sewerage system. Drains that are intended only for rainwater often end up being connected to a local canal, river or reservoir, so if you pour something into this drain system it could end up polluting our waterways.

“With research showing that being next to water makes you happier and healthier, it’s not nice to visit our beautiful waterways and see pollution or smelling bad smells. The 500 miles of waterways we look after across the West Midlands are beautiful places to visit throughout the year and are also really valuable habitats for wildlife.

The Olton Reservoir stream that is being mysteriously polluted. PHOTO: CRT

“With help from the public we’re determined to solve this problem at Olton Reservoir, making it a special place for people and wildlife once more.”

People living in the B91 and B92 areas are being urged to check their plumbing and to make sure their drains are connected to the correct drainage system and to live by the mantra of ‘only rain down the drain’. Washing machine, toilets and shower/bath drains can be misconnected so instead of draining into the sewers they drain directly into our waterways, which, in severe cases, can harm or even kill the local wildlife.

If anyone has any information about where this pollution is coming from or would like to report a misconnection, contact the CRT on 03030 404040.

The ConnectRight campaign is a partnership between environmental regulators, water companies, authorities and other professional and interested organisations working together to reduce water pollution from drains and sewers. http://www.connectright.org.uk/

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New biodiversity vision for Shrivenham Canal Park THE restoration of a former waterway has moved a step closer with exciting proposals to transform a canalside park.

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has produced a ‘biodiversity plan’ for the former stretch on the southern edge of Shrivenham near Swindon and is inviting local businesses and residents to support the plan through fundraising and volunteering.

The Shrivenham Canal Park is a fouracre site off Stainswick Lane that is a popular spot for villagers and dog-walkers.

The trust now hopes to add a woodland sanctuary, meadows, hedging and an information zone, with a longer-term ambition to re-water 600m of the old line.

Its aim is to improve local wildlife habitats and increase awareness of the canal, which is steadily being restored throughout the county.

Graham Banks, chairman of the West Vale branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, said: “People are sometimes surprised to learn there was once a thriving waterway on their doorstep, but you can still see some of the evidence today.

“Much of the route remains visible in the local countryside, and Station Road Bridge carries traffic over a stretch which is often full of water.

“Over the last few years our volunteers have cleared and dredged several lengths and rebuilt the bridge which carries Steppingstone Lane bridleway over the canal, as well as opening up hundreds of metres of towpath, but we’re ready to do more.

“We want to establish a community and environmental asset for people of all ages while we continue working towards full restoration.”

Volunteer Graham Banks standing in the former Wilts & Berks Canal, which would be dredged and filled with water as part of the new plan. PHOTO: JUSTIN GUY

The biodiversity plan includes a woodland sanctuary with birdboxes and batboxes, a meadow with grasses and flowers for pollinators, an information zone with noticeboards, plus grass walkways and natural fencing.

Work parties have already started clearing the towpath, laying new paths and creating habitat piles.

Graham added: “We are very grateful to everyone who has already supported the initial phases of the transformation, but we’re keen to engage with as many people as possible.

“There are opportunities for businesses to take part in ‘team challenges’ where their staff join our work parties for the day, or they may want to arrange their own fundraising events.

“Donations are very welcome and will help to pay for materials and expert help.

“Working together, we can breathe new life into this former waterway and create a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.”

For further information on how to get involved, call Graham on 07541 211256 or email graham. banks@wbct.org.uk The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham 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

Canal trust is a winner thanks to sporting challenge FIT fundraisers took part in a sports challenge to raise £3600 for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

The first Wichelstowe Games were held on the southern edge of Swindon, where a short stretch of the waterway has already been restored.

Organised by the new Hall & Woodhouse pub adjacent to the canal, teams competed across four events – cycling, climbing, canoeing and a tug-of-war.

The money raised will support the construction of a new slipway providing safe access into the water near Beavans Bridge.

Tessa Lanstein, head of projects and a member of the executive committee for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, said: “We are sincerely grateful for being chosen as the first beneficiary of the inaugural Wichelstowe Games and we’re delighted it was such a success.

“The canal is already proving to be a major asset for the local community and this event has provided

much-needed funds to continue its restoration, ultimately providing a vital new source of employment, leisure and tourism, as well as a new wildlife corridor.”

The event was the brainchild of Karl Drew, general manager of the Hall & Woodhouse pub.

He said: “We wanted to arrange a fun event to give something back to the local community and were delighted to support the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust at our first games.

“We’re lucky to have such a beautiful waterway on our doorstep and look forward to the day when it’s fully restored, providing a new tourist attraction which will boost the local economy.”

The Wichelstowe Games was organised by Hall & Woodhouse, Waitrose and partners, Wichelstowe Development Team, Swindon and District Canoe Club, Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team, The Stowe, Fandangos Events and the Canal Trust.

Pictured are games organisers (from left) Rod Hacker (WBCT), Emma Leake (Wichelstowe Development Team), Karl Drew (Hall & Woodhouse), Catherine Mitchell (Swindon and District Canoe Club), Tom Falding (Fandangos Events), Rob Powe (Wichelstowe Development Team) and Ben Parker (Waitrose and partners).

PHOTO SUPPLIED

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Thames lock closures confirmed UPDATED details of lock closures on the River Thames between now and the spring have been released by the Environment Agency.

The EA carries out a programme of works on the Thames every year between October and Easter and this often results in the closure of a number of locks for relatively long periods.

Changes to previously published programmes include alterations to lock closure dates and the inclusion of additional works.

The biggest change is that after further consideration, Sandford Lock has been

upgraded to a closure.

The timber on all laybys will be removed at the same time rather than at different points during the works, therefore none of the laybys will be usable during the period, making the lock inoperable.

Also, the work at Hambleden Lock has been brought forward and work at Whitchurch and Culham Locks has been put back. Culham works will not now start until the new year.

In addition to the previously published work at Shifford Lock, the head layby fenders will also be replaced,

which has extended the closure period to late January.

Abingdon Lock will not now close.

This programme of work is subject to change, due to weather and other circumstances.

Other major works on the River Thames during 2019 to 2020 that will not affect use of locks during the construction include: • Harts Footbridge (Northmoor reach) – refurbishment of the bridge components. Prepare for significant disruption between January 6 and March 31, when it may not be possible to pass under the bridge.

• Structural assessments of various towpath bridges to investment needs

for future years.

• Carrying out condition surveys at various locks to identify investment needs for future years.

• Abingdon Lock – replacement of the head canoe portage and refurbishment of the sani-station building. Work to progress between February 10 and March 6.

• Culham Lock, Sutton Bridge – underpinning of the masonry arch and reinstatement of the revetments. River closure needed for divers to carry out these works between November 4 and December 31. You may be asked to wait for short periods while the divers are in the water.

• Molesey Lock – phase 1 (design and fabrication) of the lock gates.

Litter-pickers press for bottle deposit plan FORTYTWO eco-warriors from Bridgwater cleared 208 plastic bottles, 395 drinks cans, 65 glass bottles and six drinks cartons from the town’s canal and towpath.

Community group Rage Against Rubbish organised the event to support the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s (CPRE) Green Clean initiative to help provide evidence to convince the Government to adopt a bottle deposit return system.

Sarah Johnstone, who lives in Bridgwater and is part of the Rage Against Rubbish team, said: “We were delighted to be able to link up with CPRE for its campaign as we are huge supporters for the UK to have a bottle deposit return system.

“We had a very busy morning collecting litter from the YMCA to Bridgwater Docks following the canal.

Groups of volunteers tackled the towpath and we also had people in kayaks and canoes collecting litter on the waterway.

“In total 30 bags of rubbish were collected. Ten bags were filled with general rubbish and 20 were full of

Some of the Rage Against Rubbish canal litter pick volunteers with the 674 drink containers collected during the event. PHOTO SUPPLIED drinks containers that could be recycled.

“At our previous litter picks plastic bottles, cans and glass bottles made up the majority of the litter we collected, and it was great to prove this once again. A bottle deposit return system would certainly boost recycling rates and help eradicate litter of this kind in our countryside. The small financial

incentive from the scheme will mean we see less of this kind of rubbish in our green spaces.”

Becky Collier, branch manager at CPRE Somerset, said: “We are delighted we could work in partnership with Rage Against Rubbish and local volunteers for the Bridgwater Green Clean.

“Litter left on the canal towpath,

Installation will be during winter.

• Godstow Lock – detailed design of Godstow Weir B – ‘Trout Weir’.

• Sunbury Island – demolition of Wilson’s Boatyard buildings.

Contractors will be accessing Sunbury Island from the lock cut and will be blocking the channel between November 4 and March 31.

• Days Lock – fabrication of new timber lock gates, which will be installed during winter.

Revised issues of the programme of works are published throughout the winter, so customers can keep up to date.

To receive this information, sign up to the email update service by emailing riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk

local streets and canal itself isn’t just an eyesore, it can be extremely harmful to wildlife and nature. It is amazing and heart-warming to see how many local people care about their environment and are happy to give up their free time to help make a difference.”

Rage Against Rubbish was formed by Sarah, Dan Perry, his 10-year-old son Riley, Jason Winter and Trev Vass, all kayakers who regularly paddle along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.

Sarah added: “We once again would like to thank the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Somerset Volunteers for aiding us with the litter pick and the Canal & River Trust for its ongoing support.

“Thanks also to the YMCA for lending us its kayaks and canoes free of charge and to the Purplespoon Cafe for its discount to our volunteers.”

Rage Against Rubbish’s next litter pick will take place on Saturday, October 26 from the YMCA George Williams Centre on Friarn Avenue in Bridgwater.

It will start from 9.50am and run until 12.30pm.

For further details about Rage Against Rubbish visit www.rageagainstrubbish. co.uk email rageagainstrubbish@gmail.com

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The ‘Danny’ on the dock in glorious sunshine, waiting to welcome visitors.

Steam ship setting for restoration showcase HISTORIC steamship Daniel Adamson (the ‘Danny’) was offered to IWA Chester & Merseyside as a showcase venue to host waterways restoration projects from the North West.

Several restoration societies took up the offer and came along to set up their wares aboard the promenade deck of the Danny, which was moored in the Albert Dock complex on Liverpool’s waterfront right outside the Maritime Museum for the event.

IWA branch chairman Jim Forkin said: “Everyone really enjoyed the event and the public got to meet the restorers from their areas and hear about their plans and the progress they are making. Many were surprised at just how valuable a restored canal is to their local economy.”

The societies set up their stalls early on the Saturday morning ready for an 11am start of proceedings and included the Montgomery Canal, the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal, Runcorn Locks Restoration, Lancaster Canal, River Weaver and the Sankey Canal.

Each of these societies brought display boards for the public to look at and volunteer staff were there to chat with them and answer questions.

The IWA Chester & Merseyside stand was present on the promenade deck and there was a welcoming IWA branded gazebo on the dockside.

Daniel Adamson Preservation Society also had its own stall setting out information and articles for sale.

Visitors were invited to take guided tours, with

many delighted with a trip to the bridge and a talk by one of the steamship’s experts. The lower Art Deco lounges were made into a small theatre where DVDs ran and in-depth talks were given to those with particular interests.

Saturday morning arrived bright, clear and sunny, and the public were soon getting on board to look around the ship and ask questions about the various canal restoration projects. By the end of the day nearly 500 people had been on board and everyone seemed very pleased with both the restoration projects and the tours of the Danny.

Unfortunately Sunday’s weather was not as kind (it rained most of the day) so this dampened the event but still some 100 people came to talk to the experts. Despite the weather, Canal & River Trust chief operating officer Julie Sharman and North West regional director Daniel Greenhalgh both enjoyed a tour of the stands and the Danny during the day.

DAPS trustee Les Green said: “The ship is an ideal small exhibition centre with its promenade deck for displays and the opulent Art Deco lounge for private in-depth discussion or promotion.

When moored in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock or at its bases on the River Weaver, it is easily accessible and can attract a high footfall.”

It had been used as a wedding venue the previous weekend but can usually be found on the River Weaver where various cruises have been very well supported throughout the summer with another full season now being planned for 2020.

On the promenade deck are, from left: Jim Forkin, chairman, IWA Chester & Merseyside, Julie Sharman, CRT chief operating officer and Les Green, DAPS trustee.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

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Winter makeover for East Midlands region

CANAL & River Trust has announced details of its programme of repairs on waterways across the East Midlands this winter.

The trust is investing around £800,000 over the coming months to replace a number of handcrafted lock gates and carry out repairs to historic waterway structures.

Works will start this month (November) and continue until March. The programme includes: • Replacing and repairing lock gates in Leicester – including new bottom gates at North Lock in Frog Island and gates at Belgrave and Birstall repaired and relined to ensure a watertight seal.

• An extensive programme of works at Foxton Locks, including replacement of three sets of gates and repairs to gates and historic brickwork at several more.

• Refurbishment of Stamp End Lock in Lincoln – the only ‘guillotine’ lock in the East Midlands, where the gate is lifted overhead rather than opening outwards like conventional gates.

• Repairs to damaged brickwork at Potters Bridge on the Erewash Canal.

• A new control system to open the giant gates at Holme Lock on the River Trent.

• Repairs to Sawley Flood Lock, which provides protection when the River Trent floods.

Phil Mulligan, regional director for CRT, said: “Research tells us that time spent by the water can help us to feel happier and healthier so this programme of works is about far more than bricks and mortar.

“By investing this money over the winter months we’ll not only be protecting the historic fabric of our waterways and making sure that they’re working

Waterways policy expert dies (78)

By Paul Wagstaffe

Replacing and repairing of lock gates in the East Midlands is scheduled to start this month. PHOTOS: CRT well for boaters, but we’ll also be ensuring that local communities have safe, open waterways to enjoy.

“Our expert teams will be braving the elements to make sure that the waterways, which play such an important part in so many people’s daily lives, are in good working order.”

The lock gates on the East Midlands’ waterways weigh several tonnes and typically last around 25 years. Each new gate is made to measure and handcrafted from seasoned oak so that it fits perfectly in the lock chamber.

For more information on the works planned on the nations canals this winter, visit www. canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/report/winternotices.pdf

AN EXPERT whose work contributed significantly to the progress made in waterways restoration and improvement has died on his 78th birthday.

Derek Gowling had a very successful career as a planning specialist with Wiltshire Council and senior planner with the Greater London Council.

His expertise was much respected in China, Japan, Canada and the Americas.

He then joined the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) as policy manager.

He supported three Government-appointed IWAAC chairmen.

His skill in research and expertise in clear, succinct and readable written words led to major changes in central and local government attitudes towards and respect for the UK’s inland waterways.

Publications with a major input from Derek included: Britain’s Inland Waterways An Undervalued Asset IWAAC 1997, Waterway Restoration Priorities IWAAC 1998 and A Second Waterway Age IWAAC June 2001, leading to the Government’s milestone new policy document Waterways for Tomorrow June 2001 Department of Environment Transport and Regions, followed

by The Benefits of Sustainable Waterways British Waterways since 1996 IWAAC 2003.

Derek’s very professional work also helped unlock many millions of pounds of UK lottery and European funding.

His breadth of knowledge, expertise, ability to communicate with people at all levels and his dry sense of humour will be sorely missed.

A extensive programme of works at Foxton Locks is due to take place.

Refurbishment of Stamp End Lock in Lincoln, the only ‘guillotine’ lock in the East Midlands, is on the agenda.

Derek Gowling, August 29, 1941 – August 29, 2019. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Volunteers build bridges with paint VISITORS to Mirfield in West Yorkshire will get a much better view of the town thanks to volunteers who spruced up a bridge that had not been painted for more than 30 years.

One of the first things people see when they approach from the motorway is the former toll bridge over the River Calder at Wood Lane, Battyeford, which had deteriorated into a real eyesore with rusty and peeling railings.

However a temporary road closure for resurfacing enabled local volunteers to give it a facelift.

The Calder Navigation Society, assisted by members of the South Pennine Boat Club and other local voluntary groups, cleaned and repainted the bridge railings with white paint supplied by the Canal & River Trust.

Now restored to its former glory, the bridge projects an image of their town of which residents

can be proud. “This is an excellent example of what can be done when different groups of volunteers get together to solve a problem,” said Peter Davies of Calder Navigation Society.

He added the road closure had given everyone the opportunity they had been waiting for to remedy a long-standing issue.

Battyeford Bridge looks elegant and stylish after its facelift. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Brushing up their skills: volunteers have painted Battyeford Bridge.

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Network Rail and SNCT volunteers made some new friends while clearing the canal.

Rail company volunteers support tunnel vision TEN train company employees switched tracks when they gave their time to join members of the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust (SNCT).

The volunteers from Network Rail Birmingham helped out for a day at Berwick Tunnel’s South East cutting.

This was not the first visit for some of the group, as two – Nikki and Steve – had walked the towpath last year on a guided tour led by Alistair Price, leader of the Shrewsbury group, and been inspired to take it further.

Impressed by the work they saw then, Nikki and Steve arranged to have a corporate volunteer day with colleagues from Network Rail to help.

Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust volunteers are currently working to clear the cuttings at both ends of the Berwick Tunnel.

Once cleared the trust hopes to reopen the 887-metre-long (970 yard) tunnel, which appears to be in good condition considering it has been abandoned for 70 years.

The tunnel is historically important, being completed in 1797 after Thomas Telford became the engineer for the Shrewsbury Canal.

It was the first tunnel of any size to have a towpath throughout its length. Originally a tub boat canal, operating boats 8ft by 6ft 4in wide, the canal was widened after 1835 when it was linked to the national system via the Newport Canal.

The corporate day proved to be a great success, with the 20-strong force of volunteers clearing some very large branches and trunks from the canal.

Restricted access and the weight of some of the timber meant the only way the group could move these trunks was with a large-capacity winch.

Slowly but steadily trunks were dragged out of the water where, once on the bank, they could be cut into manageable pieces. Other tasks on the day involved clearing the towpath and removing all sorts of rubbish from the water.

All involved agreed that not only had a lot of canal clearance been achieved, but it was also a great social day with many new friendships being made.

The Shrewsbury group of volunteers meets every week at one end or the other of the Berwick Tunnel.

Despite the large amount of work already achieved there is still more to be done.

Anyone interested would be very welcome to join the team. Contact Alistair Price at alistairprice1@gmail.com to find out more about the project.

Working in Berwick South East cutting.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Old Mortonians members unveiling the new display. PHOTO: LEAH MIDDLETON BRUCE

Heritage group restores Oxford sign CANAL heritage society the Old Mortonians came to the rescue when an information board on the Oxford Canal became unreadable.

When the Hillmorton Locks history board beside bridge 70 fell into a sorry state, Rugby Borough Council marketing officers wanted to replace it, but had no budget to do so.

So members of the Hillmorton-based Old Mortonians, who constantly passed by the display board en route to their canal

restoration site, decided to take action.

They researched the historical facts, wrote the updated text and designed a new display, which the borough council’s marketing department produced as a splendid high resolution graphic.

Old Mortonians then restored the original ornate presentation stand and raised the money to pay for the graphic to be produced as a new display that is now affixed to the stand.

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Campaigns take centre stage at IWA’s 60th AGM

By Phil Pickin

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch pulled out all the stops to showcase the area when it successfully hosted the Inland Waterways Association’s 60th Annual General Meeting.

Members helped make a weekend of the event, held in Stoke-on-Trent, by arranging visits to a local pottery and showing the planned restoration of the Burslem Branch Canal.

In addition, there was an evening supper of pie and peas, accompanied by an illustrated talk on the restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal.

The AGM was attended by more than 100 members, who were treated to a number of different presentations, including one by Jonathan Mosse, who is one of the Navigation Committee’s Scottish representatives.

He looked at the campaigning being supported by IWA to improve navigation on Scotland’s canals, including the campaign for additional funding from Scottish Government that enabled the Forth & Clyde Canal to be reopened to through traffic earlier this year.

One of the themes that ran through all the presentations was the importance of planning and this was taken up by

The North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch receiving the IWA Branch Award.

Bob Dewey, one of the IWA’s expert planning team.

He talked about how IWA volunteers and branches can get involved in shaping local planning policy. This is, apparently, something the organisation will be focusing on more and more in the coming years.

The annual IWA awards ceremony was held to celebrate worthy individuals and branches that are working to help the association improve the waterways.

What was notable during the awards ceremony was the lack of women on the list.

The formal AGM began with a short speech by the national chairman, Ivor Caplan, followed by the presentation of the annual report and financial statements by the chief executive, Neil Edwards, who told the audience the association is financially stable.

The statement for the year ending December 31, 2018 showed a marked increase in income from legacies. Mr Edwards pointed out that this was something of an anomaly and that next year’s statement would look significantly different.

This year’s AGM also allowed members the opportunity to ask questions to trustees and this led to a lively debate and raised a number of important issues for further consideration. One of these was the decline in membership, something that had been discussed in the past and, it would seem, is still to find a solution.

The problem of differentiation, on the part of the general public, between the IWA and CRT was also discussed.

It was also interesting to hear that

IWA BRANCH DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 2019 Anyone intending to attend one of these events for the first time should contact the organisers beforehand and wear suitable clothing and footwear. If staying all day take a packed lunch unless other arrangements are indicated.

EAST

NORTH

IWA Lincolnshire Branch supporting Sleaford Navigation Trust: Volunteers

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust: Work party on

Sunday November 10

will carry out a variety of tasks to maintain the navigable section of the Sleaford Navigation. Contact: Mel Sowerby 01522 856810, workparty@ sleafordnavigation.co.uk

MIDLANDS Every Friday

IWA Lichfield Branch and Canal & River Trust: Work party on the

Coventry Canal between Fradley and Fazeley to help clear offside vegetation. Prior training on use of a wood chipper and/or a pole saw may be needed. 9.15am-3.30pm.

Contact: Neil Barnett 07808 846434, neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk

Sunday November 3 and Tuesday November 19

IWA Northampton Branch: Work

parties on the Northampton Arm. 10am-2pm. Work usually includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance and litter picking. Contact: Geoff Wood geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk.

Thursday November 14

the Uttoxeter Canal at Crumpwood.

10am-3pm. Contact: Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@ waterways.org.uk

Saturday November 16

IWA Manchester Branch: Work

party in Greater Manchester. 10am4pm. Tasks will include vegetation clearance, litter picking, painting and pulling rubbish out of the canal.

Contact: 07875 999825, barry_m@ manchester-iwa.co.uk

Thursday November 21

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Work party on the

Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal. 10am-3pm. Contact: John Lawson 07940 878923, John.lawson@ waterways.org.uk

Tuesday November 26

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch supporting Burslem Port Trust: Work party on the Burslem

Arm, Stoke-on-Trent. 10am-3pm.

Contact: Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@waterways.org.uk

Saturday November 30

IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: Work party alongside the Shropshire Union Canal. 10am-4pm. Work will include painting and vegetation clearance. Contact: Jason Watts, jason.watts@canalrivertrust.org.uk

SOUTH

Tuesdays November 19 and 26

IWA Oxfordshire Branch supporting Banbury Canal Partnership: Work parties

on the Oxford Canal near Banbury.

9am-1pm. Contact: Colin GarnhamEdge, bcpontheoxford@gmail.com

WEST

Every Saturday

IWA West Country Branch (Taunton):

Work parties in the Taunton area.

10am- 1.30pm. Please let us know if you intend to join us, by 6pm the day before. Contact: Steve Bulgin 07855 794256, stevebulgin@icloud.com Every Tuesday & Saturday IWA West Country Branch (Bridgwater): Work parties in the

Bridgwater area. 10am-1.30pm.

Please let us know if you intend to join us, by 6pm the day before. Contact: Mike Slade 07977 263840, mike. slade@waterways.org.uk

For further information on any of these events, please contact Gemma Bolton on 01494 783453 or email gemma.bolton@waterways.org.uk Details can also be found on IWA’s website at www.waterways.org.uk

Mike Snaith receives the John Heap Salver from Ivor Caplan.

PHOTOS: IWA

the ‘widening of appeal’ was not only mentioned at the IWA’s AGM but also at CRT’s a few weeks earlier. It would seem that this is an issue both organisations

THE IWA AWARDS

Richard Bird Medals – awarded to individuals who have brought significant benefits to the IWA over a sustained period of time. There were seven recipients of the Richard Bird medals this year: • Mick Butler, IWA Northampton Branch for his work on the Northampton Arm • Geoff Wood, IWA Northampton Branch for his work and organisational skills on the Northampton Arm • Steve Connolly, retired member of the IWA Manchester Branch in recognition of his long service to IWA • David Faulkner, IWA Lancashire & Cumbria Branch for his hard work and long-term commitment to IWA • Pete Gurney, IWA Lichfield Branch, for his hard work in multiple roles for the branch • Ian McDonald, IWA Leicester Branch, for his long-term commitment and devotion to IWA • Roger Sexton, IWA Peterborough Branch for his relentless campaigning in the Eastern Region Christopher Power Prize – awarded to an individual, society or trust that has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway. This prize was awarded to Roger Leishman of the Wendover Arm Trust, who has been instrumental in the restoration of this seven-mile channel. Roger recently announced his retirement from active

are having to address.

Ivor Caplan said: “It was great to see so many of our members at the AGM. It was a good opportunity for members to hear about the association’s achievements in 2018/19 and its ambitious plans in the pipeline for the next 12 months.

“I very much enjoyed hearing from our members in the Q&A section of the meeting and am recommending that we keep this in the agenda for future AGM meetings.”

He added: “I am very grateful to IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch for arranging all the afternoon and evening activities, which were enjoyed by a large number of attendees.

“I would also like to thank everyone who came along and those who were involved in the organisation of the event.” involvement but still retains a great interest in the project. The prize includes a cheque for £1000 made payable to the Wendover Arm Trust.

John Heap Salver – awarded to an IWA member who has made an outstanding contribution to raising funds for the association. This award was given to Mike Snaith from IWA Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch for his regular and effective fundraising efforts.

Cyril Styring Trophy – this is the association’s premier award, given to an individual IWA member who has made an outstanding contribution to furthering IWA campaigns. This was awarded to John Gale from IWA Chelmsford Branch and Essex Waterways. John was celebrated for more than 40 years’ work with IWA Chelmsford Branch, including the restoration of Springfield Basin, work for Waterway Recovery Group nationally and locally and much more besides.

IWA Branch Achievement Award – this award is given to the branch that has made the greatest progress in promoting IWA’s aims and objectives over the past year.

The deserving recipient of this award was IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch. Particular recognition was given to the branch’s role in protecting an at-risk heritage bridge which has now been restored like-for-like.

AGM visitors impressed IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch arranged a number of activities around the association’s AGM to showcase local campaigns and heritage in the area.

Guided walks of the Burslem Arm were led by volunteer Steve Wood to highlight the Burslem Port regeneration project, which is supported by the branch.

Middleport Pottery laid on guides for a heritage tour including the history of the pottery industry and its relationship to the Trent & Mersey Canal.

The weekend also included a focus on Silver Propeller locations in the area and an evening presentation on the Uttoxeter Canal restoration.

Members visit Burslem Arm led by Steve Wood.

PHOTO: STEVE WOOD.

Devon forum for groups

IWA West Country Branch hosted a forum for waterway groups in the South West peninsula.

The forum, which took place adjacent to the Grand Western Canal in Devon, provided an opportunity for local waterway groups to meet up, exchange information and ideas, and

to hear about current and proposed developments on local waterways.

The event was attended by 28 waterway enthusiasts, representing operational waterways, restored waterways, those undergoing restoration and others in need of regeneration.

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13

14 NEWS

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The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson with Derek Hilyer (chairman) and Pam Hallam (trustee) of the Beatrice Charity holding the crystal award and RAF Cadet Tom Ramsey who supports the Lord Lieutenant in carrying out his duties. Beatrice is 17m (56ft) long with a large foredeck which is easily accessible, being flush with the canal bank. An electric lift takes those in wheelchairs, or who cannot manage the steps, down to the airy, large-windowed cabin. PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES

FOUR students from a Staffordshire Moorlands special school escorted a VIP when he arrived by boat to present a prestigious award to a local charity.

The Beatrice Charity provides boat trips for disadvantaged children on the Caldon Canal. The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, presented the charity with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony held in Cheddleton, Staffordshire, near the

Gathered alongside Beatrice, with the boat now featuring the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service logo are, from left: Derek Hilyer, chairman and Pam Hallam, trustee of the Beatrice Charity; Meadows School pupils Ryan Wilson, Madison Treacey, Megan Probyn, head of the school Joan Wright, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson and student Ryan Horton.

mooring of narrowboat Beatrice.

Students from the Meadows School in Leek are among those who have benefited from trips on Beatrice. They arrived for the presentation on the boat, with the Lord Lieutenant and other civic dignitaries, as it ascended a lock outside the venue for the event.

The commemorative crystal award was presented to Pam Hallam, who received it on behalf of the charity. A

certificate, signed by Her Majesty the Queen, was presented to Ryan Wilson, one of the Meadows School students, representing the users of the boat.

Joan Wright, the head of the school, said: “This award is so well deserved.

Even when you visit on a rainy day the volunteers are always so upbeat. The students always look forward to going.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award presented to volunteer groups across the UK. It is awarded to organisations who are

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making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Derek Hilyer, chairman of the charity, said: “Being awarded the QAVS is a great honour for the charity and for all the volunteers who are, and have been, involved in running the Beatrice.”

The Beatrice Charity was founded more than 40 years ago and the first boat was named by the Princess Royal. The present boat, the third the charity has owned, has served for 20 years.

During term times the boats offers trips, free of charge, for school groups.

In 2018 it took 705 children on 94 trips.

During holidays it carries other groups, including people from day centres and residential homes, at a modest charge to help meet running costs.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “Beatrice is a shining example of the organisations in the county whose volunteers improve the lives of others in our communities – we are extremely grateful to them all.”

Guests at the presentation included past and present volunteers and representatives of Beatrice’s users, supporters and funders.

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Students escort Lord Lieutenant to Queen’s Award presentation

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15

16 PETS/HERITAGE

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Pets on the cut She’s a lady!

Alison Wilkerson meets a ‘chilled out’ moggie that loves to relax in the cabin.

WHILE volunteering at an Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Adoption Scheme Work Party, I assisted, along with my fellow volunteers, many cruisers with operating the lock gates in between sanding and painting lock beams.

One boat that went through was Ben Cooper and Dan Lovering’s 55ft, ex-hire narrowboat which happened to be carrying a rather precious cargo, namely a beautiful tortoiseshell cat called Lady Arabella.

I was advised that this rather curvaceous lady was on a very special diet of dry cat food with NO treats and was five years old. She had been adopted from Cats Protection in Corby, Northamptonshire, 12 months prior as sadly her previous owner had passed away and she had been in foster care for a few months.

Originally called Belle, upon adoption, her name was fittingly extended and I must say that it suits her exceedingly well, although her nickname is still Belle.

This ‘chilled out’ moggie was an indoor cat and thus more than happy to relax inside the boat, although she does wander out to stretch her legs, as long as her owners are in the vicinity and she knows to return to the boat, which is her holiday home.

The boat is powered by a Beta Marine 32hp engine and was built in 2000 by South West Durham Steelcraft and purchased from Whilton Marina, Daventry, following a very short hire boat trip. Ben and Dan made the conscious decision that cruising on inland waterways was the perfect way to spend time during school holidays (Ben is a deputy head teacher) and the odd weekend away.

Scottish Government’s £1m Waverley boost

By Hugh Dougherty

Lady Arabella is the belle of the boat. PHOTO: ALISON WILKERSON They searched the internet and physically viewed five or six boats but decided on an ex-hire boat which had been converted for non-hire living. They also had a stove fitted prior to collection and even managed to secure a Canal & River Trust towpath mooring. The boat is also a little taller than some in the cabin at 6.5ft and perfect for those who need a little more headroom, unlike myself (vertically challenged). Ben and Dan are also looking into solar panels and a stern canopy, which many would agree are worthwhile and essential extras.

So far they have enjoyed a number of trips with Lady Arabella, who spends cruising time in her ‘safe space’, which is behind a suitcase, under the gunnel in the bow bedroom, as she hates the engine noise and can be nervous and anxious with new experiences.

On one occasion, having just completed a full upward flight of locks in one go, the stern door was opened and Lady Arabella panicked and ran out, frantically raced down the right-hand gunnel, meowing.

Passers-by thought this was sweet and normal behaviour but it was obviously not and Ben and Dan had to quickly grab her from inside, via the side hatch, before she fell in or ran away.

The strange and continual movement and unfamiliar lighting must have spooked her, so now she is securely kept safely in the cabin, until well and truly clear of locks, especially flights.

Charbon keeps his crew in order

THE Scottish Government has stepped in with a £1 million boost for the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal, to help ensure that the London & North Eastern Railway-built paddle steamer sails again in 2020.

Culture cabinet secretary, Fiona Hyslop MSP, made the announcement when she visited the ship in Glasgow recently. It came after Labour MSP Jackie Bailie had asked questions in the Scottish Parliament about the future of the ship and the possibility of the Government coming to its rescue.

Fiona Hyslop, who had answered the question positively, and also revealed that she had enjoyed a cruise on the Waverley to mark her 21st birthday in 1985, said on her visit to the paddler: “The Waverley has delighted generations of locals and visitors throughout her 70-year history and I am pleased to announce this significant financial contribution to help her sail again.”

Paul Semple, Waverley Excursions Ltd’s general manager, said: “We are very grateful for this significant Scottish Government contribution which recognises Waverley’s heritage and the significant economic value she brings to coastal communities.

“This brings us up to £1.9 million raised since we launched our appeal in June, leaving us still to raise £400,000 to meet our target of £2.3million.”

“We will continue to strive to raise the balance though donations, corporate funding and grants, and stress the urgency of raising the outstanding sum to ensure that Waverley does sail next season.”

The Friends of Wemyss Bay Station celebrated the 10th anniversary of the railway heritage group’s foundation by donating £1000 to the Waverley boiler appeal.

Presenting the cheque to Paul Semple, Friends bookshop manager

Fiona Hyslop MSP visits Waverley to announce the £1m boost.

PHOTO: WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS LTD

Rail and sail: Sheena Inglis and the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station present Paul Semple of Waverley Excursions with their cheque for £1000. PHOTO: HUGH DOUGHERTY Sheena Inglis said it was appropriate that the group supported the appeal as Wemyss Bay Station and Pier was built by the Caledonian Railway in 1903 as the first combined station and steamer pier on the Clyde and is now the only one to survive in daily service.

More support came from fouryear-old Ethan Pringle, who made a 10-mile, sponsored circuit of the Isle of Cumbrae in his wheelchair, raising

£1600 for the new boilers, thanks to support from locals and visitors alike.

“Waverley is broken. We need to fix it,” said the plucky youngster.

When Charbon opens his eyes he is easy to spot.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

First cutting: work begins to cut the deck steel to open up the boiler room. PHOTO: WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS LTD

Wheely good effort for Waverley! Ethan Pringle, aged four, raised £1600 thanks to his sponsored wheelchair trip round Cumbrae.

IN OUR August edition we featured Tony and Nicola Kynaston-Pearson’s cruises along the waterways of Europe on board Archangel.

The feature mentioned their cat Charbon; here are a few more details about this well-travelled pet.

Since the black and white cat with brown patches first found the KynastonPearson family aboard their Dutch barge in May 2016, he has been promoted to the rank of chief petty officer for keeping his owners, Tony and Nik, in order.

Charbon – his name is the French word for coal – succeeded the cat and dog who had travelled with them on their outward journey. He was seven years old in April and was chosen from

a pet sanctuary, or rather, he chose his new owners.

On their occasional return visits back to the UK, Charbon either stays on board with plentiful food supplies and with a regular check on his welfare by fellow boaters, or travels with them on their stays with their youngest son, Marcus.

He does sometimes hop ashore during a journey, returning to the boat after various lengths of time.

When on board, his black angora fur can make him hard to find, until he opens his eyes.

When the boat is cruising, Charbon is fitted with a transponder to enable his owners to locate him… until he loses it!

PHOTO: WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS LTD

Donations to the Boiler Refit Appeal can be made via www. waverleyexcursions.co.uk, by phoning 0141 243 2224, or by texting STEAM £20 to 70085. All donations will be recorded on a Donor Wall on the paddler.

“London’s our chihuahua-cross liveaboard pet,” writes Lindsay Tempest. “She’s a rescue dog from Wood Green animal sanctuary and we’ve had her for a year. She’s fully embraced life on the water in all ways; impressive for an eight-yearold lady!” Their home is a star supreme Northolt cruiser.

If you have any pet pics, email them to editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk

Pet pic