Towpath Talk December issue

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Issue 218, December 2023

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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BOATERS’ CONCERNS OVER CALOR GAS BOTTLES

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Campaigning cruise

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The flotilla of boats arrives at the Palace of Westminster. More pictures on page 2. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Fund Britain’s Waterways message delivered to Westminster A FLOTILLA of boats has delivered a visual and vocal message to the Houses of Parliament that funding cuts to Britain’s canals and rivers are unacceptable and damaging.

This mixture of leisure and commercial craft drew parliamentarians’ attention to their presence and the banners they were displaying by sounding their horns and holding station, cheered on by a group of supporters on Westminster Bridge.

The boaters and supporters were acting on behalf of a new campaign group, Fund Britain’s Waterways, which

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represents more than 100 organisations with varying interests in the waterways.

It is campaigning to ensure that there is enough funding to retain the huge environmental, economic and social benefits that Britain’s inland waterways are widely acknowledged to provide.

Actor Sir David Suchet, a long-term supporter of the waterways and a vicepresident of the Inland Waterways Association, said: “Our waterways are valued and used by millions of people.

Over the years volunteers have not only worked to protect and restore them

but also ensured that governments appreciate their value. I am pleased to see this proud tradition continue.”

Long-standing waterway volunteer and liveaboard boater Christine Kemp took part in this event and an earlier campaign in 2007. She said: “Who would have thought after the 2007 campaign cruise against Defra cuts that we would need to be here again in 2023, asking the Government to look after our heritage and infrastructure.

“My boat is my home, and I spend time volunteering to help keep the canals in as good a condition as we can, but cuts to

waterways funding will have a devastating effect on the canals and my way of life. Our waterways are one of the things that make this country special – serious cuts to their funding risk losing them for everyone.”

FBW will work to ensure that future governments invest the relatively small amount of funding that is required to maintain all these benefits. Established in June 2023, its 100-plus members represent hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways.

• Continued on page 2

Nearly there

IWA fee rise

Bude dredging

GRANTHAM Canal Society reports that its membership has steadily increased over the past 50 years from small beginnings. Writing in the winter edition of its Bridge newsletter, chairman Mike Stone reports that numbers eventually reached 500 – a target in 2008 – to a figure which is now approaching 900. The next critical figure used as a target by local authorities, benefactors and other funding sources is 1000 members. Mike adds: “Please could you help us reach that number during 2024? It will make a real difference to our success going forward.”

INLAND Waterways Association membership fees will increase by about 6% from January 1 next year, resulting in the standard fee rising from £51 to £54 per annum.

IWA believes this still represents value as the increase is below the rate of inflation. It has also decided not to reprint any membership leaflets as there are so many in stock. It is unlikely to make financial sense to scrap stocks and print new ones. IWA says it will continue to accept new applications on printed membership forms throughout 2024 at 2023 rates.

DREDGING of the Bude Canal has started following confirmation by Cornwall Council. The overall dredging operation is expected to finish by the end of January, but the exact timeline may be impacted by climate and ecological conditions. A council spokesperson said the project would provide many benefits for canal users as well as improved ecology and flood risk reduction. During the dredging period, activity on the canal will be restricted and day launches will not be available to buy. Embankment repairs are expected to be completed before next Easter.

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2 WELCOME/NEWS

December 2023

WELCOME THIS month we welcome a new member of our editorial team at Towpath Talk. Dan Clare joins us initially as deputy editor but he will be taking over the editor’s chair in February when I reduce my workload to concentrate on our news coverage.

As we reported last month, the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign continues to dominate our headlines which you will have seen on the front page. The delivery of its message to Westminster at 14.11 hours on November 14 had been planned for some time so it was coincidental that it was on the day of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle.

Among the appointments was Lee Rowley as housing minister. As MP for North East Derbyshire he has taken an active interest in the Chesterfield Canal restoration and was pictured in Towpath Talk earlier this year with a work party and local residents after a vegetation clearance session.

Steve Barclay MP is the new secretary of state at Defra and as MP in the Fens of North East Cambridgeshire also has the River Nene and other waterways in his constituency.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has launched a crowdfunding appeal to create new community spaces at Staveley where works are planned to build a new Trans-Pennine Trail bridge and lock as part of the continuing canal restoration, see report on page 7.

We seem to have had a succession of winter storms in recent weeks. As the Canal & River Trust tackles the damage inflicted by Storm Babet, see opposite page, we have also been hit by Storms Ciarán and Debi causing further disruption. On the subject of climate change, Tim Coghlan asked at the time of going to press if winter will ever come.

His picture taken at the entrance to Braunston Marina in November still shows trees in their summer colours, see his report on page 5. To continue our countdown to the festive season, there are more Santa cruises in What’s On (page 18) and gift ideas for boaters on page 41.

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Fund Britain’s Waterways message delivered to Westminster • Continued from page 1 The Westminster cruise built on the success of well-supported campaign cruises earlier in the year in Birmingham and Gloucester. More events are being planned in the run up to the next general election. Support for the campaign can be shown by signing the petition available at www. fundbritainswaterways.org.uk Narrowboat Flora Dora from St Pancras Cruising Club gets into position. PHOTO: LES ETHERIDGE

Janet

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – December 21, 2023

Holding station. PHOTO: TIM LEWIS

Joining in the campaign is GPS Marine’s barge Dispenser which fuels commercial vehicles across the Thames. PHOTO: LES ETHERIDGE

Independent publisher since 1885

Conditions:Editorial is accepted subject to availability of space,and editorial policy on content and insertion cannot be guaranteed.The publisher retains the right to edit material submitted. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy through accurate and clear copy, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.

Independently proven pick up: 34,450 copies

The flotilla passes the London Eye. PHOTO: TIM LEWIS

One of the supporters on Westminster Bridge. PHOTO SUPPLIED

BCNS to hold two explorer cruises in 2024 THE Birmingham Canal Navigations Society will be holding two explorer cruises next year.

One of these will be in May to coincide with its summer rally at Longwood and the other in June.

Many past members have enjoyed these cruises, which are an ideal way to experience travelling lesserused parts of the BCN in a good supportive group of boaters.

Several boats are already booked

in for next year’s cruises.

BCNS has kept its administration fee to £30 as per previous cruises but as the Explorer plaques have increased in cost to almost £10 it has not included these in the price. Participants will get a year’s membership to the society and plaques will be available to buy during the cruise.

For further information email: bcns.explorercruise@gmail.com

NEWS 3

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

NABO highlights Calor Gas supply shortages Words & Photo: Phil Pickin

FOR many in the boating community, the problems surrounding the availability of Calor Gas have become a part of daily life, something that the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) highlighted in its October newsletter.

In the article, the association stated: “The small 3.9kg and 4.5kg cylinders are virtually unobtainable, and the 6-13kg propane are as rare as hen’s teeth.” Such is its anger at the lack of availability, NABO recently wrote to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to highlight the situation with the small and larger bottles and questioned whether Calor is a fit and proper company to sell bottled gas.

One of the most worrying issues highlighted in the NABO newsletter article was that, in its view, a number of boats are storing gas bottles in a way that is not compliant with BSS regulations. It estimates that there are 500 boats in this condition, so have asked for this issue to be raised at regular BSS meetings.

In addition, the NABO council has also stated: “Self-filling is becoming a real safety problem.”

Supply issues

In an effort to find out how widespread the problem continues to be, we asked a number of marinas to find out if they were continuing to have problems. Their responses highlighted the difficulties experienced by some boaters and varied from location to location.

Arguably, one of the largest users of bottled gas has to be ABC Leisure, which operates a sizeable fleet of hire and day boats across a number of locations. MD Carl Onens said that the company has had some supply issues in the past and had to restrict sales to the general public to keep the hire fleet operating.

“This has improved in recent months, and we now appear to be getting a reasonable supply,” he said, but added that ABC is “having all sorts of issues with Calor discontinuing the 3.9kg propane as it’s the only cylinder which fits the day boats.”

Aqueduct Marina MD Robert Parton told us: “Although we have had problems with supply over the past few years, things seem to be a

little better at the moment.”

Having said that, he pointed out that when stock does run out, they can often wait a week before their next delivery, which isn’t always ideal.

He also feels that Calor does have something of a monopoly when it comes to supplying gas to the boating community and that changing to a new supplier isn’t always an easy option for retailers or boaters.

Robert also highlighted that altering gas lockers on customers’ boats isn’t always easy. Alterations to gas lockers can provide boaters with the option of using different-sized bottles.

However, the practicalities of taking on work like this can make these alterations very difficult.

Calor’s response

When we asked Calor for its comments on the issues surrounding the problems boaters have been having for a number of years and the issues raised in the NABO newsletter, its spokesman didn’t provide us with any information as to the reasons why the company is making these changes.

He did, however, tell us: “Earlier in the year, we decided to streamline our small cylinder range to put us in a better position to service our wider customer base who rely on our larger cylinders to provide their home heating and hot water.

“Listening to feedback from the boating community, we subsequently decided to extend the phase-out of the 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinders, so to allow users of these sizes extra time to find an alternative.

Calor Gas 3.9kg and 4.5kg cylinders have become virtually unobtainable according to NABO. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Both the 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinders remain available at our Calor centres, but their availability will continue to reduce as the number of serviceable cylinders declines, and they will ultimately be discontinued.

He continued: “In terms of the availability of 6-13kg cylinders, while these are in high demand, supply is generally good and we are investing in our filling plants and new cylinders to improve availability. Please note that many cylinders are sold via independent sellers and Calor does not have any control over the level of stock they carry.

“We continue to liaise with the Boat Safety Scheme and would echo their advice to boaters to remain in compliance with the Boat Safety Certificate at all times by properly storing cylinders on board. We also would like to take this opportunity to strongly discourage users from illegally refilling cylinders themselves and remind them that the unauthorised filling of any Calor cylinder is both unlawful and dangerous.

“We reserve the right to take legal action against anyone who we have evidence is engaged in such activity.

Frustration

“We understand the frustration of NABO and its members by our decision, but spaces and lockers purpose-built for a specific cylinder size were not part of any Calor initiative and we cannot be held responsible for the continued supply of products on this basis.

“Customers have been offered alternatives within Calor’s revised cylinder range or advised to use other LPG suppliers such as Campingaz, which also offers similar cylinder sizes for these users.”

For some, the use of alternative suppliers is an option, including the use of the likes of Flogas, which can often be found at outlets like B&Q and garden centres.

However, as pointed out in the NABO newsletter, outlets like these ‘are generally not next to canals’.

It would seem the writing is on the wall for 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinders and that those in the boating community still using them will have to make alternative arrangements, including the possibility of making alterations to their boats.

Damage caused by Storm Babet. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Counting the cost of climate change DESTRUCTION caused

by Storm Babet across its network of 2000 miles of historic waterways and navigable rivers is being tackled by the Canal & River Trust.

Hundreds of trees have been blown down and the canal network has sustained significant structural damage including towpaths washed away, a landslide on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and extensive destruction along the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal where the River Soar flooded into the canal, resulting in the collapse of more than 50m of embankment.

The trust’s staff and volunteers attended numerous callouts as they battled to control water levels and respond to damage, while, on the Erewash Canal at Sandiacre in Derbyshire, the quick response by

one of the volunteers averted disaster when they were able to rescue a member of the public who fell into the canal, one of many people who were still using the towpath, despite it being submerged under stormwater.

CRT chief executive Richard Parr y commented: “Our canal network is a national treasure dating back 250 years. It isn’t safely locked away as an exhibit in a museum; it is here to be navigated by boats as they did centuries ago, used freely by millions of people, and for the benefit of wildlife.

“We’re going to see Storm Babet leave the canal network with a bill likely to be in

the £millions. This illustrates the increasing expense of keeping the canal network safe and open at a time when funding from government is reducing in real terms, and ahead of the steep future cuts they announced earlier this year.

“These extra costs are becoming increasingly commonplace as the changing climate takes its toll. Without adequate funding, they will lead to the gradual deterioration and eventual closure of some canals. The work of staff and volunteers, together with the support of our partners and friends, is vital if we are to keep our canals alive to benefit this and future generations.”

For more information on the trust’s Keep Canals Alive campaign, visit: Keep Canals Alive: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

4 NEWS

December 2023

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Toddbrook Reservoir Community arts restoration project launched

THE Canal & River Trust has commissioned an outdoor mural artist to decorate two round turret structures in the Toddbrook Reservoir restoration project.

These structures are being created as part of a new overflow spillway next to Whaley Bridge Memorial Park.

Tom Edwards, an accomplished Staffordshire artist who operates We are Culla, will spearhead a community arts initiative that involves collaborating with local residents and nearby schools on an appropriate design.

Tom explained: “I’m delighted to be leading on this exciting art project. My style of work is very broad, encompassing everything from impressionism through to geometric minimalism. Most of my work is produced for a specific setting and, as such, I like to work with my audience to find a style and approach which best suits its location. I love to paint organic shapes, plants and wildlife and especially birds.”

Over the coming months, Tom will be conceiving various ideas and extending an open invitation to both adults and children to propose themes or motifs relating to local nature, history, culture or industry that they would like incorporated into the final designs of 6m-high turrets.

On Saturday, December 9 from10am2pm, he will host a drop-in community art session at the Transhipment Warehouse in Whaley Bridge canal basin where suggestions can be shared until December 15, 2023.

In the new year, Tom will lead another drop-in community art session on Saturday, January 20 (from 10am2pm) with a focus on embellishing construction hoardings located within Memorial Park.

Significant progress

A busy summer of construction work for the trust’s main contractor Kier has resulted in significant progress to create the new overflow spillway at Toddbrook Reservoir. The project involves removing the auxiliary

spillway that was damaged in summer 2019 and replacing it with a new spillway structure to the north of the dam. This features a side weir, tumble bay, spillway channel and stilling basin, which will link into the existing bypass channel flowing through the park into the River Goyt.

Canal & River Trust project manager Tom Greenwood said: “The two round turrets are crucial elements for controlling waterflow down the spillway and we are delighted Tom has joined with us to help the new structures blend into the landscape as sensitively as possible.”

At the end of the main construction works, the old concrete panels from the 1970s auxiliary spillway will be removed and the dam slope grassed over. A new playground will be rebuilt in the Memorial Park, which will also be re-landscaped with trees, wildlife habitats, additional paths and a new footbridge over the bypass channel.

The sailing club will be relocated behind the new tumble bay, where it will feature a new slipway, clubhouse, boat storage and car park.

Artist Tom Edwards on the Toddbrook Reservoir construction site, in front of the planned new turrets.

CGI of the new spillway structure on the edge of Whaley Bridge Memorial Park

The spillway structure under construction For more information about the project and how to get involved in the community art project, go to the Canal & River Trust website: w w w. c a n a l r i v e r t r u s t . o rg . u k / restoring-toddbrook-reservoir

Kennet navigates repairs on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Words & Photos: Colin Wareing

WITH repair work completed on Lock 69 of the Wigan flight of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, Kennet was one of the first boats to travel through the reopened locks.

The lock had been closed since a cill blew out in early September, made worse by bad weather and excess

Construction site hoardings, to be decorated at a drop-in community arts session on Saturday, January 20, 2024. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

water from the heavy rains causing issues around the work site and possible problems with the lock walls.

Work progressed in the hope of having the locks reopened by the end of October but eventually overran by a few days.

There was a brief window of opportunity for boats to move up and down the

Kennet about to enter Lock 70 as she makes her way up the flight towards her home mooring at Greenberfield for the winter.

flight as the scheduled work at Lock 70 that was due to start on November 6 was put back a week.

According to the most recent CRT stoppage notice at the time of going to press the start of works was also delayed by a week at Locks 66, 67 and 68 and are expected to continue until December 22.

Kennet is a Leeds and Liverpool short boat now owned, maintained and used by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society as a floating information and learning resource.

She is maintained and crewed by volunteers from the society.

In lock 69 where contractors are clearing up after the work.

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Preparing the Narrow Boat Trust’s pair of boats for departure.

Words & photos: Tim Coghlan

Will winter ever come? The famous entrance to Braunston Marina in November and showing little signs of the coming winter.

Will winter ever come?

Words & Photos: Tim Cogham

THE photogenic entrance to Braunston Marina, framed by its famous Horseley Iron Works bridge, appears frequently in the media – twice in national calendars this year alone.

But what is different about this photo is that I took it late on the morning of Wednesday, November 8, well into the traditional autumn, by which time trees should have shed their leaves with frosts being common.

However, by way of more evidence of global warming, the day I took that photo was one of brilliant sunshine and a midday temperature of around 16 degrees, with the canalside trees for the most part still in their full green summer foliage.

The nose of Raymond is seen peeping through the marina entrance and looking in excellent shape thanks to the recent makeover from the attentive Friends of Raymond.

Also enjoying that sunshine was a group of about a dozen or more ‘third age’ hearty walkers.

Some were only in ‘shirtsleeve order’, sitting nearby in the Stop House garden for a break and enjoying the offerings of the cafe boat Gongoozler’s Rest, still very much open for customers.

The proprietress Avril was doing the sort of roaring trade she would normally have enjoyed on a busy summer’s weekend. And the smell of her famous bacon butties was irresistible to the passer-by.

As I watched the spectacle, my mind went back to the same time in another November – in about 1993, when we were caught out by a sudden cold snap from the Russian Steppes.

It brought with it nearly a foot of snow, and froze the marina basin solid, with boats unable to move for well over a week.

And in those days, with so many raw-water cooled

engines still in use, it caused havoc among those that had not been winterised, with more than one partial sinking.

Coal run

I had come out to the bridge to see off the Narrow Boat Trust’s working pair, Nuneaton & Brighton, of which I am proudly the patron. The boats were finally about to depart from their temporary moorings outside the marina entrance, having made good use of the large dry dock.

The boats were homeward bound to their mooring at Alvecote Marina, having completed their autumn coal run which had begun on September 7 at Braunston Marina where they had been loaded by hand with 24 tons of smokeless fuel.

They then embarked on a round trip taking nearly two months, covering hundreds of miles of canals and rivers, delivering those 24 tons of bagged smokeless fuel to liveaboards, canal

shops and Thames lock keepers’ cottages. In all, 35 members of the Narrow Boat Trust’s 130 members had participated in crewing, and in so doing were keeping the traditional skills of canal carrying alive.

Synchronised steering.

Homeward bound, full steam ahead.

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6 NEWS

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Vandals deface newly painted artwork

Within hours of its completion a beautiful canalside mural – designed to promote well-being – was defaced. Sally Clifford finds out more.

WHEN the canalside mural he’d painstakingly spent a week creating was defaced, Jaydon Rowbottom decided to write those who’d done it a letter.

Unconventionally, he didn’t put pen to paper; his medium was a piece of wood he had left over from his work as an artist, illustrator and maker, on which he appealed to the better nature of those responsible, opening up the opportunity for discussion.

His words didn’t fall on deaf ears. Perhaps they did read the sign – before tagging over it.

“I wrote the message because it felt right to open the dialogue with these people,” explained 27-year-old Jaydon.

He went on to describe the ‘incredibly sinking feeling’ he had when he saw the response.

“It was completely disheartening really. That sinking feeling – you have put in that time and effort.”

Jaydon, along with his fellow artist friend Alexander, worked more than eight hours a day for almost a week to complete the 25ft mural which was due to be unveiled on Friday, October 20 – but Jaydon estimates within 12 hours of its completion the colourful artwork was defaced.

Promoting positivity

He refuses to be downhearted about it for the mural’s intention

was all about promoting positivity. This mindful work of art, with its entwined swans flanked by bold and colourful flowers on a vibrant blue background, adds a splash of colour along this busy stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in an area of Armley, Leeds, known as Botany Bay, or Skinner’s Yard.

We l l - b e i n g was a consideration for its creation when the Canal & River Trust commissioned Jaydon to undertake the artwork which is the culmination of a Europeanfunded social inclusion project.

“The design came from my admiration for the canal system.

I have spent seven or so years

The wall before work began to create the beautiful wellbeing mural. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST living in Leeds, and I have spent a lot of time along this canal,” said Jaydon, who originates from Swadlincote but came to Leeds Beckett University to study graphic art and design.

Jaydon’s maternal family hauled coal up and down the canal system while his paternal family were into extreme sports, canoeing and kayaking on canals and rivers. “This was almost the perfect storm for me – one of the perfect jobs to come along – it combined my heritage along with my love for the canal and the flora and fauna. That is why I wanted to represent the swans in the centre of the design – that is the embodiment of the canal because you see them.

Digital design

Artist Jaydon Rowbottom with the well-being mural he created which was defaced shortly after he completed it. PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

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

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

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

Award presentations to our finalists

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

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 told reporters thatt shots, coming moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

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

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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“The whole time while we were painting they were visiting and looking. It was almost like they were supporting us,” Jaydon continued. “I also like to draw flowers because it reminds me of family and home and the gesture of giving flowers to someone – that positive uplifting message flowers bring. It is a well-being mural at the end of the day.”

He talked about the possibility of repairing the mural and, possibly, using the design digitally on cards and colouring packs for children to help raise funds for the Canal & River Trust.

“I am an Armley resident and I wanted this to be here and bring light to all those

Artist Jaydon Rowbottom, whose family have a strong canal heritage, by the Leeds & Liverpool canal.

The sign made by the artist to appeal to those who defaced the mural. people that are in my community.

I am always travelling up and down this canal and I know the impact seeing art has on people.

It is incredibly uplifting and it is lovely to see it. It is still colourful and it is still serving a purpose.

I just wish it would continue on in the way I had hoped as it is positivity in its full glory.”

Over the years the Canal & River Trust has worked with partners and volunteers to improve this area including removing overgrown vegetation which provides cover for antisocial behaviour.

The defacing of the mural highlights one of the ongoing challenges faced by CRT as it strives to keep canals alive – with a spend of £1 million a year removing graffiti from across its 2000-mile canal network.

Lizzie Dealey, partnership and funding manager, says: “We are trying to look after a network, a functioning network for anyone on the water or on the towpath.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal goes right through the heart of the city, offering this free accessible green-blue space on the doorsteps of thousands of people, so we want to ensure that the towpath is a nice, welcoming environment.”

Lizzie said many don’t realise there is a charity behind it.

“This mural was only possible thanks to the project funding and it was intended to conclude and celebrate our Isolation 2 Inclusion project.

“The work we have done with Jaydon aimed to enhance the canal environment and get that message out we want people to love and use this place. Making it more beautiful may make people respect it so this is extra devastating,” she added.

Boat Safety Scheme’s Advisory Committee seeks new chairman THERE is still time to apply for the chairmanship of the Boat Safety Scheme’s Advisory Committee (BSSAC).

A constructive, dynamic and wellorganised individual is being sought with a deadline on 5pm on Wednesday, December 6 for putting names forward.

In its call for applicants, BSS explained: “We are seeking boat users or members of the marine trade, who likely have some experience of working in committee processes who are interested in helping to keep people and

property safe.

“The BSSAC has a critical role to provide advice to the BSS Management Co m m i tte e on all aspects of the operation of the scheme, monitoring its intended progress and guiding its future.

Its chairman must support and uphold the principles of the BSS, albeit they are independent of the BSS Office and the scheme’s owners.

“The role, which is voluntary, is there to ensure that each of the represented interests has the opportunity to input into meetings, appeals panels, working groups etc both online and in

person. They are there to make sure that the BSSAC gives the BSS well-considered and valuable advice.

“The person is likely to be an experienced ‘process manager’ with demonstrable knowledge and skills to help drive issues through committees in a timely way.

They will also have experience of the inland waterways and boats; and some knowledge of working safely and risk assessment processes. They also

need to be confident, patient and have strong diplomacy skills.”

The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is a public safety initiative owned equally by the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency. Its purpose is to help minimise the risk of boat fires, explosions or pollution harming visitors to the inland water ways, the waterways’ workforce, and any other users and to help protect adjacent property.

To express your interest in the role, please read the role profile on the BSS website and follow the instructions at www. boatsafetyscheme.org/BSSAC-Chair

NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Little Star canal trip for Wrexham schoolchildren

A CLASS of Year 4 and 5 pupils from St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Wrexham recently enjoyed a 45-minute boat trip.

They cruised along the Llangollen Canal and crossed over the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on board Anglo Welsh’s trip boat Little Star.

Teacher Rebecca Hughes said: “The children had a lovely time on Seren Fach (Little Star). The tour guide was fantastic – so enthusiastic and bubbly – and the children really engaged with her.

“We were given lots of information that was pitched just right for the age of the children. What an amazing experience to cross the aqueduct on such a lovely boat. Diolch yn fawr (thank you very much)!”

Emma Lovell, reservations manager for Anglo Welsh, said: “Our Little Star trip boat takes visitors along the Llangollen Canal and across the 38m high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, to experience amazing views across the Dee Valley.

“In November and December we offer free boat trips to local schools.

They are an excellent experience for children to learn outdoors in a different way and canals are great places to visit to learn about history and nature.”

An impression of the bridge over the canal. IMAGES: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

Canal crowdfunder launched for community space

Ready for their trip along the Llangollen Canal. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Boarding the narrowboat.

The group of Year 4 and 5 schoolchildren beside Little Star.

Little Star offers space for up to 48 passengers and over the winter, public trips are running at weekends only.

Adult tickets are priced at £10 each, children (aged under 16) are priced at £6. Family tickets for two adults and two children are priced at £25 each. Anglo Welsh offers a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more.

For more information about Little Star, visit www.anglowelsh.co.uk or call the bookings office on 0117 304 1122.

THE Chesterfield Canal Trust has launched a crowdfunder appeal in association with the Aviva Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund to create new community spaces at Staveley, Derbyshire.

Aviva is kick-starting the appeal with £500 and will give the trust £2 for every £1 it raises, up to a maximum of £15,000. This means that if the trust can raise £7500, Aviva will turn it into £23,000, or up to £24,500 with Gift Aid. The six-week appeal finishes on December 19; to see full details and make a donation, search for Chesterfield Canal Trust and follow the links.

Works will take place at Hartington where there is just rough ground and steep slopes. But over the next 18 months a new Trans-Pennine Trail bridge and a lock will

be built and the canal will be restored.

The trust wants to create a great canalside environment for people and wildlife around the new bridge, giving nature a head start and creating a suitable setting for the new lock which will be built early in 2025.

It needs to raise funds for 60 trees (some semi-mature),

200m of hedging, 12 benches (including f ou r w h e e l cha i r accessible ones), native wildflowers, signs and information boards, accessible paths and landscaping works.

The new information boards will encourage people to learn about and help tackle climate change and the planting will take this into account.

The lock will be in the foreground with bridge beyond.

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8 NEWS

December 2023

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The canal that never was!

Crickheath wall work party team members take a breather as the task progresses.

Traditional skills revive tramway wharf

TOWPATH

The purpose of the testing is to inform what waterproofing will be required and where, if any.

Towpath works were also completed as fantastic progress was made. A couple of access points have been incorporated into the towpath to allow for the movement of plants and materials when channel works begin.

Crickheath Bridge wash wall repairs have also been completed. The wall, which was in a rather dilapidated state, was repairable for the most part, though the southern end required rebuilding.

The wash wall extends 25m south

from the bridge on the towpath side and has been repaired using a limebased mortar.

More details on the society's restoration activities, including detailed work party reports, can be found at shropshireunion.org.uk/restoration

Pump and pipe delivery to the Crickheath South work party.

Tom Fulda meets Milo – a regular visitor to the canal. PHOTOS: SUCS

THE Canal & River Trust in Wales (Glandŵr Cymru) has started the second phase of dredging on the 200-year-old Montgomery Canal.

Restoration of the canal has included decades of work by volunteers and partners. Now, more than four miles of the

canal between Llanymynech and Maerdy is being restored thanks to Glandŵr Cymru’s successful Levelling Up Fund bid in partnership with Powys County Council, supported by the Montgomery Canal Partnership.

This phase of the canal’s

David Carter, chairman of Shropshire Union Canal Society, on the restored Monty. The Grand Contour Canal would have been around five times as wide. PHOTO: SUCS

restoration aims to restore the channel so that boats will be able to use the waterway for the first time since the 1930s.

It will also help make the canal easier to use for unpowered activities such as canoeing and paddleboarding.

The restoration is also creating

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utilised for canal building. Further information about his career is a little thin but he died in 1971 near London.

Additionally envisaged as a national water supply resource or ‘water grid’, capable of transporting water throughout the country according to demand, this aspect of Pownell’s plan resurfaced briefly in discussions led

by Boris Johnson during his tenure as Mayor of London in 2012 but once again failed due its sizeable scope.

A Shropshire Union Canal Society spokesman said: “What is great about the plan is that it is Victorian in confidence and scale and maybe in the 19th century it would have been built. After all, the very successful Manchester Ship Canal, which was of similar dimensions, was built and is still in use today.

“Big concepts, even when they don’t come to fruition, are inspiring for those of us who wish to see further restoration and improvement of the existing canal system and makes some of the engineering problems faced throughout the network, including the beloved Montgomery Canal, seem highly achievable. Volunteers will continue to work on the canals, which seems assured, but they must be supported by realistic government funding to sustain what already exists.”

Boats to use stretch of Monty for first time in 90 years

TALK

IN A world stuffed with technology it’s great to see that traditional skills and methods are still being used to great effect. This is true at Grinshill Stone Quarry where masons are dressing large coping stones to replace broken ones at Crickheath Wharf, on the Montgomery canal just south of Oswestry.

Tom Fulda, project manager at the Shropshire Union Canal Society, which is restoring the canal, said: “The generous grant from the Association of Industrial Archaeology (AIA) has funded more than 30 metres of sandstone coping stones which will form the top layer of the wharf wall.

These come in various lengths, usually around 1.2m or 4ft, as they would have been measured originally.

“We’ll end up with about 40 to 45 stones in total and these, when a little weathered, will match the stones we have managed to save. It’s so refreshing to see traditional skills and methods still being used.”

Of course, the wharf wall is not the only work going on at Crickheath as the towpath is being brought to a standard that the bargees of old could only have dreamed of. There is also work on the channel, the wash wall and the hedgerows.

The Crickheath South work party saw the water test get under way after taking delivery of the large pump and associated pipework needed. Water is supplied from Crickheath Basin and pumped along the offside bank above the wharf wall to the two test areas, a distance of about 240m to the furthest.

THE Grand Contour Canal project was an ambitious endeavour, both in name and scale, as it would have dwarfed the current HS2 project – whichever bit is going ahead – but it may have achieved more.

It aimed to build a 100ft wide, 17ft deep canal with 25ft headroom down the spine of England to join London, Southampton, Bristol, Coventry, Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Chester, Manchester, Blackburn, Bradford, Hartlepool and as far as Newcastle.

The proposed canal was intended to be built without locks, as the name implies, at a height of 300ft (92m) above sea level which would be good for boat traffic but posed the question of how boats could be transported from sea level to canal level – an issue which remained unresolved as government approval for the project never materialised.

The plan was the brainchild of John Fredrick Pownell, a civil engineer, born in Pembroke Dock in 1900. His father was an engineer before him, spending some years in the US and John followed in the same business, training at King’s College in the Strand. John realised that there were routes all over the country at the same elevation that could be

The Montgomery Canal, in need of restoration. PHOTO: GLANDŴR CYMRU/CRT

a broad and sustainable habitat to support a range of wildlife and the protected floating water plantain found on the canal.

Kathryn Woodroffe, project manager for the Montgomery Canal restoration, said: “This phase of dredging is another exciting step forward

in the work to restore the Montgomery Canal. We are aiming to achieve a standard depth for boats to use the canal and ensure vegetation and tree cover that will enhance and protect the diversity of the canal ecosystem.”

This latest phase of dredging is being split into two parts. The first, which will be completed in the new year, will see nearly a mile dredged from Bridge 99 to Vyrnwy Aqueduct. The second part, just over half a mile from Bridge 101 to Bridge 102, will see the bank stabilised using coir roll and timber stakes, which will give the canal a soft bank ideal for wildlife such as water voles, wildfowl and invertebrates.

During the dredging, a footpath diversion will be in place where the footpath comes off the canal towpath across the farmland at Pont-y-Person.

CHARACTER/NEWS 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Characters of the Cut

Geraldine Jayne – Wild unfolding

Geraldine leading a workshop. PHOTO: FISH 2

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Words & photo: Tim Coghlan

IN LATE 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War, Braunston villager Frances Haynes crocheted a number of woollen poppies which she then put out for display at prominent places around the village.

They included a display of some 50 poppies on the sides to the handrails of the famous Horseley Iron Bridge at the entrance to Braunston Marina.

Frances has since continued this noble tradition – entirely her own work – for what has now been its sixth year.

By Alice Elgie

WHEN, in 2020, like so many others, Geraldine Jayne’s life was turned upside down, it was the call of the water that saved her, along with a narrowboat aptly named Hope.

“I lost everything – my marriage, home, and business – but I was staying with a friend not far from the canal and would walk along it every day. It was during this time I began to seriously contemplate life on the water,” she shared.

Geraldine spoke to her friend, Jo – who had once owned a boat – about a narrowboat being a viable prospect. “When you’re homeless, suddenly what you thought was impossible because of fear, suddenly becomes possible.”

However things took an unexpected twist when, through Jo, Geraldine met her now partner, Jason, who owned Nb Hope, a 57ft 1977 ex-holiday boat built by Pennine Marine at Skipton. Hope had already saved Jason at a particularly difficult time in his own life and now she would do the same for Geraldine, who took to boat life from day one and moved aboard in 2021.

Geraldine and Jason now continuously cruise the network valuing being close to nature and having the ability to move.

Currently they are heading south to visit family, but are otherwise flexible. “I’ve always felt stuck in a house, so boat life really suits me,” Geraldine said. They have found many treasures along the way but a favourite stretch is the River Weaver. “This was my first experience of a river and it had an altogether different feel. Wild and alive!”

Wild seems appropriate as this is the ethos behind Geraldine’s business. Through workshops and private coaching she helps women unfold authentically and discover their soul’s truths.

She shared: “My own experience led me to discover that many changes are trying to be made within the same framework.

“I call this garden mentality, due to the nature of gardens, taming all within. Therefore our wild nature cannot be properly expressed, which is absolutely essential if we want to live authentically.

“We need to jump the garden walls and escape into the

In Braunston’s fields, we remembered them The bridge display was particularly apt as an estimated eight of the 32 men from Braunston who were killed in action were boatmen.

Before the outbreak of war, they would have passed under that bridge many times on their boats.

Wartime Canadian physician and poet John McCrae concluded his famous poem In Flanders Fields, which inspired the Poppy Movement: “If ye break faith with us who die/We shall not sleep, though poppies grow/In Flanders Fields.”

Thanks to Frances Haynes’ endeavours, the fallen are not forgotten in Braunston, though it is woollen poppies that grow.

Geraldine experiencing the good life on the cut.

Geraldine working on her book. wilderness where we can cultivate our own wild, untamed selves!”

Closeness to nature

Geraldine is writing a book on this subject teaching a new (yet very old) way of rewilding with the long-term hope of bringing balance to our world, and the short-term goal of leading women to live authentic lives they love. “I turn the idea of being ourselves as vulnerability on its head and show how in fact it leads to personal empowerment.”

Incredibly, while writing her book, a family member discovered that a very close relative had the surname Wild.

“As if to drive this point home, there was also another branch where my ancestors married into another Wild family. I literally have Wild in my blood!”

This wildness weaves its way effortlessly into Geraldine’s life on the cut, as she embraces each and every part of the lifestyle, such as the closeness to nature and allowing the environment

A colourful display of flowers on Hope’s roof. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

to inspire her work. Even the reality of trudging up and down muddy towpaths with laundry encourages her to consider the mundane in a meaningful way.

She continued: “I feel very blessed. Lifting huge bags of coal in the freezing cold, collecting kindling in the wind, or filling containers of water in the dark makes me feel connected to life and with that comes a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.”

Geraldine likes to look on each season as a different personality and building this connection has undoubtedly made her feel more connected to herself. “I’m now very sensitive to the change in seasons and feel a stronger bond with nature than I had in a house. This has been a very healing experience, literally.”

Her love of the wild goes deeper still, in that she feels a strong connection with the wildlife on the cut. “Just a few weeks ago I had a tawny owl swoop down low over my head as I ventured out on to the towpath to listen to its call, and I’ve also had a bat land briefly on me!”

I agree with her when she observes that these encounters are what are lost when we keep ourselves shut away from it all.

It seems that it was always meant to be that Geraldine would find her way to the water and given her 2020 experience, she is an example of what can unfold when we connect with our truest selves, using it as an opportunity for empowerment. “Being on the cut I feel I’m no longer living in that garden culture.

I’m literally experiencing the metaphor I teach, of living wild and untamed.”

Website: www.geraldinejayne.com Instagram: @wild unfolding @narrowboat_hope @weaverofcreative magick Alice Elgie is a writer, mindfulness practitioner, and creator of the online community Slow Into The Seasons where she encourages and supports members in (re)connecting more deeply with nature and their truest selves. slowintotheseasons. substack.com

The display of some 50 woollen poppies, crocheted by Frances Haynes, on the famous bridge at the entrance to Braunston Marina to remember the village’s fallen in the world wars.

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10 NEWS

December 2023

Boat stripped out for hull inspection

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Cutting back the vegetation to improve the view from a seat in memory of Lance Bombardier Stephen Restorick. PHOTO: FCC

Clearing the view from memorial seat

On dry land: Birdswood on the boat stands.

TRIPBOAT Birdswood, operated by the Friends Birdswood being craned out of the feeder arm. of Cromford Canal, was recently lifted out for the biennial hull inspection of the FCC work parties. Then there is of the hull bracing plates.

The hydraulic drive by the Maritime & the small matter of craning Birdswood Coastguard Agency, writes motor directly behind back into the water and returning the John Guyler. the prop has been sent boat stands back to Langley Mill.

It involved craning the away for new seals to be FCC is also grateful of the help and boat out of the mooring assistance from the Arkwright cafe fitted. Birdswood has a unique propulsion system; and the Derbyshire County Council at position beside the Arkwright cafe and placing originally designed as a Cromford Wharf. it on to boat stands, kindly butty, her stern did not loaned by Langley Mill allow a conventional prop Boat Yard Ltd, at the side and transmission to be of the Cromford Canal. fitted. The propeller has There is very little space Completely cleared to be sited in the rudder in the area, so the boat of all internal THE Canal & River Trust and Marsh with a hydraulic gearbox had to be lifted on to the fittings. PHOTOS: FCC directly behind it and it is Charitable Trust have recognised peninsula between the this gearbox which requires volunteering excellence with award ceremonies in each of CRT’s six regions. canal feeder and the main canal on the seals.

Once secured on the stands a This year, as the trust faces the Cromford Wharf. The peninsula was originally used as a coal wharf when combined group of FCC work party challenge of a significant cut in its future the canal was operational and is said members and boat crew scraped the government funding, the importance of to be covered in cobbles (setts) hidden hull which had first been power washed volunteering has never been clearer. below the current gravel and grass and to remove any growth; this year the hull CRT head of volunteering Christine so provides a solid base. was unusually clean after lift out.

Mellor said: “In the face of some In the week prior to the lift, Birdswood Birdswood, being an electric powered daunting challenges, we could not was completely cleared of all internal boat, has two banks of batteries in the maintain our waterways without the fittings, seats, tables, kitchen and for main cabin; these battery boxes had to passion, commitment, skills and talent the first time the toilet, which is sited be moved forward to allow for access of our volunteers who support us in at the bow end just behind what was for inspection below them, which in the gas locker used when she was a itself was a job.

AWARD WINNERS restaurant boat in a previous life.

At the time of writing, the hull has Yorkshire & North East This gives the inspector a clear view had an ultrasonic inspection and a Individual: Stuart Crowther, based at visual internal hull inspection Standedge Tunnel Team: The Garden Party Team which had a positive conclusion North West on both. The major job now is Individual: Jim McKeown, National to replace all the floors and the Waterways Museum Collections internal equipment.

Team: River Weaver lock keepers The outside of the hull will be painted by the crew and members

FRIENDS of Cromford Canal volunteers recently cut the vegetation around a memorial seat beside the canal following a request to work party leader John Barker.

It is one of three seats placed two years ago at Codnor Park Reservoir and on the towpath

to Golden Valley in memory of Lance Bombardier Stephen Restorick, who was the last soldier serving in Northern Ireland to be killed by a sniper.

Stephen, who was 23 when he died in February 1997, was from a local village and his parents regularly

visit this section of the canal. They asked if the vegetation around one of the seats could be cut to improve the view.

Four volunteers took on this task. One of the FCC’s regular work party team is a veteran of the Falklands conflict, so this area has a special meaning to him.

Annual awards celebrate volunteers’ efforts

Work party restores OAP’s garden view

CANAL volunteers are used to removing vegetation but a Friends of Cromford Canal team recently helped to clear a village garden.

Some of the work party members also volunteer at other groups including the Crich Tramway Museum. Four of their group recently carried out a bit of ‘garden rescue’ in a nearby village for a housebound pensioner whose only view from his conservatory was a large bush directly in front of the window.

The team cleared the bush which opened up a large garden which was equally overgrown. At the end of a long day, the view extended down to the outbuildings and a large flowering shrub. They went back a few days later and cleared the large pile of cut vegetation.

so many ways. They lead and advise on how the trust works and free up colleagues to enable us to do more.

“Volunteers get stuck into practical activities that improve our waterways and surrounding green spaces for people and wildlife; they talk to and support customers through our locks and lead walks along our towpaths.”

She added: “I’d encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to come and join a welcome event. We have so much to offer that is flexible, fun, and can develop your interest,

skills and knowledge. Come and make new friends and make a difference to your local community. Join us and #VolunteerByWater. We have something for everyone.”

Marsh Charitable Trust chairman Brian Marsh said: “We are pleased to be able to work with the Canal & River Trust once again to deliver these awards recognising those who give their time to volunteer on our nation’s waterways.

“We look forward to continuing to highlight these invaluable contributions in years to come.”

Wales & South West Individual: David Palfrey, Let’s Walk

East Midlands Individual: Rob Hetherington, River

and Let’s Paddle events Team: Trevor Basin Visitor Centre Team West Midlands Individual: Phil Garner, Hatton Team: Harecastle Tunnel Volunteer

Team

Soar

Team: Erewash Canal Towpath

Taskforce Team

London & South East Individual: Lorraine Leckenby, Grand

Union Canal

Team: The Griffin Workboat Team

First lift bridges opened on Surrey canal A MAJOR restoration achievement was celebrated when the Wey & Arun Canal Trust officially opened its first two lift bridges in Birtley, near Bramley in Surrey.

This completes the restoration of a 700m section of canal and construction of two lift bridges which means that the causeways that blocked its route have been removed.

The official opening by Mary Creswell, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, was attended by more than 150 members and guests. Paying tribute to the tremendous amount of work

carried out by volunteers on the project, she said: “What a great achievement and an asset for Surrey.”

The two bridges are the biggest piece of the canal trust’s Birtley restoration programme. In 2018 the

The first of the two lift bridges opened on the day is raised after the ceremony. PHOTO: WACT

canal was severely overgrown, inaccessible to the public and blocked by two causeways.

The first task was to open a circular walk taking the path along the new section of canal, and back down the Downs Link path.

This new walking route has been enormously appreciated by local residents and highlighted the benefit of a restored canal. The two bridges are about 600m apart and have the same dimensions – 3m wide with a clear span of 4.5m. The steel decks weigh 3.5 tonnes with

1.5 tonnes of lifting frames and four tonnes of concrete counterweights.

WACT chairman Sally Schupke said this major project for the trust and for Surrey demonstrates the achievements of its volunteers and the benefits to the community. The trust is keen to improve the next section to the south (Fanesbridge/Rooks Hill). This will create more attractive canalside walks and recreation opportunities.

An application for planning permission is currently with Waverley Borough Council.

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Past volunteers recognised with honours board

AN honours board recognising the work of canal volunteers was unveiled at the recent Stourbridge Open Weekend.

Handcrafted from scratch and lettered by local artist Meg Gregory, it will take pride of place on public display in the town’s Bonded Warehouse.

The board was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Dudley, Coun Andrea Goddard, and the chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, Richard Parry, at the 2023 event.

Volunteers have been at the heart of Stourbridge Navigation Trust since its inception and following more than a decade of restoration work the Bonded Warehouse was opened for community use in 1985. The present trust is the culmination of five decades of voluntary effort, continuing the ethos of volunteering and seeing this as the sustainable way forward.

Chairman of the trust, Ian Cowdale, said: “Without the

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry and the Mayor of Dudley, Coun Andrea Goddard, unveiling the Stourbridge Navigation Trust honours board. efforts of many people, I believe the Bonded Warehouse would now be no more than a distant memory, suffering the same fate as other listed structures in the locality.

The Stourbridge Navigation Trust honours board.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

“The Stourbridge Town Canal Arm has only survived thanks to the volunteer activity at the warehouse. As visitors stand and admire the new honours board and use the facilities today they can, just for a moment, remember the hard work put in by a dedicated volunteer force.”

The trustees had agreed that the board should be displayed to recognise the efforts of the main stalwarts of the trust who gave their time, skills and energy freely to firstly restore and then manage, maintain and improve the facilities over the years both past, present and into the future.

Stourbridge Navigation Trust has a responsibility to maintain the standard of the area it controls along the town Arm and also maintain the Bonded Warehouse and associated buildings and structures.

It is always keen to recruit new volunteers who wish to get actively involved in fulfilling its aims and they are sure to receive a warm welcome.

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Mersey on the work beat at Wigan VOLUNTEERS have been operating from the workboat Mersey clearing vegetation from the canal wash walls in Wigan, Greater Manchester, writes Colin Wareing.

The boat is a nearly new addition to the Canal & River Trust’s fleet and was built by Aqueduct Marina. It was collected by CRT volunteers in early October from the marina

on the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

It was taken back to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal along the Bridgewater Canal, raising a few eyebrows as to what it was doing on non-CRT waters.

Mersey follows on from a similar boat, named Tweed, also built by Aqueduct.

You can find all of our companies at Kings Lock Boatyard, Middlewich. CW10 0JJ Canal & River Trust volunteers working from workboat Mersey at Wigan.

PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

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12 IWA ROUND-UP

December 2023

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AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

National Trailboat Festival to return after five-year break

THE Inland Waterways Association has announced that next year’s IWA National Trailboat Festival is to be held at Moira on the Ashby Canal.

It will be hosted and organised by the Ashby Canal Trust over the weekend of May 18-19, and will be hosted and organised by Ashby Canal Trust.

The event is the largest gathering of trailable boats in the UK and had been held annually since the first gathering in 1989 on the Lancaster Canal until the pandemic.

There has been a gap of five years since the 2019 event, also on the Lancaster Canal, while it previously took place on the Ashby Canal in 2000, 2009 and 2017.

Historic Moira Furnace on the restored length of the Ashby Canal in north-west Leicestershire (DE12 6AT) will be the venue. As well as a large gathering of trailable boats on this northernmost and isolated section of canal there will be a wide range of activities and attractions.

A Beatles tribute band will include songs from the beginning of the band’s fame to the end, with costume changes over their twice daily performances.

There will be a trad jazz band, Morris

Way of the Wyrd Morris Dancers in the festival’s main avenue. dancing, children’s conjuring fun and entertainment as well as train rides, a variety of stalls and demonstrations, classic cars, historic engines, boats, bar and refreshments.

The organisers hope to have a visit from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and Mother Duck will be there with her ducklings for visitors to enter a duck in the duck race along the canal.

The organisers have also invited the Military Wives Choirs from Nottingham and Cottesmore.

An illuminated boat parade is due to take place on the Saturday evening. All this will revolve around the banks of the canal at the Grade II listed Moira Furnace at the heart of the National Forest.

The festival will raise money for the Ashby Canal Restoration Project which has the long-term aim of restoring the canal from its current terminus at Snarestone to Moira. This major project will ultimately reconnect Measham, Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe and Moira to the national waterways network, and provide a green gateway to the heart of the National Forest.

Proceeds from the festival will assist the further restoration of the canal and contribute to the upkeep of the canal around the site of the Moira Canal Festival, for people to enjoy throughout the year.

IWA currently has a Silver Propeller Challenge location on the Ashby at the end of the connected length in order to encourage visiting boaters to use as much of the canal as possible. We are looking forward to moving it to Moira once the isolated length is restored and reconnected.

People who use and love our waterways – from boaters and anglers to paddleboarders, cyclists and walkers.

Still time to get snapping IF YOU’RE snappy you could still get your entry in to the IWA’s 2023 Photography Competition which will remain open until December 1.

The closing date is later than usual because, while some excellent entries have been received, the majority of these have been taken in the spring and summertime.

It is hoped to encourage more photographs which have been taken in the autumn and winter. These are especially critical for the IWA as it is always looking for suitable images for its calendars and Christmas cards.

By entering the competition, your photographs could be featured in the 2025 IWA Calendar or even in next year’s Christmas Card designs Photography competition category winners will receive £25 to spend in the online shop, plus IWA goodies. The overall winner will also receive a print of their photo!

Visit the website www.waterways. org.uk and click on support/ ways to get involved/photography

competition for guidance on entering the competition and for details of this year's categories which are as follows: People of the Waterways; Urban Wildlife; Protect our Waterways and Working Waterways.

To enter, please send your photos by email, dropbox link or WeTransfer, or other preferred file sharing services, to: entries@waterways.org.uk – please let us know the location, waterway and the chosen category for your entries. A maximum of 30 photographs can be entered per person.

The natural world meets urban environment – we want to see the vibrant assortment of insects, mammals and birds that inhabit our towns and cities.

Inspired by the Protect Our Waterways campaign, this category aims to highlight the threats facing our waterways such as climate change, plastic pollution and invasive species.

This category is all about the individuals and organisations who work on our waterways, from freight carrying vessels to paddlesports instructors and everything in between!

Canoes on the Ashby Canal. PHOTOS: IWA

Trailboats at a previous festival at Moira.

Christmas cards and calendar IWA 2024 calendars and its new range of Christmas cards are now in stock on the IWA website.

The calendars make a fantastic gift for canal and river enthusiasts as they are illustrated with waterways scenes and each month comes with a detachable postcard.

All calendars come with free postage and

free calendar envelopes can be provided too if required.

The new range of Christmas card designs feature wintry scenes from waterways including the Oxford Canal and the Peak Forest Canal. There are three new designs to choose from and you can also reorder old favourites from previous years such

as Winter Cruising through Audlem or Kidderminster Church.

Bargain packs are also available containing a selection of designs from previous years.

More details at https:// waterways.org. uk/support/shop/

Winter programme of talks and walks

CHECK out the IWA website for more details on branch talks and walks taking place over the

winter https://waterways.org.uk/ support/ways-to-get-involved/ events

Boat entry details from fionapursglove@outlook.com; Trade booking enquiries to moiracanal@ mail.com; classic vehicle entry bookings to alan.cuff1@ntlworld. com; general enquiries to ashby. canal@outlook.com The IWA is currently inviting applications from waterways groups to host the 2025 and 2026 festivals – enquiries to derek. smith@waterways.org.uk

Get involved – work party dates

PLEASE contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes and old clothing, plus it’s wise to take a waterproof. You may also want to take a packed lunch and refreshments.

NORTH December 16-17 IWA Manchester Branch: Working

with Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society at its regular work site, Prestolee Road, Little Lever, Bolton, BL3 1AD. Contact: Barry McGuinness 07875 999825 EAST December 3 and 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 at geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk Tuesdays IWA Milton Keynes Branch: Regular

work party at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal. 9.30am-1.30pm.

Work can include vegetation clearance, gardening, litter picking

and painting. Work parties are dependent on weather being agreeable. Contact: Pat Durham on 07510 195918; email pat.durham@ waterways.org.uk WEST Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in

the Somerset area, 10am-1pm.

Contact: Mike Slade at mike.slade@ waterways.org.uk; 07977 263840.

13

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

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14 FREIGHT

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Call to action: just add water

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

Green projects

SO READS the strapline of the recently published one-page waterways freight promotional document, put out jointly by the Commercial Boater Operators Association (CBOA) and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Freight Group.

Starting from the premise that people want cleaner air and reduced congestion in urban areas for their health and for the general environment, the paper goes on to speculate on what might be getting in the way of greater inland waterway use.

True, not all cargoes are suitable and where multiple handling is required, the profits soon go out of the proverbial window. But it is easy to counter the time sensitivity argument by pointing out that cargoes are often at sea for long periods and time spent aboard a barge can, with the support of today’s highly developed and sophisticated logistics industry, effectively be seen as free warehousing!

As with everything, it’s largely down to will and the way you spin it, as is ably demonstrated by the buoyant European inland waterways freight scene.

Pretty much everything from bulk cargoes, containers, chemicals, steel, forestry products, scrap and waste, through to petroleum products and vegetable oils are suitable, while lastmile deliveries have recently been demonstrating their potential.

However, what does need to be emphasised in terms of economic

Carbon catastrophe! viability is that a cargo really needs to be carried by water direct to a shore-based facility such as storage, a ready-mix plant or a factory. The only exception to this golden rule is, of course, containers which, in the UK, currently carry with them several infrastructure constraints, requiring investment borne out of ongoing commitment.

Coincidentally, this operator-led initiative was marginally preceded by the launch of a new government strategy aimed at shining a light on the crucial importance of freight to the UK, also featuring the success of a £200 million boost to help decarbonise the logistics sector.

It won’t surprise regular readers of this column to learn that this funding will be invested across four innovative green projects centred around the rollout of 370 zero-emission HGVs and their associated infrastructure.

Kate Jennings, director of policy at Logistics UK – www.logistics.org. uk/campaigns – stated: “We welcome the Government’s recognition of how important freight is for creating new jobs, growing the economy and achieving net zero.”

She went on to observe: “Ultimately we need (this) progress to be faster and support actioned promptly if we are to meet impending decarbonisation deadlines.”

However, as part of this government announcement, the Department for Transport went on to announce that it was reviewing the Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) and the Waterborne Freight Grant in a further effort to explore how it might help the sector to decarbonise by shifting freight from road to rail and the waterways via the two schemes.

In this area too, Ms Jennings probed the key issue by pointing out: “Logistics UK has been calling for a review into the MSRS scheme for some time as, currently, it disproportionately benefits the rail sector. In fact, 2022 research indicates that 95% of the funding from the scheme had been allocated to rail freight.

“While rail provides strong opportunities for modal shift and must be supported, action must be taken to prevent disadvantaging water freight, which also brings many social and economic benefits.”

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Emissions data

So to put some figures to this mood (or mode) music we can draw on a second document that CBOA and IWA Freight Group are currently putting together, detailing comparative emissions data between barge, freight train and HGV, based around kilos of CO2 emitted to move general cargo over a distance of 1km.

A typical 1500-tonne Thames bargeload would generate 19.82kg. Put that on to a train and it becomes 43.02kg, while the requisite number of 88 HGVs will churn out a massive 177.46kg.

So isn’t it high time, as I suggested last month, that we factored into any transport equation, the cost of carbon?

Especially as the scope of HS2 – a project that was, in reality, predicated on freeing up much-needed railway freight capacity – has just been totally emasculated purely on cost grounds.

The next thing we’ll know is that a third runway for Heathrow is firmly back on the cards: a piece of infrastructure that effectively became superfluous when a fully integrated HS2 offered a passenger

An empty Thames barge riding high in the water but which, when full, can carry 1500 tonnes. transport network that efficiently competed with internal air travel.

So I won’t even begin to frighten you with the kg per tonne of an airliner…

Thompson River Transport’s converted dumb barge Elver carrying aggregate on the River Severn.

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16 FAMILY HISTORY, HERITAGE

December 2023

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Change of tune for Standedge visitor centre An ambitious music project at a former canal warehouse in an iconic location could soon be under way. Sally Clifford pays a visit and makes a few notes of her own.

Exploring your canal ancestry: books Nicola Lisle continues her family history series with some book recommendations.

Driving force: Alastair Hanson, who has orchestrated the project to develop a centre for music and arts at Standedge Warehouse in Marsden. PHOTO SUPPLIED

BY ALASTAIR HANSON

IT IS a scheme to bring music to the ears of music lovers and visitors to this iconic West Yorkshire canal location.

Recently the waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, announced it was in the process of agreeing a lease with Hanson Music & Arts to create a North of England Centre for Music and Arts at the Grade II-listed former canal warehouse at Standedge Tunnel in Marsden.

Established in 1989, Hanson Music is a family business based in Marsden.

The company provides a range of instrument services, including repair and restoration, and is a member of the Heritage Crafts Association.

Alastair Hanson, founder of Hanson Music, explained they plan to retain a public visitor experience, incorporating the existing canal museum and tourist information with the addition of a musical instrument museum.

“We have an existing musical instrument collection of historic brass and wind instruments which are key to this area with the canal and mills,” said Alastair. “It would tie in well with the local area, a museum which ties in with the history of the canals.”

It is understood they will also retain the dry dock and existing public facilities and access.

Alastair is currently exploring the possibility of holding boat blacking demonstrations as part of the overall plans which, he hopes, will be under way by the end of the year.

The warehouse will also house Hansons’ heritage crafts business, making and restoring traditional musical instruments as well as an education facility and space for performances, conferences, meetings and weddings.

Importantly, they will continue working with the team of trust volunteers at Standedge to preserve and enhance the visitor experience in an area renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, and home to the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain.

In the meantime, museum visits have helped the family in their research.

Alastair explained a family visit to Kinderdijk, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Netherlands, which tells the important story of its windmills and water, has inspired their vision to

develop Standedge Warehouse as a vibrant and engaging place to visit with the potential for developing hands-on imaginative play for younger visitors.

“My family visited that visitor centre in the Netherlands in March this year and came out thinking that is brilliant, amazing,” said Alastair.

Royal connection

Living in Marsden with his family for 20 years, Alastair is familiar with the building – and its royal connection.

He recalled the visit by the then Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, now King Charles III, when he opened the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in 2001.

Interestingly, Alastair also had the honour of meeting the then prince when presenting him with what is believed to be the world’s first FSC certified, sustainably manufactured clarinet.

Knowing what an important community asset the building is has fired his enthusiasm for the future.

He said: “It is really exciting. We can’t wait to get the keys and start doing it.”

The building has a fascinating history as documented by Trevor Ellis, member of the Huddersfield Canal Society and

Plans are under way for the Standedge Warehouse in Marsden to become a centre for music and arts. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD author of The Standedge Tunnels which also includes the railway ones.

According to Trevor, the building dates back to 1830 when the warehouse at Tunnel End was constructed to serve Hey Green Corn Mill which stood at the head of Tunnel End Reservoir.

Interestingly, it appears the building may have been extended during its lifetime at the end furthest from the canal and was understood to have been altered to accommodate a railway siding running through the double doors on either side.

Evidence of this can be found in the blocked window openings. It is understood the siding was constructed shortly after the railway opened.

The warehouse is also believed to have served as a base for troops guarding the tunnels and their shafts during the Second World War. Reflecting the site’s railway heritage, Alastair talks about his idea to, potentially, run a miniature engine on the original track on the towpath as an added attraction.

He is also keen to learn more about the history of the building and is appealing for anyone with information or suggestions to get in touch via the website hansonworld.co.uk or email info@hansonarts.org

The project will enhance the Standedge Warehouse’s current facilities.

PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

IT’S easy to get bogged down with searching archives and online family history sites, but it is also worth exploring the wide range of books covering all aspects of canal history and the people who lived and worked on the canals.

If you are lucky, your ancestors may get a mention, or you may spot them or their boats in the photographs. The main value of these books, though, is the way they shine a spotlight on the lives of the canal boat people, from their working and living conditions to the places they travelled through.

Family history research

An excellent book for canal family historians is Tracing Your Canal Ancestors by Sue Wilkes (Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 2011), which includes a history of Britain’s canals, a detailed guide to general and canalspecific records, details of archives and other useful information (www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/ Tracing-Your-Canal-AncestorsPaperback/p/3222).

Another useful guide is the self-published Canal Boatmen Ancestors: A Beginner’s Research Guide by Alice McGladdery (2016), whose grandfather, Frederick Moss, worked on the canals in London, the Midlands and the North. This book again explores canal history, the boating community and canal occupations, and offers research guidance along with details of useful records, websites, books and societies.

Canal history

We’re used to Michael Portillo waving his Bradshaw’s railway guides around, but there is also a canal version: Bradshaw’s Canals and Navigable Rivers of England and Wales by Henry de Salis, published in 1904. The result of an 11-year exploration of the inland waterways of England and Wales, it was the first guide of its kind and is a comprehensive record of the canal and river networks of the Edwardian era. A facsimile edition, published in 2012, is available from the Canal Book Shop (www. canalbookshop.co.uk).

A must-read is Tom Rolt’s Narrow Boat, originally published in 1944 by Eyre & Spottiswoode and subsequently reprinted many times. Offering a fascinating portrait of the canal network just after the Second World War, Rolt describes the refurbishment of his narrowboat Cressy at Tooley’s Boatyard in Banbury and his subsequent 400-mile voyage along the canals of the Midlands and the North. His concerns about the

gradual decline of the waterways and the canal traditions and industries led to the formation of the Inland Waterways Association two years later. The book includes a plan of Cressy, technical notes on the boat and equipment, and a glossary of canal terms.

For a detailed history of Tooley’s Boatyard, Matthew Armitage’s Forging Ahead is essential reading.

Canal people

The most fascinating books, arguably, are those written by those who lived and worked on the canals. Their testimonies offer vivid portraits of the bygone days of the inland waterways and can provide useful background for family historians.

Sheila Stewart’s Ramlin Rose: The Boatwoman’s Story was published in 1993 by Oxford University Press and reissued this year by the Canal Book Shop to mark the 30th anniversary. Ramlin Rose captures the final days of the horse-drawn narrowboats on the Oxford Canal, seen through the eyes of an illiterate boatwoman and based on recorded interviews with women who had spent their lives on horse-drawn boats. Complete with black and white photographs and line drawings, this is a poignant glimpse into a world that has now long gone.

In his trilogy of life on the canals – Anderton for Orders, Number One and Following the Trade – Tom Foxon captures his life as one of the last of the ‘Number Ones’ during the 1950s, describing his experiences and the variety of cargoes he carried between Bristol, London, Hull and Liverpool.

The experiences of the so-called ‘Idle Women’ – that brave band of women who transported vital supplies along the Grand Union Canal during the Second World War – were later recorded by several of the recruits: The Amateur Boatwomen by Eily Gayford, Idle Women by Susan Woolfitt, Maidens’ Trip by Emma Smith and Troubled Waters by Margaret Cornish. Another ‘idle woman’, who worked on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, was Nancy Ridgway, and her memoirs, originally written for her children, have since been published as Memories of a Wartime Canal Boatwoman.

Finally, The Canal People, a collection of photographs by Robert Longden, introduced by Sonia Rolt, presents an intimate portrait of the boating community at Hawkesbury Stop, a popular gathering place for those working on the Midlands canals during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Many of these books are available from the Canal Book Shop (www. canalbookshop.co.uk), where you will find many more books on the history and traditions of the canals.

17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

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18 WHAT’S ON

December 2023

A celebration of canal preservation pioneer’s legacy TO MARK the 50th anniversary of the death of the writer and biographer LTC Rolt, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has partnered with academics from Keele University to organise a conference in May 2024.

This will celebrate his life and the continuing legacy of his work and follows the completion, in August 2023, of the cataloguing and digitisation of the Rolt Collection of manuscripts and working papers.

Submissions on any aspect of Rolt’s life, work, writing or historical context are welcomed and 200-word abstracts can be sent to Dr Ben Anderson at b.anderson@keele.ac.uk before Friday, December 15, 2023. More information can be found on the IGMT website at https://www.ironbridge. org.uk/learn/ltc-rolt-conference/ LTC Rolt, also known as Tom, was a renowned practical engineer and a prolific author. He wrote books and articles on subjects including industrial history, canals, railways and cars as well as fiction.

Regarded as one of the founders of the 20th-century waterways and railway preservation movements, he actively participated in the foundation of numerous organisations including the Talyllyn Railway, the Inland Waterways Association and the Vintage Sports-Car Club, to name just a few. He wrote some 60 major works as well as many reviews, articles and other publications.

Dr Anderson, senior lecturer in environmental history at Keele University, said: “At a time when heritage was considered narrowly as what remained from the lives of pre-industrial elites, Rolt championed the built environment of industrial change, technology and new social forms.

“His prodigious writing and practical intervention resulted in the first heritage railway and the restoration of thousands of miles of waterways.

Somehow, he also found the time to write strikingly modern texts on environmental change, a successful series of ghost stories and a go-to text on railway accidents. His passion for his subjects and accessible writing style have meant that he continues to attract new readers today.”

Substantial work

Rolt was also an early supporter of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

Originally published in 1944

by Eyre & Spottiswoode, Narrow Boat by LTC Rolt was subsequently reprinted many times. It offers a portrait of the canal network just after the Second World War and his concerns about the gradual decline of the waterways and the canal traditions and industries led to the formation of the Inland Waterways Association.

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To book tickets for the Ellesmere Port National Waterways Museum Festive Boat Trip and Santa’s Grotto Experience, please go to https://canalrivertrust.org. uk/things-to-do/events/canalevents-canal-festivals/2023-1202-national-waterways-museumfestive-boat-trip-and-santasgrotto-experience To reserve a seat on the Santa Cruise at the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre, near Northwich, please follow the link: https://canalrivertrust.org. uk/things-to-do/events/canalevents-canal-festivals/2023-1202-santa-cruise Santa and his elves at the Anderton Boat Lift.

The late Sonia Rolt opening the 2007 Braunston Historic Boat Rally on board steam narrowboat President. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN This inspired the decision of IGMT to acquire the papers of Rolt and his wife, Sonia, in 2019, thanks to a generous grant from a benefactor.

In August 2023, professional archivist Chris Pickford completed a year of work cataloguing and digitising the collection, with the support of members of the Shrewsbury and Wrekin branches of The Arts Society, co-ordinated by Tim Roberts. Around 30 Arts Society members contributed more than 1000 hours in voluntary time between them.

Nick Booth, collections and learning director at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “Given the role Rolt’s publications played in the emerging field of industrial archaeology and industrial heritage preservation, it was only natural that IGMT should acquire the papers of Tom and Sonia Rolt to be able to catalogue them and make them available to researchers and the wider public for the very first time.

“We are grateful to Chris Pickford and the volunteers for their hard work, and excited to host this conference to celebrate Rolt’s life and examine his legacy 50 years on.”

Following the completion of this substantial work, IGMT, in partnership with Keele University, will host the conference entitled LTC Rolt: Life, Work, Legacy, on Friday, May 10, 2024.

It coincides with the 50th anniversary of Rolt’s death and will be a major retrospective of his life, work and legacy. It will seek to understand Rolt’s drive and ambition, examine the full diversity of his written output, and chart the story of at least some of the organisations and initiatives he founded and supported.

This conference is part of an ongoing partnership between Keele University and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust to develop student opportunities and open doors for new research into 300 years of industrialisation. The aim is to take advantage of the knowledge in the university and the trust to tell the story of why the Ironbridge Gorge is so important to industrialisation.

Tickets to attend the conference will go on sale at the end of 2023. To register interest please complete the form on the website. It will be preceded on the Thursday evening with a reception in the Furnace Kitchen, Coalbrookdale and followed by activities at one of the IGMT sites on the Saturday.

For more information about the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, visit www.ironbridge.org.uk

All aboard for Anderton and Ellesmere Port Santa cruises

Every family will have the chance to FATHER Christmas and his elves are linking up with the Canal & River Trust pose with Santa for photos and each to give families fantastic festive fun on child over 12 months will receive a special gift to take home.

Santa boat cruises.

These will take place during A pre-Santa Cruise cooked breakfast December at the National Waterways will also be served in the cafe from Museum in Ellesmere Port and the 10am on each Saturday and Sunday Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich. through December and joint tickets On all four December weekends are available for £20 each or £12 leading up to Christmas, the trust will (adult)/£15 (child) for the cruise only. be decking the halls with holly for a Ani added: “At Anderton Boat Lift, fabulous trip to Santa’s grotto. there has been a special pre-Christmas CRT destination and attraction gift for all of us with the competition manager Ani Sutton said: “Christmas of the Soot Hill roadworks and the is a special time at both our wonderful heritage museum and boat lift visitor centre. Our brilliant team of elves really go to town with the festivities, giving families a magical experience and a perfect start to the Christmas celebrations.”

At Anderton Boat Lift and Visitor Centre, on each Saturday and Sunday, there will be three boat trips a day at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, when families can enjoy favourite Christmas songs and stories as the boat Santa keeping cosy in his grotto. glides along the River Weaver towards Northwich.

PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER December 3 IWA Towpath Walks Society:

Grosvenor Canal and Battersea Power Station.

Meet Victoria tube station (Wilton Street exit, opposite Apollo Victoria Theatre) at 2.30pm. Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15s £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com December 5 Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society:

Annual natter, noggin and quiz night. The meeting room behind The Weighbridge, Scarfield Hill, Alvechurch B48 7SQ, 7.45pm start. Free admission, small charge for hot drink and biscuits,

non-members very welcome.

December 8 North Staffordshire & South Cheshire IWA: Christmas

Quiz with Sarah Honeysett, Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club, Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon, Stoke-on-Trent ST9 9DU, 7.45 for 8pm start.

Non-IWA members welcome; admission free (donations to waterway causes welcome), you would be very welcome to bring a small amount of Christmas fare to share.

Contact socialsec.nssc@ waterways.org.uk December 17 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s Canal: King’s

Cross – Granary Square – St Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) at 2.30pm. Nominal charge

reopening of the road which connects the lift attraction site to Northwich town centre.

“This will make the journey to visit the Boat Lift Visitor Centre much easier for local families. It’s great to have this important route restored in time for the start of the popular Santa Cruise season.”

Treasure trail

At the National Waterways Museum, the Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust will again be running regular festive boat cruises along the Shropshire Union Canal.

Families are promised an exciting, fun-packed 45-minute trip, full of carols, games, stories and a treasure trail to help track down Santa’s missing presents, before children are shown into Santa’s magical grotto to share their own Christmas wishes and choose a special present to take home.

The full experience costs £11.50 or for £8, children can enjoy the Santa’s Grotto Experience only.

Tickets also include access to the waterways museum, historic boats, cafe and playground for the day.

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

£15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15s £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com January 1 IWA Lichfield: New Year’s

Day Walk. Huddlesford and the Coventry Canal.

An easy four-mile walk on level ground. Meet at 10.30am for a 10.45am start in the car park of The Plough Inn, Huddlesford Lane, Whittington, Staffs WS13 8PY. Non-members welcome.

IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s Canal:

Little Venice – Camden. Meet Warwick Avenue tube station at 2pm. Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children

16 and over £10; 8-15s £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com January 4 Birmingham Canal Navigations Society: Crossing

the Severn Estuary with Neil Barnett. Titford Pump House, Engine Street, Oldbury, B69 4NL, 7.30pm.

January 7 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s Canal:

Islington – Kingsland Road.

Meet Angel tube station at 2.30pm. Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15s £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

19

20 MARINAS & MOORINGS

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Sherborne Street, Birmingham B16 8DE 0121 455 6163 / 0121 454 5367 www.sherbornewharf.co.uk or email@sherbornewharf.com

Our boat yard facilities are located canal side, on the main line outside the Distillery

Moorings in the heart of the city Mooring in the centre of Birmingham City

We are in a unique position on the Birmingham Canal Navigations and have berths available close to the city centre serving all types of boaters for overnight, short term and long term moorings.

QUIET AND SECURE MOORINGS BOAT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

GAS, DIESEL AND PUMP OUT

Boat engine service £225.00 Single day empty and refill £250.00 V bottom boat extra charge (at the time of booking you must inform us if your Boat is V-Bottom £100.00 Extra days in the dock if already booked in for blacking or service will be charged at £70 per day Blacking consists of jet washing the hull of the boat down and making sure area is clean and dry, should we find anything of concern we will contact you to inform you. We can offer various blacking products please call us and speak to us.

Anodes are £150 per pair and fitting/welding is £60.00 per pair if purchased from us.

All other works are charged at £60.00 per hour

Blacking is charged per foot length of the boat 40 FEET 45 FEET 50 FEET 55 FEET 60 FEET 65 FEET 70 FEET 75 FEET

£600 £675 £750 £825 £900 £975 £1,050 £1,125

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

Northampton Marina

The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways

Call us on 01604 604344 or 07867 580129 to arrange a visit or to make an enquiry.

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm www.visitanglianwaterways.org www.northamptonmarina.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Northampton Marina

Nestled alongside Becket’s Park, Northampton Marina has a secluded, countryside feel whilst being within easy walking distance of the train station and town centre with its many shops, bars, restaurants and theatres.

Located at the junction of the River Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, it is ideally placed for exploring both Anglian Waterways and the wider canal network.

Offering boaters a friendly stay with access to a great choice of cruising routes.

Our award-winning facilities building is open to all marina customers, including washrooms, laundry, pump-out and Elsan disposal point. All of our berths have access to water and electricity. Our landscaped grounds provide a relaxing recreation area with BBQs and picnic tables.

We offer permanent, visitor and winter moorings.

You can also purchase your Anglian Waterways boat licences and navigation keys from our full time Site Officer.

Why not make Northampton Marina the base for your next boating adventure?

MARINAS & MOORINGS 21

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

BARGE WORLD OPENING 2024

Location of new Barge and Widebeam moorings

• High Leisure Mooring (5 nights per week) • On Berth Pump-Out and Water Facilities • Electricity • Private Parking • Laundry and Washroom Block • Wi-Fi • CCTV • Security Access

In the tranquil setting of Shepperton Marina, superbly placed for both upper and lower Thames cruising, Barge World offers a dedicated, fully serviced area within the Marina solely for Barges and Widebeams.

HAREFIELD MA HAREFIELD MARINA ARINA

Bridge 180, Grand Union Canal, Harefield UB9 6PD Tel: 01895 822036 muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Facilities include:- Pump out - Chandlery - Boat sales/ - Slipway brokerage (up to 65ft) - Covered wet dock - Engine inboard/ outboard repairs - Water and electric - gas and coal points - Diesel

200 secure, non residential rural moorings in secluded countryside setting 5 mins from M25/M40.

One days cruising from the Thames.

Reservations now being taken Call us to find out more 01932 243722

Whether you are thinking of exploring Barge ownership or selling or buying a pre-owned Barge please visit:

www.bargeworld.co.uk

Set in beautiful countryside at the junction of the River Severn & the River Avon in Gloucestershire. Flood protected moorings, water and electric at berths, fuel, pump-out, and staff on hand 7 days a week. Gantry crane and work area for blacking.

MOORINGS AND BOAT SALES For viewings and information please call 01684 293737 or email: sales@tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

Fenny Marina Finding peace away from home

www.thefennymarina.co.uk

moorings@fennymarina.co.uk | Fenny Marina Ltd Station Fields Southam CV47 2XD

Tel 01295 770461 ✔ Wi-Fi ✔ Electric & Water ✔ Shower & Toilet ✔ Totally Secure ✔ CCTV ✔ Elsan & 24-hr Pump-out ✔ Diesel, Gas, Coal, Logs, & Kindling ✔ Rural Location ✔ Rubbish & Recycling ✔ Courtesy Lighting ✔ Chandlery ✔ 15 Min drive from M40

22 MARINAS & MOORINGS

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Scan here for updates!

New widebeam and narrowboat moorings in Roydon, Essex conveniently located 30 minutes from central London by train.

Phase one is scheduled to complete in March 2024 with 168 new moorings boasting composite anti-slip walkways, smart card electric bollards, electric car chargers, recycling bins and a new facility building featuring bathrooms, laundry and elsan.

NEW MOORINGS Reach central London in 30 min.

Fantastic facilities

Widebeams & narrowboats

Competitive rates

Price freeze! 2023 mooring rates will remain unchanged until 31st March 2025 CHANDLERY & SALES OFFICE

HOLIDAY PARK

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WILDLIFE RESERVE

MARINA ENTRANCE & EXIT

BY WATER

Reserve your mooring today!

01279 792777 | marina@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk | roydonmarinavillage.co.uk | Roydon, Essex CM19 5EJ

MARINAS & MOORINGS 23

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Hill Farm Marina

Blisworth Marina Cruising mooring - Go cruising for 3 months and get 20% discount Pay for 2 years and get a discount of 10% on 2nd year Widebeam berths available

For Boat Sales please visit our website Blisworth Arm NN7 3FG www.blisworthmarina.co.uk info@blisworthmarina.co.uk 01604 879827

South Stratford Canal The View Restaurant is now fully open www.theview-eat.co.uk • Enjoy private access to a traditional 200 acre beef and sheep farm • Dogs run free in designated areas.

• Watch the changing seasons, the wildlife and the animals on the farm • Enjoy the complete peace, freedom and tranquillity of being in the countryside • Access some great lock free cruising for day trips, weekend or longer voyages • Easy access to the motorway network • Onsite laundry, Hairdressers and Dog Grooming

It goes without saying....

• A secure place to moor your boat, and park your car • Luxurious showers, communal areas, pump out and fuel etc.

• Free unlimited WIFI • Electricity and water connections • Extra wide pontoons available

Please watch the progress www.hillfarmmarina.co.uk email info@hillfarmmarina.co.uk or call David on 07971 118953

PYRFORD MARINA

A HIDDEN GEM

WINTER MOORINGS AT PYRFORD MARINA With premium marina facilities and a fantastic River Wey location, tranquillity and convenience come hand in hand at Pyrford Marina.

Access over 20 miles of navigation stretching through the heart of Surrey directly from Pyrford Marina and join the many beautiful and exciting routes waiting to be explored.

A popular family bankside pub is a stone’s throw away, and fantastic transport links and plenty of amenities are in very close proximity. Onsite facilities include parking, pre-paid electricity and water supplies to your berth, dry dock, a brand-new launderette, newly refurbished showers and toilets, and on-hand staff 7 days a week during office hours. This first-class marina has everything you could possibly need.

CALL 01932 340739 TO FIND OUT MORE www.tingdeneboating.com

pyrfordmarina@tingdene.com

24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE MARINA Our newest 250 berth marina opened in 2022. Located on the river Avon just 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of historic Stratford upon Avon. Marina facilities include rise & fall pontoons, water & electricity hook ups, free wi-fi, laundry, showers, fuel sales, Lakeland Leisure boat brokerage.

A marina that offers you a choice

T: 07714 095005 E: shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

CAEN HILL MARINA Located on the popular Kennet and Avon Canal at the base of the famous Caen Hill flight, this 248 berth marina is just west of the historic town of Devizes in Wiltshire.

A family owned marina set in rural Worcestershire, but minutes away from the M5, gives all boaters great travel opportunities.

The 238 berth marina is located on the Droitwich Canals, ideally situated for great cruising albeit for a short break or long holidays. It is within easy walking distance of the Spa Town of Droitwich.

T: 01380 827062 E: caenhill@land-water.co.uk

NORTHWICH QUAY Located on the banks of the river Weaver in the centre of Northwich Cheshire, this 50 berth marina has easy access to all its local facilities & amenities.

T: 07967 461038 E: northwich@land-water.co.uk

KNOWLE MOORINGS BAKERS LANE, SOLIHULL

This marina offers you ■ Security for you and your boat ■ Full length jetties, in a non flood environment ■ First class facilities, including luxury shower block and launderette ■ Shop and Chandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout, Diesel, Water ■ Boat Blacking options available ■ Hardstanding, Service Area, and Cranage Pad facilities ■ Calor Gas Stockist ■ Caravan Motorhome CL site

OFF-LINE NON-RESIDENTIAL 20 BOAT MOORINGS NOW OPEN. GRAND UNION CANAL, BETWEEN BRIDGES 68 & 69 ALONGSIDE ‘THE BLACK BOY’ PUB & RESTAURANT WATER & ELECTRIC PER BERTH, OPEN ALL YEAR, VERY PICTURESQUE & TRANQUIL SETTING, SAFE & SECURE, COMPETITIVE RATES.

TELEPHONE 07813 156950

www.droitwichspamarina.co.uk Tel: 07970 626807 or 01905 317250

Droitwich Spa Marina Ltd Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 7DU info@droitwichspamarina.co.uk Tel: 01905 317250 Mobile: 07970 626807 www.droitwichspamarina.co.uk

MARINAS & MOORINGS 25

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

www.goolemarina.co.uk Email: info@goolemarina.co.uk Tel: 01405 763985

Goole Marina, The Timber Pond, Dutch Riverside, Goole, DN14 5TB

Services:

•Dry Dock •Slipway •Welding •Blacking •Shot Blasting •Engine Servicing •Solar Panel •LPG Gas Safe work •Joinery Services •New Boats •Boat Brokerage •Electrical Work •Painting

Facilities:

•Water/ Electricity •Bottled Calor Gas supplier •Pump out •Laundry room •Heated toilets, Shower room with under floor heating •Licensed bar with outside seating area •Postal address for live aboards •Chandlery •Diesel

Goole Marina is located in a basin connecting to the Aire and Calder Canal and close to the commercial port of Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The marina provides an ideal base for cruising the waterways of Yorkshire as well as giving easy access to the Humber Estuary and the North Sea. We have a marina basin to accommodate 150 boats of various lengths & widths.

We can accommodate all types of craft from Cruisers to Narrowboat and Barges.

All types of moorings, garden moorings to floating pontoons, which can be accessed 24hrs a day.

Touring Park

Glamping Wagons

Our new Marina Café, Coffee Dock, is now open to the public.

Open Monday – Saturday 9am until 3pm.

Everyone welcome!

26 MARINAS & MOORINGS / PRODUCTS & SERVICES

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS BOAT SERVICES - WILLOW MOORINGS WINTER MOORINGS AVAILABLE!

Moorings Available for cruisers and narrowboats at £4.50 per foot, per month.

Residential moorings available at £325.00 per month.

Powered slipway for boats up to 40 foot and a second slipway for small boats. Slipway can be hired for DIY work or we offer services for Antifouling, Painting and General Servicing. We also have a Boat Safety Examiner on site.

Located on the A6, adjacent to The Otter Public House.

01509 672385 www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk Kegworth, DE74 2EY

FRADLEY MARINA

07941 167 087

Pillings Lock Marina WINTER MOORINGS AVAILABLE Boat Brokerage Workshop & Slipway Licensed Restaurant

Private, tranquil moorings nestled in the Staffordshire countryside just a stone’s throw from historic Fradley Junction on the popular Trent and Mersey Canal.

• 60 full length moorings • Water and 16amp electric • Modern shower block • Car Parking • Electric Gates • Recycling • Workshop & Slipway • Elsan • WI Fi & CCTV • Laundry • Fuel • Nationwide Boat Sales brokerage Our workshop and slipway is taking bookings for blacking • painting • servicing • surveys • repairs • new boat fit out • interior remodelling • furniture & cabinet making To contact the workshop please call Fradley Narrowboats on 07542 824262 or email fradleyboats@gmail.com

www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

01509 620990 www.pillingslockmarina.co.uk Flesh Hovel Lane, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 8FE

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

Kate Boats

One stop shop for your boat!

The same skills that keep our hire boat fleet running reliably and looking good can be available for your boat.

• Blacking • Welding • General engineering • Engine servicing • Engine replacement • Painting from touch up to a complete repaint • Electrical repairs and installations • Gas safe engineer on site • Heating repairs and replacement • Internal repairs and refit • BSS and hull surveys organised We have recently invested in a trailer to pull boats out of the water for blacking, bookings now being taken for blacking in 2023.

www.kateboats.com 01926 492968

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

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Seagoing

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Marine Generating Sets

Spares & Support

36 years of customer centred focus, listening to needs and delivering long term value solutions.

Specialists in customer advice and support at all points of a products life.

Superb after-sales service via our network of approved engine installers and spares stockists.

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14 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with mechanical or hydraulic gearboxes. Full hydraulic drive option available.

Super silent acoustic housings, 3.5 or 5.0 kVA travel power and bow thruster options available.

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*If other FAME bio fuels are used or mixed we strongly advise use of our alternative fuel kit option. Available for new or retro fit-able to existing engines.

43 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with single or twin 48v hybrid electric drive motor/generator(s).

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delivering reliability and peace of mind

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28 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

HiQ

MARINE SERVICES UK LTD

December 2023

Based in Nottingham, offering quality services across the Midlands

Have you checked your Webasto before winter?

We are authorised service agents, taking bookings now.

With over 50yrs experience we provide quality workmanship at sensible prices.

• Engine and gearbox servicing and repairs • Stern gear servicing and repairs • Electrical system design, installation and repairs for both 12 and 240V, including batteries and inverters • Solar panel system design, installation and repairs • Diesel heating system installation and repairs • Bow thruster repairs • Installation of the latest SMART technologies • Free estimates • Prices per job not per hour

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

LithiumBatteryShop.uk 12V 180Ah Battery £685

Tel 07741 650559 Email enquiries@hiqmarine.co.uk www.HiQmarine.co.uk

The W har f, W at l i ng St , G ai l ey , St af f s ST1 9 5 PR 01902 791811 en q@ j d b o at s . co . u k www. j dboat s . c o. uk

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En g i n e s El ec tr i c s Sol ar Panel s Hy b r i d Pr o pu l s i o n HARDST AND ING DI Y F ACIL IT I ES STO RAG E

Includes: Bluetooth App / Heater / Active Balancer

Please phone for our range of Electric Propulsion Batteries 20kWh £4800 Tel / WhatsApp: 07808 181717 Email: info@LithiumBateryShop.uk www.LithiumBatteryShop.uk

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

ELY MARINE LTD NOW OPEN

60 Ton Lift Capacity at Hermitage Marina (Earith)

F.O.C. no obligation measure & sample viewing at your boats. Centrally located for your convenience.

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Our standard curtain lining includes a Teflon finish for added protection from moisture and soiling

Extend blacking interval and boat life by waterline epoxy coating Electrical Leakage testing

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WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU CAN COUNT ON EBERSPACHER TO KEEP YOU WARM

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

HYDRONIC HS3 D4E HEATER This latest heater is now in stock. 4.3kW output and only 1.3kW at low, ideal for narrowboats.

Kits from £1695.00

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HYDRONIC D4WSC EXCHANGE SERVICE For only £535.00 receive one of our factory reconditioned units when you send us your old, non functioning D4WSC or D5WSC*.

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CALLSTART APP

Control your heater through your phone

Easy installation. Simple on/off.

Run time settings. iPhone & Android SMS notification. £159.00 SIM not included.

Espar Ltd T 01752 491900 web@espar.co.uk www.eberspacherdirect.com www.espar.co.uk

30 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

December 2023

Kingfisher Marine Electrical

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Victron, Sterling, Solar Batteries (Sealed, AGM, Gel, Lithium) and so much more!

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Seasons

Greetings from all at Saltisford Arm 01926 490006

www.saltisfordcanal.co.uk

Jean & Steve wish all our

customers and friends a great Christmas and New Year.

Stretford Marine Services

www.stretfordmarine.com

Authorised and regulated

by the Financial Conduct

t Chris and Margaret wish would like to everyone a Happy Christmas and in 2023 safe cruising .co.uk www.cetecmarine 07860 254369 01784 464899

Authority

Season’s Greetings from all the team at Multicell 01455 283 443 www.multicell.co.uk

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from everyone at Stoke on Trent Boats.

Happy Happ

Christmas to customers old and new from all at

812240 01782 8122

01782 813831

Sue & Phill at

would a all their customers very Merry Christmas Year and a Peaceful New k phillabbott@wharfhouse.co.u 01788 899041

Knowle Hall Wharf

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2023

Have your very best Christmas, from Sylvia & Kathryn

January 2023

al Industria Plastics d Supplies Limited uk .co.u

versatile-flooring www.v Tel: 0113 257 9000

01270 812677 www.overwatermarina.co.uk

wishing all the readership festive greetings from Richi and the team at

Merry Christmas & A Happy New

Year From Everyone At…

www.midlandmarine.co.uk

01902 544329

www.channelglaze.com 0121 706 5777

Janet and

Tania wish a

everyone Happy Christmas and New Year

TOWPATH

Wishing all our customers and friends a very Merry a Christmas and prosperous 2023 from all at

ats.co.uk www.brontebo 01706 815103

ke to wish alll their d lik would Merry customers a very a Happy Christmas and ear.

New Ye

www.oakums.co.uk 01538 528190

k .co.uk .bcbm.co.u w www.bcbm www 01270 811500

METHLEY

BRIDGE CHANDLERY 01977 735400

We wish all our moorers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.yelvertoft-marina.com na.com Office@yelvertoft-marina.com

kc

uk

w cccanopies.co. ww.c www ww 07717 772996

Wishing a Merry Christmas Wishing all our future boat-share owners, to all boat-shar and existing a Merry Christmas Year customers from a a Happy New and

Wishing customers old & new a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

0178 01788 822292

o.uk

Tim and Hazel of

Cratch Covers s & Canopies

bespoke boat covers.

inver anopies est. 2011

www.kinvercanopies.co.uk Tel: 01384 394469

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023 from Janet & Tania

TOWPATH

Wishing all our customers both past and present a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FARNCOMBE BOAT HOUSE 01483 421306 www.farncombeboats.co.uk

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at

Emma & Kirsty of

Bristol Boats Ltd

all would like to wish very our customers a and a Merry Christmas Prosperous 2023. k sltd.co.uk www.bristolboat 01225 872032

www.bestcoltd.co.uk Tel: 0151 630 5111

All Wills and Trusts Ltd Legal Services Christmas y Christmas rry Merry Merr Merr Heree

‘Happy

01295 770461

unston Northants Braunston, Braunston 01788 890784 www.unioncanalcarriers.co.uk

MERRY MERR CHRIS CHRISTMAS AND A HAPP HAPPY NEW YEAR om all at From Fr Alv Alvecote Marina

Lock Hill, Staniland Marina, DN8 5EP Thorne, Doncaster

Happy New Year to all customers and friends of John, Gez, and Tristan at

www.stanilandmarina.co.uk w 01405 816992

NNorth Kilworth Wharf www.northkilworthwharf.com w

Happy New Year from all at

www.abnb.co.uk

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year tshill.from all at Hartshill. at the Anchor Inn, you in 2023 ward to seeing forward Shakespeare Looking for (Bridge 29, CV10 0RT) Marina

the from Ray and all wern team at Ray Bow ort.

Boat Transpo 07860 729522

Wishing all our customers new & old a merry Christmas & a py New Year!!

Happ

Roberts Bespoke vas Canv

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at

Jason and Clare

would like to thank all past, present and future customers.

Merry wishing you all all the Christmas and best for 2023.

OODWIIN GP G P L AST I C S

07956 980535

to Season’s Greetings past all our customers and present from

o.uk Boatmail.cmail The boater’s forwarding company

Denham Yacht Station

01895 239811 www.denham-marina.co.uk

Wessex Boat Store

Wishing all our Customers, Old and New a and Merry Christmas Year, a Happy New all from Alan and the Team

Merry hristmas Ch and a Happy New Year

M

info@saltfordmarina.co.uk www.saltfordmarina.co.uk

01225 872226

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Estates Lakeland Leisure

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Richard and Sue at

ENGINE ARINE

ANDS) MIDLA ERVICES ((MIDLANDS) S SERVICES

k

www.mes-midlands.co.u 01926 356200

01539 821381

Merry

Christmas & Best Wishes for 2023

k uk o.uk www.canalshop.co.uk 01604 931039

Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Closed Sunday

45

January 2023

Wishing everyone a Merry

ttoo hellp Christmas &

07714 095005 aremarina.com www.shakespe

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and ar a Happy New Year at from everyone

would like to wish all our customers a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

To all our members and a happy YEAR for 2023

Seasons

a wonderful Year! and a Happy New telboats.co.uk www.bywaterho 07380 941042

Wishing all of our customers, a st, present and future pas mas and verry Merry Christ a Happy New Year

www.rboa.org.uk 0330 057 7180

Greetings to all of our

and rtland Basin and RosieBywater Portland Po Brian at Droylsden Marinas. Hotelboat

ina.co.uk Cruises nmarina.co.uk w .portlandbasinmar ww www.portlandbasi www w wish all our guests 0161 330 and friends 3133 Christmas

customers.

Wishing health and happiness to all in 2023

ne.co.uk www.ortomari 01299 489424

Merry Christmas Year. and a Happy New

Wesley Windows Ltd

Marine uk uk ws.co.u w ywindow ley w w.wesl ww ww

NEW the Why not join us and protect of living Live – Aboard lifestyle afloat for the future

www.wessexboatstore.co.uk 01202 823699

01636 704363

Wishing ever yone a very Merry Christmas and a ppy New Year Hap from us all at the

Merry Christmas and Happy all New Year, from the team at Tewkesbury Marina.

Watling Street, Burbage

+44 (0)1684 293737 k www.tewkesbury-marina.co.u

NS THE LIME KILN BREW PUB 01455 631158

Merry Christmas To all of our and mooring, slipway trailboat customers marina.co.uk www.lechlade

On

Season’s Greetings

to all Moorers old and new from the team at

a. marina.co.uk ecotemarina. .alvecotemarin .alv www.alvecote www.alv www w 018 01827 898 898585

Wishing a Merry Christmas and

Wishing everyone a

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Brau in Braunston.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Ltdd All Wills and Trusts T: 01283 566133 uk illls@alllwillsandtrusts.co.

E: wil wills www. allw anndtrusts.co.uk

Merry

Christmas & A Happy

New Year from all at...

Holidays’ Fenny from our hire Marinafrom home... boat base unston.

Finding peace away

Opening Hours:

o.uk www.towpathtalk.c

www.towpathtalk.c

Santa doesn’t travel on a sleigh…

He used an Oakums Narrowboat!

Merry Christmas

s.co.uk ndlers.co.uk .midlandchandler wwww.midlandcha 02476 390111

Wishing you all y Christmas Merry and a prosperous 2023 from

www.basic-boat.com 03333 219 430

ensham, ne, Stre Mill Lan esterr.

Worce 490 7 2614 Tel 07767

Seasons Greetings Gree A Merry from fr Christmas Jacqueline and a rington Dorrington Dorrington Dorri at Happy New Year t and the team from all the team ton Boat Haven Otherton Ot Other at Overwater 4 1 459309 0758 07581 07

01253 356 399

www.northamptonmarina.co.uk 01604 604344

BASIC BOAT LIABILITY CO.

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all ur custtomers of ou nd friends from an everryone at gs ham Mill Moorrin Sttrensh & Boat Sales

www.pdipaints.co.uk www

Merry Me Christmas Chri & New Year yN ppy Happy Happ Happ o customers to alll our

Seasons Greetings from all at Anglian Waterways and Northampton Marina

Happy Christmas from the team at

Court

Wharf House ats Narrowbo like to wish

07967 461038

app om/app Get the App - craftinsure.c

craftinsure.com 03452 607888

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from all the team at Geomac Ltd & Northwich Quay.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.braunstonboats.com 01788 891079

Get a quote in 20 seconds On cover in 2 minutes Low on-line premiums

Are you worried ? future of your lifestylethe

to protect set up, in 1963, be able to membership association your support to We are the only boaters. We need representation interests of live-aboardjoin us, in promotion, development, So Interested? continue our work. of our chosen lifestyle. or telephone and protection www.rboa.org.uk. on our website in the safeguarding See more information out how to join and get involved to find 0330 057 7180 of living afloat. of the future freedom

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR From all at Braunston Boats Ltd

43

44 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

January 2023

£72.00 £85.00

£99.00 £107.00 £115.00 £155.00 £235.00

TALK

42 INSURANCE &

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

o.uk

www.towpathtalk.c

TALK

January 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

behalf of everyone at

“Hempsted Dock” Dry Dock”

Canal Yard, York St.

Season's

we wish you all a greetings to very safe and enjoyable riod and everyone Period stive Pe Festive Fe your we thank you for from all at 2022. support throughout o.uk office@hhdd.c of ce@hhdd.co.uk offi 01452 415430

Red Hill Marina 01509 672770

Stourport on Severn. DY13 9EH

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2023 from all the staff at

Limekiln rs

Chandle k www.limekilnchandlers.co.uk 01299 821111

Bullet Polish

We would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our customers, old and new, at North Kilworth Marina.

www.bulletpolish.co.uk 01299 896117

01858 450550

Merry Christmas would like to thank all our customers for their continued support.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New

year from Sandfield Marine S a nd f ie l d M a r i ne

01453 374473

Mobile: 07581 459309

Email: info@othertonboathaven.co.uk SEND A CHRISTMAS GREETING TO ALL OF YOUR CUSTOMERS! BOOK NOW FOR THE JANUARY (CHRISTMAS) ISSUE NOW: Copy deadline is: Wednesday 6th December 2023.

Call Tania on 01507 529489 or email: tshaw@Mortons.co.uk

Discover Our Idyllic Retreat & Enjoy Summer With an abundance of wildlife, peace, tranquillity and our experienced team on hand, you can relax and enjoy your own little piece of heaven.

Secure your berth on the Llangollen Canal, the most beautiful canal in the country!

Call 01270 524571 or email sales@swanleybridgemarina.com Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybridgemarina.com

Otherton Boat Haven Ltd, Otherton, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5NX

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

L R I N A arine E T m S

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS

UPVC TANKS

Water & effluent tanks, battery boxes, shower trays

EXPOST THE SECURE MAILBOX PROVIDER

An Expost mailbox will give you a Real street address, with up to five different named users, you can have your mail forwarded to a collection point or have it scanned so you can view on our secure scan viewer. As well as having a fixed postal address for your own private correspondence, it can also be used for business.

£20 discount when you enter canal in the promo box when you join.

ANY SHAPE & SIZE MANUFACTURED

Call today for a free no obligation quote

Engine Service – Fixed Price £185.00 inc VAT Call 01299 877222 for details

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DISTRIBUTORS & STOCKISTS FOR MAJOR BRANDS FULL BOAT YARD SERVICES

DIESEL, GAS, SOLID FUEL & PUMPOUTS ENGINE REPAIR, SERVICING, REPLACEMENT ALL MARINE ENGINEERING SERVICES INTERNAL REFITS, IMPROVEMENTS, REPAIR ELECTRICS, WATER, GAS, HEATING INSTALLATIONS

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£76.95

FOR YOUR CHANDLERY NEEDS

OIL, FUEL, AIR FILTERS & BELTS ENGINE SPARES, ANTIFREEZE & COOLANTS BATTERIES, INVERTERS, ELECTRICAL SPARES FULL RANGE OF DECK & CABIN FITTINGS ALL SPARES & CONSUMABLES

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ELSAN PRODUCTS

ENGINE LANE, STOURPORT, WORCS DY13 9EP 01299 877222 enquiries@starlinenarrowboats.co.uk Open: Mon/Fri (8.30am to 4.30pm) Emergency breakdown: 01299 877222 - 7 days a week

32 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

FULLY SERVICED CRUISING AND RESIDENTIAL MOORINGS AND FULL BOATYARD SERVICES • Iver (Slough Arm) and Northolt (Paddington arm) • Secure sites with private parking • Delivery of gas, solid fuel and diesel direct to your boat • Electricity, water, elsan and pump out • Showers and laundry • Chandlery • Mechanical, electrical, and carpentry work undertaken • Craning, grit blasting and blacking • Two part epoxy hull treatment • Fuel polishing service

sales@high-line.co.uk 01753 651496 www.high-line.co.uk THE BOATYARD MANSION LANE, IVER, SL0 9RG

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

NARROWBOATS AND WIDEBEAMS FOR SALE IN WEST LONDON FOR SELLERS • Free moorings • Sales location with established footfall • Open 6 days / week • Trade Plates for unlicensed craft • Pre sales preparation and repairs FOR BUYERS • Free guidance and advice • Comprehensive handover • Secure clients bank account • ABYA qualified brokerage staff • Industry standard documentation PRIVATE BUYER’S SERVICE • If you are buying privately, we can offer the following services: • Advice on all aspects of purchase • Provision of documentation • Secure Clients bank account • Bespoke service – as much or as little as you want, priced accordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk 01753 652502 / 07860 480079 www.vcmarine.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 33

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

CLEANING’S A PLEASURE WITH MIRACLE LEISURE!

NORBURY WHARF Limited

LADDER-MATE

COMBINATION RESCUE LADDER/GANGPLANK

Have you fallen into the water and struggled to get out?

Most accidents happen in or around locks.

Getting out of the water is hard with wet heavy clothes.

The bank sides are high and no hand holds to get out.

This versatile lightweight (LADDER-MATE) stores securely on your roof with the free ladder lock supplied. £125 + £30 p&p to any location on UK mainland or free collection (Please call us)

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Telephone: (01785) 284292 E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

One stop shop for all your boating needs DRY DOCKING AND BLACKING from £20.00 per foot.

A FULL RANGE OF CLEANING PRODUCTS

Brass-mate (Brass polish) Miracle Wax Polish (Boat polish) Wash’n’Wax (Shampoo) Miracle Brass Brite (Tarnish Remover) Weather-Mate Gel (Brass Protection) Port Hole Mask (Magnetic)

Cotton Stockinette (Cleaning Cloths) Canopy Klean Bilge & Hull Cleaner Full range of Tiller Pins

Over 100 tillerpins in stock visit www.tillerpins.co.uk www.miracleleisureproducts.co.uk e: sales@miracleleisureproducts.co.uk Telephone: 01902 686569 or Dawn 07909 086868

BROLLY-MATE

Hands-free attachment that slides over the tiller bar.

This is an attachment that slides over the tiller bar when it is raining and you can pop the brolly in the top of the tube secured by a thumb screw.

Choice of sizes.

from

£25 + p&p

PROP-MATE

Keeps your weedhatch clear

Half cleaned mushroom

£22 + VAT each + p&p

Now taking bookings for Summer 2024 onwards

Liveaboards are welcomed

- Easy access to the boat is provided by our specially constructed bridge which reaches out to either the bow or stern of your boat. Free 240V hook-up is provided while the boat is out of the water.

TURN TO

PAGE 57 T

O VIEW RANGE OF OUR BOAT FOR SALE S

❖ LIVEABOARDS WELCOME ❖ DOGS AND CATS NO PROBLEM ❖ FREE ELECTRICITY WHILST ON THE DOCK

NARROWBOAT AND WIDEBEA M WINDOWS

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

smlmarinepaints.co.uk

01285 862 132

PREMIUM PRODUCTS FORMULATED BY EXPERTS FOR THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION & FINISH

34 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock 50% OFF UP TO

DRY DOCK SPACES E AVAILABL !

W O N CALL

ANODES W ALL HULL BL ITH & ANTIFOUL ACKING ING. FOR A QUOT CALL ATION TODAY

• Hull Blacking & Antifouling • Fabrication & Repairs • Painting & Sign Writing • Electrical • Plumbing and Gas • Paint and Boat Care • Inboard & Outboard Servicing • Fenders and Ropes • Engine Spares & Repairs

Visit us and see the largest Indoor working dry dock and well stocked Chandlery on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal You’ll find us just 1 mile along the canal from Gloucester Docks or at

338 BRISTOL ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL2 5DH

01452 415430

Email: office@hhdd.co.uk www.hempsteddrydock.co.uk

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

Stock Boats

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

New Sailaway Additions £89,950 • 60’ x 6’10” • 1 bed • 2023

A 2023, 60ft, One bedroom, Sailaway additions boat. Offered with 2 MONTHS FREE MOORING. This boat gives you the opportunity to put your own mark on it, made a little easier with the installation of the electrics, heating, and plumbing including fully installed shower enclosure.

UP TO 6

MONTHS FREE MOORING

Monty - Semi Traditional £69,950 • 57’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • 2008

A much loved and well maintained 2008, 57ft semi traditional boat, built by Equinox and professionally fitted out, Brief layout is Galley to the fore, saloon, bathroom, engine room and then bedroom, Bsc 2026 and last blacked 2022, A mooring is available if required.

on selected Stock Boats

Subject to terms and conditions

Contact Marc or visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk today!

Evesham Marina Kings Road • Evesham • WR11 3XZ info@eveshammarina.co.uk

01386 768500

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 35

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

WHAT'S IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR FUEL TANK? More & More customers are frequently complaining they have had their tank cleaned by a competitor, only to break down again. They call Tankbusters who attend and take samples from the tank and find the fuel still has water / diesel bug and rust in the tank. Clearly a COWBOY JOB. Tankbusters filter to One Micron & Removes water to 100ppm

Used one micron filter bag & 100ppm water removal filters with saturated diesel being filtered

Tankbusters filter first by magnet removing larger particles of rust! Fuel/other contamination is then filtered to a 1 micron filter bag. Water filters remove water to 100 parts per million (ppm) using tankbusters own filtration equipment.

CALL TANKBUSTERS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Magnet filter bowl

Rust on magnet

Rust & diesel bug on magnet.

GO TO:- www.tankbusters.co.uk - for full details of Fuel Cleaning Services and Equipment.

Call 07974 808277 or email: bruce@tankbusters.co.uk

Shared ownership the affordable way

Ownashare manages a fleet of narrowboats which operate on a shared ownership basis.

This means that owners of 1/12th shares can enjoy at least 3–4 weeks’ holiday afloat each year, school holiday weeks are available at a small premium.

Tel: 07800 902323 for more details

www.ownasharecruising.co.uk

Hebden

A comfortable seating solution for limited space!

Fully pocket sprung | sofa or sofabed | including modular footstool space saving | two seating positions for optimal comfort.

Simple & Stylish Space Saving Solutions for Narrowboats!

01274 800334 • info@sofabedbarn.co.uk

www.sofabedbarn.co.uk

36 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

December 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

GET RE

Keep warm

Stock up on ess your fire burnin

 Expert Advice We can provide expert advice gained from years of hands-on practical experience, many of our staff own boats themselves and some even live aboard.

*All products shown in store only.

Real Shops

 Real Shops

With Midland Chandlers you have the

With Midland Chandlers you have the benefit of dealing with a long established benefit of dealing with a long established company with four bricks and mortar company with three four bricks bricksand andmortar mortarshops shops and a large central distrbution shops and a large and acentral large central distribution distribution centre.centre.

centre.

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Shop over 5,000

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 37

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

EADY FOR THE WINTER SEASON AHEAD Keep an eye out for our

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS OFFERS Starting 1st December

Follow us on social media for all the latest   

m this winter

sentials to keep ng

n are available

50 available

n store only ate ged for cash

Braunston

Saturday 23rd - Open Sunday 24th - Monday 1st - Closed

Willington

Saturday 23rd - Open Sunday 24th - Monday 1st - Closed

Preston Brook

Friday 22nd - Open Sunday 23rd - Monday 1st - Closed

products online www.midlandchandlers.co.uk

  

38 INSURANCE & FINANCE / PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Over 10,000 claims paid to 100% owner satisfaction

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THE BOSUNS LOCKER KIT

A Multi surface polishing & cleaning kit for larger marine craft up to 75 ft. long. The Bosun’s Locker Kit has all the products in one kit to deal with most marine surface problems and restore them to how they should look & quickly.

The different surfaces of your boat tend to suffer in differing degrees from weather. It does not matter if your boat is in England, Scotland, Wales or overseas, weather is the key to 90% of boat surfaces breakdown.

The Bosun’s Locker Kit has all the products in one kit for you to deal with most marine surface problems and restore them.

FIRST FOR WINTERISING YOUR BOAT

THE BOSUNS LOCKER KIT IS JUST £56.00 Plus P&P Do you have questions about this kit?

Call James on 01299 896117 Or Order directly on www.bulletpolish. co.uk (In the Marine dropdown menu)

www.bulletpolish.co.uk

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BUSINESS NEWS 39

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Boat review Christmas gift guide News extra

Milton Keynes marina scoops national award

CAMPBELL Wharf Marina has been named as the Inland Marina of the Year by The Yacht Harbour Association.

The award, anchored by marine insurers Haven Knox-Johnson, was presented during the recent Southampton International Boat Show.

Set in a prime location along the Grand Union Canal near to central Milton Keynes, Campbell Wharf Marina is managed by Heather Graham-Thomas and Mike Garforth and is operated by Geomac on behalf of the Milton Keynes Parks Trust, a registered charity.

Neil Warren, a director of management company Geomac, congratulated the whole team: “It’s a

fantastic achievement and something to be incredibly proud of.”

TYHA general manager Jon White said: “These awards are voted for by berth holders and celebrate the very best marinas both in the UK and overseas, providing a perfect opportunity to recognise those marinas that go above and beyond, offering outstanding quality and service to their berth holders and visitors.”

Geomac, which is owned by the Land & Water Group, has previously achieved the Inland Marina of the Year award in 2014 with Caen Hill Marina in Wiltshire, which was also a runner-up in 2015. Other marinas in its portfolio include Shakespeare and Northwich.

Campbell Wharf marina manager Heather Graham-Thomas and Geomac director Neil Warren, centre, with the award. Also pictured are, left, TYHA chairman Steve Arbour and, right, Paul KnoxJohnston, Haven Knox-Johnston sales and marketing manager.

An aerial view of Roydon Marina. PHOTO SUPPLIED

further improve the overall experience of marina users. Phase two of the project will feature the installation of a slipway and boatyard, catering to a wide range of boating enthusiasts.

Situated 30 minutes from central London, Roydon Marina Village is nestled in the Lee Valley Regional

Campbell Wharf Marina has 111 berths and has been designed to accommodate widebeams, narrowboats and cruisers. The marina is suitable for both leisure and long-term moorings and is owned by The Parks Trust, which cares for more than 6000 acres of parkland and green space across Milton Keynes.

The Inland Marina of the Year trophy. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Park, on the banks of a 32-acre lake.

Accessible by boat from the River Stort through the lock to the south of the lake, the marina currently offers 315 berths accommodating boats of up to 70ft in length and caters to a diverse range of watercraft and guests.

The new dust extraction unit installed at Aqueduct Marina’s grit blasting workshop. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Aqueduct Marina’s new extraction equipment improves workers’ safety THE thought of an inspection by the Health & Safety Executive turned out to be a positive experience for Cheshire-based Aqueduct Marina.

For some time, managing director Robert Parton and his management team had been looking at investing in improved extraction for the grit blasting bay. With the demand for their grit blasting services increasing, it was logical to invest in improving the equipment being used.

Despite the Health & Safety inspection finding the facilities complied with PPE requirements, which meant the person doing the blasting was protected, there was an environmental concern about the dust leaking out during the operation.

As a result, the company brought forward the investment to reduce the possibility of abrasive dust escaping when the bay was in use.

It called on the services of Hodge Clemco, a company that specialises in the manufacture and supply of abrasive blasting and surface treatment equipment. Hodge Clemco installed a reverse pulse dust collector system that creates a negative pressure within the blast booth and, by removing the airborne dust, allows the operator to maintain visibility within the booth. It also minimises any dust escaping from the blast booth, with the dust being contained in the dust extractor bins to allow safe disposal.

Liam Davis, sales and marketing manager for Hodge Clemco, said: “Following our initial visit and

conversations, we returned to the site with one of our design engineers to carry out a full site survey, which enabled Hodge Clemco to provide a full design layout drawing of the proposed 14,000cfm reverse pulse dust collector system for the approval of Aqueduct Marina.

“The dust extraction system supplied and installed by Hodge Clemco comprises the latest fully programmable gamma pulse auto reverse pulse system with differential pressure recognition. It has an autoclean sequence while in operation and an additional cleaning cycle on shutdown, ensuring maximum dust release is achieved from the ultraefficient nano fibre filters, resulting in a prolonged filter life.”

The result of this work is that Aqueduct staff have reported a marked improvement in visibility while working within the bay.

The installation of the new extraction equipment saw a £60,000 investment being made to this side of Aqueduct’s business. Robert said: “During the H&S visit, the escaping dust issue was flagged as a potential local authority environmental issue. With the system now installed and in regular use, we have seen a noticeable improvement in conditions both inside and outside the workshop. It is an expensive piece of equipment, but in a world where good staff are hard to find, and lung health is a real focus of the HSE, this is resulting in a healthier, safer working environment for our staff.”

Student creates berth booking system BATH University physics student Jamie Crisp has developed an innovative online mooring and berth booking system for boaters.

Moored Solutions aims to eliminate one of the biggest worries – finding a spare mooring in crowded harbours and marinas.

A keen sailor and instructor, Jamie explained that the system gives boaters the ability and confidence to turn up and pay, or to book in advance, helping to cut marina operating costs and manage space more efficiently.

“Some marinas and harbours offer ‘online booking’ but this really amounts to little more than filling in an electronic form requesting a mooring, which

P42 P43 P44

Haven Knox-Johnston sales and marketing manager Paul Knox-Johnston added his congratulations, saying: “Marinas play an integral role in helping bring our boating community together.”

Roydon Marina set to bring new moorings to Essex LAKELAND Leisure Estates has unveiled its latest development at Roydon Marina with 168 new widebeam and narrowboat moorings planned.

The first phase of this expansion is set to be completed in March 2024, introducing an array of modern amenities and infrastructure enhancements including composite anti-slip walkways, smartcard-operated electric bollards, electric car chargers, recycling bins and a state-of-theart facility building equipped with bathrooms, laundry facilities and Elsan points.

In addition, the access road will be revamped and resurfaced to

P40 Greener boating P41 Holidays & Leisure P42 Technical

then has to be processed manually by operations staff.

Our system can free up staff to fully focus on the guests’ experience,” he said.

Jamie added that his team were in talks with several marinas and harbours about implementing the system, which he expects to launch in 2024. He said it is suitable for the smallest operator with a single berth up to large harbours with hundreds of moorings and berths.

Users access the Moored Solutions website through the website of their chosen destination and use a map interface to select a mooring or berth based on availability and their vessel requirements, akin to selecting a seat on an airline flight. They make an

electronic payment and return to the marina page.

Jamie said operators were particularly interested in how it would improve the customer experience, relieve pressure on their staff, increase occupancy rates, and also potentially attract more bookings from boaters who could now be confident of a safe refuge at their chosen destination. They were also interested in the system’s ability to accommodate the rise in electric-powered vessels, which require predictable availability of charging facilities.

“We will also be able to attach other facilities to the system, such as contacting water taxis, arranging grocery deliveries, securing fuel, or

booking local restaurants or repair and maintenance services,” he added.

Jamie pulled together a team of computer scientists, developers and engineers and secured two rounds of funding from the university’s ‘Dragons’ Den’ scheme run by the university to support budding student entrepreneurs.

University student Jamie Crisp, creator of Moored Solutions.

PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF BATH

40 BOAT REVIEW

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Very distinctive mural.

Lotse about to go on her first full cruise.

It isn’t just the name that makes Lotse unique Words & photos: Phil Pickin

IT’S always fascinating to find out the story behind a boat’s name, and the origins of the name Lotse are no different. For non-German speakers, Lotse is German for pilot, the position owner Nick Lee holds with the Port of London Authority.

Nick’s background as a Thames river pilot will undoubtedly make him feel very at home on the waterways. He and his wife Carole holidayed on the waterways for more than 25 years, 12 of which were aboard a shared ownership boat. But they wanted to have the flexibility to stay out longer than the share allowed, so the decision was made to have a boat built to their specification, and Lotse was born.

After three years of research, during which they found a number of builders were unable to offer the fully bespoke design features they were looking for, they contacted Perrydale. The Kingswinford-based boat builders were willing and able to accommodate most of the design features the couple were looking for. But despite this, Nick says that there are one or two things that, if they went through the process again, they would design slightly differently.

One of the first things you notice is the unusual hull mural, designed by the owners, which depicts not only the London skyline but a plan view of the Thames. But the nod towards Nick’s role as a pilot doesn’t end there. The colours

Lotse’s sizeable saloon area.

used on the exterior reflect those used on maritime flags to denote a pilot, those being white over red.

lockers are covered with Tek-Dek, which always looks smart and attractive while also being a very useful safety feature.

Lotse is a very functional and uncluttered narrowboat with something of a minimalist feel to it. The owners have opted not to have things like bookcases or other storage or display areas. This may not be to everyone’s taste, but as long as the owners are happy, that is all that matters. And it is fascinating to find out the subtle hints incorporated into the boat that reference Nick Lee’s position with the PLA. Build quality is, as we’ve come to expect from Perrydale, excellent, using what turned out to be Alexander Boat Builders’ final shell for Dave, Nikki and the team to fit out. All of these factors make Lotse a unique boat.

is running, the power consumption to maintain it would be as low as possible to reduce the need to run the engine.

A worktop-height fridge and a separate worktop-height freezer have also been included. The Iroko worktops are a welcome sight, making a change from the often-used granite, and the area is well lit via two large rectangular windows and the nearby side hatch.

The adjacent saloon has been combined with the galley via a breakfast bar. This design has provided a significant amount of what you might call ‘flexible workspace’ as it can be used for both meals and food preparation if needed. Two high stools provide seating at the breakfast bar, and a free-standing

sofa provides seating in the lounge area.

A multi-fuel stove fire set on a hearth with a feature wall behind is in contrast to the pale-coloured walls elsewhere on board. A TV screen is located below the gunwale opposite the sofa below more of the large rectangular windows.

The walk-through bathroom is forward of the lounge and has been fitted with a 900mm x 900mm shower cubicle, feature vanity and a ceramic pump-out toilet with electric flush. Maximum use has been made of the space on offer, and it is good to see a continuation of the use of the same worktops used in the galley.

Porthole windows have been used in the bathroom, and light green paint has been used on the walls below the gunwales in contrast to the blue used in the saloon.

The cosy bedroom has also been fitted with porthole windows and has a fixed double bed with storage above and below, plus a large wardrobe at the end of the bed. Double-glazed doors lead on to what has been called ‘the snug deck’ with cratch board and canvas cover. This style of bow has become something of a signature of Perrydale’s boats, and this one is equally attractive.

Upholstery will be added to this area, which will make it look and feel more comfortable, but at the time of the visit, the owners were still in the process of choosing the material for this and the curtains in the saloon. Exterior floors and

The bedroom, when seen from the snug.

Curtains or blinds will make all the difference when they are fitted.

Bigger and better

Lotse ended up being a 60ft cruiser stern narrowboat, a change from the original idea of a 58ft boat due to the inclusion of the snug in the bow. Tek-Dek flooring is very evident, having been fitted to the stern floor and locker lids. From the stern, steps to the port side lead down into a very useful utility or laundry area that is fitted with a Hoover washer alongside a number of sizeable storage lockers and the location of the electrical breakers.

Moving forward, you enter the main living space via the walk-through galley.

Lotse’s interior has been finished with a tongue-and-groove profile ceiling, and the upper and lower cabin sides have been finished with moisture-resistant MDF panels. The trim throughout has been kept natural, which works well with the flooring of bamboo planks. All windows in the main living area are double-glazed and matching portholes have been used in the bathroom and bedroom.

In the galley, the units are supplied

by Howdens with Greenwich Sandstone and with worktops in Iroko. Appliances include an electric oven/grill and a separate gas hob. A considerable amount of research went into the choice of oven to ensure that, once up to temperature, achieved while the engine

Laundry area at the bottom of the steps into the boat.

The walk-through bathroom.

SPEC SHEET Length: 60ft Style: Cruiser stern Engine: Beta 43 Shell: Alexander Narrowboats Power: 5k Victron Quattro inverter

with 120-amp charger, 6 x AGM leisure batteries plus starter and bow thruster batteries. 4 x 500W solar panels.

Heating: Webasto central heating and hot water.

Bow thruster: Vetus 75 Pro brushless.

Builders: Perrydale Narrowboats, Ashwood Marina, Kingswinford DY6 0AQ Tel: 01384 295535. Email: info@ perrydalenarrowboats.co.uk www.perrydalenarrowboats.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 41

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE IF YOU’RE looking for a Christmas gift with a difference for the boater in your family, here are some ideas from our advertisers.

Tradline Rope and Fenders is a super place to visit in the historic Nursers Forge at Braunston Marina but if you’re too far away you can browse the company’s website at www.tradline.co.uk for gift ideas. You’ll find practical kits which are not only a great way to keep occupied when the weather’s cold but can then be put to good use.

Keeping connected while cruising on the cut or on a motorhome road trip can be a problem but that’s where Travelsat comes in. Specialising in Wi-Fi on the move, its powerful mobile antennae and routers can be the solution to poor signal

Find the perfect present here

woes. Visit www.travelsat.me.uk to find out more.

For that toast to the festive season, a Towpath Tipple will bring a warm glow. They come in such canal-themed spirits as Boatman’s Comfort English Single Malt, Gongoozler’s Ruin Gin and Pirate’s Curse Rum. Check out the website at www. towpathtipples.co.uk to see what else is produced in the company’s Northamptonshire distillery.

Here’s a gift with summer in mind. Transcool is a compact, portable unit which delivers cooling on board and is particularly popular with pet owners.

Providing cooling and comfort while using very little power, it also helps move clean filtered air in and around your space. Visit iiequii.com for more information.

TRADLINE ROPE AND FENDERS Want to learn something new? Try our DIY ropework kits Side fender kits

Splicing kits

Celebrating 21 years at Transcool Ducting kit available as an accessory

Use handle to carry or hang Use 12v/24v or 13amp plug mains electrical power

Energy efficient-low power draw

Compact & Light

For this and lots of other gift ideas, visit our website or shop in Braunston Marina.

Mooring lines | Fenders | Anchors

www.tradline.co.uk

“NURSERS FORGE”, Braunston Marina, Braunston, Daventry, NN11 7JH 01788 891761 tradline@btconnect.com

Coolest Air delivery*

Adjustable vents to direct airflow - Keep dogs cool in your vehicle

Transcool E3 is Designed & Constructed in Australia

Use stationary or mobile

Environmentally friendly 0.7amp - 1.7amp variable speed control

2 colours to choose from

THE SPIRIT OF THE CANALS

Cool your Boat in Style with Transcool Four Air Vents to give you flexibility to cool your space.

Transcool will move and refresh with cooler air from its four directional air vents. Add your favourite essential oil, Transcool will diffuse it into your cabin.

Add a duct kit for a more direct air flow great for your Galley and a favourite with dog owners.

leisure 07767 262 477 sales@iiequii.com iiequii iiequii.com

WI-FI ON THE MOVE

tipple? r ou y ’s t a h W

INTERNET CONNECTION ON THE MOVE

The Problem...

Poor 3G/4G/5G and Wi-Fi signal on your travels?

The Solution...

A powerful mobile 3G/4G/5G antenna and router (Cat7) for your Wi-Fi needs.

Imagine a fast, secure and reliable internet connection in your boat or motor home just like at home.

please drink your towpath tipple responsibly

“

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an exclusive selection of canal-themed spirits

www.towpathtipples.co.uk

www.canalshop.co.uk The Canal Shop Company Unit W115, 25 Telford Way, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 8UN, United Kingdom.

T: 01604 931 039

5G READY PACKAGE The new 5G ready package includes the latest 5G antenna paired with an upgradable 4G sim slot router (Cat 7).

Up to 20% higher gain for 4G, you are not only better connected but ready to receive 5G signals by upgrading your router. This offers you the best possible connectivity in weak signal areas. Many 4G masts output long range and short range signals to provide coverage.

A Cat 4 router can only connect to one or the other. A Cat 7 router can connect to both simultaneously and combine them to deliver up to twice the download speed. If the area is congested (too many users) this can make a real difference in the overall capacity.

”

TRAVELSAT ✆ 07914 401 036 ✉ smhicks@btinternet.com

www.travelsat.me.uk

42 BUSINESS NEWS EXTRA, GREENER BOATING

December 2023

Adam’s Lakeland Leisure lifestyle is the reel deal

Her name on ’em: Victoria Garfield with the two second-hand narrowboats called Victoria that she has been instructed to sell.

Send her Victorias!

Words & photo: Tim Coghlan

VICTORIA Garfield, Braunston Marina’s narrowboat brokerage manager since 2019, is used to the flurry of new instructions once autumn moves in and boaters decide to call it a day.

They put their beloved narrowboats on sale in her very capable hands but this autumn she was not expecting to receive, among those instructions, not just one but two narrowboats with her name on them – Victoria!

The younger Victoria is a fourberth 52ft semi-trad with a 1996 hull built by M Cullwith and a Lockhart fit-out. It has an unusual livery, which is in good condition.

The fit-out is in an attractive T&G Parana pine, with pleasing internal fittings. The boat is powered by a Kingfisher KD 26 diesel engine. It is priced at £45,000.

A touch older, built in 1991, the other Victoria is also shorter at 34½in. But in its royal blue livery, it has more of a regal pedigree that goes with its Colecraft hull and fit-out by the company’s legendary boat fitter Lennie Beauchamp.

The boat incurred an accidental shallow-sinking last year to just below window level. The rectification works have included

an all-new refit below window level – saving Lennie Beauchamp’s workmanship above it. And it now comes with a newly equipped galley and bathroom, heating equipment and likewise new upholstery, carpets and curtains.

The internal refit works were carried out by Braunston-based Wharfhouse Narrowboats, with engineering works and equipment installation by Braunston Marina’s team. Since the recent completion of these works, the boat has had a full survey and has not been used beyond ‘sea-trials’. It is priced at £48,950 for what, in one sense, is little short of a new narrowboat. It would be ideal for boaters thinking of downsizing and wanting a quality narrowboat.

Victoria Garfield has been working on the inland waterways for many years. Her father Paul was the former owner of the Rugby-based narrowboat hirer Clifton Cruisers, which he ran as a family business for several years. On turnround days it was all hands to the pumps on Saturday mornings.

As with all good ladies, Victoria won’t disclose her age, but admits she is older than either of the Victorias she now has on brokerage.

And if she doesn’t sell them both well and quickly, our brokerage queen Victoria will not be amused!

Exploring the options Words & photo: Phil Pickin

ALTHOUGH there are many parallels to be drawn between the electric vehicle and electric boat markets, there are a couple of major differences, one of which isn’t the fact that the boats are on the water!

As we all know, electric and diesel-powered boats can generate a proportion of their own electricity via solar panels.

You won’t find many mainstream production EVs with solar panels on the roof, although it has been tried, and this may be an area of future development.

But with the addition of solar and with careful planning when it comes to appliances and power consumption, it would seem reasonable to see the role of a marina or other canalside charging facilities as an occasional requirement, the boat effectively topping up the battery bank via the rooftop panels while out on a cruise.

All pretty standard stuff, but

to achieve the range needed by boaters without compromising on the type of appliances and fittings within the boat, some significant planning is needed.

This kind of planning and design work is all part of client discussions for boat builders like Ortomarine, whose awardwinning boats continue to be very popular with those looking for an electrically powered new build.

All electric

The company is particularly well known for building electric boats, so the ability to recharge is of particular interest to Ortomarine and its customers.

Caroline Badger and Rob Howdle of Ortomarine became one of the first boat builders to commit to building exclusively electrically propelled narrowboats. They made the decision to only accept orders for boats with some form of electric propulsion in April 2021.

At around the same time, the company purchased its all-electric

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ADAM Lind’s Instagram page (adam.floatinghome) is a paradise for those who dream of life on the water.

As a continuous cruiser, he embodies the essence of a nomadic life afloat. His content captures the beauty of the UK’s canals, the joys of cruising and the allure of the floating home lifestyle.

Partnering with Lakeland Leisure, a company which operates a network of marinas nestled across England's most beautiful waterways, Adam was invited to visit and explore everything there is to love about Lakeland’s five inland locations. Each stop along the way presented a unique charm and he was quick to share his discoveries with his Instagram followers. Adam’s

reel documenting his experiences at Lakeland Leisure marinas brought the serene beauty of these marinas to life, immediately leaving viewers awestruck and interested to learn more.

Two weeks later, the reel had reached almost half a million views and quickly went viral.

So, if you’re seeking a taste of marina life or simply looking for some boating inspiration, be sure to check out Adam Lind’s Instagram reel featuring Lakeland Leisure marinas.

You may just find yourself swept away by the beauty of life on the water, as seen through the lens of these passionate adventurers: www.instagram.com/adam.floatinghome

Adam Lind’s passion for exploring the waterways is palpable, and has inspired viewers to consider the joys of mooring up in a marina.

Adam, seen here with Andy Burgess, boat sales manager at Tattenhall Marina, has used his storytelling skills to convey the magic of Lakeland Leisure marinas through his Instagram reel. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

van and plug-in hybrid car.

We asked Caroline and Rob what they would like to see being done on the waterways to encourage and support those who are considering opting for an electric narrowboat. They told us: · More promotion and information about the advantages of electric propulsion and less scaremongering. · Better regulations for companies building electric boats, to ensure that any electric boats built are fit for use and not subject to frequent reliability issues, particularly as currently there are limited organisations providing support. · Longer term, the facility to easily plug into (and pay for, e.g., via a common app) shore power outlets for overnight charging – even if marinas provided bookable overnight visitor moorings specifically for electric boats. We do not feel it is practicable, feasible or even necessary to provide an entire network of fast chargers (as for EVs) on the inland waterways.

One of the often cited ‘issues’ with any electric vehicle is the

potential for fires caused by the batteries, so we took the opportunity to ask Caroline and Rob what their views are on this.

They responded: “The different types of chemistry of lithium batteries is the issue here. The ones we use and would recommend are lithium-ion phosphate LiFePO4 (LFP for short). All lithium batteries are 'lithium-ion’ as they work by shifting lithium ions about. The ones that can catch fire are ternary lithium batteries.

“Ternary lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire if damaged or abused. This is a particular concern in high-powered applications such as electric vehicles (EVs).

“LFP batteries have a higher thermal runaway temperature, meaning they can tolerate higher temperatures without catching fire. This makes them far safer for use in high-drain applications.

“In addition to being less likely to overheat and catch fire, LFP batteries are also more resistant to physical damage. The cells of an LFP battery are encased in steel rather than aluminium, making them more durable.

Twelve semi-flexible solar panels almost cover the roof of Electric Dragon, built by Ortomarine.

“In the media, lithium-ion is often taken to mean the ones that can catch fire, and they struggle to differentiate the types of lithium – so all get labelled under the same banner!”

Other alternatives

Electricity is one and e-fuels, HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) and hydrogen are also seen as alternatives. What do Caroline and Rob feel is the potential for these in the waterways sector?

“This is probably the area in which the Government could have the biggest impact on reducing the emissions from the inland waterways by getting the tax rebates for HVO in line with those

for red diesel, or better still, by increasing the rebates so that red HVO is more attractive pricewise than red diesel!

“Currently, the price for red HVO, which marinas would need to charge, is way higher than red diesel. This discourages marinas from stocking HVO as customers will not pay the enormous difference in the cost per litre.

“All of our customers want to use HVO, and they are actually prepared to pay more, but there are so few places they can buy it that it is just not possible. Because we have seen first-hand the benefits of HVO (as used in our trials event and subsequently), this would be our e-fuel of choice.”

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 43

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Now everyone can have a Field Day

By Phil Pickin

Floating lodges in Staffordshire and Cheshire

Floating lodges at Tattenhall Marina in Cheshire.

The open plan living space with patio doors opening on to a terrace. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

The Leigh Arms • Moor at Bridge 208 on the Trent & Mersey Canal • Real Ales served • Children’s play area • Traditional British and Authentic European Dishes

Bookings now being taken for Christmas

The Leigh Arms, Warrington Road, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4QT. Tel 01606 853327

www.leigharms.co.uk

01606 833668 Middlewich, Cheshire

FOR those seeking waterside living options, Lakeland Leisure Estates, in collaboration with Waterlodge UK, has introduced floating lodges at Barton Marina in Staffordshire and Tattenhall Marina in Cheshire.

The company behind the venture explained: “The floating homes provide an idyllic blend of contemporary design, spaciousness and unobstructed views offering an ideal choice for those seeking a unique holiday retreat or permanent residence on the water.”

The lodges boast two double bedrooms with panoramic full-length windows and showcasing full height headboards, convenient reading lights and access to bathrooms.

An open plan living space includes a modern white kitchen featuring integrated appliances for your culinary needs. Patio doors lead onto an external terrace and Venetian stone flooring guides the way to the bedrooms.

Barton Marina, located on the Trent and Mersey Canal in rural Staffordshire, offers 300 berths catering for short-term, long term or residential boat moorings.

Tattenhall Marina is nestled in the heart of rural Cheshire on the Shropshire Union Canal, offering 300 boat berths up to 70ft.

THANKFULLY Storm Ciarán didn’t scupper plans for Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak, to officially launch ABC Boat Hire’s new electric day boat at New Mills Marina.

To celebrate, he took a short trip along the Peak Forest Canal on Field Day, the latest addition to ABC’s growing fleet of electric day boats.

Conservative MP Mr Largan said: “I’m delighted to be invited to see this exciting new electrically powered boat that will be available for people to hire here on the Peak Forest Canal, for both local people and visitors to the area.”

He continued: “The Peak Forest Canal makes an important contribution to the local economy, generating tourism, boating business and jobs.

Nationally, there are now more boats on Britain’s canal network than during the Industrial Revolution, including over 1000 boats for holiday and day hire.

Haley Hadley, ABC Leisure Group’s marketing and sales director, added: “One of the most important aspects of Britain’s beautiful network of inland waterways is the biodiversity they support, and the wildlife that you can see is one of the things that makes holidays and days out on the canals so appealing.

“We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our holidays, and Field Day is the third of nine electric day boats to be added to our fleet over the next 18 months.”

She explained: “The boat uses products from our Onboard Energy Direct off-grid energy range, including lithium batteries and a Beta Marine 10Kw motor engine. Electric engines are very quiet, so day boaters can hear more of the sounds of the countryside and woodlands surrounding them.”

The 36ft Field Day is similar to Sunny Day, which was featured in a recent issue of Towpath Talk. It accommodates up to 10 people, at prices starting at £99. Field Day, is equipped with a toilet, indoor and outdoor seating and a kitchen area with an induction hob, sink and microwave. So, day boaters can pack a picnic afloat or stop off at a canalside pub for lunch.

For anyone interested in exploring the canals close to High Peak, ABC suggests cruising to Whaley Bridge and back in order to enjoy the spectacular views across Goyt Valley and Kinder Scout, the highest plateau in England. The route passes close to the Crossings pub on the way, and there’s a choice of places to eat and drink at Whaley Bridge.

Alternatively, by boating to Marple Junction and back visitors would enjoy the impressive views of the rolling countryside along the way.

At Marple Junction, day boaters can visit the Hatters Arms and walk up along the Marple Lock flight to see boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain.

Pouring the champagne over the bow is Robert Largan MP for High Peak watched by, from left: Dave Taylor, technical manager, ABC Leisure Group; Andrea Barrett, partnerships and fundraising manager, Canal & River Trust and Haley Hadley, marketing & sales director, ABC Leisure Group.

PHOTO: ABC LEISURE

Dog Friendly Pub & Tearoom Serving real home cooked food & good drinks.

01858 545250 www.theblackhorsefoxton.co.uk Foxton, Leics, LE16 7RD

The Tudor Arms

Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge on the Gloucester/ Sharpness Canal Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day 14 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more and ideal for visiting friends and relatives Bookings are now being taken for Christmas and New Year

01453 890306 enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk www.thetudorarms.co.uk

Puffer Steamboat Holidays Cruise the sea lochs and canals of Sccotlan nd’ss Wesst Coast in an oriigin na l steam powered Clyyde Pu uffe fffer.

For more information about Field Day visit www.abcdayboathire.com

Tel: 07780 936407 Visit: savethepuffer.co.uk

Fox Narrowboats

Enjoy a break on the Cambridgeshire Waterways Day Boat Hire

Our day boat hire lets you meander along the Fenland Waterways. The boat can hold up to 10 people.

It has a galley complete with hob, fridge, cutlery and crockery, along with a toilet plus indoor & outdoor seating areas. Collection from 9:30am, returning by 6pm.

Cambridgeshire Narrowboat Holidays

On our Narrowboat holidays, you can relax on board in the cosy living space and discover the beautiful Fenland countryside. Visit Peterborough, Ely, St Ives, Huntingdon or Cambridge.

Our Narrowboat holidays can be taken as a week, weekend or mid week break. We can also supply " '! ! #! " " # "! " $ through Spring, Summer & Autumn.

Moorings

# ! "! ! " !# ! let on a daily or long term basis. We can accommodate boats up to 70ft.

We also offer a range of services from slipway, with hoist and cradle " ! ! & ! # ' # ! ! $ ! % " ! ' #! ! !

Email: holidays@foxboats.co.uk Web: www.foxnarrowboats.com Fox Narrowboats Ltd. 10 Marina Drive, March, Cambs, PE15 0AU

44 TECHNICAL

December 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Keep your boat safely afloat

AS WE experience the wetter months, it’s important to give your boat a thorough safety check and familiarise yourself with all its workings, writes Stephanie Horton of River Canal Rescue.

This may sound obvious, but do you really know how your boat has been built, where important items of equipment and machinery are located and how they should be used?

If you’re unfamiliar with the workings of your boat and its ‘at risk’ areas, for example, how or where water may potentially ingress, you’ll be unable to prevent a water build-up. If left over a period of time, this will not only damage your boat, it could have catastrophic consequences if the vessel’s sitting lower in the water.

While we know many factors cause boats to sit lower in the water, including: too many personal items on board, snow, rainwater ingress, changes in water levels and the overplating of steel-hulled boats, there are certain things you can be aware of to prevent a water build-up.

Hull openings below the waterline

Propeller shaft (cutlass) bearings and stern gland seals – there are different types of hull bearings and stern gland seals and most require regular maintenance. Do you know what type of prop shaft bearing is on your boat and is it easily accessed at the point where it passes through the hull?

Don’t take it for granted that an engineer servicing your boat will maintain this piece of equipment. Get into a routine of checking the propeller shaft hull bearing for signs of excessive water dripping and regularly grease, adjust and repack. If you have a ‘dripless’ seal, it needs silicon grease and will have to be replaced if it starts to drip.

Sterndrives–followthemanufacturer’s servicing recommendations (which may mean annual checks of its seals, gaiters and any hose connections with the boat ashore). When on water regularly check the stern drive(s) inside the boat and use a torch and mirror, if necessary, to check for leaks/discoloured marks running from bolts or other fastenings, down the transom (where it’s mounted).

Depending on where the leak/marks are coming from, you may need to book your boat out of the water so the issue can be investigated and resolved.

Hull fittings – ensure you know where they are, below the waterline, and that you can easily access them from within your boat. Check every time you use your boat, preferably using a torch, as droplets often glint in torchlight. They’ll be hard to see in a dark bilge space.

Valves – hull fittings that let water into or out of the hull should be fitted with a

A failed weed hatch seal. valve. Check the valves haven’t seized up; if they have, free them off and/or get them serviced next time the boat is ashore. Also, routinely check the security and general condition of connected hoses or pipes; if a hose perishes or slips off the valve spigot, the boat could sink.

Hull openings above the waterline

Watertight levels – there are various construction standards re: the reasonable height of openings in the hull above a boat’s normal waterline, but a sensible rule of thumb is the boat’s hull and/or outer shell should be watertight to a height of 250mm above the waterline. If your hull fitting is below 250mm, ensure it’s in a good condition, sealed to the hull, and the hose or pipework is ‘swan-necked’ up so it rises at least 250mm above the waterline. The connected hoses and pipes should also be in a good condition with secure connections.

Don’t be in the dark – if your hull opening is below 250mm away from the waterline and you can’t see the fitting from inside the boat, don’t assume all is well. Take advice from your boatyard or a marine surveyor. The same applies if there’s no hose or pipework connected within the hull; the entrance needs to be sealed up or capped off.

Weed hatches – these give access to propellers and are a common cause of water ingress. They should be 150mm above the normal waterline. Many older boats have hatch openings closer to the waterline, so check the height of yours and if it’s less than 150mm speak to a boatyard about extending the hatch trunking.

Weed hatch maintenance – when cruising, the stern digs down into the water, reducing the distance between the water and the weed hatch opening. And

A stern gland arrangement. when turning, the propeller throws water up against the underside of the hatch lid, at great force. This can be a lethal combination if the hatch lid does not fit correctly or the seal is in a poor condition, as water will be allowed to flood in.

Ensure your weed hatch lid and seal is in a good condition and every so often check water isn’t coming through while the boat’s cruising. Ensure the weed hatch is sealed correctly after opening it to check or clear the propeller.

Bilge pumps

While it’s great to keep water out, if it does get in, do you have the right equipment to get rid of it, quickly?

At least one automatic float-switch electric bilge pump should be positioned in the lowest part of your boat’s bilge and permanently connected to one or more batteries so it will activate and run when no one’s on board (as the circuit is likely to bypass the battery isolation switches, ensure it’s protected by an inline fuse or circuit breaker).

If your bilge is split by watertight bulkheads, ideally there should be an automatic bilge pump in each compartment – typically in the engine and accommodation space. Ensure the bilge pump’s discharge hose is connected and securely clamped to a hull fitting, and that it’s a sensible height above the waterline.

If your boat is unoccupied and on your return you find your batteries are partially or fully discharged, this may be due to the bilge pump running. Most boats should not have enough water in their bilges to activate the bilge pump, so if this is happening, don’t ignore it; it’s indicating a problem.

Bilge filters – do your bit for the

If the hatch lid does not fit correctly or the seal is in a poor condition, water will be allowed to flood in.

environment and don’t allow polluted water to pump back into our canals and rivers. Install a bilge filter such as Bilgeaway; it removes hydrocarbon contaminants (petrol, diesel, engine oil etc) from the bilge area and uses a non-toxic solution to render them non-reactive so they can be safely disposed of.

Cockpits and decks that drain into bilges

Some narrowboats have aft decks and/ or forward well decks that channel rainwater into the underlying bilge. If this is your boat, keep the drain holes clear from a build-up of leaves or other debris. If they become blocked, rainwater may collect on the deck or step-wells and run over the door sill into the cabin. And remember to have an automatic bilge pump (and filter) where the rain water drains into.

Domestic water systems

Leaks from electric water pumps are a particular problem in many boats as the

pump is often inaccessible and unseen.

Left unchecked, a small leak can cause damage to floorboards and hull linings etc not to mention the panic that sets in when you get wet feet first thing in the morning. So how can you spot a leak?

If the pump on your boat runs for a few seconds every so often, and you’re not running water through a tap, it may be because the upstream pressure has reduced and the water pump has automatically cut in to restore it. Check this out or speak to a boatyard.

Domestic water pumps and their filters are prone to frost damage so if not using, particularly in a cold snap, drain down the water pump, filter and associated fittings.

Routinely check the pump for signs of leaks at the start, and periodically throughout your cruising season.

Liveaboards should do this monthly. Use a torch to check the pump when running and static, and if possible, position it and its fittings above a tray so you can easily spot any leaks.

Damage caused by rising water levels at Acton Bridge. PHOTOS: RCR

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

45

46 BUILDERS

December 2023

Free 1 night stay in the 5 star Titanic Hotel, upon completion of deposit, when visiting our factory. Subject to availability, see full terms & conditions.

ONLY £1K DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR BUILD SLOT EURO 60 X 12’6

SHEARWATER 60 X 6’10

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Tel: T el: 0151 0151 2 298 98 9 9602.

602. sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk 72 7 2 St St JJohns ohns R Rd, d, Liverpool Liverpool L L20 20 8 8BH BH

THINKING OF BUYING A BOAT? VISIT OUR FACTORY AND SEE OUR FULL RANGE OF BOATS!

AVAILABLE NOW

HOXTON 70 X 12’3

SAL 60 X 12’6

BUILDERS 47

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

01270 525040 www.knightsnarrowboats.com Units 4-5, Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DX

BOOK A BUILD SLOT FOR 2024 AND GET 3 MONTHS FREE MOORING

FOR SALE:

The Shroppie Range, 58ft, , Cruiser Stern Contact for details

Bespoke Built or Shroppie Range Exclusively brokered at Aqueduct Marina

Get in touch today to discuss your dream narrowboat

FOLLOW US ON

From Hull only to fully fitted narrow & wide beam boats built to your own design 57ft cruisers fully fitted from £125,500 Aintree Beetle range starting from £43,000 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM www.aintreeboats.co.uk 0151 523 9000 | info@aintreeboats.co.uk Units 14-16, Brookfield Trading Estate, Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AS

48 BUILDERS / BROKERAGE

December 2023

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT MY JOY 33ft Atlanta centre cockpit cruiser built by Viking. Propulsion provided by a Honda 30hp

Outboard petrol engine with the assistance of a bow thruster. Hot water and central heating provided by a Malaga. Electrics comprising of a 12v, 240v landline, Inverter, 1 starter, 3 leisure batteries and a solar panel.

The galley offers a Smev cooker & hob along with a fridge, and dinette seating. We can find 2 bathrooms, both with a shower, one with a Pump Out and one with a cassette toilet. 6 berths is arranged over a fixed double bed in the aft cabin, convertible dinette, and convertible seating in the fore cabin. The centre cockpit features timber wood flooring along with a canopy cover. BSC May 2025. Blacked 2022.

£24,950

MAYBEL 58ft Trad built by Heron Boat Builders in 2004. Isuzu 42hp engine with a BSC 55kgf

Bow thruster. Electrics 12v, 240v landline, Sterling Pure Sine Wave Inverter, 1 starter, 3 leisure, 1 bow thruster batteries, Sterling Power battery charger. Galley - Country Leisure Midi Prima, Country Leisure Argent 4 burner hob, Shoreline fridge and a Bush microwave. 4 berths - fixed double bed and a sofa bed. Maybel has 2 bathrooms, the main housing a Thetford toilet, Shower and vanity basin and a 2nd with a cassette toilet and a vanity basin. Configured to offer a wealth of storage and the potential for a work/office space. 2 Side Hatches. BSC 2027. Blacked 2022.

£79,950

LE GRAND BLEU A 60ft by 11ft Widebeam Cruiser built by Liverpool Boats in 2008, featuring

an Isuzu 55hp engine and a Vetus gearbox. It includes systems such as a Calorifier and Webasto for hot water, a Multi Fuel Stove, and a Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter. Additionally, it has a Belling oven, a Waeco fridge with built-in freezer, and a fixed double bed in the stern. The bathroom features a fullsize shower and a separate Porta Pottie toilet. The boat has a BSC until Feb 2025 and was blacked with 8 anodes in Feb 2021. Le Grand Bleu is a stylish water home in need of some cosmetic finishing.

£89,950 L’ANCHOIS 60ft by 12ft Widebeam Cruiser. Built by Collingwood in 2016. She has everything needed for continuous cruising or shore-based living. Canaline 52hp engine and a PRM 150 gearbox. Electricals 12v, 240v landline,Victron Multiplus 3000 inverter, 1 starter & 4 leisure batteries along with 4 x 250w solar panels with Outback Flexmax power system. Open and spacious galley offering a cooker, Shoreline fridge with freezer compartment and a double Belfast sink. Through the saloon onto the bathroom where we find a compost toilet, bath with shower over, vanity basin and Hoover washing machine. 3 Berths, 2 Cabins.

Master bedroom custom king size bed with underbed storage. Second bedroom custom-built single bunk.

L’Anchois has been beautifully crafted, if you are looking to begin a life on the water without having to compromise on space and home comforts then enquire about L’Anchois today!

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements.

Boats are built to order to any stage of completion – from a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished.

We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters.

Our latest trip boats include Crusader Comunity (Widebeam with Hybrid propulsion - full MCA certification), Electra (Narrowbeam with electric propulsion - 12 passengers) and Kingfisher Mark (Widebeam with electric propulsion 12 passengers).

Our welders are coded to meet MCA requirements.

£129,950

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

• Narrowboats • Widebeams • Dutch Barges • Bespoke • Offering Shells & Sailaways

Lee and Garry welcome all their customers, whether first time owners or old friends, a quality shell built to your specifications at affordable prices

Now you can find us on facebook, search

‘X R&D Boatbuilders’

Come and see us at Unit 67, Road A, Boughton Industrial Estate, Boughton, near Newark, Notts. NG22 9LD D Call 01623 863576 or Garry 07830 720879, Lee 07723 021798 Our website is packed full of images of past and current builds, visit: www.xrandd.co.uk

50 years combined experience

BROKERAGE 49

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Staniland Marina, Lock Hill, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5EP

Tel: 01405 816992 www.stanilandmarina.co.uk On the Stainforth & Keady Canal, convenient for all waterways in the north

Narrow/Widebeams

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale

Brand New 2023 Steve Ellis Boatfitters 57’ Narrowboat – Stunning Reverse Layout Fitout with Vetus 42hp Engine & Bowthruster. 4 berths, Eberspacher heating, solid fuel stove, Pullman dinette, master cabin, spacious Corian galley.

MUST VIEW £159,995

Cruisers

Brand New 2023 Steve Ellis Boatfitters 52’ Narrowboat – Ready to be fitted, call us for more details. Build it to your own specifications. P.O.A

Brand New 2023 Sea Hunter Viper – Tohatsu 30hp, fully loaded. Upholstery, tonneau, radar arch, lighting, ideal fishing boat £15,995

Collingwood 60 x 13 Widebeam 2020 – Stunning top end fit out, won’t be around for long. Register your interest with us. £179,995 New Staniland Boats 2023 57’ Narrowboat – Vetus 42hp, Bowthruster, 4 berths in 2 cabins, Oak/Birch fitout, spacious saloon, large Corian galley with all appliances fitted. Walk-thru bathroom, full size shower, master king cabin. £159,995

SOL D

M & N Narrowboats, 27’ Narrowboat. Recent Beta 20hp.

4 berth in 1 cabin, usual comforts £12,995

Doral 250SE Sports Cruiser. Mercruiser V8 250hp. 6 berths in 3 cabins. Modern sports cruiser with spacious cockpit & cabin. 240v, Hob, Microwave, Fridge, new canopy, recent antifoul. £29,995

Fletcher Zingaro 30 Sports Cruiser. 2 x Volvo AQ151 138hp.

New canopy ’22, Well presented. Lying Boroughbridge. £15,495 Salter Bros 30 Broads Cruiser – 32hp BMC, 4 berths in 2 cabins, typical spacious broads cruiser with galley, saloon & heads. £19,995 Seamaster 27 – 32hp BMC, 4 berths in 2 cabins, good value starter cruiser. £8,495

Expert advice and guidance when buying and selling your Narrowboat At Swanley Brokerage we take pride in our professional approach and unrivalled reputation in selling narrowboats for our clients.

Our friendly and experienced Brokerage team ensure our clients sail smoothly through the buying and selling process.

If you would like to find out more about what we can offer please call 01270 524855 or email sales@swanleybrokerage.co.uk Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk

50 BROKERAGE

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

View all our boats! lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

Buy a boat, get a free mooring at a Lakeland Leisure marina of your choice!

We have boat sales offices in 9 locations, 5 inland marinas and 1 coastal marina

Please note, this offer is valid only on selected Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales stock boats.

This offer is subject to mooring availability and is non-transferable. Completion of sale must be by 31st December 2023.

A free mooring of up to 12 months will be offered for selected boats sold, at a Lakeland Leisure Marina, subject to availability.

NEW - BEATRICE | £199,000

NEW - LOUIS JOSHUA | £179,950

THINGVELLIR | £69,000

LUXURY 58FT CRUISER STERN | TATTENHALL

58FT TRAD NARROWBOAT | SHAKESPEARE

47FT SEMI TRAD | BARTON MARINA

HEWIS | £69,995

ANNIE | £45,500

KINGSLEY | £79,995

50FT TRAD | TATTENHALL MARINA

40FT CRUISER STERN | TATTENHALL MARINA

60FT SEMI TRAD | GREAT HAYWOOD MARINA

Scan the QR code to take a virtual tour!

YOGI | £145,000

LADY ALICE | £69,995

FLOATING LODGE | £POA

57X12FT DUTCH BARGE REPLICA | TATTENHALL

55FT TRAD NARROWBOAT | TATTENHALL

LUXURY 2 BED LODGE | BARTON MARINA

9

BOAT SALES OFFICES

07534 655702

07354 902086

07585 956804

07748 036638

07513 708099

SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

BROKERAGE 51

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

David Mawby Ltd NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 3LX

T: 07721 382619 E: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com W: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisers are available to view by appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experience and 2,500 boats sold.

ATLANTA 24

£17,995 VIKING 22

Length 24ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1990, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, toilet, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE UPHOLSTERY WITH BLUE PIPING, RECENT NEW CANOPY, powered by a Honda 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles

£28,995

Length 22ft, Beam 7ft8ins, Built 2007, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, cassette toilet, warm air heating, fridge, 12 and 240 volts electrics, NEW CANOPY, powered by a Honda 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available,

New Viking Cruisers

Show Boats Now Available to view at our indoor showroom.

Prices From £39,995.

Including Outboard Engine PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST OFFERS

VIKING 20

£22,995

Length 20ft, Beam 7ft4ins, Built 2003, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, cassette toilet, shower, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, recent new canopy, powered by a Tohatsu 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available,

Wanted

Modern Inland Waterways Cruisers, Viking, Atlanta, Shetland, Mayland, Dolphin, Norman, etc, must be in original condition.

Cash waiting for right boats.

Please call David on

07721 382619

As the Viking Motor Cruisers Premier Agent we are delighted to announce the arrival of the NEW VIKING 26 WIDE BEAM GOLDEN CROWN EDITION to celebrate 50 years of Viking Motor Cruisers. With new easy access lift out cockpit sides, new open plan cabin layout, 2 tone cockpit upholstery and warm air heating as standard, along with the usual fittings including cooker with hob, grill & oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, cassette toilet, 12 & 240 volts electrics, 6 berths, and a 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine.

Priced at £64,995.

Book your viewing now on 07721 382619.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

SUENOS

£47,995

Length 44ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2008 by East West Marine with a cruiser stern, powered by a Barrus Shanks 35Hp inboard diesel.

From the bow is the open plan living area with solid fuel stove and sofa bed, next is the galley with 4 ring gas hob, grill and oven, stainless steel sink, fridge and granite worktops, the wash room is next with a large shower, sink unit and pump-out toilet, the bedroom is to the rear of the boat and has a fixed double with a central heating radiator and wardrobe. Includes Webasto Central heating, combi inverter charger, 12 and 240 volts electrics, pram canopy, 3 x solar panels and a Bsc to May 2025.

FUTUREST

£49,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1998 by Ian Davis as a traditional boat with a boatman’s cabin and powered by a Russell Newbury 18Hp traditional engine in engine room. Current Bsc. The hull is constructed with a 12 mm base plate. The boatman’s cabin has a single berths, an Epping solid fuel stove, pull down table & storage cupboards. Moving forward is the engine room with side hatches both sides, next is the washroom with a shower, porta potti toilet and sink, followed by a the galley with a Belfast sink, shoreline fridge, full size gas cooker and side hatch. Moving towards the bow of the boat is the main living area with a Morso solid fuel stove with back boiler giving heat to the radiators, free standing sofa bed, corner storage cabinets and under gunwell storage with fold up table and chairs.The boat includes a front cratch cover, colarifier, washing machine,and Tv.

LITTLE TROJAN

£29,995 SALLY CASS POO

Length 32ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2003 by Sea Otter Boats, 1 owner from new, powered by a Nanni 21Hp 3 Cylinder Diesel engine, Less than 160 hours from new. Rear cabin comprises of a galley with a full size gas cooker, shoreline fridge, worktop with sink and drainer, cupboards with TV mounted above, dining area which converts to a small double bed, and controls for the Webasto heating. The front cabin has a double bed, along with the toilet and shower compartment, with a cassette toilet, shower and sink. A new canopy is on order for the boat. The craft is fitted with diesel heating along with 12 and 240 volts electrics and a battery charger. The BSC is valid to 2027.

£54,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2004 by Dave Clarke with a Trad Stern, fit out by Bridgecraft, powered by a Thornycroft diesel engine, Standard layout with bedroom at stern with a fixed double bed, next it the large bathroom with shower, pump-out toilet and sink, the galley in next with units both sides and a side hatch, followed by the main living area, the boat is heated via an Alde boiler with radiators thoughout the boat. There is also 12 and 240 volt electrics and immersion heater. The Bsc is to May 2026.

This is a very clean and tidy vessel.

Narrowboats URGENTLY required for brokerage or outright purchase.

(Free valuation, free storage, fast payout on completion, competitive rates, terms apply) Please contact David on 07721 382619

Website: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Email: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

52 BROKERAGE

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

LARGE CHOICE OF

WIDEBEAMS NARROWBOATS DUTCH BARGES

NEWLY LISTED WIDEBEAMS AVAILABLE FROM £100,000

COLLINGWOOD HOXTON 70' X 12' 03 'Wingspan' | £149,950 | thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

WIDEBEAMS

COLLINGWOOD 64' X 10'

COLECRAFT 70' WIDEBEAM

'Skylark' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Andantino’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Sunflower' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£169,950

£129,950

£149,950

£114,500

JONATHAN WILSON/FERNWOOD

CANAL CRAFT NARROWBOAT

G J REEVES SEMI TRAD 70'

thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Georgina C' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Gladiator' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Itchen To Go’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£119,950

£82,500

£55,950

£79,950

SEA OTTER 31' NARROWBOAT

PETER NICHOLLS STEELBOATS 55'

COLECRAFT CRUISER STERN 36'

CANAL CRAFT 42' CRUISER STERN

'Baddlesmere’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Water Woodstock' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Beauty' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Sigard' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£41,950

£54,950

£35,950

£34,950

BARGE BLUEWATER 62' X 12' 06"

COLLINGWOOD PIONEER 60' X 9' ‘Adventure Two' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

NARROWBOATS

JONATHAN WILSON/FINESSE BOATS NARROWBOAT

NEW AND USED BOATS AVAILABLE FROM 10 UK LOCATIONS

BERTHING AT ANY TINGDENE MARINA GUARANTEED* WITH ALL CRAFT SOLD!

SPECIALIST WIDE BEAM AND NARROWBOAT SALES OFFICES Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames and Kennet Marina | 01189 477770 *subject to availability

Tel: 01933 551622 boatsales@tingdene.net www.tingdeneboating.com

BROKERAGE 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Your Boat • Our Expertise Over 28 years of experience selling individually inspected, well presented boats from your own mooring anywhere in the UK, or from our base at North Kilworth Marina, LE17 6HY

Whether you are buying or selling our website is packed with information and updated daily

Standard fee of 6% + VAT with a loyalty discount for returning customers

01788 822 115 • admin@abnb.co.uk

ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

W NE TING LIS

Ref 1504

VENDELLA £52,500 50ft trad style by John White with a David Moores fit out.

Very high quality woodwork – a combination of ash and oak. Well crafted and with cupboards and shelves everywhere. Aft bedroom, forward living area. Very good condition.

Ref 1505

ROSE O’LEIGH £27,950 47ft trad style, with large, open living area, shower/wc and storage cupboards aft. Extended by 15ft in 2015 with a new Vetus 4cyl engine. Basic, functional boat ideal for the simple life afloat.

Solar charging, Squirrel stove heating. Well priced.

W NE TING LIS

W NE TING LIS

Ref 1506

Ref 1502

www.ashboats.co.uk

PEARL GRACE £27,950 A unique 32ft narrowboat with wheel steering forward (In the cabin) and tiller steering on aft deck, plenty of windows and designed as a weekender with sleeping potential aft and a makeup bed forward. Wc/shower and cooking facilities. Hardly used.

MELLOR 16 £125,000 NEW BUILD 57 ft cruiser style narrowboat completed Sept ’23 and now available for immediate delivery with all certification/ warranties etc. Aft living area, forward bedroom. Lovely contemporary interior.

MANDOLIN WIND £69,950 Built to a high standard by Cherilton Boats in 2012 with Stunning steelwork by XR&D; Recent full exterior repaint. 60ft Semi-trad, narrowboat, Aft Galley (granite work tops), pullman dinette, lounge, shower room (with pump-out), Forward bedroom. Lovely woodwork, high spec – washing machine, bow thruster, Mastervolt, battery management. Lovely condition.

Ref 1503

NEW CONCEPT PREMIUM 577 £139,500 57ft cruiser style narrowboat, due for Completion with a high spec and lovely quality. Reverse layout with bedroom forward, Aft galley, central living. Still some scope for buyer input (exterior colour/ extras etc). Bow thruster, Victron electronics, solar panels, very stylish interior. Can be viewed by Appointment. (Pictures of similar boat).

Ref 1494

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

steve@ashboats.co.uk

W NE TING LIS

Ref 1507

Ref 1488

RADAR £66,950 Lovely 58ft cruiser style, Bridgewater Boatbuilders in 2007 with lovely alterations by Nantwich Canal Centre. Beta 43, bow thruster, solar panels, washing machine, Victron 3.0kw inverter, aft canopy. Oak and ash woodwork. Very good condition.

Own mooring.

BOURNE 54 £78,500 54ft Peerless built trad with a Bourne Boatbuilders full refit just completed. New interior with bedroom aft, lounge forward.

All new appliances, New exterior paintwork. Stunning woodwork.

New appearance.

54 BROKERAGE

December 2023

Tel: (01788) 891373 Fax: (01788) 891436

Braunston Marina Ltd The Wharf Braunston Nr. Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 7JH

On the Internet: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

CHISWICK

£78,000

71ft 6” /21.82m Trad Style, Hull by Harland and Wolf –1937, F/O 2006, 2/4 Berth.

AUTUMN

£43,500

50ft/15.24m Tug Style 1995, Hull by Colecraft, Fit Out by Owner, 2/4 Berth

REDUCED

FOR SALE

VICTORIA

£45,000

52’(15.85M) – Semi Trad 1996 – Hull by Michael Cull F/O by Lockhart boats, 2 berth, Trad engine midships.

REDUCED ON REFLECTION

GAIA

£44,950

42ft /12.80m Trad Style 1998, Hull & Fit Out by Venetian, 2/4 Berth

REDUCED £59,950

60ft /19.29m Semi Trad Style 2007, Hull & F/O by Aq qualine, 2/4 Berth

WIBBLY WOBBLY

FOR SALE £129,950

60ft /18.3m Semi Trad Style 2014, Hull Tyler Wilson, F/O by Milburn Boats, Reverse Layyout & Hyybrid Enggine, 2/4 Berth,

FOR SALE SILENE

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

57ft /17.37, Trad Style 2007, Hull & F/O by Northwich Boats, 2/4 Berth

SAM TOO

£34,950

46.2ft /14.08m Cruiser Style 1987,Hull & Fit Out by Rug gbyy Boat Builders, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE

SOLD £59,950

THISTLE DDU

£64,950

57ft /17.37m Trad Style 2005, Hull & F/O by Ledgard Bridg ge, 2/4 Berth

NAMASTE

£47,000

50ft /15.24m Cruiser Style 2001, Hull & F/O by Calcutt, 2/5 Berth Reverse Layyout

THERE ARE MANY GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELL YOUR BOAT.....

Here are just two:  

We have a proven record for high and quick turnover of boat sales founded on our famous and prominent location An excellent and efficient purchasing procedure for our buyers backed up by our comprehensive boatyard facilities and services, and attentive, caring staff.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE THIS SEASON

• Moorings • Narrowboat Sales • Steelwork by Arrangement • Chandlery • Pump Out • Laundrette • Diesel • Calor Gas • Dry & Wet Docks • Blacking • DIY Facilities • Engine Repairs & Servicing • Painting & Signwriting • Rope Fenders • Refits & Alterations

BROKERAGE 55

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking -Taking full boat painting bookings for 2024

BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Bottom Blacking • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys

GREAT DEALS ON EBERSPACHER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

BOAT OF THE MONTH

CARNABY

SHUGLEY

SOLD

£31,950

740ft, 1937 Harland & Wolff Tug, lovely ex GUCCCo carrying craft shortened and presented in 1980’s BWB maintenance craft style.

Benefits from tidy condition, new bottom and steelwork by Steve Priest, lister HR2 rebuilt by Dave Ross

TRANQUILLITY

42ft Trad 4 berth, 1981 by Colecraft. Excellent condition, Hull shotblast and 2 pack epoxy, BSS expires: 11/2025. 1 owner from new very reluctant sale!

£34,950

SARAH JANE

LOCKDOWN

£64,950

£54,950

57ft, 1991, North West Narrowboats. A reluctant sale of a very well cared for craft, one owner from new. Mitsubishi engine, solar panels, central heating, recent hull survey. 10/6/4 steel spec.

£64,950

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

New just arrived, 65ft semi-trad, 2007 built by Liverpool Boats, immaculate internal with new bathroom and kitchen, Isuzu 42 engine, last blacked 2020. BSC March 2024.

VISIT US AT Alvecote Marina, Robeys Lane, Alvecote, Tamworth B78 1AS Tel 01827 898585 narrowcraft@alvecotemarina.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 08.30 - 17.30. Sundays & Mondays by appointment

For latest info and offers, follow us on twitter @AlvecoteMarina ON THE COVENTRY CANAL - ONLY 5 MINS FROM J10 M42 BY ROAD

www.AlvecoteMarina.co.uk

56 BROKERAGE

December 2023

ALICE MAY

£27,000

MARSHLAND ECHO

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

£26,500

R E F F RO E D UN

CED U D RE Alice May - 1984 51ft - Arkwright Hull and owner fitout. Powered by a BMC 1.5 with a PRM160VR2 Gearbox. Boat Safety Until April 2023

1992 56ft – Pat Buckle Boatbuilders hull and Louis Wilson fitout. Powered by an BMC 1.8 4 Cylinder with a Hurth Gearbox.

FIRWOOD

MERDEKA

£50,000

£58,000 2005 57ft – John White hull and Triton Boat Fitters fitout.

Powered by a Vetus M417K with a TMC 60-2R Gearbox.

2001 50ft – Colecraft hull and fitout. Powered by an Beta 1505 Cylinder with a PRM150 Gearbox.

JACK FROST

£47,000 2004 45ft - M+P Steelcraft hull with first owner fitout.

Boat Safety Until August 2026.

Marine Engines Specialists in servicing, rebuilding and spare parts for BMC. Our respected quality re-manufactured BMC 1.5 and and 1.8s marinised for keel cooling from £2820 If it’s BMC we have what you need Call us now!

A range of high quality re-built gearboxes are also available.

Peaceful Canal Boat Moorings in the Heart of the Country Facilities include: Water points, electrical outlets, pump-out, sewage disposal, perimeter lighting, floodlit car park, 24hr security, picnic/ barbecue area, uploading at your boat, fuel, repairs, chandlery.

T: 01926 813757 E: boats@calcuttboats.com www.calcuttboatsshop.com Tomlow Road, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire.

CV47 8HX

ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.calcuttboatsshop.com Open 24/7 for all your BMC and Hurricane spare parts and all your other chandlery needs online.

Reliable central heating and hot water for boats of any size

www.dieselheating.com

BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

NORBURY WHARF Limiitedd

New stock arriving shortly

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values

REF 10516 - Duchess 69 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. REDUCED TO £35,000.00

REF 10541 - Teiwaz 60 foot tug style narrow boat. £44,950.00

REF 10542 - Sapphire 50 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £34,950.00

REF 10532 - John Henry 50 foot traditional stern narrow boat. REDUCED TO £36,950.00

REF 10543 - Howling Wolf 57 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £25,000.00

REF 10544 - Calluna 34 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £33,500.00

REF 10536 - Blue Moon 60 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED £38,000.00

REF 10546 - Water Lilley 60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £48,950.00

REF 10547 - Blue Diamond 60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £49,950.00

REF 10539 - Queen Maeve 46 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED £28,950.00

Please visit our website for a full list of boats currently For Sale

The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Tel: (01785) 284292 • E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

58

December 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Need a Survey or Boat Safety Examiner?

Dave Freeman

Over 25 years experience on the inland waterways

Marine Surveys & BSS Examinations For a Competitive Quote & Prompt Service

BSS Examiner, Marine Surveyor & Marine Technical Consultant

Tel 07918 677782

Covering all Areas Based Bridge 69 Trent & Mersey Canal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

Cetec Marine Est. 1992

A friendly and professional fully insured service Steel, GRP & Timber craft Pre-purchase surveys Insurance surveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing Phone Chris Holmes 07860 254369 01784 464899

surveyors@cetec.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

Areas Covered 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

RHYS KILLIN Dip.S.C.Sur

BSS Examiner Robert W. Burton BEng(Hons), GradIIMS, MIET

BSS Examination from £160

Marine Surveyor & BSS Examiner Surveys, BSS examinations, valuations and consultancy Scotland & Northern England, Areas 16, 1, 2 & 3.

Mob: 07794 862 022 Email: robert@burtonmarine.com

www.burtonmarine.com

BOB HURST Your Local BSS Examiner

based at South Kilworth

Phone: 07720 424396 Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com Areas Covered 9 & 10

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Tel 07748 861795 rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

• Boat Safety Examinations inc. commercial craft • All gas repairs & fittings Offering over 30 years experience WITHIN A 30 MILE RADIUS OF BIRMINGHAM

Thomas Tighe 07973 321997 tomtighe@hotmail.com

Services

is an independent company providing professional and comprehensive support services to Narrowboats and Inland Waterways vessels.

Based in Northamptonshire we are ideally placed to offer our services.

Our services include: • Hull condition, Pre-purchase, Insurance and Valuation surveys.

(Accredited YDSA member) • Marine consultancy.

Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.

AREA COVERED: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14

07903 945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

Narrowboat Surveyor

& Boat Safety Examiner

Michael Clarke

Dip.S.C. Sur AMIMarEST Areas covered: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 • A Friendly and Professional Service • Fully Qualified & Insured • Ultrasonic Pre-purchase & Hull Condition Surveys • No travelling Charges - All areas covered Northampton based

01604 858 868 07944 856 351

info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

DELTA MARINE SERVICES

Marine Surveying

For

BSS Examinations Contact

Charles King Leicestershire based

info@monarchmarine.co.uk 07836 210 656 www.monarchmarine.co.uk

♦ Pre-Purchase Condition Survey ♦ Valuation ♦ Insurance Condition Survey ♦ New Build/Conversion Project Supervision & Consultancy ♦ Damage Assessment ♦ Litigation Advice & Claim Assessment ♦ Areas covered 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 14

Mob. 07831 355543 Tel. 01926 499337

www.delta-marineservices.co.uk

MARK

EDWARDS MABSSE

Boat Safety Scheme Examiner All classes of vessels examined Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificates Caravans, RV’s and domestic properties

Tel 07970 384047 Areas covered: 2, 4, 5

SEVERNSIDE BOAT SAFETY BSS Examinations Ultrasonic Hull Surveys Based on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Areas covered 8, 9,10 &14 07528 628054 angela@severnsideboatsafety.co.uk www.severnsideboatsafety.co.uk

NIGEL CARTON BSS

Completely independent.

Good rates and a friendly service.

Areas covered:

2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10 Call: 07989 388109 Email:

nigel.carton@btinternet.com

Alan Buckle Boat Safety Scheme Examiner

Independent friendly service Covering the Midlands and surrounding areas.

07856 686363

bsswithalan@gmail.com

59

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

BALLAST

BOATS WANTED

CANOPIES

FOR SALE

BOAT BUILDER BOOKS

CANALIA

BOAT PAINTERS

GRAPHICS

COURSES CANOPIES

GRIT BLASTING

BOATS WANTED

DOUBLE GLAZING

HEATING

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

60

December 2023 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

INSURANCE

LED LIGHTING

MAPS

MAIL FORWARDING MOORINGS

INSURANCE

SERVICE & REPAIRS

SERVICES

SERVICES

61

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

SERVICES

SITUATIONS VACANT

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

TRANSPORT BY WATER

WINDOWS

62 READER ADVERTS/NEWS

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

READER ADVERTS Selling your boat is FREE for private readers of Towpath Talk For Sale

ARIES steelwork was completed in 2010 and she has been engineered and fitted by the owner, with some joinery by Greg Birkett. She is an 83% scale ‘representation’ of a River Class Leeds Liverpool Short boat but with modern facilities. She is gas free, with a Dickinson stove and electric appliances. Heating is by Bubble & Refleks diesel stoves and Eberspacher boiler.

Available for viewing from 1st September, contact by email for more information £140,000 Email. kenw49er@gmail.com

FAIRLINE VIXEN 20ft cruiser, fitted with a brand new Tohatsu MFSISE EPTS outboard, self-start remote steering, complete with twin axle trailer, offers near £8000, can be viewed at Kingfisher Wharf, East Bridgford Tel. 07713 897251.

WINDERMERE CHAR rowing boat, totally restored, all new ribs, seats floorboards on purpose built trailer, photos of restoration, Four oars, bilge pump, flag etc, used on Norfolk Broads, immaculate, stored in Ipswich, £7000 ono Tel. 07778 281065.

Parts For Sale

CLASSIC ELECTRIC Wooden Launch Day Boat, 1963 Fairey Falcon based on service launch for Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Converted to electric launch, featured in Waterways World. Hull – double diagonal hot moulded mahogany strips sheathed in heavy duty glassfibre. Weight inc. trailer 625kg Jago 52lb/ft electric outboard, 2 new 110amp deep cycle leisure batteries. Range: 5 to 7 hours at 2 to 4kph Usage: lakes, broads, slow rivers, canals, 6 to 8 adults. Trailer: purpose built, new winch, rollers, replacement wheels and 6ply tyres, £5995 Tel. 07794 579184.

THISTLE 40FT NARROWBOAT ready to move in, living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, kitted out with everything you need, lovely outside deck area too, £38,500 Tel. 07702 991273.

OUTBOARD Tension spring, new still packed stainless steel, £8. Honda Morse single lever control box plus one push pull control cable, all can be used on other outboards. Honda Electric start outboard impeller used but very good condition, Freeman boat parts various, £5 Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey. Email. raphilips@ ntlworld.com SABB 2H diesel engine with gearbox, full nut and bolt rebuild with new gaskets and parts including starter motor and alternator. Also Sabb model G diesel engine with full nut and bolt re-build with new gaskets and parts and new manifold also starter motor, both engines include s/gear. Also for sale national 2 DM diesel engine full strip down and rebuilt including new bearings, pistons and RN conversions trunk and support for new PRM gearbox Tel. 01254 202341.

MARINER 9.9 8HP engine 9553240 for spares or repair, £60 ono Tel. Dave 07990 639302.

Staffordshire.

TAPS chrome, push down and release taps, brand new unused, £4 each. Freeman 23 chrome hand rail brackets very good condition, both tyres fits all Freemans can fit other boats, £5 each. Tel. 01932 707165. Email. raphilips@ntlworld.com

FREEMAN WATERMOTA some new impellers still boxed, Crossflow 6 blade type £20 each Tel. 01932 707165. Email. raphillips@ntlworld.com

PROPELLER 4 Blade 16” x 8” Michigan Marine Gold Line Bronze. Shaft 1:10 Taper right hand. GL469 16” x 08” RH. Bore: 40mm x 1:10. Hub: L=100mm F=84mm A=75mm. Keyway: 12mm x 3.7mm. Original price £636. Fitted and removed on 2/4/2022. Used for one short trip only on our canal boat because the low speed handling was poor especially in reverse, it would most likely suit a boat shorter than 62 feet, there is no damage, pits, dents, chips or cracks, collect or postage £10.50 £220 Email. roma. jesse@gmail.com

PROPELLER 3 Blade 18” x 10” Michigan Marine Bronze Canal Line. 40mm Shaft 1:10 Taper Right Hand. CL352 18” x 10” RH HTB1. Bore: 40mm 1:10 Taper, Hub: L=100mm. Keyway: 12mm x 3.70mm. Original price £540.24.

Used on a narrowboat for fewer than 90 days gentle cruising.

Replaced by 4-bladed prop for greater control at low speeds.

There is no damage at all, and it comes in its original box. Collect or postage £10.50 £220 Email. roma.jesse@gmail.com

MORSO SQUIRREL 1410 multifuel stove, Morso Offset insulated flue & chimney, perfect working condition, £600 Tel. 07947 744066.

This Shropshire Union Railways & Canal Company cast iron weight restriction notice sold for £150 at auction on August 25. PHOTO: LACY SCOTT & KNIGHT

Heritage under the hammer

A colourful poster by an acclaimed artist, an early bridge weight restriction notice and a worksplate from a canal company railway locomotive are the highlights in Geoff Courtney’s bimonthly report of the canalia auction scene.

THE poster, which sold for £380 at a Transport Auctions of London sale on October 28, featured the Wye Valley, and was issued jointly by the GWR and LMS in 1938.

It was the work of Londonborn Gregory Brown (1887-1941), an acclaimed and influential artist and designer who between 1914 and 1940 produced more than 70 posters for London Underground.

He was also commissioned by, among other companies, the Southern Railway and ICI, and in 1925 was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition of Decorative Arts. At 155 miles the Wye is the fourth longest river in the UK, and for much of that it forms the border between England and Wales. The valley, which

was the subject of Brown’s poster, is a 45-mile stretch of the river’s lower part and is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty that is popular with canoeists, anglers and tourists.

The notice, a Shropshire Union Railways & Canal Co cast-iron sign advising that a bridge was insufficient to carry a traction engine or ‘any other extraordinary weight,’ fetched £150 at a Lacy Scott & Knight collectors’ auction in Bury St Edmunds on August 25.

The SURCC was incorporated in August 1846 and consisted of the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal, Chester Canal Navigation, and a number of other waterways.

A year after its formation the company was leased

by the London & North Western Railway, it ceased acting as a carrier – its main source of income rather than tolls – in 1920, and two years later was bought by the LNWR. Described by the Canal & River Trust as ‘charmingly rural and isolated for much of its length’, the navigable 66-mile Shropshire Union Canal runs from the River Mersey at Ellesmere Port to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal near Wolverhampton.

Finally, the locomotive worksplate, which sold for £400 at a Great Central Railwayana auction on September 2, was from Manchester Ship Canal standard gauge 0-6-0T No 66, built by Hudswell Clarke of Leeds in 1919 and withdrawn in 1963.

The prices quoted exclude buyer’s premium of 22.5% (+ VAT) at the LSK auction, and 15% (+ VAT) at the TAL and Great Central sales.

A GWR/LMS Wye Valley poster sold for £380 at auction on October 28.

PHOTO: TRANSPORT AUCTIONS OF LONDON

ON IRISH WATERS WITH ALISON ALDERTON 63

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Irish destinations in Cool List 2024 Cover of Gwen’s book.

The Waters and the Wild – a new book with paddle appeal!

The Wild Atlantic Way. PHOTO: TOURISM IRELAND PRESTIGIOUS travel magazine National Geographic Traveller (UK) has unveiled its Cool List 2024 which features the 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024 and this year includes Belfast and the Wild Atlantic Way. Tourism Ireland has welcomed the news, which comes at an exciting time for both destinations. Next year will see Belfast 2024 get under way, a programme of cultural events to take place across the city with Belfast’s riverfront and maritime heritage, including its boat-building past, set to be a main feature and focal point.

The 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way will be marked in 2024. Described as one of Europe’s most exciting road trips, the route winds for 1600 miles along the specular west coast of Ireland and celebrates both the stunning scenery and the rich heritage of Ireland.

Reviewer: Alison Alderton

Titanic Belfast. PHOTO: CHRIS HILL/TOURISM IRELAND

Titanic Distillers puts Belfast back on the whiskey producing map PRODUCTION of Irish whiskey in Belfast is now under way for the first time in almost 90 years thanks to Titanic Distillers.

Premium Irish whiskey

by Titanic Distillers.

A beautiful illustration of a mink in the wild. Illustration by Gwen Wilkinson, supplied by Irish Academic Press/Merrion Press

Housed in the historic pump house at Thompson Dock, part of the Titanic Quarter, the Titanic Distillers company opened

Inside the historic Thompson Dock pump house now home to Titanic Distillers. PHOTOS: TITANIC DISTILLERS

its doors to the general public earlier this year allowing visitors to explore the site, a milestone event, further enhanced this autumn by the production of whiskey in the new and impressive copper stills.

Thompson Dock is located on the west side of Queen’s Island in Belfast, within sight of the Harland and Wolff shipyard.

The dock, constructed by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, was designed to accommodate the White Star liners,

IN 2019, Gwen Wilkinson set herself the challenge of building a canoe and paddling the length of Ireland along the inland waterways. She set out from the shores of Lough Erne in the north and navigated a 400km journey to the tidal waters of the River Barrow in the south.

The result – The Waters and the Wild.

More than just a travelogue, The Waters and the Wild explores the i nt e r w ov e n histories of the people and wildlife that shaped Gwen’s journey.

As the adventure unfolds, Gwen shines a light on some of the inspirational and pioneering women who have left their mark on Ireland’s landscape – both

Olympic and Titanic, and is steeped in history and heritage.

The distillery is a great addition to the already world-famous Titanic Quarter and the

natural and cultural.

Tales I personally found of interest included that of Emily Williamson, Eliza Phillips and Margaretta ‘Etta’ Lemon, the inspiration behind what today is known as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) but the simple tale of Margaret Haughery, the bread woman, was the one which touched my heart.

This book is not just for the female of our species, however, as Gwen also touches on some iconic males; St Molaise, St Brendan the navigator, the Old Croghan Man, Walter and his family of Watty’s Lock fame, Ecologist Tom Lawrence, Sir Ernest Shackleton and more.

newly produced on-site premium whiskey is sure to prove a popular tipple this winter and beyond.

Titanic Distillers also produces vodka on site and offer a range of tours

The author’s striking lino and woodcut prints are scattered throughout the text; many of these depict the flora and fauna spotted along the way.

There are also maps allowing the reader to plot Gwen’s progress as she explores the myriad of beautiful waterways which Ireland has become renowned for. An inspirational read which will leave you wanting more.

The Waters and the Wild – The trials and tranquillities of a journey on Ireland’s waterways, by Gwen Wilkinson (256 pages with illustrations and maps, priced €17 plus p&p).

Available from: www.iwaishop.ie and other good bookshops.

ISBN: 978-1785 374494

both of the distillery and Thompson Dock, which includes descending the 66 steps into the graving dock itself where the Titanic last rested on dry land.

Wading birds to benefit from €30 million scheme

IRELAND’S largest independent conservation organisation, BirdWatch Ireland, recently welcomed news of a scheme for the protection and conservation of breeding waders.

Announced by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, it will be established as part of a wider package of supports for climate and nature.

A sum of €30 million has been set aside for the Breeding Wader EIP (European Innovation Partnership); €22.5 million is to be invested by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the remaining €7.5 million coming from the Department of

Curlew in flight.

PHOTO: JOHN FOX/BIRDWATCH IRELAND

Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Waders are among the most threatened of all breeding birds in Ireland, with six of the eight regularly occurring species on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. The six species in question are curlew, lapwing, dunlin, golden plover, redshank and snipe.

Five of these species have declined by at least 50% in the last 40 years. Curlew and lapwing have each declined by more than 90% in the last 20 years and are considered to be approaching globally threatened status by BirdLife International.

Loss of breeding habitat through agricultural intensification, draining of peatlands and afforestation have all contributed to these declines, but widespread predation of nests and chicks by generalist predators such as foxes and crows have also severely impacted remaining populations in recent years.

BirdWatch Ireland had

previously identified that a scheme underpinned by at least €30 million was required to support farmers to undertake measures to save Ireland’s breeding waders from extinction and is pleased that the Irish Government has taken heed.

A redshank, seen here wading.

PHOTO: FINTAN MCTIERNAN/BIRDWATCH IRELAND

A snipe by the water’s edge. PHOTO: PAUL WHITE/BIRDWATCH IRELAND

64 GREAT OUTDOORS

December 2023

Barge Beagle in space

Narrowboats moored above Maunsel Lock.

A lively look at keeping active on or beside the water

Planet Earth – Barge Beagle’s home.

Sniffing out good finds for crews with canines West Country break

Words & photos: Alison Alderton

While enjoying a break THE Bridgwater & Taunton in the West Country, Canal was part of a proposed Barge Beagle was keen to larger scheme intent on explore and so we arrived at Maunsel Lock and its linking the Bristol and English Channels, avoiding celebrated dog-friendly tea the exposed, wreck-strewn rooms midway along the route around Land’s End. 14-mile-long Bridgwater Starting from a floating & Taunton Canal. Also dock, connecting with based between Maunsel the Parrett Estuary in and Higher locks is the Bridgwater, the canal climbs Jupiter, the largest Somerset Boat Centre, through seven locks in a planet in our solar where small craft can be south-westerly direction, system – far enough hired – or why not take a cruise on the Somersun trip skirting the western edge for Barge Beagle. boat and partake of a cream of the low-lying Somerset Levels en route to Taunton. From here tea or fish and chip supper. a connection was made via the River The Somerset Space Walk uses the Tone to the Grand Western Canal and on towpath to illustrate our solar system to Tiverton. through models of the sun and planets Unfortunately, the next section was to a scale of 1mm to 530km. The model never built but would have descended the of the sun stands at Higher Lock with valley of the River Exe to Exeter where the the planets set out along the towpath in plan was to connect with the Exeter Ship both directions; therefore, it is possible to reach Pluto, furthest planet from the sun, Canal and finally the English Channel.

The extensive use of tub-boat inclined located at either Bridgwater or Taunton! planes and poorly engineered boat lifts Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, inevitably contributed to the route’s Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are placed failure but the advent of steam-driven at their scale distances from the sun also ships sealed its fate. All that remains of this epic scheme today is the Exeter Ship Canal, part of the Grand Western Canal near Tiverton and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Reviewer: Les Heath

Scale model of the sun midway along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal at Higher Lock. in each direction. Walking in a northerly direction we passed Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Jupiter – not bad for a small dog with short legs – and Barge Beagle thought the walk was out of this world!

WHO would have thought that there are more than 100 ways to recharge and relax on rivers, lakes and canals?

Sarah Henshaw has found them in her book Just Add Water, a lively publication synonymous with the Canal & River Trust’s own motto of life being better by water.

Having lived for five years on a narrowboat, the author is familiar with living close to water but canals only play a small part in this lavishly illustrated book.

From mudlarking to wild swimming, paddleboarding to

foraging, the book is a water bible for boosting the body and mind.

Holidays afloat are described by the author as a ‘stress busting staycation at 4mph’ and every aspect of leisure boating is covered in detail.

Whether it’s jogging along the towpath, paddleboarding in a river or island hopping off the Scottish coast, the book highlights case studies for each activity with contributors extolling the virtues of their favourite pastime.

Living on a boat myself I can appreciate the author’s love of being by water.

Although I am no jogger, cyclist nor fisherman I would love to experience mudlarking or simply lying in a hammock beside running water. But I draw the line at wild water swimming.

Case studies in the book, however, show wild water swimming could be a cure for a variety of ills including long Covid.

According to a 2022 study by Glasgow Caledonian University, living within 700 metres of an urban canal could significantly cut the risk of life-shortening diseases.

So Just Add Water does more than emphasise the pleasures of being by water. It could also be a life saver.

Just Add Water by Sarah Henshaw is published by Adlard Coles, Bloomsbury Publishing (paperback, 224 pages, RRP £18.99).

ISBN: 9781399400459

Pets on the Cut Royal George

Words & photo: Alison Wilkerson

Passengers waiting to board the Somersun trip boat.

TOWPATH

TALK

Typical B&T ground paddle gear at Higher Lock.

GUARANTEE DELIVERY From just £19

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT04

SLOWLY cruising, especially on a rainfree day, is one of the joys of life we enjoy as much as possible and I must confess I do enjoy people watching and have been known to gongoozle myself on occasions.

I also stop and chat and pet – with permission – nearly every dog that passes by, especially if they stop to have a drink of fresh water which we put out on the towpath every time we moor up.

On once such occasion of petting, I met an adorable nine-year-old Heinz 57 terrier called George who was walking

A play on birds

Ken Norman continues his series of frivolous bird cartoons which he

creates while relaxing on board his narrowboat Daedalus.

George with his ‘wobble wag giggle’ ball. with his owners Val and Bob. Val was originally from the Isle of Sheppey and thus affectionately referred to as a ‘swampy’. She explained that George was found in a field as a puppy of only five to six weeks old, fitting in the palm of a hand, and collected by the council dog warden.

Luckily Bob, who was employed by the council and lived in King V George Lodge, where they had lived for nine years, at the park and playing field in Sittingbourne, Kent, fell in love with him, as did Val, especially as they had recently lost their own dog. He was of course named George, an obvious choice!

Upon retirement they made the decision to buy and live on a boat.

And why not? Having viewed loads, they purchased their first and current narrowboat five years ago from The New and Used Boat Co at Mercia Marina in Derbyshire where they moored for a while.

Their first trip, which was epic by the sound of it, included the Grand Union, Northampton Arm, River Nene, the Middle Levels and beyond. Now they have a lovely permanent canalside mooring with wonderful garden, which they started renting from the Canal &

River Trust a year ago, but they do still go out cruising.

George loves living on their 58ft narrowboat which has a Beta 43 marine engine; however he lies on his bed in the cabin when cruising as he does not like the engine noise. He also does not like water as he has fallen in, including a memorable time falling in near Harecastle on the Trent & Mersey Canal, where the water is deep orange from the iron-rich springs near the tunnel and yes, he came out orange, so would not recommend it.

He seems to find friends wherever he goes and is good with dogs especially neighbouring lurchers Hope and Nelly and is not fussed with moorhens but will chase squirrels, rabbits and ducks.

He has to have grain-free food but does love a roast dinner which he manages very well despite not having his top teeth which does make him look like he is smiling. He also sticks his tongue out when relaxed and is obsessed with his ‘wobble wag giggle’ ball, which is an interactive dog ball that giggles when rolled and has to be replaced every time it falls in water as it stops working. We now know what to get him for Christmas!

SCOTTISH WATERS with Cicely Oliver 65

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

Scottish Maritime Museum celebrates 40th anniversary

The exterior view of the Linthouse in 1994/95 after the building’s relocation from Glasgow to Irvine.

THE Scottish Maritime Museum celebrated its 40th anniversary with an annual meeting and public event bringing together two of the award-winning attraction’s national heritage collections.

Following the AGM on Friday, October 27, guests were invited to join in an afternoon of Fusing Science and Art, an event of workshops and demonstrations alongside an exhibition talk and tour.

The Scottish Maritime Museum was founded in 1983 after an enthusiast group, the West of Scotland Boat Museum Association, embraced a vision to display a maritime collection in Irvine, a harbourside with a rich shipbuilding tradition.

Around the same time, the museum took over the site of the former William Denny Shipyard in Dumbarton to help preserve the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, originally opened in 1883.

The tank allowed engineers to

discover how full-sized ships’ hulls would perform at sea.

The Irvine Museum was initially housed in the Boatshop building on the town’s Harbourside. In 1991 the A-listed former Engine Shop of Alexander Stephen and Sons shipyard, which was standing derelict in Govan, Glasgow, was salvaged and relocated to Irvine.

The vast glass-roofed Victorian Linthouse has since towered over Irvine Harbourside and the museum has become a nationally recognised attraction and a key contributor to the local communities of Irvine and Dumbarton. These two attractions tell the story of Scotland’s maritime past, present and future.

Irvine is home to ships, industrial machinery and nautical-inspired artwork, alongside changing exhibitions, children’s trails and tours of a 1920s shipworker’s flat and fitting shed.

The Dumbarton site, with the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, shows the

Glasgow’s floating chippie wins again!

McMonagles, seen from the canal.

CHIP, chip, hooray! McMonagles, moored on the Forth & Clyde Canal at Clydebank, won Best Restaurant Takeaway at the Scottish Takeaway Awards for the second year running.

Locals, walkers, cyclists and boaters know McMonagles for great fish and chips, pizza and other chippie classics, eating in or takeaway, accessed from the towpath and from a canalside hatch for passing boaters.

The family-run business, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is on board the Debra Rose, constructed

by Campbeltown Shipyard. John McMonagle worked with his brother running fish and chip vans but dreamt of owning a restaurant on the canal in Clydebank, where he was born.

A hungry boater taking advantage of McMonagles’ canalside takeaway. PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE

He and his wife Agnes commissioned the Debra Rose, named after their eldest daughter, from the shipyard in Campbeltown where it was completed in 1993. The ship was towed from the yard as far as Rothesay Dock on the Clyde.

The canal, at that time, was unnavigable so the Debra Rose was cut into eight sections, transported by road to the canal at Clydebank, and reassembled. Although the canal was not open at that time, there was sufficient water for the restaurant to float. It had to be encased in tons of concrete when the Forth & Clyde reopened.

story of the Clyde’s shipbuilding history, with exhibitions and interactive gadgets and games. Current exhibitions include an exploration of industrial whaling, Scotland’s part in it, and education around the importance of safeguarding marine life. The exhibition Painting with Sound – Short Walks along the West Coast of Scotland displays 23 paintings by artist Keith Salmon, 17 of which are accompanied by soundscapes.

In 2014 the Scottish Boat Building School was established to provide training and qualifications in traditional and modern boat building and repair.

The project started with the aim of training young people and restoring and maintaining the museum’s vessels. In 2016 the school helped develop Scotland’s first Modern Apprenticeship in Boat Building and Repair and became Scotland’s only City and Guilds accredited boat building school. Trainees develop skills restoring the museum’s historic vessels and support a popular community and schools skiff-building programme.

A stunning array of lights adorn the boats on the Union Canal.

PHOTO: REISS MCGUIRE

Flotilla lights up the Union DECORATED and illuminated boats, plus music and sweeties for those on the towpath, recently brought light and fun to the Union Canal.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson and David Mann, director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, beside Wanderer, a rare example of a Second World War airborne lifeboat developed by the renowned boat designer Uffa Fox. PHOTOS: SCOTTISH MARITIME MUSEUM

The ever-popular Ronnie Rusack Flotilla of Light, held on Saturday, November 4, is an annual event organised by the Lowland Canals Association (LCA) and named after Ronnie Rusack MBE, a staunch campaigner for the restoration and reopening of the Lowland Canals, who died in 2020.

Crews gathered for a bonfire and social at Lin’s Mill aqueduct on the Friday evening, ahead of Saturday’s procession from Harrison Park in Edinburgh to Lochrin Basin in the city centre.

The colourful event proved its popularity with large crowds lining the towpath to enjoy the spectacle. The Fairy Mary Cup for Best Decorated Boat, in memory of popular boater Mary Shannon, was won by Seppi Soutar on Lady Galadriel. The LCA offers a prize of £30 to the winner of a competition for best photo capturing the flotilla and its magic, which is open to everyone.

Scottish Waterways for All reports on difficult year BOATERS’ concerns about weed and dredging were highlighted in the annual report presented by Scottish Waterways for All at its annual meeting.

The organisation represents volunteering and boating groups, as well as charitable societies and others with an interest in Scotland’s waterways, working with Scottish Canals. SWfA reported that significant weed in the Lowland canals this year has been exacerbated by a shortage of staff, finance issues and weed cutter breakdowns, with huge clumps of weed having made boating a challenge or prevented trips altogether.

Plans for user operation of locks are still in place, with training due to start this autumn.

Volunteering activity has increased, particularly on the Union Canal where it has mostly been made possible by a partnership between Fountainbridge Canalside Community

Canal organisations and Scottish Canals have previously worked together on successful events such as the Canal Carnival gathering in 2019.

PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS

Trust and The Sorted Project. A significant number of private and public sector organisations have taken part in litter picking. Feedback from local communities and people on the towpath shows the positive impact of the volunteers’ activity.

Plans are being made for a calendar of events for next year, to support collaboration between Scottish Canals and the various canal societies, trusts and charities. Scottish Canals reported on the recent launch of the new corporate plan, as reported in the September issue, and upcoming winter works.

The Falkirk Wheel will benefit from new technology with the upgrade of the 21-year-old control system taking place between October and March. The Crinan Canal’s sea lock gates will be replaced and, on the Caledonian, moorings and jetties will be upgraded. The gates of Lock 5 on the Forth & Clyde Canal will be replaced and improvements carried out on the reservoirs under Scottish Canals’ care.

Huge islands of weed have made the going difficult on the Union Canal. PHOTO: JONATHAN MOSSE

66 DAYS OUT

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Days Out –

Caen Hill Flight, one of the seven Wonders of the Waterways.

Caen Hill

This series picks locations for great days out near some very special canal highlights – anything from the perfect spot for gongoozling (watching boating activities) to an idyllic towpath stroll past extraordinary waterways heritage sightseeing, or perhaps a short boat trip and even a bit of souvenir shopping. The canals are full of heritage and engineering wonders and are also a calm haven for a wide diversity of wildlife and birds. You’ll also see boats on the move and breathe the balm of water in rustling green surroundings.

Words & images – Coolcanals: Phillippa Greenwood & Martine O’Callaghan

THE 16-lock Caen Hill Flight on the Kennet & Avon Canal cascades the leafy landscape with outstretched black and white arms. The flight is part of a longer stretch of 29 locks, spread over

2¼ miles leading to Devizes. Under the engineer John Rennie, the 29 locks made it possible for boats to climb a 237ft hill.

Several locks on the flight are named after volunteers who worked so hard to help achieve successful restoration of this once-busy trade route, left to stagnate due to competition from the

A heron by the locks. railways. In 1962, the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust was formed and, together with British Waterways (now the Canal & River Trust) and others, a long battle began to restore the canal.

The restoration project was a triumph and in 1990 the canal was declared open for leisure boating again by Her Majesty The Queen. Queen's Lock at the top of the flight is named after Her Majesty, and such regal connections seem fitting for Rennie’s elegant engineering masterpiece.

Arrive by boat, bike or boot along the canal, or leave your car in the car park near the top lock, and spend the day watching the water world go by.

Autumn on the canal near Devizes.

Moorings above the flight.

ANGLING 67

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

The Towpath Angler

David Kent

Our monthly look at the angling scene

LIKE so many people my priorities have been somewhat different in the past couple of weeks as a result of the continuing rain storms hitting the UK. I believe the terminology now widely used is ‘extreme weather events’. Rivers have risen to levels rarely experienced before and appear, in some cases, to have beaten flood defences designed to withstand the proverbial once in a hundred years occurrence.

Locally we probably escaped the very worst. That said, numerous properties close to the River Erewash were flooded and sadly, residents have been moved to alternative accommodation until things are resolved.

I live very close to the River Trent but, thankfully, the doubled-up flood defences were not breached. However one of my club’s pools, which lies in the Erewash flood plain and is extremely close to one of the river’s main tributaries, often sees moderate flooding.

However in the early hours of the Sunday two weeks ago the Trent peaked and this caused a back-up of waters along its tributaries which resulted in our pool seeing the worst flooding ever with, albeit just for a few hours, the levels actually overtopping the 6ft-high otter fence.

Unfortunately because temperatures were still mild the fish were still quite active and some went over the fence and were swept away by the waters to be lost for all time. A lot of work is required to clean the site but this is being hampered by the ongoing rain keeping levels at such a height, making it unsafe for our work parties to get in.

Teashop and info boat at the top of the flight.

Towpath policy

Hireboat working through the flight.

FACT FILE Scheduled Ancient Monument

One of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, the entire lock flight is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and has been awarded a Transport Trust Red Wheel Plaque. www.nationaltransporttrust.org.uk Canal Museum

At Devizes Wharf, a short walk along the towpath from the top of the flight, there’s a small canal museum run by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust giving an insight into the Kennet & Avon Canal from inception to restoration. www.katrust.org.uk Wadworth Brewery Tap & Shop

Wadworth’s, founded in 1875 in Devizes, is well known not only for its beer but also for its shire horses, whose stables are open to the public.

Keeping tradition alive, its ales are sometimes delivered by horse and dray. The brewery has a shop and offers pub and ale tours around

Devizes. www.wadworth.co.uk Location

Caen Hill, Devizes OS Grid ref: ST988615 Canal: Kennet & Avon Canal How to get there By train

Nearest train stations are Chippenham, Melksham and Pewsey.

National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950

• ABC Boat Hire, Hilperton www.abcboathire.com • Foxhangers Canal Holidays, Rowde www.foxhangers.co.uk • White Horse Boats, Devizes www.whitehorsenarrowboats.co.uk

By bus

Boat trip: Kenavon Venture, Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Devizes Wharf www.katrust.org.uk

By car

Moorings

Traveline 0871 200 2233 Canal & River Trust car park near the top of Caen Hill by the locks (charge).

On foot

The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath alongside the Caen Hill Lock Flight is popular with both walkers and cyclists. Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 4 follows the towpath here – the route uses the Kennet & Avon towpath all the way from Bath to Reading.

By boat

Nearest boat hire:

There are visitor moorings along the canal above and below the lock flight.

Local Tourist info

• Devizes Tourist Info www.visitwiltshire.co.uk • Kennet & Avon Canal Trust www.katrust.org.uk Canal & River Trust

Use the Canal & River Trust website to find specific local information: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Last month I spoke about the Members’ Council giving its thumbs up to the Towpath Policy Document and that a Towpath Advisory Group will help take things forward. I am very optimistic that, providing everyone buys in, we can collectively make the towpaths a much better place to the benefit of all users.

On a personal note I am very keen to stay involved in that process going forward.

It is not simply a job of making towpaths’ surfaces and accesses more fit for purpose; it is, more importantly, vital that we can generate a situation where everyone is always mindful of others, where everyone can work together for the greater good and, crucially, where everyone shows respect.

This, in a way, leads me back to the relationship between those organisations to whom anglers look for developing the sport at all levels and across all disciplines.

It is so important, not just to the anglers themselves, but the world generally to see that everyone is on the same page. As you will recall I have, on numerous occasions, championed this particular cause but, sadly, I still do not see any appreciable improvements.

This hits especially hard in those areas responsible for the future such as education and coaching. Of course, I acknowledge that this type of situation is symptomatic of many sports and, indeed, business generally but it is still no reason why progress continues to falter. I live in hope that common sense will prevail.

Stoking up

Prior to the wet weather it appeared that fish were willing to feed in most venues no doubt ‘stoking up’ for the winter months. I feel sure that will still be the case once things have settled down a bit after the stormy weather.

That said, some venues will remain or become more difficult due to the influx of so much cold rainwater. I have spoken with a number of anglers in the past week and many of them told me that bites have been at a premium since the storms. Indeed some anglers are already implementing tactics only used in the depths of winter.

Obviously all rivers are pretty much no-go venues at present and, given the amount of rain forecast in the coming days, are likely to remain so probably until Christmas. Two canals local to me were inaccessible until last weekend and even some of the commercial fisheries have been closed.

Interestingly one angler I spoke with fishes a Saturday winter league on a commercial fishery and a Sunday league on a canal. He won his section last week on the Saturday with a modest weight of around 20lb and the only areas he was able to get bites were where he had fed absolutely nothing. Similarly on the canal match he scraped together around 1lb of fish by feeding less than an egg cupful of bait.

Since writing last month I have only fished four times, picking up a couple of envelopes for section wins. As a longtime organiser I do not think I have had to postpone and reschedule so many matches for a long time as this year. At one time, when club events were mainly on rivers, this was almost an annual task.

When water levels allow I think if you can find a few hours to go fishing it could be quite productive as fish will still want to feed before winter comes.

As I have said you may need to be cautious with your feed but I am sure it will have its rewards. If you are able to go please be safe while there is so much water around.

Tight lines.

Tenders sought for fishery management MANAGEMENT of Harthill Reservoir near Sheffield has been put out to tender by the Canal & River Trust with a deadline of 12pm on Monday, December 4.

The upper reservoir is mainly used for specimen carp fishing but also has some sp e cimen tench, bream, pike and roach.

The main reservoir is currently undergoing engineering works and

the drained sections are to be stocked with match-sized carp early in 2024 once the reservoir is refilled. Overall it covers more than 33 acres.

CRT national fisheries and angling manager John Ellis said: “The upper Harthill Reservoir is a wonderful fishery and it’s not unheard of to catch more than 30 fish in a session, with carp averaging 8lb and some running close to 30lb.

“We are confident that, following the restocking with the Fishers Pond strain of carp, the Harthill Reser voir fisher y will prove extremely popular for club and open matches.”

To register initial interest and to receive further information, existing and potential licensees are invited to email: fisheries@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

68 WET WEB

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The Wet Web

Enjoy the open-air ice rink at Gloucester Quays, where the Christmas market will be taking place every weekend.

PHOTO: GLOUCESTER QUAYS

By Helen Gazeley

GLUHWEIN, roasting chestnuts and sparkling decorations.

There’s not much that feels more Christmassy than a Christmas market. And some of the most impressive happen right on the canal network.

For years, Lincoln – which brought the first German market to the UK in 1982 – was the go-to destination. In 1998, though, Manchester collaborated with Frankfurt to hold what has grown into one of the best-known Christmas markets in the UK. This year it celebrates its 25th anniversary, not only with 225 stalls across nine sites, but the Christmas Parade on December 3, Festive Sundays full of family-friendly entertainment and a Christmas Lights Trail.

Find more information on the city council website (https://bit. ly/46ZfASO).

Two years younger, but boasting of being the largest authentic German market outside Germany or Austria, is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market. Free live music at the bandstand in Victoria Square, and the opportunity to sing along with the singing moose are just minor attractions in the midst of plenty.

You’ll find yourself in good company, as the market reportedly brings in 5.5 million visitors each year. Birmingham Live has helpfully provided a list of the prices you’re likely to pay for food (https://bit.ly/3SyIBQW).

Named last year as the Best Large Speciality Market by the Great British Market Awards,

Stratford-upon-Avon’s Victorian Christmas Market has over 300 stands with traders in period costume, a traditional carousel, stilt walkers, live music, choirs and dance performances. It runs from December 7-10 (https://bit. ly/47jxQ9T).

There’s plenty of choice around the country though, with events in Nottingham, Liverpool (with snow slide, big wheel and karaoke ski lifts), Bristol and Leeds.

St Nicholas Fair in York, with 75 alpine huts showcasing artisan gifts and local traders, entices with plenty of atmosphere in historic Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square (www. visityork.org/christmas).

Bath offers an equally picturesque setting, with the market centred around the

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

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

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

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

Award presentations to our finalists

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

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 told reporters thatt shots, coming moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

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

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

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

Talk went to press. tth Tal been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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Roman baths and its own quota of street performers and musicians.

All these run through December, but look out for smaller events too. Skipton, on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, won the Best Large Speciality Market award in 2018 and garners enthusiastic comments on Facebook; it has markets on the first two Sundays in December.

With regional produce and crafts, walk-about Victorian carol singers, a festive music stage, mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate, the day finishes at 4pm with carols in Holy Trinity Churchyard, led by Barnoldswick Brass Band. (www.facebook.

York Christmas Fair runs until December 22.

PHOTO: STEVIE CAMPBELL

com/skiptonchristmasmarket) The Christmas market at Gloucester Quays returns this year, running every weekend in December up to Christmas and featuring over 90 stalls, with emphasis on produce from the South West. You can also cut a dash on the outdoor ice rink. (https://bit.ly/474rniO).

And what of Lincoln, the grandfather of all UK Christmas markets? Last year was its 40th anniversary and it attracted a

record 320,000 visitors – so many that the council made the difficult decision this year to cancel it.

City council leader Ric Metcalfe was reported as saying that most people recognised the market had become far too big and that safety was an issue. Christmas has not been cancelled, however. There’s a lights trail, giant nutcrackers to discover, a brand-new ice sculpture trail, and castle illuminations and wall walk (www.visitlincoln.com/ blog/christmas-in-lincoln)

Weaving memories of Gosty Hill Tunnel IN 1969 I had an eventful journey along Dudley Number 2 Canal and took a photograph of the Old Hill End of Gosty Hill Tunnel, writes author Colin Sidaway.

The slide of as it was in 1969 was given to Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust at Blowers Green Pumphouse, Parkhead, along with all my other slides.

Wind the clock on 50 years and Martin O’Keefe was given the slides and had the painstaking task of digitising them. I had a big surprise when he gave me a copy of my slides that I had long forgotten.

Now in my latter years I have taken to writing short stories and, surprise surprise, the canal occasionally features in them. In A Kid off the Bank I added a few well-chosen pictures including one of Gosty Hill Tunnel.

Being proud of my book and picture I showed it to my friend Malcolm Barrie, the Yorkshire Weaver. He has taken up the Yorkshire wool tradition of weaving, not pieces of cloth but pictures. He was taken with the photograph coming out of Gosty Hill Tunnel.

I gave the matter little or no thought until he invited me to see the finished work – his weave of the tunnel end. Ha! It was better than my photograph!

It’s not the same as he sees no artistic merit in copying photographs. He now has weaves of three canal scenes; Gosty Hill Tunnel, Hoppy Bridge, Bradford and Dockfields at Windhill Junction on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

He has other examples of his work on display at the award-winning Stables Bar and Restaurant, near Wetherby.

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Colin Sideaway’s original photo of the Gosty Hill Tunnel entrance. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

The weave of Gosty Hill Tunnel by Laird Malcolm Barrie.

TALKBACK 69

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023 Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Plan to demolish lockside cottage READER John Growney would like to draw attention to a planning application to demolish a former lock keeper’s cottage alongside the Shropshire Union Canal.

It is proposed to replace the building at Beeston Stone Lock – a Grade II listed structure – with a modern dwelling.

John writes: “This section of the Shropshire Union Canal is within a conservation ‘corridor’ and it would be a shame to lose such an iconic building forever rather than repairing/ refurbishing it.”

Readers can view the full application, supporting documents and comments from consultees, including the Canal and River Trust, on Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning

portal reference 22/04592/FUL at chesterwestandchester.gov.uk The application was submitted in December 2022 with various revisions since then. At the time of going to press there were no letters of objection.

The cottage beside Beeston Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal.

PHOTO: JOHN GROWNEY

Standards need setting for electric charging points AS AN owner of an electric narrowboat, now with over eight years’ experience, I was naturally interested in the articles on charging in your November issue (Greener Boating, page 44) and should like to offer three observations: While it is unreasonable to expect the Canal and River Trust to invest in new charging points for the small number of electric boats currently on the system, it already has hundreds of charging posts on its long-term mooring sites.

I am told that there is already some provision for its moorers to access power on unoccupied moorings at other sites while away from their home ones. If so, it shouldn't need rocket science to allow electric boats also to access these.

There is no need for sophisticated chargers whose raison d'être appears to owe more to evading the resale of electricity regulations

than necessity. We typically use 12-15 kWh/ day (including domestic use) when cruising so even after two days, the longest that we, like most electric boats, can manage between charging, a standard 16A (3.5 kW) supply is sufficient fully to recharge overnight.

A simple upgrade to 32A (7 kW) supplies will thus suffice for at least four days’ cruising when improved battery technology makes this possible. For boats with large solar installations these times can be increased significantly.

My final, and most important, point concerns standardisation.

The CRT’s existing card system isn’t good, with at least three, geographically restricted, systems, the result of which is that boaters get left with unusable credit on part-used cards.

Electric charging has the potential to be even worse, potentially rivalling ‘pay by app’ car parking for complexity.

With fewer than a couple of dozen ‘new’ posts installed so far, we already have at least two systems, incompatible with each other and with the existing CRT one.

Even CRT’s post in Aylesbury basin isn’t usable by boaters registered to use those in Islington, despite using the same technology.

To avoid chaos it is therefore essential that CRT quickly lays down standards that future installations must meet.

These should include restricting payments to power actually used and a common payment system, preferably just ‘tapping’ with PIN identification.

The IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group, of which I am a member, has a more detailed Position Paper at https://waterways. org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2023/11/ Position-Paper%E2%80%93-Standardsfor-Bankside-ElectricalHook-Ups.pdf Malcolm Bridge Nb Ampere

A buyer’s market for boats on brokerage

THE brokerage market has changed since the heady days at the end of 2022 when, in my view, the Covid bubble reached its peak.

Since that time, we have been hit with a combination of inflation and rising interest rates, affecting a buyer’s ability to spend.

As a result, many types of boats have started dropping in value. This began in the spring and the market did not improve for sellers over the summer.

We are seeing the normal number of boats coming to the market, but the buyers would seem to be staying away; as a result, there are plenty of boats listed for sale. So my advice would be that if you are thinking of buying now could be a good time.

Higher value boats and non-standard layouts at over £100k are the hardest to find buyers for; shorter boats and standard clean 58ft layouts around £60k still have a market.

We’ve also found that new boat sales have almost stopped completely and good quality, nearly new high-value boats have also stopped selling. This is a complete reversal from the summer of 2022. It is these sellers who have a very tough choice to make, between holding out and hoping the market returns or reducing to a level that will tempt these types of buyers.

Robert Parton, MD of Aqueduct Marina and president-elect of British Marine, talks to Phil Pickin about the current state of the country’s inland waterways brokerage market, as well as its future.

In summary, with new boats now available on much shorter lead times, I believe new bespoke boats will remain at their current higher price, as there is no point in a boat builder starting a build unless they can cover the costs. But nearly new boats built in the last two years and coming to the market for the first time as used boats will, I believe, need to see a much greater depreciation.

The more mid-range boats will likely see some more reductions, though the housing market locally to us here in south Cheshire remains strong, so I am more hopeful these boats will now stabilise in price. We are also seeing more boats that have got too old, and anything that is a ‘project boat’ remains a very hard sell.

Buyer beware

The other boats we are seeing more of are boats that are coming to us with very poor paperwork, such as no purchase invoices, Hull identification numbers and incomplete Recreational

Narrowboats on the brokerage at Aqueduct Marina. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Craft Directive information. Often, these are DIY fit-out boats trying to get through on a five-year exemption rule.

As a broker, it is always clearly stated on our paperwork that it is ‘buyer beware’, but part of our job is to provide some reassurance to boat buyers.

This is a very grey area that differing brokerages are taking differing views on, and the inland boat selling sector could do with a more definitive set of guidance.

We at Aqueduct have now turned away a few boats that the sellers did not want to invest the time and money in to get the paperwork in order, only for the boats to reappear for sale privately or worryingly at another brokerage.

So if you are looking to buy a boat, now could be a very good moment.

But remember, always get an independent pre-purchase survey done for you to check the condition of the boat, and please check the paperwork is in order. And if you are not sure, take independent advice.

70 LAST WORD

December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Fee rises, future funding and works projects among issues at user forum Report & photo: Phil Pickin

THE Canal & River Trust’s latest West Midlands User Forum meeting took place in the impressively modern surroundings of the Wolverhampton Science Park.

Despite the modern setting, the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line passes close to the venue, ensuring the connection to the subject matter of the meeting was maintained.

The event didn’t seem as well attended as previous forum meetings, however, a good crosssection of waterways groups were represented with many familiar faces there. These included Adnan Saif, CRT West Midlands regional director, who took the opportunity to announce that he is leaving his job after just over five years in post.

Jason Leach, CRT programme director, detailed the considerable amount of work being carried out on the Montgomery Canal.

It was good to hear that more nature reserves are planned to be constructed; in his words, “Monty is a priority.” He also told the meeting that the Trevor Basin work continues, including moving the hire fleet to its new location.

Jason added that the Trent Sow work was completed before the cancellation of HS2 and that Ellesmere yard improvements are due next year. He also updated on the four more years of work on the Pontcysyllte aqueduct handrail. Little of this will be subcontract work, which follows up on the outcome of a coroner’s recommendation.

Head of customer service support, Matthew Symonds, discussed the boat licence increase. He pointed out that the licence fees represent 12% of CRT’s income and that the trust isn’t looking to licence payers to make up the losses in the grant allocation announced earlier this year.

When asked about the increase calculations, he told the meeting that CPI (Consumer Prices Index) is more reliable than RPI (Retail Price Index) when making decisions as to the levels of increases. He was keen to point out that all aspects of the trust’s work will have to shoulder the funding burden in the years ahead.

Smoke control

An area that has often caused problems is that of the pump-out machines that use paper payment cards. Matthew told the meeting that these were due to be removed by the end of October. Attendees were also told about Smoke Control Areas (SCA) that can now include the smoke from boats.

These areas can be in anything from a small town to a large city.

CRT’s advice is only to purchase and burn fuels that are approved for use in smokeless zones.

The first SCA in the West Midlands will be Cannock Chase, covering Rugeley on Trent & Mersey. According to CRT, signs will be put in place to inform boaters in the area.

Pl a n n e d P re v e nt at i v e Maintenance West Midlands is a major part of the work of the engineering teams in the area. With the West Midlands being home to one-third of the

canal system, the importance of this work was emphasised.

CRT will be looking to use more volunteers to help carry out this work over the coming years. It was also pointed out that the work of community payback schemes from the Ministry of Justice was also an integral part of the workforce being used to carry out maintenance work in the area.

Vegetation management was, once again, a ‘popular’ subject. The difficulties in getting additional contractors were highlighted as a reason for the problems in some areas. As has been reported in the past, the West Midlands contractor was not successful, something that was pointed out at last year’s forum meeting when very similar conversations were had.

It would seem that finding a contractor to carry out vegetation work during peak season is a problem that the trust still needs to address. This work will need to be done while it continues to look to save money wherever it can, including on the use of electricity and other forms of energy.

In his closing remarks, Adnan Saif listed climate change, wellbeing and nature connections as issues to be included in future plans for the waterways, both nationally and more locally.

Community access is, he feels, highly important.

Perhaps more worryingly, he added that there will be a need to raise income for “core services, not just peripheral ones”... a comment that highlights the seriousness of the funding issues the trust faces in the years to come.

Outgoing West Midlands regional director Adnan Saif addresses the forum watched by Tom Freeland, boating and customer service manager.

Will this be another winter of discontent?

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues.

THERE is blue sky overhead and the water levels have stabilised. We are between depressions and the recent Storm Ciarán is a memory now.

Autumn is upon us and the social media groups are full of beautiful pictures of russet and yellow beneath an orange rising sun. But up ahead perhaps the words that William Shakespeare attributed to King Richard III will sound out in boaters’ ears as

they cruise up the Ashby Canal towards Bosworth Field: “Now is the winter of our discontent.”

We should be celebrating the beauty and peace available on our waterways.

We could be reflecting on the magnitude of the transformation that has occurred from the dilapidation of the end of the water transport era in the 1960s to the heights of the cruising system and the enjoyment it has brought.

But we are not. We are entering a period that bodes ill toward decline and the possibility of canal closures has already been raised. There have been protests in Birmingham, Gloucester and outside the Houses of Parliament on the River Thames, all to highlight Fund Britain’s Waterways; without adequate central government funding canals will close. More events will be planned for next year.

Autumn also brings a round of annual meetings by canal associations and clubs and Canal & River Trust has published its annual report. At first glance, it appears to have lost £167 million somewhere along the line. Only the number of directors has increased.

Income is obviously projected to increase from the boating community.

This faces surcharges on some types of craft, a 5% above inflation increase on

licence fees year on year for five years and a 10% increase in mooring fees for the next five years.

Many are now looking at their boating finances and asking serious questions. How long can boaters go on paying more for less? Some winter moorings on the towpath or in a basin with no facilities are now being reported as being more expensive than a nearby marina. NABO has expressed the view of our members that these increases are disproportionate, discriminating and rather than encourage more boat ownership and participation will lead to many calling it a day.

Enough is enough. The trust has stuck firm to its opinion that these increases are fair as the groups targeted use more of their water either because they displace more or because they move more. I am not convinced.

Regional forums

Other meetings are the regional user forums held to trumpet the successes of the trust. There have been some.

Late into the season the weevils of the West Midlands set to work on the invasive species of water weed and the trust believes that they will overwinter to continue the attack next growing season. Only time will tell.

The winter works programme is under way and a concerted effort will be made to fix all the defects within the area of the works rather than a hit and run approach to gate replacements and nothing else. This could mean that much of the defective paddle gear that has been waiting for attention will at last be fixed and loose masonry and brickwork will stay in the lock walls rather than littering the lock floor and ending up jamming gates and paddle gear. The footfall has not significantly decreased since the last lockdown and many are using the canals for their mental benefit.

There are more volunteers than ever before putting in hundreds of hours of lock keeping, vegetation management, environmental projects and community engagement. Cleaning brickwork, lock beam painting and weeding the towpaths and lock sides have improved the look of the canals in popular gongoozling places like city, town and village centres where the canal could easily be overlooked.

If it looks good it is less likely to be used as a rubbish tip and defaced with unattractive graffiti. Some projects have installed attractive community artworks instead.

The profile of the canal needs to be raised to encourage people to take

advantage of the benefits of being next to water. Not everybody enjoys fishing or paddling or boating but everybody can benefit from a stroll or break on a bench beside still waters. Towpath improvements have also led to an increase in accessibility. There is a long way to go as many rural towpaths are still all but inaccessible to those with impaired mobility. But there are now more places for accessible angling and boating than a few years ago.

What will these places be like without boats? Boats keep the canals alive. The churning of the propeller and cutting of the hull through the water entrains oxygen. Boats move silt from the channel and clear a way through weed, allowing sunlight to penetrate back into the depths. Boats stir up invertebrate life to feed fish, amphibians and insect larvae. Many anglers request that we ‘mix it up a bit’ as we pass rather than feathering the prop. Boats ensure that nutrients are distributed.

Yes, we will keep up our message: canals were made for boats. Rivers are not just flood relief channels but many are essential navigations. They deserve to be preserved for the benefit of all. We will not see them disappear into an autumn mist, a golden sunset or the northern lights.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk December 2023

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December 2023

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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