Towpath Talk - April 2022 - Preview

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Issue 198, April 2022

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After the storm

FERRETS ON THE ROOF

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BOAT REVIEW: PAINTBRUSH

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Rush to repair damage as winter works season draws to close

RADIO DJ’S RED NOSE ROW

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SETTING TREES AT NEWARK

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BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

A large fallen tree being cut up near Audley Street Bridge in Blackburn on the Leeds & Liverpool canal in Lancashire. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

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THE Canal & River Trust has been working to repair the damage caused by Storm Eunice which caused hundreds of trees to fall across the waterways.

There was also widespread flooding across the network and some structural damage to buildings and winter works construction sites.

The trust had reports of more than 450 trees down on its land and waters, of which two-thirds were cleared in the first week which, together with emergency pumping, will cost the charity around £300k to put right.

CRT chief operating officer Julie Sharman said the network had taken a battering in several places: “Storm Eunice caused havoc, blowing down hundreds of trees that blocked navigation and collided with our 200-year-old infrastructure as well as damaging several boats.

“In London, the storm seriously damaged our impounding station in Docklands which houses the heavyduty pumps that keep West India Docks topped up with water: not ideal given we were hosting a visit from a warship from

the Dutch Fleet along with many local vessels. In some parts of the country excessive rain caused floodwater to spill over the dams and into our stoppage sites, hampering our works.”

She said teams and contractors had been out on the canals and towpaths battling the damage done by the storm with many colleagues who were not on call coming in to help tackle the response and get the navigations up and running.

“Unfortunately, this has had a knock-on effect on a number of projects

in our winter works programme, with some stoppages now set to take longer than expected.

“We know what an impact this will have on boaters, who will have been hoping to get moving after the long winter and may have been making plans for the Easter holidays.

“We apologise for the delays and are making every effort to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible.”

Boaters can find more detail on the stoppage page of the trust’s website at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Historic register

Skipper’s Guide

Easter gathering

NEW vessels on the National Historic Ships UK register include: former BCNS icebreaker Oates (1858), GUCCC cargo boats Bainton and Berkhampstead (both 1936), FMC narrowboat Ibex (1926) and gentlemen’s motor yacht Razorbill (1912). Built by Harland & Wolff for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Co, Bainton and Berkhampstead were nationalised into the British Transport Commission in 1948. Both now belong to the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal Trust. Ibex was used as a maintenance/heritage boat in the North West before being sold into private ownership in 2009.

THE Commercial Boat Operators Association (CBOA) has partnered other waterway organisations to revise the pleasure craft Skipper’s Guide to the commercial waterways of the North East. Chairman David Lowe said: “Leisure and commercial traffic can and does co-exist happily on the inland waterways, but it was felt useful to update and combine the previous guides, issued in 2009, into one document.

This explains how best to meet and pass freight barges, how best to moor, identifies tricky locations and offers general safety advice.” Download from www.cboa.org.uk

THE traditional Easter Boat Gathering returns to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port from April 15-18. Open each day from 10am-5pm, activities will include boat trips, activity book and working narrowboat trail for children, behind-the-scenes tours, craft demonstrations and live music as well as the chance to see the historic boats moored in the basin. For a booking form for visiting follow the link on the events page at www.canalrivertrust.org where a detailed programme will be posted nearer the time; email nationalwaterwaysmuseum@canalrivertrust. org.uk or telephone 0151 355 5017.

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2 NEWS

April 2022

WELCOME OUR world has changed since I wrote this column last month and our thoughts this Easter season are with those whose lives have been torn apart not just by the war in Ukraine but anywhere suffering from the consequences of conflict, coronavirus or natural disaster.

It is heartening that team members from Whilton and sister marinas are embarking on a sponsored walk to raise money for the Ukrainian victims, see page 45. We would also love to hear any stories of the boating community welcoming refugees either on or off the water.

In my previous column I wrote about the impending arrival of storms Dudley and Eunice and you will have seen a report of the damage wreaked across the network in our front page story.

But all is not doom and gloom, the return of events and open days gives us something to smile about and look forward to. Our team of contributors have been out and about to some of these and this month we bring you reports from BoatLife Live, page 4 and the Canal & River Trust open days at Newark page 5, Anderton page 6 and Seend page 7.

This month we welcome a new regular column from Geoff Courtney who is looking at the sale of canal memorabilia at auction, see page 13 and Nicola Lisle continues with her tips on researching your family history on page 16.

The arrival of spring will not only bring out the boaters among you but anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Barge Beagle’s latest walk is on page 22 and our gardening columnist Lee Senior returns with his towpath plant guide on page 69.

Let’s all make the most of the lengthening days and be thankful for the freedom to enjoy them.

TOWPATH

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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 Advertising sales representative Chris Heaton – 01507 529354 cheaton@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm. help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466. Fax: 01507 529495 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Fax: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd. Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – April 28, 2022.

Connecting canals and communities AN OVERVIEW of the Cotswold Canals Connected project was presented during an hour-long webinar delivered recently on Zoom.

Welcoming the online audience, project director Chris Mitford-Slade said there had been a huge amount of work going on for the last 50 years with the restoration of Phase 1A ongoing since 2008.

This is now completed from Stroud Brewery to the Ocean Railway Bridge which was replaced recently by Network Rail. A timelapse video of the work was shown.

It also marks the starting point of Phase 1B from Stonehouse to link with the national canal network at Saul Junction with work expected to take until 2025. Contracts are also to be awarded to developers at Brimscombe Port.

One of the main elements of Phase 1B is the ‘missing mile’ of infilled canal

between the A38 and Oldbury Brook.

In his summary, Chris stressed that this is being built with the community, by the community and for the community – a truly inclusive and diverse project.

During 2022, the focus will be on volunteering, events, health and wellbeing, connecting communities and organisations along the canal corridor.

Engineering manager Glenn Dooley explained that Phase 1B comprises three very different sections: · Saul Junction to the A38 roundabout at Whitminster · The ‘Missing Mile’ from the A38 to Eastington · Eastington to The Ocean, Stonehouse Projects fall either to restoration where canal infrastructure exists in one form or another or new builds such as the A38 roundabout and Ocean Railway bridge – professionally delivered

Eshton Lock repairs delayed by Storm Eunice ONE of the winter works delayed by Storm Eunice has been the repairs at Eshton Lock on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal where a depression was discovered in the towpath alongside the lock wall last September, writes Colin Wareing.

Canal & River Trust engineers think that water had got in behind the wall and caused it to bulge inwards to the lock.

Repair work has included driving concrete piles into the lock landing before the wall can be dismantled and then rebuilt.

To get the piling equipment in position it has became necessary to fill the lock chamber with stone before the piling could start in mid March.

Heavy rain during Storm Eunice had delayed the work and the predicted reopening has been put back from Easter 2022 to May 9.

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The final levelling and compacting of the stone in the lock chamber ready for piling work.

PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

significant infrastructure projects. A proposed multi-user trail will be very much volunteer-led.

Glenn said that what makes this project special is its unique approach to delivering major civil engineering as well as new jobs and opportunities for volunteers and community feedback.

A new route will be constructed under the M5 crossing at Hyde’s Bridge. This will be shared with the River Frome with the canal alongside but about 1m lower than the river to allow headroom for boats.

Other works will include the diversion of an oil pipeline under the canal, agricultural crossings and bridge replacements.

Gloucester Wildlife Trust environment manager Anna Tarbet outlined how the project would deliver for the environment and said this could

be the first project in the UK to get Building with Nature accreditation.

Work to date includes protected species surveys, habitat assessments, bio-engineering and nature-based solutions; innovative canal design; tussock sedges and canal bank protection; vegetation choices and the creation of a new waterway corridor.

The 2022 programme will include offline pond creation, riparian habitat enhancement, a tree database, restoration of grassland, orchard restoration and environmental stewardship.

Strategic partners are: Cotswold Canals Trust, Canal & River Trust, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud Valley Canal Company, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Stroudwater Navigation Archive Charity and Stroud District Council.

The presentation can be viewed at www.cotswoldcanalsconnected.org

Chichester Canal 2022 photography competition now open THE Chichester Ship Canal Trust’s popular annual photography competition is now open.

The competition is open to amateur photographers, entry is free and there are prizes for the best images. The winning photographs will be displayed in the Heritage Centre at Chichester Canal Basin and the best entries will feature on any merchandise and future canal publicity.

Trustee Catherine Cannon said: “Every year the quality of the photos just gets better, I can’t wait to see this year’s submissions.

We’ve invited a number of local schools to take part and I’m really looking forward to seeing the junior entries.”

This year the prizes include a Giclee print of your favourite image offered by Selsey Press; Whitby’s has donated a seven-piece photo frame and the trust has donated a fish and chip cruise on trip boat Richmond. There will also be a special prize for the best junior, 17 and under, entry.

This is either a one-day workshop to learn more about taking photos with your DSLR or a one-to-one

Three boats and a buoy from last year’s competition. PHOTO: NICOLA HOLDEN half-day session with the principal of Imber Court Photo Training to learn more about your DSLR camera.

The entries will need to capture images of Chichester Canal and its environment.

Previous entries have featured people, wildlife and activities, successfully capturing the seasons, emotions and heritage of the canal. The competition closes at noon on August 28.

The winner will have the opportunity to choose a prize of their

choice from the prize list, followed by the runner-up and then third place.

Digital images, ideally 2mb and above, are a requirement to entry and can be submitted to c c p h o t o s @ chichestercanal.com; there is a maximum of three entries per person.

Junior entries are asked to state their age.

Competition r ules can be found at: https:// chichestercanal.org. uk/anniversary-photocompetition-is-open/

NEWS 3

www.towpathtalk.co.uk April 2022

West Midlands Mayor starts canal restoration work MAYOR of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has broken the ground in Selly Oak to signal the start of restoration work on the Dudley No 2 Canal.

He was welcomed by Dr Andrew Hardie, chairman of the Lapal Canal Trust, who recently signed a £300,000 contract with Land & Water to build the first Selly Oak section of the Dudley No 2 Canal.

Andy, who has supported the project for many years, congratulated the trust on the progress made. He said: “This is a hugely important project for Selly Oak and the wider region and I endorse it wholeheartedly.

“Our canals provide a safe and enjoyable way for residents to exercise, commute and connect with nature. We are all grateful for their restoration work, and I look forward to attending the grand opening in June.”

This was the start of a three-month project to build a new turning area to enable boats to enter the restored canal. Despite the rain there was an excellent turnout of helpers including John Hudson, chairman of the trust’s Advisory Board,

Barry Toon, chairman of the Community Partnership for Selly Oak and Mike Palmer, chairman of the Inland Waterways Recovery Group.

WRG volunteers helped to repair the canal walls and are scheduled to return in August to build a disabledcompatible turnover path in Selly Oak Park.

The new water feature section completes the development of Whitehouse Wharf and forms part of the Selly Oak Shopping Centre owned by M & G Real Estate and provided as a public amenity. The area includes a bridge linking the new shops

to Selly Oak town centre, the remains of a lime kiln and a new public square.

The large water area is designed to enable boats to turn and enter and exit the soon-to-be-restored Dudley No 2 Canal. It will be an attractive calming water feature in the heart of Selly Oak, to be enjoyed by all canal users – including canoeists, paddleboarders and anglers.

It is large enough to be a convenient destination for trip boats to and from central Birmingham. A very pleasant 55-minute journey along the Worcester & Birmingham

Canal takes in a beautiful green corridor not yet seen by many residents.

The two leaseholders Sainsbury’s and M & G Real Estate have generously surrendered their leases in favour of the Canal & River Trust which owns the freehold.

Thanks also go to CRT for its technical evaluation and the permit to proceed. With the area forming part of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, it has kindly agreed to maintain the new water space.

Chief executive Richard Parry said: “The Midlands canals form the heart of the UK’s waterways network and

Requirements by way of amendments to two existing BSS checks.

The two increased BSS requirements are: · on boats with petrol propulsion engines, requiring evidence of recent servicing for any Wilderness Boats conversion of an Electrolux

RM 212 refrigerator, BSS Check 8.2.2R · clarification that ferrous/ cast iron fittings, joints and components used in LPG pipework are not compliant with BSS Check 7.8.3R. It is also proposed to introduce 20 relaxations by reducing some requirements or allowing additional c ompliance options.

Details are provided in the co onsultation.

The scheme considers that the improvements are both necessary and proportionate means of risk control that will have a very positive impact on the level of consistency of the application of BSS checks by existing BSS examiners and will significantly improve the

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The project is supported by the Community Partnership for Selly Oak and forms part of CP4SO ambitious plans to preserve the many attractive old buildings in Selly Oak.

Mayor Andy Street at the controls of a digger. digger PHOTOS SUPPLIED

A WATERWAYS charity is able to run an event for the first time in two years following the easing of Covid restrictions.

The Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust is staging the Norbury Canal Festival at Norbury Junction over the first May Bank Holiday from April 30-May 2. The event is free and opens at 10am daily until 4pm and can be found by using postcode ST20 0PN. Boats, boats and more boats will be moored along about a kilometre of the Shropshire Union Canal and will be selling food, gifts, arts, crafts and more. Expect activities and street food, entertainment, boat trips and displays about the work to restore the Shrewsbury & Newport canals.

There will be children’s entertainment in the Junction Inn’s garden field including a bouncy castle, face painting and more. And on the Sunday at 2pm there will be the traditional church service on Norbury Wharf.

uptake of knowledge and understanding of trainees going through the New Examiner entry training programme.

Comments on the amendments are welcome from boat owners, the marine trade and all BSS stakeholders. The consultation is available at www.boatsafetyscheme. org/ECPconsultation If you have trouble with the consultation form or a related query, please email the BSS at bss.enquiries@ boatsafetyscheme.org The BSS will publish an online summary of the views expressed and the BSS response in summer 2022. It is intended that a communications campaign will promote the final agreed changes.

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over many years.

The Lapal Canal Trust is now focused on raising the further funds required to complete the restoration to Harborne Lane Bridge, which must be completed by 2025.

Festival to be revived following two-year break

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, centre, prepares to break the ground as work starts on the restoration of the Dudley No 2 Canal in Selly Oak.

Boat Safety Scheme consults on revisions to examination checks A PUBLIC consultation by the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) on proposals within a clarified and improved set of BSS Examination Checking Procedures (ECP) will close at 4.30pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

The revisions to the BSS ECP are the product of many months of work by the BSS stakeholder committees and d the revisions are commended d by the BSS Managemen nt Committee. They applyy to checks used in the examination of privately owned and managed boats in private use as well boats subject to the 2017 Hire Boat Requirements.

The main focus of this consultation n is the introduction o f two mandatory BSS S

have gone from playing a vital role in the Industrial Revolution to the vibrant spaces enjoyed by both boaters and waterside communities today.

“The Canal & River Trust is committed to preserving this important heritage and is pleased to work with the Lapal Canal Trust in taking care of this valuable new water space.”

This work is only possible because of the generous support of the 50 charities, companies and individuals who have helped to fund the project. The larger funders are Veolia, Garfield Weston, Headley Trust, Landsec, Unite Students, the Cadbury Family Trusts, Jabbs and Rowland Trust.

The complex legal arrangements were managed by Gowlings WLG who have supported the project

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Bainton & Berkhampstead, a working pair of historic boats that are undergoing restoration, will be present. Visitors will be able to see them and speak to the volunteers that are doing this important work.

The Junction Inn and Norbury Wharf Ltd will once again be supporting the event with plenty to eat and drink, a narrowboat trip, or a longer cruise on the 42-seat Shropshire Star where you can eat and drink aboard. Both businesses will have live music through Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings.

Car parking is free and adjacent to the canal.

It will be a great family day out and you will be helping to restore the local canal network all the way from Norbury Junction to Shrewsbury.

For further information please email norburyfestival@gmail. com or find it on Facebook.

4 NEWS

April 2022

British yachtswoman Pip Hare and Richard Dove, director of BoatLife Events Ltd, opening the event at the NEC.

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Australian roto-moulded, polyethylene boats from Polycraft on the Ashton Marina Services stand.

The Aqueduct Marina stand.

Boat exhibitions return to the NEC

By Phil Pickin

IT HAS been several years since the old Boat, Caravan and Leisure Show was held at the NEC, so it was good to see a dedicated exhibition for boat users open its doors on February 17.

The inaugural BoatLife Live event welcomed a good number of visitors on the first day, quite something on a weekday. One hundred and forty exhibitors were listed, with almost every part of the leisure marine sector represented. Apparently, 120 boats were on show ranging from RIBs to powerboats, as well as a few for the inland sector and a number of smaller sailing craft.

The event had a dedicated Inland Zone where a number of companies exhibited boats, holidays, houseboats, equipment and services. Within this zone, a number of well-known names could be found, including River Canal Rescue, Aqueduct Marina, Aquafax and Midland Chandlers, plus many others.

Two narrowboats and a widebeam were some of the largest items on display in this area. But there was also a lot for those interested in other forms of boating. A wide range of powerboats, RIBs and sailing craft were on display in other show areas for those who wanted something a little quicker.

Richard Dove, director of organisers BoatLife Events Ltd, commented: “I couldn’t be happier with how the show has been received. The hard work has paid off and it’s the start of something very special.”

He went on to say: “Next year, we hope to have more yachts, equipment and watersports.” So it remains to be seen if there will be an expansion in the number of boats and exhibitors from the canal sector.

The entrance to the BoatLife Live event. PHOTO SUPPLIED To have managed to organise an event of this type during the challenges imposed by the Covid restrictions is quite an achievement. The exhibitors are also worthy of praise given the problems they too have had to overcome. Even the visitors had to negotiate the difficulties posed by Storm Eunice that hit over the weekend of the event. Despite this, nearly 10,000 visitors battled with the weather.

What was also apparent when visiting many of the stands and chatting to representatives of the companies was

The River Canal Rescue stand.

PHOTOS: PHIL PICKIN UNLESS INDICATED

The Sooty Swift hireboat on the ABC Leisure stand.

the move towards greener technology and sustainable boating. This wasn’t just down to several electric outboards on show but to more basic products too. The move towards more environmentally friendly products seems to have spread throughout the sector, and it is hoped that we will be able to feature some of these in future editions of Towpath Talk.

Importantly for the organisers, the exhibitors seemed happy with the event, including Haley Hadley from ABC Leisure, who said: “It’s been a great show and we have had a lot of interest.” She said more than 1600 people had walked through the boat on display on the ABC Lesiure stand and ABC was anticipating bookings directly from the show.

It was good to see an event of this type take place in the Midlands and in a very accessible location. Although many will moan about the costs of parking etc. at the NEC, you cannot accuse the venue of being inaccessible to a vast number of people. And although for the inland waterways community, it is unlikely BoatLife Live will ever compete with a dedicated event like Crick, it is good to

This new widebeam built by Viking Canal Boats of Poland was displayed

by Tingdene for delivery at its Thames & Kennet Marina.

A Beaver 23 from Clear Water Boats. PHOTO SUPPLIED see what is going on in other areas of the boating world and good to be able to add it to the events calendar.

What is also encouraging is that the organisers are also talking about needing more space for next year’s show! Currently, it is likely

Marina M250 houseboat from Bates Wharf.

that the 2023 event will take place between February 16-19, but this will be confirmed in due course.

Looking down on the Inland Zone.

NEWS 5

April 2022 2022 www.towpathtalk.co.uk April

Sunny weekend attracts crowds to Newark Town Lock Words and photos: Les Heath

HUNDREDS of people took advantage of the fine weather to enjoy the Canal & River Trust’s two-day open event giving visitors the opportunity to descend into the depths of the huge Town Lock at Newark-on-Trent.

The lock had been drained for a 10-week project to install new gates.

Temporary stairways and a viewing platform were provided for a one-way system in and out of the lock – a rare opportunity on a structure of this size.

Built in 1952 the lock replaced a smaller version, built in 1773, establishing Newark as an important inland port.

The major project is expected to cost £334,000 of which £150,000 is for the gates alone. They have been made out of British oak at CRT’s Stanley Ferry workshops near Wakefield and are

expected to last up to 30 years.

Visitors also had the opportunity to go down into the covered dry dock – the largest inland dry dock in the country – and examine a CRT workboat out of the water for maintenance.

Another popular attraction above the lock was the heritage Trent Barge Leicester Trader which is now a floating museum.

Built in 1953 at Thorne the barge survives in almost original form thanks to local preservationist Les Reid who bought the vessel and restored it with the help of local enthusiasts.

Since 2008 Les has spent hours creating a floating museum inside the barge which is open to the public opposite Newark Castle at weekends throughout the summer.

Apart from historical exhibits of interest to adults the barge also provided entertainment for younger visitors with a rope and pulley system.

Inside the Newark Town Lock.

A steel barrier holding back the water.

Inside the huge dry dock.

Children enjoying pulleys on the Leicester Trader.

Visitors inside the Leicester Trader.

Les Reid, an authority on historic Trent transport with one of the exhibits.

Visitors on the viewing platform at the bottom of the lock.

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6 NEWS

April April 20222022

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​Sun shines on Anderton open weekend

MORE than 2000 people took advantage of the sunny weather to go behind the scenes of Anderton Boat Lift at a special free open weekend on February 26-27.

They were given access and insight into the Victorian boat lift’s complex mechanism, including a chance to view work to replace the gate seals on one of the caissons – the giant tanks which transport boats up and down the lift.

A range of activities included Let’s Fish angling taster sessions,

Let’s Paddle canoeing, walking tours, children’s Lego and a chance to get a bird’s eye view from the top of the lift.

The weekend marked the start of a special celebration year for Anderton Boat Lift, which was reopened 20 years ago after a major restoration.

Originally constructed in 1875 to connect the Trent & Mersey Canal with the River Weaver Navigation 50ft below, the boat lift operated for just over 100 years before it was closed in 1983

due to safety concerns caused by extensive corrosion.

News was also revealed of a major refurbishment with work likely to start in the winter of 202324 on the project which could take up to three years to deliver.

Canal & River Trust North West regional director Daniel Greenhalgh explained: “The black iron structure needs repainting, the control system upgrading and the hydraulic ram cylinders, which support the two caissons, potentially

need remedial work. The trust is awaiting specialist engineering reports to guide exactly what needs to be done, in the least obtrusive way.

“A comprehensive timetable and schedule of works are currently being prepared, which are also likely to include proposals for updating the visitor centre, new interpretation, re-landscaping, new learning play area, community engagement and a green ‘village’ to replace the temporary marquee, which will house visitor facilities for schools, events, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and crafts.”

The trust is working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund on a major funding bid to potentially cover some of the significant investment needed to preserve the lift as a living, operational structure.

Visitor Karen Wild was delighted to bump into artist Bernice Tackley (right), who created this outdoor wall mural of the lift’s founders 20 years ago. PHOTOS: CRT

Canal & River Trust events co-ordinator Sarah Potts with volunteer Paul Fallows at the welcome trailer, complete with Sarah’s own balloon version of the Well-B mascot.

Anderton duty manager Phil Gibson, back centre, with cafe staff.

Anderton repair project manager engineer Fran Littlewood explains the gate seal replacement works and future plans.

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 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

are revealed

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

Talk. tth Tal publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the from coming told reporters thatt shots, moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on went this Field, Fen Ditton, and no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

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

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

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NW regional director Daniel Greenhalgh, centre, with CRT staff, from left: Paul Reynolds, Steve Bergquist, Rebecca Mason, James Long, Andrea Barrett and Steve O’Sullivan.

New company secretary at Lichfield trust

LICHFIELD and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has announced the appointment of a new company secretary, Colin Booker.

A qualified management accountant, he spent his working life with HMRC, formerly HM Customs & Excise, in the Criminal Investigations Division. He was employed as a forensic accountant, directly involved in analysing and presenting primarily financial evidence in support of prosecution cases.

Colin is now retired from full-time paid employment, but is keen to assist LHCRT where he can.

Though not a boater himself, he

would love to see a canal in water passing through Lichfield with all the benefits that that brings.

LHCRT chairperson Chris Bull said: “Colin had joined LHCRT as a member some time before he had spare time to apply to the trust as a volunteer.

“I met him for a volunte er ing induction back in April 2021 and I was immediately impressed with not only his career background but also his very grounded and pleasant personality!”

Chr is added: “His volunteering application was mainly about writing funding bids, which we were (and still are!) very short of people who have the rare

skills and experience to do these things.

“What a find Colin has been! He’s now accepted the role of company

secretary, for which he is eminently qualified, but he is also helping with funding and financial management."

Company secretary Colin Booker.

PHOTO: LHCRT

NEWS 7

April 2022 2022 www.towpathtalk.co.uk April

Chichester Canal creates Canalcast podcast

A young visitor helps to make a bird box at the Seend Lock open day.

Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry visits the event.

THE Canal & River Trust offered a different perspective on a familiar beauty spot when more than 350 people took a look below the water line at the new lock gates and repair works at Seend Locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

As well as experiencing the drained lock and seeing what is usually hidden under thousands of litres of water, there was a chance to chat with the team about the challenges and rewards of protecting and preserving the 200-year-old canal.

And around 50 children enjoyed making bird boxes helped by volunteers and fellow trust staff.

The trust is keen to share its enthusiasm and expertise with visitors as Caroline Kendall, community engagement manager for Wales & South West, explained: “The Canal & River Trust is investing £125,000 in new lock gates and carrying out repairs at Seend to ensure the busy locks are ready for the

main summer boating season.

“We hope that enjoying a different perspective on a familiar stretch of canal inspired visitors to come back again and explore more of the Kennet & Avon.”

Lock gates for Seend are hand made by specialist craftsmen and women at the trust’s workshop at Bradley in the West Midlands. The gates, which each weigh more than a tonne, are made to measure from green, sustainably grown oak with steel brackets to strengthen joints and make sure they last at least 25 years.

The flight of five locks, built near Seend Cleeve village, was constructed by renowned canal engineer John Rennie in the late 1700s. Originally a hive of activity with trade boats loaded with wool and ore, or stones from local quarries, the canal at Seend is now a haven for visitors and wildlife both on land and water.

Going behind the scenes at Seend Locks

Working below the water line.

THE Chichester Canal can be explored in many different ways and can now be enjoyed on a podcast.

Vo l u n t e e r- l e d Chichester Ship Canal Trust has dipped a toe into the world of podcasts and recorded the first episode of an intended series.

A podcast is best described as a series of audio files, which the listener can listen to at a time of their choosing, and dip in and out of different episodes.

The voices heard on the first episode are Catherine Cannon, trustee, and Adam Porter, Radio 2 News reader, trust patron and ‘canalcaholic’.

The initial recording is an introduction to the canal, highlighting

some of the ways people can enjoy the canal and the 200th anniversary celebrations.

Catherine said: ‘We’re always looking for different ways to tell our stories and enable our community to learn about the canal, and a podcast was suggested.

The feedback on the first episode has been really positive and we’re already thinking about different themes and topics to focus on in future episodes.”

Ad a m added: “There’s so much material to use at the canal, with tales of volunteering, the wildlife you might see, the experience on a boat trip, the 200-year history, and of course the continued need for funding to ensure the

canal remains open, safe and accessible for all users.”

You’ll also hear voices of canal users, who were happy to contribute, including Dave Standley, a keen photographer who has previously won the trust’s popular photography competition.

The second podcast will focus on the trip boats, a popular way to enjoy the waterway, and hear from some of the volunteers who crew the boats.

The Chichester Canalcast podcast can be found on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.

PHOTOS: CRT

Visitors chat with the team above the drained lock.

The second podcast will focus on the trip boats. PHOTO: MERYN WOODLAND

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8 NEWS

April April 20222022

Python gets tooled up THE Chesterfield Canal Trust’s narrowboat Python does maintenance work along the canal, crewed by volunteers.

This volunteering has proved so beneficial that it is also part of the new Green Prescribing Programme from South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System.

Python works in partnership with the Canal & River Trust which owns and manages the canal. The volunteers do seasonal vegetation cutbacks, remove rubbish from the water, clear litter from the towpaths, clear stonework round locks, clear bywashes, deal with discarded fishing line and clean signs and milestones.

A consignment of new tools and personal protective gear for the Python volunteers to use on its taskforce days throughout this year and into the future was recently delivered by Dan Hazard of CRT. Python boat manager, Dave Warsop, said: “We are delighted to receive these tools and equipment from CRT. They are of excellent quality and will make a huge difference to our working when we have strong teams of highly motivated volunteers wanting to make a difference.”

You can sign up online to join Python’s spring clean work along the canal by searching for Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Beside work boat Python with the new tools and protective gear are Dan Hazard of the Canal & River Trust, centre, with Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteers Chris Happer, Dave Warsop, Andy Ledbetter and Keith Watkins. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST Built in 1929 by Yarwood’s of Northwich, Python was originally 71ft 6in long and became part of Fellows, Morton & Clayton’s carrying fleet.

Around 1980, British Waterways cut a slice out of it to make a 50ft workboat based on Regent’s Canal in London.

In 2009, the Chesterfield Canal Trust leased it for £1 a year; two years later the lease was waived, and it became

part of the CCT fleet.

Trust volunteers did a cosmetic makeover but were not able to address serious structural issues.

By 2015 its hull was found to be perilously thin, and it almost sank. It underwent full restoration.

The result is the fully operational workboat you see today.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust is campaigning to get the canal fully restored by 2027, which is the 250th anniversary of its opening.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Clearing fallen trees from the canal bank

THE Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers have been busy clearing fallen trees from the canal below Dungebooth Lock and the viaduct woodland where a few trees had been blown down in the gales.

These have been treated respectfully, moved for safety reasons and used to continue to support wildlife.

Ecologically leaving the trees to now sit in varying sized building blocks will provide homes for birds, bees, a whole range of other precious wildlife and potentially trees of the future.

After a few hours of chopping, sawing and lots of elbow grease, the team made good progress cutting up the fallen trees into manageable lengths and displacing them safely in nearby areas.

UCAN volunteers cutting up branches of fallen trees beside the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

PHOTO: UCAN

A different focus saw volunteers working with the Canal & River Trust to replace a rotten gate and supporting posts along the canalside; the gate was beyond repair and redundant as there is another gate nearby. They removed the old posts at ground level, chiselled out the rotten wood from the hole in the ground, concreted in new pre-treated timber posts and fitted timber rails. The work party’s final task included continuing to clear fallen leaves along the canal path, tidying flower beds and litter picking.

Future work party dates are: Saturday April 23, Thursday May 12, Saturday May 28, Thursday June 9 and Saturday June 25.

UCAN work parties usually meet at Spring Gardens, Moorgate Street, by the canal bridge, at 10am but sometimes this varies so UCAN will confirm this nearer to each of the above dates. As usual, all equipment will be provided by the Canal & River Trust.

New volunteers are welcome and anyone who would like further information can contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com

Canal’s quarter-million boost from council levy ​Hedging milestone for canal trust Zone A of the Falkland Road channel and towpath project was completed during 2020, following the donation of land by Staffordshire County Council, a Community Fund grant of £2800 and LHCRT’s successful public Piling Appeal.

The CIL funding, which comes from developer contributions, is subject to gaining planning permission for current and future works and transfer of land ownership from the county council.

Final approval will allow the extension of the path and channel through Zones B and C up to Birmingham Road.

Lichfield Canal’s Falkland Road Zone A towards Birmingham Road and Zones B and C where work will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy award. PHOTO: DAVID HODGKINSON

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This will allow Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to build an 870m extension of the public footpath and partial dry canal channel alongside Falkland Road, creating a traffic-free community greenway link between Birmingham Road and the very popular Heritage Towpath Trail at Fosseway Heath.

Council leader Coun Doug Pullen said: “The project is about so much more than just bringing back the Lichfield Canal – it’s about helping people through volunteering or through the groups such as Duke of Edinburgh who take part in the project.”

The path will be available to pedestrians and cyclists and of particular benefit to residents of the new Taylor Wimpey Friary Meadow and Bower Park developments, providing a green corridor supporting the sustainable development of Lichfield District.

Local benefits

The construction of a new canal bridge at Claypit Lane, and the construction of two replacement locks close to the junction of Birmingham Road, will be carried out as a subsequent phase and not as part of the project covered by the CIL funding.

Additional benefits will derive from linking with the canal route east of Birmingham Road past the new Persimmon Homes St John's Grange estate for access to school and community facilities.

The leader of Lichfield District Council believes the work to restore the Lichfield Canal is bringing far-reaching benefits to the area.

Before councillors confirmed the CIL funding, Coun Pullen said that while the prospect of people travelling on the waterway may still be some way off, the benefits of the project were clear to see.

“The work of the team of volunteers has far-reaching effects for the district,” he added. “The water may not be flowing for many years, but the restoration is helping people today.”

THE completion of 600m of hedge boundary between the Lichfield Canal and Falkland Road has rounded off a massive effort by restoration trust volunteers, supporters and sponsors.

Mixed hedging on a turf Mixed hedging on a turf mound, mound on Falkland Road. interspersed with the turf mound. a variety of trees, is LHCRT engineering a significant part of director Peter Buck the blue and green said: “We thank our environmental corridor which the restored canal supporters/sponsors and will bring to Lichfield. all our trust volunteers Duke of Edinburgh who have turned out in award students and all weathers and worked Lichfield and Hatherton so hard to achieve this Canals Restoration Trust significant milestone green and grounds team restoration of the Lichfield worked with construction Canal for the community.” volunteers to build the A number of donations last available sections of have helped to reach this

Trust volunteers working on the last section of hedging near the Birmingham Road roundabout. PHOTOS: LHCRT

milestone completion.

A grant worth over £2300 from South Staffs Water’s PEBBLE (Projects that Explore Biodiversity Benefits in the Local Environment) fund bought a large number of hedge plants in spring 2021.

The Lichfield branch of u3a, a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups providing learning and leisure activities for retired people, contributed £1 for each of its 680 members, while a couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary by donating 50 trees to the trust.

Jane and Brian Taylor were present on Brian’s 85th birthday to see the first trees being planted.

The hedging was also partly funded by around £1000 from the Big Give Xmas Challenge, in which the trust aimed to raise £3500 which would be match-funded.

In the event, trust supporters easily passed the target, raising a total of £13,580.64.

This money is being used to fund trees, hedging and wildflowers along the canal, as well as bird houses, bat boxes and information boards. Timber gates have been installed to give a secure access to the canal land for the remaining activities.

NEWS 9

April 2022 2022 www.towpathtalk.co.uk April

Characters of the Cut Sam Worrall, Heyford Wharf

By Alice Griffin

A NOMADIC soul and passionate advocate for those who choose to live a travelling life, Sam Worrall first found herself living on the water back in 2012.

“I have lived off-grid for about 20 years. I used to live in a little converted bus but it was getting difficult to find places to stay,” she told me. So when a friend offered Sam the opportunity to live on his boat on the Kennet & Avon, she jumped at the chance.

“I met lots of boaters and really loved being there on the water, so in 2014 I decided to sell my bus and get a boat of my own.” Despite a short gap of two years, Sam has lived on the water ever since and now resides aboard a 57ft semi-trad, Shield Maiden, built in 1990.

You would think that singlehandedly continuously cruising, alongside a part-time job working for a gypsy and traveller (boater and showpeople’s) advocacy charity would be enough to keep Sam busy. But in 2020 when the season finally got going she found herself unable to resist an extra work opportunity that came her way.

Heyford Wharf on the Oxford Canal runs a hire fleet as well as offering all the usual boatyard services: blacking, fabrication, welding, engine servicing and general repairs, along with a big paint shed/dry dock. Add to this a small shop, soft furnishings workshop The Flower Boat and bistro Kizzies, and it’s certainly a buzzing place to be!

“Initially I was working in the office and shop two days a week and doing hire fleet turnarounds and show outs. Then in spring last year I asked my boss if I could take over the running of the working side of the yard, which had not been proactively run for a few years. He said yes!”

This means that since July 2021 Sam has been taking all the bookings for private work, doing all the publicity, marketing, ordering of materials and customer liaison as well as pricing up jobs and invoicing.

“I have a full-time welder/ fabricator working for me, as well as a boat painter and parttime engineer.”

As well as office work though, Sam is certainly not afraid to get her own hands dirty. “If we are busy I help with the blacking and in winter I close for private work and we get the Oxfordshire Narrowboats hire fleet in to paint and work on.” Having learnt how to paint boats this past winter herself, Sam has lots to keep her busy and certainly enjoys the challenge that

The wharf offers all the usual boatyard services. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Sam Worrall splits her time between running a busy boatyard and championing boaters and travellers’ rights. running a boatyard brings. “I would encourage more women to explore the option of boatyard work. Everyone here has been really supportive in helping me get started. It’s never dull either.”

Charity work

Despite her growing role within the boatyard, Sam is still passionate about continuing to work on behalf of the travelling community and since 2015 has been working for gypsy and traveller advocacy charities Julian House, Friends Families and Travellers, and Gypsies and Travellers Wales.

Sam’s work for these organisations is all about addressing discrimination and the barriers that prevent people from accessing health and social services. “It’s incredibly difficult being nomadic in this day and age and it’s getting worse too with the new laws around trespass coming in. But we are

Narrowboats in the dock.

The boatyard at Heyford Wharf on the Oxford Canal.

all entitled to healthcare and nobody should have to battle to get it just because they choose not to live in a house!”

As boaters, many of us struggle due to not having an address so knowing we have people like Sam on our side is refreshing.

“Every local authority that has canals running through it should include boaters as part of any gypsy and traveller outreach service it runs,” Sam believes, so her work in educating about our existence is time well spent.

This spring and summer you will find Sam on hand at the boatyard or out and about on the towpath.

“I tend to stay on my mooring at the boatyard for most of the winter apart from the odd little move, but in summer I go off cruising again; usually as far as Cropredy so I can commute to work with not too much bother.

I love living in nature, being off-grid, semi-nomadic and having the freedom to up sticks and move whenever I want. All while living on the amazing industrial heritage that the canals are.”

Facebook Page: Heyford Boatyard Facebook Group: Oxon Waterways Community Alice Griffin is a writer wandering the waterways aboard NB Melody. Do make sure you stop to say hello and share your stories if you pass her on the canal! Writing and podcast: alicegriffin. substack.com Instagram: alice_is_in_wanderland

10 NEWS

April 2022 April 2022

T​ V stars back final push for Schoolhouse Bridge appeal Anonymous donor offers to match-fund every £1 ​CELEBRITIES Timothy West and Prunella Scales, keen boaters who have starred in TV programmes about their narrowboat travels, are giving their support to a final appeal for the reconstruction of the Montgomery Canal’s Schoolhouse Bridge this year.

The latest appeal by Restore the Montgomery Canal! team, made necessary by rising costs after the delays of Covid, will be boosted by a supporter who will once again match every £1 donated.

Schoolhouse Bridge, on the last two miles of dry canal on the English side of the border, is the last highway blockage in Shropshire.

In Wales, recently announced UK Government grants will accelerate the reopening of the canal from the border to the isolated navigable section through Welshpool in Mid-Wales.

Michael Limbrey, chairman of the Restore the Montgomery Canal! group, said: “The rebuilding of Schoolhouse Bridge will be one of the most exciting projects on the Montgomery Canal.

“We have to close a public road, dig out the 1960s embankment across the canal,

construct a new arched bridge and open the road again – all in a few months!

“Our volunteer team has worked hard for five years to get the engineering and legal approvals. This has not been made any easier by the uncertainties and delays of the coronavirus pandemic.

And now we are ready we find that the cost of everything is going up.”

He continued: “Our appeal for Schoolhouse Bridge has had the most amazing support, raising more than £500,000 with one-off gifts, monthly donations and added payments from companies and trusts.

“Now on this final appeal a generous supporter, wishing to remain anonymous, is offering to match every pound we raise up to £50,000.

“If you add the Gift Aid tax rebate of 25p for each £1, a £10 donation becomes £22.50 and a gift of £25 benefits the appeal by no less than £56.25.”

Michael explained: “Schoolhouse Bridge is the main obstacle between Crickheath Basin, restored under a lottery project before lockdowns started and the Welsh border at Llanymynech.

As we could not see how the bridge would be rebuilt in the near future we decided to do it ourselves.

“Our volunteers prepared the design, the Canal & River Trust assisted with the planning permission – for which we are most grateful – and Shropshire Council has been most supportive in accommodating a project which must have been unlike any they had dealt with before.”

Michael added: “When the volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society reach Crickheath Basin – hopefully later this year – there will just be two miles of derelict canal to Llanymynech and we are working with Shropshire Council to make sure we have all the information for funding restoration of that section.

“After interruptions of the last year or two, we now have to finish raising those funds for the bridge.

“Donations can be made through our Local Giving page www.localgiving.org/charity/ restorethe montgomerycanal.”

The Montgomery Canal passes through some of the most picturesque countryside on the borders of Wales and England.

Can you support Tim and Pru’s appeal to rebuild Schoolhouse Bridge on the beautiful Montgomery Canal?

“Sixty years after it was demolished, we are tantalisingly close to reopening the bridge. This removes a huge obstruction to the Montgomery Canal restoration in England. It would be so good to see it reopen.

With your help we can make it happen.”

- Tim West

Monty dam-busting volunteers triumph

Volunteers removing blocks and liner.

SHROPSHIRE Union Canal volunteers began the fortnightly programme of restoration of the Montgomery Canal, near Crickheath, during a weekend work party from March 4-6.

The main task of this work party was to remove the massive clay dam, which was towpath high and 6m wide, that retained the water in the previously restored 250m section at Pryce’s Bridge.

This water and a massive accumulation between the dam and Crickheath Wharf took just over two days to pump out sufficiently, to allow the blocks and four layers of liner that had waterproofed the inside slope of the dam to be taken down.

The clay bund, which is the technical name for the dam, had to be removed to allow the completed section measuring 250m to join the 330m section under construction, at the correct depth.

When a length of channel is lined with four layers of waterproofing materials, it is then ‘paved’ with building blocks to weight down these materials.

Working conditions were, at worst, very challenging and, at best, difficult with sometimes a foot of water in some places, but the 17 volunteers kept battling on with the dirty heavy work.

By the Saturday afternoon the removal of the bund had begun using a large digger and a dumper to transport the clay away and by the close of play on Sunday three-quarters of it had disappeared.

While the pumping out was taking place on the Friday, 400 saplings were

planted along the base of the outer edge of the towpath embankment, to stabilise a section of the newly constructed canal channel. Lengths of heavy lining material were cut to size and laid along the offside of the channel in preparation for completing the next 60-metre section.

The next work party at the end of March was expected to spend two days pumping out water that has accumulated, to enable the removal of the remaining bund. Channel shaping can now take place to match the new section under construction to the existing completed profile.

All in all, this was a superb effort by a very dedicated team of volunteers working in terrible conditions and a significant amount of preparation was achieved.

It is anticipated the work to Crickheath will be completed by the end of this year.

Right: The digger in action.

Donate now to reopen the bridge this year!

Image o Image off tthe he restored bridge

First £50,000 matched £-for-£!!

Please see the Appeal Leaflet inserted in this magazine

ww www ww.localgiving.org/ch w harity/restorethemontgom merycanal

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Close of play after the team’s efforts. PHOTOS: SU PUBLICITY

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk April 2022

Getting ready for next stage PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

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Excavation of trial pits on the canal bed. PHOTO: FRED BARRETT SHROPSHIRE Union Canal volunteers have been engaged in a number of tasks connected with the new project planned for 2023.

The first three-day work party of the year took place on the Montgomery Canal between Crickheath Bridge and Schoolhouse Bridge.

Once the 330m stretch of dry channel between Pryce’s Bridge and Crickheath winding hole has been lined and rewatered by the end of 2022, the new restoration project will take effect.

Consultant engineers, Arcadis, will be responsible for providing the design details for channel restoration.

The first step is to undertake ground investigation and they were on site to supervise the digging of a series of trial pits, a metre deep, along the channel to examine the condition of the bed of the canal and ground conditions beneath it and take samples for analysis.

Also, 40m of the old Tramway Wharf wall at

Crickheath was cleared of vegetation to enable an initial assessment to be carried out regarding the condition of the stonework.

Historically, this tramway carried stone from LLynclys to the canal wharf at Crickheath for transfer into canal barges.

The other important visit during this work party was by the Canal & River Trust heritage officer and engineer. They made a close inspection of the wharf wall in order to agree a suitable restoration strategy that preserves the heritage features and meets the engineering requirements for a lasting solution.

Further along the canal towards Pant, beyond the area of the new project, unwanted trees and vegetation were removed along the path of an old brick culvert which is used to duct water under the canal at Waen Wen. The roots of these trees had begun to penetrate the brickwork, prompting the remedial work.

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Tree removal at Waen Wen. PHOTO: FRED BARRETT

Training day in historic boat handling

By Les Heath

EVER fancied steering a pair of historic working boats but thought you would never have the chance?

An opportunity has now arisen thanks to a ‘proving run and skills training day’ on Atlas and Malus, two 1930s working boats owned jointly by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society and the Coombeswood Trust.

Participants should be members of the society or the trust.

The idea was put forward

by BCNS member Ivor Chambers who has spent many hours helping to repair and restore the two boats.

BCNS secretary Michael Smith-Keary said: “We wish to encourage more people to use the boats so that they can be enjoyed out on the system. Also so that some volunteers may wish to go on to become crew members on future trips including the D of E fourday residential trips.”

The aim of the day, on Saturday, April 16, is to give

up to eight people, four on each boat, the opportunity to steer a pair of boats and be involved in various manoeuvres.

The run will be from Hawne Basin to Windmill End, through Netherton Tunnel to Dudley Port junction where the boats

will wind for the return journey. Starting at 10am at Hawne Basin, the boats will be returning by 4pm.

The event is not suitable for the novice and those interested should contact Ivor on 07811 630325.

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12 IWA ROUND-UP

April 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUNDTHE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S JOANNE MASS

Help make London’s iconic canal festival a success

COME and join the fantastic team of volunteers who organise one of the most successful and best attended inland waterways events in the country – IWA Canalway Cavalcade.

This unique festival, now in its 39th year, is held annually over the three days of the early May Day Bank Holiday in the heart of London at Little Venice. IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade is a vibrant waterways celebration.

London’s Little Venice is transformed with hundreds of colourful boats, live music, refreshment stands, craft stalls and family activities.

Preparing for next year we need to strengthen the team and fill some much-needed roles in the committee.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love getting stuck in and have a positive and eager ‘can do’ attitude for a variety of exciting roles.

All will need to come to around eight online committee meetings per year and be available during the week to take on duties attributed to the role.

You will of course also be required to attend the event too.

For more information, or to register your interest, please contact Christine Smith, deputy chairman, at christine. smith@waterways.org.uk or on 07774 890750.

Volunteers at a Canal Camp on the Montgomery Canal. PHOTO: IWA

A new hands-on challenge?

Decorated boats lined up at Little Venice for the Canalway Cavalcade. PHOTOS:IWA

A volunteer at Cavalcade.

Get snapping in IWA’s 2022 photography competition ENTRY is now open for IWA’s 2022 photography competition.

Photography helps to bring IWA campaigns to life and also makes sure that as much of its income as possible is used to protect and restore our waterways.

By entering the annual photography competition,

you can expect to see your imagery used across our campaign and communication materials.

P h o t o g r a p h y competition category winners will receive £25 to spend in our online shop, plus IWA goodies.

The overall winner will also receive a print of their photo.

Categories are: Heritage details, British waterscapes, Old meets new and Living waterways.

Photos need to be a high resolution and at least 2100 pixels x 1500 pixels.

To enter, please send your photos by email, dropbox link or wetransfer or other preferred file sharing service to

entries@waterways.org. uk indicating the location and waterway along with the chosen category.

A maximum of 30 photographs can be entered per person.

Closing date for submissions is July 31, 2022. For terms and conditions visit www. waterways.org.uk

Get involved – join us on a work party IWA branches are getting back to work to improve waterways across the country.

Work parties have been risk assessed and mitigating measures are in place.

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, old clothing and bring a waterproof. You may also want to take a packed lunch and any refreshments.

East Tuesdays IWA Milton

Keynes

Branch:

Regular work party at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal.

9.30am-1.30pm. Work can include vegetation clearance, gardening, litter picking and painting. Work parties are dependent on weather. Contact Pat Durham on 07510 195918 or email pat.durham@waterways.org.uk Tuesdays April 3 and 19

IWA Northampton Branch: Work party on the Northampton Arm as part of the Branch’s adoption of the navigation. 10am-2pm. Work usually includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance and litter picking. Contact Geoff Wood: geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or phone 01604 453932.

West Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton

& Bridgwater): Work parties in the

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

Branch talks and socials

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

COULD you lead – or feed – a team of volunteers on a week-long restoration holiday?

Canal Camps are volunteer working holidays to help canal restoration.

They offer the chance to learn traditional skills such as bricklaying and stonework – and more modern techniques such as piling, concreting or even how to operate machinery like excavators or dumpers.

Every year, IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group runs between 16-20 Summer Canal Camps. This means we need to find more than 60 volunteer

Canal Camp leaders and assistant leaders each year. The main role of the leadership teams is to make sure the Canal Camp is a fun, well planned and safe experience… and that the volunteers are fed!

Waterway Recovery Group has been supporting canal restoration across Britain for more than 50 years, so you’ll be in safe hands. You will receive ongoing support and resources for this rewarding role.

If it sounds like a challenge you would enjoy, find out more at waterways.org.uk/leadershiptraining

Boating parade to celebrate Birmingham’s canals ahead of 2022 Commonwealth Games BOATERS from across the region are being invited to a spectacular parade to showcase Birmingham’s Canals.

The event is being held by the Canal & River Trust in association with Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (BCNS) and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, celebrating

the people, history and stories of our canals.

This is an opportunity to celebrate the past and present – and showcase the variety of crafts, people and culture that make our modern canals so vibrant today.

On Friday, June 24 boats will gather at a rally organised by BCNS at Smethwick Locks in Galton Valley, the location of two canals – the Old

Main Line and New Line – where moorings will be available.

On Saturday, June 25 boats will travel along to the city and form up between Roundhouse Bi r m i n g ha m and Icknield Port, before parading through the heart of the city to the Mailbox before returning to moor up for the night between Roundhouse Bi r m i n g ha m and Icknield Port.

The same will be done on the Sunday morning, giving an opportunity for a spectacular boating parade through the city.

For boaters who wish to play a part in the rally and parade, entry is free of charge.

Each boat that takes part in the parade will receive a commemorative plaque – and boaters are requested to showcase and celebrate their crafts and the waterways in the most fun way possible!