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1 Issue 189, July 2021

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A wave from HRH the Prince of Wales on board Scorpio with, left, Canal & River Trust chairman Allan Leighton. PHOTO: CRT

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City of culture boat trip for Royal visitor PATRON of the Canal & River Trust, HRH the Prince of Wales, had a trip on the Coventry Canal as part of a visit showcasing preparations for the UK City of Culture celebrations.

Hosted by CRT chairman Allan Leighton, the prince visited the former Daimler factory beside the canal and now home to the arts, before boarding the working heritage boat Scorpio for a 10-minute boat ride to Coventry Canal Basin.

On board were representatives from the local community and volunteer groups who, over the last 18 months, have worked alongside the Canal & River Trust to transform the canal into a community space where local people can spend time being next to water and close to nature.

“We’ve been working closely with the Coventry team to play our part in the celebrations and activities for the UK City of Culture 2021,” Allan explained.

“It’s wonderful we’ve had the opportunity to show our patron the positive transformational impact canals can make and specifically their role in the cultural heritage of our great cities.”

Once in Coventry Canal Basin, Prince Charles was also able to watch a special preview performance by Highly Sprung, a physical theatre company, and Random String, an art collaborative who are working on a project with

Canal & River Trust to combine art and technology to deepen our engagement with the natural world.

Allan added: “Coventry has an exciting year ahead and I can’t wait for the cultural activities to get started on the canal, to give local people the opportunity to visit and enjoy their 200-year-old local canal both over the next year and longer term as we further strengthen our connection with the community.”

Audlem off

Alarum projects

Bristol sinking

THE postponement of the lifting of Covid restrictions has forced the cancellation of the Gathering of Historic Boats at Audlem which had been due to take place on July 24-25. The government announcement highlighted the growing number of cases in the North West and under the circumstances organisers decided it was impractical to go ahead with the event in view of the work and expense involved. The next Gathering is due to take place on July 30-31, 2022.

ALARUM Theatre has two new projects to work on thanks to funding from the Sir Barry Jackson Trust for its Tunnel Voices audio drama project and The John Feeney Trust to help extend the I Dig Canals project into Birmingham in the autumn.

Alarum Theatre will be looking for the memories and stories of women around the Birmingham Canal Network. To share memories or help with the project, email welcome@alarumproductions. org.uk

NEWS came in as we went to press of the sinking of two historic boats, including a floating cafe in Bristol Harbour. The Greenshank and the Redshank were moored near the SS Great Britain.

Their owner, Luke Dunstan of Bristol Packet, was trying to organise retrieval of the boats following a ‘catastrophic failure’. Built in 1936, the Greenshank opened as a cafe bar in 2017 and had undergone refurbishment. It is hoped to launch a Crowdfunding appeal.

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WELCOME AMERICA celebrates Independence Day on July 4 but it looks like it will be at least July 19 before we get our own ‘Freedom Day’!

My Welcome column for the July 2020 issue started with the words: “It’s hard to believe that by the time you read this, we will have been in lockdown for more than three months.” Little did I think we would still be living under restrictions – albeit not so draconian – a year down the line.

As with a year ago, we are still seeing the postponement of summer events – the latest, as I write, being the Audlem Gathering of Historic Boats due to have taken place on July 24-25. Hopefully the Crick Boat Show and the IWA Festival of Water in August will still go ahead.

And on a positive note, canalside venues, work parties and boat trips are complying with social distancing restrictions to enable them to get going again. See the IWA branch news, page 12 and What’s on, page 17.

With climate change running a close second to coronavirus in the news stakes, the search for alternative fuels is gaining momentum. In the second of his features on Sustainable Boating Jonathan Mosse looks at HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) to replace diesel and also reports on the electric boat trials held by boatbuilder Ortomarine on the River Severn and the Droitwich Canals, see pages 48-49.

In response to readers who have contacted us recently regarding problems facing disabled boaters, Phil Pickin talks to Stuart Tyler, see report on this page and Colin Wareing went down to the Wigan Flight to see volunteers helping boaters through the locks, see page 5.

With the accent very definitely on staycations this summer, marina operator Aquavista has published research regarding access to ‘blue space’ – a term for visible water – which is said to benefit mental and physical health. See our newly headed Holidays and Leisure pages 46-47.

Keep calm and enjoy

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New Accessibility Forum to highlight the needs of disabled boaters

By Phil Pickin

FEW people within the boating community would argue against the suggestion that using the waterways can, at times, be physically demanding. Even the fittest person can come up against challenges; a fact only made worse for those who are less mobile or have some form of disability.

Despite these challenges, many continue to use the waterways; however, over the past few weeks, we've been contacted by a number of those who have difficulties, including Stuart Tyler from Nottinghamshire.

Mr and Mrs Tyler bought their 57ft Dutch barge some 14 years ago and had, for many years, lived aboard while cruising the waterways in their area. However, in 2018 Mr Tyler began to suffer from mobility problems in addition to other pre-existing health issues. These not only impacted on his general health but also on his ability to use their boat.

As a result, he now needs to use crutches to move about and has spent periods of time in hospital.

Unfortunately, life on board became increasingly difficult. As a result, the couple had to contact the Canal & River Trust to utilise the provisions within the licence scheme to hopefully accommodate Mr Tyler’s problems in complying with the terms of his licence.

These adjustments provided him with extended periods on a mooring and reduced travelling distance between moorings.

However, at times, these provisions were not enough, and as a result, Mr Tyler needed to request further assistance. It would seem that during this period, the relationship between CRT and the Tylers deteriorated.

Part of Mr Tyler’s argument with CRT centres around what he believes to be a lack of acceptance of information that many would see as more than sufficient to confirm his condition.

He feels that CRT “did not follow their stated process in reviewing my equality questionnaire” and that the charity “had

no discussions with me about difficulties and they ignored the medical advice from my doctor”.

He went on to say that in his view: “The Canal & River Trust needs to accept the blue badge system and to provide properly identified reserved disabled moorings throughout the waterways network which has the access and facilities disabled boaters need.”

Mr Tyler told us that he felt CRT has not fully taken into consideration his health issues and his needs and, as a result, he made a formal complaint which ultimately ended up in front of the Waterways Ombudsman.

However, earlier this year, the Ombudsman ruled in CRT’s favour.

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Ombudsman and although some recommendations had been made and implemented, the Ombudsman had found in CRT’s favour.

Mr and Mrs Tyler’s case has highlighted the problems faced by a number of boaters who are disabled or have issues that make using the waterways difficult. It would seem it is with this in mind that Tracey Clarke, who is herself registered blind and a liveaboard narrowboater, established a Facebook group known as the IWAF – Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum.

This has been set up in liaison with the Canal & River Trust and (according to the RBOA website) “hopefully other waterways agencies too”.

To address the problems encountered by some boat users, CRT tells us that it employs a welfare officer, Sean Williams, to oversees issues relating to disabled users, among others.

It would seem that Tracey Clarke will be busy as CRT has co-opted her on to the trust’s council.

As such, she will be able to highlight the challenges faced by the disabled to other council members.

We are hoping to publish an interview with Tracey in the near future in which we will look at the needs of disabled boat owners and users.

In recent weeks, a number of readers have contacted Towpath Talk to highlight some of the problems they have experienced (also see page 5) and we would like to find out more. So if you have had any issues and are registered disabled or suffer from a condition that impacts on your ability to use the waterways, email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Stuart Tyler in front of his Dutch barge which he is selling due to his mobility problems. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Charity gets back on the water

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Undaunted, and despite having now moved on to dry land and put the couple’s boat up for sale, Mr Tyler has sent details of the complaint to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is currently looking into the matter. Hopefully, we will be able to report on its findings in a future issue of Towpath Talk.

A CRT spokesman told us that the charity “can’t comment on an individual case, especially one that includes significant amounts of personal and medical information”.

The spokesman added that “the complaint had been fully investigated” by both CRT’s internal complaints procedure and the Waterways

You can’t get much nearer to the water than paddling in a KataKanu. PHOTO SUPPLIED

COTSWOLD Boatmobility is busy coming out of mothballs to offer more disabled people the opportunity to try for themselves the well-being benefits of being near to water.

You can’t get much nearer to the water than paddling with five others in one of their five KataKanus. There is also a Wheelyboat – an electrically propelled, wheelchair-accessible boat which can be steered from a wheelchair.

Operating on the restored length of the Stroudwater Navigation between Stonehouse and Stroud, the charity was set up in 2015 by Jan Thomas and has grown over the years.

It can now offer two-hour cruises to up to 37 people – service users, carers, friends and family and volunteers.

To get the charity back on track it has applied for a grant from the Calor Rural Community Fund. More details, including how you can help, at https://communityfund.calor. co.uk/cotswold-boatmobility-1

Contract signed for first phase of Selly Oak scheme CHAIRMAN of the Lapal Canal Trust, Dr Andrew Hardie, has signed a £300,000 contract with Kevin Kirkland, construction director of Land & Water, to build the first Selly Oak section of the Dudley No 2 Canal.

Work will start in July on the new water feature section which 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.

This attractive calming water feature in the heart of Selly Oak will be enjoyed by all canal users including canoeists, paddleboaters and anglers.

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

The Lapal Canal Trust is now focused on raising the further £500,000 required to complete the restoration to Harborne Lane Bridge, which must be completed by 2025.

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Celebrating the reopening of the bridge are Middlewich Town Council chairman Coun Mike Hunter and Canal & River Trust project manager Tania Snelgrove with staff and volunteers involved in the project.

Big Lock footbridge reopens to walkers

A HISTORIC Grade II Listed footbridge in Middlewich, Cheshire, is once again welcoming pedestrians across the Trent & Mersey Canal, thanks to a £330,000 restoration by the Canal & River Trust.

Onlookers cheered the trust’s engineers as they craned the footbridge back into position in early June after a year-long

Pedestrians can once again walk over the bridge at Middlewich Big Lock.

restoration of the heritage landmark.

The original footbridge, supported by 1891 bullhead railway rails, had to be closed ahead of repairs just under two years ago, with a temporary pedestrian crossing installed alongside it.

Project manager Tania Snelgrove said: “It was fantastic to see so many local residents out to watch the nail-biting moment when we craned the newly restored bridge back into position. It was a real boost to the hard-working team to receive a spontaneous round of applause!”

In June last year, the trust created a special cradle to lift the old bridge safely on to a low loader and transport it to a specialist firm for grit blasting, followed by a sensitive and detailed restoration of the elegant Victorian structure.

Tania explained: “The old bridge was badly corroded and our engineers rose to the challenge of providing a sympathetic restoration which could carry modern loadings. The original steel structure has largely been retained so the weathering is clearly visible, and unique historical features, which were too badly rusted, have been replicated.

“The structural elements are all painted black, as in the original colour

scheme, including the new ‘U’ frames which strengthen the bridge. The new mesh on the parapets is the same woven mesh used at the Eden Project and is so light that it appears to vanish when viewed from a distance – allowing the structure to appear very much as it did over a hundred years ago.”

The complex craning operation was followed by several days of finishing works to align footpaths and other surrounding infrastructure, and then CRT volunteers painted the ramp handrails before the formal opening ceremony on June 11.

Coun Mike Hunter, chairman of Middlewich Town Council, was invited to cut a ceremonial ribbon to reopen the Big Lock footbridge to pedestrians again.

He said: “Thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Canal & River Trust for all the work they do throughout the year and especially for this restoration. The canal plays a very important part in our town both historically and financially.

“The trust has ensured that a key part of our town’s history will continue well into the future – and they deserve a great deal of credit for this in these times of financial hardship.”

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Middlewich Town Council chairman Coun Mike Hunter and Canal & River Trust project manager Tania Snelgrove cutting a ceremonial ribbon to reopen the newly restored historic Big Lock footbridge.

The restored footbridge being craned back into position. PHOTOS: CRT

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The current boat, the Ethel, is 60ft long, 14ft wide and weighs 60 tons. In a normal year, it carries around 1000 passengers.

Thumbs up from a happy passenger.

Sheffield-based volunteers rack up double celebration

VOLUNTEERS who operate a community barge for the Ethel Trust in the Sheffield area recently had two reasons to celebrate.

Not only were they honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for exceptional support for disadvantaged people in South Yorkshire but also the commissioning of a new boat enabling them to expand this service.

Trustee Keith Levy said: “This is an incredible honour for the trust’s fantastic volunteers who give so much of their time to help improve the lives of others.”

The 30-strong volunteer group operate a fully accessible barge, the Ethel, on the Sheffield & Tinsley and Stainforth & Keadby canals, providing day and residential experiences. User groups range from primary aged children with learning difficulties and young people with mental health issues to elderly groups in residential care and at risk of social exclusion.

The trust’s unique flagship project involves three-day residential trips for learning-disabled youngsters. These ‘Unlocking Confidence’ trips help to develop self-confidence, team working

and social skills. Pauline Denton, co-ordinator of ‘Smile a While’, a group aiming to reduce social isolation and promote positive mental health and well-being for the elderly and vulnerable, said: “Many of our members are socially isolated and go days without speaking to anyone and the dedication and commitment of the volunteers at the Ethel Trust turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary day for them.”

Passenger’s legacy

Although planned for some years, the second boat has been made possible through a very generous legacy from a grateful passenger, who wanted to ensure many more could benefit from what she had experienced.

The plan is to name the new boat after her – Pearl – and the trust is working with top boat designers to ensure that it is ‘state of the art’, and as environmentally friendly as possible, featuring a hybrid engine, solar panels and low energy usage.

Hydraulic lifts front and rear will enable access to all areas for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.

There will be a fully equipped kitchen,

Some of the volunteers who have double reason to celebrate.

Members of the Ethel team enjoy some spring sunshine. fully accessible toilets/wet rooms and, for residential trips, sleeping accommodation for eight passengers plus three crew.

A planned innovative feature is a remote system to allow the barge to be steered from any location on the boat via a handheld console. This would enable

the crew to support all passengers in steering the boat, regardless of mobility issues.

The trust is always looking to increase the number of volunteers to be able to offer its services to as many disadvantaged and vulnerable groups as possible.

Website: www.etheltrust.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/ethelbarge/ Twitter: twitter.com/ethelbarge

Unlocking confidence to develop team working and social skills. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

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Narrowboats Cushie and Judith n Me leave Lock 78. This lock is part way up the Wigan flight that lifts or lowers the Leeds & Liverpool Canal through 21 locks between Wigan and Aspull. As can be seen in this picture these locks are wide and the wooden gates are heavy to move, so the more hands to do the job the better.

A narrowboat crew chat with a volunteer lock keeper as they work down through Lock 81. Crews of the two boats were assisted by volunteers such as this one who has been using his bicycle to ‘lock wheel’ which is when someone goes ahead of the boats to the next lock down the flight and prepares it ready for the boats to navigate straight into.

Help is at hand from the Wigan Flight Crew

By Colin Wareing

AT ONE time, boaters who wanted to navigate up or down the Wigan flight of 21 wide locks on the Leeds & Liverpool canal could request assistance from the Canal & River Trust, or previously British Waterways lock keepers.

This service was mainly for folks that were single-handed or for various reasons such as disability and old age and could be booked through the Wigan office to arrange a day and time the assistance was required or available.

Times have changed and with no regular lock keepers it is now down to volunteers to give of their time, which of course can’t be guaranteed, depending on their other commitments.

An informal group of volunteers, not managed by CRT, operate under the name of the Wigan Flight Crew and, most days of the boating season, some of them are to be found organising and helping boaters on the flight.

On Thursday, May 27 the flight crew helped a number of boats up and down the flight, including some that had been waiting for a few days at the top and bottom of the locks for the removal of a car that had ended up in the pound between locks 69 and 70 towards the top of the flight.

Two of the boaters were Jan and Ben Lane on their narrowboat Cushie. Despite

getting a bit older, they are not ready for giving up on cruising just yet (their letter appeared in Talkback, Issue 188, June).

They had been moored in White Bear Marina at Adlington near Chorley during the Covid restrictions, but felt they would struggle to get down the flight to make a move to their new mooring at Pennington Marina near the Plank Lane lift bridge on the Leigh branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

However, it all worked out fine with help from three members of the Wigan Flight Crew –Peter Baxter, one of

Towpath Talk’s previous Volunteer of the Year finalists, John and Carl – and other boat crews. Cushie came down with the narrowboat Judith n Me which had come over from Yorkshire.

After they had got down the flight, Jan said: “A great thank you to the lads from the Wigan Flight Crew, without which we couldn’t have got down the flight; they do a remarkable job. It’s just a pity that boaters have to rely on volunteers on what is a strenuous flight of locks, but at least we are down now and probably won’t be going back up!”

Narrowboats Cushie and Judith n Me enter Lock 83 on their way down the Wigan Flight. PHOTOS: COLIN WAREING, COLIN AND CAROLE’S CREATIONS

Three steel narrowboats and a fibreglass cruiser navigating between Locks 81 and 82. This was the day that navigation resumed on the flight following a four-day stoppage due to a car being sunk in the canal higher up the flight. The crews were assisted by volunteer lock keepers who also helped to control water levels.

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Speed device on trial on towpaths A NEW speed awareness device aimed at cyclists has been trialled in the West Midlands.

The Canal & River Trust hopes it will encourage cyclists to Stay Kind, Slow Down when using the region’s increasingly popular canal towpaths.

Having been a haven for local people during lockdown, with visitor numbers to some towpaths more than double what they were pre-pandemic, the trust wants to remind everyone that the towpaths are a shared space which are used by thousands of people every day.

Community engagement manager Gavin Passmore said: “We want people to use the canals, including cyclists, but ask everyone to be considerate of others on the towpath. While most people are kind and courteous, if you are on a bike, it can just mean slowing down and cycling at a leisurely pace.”

The portable speed detection device, which has been on trial for a month, works by detecting the speed of cyclists as they approach, flashing a ‘Thank you’ if they are cycling at less than 8mph or the words #StayKindSlowDown if they are going too fast.

Trial locations included: the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Selly Oak; Cambrian Wharf in central Birmingham; the

Birmingham Main Line Canal at the Wolverhampton Lock Flight; Coventry Basin and the Trent & Mersey Canal in Stone, Staffordshire.

Gavin added: “Those on foot, including boaters accessing the water, have priority on our towpaths and, quite simply, those on bikes who need or want to travel quickly should use a route away from the canal. On busy stretches of canals or where the towpath is narrow, the safest option may be to get off your bike and walk.”

The portable speed detection device which has been on trial in the West Midlands. PHOTO: CRT

Graffiti busters uncover vintage ‘vandalism’ in Bath

VOLUNTEERS from the Canal & River Trust are helping to keep Bath beautiful for local people and visitors by tackling graffiti that they have found along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

While removing the 21st century tags, drawings and daubs, the team has uncovered carved Georgian ‘graffiti’ dating back just under 200 years.

The initials CYM were discovered carved into the Bath stone along the canal, alongside the year 1824, meaning that the canal first saw graffiti almost 200 years ago – back in the canal’s freight-carrying heyday.

Later graffiti dated 1896 saw the initials JP carved into the stone.

Morgan Cowles, Canal & River Trust heritage and environment manager, explained: “The waterway through Bath is a key part of this historic city, providing a tranquil oasis away from the bustling streets, and we’re working hard to make it even more attractive.

“Graffiti is a problem for our charity, and we work with our amazing volunteers to help protect the delicate fabric of some of Bath’s most iconic sites. However, it appears that ‘tagging’ isn’t

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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

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a new scourge, with this carved graffiti dating back almost two centuries.”

The trust’s volunteers have been removing the graffiti from the Grade II* listed Kennet & Avon canal tunnel under Cleveland House and Sydney Road. The historic structure, constructed c1800 in the local Bath stone, is notable for its fine decorative carvings (including a female head representing Sabrina, the Spirit of the Severn, who continues to watch over the waterway). Sadly, it has recently been the target of vandalism from unsightly graffiti.

Removing the graffiti demands extreme care and specialist knowledge so the trust has been guided by a leading national expert in the field. Jamie Fairchild of Restorative Techniques has trained CRT employees and volunteers to meticulously remove the damaging paintwork without harming the historic stonework.

Morgan continued: “Sydney Bridge is an architectural gem so we have acted as quickly as possible to remove the graffiti.

Using a variety of methods from cleaning with water and hand brushing only, through to the use of specialist stone cleaning equipment, we peeled back the layers of the offensive paintwork to reveal the beauty of the stone underneath. Thanks to the support of our wonderful volunteers including Ian

Volunteers removing graffiti from Sydney Bridge.

CYM 1824 carved into the Bath stone.

Herve, Brett Van Drie and Pete Kingston we have restored the tunnel façade and it is once again looking magnificent.”

Another inscription reads 1896 JP. PHOTOS: CRT

CRT bids to catch ‘hit and run’ drivers with CCTV A CCTV sensor has been installed on Grade II listed Bridge 166 over the Lancaster Canal to catch ‘hit and run’ motorists and other drivers not taking enough care when crossing.

The humpback bridge, near Crooklands, has been hit seven times in the last 10 years, costing nearly £100k to repair and inconveniencing other motorists and the local community.

Canal & River Trust heritage advisor Bill Froggatt said: “The Lancaster Canal has the most bridge strikes across the whole of our 2000 miles of waterways. We have taken the unusual step to install the sensor to Bridge 166 as it has been repeatedly hit by vehicles over the last few years.

“Bridges such as this are such an important part of the canal’s character and the area’s heritage. Each time a bridge is hit a small bit of history is lost.”

Crooklands Bridge was built as part of the final stage of construction of the mainline of the Lancaster Canal when it was extended from Tewitfield to Kendal in 1819. Built by engineer Thomas Fletcher, it is CCTV sensors Grade II listed.

The canal company could be re-routed the Milnthorpe installed at to Crooklands road to more humpback make construction easier, hotspots. but this resulted in a PHOTOS: CRT sharp turn to get on to the bridge and consequently the bridge parapet is frequently struck by large vehicles when drivers do not take enough care.

The trust cares for 2800 historical bridges that

were built for the passage of horse-drawn carts, not for today’s modern vehicles and HGVs, which cause up to £1 million of damage to bridges each year. The majority of accidents are ‘hit and run’, leaving the trust unable to recoup the cost of the damage from drivers’ insurers, and diverting vital funds away from work to conserve the nation’s waterways.

Bill added: “If motorists just slowed down a bit and paid more attention, they would save a lot of cost and aggravation. It’s also important that people respect the weight limit of the bridge and, if they exceed it, then we’d ask them to please find an alternative route.

“If it is a success, we’ll look to install similar sensors to other humpback accident hotspots.”

Bridge 166 following a vehicle strike.

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TV investigation finds river pollution at dangerous levels

By Phil Pickin

AN ITV News Central investigation has found dangerous levels of harmful chemicals are polluting rivers and streams in the Midlands.

The investigation chose 10 locations and took 10 samples from each over a period of three days in April. Seven different rivers were selected for the research, only two of which were found to have phosphate levels within the limit of 0.03-0.05 parts per million.

WWF-UK’s chief advisor on freshwater conservation, David Ticknew, told the investigation team that he felt “the health of our rivers certainly won’t get better, and may get worse”. According to the news investigation, many rivers in the Midlands are suffering from this problem, a view borne out by local fishing clubs and societies.

A number of angling societies told the TV crew that they had seen a decline in fish numbers over the past 20-30 years, with many not reaching maturity. Some speculated this was down to the levels of sewage entering the rivers.

However, the investigators highlighted that it isn’t just sewage that contains phosphates. Run-off from farmland can also contain these harmful chemicals that stimulate growth in plants, including algae in rivers.

As a result, this increased growth can cause shading across the water and result in lower oxygen levels. This impacts on the chemical levels within the rivers and, in turn, on the wildlife.

In reply to our request for a comment on the findings of the ITV News Central

Phosphates entering the watercourse can cause an increase in algae.

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

investigation, a Defra spokesperson said: “Making sure we have clean rivers is an absolute priority, and we are working urgently to reduce the environmental impacts of all sources of pollution.

“There are specific regulations in place in England to protect our rivers from agricultural practices, including the use and storage of fertilisers and manure.

We are also putting new commitments into law to cut down the water sector’s reliance on storm overflows.

“However, we are aware there is much more to do to tackle the sources of nutrient pollution to rivers, including those in the Midlands.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Over the last 25 years, there has been huge progress in enhancing the

water environment, but there is more to do and ongoing work needed. A major challenge is how to achieve significant reductions in diffuse water pollution, which includes phosphates. Sources of this include pollution that comes from agriculture, roads and urban run-off. We are working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and partners to address these concerns and reduce these, and other, sources of pollution.”

So it remains to be seen if and when these plans come to fruition. In the meantime, it would seem many river users will be keeping a close eye on their particular stretch of river. Until then, it would appear that some parts of our rivers are going to be ideal for algae but not much else!

Kickstart to a waterways career A WAVE of 47 young people has been welcomed to the Canal & River Trust’s regional, construction and digital marketing teams as part of the government’s Kickstart initiative, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Describing it as a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience, strategic programmes manager Danny Matley said: “The participants will be learning both heritage skills and getting involved in topical projects, such as how to ‘green’ the waterways and how to promote them to a wider audience.

“We hope to inspire a new generation of waterways workers, who will have experienced the benefits of being by the water and caring for the canals first-hand.”

In Burnley, Leicester and Walsall, 23 young people have joined the trust and will gain experience in waterway care and customer service, including canal and towpath maintenance and a range of ‘green’ environmental projects.

Another 22 positions are based with the construction teams, where participants will learn heritage skills ranging from masonry, bricklaying and carpentry, to canal

bank protection and towpath resurfacing.

A further two participants have joined the trust’s social media and web content teams to promote the use of canals to waterside communities. All the participants started their six-month placements in June 2021.

The Kickstart initiative is a programme for young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. It will support them to build up their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart-funded role.

Towpath upgrade on Trent & Mersey THE Canal & River Trust has been working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and the National Trust to improve the towpath along the Trent & Mersey Canal in Great Haywood, Staffordshire.

Part-funded by a grant from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Rural Tourism Infrastructure programme, the work covers a 600-metre section between Iron Bridge and the Trent Aqueduct.

The six-week project, which

started in late May, involves resurfacing and widening the towpath in places to create a pothole-free, green route.

The footpath connecting the canal to the Shugborough Estate will also be improved, enabling visitors to gain easy access to the National Trust site.

During the works the towpath is closed with a signed diversion route in place. The canal remains open for boating, but the moorings for visiting boats along the stretch have been suspended.

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Donated dredger will make ‘massive difference’

Clearing the site for Brindley Memorial

MEMBERS of Hillmorton canal heritage group, Old Mortonians, have been clearing rubbish to prepare the site for a Brindley Memorial.

Engineer James Brindley, who is known as the father of English canals, died on September 27, 1772. The memorial will be the centrepiece of Brindley 250, a three-day carnival the group is planning to hold from Sunday to Tuesday, September 25-27, 2022,

marking the 250th anniversary of his death.

This site marks the end of the last ever Brindley canal; the approach road to Hillmorton Locks being appropriately named Brindley Road. The locks, on the Oxford Canal, are officially the busiest in the country.

For information and how to join in, call 01788 567600.

Steve Bacon alongside the dredger on the restored Wilts & Berks Canal at Templars Firs. PHOTO: JUSTIN GUY

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RESTORATION of a former Wiltshire waterway has received a major boost thanks to the donation of a dredger.

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust recently took delivery of the 40ft, 13-ton craft at Templars Firs in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The workboat features a digger arm on the bow, and steel outriggers to provide stability.

Once volunteers have been trained in its operation, it will be used to clear weeds and silt along the popular stretch which has already been restored on the southern edge of the town.

It will also be a vital tool in supporting the eventual extension of the waterway towards other restored sections on the outskirts of Swindon in the east.

Trustee Steve Bacon said: “It was a major task to arrange delivery to such a remote site, especially as we had to use a 100-ton mobile crane to lift the dredger from the transporter, over a hedge and down into the water.

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“However, it will make a massive difference in supporting the ongoing maintenance of this stretch of the canal.”

He explained: “The digger arm will keep the channel clear of weeds, which has been a big problem for many years, and will help to remove material which has washed down from neighbouring land.

“This will aid the movement of boats along the canal, which in turn helps to suppress weed growth, so it’s a virtuous circle!”

Steve added: “We hope people will enjoy seeing it in operation later in the year and perhaps be encouraged to learn more about our ambitious campaign to breathe new life into this wonderful waterway.”

The workboat was donated by River & Canal Services of Surrey, with the canal trust paying for the transportation and the digger arm.

The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

The stretch at Royal Wootton Bassett already includes a towpath, slipway, spillweir, bridges and locks, and is popular with local walkers, runners and anglers.

Volunteers are welcome to join the regular work parties.

Visit www.wbct.org.uk

Old Mortonians, including local teen Thomas Brindley, second from left, during the litter pick to prepare the site.

What a difference a day makes!

WRETCHED weather in May made working conditions difficult for the Shropshire Union Canal Volunteers to continue the restoration of the 330m dry section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath.

But despite this a considerable transformation has taken place; 100m of both channel banks, at the Crickheath end of the project, are now shaped to the correct angle and have been treated with cement to stabilise them.

All that remains, in this area, is for the base to be levelled so the waterproof lining process could begin during the second June work party. When finished, this will link the National Network of Canals to the Winding Hole at Crickheath, which is in water.

At the other end of the section, the boggy ‘Hell Hole’ area was given some progressive remedial treatment. The channel bed was scraped out and a geogrid carpet was laid and then covered with stone to provide a stable base to support working dumpers and diggers.

The sunken areas of towpath were

prepared for the rebuilding process to start. A significant amount of water had to be pumped out in a day prior to this work beginning.

Rebuilding work under way after water had been pumped out of the canal. PHOTO: FRED BARRETT To compensate for time lost due to Covid restrictions, there are now two work parties per month until Christmas. New volunteers are always welcome. Interested parties should contact the Shropshire Union Canal website for details.

Action group plants saplings to replace diseased ash trees

WALKERS along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath have been asking why two large ash trees beside the canal had been cut down, according to the Uppermill Community Action Group (UCAN).

Felling of the trees near Cloggers Knoll Bridge on Moorgate Street was organised by Canal & River Trust (CRT) as a safety measure because they were suffering from ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus).

This disease is caused by a fungus which this ash tree species has no natural defence against and, while the tree can fight back, year-on-year infections can and will eventually kill it.

UCAN recently obtained a donation of trees from the Woodland Trust for planting around Uppermill and this location was ideal for the first few trees. One of the volunteers has planted a selection of silver birch, hawthorn and hazel around the ash tree stumps.

More trees have been planted than required at this location so that, if they all take root, a few will be moved to other areas once they are established.

Subject to the easing of lockdown restrictions continuing as planned, it was hoped to resume group activities by taking part in a litter pick as part of the Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean which ran until mid June.

New planting beside the stumps of the ash trees. PHOTO SUPPLIED UCAN is always pleased to welcome new volunteers and anyone who would like further information should contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com

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Characters of the Cut

Sarah Cassidy: Cuts on the Cut

By Alice Griffin

THE decision to give up ‘normal’ life for a full-time life afloat was a relatively easy one for Sarah Cassidy and her husband Dave.

Making it happen, on the other hand, took a little more commitment, but with determination they finally moved aboard just over a year ago.

“Me and Dave talked about it but couldn’t do anything at the time as we still had our youngest at home doing GCSEs so we decided once she’d done with college, we’d move.” In the meantime, rather than sitting idle, they took steps to grow their dream.

As a hairdresser Sarah opted to dedicate time to building up business where their weekend boat, Topsy – a small Springer – was moored, at Saul marina. “I’ve been in the hairdressing

LIFT

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Hairdresser Sarah Cassidy enjoys making customers feel great.

industry for around 12 years and so between me and Dave we decided that I would start making friends and contacts in Saul before we moved permanently.

“This meant I spent half the week at the boat and then back to Gosport for the other half. I did this for about 18 months, which means I know the way now with my eyes closed!”

Taking the leap

As time progressed Sarah and Dave decided to take the leap. They sold Topsy on an online auction site and set about finding a vessel suitable to live on. Norman, a 49ft Harbour Marine narrowboat, soon appeared. “He had a lovely large cruiser stern which I knew would be perfect for hairdressing so I went and viewed him with friends as Dave was laid up with a knee injury.”

Doing a video tour Sarah was full of enthusiasm for the potential she could see, but Dave took some convincing.

“One of my friends had to speak to him on the phone and reassure him that while he’d need an open mind, the boat was sound!”

Thankfully Dave went for it and they are now firmly settled aboard Norman on a towpath mooring with Sarah busy developing her business specifically for those living on the cut. “Currently I cut hair on the towpath, or on the stern if it’s raining.”

Due to the couple still living in a state of renovation Norman doesn’t currently have hot water facilities for hair washing but Sarah adapts easily enough.

“We either warm up kettles and saucepans of water, or customers shower in a block. It can all be a bit ad hoc and it usually takes longer to

Sarah cutting hair on the towpath.

Narrowboat Norman is in a state of renovation. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

do than it would in a traditional salon environment, but this is not in the least bit traditional!” When a wash isn’t needed, she has rechargeable 12v tools to do the job.

as lightly as my boat sits on water’.”

With all her products at home and in her business being vegan so as not to harm humans or the environment, and with a desire to do anything to enhance the environment rather than damage it, Sarah clearly takes these words seriously.

“I’ve always been an eco-conscious person and moving aboard has compounded this as we’re right in nature. By living aboard we are creating a smaller version of life with hopefully a smaller earthly impact.”

Sarah and Dave also completed Veganuary in January 2020 and it completely changed their way of eating.

“Dave is now plant based by default because I do all the cooking! But he classes himself as a flexitarian because he will still have the odd non-vegan sandwich, which is fine by me.”

Her thoughts mirror my own, in that lots of people all doing a little bit adds up to a lot.

Environmentally considerate, friendly conversation and a beautiful setting – with the sunshine finally here, I can’t think of a better place to get your lockdown locks sorted!

Environmental code

“I enjoy being able to make someone feel great about themselves, and seeing their faces once they’re finished in the chair.

If I didn’t need to earn money, I’d do it for free, because the feeling a hairdresser gets from this is something you can’t put a price on.”

Sarah also loves chatting to people with many confiding in her over the years. “I’ve seen people through pregnancy, loss, marriages, break-ups, infidelity, illness, even wife swapping and S&M! Sometimes I’ve never even met a person before, yet within five minutes I know their life history!”

She always follows the strict hairdresser’s code of confidentiality though, with nothing ever going any further.

Sarah also has a strict environmental code. “I love the saying (slightly abridged) ‘I try to live my life on earth

Instagram: @cuts_on_the_cut Website: www.the-eco-boat.co.uk Alice Griffin is a writer and intermittent boater, currently living a yurt life in the Scottish Highlands.

Instagram: alice_is_in_wanderland www.alicegriffin.co.uk

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A trio of volunteer crew members.

Helping to create a canal adventure.

Youngsters enjoying the canal experience.

Building the future NO DOUBT many of us wonder what the coming days and months will hold for us as individuals, families and communities. It is no different for the National Community Boats Association (NCBA).

In these days of uncertainty, perhaps now, more than ever, it’s important to take the time

to look after yourself – not just physically but mentally too.

Stress and anxiety are especially high at the moment but there are many ways that our canals, and canal boating, can help to improve your mental well-being.

The National Community Boats Association is a charity which supports a membership of

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more than 50 community boating organisations throughout the country. Research has shown that even a glimpse of a photograph of a river will have a positive effect on our mood, and spending time on, or by, the water promotes better mental and improved physical well-being.

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Our regular feature on the work of the National Community Boats Association continues with an article by Doreen Goodall, general manager of CanalAbility.

flexibility of our community boating members and their volunteers will be put to the test.

They will need to invent new ways – and face the challenges they bring – to help people in need to make use of their current and future services.

Looking beyond the pandemic, the NCBA and our community boating members will continue to have an important part to play.

We believe that we will, as never before, be needed to help support people and communities in working to improve their health and own personal well-being.

We will need to achieve this in an environment where we will all experience great challenges in terms of welcoming our traditional cruisers back as well as greeting new cruisers – and all on an initially reduced income. We believe that the benefits outweigh the challenges to be faced.

How can canal boating help?

According to the NHS website, evidence suggests there are five steps to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Applying these when spending time onboard is easy, and something all our members can highlight to bear in mind when we start offering day trips and holidays to our disabled clients once again.

Groups of up to 10 can hire Stort Challenger for the day.

1. Connect with other people

It’s important to maintain good relationships for your mental well-being so why not enjoy life in the slow lane and take time out to spend with friends and family.

There is no better way to cast off your worries, silence your mobile phone and enjoy a truly peaceful meander along the waterways.

2. Be physically active

Many of our members’ boats are specially adapted for people with disabilities so everyone can take part, from steering the boat to working the locks.

3. Learn new skills

4. Give to others

Research has shown that acts of kindness and giving back can help improve mental well-being.

Why not volunteer for one of our members and give something back to your local community!

5. Mindfulness – paying attention to the present moment

What better way to be ‘in the moment’ than on board a canal boat. For people with a range of dementia-related illnesses, simply enjoying the sensation of the sun or wind on their face can be a positive experience and evoke memories.

Learn how to steer and to work the locks under the supervision of crew members with years of experience supporting novice steerers of all ages and abilities.

Although many of our members are not currently operating, why not contact us to find out how we can help you with your very own canal boat adventure!

Photos for this feature were taken before coronavirus restrictions.

Website: www.canalability. org.uk Email: doreen@canalability. org.uk

Red Watch is used exclusively for holiday hire. PHOTOS: CANALABILITY

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PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE Pete Winkelman performs the naming ceremony.

Sheelagh Rix and Don Allison unveil the name Electra.

All-electric community boat named in Milton Keynes

LOCAL entrepreneur and chairman of MK Dons FC, Pete Winkelman, has performed the official naming ceremony of aptly named electric community boat Electra at Milton Keynes’ Campbell Park.

Accompanying him, to unveil the name, were Sheelagh Rix and Don Allison, who had both proposed the name following a media appeal for suggestions.

Also present to welcome Electra were the Mayor, Coun Mohammed Khan and members of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust (B&MKWT), who were responsible for commissioning the boat.

Pete Winkelman said: “I was delighted to be asked to perform this naming ceremony on behalf of the Waterway Trust. Milton Keynes has a well-earned reputation for innovation as well as enjoying

a wealth of history and Electra has managed to combine the two perfectly, with a traditional hull and pioneering electric propulsion.”

Jane Hamilton, B&MKWT chairman said: “The waterway trust was established to promote the new waterway park, linking Bedford and Milton Keynes. Electra joins her Bedford-based sister boat, John Bunyan, to promote this nationally recognised project while offering relaxing cruises along the wonderful Grand Union Canal.”

Project team chairman Jane Wolfson said: “This naming ceremony is rather like introducing a new baby to friends and family. It has been an exciting process and now that she has been ‘delivered’ I can’t wait to see Electra gliding quietly along the Grand Union Canal on her first official trip.”

Sheelagh Rix explained why she had suggested the name: “I was listening to BBC Radio Three Counties’ Breakfast Show and heard that they were wanting suggestions for a name and Electra sprang to mind. She is powered by electricity and, as boats often have a female name, adding an A gave it a feminine sound, so I called the presenter and was put on air. It was an honour to be here to unveil it with Don.” Electra was craned into the Grand Union Canal in May and her volunteer crew have been undergoing practical training, so they can get used to handling her. Fare-paying cruises will begin at the end of July.

For further details, please visit www.bmkwaterway. org and click on MK Community Boat Electra.

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Boat club’s Mission 50 challenge aims to raise £50k THE Islington Boat Club recently launched its Mission 50 – with the aim of raising £50,000 in five months to celebrate its 50th birthday.

Its objective is to complete a number of community challenges around the number 50 by the end of September to raise much-needed funds to secure the club’s future.

IBC is joining forces with local people, schools, youth groups and businesses to build a formidable team which will help it raise money enabling the club to support them in the future, to encourage people to try out watersports for health and well-being and last, but by no means least, to have fun.

Middlewich Canal Centre is home to the following family of companies

The club’s Mission 50 fundraising ideas • Do you think you could do 50 squats a day for 50 days?

• Could you manage to eat 50 Maltesers in five minutes?

• Why not knit 50 squares that could be made into a blanket to help people keep warm on our narrowboat?

• Bake 50 cakes and sell them?

• Paddle 50 widths of the basin in a kayak?

Make a direct donation via the campaign page at: https://donate. giveasyoulive.com/ charity/mission50

You can find individual adverts for us throughout Towpath Talk

WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM