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Issue 229, November 2024

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BOATS THROW A LIFELINE TO HOMELESS VETERANS

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APPERLEY BRIDGE HERITAGE DAY

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A top time at Tipton festival MEET THIS MONTH’S CHARACTERS OF THE CUT

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VITAL WORK BOOSTS MONTGOMERY RESTORATION PROJECT

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BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

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A vibrant boat on show at the Tipton Canal and Community Festival. See our full report on page 19. PHOTO: JOHN ASHWOOD

CRT sees income rise to £237 million in record year for waterway projects THE Canal & River Trust has seen its overall income increase by £12 million to £237 million in the last year, raising more from commercial operations as its reliance on government funding decreases.

In what the charity says was a record year for charitable work (£208 million), it also spent £70 million on engineering

works, £27 million on upgrading reservoirs and a further £9 million in emergency repairs, according to its recently released 2023/24 annual report.

Commercial income of £97 million, which includes mooring and other fees, now represents 41% of the trust’s total income. The importance of this is highlighted by the fixed government

funding of £52.6 million, which the trust says would have been £63.7 million if it had kept pace with inflation.

The charity is braced for more cuts from 2027 as the new Labour Government tries to balance the books.

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “A key part of the Canal & River Trust’s long-term plan

is to continue to reduce dependency on government funding by further developing and growing alternative sources of income. During the year ended March 31, 2024, our commercial income was £97.1m, 12.2% higher than in the prior year.”

• Continued on page 2

RCR summer rescue spike

Boat builder Gail shortlisted

Call for Children’s Charter

RIVER Canal Rescue says its teams responded to an unprecedented number of callouts between June 1 and August 31. Fifty major incidents involved submerged, partially sunken or grounded craft and there were 1200 general callouts, typically for electrical, fuel and engine issues, flat batteries, overheating and gearbox failures.

This equates to nearly half of the 121 major incidents RCR attended last year, and around a third of the whole of 2023’s general callouts, which totalled 3335 and were evenly spread across the UK.

BOAT builder Gail McGarva is among finalists of this year’s Heritage Crafts Awards. The awards, hosted by national charity Heritage Crafts, showcase heritage skills talent in a wide range of disciplines.

Gail builds and restores traditional wooden boats and uses her background in the theatre through The Story Boat, with which she travels to schools and events.

She’s a finalist in the President’s Award for Endangered Crafts category. Winners will be announced during November.

CALLS are being made for the creation of a charter to protect the rights of the children of constant cruisers to a reasonable journey time to school.

It comes as a mass survey of water users revealed hundreds of boaters are missing out on access to vital services.

Now, appeals are being made for the Canal & River Trust to introduce a Children’s Charter protecting the rights of a child to have access to their school within a reasonable journey time.

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November 2024

Welcome to the November edition of Towpath Talk

CRT sees income rise to £237 million in record year for waterway projects • Continued from page 1

THE seasons march on and the effects of autumn are starting to show around us, even being evident on the canalside of many towpaths – an array of picturesque scenes, some of which have also been captured perfectly by long-time Towpath Talk contributor Kevin Thomas in the past.

Kevin’s keen eye for photography is illustrated on p64 of this edition, as he captures autumnal change, with soft pastel hues of oranges, yellows and browns. It’s an ideal time to capture colourful photos along our canals and waterways, so please feel free to send yours to us, along with a few words for our letters page – we do love reader engagement and the joy of sharing your personal waterway delights with our readership.

Picturesque scenes aside, another item which caught my eye among this month’s packed edition was the clean-up operation after the cyanide leak in Walsall. Setting aside the catastrophic nature of the event in the first place, and the potential outcome of the ongoing enquiry, it was heartwarming to see the fundraising campaign to assist with the clean-up had already hit the £24,000 mark.

A sign that our waterway users are willing to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to the care of our canals.

Enjoy the edition.

Dan

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The CRT says dealing with the impact of climate change and an ageing 2000-mile canal and 345-mile river network has put extra strain on its resources.

Mr Parry added that while fundraising income had risen it was still important to make efficiencies in how the organisation is run.

“Key to our future is the growing role of our volunteers and, as we make volunteering integral to everything we do, this year we’ve achieved record numbers of volunteers and hours given.

“Our charity is committed to maintaining the network in good working condition for the benefit of our boating customers, the millions of regular towpath users, and the tourists who flock from around the country and the globe to experience it, and to protecting neighbouring homes and businesses from the threat that our ageing infrastructure could pose if not well-managed and cared for.”

The trust continued to track the changing trends in boating. Across the network, the total number of boats with a home mooring decreased by 3.7%, while the total number of continuously cruising boats increased by 4.9%, with overall boat numbers dipping by 1.4% to 32,602 in its annual National Boat Count. The first-ever Boater Census was published, highlighting the differing needs of those who live aboard or boat for leisure. The trust is committed to listening to the concerns of boaters and to addressing them, including a focus on getting the basics right on canal maintenance and improving communication.

Some of the report highlights include: · Income increases to £237 million · Commercial income £97 million · Boat licence and mooring fees up by 9% to £51 million · Donations rise to £6.3 million · Trust has £832 million in reserves · Charitable work up to £208 million · Engineering works cost £70 million · £27 million spent on reservoirs · £9 million spent on emergency repairs · CRT employs 1727 people · Chief executive Richard Parry paid £226,880 (overall package) · Chief investment officer Stuart Mills paid £243,341 (overall package) · 740,000 volunteer hours by 23,000 people · 32.5 miles of towpaths improved · 859 million visits made to waterways · Safety incidents reported down from 50 to 37 Charitable work, which includes the trust’s day-to-day operations, maintenance and repair works and caring for the waterways, costs £208 million. This has risen steadily in the last 10 years.

Work to repair and strengthen the resilience of the canal network during the year included almost 450 planned engineering projects, at a cost of around £70 million. Delivering statutory safety measures at the charity’s large reservoirs, critical for navigation and in protecting the communities around them, continued

to dominate expenditure, “In key policy areas for with more than £27 million government, a thriving spent on resilience works and navigable canal system at 19 of the trust’s 71 large delivers a magnitude more reservoirs. benefit than the investment Reflecting on the that keeps it safe and cared continued impact of for. While we are continuing to grow commercial and climate change on the charitable funding, there ageing canal network, the report details how, is still a requirement for following prolonged hot government to work in partnership with our charity dry weather the summer to ensure an adequate before, a succession of contribution is made that winter storms caused is vital to help safeguard significant damage, with The Canal and River this amazing industrial an aggregated impact of Trust annual report heritage network for £9 million in emergency shows an increase in works. future generations.” come for the waterway David Orr, chair of the charity.

In March 2024, the Canal & River Trust, said: trust published its first “Our canal network is a national treasure Impact Report (Transforming Places – unique living heritage dating back 250 and Enriching Lives), which brings years that connects our past to the present together numerous examples of the – and is able to play a vital role in our effect of the charity’s work, as well as future prosperity. independent assessment of the network’s “Navigable canals and their free access aggregate value – delivering £4.6 billion to towpaths provide green-blue spaces on in annual social benefits and £1.5 billion the doorstep for millions of people. They in economic benefits. A second impact offer places to exercise and connect with report will be published later this year. nature and are traffic-free green corridors for active travel and nature recovery.

Supporting jobs and the economy, today’s The trust’s Annual Report & Accounts is available here: www. canals play an important role in the nation’s water and utilities infrastructure, canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/ annual-report-and-accounts and even delivering new sources of renewable energy.

Canal towpath closed by cyanide leak reopens to the public THE section of the Walsall Canal towpath closed in August following a deadly cyanide leak has finally been reopened – however, the waterway is still closed to boaters.

The towpath at Pleck reopened after being closed on August 12 following a leak of 4000 litres of sodium cyanide from Anochrome Ltd. The leak led to a major incident affecting boaters and wildlife with several agencies involved in containing the chemical spillage.

Testing has shown that pollution levels are now at “an acceptable level”, according to Walsall Council.

However, the council said the public should avoid any contact with the water and keep their pets from entering the canal.

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’s a relief that we’re now in

a position to announce the reopening of the last kilometre of canal towpath. I’d like to thank residents for their patience and understanding throughout this time.

“Now the pollution levels in the water have reduced over the last few weeks, attention moves to focus on efforts to recover the canal and its wildlife. It is, however, vitally important for everyone to follow the guidance issued, namely keeping out of the water and avoiding activities such as fishing.”

The waterway is still closed to boats to avoid disturbing the sediment, which is still contaminated. There is no indication when it will reopen to water traffic. Fishing is also prohibited. At the time, around 90kg of dead fish were removed from the water.

A fundraising campaign, organised

by the Canal and River Trust, to help clean up the pollution has already reached £24,000.

The Canal & River Trust says all donations will go directly to supporting this work, making it a tangible way that people can act to show their support.

Ecologists said the leak will have decimated the aquatic ecosystem in the area, which was one of the last recorded locations of water voles, and will take years to recover.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We are undertaking a thorough investigation into the serious chemical spill incident in Walsall and our enquiries a re p ro c e e d i n g .

Pollution of this kind is unacceptable and the impact on wildlife and the environment can be severe. We are unable to provide further comment in case it impacts any future legal proceedings.”

Another Usk with butty Mole on the Shropshire Union Canal near Chester in 1954. This Usk was built in 1939 and was probably the third boat to carry the name. PHOTO: COURTESY MIKE WEBB & PEARSON’S CANAL COMPANIONS

Hadley Park Lock guillotine lock gate, partially restored but very overgrown, on the Trench Arm of the Shrewsbury and Newport canal, where Usk skipper George Benbow was killed.

PHOTO: COURTESY MIKE WEBB & PEARSON’S CANAL COMPANIONS

Ghost boat ‘haunted’ by dead skipper resurfaces on a Shropshire canal RELICS of a ghost boat said to be haunted by its skipper have resurfaced during work to restore the Montgomery Canal.

A digger working on the canal channel at Crickheath Tramway Wharf came across ironwork from a narrowboat deep in the earth. All the woodwork had long since rotted away but the iron skeleton remained bent but not broken.

According to the Shropshire Union Canal Society, the sunken vessel is, almost

certainly, the Usk, which is said to be haunted by the boatman who skippered her and was killed in an accident nearly 150 years ago.

George Benbow was skipper of the Usk, with 13-year-old William Evanson as his crew.

It appears that as the boat passed under the lock gate at Hadley Park Lock on the Trench Arm of the Shrewsbury and Newport canal, George did not duck and was hit and killed by the counterweight box.

According to legend,

from that very day, the Usk was doomed: an unlucky, haunted boat that many boatmen would not work aboard, so she was sold and traded on the smaller canals on the Shropshire Union system.

But the luck did not improve so she was finally abandoned and sank on the Montgomery canal near Crickheath, probably in the early 1890s. And there she lies to this very day, a ghostly reminder of a tragedy long ago.

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Key to the Black Country Canals Strategy is making the region’s waterways a vital hub for walking, cycling, leisure and cultural activities. PHOTO: CRT

During the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, people began exploring the Black Country canals network more. The recently launched Black Country Canals Strategy highlights the importance of creating spaces where we can engage with nature. PHOTO: CRT

Black Country Canals Strategy aims to breathe further life into historic waterways

By Lucy Wood

THE Canal & River Trust and Active Black Country have unveiled the Black Country Canals Strategy 2024-2029, setting out ambitions to maximise the potential of the region’s world-famous navigable canal network.

Central to the strategy are the opportunities for improvements in the health and well-being of local communities through increased access to quality green space by water, the 250-year-old canal network being a vital hub for walking, cycling, leisure and cultural activities.

Environmental sustainability is also a key priority, with proposals which would ensure the region’s canals are rich wildlife corridors. And, with climate change having an ever-greater impact, the role of Black Country canals in helping to alleviate flooding and in generating sustainable energy is included.

CRT regional director Henriette Breukelaar said 80% of people in the Black Country live within a mile of a canal. “These amazing legacies from our industrial past are able to serve us in so many ways today.

“Usage of the towpaths in the Black Country first rocketed during the coronavirus pandemic, when more people than ever before discovered these amazing green spaces on their doorstep.

Just recently, the community showed their love of canals when they came together to raise much-needed funds for

our charity to help respond to the recent wildlife-damaging canal pollution event in Walsall.

“With the right investment to upgrade towpaths, improve accessibility and to support wildlife, we can improve the lives of millions of local people, create new business and leisure opportunities, and help mitigate against the effects of climate change.

“Canals are old, however. They are an amazing connection with our past but need investment to ensure they remain alive for this and future generations to benefit from. With the support of our volunteers, funders and partners,

The launch of the Black Country Canals Strategy 2024-2029 at the Black Country Living Museum in September. PHOTO: CRT

the strategy reflects a shared vision to enhance the 110 miles of waterways that weave through the Black Country.”

Developed in collaboration with local authorities, canal stakeholders and community input, the 64-page strategy was launched to an audience of about 100 guests at the CRT’s annual stakeholder reception, held at the Black Country Living Museum in September.

Active Black Country CEO Ian Carey said: “Improving canal infrastructure and accessibility can attract new businesses, enhance the visitor experience and support community regeneration and economic growth. We are committed to making these navigable canals accessible to all and maximising opportunities for local people to find it easier to be physically active.

“By creating spaces where people can connect with nature and engage in cultural, social and sporting activities on the canal network, we can encourage more Black Country residents to enjoy healthier lifestyles and a better quality of life.”

To rejuvenate the canal network and ensure that the plan remains adaptable and aligned with local and national priorities, the strategy’s implementation will be overseen by a steering group including representatives from Canal & River Trust, Active Black Country, each relevant local authority, Black Country Transport, the Integrated Care Board, West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands and Sustrans.

The Canal and River Trust stand at the Gloucester Pride paddle event. IMAGE SUPPLIED

First ever Gloucester Pride paddle boosts waterway use for everyone THE first ever Gloucester Pride paddle, hosted by waterways charity Canal & River Trust, kicked off Pride Week in Gloucestershire.

The week-long c e l e b ra t i o n of inclusion and diversity for Gloucestershire's LGBTQ+ community got under way with a group paddle made up of 30 people at Gloucester Docks in a mix of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

Setting off from the new Sport England funded community paddling hub in the docks, the group headed down the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to Hempsted before returning to the docks, paddling the Pride message as they travelled along the canal celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

The event was held in partnership with Pride in Gloucestershire who throughout the week

hosted events across the city to celebrate Pride. This culminated in Pride Day, a free event which took place in September at Gloucester Pa r k featuring performances, a funfair, food and drink and activities for the family.

Lara Bienkowska, community roots e n g a g e m e n t co-ordinator at Canal & River Trust, said: “It was fantastic to host our first Gloucester Pride paddle and to see so many people enjoying the opportunity to paddle in the docks and along the canal. Our new community paddling hub provides us with the opportunity to welcome community groups and host paddling open days for people to enjoy a mix of free sessions where they can get on the water with our team of trained volunteer instructors.

“The paddling hub aims to promote inclusivity and at the end of September, the launch pontoon is being upgraded to have step-free access to support adaptive paddling to enable more people to enjoy being active on the water.

“We had some brilliant feedback from the Pride paddle, and it was great to get everyone together on the water to share in the inclusivity of the Pride message, and to enjoy the benefits that our waterways can bring."

The event was supported by Paddle UK, the national governing body for canoeing, kayaking and other paddlesports.

To find out more about paddle opportunities at Gloucester Docks, contact Lara.

Bienkowska@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

Participants in the first ever Gloucester Pride paddle, hosted by waterways charity Canal & River Trust, which kicked off Pride Week in Gloucestershire. IMAGE SUPPLIED

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Charity needs help to throw homeless veterans a lifeline

By Tim Greenfield

A CHARITY which provides homeless military veterans with boats to live on is appealing for aid so it can expand its operations and help even more ex-service personnel.

The Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust, which takes former military personnel off the streets and provides them with a floating home, has been a soaring success since it started three years ago.

Founder Andy Flint said the charity has helped four ex-servicepeople find a new home on the water, adding that he would be happy to step back if an organisation came forward to take the project to the next level.

There are estimated to be more than 2000 homeless military veterans in the UK and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to guarantee them all a home.

Mr Flint said: “If somebody came forward and said, ‘we love what you do, and we can help’ I would be more than happy to step back if they could make things better. I hope there is somebody out there with a lot more money who can see benefit in what we do.”

The charity has run nine donated boats over the last two years. The team renovates the boats, ensuring they are liveable and then, working with the Royal British Legion and other charities, matches them with a suitable veteran.

The veterans can stay on the boats for up to 18 months, with the aim that in that time they eventually find a suitable permanent home. When they have moved back on to land, the charity then offers the boat to someone else.

“It is a stop-gap to get them off the streets,” said Andy. “We have a boat that they use for a

Daisy, a canal boat donated to Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust, which is the boat homeless veterans are initially housed on, at Sawley Marina. IMAGE: SUPPLIED month to see how they get on, because living on a boat isn’t for everyone.”

Once the month is up, assuming it has gone well, the veteran moves into one of the fleet’s nine boats and is free to cruise the waterways. They are supported by veterans’ charities and receive help with moorings and other costs.

Mr Flint came up with the idea after seeing a social media post about who was allowed to recover a sunken vessel.

He suggested, instead of someone making money from salvaged Andy Flint receiving the Sammy B from its owner Judy.

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

boats, they donate them as homes for people to live on.

“By the third day I was offered a 40ft boat. We had so many questions but so many people offered their time and assistance. The help we have received has been amazing.”

They now have a network of people who help with the practicalities such as moving the boats and fitting them out. At the start, Andy was contacted

by Lizzie Lane, an ex-servicewoman who became co-founder.

Some vessels donated are ready to go, while others need a lot of work. The charity has a variety of vessels, from canal boats to cruisers. “People donate them because their engines have gone or they have fallen on hard times – there are a variety of reasons.”

The charity, which is based at Sawley Marina on the River Trent, currently has five boats awaiting fitting out before they can be offered to veterans.

The canal boat Daisy is used to house veterans for the first month.

Mr Flint believes the Canal & River Trust (CRT)

Andy Flint, founder of Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust, which provides boats for homeless veterans to live aboard.

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

could help by potentially giving seized vessels to the charity. He said at present it either sells or destroys boats which are unlicensed or abandoned.

A CRT spokesman said: “We would be happy to have a conversation with the Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust. We’re committed to supporting those who serve, or have served, and have formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Our Armed Forces Inclusion Circle includes veterans, reservists, forces families and allies.”

Mr Flint works for Reckitt, the company that makes Strepsils, and lives aboard his own boat, Shotokam, at Sawley. He said initially the charity had donations totalling £6400 on its Gofundme page and had support from boating companies, but it needs more help.

“We rely on people power to get boats restored. If you would like to get involved but don’t want to be hands-on, a donation towards licensing, insurance and so on would be appreciated.”

If you can help Forces Veterans Afloat Charitable Trust please follow the link: www.forcesvetsafloat. co.uk

Blue plaque celebrates canal in Retforrd

By Lucy Wood

A PLAQUE marking the site of a hostelry that played a part in the origins of the Chesterfield Canal has been unveiled.

The canal has been central to the town’s life for 250 years since it opened in the 1700s – but it almost was not to be.

The original route of the canal was to go from Chesterfield to Bawtry, then a major port on the River Idle. However, strong lobbying by the people of Retford, led by the Rev Seth Ellis Stevenson, promoted a change to bypass Bawtry and instead go through Retford and from there to the River Trent.

On January 25, 1770, James Brindley, the canal’s engineer, announced at a

meeting in the Crown Inn that he was now recommending the Retford route. It is this meeting that is celebrated on the blue plaque, which was formally unveiled by the Mayor of Retford,

Coun David Naylor, as part of the town’s Heritage Day events.

The canal opened fully in 1777, but it got as far as Retford in November 1774.

The first boat to arrive was the cause of much celebration and a hogshead (54 gallons)

Coun Dan Henderson, Rod Auton and Coun John Manners with the new plaque and the cheque covering the cost.

PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

of ale was given to the residents.

During the 1770s, the Crown was the town’s principal inn and wa as used for a wiide range of busiiness and administrrative purposes.

The Chesterfield Canal Company frequently met there.

Over the years it has seen many changes, including becoming a building society. As a drinking establishment it has had many names including the Crown, the Crown Hotel, the Litten Tree and most recently Yates’s. Yates’s closed in January 2017 and the building sat empty until recently being turned into flats, the developer of which was pleased to host the plaque.

Retford Civic Society and the Chesterfield

The blue heritage plaque now taking pride of place at the site of the former Crown Inn. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

A map of the proposed canal by John Lodge, dated 1772.

Canal Trust worked together to have the plaque made and installed, while Couns Dan Henderson and John Manners covered the cost from their respective Community Funds.

Rod Auton, secretary of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “We are delighted to be unveiling this blue plaque. It is very fitting

that this happened on Retford Heritage Day because the canal has been a feature of life in Retford for 250 years.

“We are very grateful to Retford Civic Society for arranging everything, to Garnet Harrison for allowing the plaque to be placed on his building, and to Couns Henderson and Manners for covering the cost.”

PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

The Mayor of Retford, Coun David Naylor, unveils the plaque. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Deputy Prime Minister attends canalside memorial to woman killed close to Ashton Canal

Canoeists remove floating pennywort from the Nottingham & Beeston Canal as part of Canal & River Trust work to free waterways from the invasive species which clogs boats and harms wildlife. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Floating digger brought in to clear invasive weeds as part of £1 million campaign A FLOATING digger is the latest weapon being used by the Canal & River Trust to tackle invasive weeds in the waterways.

The trust has spent £1 million a year on various methods to tackle plants which clog the canals and rivers it looks after. There is even a UK conference later this month which will look at methods of fighting weeds.

The latest effort is focused on the Nottingham & Beeston Canal as part of a major community effort to protect waterways across the East Midlands.

The charity enlisted the help of specialist contractor Rothen to remove large mats of floating pennywort from the full five-mile length of the canal, which runs from Meadow Lane Lock to Beeston.

Richard Bennett, environment and heritage manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Floating pennywort is a particular menace, and if we didn’t tackle it then it would choke our canals, preventing navigation and causing real damage to the wildlife that calls them home. This year has seen a huge team effort taking place across the East Midlands to remove as much of the weed as possible.

“Contractors, volunteer groups and canoe clubs have joined forces to help us remove a staggering amount of the weed and protect our waterways for all those that enjoy them as well as our precious native species.

effort that’s seen contractors, local businesses, volunteers and canoe clubs working together to remove more than 500 tonnes of the weed from the region’s waterways. Events included: • In Nottingham a series of corporate activities saw staff from local businesses giving their time to help remove the weed from the city’s canal.

• In Leicestershire contractors have been working their way along a 35km stretch of the River Soar and Grand Union Canal between Aylestone Meadows in Leicester and Kegworth.

• The trust’s Towpath Taskforce volunteers in Derbyshire have given more than 40 days to remove pennywort from the Trent & Mersey Canal.

• Canoeists and paddleboarders from PaddleUK and numerous local clubs have been helping across the region, pulling pennywort out from all the hard-toreach places. The most effective way to eradicate the weed is to physically remove it so teams have been working together to pull it up out of the water and haul it on to A raft of pennywort on Nottingham & Beeston Canal. dry land where The Canal & River Trust is spending £1 million a year it will gradually degrade. removing invasive plants. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

“Tackling the weed is a neverending task and we’re supporting the terrific work done so far by bringing in a floating digger to clear the entire Nottingham & Beeston Canal.”

Floating pennywort, originally introduced into the UK in the 1980s as an ornamental plant for garden ponds, can grow up to 20cm in a day and double its weight in as little as three days. If left unchecked it can spread in large clumps over the surface of the water, smothering native plants and depriving the water of both light and oxygen which endangers the fish living beneath. It can also block overflow sluices, causing flooding, and restrict boating by clogging up propellers.

Over time floating pennywort has spread on to a number of waterways in the East Midlands and since May the trust has led a huge community

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, pictured centre, joined Michelle’s daughter Kasey (holding flowers), friends and family to unveil a memorial plaque to Michelle Hodgkinson, who was killed close to the Ashton Canal in Greater Manchester last year.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A MEMORIAL plaque has been unveiled to commemorate and celebrate the life of Michelle Hodgkinson, who died after being attacked in Tameside close to the Ashton Canal last year.

D e pu t y Prime Minister Angela Rayner joined Michelle’s family and friends to unveil the special tribute to the 51-year-old mum and grandmother on the canal towpath as requested by her family.

Michelle Hodgkinson was attacked on Edge Lane in Droylsden on Friday, June 2, 2023, as she walked to visit her mother, and sadly died at the scene.

The brass plaque simply reads “In loving memory of Michelle Hodgkinson 8/3/72 – 2/6/23. Taken far too soon, forever loved and always missed. Our Shelly B”. It is situated near to lock 16 on the Ashton Canal, close to where Michelle lived and where she regularly walked.

The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP said: “Michelle’s family have shown immense dignity and courage over the past 15 months as they try to process the heartbreaking loss of

The memorial plaque. PHOTO: SUPPLIED their beloved mum, nanna, sister and friend.

“I am delighted that there is now a permanent tribute to Michelle where her loved ones can come to remember her.

“Thank you to the Canal & River Trust for their efforts to bring the family’s vision to life.”

She was joined at the unveiling by Michelle’s daughter Kasey, her sister, auntie and nanna at the small ceremony.

Michelle’s family, who affectionately called her ‘Shelly B’, said she loved helping people in her local community, and was known for volunteering and carrying out charity work.

Michelle’s daughter Kasey added: “I would like to thank the Canal & River Trust and Angela Rayner for supporting us to obtain this plaque in honour

of my mother. She loved walking down the canal, especially on hot days, and by having this plaque we have a place to remember her and trying to turn a negative place into a positive one, in her memory.

Forever loved and always remembered, our Shelly B.” Other attendees included Jon Horsfall, North West director at Canal & River Trust, and Andrea Barrett, the trust’s partnerships and fundraising manager. Colleagues at the waterways charity helped organise the ceremony and install the memorial plaque.

Paul Hughes, 29, has been charged with murder with a trial date set for December 2, 2024. He has been remanded to a secure mental health hospital where he remains under treatment.

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Charity status will boost cross-border boat attraction that has a worldwide pull

Historic Ellesmere Yard on the Llangollen Canal is set for a new lease of life with a visitor and craft centre planned, thanks to a £409,933 grant from the National Lottery.

PHOTO: IAN ROBERTS

Visitor and craft centre plan for Llangollen Canal after £400,000 Lottery award PLANS to open up one of the oldest working boat yards on the Llangollen Canal will now become a reality after a £409,933 development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Ellesmere Yard, which dates back to 1806, could house a visitor centre and craft workshops as well as continue as a working canal maintenance depot.

Kathryn Woodroffe, project manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Ellesmere Yard is a site steeped in history, having played a central role in the development of the area for more than two centuries. It remains an active and vital canal maintenance yard, one of the oldest still in operation. We

are thrilled to explore new ways these unique buildings can continue to serve the maintenance needs of the canal while also being repurposed to support and enrich the local community, ensuring that Ellesmere Yard continues to be a cornerstone of our heritage and future.”

Ellesmere Yard on the Llangollen Canal was built in 1806. It is an important operational base for the Canal & River Trust and was the office and workshops of the Ellesmere Canal Company. It is considered a rare example of a historic purpose-built canal maintenance yard and is somewhere that gives a sense of ‘stepping back in time’.

Inv e s t m e n t is needed in the historic buildings at the yard, and the award, alongside funding from Historic England and Shropshire Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund, could see the site become a home for more independent craftspeople and a visitor destination alongside its role as a working canal maintenance yard.

Louise Brennan, Historic England regional director (Midlands), said: “We’re so pleased to be able to help fund the works at Ellesmere Yard. It played a vital role in the development of the area, and the refurbishment will ensure that it continues to have a central role in

the community for years to come – full steam ahead!”

Over the next 12 months, the trust will use the Heritage Fund to carry out important assessments of the site, including heritage, architectural and access audits. It will consult with local residents, businesses and others to explore the ways in which the site could benefit the local community. Funding for this project has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The agreed plans, which will include the refurbishment of the many heritage buildings on site to make them watertight and fit for purpose, will then be submitted for funding to the Heritage Fund.

A MERGER of two waterway groups will help a popular visitor attraction and boost the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

Llanymynech Canal Wharf, which runs boat trips on the George Watson Buck narrowboat between England and Wales, has joined forces with the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

It means they can support each other as part of a larger charity and hopefully pull in more volunteers to speed up the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

Volunteers run boat trips at weekends every summer starting at Llanymynech Canal Wharf. Next year they will celebrate their 25th anniversary. They attract hundreds of visitors from around the world.

At a recent event at the wharf to mark the merger, Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, and Steve Witherden MP from Montgomer yshire and Glyndŵr saw at first hand the work that has been put into the location.

Graham Deakin, from Llanymynech Canal Wharf, said there are plans to refurbish the George Watson Buck and to improve the exhibition housed in a former stable block adjacent to the Montgomery Canal.

“We have something really special at Llanymynech,” said Mr Deakin. “Currently, we offer short trips on the canal, but we know our visitors really enjoy getting on the water and seeing the wildlife and industrial heritage locally.”

During 2024, the wharf received visitors from across the world including from Poland, South Korea,

Australia, Germany and South Africa as well as many locals keen to enjoy the area on their doorstep.

“Next year we would really like to increase this number and if anyone would be interested in volunteering with us, we’d love to hear from you,” added Mr Deakin.

Helen Morgan MP said: “The hard work by volunteers at Llanymynech Canal Wharf and all along the Montgomery Canal is testament to what local people can achieve in their community. Our rural part of the county has been greatly enhanced by the restoration works, and it’s been great to see people in North Shropshire and beyond really come together.

“We picked a great sunny day to see the George Watson Buck in action on the canal, which I was delighted to get the chance to board.

Well done to everyone who organised such a lovely event.”

The Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, cuts the celebration cake to mark the merger of the Llanymynech Canal Wharf and Montgomery Canal Restoration Trust with Graham Deakin from Llanymynech Canal Wharf. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

– a registered charity – was formed in 1980 to promote the restoration of the canal.

Michael Limbrey from Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust welcomed Llanymynech Canal Wharf on board. “The Montgomery Canal is a very special place locally and we are looking forward to working with the volunteers at Llanymynech Canal Wharf to develop and welcome more visitors interested in the Montgomery canal and its restoration.

“Restoring the Montgomery Canal is about giving the communities along the canal something they can enjoy, on the towpath or on the water.

Visitors to the canal will see valuable plants and wildlife and a unique collection of canal-age locks, bridges and other structures. The canal was built because of the quarries of Llanymynech Hill and the Canal Visitor Centre and adjoining Heritage Area tell that fascinating story to residents and visitors.”

Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, said: “It was great to visit Llanymynech Canal Wharf last week to discuss ongoing plans to restore the Montgomery Canal. There are several proposals which would be welcomed by every stakeholder. I welcome and encourage investment in the canal to protect its unique wildlife for future generations, so constituents and tourists alike can continue to enjoy the wide diversity of flora and fauna.”

To find out more about the Montgomery Canal and the merger, please click here: themontgomerycanal.org.uk

Leeds & Liverpool Canal is backdrop for display of ancient crafts

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CROWDS enjoyed a series of free special blacksmith’s forge demonstrations to celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days at Apperley Bridge, Bradford close to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Thanks to Canal & River Trust volunteer and former blacksmith David Wadsworth and fellow volunteer Phil ‘bellow boy’ Bristow,

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the charity was able to reignite history and bring to life the traditional craft of blacksmithing, explaining the process from working hot metal on the anvil to finishing off with beeswax coating.

Nestled next to Dobson Staircase Locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the forge forms part of the larger, Grade II-listed canal workshop.

The forge is complete with fireplace, bellows and chimney, and is surrounded by original canal paraphernalia.

Dobson’s Lock is a staircase system of two canal locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, located on a picturesque spot in Apperley Bridge, Bradford.

In the early 1800s warehouses were built along the waterway to hold merchandise being transported along the busy canal. Lock gates and swing bridges were made on site and the blacksmith’s workshop would have been essential for the successful operation and maintenance of life on the canal.

Canal & River Trust staff and volunteers were also on hand to

The forge forms part of the larger, Grade II-listed canal workshop at Apperley Bridge on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. PHOTO: SUPPLIED explain about volunteering and learning projects happening along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal that people can get involved in, from horticulture to lock keeping. Plus, the charity’s heritage advisors gave insight into life 250 years ago and the challenges of looking after these amazing historical structures.

Sharron Bright, community roots engagement co-ordinator at the Canal & River Trust, has been working on

David Wadsworth and fellow volunteer Phil ‘bellow boy’ Bristow demonstrate the ancient art of blacksmithing at Dobson Staircase Locks at Apperley Bridge on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal as part of a Heritage Open Days event run by the Canal & River Trust. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

the event. She explained: “Our charity cares for a remarkable network of historic waterways which are still working just as they were designed to work 250 years ago. Repairing and maintaining these waterways is a painstaking task and our charity still employs centuries-old skills and methods to maintain them.

“Getting involved in Heritage Open

Days has been a great opportunity to showcase behind the scenes.

“We’ve really enjoyed bringing to life this amazing resource and explaining how people can help support this vital part of our industrial heritage now and look after it for future generations.”

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Canal charity spends £140,000 dredging River Soar in Leicester providing a boost for boaters and nature

THE Canal and River Trust has spent £140,000 dredging the River Soar in Leicester, removing more than 1200 tonnes of silt as part of works to make it easier for boaters and encourage wildlife.

The work was carried out on a 500-metre section of the river at Limekiln Lock, near Abbey Park, as well as at Freemans Meadow Lock, near the King Power Stadium.

Richard Bennett, natu re re c ove r y manager at the Canal & River Trust, said:

“Dredging is a vital part of the regular cycle of maintenance we are constantly doing to keep our rivers and canals open and available for the benefit of people and nature.

“We know from speaking to boaters that these sections of the River Soar are a priority, so we’re really pleased to be able to improve things for them and make a visit to Leicester that bit more appealing.

“Dredging also brings important benefits for nature and we hope that this project, on top

of the great work being done by our volunteers and partners to tackle the problem of litter, will mean that the river is cleaner, greener and more welcoming to local wildlife.”

Nationwide the charity spends millions of pounds a year dredging tens of thousands of tonnes of sediment.

As well as making life easier for boaters the works will also bring environmental benefits, removing litter and harmful plastics from the

water and improving conditions for wildlife.

The section of canal around Limekiln Lock is particularly prone to litter in the water, with items being washed in from the adjacent Willow Brook. Dredging removed a lot of the historic litter and, with the trust’s volunteers helping to clear rubbish regularly and Leicester City Council and Trent Rivers Trust working to reduce litter in Willow Brook, it’s hoped that there will be a big reduction in items found in the river.

Above: Work under way to remove hundreds of tonnes of silt from the River Soar in Leicester.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

New wetland and garden opens alongside Southall Grand Union Canal A COMBINED effort has seen a green corridor to aid well-being open alongside a London waterway.

The Southall Wellbeing Way is a combined park and wetland area, linked with towpaths to improve access to a series of green spaces in the area.

The canal towpaths and linked green spaces between Spikes Bridge Park and Glade Lane Canalside Park have been transformed over the last two years.

The project has been delivered by the Canal & River Trust, Ealing Council, housing association Peabody, Ealing Council’s Sport England National Lottery funded Let’s Go Southall project and supported by the Mayor of London’s Green and Resilient Spaces Fund.

The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban and Deirdre Costigan MP, who was at the opening, said: “I’m delighted

to see this inspiring project helping the local community to get outside, get active and connect with nature. This is one of 10 projects supported by the Mayor’s Green and Resilient Spaces Fund and I want to congratulate all involved in making this project happen as we continue building a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.”

A new community garden in the old lock keeper’s cottage grounds at Norwood Bottom Lock was also opened as part of the project, which also included a new wetland in Glade Lane Canalside Park and a new community garden. Ros Daniels, regional director for Canal & River Trust, said: “We’ve been delighted to work with our partners to be able to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the local community.

The new towpath is providing better access for everybody so the canal can be enjoyed in all

weathers and we can see the difference this has made by the numbers of people now using the towpath.

“We know how important the canal and green spaces are for people in Southall to take a breath, take time out and enjoy quality time with friends and family, as well as being active and outside. Seeing the project develop and deliver the new habitats has been so exciting, and watching the Southall community get involved to create and care for the new gardens and wildlife habitat along the canal is something really special.”

The Southall Wellbeing Way is a green corridor that wraps around Southall, connecting the Grand Union Canal and a chain of nearby green spaces, allowing local people to step away from the urban streets and connect with nature.

Deirdre Costigan MP, Member of Parliament for

Ready to dig and water in: Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban joins Deirdre Costigan, MP for Ealing Southall, and members of the Southall community to plant the lockside community garden and launch new wetland in Glade Lane Canalside Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Ealing Southall and former Deputy Leader of Ealing Council and Cabinet Member for climate action said: “I was excited to be part of starting this and delighted to now see it completed. The outdoor activities and health benefits will be felt by everyone, and I look forward to seeing the use of these facilities grow and the offer expand as more people get involved.”

Councillor Blerina Hashani, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “The new community garden is a fantastic example of the community coming together to share their passion about the environment. Through Let’s Go Southall and working with the Canal & River Trust, we can continue to give the community access to muchneeded green spaces and nature.”

Sahil Khan, director of community strategy, partnerships and funding for Peabody, said: “It has been fantastic to see local residents come together to shape this project from start to finish. We've seen firsthand the difference that improving access to the canal and linking up green spaces can make – it’s not just about having a nicer environment, but about creating thriving, biodiverse spaces where people feel welcome and can enjoy spending time. It’s been a real pleasure to work alongside the community and our partner organisations to make this happen, and we hope to see local people enjoying the benefits and nurturing these new spaces long into the future.”

Waterside retreat for cancer victims now a reality thanks to young fundraiser Hannah A YOUNG cancer victim is more than halfway to her goal of buying a waterside haven as a sanctuary for other patients.

Hannah Roberts, who suffers from glioblastoma (GBM4), has already raised £106,000 towards the £203,000 she needs to buy the lodge at Mercia Marina in the Midlands.

She hopes it will provide a muchneeded retreat for teenagers and young adults under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Her fundraising efforts have not gone unnoticed as she recently won the Fundraiser category at the BBC Radio Derby Make a Difference Awards for her initiative, Hannah’s Hope.

Hannah’s mother, Gail, shared her emotional reaction to the award: “I was so overwhelmed. I dropped my phone in disbelief when Hannah won. It was a euphoric moment, and I couldn’t be prouder. This award is a well-deserved recognition of all that Hannah is doing to support others like her.”

Hannah, from Derbyshire, runs a boutique charity shop at Mercia Marina with her mother and stepfather Wayne. Hannah’s Hope Fundraising HQ at Mercia Marina continues to thrive, offering highquality donated items to raise funds for the lodge project. With the momentum of this award, Hannah and her family are optimistic that they’ll soon reach their goal.

“The success of our charity shop at Mercia Marina will only grow

from here, as more people are drawn to support this incredible cause,” added Gail.

The award honours individuals or groups who go above and beyond to raise funds for good causes.

It was presented during a starstudded ceremony at Pride Park that included the likes of Sir Tony Robinson, probably best known for his portrayal of Baldrick in British sitcom Blackadder.

Hannah was given 14 months to live in 2022 but is still battling the disease.

Courageous cancer sufferer Hannah Roberts is pictured after winning Fundraiser category at the BBC Radio Derby Make a Difference Awards. Hannah wants to provide a lodge for other young patients at Mercia Marina. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Offering hope: Hannah is pictured with Helen Harrison, mum Gail Iredale, Tony Preston, Tania Bull and stepdad Wayne Iredale at the charity shop she set up at Mercia Marina to raise money for Hannah’s Hope, which aims to provide a lodge for other young patients.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

IWA responds to National Planning Policy consultation

Unveiling of the Tram Road plaque A BLUE plaque has been installed in Garden Street just off Winckley Square in Preston to commemorate the last remaining abutment of the Old Tram Road that ran from Walton Summit to the basin in the centre of Preston (now under Aldi’s car park). It replaces a previous plaque that probably went missing years ago during repair works. Funds for the plaque were raised with contributions from IWA Lancashire and Cumbria Branch, Lancaster Canal Trust, Friends of Winckley Square, Friends of the Old Tram Road, Preston Historical Society and individual donations.

It was unveiled by the Mayor of Preston, Coun Phil Crowe. In addition to words from the mayor there were short speeches f ro m Glen Cookson who has been closely involved in the replacement of the Old Tram Road bridge.

Reach Port, Cambridgeshire. PHOTO: IVAN CANE

A SIX-DAY cruise by a group of 23ft-long trailable boats failed in its bid to visit Brandon, Santon Downham, the village of Reach, Ely and Denver Sluice.

In the event, the boaters could only go as far as Brandon Lock, which has been out of use due to silt from flood alleviation work earlier in 2024, and lack of dredging.

This also meant their planned excursion to Santon Downham had to be cancelled. The reason for the closure was that the lock was used by the Environment Agency’s flood management team during flooding in the spring.

This has led to the lock

and lock stream becoming completely silted up, even too shallow for the 15in draft of a wilderness boat.

The V-gates are also entirely immoveable due to the silt deposit in the lock chamber itself.

Although the closure of Brandon Lock has been of concern to waterway groups throughout the year, it is unlikely the agency’s navigation team will have the funding to reopen it until 2025 at the earliest.

The boats successfully navigated to Reach, receiving a warm welcome from the community and pub there. In places the reeds completely covered the channel (photo above), but all the boats managed

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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 op Team award which has been Top kT 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

probe Boats gunshot 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 told reporters thatt shots, coming from 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.

PHOTO: IVAN CANE

Wilderness boat owners thwarted by failed structures and lack of dredging

The blue plaque that has just been installed in Garden Street just off Winckley Square in Preston. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

read for FREE The UK’s Number ONE

Reach Lode, Cambridgeshire.

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,

alk.

Tal tth T publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group aave gone that extra 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 Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies were called UPPERMILL after starting 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

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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the two-mile Roman cut to Reach Port, at the end.

Their final stop was at Denver to see the partially cleared silt bank, below the Denver sluice and outside Salter’s Lode lock. The Middle Level Link was closed here for several months earlier in 2024, and was still causing problems for longer boats wishing to cross this tidal section of the Great Ouse.

Waterway organisations are concerned that Brandon Lock will join Welches Dam and Swaffham Bulbeck locks on the list of permanently closed and lost amenities.

Cruise organiser Ivan Cane said: “The cruise showed that it’s not just the Canal & River Trust that are facing problems. The navigation authorities in the east of the country are too, and there is a very real risk that those quiet, historic and picturesque extremities of the system will gradually become inaccessible by boat.”

THE IWA’s Planning Advisory Panel has recently responded to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system.

A major aim of the reforms is to increase the rate of house building by changes to the planning system including a mandatory housing need assessment method, and designation of parts of the Green Belt as ‘grey belt’ where development will be permitted.

While canalside redevelopment of ‘brownfield’ sites in built-up areas is usually beneficial to the waterways, major built developments in the countryside that destroy the rural environment of waterways can damage their heritage setting, wildlife, tourism value and economic benefits.

This is particularly so in Green Belt areas which are designated primarily to prevent urban sprawl, promote urban regeneration and safeguard the countryside.

IWA’s response is critical of the Green Belt and the ‘grey belt’ proposals, and the general approach of blaming the local planning system for failures of the house building market: “There are many other detailed changes that we comment on including ‘sustainable’ development, the control of major housebuilders over housing market supply, and ‘affordable’ housing.

“We also express concerns about the landscape impacts of increasingly large wind turbines being built onshore, and a preference for rooftop solar rather than large scale solar farms on agricultural land.

“Some of the consultation

questions have provided opportunities to promote better recognition by the planning system of the needs for residential boat moorings provision, the potential for water transfer by canals, reduced planning application fees for canal restoration charities, recognition of the tourism value of waterways, and new and updated canal Conservation Areas. We have also included a detailed response about waterways freight, as an appendix.”

IWA’s comments on residential boats included: “Another group of people totally ignored by the NPPF is residential boaters. The canals and navigable rivers are home to tens of thousands of people living full time on boats. These include static houseboat residents, ‘liveaboard’ boaters on river cruisers and canal narrowboats that spend much of their time moored in marinas or on linear offside canal berths, and waterborne travellers licensed by Canal & River Trust as ‘continuous cruisers’.

“In the absence of any planning guidance there is a troubling neglect and inconsistency in local plans and the response of LPAs to planning applications for the provision of residential boat moorings. Some councils allow marinas to include residential berths, many simply ignore the issue, but others specifically exclude it by policy or conditions.

“Living afloat is widespread and increasing, and LPAs with inland waterways in their areas should be required by the NPPF to assess and make appropriate provision for this as an integral part of their housing provision.”

Work parties

PLEASE contact the branch to register your interest if you would like to attend a work party. It is advisable to wear stout shoes, old clothing, and to take waterproofs. A packed lunch and refreshments are also advisable.

November 3 & 19 Northampton Branch

Work parties are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month, along the Northampton Arm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks.

Contact Geoff Wood: geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk

November 16-17 Volunteer on the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal

IWA Manchester Branch will be working with Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society at Prestolee at their regular work site, Nob End locks, near Prestolee Road, Little Lever, Bolton, BL3 1AD. The group works from a base in the blue cabins near the top of the locks, adjacent to the summit pound.

Location: Prestolee Road, Little Lever, Bolton, BL3 1AD. Parking: Please park on Boscow Road as there’s no

parking at the locks.

Time: 10am What’s provided: Tools and gloves.

What to wear: Suitable clothing for the tasks and sturdy footwear.

Remember: Pack your lunch and drink.

If you are travelling by public transport Radcliffe is the nearest Metrolink stop, from which there are frequent buses to Little Lever. Kearsley is the nearest railway station.

November 1 & 15 - 10.30am to 2.30pm Burslem Port

Regular work party on the Burslem Arm of the Trent & Mersey Canal, run in partnership by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch & the Burslem Port Trust. Meet at Luke St, Burslem.

All tools and equipment will be provided. Volunteers are advised to wear old clothes,

stout shoes and to bring waterproofs in case of rain and a packed lunch if staying all day.

Please contact Dave Broome before attending: dave.broome45@gmail.com or 07974 966253 November 21 - 10am to 3pm Cheshire Locks

Monthly work party on the Cheshire Lock flight of the Trent & Mersey Canal, between Kidsgrove and Wheelock.

This work party is jointly led

by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society If you are able to stay all day , please bring a packed lunch and a drink. Be sure to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and marked with paint. Stout footwear is appropriate and bring along a waterproof in the event of rain.

Contact John Lawson: john. lawson@waterways.org.uk or 07940 878923

9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Characters of the Cut

Sally and Stephen - Narrowboat Bears

By Alice Elgie

FOR English teachers Sally and Stephen Underwood and their companion, a knitted travelling frog called Mathew, holidays seem to be the catalyst for new lifestyle adventures and this is one family certainly not afraid to take that leap. In 2003 they leapt to the Canary Islands and then in 2022, back to England to continuously cruise the canals.

They explained: “We had holidayed every year, for 10 years, on Fuerteventura and in 2003 felt we needed a change in our lives. Despite having a nice house and good jobs in England we sold up, bought a villa in the resort of Caleta de Fuste, and threw ourselves into life as English teaching assistants in an island school.”

This led to almost 19 years where, despite a difficult first six months, Sally and Stephen established themselves and had a lovely time in the sunshine. However, there can be a thing of too Mooring up the boat.

Sally and Stephen cruising. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED much sun (!) and with Sally’s asthma becoming worse, and difficulty taking regular walks because “We've done it three across Europe and even of the heat, they decided to take the leap again, this times with various as far as the USA, with time back to the UK. members of our family owners taking photos Stephen, who was brought up in a village and the weather has to share on Instagram. close to the River Soar, remembers spending his been different each “Mathew now goes with Sally wherever she goes childhood looking at boats with his grandfather and time (a bad storm, so a photo opportunity when he was older, would hire boats for the day, sunshine and wind!).” weekend or week and cruise between Leicester and There’s one time that is never missed. He Loughborough. Sally also knew a thing about boats sticks out particularly was even allowed in from her time living in Reading on the River Thames though, when they the operating theatre and so together, they brought 10 students over from moored up at the same when she had a cataract operation!”

Spain for narrowboat holidays in 2018 and 2019. time as Eurovision. “The Stephen and Sally They told me: “These holidays reintroduced us atmosphere at that time Mathew and friends out in the snow. to boats, and after a couple more holidays of one was wonderful as the have managed to month, we knew we were drawn to narrowboat life.” city had totally embraced the event with pop-up perfectly merge the joy of travel, with earning In August 2022 the couple moved aboard events all over. All nationalities were present, an income along the way and have explored the Narrowboat Delamere, a 2013 Northwich Boat many in fancy dress costume, and all the boats in network extensively since moving aboard. They’ve – which at 57ft was ready to go anywhere on the Salthouse Dock put up bunting. It was a colourful racked up many miles and many locks from Skipton network – and they decided to take their young sight!” to Liverpool, to the Bridgewater Canal and through Spanish students with them, online at least! They This mooring also no doubt presented a fantastic Manchester, the Trent & Mersey and the Anderton teach one-hour classes between 3pm and 7pm from photo opportunity for knitted frog, Mathew. Stephen Boatlift on to the River Weaver. They’ve also enjoyed Monday to Thursday, told me more about this autumn on the Shropshire Union, Christmas in Stephen at the dinette, unlikely companion: Chester and even a summer spell in London at and Sally at the front of “Sally knitted a frog for Little Venice and Paddington Basin, after which they the boat on a makeshift herself (called Mathew) headed for the Brent and the Thames and went as desk. The couple tell me that could fit in her far as Oxford. that teaching English pocket. Next my son Currently they’re in Leicestershire and life on online requires only a wanted one, and then the water certainly seems to suit them, although small workspace for a his friends, and then perhaps there is one bugbear…“We had about 350 laptop, a whiteboard after posting on social days of sunshine a year in the Canary Islands and media, people starting we’ve had to get used to the same amount of days and an A4 pad and they’ve had no problem asking for a frog and of rain in England!” with Wi-Fi despite making knitted frogs moving around, their Alice Elgie is a writer and yogi who shares words suddenly became a about her nomadic life, along with journalling favourite stretch being For more info: thing!” To date Sally the Stanley Lock flight Instagram: @narrowboat.bears or and mindfulness practices, on her blog: has knitted 41 frogs slowintotheseasons.substack.com into Salthouse Dock, www.caletafuerteventura.com that have made their Liverpool.

Mathew and friends at home on the boat. way out into the world

Vital repairs made to canal bank washed away in winter floods

By Lucy Wood

MAJOR repairs to a section of canal bank that was washed away by winter floods in Leicester have been completed.

The Canal & River Trust has repaired and strengthened a 100-metre section of the Grand Union Canal bank, which was severely damaged when floodwater from the non-navigable River Soar, which runs parallel, overtopped and scoured away the canal wall and towpath on top.

The damage to the wall, near Blue Bank Lock, south of Leicester, was caused when the river overtopped following a succession of heavy winter storms. Storm Babet last

October caused initial damage, before Storms Gerrit and Henk‘s heavy rain and flooding saw the

Storm damage at a 100-metre section of the Grand Union Canal bank. PHOTO: CRT

bank washed away.

A £500,000 programme of repairs has seen the trust reinforce the canal wall with new steel piling backfilled with stone and a new towpath laid on top. Leicester City Council provided nearly £44,000 of funding from its Transport Improvement Works capital programme to reinstate the towpath, a popular route linking the Great Central Way and nearby Everards Meadows and an important part of the pedestrian and cycleway network.

The trust has also carried out repairs on the approach to Blue Bank Lock, installing more sheet piling and adding new moorings for boats using the lock.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the CRT, said: “This is an example of the devastating impact flooding brought about by climate change can have on our historic waterways and the work we have to do to protect them for future generations.

“It also emphasises the need for continued support if we are to keep them navigable and secure all the benefits that brings in turn to local people and wildlife.

“We are grateful to Leicester City Council for helping with the cost of reinstating the towpath which is a popular route with local walkers and cyclists.”

Assistant city mayor Coun Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment

and transport, added: “We are very pleased to have supported the trust with funding for this project.

We want to make it as easy as possible for Leicester people to access our blue and green spaces, because we know the benefits they offer for recreation, and for mental and physical health. Encouraging people to walk and cycle also helps our environment and air quality.

“Sadly, climate change is presenting us with increased challenges from flooding and extreme weather events, so that we need to conduct repairs like these to ensure people can continue to have access to the recreational spaces we know they value.”

The bank following repairs carried out by the Canal & River Trust. PHOTO: CRT

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November 2024

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Cheshire canal lock open again after £10,000 repair

HUNTS Lock on the Weaver Navigation in Cheshire is now open to boaters after a complex repair operation by the Canal & River Trust.

The work means the link between the 250-year-old waterway and the Trent and Mersey Canal, via the Anderton Boat Lift, is now working again.

The trust had to bring in cranes, divers and carpenters to make the repairs and replace vital elements of the lock.

Costing £10,000, the project involved replacing lock paddles, including new steel work which had to be replaced by divers.

Darren Thomas, senior M&E engineer at Canal & River Trust, said: “The repair at Hunts Lock, carried out by a team of specialists, shows just how many people are involved in keeping the waterways open for navigation.

“We hoped the divers would be able to carry out repairs underwater, saving time and money, but in the end the damage was too extensive, and we opted to replace both top paddles. Handcrafted in our specialist workshops, these new paddles will help control water levels for years to come.”

Divers carried out a ‘below the waterline’ investigation and removed the lock’s top paddles.

They were sent to the Canal & River Trust’s workshop for extensive repairs, including brand new steel work and timber.

Carpenters crafted wooden parts to the paddles, which were then carefully added to the new steel framework and finally put back in position by the divers. Accessing the site is tricky, so the charity’s team brought in a crane boat to lift the paddles and the steel rod that operates them.

The lock was closed between August 23 and September 11.

Mr Thomas added: “The Weaver Navigation is a fantastic place to visit by boat.

“The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the wonders of the waterways and something every boater should experience, while the history of the Weaver itself has created habitats for coastal plants

Profitable

One of the new paddles before it was installed at Hunts Lock on the Weaver Navigation in Cheshire, which has now reopened to boaters. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Various Acts authorised improvements, allowing the salt industry to prosper, and throughout the 19th century the navigation was consistently profitable.

The formerly tidal Weaver below Pickerings Wharf underwent substantial modification.

The area became known for the production of other chemicals on increasingly larger scales, and it became commonplace to see vessels of 500 tons or more navigating far inland.

The extraordinary Anderton Boat Lift was designed to connect the Weaver Navigation with the Trent & Mersey Canal running more than 50 feet (15m) above.

It opened in 1875 and, following a restoration 22 years ago, boaters are still able to use the lift today.

One of the old lock paddles which had to be replaced at Hunts Lock.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Trust completes repairs to Sellars Swing Bridge

By Lucy Wood

THE Canal & River Trust has completed a six-week programme of repairs to Sellars Swing Bridge, which carries Sellars Road over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

The increased weight in vehicles over the years had taken a toll on the condition of the bridge, which dates to the 1950s.

The repairs were needed to strengthen it for future use, while also making improvements to road plates that had been causing high levels of noise when vehicles used it to cross the canal.

It is one of 18 swing bridges along the canal that are important for maintaining navigation, especially for

and a rich array of birdlife, making it a fascinating place to explore.”

The Weaver Navigation has a rich history. For centuries, the River Weaver was used for the transport of salt.

Improvements along the river were planned as early as the 17th century, as sailing barges began navigating along the Weaver from the Mersey to Winsford, bringing coal in and taking salt out.

tall-sided vessels, including the ships that visit the canal for the Tall Ships Festival.

Molly Richards, from the trust, said: “We have been able to successfully complete repairs that will futureproof the bridge for many years to come.

“New parapet timbers have been installed to replace the handrails on both sides and on

Pointing the way to the reopened bridge.

PHOTO: CRT

the bridge's approach. A team from Sharpness Shipyard have completed the refurbishment of the winding mechanism that will make it easier to open and close the bridge to allow tall vessels to go through.

“We have replaced the road plates which will help lower the noise when vehicles go across, made repairs to where concrete had corroded on the nose of the bridge and also corrected its balance, so it doesn't move when weight is put on it by vehicles.”

She added: “We are grateful for the patience of local people, boaters, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians for the disruption while the works were taking place. Our work has given us the chance to reopen a stronger, safer and more resilient bridge.”

Sellars Swing Bridge is back in action following repairs carried out by the Canal & River Trust. PHOTO: CRT

Right: Engineers used a crane boat to repair Hunts Lock.

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Volunteers ensure Cromford Canal restoration stays on target V I TA L work completed by volunteers has ensured the Cromford Canal restoration continues to progress.

The team from the Waterway Recovery G ro u p (WRG) worked tirelessly to complete preparation work at the site at at Beggarlee, Langley

Mill, Derbyshire, so the main canal restoration work could take place.

The group has donated nearly 700 hours to the project, co-ordinated by the Friends of Cromford Canal (FCC),which has had more than 5000 hours of work completed by

A visitor views the flood plain extension profiled and showing the remains of the original Cromford Canal lock (Marshalls Lock). PHOTO: SUPPLIED

volunteers in recent years. The WRG dug out a flood channel, removing up to 3000 tons of soil, and did other work at the site, which is on the border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

A FCC spokesman said: “The digging out of the flood plain extension is necessary to compensate for land that will be taken when the channel and locks are built.

“Two archaeologists were on site during the digging out of the flood plain, just in case anything was discovered, which was the case with the old original lock (Marshalls Lock) appearing.”

More work is due to take place to ensure flood water, which gathers in the channel, can drain down to the River Erewash.

Volunteers from the Waterway Recovery Group and Friends of Cromford Canal have completed more work at Beggarlee, Langley Mill, Derbyshire as part of canal restoration work. Diggers move soil around the flood channel.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE At the Connaught Harbour launch: Anne Rabbitte TD with Minister of State, Marie Healy; Fáilte Ireland’s Phil Cargil; Éanna Rowe of Waterways Ireland and Eoghan O’Brien, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. PHOTO: WI/ANDREW DOWNES

Redeveloped Connaught Harbour visitor destination officially opens

By Alison Alderton

WATERWAYS Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, in the company of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte TD, have officially launched the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, Portumna, Co Galway. This €2.8m investment is a significant milestone in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan.

The redevelopment of Connaught Harbour, one of two significant tourism and navigation projects in Portumna, falls under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, a collaborative project led by Waterways Ireland with Fáilte Ireland and 10 local authorities along the River Shannon and Shannon-Erne Waterway. The masterplan, launched in 2020, aims to position the Shannon as a destination for international and domestic tourism, transforming the region into a key tourist destination among Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. It is the first dedicated plan undertaken on the entire Shannon region, setting out a bold and integrated framework for sustainable tourism development along the Shannon, and is already delivering impressive results.

This most re c e n t redevelopment project includes a significant expansion of the number of mooring berths in Connaught Harbour for public use to 28 which will further enhance the already thriving boating and cruise hire sector in the region. The investment includes the addition of canoe steps for access to the Lough Derg Blueway; additional onshore facilities such as seating, picnic areas and a pavilion structure; a new cycle and walking trail linking Connaught Harbour to Portumna town and the Lough Derg Blueway; additional parking facilities including EV chargers, and improves the visual impact of the harbour, creating a sense of arrival in the town.

Also officially opened is the first phase of the extension

of the Lough Derg Blueway, connecting Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour. At around 3km in length, it forms a vital link between the two Waterways Ireland-owned harbours as well as the 30km of cycling and walking trails in the local forest park and the linear trail of more than 10km to Meelick Weir. The weir is a critical and impressive piece of infrastructure used in maintaining the navigation level between Lough Derg and Lough Ree – the River Shannon’s two largest lakes.

Commenting on the completion of Connaught Harbour, Éanna Rowe, o p e rat i o n s c o nt ro l l e r, Waterways Ireland said: “Connaught Harbour and Portumna Blueway are key projects in the ambitious Shannon Tourism Masterplan, and Waterways Ireland is delighted to see these projects officially opened today.

“We, along with Fáilte Ireland and 10 local authorities, have agreed a vision to elevate Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, one that will enhance the amenities for local communities while also bolstering tourism across the region.

“At Waterways Ireland our goal is to reimagine, maintain, develop and promote Ireland’s inland navigations to sustain communities and offer people opportunities for recreation and tourism.

“The ambitious project sees the transformation of Connaught Harbour into a new visitor destination, coupled with the developments at Portumna, further upgrading these local amenities for the benefit of all.

“At Waterways Ireland, we want to encourage participation among locals and visitors by providing new opportunities to inspire curiosity and adventure along our waterways and we are immensely pleased to open these new sites for the public today.”

Orla Carroll, director of product development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “Fáilte Ireland is committed to sustainable tourism development that not only enhances visitor experiences but also supports local communities and protects our natural heritage.

“Our €1.3 million investment for the redevelopment of Connaught Harbour will help transform the destination’s outdoor tourism offering by providing a cruise hire hub, improved access to water facilities and a new cycling and walking trail to link the harbour to Portumna town. Today, we’re pleased to announce this project in partnership with Waterways Ireland is now complete and open to the public.”

Portumna

The market town of Portumna in the south-east of Co Galway is linked to Co Tipperary by bridge. This historic crossing point over the River Shannon has seen numerous ferries and bridges span the river’s width prior to its entry into Lough Derg. The current structure, with its opening span for boat traffic, was designed by C E Stanier of London and completed in 1911.

The visitor will find numerous attractions in and around Portumna including the Portumna Union Workhouse, which contains the only centre telling the history of workhouses in Ireland, Portumna Castle, a fortified manor house with gardens and the Portumna Forest Park spanning 1500 acres of land with lakeside walks and the remains of a Cistercian abbey. The town offers a range of shopping and eating opportunities through independent stores, bars and cafes. Anglers and boaters are well catered for with Emerald Star Line hiring boats from Connaught Harbour – an ideal base from which to explore more of the Lough Derg area by water.

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Meelick Weir Walkway now linked by linear trail to Connaught Harbour. PHOTO: DESTINATION LOUGH DERG

12

November 2024

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Museum Focus: discovering a canal gem in the heart of the Devon countryside

Nicola Lisle explores the history and wildlife of the Grand Western Canal at the Visitor Centre in Tiverton

renowned canal engineer James Brindley in 1769, and revived in 1792 with John Rennie at the helm, the Grand Western Canal sadly never fulfilled Brindley’s original vision of linking the Bristol and English channels, which would have enabled ships to avoid sailing around the hazardous coastlines of Devon and Cornwall.

The construction of the first 11.25 miles, from Tiverton to Lowdwells, was plagued with problems.

Costs mounted as progress was considerably hindered by the hard rock of Devon’s hilly landscape. In April 1811, navvies rioted over unpaid wages. By the time the canal opened, the original cost of £220,000 had rocketed to £244,500.

An extension to Taunton – initially masterminded by engineer James Green – was beset with similar problems, and Green’s ambitious plans to include seven boat lifts and an inclined plane proved disastrous and costly. Green was replaced with W A Provis, and the extension finally opened in 1838, with the original budget of £61,000 having risen to £80,000.

The canal, now 29.25 miles long, enjoyed a brief period of prosperity, drawing a steady income

THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the Grand Western Canal to boat traffic, and also of the formation of the Tiverton Canal Company. Today this lovely stretch of canal is a country park and nature reserve, just waiting to be explored by foot, bicycle or boat.

The triumphant reopening in 1974 came just three years after the canal was purchased by Devon County Council, following a long-fought campaign by locals to save the canal from decades of neglect.

The canal basin at Tiverton is a good place to start exploring the canal. At its heart is the Grand Western Canal Visitor Centre, which was officially opened in 2013 by the Honiton-born Olympic athlete Jo Pavey.

Here you can discover the canal’s 200-year history and find out about its rich abundance of wildlife through information boards, interactive displays, models, canal artefacts, photographs, plans, film and games.

Immediately catching the eye as you enter is a life-size model of a horse pulling a cart, the latter a relic from the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset where it would have been used for hauling heavy goods and tools used for canal repairs and maintenance.

Information boards and a time-line give a detailed account of the canal’s history. Enjoy refreshments at The Duck’s Ditty, a delightful floating cafe Originally proposed by and bar by the towpath. PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

Visitor information:

Tiverton Canal Visitor Centre, Canal Hill, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4HX www.devon.gov uk/grandwesterncanal/visitor-information-2/ visitor-centre Visitor centre open daily 9.30am-4.30pm Admission free, pay and display car park nearby (cash only) from tolls from the regular flow of boats carrying cargoes of coal and limestone to the lime kilns at Tiverton.

In 1848, Isambard Kingdom Brunel sounded the canal’s death knell when he brought his Bristol and Exeter Railway to Tiverton. Within 20 years most of the commercial traffic on the canal had ceased, and the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company bought the canal in 1864 for £30,000. Cargoes into Tiverton limped on for a few more years, finally ending in the 1890s.

By 1960 the canal was in a serious state of decline, but a campaign by the local community to restore the canal led to extensive restoration and maintenance under the ownership of Devon County Council.

The canal today is a treasure trove of wildlife, so

The Tiverton Canal Company offers horsedrawn boat rides from April to October. Make sure you say hello to Rosie on the way in, a beautiful swan created by local artist and Tiverton Canal Company horseman Lauren Brinsden-Miles. PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

it’s worth checking out the large display boards in the visitor centre detailing the animals, birds and flowers that you might spot along the towpath.

The rich variety of wildlife along the canal led to its designation as a Local Nature Reserve in 2005.

Outside the visitor centre is a children’s play park, boats and kayaks for hire, picnic tables, cafes, a gift shop, display boards and details of local news and events. Look out for Rosie – a beautiful swan created by artist Lauren BrinsdenMiles, featuring the traditional Roses and Castles design.

For something really special, take a trip aboard Tivertonian, one of the few horsedrawn barges left in the UK. Boat trips run from April to October.

The lovely Tivertonian, used by the Tiverton Canal Company for For more info: www. tivertoncanal.co.uk horse-drawn boat rides. PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE

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November 2024

The main Stourport interchange basin today.

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The inland port of Chester.

Stourport: the clue is in the name!

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

Left: Transport Trust Plaque at Stourport Basin.

seaboards of England and Wales also penetrated well inland, so that when narrow- and (to a lesser IN MOST people’s minds, ports extent) broad-canals started have strong coastal affiliations to appear, a viable interface was required in the form of and are unlikely to be poked tidily away up rivers or canals. transshipment facilities for But 200 or more years ago, the onward travel of imports or the outflow of exports. fabric of commerce between Britain and the rest of the world had What this added up to was the a very different weave from the pattern establishment of inland ports or the we are familiar with today, particularly before expansion of existing examples – such the invention of the container or ‘box,’ as this as those at Exeter or Chester: a phenomenon ubiquitous trading device is often referred to. that has only recently started to be recognised To get some idea of scale, we can look at the again in the form of the Historic Inland Port dimensions of the Forth & Clyde Canal running status, recently conferred on both Stourportacross the Central Belt of Scotland, connecting on-Severn and Shardlow, alongside their two the River Clyde on the west side of the country aforementioned predecessors.

From the Middle with the Firth of Forth Ages onwards this on the east. Built to save vessels crossing country’s economy the Atlantic from the began to lean heavily on worldwide trade Americas from also and among its principal having to traverse the workhorses were the Pentland Firth (on the barge-craft that evolved northernmost coast of to serve the specific the country) its depth was just a fraction under needs of the different three metres, with a lock estuaries around gauge of just six metres our coast. wide by 21 metres long.

While the inland port Less ambitious, but of Chester started life of similar importance, able to accommodate barges trading up and Joint recognition from Historic England, the then-transatlantic down estuaries on Maritime Heritage Trust and National vessels, later followed eastern and western Historic Ships UK.

by Exeter, Shardlow

The inland port of Exeter.

Shardlow Clock Warehouse was built in 1780 and is now a popular pub. developed as an inland transshipment port to move cargo between Humber keels plying the Trent and canal barges, just as Stourport fulfilled a similar role with Severn trows as an interface between river and the Staffs & Worcester Canal.

Interestingly, Chester and its significance as an international port easily pre-dates the emergence of Liverpool (and other Mersey ports from that era) and, before the Dee gradually silted up, handled by far and away more tonnage than everywhere else in the North West put together. On a more local basis, Mersey Flats would have been the workhorses of the port.

The five-mile Exeter Ship Canal was opened in 1566. Built at the modest cost of £5000, it was initially only able to accommodate craft carrying 16 tons. Following improvements, 100 years later, this increased to 60 tons and at the turn of the 18th

The way it was at Stourport-on-Severn.

century, by dint of various further enhancements, this had risen to 150 tons. So now two inland UK cities enjoyed the benefits of direct trade with the rest of the world.

On the south-east side of the country, Thames barges bore the brunt of the local estuarine and coastal work, but also regularly plied their trade as far afield as the Tyne to the north and beyond the Exe (and Exeter) in the South West. All in all, this amounted to a tight-knit integration of waterborne trade, serving large tracts of the country.

Ultimately, the question to be answered is ‘what can this intriguing piece of waterways history contribute (if anything) to the true multi-modal transport debate of today?’ Given that moving goods by water, in appropriate craft – whether in deep estuaries or properly dredged canals – on a per ton basis, incurs but one-fifth of the energy consumption of road haulage, it is clearly a desirable way to proceed in the face of climate change and global warming.

However, its potential success clearly lies in forms of streamlining undreamed of by its forebears, where labour was cheap and plentiful. Road haulage has its swap bodies, while international freight has been changed out of all recognition since the ‘box’ took over.

Inland waterways transport, more recently left standing on the sidelines, might just want finally to come to the party bearing the gifts of both, recognising that, in the grand scheme of things, the size of the overall investment required to make this all work is small relative to the possible gains to be made from its contribution towards achieving a net zero economy.

Adieu: a Thames barge.

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16

November 2024

Vital work on aqueduct boosts Montgomery Canal restoration project

REPAIR work on an aqueduct on the Montgomery Canal will aid wildlife and keep the canal restoration project pushing forward.

Work has recently been completed on the Aberbechan Aqueduct, between the restored canal in Shropshire, which is connected to the national canal network, and the isolated Welshpool section north of Refail, near Berriew.

Aberbechan Aqueduct lies on the unrestored section six miles south of Berriew.

The aqueduct is over 200 years old, dating from the construction of the canal’s last stage into Newtown in 1819. Over the years the aqueduct has weakened and the current work is to reinforce the structure and ensure it is watertight.

Mi c ha e l L i mb re y,

chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “The aqueduct is actually vitally important for the water supply for half the canal, through Berriew and Welshpool to the lowest section near Arddleen where it returns to the Severn. This is part of the Special Area of Conservation, designated under the European Habitats Directive and now part of UK law.

“Left to itself of course the canal would become weeded up and the more fragile species would be crowded out so restoration has included the investment of millions of pounds to ensure protected spaces for the flora and fauna. This includes making sure there is a constant water supply which would be at risk if this little aqueduct should fail.”

The Montgomery Canal, part of the Shropshire Union Canal system, runs from Frankton Junction near Ellesmere through Welshpool to Newtown.

It was closed in 1936 and restoration started in Welshpool in 1969. Since then volunteers of Shropshire Union Canal Society and the Inland Waterways Association’s Waterway Recovery Group have spent thousands of days working to restore locks, bridges and weirs on the canal. It is now 60% restored.

Mr Limbrey added: “The aqueduct carries the towpath which is itself a valuable amenity for anyone to walk, fish, cycle or jog along the canal. It is possible to use the towpath as a route right along the borders to the World Heritage Site at

Workers completing essential restoration work to the Aberbechan Aqueduct at Refail, near Berriew, as part of the wider project to reopen the Montgomery Canal. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Llangollen. Restoring this little aqueduct is good for wildlife, preserves a feature of the canal’s heritage, and

ensures that visitors and local residents can continue to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the canal.”

Citizen Science Project

Creatures living in the River Foss in York are helping volunteers to maintain water quality, as Sally Clifford finds out.

THEIR presence is crucial to keeping on top of river pollution.

To the naked eye the tiny creatures are simply pond life, but to the river detectives they provide important evidence.

Retired freshwater biologist, Barbara Hilton, is one of 35 volunteers involved in the Citizen Science Project monitoring the water quality of the River Foss in her home city of York.

The project’s aim is to monitor the entire river catchment for chemical and biological water quality, the presence or absence of water vole, otter and mink as well as the improvement of bankside vegetation management.

This involves regular biannual sampling of the

Animals are sorted from the sample into separate compartments for counting. PHOTO: SARAH WATSON

macroinvertebrates, small unnoticed creatures that are a food source for fish, birds and mammals whose presence helps to maintain water quality by feeding on and breaking down organic matter.

Kick sampling

According to Barbara these creatures are also useful indicators of pollution. To help in their findings, Barbara talks about the importance of ‘kick sampling’, which involves getting into the river wearing waders and using a professional standard net with 1mm mesh to catch the creatures from the river bed.

“We use the professional technique for kick sampling.

We get into the river with a professional standard net and you kick the substrate, the sand, rocks, silt on the bottom of the river bed,” explains Barbara. “Whatever you dislodge gets caught as you move across the river. You are trying to get the habitat in the river.”

The process takes three minutes. A further minute is spent washing stones to which the creatures cling.

“These animals, the macroinvertebrates, worms, freshwater shrimp, you can see

Barbara Hilton kick-sampling in the River Foss.

PHOTO: MIKE GRAY

with the naked eye live within the river.

They are not very mobile and they have to live through whatever pollution is coming down the river,” says Barbara.

Working in pairs and using buckets and trays, the volunteers analyse their findings and report anything untoward to the Environment Agency which can carry out investigations.

“From these animals

we can identify, generally, the organic quality of the water of the Foss. Most of the obvious pollution is organic pollution and the animals will tell us the biological quality of the water,” says Barbara. The team are currently sampling 13 sites on the main river, and one on a tributary, twice a year in spring and autumn.

Passing on the knowledge Or iginally from Derbyshire, Barbara spent the majority of her working life working for South West Water Authority in Cornwall and West Devon before t ra n s f e r r i n g to Yorkshire when she joined Yorkshire Water.

Her research also led to her working with farmers focusing on biomass energy plants before her retirement.

Now Barbara is passing on her expertise and

Barbara devised the recording sheet used for identifying and recording the animals.

PHOTO: SARAH WATSON

Sampling on the River Foss with volunteers Lynne Clark in the river and Ruben Hernandez with Barbara on the bank. PHOTO: SARAH WATSON knowledge training the volunteers involved in the Citizen Science Project.

It’s already familiar territory for Barbara as she had enjoyed exercising her dogs along the River Foss.

Her important work analysing the creatures within began four years ago when she joined The River Foss Society. Established 50 years ago to protect and preserve the river, the society has around 200 members.

Mentioning her previous work on her application piqued the interest of the society’s stalwart member Mike Gray who, like Barbara, is currently the society’s co-chair.

“The River Foss Society has been water quality sampling for some years. When I joined four years ago I did say on my

application I was a retired freshwater b i o l o g i st.

Mi ke was extremely enthusiastic and said they would love me to get involved,” recalls Barbara.

Stretching around 28 miles from its source near Newburgh Priory, north of Easingwold, to the Blue Bridge in York where it joins the River Ouse, the River Foss provides a green corridor into the city.

Navigable for just over a mile, it also provides a water route for pleasure boaters.

Primarily a means of draining farm land, over the years the river has, and continues to suffer from, sedimentation.

Being part of the Citizen Science Project, The River Foss Society works in partnership with the Environment Agency,

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Canal charity dedicated to reopening the Shropshire Gap reports £11,000 income drop on 2022/23 THE Shropshire Union Canal Society Limited has reported lower income for the 2023-24 financial year, down more than £11,000 on the previous year.

The charity had £115,271 in donations, legacies and other income, compared with £126,627 in the previous year.

The charity is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the Shropshire Union Canal network for the benefit of all users, visitors and wildlife. This covers the Llangollen and Montgomery Canals as well as the Shropshire Union Canal itself, including the Middlewich Branch.

It is also hoping to see the Shropshire Gap closed, allowing navigation along the, at present, unnavigable and derelict section of the Montgomery Canal (the Monty) between Crickheath and Llanymynech, on the Welsh border.

In the autumn edition of Cuttings, the society’s journal, it reports two legacies totalling £29,000, both dedicated to restoration of the Montgomery Canal, together with several three- and four-figure donations.

The society received funding from Freedom Fibre of £500 and is applying for a second grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). If successful, the money would be used to help restore the Montgomery Canal between Crickheath Bridge and Malthouse Bridge.

Chairman David Carter said the work at Crickheath had paid off, with increased visitors to the area. He said: “How pleasant it now is to see the steady stream of boats at Crickheath. It is unusual for there to be less than half a dozen boats visiting during a weekend. It makes all of our hard work on the restoration worthwhile.”

Currently the Montgomery Canal appeal stands at £163,000, less than £90,000 short of its £250,000 target. The society relies on donations and also applies for various government grants, in addition to Gift Aid funding.

To find out more about the Shropshire Union Canal Society, visit: www.shropshireunion. org.uk

the University of York, St Nicks Environment Centre – a centre for nature and green living which originally started out as the charity ‘Friends of St Nicholas Fields’ in the 90s – and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

While the water quality monitoring project cannot prevent pollution, recording and reporting findings can help identify potential issues and prompt action. The

project can also help to educate the custodians of its future care.

“If we can show children what is there, and understand what is happening, that is important. It is their environment and they need to look after it,” says Barbara.

Full training will be given to those interested in getting involved in the project. To find out more contact Barbara_ Hilton@msn.com

Sorting samples with volunteers Paul Wilson and Bill Twist. PHOTO: SARAH WATSON

17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024 Left: Work to construct a dam at the Hollowforth Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal, to allow boaters through following a breach at the waterway.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Right: The completed temporary dam at the Hollowforth Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal.

Aqueduct opens temporarily to boaters after emergency repairs to waterway breach ENGINEERS worked to reopen the Hollowforth Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal after a two-month closure so boaters could pass through until more repairs get started. The waterway reopened on September 26 and closed again on October 3, allowing stranded boaters to move before more permanent repairs began.

The aqueduct had been closed since July 20 after a breach occurred. The Canal & River Trust local team acted quickly to install temporary dams across the canal to isolate the breach, preventing further water loss, and protecting the canal and surrounding areas from further damage.

With the canal route and water supply temporarily severed by a dam either side of the

breach site, one of the initial priorities was to install bypass pumps to ensure a water supply to keep boats afloat.

A three-sided dam around the breach site, which would allow controlled navigation between the north and south of the breach for those boats that needed to move, was designed. Once the dam was in place, a dredger boat passed through, clearing and testing the way for other boats to ensure it was safe.

Jon Horsfall, regional director at Canal & River Trust, said: “Completing the repairs to reopen the navigation for our boaters and all others who enjoy the canal is a priority, however they are complex and will take several months to complete. We’re glad to have been able to find a temporary solution for those

Footballers swap boots for canoe boats to tackle Midlands canal clean-up THE Canal & River Trust and Long Eaton United Football Club have joined forces to tackle the problem of litter on the Erewash Canal, helping to protect wildlife and improve the canal for visitors. Long Eaton United’s under 11s boys’ team, nicknamed ‘Team Black’, swapped their football boots for canoe paddles and litter pickers as they supported the trust in a clean-up of the water and towpath.

Romaine Graham, team manager at Long Eaton United, said: “The canal is such an important part of Long Eaton and we wanted to do our bit to make it nicer for everyone living and working in the town. It was a great activity and we had a fun and productive day, with both the kids and adults learning a lot.”

Starting at the trust’s education centre at Trent Lock, the boys worked their way along the canal, picking litter from the towpath and hedgerows as well as taking to the charity’s canoes to remove items from the water.

In just a few hours the team removed four large bags of crisp packets, bottles, cans and other rubbish. As well as helping to improve their local canal the boys also used it as an opportunity to raise sponsorship for new kit.

The clean-up coincides with the launch of the trust’s Plastics Challenge which encourages people to carry out short litter picks at their local canal to prevent plastic rubbish damaging vital waterside habitats.

Carol Burrell, community

Long Eaton United’s under 11s boys’ team took part in a river clean-up on the Erewash Canal. The boys are pictured before canoeing in the river to collect rubbish.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

well-being co-ordinator for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Litter on the canal doesn’t just look bad, it can be really harmful to wildlife and threatens some of our best loved species.

“As a charity we need help from communities to keep our precious historic waterways alive and it was fantastic to see the boys getting out there and really making a difference.

Their hard work has made the canal look a lot better for boaters and helped to protect precious local wildlife.

Hopefully their efforts will inspire others to get involved as our research shows that if everyone who visits one of our canals and rivers picks up just one piece of plastic and takes it home, they'd be clean within a year.”

Nottingham football team, the boys are pictured as they started their canoe-based clean-up. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

boaters who needed to cross Hollowforth Aqueduct that the embankment is safe for reinstatement and, in the meantime. with the canal structure listed, the design of the “Our design team, along with our geotechnical repair requires Listed Building Consent. Similarly, engineers, have been on the ground putting together environmental legislation has required a bat survey a solid plan to rebuild the embankment and the to determine that there aren’t bats roosting within damaged aqueduct. We’ve also been busy with the aqueduct. ecology and heritage surveys, and we’ve agreed on a Away from the immediate breach, 500 metres of plan that respects and protects the historical aspects stock-proof fencing has been put up to ensure that of the site. livestock are kept away “The Lancaster Canal from the work site, and is going to be 200 years several trees have been removed to provide old in two years’ time, access. Additionally, but centuries of use the site compound has and battering by the been reinforced with elements have taken stone, making it ready their toll, and the work to repair the breach will to accommodate the take significant funding. heavy machinery that We’re doing all we can to will be required for the get the canal back open repair work. as quickly as possible, The trust’s engineers and we welcome have completed a first support from all parties.” engineering design for The works to date the final repair work. The have required input works will be finished in 2025, with an end date from multiple teams dependent on whether across the charity. A Work to construct a dam at the Hollowforth topographical survey Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal. PHOTO: building consent is required. is needed to confirm SUPPLIED

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November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Mothership Marine among winners of first Sustainable Boating Awards

By Phil Pickin

THE Inland Waterways Association AGMs always see a significant number of awards being made to recognise the outstanding efforts of groups and individuals from across the country. This year’s AGM, the 65th for the IWA, was held in the Hugh Aston Building, part of De Montfort University in Leicester, and saw the first recipients of the Sustainable Boating Awards sponsored by Towpath Talk.

In his opening remarks, IWA chair Mike Wills highlighted that over the past 12 months, the association has undergone a remarkable turnaround after a period of upheaval. The improvements seem to centre not only on the organisation and personnel but also on the association's finances.

Speakers also included Mike Palmer, chair of the Waterway Recovery Group, and Sue O’Hare, chair of the Navigation Committee and trustee of the IWA, who highlighted the ongoing need for restoration work and, in the case of FBW, the need to raise funds as well as awareness of the plight of the waterways.

To this end, Sue outlined a timetable of activities and plans starting over the coming weeks to raise awareness of the need to secure the future of the waterways and to promote their value to a wider audience. To that end, it seems that the message from the IWA and CRT show some strong similarities, given they both look to promote the value of the canal system for all, not just the boatowning community.

All of the awards were made by Mike Wills, national chair of the IWA, and in the case of the SBG Awards, these were made in recognition of the nominee’s efforts to develop and promote more sustainable propulsion systems for use by boats on the inland waterways.

Ian Sesnan receiving the Cyril Styring Trophy on behalf of Ray Alexander from Mike Wills. PHOTO: RUPERT SMEDLEY

Caroline Badger and Rob Howdle from Ortomarine receiving their Sustainable Boating Award Commendation from Mike Wills. PHOTO: RUPERT SMEDLEY

The winners of the Sustainable Boating Awards were…

Mothership Marine: Commercial Award. For the

promotion of more efficient electric propulsion systems using higher torque motors and larger propellers and for fitting large PV cell arrays. The judges were also impressed by their use of recycled materials in their fit-outs. The award was accepted

by Mothership Marine’s MD Tim Knox.

Kay and Paul Sumpner: Non-commercial Award.

For their work in promoting the online exchange of information about electric boating, including organising Electrika, the first inland waterways boat show for electric boats. Kay and Paul were unable to attend so the award was accepted on their behalf

by Caroline Badger of Ortomarine for delivery later in the day.

Ortomarine: Commendation. For its work in developing monitoring technology for electric boating and the company’s willingness to share information with others to allow electric drives to develop faster, including access to the data from its

trials on the Severn, and for its support of Electrika.

The commendation was received by Caroline Badger and Rob Howdle.

The AGM was attended by almost 80 people, with 45 attending online who saw the IWA National Awards being made by Mike Wills; these included…

Richard Bird Medals: For members of the association whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the association over a sustained period.

Pete Fleming: A key volunteer with the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG), Pete’s contributions to IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade are invaluable, particularly

Caroline Badger receiving the Sustainable Boating Award (Non-commercial) on behalf of Kay and Paul Sumpner. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Peter Knox of Mothership Marine receiving his Commercial Award voted for by members of the Sustainable Boating Group. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

IWA AGM delegates. PHOTO: RUPERT SMEDLEY his dedication to event planning and volunteer leadership. He is pivotal in ensuring everything runs smoothly and is invaluable to the team and organisation. Pete was unable to attend as he was at a Waterway Recovery Group Weekend Camp.

Emma Greenall: A long-standing WRG volunteer, Emma has played strategic roles behind the scenes, ensuring the success of Canalway Cavalcade. Emma has confidently stepped into several strategic roles for the IWA Canalway Cavalcade, both behind the scenes and on the ground during the weekend event. Emma was unable to attend, so alternative arrangements will be made to present the award.

Peter Hill: Recognised for his 18 years of outstanding service as editor of Aegre, the East Midlands news magazine, championing incorporation of IWA corporate image and brand identity to enhance the association’s profile.

Bernard Morton: Acknowledged for his inspirational leadership of the Northampton Branch, bringing out the best in his team. None of Northampton Branch’s achievements would have been possible without his exemplary leadership skills, along with his support and encouragement of the committee.

Christopher Power Prize: For a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway. There is a cash prize associated with this award, which is given to the waterway restoration group associated with the winner, where the winner is a named individual. The aims and objectives of the group must be consistent with IWA’s aims and objectives. The trophy, a carved wooden otter, was presented to the association by Volvo Penta.

This was awarded to Ali Bottomley (Womble). Ali’s dedication to the WRG Training Weekend has been extraordinary, having an amazing impact on both WRG and other canal restoration volunteers and societies.

The Christopher Power Prize being awarded to Ali Bottomley by Mike Wills. PHOTO: RUPERT SMEDLEY

Branch Achievement Award: For the IWA branch, which, in the opinion of a panel consisting of the national chairman, deputy national chairmen and chief executive, has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the association’s aims and objectives during the past year. All branches are considered without the need for nomination. The award consists of a silver salver donated to IWA by former national chairman David Stevenson, for the purpose, in 1998. This was awarded to Northampton Branch. Celebrated for their exceptional work on the Northampton Arm, transforming it into a thriving space for boaters and walkers while supporting local schools, artists, and community groups. With its 17 locks, the Arm is one of the longest adopted stretches of CRT-managed waterways. Working closely with local partners, schools, artists and corporates, the Branch has ensured the waterway has benefited from painted and ceramic murals, a mosaic trail, new benches, towpath resurfacing, and the installation and maintenance of defibrillators.

Cyril Styring Trophy: This is the association’s premier award. For an IWA member who has, in the opinion of trustees, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the association’s campaign. This was awarded to Ray Alexander. Ray’s decades of service have transformed waterways across the South West and nationwide. His tireless commitment, knowledge and leadership have earned him the association’s highest honour. Ray demonstrates that in fighting for the waterways, there must be a blend of hard work, patience, knowledge, loyalty, being with the right people at the right time, and producing technical and promotional documentation to a high standard.

The citation went on to say the waterways have benefited enormously from Ray’s long involvement.

He has been a consistently influential and reliable champion and a highly respected representative of the Association. In his closing comments, Mike Wills said that the IWA is incredibly proud to recognise these champions for their vital contributions to our matchless waterways.

Kay and Paul Sumpner’s award came a few days after they released the news that Electrika 2025 had been given the green light and will take place at Brinklow Waterside and Marina next summer.

Next year’s event sees a number of small changes from the 2024 event following a comprehensive exit survey of visitors and exhibitors after last year’s show; Electrika 2025 will take place on July 11/12, thereby reducing the pressure on exhibitors in May, and will take place at Brinklow Waterside and Marina, near Rugby.

There will be a wide variety of serial hybrid, parallel hybrid and all-electric narrowboats on display. These will be accompanied by a growing list of exhibitors specialising in electric propulsion.

Electrika is the brainchild of Ortomarine, who partnered with Aquavista Waterside and Marinas, who hosted the event, which proved to be popular with visitors.

The organisers said that it was clear that there was a real demand for a more focused electric narrowboat show.

19

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Celebrating ‘Venice of the Midlands’

Cheers! Black Country Boating Festival volunteers man the well-stocked bar. PHOTO: NICHOLA HANSON-JONES

Back to the Black Country for popular boating festival

By Lucy Wood

ONE of the Black Country’s longestrunning boating events marked its 38th anniversary in style. Scores of visitors were welcomed to the Black Country Boating Festival, celebrating the rich heritage and culture of boating in the region.

Since its inception in 1986, the festival has brought together boating enthusiasts,

local businesses and community members for a vibrant weekend of entertainment and celebration.

Highlights of this year’s event included a display of narrowboats and historic vessels along the canal at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, as well as live performances from local bands and

artists, stalls, a floating market, a fun fair, dog show and more.

Ross Harrison, one of the festival's volunteer organisers, expressed his thanks to all the volunteers and local sponsors involved.

Keep updated about the festival at www.bcbf.com or to get involved next year, email info@ bcbf.com

By Lucy Wood

TIPTON Canal was the place to be, as scores of visitors enjoyed fun on and off the water at the Tipton Canal and Community Festival.

The festival played host to more than 60 boats, including 25 historic examples, with many hosting trips for visitors. A wide variety of land-based stalls and exhibitors also kept the crowds entertained, and a special boat trip was held for the chief

executive of the Canal & River Trust, Richard Parry, alongside waterway officials, community group representatives and a local councillor.

Un f o r tu nat e l y , the festivities were cut short mid-afternoon on the Saturday by a major downpour of rain and the following day had to be cancelled due to the site being waterlogged.

The festival dates to the mid-2000s, and this year was the first that Kev Maslin, a

waterways photographer of many years’ standing, took on the mantle of organiser, the event having been paused for the last five years.

He said: “The wet weather did not dampen our spirits.

We were inundated with people who came to tell us personally how much they had enjoyed the event and that they were delighted to see it return after a five-year absence.

“We are so pleased that the

festival was such a big success.

We truly felt that we lived up to our tag-line of ‘Bringing to life the Venice of the Midlands’.”

Kev thanked Tipton Camera Club who attended to record this year’s festivities, and photographs taken by members Mitchell Houlston, John Ashwood, Phil Dodd and Mark Jarvis have contributed some to this issue of Towpath Talk. Keep updated about plans for the next festival at www.tiptonfestival.co.uk

Visitors flocked to the festival to enjoy the sights and take in the heritage. PHOTO: JOHN ASHWOOD

Richard Parry, left, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, was joined by waterway officials, community group representatives and a local councillor on a trip on the canal. PHOTO: MITCHELL HOULSTON

Visitors to this year’s Black Country Boating Festival had the chance to purchase bespoke and handmade products from waterways traders.

PHOTO: ALEX FLASHWOOD

Ready and waiting for customers. PHOTO: MARK JARVIS

WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER

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

From September 11, throughout October, until November 9 Stafford Riverway Link artefacts exhibition

Display of artefacts unearthed by SRL volunteers.

Wombourne Library: Wombourne Community Centre, Church Road, Wombourne, Staffordshire, WV5 9EZ. Wombourne Library is close to the Bratch on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

The exhibition then moves to Codsall Library (South Staffordshire District Council Offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Staffordshire, WV8 1PX) from Monday, November 18, throughout December, until Monday, January 6, 2025.

November 3 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Route: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice:

Camden: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice. Start at (Tube Station) Warwick Avenue at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15 years £5; under-8s free.

Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or email: london@walks.com November 12 Les Green and company talk about the restoration of the Daniel Adamson: 7.45pm, second Tuesday of the month. Free admission and

fun raffle. Meeting at the Holiday Inn, Lower Mersey St, Ellesmere Port, CH65 2AL.

Captain Cheddar displays his wares. PHOTO: PHIL DODD

Steampunk festival comes to Anderton Boat Lift THE Anderton Boat Lift hosted its first-ever steampunk weekend festival.

Visitors and fans of the Victorian industrial fantasy fiction and design enjoyed free entry to a fabulous weekend of steampunk exhibits, stalls, games and live entertainment at the end of September.

Hosted by the Canal & River Trust charity, the event featured fine food and a licensed bar. The Edwin Clark trip boat offered short cruises up and down the lift, giving visitors a unique view of the world’s first major commercial boat lift, one of the ‘seven wonders of the waterways’.

Ani Sutton, destination and attraction manager with the trust, explained: “The steampunk craze, inspired by the books of HG Wells, Mary Shelley and Jules Verne, has recently become massively popular. Similar events at our sister attraction, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, have gone down a storm.

“Anderton Boat Lift is a stunning Victorian iron structure, constructed in 1875, so it seems an ideal setting to celebrate all things steampunk.”

Steampunk enthusiasts flocked to the Anderton Boat Lift at the end of September for the first-ever festival devoted to Victorian industrial fantasy.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

20

November 2024

Grand Union Canal flood damage fixed by £500,000 repair THE Canal & River Trust has completed a £500,000 repair to a section of canal bank that was washed away by the winter floods in Leicester.

The charity has repaired and strengthened a 100-metre section of Grand Union Canal bank that saw significant damage when flood waters from the non-navigable River Soar, which runs parallel to the canal, overtopped and scoured away the canal wall and towpath on top.

The damage to the wall, near Blue Bank Lock, south of Leicester, was caused when the river overtopped following a succession of heavy winter storms.

Storm Babet in October caused initial damage before Storms Gerrit and Henk‘s heavy rain and flooding saw the bank washed away.

The trust has reinforced the canal wall with new steel piling backfilled with stone and a new towpath laid on top. Leicester City Council provided nearly £44,000 of funding from its Transport Improvement Works capital programme to reinstate the towpath, which is a popular route linking the Great Central Way and nearby Everards Meadows and an important part of the pedestrian and cycleway network.

The trust has also carried out repairs on the approach to Blue Bank Lock, installing more sheet piling and adding new moorings for boats using the lock.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the Canal & River Trust, said: “This is an example of the devastating impact flooding brought about by climate change can have on our historic waterways, and the work we have to do to protect them for future generations.

“It also emphasises the need for continued support if we’re to keep them navigable and secure all the benefits that brings in turn to local people and wildlife. We’re grateful to Leicester City Council for helping with the cost of reinstating the towpath which is a popular route with local walkers and cyclists.”

Assistant city mayor Coun Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “We’re very pleased to have supported the Canal & River Trust with funding for this project. We want to make it as easy as possible for Leicester people to access our blue and green spaces, because we know the benefits they offer for recreation and for mental and physical health. Encouraging people to walk and cycle also helps our environment and air quality.

“Sadly, climate change is presenting us with increased challenges from flooding and extreme weather events, so that we need to conduct repairs like these to ensure people can continue to have access to the recreational spaces we know they value.”

WIN

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Rare First World War bridge across Basingstoke Canal given listed status A RARE First World War bridge believed to be the only one still in use has been given Grade II listed status

by Historic England.

The Inglis Pyramid Bridge in Hampshire is a rare example of an Inglis Portable Military Bridge (Light Type).

It is one of the relatively few military structures in England that date from this era.

This was the first portable

bridge designed by War Office engineer Charles Inglis (pronounced Ingalls).

Made of lightweight steel, it was quick and easy to construct with little training and could be reused.

Soldiers used the design effectively during the First World War, especially in France, and it was hugely influential in developing future military bridges.

The bridge near Aldershot is one of only 10 Inglis Pyramid Bridges known to have been manufactured during the 1914 to 1918 conflict and is likely to be the only example still in use as a bridge in England.

Tom Foxall, regional director for Historic England, said: “The Inglis Pyramid Bridge over the Basingstoke Canal has an extraordinary

The Inglis Bridge across the Basingstoke Canal near Aldershot is thought to be the only one of its type still in use. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A GO WINDLASS RATCHET WINDLASS

GO Windlass is giving away two of their reversible Ratchet Windlasses wiith polycarbonate revolving handles, which normally retail at £94.99. These are pump-action windlasses that allow boaters to raise lock paddles at the most optimal angle and stance for the boater and the layout of the lock at hand. The GO Windlass also has a fixed socket for the controlled lowering of lock paddles while allowing smaller circular movements for the shoulder. The windlasses are available at www.gowindlass.co.uk.

Full T&Cs apply. Competition closes at 23:59pm on November 22, 2024. There are no cash alternatives available. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. Winners will be contacted via an official Mortons email. We never ask for bank details. Terms and conditions apply. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Towpath Talk) please visit www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

backstory. Hidden in plain sight, this deceptively simple structure is a masterpiece of military engineering and was the first version of a type of lightweight bridge which was deployed extensively overseas. The bridge is thought to have been brought back to Aldershot from France and remarkably has been in its current position for at least 60 years.”

The bridge has just been given Grade II listed status by Historic England.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

TO ENTER 1. Head over to www.towpathtalk.co.uk 2. Click the win tab 3. Click on the

fill competition and fill in the form 4. Sit back, relax and wait!

21

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Fund Britain’s Waterways’ plea for more government cash to safeguard jobs and business AN organisation representing waterway organisations and business worth £7.6 billion to the UK economy has called on the new Labour Government for more funding.

Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) believes investment in the millions, not billions, will help stop the deterioration of the UK’s canals and rivers, and help businesses survive in tough economic conditions.

Ahead of the autumn budget statement the organisation, which has more than 50,000 signatures backing its campaign, said this investment would potentially stop waterways being closed and thousands of volunteer hours being wasted.

Les Etheridge, chair of FBW, said: “FBW welcomes the opportunity to make a representation to HM Treasury. Without urgent action the inland waterway network will be in serious jeopardy. If the condition of waterways continues to deteriorate, waterways will ultimately have to be closed, businesses will be harmed and communities placed at risk.”

FBW does not include the Canal & River Trust but does list the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs, British Marine, the Inland Waterways Association, the National Association of Boat Owners and the Royal Yachting

Association among its 130 members.

Responding to a call for stakeholders’ input before the autumn statement, the FBW’s aim is to reinforce the widely acknowledged benefits that our inland waterways provide, to explain the need for increased government funding, and to request an urgent and comprehensive review of inland waterway funding.

A statement added: “FBW recognises the poor state of the country’s financial position. Yet to fund our inland waterways properly would cost a small (in government terms) investment measured in millions not billions of pounds.”

The latest British Marine Economic Benefits report states the combined economic contribution of the inland boating sector and its wider associated tourism generated the UK was £7.6bn in total for the year 2022/23 (the figure includes £1.6bn from the inland marine industry plus £6bn from wider tourism generated by expenditure of those participating in inland boating and other inland watersports on non-boating goods and services such as food and hospitality).

It adds the sector also provides 41,166 total jobs. In addition, wider

tourism associated with inland boating provides 295,886 jobs, so not only does inland boating directly employ more than 41,000 people but it also supports almost a further 300,000 jobs through its associated wider tourism.

“If underinvestment continues this will become worse until a tipping point is reached and waterways have to be closed, wasting the benefits as well as the millions of hours of volunteer time and millions of pounds of public money that have gone into the current network.”

FBW is calling for:

• the importance of our inland waterways as a unique national asset and part of the national infrastructure to be recognised • the deterioration in condition that is already happening to be acknowledged • a comprehensive review of government funding for all our inland waterways to be carried out as a matter of urgency, with the aim of defining a sustainable funding solution which will enable the current benefits of our canals and rivers to be maintained and enhanced for future generations.

For more about FBW and to sign the petition, visit: www.waterways. org.uk/waterways/sites/ fund-britains-waterways-overview

New resource shows students how canals can play their part in combating climate change

A NEW online database is helping educate young people aged 11 to 14 about the importance of our waterways and the environment. The resource – funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery – is also championing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers with the Canal & River Trust.

Called How Can Our Canals and Rivers Help Combat Climate Change?, the resource is tailored to engage Key Stage 3 students in understanding the environmental impact of waterways and how they can address pressing climate issues.

Covering topics such as flood management, hydropower and biodiversity, this resource provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between climate change and waterway stewardship.

The resource fills a gap in climate change education and is developed with input from teachers to meet the needs of the Key Stage 3 curriculum. It also raises awareness of the Canal & River Trust as an employer in science and

engineering disciplines.

At a time when the nation’s 250-year-old waterways are facing dual challenges from age and more extreme weather patterns, the charity is keen to inspire young people to join its work to keep canals alive.

The Canal & River Trust is inviting teachers across the UK to incorporate this resource into their classrooms, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the role of canals in fighting climate change while preparing them for future STEM careers.

Barbera Cimadoro, from the Canal & River Trust’s education team, said: “Through our new STEM resource, we’re not only helping students grasp the vital role canals play in addressing climate change, but we’re also inspiring them to explore careers in environmental science and engineering. By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, we hope to empower the next generation to make a meaningful impact on our canals’ – and our planet's – future.”

In addition to educating

students about climate change, the Canal & River Trust is keen to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities within STEM, particularly in engineering, environmental science and sustainability.

The resource is divided into four parts: 1. Introduction to the Canal & River Trust: An

overview of the Canal & River Trust’s mission and its significance in the UK’s environmental landscape.

2. The environmental impact of canals: Explores

nine ways that canals can help combat climate change, offering real-world context to theoretical knowledge.

3. Managing, maintaining and restoring the canal network: Presents three

real-life case studies that demonstrate the practical application of STEM in environmental conservation.

4. Careers and pathways:

Provides students with a glimpse into careers within the Canal & River Trust and the broader field of environmental science and engineering aiming to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

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November 2024

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Black Sluice and the South Forty Foot Earlier this year Alison Alderton and her family tackled tidal waters to explore the South Forty Foot Drain in Lincolnshire, the only part of the much-vaunted Fenlands Link currently open to navigation.

BEYOND the Grand Sluice in Boston are the tidal varying with the bridge arch from 1.7m at the sides waters of the River Witham that eventually merge to 3.4m at the crown. All other bridges have at least with the waters of The Wash at Tabbs Head and 3m of headroom at normal summer levels. provide access to the South Forty Foot Drain at We entered the new lock at Black Sluice on a dull Black Sluice. day in April. Having passed through we stopped on The passage south through Boston is only the Black Sluice Lock visitor moorings while we had possible for boats longer than 41ft when the tide a quick lunch break. Immediately beyond is the first makes a level with the non-tidal river. This occurs of a small number of low road bridges that cross around 2½ hours before this isolated waterway. high water and then Alongside the straight again at around 2½ channel runs the hours after high water.

‘Poacher line’ railway The 2km trip through connecting Sleaford/ Boston to Black Sluice Grantham to Boston is normally undertaken and on to Skegness. on a falling tide to be After a few miles we able to access the lock passed under the brick-arched Hubbert’s at the Black Sluice complex. This lock was Bridge and stopped at the pleasant moorings, completely rebuilt in 2009 when the Black complete with pumpout and water, beyond Sluice Navigation was the W h e at s h e a f reopened as the first pub. Dog walks here part of the proposed Fenlands Link. Since are alongside the waterway on firm the opening the first 19km to Donington are grassy banks. While we were here a small yacht navigable for craft that can pass the extremely was launched at the low London Road adjacent ramp which was the only other craft Bridge immediately we saw during our time after the lock. Limiting dimensions are 22m on the South Forty Foot. long x 6m wide with a End of a perfect day at Hubbert’s Bridge.

On June 6, 1768 a great crowd gathered at maximum headroom PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Heading south towards the end of navigation. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON Hubbert’s Bridge over the South Forty Foot which at that time was built of wooden planks. They were angry at losing their rights to ‘common’ in Holland Fen after an act of parliament allowed for its drainage and subsequent enclosure.

Fenmen made a good living wildfowling and fishing on the watery fen and grazing their cattle there during summer. It also provided peat for fuel and reeds for thatch. The crowd marched to Boston to demonstrate, where the lawyer holding the papers relating to the enclosures was forced to hand them over. The crowd then tore the papers up and scattered them in the river. The militia were sent to prevent the town being burnt down in the ensuing riots.

Violent resistance to the enclosures continued for several years. Fences and hedges erected during the day were pulled out overnight. Houses, barns and crops on the enclosed land were burnt, cattle were maimed and killed and several murders were committed. Gradually though, the fen was cultivated and transformed into the rich agricultural landscape we see today.

After a few nights we pushed on several miles to a similar Environment Agency mooring at Swineshead Bridge. Unfortunately, this is a good few miles from the village of Swineshead where

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

all services are available. The next day in brilliant sunshine we pushed on through increasingly isolated agricultural land to find the limit of navigation just before Donington High Bridge carrying the A52 Grantham to Boston highway.

Beyond here the waterway becomes narrower and increasingly shallow but navigation is eventually envisaged to run further on through Pinchbeck sluice and on via the River Glen to Spalding on the River Welland.

Turning our 48ft long boat in the entrance to a small dyke entering from the west near the end of navigation turned out to be tricky. But we eventually succeeded and returned to Swineshead before an uneventful cruise back through Hubbert’s Bridge to the Black Sluice complex.

Here we were met by the EA lock keeper who, in communication with the R&C lock keeper at Grand Sluice, returned us through Boston and back on to the still waters of the non-tidal Witham.

If you want quiet, peaceful cruising on an undemanding wide waterway, we would thoroughly recommend the South Forty Foot as a fitting end to the long cruise from connecting inland waterways.

The short trip on the tidal Witham adds excitement and is a great starter for those with limited experience of tidal navigations.

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

Baby Eurocruiser

£154,950 ex vat

• 60’ x 10 • 2 Berth • New Boat

A New one bedroom Baby Eurocruiser features include, Bow thruster, Wheel steering, Navigation Lights, Quartz work surfaces and optional extras fitted include, A rear canopy and an impressive skylight. A mooring, residential or leisure is available if required subject to T's and C's

Cruiser Stern Narrowboat £134,950 • 60’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • New Boat

MOORINGS THAT ARE SAFE & SECURE WITH EXCELLENT FACILITIES FOR BOTH LEISURE & RESIDENTIAL visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk Evesham Marina Kings Road • Evesham • WR11 3XZ info@eveshammarina.co.uk

01386 768500

A New one bedroom reverse layout narrowboat with an extended cruiser stern, Upgrades on this boat include a stern seating and an L shape dinette, A mooring is available if required subject to T's and C's

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

23

24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

WINTER MOORINGS now available

where you moor!

Image: Saul Junction Marina, Gloucestershire

g n i r oo m ee r f a

Spain

for the winter at Roydon Marina.

Scan the QR code and complete a form to enter.

Fill in the form to register your interest between 11th and 31st October 2024.

The winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email. Existing moorers at any Lakeland Leisure marina are not eligible to enter.

Proudly part of the Lakeland Leisure family

MARINAS & MOORINGS 25

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

FRADLEY MARINA

TPIF

07941 167 087

Award winning, family run marina on the River Nene in Earls Barton.

WINTER 2024/25 MOORINGS SPECIAL OFFER FOR TOWPATH TALK READERS 6 mon moonnttthhhss for foor the thhe pric prr ice ce off 5 Valid for November only

(Please quote – TPW11 for this special offer)

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

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

www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

PLUS FOR BOOKINGS OF 3 MONTHS OR MORE, RECEIVE:

FREE Welcome Breakfast for two at our award winning The Boathouse Cafe*

t: 01604 812057 e: info@whitemillsmarina.co.uk

www.whitemillsmarina.co.uk *For full terms and conditions, please visit our website

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

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

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

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

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

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

26 MARINAS & MOORINGS

November 2024

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

A marina that offers you a choice

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

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

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

KNOWLE MOORINGS BAKERS LANE, SOLIHULL

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

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

OFF-LINE 20 BOAT MOORINGS NOW OPEN.

GRAND UNION CANAL, BETWEEN BRIDGES 68 & 69 ALONGSIDE ‘THE BLACK BOY’ PUB & RESTAURANT WATER & ELECTRIC PER BERTH, OPEN ALL YEAR, VERY PICTURESQUE & TRANQUIL SETTING, SAFE & SECURE, COMPETITIVE RATES (60ft - £220pm)

TELEPHONE 07813 156950

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

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

MARINAS & MOORINGS 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Northampton Marina The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways Town centre location in park surroundings

Hill Farm Marina

South Stratford Canal The View Restaurant is now fully open www.theview-eat.co.uk

Call us on 0208 026 0890 or 07867 580129 to arrange a visit or to make an enquiry.

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm www.visitanglianwaterways.org www.northamptonmarina.co.uk

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

• Enjoy private access to a traditional 200 acre beef and sheep farm • Dogs run free in designated areas.

• Watch the changing seasons, the wildlife and the animals on the farm • Enjoy the complete peace, freedom and tranquillity of being in the countryside • Access some great lock free cruising for day trips, weekend or longer voyages • Easy access to motorway network, buses and trains • Onsite laundry, Hairdressers • Members benefit with a discount at our popular Restaurant

It goes without saying....

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

• Free unlimited WIFI • Electricity and water connections • Pump-out, fuel, coal, wood and gas available

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

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

Prime mooring’s in the centre of Birmingham’ Canal system. Secure site, with all services available, and easy access to the lively city of Birmingham.

Just a 2 minuet walk, to the fantastic night life of Restaurants, clubs and bars, Places of interest, the International Convention Centre, also known as the ICC, off the famous board street, in Birmingham, the new library, the Cresent theatre, The Ikon gallery for art, all just a short walk away, 3- 4 minutes, All public services are available from the streets outside and you can jump on the tram from Board street. Wolverhampton, or to new street. The choice is yours.

Mooring in sherborne wharf, is quiet and peaceful, with long term residents, who have established a life here in the Marine. We are an established Company, who have been here in Birmingham for over 30yrs, friendly neighbours who get together and enjoy summer evenings on the towpath socialising, sharing the evening sun and a drink, responsibly, Service’s are based on the main line outside the round house and Distillery Pub, with a small chandlery, coal, diesel, Gas and pump out availabe on a daily basis, please note pump outs are not allowed after 11.30am, the facilities are small but can supply you with what you need.

We have no onsite parking, however parking can be found, to rent with in the access to the site and around the Marina privately.

Boat services, we have a dry dock that can be hired, for blacking, surveys, or mechanical work required. We have the contact for boat surveys’ gas inspections and repairs should they be required.

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

28 MARINAS & MOORINGS

November 2024

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CAEN HILL MARINA • 248 berths located on Kennet & Avon canal • Near to Devizes Wiltshire T: 01380 827062 E: caenhill@land-water.co.uk

EAST MIDLANDS BOAT SERVICES - WILLOW MOORINGS Moorings Available for cruisers and narrowboats at £4.60 per foot, per month.

Residential moorings available at £325.00 per month for Narrowboats only.

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

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

01509 672385 www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE MARINA • 250 berths located on river Avon • 10 mins walk from Stratford-upon-Avon

Kegworth, DE74 2EY

• Rise and Fall pontoons • Waters & elec hook ups to each berth

HAREFIELD MA HAREFIELD MARINA ARINA

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

• Free wi-fi • Laundry • Showers • Fuel sales • Pump out • Lakeland Leisure boat brokerage T: 07714 095005 E: shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

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

NORTHWICH QUAY • 50 berths located on river Weaver • Centre of Northwich, Cheshire T: 07967 461038 E: northwich@land-water.co.uk 200 secure, non residential rural moorings in secluded countryside setting 5 mins from M25/M40.

One days cruising from the Thames.

At the heart of the Shropshire Union

TTouring ouring Park park

Holiday LWagons odges Glamping

Long and short term moorings

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Coole Lane, Audlem, Cheshire, CW5 8AY telephone 01270 812677

fully serviced moorings engineering workshop cafe

MARINAS & MOORINGS / PRODUCTS & SERVICES 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

ONE OF LEICESTERSHIRES HIDDEN GEMS AND A HAVEN FOR PEACE AND QUIET

www.leicestermarina.co.uk

Berthing available for leisure and winter moorers Please enquire for prices: 0116 2606166 or office@raynswayproperties.co.uk

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

One stop shop for all your boating needs

The marina offers you: • Diesel • Gas • Coal • Pump out and Elsan • Laundrette • Shower/Toilet Block • Paint bay

DRY DOCKING AND BLACKING from £20.00 per foot.

Liveaboards are welcomed

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

Leicester Marina, Pinfold Road, Thurmaston LE4 8AS

TURN TO

PAGE 5

TO VIEW 1 RANGE OF OUR BOAT FOR SALE S

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

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

PYRFORD & HARTFORD INLAND MARINAS

PROTECT YOUR BOAT THIS WINTER WINTER MOORING OFFERS ON THE RIVER WEY & RIVER GREAT OUSE With premium marina facilities and two fantastic locations, we have the perfect place for your boat to see out the winter months as safely and conveniently as possible.

Protect your boat from flooding and cold weather, as well as gaining access to the warm, friendly boating communities at Hartford Marina on the River Great Ouse or Pyrford Marina on the River Wey. Whether you have a narrowboat, widebeam, barge, or river cruiser, our facilities are ideal for all. Take advantage of our short-term winter tariff to protect your boat this season.

CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK YOUR WINTER BERTH

HARTFORD MARINA, RIVER GREAT OUSE

Onsite parking Electricity and water to your berth Launderette, showers and toilets Staff onsite 7 days a week Onsite or closeby restaurants Easy transport links to major towns and cities PYRFORD MARINA, RIVER WEY

01480 454677

01932 340739

hartfordmarina@tingdene.net

pyrfordmarina@tingdene.net

30 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

• CHANDLERY / SERVICING • RED DIESEL / GAS • COAL / LOGS • ELSAN / PUMP OUT • POLY TUNnEL HIRE • HOLIDAYS www.WARWICKSHIRENARrOWBOATHIRE.coM / TELEPHONE: 01926 411911

MOoRINGS AVAILABLE NOW

PLEASE NOTE:

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

01827 313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

NARROW FURNITURE FOR NARROWBOATS

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+ 5 & " – ( 2 " 2 " 1$ $# – Long term moorings available.

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Prepare for the boating season 9” x 6” Chrome Louvre vent £19.95. Other sizes available.

Rain caps and chimneys available from stock

Integrated fridge - £742.00, Integrated freezer - £740.00 delivered

4 x 4 ltr Elsan Blue £65.00

Mooring accessories in stock

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Your needs . . .

Seagoing

Saildrives

Inland Waterways

Marine Generating Sets

Spares & Support

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

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

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

D I E S E L

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

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

REDUCE CO2 BY 90%! Compatible for continuous use with HVO fuel.*

H Y B R I D

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

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

E L E C T R I C

NEW Beta 14 E-Drive, 14kW constant electrical propulsion power.

Fully integratable with 48v battery management inverter charger systems.

Fully integratable with BetaGen/BetaSet generators.

5 year self-service warranty, recreational use only terms & conditions apply.

. . . our tailored solutions delivering reliability and peace of mind

www.betamarine.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1452 723492 Email: sales@betamarine.co.uk

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

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

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

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Southampton Boat Show P40 Holidays and Leisure Bilge filter options P41 Multi-fuel stove safety

Crick Boat Show has new headline sponsor for 25th anniversary

THE Crick Boat Show has a new sponsor as Haven Knox-Johnston, the boat insurance specialist, has agreed a three-year deal from next year, which will see investment in the event.

The show, which takes place in May, will now be called Crick Boat Show sponsored

by Haven Knox-Johnston.

The new title sponsorship agreement takes Haven Knox-Johnston’s relationship with the show to a new level through increased investment and extra resource to enable the much-loved event to grow from strength to strength in 2025 and beyond.

Paul Knox-Johnston, Haven Knox-Johnston’s marketing manager, said: “Crick Boat Show is always a highlight of our year and when the opportunity arose to further increase our support of the show for 2025 we

jumped at the chance. It aligns perfectly with our focus on being actively involved in boating communities via our new Haven K-J Life Collective. Watch this space as we have many exciting plans as part of this sponsorship.”

The Crick Boat Show has a new headline sponsor as insurance company Haven Knox-Johnston agrees a three-year deal. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Crick Boat Show was launched in 2000

by British Waterways (now Canal & River Trust) and has become a mecca for the inland waterways scene every year since.

Peter Johns, Crick Boat Show director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working even more closely with Haven Knox-Johnston.

“Its sponsorship of Favourite Boat in Show for four years and more recently Trade & Preview Day means that this feels like a natural progression.

“Haven Knox-Johnston’s creative input will help us to continue to develop the show with new ideas as we head into what will be the 25th Crick Boat Show in 2025.”

Waterways World, the biggest selling and longest-established inland waterways magazine, took over organisation of the show in 2011 and has overseen its development with new features and attractions continuously added to expand the show’s appeal.

For more information visit https:// www.crickboatshow.com/

Green credentials boost for Worcestershire boat hire firm

By Lucy Wood

A POLITICIAN swapped parliament for the waterways when he took a short trip on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to launch a new electric boat.

Bradley Thomas, the MP for Bromsgrove and the Villages, was the VIP guest of ABC Boat Hire at Alvechurch Marina in Worcestershire, where he officially launched the company’s new electric day boat, Fun Day. He said: “As well as being an important place for wildlife, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal makes an important contribution to the local economy, generating tourism, canalside and boating businesses and jobs. It was interesting to learn that nationally there are now more boats on Britain’s canal network than during the Industrial Revolution, including more than 1000 boats for holiday and day hire.

“I’m delighted to see this exciting new electrically powered boat that will be available for people to hire here on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, for both local people and visitors

By Lucy Wood

the range and speak to members of the Water Freedom team. Products and spares are now available

Water Freedom’s systems take water from a canal or river and purify it to provide an unlimited source of water suitable for baths, showers, laundry and washing dishes.

PHOTO: WATER FREEDOM

from the chandlery, while installations and servicing for the company’s systems can be pre-booked, which will enable boaters to have Water Freedom systems fitted or serviced while their boats are in for blacking or other work.

“For the past 15 years, the Aqueduct marina and chandlery has been an important hub for the local boating community,” said Tom Raines, chandlery manager. “Twelve months ago, the management team at Aqueduct took a strategic decision to seek to do better than the average chandlery’s selection of ropes, fenders and mooring pins, and to search out and stock highly innovative products that solve problems and deliver great value. Water Freedom’s

products fit perfectly with this ethos.”

Wat e r F re e d o m’s founder, John Howard, added: “We have offered national service with our own engineers for a few years now, but have been conscious of the need for boaters to be able to see and order our systems from their local chandlery and be able to pick up spares such as filters locally.

“Aqueduct’s Nantwich location on the Middlewich B r a n c h , r u n n i n g b e t w e e n the Trent & Mersey and the Shropshire

to the area – helping to boost our local economy and tourism sector.”

The 36ft narrowboat accommodates up to 10 people and 2024 day hire prices start at £99. It features a toilet, indoor and outdoor seating, and a kitchen area with induction hob, sink and microwave.

Haley Hadley, ABC Leisure Group’s marketing and sales director, added: “Britain’s beautiful network of inland waterways is important for biodiversity, and the wildlife that you can see is one of the things that makes holidays and days out on the canals so appealing.

“We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our holidays and Fun Day is the fifth electric day boat to be added to our fleet.

“The boat uses products from our Onboard Energy Direct off-grid energy range, including lithium batteries and a Beta Marine 10kW motor engine. Electric engines are very quiet so day boaters can hear more of the sounds of the countryside and woodlands surrounding them.”

MP Bradley Thomas experiencing a trip on Fun Day along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. PHOTO: ABC BOAT HIRE

North West Water Freedom sales and service partner appointed WATER Freedom has announced a partnership with Aqueduct Marina in Cheshire to provide sales, installation and service facilities for its products in the North West.

The company’s systems take water from a canal or river and purify it to provide an unlimited source of water suitable for baths, showers, laundry and washing dishes. For those who want to drink or cook with the water, Water Freedom’s Pure system provides water guaranteed to be cleaner than any mains tap water anywhere in the world.

The new partnership was officially welcomed at an open day at Aqueduct’s chandlery in Church Minshull, Nantwich, where visitors were able to view

P42 P44

Union in the heart of North West’s incredible canal network, is an ideal spot for a sales and service hub for Water Freedom products. We were attracted

by Aqueduct’s friendly and professional team and the comprehensive range of services available at the site.”

Water Freedom’s Pure system provides water guaranteed to be cleaner than any mains tap water anywhere in the world.

PHOTO: WATER FREEDOM

Ranjit brings enthusiasm and knowledge to his new Canal & River Trust role BIRMINGHAM-based Ranjit Sondhi CBE has been appointed to the Canal & River Trust Board of Trustees.

Living in Birmingham, he has a passionate enthusiasm for the role that canals play within the community.

Mr Sondhi said: “Having lived, studied and worked in an increasingly diverse Birmingham for over 50 years, I know at first hand just how much difference the city’s canals can make to the quality of life of all its communities.”

Ranjit Sondhi CBE has joined the Canal & River Trust board of trustees. IMAGE SUPPLIED

40

November 2024

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A first for the waterways

Phil Pickin reacquainted himself with the Southampton International Boat Show, which he had not attended for many years. He found that, for the first time, the waterways had a presence at this well-known event.

WHEN it comes to the waterways, the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) isn’t the first event that comes to mind for many members of the waterways community. Sure, the show does provide visitors with an opportunity to see a wide range of products that would be equally at home at the coast as they would on the canals, but until now, the canals rarely had a dedicated stand at the show.

But over the middle two weeks of September Mayflower Park on the banks of the River Test and in the shadow of the cruise ships waiting to embark on journeys to far-off lands, the show had two ‘narrowboats’ nestled between the predominantly white yachts, power boats and motor cruisers. I put the word narrowboats in quotes as there was only one true narrowboat on display – a 60ft cruiser stern built by Knights Narrowboats, who are based at Aqueduct Marina in Cheshire. But in addition to this was one of the many workboats built for Canal & River Trust by the engineering team at Aqueduct.

This boat also provided CRT with an opportunity to provide a display outlining the work the charity does to an audience that may rarely have any dealings with it.

Located on one of the main routes from the entrance, the display may not have been the ideal place for the 100,300 visitors to The Knights Narrowboat attracted attention from boat show see the boats, as many visitors. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN may have passed by without taking a closer look, but the idea behind the location was to catch them when they went out.

According to Glenn Knight of Knights Narrowboats, it seems to have been reasonably successful, with a good number of people stopping off to have a look.

This is despite the Knights boat not being open for walkthroughs. While I was on site, there did seem to be some genuine interest in both boats.

Broad appeal

The Princess Royal during her visit on the first day of the show. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

As you might expect, boats of all shapes and sizes were on show. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

As for the show itself, there was, as usual, a wide range of boats on show, from relatively low-cost dinghies to multi-million-pound gin palaces. But in addition to the boats on show were the many exhibition stands selling anything from insurance to outboards. And as with shows like Crick, the emphasis did seem to be on sustainability for many products – many of which would be of interest to boaters regardless of the water being salty or fresh!

Products include a number of new electric motors, both inboard and outboard. It seems that more and more of these types of power units enter the market as the months go by. Well-known names like Beta Marine, Vetus, Eberspacher and Victron exhibited alongside many, many others including Mactra Marine Equipment, a new name to many but one we featured after seeing its new hy d ro g e n -p ow e re d electricity generator at Aqueduct Marina’s Boat Even earlier this year.

As many will have already seen by the time this is published, HRH The Princess Royal toured the event Victron Energy – on the first day and met, among many others, a name familiar Robert Parton, MD of to many on the waterways. PHOTO: Aqueduct Marina in PHIL PICKIN his role as president

Both boats were located on one of the main routes into the Southampton Boat Show.

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

The CRT workboat was popular with the visitors. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

felt that the show was not for them, now they may feel slightly more encouraged to head south next year. And for the boating community in the south, the hope is that they, too, will be encouraged to look north and consider a boating break on the waterways. Whether this turns out to be the case remains to be seen, and it would be foolish to judge the The Mactra stand with its hydrogen-fuelled generators. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN effectiveness of such a strategy on just one of British Marine, organiser of the event. Shortly event. But let’s hope the presence of narrowboats after the official opening of the boat show, the and their associated businesses at events of this new organiser of BoatLife, Pendingo Events, held type encourages more people to visit. a lunchtime meeting to outline its plans for the With the waterways’ ongoing struggle for next show at the NEC in February 2025. Anthony funding, the more people you can get to fight their Mitchell from Pendingo told the audience that there corner, the better. would be a lot of interesting new additions to next year’s show, including a canal! Quite how this will look remains to be seen, but if the event is as good as Anthony Mitchell describes, it will be impressive.

Looking forward

After the boat show closed, Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, owner and operator of the show, said: “As we look ahead to 2025, we’re committed to continuing the evolution of the show, bringing fresh concepts, cutting-edge boats, and even more opportunities for everyone to connect with life on the water. We’re already cultivating a whole host of new ideas that will completely reimage the show for the 56th edition, which will take place from September 19 to 28, 2025.”

This year's SIBS event was notable for a number of reasons, not least of which was the inclusion of the canal boats, as in doing this, the attempt was to tempt people both ways. For those who live and cruise in the north of the UK, and who may have

Although not open to everyone, a few people managed to take a closer look at the Knights boat on show. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Robert Parton and other dignitaries opened the show at Mayflower Park. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Bilge filters – what are the options?

41

It may not be the most interesting or inspiring of subjects, but with minds firmly fixed on keeping our environment clean and with legislation in place to ensure things improve, Phil Pickin looks at what options are available.

BOAT Safety Scheme rules say that boats with electric bilge pumps need to have a filtration system in place, and currently, there are only two products on the market that meet the requirements.

One of those is Wavestream, a product that has been used by one of CRT’s workboat builders for a number of years, Aqueduct Marina. Robert Parton, managing director of Aqueduct Marina, has noticed the change in the water in the marina at the beginning of the season. He said that the usual early season boating activities inadvertently result in water contamination. “When boaters are getting their craft prepared for the season, there’s lots of maintenance and work taking place.

Engines which may not have been run for many months are being started, bilges pumped and tanks emptied and refilled ready for use,” he said. Living onsite at the marina during lockdown, he has noticed the water is gradually becoming clearer. “My hope is that we can try and maintain a reduced level of contamination while still enjoying our boating activities.”

The majority of water contamination is the result of small amounts of pollution from oil and other tiny particles of waste, such as paint flakes, microplastics and other dirty particles being pumped out of the bilges or by grey water waste going overboard.

Robert continued: “Generally, boaters are very respective of the environment and do not want to cause pollution. But even when being careful, it happens, and it causes low levels of surface pollution such as ‘blueshine’. This is when spills of oil or diesel can be seen on the water's surface.

“Generally, boaters are very respective of the environment and do not want to cause pollution. But even when being careful, it happens, and it causes low levels of surface pollution such as ‘blueshine’.”

Wavestream system installed on a CRT workboat.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

But more significant are the very tiny waste particles which sink and could be ingested by fish and other wildlife.

Even the tiniest trace of oil pumped out from a bilge will cause environmental damage and is increasingly likely to come to the attention of the Environment Agency. We’re delighted the Canal & River Trust is helping set the highest standards of cleanliness by specifying a bilge filter in its vessels.”

Wavestream filters can be quickly and easily retrofitted into existing inland waterway craft. “We’re seeing more boaters asking for products like this that prevent any pollutants from entering the waterways.

As bilge pumps work automatically, it’s also peace of mind for those whose boats are left unattended, knowing that no matter what, only clean water is being pumped overboard,” said Robert. “We’re seeing more boaters aware of the environmental damage they can cause, and are increasingly using eco-friendly products on board. But ultimately some damage will always be done when grey water is pumped out unless it is filtered first. The Wavebrite system is compact and simple to install. All the boat owner needs to do is change the filter periodically, usually once a year. We’re pleased that affordable products like the Wavestream are now available. These are products that owners can fit themselves, or we can install them at the boatyard when we do normal maintenance and pre-season checks. It’s protecting and safeguarding the environment that we all love to enjoy.”

The BilgeAway products. PHOTO: SUPPLIED composted once used and stops contaminants from entering land environments through landfills. The team behind the BilgeAway system say that “this is a global first because while other filter systems trap hydrocarbons, they fail to decontaminate them and only act as a barrier to pumping hydrocarbons overboard.” The company stated that, with other systems, once the filter is blocked and fully used, the damaging hydrocarbons contained within it must be disposed of. Traditional filters typically transfer the problem to a landfill site, where contaminants can re-enter the environment.

BilgeAway is designed for use with standard bilge water contamination levels. It is not intended to deal with bilge areas that are subject to major hydrocarbon leakage (fuel/oil leak). The 10in filter max capacity is 0.45 litres of hydrocarbon. Once this limit is exceeded, hydrocarbons will pass through the filter untreated. Major hydrocarbon leaks should be dealt with separately and the filter cartridge replaced after any incident.

Despite the timing of its launch, BilgeAway has

BilgeAway

What can happen when oil pollutes the waterways. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Wavestream isn’t the only option when it comes to the filtration of bilge water. BilgeAway was launched in 2019 by the River Canal Rescue team, who have only recently started to market the product again after the Covid pandemic.

BilgeAway was developed by RCR in conjunction with Harena to produce what RCR’s MD, Stephanie Horton, says is “the world’s first truly environmentally friendly hydrocarbon filtration solution.” The product is designed to extract hydrocarbons such as petrol, diesel and engine oil that may have contaminated water with the product sitting between the bilge pump and the outlet to filter and remove the hydrocarbon content and renders it non-reactive (non-harmful). Stephanie explained: “All automatic bilge pumps must use a filter before discharge, and this has to be proven to reduce hydrocarbons to less than 5ppm – only ours and Wavestreams currently meet this.” She went on to say that, in her opinion, “everyone should have an automatic bilge pump fitted as it protects the vessel if you even leave the boat”.

The filter media from a BilgeAway filter can be

The Wavestream system. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

proved to be popular with the BSS, driving sales.

According to Stephanie: “The clear and positive impact on the environment does not appear to be a factor in customer choice—we had specifically priced the unit and the refills to ensure there was no obstacle to everyone using them as the amount of pollution from bilges is incredible.” It is her understanding that the amount of oil spilled is “equivalent to an oil tanker spill.”

That fact alone should be enough to motivate anyone to install an electric bilge pump and fit a good quality filter. The choice, at the end of the day, will be down to personal preference between one that actively extracts hydrocarbons to allow the filtration medium to be composted or to opt for a filtration system that will, like oil soak-up mats, need to be changed when they become clogged.

For more information, visit www.bilgeaway. co.uk or www.waveinternational.co.uk/ wavestream.html

42 HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

November 2024

Top 10 Aqueducts

A narrowboat crossing the Avoncliff Aqueduct. PHOTO: NESSINO - CC BY-SA 3.0

Edstone Aquaduct, Stratford Canal, Warwickshire. PHOTO: ADE62 - CC BY-SA 3.0

Chirk Aqueduct on the Welsh border

Rennie, this structure on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath was completed in 1810. It’s a Scheduled Ancient Monument and connects the Kennet & Avon Canal to the Somerset Coal Canal. It can easily be reached from Drifters’ bases at Bath, Monkton Coombe, Bradford on Avon, Hilperton and Devizes.

Also part of the Llangollen Canal World Heritage site, the striking Chirk Aqueduct was completed in 1801. It was designed by William Jessop and Thomas Telford. It is 220 metres long and carries the Llangollen Canal 21 metres high above the River Ceiriog, using 10 circular masonry arches. Narrowboat holidaymakers can easily reach the Chirk Aqueduct from Drifters bases at Chirk, Trevor, Blackwater Meadow, Whitchurch, Wrenbury and Whixall.

The Avon Aqueduct in Scotland

At 247 metres long, the impressive Avon Aqueduct in Scotland is the second longest aqueduct in Britain. It carries the Union Canal 29.5 metres high above the River Avon near Linlithgow. Designed

by Hugh Baird, with advice from Thomas Telford, the aqueduct was constructed between 1819 and 1821. Drifters offers canal boat hire three cruising hours away at Falkirk.

The Iron Trunk Aqueduct in Buckinghamshire

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, near Llangollen, Wales, which carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. PHOTO: DEFACTO - CC BY-SA 4.0 BRITAIN’S 3000-mile canal network is made up of thousands of historic structures, including hundreds of aqueducts.

Aqueducts were originally invented by the Romans, but the idea of a ‘canal in the sky’ was initially ridiculed by the canal builders, concerned about the amount of masonry required to support the weight of the water above.

However, dozens of canal aqueducts went on to be constructed across the canal network and have survived to become some of the most iconic sights on Britain’s waterways.

Drifters has published a guide the top 10 aqueducts for canal boat holidaymakers to glide across:

The Stream in the Sky in North Wales

Standing 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain. Granted UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2009, the aqueduct was designed

by Thomas Telford and completed in 1805. Its 305-metre long cast iron trough is supported by 19 enormous hollow pillars. Ox blood was added to the lime mortar used to bind the masonry together, as it was believed the blood of a strong animal would help strengthen the structure. This aqueduct can easily be reached from Drifters’ bases at Trevor, Chirk, Blackwater Meadow, Whitchurch, Wrenbury and Whixall.

This magnificent engineering structure was the world’s first wide canal cast iron trough aqueduct.

It carries the Grand Union Canal 12 metres high across the River Great Ouse, close to the village of Cosgrove. It was built in 1811 by canal engineer Benjamin Beavan, and is made up of two cast iron trough spans, with a single masonry pier. Drifters’ nearest narrowboat hire base is a five-hour cruise away at Gayton.

Dundas Aqueduct in Somerset

Another Bath stone aqueduct designed by John

Edstone Aqueduct in Warwickshire

Carrying the Stratford Canal across three railway tracks, a minor road, a stream and a field, this 146-metre-long structure is the longest cast iron aqueduct in England. Completed in 1816, it was among the earliest prefabricated structures, made up of 35 separate sections bolted together. It is an hour’s cruise away from Drifters’ narrowboat hire base at Wootton Wawen.

The Lune Aqueduct in Lancashire

This Grade I-listed iconic structure carries the Lancaster Canal 16 metres high above the River Lune. Completed in 1797, it was designed by John Rennie and has five 21-metre-high semi-circular arches. The nearest Drifters base is a week’s cruise away at Acton Bridge in Cheshire.

Nantwich Aqueduct in Cheshire

The impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct offers canal boat holidaymakers panoramic views across the historic market town of Nantwich. It carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A534 Chester Road. It was designed by the famous canal engineer Thomas Telford and completed in 1826.

Drifters’ nearest narrowboat hire base is just two hours away at Bunbury, near Tarporley.

Barton Swing Aqueduct in Greater Manchester

This Grade II* listed structure carries the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal. It opened in 1893 and was the first and only swing aqueduct in the world. Weighing 1450 tonnes, this 100-metre-long aqueduct swings open, full of water, to allow the passage of ships along the Manchester Ship Canal. Drifters’ nearest base is a nine-hour cruise away at Acton Bridge.

Avoncliff Aqueduct in Somerset

Designed by canal engineer John Rennie, the beautiful Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal across the Avon Valley near Bath. It is more than 100 metres long and 18 metres wide and can easily be reached on a canal boat holiday from Drifters’ bases at Bath, Monkton Combe, Bradford on Avon, Hilperton and Devizes.

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Chirk Aqueduct on the Welsh border.

PHOTO: JAMES EMMANS - CC BY-SA 2.0

For more information about Drifters boating holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visit www.drifters. co.uk For more information about visiting the canals go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Crowds flock to first-ever arts festival at Tooley’s Boat Yard, Banbury MUSIC, crafts and comedy were on the agenda for the first-ever arts festival at Tooley’s Boat Yard, Banbury on the Oxford Canal.

Crowds enjoyed 10 days of local and international acts, which coincided with the Banbury Canal Festival.

The emphasis was on people having a go themselves, in whatever art form they wanted. There were prizes for art entries, with boat trips and a blacksmith experience on offer.

Organiser Anna Crockatt said: “We wanted everyone to be involved in the festival – not just the headline acts – so we ran a competition for art of all categories on the theme of Banbury and its canal.”

Highlights of the Tooley Arts Festival on the Oxford Canal, Banbury.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Crowds enjoyed music, comedy, art, crafts and dancing during the event.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 43

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Eco-friendly cooking solution making waves among boat users

By Lucy Wood

BOATERS turning to sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact are discovering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional on-board cooking methods.

Wonderbag is an innovative South African brand which simplifies the often cumbersome and time-consuming process of cooking on boats by allowing users

to prepare meals with minimal supervision, eliminating many health or safety risks.

After bringing the food to a boil, it can be placed in the non-electric Wonderbag, which then continues to cook the food slowly and evenly for up to eight hours without any additional energy input, using the age-old method of heat-retention cooking.

A recent rise in Wonderbag’s

popularity is being largely driven by its practicality, said founder and CEO Sarah Collins. The product’s insulation properties help maintain the temperature of food, making it ideal for the variable climate conditions experienced by boaters who are often exposed to outdoor weather, while handles enhance its portability and convenience, making it useful in confined spaces. It emits no harmful fumes, offering a cooking solution that does not rely on gas, electricity, or other fossil fuels, and by reducing the need for wood burning, it significantly cuts down on air pollution.

“We are thrilled to see Wonderbag becoming an essential part of canal life and are committed to continuing our efforts to bring sustainable solutions to make an impact on people’s lives and the environment.” said Sarah, who created the product in 2008.

Visit www.wonderbagworld.com for more info

Cooking with a Wonderbag saves time and energy consumption. The non-electric Wonderbag can continue heating food for up to eight hours. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Redhill show success The texture should be light and fluffy with a golden-brown colour.

Narrowboat cuisine – a touch of the East

By Kevin Thomas

P E R I O D I C A L LY, and not during any particular season of the year, my good lady, Bren, suggests that maybe a Cape Malay bobotie would make for a pleasant evening meal. And a change from the norm.

Pronounced Ba-Boor-Tea, the recipe can be traced back to the 17th century, and there are two variations as to how the recipe arrived in South Africa. Generally accepted is that it was either brought to the early Cape settlement by the Dutch from one of their Asian colonies, or that it was brought to the Cape colony

Cauliflower and chestnut mushrooms ready for serving with the bobotie and rice.

by Malay slaves, now collectively known as Cape Malays, who later settled permanently in Cape Town. However, and even though the bobotie recipe’s earliest origins may be lost to history, the dish well represents two South African culinary traditions, that of the Cape Malay and Afrikaans boerekos (farmer’s food).

In the main it comprises

A tasty and filling meal of bobotie on rice, with cauliflower and chestnut mushrooms.

savoury curried mincemeat, baked w ith var ious other optional ingredients, including spices.

The baked mincemeat has been likened to moussaka. Historically, the spices are Malayan or Indian. Ideally, a bobotie must be wellbalanced and not too oily or over spiced.

The texture should be light and fluffy with a golden-brown colour.

A truism when it comes to bobotie is that there are probably as many variations as there are cooks. The secret is in being able to find your own favourite ingredient mix, and amount of spices. When preparing your bobotie you need to remember, too, that because it is not a traditional curry dish, there should only be a hint of curry. In Bren’s recipe below, the

ON THE August Bank holiday Redhill Marina celebrated its annual Steam Rally & Vintage car & boat show weekend.

Rallies are a delightful celebration of history, engineering, and community.

These events bring together enthusiasts, families and history buffs to appreciate the beauty and ingenuity of steam-powered machinery that once played a pivotal role in the industrial revolution.

The sights, sounds, and smells of these gatherings transport attendees back in time, offering a unique opportunity to experience a bygone era.

Guests marvelled at an impressive array of steam engines, traction engines, and vintage vehicles. Each machine tells a story of its own – how it was built, the work it accomplished and the role it played in shaping the world we know today.

The intricate craftsmanship

two tablespoons of curry powder may seem a bit on the strong side but this is neutralised by the two tablespoons of vinegar.

Although most folk have their own preferred additional spices, the more commonly included additions are apricot chutney, bay leaves, or crushed lemon leaves, whole

Ingredients

of these machines is a testament to the skill and dedication of their builders.

Attendees witnessed live demonstrations, showcasing the engines in action – puffing clouds of steam and emitting the characteristic chugging sounds that evoke nostalgia.

Community and camaraderie

Beyond the machinery, vintage steam rallies foster a sense of community.

Enthusiasts from all walks of life came together to share their passion for steam power. Conversations flowed freely, as attendees swap stories, tips on restoration, and memories associated with these magnificent machines. Families enjoyed a day out, often participating in activities like steampowered rides, craft stalls, and live entertainment, making it a perfect outing for

almonds and raisins or sultanas.

However, more than anything else, it’s a case of finding your own happy medium. Brenda makes a bobotie to her own basic recipe although it does vary at times, all dependent on what additions to the

850g mincemeat 2 x thick slices of bread soaked in 1 cup of milk 2 x medium sliced onions 2 x tablespoons of vinegar 2 x eggs 2 x tablespoons curry powder 1 x dessertspoon sugar 2 x tablespoons butter

all ages with live music and delicious food and drinks on offer from Redhill Marina bar & cafe.

Preservation of heritage

As technology continues to advance, it’s important to remember and honour the innovations of the past. Vintage steam rallies not only celebrate this heritage but also educate younger generations about the significance of steam power in transforming industries such as agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing.

Workshops and exhibitions often provide insights into the mechanics of steam engines, inspiring curiosity and appreciation for engineering.

Boat show

The Inland Waterways Boat Show typically focuses on boats and activities related to inland waterways, such as rivers and canals.

Manufacturers and dealers showcase their latest boats and boating products. It

main she chooses to use. Normally, it is as follows…

Fry the onions and add curry, sugar, vinegar and the mincemeat.

Thereafter, drain the milk from the bread mixture, mash the mixture with a fork and then add one beaten egg. All of this is then well mixed and placed in a pie dish. Beat the second egg with the drained milk from the bread, season and pour over the mixture, dot with butter, stand in a pan of water at 350F or 180C for 40 minutes. Serve with rice and a chutney of your choice. Enjoy.

features a variety of vessels, from narrow boats and cruisers to canoes and kayaks, as well as accessories, equipment and services relevant to boating on inland waterways.

Attendees can often see live demonstrations of boat handling, safety techniques and equipment. Educational sessions may cover topics such as navigation, maintenance, and environmental stewardship.

It is a chance for boaters to meet each other, share experiences and connect with industry professionals.

The Redhill vintage steam rally, classic car and boat show is more than just an event; it is a vibrant celebration of history, engineering, and community spirit. As people gather to admire these magnificent engineering marvels, we also strengthen our connections to each other and to the rich tapestry of history that shapes our present.

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44

November 2024

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Getting your multi-fuel stove ready for winter

By Ben Sutcliffe-Davies

I’M SURE many of our regular readers will know I’ve often warned of the dangers of multi-fuel stoves on board when left unattended or when occupants are asleep. I make no apology for banging the drum again and will try and remind existing readers, and advise our new readers alike, of the dangers of badly maintained and poorly installed arrangements.

I have, over the last few years, posted a number of YouTube videos of badly fitted stoves on board craft I’ve attended from pre-purchase and insurance claims on my YouTube channel ‘The marine surveyors note book’.

As the nights draw in and winter comes around quickly again, many of the liveaboard owners will be snuggling down on board with a good old fire

Broken fire bricks, failed glass and a really bad rope seal just for starters. Storing flammable liquid next to the stove isn’t advised either.

in a multi-fuel stove.

I'm sure many of the stalwarts who have lived on the system for several winters will have done the seasonal checks to make sure they are safe. However, there are always new live-aboarders and some owners trying to extend the season of use. From about mid-January to the end of March, as a surveyor I will on average attend between four and six burned-out craft where the cause was the multifuel stove igniting items either positioned too close or the flue has set fire to the cabin linings!

In most incidents I attend, the causation Cracked collars should not be filled with fire cement. very often comes down PHOTOS: BEN SUTCLIFFE-DAVIES to one of two issues, either a poorly fitted or poorly maintained unit. provides good clear safety information as well as covering many of the good practices involved, Hints and tips including how the stoves should be fitted and Here are a few tips again to keep you, the crew and maintained. your vessel all safe this winter. I should also point While there are hundreds of units out there that out, there is a wealth of website links out there to are well fitted and maintained, the ones I regularly see where a fire on board has started were often research the right ways to use and fit a stove. Last when a stove has been left unattended, banked up year I was kindly invited to see the roll-out from Hetas, which is based in Gloucester, and has put and then started to ‘overfire’. This very often is when together an excellent scheme of fully approved the winds have built up, making the fire draw almost engineers who have been trained to install multilike a blacksmith’s forge! The unit will become fuel stoves on boats. It’s well worth looking at incredibly hot and anything in close proximity will combust! There are very clear recommended its information and considering having a stove fitted professionally (www.hetas.co.uk/hetas-godistances (600mm) from any combustible materials boating). There is also loads of information on for the unit; however when surveying these are rarely met. The classic examples are curtains and the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) website that also

electrical sockets. Often the issues of burning wet timber that releases creosote deposits cause the stack to tar up and then catch fire too, so regularly check the stack and stove, avoid burning wet timber and try not to leave a unit unattended. If you have to leave the craft, ensure the air supply is restricted on the unit. Regularly check the rope seal has good contact and is not worn, the glass isn’t cracked and the stack is kept clean.

If you are on board, prevention is better than having to deal with an ‘overfiring’ so try and avoid overfilling the stove, especially in windy weather, and restrict the stove’s airflow. At this point, I’m assuming you have both a carbon monoxide alarm and a smoke alarm that are regularly checked, and you have an exit plan. One good tip is having a fire blanket near the stove that will give you some personal protection if your only exit is past the stove. If the stove becomes out of control try as soon as possible to reduce any airflow, shutting the stove’s vents plus closing all doors and windows etc will help. Some do suggest damp towels applied to the cabin air vents and the stove; this I have seen fail when the towel then caught fire too!

Watering down the cabin roof is prudent but it’s essential not to get any down the stack. Ensuring everyone gets off the craft while the fire starves itself of oxygen is often the best method and don’t be tempted to open the firebox door.

The second regular cause of a stove fire is both from the hearth not being large enough to prevent hot materials from falling out and starting a fire instantly on the carpet or other items. Regularly, the glass has cracked and gone unnoticed until red hot material falls out unchecked or the classic one of when opening the door to put more fuel on some charred remains just happen to fall out! There are suggested distances of 225mm directly in front of the door area and at least 150mm to the sides that should be non-combustible material. Ideally there should be an upstand as well.

So as we go through this year please make sure if you use a multi-fuel stove you use it with the respect it deserves and remember it will get very hot. Please keep warm and safe this winter!

New name enters electric propulsion market

Winner of the IWA’s Sustainable Boating Commercial Award, Mothership Marine, has recently launched a new business to build on its success. Phil Pickin spoke to Mothership’s MD, Tim Knox, to find out more.

MOTHERSHIP Marine first took its electrically propelled narrowboat Shine to Crick in 2019. Since that time, the marketplace for electric propulsion has continued to expand, fuelled (if that is the right term) by the acknowledgement of the need to decarbonise all aspects of our lives, including the waterways. As a result of all the experience gained since the company was formed in Australia in 2013 before it moved to the UK, it is now taking its next steps by building its range of propulsion units.

Tim Knox, Mothership Marine’s MD and former member of the Merchant Navy, describes himself as a serial experimenter who continually tries out new ways to overcome problems and improve the way things are done. This curiosity led him to examine the configuration of electric motors, propellers and control systems.

In many ways, the solution he came up with harks back to the days when lower rpm engines turned large props far more slowly than many modern engine/ prop configurations. Container ships’ propellers turn at between 50 and 120rpm.

The result of all this development and experimentation is Törkmar Ltd, which operates from the same group of former Fairline workshops at Oundle Marina near Peterborough. In workshops next to those used to build the Mothership narrowboats, the small team, which includes Tim’s son, a PhD engineer, has been recruited to help out with a number

The Törkmar motor installed.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

of technical developments. In addition to the help from family, Tim also acknowledges the financial investment being made in the new company by a US investor. A possible indicator of new markets for the products that are currently aimed at waterways customers.

Based around Permanent Magnet AC Motors (PMAC) manufactured in Europe, the units are married with the company's own control system that can be monitored from any location with an internet connection if configured to do so.

The unique aspect of Torkmar’s approach is based on reducing excessive and localised thrust, i.e. too much power hitting a small area. Sometimes this is called ‘overspeed’. High overspeed = low propulsive efficiency, conversely low overspeed = high propulsive efficiency.

Overspeed is overcome by large,

slow-moving propellers which spread thrust more evenly in the water.

A large propeller, moving the water more slowly, creates less turbulence or fewer eddies and reduces vacuums, which would otherwise create cavitation (the enemy of efficiency). The result is a quieter propulsion system that uses less energy, which in turn means that the power stored in the boat's batteries lasts that much longer. The fitting of a suitably sized prop is all important. With small props needing to move faster to move the water faster, they use more energy.

Conversely, larger props can be turned more slowly and move the water slower, thus creating less disturbance and less drag. As a result, they are more efficient.

However, and this is where Törkmar steps in, the motor needs to be capable of turning such a large propeller.

With increased efficiency comes an increased range, and with it, the need to use generators or other external charging is reduced. This reduction could potentially be to a level that would see the boat being self-sufficient if fitted with enough high-output solar panels.

However, one of the biggest arguments against the move to electric propulsion is cost, and this will continue to be the case due to a number of factors, including the cost of the battery bank required for this type of installation. The Törkmar units are available from £12k.

This price includes much of the ancillary equipment needed but excludes the batteries and the installation of a generator (if required) or solar panels.

In addition to price considerations, another often-heard argument is the difficulties in installing systems like these on boats already fitted with

diesel engines. Tim insists that the Törkmar units are straightforward to fit, something that may come as music to the ears of many boat builders.

It will be interesting to see how Törkmar does up against some wellestablished manufacturers in this sector, but with the need to work towards a more sustainable and environmentally

less damaging future, there is a need for more innovators in this field. With all of this development being undertaken

by Tim and his team, it’s not difficult to see why Mothership Marine attracted the attention of the judges for the IWA’s Sustainable Boating Awards.

For more information visit www. torkmar.com

The workshop where the Törkmar units are manufactured.

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46 BUILDERS

November 2024

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BUILDERS 47

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BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

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Soar Valley - Galaxy Class 60 – 2018 60 x 12 Soar Valley Steel Boats Galaxy Class Widebeam. Vetus 65hp.

Constructed in standard 10-6-4 steel, this liveaboard cruiser is ideal for a couple downsizing. £139,995

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale

Dunstons of Thorne - 61 Sheffield Keel – 1952 Sheffield Keel by Dunstons of Thorne. Powered by a 4cyl 4L BMC with a PRM Gearbox. Over-plated in Feb 2024, she is presented and an ideal liveaboard project £29,999

SOLD

Tim Tyler 50’ Narrowboat. Louis & Joshua Lined and owner fit out in good order. 2 berths, ideal for couple to cruise the waterways. Blacked September 2024, ready to go! Located Boroughbridge Marina. Viewing essential! £47,995 P & D Boats - Sea Hunter Viper – IN STOCK Brand New 2023 P & D Boats Sea Hunter Viper rigged with a Tohatsu 30hp outboard and snugly sat on a galvanised road trailer. £14,995 REDUCED TO SELL

Seamaster Commodore 28. 1973 Perkins 48hp 4107 Diesel. Well presented for her age, this aft cabin cruiser is ideal for a family boat with 4 single berths in 2 cabins. Complete with heating, she is ready to be used.

BSS 2028 Located Boroughbridge Marina. £13,995

Four Winns 205 Sundowner. 1997. Single Volvo Penta 5.7 V8. Excellent condition cuddy cabin cruiser, perfect for weekends away, currently lying Boroughbridge Marina. £13,995

Salter Bros - 30 Sedan – Well presented Salter Brothers 30’ ex-broads cruiser with 32hp BMC Diesel engine on hydraulic drive. Believed commissioned in 1980, this 30’ sedan is spacious and ideal for a family for holidays £19,995

Colvic - 26 Northerner – Very Well presented Colvic Northerner 26’ River Cruiser. Refurbished in 2020 to a high standard, this well respected cruiser has had very little use in its 50 year history! Powered by BMC 1.5 Diesel on shaft. £12,995

50 BROKERAGE

November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Tel: (01788) 891373 Fax: (01788) 891436

Braunston Marina Ltd The Wharf Braunston Nr. Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 7JH

On the Internet: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk

FOR SALE ADAM’S DOOBIE

REDUCED £29 950

36ft /10.98m Cruiser 1977, Hull by Springer, Fit Out by Owner, 2 Berth

ZION

£35,950

40ft /12.2m Cruiser Style 1977, Hull by Hancock and Lane, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE

FOR SALE LADY VIOLET

£59 950

60ft /18.3m Trad Style 1991, Hull by Colecraft, F/O by Owner, Russel Newbery DM2 Engine, 2 + 4 Berth

£33,000

45ft /13.72m Trad 1987, Hull by Colecraft, Fit Out by Colecraft, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE

FOR SALE CHILLI PEPPER

CUT DIAMOND

£54 950

MANATEE

£35 950

57ft /17.38m Cruiser 2010, Hull by Orchard Boat Builders, Fit Out by Orchard Boat Builders, 2/4 Berth

42ft /12.8m Cruiser Stern 1999, Hull by MCC Stenson, Fit Out by MCC Stenson 2/4 Berth

REDUCED

REDUCED

HONEY B

£55,950

56ft /17.07m Cruiser Stern 2004, Hull by Reeves, Fit Out by Aynho Port Dock Services, 2/4 Berth

GAIA

£34 950

42ft /12.80m Trad Style 1998, Hull & Fit Out by Venetian, 2/4 Berth

THEREARE MANY GOOD REASONSWHYYOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELLYOUR BOAT.....

Here are just two:  

We have a proven record for high and quick turnover of boat sales founded on our famous and prominent location An excellent and efficient purchasing procedure for our buyers backed up by our comprehensive boatyard facilities and services, and attentive, caring staff.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE THIS SEASON

A SMALL NUMBER OF WIDE BERTH MOORINGS ARE AVAILABLE! • Moorings • Narrowboat Sales • Steelwork by Arrangement • Chandlery • Pump Out • Laundrette • Diesel • Calor Gas • Dry & Wet Docks • Blacking • DIY Facilities • Engine Repairs & Servicing • Painting & Signwriting • Rope Fenders • Refits & Alterations

BROKERAGE 51

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

New stock arriving shortly

UNDER OFFER REF 10570 – Abel’s Ark. 45 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £34,950.00

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values

RE 10572 – Lilybel.

65 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £67,950.00

SOLD REF 10573 - Daisy.

30 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £29,999.00

REF 10574 - Calluna.

34 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £29,500.00

REF 10575 - Home Free.

60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £69,950.00

REF 10577 - Tilly Ho Jo. 62 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £64,950.00

UNDER OFFER

REF 10578 – Daisy 2.

35 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £22,950.00

REF 10579 - Horace.

8 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. £53,950.00

SOLD REF 10580 - Perfick.

56 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £26,950.00.

REF 10581 - Lincoln 70 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £44,950.00.

REF 10582 - Derwent.

70 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £39,950.00.

10583 - Wright Away.

50 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £41,950.00.

52 BROKERAGE

November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

BUY, SELL OR MOOR WITH US

Upgrade your lifestyle...

NEW FLOATING LODGES AT SELECTED LAKELAND LEISURE MARINAS. DISCOVER THE PERFECT BALANCE OF LUXURY, SPACE AND PRACTICALITY - A NEW WAY TO ENJOY LIFE ON THE WATER!

“HIGHGROVE” - £POA - 1 YEARS FREE MOORING 58FT CRUISER STERN | ROYDON MARINA

NEW SHEARWATER 60 - £129,950 60FT CRUISER STERN | TATTENHALL MARINA

COLLINGWOOD LINED SAILAWAY - £84,950 60FT NARROW SAILAWAY | SHAKESPEARE

“LADY MARJORIE” - £59,995 68FT CRUISER STERN | SAUL JUNCTION

“WORTHY EMPRESS” - £54,000 56FT SEMI TRAD | CAEN HILL MARINA

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Visit lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk to browse our full range of boats

07513 708099

07354 902086

07534 655702

07748 036638

07585 956804

SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | NORTHWICH: 07585 956804 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

BROKERAGE 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

GUARANTEE DELIVERY

TPT delivered to your door for only £1.67 an issue Issue 171, January 2020

TALK

all waterways users

TOWPATH

read for FREE The UK’s Number ONE

96 PAGES

FREE INSIDE

2020 YEAR PLANNER YOUNG VOLUNTEER EARNS AWARD

Winter waters

P3

NEW APPEAL FOR PRESIDENT

P4

NARROWBOAT’S UNUSUAL CARGO

p24

Narrowboats moored on the Leeds

West & Liverpool Canal at Parbold, W

By Janet Richardson

BOAT TREKKER AT FINAL FRONTIER

P25

FOR BREAKING NEWS & BOATS FOR SALE visit our website

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ATS FOR SALE A BOATS Starts on

P63

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 op Team award which has been Top kT 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

rr. The 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 all Chandlers at Braunston and finalists will receive a £100 donation towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

alk.

Tal tth T 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 the Chesterton told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats on for about five Field, Fen Ditton, and this went were injuries no 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 and suspicious be to appear not The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT FREE SPIRIT - An impressive 52ft Cruiser designed by Harry Holgate! Featuring recently renovated interiors, a robust Perkins engine, a cozy Valor stove, and contemporary amenities, this vessel is perfect for your journeys. With four berths, a fully equipped galley, and a valid BSC until 2026, this cruiser is primed for your next adventure. Come aboard today!

To save you having to track down a copy every month, take advantage of our special offer

£39,950 CARSINGTON WATER - Uncover the breathtaking Carsington Water, a 50ft Semi-Trad boat waiting for your next adventure! Equipped with a Vetus 33hp engine, it features contemporary comforts such as a fully-equipped galley, hot water, and accommodations for four. With a BSC valid until 2028, it’s time to set sail and explore the waterways today!

£57,950

Delivery from just £20

BADGER - A beautiful 60-foot traditional canal boat crafted by Colecraft! Enjoy a cozy cruising experience powered by a reliable Morris 48hp engine, featuring two heating stoves and a fully equipped galley. Accommodating up to six people comfortably, it offers modern amenities for your convenience. Ready for adventure until 2024, the Badger welcomes you aboard—your floating escape is just around the corner!

This great deal means you will pay just £1.67 for your copy to be delivered to your home.

That’s cheaper than chips!

PERFECT HARMONY - A wonderful 62-foot semi-trad boat crafted by Reeves. Equipped with a robust Beta 43hp engine, this boat offers comfortable amenities and accommodates six people, making it your ideal getaway on the water. Enjoy the convenience of two bathrooms, a utility area, and a Boat Safety Certificate valid until 2027. Your dream adventure is just around the corner!

£59,950

£74,950

Call 01507 529529

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

QUOTE OFFER CODE: TPT05

www.classicmagazines.co.uk/TPT05

ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

NEWING T LIS

NEWING T LIS

D CE DU RE RICE P

NEWING T LIS

SKYY £72,500 57ft cruiser narrowboat by JD Narrowboats, maintained in pristine condition. Remarkable inventory includes pump-out kit, Dyson, mesh panels for doors and hatch, Lockmaster windlass and spare taff rails. Repainted 2019, 2-pack epoxy on hull. Utility room, bedroom, Ref 1530 bathroom, galley, spacious living area.

NEWING T LIS

LO’A MARI £138,500 57 x 12 beautifully built in 2018 for the boatbuilder himself. Very little used (Beta 60 with102 engine hours) but maintained to impeccable standard. Fully and tastefully furnished. Living area forward, incorporating front cockpit, well equipped galley, single bedroom, bathroom, main bedroom. 2-pack Ref 1526 epoxy on hull. Perfect from end to end.

GREGWELL £35,950 57ft trad style completed in 2011 by the very talented engineer, first owner. A real ‘engineer’s’ boat, built to last with a practical, reverse layout of galley, living area, shower room and bedroom. Functional rather than pretty, but with Ref 1519 everything working as it should.

MR CHARDONNAY £47,500 40ft 2021 cruiser style narrowboat, contemporary, high spec boat with Canaline 38hp, bow thruster and well fitted interior.

Forward cabin with fixed seating converting to an across bed, galley with solid fuel stove, shower room and aft cabin with L-shaped seating converting to double berth. Very Ref 1524 little used hence now being offered for sale.

www.ashboats.co.uk

BLUE MOON £49,950 53ft trad style narrowboat, by Bridgwater Boatbuilders in 1999 and in good condition, with Yanmar 42hp, light oak interior, well painted exterior (Andy Russell) and well equipped. Aft bedroom layout with newly installed shower room, galley and spacious Ref 1529 living area forward. Bsc to 2027.

NARROW ESCAPE £92,500 57ft cruiser style narrowboat, completed early 2022, light an airy modern interior – aft galley, central living area, walk-through bathroom (cassette wc) forward main bedroom. Canaline 38, solar panels, recently epoxy covered hull. V good Ref 1518 condition.

D CE DU RE RICE P

SPECKLED JIM £59,950 70ft Tyler Wilson trad with a high quality oak & ash interior and a perfect layout for a family. Main bedroom aft, shower room, 2 single bedrooms with bunk beds over storage, galley and forward living area. Well equipped, good condition, BSC to Oct ’27.

Ref 1521

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

TOMMY’S DREAM £32,950 40ft cruiser style narrowboat, John White built (we understand) in 1998. Conventional layout, bedroom at the back, shower room with cassette wc, galley and forward lounge with Squirrel stove. Isuzu engine and new BSC.

NEWING T LIS

D CE DU RE RICE P

steve@ashboats.co.uk NEW CONCEPT ex-demo £145,000 60 x 9 Viking style recently completed and offered as an ex-demonstrator, with all relevant guarantees and certificates.

Contemporary and very stylish interior themed in black and white and loaded with too many extras to mention. Aft living area and galley, bathroom and forward Ref 1528 bedroom. High quality and high spec.

BRISTOL FASHION £49,950 50ft Dutch style narrowbeam. Fully refitted (from bare shell) in 2017.

Lovely bright interior with shower forward, bedroom, aft living area of lounge, dining area and galley. Solar, inverter, solid fuel stove, gorgeous wood floor – all new 6 years’ ago.

Ref 1508 Good survey from 2021 available.

D CE DU RE RICE P

Ref 1509

SMOKEY JOE £35,950 50ft semi-trad narrowboat.

John White Fabrications with conventional aft bedroom/ forward living area, with dinette/double. Solid fuel stove plus diesel cent heat. Solar panels, bow thruster etc.

ATLANTIC £89,500 Beautiful 60ft trad, with Gardner 4LK in engine room, Boatmans cabin and well crafted wood interior. Completed 2008 by Black Country inspired craftsmen and offered in excellent condition.

Gorgeous lines and a real Ref 1520 headturner.

54 BROKERAGE

November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking - Base plate blacking now available.

BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage • Diesel Tank Scrubbing and Bug Removal.

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Hull Blacking • Base Plate Blacking • 2 Pack Epoxy Coating • Microbiological Hull Treatments • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys DRY DOCK BOOKINGS AVAILABLE – BOOK YOUR BASE PLATE IN FOR BLACKING TODAY!

BOAT OF THE MONTH

SOLD

SHUGLEY

£49,950

57ft, 1991, North West Narrowboats. A reluctant sale of a very well cared for craft, one owner from new.

Mitsubishi engine, solar panels, central heating, recent hull survey. 10/6/4 steel spec.

RUFUS 3

TA-RA-A-BIT

£38,500

50ft, 1997, Charlie Fox. Cruiser stern. Just arrived, be the first to see.

SARAH JANE

£64,950

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

£49,500

60ft, 1992, Jonathan Wilson, Trad narrowboat with Beta Tug engine. Good Hull survey from Feb 2024.

TRANQUILLITY

£29,950

RAIN DOG

£37,950

SIGRID

£48,500

45ft, circa 1997, Ron Lloyd, traditional.

42ft Trad 4 berth, 1981 by Colecraft. Excellent condition, Hull shotblast and 2 pack epoxy, BSS expires: 11/2025. 1 owner from new very reluctant sale!

CAVALIER

£24,950

Just Arrived. 45ft, 1988, Eggbridge, traditional, BMC 1500, 2 berth, project boat. Full internal pictures and spec coming soon, now available for viewing.

48ft, 2007, Viking Afloat. Just Arrived, very well maintained craft with a versatile 2 + 2 berth layout.

Ideal family boat or for a couple.

VISIT US AT Alvecote Marina, Robeys Lane, Alvecote, Tamworth B78 1AS Tel 01827 898585 narrowcraft@alvecotemarina.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 08.30 - 17.30. Sundays & Mondays by appointment

For latest info and offers, follow us on twitter @AlvecoteMarina ON THE COVENTRY CANAL - ONLY 5 MINS FROM J10 M42 BY ROAD

www.AlvecoteMarina.co.uk

BROKERAGE 55

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

David Mawby Ltd NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 3LX

T: 07721 382619 E: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com W: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisers are available to view by appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experience and 2,500 boats sold.

VIKING 26

£17,995 VIKING 23

Centre Cockpit, Length 26ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1990, 6 Berths in 2 cabins, LIFT OUT COCKPIT SIDE FOR EASY ACCESS, cooker, toilet, shower, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS WITH BLUE PIPING, powered by a Mercury 15hp 4 stroke outboard engine, BSC 2027, original white gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available.

£18995

Length 23ftm Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1990, 4 Berths, cooker, toilet, fridge, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, recent NEW CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS, SIDE LININGS, FLOOR CARPET, excellent canopy, powered by a Suzuki 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine (new 2021), Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

New Viking Cruisers

Show Boats Now Available to view at our indoor showroom.

Prices From £32,995.

Including Outboard Engine PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST OFFERS

SUPERB VIKING 275

£57,995 VIKING 32 CENTRE COCKPIT

Superb Viking 275, Built 2023, HiLine Spec with folding windscreen, Length 27ft6ins, Beam 9ft2 ins, Rear access door, 6 Berths, bow thruster, hot and cold water system, cooker, fridge, shower, cassette toilet, heating, 240 volt mains, etc, powered by a Mariner 40Hp (only 7 hours from new) Bsc 2027, MANY EXTRAS, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles.

£39,995

Length 32ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2016, 6 Berths in 2 cabins, cooker, fridge, 2 toilets, shower, hot and cold water system, warm air heating, powered by a Mariner 25Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2028, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available, includes ropes, fenders, etc

NEW VIKING 23 NARROW BEAM NOW IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 4 Berths, Hiline Spec boat with Folding windscreen for low bridges, cooker with 2 ring hob, grill and oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, electric flush cassette toilet, 12 and 240 volts electrics with battery charger, powered by a 20Hp 4 stroke outboard engine

SPECIAL SUMMER PRICE OF £47,995, BOOK YOUR VIEWING NOW.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

MARGARET

£89,000

Length 70ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2012 by Soar Valley Boats with a Centre Cockpit, powered by a Canaline 52Hp, Wheel house, bow thruster, solid fuel stove and diesel heating, etc, well appointed spacious boat

JON GLEN

£19,995

Length 30ft, Beam 6ft10ins, built 1982 by Colecraft, Bukh diesel engine, cruise stern, solid fuel stove, shower, 4 Berths (double and 2 singles), gas water heater, 12 and 240 volts electrics, current Bsc, etc.

MILES AWAY

£51,500

Length 53ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2010 by Dursley & Hurst, Cruiser stern, powered by a Vetus M4 Diesel engine, standard layout, solid fuel stove, diesel heating, rear pram cover, cross double bed + dinette, Well appointed boat, BSC Novermber 2027, etc.

STOVE PIPE WELLS

£42,000

60ft by 6tf10ins, Trad Stern, built 1999 by R & D Fabrications, powered by a brand new Beta marine 45hp inboard diesel. From the bow is the main cabin which is open plan allowing free standing furniture. The starboard side has a solid fuel stove mounted on a tiled plinth & surround. Moving down the boat is the Pullman dinette which offers comfortable seated dining with storage under the seating, it also makes a guest double bed. The galley has a 4 ring gas hob, a circular sink & drainer with tiled splash-back, fridge, and space to install a eye level oven & grill. There is also a side hatch offering additional light &ventilation.

The bathroom comprises of a small bath with shower over, hand wash basin with tiled splash-back, porta potti, a pump-out toilet, the main bedroom with a fixed double with storage under, wardrobe with set of drawers below, The boat has 12 & 240v electrics, twin alternators, 2kw combi inverter, 80amp battery charger, Webasto diesel central heating, and a BSC valid until May 2025.

Narrowboats URGENTLY required for brokerage or outright purchase.

(Free valuation, free storage, fast payout on completion, competitive rates, terms apply) Please contact David on 07721 382619

Website: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Email: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

56 BROKERAGE

November 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

REDUCED PRICE - NOW £179,950

NEW WIDEBEAM 65' x 12' 05'' 'Treacle Mine' | thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

DUTCH BARGES & WIDEBEAMS

FINESSE BARGE 70' X 13' BRIGANTINE

COLLINGWOOD 70' WIDEBEAM

LIVERPOOL BOATS 60' X 11'

COLECRAFT 60' X 10' 06''

'Northern Spirit' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Dreamcatcher’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'A New Chapter' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Freya’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£324,950

£169,950

£144,950

£129,950

AQUALINE BOATS 65' X 11'

ORCHARD MARINA 60' X 9' PIONEER 'Scallywag' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

COLLINGWOOD 60' X 12'

VIKING CANAL BOAT 60' X 10'

'Weir on the Move' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'Buggerlugs' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Peg’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£99,950 £169,950

£89,950

£119,950

£89,950

COLECRAFT 60' SEMI CRUISER

AQUALINE BOATS 60' SEMI TRAD

SEA OTTER 51'

SEA OTTER 41'

'Spark’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Weyward Lady' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Forget Me Not' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Irma' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£99,950

£74,950

£67,950

£64,950

NARROWBOATS

B E R T H AT A N Y T I N G D E N E M A R I N A G U A R A N T E E D * W I T H A L L C R A F T S O L D !

LARGE CHOICE OF USED & NEW

WIDEBEAMS, NARROWBOATS & DUTCH BARGES Contact one of our specialist widebeam & narrowboat sales offices today!

CONTACT US 7 DAYS A WEEK:

Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames & Kennet Marina | 01189 477770

01933 551622 | BOATSALES@TINGDENE.NET | WWW.TINGDENEBOATING.COM

*subject to availability

BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2024

Nestled in the heart of Cheshire on the beautiful Llangollen Canal, our team at Swanley Brokerage have created a professional and relaxed environment to ensure that buying and selling your narrowboat is as easy as possible.

We have a dedicated sales team available 7 days a week

Purchase with confidence, sell with ease

who can carry out viewings on our adjacent moorings at short notice. We have a wide range of facilities on site to assist in the process including a slipway and hardstanding viewing area for surveys.

01270 524 855

sales@swanleybrokerage.com

RED HILL MARINA INTRODUCING

NEW SALES OFFICE @ REDHILL MARINA WATERFRONT WIDEBEAMS - FLOATING HOMES - NARROW BOATS - CABIN CRUISERS IN STOCK

07429253325 CALL US FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS

58

November 2024 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Need a Survey or Boat Safety Examiner?

BOB HURST

STEVE SIMCOE

Your Local BSS Examiner

BSS EXAMINER NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND SURROUNDING AREA

Phone: 07720 424396 Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com Areas Covered 9 & 10

PHONE/TEXT: 07860 943714 EMAIL: bimsimcoe@gmail.com

Cetec Marine

DELTA MARINE SERVICES

based at South Kilworth

Est. 1992

A friendly and professional fully insured service Steel, GRP & Timber craft Pre-purchase surveys Insurance surveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing Phone Chris Holmes 07860 254369 01784 464899

surveyors@cetecmarine.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

Areas Covered 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

Dave Freeman

Over 25 years experience on the inland waterways

Marine Surveys & BSS Examinations For a Competitive Quote & Prompt Service

Tel 07918 677782

Covering all Areas Based Bridge 69 Trent & Mersey Canal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

FOR A PROMPT SERVICE Marine Surveying

♦ Pre-Purchase Condition Survey ♦ Valuation ♦ Insurance Condition Survey ♦ New Build/Conversion Project Supervision & Consultancy ♦ Damage Assessment ♦ Litigation Advice & Claim Assessment ♦ Areas covered 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 14

Mob. 07831 355543 Tel. 01926 499337

www.delta-marineservices.co.uk

Pete Davidson BSS Examiner Most private craft examined.

East Midlands based.

Areas covered 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,11 07988 739136 pete@bss-examiner.co.uk www.bss-examiner.co.uk

RHYS KILLIN Dip.S.C.Sur

BSS Examiner BSS Examination from £160

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ON IRISH WATERS WITH ALISON ALDERTON 63

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New code of practice published for safe operation of recreational craft THE Department of Transport in Ireland has published a new and revised code of practice for the safe operation of recreational craft. All recreational craft users are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the code of practice and follow the safety advice and guidance contained in the code.

Marine Notice No. 54 of 2024 states that the code of practice contains legislative i n f o r mat i o n , safety advice and best practice operational guidance for owners, masters and users of a range of recreational craft that operate in Irish coastal and inland waters.

The publication of the new code of practice follows a review of the previous code and public/ stakeholder consultations undertaken in 2022 and 2023. The importance of personal responsibility and safety awareness continues to be highlighted in the code of practice, with an added focus on the ‘think and prepare’ message for anyone who decides to go out on the water. Each person needs to think about their proposed activity in advance, plan ahead, ensure that they have appropriate training and safety equipment and know what to do if things go wrong. The code of practice aims to assist in these areas.

Who is the code for and what’s new?

The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft is intended for use by owners, operators and users of all recreational craft operating in Irish coastal and inland waters including: • Sailing craft • Boats used for recreational angling • Personal watercraft (e.g. jet skis) • Rowing boats • Canoes, kayaks • Stand-up paddleboards (when used for navigation) • Motor boats, ski boats, powerboats, sports boats and dive boats • Windsurfers • Non-powered craft.

A feature of the new code is a series of ‘think and prepare’ safety checklists and templates that it is hoped will provoke thought and assist recreational craft users in their preparations before they go out on the water.

These cover such issues as the identification and assessment of hazards and risks, fatigue, as well as templates for a traffic report message to let the Irish Coast Guard know about each proposed trip and an information template for shore-based contact persons.

A useful checklist of basic requirements and advice can be found on page 7 of the code. In addition to providing updated information on the legislative requirements that apply to recreational craft, the code of practice also contains new content on such topics as traffic report messages to the Irish Coast Guard, foiling, surfing and kitesurfing safety, coastal rowing, cold water shock and hypothermia, electrical systems, radio communications and the online maritime radio licence registration system introduced in 2022.

How to use the code

The code of practice contains a general introduction with a number of safety checklists followed by two parts and a series of appendices.

Part A (Chapter 1) outlines the legislative requirements that apply to all recreational craft or specific types or size of craft. Owners and operators must comply with the requirements appropriate to their craft.

Part B (Chapters 2 to 11) contains recommended guidelines and best practice information on the safe operation of recreational craft. Chapters 2 to 9 provide guidance in relation to particular types of craft/activities. Chapters

Shannon winter mooring details announced WATERWAYS Ireland has advised masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway that the winter mooring period for public navigations will begin on Friday, November 1 and will end on March 31 next year.

Those wishing to take up winter mooring are required to pay the winter mooring fee of €63.50 to Waterways Ireland before mooring.

Online applications should be made via the Waterways Ireland website – www. waterwaysireland.org Ma s t e r s are re m i n d e d t hat Byelaw 17 – the ‘five consecutive days/seven days in one month rule’ – continues to apply for masters not applying forwinter mooring.

Waterways Ireland will be disconnecting its electricity supply points and water supply at winter

moorings for the winter period. Both services will be reinstated prior to the start of the 2025 boating season in April.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways reminds boat users that vessels are moored in public harbours at the owner’s own risk at all times and may be directed to other harbours as necessary.

Winter mooring in the public harbour at Dromod, River Shannon.

PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

Lower Lough Erne. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

A meeting of minds

Front cover: Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft. PHOTO: SUPPLIED 10 and 11 provide safety guidance applicable to recreational craft generally and 11 appendices cover such topics as radiocommunications, collision prevention, weather and sea states, lifejacket guidance, passage planning, buoyage and anchoring.

Owners and users of recreational craft should familiarise themselves with the general introduction, safety checklists, Part A, the particular chapter in Part B appropriate to their type of vessel, together with Chapters 10, 11 and the appendices.

Where to obtain the code

The code of practice is a free document and hard copies can be obtained on request, in both English and Irish, from the Maritime Safety Policy Division of the department at email marineleisuresafety@ transport.gov.ie The code is also available to view or download from www.gov. ie, directly at the following link https://www.gov.ie/ en/publication/66ff7esafe-operation-ofrecreational-craft/ and on www.safetyonthe water.ie

A UNIQUE event exploring all things stillwaters, in the beautiful surroundings of Lough Erne, has taken place.

The 2024 Lough Erne Stillwater Event – A Meeting of Minds, saw a number of venues in and around Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, host experts, policymakers, researchers, landowners and community stakeholders in order to share insights and solutions for the sustainable management of stillwaters, rivers and their catchments.

The goal of the event was to stimulate discussion and increase the community’s awareness, ability and future resilience in maintaining healthy freshwater environments and provide an opportunity for people across the UK and Ireland to learn from what has been done around Lough Erne and Lough Neagh.

Lakes are under pressure and will be increasingly so as the climate changes. Lakes are also receiving increasing public and media attention to galvanise actions. This event provided an opportunity to bring people together in a collaborative forum to connect and share best practices to build capability and form relationships which can provide ongoing peer support.

Highlights included talks, interactive workshops, field trips and networking opportunities throughout the two-day event hosted by the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and the UK & Ireland Lakes Network with support from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A Meeting of Minds ran alongside the popular Lough Erne Heritage Festival which celebrates the rich cultural, natural and built heritage of Fermanagh.

Annual parade of boats marks 40th year of Kildare IWAI branch IN 1987 – 37 years ago – boats first made their way along the restored Naas Canal, a branch line of the Grand Canal, and in doing so created what has since turned into an annual tradition.

In late October, as the leaves began to fall from the trees, once again boaters gathered to partake in this annual parade of boats through five locks to enter Naas Harbour.

This year, however, had a very significant meaning as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Kildare

branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), organisers of the event. IWAI Kildare has been supporting and lobbying for boaters in this region throughout that time and continues to do so today. Their website (https://branch.iwai.ie/ kildare) is considered one of the most informative of the IWAI branch websites, full of useful advice and information, a main ‘go to’ for any wishing to research the area in more detail.

Over the Irish October Bank Holiday weekend,

Waterways Ireland assisting a rally boater through Naas Canal Lock. PHOTO: IWAI/TOWPATH TIM

a full itinerary of events was organised for the Naas Rally participants. These included a talk about the canal navigation restoration

by Waterways Ireland Senior Engineer Gerard Bayly, a talk about boat safety on the Shannon, a full programme of boat games, displays of boat-themed paintings and boat-related photos, a Halloween fancy dress competition, maritime poetry readings, sea shanties and music in the old harbour building. The weekend culminated in the official rally dinner which was held

at the Rustic Restaurant.

Currently, the Naas Canal Quarter is the subject of a redevelopment masterplan, which has the potential to make this site a more attractive tourist destination capable of accommodating both visiting and liveaboard boaters, walkers and cyclists as well as the general public.

It is also envisaged that the Corbally Line, a lock-free canal branch connected to the Naas Canal, may be restored to navigation in the not-too-distant future and provide further incentive for boaters to visit the area.

Parade of rally boats on the Naas Canal.

PHOTO: IWAI/TOWPATH TIM

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A painted lady butterfly. This species is recorded throughout Britain and Ireland, but numbers vary greatly from year to year, according to Butterfly Conservation. PHOTO: MARTIN WARREN

Soup for the soul, a picture of tranquillity. Within weeks the trees will be devoid of leaf cover.

Of autumnal pastel hues and subtle shades

By Kevin Thomas

TOWPATH

in my daypack for the duration. Truth be known, if I wanted good photos of the stark contrast, there was only one answer to my dilemma: at a later date I’d have to face the cold and wet, and venture back out there.

WILDLIFE charity Butterfly Food and Rural Affairs, calling for Conservation has declared a national the Government to ban butterflybutterfly emergency, with results of killing neonicotinoid pesticides used this summer’s Big Butterfly Count on farmland before species become showing a marked and hugely extinct. concerning decline in numbers.

As previously reported in Towpath As reported, people throughout the Talk, a Butterfly Conservation UK were asked to record butterflies spokesperson said: “If you live on and and day-flying moths in green and around waterways, you can encourage blue spaces, including waterways. butterflies and moths to pay you a visit Overall, participants spotted just by providing them with nectar and seven butterflies on average per food for their caterpillars. Even a small 15-minute count, a reduction of space like the roof of a canal boat can almost 50% on last year’s average make a difference – fill pots with of 12, and the lowest in the 14-year flowers like lavender, scabious and In total, nasturtiums and herbs like marjoram, history of the survey. just over 935,000 rosemary and thyme. If you have a were recorded bigger plot, leave patches of from July 12 to nettles and August 4, down brambles, let almost 600,000; your grass grow equivalent to long, or create more than a a nectar border full of flowers third of 2023's total. like verbena The alarming bonariensis, figures have alliums, ox-eye resulted in daisies and red the charity valerian.”

To sign the declaring a charity’s open nationwide b u t t e r f l y A Holly Blue butterfly alights on letter to the emergency. It is hound’s tongue. It is a common Government, writing an open garden visitor, also seen in parks, visit https:// letter to Steve churchyards, hedgerows and butterflyReed, Secretary woodland, says the Butterfly conservation. of State for Conservation charity. org/emergency Environment, PHOTO: MARTIN WARREN

Late autumn’s soft pastel hues add colour to one’s enjoyment of a towpath walk. Nature’s poetry alongside a pound.

A play on birds

TALK

BY mid-November the trees along the edge of the K&A canal have undergone their autumnal change, with soft pastel hues of oranges, yellows and browns being the order of the day. It’s an ideal time to capture colourful photos along our canals and waterways, although the window of opportunity is normally quite brief. Nature’s cyclic seasonal march stops for no one.

In the mornings, when the sun comes out after the fog has burned off, the panoramic view of the treelines bounding the impoundments look lovely. Although I walk the same towpath route regularly, I never tire of taking photographs. Wildlife had always been my main interest, however, since our arrival in the UK and move aboard Sabi Star; I’ve also developed a strong inclination towards general landscape photography along the stretch of the K&A, west of Caen Hill Flight.

During the latter part of a previous mid-November, I took the accompanying photos posted here, and then, a few weeks later, I helped a friend bring his boat down the Caen Hill flight. It was unbelievable how stark the change was after a mere few

weeks. Virtually all of the autumnal leaf cover had disappeared, and although the cold grey sky and damp weather made for good photo opportunities, opening locks didn’t allow me the time to linger with my camera, and it stayed

Big Butterfly Count 2024 results reveal lowest numbers on record

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KEN Norman has been a continuous cruiser on NB Dædalus since December 2021. He has worked variously as a banker, training consultant, groundskeeper and comedy promoter. After a few hours cruising each day Ken enjoys creating these frivolous cartoons, A play on birds. See more on Instagram: @play_on_birds

The results of this year’s Big Butterfly Count revealed the lowest numbers on record. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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Fun day on the Union Canal THE annual Linlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS) fun day saw visitors and the local community turn out to enjoy boat trips, refreshments and the highlight of the day, the popular cardboard boat race, all taking place at the Linlithgow Canal Centre on the Union Canal.

Ten race trophies were up for grabs, including the novice paddlers, best design and most entertaining team trophies. LUCS is run by volunteers. Thirty-one

volunteers helped on the day and lots of work was needed in the run up to the event.

The society is fundraising to convert its 50-year-old flagship, Victoria, to electric drive. The final decision on this will be taken once a detailed inspection of her hull has been carried out.

LUCS’ aim is that the refit will make Victoria fit for her next half-century. Find out about LUCS activities, including the canal centre, cruises and boat hire at lucs.org.uk

The winning team Colmans in the Colman Cruiser took the silver trophy first prize. PHOTO: LUCS

New bridge across the Clyde THE new Govan–Partick bridge was formally opened on Friday, September 6. The £29.5 million project, a pedestrian/cycle bridge funded by Scottish and UK Governments, re-establishes the historic connection between Govan and Partick, with the bridge crossing between Water Row on the southside and Pointhouse Quay on the north.

The bridge was opened to the public on Saturday, September 7, with celebratory community events on both banks of the Clyde. The popular annual Clydebuilt Festival

took place over the weekend on the north bank, beside the Riverside Museum, and a Footbridge Festival was held on the south bank on the Saturday. The new bridge links communities north and south of the river and is set to boost the economy and support redevelopment.

It forms a central part of the active travel route between the University of Glasgow’s campus at Gilmorehill and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The bridge can open for river traffic and is one of the longest opening pedestrian/cycle bridges in Europe.

Renaissance for Dutch barge

Het Leven at Maryhill Locks on the Forth & Clyde Canal when she attended the Big Man Festival in 2009. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVIES

YOU’LL have seen Dutch barges on the canals, or maybe you’re fortunate enough to own or live on one. They’re a rarer sight on the Lowland canals than elsewhere, either on the wide, deep Highland canals in Scotland or on the broad canals south of the border.

The barge Het Leven has been a familiar sight in Falkirk for a number of years, slowly deteriorating after the sad death of her former owner. However, she’s now undergoing a new lease of life with current owner William Walker.

Earlier this year, Het Leven was lifted out of the water and transported to William’s yard for renovation. Go Forth & Clyde’s dayboat Jaggy Thistle towed the barge along the short stretch of canal to lock 16 where there’s space for a large crane (where the former flight of locks from the Forth & Clyde Canal ran uphill to meet the Union Canal).

William has always been fascinated by sailing vessels. He had spotted Het Leven on a family walk along the canal several years ago. It was a boat-builder friend who alerted him to the fact that she was now up for sale. William took a good look at her and couldn’t bear the thought of so much character and history rusting away. He says it seemed like a crime when it was clear she could be renovated and restored. William went as far as tracking down and visiting a previous owner in the Netherlands, who had carried out a faithful restoration to working condition and offered sailing trips on the Dutch inland waterways and along the North Sea coast, before she was brought over to Scotland by John Mackay.

Het Leven was built as a steel-hulled sailing barge in 1912 at a shipyard in Briltil in the Netherlands, once a major shipping route between Groningen and Friesland.

She was used to transport cargoes until around 1954 after which she became a houseboat before her purchase and restoration in 1997.

Traditional Dutch barges are shallowdrafted, flat-bottomed vessels, dating back to the 17th century and originally constructed as wooden sailing craft before the advent of first iron and then steel hulls.

One key characteristic of a sailing barge are the leeboards – planks fitted to the sides of the boat and let down into the water to reduce drifting to the leeward side, or down wind. The barges might be described as the Dutch equivalent of Scotland’s puffers, as they were used to transport goods along the vast network of shallow Dutch canals and inshore along the North Sea coast. Most have now been converted to run on diesel engines. Het Leven retains her mast, spars and sails. At an early try-out, William has successfully run her engine.

William is keen to encourage the development of traditional boat building skills. His yard in Airdrie is near the birthplace of the Vulcan, the first iron boat to be built in Scotland in 1818–19.

Horse-drawn, she could carry up to 200 people and was in service for more than 50 years, latterly carrying cargo. It was testament to the early iron workers that she apparently remained remarkably watertight for all that time. In the 1980s a replica of the Vulcan was constructed to the same design as the original at

Linthouse on the Clyde, to provide work for unemployed shipyard workers. A retired shipworker carried out the riveting after initial difficulty finding someone with the skills to rivet the steel sheets together. The replica Vulcan was displayed at the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival and, after refurbishment in 2013–14, can now be seen at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, near to a restored section of the Monkland Canal.

These sorts of renovations are now often run as a group concern, with a collection of enthusiasts taking on the restoration and getting the vessels back on to the water in a shipshape condition. Het Leven has a rich history – every square inch tells a story – and a connection to the canals.

William is aware that restorations such as this need a sustainable future. As well as an ambassador for traditional construction skills, he believes Het Leven could be used as a scientific research vessel (his business is in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry) in estuarine waters. This would be within the practical limits of what such a vessel could do, with her shallow draft, and be sustainably wind-driven for much of the time. The name Het Leven translates to ‘life’ or ‘living the life’ and it will be exciting to see her restoration and renaissance.

Het Leven on her mooring at Falkirk before her sale. PHOTO: CICELY OLIVER

Installation of the bridge’s fixed span. PHOTO: GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL

See behind the scenes at the Falkirk Wheel

BEHIND-the-scenes tours have returned to the Falkirk Wheel, offering a unique opportunity to step inside the world’s only rotating boat lift. Visitors taking the tour will get the chance to explore its history and step inside the wheel to explore the structure’s internal workings.

The monthly tours take two hours and 30 minutes, starting with a short presentation and explanation of the recent digital upgrade and refurbishment, followed by a walk around the site before heading into the wheel itself. Refreshments are included. This tour is recommended for those aged 16 and over. It includes walking around the site and climbing

several flights of ladders. Anyone with accessibility queries should contact Scottish Canals in advance. You can find out more at scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/ things-to-do/behindthewheel If you’re looking for a great day out, a visit to the Falkirk Wheel offers plenty to do, alongside the tours and boat trips on the wheel.

As an incentive for families and young people, Young Scot card holders can get 20% off boat trips, activities, the cafe and gift shop. Young Scot cards are free for all 11-to-26-year-olds living in Scotland and can be used as proof of age and identity, for free bus travel if under 22 and thousands of discounts in Scotland and across Europe.

Activities at the Falkirk Wheel include crazy golf, archery, paddleboarding and canoeing. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS

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Days Out Bancroft Basin is surrounded by beautiful gardens. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Stratford-upon-Avon

Our series is dedicated to showcasing unique days out near special canals.

Whether you’re into gongoozling (watching boating activities), leisurely towpath walks, wildlife spotting, boat trips or even retail therapy, our canal system has something for everyone. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Stratfordupon-Avon, which has close links to the waterways and a market town that has plenty to offer visitors. attracting more than a million visitors a new theatre was built on an adjacent

By Sally Clifford

OFTEN referred to as ‘Shakespeare Country’, Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned as the birthplace of the actor, playwright and poet, but it is also home to some wonderful waterways. The 25-mile-long Stratford-upon-Avon canal, connecting Stratford and the River Avon with Birmingham, opened in 1816.

On the bank of the River Avon, The Bancroft was originally an area of land where the townspeople grazed their animals. The site was also home to two canal basins and canal wharves and warehouses. The second canal basin, built in 1826, was refilled in 1902.

Today beautiful gardens, and an impressive colony of swans, are a natural draw for visitors and tourists who flock to the area known as The Bancroft Gardens where the commercial activity continues on the canal with floating and Christmas markets. Bridges, fountains and memorials, among them The Gower Monument, a Grade II listed bronze and stone sculpture of William Shakespeare surrounded by characters from his plays add interest to this picturesque setting,

every year.

Travelling the waterways on a boat tour gives a greater insight into the history of this Medieval market town and the wildlife within. The classic manual winding chain ferry is, perhaps, one of the most unusual and oldest forms of water transport, taking passengers across the River Avon where a pleasurable waterside walk beckons.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

With its dominating presence next to the River Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is one of the popular landmarks preserving the performed works of Stratford-upon-Avon’s famous son.

Here Shakespeare’s famous plays are performed, bringing to life the legacy he left, which is appreciated beyond his birthplace and around the world.

Originally known as the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, the first theatre opened in 1879 in Stratford-upon-Avon following a campaign led by local brewer Charles Flower. This theatre suffered a fire in 1926 and eventually reopened as The Swan Theatre in 1989. In the meantime,

site and opened in 1932, retaining the name Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

In 1961, with the founding of the Royal Shakespeare Company by Peter Hall, it was renamed the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The theatre, along with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is home to one of the most significant Shakespeare collections in the world, with materials spanning from the 1600s to the present day.

William Shakespeare statue. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Festive events

Continuing on the trail of the famous writer, the half-timbered building in Henley Street, cared for by Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is another place to see while in Stratford and, coming up to Christmas, there will be a special series of festive-themed events including candlelit tours and hands-on craft activities. Objects pertinent to Shakespeare’s time here can be viewed walking around rooms inhabited

by William from boy to man, son to husband.

One of eight, as the eldest surviving son, William inherited the Birthplace which would eventually become the family home he shared with his wife Anne Hathaway and their three children.

Anne’s birthplace, originally a farmhouse now known as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, is another visitor attraction on the Shakespeare trail.

The Garden Cafe, located opposite the cottage and launched this year, provides the perfect refreshment stop offering

FACT FILE: Places of interest nearby:

Mechanical Art and Design Museum: www.themadmuseum.

co.uk

Butterfly Farm: www.butterflyfarm.

co.uk

Warwick Castle: www.warwick-

castle.com

Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park: www.comptonverney.org.uk Shakespeare Distillery: www.

shakespearedistillery.com

Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse:

www.stratfordracecourse.net Market: www. wellesbournemarket.co.uk

Wellesbourne

British Motor Museum Gaydon:

www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Tudor World: www.tudorworld.com Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: www.

shakespeare.org.uk

info: www. visitstratforduponavon.co.uk

More

Morphopeleides at Butterfly Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon.

PHOTO: BUTTERFLY FARM

Canal boats moored in Bancroft Basin in Stratford-upon-Avon. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

The peace and tranquillity of the canal in Stratford-upon-Avon. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

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gler The Towpath Ang Our monthly look at the angling scene

By David Kent

Stratford-upon-Avon is an attractive place for visitors and shoppers. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

LAST month I spoke about the ongoing issues at club level and, to be honest, little has changed. For that reason my club colleagues and I have agreed to crack on with what we can before winter comes and deal with any fallout later.

Wednesday saw the autumn meeting of the Canal & River Trust’s National Council. This time we were in the Black Country. It was a hefty agenda since the day combined both the Annual General Meeting and then the normal six-monthly meeting. The afternoon session saw our CEO give a very informative update on the business and, in particular, how the trust and its assets had been affected by the extreme weather over the year. Without doubt it seems it has coped pretty well.

Some of the boating delegates raised concern about the future of our waterways which, without greater investment, they actually see as quite bleak. It is clear some areas of the network were more in need of urgent attention than others but the point was made that it is imperative that priorities are identified and adhered to and that a balance is maintained at all times.

Boater Satisfaction Survey

The Gower Memorial and Prince Hal statue in Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Peony Pavilion in Firs Garden, a gift to Stratfordon-Avon District Council from the People’s Government of Fuzhou Municipality in China. PHOTO: STRATFORD-ON-AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

cream teas and other indulgent treats.

Shakespeare’s New Place, a registered garden featuring specially commissioned artworks and sculptures, is the original site of Shakespeare’s family home from 1597 until his death in 1616.

This historically important outdoor space was created following the property’s demolition in 1759, enabling visitors to follow in Shakespeare’s footsteps and absorb the surrounding landscape in every stride. Planning ahead is advisable as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place are seasonal destinations and close from November 4 for the winter.

Holy Trinity Church

Aside from the Shakespeare story, religion also played an important part in Stratford-upon-Avon’s history and is celebrated in iconic locations such as the Guild Chapel, home to one of the rarest series of Medieval wall paintings in Europe, and Holy Trinity Church, the location of Shakespeare’s grave.

Whether riding or striding around the streets on guided tours, you learn about the developments that shaped the town’s future. Established as a permanent settlement in the Middle Ages, the bridge across the Avon, connecting land on the Avon with surrounding areas, played an important part in Stratford-upon-Avon’s development as a market town.

By the 19th century, the arrival of the canal and railway station, along with other modern amenities, opened up opportunities for tourism. The establishment of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust enhanced those opportunities, contributing to Stratford becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the UK. However you want to spend your time, Stratford-upon-Avon has plenty to offer, with a wonderful shopping offering, sights to see, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Interestingly there was a comprehensive presentation on the findings and outcomes of the recent Boater Satisfaction Survey. One item identified was the need for a different approach to maintenance, especially planned preventative maintenance which, it was said, would reduce the need for reactive work and, in turn, costs. One view expressed which seemed to gel with many delegates was that the previously mentioned balance is crucial. This can be best achieved by employing a more collaborative approach to include the needs of all bona fide users and, critically, to the ecology of our canals.

Unless we ensure the future of the whole canal ecology, whatever is done operationally will not deliver a canal system for everyone for the future.

Without good, wholesome water quality, thriving habitats and good access for all, the real value of our waterways is seriously debatable.

Accessibility

The famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre beside the River Avon. PHOTO: SALLY CLIFFORD

I have spoken before about my involvement with the trust’s Towpaths Group so I was especially interested when the next presentation dealt with accessibility for people with disabilities.

The speaker said she had been invited to speak with a group looking at installing a proposed new bridge on the Erewash Canal. She had made the case for the inclusion of a slope to allow access for people in wheelchairs and/or using walking frames. Sadly this was rejected. I have been at odds with this same project group about this proposed bridge and some type of waterfront development

Death of Erewash Canal preservation society stalwart JIM Stevenson, the president of Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association, which was formed in 1968, has died.

Mr Stevenson was one of the founding members of the society and help shaped its development.

The Garden Cafe at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. PHOTO: SHAUN FELLOWS/ SHINE PIX FOR THE SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST

Jim Stevenson, the president of the Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

alongside it for three years so I spoke with this lady afterwards about the difficulties I had experienced trying to protect the fishing rights which have been controlled by my club for decades. We agreed that the trust had not supported its users in this situation.

National Championships

The Angling Trust’s Division National Championships were both successful and generally enjoyed by all competitors.

Support for the Division 2 event was down on the previous year. Quite why is uncertain although most anglers on the canal circuits usually fish the more traditional canals. The canals in South Yorkshire could not be more different, being almost 40 metres wide and threemetres-plus deep. Even so they are usually quite fair and offer reasonable sport wherever you draw. However, as a whole the events were a credit to all involved.

The CRT Canal Championships are drawing to a close with the grand final only a few weeks away. I understand there have been some really tight ties along the way so a good final is very much on the cards. The 2024 National Celebration of Young Anglers was again a huge success with almost 350 participants. It is very encouraging to see these youngsters enjoying our canals. It bodes so well for the future.

My contacts have been telling me of the continuing “unseasonal” results. I have not spoken with that many people but the situation worryingly seems not to be improving. Fishing in the early part of the day remains difficult at best with improvements occurring late in the afternoon if at all. All types of venue i.e. canals, rivers and even commercial stillwaters are well below par for this time of year. Of course it is easy to blame the weather but it is still so unsettled.

As I have said, the late afternoons/ early evenings are producing the best sport. Obviously daylight in the evenings is rapidly fading now but the fish do become a little more active, and hungry, so I remain convinced that that is the best time to grab a couple of hours on the bank. All the staple baits are finding a few fish but be careful how much you feed. The fish are responding to feed but very soon “switch off” if it is overdone.

Tight lines.

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November 2024

The Wet Web

By Helen Gazeley

A WORLD first – a narrowboat made of HDPE plastic – will be unveiled at Crick Boat Show. This new boat is causing ripples in canal forums; Formation Plastics (FP) is building a fully electric narrowboat from HDPE, which will be on show at Crick 2025.

It is definitely intriguing, with comments ranging from full-on enthusiasm that there’s a boat on the horizon that needs no maintenance, to more cautious opinions about rigidity, impact-resistance and ballast requirements.

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is everywhere.

Cost effective, water resistant and robust, it’s used for food and chemical containers, piping, those orange plastic safety barriers you see at roadworks, and usually as the plastic component in woodpolymer composite (WPC) garden decking. It’s also no stranger to the water, with HDPE having been used for heavy-duty workboats in marine environments for the last 20 years.

In the 29 years since Bradford-based Formation Plastics was established, it’s grown from a two-man operation to an SME with 20,000 square feet of workshop space, offering bespoke solutions in acrylic sheets, polycarbonate, polypropylene and more, and specialising in hot gas and extrusion welding of plastics.

“Our directors were always fascinated with workboats,” says Shaun Moir, sales and marketing manager, “and we’d made parts of canal boats.”

Lockdown gave the opportunity to make the idea a reality and, working with an expert advisor, they built a prototype widebeam, unfitted out, more as a proof of concept than anything. In June this year, after other work had delayed its progress, the boat was launched on the Rodley Canal.

As HDPE is a very different material from steel, there were challenges to be met. Director Michael Denison explained: “We had to look at thicknesses, up-spec some of the thicknesses for base and side walls; expansion/contraction’s slightly different to steel; and obviously the conductivity as well for cooling an engine. So, we had to cover a few issues on that side of things, such as stiffening the base. With it being quite buoyant – HDPE does float – we had to

look at the ballast side of it as well, just to get it to sit in the water correctly.”

Th e u p c o m i ng narrowboat has offered the chance to do things differently. “We learned a lot,” says Shaun. “HDPE has a density of 0.95, mild steel 7.85, so we figured ways with expansion to make it better.”

In the prototype widebeam, a steel frame helps provide ballast, but Shaun has been exploring ballasting with water. “If we can get away from using steel, then we will.”

There are plenty of pluses to HDPE. “It reduces maintenance An HDPE narrowboat is expected by Formation Plastics to last at least 70 years. Find out more at the Crick Boat by about 80%,” says Show in 2025. PHOTO: FORMATION PLASTICS Shaun. “It’s got high impact resistance, marine growth can be taken off HDPE can be mended. “The best way I can put it is, we’re in talks with the suppliers.”

Paint is currently not an option as it won’t stick with a brush, and there’s no oxidation, so you don’t to think of metal welding. With plastic, you can do need to black it. For any canal lover, it means more exactly the same.” So, if a boat did sustain damage to the plastic. However, that too might be about to time on the canal.” to its infrastructure, the area could be cut out and change as FP is working with a marina on a paint From a manufacturing point of view, plastic a piece welded back in. that will stick. “There’s one more test to do,” says welding doesn’t produce the fumes that steel At the moment, Henry Ford’s famous words hang Shaun. “It’s 100% adhesive.” welding throws out. And, perhaps unexpectedly, in the air. “Any colour, so long as it’s black.” But that Although the prototype is recyclable, it isn’t might change. “HDPE made of recycled HDPE. “We used virgin HDPE is normally black,” says for this one as it is a prototype. However, that is Shaun, “but Play-tec is not to say we will not be using recycled HDPE for the same material used future projects,” says Shaun. “Any non-structure in kids’ playgrounds. component, i.e. cabins, benches, consoles etc from You can get it in the boat, can be made from recycled HDPE. Not the different colours and hull, as all suppliers would not recommend making a hull from recycled HDPE.” There are many Find videos of building the prototype on Formation Plastic’s Facebook page. It’s certainly a advantages to concept that, for some people, has been a long time HDPE, which coming and the fitted-out narrowboat is bound to Formation Plastics draw considerable attention at Crick. “For the past has found makes few years I’ve really pushed this,” says Shaun, “and it an ideal material it feels like we’re getting the feedback it deserves.” for constructing For smaller items, see the company’s Etsy store canal boats. PHOTO: FORMATION PLASTICS www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FormationPlastics

Sustainable Boating – The power and the glory

IWA Sustainable Boating Group member Jonathan Mosse continues his series on off-grid boating.

“TURN that light off!” was the parental cry that regularly echoed through my childhood and adolescence. A hangover from the constraints of the relatively recent wartime years, it is a conditioning that has shaped my use of electricity ever since and initially, to quite a large extent, the specification of the electrical equipment for the distribution and consumption of the output from my solar panels and backup generator.

To recap: my boat is an all-diesel, narrowboat tug that I’ve taken off-grid and been running solely on PV-generated electricity in summer, supplemented by HVO for heating, cooking and hot water throughout the colder months of the year.

We’ve already looked at the details behind the solar and discussed the basics of battery choice and use. We now need to go into the detail of how we deploy the electricity throughout domestic use and the propulsion of the vessel: conversion to electric drive being something I’m now more than halfway to achieving and a topic for future examination.

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So, now I suddenly find myself with more electricity than I know what to do with, steadily realising that it is a superb way to make, use and store energy and that I must therefore make concerted efforts to move on from the constraints of a postwar upbringing!

Sources of power

Power produced on the boat, as we’ve already discussed, can come from engine-driven alternators and solar panels and will be direct current, or DC. It can be 12, 24 or 48 volts: the former being by far and away the most common system, while currently the latter almost certainly implies electric drive.

It will be stored in batteries of the appropriate voltage, ready for use, which may need to be altered with a converter if, say, that use is both for propulsion (48 volts DC) and domestic (12 or 24 volts DC).

Once generated and stored, it will be available for distribution via a fused supply for DC domestic cabin equipment and through an inverter to provide 230 volt AC power as required. Within

this distribution mechanism there will probably be further fusing, isolation switches, a consumption measuring device (or shunt) and, where lithium batteries are employed, a battery management system (BMS).

To my (possibly slightly anal mind) the neatest way by far to achieve all this in a tidy, integrated fashion is via the Victron Lynx Power In and Distribution system which also neatly combines with a BMS, stand-alone shunt, fusing (plus fuse monitoring) and isolation switching. This is by no means the only way to tick all the appropriate boxes but if you price up the alternatives (using the same quality bits and pieces) this is actually a cost-effective and beautifully compact choice.

Consumption

Leaving the monitoring and control of what’s going on until last, we can now move to the consumption side of

General view of my installation. Solar PV isolators top left, solar PV panel controllers operating at 48 volts DC in the middle, with standalone BMS and 48 volt fused distribution at the bottom, and Standard 12 volt DC panel c/w switches and breakers on the upper right-hand panel.

the equation, which is either DC cabin equipment (with or without a converter to adjust the voltage) or via an inverter to provide the 230 AC power that everyone is familiar with in a house. It is at this point in the system that external, landline power is introduced or power produced by an onboard (or indeed, external) generator.

It will also be the inverter that

Touchscreen monitoring and readouts.

controls these external power sources ensuring, where necessary, that by combining more than one input, peak demands can usually be met.

I say ‘usually’ because this is where my aforementioned conditioning almost led me to become badly unstuck! I approached specifying my system with a ‘minimum electrical use’ philosophy only to realise how wrong this was in my recently discovered energy appreciation. The outcome was a 3kW device where in the reality

of my brave new electrical world, at least double that would have been more appropriate.

Installing two, twinned inverters (in what is recognised as a ‘master and slave’ relationship) provided the solution which offers some advantages such as built-in redundancy… but at greater initial overall cost, kW for kW, together with a larger footprint (or wallprint!). One device (the master) does the bulk of the work, automatically calling on the slave when finding itself overstretched.

Finally, control and monitoring are ably provided by the Victron Cerbo GX system (recently replaced by the Ekrano) with full access via a touchscreen.

Effectively a computer, able to ‘talk to’ an extensive range of devices – monitoring everything from tank levels to generator status – it can even recognise and prioritise renewables over the stuff that my parents so zealously guarded all those years ago!

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TALKBACK

Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk Narrow(boat) escape

A passage in time The entrance to Galton Tunnel can be seen ahead, with Galton Bridge above. PHOTO: ALEX PASSMORE – CC BY-SA 2.0

There’s more to tunnels than meets the eye on our canal network. John Souter continues his new series, exploring the wonders of our extensive range of canal tunnels.

TO FACILITATE the efficient working of the canal network, about 42 miles of tunnels were constructed in England and Wales, of which about half are still open.

This is more than the combined length of all other canal tunnels in the world and doesn’t include the extra approximately 47 miles of underground canal at Worsley as part of the Bridgewater Canal.

As well as 583 locks, 2963 bridges and 337 aqueducts there are also 55 tunnels, ranging in length from just 25 yards to more than three miles, along the 2000-plus miles of our inland waterways.

Let’s take a look at this month's offering…

Tunnel: 122 yards – completed by the Department of Transport in 1974.

The Galton Valley was crossed by an elegant cast iron bridge which in the Galton

early 1970s became a listed monument to be used solely as a footbridge. Traffic was subsequently rerouted along a modern dual carriageway spanning both of the canals in the valley, namely the Birmingham New Line and the old Main Line.

However, instead of constructing a bridge for the new road, it was decided instead to fill the valley and build a road on the top of the infill.

To do this each canal was covered with long prefabricated concrete tubes laid into the water which were then earth-filled over the top to take the road across. These ‘tubes’ subsequently became known as the Galton Tunnel on the new line and the Summit Tunnel on the old line.

Due to their newness and up-todate technology, these tunnels have the highest headroom of

any tunnels in the UK and have wide towpaths and enough water width for boats to pass comfortably inside.

The tunnel was constructed to be much longer than the road width above in order to allow the earth-fill on either side to consolidate and therefore not have to use any side restraints. Because of this the ‘tubes’ actually extend well beyond the bank above but are completely masked by the subsequent growth of trees and shrubs.

Gosty (or Gorsty) Hill Tunnel: 557

yards – completed 1797. A relatively straightforward tunnel to dig but not without subsequent problems which involved an almost total rebuild in 1881. This tunnel had a tug service and there is a ‘layby’ which can still be seen at the northern portal end

Good morning Dan, I am sending this letter from our little narrowboat on the canal opposite Stanilands Marina at Thorne in Doncaster. My family and I made the loopy (but lovely) decision to get tenants for our house, sell everything we own at car boot sales and save up £18k to buy a boat to live on with our little boy, to experience this life.

We are VERY lucky to be able to do this and we are hoping that James can use our boat to find a few more boats to paint to keep us afloat!

James is an artist, has taught art and has covered the whole boat in his design; this will hopefully be

a way of attracting more custom.

Channel 4 got in touch with us in May and have been filming us for six months as we start our adventure and we are one of the main contributors for the second series of Narrow Escapes – a programme about all kinds of people who choose to give up bricks and mortar for this life!

Anyway, here are a few shots of us to show you our motley crew and antics. Thanks for reading!

Rach, James and Joe Annandale

Rach filming with Channel 4.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The view when emerging from the southern end of Gosty Hill Tunnel.

PHOTO: CHRISTINE JOHNSTONE – CC BY-SA 2.0

which was once used to accommodate the tunnel tug that was in operation from 1913 to the 1930s.

The tunnel is not only narrow but dips dow nwards alarmingly in places and the narrowness made it infamous due to working boatmen who, because of the narrow confines, set their engines and left the steering at the tiller while the boat was in the tunnel to let it glide through the whole 557 yards by itself! Keep an eye out for the picture of Dracula that greets you at the point where the headroom lowers, and partway along the tunnel is an impressivelooking air shaft which is well known in the

area for coming out in what is now someone's garden!

Lapal (aka Lappal) Tunnel: 3795 yards

– completed 1798, closed 1917.

Under the original plans, the tunnel was intended to be 3330 yards before it was eventually extended to its final length.

Construction was problematic and when building work started in 1794, 30 shafts were sunk with almost every one filling with water and three pumping engines having to be used to keep the water at bay. Quicksand also ran through most of the tunnel line.

Three brickworks were built locally that

James has painted the boat in his own design. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

were used to provide the bricks for the tunnel plus other canal-related structures. Subsidence twice led to closure, in 1801 and 1805, where on one occasion it was closed for four months.

The tunnel has a very small bore at 7ft 9in and with only 6ft of headroom passage, which was done originally by legging or poling, could take three to four hours.

Innovatively in 1841, Thomas Brewin installed a scoop wheel attached to a second-hand steamdriven engine at the

Halesowen portal, with stop-gates at the tunnel ends designed to move water whichever way along the tunnel that it was needed. The current that this pumping created helped to push boats through and sped up traffic considerably, reducing the travel time to just two hours.

The pump continued to operate until 1914.

In 1917 there was an extensive collapse due to mining subsidence which closed the line permanently and both portals and most other traces of the tunnel have since disappeared.

However, a length of the tunnel still lies under the M5 which was built above, albeit filled with concrete for safety reasons. An intention to restore the tunnel was shelved when a 2007 study showed it to be unfeasible. It was also felt that the original tunnel would have insufficient ventilation to allow powered boats safely through.

Interestingly the eastern portal of the tunnel is in California – but sadly not the Sunshine State, rather a suburb in south-west Birmingham!

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November 2024

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Focus on Steph Furniss

By Phil Pickin

IN THIS issue we focus on Steph Furniss, operations director of Anglo Welsh, to find out more about her role and her background on the waterways.

TT: Can you tell us a little about your background?

SF: Growing up in Trevor and walking almost

daily across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct gave me the inspiration that I wanted to work with boats.

When I was 14, throughout the summer I took the opportunity to go and work on one of the restaurant boats that operated from Trevor. Little did I know that I would meet my husband, who was a skipper on one of the boats!

This in turn led me to my other passion in life, cooking. Now I had found my calling I enrolled at Brunel College in Bristol and trained as a chef and in my spare time I cleaned for Anglo Welsh, who had a base in Bristol Harbour. Once qualified I went to work as a chef on a restaurant boat in Bristol Harbour which was owned by Anglo Welsh. With my split shifts working as a chef, we hardly ever saw each other, so we decided to combine our skills and get a hotel boat.

We bought Tranquil Rose in 2002 and operated her for 10 years. I loved hotel boating, but we wanted to have a family and set roots down. We settled in Weedon on the Grand Union Canal, where I started working for the Canal & River Trust as manager of the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne.

I spent five years with the trust and, after having a second baby, decided I needed a job that didn’t need me at weekends, so I went on to manage the Braunston branch of Midland Chandlers. After nearly three years and with both my daughters at school, I decided I needed something a bit more challenging!

canal! We’ve had our own boat for 24 years and have cruised the majority of the waterways. Having spent 10 years on the hotel boat and travelling the southern waterways, I have to say my favourite canal is the Kennet and Avon, and now having our head office in Bradford on Avon, I get to spend my working hours in one of my favourite places, while travelling to one of our nine bases.

TT: How was the 2024 season for Anglo Welsh?

SF: Bookings have been strong, and the interest and

awareness of narrowboat holidays remains very high. We have been through a year of transition with the acquisition of Sally Narrowboats at Bradford on Avon and the closure of our base at Oxford on the River Thames. Taking on Sally Narrowboats enabled us to take the opportunity to relocate our head office. This not only allows us to work on the beautiful Kennet and Avon Canal but also to grow and develop our team with a training facility.

TT: What plans does Anglo Welsh have for the future that you can tell us about?

SF: We have recruited a new reservations manager

who has come in with some great ideas which we will be taking forward to give our clients varied

experiences while cruising! Watch this space, as the saying goes. By the close of 2024, we will be adding five new boats to the fleet, and into 2025, enhancing our holidays to be more sustainable.

Tardebigge was closed at the start of the 2024 season but will be up and running again for the 2025 season with a third-party operator. We are also going to continue working closely with the Canal & River Trust to promote the work it does to care for the network and the assets that it maintains.

TT: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the hire boat sector?

SF: Like all businesses at the moment, inflation and

recruitment are very challenging.

TT: Is the hire boat sector still growing?

SF: The number of hire boats on the network

remains fairly static – at around the 1000 mark.

We are seeing a few of the smaller companies sell or close down but this is usually due to owners wanting to retire after many years operating.

TT: What brought you to Anglo Welsh?

SF: I had been involved with Anglo Welsh on and

off over the years. From seeing the boats at Trevor to cleaning them at Bristol and cooking on their restaurant boat, I always had a soft spot for them.

When I saw the operations manager role advertised it looked like something I could really get stuck into and hopefully add value to the growing fleet!

TT: How much experience did you have of the waterways before you joined Anglo Welsh?

SF: My whole life has been spent next to or on the

One of Anglo Welsh’s hire fleet. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

TT: What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the waterways generally?

SF: We are very concerned about the funding

Steph Furniss, Anglo Welsh’s operations director, visiting the Trevor Basin close to where she grew up. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

challenges faced by the Canal & River Trust and the reduction in its government grant in real terms. The cost of maintaining the fragile network, particularly set against inflation, is increasing. Our holidays play an important role in bringing people to the waterways and learning about the work of the Canal & River Trust. Many people are surprised to learn

Winter is coming and change is in the air…

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues.

IT IS now very autumnal.

Yesterday, I had an excellent day boating from dawn but was not very happy with the amount of ice on the roof, and the frozen lines when I put my nose outside. I had to light the fire for the first time this year. A sudden cold snap had hit Braunston, where I was moored under the shadow of the ‘cathedral of the waterways’. The night had been absolutely cloudless and there were sightings of the northern lights reported from all over the country.

We were between storms.

As the sun rose I spotted a group of swans swimming under the bridge at the canal junction and had to take a second look. One of them was black: a vagrant immigrant in the heart of the country who seemingly had been accepted by the local family of white swans.

They swam happily together towards the village and into the rising mist.

The day turned out to be most glorious; sunshine all the way and I achieved my target for the day without any real problems.

In fact, for the first time in my memory, I had a good road up Napton flight.

Nine locks all in my favour and I swapped over with other boats coming down at seven of them, which is always great when single-handed. The exception to that was at the first lock where a lovely ‘volockie’ (volunteer lock keeper) was on hand to say: “Stay where you are, I’ll do this,” for which I was most grateful. The volockie reminded me that they go off duty at the beginning of November. We are very thankful to them for the hours they put in.

At the next lock I nosed the gates open into the empty lock.

Call to action…

We are now at the time of year when many stop boating and lay up their craft for the winter. I am now just one boating day away from my home mooring and I am looking for the next window in the weather to achieve that.

But what gets in the way of boating, at this time of year, are meetings. In the past week or two, NABO has had meetings with CRT management, and there has been a virtual meeting of the West Midlands forum and meetings on the Thames. We

below 50% and is implementing action to reverse the trend. Also promised is a clearance of the backlog in paddle repairs; the CRT has repaired 400 paddles this year and 400 were reported broken but there was already a backlog of 600 that needed to be repaired before it could be considered that boaters would have a better view of the system.

So there is still much work to be done.

We have also heard that the trust has identified that it has tipped the balance between

“The cost of the statutory work was never included in the funding calculations of 2012 and the trust is lobbying for funding for this public safety work.” have found a change in attitude is in the air. Refreshingly, it appears that Canal & River Trust has taken heed of the boater satisfaction survey which recorded satisfaction

boating issues and ecological and environmental issues.

Today a trust senior manager told a meeting of boaters that some installations of coir rolls may have been a mistake as

that a charity runs this vital national infrastructure that is so important for biodiversity.

TT: How do you think they are best tackled?

SF: I think we all need to play our part in helping raise

awareness of the work the Canal & River Trust does in caring for our inland waterways. Those of us who work on the waterways see every day how important the trust is for so many people and for the wildlife.

Structures like the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is right next to our Trevor base, are so awe-inspiring.

It’s a World Heritage site so it’s on a par with the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal! The waterways are such an important part of our present as well as our past.

TT: Do you think that environmental concerns will impact the hire boat industry in the future? If so, in what way?

SF: Moving towards more sustainable fuel is

essential. We need to play our part in reducing emissions and reaching the goal of net zero.

Great strides are being made in marine electric engines and solar panels. Investment in these technologies is gradually bringing prices down.

Hopefully, there will be a tipping point soon when an electric infrastructure for canal boats becomes more accessible.

Anglo Welsh’s website can be found at: www.anglowelsh.co.uk

they inhibit mooring and have no impact on the habitats they are supposed to encourage.

We heard that there is a long way to go; there will always be more to do than there are resources available to take care of them. However, the trust is looking at the best ways to use those resources to increase the amount of dredging and vegetation management that they can achieve, as well as engaging with boaters to understand those factors that prevent them from enjoying the canals and rivers to the fullest.

We also heard of the impact of changes to legislation concerning reservoirs and the effect that they are having on the resources available for canal maintenance and operation.

The cost of the statutory work was never included in the funding calculations of 2012 and the trust is lobbying for funding for this public safety work. In its opinion, it should not just be DEFRA who foots the bill for the public welfare, safety and climate change-related water regulation but other government departments too.

Stormy waters…

Autumn this year has already brought two large storms. The damage is not just counted in fallen trees but also in

disruption caused by flooding and river and canal closures caused by too much water.

I overheard a local waterways manager trying to explain to a frustrated boater that he had no control over river levels which affect the canal in places where the river joins it.

One cannot get under the bridges when the river is in flood and no control devices are available for the river. It takes time for the flood water to return to the river from the flooded fields and for the river level to decline.

It is still raining on most days, and autumn is a season for patience. The Thames is swollen and there has been a truly devastating and tragic loss of life this week by boaters who maybe thought they could ignore, or perhaps overcome, the ‘strong stream’ advice, but who unfortunately got into trouble at a weir.

I have the deepest sympathy for those who have lost their lives and my heart goes out to their relatives, it is truly sorrowful. In future, similar loss of life may well be avoidable if people consider their judgment and stay off the water in times of flood.

Keep safe and enjoy the water when the weather conditions permit.

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November 2024

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