Towpath Talk - March 2021 - Preview

1 Issue 185, March 2021

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EVESHAM RIVERSIDE PROJECT

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KEEPING UP THE GOOD WORK

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CHARACTER: ‘Wendy Witch’

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FLOATING YOUR BOAT

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BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

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Barges help cut carbon footprint

Barges will carry aggregates from the new quarry at Stanley Ferry. PHOTO: JONATHAN MOSSE

Quarry plans signal return of freight to Wakefield branch

By Jonathan Mosse

PLANS for a new aggregate quarry at Stanley Ferry will see the return of freight to a stretch of West Yorkshire canal.

An important condition attached to developing the 22-hectare site, given the go-ahead by Wakefie ld Council’s planning committee on February 11, is that the weekly 3000-tonne output from the pit must travel by barge, saving

numerous freight journeys by road.

It is expected that the quarry will yield 1.6 million tonnes over its 11-year life and, once worked out, its developers – Wakefield Sand & Gravel Ltd – plan to convert the site into a nature conservation area with two fishing lakes.

This will be the first time that this stretch of canal – the Wakefield branch of the Aire and Calder Navigation – has seen regular freight since the aggregate

flow to Whitwood ended in 2013. Each barge (or tug and barge or barges) carries the equivalent of 16 lorries.

New wharf

Aggregate from the Stanley Ferry Quarry is expected to travel the 15 miles to a new wharf in Leeds or to the company’s site at Ravensthorpe near Dewsbury. This latter option would require ‘West Country’-sized craft for the 57ft 6in x 14ft 2in locks on this waterway and these will almost certainly be designed

from scratch, with electrical propulsion.

This proposal carries the Canal & River Trust’s full backing and the plan is to build a loading wharf just north of Altofts Bridge and the Stanley Ferry Aqueducts.

This will be fed by a conveyor from the two adjacent pits to be named Birkwood and, just across the River Calder, Smalley Bight.

For more information about the new quarry, together with a detailed site plan visit: https://www.stanleyferryquarry.com

London Mooring Strategy

Partygoers face fines

Peaky Blinders filming

THE Canal & River Trust is committing a further £190,000 to continue with customer service facility improvements including water points, bin stores and boater waste facilities in 2021/22. Dredging survey work and wall inspections will be carried out during the spring and new mooring rings installed from the summer. Regional director Ros Daniels said the trust has started a new discussion with boaters and other stakeholders to address the issues caused by more boats and feedback from an online survey or engagement sessions will be reviewed before details of the next steps are published.

MORE than 70 people were found partying on a moored boat in West London in breach of lockdown measures.

Police, who were called to North Acton, dispersed the group and 72 people were reported for consideration of fixed penalty notices of £800 each. The organiser was identified and reported for consideration of a £10,000 fine. Describing it as a ‘blatant breach’, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Bowen said: “All the people who attended this event, which appears to have been organised on social media, have quite rightly been reported for the consideration of fines.”

THE Castlefield area of Manchester has provided a historical set for the hit BBC TV drama Peaky Blinders.

Its cobbled streets have been fitted out with historic shop fronts and fake signs for filming of the sixth and final series of the 19th century crime drama set in Birmingham. Bridgewater Canal owners Peel Holdings reportedly asked moorers to move their boats ‘by order of the Peaky Blinders’ during the filming. Production on the show was delayed last year by Covid-19, but shooting was able to resume with cast and crew adhering to strict coronavirus restrictions.

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WELCOME LOOKING at what I wrote for our March 2020 edition, it was the last ‘normal’ one before the first lockdown.

A year on and we are hoping that the third one will be eased with the prospect of people who are not living aboard being able to return to their boats.

As I write there is still some uncertainty about holiday prospects, even for staycations. Speaking this week, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already indicated that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that self-catering accommodation will be reopened by Easter. However south of the border, Drifters Waterways Holidays is reporting a surge in bookings, see page 41.

Also taking an optimistic line is Tim Coghlan, who is planning to go ahead with the Braunston Historic Boat Rally and Canal Festival at the end of June, see his article on page 4 and advertisement on page 17.

One of the first bicentenaries of the year marked the opening of Warrington’s New Cut Canal in February 1821. See the feature about this last remaining stretch of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation on page 6.

On a sad note, we were very sorry to hear of the death of contributor Robert Davies, who specialised in historical features which he painstakingly researched. The final chapter of his Lunar Society series – about Josiah Wedgwood – is on page 63. Robert’s widow Jane kindly agreed to us going ahead with publication of his articles that, she said, he so loved writing.

We all deserve a bit of cheer and as the temperatures warm up following the latest ‘Beast from the East’, we should soon see spring flowers along the towpaths. Plant lovers in Norfolk may find some unusual species that have been spotted along the North Walsham & Dilham Canal, see article on page 18.

Don’t forget the clocks go forward on Sunday, March 28 – the week before Easter.

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The benefits of the census and why boaters should take part WHAT data source helps police forces decide where to focus crime efforts; enables fire brigades to target safety measures; assists councils in funding applications for new playgrounds; and gives town planners the information needed when devising bus routes and cycle lanes?

Answer – the census.

The census is a count of all the people and households in England and Wales. It is the most complete source of information about the population that we have. It is the only survey which provides a detailed picture of the entire population and is unique because it covers everyone at the same time.

On March 21, 2021, every household in England and Wales will be expected to complete their census questionnaire – and that of course includes all people living on boats too!

Liveaboard engagement

Liveaboard boaters will start receiving letters, either by hand from a census officer or in the post in March, with details of how to take part. The method depends on whether the mooring is registered with Royal Mail or not.

If registered with Royal Mail, you will receive a letter containing a unique access code to allow boaters to complete

their online census form. If you are not on the Royal Mail mailing list but are moored in a marina (or similar) an attempt will be made by a census officer to deliver a letter or questionnaire by hand to permanent and visitor moorings before March 20.

Those who are continuously cruising will be counted over the period March 20-22. A census officer will handdeliver paper questionnaires to visitor moorings; however, you can also request an access code via text to be sent to a UK mobile phone.

If you have not received a letter or questionnaire with an access code by March 23, then please access the census website or Public Contact Centre where you can request to receive a text to a UK mobile phone, which contains an access code to complete the census online.

Census 2021 and coronavirus

The census is coming at a critical point. It will be fundamental to our understanding of the impact the coronavirus has had on different communities and how we all live.

Census 2021 has been designed to be simple, straightforward and safe to complete. This will be a digital-first census, and people will be encouraged to participate online with online support, including help by email, social media, text message and on a webchat facility on the website.

Waterways Ireland appoints new CEO JOHN McDonagh was appointed chief executive officer of Waterways Ireland following a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on February 3.

He will take up a fouryear appointment having previously acted as the interim chief executive since April 2019.

Since joining Waterways Ireland, John has concentrated on addressing the key strategic challenges of leadership and organisational capacity gaps; strengthening organisational governance, risk and controls; and focusing on the development of a strategic long-term plan. He is positioning Waterways Ireland to be a dynamic, purposeful organisation for all users and stakeholders.

Commenting on his recent appointment and his future vision for the organisation, John said: “I am pleased to be given the opportunity to lead Waterways Ireland and to continue the journey towards a pathway to growth. It is important we keep looking forward and prepare for the future. I envision Waterways Ireland creating inspirational inland navigations

New Waterways Ireland chief executive John McDonagh. PHOTO: WI through conservation and sustainab le development for the benefit of all.

“I am enthusiastic about future developmental opportunities to build upon our natural and built assets to grow the social, economic and environmental well-being value of our navigation waterways in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.”

Pr ior to his a p p o i nt m e nt in Waterways Ireland, John spent much of his career in senior roles such as retail director and country manager in Shell Ireland. More recently, he was

sales and marketing director with Liberty Insurance, where he was responsible for the award-winning brand launch in Ireland.

Throughout his long career John has also consulted across multiple sectors.

John is an English and history graduate from UCD (University College Dublin) and he holds a masters in finance. He represented UCD Soccer Club in its first year in League of Ireland and for his sins continues to be a Manchester United fan. He lives in Sligo and commutes to Waterways Ireland HQ in Enniskillen.

People can also complete their census over the phone, with the help of trained staff, or can request a paper form.

Census staff will never need to come aboard; they will always be socially distanced, wearing PPE and work in line with all government guidance.

Everyone benefits

In charge of delivering the census is the ONS’s deputy national statistician, Iain Bell – himself a boater. Based in south Wales, he spends part of his time living on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal with his partner.

“A successful census will help give the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales,” he says.

“It benefits everyone. Based on the information you give, it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP and dental services.

“It is therefore crucial we reach everyone in the country – from people living in London’s commuter-belt to all inner-city communities; from those living in the countryside to student populations; the elderly and all ethnic minorities. And, indeed, anyone like me, who spends time living on a waterway.

“There are some groups who are harder to reach than others, with language, living arrangements, technology and

understanding of what the census is, all barriers for us to overcome. My advice for liveaboards is to make sure you have a postal point if you have a mooring. For continuous cruisers, being registered with a GP or with DWP/HMRC means analysis covers you as well.

“It’s crucial you do take part. If analysis that feeds policy decisions doesn’t reflect all sections of society then there is a risk of the needs of different groups not being met. Being able to complete it online will hopefully make it easier than ever for all of us to take part around our individual schedules, and in a way that is flexible to our living circumstances. We do recognise there will be some people who need paper forms or help getting online, and we have set up local census support centres to help with that.”

Census day will be on March 21, and will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. For the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit census.gov.uk

Anniversary auction proceeds to benefit waterways heritage

WATERWAY supporters came together was the place where founder Tom Rolt to commemorate the 75th anniversary converted Cressy into a pleasure boat of the Inland Waterways Association prior to writing Narrow Boat, the book on Monday, February 15 with the that inspired the formation of the charity. charity’s first live online auction.

Other star lots included a Harley More than 50 lots went under the Crossley original signed painting of a hammer of celebrity auctioneer, traditional narrowboat, which went Charles Hanson, to raise more than for £580, and an original painting of a £6000 for the charity. kingfisher by Steve Owen, fetching £360.

IWA national chairman Paul The evening also saw the launch of Rodgers said: “Our 75th is a big year a single cask, 10-year Islay single malt for IWA. Our experience helps us to whisky for IWA’s Waterway Recovery understand just how the waterways Group. Bottle number 75 raised £160. will shape our urban areas, our The limited-edition whisky from local and national economies, our the Bruichladdich Distillery will be health, our communities, and the available to pre-order online from environment over the coming decades. waterways.org.uk/shop “We have been overwhelmed by the support we received for our first live online auction and we are very grateful to Charles Hanson for agreeing to host this auction for us.”

Funds raised will help support the association’s work to protect waterways heritage up and down the country. IWA is working to provide more skilled volunteers in planning and heritage roles, and for more local authority and national government officers to be aware of the uniqueness and value delivered by waterway heritage.

The proceeds of the auction will help towards funding these and other ambitious plans.

A popular lot was the behindthe-scenes tour and blacksmithing opportunity at Tooley’s Boatyard, Banbury, raising £200. Tooley’s The Harley Crossley painting sold for is particularly significant as it £580. PHOTO: IWA

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Lock usage down by almost a third during 2020 lockdowns

AS COVID-19 lockdown restrictions interrupted boaters’ usual cruising patterns for much of the year, the Canal & River Trust’s Annual Lockage Report charted an unprecedented drop in use.

Compared with the previous year, the report showed a 32.9% reduction across 172 comparison sites.

The year saw distinct phases of use, according to CRT. In the week before the first lockdown in March, there were around 3500 weekly lock counts: during lockdown this reduced to below 1000.

Post-lockdown numbers bounced back and from early July numbers soared, as boaters were able to cruise freely and hire boat firms recorded heavy bookings, with many people choosing staycations.

Adam Comerford, national hydrology manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “The reasons for variances in lock use year to year can be numerous and complex, but in 2020 the reason for such an unprecedented drop was clear: the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This was compounded by the fifth warmest and driest spring since 1910, which had knock-on effects for water supplies in the summer, when lockdown restrictions were loosened.”

Lockages stayed at more than 12,000 lockages per week for most of the summer, with a peak of 13,700 lockages in mid-August.

Hillmorton Locks 2&3 (twinned locks) on the Oxford Canal, which saw 5933 lockages, a drop of 29%, remained the busiest locks on the English and Welsh canal system.

Cholmondeston on the Shropshire Union Canal was the second busiest, recording 5346 lockages, also down 29% on the previous year. Woodend on the Trent & Mersey (4450) was in third, followed by Wardle on the Shropshire Union Canal (4284) and New Marton on the Llangollen Canal (4222): all recorded significant drops in use.

Volunteer lock keepers were still present at 105 sites to help boaters when Covid-19 restrictions allowed, recording 89,000 hours of lock keeping.

Adam added: “It was heartening to see boaters, both owners and hirers,

IN BRIEF Springwood changes hands ABC Leisure Group has acquired Springwood Haven Marina situated on the Coventry Canal. The relatively new marina is set in a rural location in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, with 45 moorings along with the usual associated services. This is a notable development in the continued growth of ABC Leisure Group (15 marinas now within the group) allowing the company to maintain its position as the UK market leader in narrowboat hire as well as developing its status as a top provider of inland marina and waterways services.

Hawkesbury plan passed THE first phase of a multi-millionpound canal village plan for a former golf course north of Hawkesbury has been given the green light. Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council approved plans by Solihull-based Terra Strategic for 204 homes, site access, a community building with possible cafe, allotments, orchard, open spaces and park provision, including a BMX track, cycle and pedestrian routes, landscaping and associated highway works. An outline application is due to be submitted for the rest of the 72-acre site in the near future.

The twinned locks at Hillmorton remained the busiest on the English and Welsh system despite a 29% drop.

PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES

enjoying a summer of cruising. The waterways remain as popular as ever, and we hope that some of these new staycationers will return to the canals for future holidays.

“The monitoring of lock operations across our waterways remains an essential element in our water resources management as well as providing an insight into any changing patterns in use across the network. We are all looking forward to being able to cruise freely again, hopefully in the near future.”

‘Lockage’ can be defined simply as lock usage through the filling and emptying of a lock chamber, which in turn allows the movement of water and passage of boats.

It is important to distinguish lockage from boat movements, which are the actual number of boats which travel through a lock.

The trust separates boat movements from lockage to

acknowledge that averages can be skewed by the boat:lockage ratio (in the case of a typical broad lock, the ratio can be between one and four boats per lockful of water used).

The report, which is now in its 20th year, can be found on the Canal & River Trust website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ lockages

Harness inventory THE Saturn Project recently acquired two sets of boat horse harness, prompting a suggestion by author and artist Tony Lewery to compile an inventory of surviving harness.

He writes in the project’s recent newsletter: “I think our own society could be the vehicle for some very useful research and would like to propose that we should start a detailed list.” This information could then be forwarded to organisations such as the Historic Narrow Boat Club or museums for further additions and corrections.

Snap your winner

Wardle Lock also recorded a significant drop in use. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

THE IWA’s 2021 waterways photography competition is now open to entries. Categories are: Heritage and restoration; Waterscape; Built environment; Life and laughter.

Category winners will receive £25 to spend in the online shop, plus IWA goodies. The overall winner will also receive a print of their photo. Photos should be high-res, at least 2100 pixels x 1500 pixels. Send a maximum of 20 photos by email, Dropbox link or Wetransfer or other service to entries@waterways.org.uk with location and waterway along with category. www.waterways.org.uk

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H istoric rally could be the first m ajor w aterways event of 2 0 2 1

Braunston Marina is still planning to go ahead with the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally and Canal Festival 2021, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, writes Tim Coghlan.

WITH nearly all the traditional waterways events for this summer now officially cancelled, we are determined to try and hold our own very special annual event over the last weekend in June – when we have traditionally held it since 2003, bar the loss of last year. This year it will be on June 26-27, so save the date!

We are putting all the necessary preparations in place, and will make a final decision in early May. If we can hold it – even in a watered-down form to comply with Covid-19 restrictions of the time – we will go ahead!

The waterways need to have something to celebrate; something to look forward to. Initial soundings of the owners of historic narrowboats, who are the making of the rally – the largest gathering of these surviving leviathans of the canal’s carrying past – is that they cannot wait to come.

Likewise our leading celebrity – the music legend, songwriter and producer Pete Waterman – is still on board. He will formally open the rally on the Narrow Boat Trust’s now restored motor Nuneaton, paired with its butty Brighton.

In a main supporting role, on the Nutfield & Raymond, will be our canal treasures Tim & Pru. When I rang Timothy West to invite them to join us again – they have opened several of the 17 rallies we have held in the past – his reply was spontaneous: “What a lovely idea! But don’t forget I don’t dress up unless I’m being paid!”

Our music impresario for some years now, Janul, is already networking the amazing musicians she produces each year for the beer tent – a mini Glastonbury, without the mud. Alarum Theatre is also on board with its latest production, a play based on the 1923 Braunston Boatmen Strike. And so are our trade exhibitors and canal societies, whom we seek to support through the publicity the event gives them.

We are fortunate to be able to hold the event in our marina, including parking,

Timothy West opening the 2017 rally on the motor Nuneaton, with, astern, his wife Prunella Scales on the butty Brighton. Music legend Pete Waterman will open the 2021 rally on Nuneaton, with Tim and Pru following behind on the Nutfield & Raymond. with use of the canal outside for the parades of historic narrowboats, thanks to the Canal & River Trust.

The rally is very much an outdoor event, with the 5000-odd people who traditionally attend mainly spreading themselves out along the mile or so of towpath to watch the parades.

There are only three marquees involved, including the famous beer tent – the Dry Dock Inn – with most drinkers sitting outside. So if we have to cancel, there will be some costs to write off, but right now there is not much else to spend our money on!

So let’s be positive, and learn from the late Captain Sir Tom Moore: “Tomorrow will be a good day.”

Here’s hoping the event goes ahead, and we see you there.

IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2021 cancelled

The Canalway Cavalcade festival is set to return to London’s Little Venice on Saturday, April 30, 2022, for the full early May bank holiday weekend. PHOTO: IWA

The historic narrowboat Cepheus in a past parade of boats. Owner Simon Carey is already committed to attending the 2021 rally, if it can be held. PHOTOS: TIM COGHLAN

THE committee which runs the annual IWA Canalway Cavalcade has decided to cancel the 2021 event.

It was due to take place over the early May bank holiday weekend at Little Venice.

IWA national chairman Paul Rodgers said: “It is with great regret that we have made the decision to cancel our event this year. The continued risk the virus presents to volunteers and all those who attend and support the event makes it

impossible for us to go ahead.

“Our committee and volunteers have worked hard to find a solution and I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to all involved for their continued support and commitment to this event.”

Organising committee chairman Tom Claydon shared his gratitude for the work of all volunteers involved in the festival organisation.

He said: “The decision to cancel is made with the safety of everyone in

mind. However, while we may not be able to host a physical event we have something up our sleeve for the digital space and look forward to announcing more details as we get closer to May 1.

“I offer my thanks to all the supporters of our unique and wonderful festival including British Land, Westminster City Council and the Canal & River Trust. We are now looking forward to 2022 when we plan to host the biggest, brightest and best IWA Canalway Cavalcade yet!”

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The R iv er A v on in Ev esham is an enchanting magnet f or locals, v isitors and wildlif e. PHOTO: MARK GOODGE

The proj ect will breathe new lif e into Ev esham’ s landmark f ormer lock keeper’ s house. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER MURFIN

Evesham riverside project prepares to make a splash PUBLIC feedback is being sought for a momentous project that will rescue Evesham’s iconic former lock keeper’s house, boost tourism and create a new riverside Volunteer Activity Centre close to the heart of the town.

Avon Navigation Trust’s (ANT) innovative plan will include the launch of a new ANT youth squad and aims to bring boat hire back to the park.

It will also provide an outdoor education area and nature trail on the wildlife haven lock island, plus deliver paddlesport tuition and boat handling courses for all ages.

Evesham Town Council has enthusiastically endorsed The Evesham Lock House Volunteer Activity Centre scheme, which it has put forward for funding from Wychavon District Council’s Community Legacy Grant scheme, fuelled by the New Homes Bonus payments.

“We will be in competition with other projects across Wychavon and the more feedback we get from the public, the greater our case will be,” said Coun Sue Amor, Mayor of Evesham.

“The scheme ticks a lot of the items on the Town Plan wish list: making more use of our river; providing health and well-being benefits for all ages and improving the local economy by attracting visitors, as well as protecting a landmark building.”

Coun Mark Goodge, chairman of the town council’s New Homes Bonus Working Group, is urging people to go to https://eveshamlock.uk to have their say. Feedback should be submitted

by Tuesday, March 2 as the bid has

to be in by March 5. The council will also distribute feedback leaflets at appropriate drop-off points.

“Everyone on the panel agreed that this project, one of the best to come through the system since I started, has real potential to make a big difference,”

ANT

chief ex ecutiv e C liv e M atthews on board the trust’ s workboat Neptune.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

added Mark. “My kids are already excited about being able to hire small boats and paddleboards on summer days.”

Wyre Piddle-based charity ANT, working in partnership with stand up paddleboarding (SUP) experts Bonkers Activities, has already turned the historic workboat Neptune into a unique mobile volunteering activity and teaching centre.

The 60-year-old vessel will be based at the island, where work is due to start this winter if the grant is approved.

“Wychavon will make a long-term dream happen with this amazing legacy funding,” said ANT’s recreation project development manager and Bonkers Activities co-owner, Alex Mellor.

The project will protect the famous landmark A-shaped former lock keeper’s cottage on stilts, which is celebrated as a waterways icon. Constructed in 1972 for £8000, it was damaged and rendered unusable by two floods.

“Renovating and repurposing the house as our centre for adult volunteering and the ANT youth squad will open up wide opportunities for people to learn new skills and make a big difference,” said ANT chief executive Clive Matthews.

“Using it as the Evesham base for paddlesports and small boat activity will also gift a new generation with the chance to enjoy the river and become involved with looking after our lovely waterway.

“To help make this vision a reality and add this great facility to the town, please visit the website and complete the short survey questions.”

Ev esham M ayor C oun S ue A mor mor.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

The damaged Whinnyfield B ridge ov er the Lancaster C anal.

Bridge repairs epairs set to start WORK was due to start in late February on repairs to Whinnyfield Bridge No 34 on the Lancaster Canal which was damaged as the result of a vehicle strike in December.

Canal & River Trust contractors plan to use waterborne equipment to salvage the masonry from the canal and then make a start on reconstructing the damaged walls. The canal remained closed to navigation when we went to press.

It is not just stones on the parapet wall that have moved but also stones in the arch of the farmers’ access bridge near Woodplumpton north of Preston.

A close- up of the damaged stonework. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING,

COLIN AND CAROLE’S CREATIONS

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Warrington’s New Cut Canal is 200 years old Celebrating the last remaining significant stretch of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation OPENED on February 14, 1821, at a cost of £20,000, was the 2.7km New Cut Canal between Woolston Lock – nowadays close to the Thelwall viaduct on the M6 – and its downstream lock at Paddington.

The Mersey and Irwell Navigation Company was one of the first river improvement schemes in the UK and its purpose was to link the medieval head of navigation in the tidal Mersey at Bank Quay in Warrington to the rapidly industrialising Manchester.

However the course of the river above Warrington had several tortuous meanders, slowing and frequently grounding the barges known as ‘flats’. Manchester in the 19th century was to earn the nickname ‘Cottonopolis’ with its world-leading cotton industry but the ‘flats’ also carried many other cargoes including coal, foodstuffs, stone, slate and timber.

As trade developed the

Woolstone Old W eir and Old

company embarked on progressive improvements to reduce journey times and to compete with its rival, the Bridgewater Canal, which ran from Runcorn into central Manchester, hence the building of new locks and canals.

The first major series of river meanders to be overcome was situated to the east of Warrington in the Paddington and Woolston areas. In 1740 the first attempt to improve the navigation was the Woolston Old Cut of which little now remains. This short canal, less than a kilometre in length, only avoided two loops of the river and it was the bold New Cut that completed the removal of all loops within Warrington’s boundaries.

M ersey ‘fl ats’

At the time of building the new canal, its owners were enjoying excellent profits and paying large dividends to shareholders and by 1825 they had invested

C ut Lock.

A map showing P owder M ill Lock, Weir Lane and Lock C ottage. £100,000 in warehousing alone.

The number of vessels using the navigation increased and these Mersey ‘flats’ with their flat bottoms and rounded sides were ideally suited to the river, being stable and able to carry 80 tons of cargo.

Not only did these barges trade on the navigations in the area but some had coastal capability and would frequently be seen off the North Wales coast and some were recorded as far away as Cornish ports on the china clay trade.

The cutting of the canal also had an effect on local architecture and a wharf was built at Woolston at the end of Weir Lane where three workers’ cottages sat adjacent to the wharf, one of which was converted to a beer and cider house to cater for

A M ersey ‘ fl at’ .

A boat going through P addington Lock with Lock House behind. PHOTOS SUPPLIED the bargees laid over for their next cargo. A red plaque on the towpath now marks the site of the wharf.

Lock keepers’ houses were built at Paddington and Woolston Lock with a weir master’s house nearby but sadly only the original Paddington Lock keeper’s house now remains.

D wi ndl ing trade

Water from the New Cut was taken by an aqueduct across the Mersey at Paddington Lock to feed the Latchford and Runcorn Canal at Manor Lock, a later development by the Mersey and Irwell to further eradicate delays for shipping on the tidal Mersey below Warrington.

Accidents including sinkings and drownings were not uncommon in the days of sail but one of the worst accidents happened on the defunct Woolston Cut when close to the 1755-built Powder

Mill Lock. In 1855 a local man from nearby Martinscroft was killed and two others seriously injured in an explosion at the nearby Thelwall Gunpowder Mill, where production ceased immediately.

The building of the Manchester Ship Canal took much of the lie of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation and trade on the remaining parts progressively dwindled away until abandonment in the 1960s.

The New Cut Canal was the M62 of the 19th century and has a fascinating history and architecture, some of which can still be seen today. It is a tribute to Warrington Borough Council, the volunteers of the New Cut Trail group and all those involved that its towpath is incredibly well used by local residents who have a safe walking and cycling route, especially in pandemic lockdowns.

The best access points to see the canal are from Weir Lane, Larkfield Avenue and Paddington Bank with good level Tarmac surfacing throughout.

Email: info@newcuttrail.com Email: birding@newcuttrail.com Website: www.newcuttrail.com Facebook: New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group

The Woolston lock keepers’ cottage with the weir master’ s house in the background in 1 95 1 .

J oe C larke in f ront of N os 5 1 and 5 3 Weir Lane, a beer house by the wharf .

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New video exploring history of Wilts & Berks A CHARITY has produced a new video to raise awareness of its work after its public events were cancelled due to the lockdown.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust usually attends local festivals, carnivals and other popular occasions, as well as arranging speakers for community groups.

However, the global pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many events where volunteers would engage with the public.

So the charity created a short video which explores the history of the former waterway and the ambitious plans for restoration.

It includes archive photos from Semington Junction, Forest Lock, Melksham Wharf, Chippenham Wharf and Wantage Wharf, together with modern-day photos of stretches that have already been rebuilt.

The video, which is available to view at www.wbct.org.uk/links-publications/ videos-media, was produced and narrated by Alan Lank, a volunteer with the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Trust.

The retired technical trainer has been a member of the charity for more than a decade after coming across a work party while enjoying a walk.

Alan said: “There’s increasing interest in the restoration campaign and we didn’t want to lose momentum during the lockdown, so we thought a short video would be a good way to keep spreading the word.

“It features the reasons for the original

construction of the canal and then follows its trading history, decline and eventual abandonment, before local volunteers formed a group to preserve the remains.

“Over time their objective changed from preservation to restoration, which resulted in the formation of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust to bring it back to fully navigable status.

“It won’t be possible to follow all of the original line due to modern development, but plans have been drawn up to go around these areas and we now have lots of experienced volunteers dealing with planning, engineering and fundraising.

“There are also lots of local work parties helping with digging, bricklaying, grasscutting and other tasks, which provide the perfect opportunity for enjoying the outdoors and making new friends.

“We hope the video will inspire people le to learn more about our work, and hopefully they’ll share it with their friends and family too.”

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

Visit www.wbct.org.uk

B oaters launch F acebook group to help find new T rent moorings

By Les Heath

A BID to provide more visitor moorings on the River Trent has been made by interested parties through a new Facebook group.

The group, which already has well over 200 members, is called ‘Visitor Moorings on the River Trent and Associated Waterways’.

Its purpose is to encourage discussion, and give help and advice to boaters interested in setting up more visitor and residential moorings.

Members are asked to identify potential mooring locations, find and contact the landowner and ask if they would be interested in allowing visiting boats to moor alongside part of their bank.

They would also point out that the landowner could gain an income from mooring fees or increase boater customers to a business they run, such as a pub.

A member of the Facebook admin group, Robert Aspey, said: “We already have two moorings set up that way, at Mountsorrel Staithe on the River Soar and at Stoke Bardolph on the River Trent (where there is a pub), and a few more are in the pipeline.

“It’s down to us boaters to make the first move. Expect a few setbacks, but as you start to make progress it can be very rewarding.

“For many years boaters have been calling for more visitor moorings on the Trent, especially the tidal section, without success but have now decided to take matters into their own hands.”

Canal Trust volunteer Alan Lank in period costume.

The former Chippenham Wharf, c1890. PHOTOS: WBCT

The former Forest Lock in Melksham, c1900.

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Keeping up the good work The Chichester Canal from Hunston. PHOTO: ABBIE NEWTON

Volunteers working on the Harsfold Bridge project.

WEY & Arun Canal Trust volunteers clocked up an impressive 21,807 hours of work in 2020, despite the limitations of lockdown.

The figure was just 5614 down on the previous year, showing the dedication from working party members, boat crew and back office volunteers to the trust and its aims.

Working parties were stood down during the spring lockdown and again at the end of the year, and the trust also missed the visiting working party camps it benefited from in 2019, when three week-long camps were held, along with numerous weekend visits.

When regular working parties were able to resume, teams were kept to small groups to manage the restrictions, but several working parties increased the number of days they operated.

The Eric Walker Group, which usually operates on a Thursday, began working across five days a week with reduced numbers to make up for lost time on the Harsfold Bridge project at Wisborough Green. Despite winter storms, flooding and the pandemic hampering construction, the team managed to complete the project on time in the late summer as a result.

Volunteers were also able to work across several days at the latest major project, the Tickner’s Heath road crossing at Alfold, Surrey.

Operating during the pandemic also created extra hours for the directors and back office volunteers as they worked on how to operate the Canal Centre, boat trips and working parties safely. Their efforts meant the Canal Centre operated and boat cruises were able to run from August through to the end of December, bringing in much needed funds.

Chairman Sally Schupke thanked all those involved in the trust for their hard work in such difficult times.

“The thousands of hours put in is truly inspiring. Without them we wouldn’t

be able to achieve the successes we continue to have. The past year has been challenging for so many, and our volunteers have stepped up and carried on, and I thank them for that.”

Volunteers carry out many varied tasks for trust, from outside physical jobs such as maintenance and restoration to behind-the-scenes roles, such as helping with admin, marketing and publicity, accounts and fundraising. Volunteers are also needed to help in the Canal Centre in Loxwood, and as cabin crew for the boat operation.

If you would like to volunteer in any way, please email support@ weyandarun.co.uk to express your interest. Please note that working parties are currently not in operation due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The 2020 boat crew at the Loxwood Canal Centre. PHOTOS: WACT

A weighty solution – no problem!

IN JANUARY, Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers should have continued with the restoration of the remaining 330m of the ‘dry’ Crickheath section of the Montgomery Canal.

When completed, it will join the national network to the Winding Hole at Crickheath, where boats will be able to turn round.

In December, the monumental task of substantially overbuilding an area of subsidence affecting both sides of the channel was completed.

These sides were then covered with 100 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) filled with water, to weigh down and compress the material to allow compaction to take place over the next six months.

Very regular measurements are being taken to monitor how the process is working and already there has been a

Chichester Ship Canal Trust celebrates major funding boost for bank restoration THE Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the charity behind the canal, is celebrating after reaching the halfway point of its major fundraising campaign.

Launched in the autumn, the campaign aims to raise £200,000 to restore the canal banks, and to keep the canal safe and open for everyone.

Two recent significant grant awards have really boosted the fundraising campaign. The first is from Swire Charitable Trust, who awarded a £40,000 grant.

The Swire Trust environment programme funds charities that inspire and motivate individuals and communities to enhance their natural and built environments.

With the restored canal banks enhancing both the unique habitat and the almost 200 year-old heritage, this application was a natural fit for their programme.

Catherine Cannon, trustee at the Canal Trust, said: “A grant of this scale signifies that we are a charity really worth supporting, and it unlocks further grant opportunities

for us.”

The Swire Trust award was closely followed by the news that Chichester District Council has allocated the Canal Trust £10,000 from their Improving Local Places and Spaces grant funding scheme. This funds improvements to publicly owned space or built assets to enhance the wellbeing of local residents or the habitats of the district’s wildlife.

Catherine continued: “We’re so pleased to have the support of the district council. We know how important the canal is to many residents across the district, in particular during the ongoing restrictions, and their support recognises this.

“With the planned Year of Culture in 2022, we’re looking forward to working with the district council and partners to recognise the importance of the canal as a cultural, heritage and tourist asset.”

Supporters may like to contribute to the ongoing campaign at justgiving.com/ campaign/chichestercanal

President takes a step closer to returning to steam

The offside loaded with IBCs and the towpath prepared ready to take them.

15cm settlement.

There are another five months of compression to come to stabilise these embankments, so that final shaping of this section can begin.

The new Covid-19 lockdown caused the January and February work parties to be cancelled, which is pushing back the completion date originally forecast for 2020.

Due to a number of unforeseen issues, especially Covid-19, this date has been reviewed, with 2021/22 being the new target, but matters can only proceed when the national situation allows.

The volunteers are more than determined to complete this project as soon as possible, and on resumption there will be two threeday sessions each month, when the initial work of shaping and profiling will be largely machine based.

Plans are being made to reinstate the towpath wall on the next 200m of dry channel beyond the winding hole, to the south of Crickheath

Bridge, so this new project will run in tandem with the ongoing project as and when volunteers are available, as the battle re-commences with what is proving to be a very demanding section of restoration.

Half a mile further south, advanced planning has taken place regarding the reinstatement of Schoolhouse Bridge.

The Restore The Montgomery Group hopes to begin building this new road bridge in July, with a completion date before the end of 2021.

A section of towpath wall beyond Crickheath Bridge. PHOTOS: SUCS

A CONTRACT was due to be placed in mid-February for work to build the new boiler on steam narrowboat President at the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.

Writing in the January edition of the Friends of President newsletter 195, president David Powell reported: “We are hoping to get the boat onto the dock at the museum in order to inspect the bottom boards and, if necessary, replace them, especially under the boiler and engine.

President letting off steam at Braunston. PHOTO: DAVID JOWETT

“A new kelson is also needed in the engine room; this will be protected from the heat and any ashes that drop through.”

He added that chief engineer Dave Stott had also been researching a new water supply, which will improve the quality of water going into the boiler.

Fundraising for the new boiler is almost there, although the appeal will need to keep running to cover the repairs and preparation of the boat.

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Characters of the Cut A lice G riffin chats to the waterways ‘ witch’ who follows the cycle of nature with her own love of gardening.

GROWING up in the presence of a beautiful narrowboat painting prized by her dad, as well as a travelling pagan grandmother who gave her a set of tarot cards to play with as a child, it is perhaps no surprise that Wendy Fern Pankhurst can now be found wandering the waterways as ‘Wendy Witch’, spreading the joy of nature as she goes.

“I’m a pagan, which means I love and study nature, the seasons and the world Wendy conducting a baby naming around us. I celebrate the eight sabbats ceremony. (festivals) during the year, which is Despite this working well, Wendy is how our ancestors worshipped and looking forward to everyone coming celebrated before organised religion came along.” aboard again so they can enjoy tea and With her dad a pagan and mum cake with their reading!

Continuing the traditions of her Church of England, Wendy feels she had a very balanced upbringing, but it family is important: “My grandmother was her dad’s books about witchcraft, – my dad’s mother – was the last of the folklore, customs and superstitions that travelling folk in our family. I’m too most struck a chord. “I remember as a young to remember the caravans, or child picking up a book about ancient my grandfather, but I visited her often at magic and thinking, ‘Yes! This is what her house. She taught me my first tarot it’s all about!’” spread, the Nine Card Gypsy Oracle.”

Nowadays she lives aboard a 1988 When her grandmother passed over 67ft narrowboat named Merly B with Wendy’s dad gave her a book full of her her husband, Phil, and their mad dog, magic spells, potions, incantations and Henry. “I don’t know if it was my dad’s recipes. “It was her ‘Book of Shadows’,” Wendy tells me. “They were witches, painting that brought me to the canals, but when I met my husband, we just but never used the phrase, times were had the same dream to live afloat. I love different then I suppose. Now I’m proud travelling and I love England so living on to be a witch.” the cut seemed perfect to me.”

Following the cycle of nature closely is a huge part of this path. “Our ancestors As a white witch Wendy offers relied on the seasons to grow their crops handfasting and baby naming and rear their livestock. They were ceremonies, tarot card readings, superstitious and so held ceremonies blessings and magic spells (only good ones!). “My own wedding was pagan, a to give thanks for their harvest and to handfasting. After that I began to conduct pray for the sun to return at the end of ceremonies for friends and family and winter. The solstices and equinoxes were this quickly turned into a business.” particularly important to these people.”

Wendy adores conducting And keeping the old ways alive is handfastings (literally ‘tying the knot’) important to Wendy, who believes everyone can benefit by being thankful and baby naming ceremonies. “They’re for new flowers, sunshine, autumn such joyous occasions because as with leaves and snow, rejoicing in the all things pagan, there are no set rules.

Anyone can get involved, no matter what knowledge that light will always return. belief, creed, marital status, sexual orientation – pagan ceremonies are for everyone!”

Another love is offering face-toface tarot readings aboard Merly B, which given current restrictions, Wendy has been offering remotely.

“Tarot readings are a way to get a better understanding of your situation and are becoming more popular as people become less frightened of them.

“At the moment I ask my customers to sit quietly for 15 minutes at home, maybe light a candle or some incense, while I shuffle and draw the cards for them at the same time. I send a message The tarot cards. PHOTOS SUPPLIED when I’m done and then email a summary and photograph.”

The River Anker in Polesworth where Boudica’s body is said to have arrived on a makeshift raft.

T he final resting place of the warrior q ueen

By Les Heath

Wendy: “It’s am az can grow in a po ing what you t.”

“We must have death – dying leaves and flowers – to make the soil fertile for new flowers and fruit. Life is a circle, with many circles within.”

As she wanders, Wendy keeps this circle going through her own love of gardening. “It’s really easy to adapt to narrowboat gardening – it’s amazing what you can grow in a pot!” Oak and chestnut saplings for baby naming ceremonies adorn her roof and annuals and perennials are sold alongside the boat, with all money going to the Huntington’s Disease Association.

“I try to make my own life and others as happy and content as possible,” Wendy says, and I think her beautiful and nurturing presence on the waterways is doing just that. I’m sure her grandmother would be proud.

Alice Griffin is a freelance writ writer, intermittent boat dwell dweller and long-time w wanderer, currently in the Highlands. www. alicegriffin.co.uk Instagram: alicegrif alice_is_in_wanderland

We Website: www.wendywitch. co.uk Facebook: Wendy Witch Instagram: Wendy__Witch

The eight sabbats celebrated by pagans are: Samhain: October 31, pagan new year (summer’s end, Halloween) Yule: December 21/22 (shortest day, winter solstice) Imbolc: February 1/2 (Candlemas) Ostara: March 21 (spring equinox) Beltane: April 30/May 1 (May eve) Litha: June 21/22 (longest day, summer solstice) Lammas: July 31 (first fruits, grain harvest) Mabon: September 21/22 (autumn equinox)

Wendy loves living on narrowboat Merly B.

EVERY year hundreds of boaters stay overnight on one of the two popular visitor moorings at each end of Polesworth village on the Coventry Canal.

The village, which once The sign near Polesworth church. had a busy boatyard noted for the ‘Polesworth style’ paintings of roses and castles, also holds a little-known secret worthy of further investigation.

Many boaters enjoy a short walk from the canal, over the River Anker, to obtain groceries, call in at a pub or enjoy fish and chips.

But few notice a sign tucked away near the church claiming that the Iceni queen Boudica (or Boudicca) is buried nearby.

Boudica’s final resting place has never been found but Polesworth residents claim that their village is the One of the signs on the canal actual spot because the information has towpath. PHOTOS: LES HEATH been passed down from generation to generation over the centuries – not just body drifting downstream to Polesworth.

According to the author the Roman made up in the 20th or 21st century.

It is claimed that after Boudica was legion assembled on the ridge along which defeated by the Roman army her body the Coventry Canal now runs. From here was placed on a makeshift raft and set boaters have a fine view over the plain and adrift on the River Anker a few miles those with a vivid imagination can picture upstream of Polesworth. the battle raging below.

Around Mancetter there are two It was her supporters’ actions which prevented her body from falling into information boards on the canal towpath Roman hands and, as a result, her detailing Roman activity in the area.

It is worth mooring up for a minute demise was not mentioned by any Roman writers of the time. or two to read about the part Mancetter The raft drifted as far as Polesworth (once a Roman fortress) played in the which became her final resting place. first century AD. Boaters travelling south along the And, thanks to the painstaking research Coventry Canal from Polesworth will by Margaret Hughes, boaters can now find themselves on a wooded hillside at pause to reflect that they are cruising Hartshill with panoramic views over the through the site of one of the most plain to the east. momentous battles in British history.

It is here that one of the biggest battles ever to take place on English soil unfolded. Around 80,000 Britons were slaughtered and many were captured to become slaves. Roman casualties amounted to 400 dead and a similar number injured.

That this was the site of Boudica’s final battle has been confirmed in a new book by Atherstone historian Margaret Hughes – Boudica at Mancetter: The Latin, The Land, The Logistics.

It identifies the land below Hartshill as the AD61 battle site, giving credibility to the story of the raft bearing Boudica’s

The view from the Coventry Canal towpath across the plain where the battle took place.

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Help to save the old wooden boats Hazel on a well-being trip.

Elton at Portland Basin.

Society launches plea for support SINCE 1987 the Wooden Canal Boat Society has been quietly pursuing its mission of saving some of the historic wooden boats of the waterways and putting them to work for the community, writes Chris Leah of WCBS. The fleet now consists of Lilith (1901), Hazel

(1913), Queen (1917), Forget me Not (1927), Southam (1936) and Elton (1937). The boats are kept at Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, junction of the Ashton and Peak Forest canals.

Since 1996 the society has been running monthly recycling trips, collecting unwanted goods for reuse and recycling. Goods collected on recycling trips have been sold through a variety of outlets over

the years, culminating in the biggest charity shop in Ashton. For many years this has been the major source of income to fund the boats.

Following her rebuild at the WCBS Heritage Boatyard, Hazel has been in use as a well-being boat, helping to improve the mental health of local people since 2016.

Like many charities, the WCBS has been hit hard by the pandemic. Recycling trips have been suspended since March 2020. The Hazel project has been unable to operate, ironically, just when her services are most needed.

Many of our regular volunteers are in vulnerable groups so they have disappeared. Work on the boats has almost ground to a halt. The shop was closed for much of 2020 and when it was able to open, the dramatic drop in footfall meant that it was not covering its costs.

Saving and restoring historic wooden boats are activities that present many challenges, so the above tale of woe is not going to defeat our little organisation.

With the roll-out of vaccines there is light at the end of the tunnel,which means it’s time to start looking for help in putting things back together.

Gradually we’re moving sales of donated goods to online outlets and are

looking for volunteers to help with this. To do this it’s actually not necessary to live anywhere near Ashton; you just need a computer (or smartphone) and a little cupboard space to store items for sale.

Anyone who would like to help with this please get in touch. Town centre charity shops like ours have been struggling, but they probably will have a resurgence post-Covid.

It may well be necessary to move from our present shop though, as the town centre has shrunk away from it over the last few years. We’d like to hear from people, possibly retired, with retail management or business development experience to help with the necessary transitions.

Please offer your help by emailing general@ wcbs.org.uk or ringing Chris on 07931 952037.

Lilith carrying timber for Hazel’s restoration with Southam in Gunthorpe Lock on the Trent.

Forget me Not towing Hazel on the Rochdale Canal. PHOTOS: WCBS

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Queen, t he oldest surv iv ing wooden motor narrowboat now awaiting restoration.

Wooden boats are a valuable part of waterways heritage but the old saying that a stitch in time saves nine really applies to them. When maintenance is suspended for lack of money or shortage of volunteers, the nasty little fungi carry on eating the boats.

Once serious work can restart it’s going to be important to rapidly catch up. This will mean

more money will be needed. For this reason the WCBS is looking for new volunteers for fundraising, both traditional and online.

So often we’ve been encouraged by boaters to ‘keep up the good work’. Now it’s time for the waterway community to give us a hand so that we can get the job done and not see these lovely old boats rot away.

Southam towing Lilith on the M acclesfield canal en route to Lincoln f or timber.

The boat with no name now has a name MORE THAN 200 suggestions were made to the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust for a name for its new community boat.

It will be called Electra which means ‘shining light’ according to James Clifton, the trust volunteer who led the search.

As reported in our January edition (News, Issue 183) an appeal had been made to the public to help name the boat, which will be based at Campbell Wharf in Milton Keynes.

The name was chosen by the trust’s MK Community Boat volunteer management team, in consultation with founding project partners Crest Nicholson/Campbell Wharf and the Parks Trust.

James continued: “Electra was the goddess of sea clouds in which lightning was often seen. The words electric and

electricity come from the same source.

“Boat names are traditionally female, so Electra seemed the obvious choice for our all-electric boat and our sparky volunteer team who are making the new Milton Keynes Community Boat happen.”

He added: “The name was suggested by two people: Sheila, a BBC Three Counties’ listener from St Albans and Don Allison from Newport Pagnell, one of our loyal volunteers. Other suggestions included: BoatyMK-Boatface, Bright Spark, Alan Turin, Tranquillity and Milton Queen.”

Trust chairman Jane Hamilton said: “We have commissioned this exciting boat to provide a new attraction for local communities and to raise funds which can help us

promote the brand-new waterway park, with a fully navigable route linking Bedford & Milton Keynes.”

Based on a 54ft traditional narrowboat design, the electric motor will provide a unique experience, gliding almost silently along the canal and greatly reducing emissions. The tranquil colour scheme of the boat – cream cabin top and sides, blue base, green and blue highlights – reflects this.

Electra is currently under construction and is due to be launched in the spring.

Now that the boat has been named, the trust is looking to increase its volunteer numbers, both on board and on dry land. Members of the public are invited to visit the trust’s website: www. bmkwaterway.org/miltonkeynes-community-boat for further details.