Towpath Talk May 2024 issue **FREE**

TOWPATH TO

The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users

TALK

88 PAGES

Issue 223, May 2024

One stop shop for maintenance, repairs & refits

01926 492968

See page 39 for details

www.kateboats.com

WORD SEARCH & PRIZES!

P66

OWNER FINED FOR NOT REGISTERING BOAT

P8

FREIGHT FACILITIES GRANTS EXPLAINED

Boaters protesting against the licence surcharge. PHOTO: NBTA

Boaters march on CRT office in licence fee protest

P14

HUNDREDS of boaters took to the towpath of Paddington Basin in London to demonstrate against the Canal & River Trust’s licence fee increases.

They were also protesting at plans to introduce differential pricing based on

BOAT REVIEW:UNEXPECTED

P50

BOATS FOR SALE Starts on

P21

STOCK BOATS

mooring status. Activists from the boater community were joined on Easter Saturday by members of other groups in solidarity, including Right to Roam, London Renters Union and Don’t Pay. The protest was organised by the

National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) which also claimed a stretch of the Regent’s Canal had been “largely abandoned” following the introduction

by CRT of chargeable moorings at £25-35 per night.

NBTA secretary Marcus Trower said: “Hundreds of boaters and supporters alike turned out for this demonstration of community, solidarity and resistance.”

• Continued on page 2

Anglo Welsh expands

Marina awards

Canal connection

BOATING holiday operator Anglo Welsh has bought Sally Narrowboats, offering canal boat hire on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bradford on Avon Marina in Wiltshire. This adds to the company’s Monkton Combe base at Brassknocker Basin and Sydney Wharf in Bath, through its partnership with Bath Narrowboats. Day boat hire will also be available from the new base. Anglo Welsh operations director Carl Cowlishaw described the canal as one of the most popular on the network for canal boat holidays.

THE Yacht Harbour Association is inviting nominations for its 2024 Marina of the Year awards anchored by marine insurers Haven Knox-Johnston.

Categories including inland and sustainable marinas are open to all members holding the association’s Gold Anchor status while nominations for Marina Employee of the Year are open to marinas, moorers and the public. Voting closes on August 30; winners will be announced on the Foredeck Stage at the Southampton International Boat Show, September 8.

AN INTERVIEW by Michael Portillo with IWA Lincolnshire Branch chairman David Pullen appeared recently in an episode of Great British Railway Journeys on BBC Two. With the backdrop of Brayford Pool in Lincoln and the Fossdyke Canal, it focused on the future funding of the waterways and IWA’s history of saving the network. The interview was broadcast during Series 15, Episode 13, Lincoln to York on April 1. If you missed the programme you can catch it on BBC iPlayer.

at

INSTANT FUNDS

6 MONTHS FREE MOORING on selected Stock Boats

A SELECTION of STOCK BOATS now available for viewing and Purchase.

Terms and conditions apply

Visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk Today!

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

hrs

t accoun r bank to you

Boats Available...60ft,1 bedroom Eurocruiser, 60ft Fully Fitted Shearwater Narrowboat, 60ft Sailaway Additions Narrowboat... More to Follow...

01386 768500

FOR YOUR BOAT

NO OBLIGATION VALUATION BROKERAGE FROM 5%+VAT (Minimum charge applies)

your bo from o at with one ur mari nas

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

CHESHIRE

www.whiltonmarina.co.uk

www.venetianmarina.co.uk

01327 842577

Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 2NH

01270 528251

Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DD

2

May 2024

WELCOME to the May edition of Towpath Talk.

TIME marches on; the days are getting longer and the boating season has firmly awakened from its winter slumber. Dates for shows and events are becoming ever closer on a positively brimming boating calendar.

The main event on the horizon is the Crick Boat Show, taking place over the spring bank holiday weekend of May 25-27 at Crick Marina, where there will be more than 200 exhibitors, dozens of new boats, along with free advice, seminars, technical masterclasses and various other exciting events to boot – it’s a show not to be missed!

Amid the excitement of the season ahead, one thing that didn’t bring a smile to the faces of many boaters was the Canal & River Trust’s licence fee increase, as seen on our lead story this month. The wider economy has been struggling, as we all know; part of the financial burden placed on many families is the ever-increasing cost of living, which makes people all the more sensitive to additional price hikes of any kind during these times.

This edition opens with that subject as our lead story and also closes with NABO’s view on the licence fee (p82) so clearly a hot topic on everyone’s mind right now and one we will continue to monitor.

Financial woes aside, it’s another fabulous edition bursting with news, reviews, tech guides and much more besides. Enjoy.

Dan

Editor Dan Clare tteditorial@mortons.co.uk Contributing editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466/01507 529451 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Tel: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – Thursday, May 23

Independent publisher since 1885

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

Independently proven pick up: 34,450 copies

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Boaters march on CRT office in licence fee protest • Continued from page 1

“Before we arrived, Paddington Basin was empty, but we’ve demonstrated exactly what boaters mean to the waterways by filling it with life, celebration and a sense of community.”

There were a number of musical and dance performances throughout the day as well as food and drink served, multiple boater-run stalls, an NBTA information booth and a unity march on CRT’s Little Venice office.

Marcus added that NBTA hopes the trust will sit down with boaters, drop policies like the licence surcharge and ensure that their contribution to the waterways is acknowledged and way of life respected. Otherwise boaters will continue to fiercely resist these plans, he said.

CRT’s licence surcharge came into effect on April 1, current proposals specifying a surcharge of an additional 25% on boats without a home mooring on top of a projected 34% increase in the standard licence fee within the next five years.

NBTA chairman Pamela Smith commented: “Our community has had enough. Boaters are the lifeblood of the waterways – keeping them safe, vibrant and welcoming. We’ve been at the forefront of reviving the canals, and giving them new life and purpose since they fell into neglect in the 1960s.”

She added that CRT needed to get its house in order and ensure it’s not remembered for undoing what successive generations of boaters have worked hard to build. Various boater organisations aside from the NBTA have also voiced opposition to the surcharge, including the IWA and NABO. See elsewhere in this issue for stories relating to London moorings (p6) and NABO’s views on the licence fee (p82).

Any boaters who want to be a part of this ongoing campaign can email stopboatlicencediscrimination@ gmail.com

The Unity March on CRT’s Paddington offices.

Boats moored for the Easter Regatta.

Marcus Trower addressing the crowd. PHOTOS: NBTA

Election address from Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign THE Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign has issued a statement in the run-up to the local elections in England and Wales on May 2.

Describing the network of 5000 miles of canals and navigable rivers as a unique national asset, it states: “Almost 80% of local authorities have a navigable waterway or a waterway under restoration, and waterways touch the lives of millions.”

Former Waterways Minister Sir Robert Atkins, currently a local councillor and trustee of the Inland Waterways Association, said: “Britain’s inland waterway network is an irreplaceable part of the national

infrastructure which generates numerous public benefits and should be safeguarded through more adequate public funding.

“From boaters and local businesses to recreational groups and individuals who value our waterways, we are united in looking towards local as well as national government and seeking support from our elected representatives. Our waterways matter to people and politicians must address the concerns.”

The statement continues: “Yet concern for the future of Britain’s inland waterways is mounting. More frequent episodes of extreme weather

are taking their toll, inflation is biting and funding is already constrained and planned to fall further.

“Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) has come together as a coalition of more than 120 organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways. Since June 2023 it has been campaigning for national and local government to act now and protect the public benefit and natural capital of our waterways.”

According to FBW an estimated 8.9 million people took part in an inland boating or watersports activity in 2022, resulting in the delivery of £3.1 billion in GVA (Gross Value Added) to the UK

economy in 2022/23 and supporting more than 132,000 jobs.

“Millions of hours of volunteer effort have already gone into restoring derelict waterways, and volunteers around the country are continuing restoration projects or helping to maintain and operate active waterways.

“Media coverage such as the BBC’s recent Countryfile feature is helping to highlight the importance of waterways to local communities, as well as their contribution to the environmental resilience, heritage, health and well-being and economic prosperity of the nation.”

See also story on facing page.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Date for Robbie’s diary as he opens ecology park

THE Lichfield Canal at Darnford Moors Ecology Park has been officially opened

by TV’s Robbie Cumming, following its completion by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT).

This 0.5km section of canal was completed thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with match funding from HS2’s Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and separate grants from the Biffa Award and the Wesleyan Foundation.

Representatives from each of the

funders attended the ceremony along with the volunteers who have worked tirelessly on site and behind the scenes.

All watched as the ecology park including the stretch of canal was formally opened

by LHCRT patron Robbie Cumming, of TV’s Canal Boat Diaries, together with LHCRT president Eric Wood.

Robbie said: “You’re not only showing the local community this lovely ecology park, you’re showing the whole country your passion for regenerating canals like this.

LHCRT president Eric Wood and patron Robbie Cumming opening the Darnford Moors Ecology Park.

Paddleboarders enjoying the water. PHOTOS: LHCRT

“I'm not just here as someone off the TV, I’m here to represent all the people that live on boats, the 35,000 registered boat owners in the country, who hopefully, will be making use of this one day.”

Two commemorative trees were planted, one by Robbie Cumming and the other by John Horton, LHCRT’s former engineer, when Darnford Moors was first initiated. There was then a guided walk, while paddleboarders took to the water, along with LHCRT volunteers in a canoe and a coracle.

LHCRT chairman Carole Mills said: “This fantastic achievement is due to the fabulous collaboration of Team Lichfield and is a superb example of what can be done when people work together. That’s what LHCRT is all about.

“The Lichfield Canal will provide a new gateway to the Black Country navigations and is already bringing huge benefits to the city and surrounding areas. Overall we’re creating a wonderful legacy for Lichfield and for our communities to use now and in the future.”

She went on to thank the funders who between them have provided over £420k of vital grant and to every member of Team Lichfield for creating Darnford

Moors Ecology Park, saying: “We should all feel very proud of having combined our energy, talents and sheer hard work to make this happen.”

For more about Darnford Moors Ecology Park visit lhcrt.org.uk

Attending the meeting at the Canal & River Trust’s Hatton office are, from left: Joanna Richardson, public affairs adviser, British Marine; Richard Parry, chief executive CRT; Susie Mather, external relations CRT, together with British Marine members Anne Davies of Napton Narrowboats, Robert Parton of Aqueduct Marina, and Nigel Stevens of Shire Cruisers. PHOTO: BRITISH MARINE

Business body backs campaign for waterways funding BRITISH Marine recently joined other members of Fund Britain’s Waterways for a meeting with the Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry and his senior team at Hatton Locks.

The trade association, whose members come from a broad range of boating businesses, is one of 120 organisations backing the FBW campaign to protect all of Britain’s inland waterways.

“We had a constructive meeting with the Canal & River Trust about the management of its 2000-mile network amid the impact of more extreme weather and diminishing government grant,” British Marine’s president-elect Robert Parton told Towpath Talk.

“I also recently attended meetings with the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority and it seems clear all our main navigation

3

authorities are now increasingly struggling to maintain their networks, not least because of the impact of climate change.”

Robert added: “Given the huge value of Britain’s waterways to the well-being of local communities and the wider economy, it’s crucial government thinks again to ensure there will be adequate funding in the decades ahead to maintain this much-loved public asset.

“This is why we want everyone to support Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign during this general election year to persuade all our current and aspiring parliamentarians to back our inland waterways.”

FBW’s campaign includes working with CRT to seek a review to its funding settlement for the period 2027-2037 which the trust fears will be insufficient to avert future canal closures. #fundbritainswaterways

4

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Accessible picnic area opens at Saul Junction

WHEELCHAIR users will be among visitors able to appreciate the benefits of spending time by water at Saul Junction with the creation of a new picnic area.

Volunteers from the Canal & River Trust have spent eight months building the area, which has been designed to provide space for up to four wheelchairs at the adapted tables, at the popular mid-point of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Lead volunteer Malcolm Humphries said: “The new wheelchair-friendly picnic area is a great addition: we want everybody to be able to enjoy the benefits of spending time by the water.

Our volunteers have done a fantastic job in building this accessible space which is sure to be a popular spot for visitors throughout the summer.”

The project was made possible thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and two local firms which donated materials. The Cullimore Group provided the hardcore and pre-mix concrete that makes up the foundations of the area, with Highfield Garden World contributing plants that have been planted in an old dinghy, gifted by the Cotswold Canal Trust, which has been split into two attractive planters.

Volunteers gave 1335 hours of their time to care for Saul Junction in 2023, with a team of 10 volunteers spending two days a week looking after the spot on the Green Flag-accredited waterway.

Malcolm added: "Our volunteers do a wonderful job making Saul Junction a fantastic place to be. They look after mowing, strimming and the upkeep of planters, while picking up litter and maintaining a stretch of the canal from Fretherne Bridge towards Longney.”

The new picnic area follows previous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery including the projects at Saul Junction that have included the creation of a wildlife pond to attract great crested newts, hedgerow work and towpath improvements.

The new wheelchair-friendly picnic area at Saul Junction.

Celebrating the opening are, from left: Rob Fry, sales representative, Cullimore Group; Karl Friston, mix manager, Cullimore Group; Emily Hall, Highfield Garden World and Malcolm Humphries, lead volunteer, Saul Junction. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

More of the Monty takes shape WITH parts of the UK having had their wettest winter since records began in 1836, work on the Crickheath Tramway wharf wall was delayed despite prolonged pumping to reduce water levels.

So the main focus of a recent work party was to crack on with lining and blocking just south of the wharf.

This section had failed the water testing last October, hence the need for waterproofing, though even here a modest amount of pumping was required before work could start.

A further 35 metres of channel were lined and blocked and although there was still work to do above water level, the diggers worked further down the channel in the direction of Schoolhouse Bridge.

Following site clearance earlier in the year, it was possible to start initial profiling of the channel by excavating the bed to the required level (grade) and regularising the bank slopes (profiling).

Starting to shape the channel.

Volunteers queue with their barrows for some hard graft.

A further 35m of channel lined and blocked to water level.PHOTOS:SUCS

5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Spring launch for Sharpness 150 landmark

By Janet Richardson

A view from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal of the Bridgemere development.

Viewing homes from a different angle Words & photo: Colin Wareing

OVER the Easter weekend prospective home buyers viewed their possible major purchase from a canal boat.

Alongside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Burscough, West Lancashire, Prospect Homes is building new houses on a former factory brownfield site, now known as Bridgemere.

Local day hire boat company Lancashire Canal Cruises provided a boat and skipper to take folks on a short trip along the canal from the development towards Liverpool and return, turning outside The Slipway pub.

The boat carried an advertising banner for the new houses, with the promotion being deemed a success that could be repeated as more of the houses near completion.

There will be two pedestrian access paths from the homes to the canal towpath, the first one having been put in place.

The factory, Universal Bulk Handling on Orrell Lane in Burscough, manufactured specialist liquid tank containers for the shipping and logistics industries but went into administration in December 2019 and closed with most of the staff being made redundant.

Subsequently the site was put up for sale and the factory was demolished.

CELEBRATIONS to mark 150 years since the opening of Sharpness New Dock in 1874 were launched with an exhibition at Sharpness Sports and Social Club.

Aimed at bringing people from the community, surrounding areas and visitors together to participate in and enjoy exploring the past, present and future of Sharpness Dock, anniversary events will continue throughout 2024.

Martyn Slater, from the organising team, said: “Sharpness 150 is an initiative aimed at uniting people as they discover not only the heritage of Sharpness New Dock, but also its influence on the area, its industries and, most importantly, the personal stories it has helped to shape.”

Visitors browsed an exhibition of

historic photos and artefacts at the launch held at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club, formerly the Dockers Club. The Waller stationary steam engine was working, the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) displayed

Local historians, from left: Tony Conder, Chris Witts, Hugh ConwayJones and Carole Mills. PHOTOS: KEN HITCHINGS

Easter woes for Trent boaters

By Alison Alderton

EASTER is traditionally the start of the holiday season for UK boaters, however, due to excessive rain, saturated flood

The Lancashire Canal Cruises trip boat, with an advertising banner for the homes on its side, about to make its turn just before the Crabtree Lane swingbridge on its way back to the new homes.

Visitors browse the exhibition of photos and artefacts.

plains and high volumes of water, the Trent has seen multiple flood alerts and high flow stoppages. In fact, from Christmas 2023 to date, the Trent has been above normal winter levels for

Northern end of the flood-damaged Dunham pontoon.

PHOTOS: ALISON ALDERTON

a rescue boat and there was a stunning display of photographs from Clare Glanville.

People’s memories were recorded for the ongoing Sharpness 150 oral history programme, in conjunction with Gloucestershire Archives; anyone not able to record their stories on the day can get in touch with the organisers via the 2024 Sharpness 150 Facebook page or the Sharpness150. org.uk website.

The Canal & River Trust will hold a celebration on Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14 including guided walks and boat trips as well as the exhibition showing how the port was constructed and acted as a conduit for moving goods all over the country.

A variety of organisations will be represented including SARA, Vale of Berkeley Railway, Sharpness Docks

Ltd and various local historians.

CRT’s Explorers team will provide opportunities for children to learn not only about the Docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, but the natural environment too.

To share any stories email sharpnessportstories@canal rivertrust.org.uk These stories may form part of the exhibition and will help commemorate this special anniversary.

Discover more and follow the Sharpness 150 events programme at: sharpness150. org.uk and on Facebook – search for: 2024 Sharpness 150.

Members of the organising team from the Vale of Berkeley Railway, from left: Mike Studden, David Snell, Carolyn Jones, Carole Mills, Julie Snell, Bryan Whitfield and Howard Parker.

more than 50% of the time.

On Good Friday the Environment Agency (EA) once again shut the flood gates at Torksey as the Trent exceeded the level of the Fossdyke. CRT was able to pen through a number of boats before the 3pm deadline imposed by EA but the following day more boats were stuck either on the tidal moorings below the lock or waiting to access the Trent from Torksey Lincoln side moorings. CRT’s flood gate at Newark followed suit but was opened at 2pm on March 31.

Meanwhile, the Dunham pontoon, between Torksey and Cromwell, is still out of action having become hooked up on the top of its downstream (northern) mooring pile, such had been the height of flood water following Storm Henk earlier this year. This is the only

Torksey Lock with EA flood gates closed. safe mooring for boats transiting this section of the tidal Trent and surely a priority for CRT to repair.

CRT’s website states that “a crane boat is required on site to carry out repairs but currently none are available”.

Updates for this issue are awaited.

BY THE WAY, THIS YEAR IS OUR 100TH. BIRTHDAY SETTING THE STANDARD For your nearest dealer visit

www.elsan.co.uk

1924-2024 C E N T E NA R Y

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Check out 100 years of our history

6

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Pre-bookable moorings boost for boaters visiting London

Restoration team springs into action Installing the liners liners.

THE eagerly awaited start of lining and blocking the Montgomery Canal route at Crickheath South got off to a flying start.

Tom Fulda, restoration project manager for the Shropshire Union Canal Society, said that the team had been delayed by

the wet weather over the winter but pumps were being used to reduce water levels in Phase 1A. When more rain stopped further channel profiling, digger operators diverted to stump removal in an area agreed with the Canal & River Trust ecologist.

Weekend work done. PHOTOS: SUCS

The main focus of this work party was lining and blocking, the compound having been filled with required materials including an initial delivery of 3000 blocks and four rolls of ‘carpet’ – the top layer of the liner system.

Work started in Phase 1B which doesn’t hold water.

The length being worked on runs from the compound to the southernmost clay dam retained from last October’s water tests. Starting at the far end of the haul road, work moved towards the dam and by the end of the weekend 30m of channel had been lined and blocked. Once the dam is reached – a further 15m – the team of volunteers will work back towards the compound.

Blocks do not extend all the way up the liners but finish below water level, above which

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

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

Talk. tth Tal publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group 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 probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the 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.

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

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

To save you having to track down a copy every month, take advantage of our special offer

Delivery from just £20

BOATERS planning a visit to London now have more options to guarantee a mooring, following the extension of the Canal & River Trust’s pre-booking service in April.

The capital has seen boat numbers grow dramatically and, in central areas, demand for mooring space is at a premium.

A recent consultation showed that boaters were put off visiting because of the perception that they would not be able to find somewhere to moor.

These additions to the existing pre-bookable moorings will give boaters the security of a spot before they embark on a cruise into central London.

CRT head of customer service support Matthew Symonds said: “London’s canals cut through some of the tourist hotspots of the city and it’s no surprise that, for many boaters, mooring up in the heart of the capital is on their ‘bucket list’ of cruises.

“The waters are vibrant spaces, busy with liveaboard

they are covered by riprap (medium-sized stone) and site strip (soil) on the towpath side.

An innovative method of creating a ‘soft bank’ behind a submerged retaining wall is being used on the offside bank. This will maximise the ecological benefit of the restored

boats, visiting cruisers, trip boats and roving traders, not to mention waterside businesses, and the many thousands of people who use the towpaths every day.

“With London’s canals at peak capacity, it’s more important than ever that we manage the space fairly for all.”

Eight hundred metres of pre-bookable moorings are available at Camden, King’s Cross, Broadway Market and Victoria Park on the Regent’s Canal, and Cowley North and Kensal Green on the Grand Union Canal. They bring the total length of pre-bookable moorings in central London to around 1500 metres, with existing sites at Little Venice and Paddington on the Grand Union and eco-moorings at King’s Cross and Islington on the Regent’s Canal.

Additional income raised from the pre-bookable moorings will allow the charity to employ rangers to make sure

channel and create habitat for many species, including water voles.

Winter hedge laying work has completed – total of 90m together with preparation work for next season.

A donation of hedging whips from CGI’s Community

that boats are not staying too long and blocking spaces for other boaters.

New sites at Camden and King’s Cross are now available with the remaining sites due to be phased in throughout the year. The moorings are priced between £25 and £35 per night and can be booked for one to seven days, with a maximum of seven days in a single visit.

The trust is introducing a charge for the pre-bookable eco mooring sites at King’s Cross and Angel Islington.

Boaters have the option to connect to electric hook-up at these locations using their Meter Max account.

Moorings can be booked online or by calling the trust’s customer service team on 0303 040 4040. More information can be found by visiting boating information/ customer service facilities at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Tree Planting Programme was used to extend the hedge regeneration work.

Restoration stalwart Fred Barrett took the opportunity to design a chute to improve the efficiency of riprap delivery by power barrow along the towpath.

Health check for ‘stream in the sky’ THE Canal & River Tr ust recently emptied Pontcysyllte Aqueduct of water to check that the 307mlong structure is in good working order.

Nicknamed the ‘stream in the sky’, the aqueduct was built in 1805 by Thomas Telford to carry the Llangollen Canal across the Dee Valley 38m below and was granted World Heritage Status in 2009.

CRT engineer Sally Boddy said: “It’s the engineer's job to be the voice of the aqueduct, to spot any things that might be causing it

damage or may need fixing in years ahead.

Draining Pontcysyllte Aqueduct for inspection helps us to make sure it is in good condition and to plan any future works that will need doing.”

Formed of a cast iron trough, supported by iron arched ribs and carried on 18 stone pillars, the aqueduct boasts more than 11,000 bolts.

While the aqueduct is inspected regularly from the towpath, completely emptying the water allowed the engineers to inspect areas that are normally hidden.

This included looking at the underside of the towpath, as well as the caulking of still-watertight joints along the cast iron trough which were sealed more than two centuries ago with Welsh flannel dipped in boiling sugar.

The inspection was part of a wider maintenance programme for the aqueduct. Since Christmas, a team from the Canal & River Trust has been working alongside specialist blacksmiths to carry out routine maintenance of the parapets. Emptying the aqueduct took

a lot of planning as the canal carries a daily water supply that feeds more than 70,000 homes and businesses in Cheshire.

The trust worked with United Utilities, which put in place a bypass to continue supplying water from the River Dee. More than £185,000 had to be raised by the trust to carry out the works at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A crowdfunding campaign is being run to raise £10,000 towards the cost: https://bit.ly/ Ponty_Aqueduct

This great deal means you will pay just £1.67 for your copy to be delivered to your home.

That’s cheaper than chips!

Call 01507 529529

QUOTE OFFER CODE: TPT01

www.classicmagazines.co.uk/TPT01

The team working their way along the drained aqueduct.

PHOTOS: JILL JENNINGS

Canal & River Trust engineers carrying out their inspection beneath the towpath.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

The green and the blue – and the shape of things to come?

Extracts from a report by SUCS’s Sue Ball

THE hardy ‘bi-annuals’ of the Northern Association met on March 17 for the first of their 2024 conferences in Lichfield, Staffordshire, home of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (L&HCRT).

As usual the event provided an informal and independent meeting place for waterway restoration groups and anyone else interested. With more than 20 organisations attending, representing restoration schemes from Manchester as far south as Buckingham, it is perhaps time to rethink the title.

The inevitable formalities over, L&HCRT chairman Carole Mills outlined the current thinking on the ‘blue,’ the water in the channel, and the ‘green’, the corridor around it.

Strategies and operational plans abounded but the emphasis now is trying to get boats into Lichfield through the Darnford Moors Ecology Park from the Huddlesford Junction with the Coventry Canal.

Restoration of the Hatherton end will, sadly, have to come lower down the list as the trust doesn’t have the time or money at the moment.

Lichfield MP Sir Michael Fabricant, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways and L&HCRT patron, gave a stirring talk outlining the place of Parliament in and on our waterways.

He covered a wide range of topics

from the funding of the navigation authorities and the effects of HS2 to the sterling work being undertaken by the restoration groups across the country and the reliance that charities, such as the Canal & River Trust, will be placing on them in future.

Controversial views and high feelings were much in evidence and somehow, having reared its head during this item, HS2 became a recurrent theme.

Further detail on the Darnford Moors Ecology Park followed, engineering wise from Derek Lord, planning and technology, and fundraising/ finance from Bob Williams, both highly knowledgeable and engaging L&HCRT contributors.

Learning curve

Perhaps the ‘most important contributor of the day’ Charlie Plant followed.

Having signed up to complete his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award by volunteering with L&HCRT while still

7

Delegates viewing the new channel at the Darnford Moors Ecology Park. PHOTOS: PAUL MARSHALL at school he carried on, eventually completing his Silver and Gold awards.

Now at Rodbaston College, studying animal care and management, he spoke with confidence and enthusiasm, outlining how he’d ‘learned a lot’ and was now confident in both his knowledge and skills.

He described his progress from brick cleaning with hammer and chisel to hedge trimming as an ‘adventure’ acknowledging how he’d made friends

Lichfield MP Sir Michael Fabricant addresses the conference.

and kept them – and all through volunteering on a canal restoration scheme.

Ivor Caplan, former IWA national chairman, gave an update on the progress of the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign.

Last year’s events were highlighted with this year’s activities outlined, most notably the further Westminster Protest Cruise on May 8.

The morning session was brought to a close by Andy Tidy, canal hunter extraordinaire, discussing how the Lichfield Canal is a vital gateway to the wider Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) and how, in spite of their industrial origins, the BCN today is an incredibly rural, attractive yet underused network.

The Restoration Roundup followed with five-minute updates from each of the following organisations: Buckingham Canal Society; Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Society; Derby

& Sandiacre Canal and Stafford Riverway Link.

Wrapping up the indoor proceedings, John Dodwell of the Montgomery Canal Restoration Trust and Shropshire Union Canal Society chairman David Carter gave updates on the Schoolhouse Bridge project.

There was then a site visit to the Darnford Moors Ecology Park, guided

by Peter Buck, construction and operations, L&HCRT. From the newly laid towpaths delegates viewed the new channel and its associated wetland areas and hedgerow corridors, appreciating the native planting and supporting water control features.

The ‘remains’ of the old Lock 29, Ogley Locks, now preserved in an offside heritage area, were also viewed.

The frail wooden supports under the massive brick pillar at the tail end of the lock were put in because the volunteers thought ‘it ought to have something holding it up’!

Join our team!

IN partnership with evolution recruitment

• weekly pay, £12.15-£16.66/H not a commission based role • immediate start • no experience required • Wednesday to Sunday working week • full-time or part-time weekends required

recruiting Face to Face Fundraisers for the Canal and River Trust

london, midlands nw & SW england yorkshire driving licence and own vehicle required in all locations except for london, mileage paid at £0.45/m

email: CART@EVORECRUIT.co.uk

phone: 0208 673 2211

8

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Conserving water for the summer season Report & photo: Colin Wareing

OPERATING times have resumed on three lock fl fliights in the North West while essential maintenance works continue on reservoirs which supply the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

The flights at Johnsons Hillock (locks 64-58), Barrowford (locks 51-45) and Greenberfield (locks 44-24) open daily from 10am until 5pm with last entry at 4pm.

The aim of these measures is to help support a stable water resource over the coming months.

Barrowford reservoir looked fairly full of water as narrowboat Sunrise ascended Lock 47 on Good Friday, March 29.

This flight of seven locks lifts the canal up to the summit level by 69ft 3in.

The reservoir was drained in September 2021 for bank stabilisation

work which went on longer than the planned 48 weeks.

But the reservoir has been refilling as the last of the work to form a new path around the top of the bank nears completion.

A recent Canal & River Trust reservoir watch report indicated that the seven reservoirs which supply the Leeds & Liverpool Canal were at 79.2% capacity compared with the Lancaster Canal at 100.

Fencing being delivered by crane boat Louise at the restored landing stage. PHOTO: BCS

Landmark journey for society work boat BUCKINGHAM Canal Society crane boat Louise recently made history when carrying materials for its Cosgrove restoration project.

The first boat on that stretch of water for 89 years, she carried Heras fencing to

the restored landing stage ready for the land drain work to be carried out on the next section.

Eight bags of broken tiles were also dropped off for use as a base layer for the rather muddy section of towpath.

Boat owners warned: pay up or face a fine Narrowboat Sunrise in Lock 47 of the Barrowford Flight in the spring sunshine with the reservoir beyond.

Canal Boat Diaries moors up for a new series STARTING weeknights in June there are 10 new one-hour episodes of the popular Canal Boat Diaries with Robbie Cumming, as he offers a personal take on life aboard his narrowboat home the Naughty Lass.

The filmmaker and waterways enthusiast explores the landscapes, towns and cities of the Midlands before heading south down the Grand Union Canal. Along the way, he shares his passion for industrial heritage and celebrates the lesserknown stretches of our most challenging inner city canals.

Robbie says: “The show has moved to a new channel and that’s given me

the opportunity to make more of the programmes I love. I’ve packed a load into this series and encountered some of my toughest trips yet.

“There are parts of the Birmingham Canal Navigations not for the fainthearted – it was hard going at times but ultimately an amazing adventure which makes great telly I can share with you.”

Filmed over the summer, autumn and winter of 2023/24, the journey takes him from Braunston, Northamptonshire – considered to be the spiritual home for narrowboaters – through Birmingham’s maze of canals before he heads south.

TOWPATH

TALK

Robbie Cumming offers a personal take on life aboard his narrowboat home the Naughty Lass.

GUARANTEE DELIVERY From just £20

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT02

Expect peace and tranquillity, but also plenty of drama that comes with boating along underused stretches of England’s canals. Along the way Robbie gets marooned in the mud in Perry Barr, breaks down on a remote section of the Ashby Canal in rural Leicestershire and is even forced to call in an underwater dive team to help recover his smartphone after he dropped it into the Stourbridge Canal – it’s thrills and spills at four miles an hour. The new series of Canal Boat Diaries will be on weeknights at 7pm on Yesterday Channel and available on demand on UKTV Play from the beginning of June.

Canal Boat Diaries will be on weeknights at 7pm on Yesterday Channel and available on demand on UKTV Play from the beginning of June.

A READING-based boat owner has been convicted and fined for failing to register his cruiser for use on the River Thames.

Environment Agency officers discovered the unnamed boat moored opposite Reading Marine Services during routine checks last year, Reading magistrates were told. The owner Michael Toner did not attend the hearing.

As the boat was unmarked it was impossible to carry out checks on the National Licensing System (NLS)

database containing details of all the vessels registered on the non-tidal Thames.

There was no response to warning notices fixed to the boat but in September the agency was given intelligence that the vessel was called The Wee Lamb and belonged to Michael Toner of Oxford Road, Reading. The NLS showed the vessel to be unregistered, a situation that continued through to December.

Reading magistrates’ court was told that Toner

Environment Agency notices posted on The Wee Lamb.

PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

had skipped the annual £280.04 registration fee, determined by the length and width of the boat. Including a £600 fine, plus costs and compensation, he was ordered to pay almost £1400 for breaching the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010.

Environment Agency environment manager Colin Chiverton said after the hearing. “We’re delighted with this fine that sends a warning to all unregistered boat owners – it’s just not worth the risk. If you have an unregistered boat on the Thames, you should know that our enforcement teams are already patrolling the river, checking for valid registrations.”

Renewal letters for 2024 registrations were sent in winter to everyone that registered their boat last year.

The EA’s approach to non-registration has changed this season – once a summons has been issued, it won’t stop court proceedings, even if the boat owner subsequently pays their registration fee.

Experts to help trust with climate challenges WITH the canal network facing the growing challenge of climate changedriven storms and floods, the Canal & River Trust will bring in technical experts to make sure its waterways are safe and open.

The charity’s in-house team can now call for specialist support to help look after the network’s reservoirs, embankments, cuttings and other structures.

Long-term framework contracts have been awarded to Arcadis (UK) Ltd, RSK Environment Ltd and Geotechnical Engineering Ltd.

Referring to the millions of pounds of damage caused by recent storms, the trust’s chief infrastructure and programmes officer Malcolm Horne said: “To keep our canals safe and available for years to come, we must make sure our historic structures are sound, and that we’re planning our works with the best possible knowledge, both from our in-house expertise and drawing on the latest advances from other industries.”

A key way of establishing the integrity of these structures is by carrying out a programme of ground investigations.

They are also used to assess potential contamination and put in equipment to monitor potential ground movement of canal structures or groundwater levels.

The inspections are an integral part in the design of construction projects and allow the trust to assess the condition and likely future behaviour of its canals, reservoirs and river navigations.

When planning works are needed, the trust has also agreed terms with specialists in technical engineering and design services from Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd, Pell Frischmann Consultants Ltd and Stantec UK Ltd.

The new contracts were awarded following a rigorous five-stage tender process carried out over 18 months.

The contracts are for a period of up to eight years, with an initial term of four years.

CRT is the owner of the third largest collection of listed structures in the UK, managing 1579 locks, 55 tunnels, 2969 bridges, 279 aqueducts and 71 reservoirs.

It moved from a single to multisupplier model for its Professional Service and Geotechnical Inspection contracts from April 1.

9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Characters of the Cut Roger and Grace Distill, narrowboat Kantara

By Alice Elgie

FOR Roger and Grace Distill, narrowboating had been on their radar long before they purchased their own craft, Kantara, in 2011.

In particular, it was a week-long family trip on a small hire boat back in 1973 that first inspired their journey to water.

Roger said: “Our holiday with Grace and her family was very special to me because it was my first boating experience. Having eight people (plus a very young baby and a Jack Russell terrier) in a very small boat was a great challenge, but also a great deal of fun. I got to see the canals in a way I’d never before seen them – actually travelling on them. Grace and I were also four months away from getting married, so I guess that sugared the experience all the more. We talked even then about boating together some time in the future.”

Some years later, and now married, Roger and Grace took a group of youngsters from their church on a week’s widebeam trip. “We all had a great time, and it clinched it for us. We started to dream that one day, when I retired and the kids had left home, we’d sell our house and have our own narrowboat built.” It wasn’t long though before the couple decided this would be too slow a process. “It was a lightbulb moment when we concluded that, if we forgot the dream of designing our brandnew, bespoke floating home, we could afford to buy a second- (or

Moored in Limehouse Basin next to an old sailing craft.

Roger, (maybe) working on a new book. third-) hand boat, leave the kids in charge of the house, and get on with it!”

Since 2011 the couple have spent most of their time living aboard and it seems the canals really did capture them as Roger, having never written a book before, soon found himself inspired to share their adventures. “I started off writing a blog about our boaty life, something that we could look back on when we eventually left the boat.” The blog soon gained popularity though and it wasn’t long before Roger decided to write Life With Our Feet Under Water, publishing it on Kindle in 2015. “It’s hard to explain this but, as we travelled, I became more

and more intrigued – thrilled, too – by this experience of moving all over in our home, a home that had everything we needed for a comfortable life.” This growing passion for a moving home soon led to another book, Moving Home With Our Feet Under Water, published in 2017.

Their obvious excitement at wandering with their home left me wondering where their favourite stretch is… “Out of all the canals and rivers we love, we would pick the Grand Union between Yelvertoft and the Thames at Limehouse Basin, via Paddington Basin. This particular journey takes you through a rich variety of places – countryside,

being on hold as Roger navigates to weave its way into future some health challenges, it stories – that initial 1973 boating seems there might continue adventure certainly sounds like a Grace and Roger on Kantara. to be inspiration for writing great beginning…

Blog: nb-kantara.blogspot. bubbling in the background farmland, woodland, industrial as following three non-fiction com areas, towns and cities, books –including Hints & Tips for moorings with boats of all ages Life with Your Feet Under Water Alice Elgie is a writer and at Limehouse Basin, houses – Roger has since moved into also creator of the online and other buildings in a variety fiction. “I saw a future for a story community Slow Into of architectures, some being about two people living on a boat, The Seasons, along with flattened, some newly built, the in which the boat and canals are a podcast of the same hustle and bustle at Camden not the centre of attention, but name. In these spaces Lock. There’s nothing to beat it!” rather the people are.” The result she shares mindfulness practices and muses about It’s clear from the energy in is Out of the Sunrise and despite these words that Roger and Roger’s assurance that the setting living a slower, simpler life. slowintotheseasons.

Grace love being on board and action are “all figments of my substack.com/Slow Into The and embrace both the quiet imagination” I do wonder if his Seasons on Spotify areas and the busy. “We enjoy and Grace’s lifelong love of life the peace and tranquillity, the afloat will still find a channel leisurely pace of life, being close to nature, but also the people we meet and the places we visit.” With all this to enjoy it’s a wonder Roger finds time to write his books. “Kantara has never allowed me to have a routine for writing as boating is my highest priority. I’m sure I chewed over the books as I strolled between locks and bridges, but I wrote only whenever I could find the time – always at the dining table.”

Despite boating currently Kantara in the snow, February 2013.

We are delighted to offer for sale ‘Westview Marina’, a family run business situated on a prime location along the River Great Ouse at Earith, Cambridgeshire The site is well maintained and is situated along the River Great Ouse, a prime location for passing trade. The marina offers over 100 moorings suitable for cruisers, small craft narrow boats and widebeams, with nearly all having water and electricity supply. There is ample parking available alongside the moorings, with the park also benefitting from secure gated access and CCTV for security.

Camden Lock on a busy day.

n Situated on the Great Ouse River n 100+ Moorings n Workshop Facilities n Stocked Chandlery Open 7 Days A Week n Camping and Caravan Provision n Toilet and Shower Blocks

n Boat Lifting, Maintenance and Cleaning Facilities n Pressure Washing, Blacking and Scraping Facilities n Engineering Services n Visitor Moorings

EARITH, HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE £1,950,000 Freehold

CANALSIDE COTTAGE WITH MOORINGS FOR SALE 3 Bedroom Semi-detached in good order.

2 Lounge, 2 Toilets (1 up, 1 down) Quiet, Beautiful Views No road access/parking 100 yds away £230,000 ono

Phone/Text 07903 010642 for more information

01354 697804 n admin@kavanaghhayes.co.uk n www.kavanaghhayes.co.uk

10

May 2024

Celebration time

Bingley’s iconic Five Rise Locks celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. Sally Clifford went along to the celebrations.

KNOWN as one of the seven wonders of the waterway, it is certainly an impressive feat of engineering. Bingley’s iconic Five Rise Locks is the steepest flight of locks in Britain.

For those interested in the technical details, the ‘staircase flight’ can lift boats around 18 metres (60ft). Each set of lock gates weighs six tonnes and, standing seven metres tall, these are some of the tallest lock gates in the country, handcrafted at the Canal & River Trust’s Stanley Ferry workshop.

Our journey through the locks was aboard the 58ft widebeam barge Achieving Together, operated by the Yorkshirebased non-profit organisation Waymakers, on the anniversary of the day, 250 years ago, when the first boat descended the water staircase.

Ruth Garratt, Canal & River Trust’s Yorkshire & North East heritage adviser, revealed some fascinating facts about this iconic structure. “Each lock holds 90,000 gallons of water. That is 2500 bathtubs in each lock.”

Such was the fanfare at its opening on March 21, 1774, that around 30,000 people gathered along the towpath to watch the first boats make the

Ruth Garratt, heritage adviser for the Canal & River Trust, who helps to maintain the significant structure.

Approaching the top lock at Bingley’s Five Rise water staircase.

60ft descent. “The first boat that came through descended the lock in 28 minutes,” says Ruth.

Two hundred and fifty years later, a new generation gathered to celebrate the longevity of this important landmark on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

The Grade I listed site is one of 2700 listed buildings cared for and maintained by the Canal & River Trust. “We have lots of designated heritage assets, sites of archaeological interest and it

is part of my job to make sure the work we need to do to maintain the historic waterways meets certain conservation standards,” explains Ruth.

Preserving the locks for the future, and in financially challenging times, is certainly no mean feat. Where changes are needed, Ruth applies for listed building consent and ensures the trust tries to preserve as much authenticity and integrity as it can. “Over the years the site has evolved, for example, the paddle gearing and painting scheme but, pretty much, we are seeing the original fabric from the time of its construction,” explains Ruth.

Trained as an industrial archaeologist, Ruth talks about the skills and engineering endeavours in their creation.

The new low-energy design hull* allows for full solar electric power with an extended range or serial hybrid option.

Lloyd's Register Rules-based design provides a choice of alloys, Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Mild Steel with the confidence of the highest standards.

“The Leeds & Liverpool was one of the earliest canals we have on the network. The engineers who designed this were at the forefront – they built it on the side of a hill and it has a very visual impact as a result.

“Seeing the skill of it all, dug by hand, no steam power – that is phenomenal and we should be able to acknowledge that now and into the future.

“The major thing we need to take away from today is this site is still here 250 years down the line because of the very collective effort to keep the waterways open and alive.

We need to make sure they are used sustainably in future so the community and generations to come can experience this same transition through the landscape, understanding the impact it had on this region.”

Seeing the locks in action on her towpath walks prompted Philippa Gibbons to get involved.

She has been a voluntary lock keeper here for four seasons.

“I am fascinated by the locks and rather than walk past them, I used to stop and watch. Now I stop and help.

“I think it is a fantastic piece of engineering. If you watch the boats going down and see the power of the water from one chamber to the next, that is what you are containing and using to take the boats up and down.”

Paying tribute to the 4500 volunteers countrywide who help the charity maintain the canal network, Sean McGinley, regional director for Yorkshire and the North East Canal & River Trust, says: “When you get that much support you know waterways are loved. We know the canal system is loved by the nation and we have to harness that energy.”

To celebrate the 250th anniversary, which Bingley Five Rise Locks shares with the Grade II* listed Bingley Three Rise Locks on the same stretch of canal, a drop-in event with free activities from town to towpath took place on Saturday, March 23.

It was attended by fashion designer and star of the BBC’s The Great British Sewing

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The view from the top of Bingley’s Five Rise Locks.

ALL PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD

The impressive cascade fills the lock during the journey through Bingley’s Five Rise Locks.

Bee, Patrick Grant, along with comedian, actress and writer Jessica Knappett and other local dignitaries.

The event was supported by Bingley Town Council, Bradford District Council, Damart, Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society, Sport England, BD25, Sustrans, Players of People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) and Northern Rail.

Event organiser Sharron Bright, youth and community

CALL TODAY 01908 686 796

engagement co-ordinator at Canal & River Trust, says: “It’s to celebrate the locks and let people know this structure is 250 years old and to focus on the fact that it is here because of the past.”

Sharron says it is also raising awareness about protecting the structure for the future.

A boat moves through the locks on the downward journey.

or visit our Factory The Long Shed, Unit 2, Station Goods Yard, Station Rd, Long Buckby only 9 minutes from Crick.

Visit Stand BW1

*UK patent pending.

The boat emerges from the lock as it descends Bingley’s Five Rise staircase.

A footpath reminder of the special anniversary celebrations at Bingley’s Five Rise Locks.

11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE Strike a light! Garry Irvine lights the lamp burner to show the light in action.

The North Queensferry Light Tower sits in the shadow of the Forth Railway Bridge. ALL PHOTOS: HUGH DOUGHERTY

World’s smallest working light tower goes green

NORTH Queensferry Light Tower, the world’s oldest working one of its kind, has gone green, even though it was built in 1817.

Designed by famous lighthouse builder Robert Stevenson, the tower’s light helped ships cross the Forth for decades until the ferries which ran the historic crossing, named after Queen Margaret of Scotland, were replaced by the Forth Road Bridge in 1964.

Taken over by the North Queensferry Heritage Trust, and restored and reopened in 2010, the light tower – standing just over 21ft in height – now uses vegetable oil as a ‘green’ alternative to the original whale oil which powered its Argand lamp burner.

Trust secretary Garry Irvine said: “When we took over the historic tower the light had been scrapped, so, using the original

drawings and information from the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh, we had a working replica made. The light, visible for five nautical miles, uses a fixed parabolic reflector and ran on whale oil, although we believe that acetylene was used later. As whale oil is no longer available, or ethical for that matter, we now use vegetable oil and light the lamp on special occasions and for visitors.

“The Argand system replaced

The light reflector and its burner system is a work of art and a tribute to the replica builders.

much more primitive, flaming beacons on lighthouses, and was used on the Bell Rock Lighthouse as a great advance for its time.”

Standing beside the light tower, and, like it, dwarfed by the mighty Forth Railway Bridge, is the North Queensferry Light Tower Museum, also operated by trust volunteers. Claiming to be Scotland’s smallest museum, it houses artefacts and information on the railway bridge and the Forth ferries and, like the tower, welcomes around 10,000 visitors a year.

The trust, which also operates a heritage room in North Queensferry Station, invites Towpath Talk readers to call in for a unique experience by visiting the tower and the museum, with full details of opening times and location at www.queensferryheritage.org. uk/home

pirit Puffer may get into the spirit CLYDE puffer VIC 27, aka ‘Auld Reekie’, may get into the spirit of the Scotch whisky industry by reviving the days of puffer transport by shipping grain to an Islay distillery and taking the finished spirit out.

Restorer John Dunlop, who heads up the team of staff and volunteers completing the boat’s rebuild at his Crinan boatyard, revealed that he’s been in talks with an Islay distiller on putting the 1943built puffer to work.

“Not only would it help remove the difficulties that ferry problems have thrown up for the distillery, but we’d be in tune with the distillery’s green and heritage credentials by providing puffer transport, and a puffer that will run on biofuel, too,” said John.

VIC 27, sister ship to VIC 32, which operates puffer holidays and which is

Come and see us at the

CRICK BOAT SHOW on Sat 25th to Mon 27th May Trade and Preview Day Fri 24th May

Boatfinder will be there with our sister companies Elton Moss Boatbuilders, Bickerstaffe Boat Company, Carefree Cruising and Kingslock Boat Yard.

Call for details

Tel: 01270 760 799 Boatfinder Brokerage Services

@BoatfinderBS

Middlewich Canal Centre is home to the following family of companies Vic 27 on the Crinan slip and almost ready for the sea again. ALL PHOTOS: HUGH

DOUGHERTY.

maintained at John’s boatyard, has been under painstaking restoration since 2007, and has been fitted with a replacement Cochrane boiler,

John with his pride and joy.

Now he’s planning to put the puffer back to work.

specially made for the boat. Its engine has been fully overhauled and is ready to run while new firebars have been fitted in the firebox to accommodate biofuel. With all hull plating and welding complete, a new hatch cover being made and the wheelhouse replaced by a replica of the original, the puffer is all but ready to undergo trials and certification.

“With completion approaching, I had a good think about what we’d do with the puffer, and came up with the idea

Joh hn wiith the biofuel that will give the puffer her green credentials. of her earning her keep by providing green, heritage sea transport for an island distillery. I can’t reveal which one at present, but I’ve floated the idea and had a positive response,” said John. “Vic 32 trialled biofuel last year and it was highly successful. We’ll use the new fuel, which we stored for VIC 32 a as bunkering port last year, on ‘Auld Reekie’ too, and it will give a very contemporary dimension to returning the puffer to doing the type of work for which it was built and intended.”

WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM

12

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

60 years an IWA member

JOHN Tackley has been a stalwart active supporter of the Inland Waterways for many years. By background he was well suited; running a crane lifting company to move heavy machinery and create factory robots .

He lived in Marple for a time at the top of the Macclesfield canal and its junction with the Peak Forest. There he acquired two 70ft narrow boats and butty Ant and Axe which he loaned to scout groups for camping cruises.

John then moved to Northwich, living at an idyllic address between the tunnels on the Trent and Mersey. He then purchased Aquarius for diner cruises, pausing in the tunnels to listen to the echo effects.

The River Weaver is nearby and larger vessels attracted. He bought widebeam Dutch barge Bollie Bier from Holland with an epic voyage down the Channel around Land’s End and up the Irish Sea to Liverpool– not for the faint hearted! He operated the 50-seat diner on the Weaver for many years.

He was also prominent in the restoration of the Anderton Boat Lift, a friend and trustee. His wife Bernice painted the large mural of the campaign and original engineers still prominent at the lift today.

Later, John became chairman of the River Weaver Navigation Society and campaigned actively for improvements on the river and a water link to the Shropshire Union Branch. He remains president of the society and, at 93 years of age, shows no sign of slowing down! A long-time, long-term asset to our waterways.

Corporate membership IWA recently welcomed several new corporate members including First Peninsula Marine, Batchworth Boat Rally and Camden Canals & Narrowboat Association. It has more than 300 corporate members consisting of both businesses and non-profit-making organisations.

IWA values the contribution its corporate members make and appreciates their support in helping to campaign for the waterways.

If you know of any businesses or organisations which may wish to give support, then please make them aware of IWA’s corporate membership and its benefits, which include: • Participating in insurances arranged by IWA

issue to be examined and to obtain a suitable source of detailed legal advice, or (b) to assist in routine matters, such as property conveyancing, drawing up licences and leases or an organisation’s legal structure.

Other areas where advice might be sought could include interpretation of legislation, wills and legacies, legal disputes, buying, owning, selling of boats, data protection,

John Tackley, IWA stalwart and active supporter for more than 60 years.

safeguarding and matters concerning employment, including volunteers.

Honorary legal advisers would not be expected to be conversant in all these areas, but possibly they might be covered by a panel with different specialisms.

Practising solicitors might only wish to give, say, 30-minute initial consultations free of charge with any additional services provided by mutual agreement and charged at

an IWA discounted price.

The honorary legal advisers would be expected to operate within the strict ethical standards that apply to legal matters.

Professional indemnity insurance for the work of honorary legal advisers would be included within IWA’s Professional Indemnity insurance policy.

If anyone is able to assist, or would like to discuss, please contact Neil Edwards: neil@ waterways.org.uk

Westminster Campaign Cruise FUND Britain’s Waterways is organising a campaign cruise past the Palace of Westminster on the tidal Thames on Wednesday, May 8. Support the campaign cruise and help IWA to get the message across to government that increased funding for Britain’s waterways really matters.

FBW would very much appreciate as many people as possible gathering on Westminster Bridge for 1pm to show their support for the campaign. For details of how to take part please contact

Andrew Phasey on: theoldmainline@ fastmail.fm or 07850 753633.

An opportunity to join VIPs and FBW on the Westminster campaign cruise

The Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs is chartering a vessel to host FBW dignitaries, MPs and other VIPs. AWCC is offering places on the vessel to members of AWCC boat clubs who would like be involved in the Westminster Campaign Cruise, and has generously extended the offer to members of IWA and NABO.

IWA Canalway Cavalcade THE IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns to London’s Little Venice on Saturday, May 4 for the full early May bank holiday weekend, to celebrate the best of life on the waterways in London and its community.

There’s something for everyone at IWA Canalway Cavalcade; a vibrant canal festival in the heart of London’s waterways.

Whether you’re visiting

by boat or on foot, it’s a splendid day out for you and your family.

Soak up the atmosphere

To learn more about membership, costing just £76 per year (non-profit organisations) and starting from £80 per year for companies, visit the website: www.waterways. org.uk/support/ways-to-give/ corporate-membership

A short cruise on ‘the Danny’

Volunteers sought to act as IWA legal advisers THE IWA is looking to appoint one or more honorary legal advisers to assist IWA committees, other parts of the association and waterway charities requiring legal advice on waterway matters.

The adviser(s) could be either practising or retired solicitors, or other legal professionals.

The purpose of providing initial advice would either be (a) to assist organisations to identify the scope of an

• Demonstrating the company’s support for the wider waterway sector • Appointing a representative to exercise voting rights • Use of corporate supporter logo • Inclusion in online listing of corporate members • A mention in monthly bulletin (for new members) • Publication in quarterly members’ magazine

To ensure the VIPs are not delayed from their work, the vessel will depart from Westminster Pier late morning and return about an hour later.

Following this, remaining passengers will be able to enjoy a short cruise on the Thames.

Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and the cost will be £15 per head.

If you would like to register your interest, please email: CampaignCruise@outlook.com

surrounded by colourful craft of all shapes and sizes, alongside a multitude of unique stalls, a real ale bar, and delicious foods for all appetites.

With eclectic live music around the site, special boating activities like the legendary illuminated procession, and kids’ entertainment for all ages.

You’ll also find amazing art from local schools on display, and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Event opening times:

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns to London’s Little Venice on Saturday, May 4.

Saturday and Sunday, 10am until 6pm (plus illuminated boat procession from 9pm on Sunday) and Monday 10am until 5pm.

THE 2024 regional social event will take place on the Daniel Adamson steam ship which is located at Sutton Wharf on the River Weaver just outside Frodsham, Cheshire. The event will take place on Friday, August 16, at a price of £20 per person.

The itinerary will include early access to ‘the Danny’ at 12pm where everyone will be accommodated in the downstairs Art Deco lounge which will be able to host IWA’s presentations of awards and will include a light lunch.

During this time, you will also be able to explore the Danny with knowledgeable Danny volunteers at hand to answer any questions you may have.

For further information please contact: jim.forkin@ waterways.org.uk

IWA completes key appointments THE Inland Waterways Association has completed a round of key appointments to its board with the co-option of Paul Lynam as a trustee.

He has been appointed as a deputy national chairman with responsibility for finance and as chairman of the finance committee.

His co-option is until the AGM, when he will seek appointment for the usual three-year term.

A qualified accountant and treasurer of IWA Northampton

Branch, Paul owned a narrowboat for 10 years during which he joined IWA. He still volunteers with the branch on its adopted arm of the Grand Union Canal, where he regularly leads work parties.

The association now has four deputy national chairmen, each representing a different aspect of its work: Sue O’Hare for navigation and campaigns; Nick Dybeck for waterway restoration; Peter Marlow for membership and the environment and Paul Lynam for finance.

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.

Work party – Burslem Port, May 10, 10.30-2.30 and May 31, 10.30-2.30.

Regular work party on the Burslem Arm of the Trent & Mersey Canal, run

by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch in partnership with 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 take waterproofs in case of rain and a packed lunch if staying all day.

For more information, please contact Dave Broome: 07974 966253 or dave.broome45@gmail.com Work party at Broughton Arms, Rode Heath, Cheshire Locks, May 16, 10am-3pm.

Monthly work party on the Cheshire Lock flight of the Trent & Mersey Canal, between Kidsgrove and Wheelock. Jointly led by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire

Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society.

If you are able to stay all day , please take 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 take a waterproof in the event of rain.

For more information, contact John Lawson: 07940878923 or john. lawson@waterways.org.uk Northampton Branch volunteering dates: May 12 and 21

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.

For more information, contact Geoff Wood: geoff.wood@waterways.org. uk

13

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Ditch the map, it’s on the app!

Covering all UK waterways

FREE APP

Route planning Request RCR advice or Assistance Offline access to all POI’s

We’re at Crick Boat Show 25th - 27th May Stand WW6

Marine Breakdown Assistance 24/7 off across the UK Inland 10% membership forWaterways. new subscriptions, • NOtocallout or hourlyto charges. go our website subscribe using the code FFYRZ63I • NO restrictions on age, make or size of your boat.

• Home across start • Crewthe relay UK Inland Waterways.

24/7 • Breakdown assistance • Boat recovery

• NO hourly charges.

A £30callout surcharge or applies to all callouts within the M25 • NO restrictions on age, make or size of your boat.

See us at Crick Boat Show 25th - 27th May on Stand WW6

• Home start • Crew relay • Breakdown assistance • Boat recovery A £30 surcharge applies to all callouts within the M25

JOIN TODAY! ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FROM

ONLY

£75

rts Cover *Replacement Pa cified parts including

Covers a huge range of spe gs, starters, gearbox & drive plate, couplin e.** mor y man alternators and

*Excluding Retainer Cover, RPC can be added for £75. **Excludes Consumables such as cables, filters, rubber components and the like that require routine wear and tear replacement.

01785 785 680 | www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

14

May 2024

The Freight Facilities Grant Jonathan Mosse’s monthly look at freight development on the inland waterways.

THE proportion of the Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) grant that we discovered last month was allocated in favour of the railways was 100%.

That doesn’t leave a great deal over to encourage the logistics industry to back the even more environmentally sound inland waterway carriers!

And the reason for that state of affairs was easy to explain: complexity of the application process favouring the larger companies with sufficient manpower to grapple with the paperwork involved.

Another form of support for freight carrying on the inland waterways takes the form of the Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) or rather it did where England was concerned.

While still available in Scotland (and enjoying limited use – floating piers for timber extraction being one example – see Towpath Talk February 2023) for reasons best known to itself, DfT has all but abandoned the grant south of the Border.

It vanished suddenly in 2011 and in answer to a recent question from Lord Bradshaw about plans for reinstatement, Baroness Vere of Norbiton responded for DfT that there was nothing in the pipeline. However, she pointed out that alongside the MSRS, there was also the Waterborne Freight Grant (WFG) available for coastal and shortsea shipping which she felt, perhaps, was a legitimate case of ‘near enough is good enough!’

The 500-ton converted ‘black oiler’ Battestone was acquired as part of a £3m waterways freight package funded by an FFG on behalf of Lafarge.

This attitude can only be viewed as short-sighted as there are, for instance, several examples of the FFG’s successful application in the past to the North

Whitwood Wharf was part of a £3m waterways freight package funded by an FFG on behalf of Lafarge.

East waterways, although sadly now consigned to history rather than the vibrant success they represented at the time. In essence, all three freight grants referred to above are about meeting carbon targets and they are seen as tools in helping to achieve this by moving freight off the roads and on to far more environmentally sound rail and water.

This is not just about carbon reduction however. Emissions and congestion are reduced, the health and quality of life of the population is potentially much improved and ancillary costs significantly decrease. A chilling statistic is that a single road traffic collision (RTC) death costs the economy close on £2m.

In the heyday of the waterborne aggregate traffic on the River Trent, millions of tons of sand and gravel were carried as barges got bigger and bigger, again bringing down what were already very low per-ton ‘tailpipe’ emissions (there also being very few recorded issues with brake and tyre dust and even fewer examples of an RTC fatality!).

That this was possible was largely down to FFGs being applied to purchasing and converting ex-heavy oil barges for aggregate carrying, as well as funding the provision of unloading facilities. Up to 95% of the capital cost of a scheme was met, while conditions around total tonnage handled, within a prescribed period, were attached to the proposal.

The outcome can only be described as an outstanding success and the reasons that this traffic is not still operating today are political (with a small ‘p’) rather than that the economics didn’t stack up or that the enviromental credentials were anything but impeccable.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

So much for the generalities. As always the point is better made by a practitioner bringing the weight of his experience (and frustrations) to bear.

As John Spencer of GPS Marine states: “Reintroduction of the FFG in England would help accelerate the transition to alternative sustainable modes of freight transportation.”

He goes on to observe that “one of the biggest challenges to increasing water freight volumes is the fact that most wharves on the UK’s rivers and impounded waterways have been lost to development, and those that are left have often been neglected for many years. It is, therefore, often necessary to reactivate, repair and modernise a wharf before a water freight flow can be established, while at other times it is more desirable to build a new wharf at, or close to, the source or end point of a freight journey.

“Many schemes fail simply because no functioning link between land and water exists, and the investment required to create that link cannot be funded. Whereas there are numerous specialist asset finance organisations to help fund vessels and mobile materials handling equipment, it is significantly more difficult to secure funding for the construction of new wharves and jetties, and even more difficult to secure funding for the repair, maintenance or upgrading of an existing, often derelict facility.

“For example, if FFG funding could be used to widen or lengthen locks, then better economies of scale would make water freight on some waterways even more competitive against road transport’.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Besthorpe Wharf on the River Trent was part of a £3m waterways freight package funded by an FFG on behalf of Lafarge.

Two of Branford Barge Owners’ 500-ton converted ‘black oilers’ were funded by a £350,000 Freight Facilities Grant. They easily exceeded their target of 250,000 tons carried over five years.

Get 12 issues of Towpath Talk delivered to your door from just £20 a year. THAT’S £1.67£1.16 JUSTJUST £1.16 A COPY THAT’S A COPY

CALL 01507 529529 LINES OPEN WEEKDAYS 8.30AM TO 5PM OR VISIT WWW.CLASSICMAGAZINES.CO.UK SUBSCRIPTION FORM

MAY 2020 2024 FEBRUARY

To subscribe to TPT simply complete the form below and return to: TPT Subscriptions, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ

Payment method 1.

One Year (UK)

£20 (Direct Debit)

Other payment options: UK (One Year) EU (One Year) Rest of World (One Year)

£28 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque) £35 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque) £42 (Credit/Debit Card/Cheque)

Payer’s details (must be completed)

FROM ONLY

£20 £14

A YEAR

Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (please circle) First name

DIRECT DEBIT

Instruction to Bank/Building Society to pay by Direct Debit: I would like to change/take out a subscription for £20 per annum (UK only) Account in the name of Account number

Sort code

Name of Bank/Building Society Address

Surname

Email

Postcode

Telephone

Please pay Mortons Media Group Ltd direct debits from the account detailed in the instructions, subject to the safeguards of the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Mortons Media Group and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. Originator’s ID number: 830390

Mobile

Year of Birth

Address

Signature Postcode

2. DEBIT/CREDIT CARD Please debit my: Visa

Delivery details (if different to above) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (please circle) First name

Date

Reference number (office use only) Mastercard

Switch/Maestro

Card number:

Surname

Address

Start date Postcode

To view our full privacy policy please visit www.mortonsmediagroup/privacy.htm, you will be able to unsubscribe from communications at any time

3 digit verification code Signature 3.

/

Expiry date Switch issue number Date

CHEQUE I enclose a cheque made payable to Mortons Media Group Ltd

/

15

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

www.aqueductmarina.co.uk 01270 525040

Discover Moor Fantastic Facilities

Expert Staff

SCAN ME FOR LOCAT

ION

Superb Location

BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR Why not experience firsthand what Aqueduct Marina can offer for you & your boat?

One of our team members will happily give you a tour & answer any questions.

ONE

Free HOT DRINK VOUCHER

Visit Aqueduct Marina and claim this free hot drink voucher to be used at our onsite cafe.

Please present this advert at reception to redeem your voucher for the Café.

Terms & Conditions Apply. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher is limited to 100 people. One Per Person. This offer is at the discretion of Aqueduct Marina. Contact details must be provided.

16

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Exploring the history of two engineering marvels Nicola Lisle enjoys a visit to the Foxton Canal Museum in the latest in her museum series.

IF THERE was a league table of canal locks, then Foxton, with its tranquil waters, abundance of wildlife and stunning views across the Leicestershire countryside, would surely be comfortably positioned in the top spot.

But it is the canal heritage that is the main draw, not least the famous staircase flight of 10 locks and the remains of the Inclined Plane Boat Lift.

The story of these engineering marvels is told in the Foxton Canal Museum, which was opened in 1989 by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust and is housed in the restored boiler house at Middle Lock.

It was here, between 1900 and 1911, that two giant boilers powered the boat lift, taking boats up and down the 75ft incline, making the early 19th century flight of locks temporarily redundant.

Through display boards with old photographs, drawings and maps, you can discover the history of Britain’s canals and the building of Foxton Locks. The brainchild of civil engineer Benjamin Bevan, Foxton Locks took four years to build, opening in August 1814.

Bevan’s idea of grouping the locks close together, rather than spreading them out, made Foxton Locks one of the easiest on the canal network for boats to negotiate. The addition of ponds at the side of the locks increased efficiency, saving both water and time. There is also a focus on the navvies – the 300-strong team of labourers who built the canal and brought Bevan’s vision to reality – and you can see some of their tools that are on display.

A large area of the museum is devoted to an exhibition telling the story of the Inclined Plane Boat Lift, from its planning to its grand opening on July 10, 1900 and its demise just 11 years later. The lift was built in response to the increased competition from the railways. It was clear that larger boats were needed to transport goods more efficiently, and this would necessitate the building of wider locks.

However, Gordon Cale Thomas, the engineer for the Grand Junction Canal Company, proposed a better solution for

Foxton Canal Museum.

A collection of barge household items, including clothes, pottery and furniture.

Foxton: the building of a boat lift, which would use less water and could carry wider boats. The lift was built by J&H Gwynne of Hammersmith, and once operational it could take two boats up and two boats down in around 12 minutes.

Sadly, plans to widen the locks at Watford Gap, and to build a boat lift there, were dropped, so a route for wider boats between the north and London, along with the anticipated increase in traffic and trade, failed to materialise.

Use of the boat lift at Foxton ceased in 1911, by which time the locks had been refurbished and brought back into use.

A model of the Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift can be seen near the entrance to the museum.

Elsewhere in the museum you can see old canal notices and signs, canal equipment, and delightful displays of typical contents of a barge – furniture and cookware decorated with traditional canal art, motto ware teapots

and the lace plates that were often used to brighten up the barge walls. There is also an activity area for children.

Don’t miss Foxglove – possibly unique in being the only boat not intended to go on water! In fact, Foxglove was built during the drought-stricken summer of 1976, when visitor numbers to the locks were virtually non-existent and Foxton Boat Services took their wares to carnivals and waterways festivals.

The museum also regularly holds temporary exhibitions. Coming up later this year is Roses and Castles: The History of Canal Art (July 1 – October 2).

Once you have finished in the museum there is plenty more to explore.

In the former stables at Top Lock you can find out more about the horses that worked on the canals, as well as about the restoration of the inclined plane.

Next door is a cafe serving hot and cold snacks and drinks. Look out, too, for lifesize models of characters from the canal, as well as display boards telling their stories. It is very easy to spend a whole day at Foxton, just immersing yourself in its heritage and its splendour.

The 19th century stable block, now the Canal Stable Discovery Room, and Top Lock Cottage Cafe.

Foxglove, dating from 1976.

Helpful information

Venue: Foxton Canal Museum Address: Middle Lock, Foxton Locks,

Market Harborough, LE16 7RA Website: www.foxtoncanalmuseum.org Opening times: Easter to October, Saturday to Wednesday, 11am-4pm Parking available: Payment by cash or phone only Getting here: From M1, take exit 20 on to A4304 towards Market Harborough, then follow signs to Foxton Locks

A model of the inclined plane boat lift.

Foxton’s 10-flight staircase of locks from Top Lock.

A model of a canal horse and child on the towpath leading to Foxton Locks.

Tools used by navvies to build the canal.

Foxglove interior.

17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Reviving a forgotten canal with art and sound A SOUND walk experience will tell the story of Salford’s Hidden Canal thanks to a European collaboration.

Five Salford and Greater Manchester artists have been paired with sound artists from the Netherlands, Lithuania, Croatia and Portugal to create the walk along the original canal route including long-forgotten sections. Featuring eight locations and fascinating audio content by the artists about the canal’s industrial heritage, it can be downloaded from Saturday, May 18.

The Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal was made famous in the song Dirty Old Town written by Salford-born folk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl and performed by The Dubliners and The Pogues. Various locations along the canal were also seen in the film Spring and Port Wine starring James Mason and based on a play by Bolton playwright Bill Naughton.

Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society chairman Paul Hindle said that the song included the line ‘dream a dream by the old canal’. “This event will enable Salford’s hidden gem of a canal to wake from its slumber and be a source of fun, recreation, heritage and community. Dreams can come true.”

Canal & River Trust engagement manager James Long said: “Salford

is a city shaped by its canals. Over 200 years ago these commercial thoroughfares connected Salford to the wider world, powering the city’s foundries and workshops. Our nation’s historic waterways continue to inspire generations of artists, from paintings to poetry and sculpture to soundscapes.”

Together with Salford-based outdoor arts company Walk the Plank and MBBCS, CRT engaged Scarborough Group International, the custodians of award-winning new neighbourhood, Middlewood Locks and Get Living, the build to rent operator, to deliver the experience that will help people to connect with the industrial heritage of this partly restored canal, and to celebrate its future in a unique and interesting way.

The collaboration is between the Dutch Embassy, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Salford City Council, Salford Community and Voluntary Services, Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society, Canal & River Trust and private sector stakeholders, Walk the Plank, Scarborough Group International and Get Living, www.walktheplank.co.uk/projects/ hidden-canal/

Steam at the Lift spectacular AROUND three dozen historic steamboats and traction engines are travelling from all over the country for the Anderton Boat Lift’s biggest steam festival yet on Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12.

Hosted by the Canal & River Trust, the Steam at the Lift event will feature for the first time a celebratory steamboat flotilla sailing along the River Weaver Navigation from Winsford Marina to Anderton on the Saturday morning, showcasing vintage vessels from the Steamboat Association of Great Britain.

Destination and attraction manager Ani Sutton said: “This year we are thrilled to be hosting a record number of traction engines and steamboats, both vintage and modern, and we’re very grateful to all their passionate owners who have travelled long distances to be with us.

“All the ships and steam rollers and lorries will be operated and demonstrated by volunteer enthusiasts, offering visitors a fantastic behind-the-scenes peek into their mechanical history and heritage.”

She added: “The steamboat flotilla along the River Weaver is a first for Northwich and we do hope lots of visitors will join us to view the cruise for what promises to be a truly spectacular sight.”

During the weekend, visitors

A steam engine beside the Anderton Boat Lift. will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities from ‘top of the world’ guided tours of the lift and a Saturday night barbecue to Lego and face painting for children.

The Daniel Adamson steamship, known as ‘the Danny’, will be hosting an onboard craft beer festival and tours and the Cheshire Live Steamers will be demonstrating miniature traction engines at the top of the lift.

There will be short cruises up and down the lift on the Edwin Clark trip boat, giving visitors a unique view

of the 1875 Victorian structure, the world’s first major commercial boat lift. Trust staff will also be on hand to explain the need for a programme of vital repairs and upgrades to the lift as part of the ‘engineering the future’ project.

Steamboats will start arriving at Winsford Marina and Anderton Boat Lift on Friday, May 10 and then congregate as a flotilla on the River Weaver by the Odeon Cinema in Northwich on Saturday, May 11 at 10am to take part in a half-hour cruise to the boat lift.

People can enjoy the river spectacle starting in Northwich town centre from 10am onwards and then follow the flotilla’s progress downstream on foot along a connecting riverside footpath.

The 30-minute route starts by Cumberland Street car park, behind Asda supermarket, through Carey Park and the path then follows the river, a footbridge over Witton Brook, along the edge of Anderton Nature Park and into the boat lift site.

Admission to the weekend festival event and the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre is free but some activities, such as boat trips and Lego, incur a charge and need to be booked in advance. Festival opening times are Saturday (10am-10pm) and Sunday (10am-4.30pm).

For the rest of the 2024 summer season, Anderton Boat Lift and visitor centre will be open six days a week (closed Thursdays), 9.30am-4.30pm, offering four boat trips a day. Entrance to the visitor exhibition, shop and cafe are free. Special events include a Pirate Weekend on August 10-11 and a Steampunk Lift -Off celebration on September 28-29.

For more information about visiting call 01606 786777 or click on ‘places to visit’ at www. canalrivertrust.org.uk Vessels moored for the steam festival. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Members of the team of artists who have produced the Salford sound walk experience. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Tall ships and music will rock the docks

GLOUCESTER Tall Ships Festival will have a line-up of live music as well as the iconic ships over the spring bank holiday weekend, May 25-27.

Among the confirmed tall ships are Phoenix, which recently featured in Ridley Scott’s film Napoleon; Grayhound, which will be returning from the Caribbean with exotic cargo; Spirit of Falmouth, which will be sailed to Gloucester by retired Armed Forces veterans and Irene, which has featured in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Although the tall ships will be taking centre stage, this year’s focus also includes live music and a deep dive into the adventures that have taken place in the docks for around 200 years.

The IWA and Fund Gloucester’s Waterways are planning to run a joint National Fund Britain’s Waterways

Visitor moorings in Gloucester Docks – the cathedral tower can be seen on the right and the church to the left is St Nicholas. campaign stall during the festival to raise awareness of cuts in central government funding.

There will be space for some visiting boats; at the time of writing booking arrangements had not been finalised, but are likely to require a stay for the full three days.

With other water activities taking place then boat movements will be restricted during festival hours.

Prizes are being offered by Gloucester Tall Ships for the best-dressed boats in both Victoria and Main Basins. The

competition will be judged on Sunday, May 26 by the Mayor of Gloucester and a cohort of enthusiasts from the festival.

There are three categories: Hunky Dory – celebration of colour and/or materials used to decorate the boat; Flotsam and Jetsam – innovation, recycle, reuse, get creative with your dress-up and Shipshape – nod to the tall ships or history of the docks. For further information contact cityevents@gloucester. gov.uk The electrical bollards on the West Quay in the Main Basin have been upgraded

and pump-out facilities are now by contactless payments, rather than the old card system, making use easier. The toilets, including disabled facilities, are in operation under Alexander Warehouse, access via standard boater key.

Work on the High Orchard bridge is due to be completed soon so that there is no adverse effect on the Tall Ships Festival.

There is a new Food Dock in Victoria Basin, with a selection of independent food outlets with covered seating overlooking the boats. A 7m illuminated artwork fitted with 1500 programmable LEDs has been created by local light artist Jack Wimperis.

The National Waterways Museum in Gloucester Docks is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Attractions include cream teas; children’s and adult activities; enlarged exhibit and activity areas; with canal trip rides on the Queen Boadicea 2, a surviving Dunkirk ‘little ship’.

Tickets range from £8-£29 and are available online at www. gloucestertallships.co.uk Sea Legs tickets give access both to the festival site and to board the famous tall ships. For those who just want to visit the site there are Land Lubbers tickets.

Tall ships next to Nielsens dry docks include Bessie Ellen, in front of Kathleen and May, Dolphin, Josefine and Leader. Due to bridge repairs there has been a 5m clearance at High Orchard Bridge, meaning that a crane had to be brought in to take down Bessie Ellen’s masts and rigging to be put back the other side of the bridge – leaving a race against time for the ship to be ready for a round Britain tour. Canal boats haven’t been affected.

The bridge is due to reopen in time for the festival.

PHOTOS: TONY ALDRIDGE

18

May 2024

David Suchet in September 2023 reopening a section of the Buckingham Canal on the dredger Diana, which he had just formally launched and named in memory of Tim Coghlan’s late wife Diana, who died of cancer in 2014. David will open the 2024 rally on Diana the Dredger which will be specially taken to the rally by the Buckingham Canal Society, with spotdredging along the way by the society’s team of trained volunteers.

David Suchet opening the 2018 Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally on the 1958 Braunston-built wooden butty Raymond. It was the last wooden narrowboat built for the English canals, and the rally marked the 60th anniversary of its launch. With David is Aubrey Berriman, the shipwright who built the Raymond, and former working boatwoman Alice Lapworth (see also p78). PHOTO: HARRY ARNOLD – WATERWAYS IMAGES.

Ahoy Poirot!

David Suchet – actor and canal enthusiast – will open the 20th Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally and Canal Festival

By Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina.

WE ARE again holding our own very special annual canal event – the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally – in its regular slot over the last weekend in June (29-30). Amazingly this will be our 20th rally since we started what was supposed to be a one-off event in 2003, to

celebrate the restoration of steam narrowboat President.

To mark this 20th anniversary, we have invited back the legendary actor and canal enthusiast, Poirot star David Suchet, who now has more than 30 years of close association with Braunston Marina. He came to

us in 1991 with his young family, having bought a boat from us, and stayed as a ‘low-profile family boater’ until 1994, which he once told me were the happiest years of his family life. Since then he has come as our own celebrity, helping us with what he calls his ‘name’, in a number of canal events we have hosted over the year, including in 1999 BBC’s Songs of Praise. This rally will be the third David has opened, having previously done so in 2008 and 2018 – those previous occasions both being linked to the celebrations of the 50th and

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PHOTO: VICTORIA JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

David Suchet with TV presenter Pam Rhodes,, filming g BBC’s Songs of Praise on the steamboat President at the 1999 Braunston Boat Show, which David formally opened.

The filming was later seen by a worldwide audience of an estimated 22 million. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN 60th anniversary of the launch of the butty Raymond – the last wooden butty built for English canals. It was launched at what is today Braunston Marina in 1958.

The original plan was for David to open the rally on the historic steam narrowboat President, following the installation of its new boiler.

But the unseen scale of the problems involved in this major operation – both in terms of funding and finding a manufacturer to build it – have delayed those works now by some five years.

Once there were hundreds of these boiler manufacturers across the UK, but now only a handful remain. The other problem has been the spec, and finding an engineering design company able and willing to produce one. The Friends of President have now all the preparations in place, with works actually at

last under way. Fingers crossed, the boat will be back in steam by the end of this year, and then attending the 2025 rally. If so, the legendary musician and steam enthusiast Pete Waterman has offered to come back and open that rally.

Meanwhile by way of something completely different,

and for this year only, David will formally open the rally on Diana the Dredger. In September last year, he kindly presented the Buckingham Canal Society with the restored secondhand dredger I gave to them in memory of my late wife Diana.

She was a great canal enthusiast, especially for restoration work, but sadly died of cancer in 2014.

‘Di the Digger’ – as she is now affectionately called – has been hard at it ever since, with several hundred metres of reopened canal to her credit.

Lady Sheila Suchet steering the Raymond, assisted

by Roger Golder of the Friends of Raymond, in the opening parade of the 2023 rally. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

The butty Raymond passing the Roach in the boat parade at the 2022 rally. Raymond’s hold is carrying a precious cargo of the Friends of Raymond and special guests.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

19

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Colours of the cut. A whole armful of historic narrowboats in the Old Oxford Canal Arm at Braunston Marina at the 2023 rally.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

The dredger will travel from Cosgrove to Braunston Marina under her own steam, with her restored Lister SR3 diesel engine.

Along the way, Diana – always a tidy person by nature – will also be doing a bit of spot-dredging as instructed for the Canal & River Trust. She will be dealing with the canal version of potholes!

To help raise money for the Buckingham Canal Society, David has agreed to allow visitors to take selfies with himself on ‘Di the Digger’. The cost per head will be £10, with no group discounts.

It’s all for a good cause!

We are now putting all the final preparations in place for the rally.

With the threat to government funding, the waterways need to have something to celebrate – something to look forward to – and hopefully this event will be a showcase for our wonderful waterways heritage.

Our initial soundings of owners of historic narrowboats

are that they can’t wait to come.

We have already received an encouraging number of early bookings, and they just keep coming in. This could well be a vintage year.

These leviathans of our canalcarrying past are THE making of the rally, which will probably again be the largest gathering of them anywhere on the waterways this year.

Our music impresario for some years now, Janul, is already networking the amazing musicians she produces each year for our famous beer tent – the Dry Dock Inn – a miniGlastonbury, without the mud.

The Alarum Theatre team are also on board with their latest production, which under my instructions will also involve Braunston thespians, young and old. It will take the form of a review, to be titled Canal Cabaret. We are also seeing a very positive response from trade

exhibitors and likewise, the canal societies and canal artists, whom we support through free space – the artists having their own tent.

Last year there were 16 of them, covering the whole spectrum of canal art.

We are fortunate to be able to hold the event in our marina, including parking, and the use of the canal outside for the mooring and parades of historic narrowboats – thanks to the CRT. The rally is very much an outdoor event, with the 5000 or so people who traditionally attend spreading themselves out along the mile of towpath to watch the parades.

So we should be able to enjoy this special canal event in safety.

Here’s hoping we have you on board!

The Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally is sponsored by Braunston Marina and Towpath Talk, with support from the Canal & River Trust.

The motor Nuneaton and butty Brighton in the 2022 boat parade. The pair of boats are owned and operated by the Narrow Boat Trust, which seeks to preserve the skills of the former working boatmen.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

The Cassiopeia’s boatmen – old and new – at the 2022 rally. The former working boatman Jim Hambridge (80), left, with current owner Mick Poyser. Jim worked the Cassiopeia with his parents in the 1950s, until he came off the boats in 1960. He is one of only a few former working boatmen now still attending the rallies and able to go boating – in Jim’s case still steering his old boat.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

The former GUCCC Star Class motor Cepheus coming out of Braunston Marina to join the 2015 boat parade. Former working boatwoman Alice Lapworth is seen on board (second from left) in black. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

“Let there be no moaning at the bar!” Music legend and steam enthusiast Pete Waterman with the Best Bar None mobile bar team from Essex at the 2023 rally, which Pete opened.

By popular demand, the Best Bar None team will be back again, ‘opening up’ at the 2024 event. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

What the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally is all about. The scene is taken from Butcher’s Bridge at the 2018 rally by canal enthusiast Eamon Commerford.

PHOTO: EAMON COMMERFORD

20

May 2024

New industrial quarter at Black Country Living Museum

THE latest phase of the Black Country Living Museum’s multimillion-pound development offers visitors a journey through the industrial history of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Its new industrial quarter delves into the vibrant stories of industries and individuals that shaped the Black Country’s heritage. Carol King, director of programmes at Black Country Living Museum, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the next stage of our development, which is a testament to our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich industrial heritage of the Black Country.”

New additions include recreations of J H Lavender Aluminium Foundry in 1959.

It played a pivotal role in producing engine components for all the British motorcycle manufacturers, as well as companies like British Seagull outboard motors, Rover and Reliant cars, and Black & Decker power tools.

The museum also recreates Joe H Smith & Sons (Oldbury)

The entrance to the new industrial quarter at the Black Country Living Museum.

All aboard at Chertsey for family-friendly boat show THE Thames Valley Boat Show is back at MDL Penton Hook Marina, in Chertsey, Surrey, over the weekend of May 31 to June 2.

Sponsored by TBS Boats and organised in association with BoatLife and MDL, this popular regional event, with free entry and parking, promises to be a highlight for the boating community.

The show offers an opportunity for everyone, from regular boaters to newcomers, to have access

Skills are demonstrated in the recreation of J H Lavender Aluminium Foundry. PHOTOS: BCLM Ltd in 1953 and Cricket Field Brickworks in 1955.

Dancing in the streets

Forthcoming events on the museum’s streets include 1940s, 1950s and 1960s weekends celebrating each era with live music, dancing and good food.

Festivities begin on May 11-12 with a celebration of the 1950s, from enjoying vintage fashion and rockabilly style to live music and dancing on the evening of Saturday, May 11. The weekend promises to be an unforgettable journey through this pivotal decade in British history.

The museum will be rocking again on Saturday, June 29 for its first 1960s evening followed by daytime activities on Sunday, June 30.

Finally, the museum’s 1940s Weekend returns on July 13-14, with daytime activities and an evening event on July 13.

Tickets for all these events can be booked at www. bclm.com The museum is situated alongside the Dudley Canal & Caverns: www. dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

to look around and climb on board a vast range of boats.

With around 100 dedicated sales berths afloat, more than 40 marquee spaces ashore and 50 boat spaces ashore, visitors can explore an array of boats and accessories.

Event founder Chris Manners, managing director of TBS Boats, said: “This boutique show gives us a chance to see our local audience and give them a great experience in a stunning location.”

With a family-friendly atmosphere, there will be activities such as SUP sessions and demonstrations of dinghy sailing available for children, and a broad choice of catering with food and drink, accompanied by live music throughout the event.

As a special addition, the show will feature a late opening on Saturday, offering extended hours of enjoyment.

For more details go to https://www.thamesvalleyboatshow.co.uk/

WHAT’S ON IN MAY

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.

May 2 Stafford Riverway Link: Display of artefacts

unearthed by SRL volunteers from the canal at Rugeley Library, Anson Street, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 2BB until Saturday June 8.

May 3-6 St Richard’s Canal Festival: Boats moored at

Netherwich Basin or alongside the towpath in Vines Park, Droitwich. Traders and live music all weekend with the Great Droitwich Annual Duck Race on Bank Holiday Monday. www. strichardsfestival.co.uk May 4-6 IWA: Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice.

Norbury Canal Festival: Fun for all the family

with boat trips, trading and historic boats, Knightley Alpacas, live music, face painting and canal-related stalls. Norbury Junction ST20 0PN, open 10am-4pm each day. www.facebook. com/norburyfestival Roving Canal Traders Association: May Day floating markets at Berkhamsted and Burton-on-Trent.

River Foss Society: Come and find out more about The River Foss Society at the York Walls Festival. For more information see www. riverfosssociety.co.uk May 5 South Pennine Boat Club: Open day, Wood

Lane, Mirfield, West Yorkshire WF14 0ED.

May 5 and 6 Leawood Pumphouse: Open day from noon

to 4.30pm. In steam – the pump will be fully operational. Entrance free but donations are encouraged, especially in view of the current cost of coal. High Peak Trail, Whatstandwell, Matlock, DE4 5HN, access is as per High Peak Junction.

May 9 IWA Lichfield: Walk – Shuttington and the

Coventry Canal. An easy five-mile walk with three stiles. Meet 10.30am for 10.45am start in the car park of The Wulferstan Arms, Main Road, Shuttington, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 0DP. Contact clive.walker@waterways.org.uk May 11-12 Canal & River Trust: Steam at the Lift, traction

engines meet flotilla of vintage steamboats.

Walking the Lift tour, real ale festival, hot and cold food. Free to attend, open 10am-10pm on Saturday and 10am-4.30pm Sunday. Anderton Boat Lift, Lift Lane, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6FW. Black Country Living Museum: 1950s weekend with vintage fashion and rockabilly style all weekend, live music and dancing on the evening of May 11. Book tickets at bclm.com May 14 IWA Northampton Branch: A heritage walk

around Stoke Bruerne with Kathryn Dodington, 2.30pm. Afternoon tea at the Canal Museum optional. All are welcome, not just IWA members. There is a car park, and refreshments are available.

May 16 River Foss Society: Four-mile circular walk,

Oulston and Pond Head. Meet Oulston Village Green at 6pm. Contact Derek Chivers and let him know you are attending at derek@chivers. plus.com Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association: AGM at Sandiacre Lock Cottages,

7.30pm.

May 17 Louth Navigation Trust: Alvingham Walk,

meet 6pm at The Mill. Part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival.

May 18 Friends

of

the

Montgomery

Canal:

Montgomery Canal Triathlon, Newtown to Crickheath.

May 18-19 Ashby Canal Association: Moira Canal

Festival/IWA Trailboat Festival.

Saturn fly-boat: Saturn on display at Trevor.

Also May 24/27.

Tewkesbury Big Weekend: Boat trips,

children’s fairground. River parade with circus theme at 12pm on Sunday and katakanu boat racing.

May 20 Friends of the Cromford Canal: Well dressings

and the people who make them by Jan and Paul Barrass. Ironville Church Hall, Casson Street NG16 5NN, 7.30pm. Admission £2.50, tea, coffee, bar and raffle. Non-members always welcome.

May 21 Louth Navigation Trust: Canal and Blow Wells

Walk, meet 10am at Tetney Lock. Part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival.

May 23 River Foss Society: Social Pint ’n’ a Chat

at The Ship Inn, Strensall, 7pm. All welcome, non-members are invited to find out more.

May 25 Louth Navigation Trust: Louth Canal Linear

Walk, meet 10am at Tetney Lock. Part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival.

May 25-27 Crick Boat Show: Crick Waterside and

Marina, Northamptonshire NN6 7SQ.

Roving Canal Traders Association: Spring Bank Holiday floating markets at Boxmoor and Stone.

May 29 Leawood Pumphouse: Open day from 12pm

to 4.30pm. Static. Entrance free but donations are encouraged, especially in view of the current cost of coal. High Peak Trail, Whatstandwell, Matlock, DE4 5HN, access is as per High Peak Junction.

May 31-June 2 Thames Valley Boat Show: Range of land and

on-water stands, activities and demonstrations, live music, food and drink. MDL Penton Hook Marina in Chertsey, Surrey. https://www. thamesvalley-boatshow.co.uk/

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

21

22 MARINAS & MOORINGS

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.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 Kegworth, DE74 2EY

HAREFIELD MA HAREFIELD MARINA ARINA

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.

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

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

One days cruising from the Thames.

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 23

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

HARTFORD MARINA

THE PERFECT HIDEAWAY

SET WITHIN THE PEACE & TRANQUILLITY OF HUNTINGDONSHIRE

HART FOR D MARINA Take a moment to soak in the peace and tranquillity of the Huntingdonshire countryside and experience all that Hartford Marina has to offer. A gateway to the River Great Ouse, the marina is perfectly placed for cruising one of Britain’s lesser discovered waterways, and is ideal for exploring nearby towns and cities. With premium facilities and capacity for all types of boats, from widebeams and narrowboats to day boats and cruisers, Hartford Marina has something for every boater.

B E RTH S FOR A LL C R AF T AVAI L AB L E TO RE SERV E TO DAY !

ANNUAL & VISITOR MOORINGS

SLIPWAY AND CRANING FACILITIES

NEW AND USED BOAT SALES

FLOOD PROTECTED MOORINGS

DAY BOAT HIRE & WATERSPORTS

MODERN SHOWER FACILITIES

FAMILY RESTAURANT

PET FRIENDLY

FUEL & PUMPOUT FACILITIES

240V POWER TO EACH BERTH

FREE WIFI

FRESH WATER TO EACH BERTH

B OATS FO R SAL E AT H A RT FO R D M A R I N A

BOAT B RO KER AGE Tingdene Boat Sales helps boaters at every step of their boating journey. Whether looking to buy or sell a craft, our wide brokerage network, both online and at our UK inland marinas, is yours to utilise.

So, if you are in the market for an upgrade or have a boat you wish to sell on or close to the River Great Ouse, contact Hartford Marina and see how we can help you.

ANDICRAFT 65’ NARROWBOAT • 2010 • £64,950

NARROWBOAT 50’ • 2007 • £58,000

w w w. ti n gd e n eboat ing . com • 0 1 4 8 0 4 54677 • hart fordboat sal es@tingdene.net • hart ford ma r ina @tingd e ne .net

Fenny Marina Finding peace away from home

www.thefennymarina.co.uk

office@thefennymarina.co.uk | Fenny Marina Ltd Station Fields Southam CV47 2XD

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

24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Visit us at the Saturday 25th to Monday 27th

MAY 2024 Find us on

Stand F

Discover your dream boat at Crick Boat Show...

I-TRAD NARR EM OW S T F B 57

AN

D NE W FOR C

RI C

K

HA

RR Y PO

T TER T H

E

D ME

B

E

S,

EN

GU

TS

AL

&M

S P EC I

ST

EX

CIT

IN G A N N O

Roydon Marina Open Day

8th June 2024

O

2

O R E!

BR

02

4!

AT !

PENS IEV E

|

T CRUISER S 58F TE | S RN E RL

AT O

CH A

Visit Lakeland Leisure Estates on Stand F at Crick Boat Show and be among the first to hear our thrilling new announcements as we strive to redefine the boating experience. Visit our stand and let us help you find your dream boat.

C UN

EM

You’re invited to the Roydon Marina Open Day: - Live music, food and drink vendors, stalls!

- Prizes, discounts and more!

- Talks with industry experts!

- Special guests!

- Open boats and lodges for sale!

Register for a free ticket and receive a complimentary drink token!

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

MARINAS & MOORINGS 25

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

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

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

26 MARINAS & MOORINGS

May 2024

Inland canal boat marina, Northamptonshire

Quality moorings at reasonable rates

Situated in the rolling countryside of Northamptonshire on the 23 mile lock free summit of the Grand Union Leicester section - Yelvertoft Marina is set in beautiful tranquil countryside, within 5 minutes of the M1 J18, yet without noise or inconvenience of major traffic.

www.yelvertoft-marina.co.uk Email: office@yelvertoft-marina.com Tel: 01788 822292

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

New chandlery and MC order point

• Award winnin ng • Family run • Based on the River Nene in Earls Barton

• Diesel and pump out • Flexible mooringss • Fabulous award winning Boathousse Café • CCC camp site

Wh hy not come and see for yourself

TPIF

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

White Mills Marina, 344, Grendon Road, Earls Barton, Northants NN6 0RB

CCC – New booking system now live on our website

LI

AI

Y ED IT IT L M ABI L

AV

2 BEDROOM S | 2 BATHROOMS 775 SQ FT

HOMES AVAILABLE FROM

£290,000

RESIDENTIAL FLOATING HOMES FOR SALE Nestled alongside the mighty River Severn and just a stone’s throw away from the enchanting market town of Upton-upon-Severn, Waterfront Living is a pioneering project that sets the standard for floating homes. Offering two-bedroom luxury homes with spacious decking and modern interiors, you can continue life afloat with more space to live, relax and entertain.

We would love to show you around, so get in touch today to arrange a viewing and see what life on water could be like.

UPTON LAKE, EAST WATERSIDE, UPTON-UPON-SEVERN, WR8 0PB www.waterfront-living.com | info@waterfront-living.com | 01933 829 940

MARINAS & MOORINGS 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Braunston Boats Ltd

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

In line (stern end to staging) 55 ft min.

• 250 berths located on river Avon

Lay by Berths up to 45 ft (stern to bank

• 10 mins walk from Stratford-upon-Avon

Annual fee £31.50 per foot plus 20% VAT Monthly fee £2.93 per foot plus 20% VAT Bankside/Staging berths (at least2/3 alongside bank of staging).

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

Annual fee £35.00 per foot plus 20% VAT

• Free wi-fi • Laundry • Showers

Monthly fee £ 3.24 per foot plus 20% VAT Casual Moorings

• Fuel sales • Pump out

£10 per night or £60 per week plus 20% VAT irrespective of length.

• Lakeland Leisure boat brokerage T: 07714 095005 E: shakespeare@land-water.co.uk

Maximum casual mooring 2 weeks.

Car parking £3 per night or £18 per week

CAEN HILL MARINA

For barges (any vessel wider than 7ft) Multiply standard price by 1.9

braunstonboats@hotmail.co.uk @ 07954071778 Bottom Lock, Dark a Lane, 1 7HJ Braunston NN11

• 248 berths located on Kennet & Avon canal • Near to Devizes Wiltshire T: 01380 827062 E: caenhill@land-water.co.uk Set in beautiful countryside at the junction of the River Severn & the River Avon in Gloucestershire. Flood protected moorings, water and electric at berths, fuel, pump-out, and staff on hand 7 days a week. Gantry crane and work area for blacking.

NORTHWICH QUAY

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

• 50 berths located on river Weaver • Centre of Northwich, Cheshire T: 07967 461038 E: northwich@land-water.co.uk

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

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

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

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

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

 QUIET AND SECURE MOORINGS  BOAT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

 GAS, DIESEL AND PUMP OUT

Boat engine service £225.00 Single day empty and refill £250.00 V bottom boat extra charge (at the time of booking you must inform us if your Boat is V-Bottom £100.00 Extra days in the dock if already booked in for blacking or service will be charged at £75 per day Blacking consists of jet washing the hull of the boat down and making sure area is clean and dry, should we find anything of concern we will contact you to inform you. We can offer various blacking products please call us and speak to us.

Anodes are £160 per pair and fitting/welding is £60.00 per pair if purchased from us.

All other works are charged at £60.00 per hour

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

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

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

28 MARINAS & MOORINGS

May 2024

Hill Farm Marina

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Blisworth Marina

South Stratford Canal

Cruising mooring - Go cruising for 3 months and get 20% discount

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

Pay for 2 years and get a discount of 10% on 2nd year

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

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

Widebeam berths available

It goes without saying....

For Boat Sales please visit our website

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

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

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

Blisworth Arm NN7 3FG www.blisworthmarina.co.uk info@blisworthmarina.co.uk 01604 879827

www.goolemarina.co.uk Email: info@goolemarina.co.uk Tel: 01405 763985 Goole Marina, The Timber Pond, Dutch Riverside, Goole, DN14 5TB

Services:

Facilities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Monday – Saturday 9am until 3pm.

Everyone welcome!

MARINAS & MOORINGS / PRODUCTS & SERVICES 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Whixall Marina

FRADLEY MARINA

Whixall Marina

07941 167 087

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

MOOR Whixall Marina

• 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

STAY

www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

Whixall Marina

NARROWBOAT AND WIDEBEA M WINDOWS

www.whixallmarina.co.uk

EAT

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

CRUISE

Northampton Marina

The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways

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

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

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

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

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

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

We offer permanent, visitor and winter moorings.

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

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

30 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Only LeeSan truly specialise in toilets The new low-energy design hull* allows for full solar electric power with an extended range or serial hybrid option.

Lloyd's Register Rules-based design provides a choice of alloys, Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Mild Steel with the confidence of the highest standards.

CALL TODAY 01908 686 796

Toilets, Tanks, Hoses, Clips, Gauges, Deck Fittings, Vent Filters and everything you need plus Advice & Guidance

Providing the best seat on-board .....

or visit our Factory The Long Shed, Unit 2, Station Goods Yard, Station Rd, Long Buckby only 9 minutes from Crick.

Visit Stand BW1

*UK patent pending.

sales@leesan.com T: 01295 770000

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

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

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

Kits from £1760.00

LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF EBERSPACHER HEATERS & SPARE PARTS

HYDRONIC D4WSC EXCHANGE SERVICE For only £560.00 receive one of our factory reconditioned units when you send us your old, non functioning D4WSC or D5WSC*.

*Service exchange T&Cs apply

CALLSTART APP

Control your heater through your phone

Easy installation. Simple on/off.

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

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

32 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN

PRICE AND PERFORMANCE Flooded (wet) Starter, Leisure and Dual Purpose Batteries

75w to 3kw Inverter and Combis (Pure Sine and Quasi Sine)

AGM Starter, Dual Purpose, GEL, Leisure, Lithium, Standby & Traction Batteries

Battery chargers for most applications

VISIT US AT CRICK (STAND Q40)

01455 283443 help@multicell.co.uk w w w. m u l t i c e l l . c o .u k

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 33

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 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

www.betamarine.co.uk

delivering reliability and peace of mind

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

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

LA Nina - Widebeam

£95,000

• 60’ x 12' • 2 Berth • 2013

A 2013, 60ft, Widebeam, Shell by Orchard Marine with an owner fit out, Offering accommodation for two people with a Seperate utility room, Last blacked in 2021. A mooring, residential or leisure is available if required subject to T's and C's

UP TO 6

MONTHS FREE MOORING

Monty - Semi Traditional £64,950 • 57’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • 2008

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

on selected Stock Boats

Subject to terms and conditions

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

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

01386 768500

34 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

May 2024

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

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

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

CALL TANKBUSTERS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Magnet filter bowl

Rust on magnet

Rust & diesel bug on magnet.

J.D. BOAT SERVICES GAILEY LTD

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

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

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

SPECIAL ISI NG IN BO AT RESTO RATIO N & REP AI R Cabi n Ref i t s W o odwor k Pa i n t wo r k St eel wor k

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

NORBURY WHARF Limited

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 TRADITIONAL NARROW BOAT PAINTING. FULL REPAINTING OF YOUR NARROW BOAT FROM £250 per foot incl. VAT.

Extras that can be added to the package:

Our basic painting package includes: • Free ‘no obligation’ quotations and recommendations to meet your requirements.

• Planning and scheduling to fit in with your prior arrangements (where possible).

• Traditional painting ‘with a brush’ of complete cabin and down to the ‘top guard iron’.

TURN TO

PAGE 63 T

O VIEW RANGE OF OUR BOAT FOR SALE S • Bare metalling of gritted areas.

• (Re) gritting of cabin top and gunwhales.

• Graining/scumbling.

• Diamonds and geometrical patterns.

• Top bend/return plate decoration.

• Traditional canal art (Roses and Castles).

• Signwriting.

• Hatch and slide decoration.

• Varnishing.

• Mouse’s ears/teddy bear on rear bulkhead.

• Painting of counter bands.

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 35

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

'''0* "0 0$

. 5# #. 5# $ # 2 – 5 & .

% */

( 5 -1 ,), %- 35

# 5 & " ( & $ 2 ( " Some slots available for 2024

( " & "/ ▪ ) ( – ""$ ' " $ 0 ▪ " & & ▪ -& 2 # . ' . ". # 4 " & ▪ ! ## ▪ "# ▪ % "$ & ("

+ 4 + "

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

5 ' #" $ " " . " # "0

+ ( # $ " ( 2 / – 5/ " (. 5 #$ ( 5$ (

Prepare for the boating season Integrated fridge - £742.00, Integrated freezer - £740.00 delivered

9” x 6” Chrome Louvre vent £19.95. Other sizes available.

Rain caps and chimneys available from stock

4 x 4 ltr Elsan Blue £65.00

Mooring accessories in stock

smlmarinepaints.co.uk

01285 862 132

PREMIUM PRODUCTS FORMULATED BY EXPERTS FOR THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION & FINISH

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

36 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

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

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

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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

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

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 37

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

CLEANING’S A PLEASURE WITH MIRACLE LEISURE! LADDER-MATE

COMBINATION RESCUE LADDER/GANGPLANK

Suppliers of everything for the boating and industrial paint user.

Suppliers of -

Vitershield TF is back

Boat Paints • Sikkens Wood Finishes • International Paints • Sadolin • Zinsser • Macpherson Paints • Airspeed Polyurethane • Ancillary Products

Tel: 01782 812240 Fax: 01782 835707 Email: sales@pdipaints.co.uk Web: www.pdipaints.co.uk PDI Paints, 168 Newcastle Street, Dalehall, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3QN

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

Most accidents happen in or around locks.

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

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

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

A FULL RANGE OF CLEANING PRODUCTS

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

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

BROLLY-MATE

Hands-free attachment that slides over the tiller bar.

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

Choice of sizes.

from

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

£25 + p&p

PROP-MATE Keeps your weedhatch clear

Half cleaned mushroom

£22 + p&p

W eessex ssex Wessex

Chemical cal FFactors actors C hemiical Chem EEs sst 998 Est. EEst. stt. t.. 11983 11983 19 9883 833

Celebrating eelebrating lebrating C Ce

440 0y years ears

to all our customers, suppliers, friends and family for supporting us over the last 40 years!

Facilities include:

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock 50% OFF

Opening Hours:

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

ON BOAT HAVEN T R E H T O Moorings, Slipway Hull Blacking & Maintenance Workshop, Brokerage Gas / Diesel / Coal / Pumpout Engine Repairs & Servicing

DRY DOCK SPACES E AVAILABL !

W O N L L A C

UP TO

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

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

Mobile: 07581 459309

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

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

338 BRISTOL ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL2 5DH

Email: info@othertonboathaven.co.uk

01452 415430

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

38 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

THE UK’S NO.1 FOR CANAL & NARROW BOAT EQUIPMENT Elevate your Boating Experience with VETUS

Visit us at the show for exclusive offers

Explore a new realm of boating excellence and ease as we introduce the renowned quality and innovation of VETUS products to our extensive lineup.

Come and see us at

Crick Boat Show 2024 Crick Marina | Crick | Northants

25th - 27th May

LATE MAY BANK HOLIDAY

Batteries, Chargers & Solar Panels

The Tool Specialist: Laser Tools

In our continuous effort to serve you better, we’ve expanded our Victron product range, offering competitive pricing and the option to order non-stocked items.

Bringing convenience to your waterline, you can now get a hold of all the tools you’d need on your boat, for your boat, and otherwise, all in one place!

Visit one of our stores today!

Visit any of our canal side showrooms, all offering free parking & canal side mooring

Braunston

Preston Brook

Willington

 01788 891 401

 01928 751 800

 01283 701 445

 NN11 7HB

 WA4 4BA

 DE65 6DW

� Real Shops

 Prompt Service

 Expert Advice

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

With substantial stock holding and industry leading service levels, we aim to despatch all items in stock within 48 hours of payment to ensure you receive your order promptly.

We can provide expert advice gained from years of handson practical experience, many of our staff own boats themselves and some even live aboard.

Shop over 5,000 products online www.midlandchandlers.co.uk

 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 39

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

DO YOU LIVE AFLOAT? Are you worried about the future of your lifestyle?

We are the only membership association set up, in 1963, to protect the interests of live-aboard boaters. We need your support to be able to continue our work. So join us, in promotion, development, representation and protection of our chosen lifestyle. Interested?

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

See more information on our website www.rboa.org.uk. or telephone 0330 057 7180 to find out how to join and get involved in the safeguarding of the future freedom of living afloat.

Annual membership from only £30.00.

The Residential Boat Owners’ Association Studio 2 Waterside Court Third Avenue Burton on Trent DE14 2WQ

Sponsored by All Wills and Trusts.co.uk

TRADLINE ROPE AND FENDERS Treat your boat this spring

PLEASE NOTE:

01827 313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

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

Our mooring line kits make a fantastic set of starter or replacement ropes. Chose your rope lengths and choice of 7 colour combinations Fully spliced with an option for mooring chains

For current offers see

www.tradline.co.uk

Tradline Rope & Fenders, Braunston Marina, Northamptonshire NN11 7JH Tel: 01788 891761. Email: tradline@btconnect.com

Kate Boats

One stop shop for your boat!

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

• Blacking • Welding • General engineering • Engine servicing • Engine replacement • Painting from touch up to a complete repaint • Electrical repairs and installations • Gas safe engineer on site • Heating repairs and replacement • Internal repairs and refit • BSS and hull surveys organised

Bookings for all aspects of work now being taken for 2024

www.kateboats.com 01926 492968

40 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

May 2024

1

South Oxford Canal Between Bridge 136 & 137 Close to Banbury

Fenny Marina

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

2

Finding peace away from home...

Station Fields, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2XD T: 01295 770461

Blisworth Arm, Blisworth, Northampton NN7 3FG Telephone: 01604 879827 www.blisworthmarina.co.uk E-mail: info@blisworthmarina.co.uk

E: office@thefennymarina.co.uk W: www.thefennymarina.co.uk 3

m oo Le rin is gs ure av ail ab le

OverWater

Image supplied by The Inland

4

Waterways Association

3

Marina Audlem, Cheshire Beautiifull • Peaceffull • Friiend dly At the heart of the Shropshire Union

01270 812677 Voted Marina of Distinction

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Audlem, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AY

4 2

Ruraltranquility withan abundanceof wildlife, located between theWatford and Foxtonlock flights.

Northamptonshire, NN6 7XT 07401 297 253 www.crickwharf.co.uk mooring@crickwharf.co.uk

1

CRICK WHARF MARINA 21 miles of lock free cruising

Grand Union Canal, Leicester Section

TO PROMOTE YOUR MARINA ON THIS PAGE CALL TANIA ON 01507 529489

BEST OF BRITISH RAILWAYS is a selection of railway related features from the pages of Best of British, the UK’s favourite nostalgia magazine.

From Mallard’s record-breaking run to a journey on the luxurious Belmond Northern Belle, join us as we celebrate almost a century of British railway history. Learn how the project to build Tornado got off the ground, meet those who keep our railways running, relive the joy of receiving a train set for Christmas and visit heritage railways and museums such as the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway – the location for the 1970 film The Railway Children.

Whether you have a life-long interest in the railways or just a passing fancy, let Best of British Railways be your ticket to ride!

ORDER YOURS TODAY

We are offering FREE P&P. Order online at www.classicmagazines.co.uk or call 01507 529529 to purchase a copy today.

UK £6.99/EUR £8.49/ROW £9.99 inc. P&P.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 41

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

L R I N A arine E T m S

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS TRANSFORM YOUR BOAT

Refit, repair, replace, renew!

OVER 35 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE BUILDING & REFITTING BOATS We work with our clients to achieve their vision Contact us for a no obligation discussion

MGM Boats Ltd

• Hull steam cleaned and blacked • Blasted and 2pk blacking systems • Anodes, supplied and fitted • Welding work undertaken • Covered dock for any DIY work can be booked, inc painting.

• Slipway can be booked for maintenance work, such as rudder repairs, stern tube replacement & also surveys (By others) • Engine service & electrical work • We sell Calor 13kg propane gas

Call 01162 640009 or email: mgmboatyard@gmail.com (New website under construction) Upper Soar, Leicester. LE4 8AF

Woodworks Boat Fitting Bespoke boats to any stage of completion • Repair and alteration service Wheelhouses and dogboxes made to order

Engine Service – Fixed Price £185.00 inc VAT

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.boat-fitting.co.uk

(Using our own stock filters)

Call 01299 877222 for details

PHOTOS - VIDEOS - INFORMATION Unit 72, Road B, Boughton Ind. Est. New Ollerton, Notts. NG22 9LD 01623 860 553 email: info@boat-fitting.co.uk Proprietor: Andrew C. Hooke B.A. (Hons)

DISTRIBUTORS & STOCKISTS FOR MAJOR BRANDS FULL BOAT YARD SERVICES

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

FOR YOUR CHANDLERY NEEDS

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

DIESEL TREATMENT PRODUCT

S RWAY W AT E I L A B L E D N A A V NL RYA I ORS A ING – INSTRUCT N I A R O AT T E S – L A D Y OWB S NARR AN COUR SM M L E H

Birmingham& Midland Marine Services Ltd provide specialist skipper, coxswain & water safety training; Plus: Commercial inland, Open-water marine support to industry.

CES SER VI VICES CO M M E RC I A L S E R V I C E S

HANKOOK BATTERIES

• B a n k S a f e t y Cove r se r v i ce s , training and equipment • C h a r te r o f ma r i n e e q u i p m e n t : s a f e t y & re s c u e b o a t s a n d wo r k b o a t s , t u g s , p a n s , h o p p e r s a n d wo r k f l a t s .

• Re s c u e S w i m m e r s a n d ‘ i n - w a te r ’ personnel.

• Co mm erc i a l ve s s e l d e l ive r y s e r v i ce s ( I n l a n d , by w a te r ) .

• Tow i n g & p u s h i n g s e r v i ce s .

• Wo rk p l a t fo r m a n d p o n to o n s .

• T.V. & fi l m wo r k – m a r i n e s u p p o r t .

B OAT T R A I N I N G CO M M E RC I A L & L E I S U R E Helmsman & Powerboat training, plus BoatMaster ancillar y courses for Skippers and Coxswains via our Royal Yachting Association and Maritime & Coastguard Agency Programmes. ‘Specialist Rescue Boat’ training for operations outside DEFRA available by appointment.

O CC U PAT I O N A L WAT E R SAFETY & RESCUE TRAINING Co u r s e s d e l i ve re d v i a t h e O u t re a c h Re s c u e a n d Roy a l L i f e Saving Society DEFRA & CDM Re g u l a t i o n s 2 01 5 co m p l i a n t & HSE endorsed schemes.

ELSAN PRODUCTS

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

Contact us for more information on 01902 544329 or office@midlandmarine.co.uk Or visit our website: www.midlandmarine.co.uk

42 INSURANCE & FINANCE / PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Over 10,000 claims paid to 100% owner satisfaction

£40,000 £50,000 £60,000 £70,000 £80,000 £100,000 £150,000

May 2024

from from from from from from from

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

£72.00 £85.00 £99.00 £107.00 £115.00 £155.00 £235.00

Lowest rates for qualifying owners www.newtoncrum.com

01424 718800

65 years of excellence, providing better boat insurance.

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority # 307035

S

TR

TH EE

AY WHARF

Coventry Canal

Lichfield

LT

Save on your Boat insurance this season Boats have been our passion for over 20 years, so we understand the joys and challenges of owning a boat. Get a quote online today with our simple process, and see how much you could save.

D

Your One Stop Shop for all your boating needs Steelwork | Stretching | Chandlery | Timber Work | Shot Blasting Mechanics | Boat Safety | Electrics | Paintwork | Gas Safe | CCranage OUT

Bottom Blacking | Full DIY service available 3 day slip, undercover plus 3000 psi hot wash £350 + VAT Telephone 01543 414808/07824 848444 office@streethaywharf.co.uk www.streethaywharf.co.uk

call 0345 2607 888 SCAN ME 14944

Highest Quality work at a Traditional Working boatyard

Get an online quote today craftinsure.com

7 DAY CALL

© Copyright Craftinsure Limited 2024. Craftinsure Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 309693.

Registered in England and Wales Number 04386107. Registered office: The Royals, Altrincham Road, Manchester M22 4BJ. Policies available to UK residents only.

Trustpilot rating correct as of 20/02/2024.

Underwritten by

43

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Barrus HyTime project P44 Tech talk Holidays and leisure P46-47 Boat review Sustainable boating P48

Explore more free adventures with Aquavista

MOORERS on an annual contract can now enjoy 100 free nights per year at Aquavista marinas through its Explore 100 benefit.

The largest marina group in the UK has tripled its Explore 34 scheme which gave boaters 34 free nights at its 29 marinas across the country.

Sales and marketing director Deborah Hunt said: “The beauty of boat life is the freedom to cruise the waterways network and discover new places, so we’re delighted to have now tripled the number of free nights our moorers can enjoy.

“We launched Explore 34 in May 2022 and it’s been incredibly popular because there are so many options of where to stop over. So, we wanted to give our moorers even more freedom to cruise and experience new places.”

She explained: “They can cruise along different canals and rivers and, when they’re done for the day, one of our 29 marinas will be ready to welcome them

P49 P50

Welcoming the new hydrogen supply at Aqueduct Marina are Hydrogen Afloat director Nick Swift with chandlery manager Tom Raines and Karl Gerrard from BOC. PHOTO: AQUEDUCT MARINA

Hydrogen now on sale in a first for Cheshire’s Aqueduct Marina An aerial view of Aquavista’s Ventnor Waterside and Marina beside the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire.

PHOTO: AQUAVISTA

for an overnight stay or several nights.

They then benefit from all our marina facilities that they don’t get when they moor on the open waterways.

“Our customers know that no matter whether they pay annually, quarterly or monthly, as long as they’re an annual

contract holder, they automatically get access to this benefit. All they have to do to book their free stop-over is call the marina they wish to visit and check we have availability.

“We’ll always do our very best to fit them in.”

Find out more at www.aquavista.com

Investment in Midlands distribution centre at LKQ headquarters ONE of the UK’s leading aftermarket distributors of parts and accessories to the marine and caravan sectors, LKQ Leisure and Marine, has completed a £400,000 programme of investment in its Central UK distribution centre and HQ. Changes to the Warwickshire facility include the incorporation of a mezzanine level which has added an extra 8500sq ft of warehouse space, taking the total to 87,000sq ft. The warehouse is now home to more than 24,000 product lines, with capacity for further expansion.

LKQ Leisure and Marine MD Adam Ramsden said: “This programme of investment has helped us to create a national centre of excellence at Century Park, so that we can deliver an even better experience for our customers.

“Today we carry more inventory across more product lines, and our availability and next day delivery performance is better than ever. Our investment in digital systems and in our people has continued to build a customer-centric organisation at every level. We are in a strong position to keep investing, growing and improving, both as a supplier and an employer, as part of the LKQ UK and Ireland Group.”

The business, formerly known as Arleigh Group, encompasses LKQ Nova Leisure, LKQ Arleigh, LKQ Aquafax and Midland Chandlers and acts as fulfilment support for ASAP Supplies.

Each division’s product range is strategically centralised at Century Park, Nuneaton, with additional stock at five marine branches across the UK. The ASAP Supplies site in Beccles, Suffolk, contributes to the overall distribution network supported by a local customerfacing team.

LKQ UK and Ireland is comprised of

The expanded warehouse now stocks more than 24,000 product lines. PHOTO SUPPLIED LKQ Leisure and Marine, LKQ Euro Car Parts, LKQ Bodyshop and Digraph, and distributes parts and accessories for all makes of car, motorbike and light

commercial vehicle, HGV, bus and coach, static and touring caravan, motorhome and marine vehicle.

The business is committed to driving progress on the key issues that matter in the aftermarket, in the leisure and marine industry and across society more broadly, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion.

Key initiatives include live stock updates and order-tracking, direct delivery, click and collect and a focus on hitting 100% availability on key lines – now extending to more than 500 products.

BOATERS equipped with fuel cell technology can now obtain hydrogen from Aqueduct Marina on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

In a first for an inland marina, it can supply BOC’s Genie lightweight cylinders that contain 30% more gas than equivalent steel cylinders, resulting in fewer changeovers.

Managing director Robert Parton said: “My expectation is that we will not sell much hydrogen in the short term, but there are power systems such as the one provided

by Hydrogen Afloat on the market now, and I am looking forward to seeing how the hydrogen propulsion market develops.”

In addition to supplying hydrogen, the establishment of a commercial agreement with BOC will enable Aqueduct to supply any of the BOC gases to customers.

Chandlery manager Tom Raines said: “We would need to set up new customers with a BOC account, which normally takes around 10 minutes, after which customers can buy welding gas, balloon gas and oxygen, as well as hydrogen.”

Alongside the announcement of Aqueduct’s latest efforts to help boat owners reduce emissions, it is working with Hydrogen Afloat, which produces a hydrogen fuel cell domestic power system for boats.

These innovative units can be fitted to the roof of most narrowboats and will reduce engine running time for battery charging while emitting nothing more damaging than water.

Hydrogen Afloat director Nick Swift said: “We are delighted that Aqueduct is the first marina in the UK to stock hydrogen. Making hydrogen available at the canalside supports innovation in the inland waterways, creating the opportunity for early adopters to take advantage of the benefits it offers.

“We can start with domestic power, since that works now, but in time I expect we will see hydrogen use for propulsion. Birmingham, London and other cities already have fuel cell buses, so hydrogen gas is becoming more widely used.”

The Church Minshull-based marina, which has calculated its carbon footprint in an effort to find ways to further reduce its environmental impact, was one of the first inland waterways marinas to offer HVO alongside conventional diesel. EV drivers have not been overlooked with the installation of charging points in the car park, all of which helped the marina gain the coveted TYHA Clean Marina status.

For more information on the wide range of chandlery products available from Aqueduct Marina, visit https://aqueductmarina.co.uk

Couple applaud launch of their new Ovation narrowboat THE array of narrowboats on display is a big draw for visitors to Crick Boat Show where Ovation Boats will be among the exhibitors.

Based at Redhill Marina, Radcliffeon-Soar, the boatbuilders have recently been working with Karl and Rachael Ashton to create their dream narrowboat experience using clear and well-thought-through plans.

“Karl and I fell in love with the idea of living on a narrowboat and decided to take the plunge during Covid and after a holiday on the Peak Forest Canal,” said Rachael.

“Having spent time looking at three narrowboat builders, we chose Ovation Boats who have come up trumps; easy to work with and accommodating our ideas.”

She added: “We have been very pleased with Chris Williams and the team; nothing is any trouble at all.

Anyone thinking about doing this

should go for it. We are looking forward to our new adventure.”

Key features leading from the front include a cross bed with storage, shower room with quadrant shower, wash basin and toilet. The open lounge with sofa bed and breakfast bar runs into a large well-equipped galley.

The narrowboat has hybrid propulsion with a Beta engine. Its set-up features a clutch to allow increased battery charging without the need to turn the prop shaft and propeller. Batteries are traction, the 24 wet cells providing 48v @ 775Ah. The team at Ovation Boats wished Karl and Rachael all the best and a great deal of fun as they began their new adventure, saying it had been a pleasure working with them.

Other narrowboats currently for sale are: a 60ft reverse layout semi-cruiser with diesel propulsion and a 42ft traditional layout cruiser with electric

propulsion. Call Chris on 07963 974793 to arrange a viewing or visit Ovation at the Crick Boat Show.

Rachael and Karl Ashton on board their dream narrowboat.

PHOTO: OVATION BOATS

44

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Barrus introduces the HyTime project

It’s not every day that you get an opportunity to find out about the work that could help revolutionise the future of canal boats. So that’s why Phil Pickin took up the offer to visit one of the UK’s best-known marine businesses to see what it’s been working on.

THISisn’tthefirsttimeI’vebeenfortunate enough to visit the headquarters of EP Barrus, the long-established supplier of a wide range of marine engines and associated equipment, but it is the first time I’ve visited to hear about a marine propulsion system that doesn’t involve fossil fuels. Together with members of the IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group, we found out about a project the company has been working on for some time, one that uses hydrogen gas and a fuel cell to produce the electrical power needed to propel a 57ft narrowboat.

Anyone who has a passing interest in alternative fuels will remember a similar project that was undertaken by Birmingham University back in 2007.

Until recently, that project had been all but abandoned, with the boat, the Ross Barlow, being moored and unused close to the university. But with increased interest in hydrogen due to the energy crisis and the importance of finding sustainable and non-polluting fuels, the university project is, we understand, being looked at again.

The project that has been undertaken

by Barrus has seen the company work with Bramble Energy, a company that is looking to “accelerate global decarbonisation and make clean energy technology accessible”. Narrowboat Bramble is still under construction, with much of the fit-out still to be completed, as the focus has been on the fuel cell and the propulsion system.

According to Bramble Energy, which is the company behind the fuel cell used in the boat, the project was funded by the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund as part of the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

The HyTime project is the “real-world testing” of what has been described as a “revolutionary fuel cell system”.

Bramble Energy designed, developed and deployed a marinised fuel cell system used within the boat in what the company says is a “first-of-its-kind application”.

Bramble Energy has come up with some impressive statistics when it comes to the benefits of the use of

In every other respect it is just another narrowboat.

hydrogen fuel cells and electric motors as a replacement for conventional diesel engines. The company says that this type of solution to replace diesel engines in boats could potentially save 12 tonnes of CO2 annually per vessel.

The company goes on to say: “The global maritime sector contributes to 940 million tonnes of CO2 per year, equating to approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gases. As such, the Clean Maritime Plan requires new vessels to be zero-emission capable from 2025. The project’s goal was to demonstrate how the shift to a hydrogen fuel source could help the transition thanks to providing a range extender to pure battery systems but also to remove the reliance on a charging base.”

The fuel cell system that was fitted

by Barrus and Bramble Energy has the potential to provide the boat with about 600 miles of range using the 14kg of hydrogen stored onboard, with additional power being supplied from solar panels on the boat’s roof to the 22kWh battery system.

Despite these impressive figures, Barrus’s applications engineer, Adam Gillett, provided further data which shows that the technology has some way to go before boat owners begin filling up with hydrogen before embarking on a cruise. As he pointed out, the least polluting fuel is the fuel you don’t use so, the need to prop the boat correctly is important, as is keeping the bilges dry, cleaning the hull, correct ballasting, reducing loads and regular engine servicing. But when you do burn fuel, the only time you can say that you are producing zero emissions is when using a battery bank, charged using solar or wind generation, to drive an electric motor. Hydrogen produces emissions dependent upon its source.

Hydrogen from a range of sources is available, but many of these use coal and natural gas during production. Only hydrogen produced using nuclear, solar or wind power can be seen as either red, purple/pink, yellow or green. This can severely reduce the options when buying hydrogen for use in any application in an effort to reduce emissions. But having sourced your hydrogen another major technical issue to overcome is installation. A system like that used on this boat requires some considerable investment for the fuel storage and the fuel cell’s location. The knock-on effect of this is a reduction in the usable space within the boat. But this is a project boat, so you can assume that continued development would reduce the space used. Refuelling is also an issue if you are pumping hydrogen into the onboard tanks. The date provided showed it took

Little external evidence to show the boat’s unique power system.

The hydrogen-fuelled boat alongside a typical hydrogen filling station.

PHOTOS: BARRUS.

12 hours to fill a 15kg tank at a cost of £50 just for the electricity to pump the fuel in!

This is just one part of the high cost of the adaptation of a boat to run on hydrogen. Barrus’s figures show an approximate capital cost breakdown of: tanks £30,000 for 15kg H2, manifolding, regulators, valves etc £55,000, fuel cell £35,000, 18kWh lithium battery £6000.

This totals approximately £130,000.

Adam’s presentation illustrated that the running costs of such a system, using hydrogen from BOC to fill the tanks with 15kg fill cost, would be £4341. By comparison, a battery system would cost around £70,000+ using lithium batteries

The hyQube filling station used for the project was shown during the Barrus presentation.

and would have a refill cost of £66 from the grid, £125 using a diesel generator on red diesel, and £375 to use the same using HVO. The visit to Barrus included a tour of the facilities, including the workshops servicing and repairing a wide range of outboards for both commercial and military customers. The work and the innovation on show continues to be impressive, as is the company’s range of spares and the commitment to training. Barrus has made a significant investment in training and apprenticeships in both traditional engineering skills and next-generation

technologies, a fact highlighted by the company’s involvement in the hydrogen boat project.

It is early days for the hydrogen project, and seeing it in use is still a couple of Cricks away. With a number of significant obstacles to overcome, not least of which is the cost, it is unlikely you will see a rapid shift towards 100% hydrogen-fuelled narrowboats in the near future. But is it good to know that work like this is taking place as a shift is needed. But for now, HVO powering a hybrid engine would still seem to be the most logical way to decarbonise the waterways for the time being.

Watering cans at the ready at the launch of this year’s Aquavista in Bloom competition.

Here we grow again! Aquavista in Bloom takes root for its second year FOLLOWING the successful inaugural Aquavista in Bloom event last year, the competition is making a comeback for 2024.

Teams and customers across Aquavista’s 29 inland and coastal marinas have been set the challenge of creating some stunning floral displays to make their marinas bloom with bursts of colour to provide lovely environments for spending time in this summer.

This year’s competition is bigger and better than before with six award categories including the popular tubs and hanging baskets and upcycle project, plus a new challenge to see who can grow the tallest sunflower.

Towergate Insurance, which is supporting Aquavista in Bloom for another year, has supplied watering cans and seeds to each marina as part of its ‘here we grow again’ starter

kit. Towergate’s head of partnerships Elisa Hadland said: “We are really excited to see what 2024 brings, especially with a sunflower theme.”

Kings Waterside & Marina located in Newark, Nottinghamshire, was crowned the Outstanding Overall Site winner in 2023.

Marina manager Paula Hewitt said: “Aquavista in Bloom brought our community even closer together; who knew we had so many keen gardeners?

Watching Kings transform into an absolutely fantastic marina was a pleasure to witness and be a part of.”

Extra prizes were also awarded to a moorer from each region to recognise their outstanding contribution to the competition.

Aquavista sales and marketing director at Aquavista, Debbie Hunt, added: “We’re excited for the return of this campaign

Last year’s Outstanding Overall Site winner, Kings Waterside & Marina. Moorer Rob Sutherns and marina manager Paula Hewitt are pictured with the awards. PHOTOS: AQUAVISTA which really created a sense of togetherness among crews and customers who took pride in improving the aesthetics of their marinas.

“While seeing our marinas in bloom is the end result, and an impressive one at that, it’s the journey our communities go on that

is really special. Having heard and witnessed how much joy it created last year I really hope to see more people getting involved in this initiative.”

The deadline for entries is July 31 and winners will be announced during a ceremony held in August.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

May 2024

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 45

46 HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

01606 833668 Middlewich, Cheshire Puffer Steamboat Holidays Cruise the sea lochs and canals of Sccotlan nd’ss Wesst Coast in an oriigin nal steam powered Clyyde Pu uffe fffer.

Tel: 07780 936407 Visit: savethepuffer.co.uk

The Cru House Boats The Cru Houseboats are available for your exclusive use. The total cost is £490 for a minimum stay of two nights, for up to six people. The price includes English Breakfast provisions and a bottle of wine. The boats are moored just a ten-minute walk to the centre of Bath. The boats have gas central heating and a wood-burning stove.

During your stay on the boat, you will be able to enjoy at an extra charge of £59 a 45-minute canal cruise to a village pub, an hour ‘stop off’ for drinks or lunch, then return to our base at Darlington Wharf in Bath.

Shining a spotlight on Britain’s canals THE recent BBC One Countr yfile programme about repairs to the

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct shone a spotlight on the nation’s canal network, explains Haley Hadley,

Enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday on the pictureseque Fenland waterways

Bridge Boatyard Ely, Cambridgeshire

www.bridgeboatyard.com

t: 01353 663 726 e: info@bridgeboatyard.com

Call 01225 312935 enquiries@bedandbreakfastonaboat.co.uk www. bedandbreakfastonaboat.co.uk

ABC Leisure Group’s marketing and sales director.

As well as explaining how our canals are maintained for people and wildlife, the programme examined the way this work is funded. People are often surprised to learn that this vital national infrastructure, including thousands of historic structures, is cared for by a charity.

In the programme, the Canal & River Trust’s chief executive Richard Par r y explained how the impact of our changing climate is increasing the cost of maintaining

the network, so more government funding is vital.

Haley said: “Two of Drifters’ canal boat hire bases featured in the programme. Images of Anglo Welsh’s base at Trevor, next to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct were in the film. And I was interviewed at our Alvechurch base to talk about the impact of the increase in boat licence fees, which help pay for the running of the canal network.

“This year ABC Boat Hire will be paying around half a million pounds in licence fees for our fleet of 200 hire boats. We understand

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, as featured recently in Countryfile. that the 250-year old network is expensive to maintain and it’s fair that people who use it contribute to these costs.

“Programmes like these not only help people to understand the value of our canals for people and wildlife,

they also encourage people to find out more. We saw a spike in people Googling ‘canal boat holidays’ after the programme aired. And that’s great because the more people who holiday on the canals, the more hire boat licences will be paid!”

Oakwood Marina 01606 331961 g glamping@oakwoodmarina.co.uk l www.oakwoodmarina.co.uk G+

We have 25 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, why not come and get away from it all by spending time in one of our beautifully furnished bell tents, or camping with your own tent or campervan.

The Wilder family, who own the place, have an attitude to the campsite that befits their surname. Grazed by cows in some parts and cut just once or twice a year for hay, the meadows are otherwise left long and wild in summer. A few footpaths have been conscientiously mown in between pitches to help guide you around the fields and over to another lake attached to the canal that’s a wildlife hotspot and a good place to watch for herons.

THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 47

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Portuguese-style sardines

Story & Photos by Kevin Thomas

ONE of my favourite barbecue snacks during our warmer months is fresh sardines grilled Portuguese street-food style on the barbecue. Sardines are budget-friendly, easy to prepare and quick to cook.

Most important of all though; sardines grilled on the barbecue are tasty, and an absolute treat with a nice chilled glass of white wine. Pinot Grigio is normally my choice of wine whenever I indulge in a frying pan full of grilled sardines. Most leading supermarkets carry fresh stock daily. However, I must emphasise if you purchase sardines, it is extremely important they are fresh, and haven’t remained on ice beyond their sell-by date.

Despite being an oily fish, fresh sardines have a rich aroma of the sea, whereas those that are becoming a little iffy, will have a slightly pungent odour. The skin too, should be bright and silvery, and the flesh firm, without any sign of mushiness.

The eyes are also a good indicator of freshness and should be bulging, clear and shiny. If the eyes are clouded or sunken into the head it means the fish has gone stale. Also, if you notice bruising or indented spots on the skin, and a belly that has already started to break open on its own, leave well alone.

Because Brenda doesn’t normally eat sardines, we usually only buy about six, which have already been gutted and scaled. You can also ask the fishmonger to butterfly them, although, in the larger busy supermarkets, they may not agree to do this because it is a relatively finicky, and timeconsuming job. We leave the heads on the sardines, and more or less stay with the Portuguese style of cooking them, our preparation is fairly simple. The only difference in our method of cooking, as against

With a splash of olive oil in the pan, the sardines and onion mix is placed over the hot coals.

Sliced red onions and peppers done al dente and used to garnish the sardines.

Portuguese street style, is we don’t cook them on the open grill. Brenda uses a frying pan placed on the barbecue grill directly above the red-hot coals.

First, Bren places the sardines on a plate, and she then sprinkles a liberal amount of coarse salt over them. In between turning the sardines a few times to ensure both sides have had adequate exposure to the coarse salt, she gets on with the preparation for the rest of this truly simple recipe.

All that’s involved is finely slicing a red onion and some peppers, which she also sprinkles with coarse salt. I like chilli a lot, and because of my penchant for the hot tiny Birdseye variety, we sometimes add a few finely sliced Birdseye chillies to the onion and peppers mix. Normally though, I merely slice a chilli very finely and garnish the cooked sardines before I eat.

After adding a quick squirt of olive oil to the frying pan, Bren places it on the grill, ensuring the

The ingredients: fresh sardines with sliced red onion and peppers. coals are giving off plenty of heat. Once the olive oil is hot, the sardines and the mix of onion and pepper are added; however, one must remember the onion and peppers are cooked al dente. The sardines do not take long to cook, and about three minutes on each side should suffice. Once cooked, the flesh will easily lift off the skeletal structure without sticking to it. Because I enjoy the sardines as a starter before my main meal, I usually just eat them directly from the frying pan. They’re fun, they’re tasty, they make an ideal towpath snack, and most importantly you don’t have to fly to Portugal to enjoy them.

It only takes a few minutes before the tasty sardines are ready to be served.

The waterside pub with a pig’s tale

A TRADITIONAL pub overlooking West Stockwith Lock where the Chesterfield Canal meets the River Trent is gearing up for a busy summer season.

Aptly named The Waterfront Inn, the 300-year-old hostelry has served generations of boaters over the years and when they saw it, new owners Paul and Nina Rose knew they had to become part of its history.

They said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this beautiful public house with not only our locals, but with the mariners, walkers, hikers, bikers, campers, fishermen, cyclists and daytrippers from far and wide!”

Paul and Nina spent 16 years in France during which time they owned the Chez Toi restaurant in the

Limousin region and later reopened the legendary Cochon Fidele Belgium Beer pub for three years before returning to England for family reasons.

Situated alongside West Stockwith Basin, which has around 30 visitor moorings, The Waterfront Inn on Canal Lane offers lots of opportunities to socialise. Live entertainment and discos are held several times a month and the popular Thursday night Bike Night supporting the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance at its Ryan’s Pitstop.

Next main event is a summer fair on Sunday, May 5 from 12-9pm with live entertainment, adults’ bouncy castle, face painting, fire dancing and craft stalls among the attractions.

Dog Friendly Pub Serving real home cooked food & good drinks.

01858 545250 www.theblackhorsefoxton.co.uk Foxton, Leics, LE16 7RD

The Tudor Arms Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge on the Gloucester/ Sharpness Canal

Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day 14 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more and ideal for visiting friends and relatives 01453 890306 enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk www.thetudorarms.co.uk

The Leigh Arms The comfortable lounge at the Waterfront Inn at West Stockwith.

Entry is free.

Viewers of BBC Look North may have recently seen the tale of the ‘pignapping’ of the pub’s mascot – a wooden statue of a pig.

After its theft a ‘ransom note’ style poster was received and a postcard from Las

Vegas! A further one has been received from Prague but at the time of going to press the cochon’s whereabouts were still unknown.

You can also pick up your copy of Towpath Talk at The Waterfront Inn, which has an attractive beer

garden and offers a comprehensive menu. Food is served between 12pm and 2pm and from 5-8pm from Wednesdays to Fridays, all day Saturday including home-made pizza and Sunday dinners from 12pm until around

4pm. The pub is closed on Mondays and the bar is open from 4pm on Tuesdays.

Tel: 01427 891223 Facebook: the waterfrontWS Instagram: thewaterfront-inn/

PENNINE CRUISERS

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

www.leigharms.co.uk 01756 795478 | info@penninecruisers.com

of Skipton

Short Break / Holiday Hire

Cruise the Leeds Liverpool Canal on one of our pu urpose built Narrowboats. We have boatss for up to 8 people which are fully equipp ped for summer or winter hire, with central heating and solid fuel burning stoves.

No exp perience needed as we give full boat han ndling and lock side instruction.

Day Boat Hire

A view along the Chesterfield Canal.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

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

Enjoy a day out with a difference sailing the Leeds Liiverpool Canal. Prices from only £70.

Again no experience needed.

www.penninecruisers.com

Pennine Cruisers of Skipton

30 Minute Boat Trips

Running every day from 10.30am.

No need to book simply turn up an nd pay the skipper. £5 per passengerr.

Boat Services

We offer every service a private boatt owner could need. Gas, Diesel, pumpout, repairs and maintenance, with fully stoccked Chandlery shop. We also have dry and wet dock. Anything from an engine servvice to a full re-paint, no job is too small, simp ply get in touch to discuss any work you may require.

THE BOAT SHOP, 19 COACH STREET, SKIPTON | BETWEEN BRIDGES 177 & 178

48

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Wasing ‘whale’ makes a splash at Frouds Bridge FROUDS Bridge Marina near Aldermaston has announced the launch of its new floating dry dock.

It has affectionately been dubbed the ‘Wasing whale’ by Frouds Bridge berth holders in homage to the marina’s owner Wasing Estate.

This freshly installed out-of-water facility has been introduced to provide the local and visiting boating community with maintenance and repair services including blacking, anode replacements and rudder and skeg works.

Marina manager Matt Stroud commented: “We’re delighted that the new dry dock is now afloat and have received enormously positive feedback from our customers.

“Due to its size, craning the dry dock

into the water was a nerve-racking moment but it all went swimmingly and we’re so pleased to see so many boats coming in that are in need of works and leaving looking and running beautifully.”

The customised floating dry dock has been welded and installed by a highly skilled local Berkshire-based team, using 32 tonnes of steel, 12 miles of weld and more than 100 litres of paint for its assembly.

In addition to the dry dock, a new paint tent has been installed, offering berth holders a convenient and quality service.

To find out more about the services provided or to book your boat in, please email marina@wasing.co.uk or call 0118 971 4508.

An aerial view of the new dock.

Inside the dry dock.

The floating dry dock at Frouds Bridge Manina. PHOTOS: @WASING1759

Half-century celebrations for Shropshire marina THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of Whixall Marina. Based in North Shropshire, the marina sits on the Prees Branch, a mile from the main line in the central section of the Llangollen Canal.

With 150 berths, it is a popular site for both residential and leisure moorers.

The first marina manager, Chris Chambers, remembers the site 50 years ago, a time when it looked quite different. He said: “I lived on site for two years as the marl pit was dredged and moulded into the marina that we see today.

Fifty years on – an aerial view of Whixall Marina today.

Panels angled at 70 and 55 degrees.

PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE.

Panels fixed flat effectively harvest diffused sunlight.

Sustainable boating – starting from the top IWA Sustainable Boating Group member Jonathan Mosse continues his new series on off-grid boating.

I MUST confess to having no firsthand experience of photovoltaic panels when I set out on this off-grid odyssey almost a year ago. But what I did know was that there was an awful lot of anecdotal information on solar PV floating about on the inland waterways system!

Starting with the basics, and some general details that are not in dispute, solar panels harvest two forms of the sun’s energy: direct and diffused.

Not only do I find it miraculous that when the sun shines it cooks my dinner, I’m even more amazed that when it doesn’t shine I can still enjoy a hot meal!

Received wisdom states that for most efficient operation, PV panels should be angled at 15 degrees greater than the latitude of their location for maximum mid-winter solar gain and 15 degrees less than latitude in mid-summer for similar, maximum efficiency. So, for my Edinburgh mooring located at almost 56 degrees of latitude, my panels should theoretically be angled at 71 degrees while a boat moored, say, on the Exeter Canal – sitting at a tad under 51 degrees of latitude – would settle for panels angled at 66 degrees to the horizon.

Similarly, the ideal mid-summer angles for my boat, and the hypothetical craft at Exeter, would be 41 and 36 degrees respectively.

But it must be remembered that these angles are for the most efficient harvesting of direct sunlight; diffused sunlight can generally best be gleaned by panels fixed horizontally.

This then begs the question of

“It was great fun because we felt we were literally breaking new ground, creating on the one hand a lovely hidden canal community, and at the same time meeting the predicted growth in the canal industry in the early 70s.”

Current owners, Linda and David Grocott, acquired Whixall Marina from British Waterways in March 2017 and following reinvestment it has undergone wholesale changes.

Alongside the dry dock and thriving cafe, plans are now under way for five campervan spots to open this year, adding to the already varied accommodation options that include luxury lodges, barns and shepherd’s huts.

Within easy reach of the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the marina is a

whether it’s worth very short of sunlight going to the trouble hours in this part of and expense of Scotland, I believe mounting solar I can already fairly confidently say that panels in such a angling panels to way that allows their theoretical for angling them optimum is looking to the horizon, as like achieving no it requires both more than a 10% greater capital improvement over expenditure and those fixed flat on a a regular human boat’s cabin top. input. For this to From this it’s make sense the boat needs to spend possible to confirm that further received a good proportion of the year on a Two pairs of PV panels wisdom, suggesting that the actual angle mooring with a connect via isolating itself (given that reliable southerly switches and MPPT solar aspect. Panels fixed controllers. you’ve splashed out at a rakish angle on a mechanism with the vessel on the move is hardly that allows variable fixing) will sensible and there is no guarantee limit improvement in solar gain to a that the course steered is going to further 10%. Typically, panels fixed be predominantly east/west (or vice to a pitched house roof sit at between versa) especially on a contour canal 30-40 degrees in the UK. Ultimately, it’s a case of striking such as the South Oxford!!

I’ve just trialled my own panels a happy medium between the lying flat over a 90-day period harvesting of direct and diffused running up to the winter solstice sunlight, for the best of both worlds. and compared their output over the As for the construction of the panels following 90-day period (so identical themselves, monocrystalline panels daylight hours) with them angled. outstrip their polycrystalline cousins, The improvement was just a 6.4% often approaching 22% efficiency and gain from the angled panels over the the bi-facial variants I have can up this panels fixed flat. limited output by a realistic 20%. This I also varied the angles as I can is achieved via sunlight that passes record data from each pair of panels through the panels being reflected separately. While the two fixed at back and effectively harvested on the optimal angle gave a 7% overall its return. For this to happen, a solar improvement over the pair set 15 reflective paint is applied to the roof degrees lower, for 55 days (out of the beneath the panels.

90-day total) the less than optimally As always, shading should be kept angled panels actually produced a to a minimum, both from the boat’s greater output, suggesting that there surroundings and fittings on the roof. was more diffused, rather than direct, Attention to the vessel’s orientation sunlight to be had. goes without saying! I’m a gasless I’ve yet to gather data for the full boat and my fundamental discovery year, and for subsequent years, in is that I can live comfortably on an order to start making statistically average consumption of 1kW per day. significant observations but even Future articles will explore in detail allowing for last November being the nuts and bolts of this assertion.

popular destination for holidaymakers as the site offers boat hire, holiday homes and a bustling waterside cafe.

It is a short walk from Fenn’s Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses, a National Nature Reserve.

A day for the local community to celebrate 50 years of Whixall Marina will be held in the summer.

The marina taking shape in the early 1970s.

The bustling waterside cafe.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

49

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Tech talk: steering and propulsion As our longer and lighter days lead to more boats cruising the inland waterways, River Canal Rescue’s managing director Stephanie Horton says it’s important to ‘be in the know’: “A little knowledge could prove invaluable in getting your boat out of a sticky situation or helping someone else.” This month Stephanie talks about steering and propulsion.

LET’S start with the steering mechanism which, on a narrowboat, is very simple; a tiller connected to a curved ‘s’ shaped steel bar, known as a ‘swan neck’, that fits into a flat rudder protruding out the back of the boat. In order to stop the tiller wobbling, there’s a top bearing at the base of the ‘swan’ neck where it joins the protruding rudder.

What can go wrong?

Rudder: One of the more common

and frustrating issues encountered by boaters today is catching the rudder which in turn, often results in the vessel becoming difficult to steer. We call this ‘popping out of the cup’ as it refers to the rudder lifting out of its locating joint.

While such lifting out is rarely damaging, it can be difficult to re-insert the rudder once dislocated. If damage does occur it usually affects either the skeg (the support beam extending from the bottom of the boat), or the top bearing (responsible for ensuring your steering has a smooth operation).

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to avoid damaging the skeg, apart from being diligent and ensuring you position your vessel correctly in the lock.

However, you can avoid damage to the top bearing by removing the retaining or grub screws.

The function of these screws is to stop the shaft from slipping inside the bearing however, on a narrowboat this requirement is not necessary.

If you leave these screws in and

The engine and engine mounts: the mounts impact all other components. PHOTOS: RIVER CANAL RECUE.

catch the rudder, the shaft will not be allowed to travel freely which may result in the bearing being smashed or the whole rudder assembly becoming warped. If this occurs, the steering will be permanently damaged. By removing these screws, you stop the pressure transferring to other components, avoiding a potentially large bill.

The shaft can wear out if it’s a split shaft design with two sections (a hollow square profile tube fixed to the bottom half and a solid square profile shaft fixed to the top half ). If you experience lots of play in the steering (i.e. having to move the tiller a bit before it moves the rudder), the shaft may be worn and need replacing/repairing.

Tiller: This may wobble or vibrate when

cruising, indicating the top bearing is worn and needs replacing.

Swan neck: This may become loose

from the rudder assembly, meaning that when it moves, the rudder doesn’t.

To put right, locate the central bolt at the base of the swan neck. This bolt pinches the swan neck into a tapered shaft, centralise the swan neck to where the rudder is pointing and then tighten down the bolt (do not overtighten as if the bolt shears the costs to repair can be extensive).

In general, if there’s an issue with steering, it’s either a replacement job or the boat needs to come out of the water for further investigation.

Propulsion

Moving on from the steering components, the propulsion components are: the propeller, prop shaft, stern gland, thrust-bearing coupling, gearbox and engine mounts.

Propeller: If you hear odd noises,

experience vibration or lack direction, the chances are the propeller is bent, chipped or damaged. If you hit something and hear a humming/ whistling/grinding noise this suggests the prop is misshapen in some way. The vibration can cause the stern gland to leak or be damaged if left undiagnosed.

Prop shaft: If damaged (bent), the

propeller will oscillate, putting pressure on the stern gland and potentially causing excessive wear or damage beyond repair. The shaft can bend if you hit something.

The propeller and prop shaft should not protrude out the back of the boat more than the width of the shaft. If it sticks out 5mm and the shaft is 2mm this leaves 3mm susceptible to damage. If it’s more than the width of the shaft it will need adjusting. It’s best to ask an engineer to do this as it usually requires a coupling adjustment.

If they’re loose, any movement will either sheer them off, resulting in loss of propulsion, or make the coupling bolt holes oblong, causing a delayed drive.

Eventually, the coupling will need to be replaced, and you may even have to change your prop shaft or gearbox if the coupling has damaged them. A simple check before each journey will stop this from happening.

Gearbox/drive plates: If you hit an

underwater object, the drive plate is usually the first victim. However, if you damage the drive plate, it’s unlikely you’ve damaged the gearbox. General wear and tear impacts gearboxes, and because canal boats don’t have a clutch arrangement, it’s important to go easy and regularly service them.

Engine mounts: These impact all the

above-mentioned components and if not maintained, can cause extensive damage. Check by looking from above whether the top nuts are touching the engine legs. The top nuts are set to the correct alignment and should not be touched/tampered with. If there is a

Propshaft and gear box: if the shaft is badly bent it will oscillate.

Couplings: Components that connect/

bolt the propeller shaft to the engine.

disconnect between the top nut and the engine leg then this needs maintenance.

Use the nut below the engine leg to make adjustments. Tighten the BOTTOM nut until it compresses the engine leg on to the top nut. This has now realigned the engine and will prevent further damage.

Check regularly and if in doubt ask an engineer to help you.

Common problems

Stern gland: Also known as the stern

gear. There’s a general misconception that stern glands stop water coming in, so naturally people want them as tight as possible. But there needs to be a small amount of water in order to cool the prop shaft. If they’re overtightened it causes friction on the turning shaft which creates overheating. If left undiagnosed this will cause the ‘packing’ to wear away sections of the shaft. If wear occurs, the stern gland will leak more and increase the chance of prop shaft damage (this only applies to traditional stern glands, not stern seals).

To test if your stern gland is overheating, after an hour’s cruising, check if it’s hot. If it is, the gland’s too tight.

A fouled prop and rudder.

If you hit an underwater object, the drive plate is usually the first victim.

People often catch their mooring ropes around the propeller, so if they drop into the water, take the boat out of gear to prevent them from being swallowed.

Avoid shallow water and be mindful of what can be lurking beneath you – we’re often called to remove industrial fencing, barbed and razor wire, mattresses and tyres from propellers.

Be aware of the dangers of rudders – if you clip the rudder while turning, it will swing the rudder around which in turn impacts the swan neck, causing it to change direction. If you’re standing to the side of the tiller, rather than in front where you should be, you could be knocked off your feet by the sudden movement. Worse still, you could end up crushed between the tiller and obstacle, and if the vessel is in gear, the boat could drive over you.

Always stand forward of the tiller when making tight manoeuvres.

50

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The narrowboat that lives up to its name

Phil Pickin recently visited the latest boat to be launched

by Ortomarine. He found a vessel that is a departure from the norm for the Worcester-based boat builder but also an owner with a unique story.

WE ALL have ‘unique’ stories to tell, but the paths that some have navigated to get to this point in their lives can be truly remarkable; such is the case of the owner of Unexpected, the 56ft cruiser stern boat built by Ortomarine. Hawley Montgomery-Downs fell in love with the waterways while visiting the UK from her home in the US many years ago. Initially, she had no knowledge of the history of the canal system or the boats that use it, but after taking up the suggestion to hire a narrowboat, the die was cast.

At the time, Hawley was living and working in West Virginia, where she was a professor in the psychology department of West Virginia University.

However, she is the first to admit that although she loved her work, the stress linked to it was taking its toll. But during that time, she took every opportunity to visit the UK to hire boats and explore more and more of the waterway system.

After suffering what she readily admits was “burnout”, Hawley took the brave decision to leave the university and become a digital nomad.

Over the intervening years, Hawley visited Crick, met boat owners, and undertook extensive research into the waterways to find out what was involved in making them her parttime home. She then took the plunge, paid her deposit and took her place on Ortomarine’s growing build schedule.

She opted for a 56ft boat to enable her to navigate just about every part of the system and wanted what has been described as a ‘cottage’ feel for the boat. This is something of a departure for Ortomarine, who often produce boats with chrome and stainless steel fittings including such things as window frames, mushroom vents and bathroom and galley fittings. On Unexpected, you find brushed brass and gold-coloured fixtures used and would be hard-pressed to find anything slightly silver.

Hawley also specified a number of other unusual design features, including steps into the boat that have a turn in them. The idea is that when the main doors are open, no one outside can look directly into the boat’s interior from the stern.

The steps, as with the majority of boats, also provide storage beneath them, and the stairwell is also the location for the main control panel that provides access to the boat's control system.

Unexpected under way. PHOTO: ORTOMARINE

Hawley’s uninterrupted view from the bed was an important design element. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

The Engiro electric motor in situ.

PHOTO: ORTOMARINE

The ingenious worktop extension provides an additional, albeit temporary, work surface. PHOTO: ORTOMARINE

The saloon, galley and breakfast bar. PHOTO: ORTOMARINE The interior is warm and cosy despite, at the time of my visit, Hawley still working on the curtains, which will be held in place by handmade wrought iron rails. She also admits to waiting for her daughter Bryn to pay a visit to help with interior decoration, much of which she envisages coming from antique shops they will visit during their travels. Bryn is a graphic designer and came up with the design for the boat’s name, which is used both externally and on a semi-opaque

The unusual Ekol Baked Apple Pie Stack Ecodesign woodburning stove for heating and cooking. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Hawley at the helm during her first trip out on Unexpected.

PHOTO: ORTOMARINE

locker door in the galley. An unexpected nice touch done by Caroline Badger, Rob Howdle and the team at Ortomarine, one that came as a surprise to Hawley and brought a lump to her throat.

The galley is fully equipped despite being compact, and the U-shaped layout provides plenty of worktop space. A Belfast sink, over which is an impressive brass mixer tap, is set into a very chunky solid oak worktop. The same has been used to provide an additional dropdown worktop should the additional area be required, and a wall-mounted shelving unit with a matching shelf top was another suggestion made during the build that Hawley is delighted with.

The need to avoid chrome colours even extended to the inbuilt microwave with the control panel being laid out using dark gold colours.

This unexpected additional touch provided by the locker door was just one of a number suggested and carried out by the builders who, for the vast majority of the build, carried out the work remotely due to Hawley being based in the US for at least half the year.

Client and builder kept in touch via photos, videos and email, but it wasn’t until the boat’s launch that Hawley saw the finished article, and she continues to be delighted. When I met up with her, she was halfway through her shakedown cruise and to say she was pleased with her boat would be something of an understatement.

Being just 56ft and with Unexpected being a cruiser stern, the builders have had to be careful to make maximum use of the space on offer. Even the Ekol Baked Apple Pie Stack wood-burning stove is tall and narrow, giving the impression of there being plenty of room around it.

A nice touch. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

The Howdens units and Belfast sink add to the cottage feel.

PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

The saloon area has been equipped with two free-standing seats that have been selected to ensure that they just fit into the space on offer when converted into beds for Hawley’s two children when they visit.

The bathroom is compact and includes a shower cubicle with (yes, you guessed it) a dark bronze-coloured shower head and associated plumbing, a matching heated towel rail, and a wash basin over which is a tap reminiscent of the one used in the galley. A cassette toilet completes the room, which is closed off from prying eyes by a very chunky wooden door running on impressive-looking black metal running gear. Moving forward there is a wardrobe which is set back from the line of the bathroom and bedroom. This space provides a small changing area that is shielded from the bedroom and the main part of the boat’s interior. Hawley’s idea was to provide a space in which to dress without the need to close all the curtains or blinds.

Finally, there is the bedroom, which has been designed to provide all of the storage space on offer beneath or above the bed, not in front of the forward doors.

Hawley was insistent that she didn’t want a wardrobe reducing her view of the canal through the glazed doors at the foot of the bed. Morning coffees can now be enjoyed with an attractive view of the canal yet to be cruised.

Unexpected is, like all of Ortomarine’s boats, 100% electric, so it is powered by an Engiro electric motor powered by a Fischer Panda generator running on

HVO. This is supplemented by a number of solar panels; however, at the time of my visit, four more panels were still to be fitted. Hawley will continue to use HVO to run the generator for a number of reasons, not just for the environmental benefits. Using HVO will also help her combat diesel bug during the six months the boat will be unused. She has also found that the build-up of fumes from diesel engines when passing through a lock gave her symptoms akin to Covid, something she is (unsurprisingly) keen to avoid, so she is delighted with Unexpected’s electric propulsion.

It isn’t often that you come across a boat so aptly named, but in this case, you would be hard-pressed to think of a better one.

Boat spec

Length: 56ft Hull: Semi-cruiser stern (Tim Tyler) Propulsion: Serial hybrid dieselelectric using an Engiro 48v DC electric motor Bow thruster: Ortomarine brushless bow thruster, 48v, 4.0kW Generator system: Fischer Panda 8000x PVMV-N 230v generator Battery bank: 8 x Ritar LiFePO lithium battery 48v 100Ah, providing a bank capacity of 800Ah @ 48v Flooring: Polyflor Camaro Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl plank Gunwale trim: Ceiling trim and floor skirting in solid American White Oak Galley: Howden’s Chelford Fir Green range, shallow depth storage below gunwale on the starboard side, with a curved top to match worktop. Hisense integrated under-counter fridge (with icebox), Zanussi compact washing machine housed under the breakfast bar, Ikea Lagan two zone 230v AC induction hob Control/monitoring system: Ortomate boat monitoring system and OrtoPilot remote control system for single-handed boat handling through locks Boat builder: Ortomarine – www. ortomarine.co.uk

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

51

52 BUILDERS

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Come & see us at Crick Boat Show 2024!

Sat 25th - Mon 27th May 2024 (Trade & Preview Day - Friday 24th May)

Tel: 0151 298 9602. www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk Sales Manager Ian Evans: 07949349348 72 St Johns Rd, Liverpool L20 8BH

SHOWING THE FOLLOWING RANGES: ABODE

SHEARWATER

HOXTON

ONLY £1K DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR BUILD SLOT

EURO

BUILDERS 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

FOR SALE Top Spec 58ft Cruiser Stern available now

• Narrowboats • Widebeams • Dutch Barges • Bespoke • Offering Shells & Sailaways

Lee and Garry welcome all their customers, whether first time owners or old friends, a quality shell built to your specifications at affordable prices

Now you can find us on facebook, search

‘X R&D Boatbuilders’

Come and see us at Unit 67, Road A, Boughton Industrial Estate, Boughton, near Newark, Notts. NG22 9LD D Call 01623 863576 or Garry 07830 720879, Lee 07723 021798 Our website is packed full of images of past and current builds, visit: www.xrandd.co.uk

50 years combined experience

54 BUILDERS

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Jonathan Wilson Boatbuilders Ltd Just Superb STEEL BOATS Sailaways & FULLY LINED Sailaways

Also Fully Electric Sailaways with market leading technology managed and warranted systems for peace of mind Narrow, Widebeam and Dutch Barge available We have secure widebeam moorings with parking in the HEART OF SHEFFIELD CITY, 5 mins walk to Sheffield train station & city centre

For more information, please call J Wilson on 07815 904721 or L Wilson on 07815 900670 www.jonathanwilsonboats.com

LOUIS AND JOSHUA BOATS 57’ Jonathan wilson hull traditional bow and stern to include, 1 set of side doors, front and rear doors, Sliding hatch, stern tube, 4 anodes, 2k epoxy primer.

All hull variations and extras available on request.

Basic • Vetus 40HP engine or equivalent with starter battery • Primed with Jotun Epoxy 2K primer • 5 chrome mushroom vents • 5 Caldwell single glaze windows with 4 Portholes Total = £42,737 plus VAT Basic Plus – includes all above • Fully battened • 30ml of spray foam • 3 ton of ballast • 25ml hardwood insulated floor Total = £47,307 plus VAT

Savvy Sailor – includes all above

• Sides and roof lined with accents of American white oak or equivalent • Front and rear bulkheads • Bathroom and bedroom walls to customer spec • Solid oak doors • Porthole and window solid oak reveals Total = £60,307 Plus VAT Captain Suite – includes all above • Full electric to include Victron inverter or equivalent, water pumps, down lights, under gunnel lights, USB ports, double socket fronts and light switches

• 12v and 240v distribution panel • 4 x 110a leisure batteries • 300W solar panel system with a smart Victron MPPT controller ( 2 panels) • Full plumbing system to include, 4 radiators.

• 5kw diesel heater • 55L twin coil colarifier with 240v immersion heater • 600L stainless steel water tank Total = £75,957 Plus VAT OPTIONAL EXTRAS • 2k spray applied paint work, 1 colour £6,000 plus VAT 2 colour £8,000 plus VAT 3 colour £10,000 plus VAT • Semi traditional stern £2,000 plus VAT • Square back £2,598 plus VAT • Bow thruster £2,750 plus VAT • Cruiser stern £1,298 plus VAT

Fullfits from £133,000 + VAT Stanilands Marina Lock Hill Thorne DN8 5EP 07725 979108 07815 904721

BUILDERS 55

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

SOAR VALLEY STEEL BOATS Builders of bespoke, proven quality Narrowbeams, Widebeams and Dutch Barge style steel shells All our boats are 10, 6, and 5mm specification

Boats are built to order to any stage of completion – from a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished.

We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters.

Our latest trip boats include Crusader Comunity (Widebeam with Hybrid propulsion - full MCA certification), Electra (Narrowbeam with electric propulsion - 12 passengers) and Kingfisher Mark (Widebeam with electric propulsion 12 passengers).

Our welders are coded to meet MCA requirements.

Red Hill Marina, Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottingham NG11 0EB

01509 678955

www.soarvalleysteelboats.co.uk

TOWPATH TOWPATH

FREE The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users

TOWPATH TALK NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: June ’24 Issue - Weds 8th May 2024

80 PAGES

Issue 215, September

TALK

Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements.

TALK

BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST

Narrowboat, Widebeam and Dutch Barge shells built to order and available from any stage up to fully fitted.

D.I.Y facilities available Stainless steel water tanks and waste tanks also available built to order

2023

For all your Training, Safety, Rescue, Access Specialist Equipment and needs.

LEISURE MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND COURSES NOW AVAILABLE!

01902 544329 www.midlandmar www midlandmarine ine.co.uk co uk

Arm’s length

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LICENSING RANGER

P6

FERRYING FLOCK TO SONIC FEAST

P10

Welford Wharf, at the end of the Leicester Line’s wildlife. Beyond is the historic pub, The Wharf Welford Arm, was once busy serving nearby Inn. PHOTO: ROBIN JONES lime kilns. It is now

TRAINING ON THE DROITWICH CANALS

Prime Minister urged to

P11

BOAT REVIEW: THE MOLE

P46

Young anglers

P23

STOCK BOATS

walks and

Rare plants

Gauging Lock

PROMISING to be the biggest people in almost 20 years, angling event for young RESEARCH is under way the of Young People and Fishing National Celebration plants in the Montgomeryexamining two species of rare THE Brentford Toll Staffordshire & Shropshire will take place on the they are the long-stalked Canal. Types of pondweed, the Grand Union House and Gauging Lock on Canal over the weekend Canal will be open to potamogeton praelongus of September 16-17. It visit over and the weekend of flat-stalked potamogeton has already attracted September 9-10 as part friesii, which are a part of 275 Potamogetonaceae of the Open entrants and is open to the House Festival. One family – a group of aquatic anyone aged from seven of London’s smallest museums, to comprised of more plants 20 years old. Everyone than a hundred species worldwide. it is based in the Grade II-listed Toll House who participates will take The research will home a medal or trophy, and there will also be the chance to look at developing different a Guru goody bag and meet some of the volunteer ways to lock keepers. special event certificate a Open House Festival signed by six former world naturally cultivate these plants, which improve is a two-week champion anglers. water celebration of quality, provide shelter London’s homes, architecture for aquatic organisms and act neighbourhoods. as a primary food source and For more information for waterfowl and fish. visit opencity.org.uk and click on open-house-festival-2023

BOATS FOR SALE

Starts on

a rural haven, great for

safeguard waterways

ALMOST 40,000 people have and give his assurance already signed a petition that the – please add in Government will support of the Fund Britain’s intervene, and circulate your signatures Explaining why now is the far and wide. Let’s time where necessary, to Waterways campaign. to act, the petition refers of its grant funding from 2027, ensure deliver a hefty The petition at change.org Britain’s rivers and canals 10 Downing pile of pages to to the waterways’ recognised this will impact on maintenance Street this autumn. benefits remain fully open, navigable, and risk canal closures. urges Prime Minister to well-being, “Also, please download, Rishi The Environment Agency print helping to regenerate projects Sunak to ensure his government safe and accessible for all. both rural also maintains Started by Inland Waterways and proudly display a window and urban takes action to help safeguard more than 600 areas and boat-based sticker. Whether you are Association chief executive miles of waterways including afloat tourism and Britain’s canals and rivers Prof or on dry land, now Sarah Niblock, these will send contributing leisure activities the Rivers Thames, the petition is out a and for future generations.

Medway £2.5 billion to the and striking message.”

Wye as well as the Anglian economy each year.

Itcallsonhim toacknowledge aimed to send a clear message The sticker, a copy of which to the heart of government waterways. It received less the many social, economic The Canal & River Trust than can be seen on page 78, relies half the funding and about what is at can be on central government stake. environmental benefits needed to grant support its maintenance that “The Fund Britain’s She said: downloaded at www.waterways. the inland waterways funding Waterways plans to make org.uk where there is also up provide petition is now a link quarter of its income nearly a for this year. Scottish Canals also LIVE and visible to the to maintain has more petition. than £70 its network. But if CRT loses 40% maintenance work million of outstanding.

at

A SELECTION of STOCK BOATS now available for viewing and Purchase.

hrs

Boats Available...60ft,1 bedroom Eurocruiser, 60ft Fully Fitted Narrowboat, 60ft Sailaway Shearwater Additions Narrowboat...

More to Follow...

Visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk

to your bank

Today!

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

01386 768500

account

INSTANT FUNDS FOR YOUR BOAT

NO OBLIGATION VALUATION BROKERAGE FROM 5%+VAT (Minimum charge applies)

NORTHAMPTONSHIR

E

01327 842577

your boat with from our mari one nas CHESHIRE

www.whiltonmarina.co.uk

Daventry, Northamptonshire,

NN11 2NH

01270 528251

www.venetianmarina.co.uk

Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5

6DD

Call Tania now to book your advertisement on 01507 529489

From Hull only to fully fitted narrow & wide beam boats built to your own design 57ft cruisers fully fitted from £125,500 Aintree Beetle range starting from £45,000 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM www.aintreeboats.co.uk 0151 523 9000 | info@aintreeboats.co.uk Units 14-16, Brookfield Trading Estate, Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AS

56 BROKERAGE

May 2024

W E

C A N

H E L P

YO U

F I N D

T H E

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

O N E

N A R R O W B O AT S £ 6 0,0 0 0

£ 59, 5 0 0

£ 4 5 ,0 0 0

E L E M I A H

P E L E R I N

W O O D R U S H

Length: 57ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Ventnor

Length: 66ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Cropredy

Length: 35ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Limehouse

£ 1 2 9, 5 0 0

£ 4 9, 5 0 0

£ 6 3 ,0 0 0

PROVINCETOWN

D R A G O N F LY

W I N D S O N G

Length: 59ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Crick

Length: 31ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Cowroast

Length: 57ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Lying away near Chorley

Let’s go

Let's chat about your perfect boat, we can even find the perfect mooring. Call 01455 249000 or email us at boatsales@aquavista.com.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit aquavista.com/boat-sales to see more boats.

BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT LILY a magnificent 70ft Trad crafted in 2014, harmoniously combines traditional charm with

modern style. This vessel boasts luxurious amenities, including an Ailsa Craig RM4 engine, Victron Quattro 3kw inverter, Beta generator, and an exquisite Heritage cooker, accommodation of up to six individuals. Featuring a comfortable double bed, a dinette, a boatman’s cabin aswell as a stylish bathroom, and a valid BSC certification until 2026, Lily ensures a sophisticated and comfortable lifestyle on the water. £117,950

DE DONKERE DOGG - a 62 ft 6’ by 12 ft 7’ Dutch Barge constructed in the Netherlands

in 1922, equipped with a Ford 115hp engine. This vessel comprises a saloon with head height of 5ft 7’, galley, bedroom with storage, bathroom with a shower, and a wheelhouse with a washing machine. Maintained in excellent condition, it offers potential mooring in the Bristol/Bath area, accompanied by a Boat Safety Certificate valid until June 2025. This lovingly maintained barge has undergone interior renovations, transforming it into an exceptional floating residence.

£82,950

JUST CHILLIN - a 55ft Cruiser crafted by Classic Narrowboats, boasting a

generously sized enclosed stern. Equipped with a reliable Beta 38hp Engine, a sturdy solid fuel stove, a range of electrical systems, a well-appointed galley complete with appliances, four comfortable berths, a walk-through bathroom featuring a cassette toilet, and a valid BSC until July 2024. Recently blacked with new anodes in 2021.

Your Boat • Our Expertise Over 28 years of experience selling individually inspected, well presented boats from your own mooring anywhere in the UK, or from our base at North Kilworth Marina, LE17 6HY

Whether you are buying or selling our website is packed with information and updated daily

£54,950

CARPE DIEM - a 57ft traditional boat featuring a Beta Marine 38hp engine, central heating requiring attention, and a comfortable Aarrow solid fuel stove. The galley is equipped with a Vanette cooker, Shoreline fridge, Twin Tub washer/dryer, and solid wood countertops. The boat offers accommodation for 5 berths, a walkthrough bathroom, a cratch cover, and a side hatch. It is BSC certified until 2025 and was last blacked in 2019. Embark on your boating journey today!

£54,950

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS

Standard fee of 6% + VAT with a loyalty discount for returning customers

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

01788 822 115 • admin@abnb.co.uk

NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Expert advice and guidance when buying and selling your Narrowboat At Swanley Brokerage we take pride in our professional approach and unrivalled reputation in selling narrowboats for our clients.

Our friendly and experienced Brokerage team ensure our clients sail smoothly through the buying and selling process.

If you would like to find out more about what we can offer please call 01270 524855 or email sales@swanleybrokerage.co.uk Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk

58 BROKERAGE

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking -Taking full boat painting bookings for 2024 BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Bottom Blacking • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys GREAT DEALS ON EBERSPACHER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

BOAT OF THE MONTH

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.

SARAH JANE

TA-RA-A-BIT

£42,500

50ft, 1997, Charlie Fox. Cruiser stern. Just arrived, be the first to see.

TRANQUILLITY

£34,950

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!

£64,950

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

RAIN DOG LOCKDOWN

£37,950

45ft, circa 1997, Ron Lloyd, traditional.

£56,950

New just arrived, 65ft semi-trad, 2007 built by Liverpool Boats, immaculate internal with new bathroom and kitchen, Isuzu 42 engine, last blacked 2020. BSC March 2024.

CAVALIER

£27,500

Just Arrived. 45ft, 1988, Eggbridge, traditional, BMC 1500, 2 berth, project boat. Full internal pictures and spec coming soon, now available for viewing.

SOLD

SHOOTING STAR £44,950

50ft, 2011, Drayton Boat Services.

Shooting Star is a well appointed 2 + 2 berth fitted with a Vetus M4.17 engine.

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 59

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

BUY, SELL OR MOOR WITH US

Visit us at Crick Saturday 25th to Monday 27th

AN

D N E W FO R CR

IC

K

HA

O

4!

02

BR

2

RR Y PO

TT ER T H

EM

ED

B

!

TS & M O RE EN

EX

S,

AT !

EC IA L G U E S T

vessels and embark on a journey of luxury and adventure with Lakeland Leisure Estates. Visit our

SP

PENSIEV E|

57

I-TRAD NARR OW EM S FT

EM

T CRUISER ST 58F ER

AT BO

and Pensieve. Join us on Stand F and be among the

S| LE

N

Boat Show, where we’ll be showcasing two vessels

CH AR

MAY 2024

CI

TIN

G ANNO

UN

C

UNREGISTERED | £160,000 | 2023 57FT CRUISER | BARTON MARINA

GEMATICE II | £72,000 | 2006 60FT CRUISER | GREAT HAYWOOD MARINA

HOXTON 2.1 | £189,950 | 2023 70X12FT3” WIDEBEAM | TATTENHALL

UNPARALLELED ELEGANCE AND METICULOUS DESIGN WITH A 100% SOLID OAK FIT-OUT.

COMFORTABLE, ELEGANT 2 BERTH WITH A SPACIOUS INTERIOR AND LOG BURNING STOVE.

A LUXURY MASTERPIECE WITH 2 DOUBLE BEDS, ROLL-TOP BATH & AN EXTRA LARGE SKYLIGHT.

CANTERBURY TALES | £165,000 | 2018 68X12FT WIDEBEAM | SAUL JUNCTION

JESSICA | £169,000 | 2022 60FT CRUISER | SHAKESPEARE MARINA

VALLEY GIRL | £60,000 | 1992 35FT WIDEBEAM | ROYDON

FOR THOSE WHO APPRECIATE LUXURY, STYLE AND PRACTICALITY; PERFECT FOR HOSTING GUESTS.

TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY; 4 BERTH DESIGNED TO PROVIDE LUXURIOUS COMFORT.

AN UNUSUAL 35FT WIDEBEAM WHICH COMBINES CLASSIC CHARM WITH MODERN COMFORTS.

9

BOAT SALES OFFICES

07534 655702

07354 902086

07585 956804

07748 036638

07513 708099

SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

60 BROKERAGE

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

T: 01926 813757 E: boats@calcuttboats.com www.calcuttboats.com Tomlow Road, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire.

CV47 8HX MERDEKA

£58,000

RED DAWN

£58,000 2003 55ft – Severn Valley Boat Centre Hull and Fitout.

Powered by a Yanmar Shire with a PRM150 Gearbox.Boat safety until April 2027.

2005 57ft – John White hull and Triton Boat Fitters fitout.

Powered by a Vetus M417K with a TMC 60-2R Gearbox.

FIRWOOD

£50,000

2001 50ft – Colecraft hull and fitout. Powered by an Beta 1505 Cylinder with a PRM150 Gearbox.

DUCK DILLY

£28000

1988 45ft – Delph Marine hull. Powered by an BMC 1.5 Boats Safety until Feb 2027.

MONTPELLIER

£48,000

2006 49ft – Napton Narrowboats hull and fitout. Powered by a Shire 1952 with a PRM260 Gearbox. Boat safety until May 2026.

THE HIVE

£21000

2017 31ft – Powered by an Beta Marine with a TMC Gearbox Boats Safety until April 2025.

Marine Engines Specialists in servicing, rebuilding and spare parts for BMC. Our respected quality re-manufactured BMC 1.5 and and 1.8s marinised for keel cooling from £2820 If it’s BMC we have what you need Call us now!

A range of high quality re-built gearboxes are also available.

Reliable central heating and hot water for boats of any size

www.dieselheating.com

ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.calcuttboatsshop.com Open 24/7 for all your BMC and Hurricane spare parts and all your other chandlery needs online.

MARINA MOORINGS Moorings available in our award winning marinas, more information available on our website.

BROKERAGE 61

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Great reads from £8.99!

132-page full colour, perfect bound bookazines

New fully fitted Narrowboats Currently Available

Sat 25th May Mon 27th May 2024 (Trade & Preview Day Friday 24th May)

• New, 60’ narrowboat, reverse layout, semi cruiser stern, diesel propulsion • New, 42’ narrowboat, trad layout, cruiser stern, electric propulsion • Refurbishment, 70’ narrowboat, trad layout, trad stern, diesel propulsion • Next commissioned build slot, completion end of 2024

PRE CRICK BOAT SHOW OPEN DAY ORDER TODAY FROM CLASSIC MAGAZINES:

www.classicmagazines.co.uk/thebookshelf CALL: 01507 529529 Also available at

SATURDAY 4TH MAY (10am-3pm) NG11 0EB

07963 974793 (Best)

0116 260 0145

Unit 5 Redhill Marina, Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire. NG11 0EB

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

Tel: 01405 816992 www.stanilandmarina.co.uk On the Stainforth & Keady Canal, convenient for all waterways in the north

Viking 26 Widebeam – 2013 – Mercury 25hp Outboard.

Well presented 4 berth river cruiser located at Boroughbridge Marina. Ideal family boat ready for the season. £29,995

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale

Colvic Northerner 26 – 1973 – 32hp BMC Diesel Inboard. Refurbished in 2020, this classic boat is a good example of the popular river cruiser. Available with a berth at Boroughbridge Marina where she lies. £12,995

Fairline 32 Sedan – 1985 – 2 x 165hp Volvo Penta Diesel inboards. Located at Staniland Marina, this classic Fairline is on a mooring which can be retained.

Flybridge version. £24,995

Birchwood 29 Sedan – 1980 – Ford 150hp Inboard Diesel. Lying at Boroughbridge, this spacious cruiser requires some DIY TLC but will make a fabulous family boat. Berth can be retained if required. £12,995

Salter Bros 30 – 1980 – 32hp BMC Diesel inboard – This ex-hire Broads Cruiser is ideal for a family getting into boating. Easy to drive, simple layout and spacious, she is located at Staniland marina where a berth can be retained. £19,995

Viking 26 Centre Cockpit – 1992 – 25hp Johnson Outboard. Available with a berth at Staniland Marina where she is located, this popular river cruiser with aft cabin is a great family starter boat. £12,495

P & D Sea Hunter Viper – 2023 NEW – 30hp Tohatsu Outboard. This brand new package is ready to go.

Fully loaded, this Viper has all the needs of a dayboat including lighting, cushioned seating, tonneau cover and storage, REDUCED to £14,995 inc VAT Fletcher Zingaro 30 – 1988 – 2 x Volvo Penta 138hp Inboard Petrols. Located at Boroughbridge Marina, this sports cruiser represents excellent value for money.

Having had little use recently, she would be ideal in a coastal location. £14,450

Seamaster 27 – 1977 – 32hp BMC Inboard Diesel. Typical river cruiser with 4 berths. Located at Staniland Marina where a berth is retainable. Ready to go for this season, this cruiser has even crossed the channel! £7,995 Freeman 22 Mk2 – 1968 – 32hp Ford Watermota Inboard Petrol. Well presented, this classic Freeman is ready to go for the season. Located at Staniland Marina, she had a new canopy in 2023 and a berth is available too. £7250

62 BROKERAGE

May 2024

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

UNDER OFFER CHISWICK

£69,990

71ft 6” /21.82m Trad Style, Hull by Harland and Wolf –1937, F/O 2006, 2/4 Berth.

SPEEDWELL

VICTORIA

FOR SALE £39,950

52’(15.85M) – Semi Trad 1996 – Hull by Michael Cull F/O by Lockhart boats, 2 berth, Trad engine midships.

GAIA

£44,950

42ft /12.80m Trad Style 1998, Hull & Fit Out by Venetian, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE NB VIGILANTE

£34,950

35ft /10.67m Trad 1971 Hull by Rugby Boats, Fit Out by Unknown, 2 Berth.

REDUCED

REDUCED £38,000

50ft /15.24m BW Inspection Launch 1961 Hull by Yarwoods, Re Fitted in 2004.

WIBBLY WOBBLY

£110,000

60ft /18.3m Semi Trad Style 2014, Hull Tyler Wilson, F/O by Milburn Boats, Reverse Layyout & Hyybrid Enggine, 2/4 Berth,

FOR SALE NAMASTE

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

FOR SALE £47,000

50ft /15.24m Cruiser Style 2001, Hull & F/O by Calcutt, 2/5 Berth Reverse Layyout

BLUE DREAM

62ft (18.9m) Semi Cruiser, 2015, Hull—G Reeves, F/O byy Clifton Cruisers/Owner, 2 Berth.

£59,950

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 63

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

New stock arriving shortly

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values JUST ARRIVED

REDUCED

REF 10545 - Monaco.

59 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £39,950.00.

REF 10547 - Blue Diamond 60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £47,950.00

SOLD

SOLD REF 10551 - Highland Mist.

56 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED. £34,950.00.

REF 10550 - Eclipse.

70 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £54,950.00.

SOLD REF 10552 - Brummie Jem. 65 foot tug style narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED. £49,950.00.

ED RE-ADVERTIS REF 10557 – Manana.

42 foot tug style narrow boat. £34,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED REDUCED REF 10558 – Ladydog.

57 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £64,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED REF 10563 - Nugs Tug. 37 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £32,950.00.

REF 10559 70 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £39,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED REF 10564 - Tia Maria.

69 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. £51,950.00.

Please visit our website for a full list of boats currently For Sale

The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Tel: (01785) 284292 • E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

64 BROKERAGE

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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 28

£28,995 VIKING 26

Length 28ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1995, 6 Berths, cooker, toilet, fridge, shower, hot and cold waters system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS WITH BLUE PIPING, excellent canopy, powered by a Suzuki 20Hp 4 stoke outboard engine (new 2023), Bsc 2028, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

£28,995

Wide Beam, Length 26ft, Beam 9ft, 6 Berths in 2 cabins, cooker, fridge, shower, cassette toilet, hot and cold water system, WARM AIR HEATING, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE UPHOLSTERY WITH BLUE PIPING, powered by a Honda 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2028, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, 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

VIKING 20

£13,995 VIKING 23

Length 20ft, Beam 7ft4ins, Built 1991, 4 Berths, cooker with 2 ring hob and grill, pumped water system, separate toilet with porta potti, 12 and 240 volts electrics, NEW CREAM LEATHERETTE CABIN CUSHION COVERS WITH BLUE PIPING, NEW CANOPY, NEW SIDE AND FLOOR CARPETS, NEW HEADLING, powered by a Honda 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, just been fully serviced, Bsc 2028, 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,

£19,995

Length 23ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1995, 4 Berths, cooker, toilet, fridge, shower, hot and cold water system, WARM AIR HEATING, 12 and 240 volts electrics, NEW CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS WITH BLUE PIPING, NEW CABIN AND COCKPIT SIDE LININGS AND FLOOR CARPETS, powered by Honda 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2028, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, free delivery within 250 miles or local mooring available, SUPERB BOAT IN SUPERB CONDITION

As the Viking Motor Cruisers Premier Agent we are delighted to announce the arrival of the NEW VIKING 26 WIDE BEAM GOLDEN CROWN EDITION to celebrate 50 years of Viking Motor Cruisers. With new easy access lift out cockpit sides, new open plan cabin layout, 2 tone cockpit upholstery and warm air heating as standard, along with the usual fittings including cooker with hob, grill & oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, cassette toilet, 12 & 240 volts electrics, 6 berths, and a 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine.

Priced at £64,995.

Book your viewing now on 07721 382619.

WINTER OFFER UP TO £2000 OFF ANY NEW VIKING STOCK BOAT WITH 5 AVAILABLE TO VIEW.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

SALLY CASS POO

£54,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2004 by Dave Clarke with a Trad Stern, fit out by Bridgecraft, powered by a Thornycroft diesel engine, Standard layout with bedroom at stern with a fixed double bed, next it the large bathroom with shower, pump-out toilet and sink, the galley in next with units both sides and a side hatch, followed by the main living area, the boat is heated via an Alde boiler with radiators thoughout the boat. There is also 12 and 240 volt electrics and immersion heater. The Bsc is to May 2026.

This is a very clean and tidy vessel.

SIR KAY

£33,500

40ft by 6ft10ins trad stern,built in 1999 by R & D Fabrications powered by Nanni 35hp inboard diesel engine, Entering the boat from the stern there is cupboard storage / locker this area also gives access to the electrics fuses etc. From the steps is the dinette which gives comfortable seating for 4 people with storage under, this also makes a guest double bed. Moving forward is the galley with units port & starboard incorporating 4 ring gas hob, oven & grill, matching sink & drainer, fridge, toaster & kettle.

There is a small shelf, towel rail, and ample storage & work-top area. The bathroom is next with shower, hand wash basin set in cupboard unit and porta potti toilet. Moving forward again is the main cabin with fixed seating which makes a double bed with storage under, large wardrobe, corner unit with TV, wall mounted TV, folding table, and a Refleks with back boiler supplying the central heating radiators. The craft has 12 & 240v electrics, calorifier with immersion heater, front cratch & a BSC valid until June 2027.

SUENOS

£47,995

Length 44ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2008 by East West Marine with a cruiser stern, powered by a Barrus Shanks 35Hp inboard diesel.

From the bow is the open plan living area with solid fuel stove and sofa bed, next is the galley with 4 ring gas hob, grill and oven, stainless steel sink, fridge and granite worktops, the wash room is next with a large shower, sink unit and pump-out toilet, the bedroom is to the rear of the boat and has a fixed double with a central heating radiator and wardrobe. Includes Webasto Central heating, combi inverter charger, 12 and 240 volts electrics, pram canopy, 3 x solar panels and a Bsc to May 2025.

HEY PRESTO

£46,995

Length58ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2003 by J L Pinder with a semi trad stern, powered by a Barrus Shire diesel engine, standard layout with main living area at the front with a solid fuel stove and free standing furniture, next is the galley with a full size gas cooker, fridge, stainless steel sink and drainer and units running both sides, next is the bathroom with a shower over a small bath, hand wash basin and cassette toilet, towards the stern of the boat is the bedroom with a fixed double bed, there is a 3kw inverter, 120amp battery charger, solar panels, immersion heater, 12 and 240 volts electrics and pram canopy. Bsc to July 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

BROKERAGE 65

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

NEWING T LIS

SPECKLED JIM £74950 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 Ref 1517 condition, BSC to Oct ’27.

NEWING T LIS

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

www.ashboats.co.uk

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.

NEWING T LIS

steve@ashboats.co.uk WILD SWAN £66,950 57ft semi-trad with traditional oak and mahogany interior in lovely condition.

Exceptional woodwork, very good exterior paintwork, hull recently epoxy coated, new BSC, survey available (March ’24). Aft galley, Pullman dinette, central lounge, shower room off passage, forward Ref 1516 bedroom. Beta 38 engine (400 hours only).

RADAR £66,950 Lovely 58ft cruiser style, Bridgewater Boatbuilders in 2007 with lovely alterations by Nantwich Canal Centre. Beta 43, bow thruster, solar panels, washing machine, Victron 3.0kw inverter, aft canopy.

Oak and ash woodwork. Very good Ref 1507 condition. Own mooring.

BRISTOL FASHION £56,950 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.

PEARL GRACE £27,950 A unique 32ft narrowboat with wheel steering forward (In the cabin) and tiller steering on aft deck, plenty of windows and designed as a weekender with sleeping potential aft and a make-up bed forward. Wc/shower and cooking facilities. Hardly used.

Ref 1506 HUGE DROP IN PRICE TO £20,000

MELLOR 16 £125,000 NEW BUILD 57 ft cruiser style narrowboat completed Sept ’23 and now available for immediate delivery with all certification/warranties etc.

Aft living area, forward bedroom.

Lovely contemporary interior.

NEW BOAT FOR THE NEW YEAR – Ref 1502 SALE PRICE £110,000

NEW CONCEPT NARROWBEAM SAILAWAY £69,500 INC VAT Cruiser style, 57ft with window layout for aft living area and forward bedroom.

Lined interior with wiring complete, stainless steel water tank, exterior paintwork in blue with cream coachline, Canaline 42hp. Interior fit-out can be Ref 1512 taken further by arrangement.

SMOKEY JOE £39,950 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.

CLEOPATRA £34,950 40ft cruiser style, built in 1993 by T.T.Marine as their IWA Rally exhibit.

Only two owners from new, in the same boat club and therefore regularly blacked. Lovely interior woodwork. Perkins engine with Aquadrive coupling. Good quality, Ref 1515 good condition.

SEPTEMBER SONG £42,950 42ft trad style narrowboat. Backto-metal exterior repaint and back-to-metal interior refit recently completed. All new interior lining, insulation and fittings/appliances.

Very good condition throughout.

Forward living area, aft shower room.

Ref 1510 HUGE DROP IN PRICE TO £30,000

Ref 1509

LD

SO

MANDOLIN WIND £69,950 Built to a high standard by Cherilton Boats in 2012 with Stunning steelwork by XR&D; Recent full exterior repaint. 60ft Semi-trad, narrowboat, Aft Galley (granite work tops), pullman dinette, lounge, shower room (with pump-out), Forward bedroom. Lovely woodwork, high spec – washing machine, bow thruster, Mastervolt, Ref 1503 battery management. Lovely condition.

RED HILL MARINA

Boat Sales – Riverside Garden Moorings – Residential Moorings – Land Storage Boat Sales

REDHILL L BOAT SHOW 2024 August Bank Holiday Weekend 24th - 25th - 26th

New & Used Narrow boats, Widebeam, Dutch Barges & Cruisers

Boat trade stands, bar & cafe, LIVE music also featuring Tractor & Vintage Vehicle Show

Moorings available, Overnight Camping & Caravan pitches Car parking

Please call for further details on

07429 253325

Services on site

Boat fit out facilities Paint Shop Hoist & slipway for up to 60ton Boats Widebeams & Dutch Barges

For trade & customer enquiries please contact: RED HILL MARINE, Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottingham NG11 0EB Tel: 07760 627421 e-mail: enquiries@redhill-marina.co.uk

66

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

COMPETITION

WORD SEARCH We have some great prizes which must be won. . . . Our advertisers have underlined 1 word in each of their advertisements. All our readers have to do is circle all 10 words in the grid and return the completed puzzle to be in with a chance of winning, to Tania Shaw, Towpath Talk Wordsearch competition, Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ.

Title:...............First Name: ..................................Last Name:.........................................

Address Line 1: ...............................................................................................................

Address Line 2: ...............................................................................................................

Town/City...............................................Postcode: ........................................................

County:......................................Tel:.................................................................................

Email: ..............................................................................................................................

1

ST

Prize

• Family boat trip for up to 4 guests. (Max value £40). Courtesy of Mercia Swan Boat Trips.

2ND

Prize

There are no cash alternatives available. The winners will be the first names drawn at random. Winners will be contacted via an official Mortons email. We never ask for bank details.

Terms and conditions apply. Strictly over 18s only. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Towpath Talk) please visit www.mortons.co.uk/privacy CLOSING DATE: Friday, 31st May.

Dudley Underground Experience for 4 passengers courtesy of Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust

3RD

Prize

• Canals of Britain supplied by Bloomsbury

£40 • First Aid Kit Courtesy of Mini First Aid

Just Add Water supplied by Bloomsbury

• Wonders of the Waterways supplied

by Bloomsbury

£76.95 Everything you’ll need, all in one place!

Well Stocked Chandlery, Great Prices!

Established 1960 Situated next to Saltford Lock on the River Avon

Mead Lane, Saltford, Bristol. BS31 3ER

E: info@popaloo.co.uk T: 01427 787147 www.popaloo.co.uk

bristolboatsltd@gmail.com www.bristolboats.co.uk 07423 818675

01788 899123 3

Catering g for mostt manufacturers and models of vintage die ese el engine.

Supplyying parts an nd accessories, overhauls, routine serrvicing and mainten nanc ce, engine surveys and assesments, and general engineering.

Facilities in our new canalside workshop. Specialists in engine e roo om equipment and d ancillerie es, brasswork, safety guards, traditional control gear, eng gine swap ps and installatiions. Vintage engines supplied, in nstalled d, recomm misioned and repaired Th he Worrkshop, Bottom Lock, Dark Lane, Braunston, Northants. NN11 7HJ Email: Viinttag ge_diesels@btconnect.com Web: www.vintagediese els.co o.u uk

GP GOODWIN P L AST I C S

The Boat Specialists

PLASTIC TANK SPECIALISTS Stainless Steel Tanks now available

20 Years experience in manufacturing • Water & Effluent Tanks • Shower Trays • Battery Boxes • Window Guards YOU WANT IT WE’LL MAKE IT

0151 523 9000

T: (01270) 582516 Email: sales@goodwinplastics.co.uk Web: www.goodwinplastics.co.uk

www.aintreeboats.co.uk

www.solutec.co.uk

www.bestcoltd.co.uk Tel: 0151 630 5111 Fax: 0151 639 7459

Enjoy can de dini ng in our Gongooalsi zler Restaur ant

Browse our stunning gift shop!

underground experience! www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 0121 557 6265 infoCdctt.org.uk Birmingham New Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DE1 4SB

Climb aboard for a unique

Read the UK’s number 1 Inland Waterways paper.

Always online at

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Engineers Merchants Specialising in paints and protective coatings and a wide range of Stainless Steel fasteners, fixings and sealants

" % # $ ! !

BROKERAGE 67

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

LARGE CHOICE OF

WIDEBEAMS NARROWBOATS DUTCH BARGES

BOAT SHOWCASING AT CRICK BOAT SHOW 2024

NEW WIDEBEAM 65' x 12' 05''

'Treacle Mine' | £195,000 | thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

S TA N D L B , 2 5 - 2 7 M AY

WIDEBEAMS & BARGES

COLECRAFT 70'

VIKING CANAL BOAT 70' X 12' 06''

COLECRAFT 60' X 10' 05''

'Cloudbusting' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Freya’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Sunflower' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Skylark' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£184,000

£139,950

£139,950

£159,950

GRANT & LIVINGSTON 58'

ANDICRAFT 65' SEMI-TRAD

COLECRAFT NARROWBOAT

NARROWBOAT 50'

'Pheonix' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Amber' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'Rasmunda' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'Dulcibella’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£99,950

£64,950

£64,950

£52,950

PAT BUCKLE 50' CRUISER STERN

NARROWBOAT 50'

NARROWBOAT 58' JD BOATS

NARROWBOAT 60' RERRY BABCOCK

'Willow’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Alder' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Dymphna' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Yin Tang' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£41,950

£44,950

£62,950

£51,950

BLUEWATER 62' X 12'

NARROWBOATS

NEW AND USED BOATS AVAILABLE FROM 10 UK LOCATIONS

SPECIALIST WIDE BEAM AND NARROWBOAT SALES OFFICES Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames and Kennet Marina | 01189 477770

B E R T H I N G 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 !

*subject to availability

Tel: 01933 551622 boatsales@tingdene.net www.tingdeneboating.com

68

May 2024 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Need a Survey or Boat Safety Examiner?

RHYS KILLIN Dip.S.C.Sur

JDS BOAT SAFETY

BSS Examiner, Marine Surveyor & Marine Technical Consultant

BSS Examiner BSS Examination from £160

BSS EXAMINER Covering Southern England

Jason Starnes 07795 625661 jasonjds28@gmail.com

Services

is an independent company providing professional and comprehensive support services to Narrowboats and Inland Waterways vessels.

Based in Northamptonshire we are ideally placed to offer our services.

Our services include: • Hull condition, Pre-purchase, Insurance and Valuation surveys.

(Accredited YDSA member) • Marine consultancy.

Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.

AREA COVERED: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14

07903 945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

MARK

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Tel 07748 861795 rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

Narrowboat Surveyor

& Boat Safety Examiner

Michael Clarke

Dip.S.C. Sur AMIMarEST Areas covered: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 • A Friendly and Professional Service • Fully Qualified & Insured • Ultrasonic Pre-purchase & Hull Condition Surveys • No travelling Charges - All areas covered Northampton based

01604 858 868 07944 856 351

info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

Alan Buckle Boat Safety Scheme

EDWARDS

Examiner

MABSSE

Boat Safety Scheme Examiner All classes of vessels examined Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificates Caravans, RV’s and domestic properties

Independent friendly service Covering the Midlands and surrounding areas.

07856 686363

Tel 07970 384047 Areas covered: 2, 4, 5

DELTA MARINE SERVICES

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

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

bsswithalan@gmail.com

BOB HURST Your Local BSS Examiner

based at South Kilworth

Phone: 07720 424396 Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com Areas Covered 9 & 10

STEVE SIMCOE BSS EXAMINER NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND SURROUNDING AREA PHONE/TEXT: 07860 943714 EMAIL: bimsimcoe@gmail.com FOR A PROMPT SERVICE

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

MIDLANDS BOAT SURVEYS Contact: 07754 058590

UK Enterprise Awards Winner Marine Surveying Services 2023 - Midlands

NIGEL CARTON BSS

All types of surveys undertaken BSS certification partners Fully Insured services Comprehensive reports AREAS COVERED: 2,3,5,6,7,9,10,11

Completely independent.

Good rates and a friendly service.

Surveyor: Tom Crosby www.midlandsboatsurveys.co.uk Email: info@midlandsboatsurveys.co.uk

Call: 07989 388109 Email:

Areas covered:

2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10 nigel.carton@btinternet.com

Cetec Marine Est. 1992

Burton Marine Ltd

Robert W Burton BEng (Hons), MIET, AffilIIMS, MIET, MABSSE.

Surveys, valuations, and consultancy throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and Scotland.

07794 862 022 robert@burtonmarine.com

www.burtonmarine.com

A friendly and professional fully insured service Steel, GRP & Timber craft Pre-purchase surveys Insurance surveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing Phone Chris Holmes 07860 254369 01784 464899

surveyors@cetec.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

Areas Covered 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

69

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

BALLAST

BOATS WANTED

CANOPIES

BOAT BUILDER

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

GRAPHICS

BOOKS

BUSINESS FOR SALE BOAT PAINTERS

GRIT BLASTING

HEATING

CLEANING PRODUCTS CANALIA

INSURANCE CANOPIES

BOATS WANTED

COURSES

70

May 2024 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

INSURANCE

LED LIGHTING

MAIL FORWARDING

MOORINGS

LIGHTING

MAPS

SERVICE & REPAIRS INSURANCE

MOORINGS SERVICES

71

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

TRANSPORT BY WATER SPARE PARTS

WINDOWS

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

SITUATIONS VACANT

ON IRISH WATERS WITH ALISON ALDERTON 73

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Learning to love the Liffey DESPITE rising just 24km from Dublin, at the northern end of the Wicklow Mountains, the River Liffey follows a circuitous route of 147km to reach the city. Making the Liffey navigable was part of an early scheme to link Dublin to the River Shannon by making use of various rivers and canals; however, the only navigation works attempted were between Lucan and Leixlip.

Further locks would have been needed at Celbridge, Salmon Leap, Leixlip, Lucan, Palmerstown, Chapelizod and Islandbridge to bypass shallows and rapids.

Any evidence of these navigation works are now hard to find, though access to a former lock site in the Lucan Demesne Public Park is possible, and it is not clear just how far the original works had progressed before the scheme failed due to the ‘South Sea Bubble’ financial crisis in the mid-1720s. By the time finance was available again technology had moved on, efforts were concentrated on the Grand Canal route to the Shannon and with it all thoughts of making the Liffey navigable faded.

The River Liffey in Dublin is currently underused by pleasure craft except for the occasional boat crossing between Spencer Dock on the Royal and the Grand Canal at Grand Canal Dock (GCD) – a distance of maybe 1km.

Tugs at the Port of Dublin.

Boats arriving from the sea will already have passed the Port of Dublin, Poolbeg Yacht Club and the East Link Bascule Lifting Bridge to reach this point but further upstream lies a wealth of interest waiting to be explored.

Stylish design

Carrying on upriver, bypassing the entrance of the Royal Canal, the intrepid boater will pass under probably the most stylish bridge on the river. Designed by

Carrybridge RNLI features in popular documentary THE volunteer lifeboat crew of the inland waterways-based Carrybridge RNLI have featured in the popular documentary series Saving Lives at Sea. The episode, which was aired by BBC2 on Tuesday, April 2, saw Carrybridge RNLI come to the rescue of three French fishermen after their vessel suffered mechanical difficulties before they were washed on to a rocky shore on an island. Due to Force 5 winds mixed with squally showers the crew were unable to approach the casualties from the side of the island they were on.

Commenting prior to the airing of the documentary, Carrybridge RNLI volunteer Kyle Boyd, who features in the episode, said: “It’s great to be able to showcase the work we do on TV

like this and allow the public to see how their generous donations help us to save lives.

We’re all looking forward to watching.”

Filming of the ninth series of this popular documentary series took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming filmmakers into their day-to-day life. Rescues from the RNLI’s archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives.

The series, made for the BBC by Blast! Films, including the episode featuring Carrybridge RNLI, is now available to view on iPlayer.

The RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat I n s t i t u t i o n – o p e ra t e s 46 lifeboat stations in

Ireland. Four of these are based on the inland waterways: in Northern Ireland at Carrybridge on Upper Lough Erne and at Enniskillen on Lower Lough Erne; in the Republic of Ireland at Coosan Point, Athlone on Lough Ree and at Dromineer on Lough Derg.

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations.

Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit : www.

RNLI.org/200

Carrybridge RNLI features in popular TV documentary. PHOTO: RNLI.

Santiago Calatrava, Samuel Beckett Bridge opened in 2009 and is a cablestayed swingbridge. The shape of the spar and its cables evokes the image of a harp (the national symbol of Ireland).

Straddling the Liffey from North Quay to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, this graceful bridge allows traffic to circulate between each bank of the river.

Just to the east is an unusual diving bell forming part of the Dublin Docklands Distributed Museum.

Used to allow workers to operate on the riverbed as part of the building of bridge piers and quay walls, the diving bell was restored and now sits above a small historical gallery.

Beyond on the north bank is moored the tall ship Jeanie Johnson, a replica 19th century passenger ship that tells the story of Irish emigration, while on the quayside gaunt figurines stand as a memorial to famine victims outside the Irish Emigration Museum.

Since its construction in 1978, the Talbot Memorial Bridge marks the furthest point to which tall ships may travel, as all bridges upriver are fixed. On the north bank of this next stretch stands the iconic Custom House. The Palladian-style building was designed by the English architect James Gandon.

Construction began in 1781 and took 10 years to complete. It cost more than £200,000, an exorbitant amount of money at that time!

Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and Diving Bell Museum. PHOTO: CHRIS HILL

Tall ship Jeanie Johnson.

1916 Easter Rising. The best known of Dublin’s bridges, at least to tourists, is Ha’penny Bridge, built in 1816 from iron cast at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, England. Before the Ha’penny Bridge was built there were seven ferries, operated by a William Walsh, across the Liffey. The ferries were in such bad condition that Walsh was compelled to either fix them or build a pedestrian bridge. Walsh chose the latter option and was granted the right to extract a ha’penny toll for 100 years.

Building bridges

In the heart of Dublin is O’Connell Bridge leading to the wide thoroughfare of O’Connell Street and the General Post Office immortalised as headquarters of the IRA during the

The iconic Custom House building.

O’Connell Bridge.

Bridges now come thick and fast and on the south bank stands the St James Gate Brewery, famous for Guinness and where barges used to dock. Beyond is the imposing edifice of Dublin’s Heuston Railway Station and interchange with the LUAS tram system. Few boats venture beyond here as the river narrows and shallows and unfortunately, there are no moorings available – a further deterrent to more intensive use by pleasure craft – so only an up and back trip is possible before retreating to GCD. The Dublin branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) organises an annual ‘cruise in company’ as part of its Dublin Rally to explore as far upstream as Islandbridge Weir raising awareness of the potential of the tidal Liffey. With the addition of further moorings, publicised knowledge of the tides, bridge clearances and shoal locations there is no reason why more boaters could not take advantage of this historic city centre waterway and learn to love the Liffey.

Useful information

Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) www.iwai.ie Dublin City Kayaking www.citykayaking.com The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC) www.epicchq.com Liffey River Cruises www.liffeyrivercruises.com For more information on places to visit go to the Fáilte Ireland site: www.visitdublin.com

74

May 2024

A boat-dwelling Scottie and Westie

Willis the Scottie, left, and Lola, the West Highland White.

By Kevin Thomas

TOWPATH

TALK

HISTORY has it that the pair of terriers making up the iconic logo on the bottle of Black & White Scotch whisky had been chosen as the brand mascot by whisky baron James Buchanan after he’d been to see a dog show. This reputedly happened in the late 1890s, and he is said to have returned home with a photograph of the champions. He actually named his chosen mascots after their specific breeds, Scottie (Scottish terrier) and Westie (West Highland White terrier).

The mental image I have of a bottle of Black & White Scotch whisky takes me back to my 1950s boyhood in Africa.

Black & White was a favoured evening tipple of my late parents, although the actual mascot breeds were less wellknown. I saw my first ever Scottish terrier during my late teens, and my first Westie after we emigrated to the UK in 2015. Without further digression, we have two boat-dwelling terriers of the same breeds here in Caen Hill Marina.

Partners John and Marcia are the proud owners and they live with them aboard their 58ft narrowboat, Mary Hesketh. I made a point of catching up with them to learn a little bit more about Willis, the seven-year-old Scottie, and Lola, the four-year-old West Highland White. John quipped how because they have a black and a white terrier, it allows him to drink whisky!

While chatting, they also shared with me how the specific terrier breeds are

the only dog breeds, they have ever had, and Marcia has had Scotties in her family as far back as she can remember.

Because we have previously owned three Scottish terriers, I can relate to the breed, and found Willis to be typical, with his

calm, semi-aloof demeanour. He also has a grandparent who appeared at Crufts. Lola on the other hand is a feisty bundle of energy, and takes a keen interest in all that is happening around them. She also loves to run at every chance she gets, which leads to Marcia saying Lola must have been a greyhound in a previous life.

One would think that with their short terrier legs, getting on and off the boat would be a bit risky.

However, John says both dogs are good at ‘walking the plank’ as he puts it. Although they are confined to the marina during the winter months, both John and Marcia emphasised how their two terriers prefer being out on the cut, as they love the length and space the towpath affords. Willis spent the first two years of his life in the New Forest, and apparently misses the excitement of being able to clamber up trees after squirrels. Understandable, I guess, and particularly so if you’re a terrier.

Our chat took place at a picnic table on a cold, blowy morning, and trying to get a few decent photos proved more difficult than I’d initially anticipated. By the end of the exercise, I think John, Marcia and their lovely little terriers were happy to head back to the Mary Hesketh.

A happy family, John and Marcia with their two beloved little terriers.

A play on birds

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Stunning scenery awaits at the Royal Military Canal. PHOTO: KENT RAMBLERS.

Walking the Royal Military Canal path

By Lee Senior

THE 28-mile-long Royal Military Canal borders Romney Marsh as it runs from the Kentish coastal market town of Hythe to Pett Level, Cliff End in East Sussex. As the name implies the canal has a military theme and was built in the early 19th century as a defensive line against Napoleon and the threat of invasion.

Unsurprisingly there are a number of pill boxes, military monuments and remains of a Roman fort littered along the route. The canal has unique ‘kinks’ which give it a noteworthy zigzag pattern. They were designed to expose any invading army soldiers and thus make it easier for defenders to deal with them.

The route is generally very well signposted and has a number of helpful interpretation panels, picnic benches and tables along the way. It’s rarely more than two miles from the nearest village or hamlet.

To the north of the canal is the Royal Military Road, which offers better access for walkers and cyclists in parts. The area is a haven for wildlife and has had Green Flag status since 2010. It is an important waterway for the conservation of wildlife and birds such as the lesser spotted woodpecker and others.

The canal begins life very close to the beach just east of Hythe at Princes Parade, Seabrook. At Hythe, close to the canal initially, is the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR). This scenic steam rail line goes as far as Dungeness and briefly runs parallel to the canal.

As the military path gently heads westwards, the formal, manicured vistas of Hythe give way to a sometimes tree-lined, leafy route that isn’t always adjacent to the water, but it’s no less attractive despite that.

Close to West Hythe, there’s a model of a ‘sound mirror’ on the towpath.

These so-called ‘listening ears’ were early warning systems, as part of Britain’s defence system before the advent of radar.

Above the north bank of the canal is an area known as The Roughs. The original sound mirrors are located here, just a few minutes’ walk away on this sloping area of rough ground.

Access close to them is via permissive

paths that can be overgrown. The north side of the canal affords commanding views of Lympne and there are paths that allow circular walks.

The landscape views are refreshingly changeable on the walk throughout its length. Beyond West Hythe, the route winds its way towards the villages of Bilsington, Ruckinge and Hamstreet. We pass West Hythe Dam along the way, with elevated views of Lympne Castle. From Ruckinge it is then a further six miles westwards to the village of Appledore.

There is a railway station here that is almost two miles east of the village.

A further six miles along the path is the attractive, historic small town of Rye. Two miles north of Rye, at Iden Lock, is a link from the Royal Military Canal to the River Rother which we now follow. With its cobbled streets, independent shops and rich history, undoubtedly, Rye is one of the gems of this 28-mile-long walk.

Noticeable on this part of the route are lots of mudflats.

Beyond Rye, our pathway is now the River Brede as far as the village of Winchelsea. There are lots of field paths and field edges and Camber Castle is close by to the village which has a number of fascinating historic buildings. It’s now just over three miles to the rather low-key, unceremonious ending of our walk, close to the beach at Cliff End. Unquestionably if you live in southern England or you are on holiday in the South East, the Royal Military Path is a delightful path to walk. It is very accessible too, with car parks at both ends of it and there are good public transport connections via the train on the Marshlink line from Ashford to Hastings and Eastbourne, operated by Southern.

This walk encompasses a mixed range of path surfaces along its route, including grass and small sections of road walking, with some parts overgrown in the height of summer.

A map of the route.

GUARANTEE DELIVERY

PHOTO: KENT RAMBLERS & OS CC

From just £20

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT04

Ken Norman continues his series of frivolous bird cartoons which he creates while relaxing on board his narrowboat Daedalus.

A model of a ‘sound mirror’ along the towpath. PHOTO: KENT RAMBLERS.

SCOTTISH WATERS with Cicely Oliver 75

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

British Marine Scotland lobbying success

From left: John Paterson, Scottish Canals’ chief executive officer; Andy Scott, The Kelpies’ sculptor; Richard Millar, Scottish Canals’ chief operating officer; Coun Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council.

Aerial view of Arisaig Marina. PHOTO: SAIL SCOTLAND & AIRBORNE LENS IN MARCH, Scotland’s leisure marine sector and the UK’s wider boating community celebrated an amendment to Scottish Government’s Visitor Levy Bill that would have forced marinas and mooring providers to charge a levy.

The draft legislation had incorrectly grouped ‘boat moorings or berthings’ alongside hotels, campsites and B&Bs as types of accommodation where

the visitor levy would have to be charged. This would have placed a huge and disproportionate burden on mooring providers who do not provide accommodation.

British Marine Scotland, supported by the Parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, RYA Scotland and other

partners successfully persuaded Scottish Government of the need to amend the Bill, which was unanimously agreed upon. Stuart McMillan MSP, convenor of the cross-party group, noted that the engagement from the group and support from British Marine Scotland was key to helping government appreciate the need to change the bill.

Traditional boat festival opens for maritime registrations THE 31st annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival returns to historic Portsoy harbour, near Banff, on the weekend of June 22–23. Registrations are now open for skippers and sailing crews to sign up for this year’s event, which is expected to attract more

than 13,000 visitors.

Around 30 boats took part in the 2023 festival, opened by HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne. So far, 10 traditional boats from across the UK have confirmed attendance at this year’s event. They include the 17th-century

Boats and visitors at a previous festival, showing White Wing moored in the harbour.

PHOTO: ALLAN ROBERTSON

Fifie herring drifter Reaper from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Fife, White Wing, a 33ft Baldie (a variety of the Fifie lugsail design) built in 1917 and restored at the museum, and the Isabella Fortuna, a 19th-century Fifie which will sail to the festival from Wick in Caithness.

The flotilla of traditional boats for ms the centrepiece to the weekend of maritime celebrations, which will include live music and dance, Scottish food, drink and crafts. This year’s headline act, Celtic band Skipinnish, kick off the festival weekend on Friday, June 21. The festival was first held in 1993 to celebrate the tercentenary of Portsoy’s 17th-century harbour. Richard Thorne,

Reaper, the museum’s flagship, was built in 1902. Equipped as a floating museum of the herring industry, she visits ports around Scotland and northern England.

PHOTO: ALLAN ROBERTSON

maritime co-ordinator of the festival, encourages crews and traditional boat builders to get in touch and sign up via the festival website: stbfportsoy.org/ take-part/maritime

New outdoor centre planned for Twechar

EAST Dunbartonshire Council has announced the approval of plans for an innovative community-run facility on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal in Twechar, with work to begin soon.

Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre will be constructed on a vacant site beside the canal, creating a base for canoeing, kayaking, cycling, social activities and more. The centre will also provide a hub for new educational, training and voluntary opportunities, all helping to promote and provide regeneration in the area. Significant support has been secured by the council from Scottish Government, SportScotland and other organisations. The centre is due for completion in spring 2025.

Coun Gordan Low, council leader, says that “community involvement helped to secure external funding and will remain at the heart of the project as it comes to fruition”.

Twechar is known locally for Twechar Beach Day, a community-fun day usually held in early June and organised

by Twechar Healthy Living & Enterprise Centre. Twechar was a small mining village, with the colliery active for around 100 years until closure in 1964. The last colliery in the area, at nearby Gartshore, closed in 1968. Coal was transported

The first of the project’s murals, located at Auchinstarry Marina on the Forth & Clyde Canal. It was created by KMG, a Scotlandbased artist, and depicts Vibia Pacata, one of the few women recorded on the Antonine Wall.

PHOTO: CALLUM FREW.

by canal for many years. During the 1860s, the canal company permitted a railway swing bridge over the canal (at a location west of the existing bridge). The continuing transport of coal on the canal was part of this deal but the agreement

PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS

Gathering of heavy horses to celebrate The Kelpies’ 10th anniversary A MASS gathering of heavy horses assembled at The Kelpies in Helix Park, Falkirk on March 26 to celebrate the approaching 10th anniversary of the magnificent sculptures.

Andy Scott, creator of The Kelpies, joined the celebration, paying tribute to the Clydesdale horses, the breed that originally inspired him. Clydesdales are native to Scotland and were originally bred for heavy farm and industrial work, including pulling barges along the canals.

The 30-metre-tall Kelpies are constructed from around 30,000 pieces of structural steel, with a stainless-steel cladding. The steel fabricators, SH Structures, created the individual pieces of the enormous horse heads from Andy Scott’s 3m-high models. The sculptures were transported in sections and put together on site. The entire project took more than 10 years to realise, with The Kelpies formally unveiled in April 2014. The 10th anniversary celebrations will culminate in a family fun day and evening concert on Saturday, April 27.

Helix Park sits between Falkirk and Grangemouth through which the eastern end of the Forth & Clyde runs.

The Kelpies play a huge role in attracting tourists to the area. Since their launch, the park has welcomed more than seven million visitors from all over the world.

Local trails to walk or bike

As well as exploring the paths in Helix Park itself, there are other opportunities for a stroll or longer walk or cycle.

The Charlotte Dundas Heritage Trail is an accessible, short walk running south from The Kelpies, along the Queen Elizabeth II Canal extension to Lock 1 and beyond into Grangemouth.

The Charlotte Dundas was the world’s first practical

lapsed in the early 20th century. Twechar was distinctive in that the mining company, William Baird & Co, located its headquarters, w orkshops and the monument. The training facilities in project, commissioned the village. Bevin Boys (the young men

by West Dunbartonshire conscripted to work Council, was developed in coal mines between Bar Hill Fort, a short to raise awareness 1943 and 1948) came walk from the village, and understanding from across Scotland gives far-reaching views of the Antonine Wall, to train at Twechar. across the valley. PHOTO: particularly with local communities.

Twecharpitvillage. CALLUM FREW. The project ran a varied com contains lots programme of educational and of fascinating information about the village and its history. community activity and delivered As well as the canal, the line of the Roman Antonine Wall runs close to the village. Popular for walks and mountain biking, nearby Bar Hill Fort was one of 16 forts along the wall.

A magnificent gathering of horses walking along the towpath towards The Kelpies.

PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS.

paddle-driven steamboat.

In 1800, Sir Thomas Dundas, governor of the Forth & Clyde Canal, commissioned William Symington to build a commercial steamboat for use on the canal. After trial and experimentation, the Charlotte Dundas, named after Lord Dundas’ daughter, towed two laden sloops 18.5 miles along the canal from Wyndford (lock 20) to Port Dundas in Glasgow in 1803. Persistent fears that the boat would damage the canal banks meant that the project was abandoned and the vessel, without her engine, served for many years as a dredger. A series of panels along the trail explain the history of Falkirk and Grangemouth from the 1700s to the present day. Heritage-themed seats are placed at intervals along the route.

Visitors can admire The Kelpies for free or book a paid tour to see inside the sculptures and learn about their design and engineering. You can walk or cycle along the canal between The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, a flat route of around 6.5km (four miles). A new Heart of Falkirk Trail, due to open this summer, will link The Kelpies and Helix Park, with Falkirk’s Rosebank Distillery, the Falkirk Wheel and nearby Callendar Park, along mostly traffic-free paths and tracks. several capital projects, including Roman themed playparks, Roman head sculptures and painted murals.

The Antonine Wall is a World Heritage Site constructed around AD142 and at one time was patrolled by 7000 Roman soldiers. Today remnants of forts, a bath house and turf ramparts can be seen, many close to the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Discover more about the Antonine Wall, including a handy interactive app, at: www.antoninewall.org

Antonine wall project wins award

The Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project has won a Scottish Planning Innovation Award in the People Category, recognising the project’s work with local communities along

The landing stages and slipway at Twechar, installed some years ago.

PHOTO: CALLUM FREW.

76

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

The busy Victorian main street in Llangollen.

Days Out –

Llangollen

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 Llangollen, a destination that offers a diverse range of experiences.

By Phil Pickin

THE Welsh town of Llangollen is a hidden gem, nestled between picturesque hills and the meandering River Dee. The town’s charm is amplified by its Victoria Promenade and Riverside Park, which serve as many visitors’ hubs.

The fast-flowing river, framed by a quaint bridge, sets the stage for idyllic picnics.

Thomas Telford designed and built the Llangollen Canal to carry water from the River Dee at the Horseshoe Falls, the destination of many walks for visitors, into the main canal network. Due to the difficult terrain, he built a number of aqueducts and tunnels to carry the water, including the most famous of all, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, just under four miles away. As a result, when Llangollen is mentioned, it’s hard not to think of the world-famous aqueduct.

However, not to be outshone, the Llangollen Canal itself is a picturesque waterway that winds its way along one side of the valley, leading into the heart of the town. For those arriving by boat, the canal offers a perfect mooring spot just beyond Llangollen Wharf. If you're not arriving by boat, you can still experience the canal by booking a trip boat, some of which are provided by horse-drawn narrowboats.

The ideal destination for those who like walking is the nearby Horseshoe

Falls, a spectacular location for those who enjoy stunning scenery and fresh air. But Llangollen isn’t all about what you can do outdoors. After all, this is Wales, and sometimes the weather can be ‘changeable’!

The town boasts a museum that can provide information on the town’s history, the surrounding area, and a motor museum, but if you are planning a visit, it might be worth contacting them in advance via their website.

Almost anyone who is interested in waterways will also be interested in steam railways, with both modes of transport being synonymous with the Industrial Revolution. In Llangollen, these sit almost side by side, with the canal passing a short distance above the station on the only standard gauge steam railway in North Wales. The line runs along the Dee Valley for 10 miles to the town of Corwen, passing through five stations on its journey.

For visitors who like their history to go back even further, Llangollen and the surrounding area have a number of castles and places of interest including the Caer Drewyn Iron Age hill fort, said to be one of the best preserved in Wales.

And close by passes the route of the famous Offa’s Dyke path, the 177-mile (285km) walking trail constructed in the eighth century.

But Llangollen isn’t all history and

The Chain Bridge near the Horseshoe Falls. PHOTOS: DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED bracing walks; the town has many interesting gift shops, restaurants, tea rooms and quirky little back streets to explore. And if you visit during the autumn months the tree canopy that surrounds the canal route puts on a spectacular display for visitors.

For younger (or young at heart) visitors, there are plenty of unusual activities, including axe throwing, archery and white water tubing all taking place in and around the town. But if that all feels rather energetic, you could always book a two-and-a-half-hour walk to learn how to forage in the stunning Welsh landscape.

With all this located close to the Llangollen Canal, the town has loads to offer the boating visitor or any visitor who has an interest in the waterways.

And being located on the former Roman Road known as the Iter II route and latterly Watling Street (the A5), it provides an ideal starting point for anyone looking to explore further into North Wales all the way up to Holyhead on the coast.

Some of the best cruising waters you will find.

77

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

The Towpath Angler Our monthly look at the angling scene

By David Kent

The River Dee at the heart of Llangollen.

The Steam Railway is a popular destination for visitors.

Llangollen Canal.

A trip boat on the canal in the late autumn sunshine. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

THE last month has been relatively quiet both on local and national fronts with very few meetings. However, there has been a fair bit of email contact. I explained last month that I was in the process of building an email group of angling club representatives focusing on our beloved towpaths and, I am pleased to report, this is looking very promising. The feedback I have received already clearly shows the ever-deteriorating situation on our towpaths in terms of general user behaviour and, sadly, falling standards in the management of towpaths and basic up-front consultation with all stakeholders in advance of any works.

I sincerely hope that the new Towpath Advisory Group can soon begin to turn things around.

One meeting I did attend last week was the spring meeting of the Canal & River Trust’s Fisheries and Angling Advisory Group. There were several excellent presentations including one very interesting item about eels in our canals. For some years there has been a worldwide decline in the eel population due to all manner of things including disease, parasites and, not surprisingly, the impacts of climate change.

Also on the agenda was an update on the possible transfer of water from the Midlands down into Hertfordshire using the Grand Union system. While our canals provide an obvious conduit for such a transfer there are numerous potential adverse effects including the spread of non-natives, detrimental changes in flows and possible pumping requirements. Clearly, there is still much to do.

The final main item was, of course, an update on the highly successful Let’s Fish initiative and its related activities.

Discussions about future funding are, unfortunately, still ongoing following the announcement of the funding awards for the next four years. Let’s Fish should be part of this and I hope that common sense ultimately prevails. The likely problems for the initiative are further exacerbated by the CRT’s own future funding position as a result of the review of government grants.

It is perhaps true to say that there has been slightly less rain in the past few weeks which has allowed levels to fall in many places. That said, the water table everywhere means that the land is still saturated so getting to and from many waters, even on some commercial

fisheries, is still the proverbial nightmare.

I fished a week ago and spent a long time when I got home hosing down my equipment and brushing out the car.

It does seem, though, that the fishing is definitely on the up. The fish are now responding favourably to the frost-free nights and milder daily temperatures.

An old friend of mine spent a day on his local Aire & Calder last week and, although he caught nothing sizeable, put fish into his net all day.

A match on my local commercial fishery saw the top two anglers catching carp and decent bream shallow, something which is rare in winter.

My wife and I popped down to our local for an hour last Friday and spoke with a young chap who told us he had been on the river that morning spinning for pike. He had caught six up to around 9lb, he said.

Personally my lack of time “on the bank” goes on, having only been twice since writing the last article for Towpath Talk. However, I am booked into a small match tomorrow and as I write, this coming Saturday sees the first match of my 2024 club season. Both are on venues which I like and which, historically, have suited my preferred styles. Let’s hope I get a reasonable draw each time and have a good day’s fishing.

No doubt you are probably looking forward to a session in the coming days, especially as the weather forecast is looking pretty good. In fact, daytime temperatures up to 20 degrees are being talked about.

It is perhaps too early to dismiss the totally cautious approach just yet but I reckon the fish are getting keen to feed so a gentle increase in the amounts of feed and an odd try with bigger baits will, I am sure, pay dividends.

Tight lines.

New fishing championship launched

Llangollen in the Dee Valley.

FACT FILE Llangollen Wharf boat trips: www.

horsedrawnboats.co.uk Llangollen moorings: Visit the CRT website for more information – www. canalrivertrust.org.uk OS location: SJ 21495 42006

sits beside the A5 about 6.5 miles from the English-Welsh border.

How to get there by train: The closest mainline railway station is Chirk.

Tourist information: www.llangollen. org.uk

How to get there by car: Llangollen

www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

Pontcysyllte aqueduct information:

Axe throwing, archery and white water tubing: www.beardedmenadventures.

com

Forage walks: www.livingwild.uk/

store/llangollen

Steam railway: www.llangollen-

railway.co.uk

AN exciting new nat ional fishing championship was officially launched at the BoatLife Show earlier this year.

The inaugural BoatLife Fishing Championship is a dynamic catch and release boat angling competition challenging businesses and brands to enter not just for UK champion status, but to showcase their products, promote their campaigns and to support growth for the recreational fishing and leisure marine sectors.

The championship will be taking place across four venues

throughout the UK during 2024 and will also feature a Privateers’ Championship Cup for local anglers to compete in at each stage. There will be trophies for the pro and privateer teams to vie for as well as some impressive prizes for them to catch.

The four stages of the competition will be held in Conwy (Wales), May 17-19, Cowes (Isle of Wight), July 12–14, Plymouth (Devon), October 4-6 and St Peter’s Port (Guernsey), November 14-17. Each stage will consist of three days of fishing fun across each weekend, with Friday

being a free practice day followed by two separate competition rounds on the Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be an array of onshore exhibits and activities such as presentation stages, an education and awareness zone and an interactive zone to give the event a real festival feel. Plus, a wide variety of activities will be taking place at each venue for visitors and fans to get close to the angling action.

For more information: www. boatlifefishing.com

78

May 2024

A LIFE ON THE BOATS Alice Lapworth h (1944–2024)

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Born on a narrowboat into a family of working boatmen, Alice Lapworth worked the canals until 1963 and then continued to enjoy them once they had found new life in leisure boating.

By Tim Coghlan

ALICE was born on board a wooden horse-drawn butty on September 20, 1944, on the Trent & Mersey Canal, north of Stoke-on-Trent. Her mother Annie wanted the child to be born in hospital, but by the time the midwife arrived at the boat, it was too late to do so, and Alice was born there and then – the third child of 11 to George and Annie Wain, but the only one to be born on a narrowboat.

Her parents were then working for the Mersey, Weaver & Ship Canal Carrying Co. Ltd – its boats commonly called Mersey weavers. They mainly worked the northern canals from the Potteries up to Manchester, loading and carrying china clay and fish scales to be used in the Potteries.

The Mersey weavers were in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance and investment, and were known affectionately to their crews as ‘watercress beds’. In 1958 the company was nationalised – 10 years after the main canal fleet nationalisation in 1948.

Within a short period, the new owners, the British Waterways Board, gave up trying to modernise the operation and closed the fleet, making the boatmen redundant.

Alternative work was offered to the boatmen on the still actively operating Southern Waterways, mainly carrying coal from the North Warwickshire Coalfields to London, with the main centre of activity being around Hawkesbury Junction, just north of Coventry on the North Oxford Canal.

The Wains agreed to move, and it was here that the 13-year-old Alice first met the 17-year-old Les Lapworth.

They were married at Coventry Registry Office in 1962, when Alice was only 18, and now pregnant. Les had proposed to her by saying, “Please marry me and steer my butty” – which would

end his going-solo days.

For what was supposed to be their honeymoon, the newlyweds – having had a drink at the Greyhound Inn, hers a Babycham – set off by train for Bulls Bridge in Southall, West London, where a pair of empty working boats awaited them. Their first orders were to load lime juice at Brentford Dock for Rose’s lime juice factory at Hemel Hempstead.

Months later they were caught up in the Great Freeze which began just on January 1, 1963. They were frozen in at Hawkesbury Junction for three months, having just loaded with coal for a London paper mill.

After they had finally been able to deliver that load, they went on to the then British Waterways Board's southern headquarters at Bulls Bridge, where the couple, now with a young daughter, were told they were redundant.

They were allowed to live on their boats at no charge until they found somewhere to live, and the Lapworths moved their boats to a mooring near Hawkesbury Junction, where Les found

Proud father. Les Lapworth with baby Denise at Bulls Bridge 1962.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

Going solo. Les Lapworth aged about 18, working the Elstree on his own after his father and family had left canal carrying. On the hatch is the transistor radio he later gave to Alice, whom he was courting, ‘cos she had no luxuries.’ PHOTO: ALICE LAPWORTH COLLECTION.

Allice in ab bout 19 950 0, aged d ab bout siix with her mother Annie and dog.

Allice Lapworth at the helm of the Narrow Boat Trust’s butty Brighton att the 2016 rally. The boat had been worked in a pair in the 1950s, and Alice had learnt to steer on it as a child. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

PHOTO: ALICE LAPWORTH COLLECTION.

work as a labourer making concrete slabs. Alice recalled: “Once we left the canals, we never looked back.” They finally saved enough money to buy a caravan and Les and Alice took it in turns to go to night school to learn to read and write. In time Les was able to put down a deposit to buy a house. He also acquired a small business making sectional steel cladding, which he took on to great things, with the Ford Motor Company in time becoming a customer.

With life now going well, the Lapworths bought a series of progressively better leisure narrowboats, the last being bought in 1995 – it was a 1992 state-ofthe-art 60ft Colecraft. In these boats, they holidayed widely on the canals.

Les also began helping here and there with one-off canal-carrying runs with his friend David Blagrove, who was a great campaigner for keeping freight carrying on the waterways.

The Lapworths also attended canal rallies, including all the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rallies which started in 2003. Les attended two before he died of heart disease in late 2004.

Alice continued attending them, going to every rally in her lifetime, the last in 2023. In 2015 Alice opened that year’s rally with Les’s brother George and was later seen steering at that rally, the butty Brighton, now owned and operated by the Narrow Boat Trust.

The Brighton had been worked by her parents in the 1950s, when as a child, Alice would steer it.

Her very presence at these rallies was living canal history, which she was always pleased to share with others.

Shelter under my umbrella. Alice Lapworth with the CRT CEO Richard Parry at the 2016 rally.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON.

Delivering china clay to the Potteries in the late 1940s/early 50s. The type of work and environment in which Alice grew up. PHOTO: ALICE LAPWORTH COLLECTION.

The Wain family at Stoke Bruerne Top Lock in about 1959. Alice was working the boats with her parents, and also a pair of boats with her older sister. She is not in the photograph but would have been nearby.

PHOTO: ALICE LAPWORTH COLLECTION.

“Please steer my butty!” Alice and Les’s wedding day 1962 at Coventry Register Office with their respective fathers. Les was the tallest at 5ft 3in. The diminutive Alice, now pregnant, was until then working a butty with her elder sister. PHOTO: ALICE LAPWORTH COLLECTION.

79

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Adios to the Taurean adorers

By Tim Coghlan

SOME sunset-narrowboaters seem to go on forever, with several couples still touching the tiller well into their eighties.

There are even a few perennials still at it in their nineties. It’s all a matter of good fortune or otherwise. For the owners of Taurean, Bill (73) and Irene (72) it was very much the latter. In late 2023 their once mild arthritis had become third degree, making boating very difficult.

So in the spring of this year, they decided Taurean had to go, and instructed Braunston Marina to sell it.

Taurean had been their dreamboat, which they had bought through Braunston Marina in 2019. It was a 62ft S M Hudson Boat Builders tug, built by the great boatbuilder Steve Hudson in 2005, which had remained in immaculate condition. With Steve Hudson’s sudden death in late 2014, aged about 54, his boats were now becoming collector’s pieces.

Steve Hudson was a bit of an oddity, which seemed to go with some of the great boatbuilders – like David Piper in the 1980s/90s, and likewise Lennie Beauchamp at Colecraft. They just built what they thought the customers should have, sometimes ignoring specific instructions. All had very little to say by way of conversation. Steve Hudson attended various of the Braunston Boats Shows in the 1990s, including the last in 1999. Although I was responsible for organising the trade side, I can only

Adios to Taurean. Adorers Bill and Irene before finally handing over the keys. PHOTOS: TIM COGHLAN. recall one very brief and somewhat abrupt conversation with him in all those years.

Steve Hudson wanted his boats built very traditionally, with boatmen’s cabins and midship engine rooms, the engines preferably being historic diesels such as had once powered the old working boats. As a concession, he would accept the new Beta Marine JD3 which rather looked and sounded like the real thing, but with none of the problems of a vintage engine. Such an engine had been installed in Taurean.

Steve Hudson was very much against building fixed double bedrooms, and

Taurean’s classic Steve Hudson tug deck.

New book of circular walks based on the Cromford Canal THE Friends of the Cromford Canal (FCC) has published the latest edition to its portfolio of books based on the Derbyshire waterway.

Circular Walks on the Cromford Canal, by Ken Brockway assisted by Keith Bailey and Hugh Potter, explores the canal from Langley Mill to Cromford, each route taking you back to the start point, either at your car or for public transport.

Some can be linked to make longer trips and a Quick Response (QR) code offers you a Google map for a walk that you can find on your phone.

There’s lots to see along the way including two tunnels you can walk through and four aqueducts,

one that takes water over water and another water over a railway.

There are also two reservoirs and the canal line passes through a large nature reserve.

A working lock takes boats from the Cromford to the Erewash Canal, and the book invites you to explore linking canals.

The book is already selling fast and can be bought for £6 plus p&p from the online shop at https://www. cromfordcanal.org/ publications/ Volunteers from Friends of the Cromford Canal operate trip boat, Birdswood, from Cromford and are working on a project to extend the trips to include the aqueduct and Gregory Tunnel, while at Langley Mill work is in progress to extend the canal and towing path to Stoney Lane and beyond.

A spokesperson for the Friends of the Cromford Canal said: “Please visit www.cromfordcanal. org for more information. In the meantime, do enjoy these walks.”

only two are known to exist. Boaters were expected to sleep in their boatmen’s cabins or at best a dinette conversion to a double bed, and even this he was loath to do. All of this proved a barrier to all but the seriously retro-canal boaters, but there were enough of them to want his boats.

By the time Bill and Irene had bought Taurean in 2019, Steve Hudson was of course dead, but the business continued, and his old team with new additions were able to make some significant changes to the boat’s interior fit-out, without incurring the great man’s displeasure! They included a new walkthrough modern bathroom, with a much larger centrally located door into the saloon. That saloon was now to have a fixed dinette that could be converted to a double bed. There were also upgrades to the galley, improvements to the spiral staircase to the tug deck and more. But hardly had the boat been moved to the Hudson yard at Tamworth, then Covid struck, and all works were works stopped. These were not completed until the end of 2021, giving Bill and Irene just two years of boating before it all came to an end.

Those boating days had begun for Bill in the 1990s when he was still single and had been introduced to narrowboating by crewing for a friend who owned one.

In 2002, he got together with Irene, introducing her to the canals by having hire boat holidays across the network, which included two runs to Llangollen.

His work as an exhibition stand fitter took him regularly from Durham, where they lived, to the Cummins Engineering works in Daventry, where he heard about the forthcoming 2004 second Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally.

This he and Irene came down to attend and they have been to every one since.

At the 2015 rally, they spotted the modestly priced 45ft narrowboat Queen Bella, built by Liverpool Boats in 2005.

This they decided to buy and see how they got on with owning a boat. They also took a short-term mooring at Braunston Marina to see if they could also cope with the long drive from Durham, given the marina’s pivotal position in the network. In the end they decided both were worth it. In 2019 Taurean came on the market with Braunston Marina, which they bought, with the marina quickly selling Queen Bella.

While their narrowboating days are over, Bill and Irene are determined to continue attending future Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rallies. Bill said: “We wouldn’t miss them for anything, and they will keep us in touch with the waterways and our many canal friends.” Taurean is on brokerage at Braunston Marina should anyone wish to enquire.

Restoration, enlightenment and serenity

Crickheath Basin opening in June 2023.

RESTORING a canal is like being on the road to enlightenment; one does enjoy moments of serenity, but full restoration is often but a dream too far, writes Chris Bryan-Smith of the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

However, being on that road is reward in itself for our efforts to improve the environment as well as help with our mental well-being.

The road to enlightenment is long and hard and remember to take a packed lunch and a warm helmet liner on your journey!

(Paraphrased from a quote by Anne Lamott). And so it is with canal restoration, as I found out some 14 years ago when I first picked up a shovel, wandered a canal bed, helped install a newt fence and called myself a ‘navvy’.

The Shropshire Union Canal Society, restoring the Montgomery Canal, was then at Redwith

Left: Chris BryanSmith on the cut.

Bridge (83) south of Maesbury, near Oswestry, Shropshire, and welcoming me into the fold – as I’m sure all restoration organisations do – by thrusting a staff into my hand.

A laser theodolite was pointed at me to get a level to work to, but my thoughts were rather grand at the time and I imagined that we would be at the Welsh border, nearly four miles away, in no time.

I was thinking like a civilian. Everything was too rushed; I had to get into the tempo and rhythm of the project and learn the basics of restoration – unrealistic optimism is essential but a realistic, almost scientific approach to what is in front of us is also

necessary, and we must concentrate on, and enjoy, the day to day, the fellowship, the fun, the fresh air and a common cause.

In June 2023, Crickheath Basin (by bridge 85) was formally opened, adding another couple of miles to the network.

But there is still far to go and we will face many challenges as the road, or canal, stretches out before us.

I think there will be people up to the task to progress, step by step, block by block, cup of tea by cup of tea towards the enlightenment and that’s probably as close as anyone will ever get to enlightenment.

If you’re interested in waterways, wildlife and fulfilment, it may be the very thing for you to do, so why not look up your nearest project and get on down – you won’t regret it! Go to www. shropshireunion.org. uk for more details.

Tea break during the restoration. PHOTOS: CHRIS BRYAN-SMITH

Finding solutions: pioneers create products that are kind to the planet WESSEX Chemical Factors was started

by Mike Borowski in 1983, with a lot of knowledge about chemistry and a few years of sales training under his belt.

Initially the company was focused on engineering, oils, lubricants and general cleaning formulas. Forty years later and its portfolio ranges from cleaning fluids for the marine industry to water treatment products for the plumbing and heating trade.

The focus has always been on solving problems for the company’s broad customer base, finding solutions which are cost effective, do the job and are kinder to the planet.

A spokesman said: “Many of our current products have evolved from a customer asking us ‘Can you...?’ Our world-renowned Teak Cleaner and Teak Renovator are joined this year by our new, sustainable Teak Sealer for a complete teak care system.

“We have been pioneers in seeking out environmental solutions, our Blue and Clear Blue Bio being great examples of finding an effective biological solution to a problem (toilet chemicals for marine, narrowboats, and caravans) that will not harm the environment.”

Mike is now semi-retired and the company is run by his daughter,

Hannah Borowski-Renouf and son, Ben Borowski. The team is bigger too, with their own factory up in Daventry, producing the vast majority of the company’s products and a team based in Three Legged Cross, Dorset at the company’s head office.

This year Wessex Chemical Factors is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the business continues to grow as it works with customers across the world.

“We would like to thank all our customers and suppliers for their support over the years and we look forward to working together in the future,” they added.

80

May 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Back on board

Following a less than successful boating holiday as a teenager, Simon Stabler returns to the water…

One of Stephanie’s felted hair mats, capable of soaking up to five times its own weight in oil.

The Wet Web

By Helen Gazeley

THE release of cooking oil into the Grand Union canal in February was a reminder of how little regard some people hold for our waterways. Investigations by the Environment Agency made it clear that this was almost certainly a deliberate act – no doubt to avoid waste disposal charges.

Pollution incidents are placed into categories by the Environment Agency (EA).

Category 1 and 2 incidents have a serious or significant impact on the environment respectively and the EA takes charge.

However, Alex Paterson of the Canal & River Trust explained: “The EA classed the incident as Category 3, meaning it’s our problem, not theirs. So, while they have a pretty good idea of who the culprit was, there’s not going to be any prosecution and the trust won’t recoup the tens of thousands of pounds spent on clean-up.”

With exposure to light and bacterial activity, cooking oil naturally degrades in water.

Alex Paterson visited Little Venice in the last week of March.

“It was looking pretty clear compared to a few weeks before,” he said. “The EA advice is that it will break down naturally, but it was obviously pretty unsightly for a time.”

It hasn’t broken down quickly enough, though. Shepperton’s Swan Sanctuary was in the news for having to clean and care for dozens of birds, including ducks,

geese, cormorants and coots, as well as swans. Oil reduces the waterproofing on feathers, making birds vulnerable to hypothermia and reluctant to get on to the water. This increases their vulnerability to predators.

Gemma Nelson, who works at the sanctuary, told the Evening Standard at the beginning of March that volunteers had spent weeks rescuing birds.

Where necessary, absorbent booms were put into the canal to corral the oil – not ideal, as they block navigation. The irony, also, is that the vast majority of oil-absorbing booms and mats are made of polypropylene, an oil product.

Stephanie de Kernech’Riou of Hyppanie Essence and Felt, based in Brighton, is one of a growing number of people around the world aiming to do something about that. She grew up in Brittany and clearly remembers the Amoco Cadiz disaster in March 1978, which released hundreds of thousands of tonnes of crude oil on to the coast. “I was six,” she said. “All the rocks are pink there,” she remembered, “and after, they were all black.”

Stephanie also teaches felt-making, so when, during lockdown, she found out about the hair mats being produced

by Matter of Trust, it seemed a perfect combination.

Matter of Trust is a US charity that campaigns for the use of hair mats for oil spills and pollution reduction. Human hair, animal fur and fleece can soak up to five

Stephanie at the needle-punching machine. With practice, one hair mat takes around 20 minutes to make.

AS A child, thanks to the Ladybird book The Story of Our Canals and various BBC Schools programmes, I was fascinated by the idea of living on a narrowboat.

There’s always been something romantic about living on the water, especially in the days of horse-drawn boats that needed to be “legged” through tunnels.

I didn’t get to go on a boating holiday until I was 17, an age when I was more interested in wine, women and song, than spending a fortnight in a confined space with my parents. Sadly, the holiday didn’t go as well as it should have.

Luckily, my children aren’t yet at that cynical age where they want to distance themselves from Mum and Dad, but are able to follow commands such as “abandon ship”, so it was the right time to revisit the idea of a narrowboat holiday.

We began our four-day holiday at Anglo Welsh’s Wootton Wawen base on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal – a 25-mile route between Birmingham and Stratford.

After boarding Poppy, the second of Anglo Welsh’s Heritage Class narrowboats, and being shown the ropes, we were soon making our way across Wootton Wawen Aqueduct towards Stratford.

I was the first to take charge of the tiller, and frustrated by my inability to get to grips

times their own weight in oil and donations are sent to the charity by hair salons, pet groomers, farmers and others.

When the Deepwater Horizon disaster released millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, people around the world sent hair and citizens took to the beaches with hair mats in a huge grassroots movement to help clean up. Matter of Trust not only makes hair mats but also supplies needle-punching machines to make the felt.

Stephanie took delivery of hers last December.

Stephanie is now producing hair mats. She currently uses material supplied by Matter of Trust, but makers eventually find their own supplies more locally. Describing herself as a “recurring social entrepreneur” (she established her first social enterprise seven years ago, teaching women DIY skills) she has set up Hyppanie Essence and Felt CIC and will be running workshops in Brighton. You can find out more on her Facebook page (facebook.com/hyppanie. co.uk) Matter of Trust has plenty of information on the advantages of hair mats on its website (www. matteroftrust.org). See the video from Business Insider for a balanced view of mat use. (youtu. be/k8fsVzyj-PA) .

with moving the tiller left to go right and vice versa, and the fact that the boat turns in the middle, my wife quickly took charge. It was just as well, as following our first lock, we were soon making our way across the Grade II* listed Edstone Aqueduct – the longest aqueduct in England, which crosses a road and the Birmingham and North Warwickshire Railway.

Many of the bridges on the route are very narrow and it was challenging to get through them without scraping the side of the boat but she did it.

However, as we successfully got to Wilmcote and looked for a spot to moor for the night, disaster struck and we hit a moored boat. Although there was no damage, those on the other boat were understandably upset but after exchanging details and them realising how new to all this we were, we didn’t quite leave friends but at least got a cheery wave when we saw them the next day.

Having missed the mooring spots, and with the 8pm curfew looming, we had to try and moor up for the night. The only spot we could find where the embankment wasn’t covered in thick vegetation was at the mooring point next to the top lock of Wilmcote Flight, a group of three locks, then five and then a final three that lower the water level by 77ft.

We’d just tied up the boat when a lady from the nearby cottage started walking towards us. I knew exactly what she was going to say and with my frazzled nerves, I was so glad that her opening line: “You can’t stay there” was followed by the words “but I’ll help you moor up properly.”

I’ll be forever grateful to Tracy for her help and, along the six-mile route to Stratford, would meet other people only too happy to lend a hand to these narrowboat novices.

Next morning, we began

Dashing across the gate at Wilmcote Top Lock. our descent through the Wilmcote Flight. As the one in charge of the windlass, I spent little time on the boat as I operated the locks, running ahead to the next one to ensure the water was at our level. Along the way, I met with boaters heading in the opposite direction and it was nice to have a chat as we helped each other open or close lock gates.

There are 17 locks between Wootton Wawen and Stratfordupon-Avon so you can understand the sense of relief we felt arriving at Bancroft Basin. It was my turn back on the tiller and I really fell apart trying to get the boat into its berth. It really doesn’t help when you’re messing up that there are those nearby filming your attempts; however, I’m grateful to a passer-by called Colin who provided us with some advice, suggesting we leave the basin and moor up just outside, handily facing the right direction for our return to Wootton Wawen.

While my wife and I had had a time of it, the children had been on their best behaviour, playing games and drawing pictures in the cabin. As a reward, we took them to a well-known burger restaurant and paid a return visit to The MAD Museum, a museum of mechanical art, which with its hands-on exhibit has long been a favourite of theirs.

The following day, after a visit to Tudor World, we set off towards Wilmcote..

Despite a stuck water filler cap, our return trip was less stressful with a more organised way of getting through the locks.

My wife’s textbook mooring between

two narrowboats was worth celebrating and I felt a sense of achievement when she had acknowledged that my rope tying had improved dramatically. A night at Wilmcote – the birthplace of William Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden – meant we enjoyed a hearty meal at the Mary Arden Inn. Picking up snacks and drinks, we spent the night on the boat and as it rained heavily outside, the feeling of cosiness was enhanced by putting a log in the solid fuel stove. The next morning we visited Mary Arden’s Farm – a working Tudor farm, owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which is well worth a visit.

Returning the boat to Wootton Wawen, we were asked if we’d had a good time.

The highs did outstrip the lows so I’d have to say yes, adding the words: “It was challenging yet rewarding.” And would we do it again? Yes, but only when the children are at an age when they can help with the locks and take over the driving, giving us a chance to relax and enjoy our holiday.

Taken from the pages of Best of British, the UK’s favourite nostalgia monthly. Celebrating the best in classic entertainment, transport, food and drink, and the great British countryside, it is available from all good newsagents and classicmagazines co uk classicmagazines.co.uk

A reminder of what we could have lost at Wilmcote.

Poppy, second from the front, expertly moored up by Mrs Stabler at Wilmcote.

PHOTOS: SIMON STABLER

81

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

Canals and the rural economy focus minds at waterways parliamentary group meeting Story by: Phil Pickin

OUR canals and rural economy were the subjects under discussion at the recent All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways meeting chaired

by Sir Michael Fabricant MP. The meeting followed the group’s AGM and included presentations from Rob Leigh, head of communications at the Broads Authority, and Gareth Stephens, head of business boating and waterside moorings at the Canal & River Trust.

Both speakers highlighted their respective organisations’ challenges – challenges posed by financial constraints and a changing climate.

Changes due to the climate were illustrated by Rob Leigh, who said that in the space of just a couple of years, the amount of vegetation that needed to be cleared from one particular stretch of the Broads had jumped from six loads to 44.

This staggering figure also highlights the resources needed to be employed just to keep the waterways open. He went on to say that an additional plant-cutting boat has been brought in to help but this extra work can result in other areas of maintenance work being delayed.

With the Broads being made up of 28 SSSIs, Rob outlined the need to balance the authority’s work in promoting and growing the tourism sector while preserving the natural environment. At

One of the Broads Authority’s three vegetation cutting boats in action. PHOTO: BROADS AUTHORITY

Rob Leigh showed the wide range of marketing channels the Broads Authority uses to promote tourism to the area. PHOTO: BROADS AUTHORITY. its peak in 2019, tourism provided an income to the area of £665m provided by 8.18m visitors, all of which supported 7485 jobs. But as a result of Covid, these figures were almost halved in 2020, and even 2022’s figures still show that although the numbers are improving, visitor and job numbers have still not returned to 2019 levels, although spending is now above 2019, probably due in no small part to price increases.

Change in habits

The year 2020 also saw the start of a change in boating habits, with more and more people taking to the water in

canoes and on paddleboards. Rob feels this trend stems from the pandemic’s drive to reconnect people with their surroundings. Another trend he outlined is the change in the hire fleets that operated on the Broads, with more fleets upgrading their boats to extend their hire seasons and increase their prices to holidaymakers. Despite this, he reported that they have seen a 15% decrease in motor cruisers operating while day boats are increasing.

Other noteworthy changes included the increase in the number of young people and first-time visitors to the Broads, which, although welcomed, also

CRT outlined how the £1.5bn the waterways generate benefits the wider community. PHOTO: CRT.

The APPG meeting with Sir Michael Fabricant, MP, in the chair in conversation with Rob Leigh from the Broads Authority. occasionally causes issues regarding safety. Novice waterways users are more likely to get into trouble, with occasionally tragic consequences.

He went on to outline that the need to preserve this unique habitat – ironically seen as one of the driest places in the UK – while boosting tourism and keeping the waterways open has led to a significant increase in boat users’ costs over the last few years. Rob closed his presentation by saying that the Broads is a unique, working, manmade landscape that requires regular funding to enable it to continue and thrive.

Key drivers of economy

Attendees also heard from CRT’s Gareth Stephens, who pointed out that of the trust’s 2000 miles of waterways, around 50% are within a rural environment.

These waterways are key drivers of rural economies via tourism and water-based activities. In addition, the trust is a key provider of access to green space to the urban population.

He went on to highlight a number of high-profile waterways locations, including the Caen Hill Flight, Bradley Junction and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, as key rural tourism centres around the country and that they help bring in a staggering £1.5bn to the national economy. With tourism being the main income generator, he told the meeting that there are something like 11,000 holiday hire boats and 300 day boats operating on the system and that investment continues in the marina sector. However, like Rob Leigh, CRT is also seeing a significant increase in the number of people using canoes and paddleboards on the canals.

According to Rob, Paddle UK has seen

its membership increase from 36,000 in 2019 to 96,000. Gareth also outlined many of the other businesses connected with the waterways that are supported by the activities of those using the canal system and, in doing so, made the case for the need for additional funding.

Income generated by the waterways isn’t always home-grown, as illustrated by two case studies he showed. Both covered the activities of two couples, one from Sweden and the other from the US, who regularly holiday on the waterways of the UK.

Finances

Given that the meeting is a Parliamentary meeting, it was no surprise to hear MPs quickly point out the funds provided from the Levelling Up Fund that are now being spent on the work being carried out at the Trevor Basin, close to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This Unesco site alone attracts around 500,000 visitors per year, according to Gareth.

The issues surrounding the Defra grant were raised during the Q&A session that followed the presentations, and it was interesting to hear that Sir Michael Fabricant has advised Richard Parry on the best way to approach the Government regarding the funding issue. According to him, decisions are often made by advisors and civil servants who advise ministers. He has apparently advised Richard Parry who to be in contact with so that the right message is passed to ministers. The hope is that this may result in an increase in the grant before the 2027 deadline.

Between now and then we have a general election to contend with and, if predictions are correct, a change in government, so it remains to be seen if a different government will look more kindly on the waterways.

Sir Michael also mentioned the forthcoming election when thanking attendees for their time but was unsure as to the date of the next meeting due to the impending election.

82

May 2024

Where did that word come from?

John Souter continues his series exploring the origins of commonly used boating terms.

MANY of you may be familiar with what a lot of the words that boaters use mean – but have you ever stopped to wonder where the words we are all too familiar with actually originated from? Here are more examples of words whose origins may hopefully inform you, and in some cases perhaps, even surprise you.

A vessel traditionally measuring up to 70ft in length and with a 6ft10in beam constructed to these dimensions to be able to pass through the nominally 7ft wide locks on ‘narrow’ canals. Purists tend to use the term ‘narrow boat’, with a space between the words, to refer to an original working boat or replica, and the single word ‘narrowboat’ for boats used for leisure and residential purposes.

It would be considered by many that to refer to a narrowboat as a barge or longboat would be totally inappropriate.

The word is most likely to derive from the Old English ‘nearu’ or ‘nearewe’ meaning ‘narrow part, narrow thing’ with the suffix boat.

Navvy

This is an informal colloquial word which has been shortened from the word navigator and used to refer to a manual labourer who worked on road construction, or more especially on the waterways navigating ‘the cut’ around

the flow of water and water level in or out of a lock chamber or weir to either higher or lower levels. In the main this process is now undertaken by using a windlass to move paddle gear which will cause the paddles to rise or fall as needed. The word slacker as opposed to paddle is generally found to be used on East Anglian waterways.

The word is believed to come from the late Middle English word ‘padell’ meaning ‘small spade’ which evolved into the word paddle due to the familiarity in shape of a lock paddle to a spade.

Pigeon box

A roof-box, normally hinged down the centre ridge, originally intended to cover the ventilation hole in the engine room roof area of a motorised narrow boat.

In fact few working boats actually had them, and if they did the box was often the property of the boat owner or captain who would take it with him if and when changing boats.

The origin of the word is unknown but could just be down to the fact that the box is similar in shape to the boxes that

Narrow boat/narrowboat (Long boat/longboat)

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Floating pontoons at Tewkesbury marina. are used for carrying homing pigeons.

Pontoon

The original use of the word is for a floating platform used to support a bridge or walkway, e.g. as in the mobile floating pontoons used by the Army as a means of crossing rivers in the absence of a bridge, and evolved from there to include the floating walkway against

The pigeon box can be seen here on the roof of Arundel. which boats can moor.

It derives from the c1670s Old French word ‘ponton’ meaning ‘bridge, boat bridge, flat-bottomed boat’ or alternatively from the Latin word ‘pons’ also meaning ‘bridge’ and ‘walkway’.

The use of the phrase ‘pontoon bridge’ is known to have been first recorded in the 1770s.

The space for the paddle mechanism can be seen in this picture at the bottom right of the gate. and through contours on the land.

The shortening of navigator to navvy in the sense of a person who digs navigation channels is believed to stem from the 1830s.

The word is thought to derive from the 1580s from the Latin word ‘navigator’ meaning ‘sailor, one who navigates’.

Paddle (or slacker) (as in lock gates, lock sides) This is the sliding panel, slat or small door mechanism in a lock gate, sluice gate or lock side that is used to regulate

A narrowboat navigating Hatton Locks.

Once more unto the breach... the fight for funding must go on to keep everyone safe NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues.

I AM still reeling from a long NABO Council meeting. We meet about every two months and so much that we had to discuss has arisen in the last two.

NABO is not just concerned with the canals and rivers that are under the control of the Canal & River Trust and have members on waterways under the control of many other navigation authorities. It appears that all are

in a state of flux and cash-strapped with respect to spending on boating infrastructure. The Environment Agency has rejigged its advisory network to include all stakeholders and instituted one-to-one meetings with representative organisations instead of general forums. NABO was invited to take part and participated in a constructive manner.

Some of our council attended a recent All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways meeting on tourism and gleaned some information that all is not well within the holiday sector.

Hire boat companies and boating organisations on the Broads are concerned about a drop in interest.

Some figures are staggering. We were informed that there are in excess of 11,000 hire boats; that 70 new marinas have been opened in the last 10 years; and that 25% of hirers are from overseas. In other words, this is not a small part of the waterways economy. It depends greatly on smooth infrastructure availability and sudden stoppages from structural failures impede the pleasurable experience of a canal break. Already this year cruising on some cruising rings is impossible because of landslips and lock gate failures. Of course, we accept that mechanical failure can occur but

failure of wooden structures always comes with a warning sign: creaking, cracking, bending and giving indicate a problem that will not get better without intervention. Prevention by planned maintenance is always better than unprepared reactive repair.

Depleted funds

NABO has heard that Canal & River Trust’s contingency funds are seriously depleted. Large reservoir projects, breaches and landslips take a lot of resources. As I write the named storms keep coming with each one bringing its own challenge. From having problems with empty reservoirs there are now some that are too full. Canals are used for flood control, sometimes routing water to already overflowing rivers.

There have been more than usual strong stream warnings and closures where rivers co-join or cross canals.

Empty coffers bring the possibility that infrastructure failure could be left until money becomes available, leading to the closure of the affected waterway by default. This is why we are so much in favour of the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign. We must get the message to the Government that the nation depends on waterways not just for enjoyment and recreation but also for amenities and safety such as

flood protection and environmental resilience. Poor water quality has been highlighted by the 2024 Oxbridge boat races being nicknamed the E-coli races as 12 times the normal level of this bacterium was found in the water of the Thames tideway.

Raw sewage discharges are blamed on the higher than average rainfall with water treatment facilities not being able to cope with the volume of water being thrown at them. Because some discharge to canals, keeping out of the water is more important than ever.

Transparency required

Not for the first time we were concerned about the lack of transparency in decision-making by the navigation authorities. I have said before that we do not want to run the waterways ourselves but wish to be informed users. We are concerned that the results of a consultation on licence charges and surcharges were allegedly misrepresented to the Canal & River Trust trustees. Were boaters really in favour of surcharging continuous cruisers and wider boats rather than accepting an across-the-board increase in licence fees? The surcharges have been implemented for renewals from April 1 and this obviously required considerable changes to the Terms and

Conditions for Boat Licences. The new version was slipped on to the internet in mid-March. We wouldn't expect a fanfare but some indication that they were updated would have been nice.

Boaters who have to renew their licences will have to agree on these new conditions. And a new one has slipped in. Boaters will now have to ask permission from Canal & River Trust to moor on the offside of its canals. Previously it was accepted, we think, that the land owner’s permission alone was required for casual mooring.

End-of-garden mooring permits are for permanent moorings.

The responsibility for the trust to mitigate risk has been removed and is now put totally on the boater. The advice to carry unpowered boats around locks has been removed, necessitating greater vigilance of boat skippers when sharing locks with kayaks, inflatable dinghies or even paddle boarders. Your responsibility to control your dogs and those of your visitors is now included, but I expect that you do that anyway. There may be more changes that we have not yet noticed. There is a necessity for every CRT licence applicant to read them and not take it for granted that they are the same as last time. Failure to comply could lead to a loss of your licence.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk May 2024

83

84

May 2024

“Now that the kids have left home, let’s rattle around in this empty house for the next 20 years.” (said no one ever) There’s another way.

Choose freedom, together with Aquavista.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk