Towpath Talk - June 2022 - Preview

1 Issue 200, June 2022 1

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Union Jacks and Ukrainian flags and bunting adorn the decorated boats at the Canalway Cavalcade which made a welcome return to Little Venice over the early May bank holiday weekend. Report on page 4. PHOTO: IWA

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Canalathon challenge launched PEOPLE across England and Wales are being urged to put on their trainers and take to the towpaths in a new challenge.

The Canal & River Trust, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in July, is asking people to walk or run 26.2 miles along their local canal or river over the whole of the month in a Canalathon to raise money for the canals and the green corridors they provide.

Hamish Shilliday, head of individual and legacy giving, said: “Canalathon is about getting people active outdoors and enjoying pure escapism by their favourite stretch of water.

“From helping us fight plastic pollution in our waterways to protecting the future of our historic network of navigations, the money people raise by taking part in Canalathon will do so

much for our canals and rivers, for the communities who enjoy them and for the wildlife that depends on them.”

Almost nine million people live less than a mile from one of the trust’s waterways, making them popular and accessible places to exercise. In towns and cities they provide vital blue and green spaces where people can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

During the pandemic the popularity

of canal towpaths in towns and urban areas increased as people discovered the waterways on their doorsteps as places to exercise and spend time enjoying nature. The Canalathon is an opportunity for people to now raise money to help the trust protect and preserve the nation’s historic waterways.

• Continued on page 2

Get snapping

Towpath contracts

Leaky dams

JOURNEYS is this year’s theme for National Historic Ships UK’s annual photographic competition now in its 13th year. It runs until the end of August with members of the public invited to vote for their photo of the month on Instagram in the People’s Choice Award.

Four monthly winners will go through to a grand final in September. The overall winners of the Photographer of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards will be announced in November. An exhibition of last year’s entries will open at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, on June 21. www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk

THE Canal & River Trust has appointed three new companies to manage grass, weeds and trees for the next five years. Ground Control and CGM Group will be cutting grass and hedges and undertaking tree work nationally and the Dovetail Group will focus on aquatic weed works in the East and West Midlands, London and the South East. Other work will include removing weeds from structures and emptying litter and dog bins. To report a tree down or other problem call 0303 040 4040 daytime/0800 479 9947 out of hours or online at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

A PARTNERSHIP between the Canal & River Trust and ethical drinks company Belu Water could benefit the Montgomery Canal. As a first project, Belu is investing £10,000 to help reduce siltation and improve water quality, building ‘leaky dams’ close to the company’s source of drinking water in mid-Wales. With backing from the Welsh Government, the trust has been trialling the use of the ‘leaky dams’ that slow the flow of water in feeder channels and trap silt before it reaches the canal. The dams also act as a valuable habitat for wildlife, particularly invertebrates. y

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June 2022

WELCOME​ A WARM welcome to our 200th edition.

Although the title was independently established a few years previously, Issue No 1 appeared in March 2006, when the newspaper was launched

by Mortons Media Group Ltd to the news trade.

I didn’t join Towpath Talk until some four years later but writing in our 100th edition in February 2014, I wondered what the next 100 issues would bring.

I wrote: “With the spectre of the HS2 hanging over restoration schemes and the proposed transfer of Environment Agency water to the Canal & River Trust on the back burner, will we be able to look back at a similar rate of progress as we move into the 2020s?”

Both these issues are still simmering away in the background.

Coincidentally HS2 was one of the topics at the latest National Users Forum – see Phil Pickin’s report on this page – while the Canal & River Trust celebrates the 10th anniversary of its foundation as a charity in July.

Although the 15-year government funding package still has five years to run, it is under review.

North of the border, Scottish Canals was also a division of British Waterways before taking over responsibility for the management and development of 140 miles of inland waterways for the devolved government in 2012. It is gearing up for a big year of celebrations with the 200th anniversaries of the Union and Caledonian Canals opening, turn to page 80 for our Scottish contributor Cicely Oliver’s latest updates.

And we’ve plenty to help you celebrate our 200th edition with a package of fantastic prizes worth more than £725 in our great giveaway on page 56. You could win the star prize of a luxury glamping mini-break at Overwater Marina.

If you’re heading for the Crick Boat Show from June 3-5 don’t forget to call at our stand V32 in the show village.

Our team will be delighted to see you.

HS2 and towpath improvements highlighted at CRT’s user forum

By Phil Pickin

THE second phase of the high speed railway, HS2, was a major topic during the Canal & River Trust’s National User Forum event held recently in Birmingham for the first time in two years.

Peter Walker, CRT’s head of technical support, gave a presentation that was prefaced by him outlining that the trust’s position was neutral on this highly political project.

It would seem that the opportunities to collaborate with the HS2 developers are better from this standpoint rather than opposing the project. Peter went on to say that from this position, the trust is better able to influence the design of some elements of the scheme, such as structures including bridges and other ‘interfaces’.

Phase one is currently under construction between London and Birmingham and includes 13 major interfaces where the project and the system come together. These include a number of locations in North London where the line passes

below the canal and a number of viaducts, including Colne Valley, Wormleighton, Offchurch, Cudworth, Streethay, Fradley, Saltley and Curzon Street in Birmingham.

The presentation also highlighted a new, short section of canal being constructed in Lichfield to allow the restoration route to be diverted.

Without this, the restoration route would have passed through a major bridge pier and made construction impossible. The new section will allow the restoration to continue at some point in the future.

It was indicated that CRT has also secured to date £1.5 million for towpath improvements and £1.3 million to improve biodiversity, including hedges, trees, dredging, access and signage. The trust is also asking for more people to be involved in the work and decisions surrounding HS2. A consultation process is under way and it was suggested that issues are discussed with ‘elected representatives’, the assumption being that concerns will be passed on and maybe even acted upon.

Works programme

The forum also heard about infrastructure and programme works and the challenges encountered during 2021. These included the breach repair on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Rishton that cost £2.8 million to repair plus, on the same canal, £2 million worth of works carried out on Lock 31. These works, along with many others planned, met with challenges including Covid-19, storms, issues associated with resources and the need for additional work.

However, there were successes too. Work at the Earlswood Reservoir and the Tringford spillway are seen as such, and Historic England has pledged a grant of £1.4 million for work to be carried out at 14 sites.

Dredging is cited by many as a major issue, and it was pointed out that £750k was spent on dredging on the Grand Union, £680k on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire and £470k on the Marple Flight, among others. For the 2022-2023 year, the projected spend for infrastructure and programme works is £60 million.

Canalathon challenge launched • Continued from page 1 ​There are lots of ways to get involved; it isn’t a race or a competition and participants can walk or run the 26.2 miles all in one go or in bite-sized chunks, working at a

pace that suits them, over the course of a month.

The challenge can be completed alone or in a team of family, friends or colleagues.

Canal & River Tr ust ambassador, entrepreneur, broadcaster

and author Saira Khan added: “Canalathon is a fun and exciting challenge to get people moving and discovering the massive health and well-being benefits of exercising along the trust’s waterways this summer.”

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TOWPATH

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In cities such as Birmingham the canals provide vital blue and green spaces where people can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. PHOTO: CRT The Canal & River Trust has a Strava Club www.strava.com/clubs/ Canal_River_Trust where people can meet fellow participants and get updates as they progress through the challenge.

People can sign up to the challenge on the Canal & River Trust website canalrivertrust.org. uk/canalathon then create a Just Giving page and track their miles through Strava.

Work should have already begun on the Toddbrook spillway and will take two years to complete, while in July, work on the Hartshill Reservoir should start with the project due to end in May 2023. Work on Barrow Bridge, Black Cock Bridge, Caldon Bridge and Dowley Gap on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal are priority works for 2022-2023, costing £23 million.

National hydrology manager Adam Comerford outlined the current infrastructure totals, including 72 reservoirs, 1500 locks, 65 pumping stations and 155 abstraction points.

He also pointed out that in 2015 the first strategy document was published detailing 14 actions to be carried out over the next five years.

Although many were achieved, he accepted that some were missed due to events like Toddbrook and the drought of 2018.

He went on to say that the aim was to meet the 1-in-20 year level of service and work with others to mitigate against the impact of climate change, the increase in boating and the changes to funding.

Covid jabs for boaters A SERIES of Covid vaccination to identify the overlooked needs drop-in sessions is being held in of boaters with the potential of conjunction with Cheshire West other options and indeed the Council, Canal & River Trust initiative of asking the boating and the North West Waterways community what they see as Chaplaincy Hub. important to themselves by way These are for boaters to receive of direct feedback via a sooneither first or second vaccinations to-be published questionnaire. or indeed their booster jabs. The We have discussed the following sessions are available to all and options: blood pressure checks; no booking is required. mental health support; social Running from 11am-6pm, the care subscribers; financial next session is on Saturday, May awareness and support.”

28 at two venues, initially at the Martin added: “Michelle is entrance to Uplands Marina and starting dialogue with Lancashire at the Anderton Boat Lift in the Council which can only be good CRT car park. Two venues will also news for boaters. By opening up be used on Friday, June 10, the first the accessibility and awareness is adjacent to the Riverside Pub of service items it is hoped that at Acton Bridge and the second boaters get better support and will be in the Waitrose Car Park the recognition that this oftenadjacent to Northwich Marina. forgotten community gets In addition to this the the support when needed by chaplaincy has been working opening up the communication closely with Michelle Simmonds, channels and enabling direct the new welfare officer in the north dialogue between the right to foster better links between the people and making the boating authorities and CRT to develop community feeling recognised, awareness regarding the help local when bureaucracy sometimes authorities can offer boaters. handicaps responses.”

Senior waterways chaplain Martin Buck from the North West Hub told Towpath Talk: “Cheshire West & Chester Council (CWAC) contacted 28 May and 10 June - Northwich the chaplaincy to offer service support for There will be walk-in vaccination clinics in your area offering first, second and booster vaccinations boaters, this being the first. In conjunction Saturday, 28 May Friday, 10 June with our old friends 10am to noon 10am to noon • Uplands Marina at Healthwatch • Riverside Inn, Acton • Anderto n Marina Bridge and being able to engage with Michelle Saturday, 28 May Friday, 10 June Simmonds, the 1pm to 5pm 12.30pm to 5pm • Anderton Boat Lift recently appointed • Northwich Marina northern welfare officer for CRT, things have moved quickly on.

“Getting the council interested really galvanised the thinking behind being able Please note while we aim to be open until

the displayed closing times, clinics may close early if demand has been high and all vaccine supply used on the day.

The clinics will offer AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations.

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Lichfield canal volunteers nominated for awards

Interim leadership team announced for IWA

​THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has appointed a new interim leadership team following the recent departures of national chairman Paul Rodgers and chief executive Phil Hornsey.

Trustees have announced that Jonathan Smith has been appointed as CEO and Les Etheridge as trustee and national chairman on an interim basis.

Both have had longstanding involvement with IWA and bring extensive experience from the private sector.

Jonathan Smith has been involved with IWA for more than 30 years.

He has been a director of WRG (Waterway Recovery Group) since 1991 and currently holds the position of deputy chairman.

He was a trustee from 1991 to 2000, during which he held numerous roles, including chairman of IWA sales and promotions, deputy chairman of festivals and a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. He became a trustee again in 2016-2018 and served as national treasurer.

In his professional career, Jonathan co-owned a business that managed healthcare projects in

developing countries.

After retiring last year, he has continued to act as an advisor to the company on a part-time basis.

Les Etheridge has been actively involved with IWA for almost 20 years.

He first became a trustee in September 2006 and became a deputy national chairman in 2007, national treasurer in 2008 and national chairman from 2012-2017.

He retired as a trustee in 2018 after serving the maximum continuous term of 12 years. Les is currently chairman of his local branch, IWA Kent & East Sussex.

Now retired, Les’ professional career as an actuary spanned over 40 years in insurance. This included the role of chief executive at Reliance Mutual Insurance Society Ltd and non-executive director at Abbey Life Assurance Company Ltd. In a statement, the trustees said: “We are delighted that Jonathan and Les will be taking these interim roles with IWA. Both have extensive experience from within IWA and the wider private sector and bring great leadership expertise at an important stage in the

organisation’s journey.”

Jonathan and Les succeed Phil Hornsey and Paul Rodgers who both stepped down from their roles recently.

At a Board meeting on Monday, May 2, trustees thanked Paul Rodgers for his work as national chairman over the last

two-and-a-half years.

They commented: “Paul’s ideas and visionary thinking have helped to shape the way forward for IWA and we thank him for his commitment to the organisation. We are pleased to say that Paul will continue to be involved with IWA moving forward.”

his vision for the restoration of much of the old Wyrley & Essington Canal has brought so many people into volunteering with what is now much more than canal restoration as, probably more importantly, it is creating a green corridor for wildlife and biodiversity and safe walking, cycling and jogging routes adjacent to so much of the new housing developments.”

Eric is pictured in the report of the LHCRT coffee morning on page 7.

Starting young

Tom Wright started volunteering with LHCRT for his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award three years ago aged 14 and quickly progressed to working with the trust’s small team on plant maintenance and use.

Christine Bull's nomination of Tom

for young volunteer of the year reads: “In those three years he has certainly learned a great deal but perhaps more importantly for LHCRT he has been of immense help.

“He has learned how to weld, how to replace excavator tracks, about auto electrics and electronics, engine repair and plant maintenance, and, aged 16, gained his tractor licence so he can move plant between our sites.

“Tom works almost every Saturday from 9am until at least 3pm, often cycling the five miles from and back to his home. He is always on time, he puts in extra days when needed, especially in his school holidays and will do any task asked of him.

“We are not looking forward to when he goes off to university but he is such a great person that we will wish him well!”

First chairman

​ es Etheridge addressing the IWA Festival of L Water at Ilkeston while national chairman in 2017.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Liverpool’s historic docks receive Blue Flag awards

INTERNATIONAL Blue Flag awards have been achieved by the Royal Albert Dock and Salthouse Dock marinas in Liverpool for the second successive year.

Top marks were awarded to the Canal & River Trust’s marinas for high standards of environmental information, management, safety and boating services.

The water within the docks is home to an array of wildlife including thousands of blue mussels, hundreds of eels and, during the summer months, thousands of moon jellyfish.

TWO Lichfield Canal Trust volunteers with an age difference of more than 70 years have been nominated for Support Staffordshire Awards.

Eric Wood, president of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, has been nominated for a lifetime achievement award, while Tom Wright has been nominated in the young volunteer of the year category.

Support Staffordshire is the l a rg e s t independent voice for voluntary, community and social enterprise o rga n i s at i o n s in the county, and its Volunteer Star Awards offers an opportunity to recognise the work of the many volunteers who contribute to the community.

The 2022 Lichfield District Volunteer Star Awards will be taking place on the evening of Monday, June 20 at the School House, Weeford.

A team of local volunteers has helped with keeping the docks well looked after and clear of litter.

CRT enterprise manager Kate Gordon said: “We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious international Blue Flag award for the second year running and to be the first marina owners in England to receive it.

“As a charity we are very proud of our colleagues, volunteers and partners, who look after Liverpool’s South Docks to the very highest standard.”

Royal Albert Dock estate manager Sean Morrison said: “For a heritage estate like Royal Albert Dock Liverpool’s waterways to be awarded the international Blue Flag award for the second year in a row is an honour and testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

Events taking place at the docks over the summer include a well-being month throughout June, with a range of free, fun activities taking place by and on the water and educational events to learn about this fascinating marine world.

Eric Wood, nominated for the lifetime achievement award by Christine Bull, LHCRT chairperson, had the vision in the 1980s to restore disused canal sections to provide a navigable link across the north of the Birmingham conurbation.

In 1988, he and four fellow waterways enthusiasts established what is now Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and he was its first chairman.

The nomination goes on: “Eric relinquished the chair in 2001, aged 70, and has continued as our supremely valued and fervently interested and active president ever since.

“Eric’s amazing charisma, warmth, kindness, ability to enthuse others and

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Tom Wright after gaining his tractor licence.

PHOTO: LHCRT

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June 2022

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One of the boats sporting the Ukrainian flag – Annie & Walt – which was one of the runners-up in the illuminated procession.

Cavalcade makes a welcome return

THE early May bank holiday weekend saw the welcome return of the 39th annual Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice in London.

Beautiful weather on the opening day saw record numbers of visitors to the event with more than 120 boats gleaming in the pool and along the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals.

As with most years, many travelled from far across the country but, encouragingly, the IWA (Inland Waterways Association) welcomed many boaters closer to home, with a fantastic representation of the Londonbased boating community.

Alongside the shining brasswork and bunting, interspersed with many boats flying the Ukrainian flag in solidarity, there was a selection of events and activities. The Noyze Boyz Jazz Band burst into life as the festivities kicked off on Saturday and soon the pool was buzzing with beautifully decorated boats parading in front of an eager audience.

Elsewhere a variety of stalls sold their wares, including jewellery, traditional painted boating paraphernalia, beautiful lampshades and much more.

Also welcomed this year were Midland Chandlers and Tim and Sam from YouTube channel Chugging Along promoting their brilliant board game Argy Bargey.

As has become the tradition, the Stone Wharf offered the hub for food and beverages, keeping the hungry visitors sustained while they listened to vibrant live music in the festival real ale bar.

At midday on the first day Libby Bradshaw, ceremonial and children’s activities manager, introduced the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Coun Andrew Smith, who welcomed everyone to the

I​lluminated boats on the Sunday evening. PHOTOS: IWA

City of Westminster and thanked the IWA for putting on the event. Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, followed with his thanks.

John Edmonds, IWA London Region vice-president, welcomed everyone to the event, paying special attention to the dedication of volunteers for organising the event. And finally Tom Claydon, chairman of the organising committee, thanked the volunteers, committee members and supporters.

Wrapping up the presentation, Libby thanked British Land for its sponsorship and support before the Lord Mayor rang the bell to formally open the event. This was echoed by cheers around the pool, the ringing of bells, sounding of horns and the start of the pageant.

In Rembrandt Gardens children and adults alike were entertained by Punch and Judy, the Noisy Oyster, a circus workshop and the legendary Alarum Theatre with pieces such as I Dig Canals.

Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend.

Sunday saw the wonderful Teddy Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the garden and even the sun came out to warm the crowds. Other children’s activities were led by the Floating Classroom on the Electric Barge, the Church Army and the Pirate Castle from Camden.

On Sunday evening Craig Haslam once again excelled as Master of Ceremonies for the procession of illuminated boats, where the boaters covered their boats (and themselves) with as many lights as would fit, there were even two illuminated banana costumes. Mark Saxon, waterspace manager, produced a spectacular display with disco lights, glitter balls and even a smoke machine!

Tom Claydon added: “It’s wonderful to welcome back everyone to Little Venice for IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2022. A truly incredible spectacle in the heart of London’s waterways. This event would not be possible without the 10,000 hours of dedicated volunteer time, and I thank each and every person for making this such a great success.

“Soon we start planning for 2023, our 40th year, so make sure to book your place!” Next year’s event is planned for April 29-May 1. Visit www.waterways. org.uk for more information.

The VIP party on board Lady Mildmay.

Award winners:

Best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed pageant: Rachel, steerer Mark Saxon and the Canal Dream Team led by Chuntian Hu, of the Royal College of Art and Ran Yan of Central Saint Martins University of the Arts, London; runner-up: Thyme, steerer Elizabeth Jones.

Best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group: Red Watch, steerer Tony Catchpole.

Best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s procession: Tros Yr Afon, steerer Phil Gaskell; runners-up: Annie & Walt, owners Mike & Lorraine Newman and Giant Anteater.

Best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday pageant or illuminated boats: Giant Anteater.

Boat handling: Middlesex, steerer Robin Hendley; runner-up: Tintagel, steerer Graham Smith.

Best novice: Thistle Doo, steerer Charlotte Trimby; runner-up: Barossa, steerer Colin Warner.

Best female entrant: Ampere, steerer Barbara Bridge; runner-up: Stella, steerer Karen Cook.

Best Boat selected from all entries: Ampere, owners Malcolm and Barbara Bridge.

New prize for helpfulness and kindness, in memory of Graham Nunn: Olivia Parlett.

Left: Award winner for the best decorated private boat in the pageant was Rachel, steered by Mark Saxon with the Canal Dream Team.

Montgomery triathlon hailed a success by organisers

By Phil Pickin

THE 10th Montgomery Canal Triathlon was hailed a success by organisers after warm sunshine welcomed the event’s return.

Attracting entrants from the UK and as far afield as Australia, it was fully booked many weeks before the race, proving its popularity hadn’t suffered from being cancelled for the past two years.

Starting at Newtown in Powys, the race begins with a 12-mile cycle followed by 5½ miles canoe section and finally a 9½ mile walk to the finishing line at Crickheath. The first participant finished in under 3½ hours, while others were arriving more than four hours later. The event attracts family and friends just as much as people who are more seriously athletic, all of whom seemed to enjoy the race.

The triathlon follows the route of the Montgomery Canal through what has to be some of the most stunning countryside on offer on any waterway, a fact mentioned by some competitors when undertaking the canoe section. Anyone completing all three sections was awarded a locally produced slate medallion printed in gold colour; for two sections, the medallion

The cyclists are off, watched by the Mayor of Newtown. PHOTO: FRIENDS OF THE MONTGOMERY CANAL

is printed in a silver colour, and one section has bronze printing.

The event, supported by the Canal & River Trust, is in aid of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

Chr istine Pa lin , chairman of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal, said: “The Montgomery Canal Triathlon is known for its friendliness both by athletes and by the families who take part for fun. We go to great lengths to provide facilities for people taking part – with canoe hire, return transport and nearly a hundred volunteer stewards – and they tell us our event is one of the best from that point of view.

“This year's event, our 10th-anniversary triathlon, is back to normal after the interruptions of the last couple of years and repeats last year’s course to finish at Crickheath near Oswestry. At about

A kayaker approaches the finish of the canoeing section. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

27 miles, we call it a marathon triathlon.

“While many entrants come from Wales and Shropshire, others are coming from the West Midlands, Scotland, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire, Yorkshire, West London, Liverpool, France and Australia. I am not sure that the entrants from France and Australia are coming especially for the event, though!

“The triathlon is the biggest event on the Montgomery Canal and shows all that this special canal has to offer, as well as the terrific border country it runs through. Those taking part will see the unnavigable canal from Newtown to Berriew, the reopened section through Welshpool to Arddleen, the highway blockages obstructing the section north from Arddleen and the dry section from Llanymynech through Pant to the finish.”

Christine added: “The exciting thing is that thanks to a government grant of nearly £15 million we expect work to start soon on the section south of Llanymynech and on Schoolhouse Bridge at Crickheath, the last road blockage in Shropshire, where the event finishes.”

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​Norbury Canal Festival bounces back

Boat trips proved very popular.

Report & photos: Phil Pickin

BRIGHT sunshine greeted visitors on the first day of this year’s Norbury Canal Festival held over the May Day bank holiday weekend.

The event, held around Norbury Wharf on the Shroppie, once again featured stalls and boat traders along the towpath and around the Junction Inn. Organised by the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust, the event, along with almost every other canal festival, has not been held for the past two years due to the pandemic. However, this year’s event featured Bainton and Berkhampstead, both of which are currently undergoing restoration.

Boat trips were also on offer, as were displays about the work to restore the Shrewsbury and Newport canals.

A good number of traders attended, offering food and drink as well as traditional arts and crafts products, all of which seemed to be attracting the attention of the visitors.

After the event closed, Bernie Jones, chairman of the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust, said: “After a two-year Covid-enforced absence, our festival bounced back and was a fantastic success! The weather on Saturday

One of the historic boats at the Norbury Canal Festival. was almost summer-like, with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Sunday brought some light showery rain and Monday was dry but warmer and mostly overcast. This did not deter thousands of people from attending, and everyone had a really good time.”

He added: “A great deal of interest was shown in our two historic Woolwich Class narrowboats, Bainton and Berkhampstead, that are undergoing restoration at Norbury Wharf Ltd and many people took a taster trip on one of their day boats, kindly loaned to our trust by David Ray, managing director of the company.

“I must say a huge thank you to our many volunteers and the Air Training

Corps youngsters who managed the car park. Without this support, we would not be able to hold the event.”

The festival included a number of competitions including the best dressed boat which was won by Adastra and Nebulae, owned by Alan Buckle trading as StarCrafts. The award for retail presentation was won by Delta, owned by Nici Griffin, trading as The Beanie Boat.

Various other boats also received commendations for efforts made including for the most colourful display and clean and polished boat, Lazy Daze; most interesting display hangings, March Hare; attractive creative flags, Tonka; flags and colourful display, Jenny Wren; quirky, Wandering Snail and top of boat Dutiful Duck.

Trading boats stretch along the towpath at the Norbury festival.

Visitors browse along the line of trading boats.

A selection of ‘green men’ among the arts and crafts displayed on this trading boat.

Local volunteers rewarded with this year’s Tetlow Cup A canoe goes under one of the lift bridges. PHOTO: FRIENDS OF THE MONTGOMERY CANAL

A selection of jewellery on this colourful barrow attracts interest.

THE 2022 Tetlow Cup, awarded by the North West region of the Inland Waterways Association, has been won by Marion and Jim Weir for their outstanding efforts at Wappenshall Wharf despite the repeated lockdowns.

Nominated by Bernie Jones, chairman of the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust (SNCT) and awarded by Michael Haig, chairman of the Shrewsbury and North Wales branch of the IWA, the couple were left somewhat speechless by the award.

SNCT members Marion and Jim have worked tirelessly at a number of work parties for nearly eight years. These include those at Wappenshall, Shrewsbury, Newport and Norbury, as well as at several Waterways

Regeneration Group Camps.

The couple have not just got their hands dirty at work parties but also helped update SNCT’s website and helped improve the trust’s social media presence.

As if this wasn’t enough, they have also developed the health and safety system used and produced a Work Party Leader’s Manual.

This document has been a key piece of work that has enabled trust volunteers to keep working at Wappenshall through most of the pandemic.

Marion and Jim, who always work together and live close to Wappenshall, Telford, were nominated for a team award for the outstanding work they have done for the canal restoration movement.

STOPS OD

The Tetlow Memorial Cup, named after a former Commodore of the Lymm Cruising Club, is an IWA regional trophy awarded

to recognise the efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to ensure work continues to restore the waterways of the UK.

Marion and Jim Weir being presented with the Tetlow Memorial Cup by Michael Haig, chairman of the Shrewsbury & North Wales branch of the IWA. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

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6 NEWS

JuneJune 20222022

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Club open day back with a swing after three-year break

Report & photos: Colin Wareing

THE sun shone and the handspikers danced at the South Pennine Boat Club open day.

After a Covid-induced break the club, based on the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Mirfield in West Yorkshire, held its first public event for three years on Easter Monday, April 18.

The club was established in 1976 in Brighouse Basin and took over the site of an old boatyard off Wood Lane on Battyeford lock in Mirfield in 1985 with 11 boats arriving.

Over the years the site has been developed by a new mooring

basin being dug out, a club house built and extended and the existing dry dock refurbished and with a roof added. Most of this work has been done by the members themselves.

Easter Monday’s open day was to promote the benefits of the waterways for leisure and to show the facilities available to club members, with the invitation to ‘come along and find out’.

To attract people, free boat rides along the canal and river were available and there was chance to have a look around a member’s narrowboat. The Mirfield Boat Company had a

Deb Cook of the Mirfield Boat Company on board a new widebeam canal boat.

Passengers disembark from the Safe Anchor Trust trip boat Lady Victoria at the lock landing below Battyeford lock. recently finished widebeam moored along the linear moorings with lots of folk being welcomed aboard and shown around by Deb Cook from the boat company. Wakefield Scouts also showed one of their boats.

There were various trade stands, local chandleries and quite a lot of rope work going on with the local branch of the guild of knot tiers demonstrating along with Neil Clegg, roving trader fender maker who had come over from Lancashire via the Rochdale Canal due to

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 are revealed k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath Top Team award which has been k Top Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty Society Canal the Grantham 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 finalists will receive a £100 donation towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

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

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have the Chesterton from coming hots, s t that reporters told moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats on for about five went this and Ditton, Fen Field, 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 20. The usual and 8 February be on January 4 and 23, and on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge on 01457 Killan Peter Contact Street but this can change.

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.

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The club house and moorings of the South Pennine Boat Club in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. the stoppages on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Teas and home-made cakes were available in the club house where a video of the club’s history was shown. Artisan ice creams dispensed by club member Brian Elliott of Ripley proved to be a great success. The open day raised over £1000 for the Ukraine crisis appeal.

The main highlight of the day was two performances of ‘the unique and world-famous handspike dance’. This is a dance based on a mixture of Morris and sword dancing but instead of swords the dancers use Calder & Hebble handspikes, the wooden tool used to open the lock paddles on the navigation.

The dancers are all members of the boat club and despite hours of practice the performance raised lots of laughs from the audience as heads, legs and arms became entangled. If you ever get the chance to catch the performance it is well worth it.

It was a great day out for the family and hopefully will have got some new blood interested in boating and possibly becoming members of the club. I would like to thank Jerry Holland, chairman of SPBC and AWCC representative, who showed me round on the day.

For more information on the club the website address is www. southpennineboatclub. co.uk

Up and over lads in the first of two performances of the ‘unique and world-famous handspike dance’.

South Pennine Boat Club chairman Jerry Holland with Steve Moss, a member of the club’s handspike dance group.

Neil Clegg, roving trader fender maker, trading at the South Pennine Boat Club open day.

The dry dock at the South Pennine Boat Club being refilled with water.

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The recently finished widebeam from Mirfield Boat Company.

NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk June 2022

Eric welcomes friends old and new to coffee morning

Attractions and destinations manager Ani Sutton and engagement manager Rebecca Mason on the ice cream bike.

A cheery wave from boaters at the Easter gathering. PHOTOS: CRT

​Historic boats back in town at NWM MORE than 2300 visitors and 40 historic working boats attended the Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.

Attendance increased by 7% on 2019, the last festival before the pandemic lockdowns.

Canal & River Trust staff and volunteers were in period costume, the weather was fine and sunny and there was some great positive

Volunteer Diana Skilbeck in costume on board Gifford.

feedback from boaters and visitors who came to enjoy the spectacle.

Chris Done, visitor services manager said: “The whole site was buzzing across the four days, it felt like we made it our very own ‘canal town’ for the Easter weekend.

“It was great to see all of the historic boats moored up, giving visitors a taste of what the site would have been like back in its heyday.”

Historic boats gathered in the lower basin.

Visitor services manager Chris Done.

LICHFIELD & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust president Eric Wood welcomed visitors to his Whittington home for an Easter Saturday coffee morning after a two-year break caused by Covid restrictions.

Eric and Doreen Wood’s annual fundraiser for the trust was last held in 2019 and this year’s event was blessed with beautiful sunshine on the hottest day of the year so far.

The sale of barbecue meals, cakes, bric-a-brac and souvenirs raised around £1000 for trust funds.

LHCRT communications director and events co-ordinator Christine Howles said: “I’ve been at the coffee

Eric Wood welcomes guests to his and his wife Doreen’s Easter Saturday coffee morning. PHOTOS: L&HCRT morning since 2015 and I have never seen so many people.

They came by boat, by car, by foot and on bikes.”

Eric, one of the trust's founders who celebrated his 90th birthday last year, said: “We have been doing these coffee mornings for about

40 years and even before we came here we used to help the Trent & Mersey Society.

“Since we’ve been here we’ve started making friends and I’ve always said it's more important to make friends than making money. However these coffee mornings have

been able to collect quite a bit of money for the trust and it’s helped towards the restoration programme.”

He added: “I’ve had people here today that I haven’t seen for 40 years and the place has been packed out so it’s been absolutely wonderful.”

Floating market back in business

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust president Eric Wood on his narrowboat Credalwood at this year’s Easter Saturday coffee morning.

Warm weather attracts the crowds over Easter for the Roving Canal Traders Association floating market on the Trent & Mersey Canal opposite Shugborough Hall near Great Haywood. PHOTO: LES HEATH

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8 NETWORKING

JuneJune 20222022

Lottery boost for pilot mental health support for boaters

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

​ P impressed with M Montgomery Canal visit

A PILOT psychotherapy “The impact of the and mental health skills Covid-19 restrictions, coaching service for when everyone was NORTH Shropshire MP boat dwellers without a encouraged to exercise Montgomery Canal to the Helen Morgan recently permanent mooring was outside, meant that Welsh section currently launched during Mental bargee travellers’ homes made a fact-finding undergoing Levelling Up Health Awareness Week. visit to the area of the were within inches of funded restoration would The National Bargee be very beneficial to a wide Montgomery Canal near the numerous cyclists, Travellers Association section of North Shropshire Crickheath accompanied joggers and walkers who (NBTA) was awarded nearly and good joined-up

by Coun Roy Aldcroft of took to the towpaths £10,000 by the National Shropshire Council. government investment.” and boat dwellers’ Lottery Community Fund Project leader Helen She was invited by Clive Coun Aldcroft, who is anxiety about the risk of to support the low-cost Brice. PHOTO: NBTA Robertson and Tom Fulda, Helen Morgan MP, centre, at Crickheath Bridge deputy portfolio holder, contracting Covid-19 was service. NBTA chairperson completely overlooked.” both of whom are trustees with, from left: John Dodwell (Montgomery Canal Communities, Culture, Pamela Smith said: “Our heartfelt thanks The psychotherapy and mental health of Shropshire Union Partnership), Clive Robertson (SUCS), Coun Roy Leisure & Tourism, added: go to all the people who play the National skills coaching service will offer free-of”I am very impressed with Canal Society (SUCS) Aldcroft (Shropshire Council), Claire Parsons (CRT), Lottery every week for helping members charge or low-cost individual sessions the work of the volunteers to look first hand at the Michael Limbrey (MWRT) and Tom Fulda (SUCS). of our community to access the mental for boat dwellers without permanent current restoration project PHOTO: STEVE PALMER. and the use of modern health support that they need.” moorings who are still suffering technology in restoring this from Pryce’s Bridge to Project leader Helen Brice, who has from this negative impact on their Crickheath Bridge. test the work. The work also Other organisations important heritage site.” lived on a boat without a permanent mental health.

A stretch measuring 200m requires the laying of 40,000 including Montgomery Beyond Crickheath, mooring for 13 years, explained why Helen has formed a directory of has been fully restored and concrete blocks; anyone Canal Partnership (MCP), there are two near-term a further 330m is currently interested in volunteering Montgomery Waterway future projects which are the service is needed: “While boaters mental health practitioners from the with a nomadic habit of life take to the boat dwelling and wider travelling undergoing massive can find out more by visiting Trust (MWRT) and Canal & of major significance in waterways for a multitude of reasons, communities. reconstruction by SUCS, the Restoration page of River Trust (CRT) provided the push to restore the for some it is their first step up from She will offer low-cost short term which will be completed in the SUCS website https:// briefings on the wider canal to Llanymynech. the autumn of 2022 to join shropshireunion.org.uk/ picture of Montgomery The Schoolhouse Bridge homelessness. These members of our individual therapy and free skills the existing winding hole at An opening ceremony will Canal restoration both sides reconstruction and Balfour community are often psychologically coaching workshops for conditions vulnerable and live in relative poverty.

Crickheath Wharf. be held in 2023 which will of the border. including depression, anxiety, low Beattie survey of the “Furthermore, bargee travellers self-esteem and re-integration since The canal when enable boats from anywhere Describing it as ‘very remaining dry section to moor their homes in public spaces Covid-19 restrictions and will be able to reshaped will be lined with in the country to cruise impressive engineering’, Llanymynech (some two on the inland waterways and thus are help boat dwellers to access longer-term waterproofing material prior to Crickheath and turn Helen said: “ The miles) to enable costings and vulnerable to public observation and health resources. to being filled with water to round there. reconnection of the detailed restoration planning. unsolicited comments, many of which are friendly, but a significant number are critical and unpleasant.”

She continued: “During the Covid-19 lockdowns it became clear that there was a need for an accessible psychological ​By Alison Alderton service from psychotherapists who also the members of the IWAI lead and RNLI lifesaving lead, but delivering a lifeboat Lough Ree has a permanent understood boat life.

Dunrovin Development Owen Medland. station and a clubhouse lifeboat station fit for purpose, “While counselling and psychotherapy ​FOLLOWING completion of Committee who have worked Dunrovin Development for two charities during a manned by local volunteers services are difficult to access for many the dual-purpose building on this project for the past Committee chairman, Martin pandemic is a testament to and providing essential people, the travelling boater community to house both the RNLI seven years.

Donnelly, in his opening the resilience, determination, rescue services.” is particularly penalised by exclusion lifeboat station and the IWAI Representing the RNLI was remarks at the ceremony, said: and commitment the Mr Donnelly went on to from registering with a GP due to their headquarters, an official Chris Scully, RNLI regional “Any project of this magnitude IWAI and RNLI have to highlight the significance No Fixed Address status. key handover ceremony has estates manager and project is a challenging undertaking waterways users.” of the project for the wider recently taken place at the Mr Donnelly added: “For area, stating: “What has Dunrovin site in Coosan. the past seven years the been delivered here for both The RNLI built the IWAI Dunrovin Development organisations is a vote of permanent Lough Ree lifeboat Committee has worked confidence in our waterstation and the Dunrovin IWAI voluntarily, despite the based activities and in the headquarters on an IWAI site challenges, to ensure this future. With the increasing at Coosan Point, Athlone. A joint build was delivered. focus on outdoor activity portion of the site has been Without the enormous efforts and the growing love of our leased to the RNLI for the sole of the committee and our environment and waterways, purpose of locating the new membership’s support, this there will be a rise in permanent lifeboat station on project would never have got participation in water sports the shores of Lough Ree. over the line. and an increase in visitor Present at the key handover “We have worked hand numbers looking to participate ceremony were the IWAI in hand with the RNLI team in water-based activities. president Alan Kelly and initially from RNLI HQ Poole “With the new lifeboat Dorset and more recently station at Coosan, they vice-president Kay Baxter Key handover: RNLI regional estates manager Chris to accept the keys on behalf Scully, IWAI president Alan Kelly and IWAI vicefrom the Swords RNLI HQ. can feel safe knowing the of the association and its president Kay Baxter are pictured at the Dunrovin This work ensures that this RNLI is at hand should the members. Also present were ceremony. PHOTO: IWAI part of the River Shannon and need arise.”

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Characters of the Cut Wandering as a way of life

PROPERTY FOR SALE

The Moorings, Sileby Road, Barrow Upon Soar Guide Price £1,100,000

Our very own Characters of the Cut column writer, Alice Griffin, introduces herself!

I HAVE always had wandering feet. From a young age I would pack a little bag and run off to the woods, imagining they were the portal to far-off countries.

I longed to seek out magic, adventure; the meaning of life.

For me, whenever and wherever I am, I can’t help but believe there is more of that good stuff just around the next corner. Staying rooted in one place – while on occasion envying those who can do this – has never been on my radar, which is why boat life is the perfect fit for me and my family.

Me and my husband, Scott, bought our current narrowboat, Melody – a 65ft cruiser stern – in November 2021 and continuously cruise the waterways, currently the Grand Union. However, we have lived on and off the water since selling our house back in 2008 when our daughter was a baby, to go in search of a way of living that would enable us to spend more time together as a family.

When we took those tentative first steps, filled only with hopes of a new lifestyle, we could never have imagined the directions our life would take. Flitting between a number of boats here in the UK and a travelling life that has seen us wander by van, as well as live for spells in Greece, France, Spain, Portugal, and even a yurt in the Scottish Highlands, has certainly kept us on our toes!

It has also propelled us into a new way of living, one centred around time spent in nature, with family and friends, exploring Alice Griffin is an author and poet with a gypsy soul. She leads seasonal e-courses to bring us back to nature, and ourselves.

Sign up on her website for her FREE! A Sense for Summer course starting June 20.

Alice Griffin by the canal.

Alice’s husband Scott and daughter on board Melody.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

ways to sustain ourselves independently. Despite the stampede of modern life and all its pressures, we have been able to carve out a fairly simple existence on the fringes, which suits us perfectly.

Home schooling

One of the major steps we took back when our daughter was four, was to not send her to school. We had initially thought to travel when she was a baby before returning in time for her to begin this traditional way of learning in our hometown, but on our travels we met a home educating family that inspired us into new ways of thinking. This chance meeting spurred me on to seek out our local community in the UK and the rest is history.

Our now 15-year-old has never been to school and has thrived in the travelling environment where her passions have been nurtured. She is now taking the first formative steps on her chosen career path and in fact, it was her recent work experience placement – along with the desire to be closer to family – that brought us back to boat life in England.

For us, living on a boat offers a way of life that allows us to

slow down and feel more in tune with the seasons. I love how we are aware of each incremental rise or drop of temperature, how we can truly hibernate in winter before emerging in the spring. There is a real energy to each season when you live within it.

When you have spent winter lugging washing up and down a freezing towpath, or bringing your dogs in and out of the boat caked in mud, those first spring buds spied on morning walks and the long light nights of summer spent on the bow with a beer, are that much sweeter.

We’ve been lucky enough to travel large chunks of the system during our years afloat and in particular we enjoy the Shropshire Union and the Leeds & Liverpool.

A favourite trip was travelling down from Skipton towards London during 2016.

It’s such a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life – both boaters and locals walking the towpaths – and I constantly extol the merits of life on the canals. One minute we can be moored up in the bright lights and hubbub of a city, the next nestled in the countryside with deer and owls, snug beneath dark skies.

As a writer, this movement and variety fuels my creativity and has most recently inspired my latest venture: writing and leading seasonal e-courses.

I provide students with a series of short recordings and optional journalling assignments that encourage us all to stop, absorb, and reset our bodies in tune with nature. The world has become so fast-paced that connecting with slow is evermore important and for me, it is the peaceful adventures around the next canal corner, that keep me inspired to share its magic.

We b s i t e : w w w. alicegriffin.co.uk I n s t a g r a m : alice_is_in_wanderland Facebook: Alice Writes

Alice’s daughter feeding swans as a young child.

If you see Alice on her boat, Melody, make sure you stop to say hello and share your stories for future Characters of the Cut!

An exceptional and incredibly rare opportunity to acquire this substantial and highly unique family home offering breathtaking views across the River Soar and meadowland beyond.This detached executive residence occupies a sizeable garden plot abutting the River Soar with a 70’ mooring.

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10 NEWS

JuneJune 20222022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

​IWA board visits Bedford water park

Participants busy catching up in the car park after lunch. PHOTO SUPPLIED

NCA members catch up at cottage complex THE Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s new meeting room at Draycott was packed to capacity for the first Northern Canals Association’s meeting following the pandemic.

D&SCT chairman Chris Madge welcomed the association to the newly opened complex at Draycott Cottage by giving a talk outlining the development of the derelict cottages into three cottages for let, meeting rooms and a cafe, all beside the Golden Mile of the canal, which is due to be in full water by the end of the year.

Following inspiring talks by Bobby Cowling on publicity in the digital age and Jonathan Green on the latest Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) advice, the group focused on what many see as the major strength of the NCA’s meeting – chatting, catching up with old friends, comparing restoration practices and putting the waterways world to rights over the splendid lunch provided by the new cafe. This new venture will be fully opened to the public during May. Ten societies gave updates on their

progress, from one of the country’s oldest canals – the Stamford – to the future of one of England’s oldest restoration projects – the Bugsworth Basin. The day was rounded off with a guided walk along the Golden Mile, with an emphasis on the water vole conservation strategy the D&SCT volunteers are having to manage over the coming year.

The NCA’s new chairman, Ivan Cane, stated: “It was so pleasing to hear nothing but happy and positive comments about the event, it was just good to be able to meet up again.”

The Northern Canals Association is an informal meeting place for waterway restoration groups, north of the Lizard, representing 55 societies and trusts across the country at the moment. If you wish to check whether your group is affiliated, or to join up yourself, please contact Ivan at northern.canals2021@btinternet.com The next meeting is to be held at Chesterfield on Sunday, October 9, 2022.

AN OVERVIEW of the proposed waterway park was presented to IWA board members and regional chairpeople during a recent visit to Bedford.

A meeting was held at Box End Water Park where Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust joined the IWA team for lunch. The proposed 26km park will link the river Great Ouse in Bedford to the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes.

The group was also joined

by John Hodgson and his

wife Enid – John is secretary of IWA’s Great Ouse Branch and was one of the founder members of the B&MK Waterway Trust back in 1996. He brought with him a lot of history about the proposed waterway park.

After lunch the IWA board and the trust were joined by the MP for Bedford, Mohammed Yasin, and took the opportunity to enjoy some early spring sunshine on the John Bunyan community boat to see Bedford’s Embankment from

the river and understand the challenges the river poses.

After disembarking, the group went on to visit the new landing stage where they were joined by Coun James Valentine from Kempston. He and Tom Tagg from the trust talked the IWA team through the construction of a new landing stage at Kempston Mill, including the difficulties of undertaking such a project at the start of the winter in pouring rain and a lot of mud! IWA has designated Kempston Mill as a ‘Silver

Propeller’ destination for IWA members.

Jane Hamilton, chairperson of the BMK Waterway Trust said: “IWA brings a great deal of experience in regenerating waterways, working with volunteers and pulling in a wide range of funding for projects. We certainly hope to see a lot more of them as we take steps to secure large scale investment in the B&MK Waterway Park.”

Everyone agreed it had been a thoroughly worthwhile day!

Lapal Canal Trust celebrates £10,000 cash boost A PILOT scheme to provide boat trips for the elderly, people with disabilities, schoolchildren and minority groups has been awarded £10,000 funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Since 2017, as part of a need to strengthen community links, the Lapal Canal Trust has been working with disability charity SENSE to provide monthly boat trips which resumed recently following the pandemic.

The trust is very grateful to the fund for agreeing to pilot the scheme for groups that would benefit from the companionship, calmness and education of a canal experience.

As reported last month, the boat trips start from Selly Oak where SENSE HQ is situated by the junction of the to-be-restored Dudley No 2 Canal and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Jon Fearn, SENSE outdoor

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For more details please contact David Wilson at EM&F (Midlands - East) on 01858 469469 quoting ref: M34834G

development co-ordinator, said: “These trips have proven to be a wonderfully enjoyable experience for all involved.

“The cosy confines of the boat, coupled with the hypnotically relaxing pace of the journey and the gentle throb of the engine, all combine to create a brilliant sensory environment for us to work successfully with many of the people we support.”

The application to the National Lottery Community Fund was made

by LCT with the support of Jon Fearn of SENSE, Matt Daniels, Age UK Birmingham, head of development and partnership and Kieran Mckenzie, the Active Wellbeing Society health communities programme manager.

A steering committee will manage the activity.

LCT chairman Dr Andrew Hardie, who also chairs Birmingham Crisis Centre, commented: “By providing a

service for the disabled, elderly and local schools we expect to provide community support where it’s most needed. The pilot programme will allow us to strengthen and develop relationships and to measure the results to see if the expected outcomes are being delivered. To date we have mainly worked with SENSE, but we soon hope to provide a wider scheme for the elderly and schools.”

LCT recently had its first experience of working with schools, with a trip arranged by headmaster Stuart Smith for two classes at St Mary’s School.

He said: “The participating pupils were learning about Birmingham’s Canals for several weeks prior to the visit and this really brought it to life for them and it rounded off their projects perfectly.” He added that for most it was their first experience of a canal boat trip.

RETAIL BUSINESS FOR SALE

Located 1.5 miles from Droitwich town centre at the junction of the Worcester Birmingham and Droitwich canals in a beautiful rural setting. Only 2 minutes from Droitwich Spa Marina, Bridge 35 Chandlers Limited is an established and thriving chandlery business that is offered for sale as a going concern.

On a prime holiday route for both private and hire boaters.

• • • • • • • • • •

Fixtures and Fittings Stock (Circa £25k) EPOS till and stock control Calor Agent RDCO (red diesel) Solid fuel supplier Rented Retail premises 925ft2 (86m2) Existing credit agreements Established customer base 2020/21 turnover over £140k (accounts available) • Offers invited circa £65k For more detailed information or to arrange a visit please feel free to contact John or Jackie via email at bridge35chandlers@gmail.com

NEWS 11 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk June June 2022 2022 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Stores team up with community boat Electra

TENANTS from sheltered housing in Bletchley, for people living with dementia, were recently treated to a canal boat cruise thanks to the generosity of the John Lewis Partnership.

Jane Wolfson from the all-electric community boat Electra said: “We are delighted that John Lewis and Waitrose are sponsoring five cruises, which allow members of the local community the chance to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes.”

Elaine Wales, community liaison co-ordinator from the John Lewis Partnership, said it was a pleasure to be able to work closely with volunteers from the Bedford & Milton

Elaine Wales of the John Lewis Partnership, left, presenting a cheque to Electra’s lead cabin host James Clifton and volunteer chair Jane Wolfson with, second left, Laura Few from Flowers House.

Keynes Waterway Trust, to provide canal trips for tenants of local care homes, Flowers House and Courtney’s Lodge. “This was made possible as part of our Give a Little Love community funding programme. It is heart-warming to see the residents really enjoying a trip on Electra.”

Activities co-ordinator Laura Few, from Flowers House, agreed: “Our tenants really look forward to cruises on Electra. The boat has a wheelchair lift, so we can take someone who wouldn’t normally be able to access a cruise on a canal boat.”

Electra runs a sponsorship scheme for organisations willing to fund sponsored cruises for groups in the Milton Keynes community that, for whatever reason, would not normally be able to access cruises on the canal.

Local companies that would like to join the sponsorship scheme are invited to contact Electra on electra@bmkwaterway.org

Flowers House tenants about to board Electra. PHOTOS: B&MKWT

Work in progress at Whitehouse Wharf PROGRESS is continuing on the construction of a new winding hole to enable boats to turn and enter the to-be-restored Dudley No 2 Canal from the Worcester &

Birmingham Canal.

The 14-week project at Whitehouse Wharf is due for completion in June.

The contractor for the project is Land & Water.

Lapal Canal Trust will encourage trip boats from Birmingham to use it as a destination as it will be large enough for them to moor in and pick up passengers.

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

Come and see us at the

CRICK BOAT SHOW on Fri 3rd to Sun 5th June Trade and Preview Day Thurs 2nd June

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

Call for details

Tel: 01270 760 160 Boatfinder Brokerage Services

@BoatfinderBS

Middlewich Canal Centre is home to the following family of companies

Contractors from Land & Water working on the new winding hole at Whitehouse Wharf.

This photo was taken in April. PHOTO: LAPAL CANAL TRUST

​Shaping the channel ready for lining ‘sandwich’ SHROPSHIRE Union Canal volunteers have continued the fortnightly restoration programme on the Montgomery Canal near Crickheath.

Due to the amount of residual water collecting in the channel that is being restored, a recent task was to pump out the vast volumes of water to enable the shaping process to be continued. This task alone has been presenting a real challenge to the restoration team.

The channel sides are scraped down to the correct angle using diggers at the top and the bottom of each slope and measured with a wooden template frame which is set to the correct angle. It was hoped to start lining and blocking work from May onwards.

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

down as huge overlapping blankets which are 6m wide and stretch from the towpath, down, and across, to the top side of the offside bank.

Further on down the canal toward Llanymynech, the Restore Group is gearing up for the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge which is, hopefully, due to begin this year.

The Channel slope template measurement. PHOTO: SU PUBLICITY

WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM

12 IWA ROUND-UP

June 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

​Branch hosts sustainable boating forum

THE IWA’s Birmingham, Black Country & Worcester branch recently held a hybrid in person/virtual forum on sustainable boating.

It was organised by Neil Cocksedge, who is in the process of moving from a steam-powered narrowboat to a new electric boat – a serial hybrid. His steam narrowboat, Tixall, has been described as one of the greenest on the system as it burns carbon-neutral wood briquettes.

Caroline Badger and Rob Howdle from Ortomarine described their comparative trials last year involving three diesel, two parallel hybrid and three serial hybrid boats over a 16-mile river and canal route.

A parallel hybrid has a conventional diesel engine coupled to a motor/ generator with a battery bank so that the propellor can be driven by the diesel or the electric motor, or the diesel can charge the batteries. In a serial hybrid the propulsion is always from the motor, drawing electricity from the batteries.

Hybrid engines help to reduce diesel consumption. PHOTO: IWA The batteries can be charged by solar, a generator or the mains when in a marina. Direct comparison between the three systems is complex and will depend for example on whether solar panels are fitted, but the trials suggested that a parallel hybrid could use

two-thirds of the energy of pure diesel and a serial hybrid with solar panels as little as a third as that of a pure diesel.

Ortomarine has decided to only build boats with some form of electric propulsion. Its boats report their energy usage and are demonstrating the value of solar panels as an energy source.

David Struckett, a member of IWA’s Sustainable Propulsion Group, gave an update on its work. It has covered the technologies above, but is also looking further ahead to the provision of electric charging points and hydrogen as a fuel source. As the number of liveaboards increases environmentally friendly heating becomes a more important issue, and dredging will also help save fuel.

The broad conclusion is that awareness of the issues is rising and progress is being made. But it is not all straightforward as the recent setbacks with HVO fuel availability have shown.

The branch has plans for another forum in a couple of years.

​Saving Salterhebble Lock Cottage

IWA’S West Riding Branch heritage champions have saved Salterhebble Lock Cottage, near Halifax on the Calder & Hebble, at the last minute from the auctioneer’s hammer.

It was felt that in this case sale into private ownership was not the best future for the property as it is an integral part of the Salterhebble Basin and would compromise planned ambitions for regeneration of the area.

The basin consists of three distinctively different locks and a mooring pound for 10 boats. Outside of the basin, there is also an underused canal arm that could accommodate 10 more boats and an unused dry dock in an area where these facilities are in high demand.

It is also the step-off point for the popular Hebble Trail. Access to the cottage is over a footbridge over the top lock and there is no road access for a cottage resident. It was felt that the health and safety restrictions that this would bring to towpath users and boaters had also not been taken into account.

Discussions are now in progress between IWA, the Canal & River Trust and the local council to develop the area and turn the heritage building into a community centre. Regeneration of the area will now be co-ordinated with the current and planned road improvements and planned national cycle routes.

Initially the main focus will be on building a team

from the local community and education and practical skills experience will be top of the agenda.

Ever ything will revolve around the canal environment and the younger participants will work towards bringing their learning to life using

canal-related activities such as CRT Explorers.

For everyone else the focus is on boating, history and heritage – telling the story of the basin and looking to the future. If you would like to get involved, contact westriding@ waterways.org.uk

Saved from the auctioneer’s hammer: Salterhebble Lock Cottage. PHOTO: IAIN DUNCAN

IWA branches are getting back to work to improve waterways across the country.

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

Please contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes, old clothing and take a waterproof. You may also want to take a packed lunch and any refreshments. are held on the second Saturday of the month. Contact Barry McGuinness b.mcguinness1@googlemail.com for details.

Monday June 20 IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch in partnership with Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust:

Vegetation clearing work party. 10am4pm, near Alton. Contact ali.smedley@ waterways.org.uk for details.

East Sunday June 5 and Tuesday June 21

IWA Northampton Branch: Work parties are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month, along the Arm 10am-2pm. Tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Contact Geoff Wood geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk for details.

Tuesdays IWA Milton

IWA is joining with Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (BCNS) and the Canal & River Trust to organise a parade of boats to celebrate the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham in June 2022.

On Friday, June 24 boats will gather at a rally organised by BCNS at Smethwick Locks in Galton Valley, the junction of two canals – the Old Main Line and New Line – where moorings will be available.

The historic sites of Smethwick Old Pumping Station (Bridge Street) and the New Pumping Station will be open for boaters during the Friday afternoon.

On Saturday, June 25, boats will travel along to the city and form up between Roundhouse Birmingham and Icknield Port, before parading through the heart of the city to the Mailbox before returning to moor up for the night between Roundhouse

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

For boaters who wish to play a part in the rally and parade, entry is free of charge, but you need to book. Each boat that takes part in the parade will receive a commemorative plaque – boaters are requested to showcase and celebrate their crafts and the waterways in the most fun way possible!

Festival fun at Ware

JOIN Lee & Stort Branch for this year’s Ware Boat Festival which will take place on the first weekend of July (Friday-Sunday 1-3), as part of the wider Ware Week.

They are inviting boats from all over the network and look forward to welcoming both regular attendees and new arrivals.

The event promises to be great fun, with a barbecue, live entertainment, boat handling competition, themed boat pageant, quiz evening and a Sunday service.

To book contact: wareboatfestival@gmail.com

Boaters gathered at the 2019 Ware Boat Festival. PHOTO: MIKE NEWMAN

Get involved – work party dates

North West Saturday June 11 IWA Manchester Branch: Work parties

Birmingham Festival boat parade

Keynes

Branch:

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

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

West Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in

Campaign gathering at Chester CHESTER will celebrate the beginning of the Chester Canal by Act of Parliament 250 years ago in 1772 with a campaign gathering of boats.

The Chester & Merseyside Branch is organising an event based in the centre of Chester around Tower Wharf on July 29-31.

It is planning for 50 canal boats to make the journey across the

canal network along the Shropshire Union Canal from towns such as Ellesmere Port, Middlewich, Nantwich and possibly as far as the Potteries and Manchester.

The event, open to the public, will highlight the continuing closure of the Dee Branch. The Dee Branch, giving access for vessels to the tidal River Dee and the sea, has been closed to

navigation for 10 years.

There will be trade stalls and boats, along with a barbecue stand, ice cream and musical entertainment. Several canal societies will have exhibitions with experts on hand to answer questions.

Plus there are plans for a special event for children.

To book contact geoff.gittus@ waterways.org.uk

the Somerset area. 10am-1pm.

Contact Mike Slade: mike.slade@ waterways.org.uk on 07977 263840.

Branch talks and socials

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

Historic boats gathered at Chester. PHOTO: ALISON SMEDLEY