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Issue 142, August 2017
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A busy summer scene at Trevor Basin with a narrowboat on its way across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Right of picture can be seen the new cafe boat on the old dry dock alongside the Canal & River Trust visitor centre. See report on page 76. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
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THE second stage of the Canal & River Trust’s licensing consultation has been completed with workshops taking place across the country. More than 900 licence holders had expressed an interest in attending these events which will help the CRT formulate its charging structure for the future. But although it was planned that
Wharf project setback
there would be 15 attendees at each one, only eight were present at a workshop held in London on June 20, according to the Inland Waterways Association. The IWA is urging as many boaters as possible to take part in the third part of this exercise, which looks set to be launched in mid-August, so a larger range of views are gathered and
THE Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust (SNCT) has had to put its Thomas Telford @ Wappenshall Wharf project on hold while it regroups and decides how to proceed following the failure of its Round 2 bid for a £1.3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. SNCT has had a subsequent meeting with the HLF to explore future options, including a new bid with a radically strengthened business plan. At its next trustees’ meeting these issues will be fully debated and the future direction of the trust will be decided.
analysed before any decisions are taken. All of the CRT’s current boat licence holders will be contacted to take part in this final stage of the consultation and will be able to respond by email, post or telephone. The CRT’s customer service and operations director Ian Rogers said: “It’s vital that the financial contribution
Canal walls rebuilt
THE Canal & River Trust has completed £1 million of improvement works to the Rochdale Canal between Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. Canal walls have been rebuilt along a five-mile stretch between locks 3 and 7 after they were badly damaged during the heavy rainfall in winter 2015. The work to stabilise the canal wall was completed ahead of scheduled improvements to the towpath this summer. Small, localised sections between Locks 7 and 8 are scheduled for completion in November this year.
made by boaters is spread fairly across the boating community – both now and for the future. “I would encourage all our boating customers to respond to the consultation when it goes live in August so that we have a full view of boaters’ thoughts and feelings to help us shape the future of boat licensing.”
HS2 blight lifted
MORE than four years of campaigning by the Chesterfield Canal Trust has paid off with the Government announcement of the eastern (M1) route for Phase 2b of HS2. This means that the blight on the restoration route of the canal through Renishaw, Spinkhill and Killamarsh since January 2013 has officially been lifted. The trust will now be redoubling fundraising efforts and chairman Robin Stonebridge outlined tasks ahead including negotiations with HS2 Ltd to ensure that the line linking the new route with the depot in Staveley enables, rather than hinders, further canal restoration.
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WELCOME BY THE time you read this most of the schools and Parliament will be out for the summer and we will be in the traditional ‘silly season’ as far as news is concerned. Although it is the busiest time on the waterways, this also rings true for us as boaters are out on the cut, holidaymakers are enjoying their canal or other breaks and the armies of people who keep everything ticking over are at full stretch. Work parties are out balsam bashing as well as all their other tasks and the trip boats are in the middle of their busy summer schedules. I have been lucky enough to enjoy two trips over the past month, from Ellesmere Port to Acton Bridge on board the Daniel Adamson, see my report on page 16 and on the Grantham Canal on The Three Shires, report on page 18. Julie Arnold reports on the Huddersfield Canal Society’s Pennine Explorer cruise, see page 15 and Towpath Talk had no shortage of cover at the Middlewich FAB Festival, see page 14. One of my favourite events of the year is the Braunston Historic Boat Rally, see report on page 4 and there have been celebrations north of the border with the official naming of the Queen Elizabeth II Canal by Her Majesty the Queen, see page 20. We look forward to the IWA Festival of Water on the Erewash Canal at Ilkeston over the August Bank Holiday weekend, see preview on page 71, and astronomer Brian Jones looks at what towpath stargazers can see in the night sky on page 75. And with the boating season at its peak, River Canal Rescue brings us some timely tips, see page 111, to avoid a call out. Happy holidays,
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CUTNOTES
Comment and recollections from Harry Arnold
Despite the style of tunnelling attire of the day, we emerged unscathed at the Diggle end after about three hours. HUDDERSFIELD Canal Society’s Pennine Explorer cruise (see page 15) – in which our daughter and son-in-law took part – including a passage of Standedge Tunnel, led me to recall a trip through this that I made just 55 years before. The canal was then of course closed, although the top pound was a section still in water and afloat on it was a ‘tunnel inspection’ boat. New to waterways, a friend and I went on an evening canal course run by already well-known canal engineering expert and author Dr CTG Boucher. He filled us with knowledge and enthusiasm. I didn’t know then that later Cyril would become a good friend, I would work with him on restoration schemes and he would even stay at our house. He announced that at the end of the course he had arranged a ‘canal trip’ for us. We travelled up on to the Pennines by train on April 28, 1966 and gathered at what we discovered to be the Marsden portal of Standedge Tunnel. The trip – for about 25 of us – had been arranged by the Railway & Canal Historical Society with British Transport Waterways (North Western Division) whose local employees inspected the bore at regular intervals. Our somewhat derelict-looking transport was a short wooden narrowboat which we were told (later confirmed by HCS friends who broke it up) was the last ‘Yorkshire narrowboat’. These boats were built to pass right across this Pennine route, including
Steam trains were then still running through the adjacent railway tunnel and although during our passage traffic was light, the rumbling then roaring and vibration of a passing train was quite something, plus the smoke emerging from the linking adits. I’ve been through since restoration and also seen the pictures from the current passage and must confess an element of amusement at the lifejackets and safety hats. Our ‘tunnelling gear’ was the standard dress of those days – an assortment of coats, mackintoshes and flat caps, plus the then obligatory ex-army gas mask pack for your butties. Despite the conditions and the primitive propulsion our trip through Standedge was completed in about three hours. It might be worth mentioning that if we had sunk, a number of budding and established writers and authors might have drowned. One of our fellow travellers was another hero of mine – JIC Boyd, pioneer restorer and chronicler of the narrow-gauge railways of Wales. I wrote an account of our trip fairly shortly afterwards in which I said: “Whether the Huddersfield Narrow Canal can be restored as a through route is a matter of conjecture. The top pound however has an immediate tourist potential for properly conducted trips through the tunnel in a boat custom-built for the purpose”. My mates in HCS ably achieved the former. I never did send in my consultant’s bill for the latter idea!
Not the first down Caen Hill Locks
The Germans had the cheek to shoot at us ONE of the social events at the culmination of the Pennine Explorer cruise was a night at the South Pennine Boat Club. Jointly hosted by the club and the Calder Navigation Society, the participants reported that it was quite a ‘do’, as we northern families say. I know, I have been to one or two SPBC events and the Yorkshire hospitality overflows. One of them that I probably wished I hadn’t had to attend followed the funeral of one of the club’s stalwarts, Lawrence Hobson. When I was marketing director of IWA’s National Waterways Festivals – in the good old days when they were huge events – his wife Shirley, being ex-BT, ran communications and Lawrence was one of our well-known ‘3 Plumbers’ team. In those days we laid yards of piping and all the three were ultrareliable Second World War veterans and very good friends. When the anniversary of D-Day comes around, along with my father – who was killed in the battle for Normandy and is buried out there – I think of Lawrence. He was a paratrooper and not only that was part of the unit that landed the three gliders virtually smack-on its target of the vital Caen Canal crossing at what became immortally named as Pegasus Bridge. I think he said he was on the second glider. If you could get him talking about it, the piece of his recollections I liked was about his glider landing and getting the radio and its battery smashed. So, he and a mate had to dash across to one of the other downed aircraft to recover its battery, which incidentally had disappeared. What I particularly liked
Lawrence and Shirley Hobson aboard Pegasus. was when he said in his matter-of-fact Yorkshire accent – “You know, the Germans had the bloody cheek to shoot at us!” Lawrence and Shirley’s boat was naturally named Pegasus and its livery was that of the Paras. If you go to the Pegasus Bridge Memorial you will see pictures of him at reunions. So, spare a thought for him and Shirley and other (often unsung) early waterway campaigners. And for those who went over to France during the D-Day invasion and didn’t return.
REGARDING my Never claim to be ‘the first’ item in which I recalled Bernard Jessop’s claim to be the first boat through the reopened Kennet & Avon, I heard from Ian Sharpe. Ian is another old acquaintance and very much still about the waterways and indeed was on the Montgomery Canal shortly before I spoke to him. He skippered one of the K&A Trust’s then trip boats and witnessed the ‘angry confrontation’ at the top of Caen Hill. Bernard didn’t get down the lock flight first and was shoved to the back of the queue. But whether he was the first through the whole waterway on his intrepid voyage to Gloucester, Ian didn’t know. Great to catch up with Ian, even if the question remains unanswered.
Society mourns loss of Saturn campaigner
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The veteran tunnel inspection boat was waiting for us at the Marsden portal. PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES
the ‘short’ Huddersfield Broad Canal. It had clearly been a living boat, with evidence of a cabin; although this and the helm had long gone. My knowledge of wooden narrowboat construction was minimal, although when I poked my hand right through the side below the gunnel lining plank I did think it was a little odd. But I thought these BW chaps must know what they are doing and wouldn’t take us through the three-mile, 418-yard tunnel if it wasn’t safe. Ignorance was truly bliss! Illumination was by two large bottle-gas powered lamps (another hazard) and the four BW chaps propelled the boat with short shafts, one standing on the fore-end poking at hanging rock formations with a shaft. Lumps of rock fell alarmingly in front of the boat with echoing splashes. They told us that this was standard practice on inspection trips. In three or four places we graunched over piles of underwater rock, although the boat could only have been drawing about 1ft. We learned later that the original water depth was about 8ft. These incidents occurred in the cavernous unlined ‘wides’, apparently excavated as passing places, which they told us had names – Brun Clough, White Horse, Judy and Red Brook. Two were apparently named after reservoirs in the hills above. We were also told that White Horse wide is at the maximum depth below ground of about 630ft and just about beneath the A62 road summit.
By Harry Arnold
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The late Valerie Reade who was a stalwart of SUFBRS. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
VALERIE Reade, vice-president and long-serving membership secretary of the Shropshire Union Fly-boat Restoration Society, has died suddenly at the age of 84. She was one of the original committee members of the small group that began the campaign to save for posterity a
Shropshire Union fly-boat. This resulted in the restoration of – and the ongoing education role – of the boat Saturn. She was appointed as a vice-president in 2015. Val became well known on the waterways, not only for her involvement in SUFBRS, but especially to the users of the popular Llangollen Canal. Her bungalow, Three Bridges, stands next to the bottom of the Grindley Brook flight
of locks and her award-winning garden (her pride and joy) has been admired by many passing boaters. She also ran a shop which – with her other voluntary efforts – raised a considerable amount of money for the restoration society. Val’s funeral will take place at Saint Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch, at 10am on Thursday, August 3.
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Montgomery Canal restoration boosted by £4m project launch By Harry Arnold
PROGRESS on the restoration of the Montgomery Canal is being accelerated by the recent start of a new £4 million project to build a second nature reserve by the Aston flight of locks, below Queen’s Head near Oswestry. Together with other work along the line of the canal, it will means boaters could soon be travelling an extra one-and-a-quarter miles down to a winding hole at Crickheath Wharf. The work is being carried out by the Canal & River Trust (CRT) and is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with the support of the 15 members of the Montgomery Canal Partnership. These include Powys County Council, the Shropshire Union Canal Society, the Inland Waterways Association, the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and the Friends of the Montgomery Canal. An extra three-hectare wildlife habitat will be created within the existing Aston Locks Nature Reserve. In its designation as a Site of Special
Scientific Interest, extra nature reserves are part of the canal’s restoration agreement to house rare aquatic plants, including Luronium natans, or floating water plantain. The site – expected to be complete by winter 2017 – will also be home to a range of wildlife including damselflies, dragonflies, otters and water voles, and will attract a range of bird species.
Lock keeper recognised in honours list SHEPPERTON lock and weir keeper Steve Newman was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to inland waterways. He has worked on the River Thames for 42 years and is employed by the Environment Agency. Steve said: “I remember when I was first appointed as resident at Shepperton, it was always my aim to make the lock an attraction for the local community and visitors whether they arrive by boat or visit the tea shop where they can enjoy a cream tea on the lock side gardens. “I was very humbled when Shepperton was voted Best Lock in 2011 and 2012 by River Thames users.” His work includes dealing with public enquiries, managing water levels, enforcement issues, and assisting the safe passage of vessels through the lock with the help of a great team of staff and volunteers. He added: “In warmer months we also get kids visiting from local schools to learn about the river and how a lock
Shepperton lock keeper Steve Newman BEM. PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
works. It’s a good opportunity to tell them how important it is to stay safe when near the water – and that comes from someone who has had plenty of experience rescuing boaters who have fallen in the lock chamber.” Steve added that there are many lock and weir keepers working hard and making sites look great all along the river – it’s what makes the River Thames so special for those that visit.
A COUNCILLOR says the Ripon Canal in North Yorkshire has major potential as a tourism hotspot, writes Geoff Wood. Coun Richard Willis, who runs the Ripon Canal Carrying Company, said: “Ripon needs another tourist destination which is alive and energetic. The canal could definitely be used to draw in more tourists.” Welcome to Yorkshire’s North Yorkshire area director David Shields said: “I think the canal is something of a hidden gem. It is in a beautiful area. Hopefully we can attract more visitors and businesses here.”
Positive change
Annual forum
Representatives of organisations involved viewed the start of work on Monday, July 3 and were briefed by CRT officers on the detail of the project. CRT waterway manager Wendy Capelle said: “The work starting today at Aston Nature Reserves is a huge step forward in restoring this beautiful canal. It is a testament to the dedication of so many people over many years who have kept the dream alive and to the invaluable support of HLF.” The visit was followed by the Montgomery Waterways Restoration Trust’s annual forum where 60 people were briefed about progress on the waterway’s restoration and other topics. Principal presentations were from CRT’s John Dodwell and Jason Leach.
IN BRIEF Ripon hotspot
Representatives of supporters of the £4 million HLF scheme are briefed by CRT staff at the Aston Locks Nature Reserve. The ground that they are standing on will be submerged. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES Alan Roberts spoke on the work of local volunteer groups in ensuring that the canal is tidy and attractive for visitors and Tim and Dave Barker talked about horse-boating at Maesbury. Horse Cracker was unable to attend (but see his comments on page 118). Plans were outlined to restore the next derelict section of canal beyond
the current project to Crickheath. This is the subject of the recently launched MWRT appeal which on the day had reached £133,300 – two-thirds of the cost of rebuilding the remaining road bridge obstruction on the canal in Shropshire. A collection at the meeting raised a further £1200, thanks to the support of two generous donors, both matching the money raised.
Floating classroom project goes out to consultation A LONDON school’s ambitious project to obtain its own boat to use as a floating classroom has moved a step closer with the publication of a consultation brochure. Primrose Hill Primary School is next to the Regent’s Canal in Camden and has access to the towpath through a gate in the playground. The bid to acquire a canal boat, which was first published in Towpath Talk in late 2015, is making good progress and a project plan is now in place. Headteacher Robin Warren told us that an information and consultation brochure has been sent out to local residents describing the project and its benefits to the school curriculum. “This would primarily be to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) with a focus on transport and the local environment,” he explained. “Our next step is to gather views from the local community prior to
submitting a planning application in the autumn.” Other proposed uses and activities include a barge trip to London Zoo, photography project, barge blog, arts and crafts, historical and literary topics. An appeal has been launched to raise £80,000 to fund the purchase and conversion of a suitable boat. It is aimed that children will take part in its development, working on design and decoration. The Primrose Hill Floating Classroom would also provide a space to further develop its links with parents, using it to host workshops, mobile reading sessions or to give families who do not normally have access to enrichment activities a space to use creatively to develop learning and a love of the waterways and the environment. If anyone can help the school with this project, please contact Robin Warren at admin@primrosehill. camden.sch.uk
MORE local people are being encouraged to make use of the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal through conservation work, writes Geoff Wood. A longterm improvement scheme has been launched co-ordinated by the River Stewardship Company. A spokesman for the project said: “Recent tasks have included bench repairs, vegetation management, litter picking and stone set replacement. The hard work and high spirits demonstrated are already making a positive change to the area near to the Don Valley Moorings but more volunteer sessions are to follow.”
The ‘mane’ attraction
THE Northwich-based Lion Salt Works Museum has been named Museum of the Year by Northern Soul, a website dedicated to northern culture in all its forms from theatre and music to food and heritage. Located on the Trent & Mersey Canal with its own moorings, the museum faced stiff competition from the People’s History Museum based in Manchester. The category was open to all museums in the north of England.
Museum award
THE riverside Hepworth Art Gallery has been chosen as Art Fund Museum of the Year, writes Geoff Wood. The gallery which stands beside the River Calder in Wakefield will receive more than £100,000 to benefit audiences. Simon Wallis, director of the Hepworth, Wakefield, said: “We are delighted that the work we are doing in our fifth anniversary year is being recognised in this way.”
Pollution fine
TESCO has been fined £8 million after polluting the River Irwell with thousands of litres of petrol, writes Geoff Wood. The incident occurred in July 2014 and killed fish in the river after a major leak from a tank at Haslingden, Greater Manchester. More than 40 dead fish, including brown trout, were found within 1.5 miles of where the pollution entered the water and anglers reported dead fish six miles downstream.
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Historic narrowboats at the heart of the waterways
Receiving the Nurser Award on behalf of winner Emu, owned by Michael Pennock, is David Warden of Dodona with, from left, Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson, Midland Chandlers Braunston branch manager Ian Burnage and, right, Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina. PHOTO: PAUL BENNETT
SCORES of historic narrowboats descended on Braunston for the 15th annual rally and canal festival held over the weekend of June 24-25. Hosted by Braunston Marina, this year’s event attracted around 7000 visitors – some travelling from as far afield as Canada and Australia to attend – and 94 boats with three parades over the two days. As has become customary at the rally, the proceedings on the Saturday morning started with the unveiling of a new plaque on the Braunston ‘wall of fame’. This commemorates the Braunston years of the late David Blagrove who had been a stalwart of the rally since it started, the traditional painted doors opened by David’s widow
Jean with their daughter Sarah Borondy to reveal the plaque. Braunston Marina managing director Tim Coghlan said that David had been one of the links to the final working days and had first come to Braunston in 1962 while working for two years for the Willow Wren Canal Carrying Co. “He was a man of extraordinarily diverse talents who left his footprint with the two great books he wrote, The Quiet Waters By and Bread Upon The Water.” Actor Timothy West then read a short extract. The rally was then officially opened by Timothy West and his wife Prunella Scales, helped by members of the Historic Narrow Boat Trust, to steer the 1936 Grand Union Canal Carrying Company’s motor Nuneaton and butty
Brighton from the Grand Union Canal into the marina. As they passed under its famous 1834 Horseley Ironworks Bridge, they declared the 2017 Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally open to the sounds of Daventry Brass and the bells of All Saints’ Church, Braunston – the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’. Tim Coghlan said afterwards: “For me what was most pleasing was the number of boats that came which had never been before, and the comments from so many owners that it is events like the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally which inspires them to restore and maintain their boats which are such an important living and moving part of our canal heritage.”
Jean Blagrove with the plaque commemorating the Braunston years of her late husband David Blagrove MBE. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Actor Timothy West steering the 1936 motor Nuneaton and towing the butty Brighton with his wife Prunella Scales at the helm – entering Braunston Marina after declaring the 2017 rally open. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN
David and Sue Daines taking part in the parade. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN
New life for former boat-building workshop CANAL and TV celebrities Timothy West and Prunella Scales formally opened the refitted 1800sq ft workshop at Braunston Marina’s Trade Centre for new tenant AS Joinery during the rally. Prunella Scales cut the blue ribbon, in the presence of Daventry’s MP Chris Heaton-Harris, Braunston county councillor Malcolm Longley, Braunston district councillor Jason Pritchard, Barby district councillor Catherine Lomax and Braunston Marina managing director Tim Coghlan. The party was then shown round the state-of-the-art joinery shop by AS Joinery MD, Adam Shenton. AS Joinery Ltd was started by Adam, 35, and his assistant Tim
Hastie, also 35, three-and-a-half years ago in a workshop in Rugby. Both were trained joiners, and teamed up to pool their skills and create their own business producing traditional bespoke joinery. Such was the success of the operation that they needed larger premises in a location which better served their customer base, which now includes a number of major building contractors. Some of these are London based, where the bespoke oak doors, staircases and panelling made by AS Joinery are much in demand in luxury developments. Their new workshop is a conversion of a former boat-building workshop, which had remained empty
since 2011, when the last boat builder retired. Tim Coghlan, MD of Braunston Marina, said: “After finally giving up on trying to get another boat builder, I approached Tom Drake of Drake Commercial. He came up with a plan to give the workshop a major makeover, and then found a tenant who would happily move in once the works were done. It has been win-win all round.” Adam Shenton said: “Since moving to Braunston Marina our business has taken off, and we are now looking into taking on an apprentice, and maybe more. Being canalside is also great, and we have our lunch on the nearby Braunston cafe boat – if there’s time!”
Prunella Scales, centre, cuts the blue ribbon watched by, from left: Tim Coghlan, MD, Braunston Marina, Barby district councillor Catherine Lomax, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Braunston county councillor Malcolm Longley, Adam Shenton, MD, AS Joinery, Timothy West and Braunston district councillor Jason Pritchard with his three children, Vicky Martin, South East waterway manager and Richard Parry, chief executive, Canal & River Trust. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
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Historic steam narrowboat President is currently undergoing refurbishment and boiler repairs so was unable to take an active part in the rally. An appeal has been launched to complete the work required for the boiler’s 10-year test so the Friends of President were delighted to receive donations of £2000 each from Braunston Marina and Tony Hales, former Canal & River Trust chairman. Pictured are: Tony Tibbins, Timothy West, Tony Hales, Prunella Scales, Tim Coghlan, Nick Haynes and Neill Ward. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES All profits, which exceeded £6000, were donated, as usual, to canal causes. Shoreside attractions included a trade marquee, and also a number of exhibitors and canal societies. There were performances over the weekend of The Last Run by Day-Star Theatre and Idle Women of the Wartime Waterways by Alarum Theatre as well as morris dancing and an outdoor songs of praise on Sunday morning accompanied by Daventry Brass. In the warm weather, the beer tent did a roaring trade as rallygoers enjoyed live music from a number of groups. The Nurser Award for best in show as chosen by the boaters went to Emu but as owner Michael Pennock had already left, the decorated water can – to be held for one year – and Midland Chandlers vouchers, generously sponsored by them, were received on his behalf by David Warden, owner of historic
narrowboat Dodona. The presentation was made by Tim Coghlan, Midlands Chandlers Braunston branch manager Ian Burnage and Janet Richardson, editor of Towpath Talk, joint sponsor of the rally which is also supported by the Canal & River Trust. Emu is a 1926 FMC motor, built by Yarwoods of Northwich, later named Tern in the Willow Wren fleet and was used by David Blagrove when he worked for that company in 1962-63. As such it appeared on the illustration to the front cover of his book Bread Upon The Waters. The boat moors on the River Lee, and despite the journey is a pretty regular attendee at Braunston rallies. Next year’s rally will again be hosted by Braunston Marina over the weekend of June 23-24, 2018, with the theme on GUCCC boats.
Historic narrowboats as far as the eye can see. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Kimberley was David Blagrove’s old working boat in 1962, which he renamed Enterprise. It has now been restored to its original FMC livery with its original name restored. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson welcomes the VIP party to her stand at the Braunston Historic Boat Rally. Pictured, from left are: chief executive of the Canal & River Trust Richard Parry, Prunella Scales, Janet, Timothy West, Braunston Marina owner Tim Coghlan and Inland Waterways Association national chairman Les Etheridge. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Michael Pennock’s Emu won the Nurser Award for best in rally, as voted by the boaters. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Profits from the rally all went to canal causes. Buckingham Canal Society were among recipients of cheques for £200 presented to trusts and societies attending the event. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust with the cheque presentation party including, far left, Les Etheridge, national chairman of the Inland Waterways Association and, far right, Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Mobile phones rather than cameras at the ready as actor Timothy West steers Nuneaton into the marina during the opening parade. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Steam narrowboat Adamant beside the busy towpath. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
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IN BRIEF Green tourism
THE Canal & River Trust’s Standedge Visitor Centre has won a Silver Award from the Green Tourism Board. The attraction in Marsden, West Yorkshire, celebrates the nation’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel, Standedge Tunnel, which takes the Huddersfield Narrow Canal under the Pennines. Recent improvements across the centre and Tunnel End Cafe include a £45,000 investment in low energy lighting, improved recycling facilities and an increased focus on working with local suppliers and community involvement.
Embankment to go
SHROPSHIRE County Council has given the go-ahead for the removal of an old railway embankment which crosses the Montgomery Canal at Railway Bridge 89 at Pant near Oswestry, writes Phil Pickin. The council described the embankment as “creating an abrupt barrier to any restoration.” It will be removed down to the towpath with the excavation of a channel and full restoration proposed at a later date. The next phase of works, due for completion in 2020, will add more than a mile to the canal, a winding hole at Crickheath and improve access to new nature reserves.
Carnival weekend
FREE canal boat trips along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal featured at the annual carnival weekend at Stalybridge, Cheshire, writes Geoff Wood. There was also live music and displays, stalls, a craft market and a carnival parade. The event began four years ago, and has grown steadily ever since. Cash collected on both days went to support local good causes.
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Cross-party waterways support at Commons reception MORE than 50 people attended a Parliamentary reception organised recently by the Inland Waterways Association held at Westminster. All new and re-elected MPs with waterways in their constituencies were invited to call in to the afternoon session to meet IWA representatives and to hear more about current campaigns and discuss waterway issues in their areas. A number of peers who are supportive of waterway issues also attended, along with representatives from three navigation authorities. The event followed on from IWA’s Waterway Manifesto campaign, where Parliamentary candidates were asked
to pledge their support for IWA’s campaigns in the lead up to the recent general election. During the event members of both Houses and from across England, Scotland and Wales took part in conversations about a wide range of topics including the potential transfer of the Environment Agency’s navigations to the Canal & River Trust with a sufficient funding package; the need for more affordable moorings and other issues affecting residential boaters; the need to mitigate the impact of HS2 at specific waterway locations, and restoration and regeneration projects around the country.
IWA national chairman, Les Etheridge, talks to Maggie Throup MP, in whose constituency this year’s IWA Festival of Water, at Ilkeston on the Erewash Canal, will be taking place. PHOTO: IWA
New arts programme inspired by canal cruising ring A MAJOR arts programme to celebrate the 21-mile Mid-Worcestershire ring was launched recently at Diglis. The ring will be part of the Canal & River Trust’s Arts on the Waterways programme, a collaborative arts programme situated on and inspired by waterways in England and Wales. From September 2017 until September 2018, internationally acclaimed artists, as well as artists from across the region, will be working with local communities to create a series of unexpected and inspiring artworks, events and activities exploring the heritage, ecology and local community along the urban and rural waterways of Worcestershire. In April 2018 the public programme will be launched. Audiences will be invited to explore on foot, by boat or bicycle a series of five public art commissions, as well as a series of works by local artists. Activities will take place along the waterways encircling Droitwich and Worcester and including the Worcester & Birmingham Canals, the Droitwich Canals and the River Severn.
Tim Eastop, executive producer of the Canal & River Trust’s Arts on the Waterways programme, said: “Our canals are a network of cultural capillaries that have potential to carry ideas but also – literally – to carry new works of art to places where the arts traditionally haven’t been able to reach, such as the Mid-Worcestershire ring.” Each of the five artist commissions will result in a new public artwork being produced. Three of these have been confirmed: • Diglis Island Residency, Rich White. Bristol-based sculptor Rich White will be taking residence on and exploring the heritage of Diglis Island. He will present its uses and future plans, working in areas accessible to the public to reveal these findings and will also be constructing a large-scale sculpture(s) that will be visible from the towpath. • Droitwich Salt Heritage, Katy Beinart. Brighton-based interdisciplinary artist Katy Beinart will be bringing together her interests in public art practices, urban regeneration, migration, heritage and salt to create a new public art commission that will sit
within the geographic context of the Droitwich Canal. It will be based at Netherwich Canal Basin in Vines Park which was the terminus of the Barge Canal where larger vessels came to pick up salt from the brine springs. • Droitwich Canals Restoration, Heather Wastie. Former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Kidderminster-based oral historian and singersongwriter Heather Wastie will be creating a series of songs and poems informed by her research into the modern-day heroes who helped to restore the Droitwich Canals. Her writing during an initial period of research and consultation will be publicly shared and used as creative inspiration for a final performance or artwork in 2018. In addition to the five commissions, there is a new £10,000 commissioning opportunity open to artists in the region to make a public artwork by repurposing and recycling flood waste collected from canals and rivers in the Worcestershire area. To receive regular updates sign up to The Ring e-news or for enquiries about the project, please contact The Ring project team: theringworcs@gmail.com
A memorial to Max
THIEVES have stolen tools worth £1500 from social enterprise project Canal Connections which works along the waterways of Leeds and Bradford, writes Geoff Wood. The theft will make life difficult for an organisation which helps build confidence and also carries out environmental work and clean-ups around canals.
Barge fire
THE cause of a boat fire on the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester city centre has yet to be established, writes Geoff Wood. Described by the fire service as large, the blaze sent plumes of smoke over nearby properties. No one was injured.
All the MPs and peers who attended were encouraged to join the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways, which will now be reconvened for the new Parliament, and were also encouraged to develop a close relationship with local waterway groups such as canal societies and IWA branches in their constituencies. IWA’s national chairman, Les Etheridge, said: “We were pleased that so many MPs and peers were able to take time out of their busy schedules to drop in to our event, and we look forward to working with them in the future both nationally and locally across the country.”
The late Max Sinclair, right, with Jason Leach of the Canal & River Trust at the reopening of the Droitwich Canals. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
A LASTING memorial is being planned to the late Max Sinclair who received an English Heritage Angel award in 2012 for his commitment to the restoration of the Droitwich Canals. His son Ian is raising funds to rename the barge lock as the Max Sinclair Memorial Lock and erect a sculpture. He told Towpath Talk: “Having seen the Sustrans laser cut sculptures by Diglis footbridge in Worcester on the River Severn, I came up with the idea of producing one of Dad based on a photograph I took of him at the lock’s reopening five years ago this July – a moment to be proud of.” Max, who died in 2016, was also founder of the Droitwich Canals Trust. The Canal & River Trust and Wychavon District Council have agreed to the proposal and Ian is now hoping the local waterways community will help raise the £2200 needed to cut the sculpture which CRT has agreed to erect. If you can help please contact ianrsinclair@btinternet.com
The design for the proposed sculpture. PHOTO SUPPLIED
RYA SPOTLIGHT 7
www.towpathtalk.co.uk The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the national body for all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.
GoPro HERO5 Black 4K LCD Action Cam.
How RYA SafeTrx can help in an emergency – and win you a GoPro this summer!
YOU never feel too far away from anywhere on the inland waterways, but in an emergency situation how quickly would help reach you? The RYA SafeTrx smartphone tracking app could be the final peace of mind you’re after for carefree cruising – and now everyone who downloads the app this summer will have the chance to win a GoPro HERO5 Black. In an emergency on the waterway, you would always be close enough to people in other boats or the bank to do something about it, right? But what if you’re on your own or on a pretty remote part of the network? If you’re injured or taken ill, grabbing your mobile phone and trying to call someone to tell them your situation might not be possible. And what if the person you’re with doesn’t have much experience helming? How could you quickly alert the right people that you were in trouble and in need of immediate assistance? Mobile tracking solutions, such as GMDSS, EPIRB, PLB and AIS are all commonplace on seafaring vessels, but much less so inland. Yet such technology could save your life or the lives of any of your passengers in distress. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
This lone narrowboat could be in a remote part of the network.
Accessible FREE solution
The RYA SafeTrx tracking and alert system is an iPhone and Android app, which is easily accessible and simple to use. It’s perfect for cruisers who don’t usually register sail plans or carry navigational aids and distress alerting equipment (for use in UK territorial waters), namely much of the inland waterways community. The app monitors your boat journeys and alerts designated emergency contacts. You simply enter your journey details and set off knowing should you fail to reach your target destination by the time provided, a nominated emergency contact will be alerted and advised to initiate appropriate action. RYA SafeTrx is designed to support all boating groups, and its extensive features reflect this. It doesn’t replace GMDSS, EPIRB, PLB, AIS or standard reporting via the Coastguard administered CG66 normally used for coastal cruising, but it can be useful for those who use smaller boats such as RIBs, open powerboats and dinghies or who don’t have tracking and alerting devices on their boats, such as inland cruisers.
Win a GoPro HERO5 Black
The RYA SafeTrx app is freely available to anyone who wants to be safer afloat. It is free to download and there is no charge to use it. Everyone who downloads the new and improved 2017 app and completes at least one trip before Thursday, August 31 will receive automatic entry into the RYA SafeTrx Safer Afloat summer 2017 prize draw competition. All users of RYA SafeTrx 2017 will be eligible for entry and one lucky winner will be chosen at random to win a GoPro HERO5 Black 4K LCD Action Cam – the perfect gadget to help capture all of those stunning moments afloat while logging your RYA SafeTrx trips.
Durable by design, HERO5 Black is waterprooff to 33ft (10m) without a housing. HERO5 can capture stunning 4K video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse modes, The RYA SafeTrx all while automatically tracking and filtering out wind noise. alert system is an iPhone and Getting social Android app, Other features inland cruisers could take advantage of include checklists, including for season start and winter storage for example, to ensure you never forget something important again, location-based information to provide up-to-date busy waterways information and marina details and access your trip history. You can also give friends and family peace of mind ashore by sharing your real-time location on a live map, allowing them to track you while you’re on the water. The potential to add to these features for the benefit of all boaters is almost limitless. The RYA recognises that mobile reception can sometimes be patchy on the waterways network, but if the SafeTrx app experiences loss of coverage, it stores the trip location points on the smartphone. Once a signal is available again, it sends the backlog of stored trip information to the server and resumes posting trip information in real time. You can set how frequently information is sent back to the server while the app also has automatic functionality to deal with declining battery levels. For more information visit www.rya.org.uk/ go/safetrx or download from your app store for free today!
Free show tickets for RYA members FOLLOWING the success of the 2016 free ticket offer to the Southampton Boat Show the RYA, working closely with British Marine, is once again able to offer all members a free ticket to the 2017 show, which takes place from September 15-24. Members can claim one free ticket to any day of the show, including public preview day, as well as purchasing up to three additional tickets at the special discounted rate of £12 (a transaction fee of £1.95 applies for purchased tickets). “The offer was really well received last year with more than 11,000 members taking advantage of the free ticket offer, so it seemed only fitting that we did the same again this year,” commented RYA membership development manager, Conor Swift. “The RYA are great supporters of the Southampton Boat Show and it has so much to offer our members, so it seems only fitting that we enable as many members as possible the chance to experience the show.” Members also have access to the exclusive RYA members’ lounge situated at the heart of the show in the Holiday Inn hotel. And remember to pay a visit to the RYA stand (B032) situated in front of the members’ lounge and Holiday Inn. Here you’ll get all the latest advice and information to help you get started or improve your boating, purchase one of the latest RYA publications, as well as launches, events and celebrations. To take advantage of this members’ offer, log in to the Southampton Boat Show member benefits page on the RYA website for full details on how to claim your ticket and to make any additional ticket purchases – www.rya.org.uk/go/sbstickets Members will be sent confirmation of their free ticket via email which will include a PDF attachment of your ticket which you will need to print off and take to the show to gain entryy. The RYA member fre ee ticket offer is availablle until midnight on Thursda ay, September 14. Full terms an nd p:// conditions available here: http southamptonboatshow.co om/ Visiting/Terms-and-Conditions
8 NETWORKING
SOCIETY NEWS Bridging the gap
THE Buckingham Canal Society recently took part in the Festival of History which was an integral part of the MK50 celebration held in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes. BCS attracted great interest in its restoration work, including the current project Bridging the Gap where volunteers are restoring the arch to Bridge One at Cosgrove that was demolished in the 1970s. This is one of the largest projects undertaken so far by the society, which runs multiple practical task work parties every month and welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities. Anyone interested should email info@ buckinghamcanal.org.uk or visit www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk
Paxman follows river
THE recent Rivers TV documentary by Jeremy Paxman following the Mersey from its source to the sea included the waterways in the Warrington area. New Cut Heritage Group chairman Ian Johnson said: “It was wonderful to see our river feature so well in a primetime documentary. The group has worked well with local authorities to improve access and there are more improvements we are working on. Warrington has a unique place in transport history and the generation of new wildlife habitats over the past few decades is also now being recognised nationally.”
Unwanted ‘assistance’
A WARNING has gone out from the IWA Northampton branch about unwanted help being ‘offered’ on the Northampton Arm. An individual, sometimes assisted by another person, has been offering to operate the lock in exchange for money, alcohol, cigarettes or food – the going rate can be up to £50. These people often appear under the influence of drink and drugs and can become abusive. In the case of emergency call 999; otherwise report any incidents to 101. (Endeavour, May 2017)
Somerset work parties
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Tunnel appeal tops £300,000
Retiring LHCRT chairman David Dixon (right) receives a signed photograph, including thanks from David Suchet, and a hand-painted flower pot for his boat from trust president Eric Wood.
A CAMPAIGN to raise £1 million to build a canal tunnel under the Cross City railway line in Lichfield has reached almost a third of its target. The David Suchet Tunnel Vision appeal was officially launched in January and has already reached £320,000, Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust financial director Bob Williams announced at the trust’s recent annual general meeting held at Park View Centre, Brownhills. LHCRT is restoring the Lichfield Canal, from Ogley Junction to Huddlesford, and the Hatherton Canal from Calf Heath to Wyrley Grove, which when reopened will re-establish the links between the underused northern sections of the Birmingham Canal Navigations and the Coventry Canal in the east and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal in the west. Plans to extend the Lichfield southern
bypass are well advanced and these will include a new railway bridge which is to be installed during a brief possession of the Cross City line, probably in late 2019. LHCRT intends to take this opportunity to drive a canal tunnel under the railway line near the new bridge, and is working very closely with Staffordshire County Council to ensure the maximum cost benefit for both schemes, but to do that it must raise £1 million by spring 2019. The AGM also heard of the decision by chairman David Dixon, one of two directors to retire by rotation under the trust’s constitution, not to seek re-election, while company secretary Godfrey Eland agreed to stand again. Two directors who had been co-opted to the board earlier this year, environment director Christine Bull and Cut Both Ways magazine editor Stefan Szulc, were both elected, and it was confirmed that Luke
PHOTOS: LHCRT
Walker would continue as the Inland Waterways Association’s nominated member. Christine Bull was elected the new chairman at the full board meeting in June. After the business, IWA member Steve Wood gave an illustrated talk on the work of the Burslem Port Trust and the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust.
Walkers bring in £10,000 for canal restoration PEOPLE strolling in the countryside and visiting historic locations have raised around £10,000 to help bring a 19th century waterway back to life. Their enjoyable expedition in June was supporting the Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT), which is carrying out a number of restoration projects. Walk organiser Margaret Darvill said: “The trust is really grateful to the people who sponsored our walkers and our thanks go to all those who completed the Poddle and to those who helped with the organisation and on the day.” The Poddle supports the restoration of ‘London’s Lost Route to the Sea’, a 23-mile waterway which ran from the River Arun at Pallingham in West Sussex to the River Wey at Shalford in Surrey. This year’s 150 walkers followed a 12-mile route around the Arun Valley, starting and finishing at Ingfield
Manor School at Five Oaks, north of Billingshurst, with lunch at Wisborough Green Scout Hut. The route included the canal from Loves Bridge, past Rowner Lock – the site of the first volunteer working party on the canal – to Lordings, where walkers were able to see a unique waterwheel and a restored aqueduct. WACT is currently putting the finishing touches to its first major restoration scheme in Surrey, the new £700,000 Compasses Bridge at the Alfold entrance to the Dunsfold Park aerodrome and business complex. The bridge is in the middle of the canal’s Summit Level, where around 1¼ miles of waterway are planned to be open to navigation by small boats by the end of this year. This will add to the 3½ miles of fully operational waterway at Loxwood in West Sussex. A new Gennets Bridge Lock is being constructed north of the current head of navigation on the
Musical bingo night helps fund memorial bench A SUCCESSFUL musical bingo and quiz night at the Gardeners Arms in Droitwich helped to raise funds for a new bench to be dedicated to Allen Green in Vines Park near Netherwich Basin. It was due to be unveiled on July 22. Allen’s mother Jean has been
raising funds for the bench to commemorate the life of her son who tragically died last year when their narrowboat sank in a lock on the Droitwich Canals. A member of the WorcesterBirmingham & Droitwich Canals Society (WBDCS), she attended
the fundraising event which was organised by the canals society and won one of the raffle prizes – a bottle of Champagne. The evening was well attended and raised nearly £200. WBDCS also agreed to fund the rest of the bench costs.
VOLUNTEERS have been thanked for clocking up the ‘staggering’ total of 4434 hours looking after Somerset waterways in the past year. By the end of the volunteering year in May, 169 IWA work party sessions had been successfully and safely completed.
Five-star rating
THE Friends of Cromford Canal boat trips on board Birdswood have been officially classed as ‘Excellent’ by TripAdvisor. A full five stars have been awarded by 53 of 58 reviewers on the travel and leisure website.
New LHCRT chairman Christine Bull: “I love the fact that we’re restoring important heritage, that we’re improving the environment for both wildlife and people and there’s the added bonus of working with wonderful people!”
Jean Green with her raffle prize. PHOTOS: WBDCS
Enjoying the fun at the musical bingo and quiz night.
Lapal Canal Trust thrives at the Selly Oak Festival EVERY year the Lapal Canal Trust attends the Selly Oak Festival arranged by Friends of Selly Oak Park. For the trust, it is an excellent event with crowds of local residents showing their support and interest
in, and learning about, the Lapal Canal restoration. A surprising number of visitors remember the canal in water. Reporting on a well-attended Selly Oak Festival, LCT thanked the Friends of Selly Oak Park for the excellent arrangements on the day. The trust also thanked its own committee and in particular its partner, the Worcester Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society, for help in preparing leaflets and operating a very popular Lapal Canal badge production line. Local residents reminiscing They were also pleased to have about the Lapal Canal. PHOTOS: visits from local MP Steve McCabe LAPAL CANAL TRUST and local councillor Karen McCarthy
Sponsored walkers make their way across farmland during the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s 2017 Poddle. PHOTO: WACT Surrey-Sussex border and the trust is in the advanced stages of planning the recreation of the canal from the River Wey at Shalford down to Bramley. If you would like to support the restoration, see www.weyandarun.co.uk
Lichfield residents walk canal route THE Lichfield Canal’s connection with the community was demonstrated when a group of city residents took part in a two-mile return walk to learn about the work done by the canal’s restoration trust. Accompanied by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust engineering director Peter Buck and his wife Jeanne with communications director Christine Howles, the group walked from Darnford Park to the site of a proposed tunnel under the Cross City railway at Birmingham Road. A Boley Park resident, Derek Jones, who arranged the walk so that he and his neighbours could find out more about the canal, said: “All the Lichfield residents who took part in the walk found it a very enjoyable experience. “All present, including those who had lived in Lichfield for 40 years, gained a new insight into what had happened, why and what needed to be done.” He added: “They found the input from the canal trustees very useful and would recommend other groups approach the trust for a similar walk. Children and dogs are most welcome. “Naturally, a reasonable voluntary donation for the trustees’ time would be appropriate to help them raise the £1 million for the latest project.” The group’s own voluntary donations raised £75 for the trust’s David Suchet Tunnel Vision appeal.
The popular badge production line. who are both very supportive of the restoration project. In addition, the trust benefited from donations, book sales and new members. “Even the weather was kind, with non-arrival of forecast rain,” the report added.
City residents on the footbridge over the canal at Borrowcop Locks Canal Park. PHOTO: LHCRT
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River people
Elizabeth Rogers meets Carol Morgan, a waterways operations team leader with the Environment Agency.
“EVERY day can be different. Whatever I may have expected to have spent my day doing, it is likely to turn out to be completely different,” says Carol Morgan. “That is what makes working on the river so exciting and why I love it.” The role that Carol finds so fulfilling is as one of the Environment Agency’s waterways operations team leaders. She is currently covering the stretch from Shiplake Lock near Reading to Boulters Lock in Maidenhead. “But I have worked along this whole length of the River Thames,” she explains. “Prior to working along this stretch I was covering from Cleeve to Old Windsor.” Carol has worked her way up to her present role during the 14 years since she joined the EA staff in 2003. She spent the first 12 months working as PA to the flood defence manager. “Then,” she recalls, “I applied to take on a position in 2004 as a team leader managing craft registration and the accommodations’ team (responsible for licensing mooring piles, pontoons etc.) until I joined the Waterways Navigation as a technical officer. It was in 2006 that I became a waterways operations team leader.”
Recruitment and training
In her team she has 14 permanent staff, mostly lock keepers. To these are added, during the busiest time on the river from May to September, 20 seasonal temporary staff that assist the full-time staff of lock – and weir – keepers across the whole river. For Carol this involves the advertising for the temporary posts, followed by the various stages of this annual process of recruitment – the sorting through of applications, the interviews and the final appointments. “The recruiting of staff is quite a major part of my job,” says Carol. Then with the appointment made, she will also be involved in the training of the recruits. In many cases this may need to be more in the form of a refresher course, for there are a good number of people who return to the seasonal team year after year. “I am lucky that we have so many people who provide us with this continuity,” says Carol. “They are absolutely brilliant. There are many people who find that it suits them to do this seasonal work. They may be semi-retired, or have taken early retirement from their previous jobs. They can take off somewhere for the winter if they want to.” It is this recruitment process that has been occupying much of Carol’s time over many recent weeks. Throughout the year there are many other aspects of the role that keep Carol busy during her very varied days. “My number one priority is always health and safety,” she emphasises, “for both the safety of the team and the safety of the river users.” One area where safety is her concern is in the management of sporting events, such as the regattas held at venues all along her stretch of the river. Large or small, health and safety management is all-important. Among the larger events are those such as the Henley Royal Regatta, in late June and early July, and the Henley Festival which follows it. The appearance of the big-name performers booked for the festival draws large crowds, some of whose number may be aboard boats which they are not as familiar with using as the regular boaters. An appearance by Lionel Richie brought in such a large gathering, Carol well remembers. “There were so many people there in boats you couldn’t even see the water – there were both big and small craft all gathered together,” she recalls.
Swan upping
Another annual event with which Carol became involved is swan upping, when the long-established traditional rounding-up takes place of all the swans on the river – still officially belonging to the sovereign – so that they can be given their annual check over for any injuries or other causes of concern.
Carol Morgan: “Every day is different.”
PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
The inspection is carried out by the Queen’s Swan Marker and the scarlet-uniformed Royal Swan Uppers, who also record swan population numbers. “We make sure that the teams get through the locks and that they have the space they need in which to work,” explains Carol. “They work very efficiently. They round up the swans very quickly and handle them very gently.” Swans may enter Carol’s working day at other times, if she should receive a report of one with an injury, or having been seen in the dangerous and often life-threatening situation of having become entangled in discarded fishing tackle. On these and other such occasions involving wildlife, Carol contacts one of the swan rescue organisations or other specialist groups. There can be reports of livestock in the water, and when one such casualty was a lamb it was one of the lock keepers who came to the rescue, managing to get it out of the water and safely back on dry land. There are also the often-occurring inanimate objects floating in the water, and are one thing for which Carol keeps an eye open when she goes out on patrol along the river. It may be an uprooted tree for which a contractor needs to be called for its removal, or some other object that could cause a problem for boat traffic. “My job is to make sure that the navigation is maintained effectively,” says Carol.
Lock pride
Liaising with boaters and ensuring that they travel safely, and working with landowners and other members of the community, provides good opportunities for personal contact with the general public. The lock keepers in Carol’s team also enjoy this contact, answering questions from boaters about how their locks work, and being able to provide local information about the area to visitors passing through. One has a novel way of integrating with the passing boaters – he gives them a scorecard each time, giving them marks according to how well they carry out the manoeuvre. “The boaters love that,” says Carol. She praises her team for how well they look after their locks. “Every one of the lock keepers takes pride in their site,” she says. “In the summer they look really beautiful with the flowers in the gardens, in tubs and in hanging baskets. They are much appreciated by the boaters.” During the winter months there is the necessary refurbishment programme with those locks due for attention closed, this during the quietest time on the river and with the closure advertised months in advance. Hers is far from being a nine-to-five job. There are early starts and late finishes, with weekend working and coverage needed at all times, including at Christmas and over the new year period. The team leaders also cover one another’s stretches of river when a team leader is off-duty or on holiday, usually a stretch adjoining their own. Carol was the only female waterways operations technical officer in 2006 when she took up that role, and now she is the only female among six team leaders. “But they all treat me as an equal,” she says. Although not a boater herself, Carol does not move far from the waterways in her spare time, for as she lives near the river her walks often taken her in that direction. “I am an outdoors person,” she says. “I enjoy seeing all the wildlife, deer on the banks, the swans and ducks nesting and rearing their young broods. This is a wonderful time to be out there.” Does she have a favourite lock area to walk by? “They are all lovely,” she says, “and all different.”
NETWORKING 9
10 COMMUNITY BOATING
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Celebration cruise on trip boat’s 40th birthday THE 40th anniversary of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’s Newbury-based narrowboat Jubilee was celebrated with a special birthday party for the boat and its volunteer crew. Guest of honour was Mr James Puxley, the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, who was received by trust chairman Rob Dean and Newbury branch chairman Trevor Staig at the wharf before meeting crew members. He then joined other special guests for a short cruise through Newbury. In the five years that Jubilee has been in Newbury, it has become a top attraction in the town for both locals and visitors alike, carrying around 4500 passengers a year. Public trips run on Saturdays and Sundays (at noon and 2pm) and on Thursdays at 2.30pm throughout the season until October. In addition, the boat will be running its very popular pirate trips during the school summer holidays, as well as Halloween and Santa themed trips later in the year. The boat is also available to charter for private trips for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions.
The wheelchair-friendly waterbus.
New wheelchair-friendly waterbus on the K&A Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, cutting the cake with, left, crew manager Julie Dean. PHOTOS: KACT
Crew members Roger Peachey and Caroline Boughton, left and Simon Eveleigh, right, greet James Puxley as he disembarks from the boat.
● Jubilee is maintained and run entirely by volunteers, with around 40 crew members drawn from Newbury and surrounding areas as well as further afield. It is KACT’s oldest and smallest trip boat. Tickets are available online at jubilee.katrust.org.uk or by calling 01380 721279 during office hours or 07716 460562 out of hours.
By Phil Pickin
KENNET & Avon cruise operators Helen and Jenkyn Knill have introduced a ‘little brother’ to their Victorian boat Lady Lena, said to be the oldest electric river launch. Launched on July 1, the Sir John Knill is specially designed to be wheelchair and buggy friendly; it’s also easier for people with walking difficulties to access the boat. It is named after Jenkyn’s father who, he says: “Did so much to keep the canals active, refusing to get off when it looked like they would be closed completely in the 50s. “He campaigned rigorously to keep the Kennet & Avon canal in use until he died, so the boat has been named in his honour.” Jenkyn added: “He was also a keen supporter of green issues.” The new boat has been designed to have easy access to the towpath as now that it has been resurfaced it has become far more accessible for all. The Sir John Knill can carry up to 12 people, or 10 seated and two in wheelchairs. It is designed to be comfortable, spacious, weatherproof, and is equipped to play music and has built-in lighting. The waterbus will run on weekends through July until the schools break up, then it will run daily, weather permitting, except for Mondays.
The Sir John Knill is easily accessed from the towpath. PHOTOS SUPPLIED The trips will leave on the hour, starting at 10am, from Bathampton outside the George, dropping off at the Cheshire Cat cafe at Bath Narrow Boats, Bath, a journey of about 40 minutes. It will return on the hour. A one-way trip will cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children or carers with wheelchairs. Children under three travel free. A loyalty card for concessions will also be available. For more information visit http://www.ladylena. co.uk
COMMUNITY BOATING 11
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Mayoral couple name new accessible boat A CANAL boat company has had a narrowboat which is to be used largely by disabled people named by Wigan’s mayoral couple, writes Geoff Wood. The new vessel, Elleswake,
which will be operated by Kittywake Canal Cruises, has room for up to 12 people with disabilities. Co-director Steve Carrington said: “It is important to have
access. The waterways are very therapeutic.” Performing the ceremony at Wigan Pier were the town’s Mayor and Mayoress, Ron and Janet Conway.
The Rose of Hungerford being launched into the canal. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Twenty years of Shire and the first engine is still running THIS is a year of milestones as in addition to the centenary of engine manufacturers Barrus, its Shire brand of canal and riverboat engines is celebrating 20 years. The first Shire engine to be supplied by Barrus is still in operation powering The Rose of Hungerford, a purpose-built, 55ft wide-beamed passenger trip boat. The 40hp engine was originally an ex-demonstrator that had been displayed by Barrus at exhibitions to promote the new brand. Owned and run by the volunteers of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (KACT), The Rose of Hungerford was launched into the canal in 1982 although it was not until 1990 that the complete navigable length of the canal was officially reopened with Her Majesty The Queen on board The Rose of Hungerford.
“The original power for the Rose was an engine acquired from a crashed ex-London taxi,” explained Dr Mike Rodd, chairman of the Hungerford Branch of The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. “When it became unreliable, a Shire engine was chosen and installed in 1997 and with various modifications along the way, the engine has proved to be very reliable over the last 20 years.” He added: “The engine has led a tough life driven by numerous helms and used extensively in the training of newcomers and regular ongoing crew refresher training, so it has been put through some very tricky situations. “The original hour meter failed some time ago so the estimated hours that it runs are more than 1000 hours, with some years
reaching as many as 1500 hours,” Mike concluded. The Rose of Hungerford has a maximum capacity of 50 passengers and is one of a fleet of nine public trip boats, including four specially designed boats that can carry disabled passengers. She undertakes more than 200 public trips and carries more than 6000 passengers each year. Totally operated and maintained by volunteers, this results in an income to the trust of about £40,000 a year. ● The current Barrus Shire Canal Collection comprises 10 engines with a power range from 15hp to 90hp, suitable for narrowboats, wide beam boats and Dutch barges.
The Rose of Hungerford carries more than 6000 passengers each year. ● To find out more about The Rose of Hungerford and the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust visit www.rose.katrust.org.uk.
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AROUND THE BRANCHES WITH IWA’S MARION BIRCH
Manchester – the incredible transformation of the Ashton Canal into a haven for people, plants and wildlife FOLLOWING a 1km adoption of part of the Ashton Canal in the spring of 2016, IWA Manchester Branch decided to further attract the local community to the part of the Ashton Canal between lock 4 and lock 11. The Ashton Canal, running for nearly seven miles from Manchester city centre to Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, is an important part of the Cheshire Ring; however, as many boaters know, it has had a bit of a bad reputation in the past and the guidebooks still describe incidents of rocks thrown at the boats and other acts of vandalism. Although this is no longer the case, due to the immense amount of regeneration and footfall along the canal, these myths still linger. After the official adoption it has become IWA Manchester Branch’s mission to actively work towards changing the image of this quirky urban canal. The canal is already well used by many – as it’s a part of the popular Cheshire Ring, during summer the branch members often help to work the locks for the boats passing through. In addition, the towpath is also an important walkway to the Sports City and Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City Football Club, and whenever there is a match day, the volunteers have a chance to chat with the fans heading over to the stadium. It is also increasingly popular among the joggers, walkers and anglers alike. This is exactly how the branch thinks the canal should be. Vice-chairman Steve Connolly
explained: “We would like to promote the message that the canals of this area are for everyone to share and enjoy.”
Lockside garden
This led to the branch teaming up with Incredible Edible, a network of groups around the UK that encourages communities to come together by growing food together, and also supporting the local food businesses in order to help people to stay happy and healthy. The result is the Incredible Edible Ashton Canal via IWA Manchester Branch garden at Lock 4 which was completed at a work party in 2016. It was a hive of activity, as the volunteers constructed a raised bed for the garden and planted it with strawberries, beetroot, chives, onions, parsley and peas. The garden also features an information board providing background on the plants, such as their growing cycle, as well as some recipes for the vegetables planted there and encouraging local people to tend to the garden as well as pick the herbs and vegetables as they need. A year on, the garden has become well received and well used: the herbs have been picked and in between the monthly work parties it has always stayed watered and well tended by members of the local community. With the success of the first garden, the branch is now working on the next one and the plans are
New skills
The branch is thankful to everyone who has helped and contributed, volunteer numbers having grown over the past few years as new members join the group. Volunteer Bryony Evens explained: “It’s great to be involved, as I cycle the canal daily and
from Bridge 14, Lock 17 area. On Santander Task day, volunteers painted over graffiti on both sides under the M1 main motorway bridge with two coats, using more than 60 litres of masonry paint; hand rails were painted and paths on both sides were scraped and swept. The branch volunteers mowed and strimmed off-side Lock 17.
Anyone intending to attend one of these events for the first time should contact the organisers beforehand and wear suitable clothing and footwear. If staying all day take a packed lunch unless other arrangement indicated.
East
Wednesdays August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Saturday August 12
IWA Ipswich Branch supporting River Gipping Trust: Pipps Ford (Needham Market, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8LJ) or Baylham Mill Lock (Mill Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8LG), River Gipping. Meet at 9am to continue clearing storm damage to Pipps Ford or carry out maintenance at Baylham Mill Lock, finish at 3.30-4pm. Contact Martin Bird 01394 380765, restoration@ rivergippingtrust.org.uk
Sunday August 13
Grass cutting at Lock 17. PHOTO: IWA
IWA Lincolnshire Branch supporting Sleaford Navigation Trust: Volunteers meet on the second Sunday of the month to carry out a variety of tasks to maintain the navigable section of the Sleaford Navigation. 10am-3pm. To confirm date and location contact Chris or Steve Hayes 01522 689460, workparties@sleafordnavigation. co.uk
Midlands
Sunday August 6 and Tuesday August 15
Milton Keynes THE handrails on the gates at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal received some TLC with white Hammerite paint during June, courtesy of volunteers from IWA’s Milton Keynes Branch. The pump house gardens were
wanted to do my bit to keep it the fantastic place it is. It’s good to be out chatting to passers-by about the work of the IWA and even to involve impromptu volunteers – a gang of kids stopped by in the sun at our last work party and helped out with a bit of painting!” Collaboration with the Canal & River Trust is important and the support of the volunteer co-ordinator Terry Evans has been invaluable. The trust has organised necessary training for the use of power tools, as the volunteers have been keen to acquire new skills. The consultation and expertise of the Incredible Edible team has also been important, not to mention the invaluable support of the Etihad Stadium who have provided secure parking and access as well as the use of their welfare facilities. The branch is looking hopefully to the future and is encouraging everyone to visit the continually improving Ashton Canal, pick herbs and berries from the garden, enjoy the flower garden as well as the colourful wild flowers on the bee highway, or just enjoy the beauty of a well-maintained waterway. Finally last, but certainly not least – alongside all its other undertakings the branch has been, when able, ‘re-ringing the ring’ – as boaters can see, there have been numerous new mooring rings installed along the canal by volunteers putting that power tool training to good use!
IWA WORK PARTIES IN AUGUST
Northampton JUNE was a busy month on the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. Volunteers from IWA’s Northamptonshire Branch have sorted and labelled mosaic paving slabs in store at Gayton Junction; cleaned out Lock 1 top gate so it now opens fully; prepared Lock 8 for painting and painted most of the bottom gates; collected two shopping trolleys, two bikes and six bags of rubbish
getting bigger and, hopefully, better. Work on the lock garden at Lock 7 started this spring with the volunteers clearing the undesirable vegetation and roots in the garden, and digging the ground over. Lock 7 now boasts the first stage of the flower garden and at the next work party we intend to make a start on building a walkway to it. Further work parties will focus on constructing another raised-bed vegetable garden next to the flower garden. If that was not enough to be getting on with, a special area will be devoted to wild flowers, also an important aspect of the Lock 7 garden – as part of the branch’s other long-term project, as Steve explained: “We plan for the Ashton Canal to become a ‘bee highway’ and for this purpose we are sowing wild flowers for pollen production along our adopted section of the canal.” The garden planters are made from the reclaimed wood of replaced lock gates and timber for the display boards is also salvaged, which is further testament to the branch’s commitment to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
cleared of all dead material and weeds, then were prepared and replanted with summer bedding plants. The paving in front of the pump house was weeded and rubbish removed from the beds and paving.
IWA Northampton Branch: Northampton Arm adoption, fortnightly work party 10am2pm. Work includes a variety of tasks such as painting, vegetation clearance
and litter picking. Location dependent on work completed at the previous work party. Contact Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@ waterways.org.uk
North
Trent & Mersey Canal. 10am-3pm. Meet at Lock 41, which is situated adjacent to Hardingswood Road, just off A50 Liverpool Road East, Kidsgrove, parking at Kidsgrove Working Men’s Club ST7 1EF. Contact: John Brighouse 0780 887317, john.brighouse@ waterways.org.uk
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch supporting the Burslem Port Trust: Twice-monthly work party on the Burslem Arm, Stoke-on-Trent, 10am to 3pm. Meet at Luke Street, Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3LY. Contact Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@team.waterways.org.uk
IWA Manchester Branch: Monthly work party at a venue to be confirmed in Greater Manchester, 10am-4pm. Tasks will include vegetation clearance, litter picking, painting and pulling rubbish out of the canal. Contact 07710 554602, secretary@manchester-iwa. co.uk
Saturday August 5 and Tuesday August 22
Thursday August 10
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust: Monthly work party on the Uttoxeter Canal at Bridge 70, Crumpwood. 10am-3pm. No parking at site so please meet at 9.30am at Denstone Village Hall, College Road, Denstone, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5HR for a lift or, if on foot, meet on site at Bridge 70 at 10am. Contact Steve Wood 07976 805858, steve.wood@ team.waterways.org.uk
Thursday August 17
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Monthly work party on the Cheshire Locks,
Saturday August 19
Saturday August 26
IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: Monthly work party in the Chester area working at various locations alongside the Shropshire Union Canal, 10am-4pm. Work will include painting and vegetation clearance. Contact Christine Fraser, christine.fraser@waterways.org.uk
South
Tuesdays August 15 and 22
IWA Oxfordshire supporting Banbury Canal Partnership: Meet at 9am, work until about 1pm. Contact Colin Garnham-Edge, bcpontheoxford@ gmail.com
For further information on any of these events please contact Katie Thomas, IWA’s branch support officer on 01494 783453 or email katie.thomas@waterways.org.uk Details can also be found on IWA’s website at www.waterways.org.uk
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Keeping the Fens Waterways Link project alive By Ian Fletcher of IWA’s navigation committee
THE IWA’s six-day Witham, Wash, Welland and Glen campaign cruise evolved from a similar exploratory exercise undertaken in 2016 by East Midlands regional chairman Dave Pullen and colleagues from Lincolnshire Branch. As previously, this year’s four-boat flotilla cruised, via the Wash, up the tidal River Welland to Spalding, and on to Crowland and beyond. Representing IWA Lincolnshire, Notts & Derbys, Birmingham BC & W and Warwickshire branches were: David Collin and Dave Burkitt on cruiser Bouncin Brass; Ian Fletcher and Dave Pearson on
narrowboat API Wanderer, Mick and Carole Golds, nb Electra and Richard Sear, nb Earwig. However, this time, on their return, they detoured on to the River Glen – where the three narrowboats were able to make a rare, in fact probably unique, flotilla transit of Surfleet Sluice on to this beautiful little gem of a river. The prime purpose of this campaign, which met all its objectives, was to assess the feasibility of similar, and perhaps more frequent, trips in the future – all part of an ongoing campaign to keep the Fens Waterways Link project alive in the minds of both national boaters and local residents.
The intrepid crew members celebrate their safe return to Boston – from an ‘off-piste’ adventure that took them to places where narrowboats just don’t go. Pictured, from left, are: David Collin, Mick Golds, Richard Sear, Dave Pearson, Carole Golds and Ian Fletcher representing IWA Lincolnshire, Notts & Derbys, Birmingham BC & W, and Warwickshire branches on cruiser Bouncin Brass and narrowboats Electra, Earwig and API Wanderer. PHOTO COURTESY IAN FLETCHER
Waiting for the tide in Fulney Lock on the return journey. PHOTO: CAROLE GOLDS
One big advantage of that project will be that the transit from the tidal Witham to the Welland and the Glen will not require sitting out in the Wash for four or five hours waiting for the tide to turn, and will therefore not be quite so tide and weather dependent as this year’s cruise was.
Anchored in the Wash on the way out. PHOTO: CAROLE GOLDS
Moored at Surfleet Seas End. PHOTO: CAROLE GOLDS
Winding at the end of navigation, an hour beyond Crowland. PHOTO: CAROLE GOLDS
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A busy scene as a hireboat passes through Big Lock. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN
Hot stuff at Middlewich FAB Festival
A welcome sight on a hot day: ice-cold elderflower cordial at Cake on the Cut. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING
THE heat was turned up for the 27th Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival over the weekend of June 16-18, writes Colin Wareing. There were queues to get into the pubs for refreshments and music from bands of all shapes and sizes, with the Lightning Seeds headlining on the main stage on the Friday evening. Fringe events took place in venues across town, ranging from the Royal British Legion through various pubs to a stage and bar set up in the yard at Middlewich Narrowboats.
Sumba (Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch Adopters) volunteers on lock-keeping duties at Wardle Lock on the Middlewich branch. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Boats lined the Trent & Mersey and the Shropshire Union Middlewich branch on all the approaches to town. Alongside the Salinae Field moored the historic old working boats with the public being shown the inside of back cabins and the way the working boat men used to live. Stretching from the town bridge to the Big Lock were the trading boats selling anything from cheese, fudge, to vinyl records, decorated glassware, crocheted hats, fair trade goods, pirate-themed stuff and kits to brew your own beer... pity it couldn’t be ready in a day! Once again a great weekend, perhaps not as many old boats as in the past, though more roving traders and a good selection of music and entertainment organised by the Middlewich Town council and supported by local businesses, media and, of course, the pubs.
Crowds browsing the floating market along the towpath. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING
The Middlewich Rose Queen and Princesses on one of the Andersen hire boats especially decorated for the occasion. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN
Enjoying cake on the cut. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Canal & River Trust work boat Bala giving free trips. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN
The Cheese Boat was doing a roaring trade. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN
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Queuing for beer outside the Kings Lock pub. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING The 12 boats gathered at Tunnel End where crews tucked into barbecued sausages and burgers and a cask of beer from Empire Brewing. PHOTOS: JULIE ARNOLD
Pennine Explorer – a fantastic experience By Julie Arnold, who took part in the cruise with husband Gary Summers aboard their 68ft boat Summerborn.
Shroppie fly-boat Saturn with fuel boat Halsall abreast. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Sculptor Andrew Worthington again invited people to try their hands at carving the stone feature which was started in 2015 as part of the Saltscape project which celebrates the area’s landscape and heritage. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Tony Hewitson of the Wooden Canal Boat Society alongside Hazel, which is used as a ‘wellbeing’ boat to give people chance to get out on the water for a day or longer. He was one of the volunteers on hand to promote the society’s work. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING
IN A week-long campaigning cruise organised by the Huddersfield Canal Society (HCS) – dubbed Pennine Explorer – 12 boats navigated the length of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from eastward Ashton-underLyne to Huddersfield. Boats travelled from around the network to join the cruise from St Pancras in London, the Kennet & Avon, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. The trip involved the negotiation of 74 locks over the highest navigable waterway on the network – also Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in the country. Staff and volunteers of the Canal & River Trust (CRT) plus those from HCS, the Tudor Cruising Club and the Calder Navigation Society helped boat crews at the locks, with two trained HCS volunteer ‘tunnel chaperones’ assisting them through the tunnel. On the Tuesday, all 12 boats made the main eastward passage for the first time, with the first boat starting from the Diggle end at 6.45am and the rest following at 45-minute intervals because of ventilation requirements. All safely
moored at Tunnel End Cottages, near a temporary food stall, the crews tucked into barbecued sausages and burgers and a cask of beer from Empire Brewing. This was just one example of the hospitality that boat crews received and enjoyed throughout the week’s cruise. There was a plaque presentation in Huddersfield and finally a social night to remember at the South Pennine Boat Club. From Huddersfield, nine of the shorter boats carried on into the north-east system but others – like us, too long for the Huddersfield Broad Canal – returned to cross the Pennines again. Pat Stow of Diligent Too spoke for all of us when she summed it up – “It’s been a fantastic experience.” HCS chairman Alan Stopher said: “It must be well over a hundred years since so many narrowboats traversed the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel. We were pleased at the level of interest from boaters and residents alike. “It was a team effort to welcome and help crews navigate the Everest of waterways and I’d like to thank all those who helped.”
Pennine Explorer boater Gary Summers, in tunnelling garb, with HCS deputy chairman and volunteer tunnel chaperone Trevor Ellis. CRT waterway manager David Baldacchino said: “The cruise was a huge success. We were all delighted to see so many boats together on the canal. I’d like to thank everyone who took part, as well as our volunteers and staff. We want many more boats to visit the canal in the future and to get the message out about what a wonderful canal the Huddersfield Narrow is.”
CRT’s Phil Smith gauges Pomona for Standedge Tunnel as Keith Sykes of HCS and her crew, Ann Bullock and John Le Rolland, look on.
Historic pair Clematis with butty Ilford pass the trading boats.
PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
LEFT: At the end of the first day cruising together, boats start to moor in Stalybridge. One of the HCS passenger boats also provided boat trips as part of the town’s festival weekend.
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Letting off fff steam on the Weaver
PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
The Daniel Adamson – also known as ‘the Danny’ – recently started its passenger cruise programme following a £5 million restoration. Janet Richardson (right) joined one of the River Weaver trips.
Skipper Stuart Wood on the bridge. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
I ARRIVED bright and early at Ellesmere Port for the cruise to Acton Bridge on Friday, June 16 but could already see steam rising from the Danny’s chimney as the volunteers who make up the crew prepared the former Mersey tug to receive its passengers. Soon the almost empty National Waterways Museum car park began to fill and people started to make their way along the waterfront to Telford Quay, some first enjoying a drink in the museum cafe. Daniel Adamson Preservation Society trustee Les Green told me that more than 100,000 volunteer hours went into the
Working in the boiler room are engineers Bernard Whitley, left, and Bob Findow, a former tugman on the Manchester Ship Canal who served on the Danny as fireman and later as assistant engineer.
restoration of the 1903-built steam ship – originally named the Ralph Brocklebank – with its Art Deco interior. However as the day was bright and warm, promising later sunshine, most of the 84 passengers opted to stay on deck to enjoy the sights. After casting off we made our way along the Manchester Ship Canal through an industrial landscape with views across the Mersey to the Liverpool skyline, wind turbines and electricity pylons towering above us while sheep grazed the marshes undisturbed. Railway-type signals in the ‘up’ position showed the entrance to the Marsh Lock and the Weaver Navigation, a Canal & River Trust lock keeper waiting to see us through. Once we passed a chemical plant, the countryside began to open out into meadows with cattle and sheep grazing and the seagulls and oyster catchers were replaced with Canada geese and swans.
Photographers on the bank as we leave Sutton Weaver Bridge behind.
A tug towing a tug – the Canal & River Trust tug and the Danny exit Dutton Locks. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
EVENTS ROUND-UP 17
www.towpathtalk.co.uk Passengers could enjoy a drink or a beverage from the onboard bar as well as a bowl of local delicacy Danny Scouse – a meat and potato stew – served with red cabbage and a bread roll. ‘Gongoozlers’ and other boaters took photographs as we passed – the Danny with bunting making a colourful sight on the river where the like hasn’t been seen since the 1970s.
Swing bridge
I was lucky enough to briefly join the crew on the bridge as we approached Sutton Weaver Bridge which recently underwent a £4.5 million restoration; traffic queued on either approach as the bridge swung open for us. As we passed through waterside meadows filled with buttercups and woodlands, the Danny’s chug was the only sound apart from birdsong. I even had the thrill of seeing the flash of blue as a kingfisher darted past. Our arrival at the Dutton Lock was not without an element of drama as the lock keeper and bystanders watched as the Danny could not stop in time to avoid bumping the top gates. The Canal & River Trust tug which had been following us then came alongside and took the Danny with her 10ft draft under tow for a short distance to avoid grounding in a shallower stretch of water. Acton Bridge then came into sight where we disembarked before being bussed for a visit to the Anderton Boat Lift before returning to the National Waterways Museum car park. The Danny stayed on at Acton Bridge for the weekend, during which people could look around the 1903-built tug now converted to a moving visitor and museum attraction following restoration with the help of a £3.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Les Green told me afterwards that the day had been a record breaker, the 84 passengers being the highest number to date resulting in record takings at both the onboard retail and catering outlets. Stewards assisting passengers off the vessel said that they had nothing but complimentary remarks about their experience.
Regional flagship The last surviving steam m powered tug g in the UK , the Danie l Adamson was s named afte er the leader of o the ship cana al movement and d first chairman of Mancheste er C Company. Ship Canal Relaunched in April, the Danny is offering 39 cruises this year, other routes including Manchester Ship Canal: Liverpool to Salford Quays and Liverpool to Ellesmere Port. The Danny was recently awarded the North West Regional Flagship Award by National Historic Ships UK for her commitment to education and engagement with the region’s maritime heritage. Les Green writes: “The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society or DAPS for short is the volunteerled charity behind the £5 million restoration project that has returned the Danny back to operating service. “The achievements of the volunteers have been amazing with the vessel fully restored back to original condition as at 1936 when it left John Brown’s Shipyard and
re eturned to service a all within 12 years o of acquisition.” Now chairman o of DAPS, Dan Cross was the C mpetus for the im bid to save her. b A skipper of a powerful modern p tug currently at Milford Haven and with i h an iinterest iin many aspects of heritage, he canvassed fellow tug enthusiasts. The result was an approach to owners Peel Holdings who, rather than see this historic vessel scrapped, sold her for the princely sum of £1 to DAPS. He said: “She will now become a new tourist attraction for Liverpool, Cheshire and the North West.” From the initial group of tug enthusiasts with some professionals from the maritime industry, DAPS has progressively grown its membership to more than 600. Members from all sections of the community, including former ship canal workers, IT specialists and power station operatives, sharing a common purpose have swelled the membership and worked hard to achieve the vessel’s return to service.
Entering Dutton Locks.
Peaceful waterside woodland.
A cargo vessel berthed in the Manchester Ship Canal.
The Art Deco saloon.
Forthcoming highlights:
Crew members Graham Jackson, Peter Dunbaband and Nigel Bowler enjoy time at the helm.
Passengers disembarking at Acton Bridge.
The signals at the entrance to the Marsh Lock and Weaver Navigation.
Murder Mystery Events: August 9, 2.30pm (family friendly) static at Albert Dock, Liverpool; August 12, 11am-2.30pm (family friendly) return cruise from Acton Bridge; September 22, 6.30pm (adult only) static at Albert Dock. Cruises: August 11, 11am, River Weaver from Ellesmere Port to Acton Bridge (bus to Anderton Boat Lift); August 14, noon, River Weaver from Acton Bridge to Ellesmere Port (coach departure 10am from Ellesmere Port via Anderton Boat Lift); August 19, 11am, Manchester Ship Canal from Ellesmere Port to Salford Quays with two-hour stopover; August 20, 11am, Manchester Ship Canal from Salford Quays to Ellesmere Port; September 18, 1pm, Manchester Ship Canal from Ellesmere Port to Salford Quays; September 19, 11am, Manchester Ship Canal from Salford Quays to Ellesmere Port; October 6, 11am, River Weaver from Ellesmere Port to Acton Bridge; October 9, 11am, River Weaver from Acton Bridge to Ellesmere Port (coach departure 10am from Ellesmere Port). Static open days: August 12-13, from 10am, Acton Bridge; August 17-18, from 10am, Telford Quay, Ellesmere Port. For details of timetabled and themed cruises visit http://www. thedanny.co.uk/ A short video of the cruise can be viewed at https://www. towpathtalk.co.uk/
18 NEWS FOCUS
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Casthorpe Bridge, which was the first road bridge to be raised.
Weed in evidence across the canal.
A morning meander along the Grantham Canal MEMBERS of the local press were recently invited to sample the Grantham Canal on a media cruise, writes Janet Richardson. We were met by Grantham Canal Society chief executive and general manager David Lyneham-Brown and events co-ordinator Anthony Jackson for the two-hour cruise on board GCS trip boat The Three Shires crewed by senior skipper John Trigg, Mary Noble and Graham Dickson. They explained the work of the society and current restoration projects including Lock 15 at Stenwith where GCS is working in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Canal & River Trust. It is aimed to restore the lower four locks of the Woolsthorpe flight as part of a five-year project and GCS is appealing to
Bridge 62 carries an ancient drove road over the canal.
supporters to ‘buy an engraved brick’ to help purchase the 36,000 bricks needed. We joined The Three Shires at its mooring above Lock 18 at Woolsthorpeby-Belvoir and travelled along the summit level to Denton Wharf. We were told that on a clear day it is possible to see the towers of Lincoln Cathedral but the hedge in full leaf obscured this view.
Under the bridges
The first bridge to be reached was Bridge 62 which carries an ancient drove road over the canal and is believed to be one of the first skew bridges to be built in the country. The next one – Bridle Bridge – is a bit of a misnomer as it is only a footbridge and has also been dubbed the Monet Bridge as it is reminiscent of one in his painting of the Water Lily Pond.
The swans guard their five cygnets. Weed was very much in evidence across the canal but cleared as we approached Casthorpe Bridge which was the first road bridge to be raised enabling navigation beneath. Although known as Bridle Bridge, Bridge 63 is only a footbridge.
Grantham Canal Society trip boat The Three Shires with volunteer crew, from left, Mary Noble, Graham Dickson and John Trigg and, right, chief executive and general manager David Lyneham-Brown and events co-ordinator Anthony Jackson. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON
We disembarked at the original brick bridge (No 65) at Denton Wharf – a popular picnic spot – while the crew proceeded up to the winding hole before we rejoined for the return journey. Wildlife was in abundance with a pair of swans and their brood of five cygnets, grass snake and a kingfisher among the
sightings as well as plenty of fish activity. Half-hour boat trips will be available from Lock 18 on Sunday, July 30, Sunday and Monday, August 27-28, and Sundays September 24 and October 8 (Discovery Day).TheThreeShirescanalsobechartered for group and private trips. Contact 07486 955775, www.granthamcanal.org
Grooves made by towlines in the bridge stonework.
Disembarking at Bridge 65.
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Tewkesbury Lock makeover holds the key to a new tradition
Avon Lock keeper Nic Lancaster receives the ceremonial key, now hanging proudly in her hut, from ANT chief executive Clive Matthews, watched by the engineering team. PHOTOS: ANT
AVON Navigation Trust’s trailblazing woman lock keeper enjoyed another first when the charity’s engineering team beat the floods to complete its biggest project in years bang on time. The Wyre Piddle-based trust celebrated the end of the major infrastructure project by launching a new tradition in the form of a ceremonial lock key painted in its blue and yellow colours. The handover of the key to Tewkesbury’s Avon Lock keeper Nic Lancaster signalled it was now back in her keeping after the mammoth three-month makeover at the major Avon gateway. Now each lock will have its own dedicated key and post-work handover ceremony when appropriate.
“It’s good to start a new ANT tradition and this was a very apt project to kick it off because there was a lot to celebrate,” said chief executive Clive Matthews. Emergency repairs that had been planned for early 2016 were thwarted by a series of floods. But the team repaired the hydraulics for the season ready for the major repairs after the lock dewatering, which is usually only done once every 25 years. Work included replacing all the paddles, the full refurbishment of all hydraulics, repairing the lock chamber, repairing and sprucing up all the concrete walkways plus refurbishing and painting all the gates.
One of ANT’s River Watch webcams logged the lock work site being wiped out by a flood.
Navigation trust in successful bid to stall warehouse sale
The Grade II listed Louth Navigation Warehouse. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
LOCAL supporters of the Louth Navigation Warehouse have been successful in stalling its sale with the withdrawal from auction by owners Groundwork. It was due to have gone under the hammer at Gainsborough Golf Club on June 20 with a guide price from £170,000-£200,000. The Louth Navigation Trust, which is one of the tenants, successfully obtained the support of East Lindsey District Council in obtaining a Community Right to Bid order on the Grade II listed building at the head of the canal.
The district council is supporting LNT and Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service in securing the future use of the premises. The order enables the community to ‘pause’ the sale of an asset and take up to six months to seek funding in order that it can put forward a bid. Built as a wool warehouse in the 1770s, Navigation Warehouse reopened in 1999 following restoration with the help of grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council and European funding.
Vintage transport adds pride to canalside museum By Colin Wareing
The idyllic tranquillity of cruising on Lake Windermere contrasts sharply with this busy summer lakeside scene at the height of the tourist season. PHOTOS: WATERWAY IMAGES
Lake District gains World Heritage Site status By Harry Arnold
FOLLOWING 30 years of lobbying England’s Lake District is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the 31st area in Britain to be so designated and joins more than a thousand global sites to hold this international accolade. The announcement of the award – in the cultural landscape category – was made following a decision by the UNESCO committee at a meeting in Krakow, Poland, on Sunday, July 9. The successful bid was put together by 25 organisations in the Lake District National Park Partnership. Enclosing what are generally accepted as 16 ‘lakes’, plus other smaller water areas, the area is already a major magnet for tourists,
including boaters. Lake Windermere – at 10-and-a-half miles long, a mile wide, and a maximum depth of 219ft – is England’s largest and deepest stretch of water. With its intensive passenger boat service, it is probably the main attraction. Cumbria Tourism says that visitors will be able to enjoy a higher quality offer from local leisure and hospitality providers who will be using the World Heritage status in their marketing. There is a measure of concern about the possible conflict of interest between tourism, farming, conservation and heritage in the lakes. Hopefully this World Heritage Site designation might be a help in this. Apparently, what are described as ‘cultural visitors’ stay longer and spend more.
THE Lion Salt Works Museum near Northwich recently hosted its second annual vintage transport event. More than a thousand people visited the event to see a good number of road-based vehicles ranging from vintage cars to traction engines while, moored along the canal, ex-working boats were available for the public to board and inspect. They included Shropshire Union fly boat Saturn which had been towed to the event by motor boat Buckden and motor boat Shad which is based at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, over the summer. There was also the chance to go for a return cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to the Anderton Boat Lift.
Burrell steam traction engine no 4037 crosses the Trent and Mersey canal at Marston near Northwich. She and her living van had been roaded over from Tatton to attend the Lion Salt Works vintage rally. This engine was built by Charles Burrell and Sons in 1926. PHOTOS: COLIN WAREING
Boarding Shropshire Union Fly Boat Saturn which had been towed by motor boat Buckden to the rally.
Trip boat Duke arrives alongside working boats Buckden, Warbler and Shad outside the Lion Salt Works Museum.
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Royal seal of approval for new Scottish canal A NEW canal section forming the eastern gateway to Scotland’s historic Forth & Clyde Canal has been officially named in honour of the Queen. She unveiled a plaque naming the Queen Elizabeth II Canal during the ceremony held in glorious weather on Wednesday, July 5. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh boarded the Seagull Trust barge Wooden Spoon Seagull and led a small flotilla along Scotland’s newest canal section. The unveiling was accompanied by a spectacular aerobatic display by the Global Stars stunt flying team. Built as part of the £43 million Helix project which features the 30m-high Kelpies sculptures, the Queen Elizabeth II Canal forms the eastern gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal, which carves across Scotland from Bowling in the west to Grangemouth and the River Carron in the east. The QEII Canal is the final piece of the Millennium Link – an £83.5 million project that restored the nation’s inland waterways to a navigable state for the first time in more than 50 years and saw the construction of the iconic Falkirk Wheel. One of the most complex sections of waterway ever constructed in Scotland, the canal passes underneath two major trunk roads and across utility pipelines, demanding innovative engineering
solutions from a UK-wide team of experts. Communities Secretary Angela Constance said: “The Queen Elizabeth II Canal has transformed access for mariners from Northern Europe and created a world-class marine hub in and out of Scotland. “I’d like to congratulate all the organisations involved in developing this innovative and new section of canal, the Helix Park and the Kelpies, which have helped boost the local economy and tourism in the area.”
Ongoing renaissance
Scottish Canals chairman Andrew Thin said: “More than 15 years ago, Her Majesty joined us to celebrate the reopening of Scotland’s canals as part of the Millennium Link. Today was a fitting way to mark the completion of that project and the ongoing renaissance of our nation’s incredible waterways. “The Kelpies and the Queen Elizabeth II Canal are helping put Falkirk and Grangemouth on tourists’ ‘to-see’ lists the world over and serve as a towering tribute to the industrial past of the area and a symbol of its bright future. “We’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who has visited the new canal by boot, boat or bike since its completion and look forward to welcoming even more visitors in the years to come.” Since The Helix was opened in April
The Queen is photographed with Scottish Canals chairman Andrew Thin, the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, Alan Simpson, Kelpies creator Andy Scott, Scottish Canals chief executive Steve Dunlop and the Duke of Edinburgh. PHOTO: PETER SANDGROUND/SCOTTISH CANALS 2014, more than 2.5 million visitors from all over the world have stood in the shadow of The Kelpies, taken to its 27km of paths by boot or bike – which form a key part of the National Cycle Network – or watched boats travelling along the new canal. The project has brought renewed vibrancy to the area and boosted the local economy by an estimated £1.5m per year.
The Queen boards Seagull Trust passenger boat Wooden Spoon Seagull to lead a flotilla along the new canal section.
The Queen meets Kelpies creator Andy Scott and shire horses Duke and Dan beneath the 30m structures.
Inside one of the Kelpies.
The royal party arrive for the plaque unveiling.
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The ‘Dark Lord’ comes to Fazeley Mill Marina
Aqua Furnishings’ pop-up shop at the Crick Boat Show. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Successful show launch for boat furnishers AQUA Furnishings was successfully launched at Crick Boat Show 2017 and proved popular with the canal boat community. The company has been established by boat builder Aqua Narrowboats which has developed years of narrowboat interior experience and supply contacts as well as a range of smart solutions for small spaces. These include Roman and Venetian blinds that are flush to the walls, all in a range of more than 120 fabrics. Customers can then match porthole cushion liners and scatter cushions with the same fabrics and the galley inventory can also be matched to create stunning interior style and design. Narrowboat furniture is always difficult to find due to the limited space in a canal boat and three reclining swivel armchairs proved most popular
at the show, with many customers trying out the new chairs, and feedback was very positive. The furniture store aims to be a one-stop shop for people buying a new or used boat. It aims to help boaters turn their dream boat into a stylish interior space. Aqua has established links with boat builders, marinas and brokerages, so can deliver to marinas across the Midlands or to your boat builder. You can also book a visit with a sales consultant who will visit you at your boat, show you the range of fabrics and products on offer and help you measure up.
He continued: “Some people don’t like to manage their boat themselves. We also provide boats for the long-term user – they may be people who want to try before they buy, or visitors both from the UK and overseas, especially Aussies and Kiwis, who want an extended stay… or they want to own a boat over here and need it looked after. “It’s a whole mixture of people and their needs. We’ve enabled people to experience time on the canals, many of whom now own their own boats. “ What are the biggest challenges when looking after boats all round the network and what is the biggest concern? “Owners who offer their boats for ‘rent’ or ‘hire’ on the QT. “Apart from breaking Canal & River Trust regulations, which is serious in itself, they may well be uninsured,” Alex said. For further information, see advertisement on page 10.
Meeting the Fazeley Mill Marina team: Alex Lester with marina caretaker Jackie Harding, Pridewater Estates director Peter Hawley and relief caretaker Ruth Watts. Peter Hawley said : “It was an absolute pleasure to have Alex and the BBC Radio WM team here at Fazeley Mill Marina. Aside from showcasing the marina and its facilities, it is a great way to get the word out about the West Midlands canal network and the many ways it can be enjoyed. “We are very lucky to have such a beautiful natural resource right on our doorstep here in Tamworth, and are proud to assist in the promotion of our canals and making the most of the gorgeous countryside we have right here in the West Midlands.”
● To find out more contact 01283 701041, email sales@ aquafurnishings.co.uk or visit www.aquafurnishings.co.uk.
Still escaping the rat race – 10 years on BOAT management company Escape the Rat Race is celebrating 10 years in business. Started in 2007 by Alex Welby with friend Tim Penrose, the company specialised in boat management, including finding people who want to spend time on the canals and live afloat. Tim left to pursue other business interests and under Alex’s management the business has grown, adding Laughing Dog Boats when Susan Meredith retired, and now has a number of boats under management. Alex said: “When we started we needed advice. Help from the then British Waterways Board, our insurers and marine solicitors provided the foundation of the company. I am so grateful to them – I wouldn’t be here without their help. We have learnt along the way and what we do now legally is as different as a kickabout in the park is from the Premier League!”
RADIO presenter Alex Lester, AKA the Dark Lord, hosts the BBC Radio WM breakfast show which is currently on its ‘summer tour’ visiting key locations throughout the West Midlands. Fazeley Mill Marina, owned and run by canal marinas organisation Pridewater Estates Ltd, was first stop on the tour and was thrilled to have Alex and team broadcasting there live for the entire morning. Along with taking in the surrounds, Alex spoke live on air with Fazeley Mill Marina moorers, Pridewater Estates director Peter Hawley and members of the public who happened to be using the towpath or dropped by just to check out the show. The sunshine meant a beautiful morning on the marina, and one of the moorers, Jeff Horn, even offered his boat Telemachus to Alex for a brief jaunt around the local canal network. Pridewater Estates were thrilled to host this very special event and believe it is a fantastic way to advertise the picturesque canal network of the West Midlands to a wider audience.
Radio presenter Alex Lester, left, with Ruth Watts, relief caretaker, Pridewater Estates Ltd and moorer Jeff Horn whose narrowboat Telemachus is pictured. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
● Alex Lester can be heard every weekday morning on the BBC Radio WM breakfast show. Fazeley Mill Marina is open year round and is one of several locations Pridewater Estates operates around England, visit www. canalmarinas.com
Allied Insurance Services launches new marine department WIGAN-based Allied Insurance Services has launched Allied Marine, a new department dedicated to delivering insurance cover to businesses operating within the marine industry. Following in-depth analysis and research the insurers brought in a new team to launch Allied Marine, which will be focusing solely on insurance schemes for marine-related businesses and looking to provide tailored policies at competitive premium levels. Allied Insurance Services managing director Alisdair Lindley said: “We can now provide an unparalleled level of service to our marine clients, by providing access to not only a range of trusted insurers, but also to a number of exclusive facilities. “Allied Marine understands that to enable marine businesses to stay
afloat they need accurate and tailored insurance cover to meet their exact requirements. Each marine business is different, and with our wide range of insurance schemes we can reflect this diversity, while ensuring that all of our marine clients are adequately protected.” Allied Marine provides insurance cover and advice to all marine-related businesses from ports and harbours through to sail makers and boat yards, with insurance cover including property damage, business interruption, public and products liability and cyber insurance protection.
Allied Insurance Services MD Alisdair Lindley: “Each marine business is different.” PHOTO SUPPLIED
● For more information on Allied Marine and the wide range of insurance cover available, visit www.alliedinsurance.co.uk/alliedmarine or call 01942 403381.
RENTAL COMPANY WELCOMES NEW LICENSING APPROACH NEW company LifeAfloatUK – set up to help and advise on all aspects of long-term narrowboat rentals for renters and boat owners – has welcomed the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) decision to launch a new type of licence to meet the needs of narrowboat renters. Founder Paul Morris said: “The decision by CRT to launch the new rental licence represents a welcome answer to the ongoing issues surrounding long-term narrowboat rentals.
“There is a growing demand for this service and this new licence represents a chance for people to rent narrowboats and likewise owners to rent out their boats, with both parties able to do so within a safe and secure framework. “This new rental licence gives clarity to all parties and will hopefully put an end to the ‘boat lords’ renting out substandard, unsafe boats and expecting large amounts of money in return for no guarantees of security of tenure.”
Mr Morris also hit out at the websites which had allowed a black market narrowboat rental service to flourish and warned of a lack of duty of care given to the safety and well-being of the renters or those third parties who might be caught up in issues like boat fires via poor maintenance. He added: “LifeAfloatUK and other companies are here to ensure that renters and boat owners can pursue legitimate business with due
diligence and a duty of care to all parties.” LifeAfloatUK was formed as a one-stop shop to provide a matching service for those looking to rent a narrowboat for the long-term from a bona fide boat owner. Paul Morris saw the need for the service after he and his wife were looking to rent a narrowboat on a long-term let and found it difficult to secure a satisfactory agreement. www.lifeafloatuk.com
68 BOAT REVIEW
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SPEC SHEET Style: Josher bow, semi-trad, mid-galley layout Length: 61ft 8in Hull: Yorkshire Boat Builders (Staniland Marina). Recessed panels, rivets down side Engine: Canaline 42 Bow thruster: Yes Power (Inverter/Charger): 240v shore line; 5 x 260A batteries; 3 x 150w solar panels (GS Controls near Shepley Bridge); 3kW Victron inverter/charger Insulation: Sprayfoam Flooring: 25mm Malaysian ply with Karndean on top Lining: American white oak with cream ash veneer recessed panels Heating: Webasco; multi-fuel Hamlet stove; twin wall flue Lighting: LED lighting with colour-change facility Water: 600-litre stainless steel tank Galley: American oak, granite worktops, Thetford oven, Inlander 12v fridge; Shoreline 12v freezer under dinette Washroom: 800 quadrant shower with accessible pipework in panel, Sanimarine toilet pump out Berths: 6 (double bed, dinette and space for two camp beds) Windows: Wesley Marine, double-glazed anodised aluminium portholes with Art Deco frames Paintwork: Mick Whitmill at Yorkshire Boat Builders Signwriting: Robert Naghi Cratch cover: SPL Cover Specialists (Hull) Upholstery: Gwyneth Norton at PinTucks Final cost: £120,000 inc VAT
Maid a d to o oorder de
Built with the Grand Union Canal in mind, this new narrowboat will first cruise the northern waterways, reports Janet Richardson. PHOTO SUPPLIED
DRIVING into Staniland Marina at Thorne, South Yorkshire, you will come across the workshops of Steve Ellis Boatfitters and on the other side of the road, Yorkshire Boat Builders, before you reach the moorings on the Stainforth & Keadby Canal. It is into these waters that this new narrowboat fitted out by Steve Ellis was launched and will spend her first summer. A bespoke build for her owner Andy Dean, the Union Maid is designed for the Grand Union Canal where, as her livery proudly declares, she should be right at home.
The galley with Inlander fridge.
Steve Ellis has been based at Staniland Marina since November, having previously worked for Jonathan Wilson at Sheffield, and has some 15 years’ experience in the boat building trade. “I decided to go on my own fitting out narrowboats and wide beams and I have also done a Dutch barge,” he told me. But narrowboats are his preference and he obtains the hulls from either Jonathan Wilson or, as in the case of Union Maid, neighbours Yorkshire Boat Builders. Andy wanted his new boat to have an Art Deco feel and this is reflected in features both inside and the external artwork and black, red and cream colour scheme.
A fretwork panel conceals the radiator.
The three solar panels with one of two decorated pigeon boxes beyond. Union Maid was moored facing the jetty so I entered via the Josher-style bow with its eye-catching headlamp and horn. The steps down into the saloon are angled to add to the design theme as well as providing extra storage space – one of the features of this narrowboat. Between two black leather swivel chairs, the radiator is concealed behind a fretwork panel while opposite, the cupboard doors open to reveal a TV which is mounted on a bracket so that it can be angled to the viewer. Beyond the multi-fuel Hamlet stove, the dining table fits neatly to the recessed panels opposite the dinette, which also serves as a double bed.
Clever touch
The dinette converts into a double bed.
The double bed in the main cabin.
The TV can be positioned to suit the viewer.
The angled steps.
Access to the pipework behind the shower.
The washbasin with storage space beneath.
As you enter the galley a high-level cupboard acts as a room divider beneath which is another clever touch – a Shoreline 12v freezer slides out from beneath the dinette while another pair of doors opens from the panelling opposite to reveal a storage area for glassware and crockery. The side hatch beyond slides open to save space.
The porthole framed in Art Deco style.
The decorated coal scuttle.
The Josher-style bow with its eye-catching headlamp and horn. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
The boat interior is lined in American white oak with ash-veneer recessed panels and the bespoke galley units are also in American oak, their black granite worktops having a sparkle effect – especially effective with the colourchange LED lighting. Kitchen appliances include a Thetford oven, Inlander 12v fridge and, in the utility area beyond, an automatic washing machine with shelving above and room for cleaning equipment. Alongside the quadrant shower in the washroom a cupboard door pulls out to give access to the pipework while opposite is a wash basin above more cupboard space and Sanimarine toilet. Towards the stern is the main cabin with double bed and, again, plenty of storage space. Steve explained that all the oak used is processed from the rough sawn state in his fully equipped workshop and the bulkheads and room partitions are constructed from birch ply with an oak veneer. The woodwork is all given one base coat and two top coats of pre-catalysed lacquer.
He added: “I am passionate about the work I do and insist the highest standards are met. I also ensure that an independent boat surveyor inspects each stage of the works being carried out for the customer’s peace of mind.” Union Maid has also been built to be as self-sufficient as possible energy-wise with a bank of five batteries, three solar panels and where possible equipment that will run on a 12v supply. Based on the Memphis Belle pin-up artwork, Union Maid’s roots go back before the Second World War aircraft immortalised in the 1990 film to the riverboat from which it got its name. And one thing’s for sure, she will certainly catch the eye too.
Builders
Steve Ellis Boatfitters Staniland Marina, Thorne DN8 5EP Freephone: 0800 246 5146 Mobile: 07866 779760 Email: info@sellisboatfitters.co.uk www.sellisboatfitters.co.uk
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Classy cleaning from Marine 16
Multi-functional fuel additive for diesel engines
A NEW range of cleaning products, made especially for boats, has been introduced by Marine 16. Based in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, the company is already well known for its fuel treatment and maintenance products. The Classy Cleaning products have been designed and developed with the environment in mind and conform to the latest legislation for cleaning, meaning that they do not harm valuable aquatic life and are safe to both use and dispose of. Why biological cleaners? A biological cleaner cleans in the same way as a solvent cleaner but also utilises the additional effects of friendly bacteria. These friendly bacteria effectively break down the proteins, starches and fats found in dirt and stains, speeding up the removal of dirt, grime, stains etc. Biological detergents are therefore more effective and will continue to work long after you have removed the stains. The Classy Cleaning range comprises:
A NEW multi-functional additive for diesel engines was launched to the inland waterways market at the recent Crick Boat Show. Produced by Hydra International Ltd, Hydra Diesel Power Blast is designed to revolutionise fuel efficiency and stability, giving a fuel saving of up to 10%. As well as giving a smoother, quieter engine with less exhaust smoke, it stabilises fuel while reducing consumption and harmful emissions to a minimum. According to Hydra, the problem with fuel used in diesel engine boats is that very often this fuel remains in the fuel tank for extended periods before being used. As many of us are aware, this fuel starts to degrade after only four weeks, leading to long-term problems and inefficiencies (in a car it is normally
1ltr Complete Boat Wash (RRP £12); 1ltr Complete Cabin Clean (RRP £11.04) and 1ltr Complete Engine & Bilge Cleaner (RRP £13.20). Marine 16 is looking to offer these as a set of three for £32.72 which offers a saving of more than £3. See the advertisement on page 33 or visit www.marine16.co.uk
WHAT’S NEW
used within a week or two). By utilising new developments in detergent technology Hydra ensures a complete internal engine clean, down to molecular levels. Existing carbon and unburnt fuel deposits are rapidly removed from injectors, valves etc., giving the engine as new performance. Hydra’s stabiliser and biocide active
Books, DVDs and other items for possible review should be sent to: Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk
A magical canal adventure
Canals, cats and catastrophes C
Reviewer: Kathryn Smith
RReviewer: Robert Davies
THE adventures in the story of Mysterious Moorings with Mouse all begin when Fred and Lottie’s longed-for family holiday to Disney World is cancelled because Dad loses his job. Unexpectedly liberated from corporate fun, the imaginative possibilities are endless. Barge dweller Kitty Irvine brings her obvious love for canal life to this delightful tale. The children encounter the narrowboat Mouse and Mr and Mrs Bobbins and once aboard, their adventures begin. As every reader of Towpath Talk can attest, a narrowboat is far superior to a wardrobe or TARDIS in terms of a travelling vessel with small exterior and infinite inner space. At just 94 pages, sadly without illustration, this will make a manageable bedtime read. The language is easily accessible for young readers and the text is well spaced with plenty of short paragraphs. Kitty clearly has an ear for children’s discourse and logic. Fred is swift to adapt to his family’s new situation, finding the positives, but also makes sure to pack his Gameboy in case the holiday
“is rubbish.” Travelling through time the children meet characters from the waterway’s past, a Victorian boat family and a blacksmith, before journeying to a fantastical Scotland. What will particularlyy charm about this book is the innocence, not just of the adventures but also thee treats. Delight is to be found in sightingg a kingfisher, puffins off the Scottish coastt and taking tea and cake by the canal. The ultimate treasure at the end of thee adventure (Dad gets a new secure job on n the waterways with cottage attached) mightt sadly for the current generation, provee more fantastical than anything else in thiss story. Cynicism aside though, Kitty’s bookk offers young minds the possibility that ‘thee happiest place on earth’ might after all bee found on the muddy banks of a canal. Mysterious Moorings with Mousee by Kitty Irvine (paperback, 94 pages)) available from publishers www . austinmacauley.com, priced £6.99. ISBN: 978 1 7869322 0 4 978-1-7869322-0-4
Modest in price price, but not in quality Reviewer: Harry Arnold
WE have reviewed one or two large multi-page and expensive general waterway books lately – such as Stuart Fisher’s Canals Of Britain. This, with a very similar title (substitute ‘In’ for ‘Of’) is at the other end of the scale both in size – a modest 80 pages – and price, but certainly not in quality. Canals In Britain is an absolutely ideal introductory handbook on the subject, outlined in a logical historical sequence but bringing it right up to date. Author Tony Condor was well known on the waterways, first as the curator/ manager of the British Waterways’ museum at Stoke Bruerne, then with the acquisition and development of Gloucester as the National Waterways Museum, in charge of the whole BW historical collection under the aegis of The Waterways Trust. With the designation moving to Ellesmere Port he then went on to other non-waterway museums. With all that background you would expect him to have an expert knowledge of the subject and this comes out in
his concise and pleasant writing style. All aspect of the waterways are covered, from early history and improving the rivers, canal building and the canall mania, working them and the arrival off the railways in Victorian days, through thee wars and on to Nationalisation, right up to o the present day. There is a brief but good d recommended further reading list and a useful Places to Visit section. It is extensively illustrated with a widee and well-chosen selection of photographss (some well known) in both colour and d black and white. A very good and modestlyy priced volume, ideal to get visitors new to o the subject involved in Britain’s waterwayss and a book that should be on every schooll library’s shelves. Canals In Britain by Tony Condorr is published by Shire Publications in n softback, priced £8.99. ISBN: 978-1-78442-050-5
ingredients ensure that fuel remains sweet and stable for much longer. This additive also contains a nanomolecular catalyst to ensure that fuel is used to its maximum potential by adding oxygen and increasing fuel burn time. https://www.hydra-fueladditives. com
H HERE is a book that provides a very useful insight into tthe ups and downs of living aboard a narrowboat. A crew of two or three cats on board creates a ‘feline feel’ that o adds a another dimension to the story in Canals, Cats & C Catastrophes by Margaret Awty-Jones. The author and her partner got together later in life and, although he was an ex-Mersey Ferry skipper, neither of a tthem had any previous experience of boating and living on o the inland waterways. Having initially ventured forth on a 10ft wide cruiser, they decided that living aboard was o a gamble worth taking. They purchased a 42ft narrowboat and made their maiden voyage from Skipton to Wigan, a where they had some work done to the boat. At this stage w tthey had not committed to living aboard and confined their llearning curve to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. When they did finally become what the author describes aas ‘water gypsies’ they took their two cats on board, having previously left them with friends. The cats’ presence did p not prevent a mouse stowing away on board! This is n when w they ventured south and began extending their ccruising horizons. The author provides a blow-by-blow account of their eexperiences and adventures – mainly good but some not sso good good. She does not baulk from admitting when their
inexperience demonstrated how w not to do it. All this took place in the 1990s and they spentt many years travelling around d the system. The story is told in a light-hearted manner although it was not all ‘plain sailing’ with numerous challenges, tragedy and heartache a feature. The ‘ship’s cats’ are very much part of the story; their behaviour and antics providing some amusing incidents. The happiness that this couple enjoyed helped to overcome the difficulties encountered and they certainly loved the way of life. Anyone contemplating taking up a life on the waterways would benefit from reading this book first to learn about the pitfalls as well as the joys involved. The writing style is ‘chatty’ and the pages are liberally supplemented with humorous cartoon-style illustrations. The book extends to some 290 pages and has a cover price of £12.99. Canals, Cats & Catastrophes by Margaret Awty-Jones is published by Merseyman Books in paperback and is available on Amazon. 9569429 1 3 ISBN: 978 978-9569429-1-3
Practical proposals to protect against flooding P RReviewer: Elizabeth Rogers
L LAST winter may have been a relatively – and unseasonably – dry one, but memories of those, and of summers too, with excessive amounts of rainfall make sure that we keep w iin mind the importance of measures to prevent flooding. Jeremy Purseglove first wrote Taming the Flood in 1988, aand it described situations and solutions then. For this new eedition, published in the spring, he has added a further ssection in which he continues to emphasise the importance of working with and not against the natural environment. o The author is a practical landscape architect and eecologist who has worked as an environmentalist in the water industry. There he has been actively involved in land w draining engineering with the aim of enhancing rather d tthan destroying the heritage of our rivers and wetlands. He outlines practical proposals for the protection and use H of these sensitive habitats. o He describes the value of brambles growing in waterside eenvironments in stabilising river banks, together with that of the common reed, which will colonise right up to the o dry top of banks. Common reed has been used for this d p purpose in Warwickshire of the River Leam, and pond ssedge, more confined to the water’s edge than the reed, was used successfully by the Thames Water Authority in1978 u tto stabilise a bank on the Lee Navigation. In Staffordshire, w willow was used on the fast-flowing River Meece. Flood-relief channels have been introduced over the yyears, and there is a current scheme for the River Thames in O Oxfordshire as a means of preventing the serious flooding eexperienced there in the past few years.
These channels fill with waterr in the times of flood, and have e just a trickle at other times. A beneficial effect is reduction n in the need for dredging of thee main channel, with no need d to ‘hit it so hard’. A variation iss the ‘two-stage channels’, which h involve the cutting away and thereby hereby lowering areas of dry land beside the river which will accommodate winter floods. Ideally, the author adds, these should be kept grazed. Newly constructed wetlands offer a dual benefit, he points out, in their value for wildlife, describing them as a 21st-century version of the 18th-century English landscape gardening, but with the ideology an ecological rather than an aesthetic one. A concern to which he draws attention is the overintensification of farming, resulting in compacted soil from which rainfall runs off into watercourses rather than being absorbed into the ground. This is a book very enjoyably written, seriously practical but showing the importance the author places on the natural environment – and lightened by various quotations from poetic sources, including John Clare, Edward Thomas and William Wordsworth. Taming the Flood by Jeremy Purseglove is published by William Collins, (paperback, 400 pages) priced £12. ISBN 978-0-00-813221-7
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WHAT’S ON A host of attractions at the Angel
Email details of your event to: jrichardson@mortons.co.uk or send details to: What’s on, Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ
Compiled by Janet Richardson
BOAT trips, street entertainment and have-a-go canoeing sessions are all part of the fun at the 31st annual Angel Canal Festival centred around the City Road Lock and basin at Islington, North London on Sunday, September 3. Stretching alongside the Regents Canal towpath, local streets and a park will be a host of attractions including a children’s fun fair, Punch & Judy and story-teller and a variety of art projects. And for football fans, Arsenal in the Community will stage their penalty shoot-out sessions in the park. There is a free lucky programme draw at 4pm, with two prizes: a £100 cheque or an Arsenal signed T-shirt or football.
There is also a regatta with bell-boat racing which will be started by the Mayor of Islington, who will arrive by boat from the London Canal Museum before giving a welcome speech at noon. There are 70 stalls or gazebos arranged along the towpath, Graham Street, Danbury Street and Graham Street Park selling anything from canalware, crafts, books, clothes, jewellery and bric-a-brac to a wide range of hot and cold food and non-alcoholic drinks. As well as local businesses, many local and national charities take stalls to raise awareness and give advice. There are two public houses on site, The Narrowboat and The Plaquemine Lock.
Civic award
‘Angels’ are being sought to take on the organisation of this popular event for next year to step into the shoes of Beryl Windsor and Sasha Mears, who have led the committee since the late 1990s. Sasha retired in December following heart surgery and her efforts over the years were recognised with one of the Mayor of Islington’s Civic Awards in March. Beryl will retire as chairman and co-ordinator of the Angel Canal Festival Management Team in December following recent health problems. She told Towpath Talk: “We are currently trying to find replacements for Sasha, myself and Steve (Burt) who has been our stalls manager for 18 years.” Although Beryl and husband Steve live near Birmingham, they moor their boat at St Pancras Cruising Club whose members make up most of the committee. Following an article in the Islington Gazette, they have received interest from the Canal & River Trust and Inland Waterways Association in London,
A heavenly thumbs up for last year’s Angel Canal Festival. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON Islington Council and a few local people who are all keen that the event is kept going. A special meeting of all interested parties will take place shortly after this year’s event. Anyone wishing to volunteer on the day or throughout the year can email: volunteers@angelcanalfestival.org www.angelcanalfestival.org
A wave from last year’s Mayor of Islington, Coun Kat Fletcher, on her way to the bell-boat racing after opening last year’s event.
The Punch & Judy show is a popular attraction.
Soup Ukulele entertaining visitors besides City Road Lock last year.
The market where you can get anything from street food to canalware, clothes and crafts.
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Festival of Water comes to Ilkeston MORE than 100 boats will be moored along the Erewash Canal for the Inland Waterways Association’s annual Festival of Water over the August Bank Holiday
weekend (August 26-28). Historic narrowboats, classic cars, live music and real ale will be among the attractions at Ilkeston for this free
Decorated narrowboats are always a colourful spectacle. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
Gruesome tale unfolds in eerie tunnel THIS summer, explore the Union Canal and the Falkirk Tunnel, expertly guided by Messrs Burke and Hare – two of the men who helped carve the colossal channel. This dark tour comes with a warning, though… it might be the change in temperature, the perpetual darkness or the sound of whispering across the water, but something unnatural lurks in the shadows of the tunnel – and in the hearts of your guides… Visitors to the Union Canal will have the chance to experience a world of body snatchers, love, murder and deceit this August as the Falkirk Tunnel is transformed into a unique pop-up theatre venue telling the grisly tale of two of Scotland’s most notorious criminals. The Resurrection, the new play from Scottish Canals and The Walking Theatre Company, will see guests enter the eerie depths of the Falkirk Tunnel as they learn about the dark deeds of ‘resurrection men’ William Burke and William Hare. The pair, who moved from Ireland to Scotland to work as ‘navvies’ constructing the Union Canal in the early 1800s, would go on to establish their reputation on the streets of Edinburgh in the business of murder – luring victims to stay in the Hare guesthouse and selling the resulting bodies for medical experimentation.
Gory tale
The Resurrection tells their gory tale and is the first theatrical performance to take place in the Falkirk Tunnel. Scotland’s oldest and longest canal tunnel, the
630-metre-long channel was blasted and hewn from the rugged rock beneath Prospect Hill in Falkirk almost 200 years ago by ‘navvies’ like Burke and Hare. Designed by Union Canal engineer Hugh Baird, today it is the nation’s last surviving original canal tunnel. Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “The Falkirk Tunnel is one of the most atmospheric and eerie sites on Scotland’s canals and we’re delighted to be able to bring one of its many stories to life with this unique pop-up theatre production in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. “We look forward to welcoming our guests to the tunnel this summer but that welcome comes with a warning whether it’s the change in temperature, the perpetual darkness, the sound of whispers from across the water, or the gruesome tale itself, The Resurrection is not for the faint of heart!” The lighting in the tunnel was upgraded recently with a new LED system thanks to funding raised by Scottish Waterways Trust from Avondale Environmental through the Landfill Communities Fund and sportscotland’s Active Places fund. Sustrans Scotland and Falkirk Council also supported the project. The new programmable system highlights the historic fabric of the tunnel – the candle holders, stalactites, dynamite stores and shafts – and allows the space to be used in innovative new ways. Tickets for The Resurrection are available from www.canaltheatre.co.uk, with performances starting on August 4.
family day out at the Gallows Inn Playing Field in Nottingham Road DE7 5BP from 10am on Saturday, August 26. Shreck the boat horse will be on hand to meet and greet visitors. Children will also be delighted to see a selection of birds of prey plus there will be a range of reptiles and possibly some to handle. For kids who might like the idea of walking on water, the water zorbing should do the trick and younger children will love Carz of fun as well as the children’s rides. Steam engines will offer short trips and youngsters have been heard to gasp on seeing the number of musical instruments Chucklefoot, the one-man band, can play at once. The entertainments marquee hosts a range of jazz, folk, popular and rock music acts as well as local dance troupes and some from further afield. Among the popular acts taking part are Braunston Pickle, Martin Frances, the BFAB Street Dancers, Mick & the Moonshiners, the Bonito Sisters, Umpteen Reasons to Swerve, the Folk Frendzy Dancers and the Penny Bun Folk Duo. Other attractions include a display of classic cars, vintage buses and of course the many boats moored the length of
WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST
Worcester Birmingham & Droitwich Canal Society: Summer walk around Edgbaston Reservoir. Contact Denis Pike 07870 939121.
August 3
Birmingham Canal Navigation Society: Annual walk. 7pm start. Meet at Brasshouse Lane Bridge, Smethwick towpath. Parking in Brasshouse Lane environs. Everyone is welcome. www.bcnsociety.com 01213 556351/07961 177553
August 5-6
Friends of Cromford Canal: Horse day and Leawood Pumphouse. Depart 11am or 2pm from Cromford Wharf (single or return), 12.15pm or 3.15pm High Peak Junction (single only). Booking advisable 07552 055455, sales@birdswood.org
August 6
Dogdyke Steam Drainage Station: Open day from 1.30 to 4.30pm. Beam engine in steam, display and museum in old engineman’s house, 40th anniversary year. Tea and homemade cakes in grounds. Off the A153 Sleaford to Horncastle Road near Bridge Farm, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, along farm track. Entrance and parking free, donations welcome. IWA Towpath Walks Society, London: Regent’s C: King’s Cross – Granary Square - Camden. Starts King’s Cross (taxi rank) at 2.30pm. Costs £10, £8 student/concs. Contact Roger Wilkinson 0203 612 9624.
August 9
River Foss Society: Sheriff Hutton via Stittenham five-mile circular walk. Meet 9.30am Sheriff Hutton park. Parking near roundabout in Sheriff Hutton. Contact Bob Jowett 01904 764702 bob.jowett1@btopenworld. com
Take an eerie tour of the Union Canal. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS
PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
The Bonito Sisters will be playing the festival twice on Sunday. PHOTO SUPPLIED
the canal decked in their festival best bunting and flags. As you walk around the show you will get the chance to listen to Peter Buck talk about canal engineering and Graham Fisher will be enlightening those gathered around him on the fascinating story of working boats. ● For mooring and campsite (£30 for weekend including evening entertainment) bookings, call 01635 414567, email: event. enquiries@waterways.org.uk www.waterways.org.uk
One-man band Chucklefoot entertaining young festival goers. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON
If you want your event listed in our free monthly What’s On section email your entry to pbatten@mortons.co.uk or use the events form at www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events. As always please check with organisers on the details of the event before setting out on your journey.
August 1
August 13
Waterway Recovery Group activities always prove popular.
Worthing Boat Jumble. Open 10am. On the Prom, The Promenade, Marine Parade, Worthing, Sussex, BN11 3PX. Admission FREE. Telephone Sussex Boat Jumble on 01903 761773/07899 850308.
August 14
River Foss Society: Nunnington 4.5-mile evening walk. Meet 6.30pm at The Royal Oak, Nunnington with optional meal afterwards. Contact Anne Bednarski 01904 764086.
August 15
Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust. Social evening. The Royal Oak, Much Marcle. Meet at 7.30pm/8pm start.
August 16
Dogdyke Steam Drainage Station: Open day from 5-8pm. Beam engine in steam, display and museum in old engineman’s house, 40th anniversary year. Tea and home-made cakes in grounds. Off the A153 Sleaford to Horncastle Road near Bridge Farm, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, along farm track. Entrance and parking free, donations welcome.
August 19-20
Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust. Over Beer Festival on the canal. Over Basin near Gloucester. Open 11am. Free entry. www.h-g-canal.org.uk
August 20
Portsmouth Boat Jumble. Open 10am. Fort Purbrook, Portsdown Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1BJ. Outside event. Admission £4, accompanied children/car parking free. Chaddock & Fox Promotions. Telephone 01329 661896/07771962495 Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association: Open afternoon at Sandiacre Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandiacre (off Longmoor Lane) NG10 5LA, 1.30-4.30pm. Admission free but donations towards costs of opening appreciated. Due to the historic nature of the cottages, access for disabled people is limited. Contact Glyn Stenson 07809 251441/0115 854 3306, glynstenson@hotmail.com IWA Towpath Walks Society, London: Regent’s C: Islington – Mile End. Starts Angel tube station at 2.30pm. Costs £10, £8 student/ concs. Contact Roger Wilkinson 0203 612 9624.
August 25-28
Roving Canal Traders Association: Merry Hill Floating Market on the Dudley Canal towpath along the embankment between Greens Bridge & Daniels Land Bailey Bridge (DY5 2 Q/DY5 1XD). A wide array of floating traders selling their wares, a great morning or afternoon out for the family. Open 10am-5pm each day, free entry. www.rcta.org.uk
August 26-27
Weedon Sports Association: Weedon Weekender 4, traditional village fete starts at 2pm, Saturday, August 26 with lots of stalls, displays and much more, live music in the evening. Sunday, August 27 starts with outdoor combined church service followed by entertainment from local singing group. Fun dog show, registrations from 12.30pm. Family ‘inflatafun’ day with music and opportunity for a picnic. Donation buckets at entry. Jubilee Field, Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire NN7 4PL w w w. w e e d o n s a . b t c k . c o . u k / WeedonWeekender2017
August 27-28
Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association: Open afternoon at Sandiacre Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandiacre (off Longmoor Lane) NG10 5LA, 11am-3pm. Admission free but donations towards costs of opening appreciated. Due to the historic nature of the cottages, access for disabled people is limited. Contact Glyn Stenson 07809 251441/0115 854 3306, glynstenson@hotmail.com Friends of Cromford Canal: Horse day and Leawood Pumphouse. Depart 11am or 2pm from Cromford Wharf (single or return), 12.15pm or 3.15pm High Peak Junction (single only). Booking advisable 07552 055455, sales@birdswood.org
August 28
IWA Towpath Walks Society, London: The Olympics, Bow Back Rivers & Carpenters Road Lock. Starts Stratford (by 'Newham London' sign at 1pm. Costs £10, £8 student/ concs. Contact Roger Wilkinson 0203 612 9624.
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RCR calls for IWA Cruising Challenge Award entrants
IN BRIEF
Guided tours
THE Wendover Arm Trust will be holding its second Restoration Open Day of the year on Sunday, September 3 from 12.304pm. There will be guided tours of the current restoration, tours taking around 30 minutes, as well as canoe activities on the restored section, sales stands, tea and cakes. A video presentation can also be seen in Drayton Beauchamp Church (HP22 5LS). Entry and parking are free, donations welcome. www. wendoverarmtrust.co.uk
Aerial view
THE Friends of Gloucester Waterways Museum are welcoming back Richard Kelsey to present the second part of his talk on the River Severn from the air at the end of September. His talk will start above the city of Worcester and then slowly travel down the Severn towards the sea before ending where the estuary runs into the Bristol Channel. The talk will take place on Tuesday, September 26 at the Gloucester Waterways Museum, The Docks, Gloucester, starting at 7.30pm. Admission is free with a retiring collection and hot refreshments will be provided.
Railway posters
THE Lion Salt Works Museum will host a new exhibition of 14 1930s-style railway posters between August 8 and September 3. Produced by the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and designed by artist Nicky Thompson of Chester-based Lemondrop Creative, the posters evoke the Golden Age of British travel. Two of the posters feature sites on the Trent & Mersey Canal. There is no charge to view the exhibition and regular tours will take place. There will be a public preview and talk on Sunday, August 6 (2.30pm). For more information, contact the museum on 01606 275040.
Visitors enjoying a boat trip during the Blisworth Canal Festival. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Village comes together for annual canal festival
ONCE again visitors will be able park and moor at Blisworth Canal Festival for this free event enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. All the organisers ask is that you purchase a festival brochure for £2 from a steward as this helps offset the costs of the event which takes place over the weekend of August 12 and 13, from 11am-5pm both days. The waterfront is crammed with trade and work boats, with two trip boats operating throughout the event. One will take you to the entrance of the iconic Blisworth Tunnel, the other to Blisworth Arm. Six other village venues close to the canal will have an amazing array of attractions to keep everybody happy. Choose from pony rides, a rare breed farmyard, birds of prey, sheep shearing and rural craft demonstrations,
vintage caravans, Second World War vehicles, art gallery, have-a-go paintball and rifle ranges, children’s rides, bouncy castles and ferret racing to list but a few. There will be live music on the stage in the main festival field all weekend as well as a range of food outlets and bars. A dedicated ‘dog zone’ will join the popular Companion Dog Show on the Saturday with prizes and rosettes and include a have-a-go agility arena and scurry. There will be lots of stalls full of things for your pet as well as a hospitality zone. Entry to the event is free except for a £4 charge for exploring 10 village gardens on the Sunday. www.blisworthcanalfestival.co.uk www.blisworthcanalpartnership.org
RIVER Canal Rescue is calling for boaters to update their travel logs and enter this year’s Cruising Challenge Award presented by the Inland Waterways Association. The winner will be announced at IWA’s Festival of Water, Ilkeston, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, August 26-28, 2017. Open to IWA members and non-members, the RCR-sponsored award recognises the most enterprising non-continuous journey undertaken from August 2016 to the opening of the 2017 event and as well as a trophy, the winner receives free RCR membership. While there are no maximum/minimum cruising requirements and/or cruising breaks, no section of canal or river can be counted more than once in the same direction in the same calendar month and entrants are required to provide a full log of their cruise showing miles and locks which must be supported with evidence of reaching key destinations during the cruise. Entrants are judged on the overall cruise content – rather than the longest – and extra points are given to boaters travelling lesser-used waterways, reaching distant end navigations and using inland tidal sections. Overall log presentation is also taken into account. IWA has invited its members to enter this and seven other awards – Most Meritorious Trip, Longest Journey, Boat Club Challenge, Best Bloomin’ Boat, Lights in the Dark, Best Oldie and Locking Windlass – by Friday, August 11. This can be extended to Friday, August 25 providing prior notice is given. RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting IWA again this year and hope many people will enter. This award category fits well with our ethos which is to support people whatever their journey.” ● To find out more about the awards visit the Festival of Water awards page at www.waterways.org.uk Check out RCR at www. rivercanalrescue.co.uk
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Summer ‘lift off’ at Anderton Boat Lift
One of the teams in last year’s raft race. PHOTO: COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST
Stroud raft and duck race returns THIS year’s Stroud Raft and Duck Race on Sunday, August 27 will raise funds for the Cotswold Canals Trust and The Door Youth Project. The raft race will be held as part of the Stroud Fringe Festival, adding a waterways dimension to this popular event. Organisers have plotted to include some extra challenges and the clue is in the title… ducks will be involved!
The raft race was resurrected in 2016 by Luciano and Sarah Magalotti, to continue a tradition that began in 1985 for having fun on the Thames & Severn Canal. Each year sees more restoration milestones completed by volunteer groups from the Cotswold Canals Trust, Stroud District Council and the Waterways Recovery Group. http://www.stroudraftrace.org
Families welcome at Gailey Wharf open day GAILEY Wharf is opening its gates to the public on Sunday, August 6 so visitors can see the facilities available at the site. As well as promoting their wide range of services, JD Boat Services (Gailey) Ltd and Birmingham & Midland Marine Services are aiming for a family atmosphere and hoping for fine weather. Joules Brewery will be providing a bar with a selection of real ales. Attractions will also include a hog roast, music and a bouncy castle for the kids. The event will be open from 10am-4pm. Among the services at the wharf are holiday boat hire, short narrowboat breaks, shared ownership schemes, boat building and repairs.
The Gailey Wharf training centre offers skipper training (commercial and leisure), Royal Yachting Association courses, Maritime and Coastguard Agency training, Royal Life Saving Society National Water Safety Management Programme courses, work boat hire, safety and rescue services. Volvo cars will be attending, offering discounts to RYA members via their RYA Affinity scheme, while local canal groups, companies and small businesses have also been invited to display their wares and services. Entry is free with parking on site at Gailey Wharf, Watling Street, Gailey, Staffordshire ST19 5PR. Contact Gailey Wharf on 01902 791811.
New exhibition at Wallbridge Visitor Centre COTSWOLD Canals Trust volunteers Alison Lusty and David McGovern are showing an exhibition of their photographs entitled Reflections on our Heritage in the gallery at the trust’s visitor centre at Wallbridge Lock in Stroud. They share a passion for the restoration of the canals through Stroud and are frequently seen out and about on the towpath taking photographs. The couple, who live close to the Stroudwater Navigation, are also the founders of Ebley Images. In line with the green culture of Stroud, the wooden frames that feature in Reflections on our Heritage are largely recycled. Alison explained: “I particularly enjoy restoring the wooden frames. This allows the production of a wide range of designs and some interesting combinations of prints and mounts”. Similar attention to detail is evident in David’s additional role as printer and framer. The Wallbridge exhibition also includes a selection of Alison’s handmade canal-themed greeting cards and a novel new stock item – a ruler featuring
Photographers and Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers Alison Lusty and David McGovern, whose work is on show at the visitor centre at Wallbridge Lock. PHOTO: COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST
Ebley Images photographs. David added: “We have made sure the inch measurements are uppermost on the rulers… after all, both the exhibition
and the restoration are celebrating Heritage!” The exhibition runs from July through September. www.ebleyimages.co.uk
EUROVISION Song Contest winning groups Brotherhood of Man and Bobby G’s Bucks Fizz will headline this year’s spectacular summer Lift Off music festival on Saturday, August 19 at Cheshire’s Anderton Boat Lift near Northwich. These high-energy performances will be part of the lift’s third summer music festival weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 18-19. Still with its original line-up, Brotherhood of Man first became known internationally in the early 1970s with hits like United We Stand and Where Are You Going My Love. The group won the Eurovision Song Contest with Save Your Kisses For Me in 1976. Bobby G’s Bucks Fizz had three number one records, over 20 chart hits, 40 million record sales and won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981 with Making Your Mind Up. Although the line-up has changed during
Chart-topping group Brotherhood of Man in action. PHOTO SUPPLIED
the years, the lead singer Bobby G is still there and the show continues to be slick, fast-moving and high energy. These acts will be supported by Reminds, a Cheshire band, who are back by popular demand. The bands for the rest of the festival plus ticket prices will be announced closer to the festival.
Graham Wood, duty manager at Anderton Boat Lift, said: “The event is enhanced by the ambience of the lift and the river setting. It is not to be missed.” A bar will be available each night in the lift view marquee, along with food from the kitchens of the lift’s tree-top coffee shop.
Sawley Marina to host autumn market THERE’S still time for stallholders to book places at the annual Autumn Market and Open Weekend hosted by British Waterways Marinas Ltd (BWML) at Sawley Marina. The event, on Saturday and Sunday, September 2-3, from 10am-4pm each day, is a great opportunity to see the facilities at one of the UK’s busiest and most centrally located marinas and to find out about what it’s like to live on the water. Preparations for the weekend are well under way, and visitors can be sure that there will be something for everyone.
For boaters and enthusiasts, there will be boat handling demonstrations and tips with the Royal Yachting Association Active demonstrations, together with water safety and rescue demonstrations, and free training and advice with informal and short courses. The team at Sawley Marina will also be on hand to answer any questions visitors may have about enjoying life on the water to the full. To book your stall, contact: 01159 077400, sawley@bwml.co.uk
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A history of policing the Thames By Elizabeth Rogers
IN THE history of policing in this country the force that was the first to be formed is the Thames River Police, so its museum is of particular interest. This small museum is in a department of the police station at Wapping, East London, and therefore is only open to visitors by appointment except on the three open days which are held each year. Its curator is retired police officer Bob Jeffries, who has regular requests for appointments to visit and is pleased to welcome the many groups such as U3A (University of the Third Age) branches, local history societies and individual visitors who include authors, researchers, journalists, historians and students, and school groups working on projects. “I am practically at saturation point with appointments,” he says. He aims as much as possible to limit his commitment in this respect to two or three days a week. The museum’s popularity is also shown by the interest in attendance at the open days, with some 1500 people arriving to see the exhibits during last year’s open weekend.
Actor Telly Savalas, who starred as tough New York detective Kojak in the 1970s, meets Thames police officers during a visit to London.
The next one will take place over the weekend of September 16-17, between 11am and 5pm. The open days are a family occasion with Bob’s wife Marie organising refreshments and during which they are supported by some other retired officers who are among a group of volunteers who are there to welcome the visitors and show them around. On the doors are some of the station’s Special Constables. The volunteer group was instigated by Joe May, who on a visit to the museum one day was so impressed that he felt it needed more support and so immediately set about rallying supporters. The founder of the museum itself was another retired policeman, John Joslin, in 1974. When he retired Bob Jeffries took over until his own retirement in 2005. Requests for another serving officer to take over brought no response so Bob agreed to continue. The museum moved into its present accommodation in 1974, with the permission of the then commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Robert Mark. Many of its exhibits are historic documents, on loan from the National Archives at Kew. Among the collections and models is one of the typical Thames barge, with police launches and other craft. A number of them were made by carpenters from Wapping station’s own carpenters’ workshop.
The worst disaster on a British waterway was in 1874, when 640 lives were lost when the Princess Alice was in collision with another vessel in Woolwich. The museum has the ensign of the Princess Alice, a flag which shows the emblem of the owners of the ship, the London Steamship Company. It shows the cross of St George with, in the top left-hand corner, the sword of St Paul. This is also the flag of the City of London. The early uniforms of the Thames River Police always create interest. Until quite recent times this was specific to the force, and was based on a naval
Floating police station The Royalist.
Launching a police galley.
Wapping Police Station as it is today. PHOTOS COURTESY BOB JEFFRIES, THAMES POLICE MUSEUM
Woolwich disaster
A chalk drawing of the Wapping police office in 1798. design with a different tunic, a reefer jacket, and naval-style caps as headwear. Earlier they also wore the tarred – as waterproofing – straw boaters. The land-based forces’ uniforms, before the arrival of the present modernised styles, were based on army uniforms. It was when members of both the land-based and river-based branches were to be called to give evidence in a trial resulting from a jewel heist in the year 2000 that a decision was taken to standardise the uniform to be worn by all the officers who were to be called in the case. The West India Merchants and Planters Marine Police Institute and the Thames Police were original names of the forces from its formation in 1798 – preceding the Metropolitan Police by 31 years, it became, with the Bow Street Runners, part of the Metropolitan force and designated the Thames Division in 1839. Its founders were merchants of the West India Company, who had
An officer carrying an oar at Wapping New Stairs around 1900. the objective of reducing crime and depredation on the river. It was presided over by two magistrates, Patrick Colquhoun and John Harriott. Bob is frequently requested to give talks about the force and the museum, which he enjoys doing, even in combination with his extensive commitments at the museum itself. He describes it all as a labour of love. Enquiries about making visits by appointment can be made on 0207 270 3587 and there is a website www. thamespolicemuseum.org.uk The force formerly operated from floating police stations. The Royalist was one of its fleet of former naval vessels which would have been moored by the Victoria Embankment, between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges, at Blackwall and elsewhere. It now operates from the station at Wapping, and is now known as the Metropolitan Police Marine Support Unit.
Open days at Dogdyke Pumping Station The beam engine believed to be the oldest steam-driven scoop wheel pumping set in the country that is still in steam in its original position.
Visitors enjoy the attractions in the grounds of the engineman’s house at the July open day which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the pumping station’s restoration to steam. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON THE steam pumping station at Dogdyke in Lincolnshire was built in 1856 to replace a wind-driven pump to drain a large area of farmland between the rivers Bain and Witham. Running in steam on all the open days, its engine is the original external condensing beam-engine built by Bradley and Craven of Wakefield. It is believed to be the oldest steam-driven scoop wheel pumping set in the country that is still in steam in its original position. In 1940, a new building was erected next to the steam pump to house a
diesel-driven pump to replace the steam pumping set. This is a self-contained set of equipment, consisting of a single cylinder, 23.6-litre 7XRH Ruston & Hornsby diesel engine driving a centrifugal water pump made by Gwynnes. There is also a Ruston & Hornsby 1VTO small auxiliary engine, which drives an air compressor to pump up a 12 bar (200psi) reservoir used to start the pumping engine, a suction pump to prime the water pump and a generator to power the utilities. All these items were made in Lincoln.
Thispumping set, althoughsuperseded by an electric pumping set elsewhere, is still maintained by the Witham 3rd Internal Drainage Board as a stand-by set, and it also runs on open days, the next ones taking place on Sunday, August 6 from 1.30-4.30pm; Wednesday, August 16 from 5-8pm; Sunday, September 3 from 1.30-4.30pm; Sunday, September 9 (Heritage Open Day) from 1.30-4.30pm and Sunday, October 1 from 1.30-4.30pm. As well as the two pumping sets, there is also the old boiler and a small display and museum in the old engineman’s
house. Refreshments are also available. Entrance and parking are free, but donations towards the running costs are always welcome. ● The pumping station is maintained and operated by members of the Dogdyke Pumping Station Preservation Trust to whom we are grateful for this information. For further details ring 01522 683755, www.dogdyke.com
The Lincoln-built Ruston & Hornsby auxiliary engine.
The water pump made by Gwynnes Pumps Ltd of Lincoln and London in 1940.
75 INSIDER EXTRA
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This month’s seasonal recipe from Anna Pettigrew
Raspberry cordial
RECIPE
Bottle up a bit of sunshine with this beautiful raspberry cordial. It’s so easy to make and tastes great with sparkling water. MAKES ABOUT 1/2 LITRE Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: five minutes ● 400g/14oz raspberries ● 400g/14oz caster sugar
● 300ml/½ pint water ● Juice of one lemon
Simmer the raspberries and caster sugar with 300ml (½ pint) water and the juice of one lemon in a pan for five minutes until fruit is broken down. Strain the mix into sterilised bottles and store for up to two weeks in the fridge – serve over ice, topped up with lemonade or fizzy water. For more of Anna’s seasonal recipes see our sister title Kitchen Garden. To take advantage of a special subscription offer of three for £5 plus 20 free packs of seeds followed by £20 for six issues, call 01507 529529, quoting KG160, or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/kg160
Queen of myth in the Milky Way Towpath astronomer Brian Jones looks at a constellation which can be seen throughout the year. THE prominent ‘W’ or ‘M’ formation of stars known as Cassiopeia graces the far northern skies and represents the mythological Queen Cassiopeia. She was the wife of King Cepheus and mother to Andromeda, the beautiful maiden rescued from the sea monster by Perseus. Along with the Plough (part of the larger constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear) and Ursa Minor (the Little Bear) – both of which feature in recent Towpath Astronomer articles – the unmistakable pattern of stars known as Cassiopeia completes the trio of conspicuous star groups that lie in this area of the sky. We see Cassiopeia superimposed against the backdrop of the Milky Way and the whole area abounds with stars. On a really clear night you should be able to see around 50 naked eye stars within the group, although binoculars will reveal many more scattered across this region of sky. Their combined light produces the effect we call the Milky Way, the full visual splendour of which, although
usually lost to those in lightpolluted areas, can be a superb sight when viewed under dark (and preferably moonless) skies, such as when your boat is moored away from street lighting. Towpath astronomers in the UK should have no difficulty locating this constellation which stands out well high over the north eastern horizon during summer evenings. Cassiopeia is what we call a circumpolar constellation, which means that it never sets as seen from our latitude. From its current position, the group moves slowly around the heavens over the ensuing year. Tracing a circle around the Pole Star, it can be spotted overhead during autumn, high in the north western sky in winter and skimming the rooftops low down in the north in spring.
Brightest star
Cassiopeia contains six prominent stars, the brightest being Cih, which is so far away that its light has taken around 550 years to reach our planet.
The geography of the sky When the English astronomer Joseph Henry Elgie was finding his way around the night sky more than a century ago, the prominent shape of Cassiopeia was the first that he learned and committed to memory. His inspiring (and some would say romantic) words, written at the time, reflect this when he tells us that: “Facing due north, and looking high upward, the gaze meets with five stars of nearly equal brightness, in form resembling a sprawling capital “W”. They make the principal outline of the constellation Cassiopeia, the Lady in the Chair. I cherish a kindly remembrance for Cassiopeia; it was the first star group I ever recognised, when, under almost heart-breaking difficulties, I was trying to learn the geography of the sky.”
The astronomers of ancient China identified this star as representing the girdle of Cassiopeia, and gave it the name ‘Tsih’ meaning ‘a Whip’! Shedar, a name derived from the Arabic ‘al-sadr’, meaning ‘the Breast’, is an orange giant star, and you should be able to detect its colourful tint in binoculars. Located at a distance of 220 light years, the light we are seeing from Shedar set off towards us shortly after the time when the first Europeans were settling in Australia! Lying at roughly a quarter of the distance of Shedar is Caph, a white giant star shining from a distance of just 55 light years. Even closer to us is Achird which shines from a distance of just under 20 light years and can be regarded as one of our celestial neighbours! The knee of Cassiopeia is marked by Ksora, the light from which set off on its journey towards us around a century ago.
An alternative name for this star is Ruchbah, both names being derived from the Arabic ‘rukbat dhat al-kursiy’ which means ‘the Knee of the Lady in the Chair’. The distinctive shape of Cassiopeia is completed by Segin which shines from a distance of around 425 light years. ● In the next Towpath Astronomer article, we will track down and explore the late-summer constellation depicting Cygnus (the Swan). In the meantime, you can check out my blog Starlight Nights which can be found at www.starlightnights.co.uk Now that summer evenings are upon us, venture on to the towpath to seek out the conspicuous form of Queen Cassiopeia!. Happy stargazing!
Beware of the killer on the towpath
A warning sign along the Peak Forest Canal near New Mills.
BOATERS cruising along in the summer sun are often quite unaware that there can be a quiet, potential killer in their midst, writes Les Heath. The threat comes from the dreaded Heracleum mantegazzianum – or giant hogweed – introduced to this country from Central Asia in 1893 and which is capable of causing severe burns, blindness and even death. Although Canal & River Trust notices warn boaters of the presence of the plant, none explains why there is a danger. Two notices, on each side of the Peak Forest Canal, near New Mills, simply warn boaters to be aware but there are many who do not know the reason why they should be careful and there are those who have never even heard of giant hogweed. The sap of the plant causes phytophotodermatitis in humans resulting, at least, in blisters and long-lasting scars. These serious reactions are due to furocoumarin derivatives found in the roots, leaves, stems, flowers and seeds of the plant. The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 makes it an offence to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild. But despite this, the plant – which can
grow up to 20ft – has continued to spread throughout the waterways of Britain. Closely related to cow parsley, yet dubbed the most dangerous plant in the UK, a giant hogweed flower has 80,000 seeds which are easily dispersed to form new plants. Meanwhile, many people are unaware of the danger and have no knowledge of what the plant looks like, how to avoid it or how to report it to the relevant agencies. Suffice it to say if you fell into a patch of giant hogweed there is a chance you would die from severe burns. The toxic sap, present in all parts of the plant, not just the purple-hued stem, prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight which can lead to horrific blisters. Simply brushing against the plant or stroking a dog which has been in contact with the plant can cause a severe reaction. Unfortunately an affected person remains sensitive for some time and even after the burns have healed they can reoccur months or years later. Strangely enough, the plant can be controlled by an over-the-counter weed killer and local authorities are required to kill any plants growing in their area.
Giant hogweed’s toxic sap can cause a severe skin reaction.
PHOTOS: LES HEATH
76 FOOD & DRINK
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FOOD & DRINK staurants Canalside pubs & re.. to satisfy all tastes.
Pick your own pumpkins beside the canal VISITORS will be able to pick their own pumpkins for Halloween at Canalside Farm, near Stafford. The family-run farm has planted more than 1500 pumpkin plants so that the crop will be ready in October. Farm owner Chris Barton said: “We are very excited about our first ever pumpkin crop and hope that people will enjoy the activities we have planned over the Halloween period. “But as it’s our first year, it’s hard to know exactly how many we’ll get and we are hoping that there will be enough for the public to buy and for us to do a pumpkin carving event.” All of the farm’s produce is available to buy from the Farm Shop which will have been open for six years on August 1. It is also used in the Canalside Cafe which overlooks the Trent & Mersey Canal and recently celebrated its third anniversary. ● Canalside Farm, Shop and Cafe are open every day from 9am to 5pm and are located in Great Haywood, six miles outside Stafford. It is situated just off the A51, between Stone and Rugeley or can be accessed via the A518 from Stafford, turning right to Great Haywood (postcode ST18 0RQ). For more information ring 01889 881747. www.canalsidefarm.co.uk
Cafe boat Butty & Sweet is moored immediately next to the CRT Visitor Centre at Trevor.
PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
New cafe boat by Pontcysyllte By Harry Arnold
Farm owner Chris Barton is looking forward to a bumper crop of pumpkins. PHOTO SUPPLIED
THE concession recently offered by the Canal & River Trust (CRT) for a boat selling refreshments at the key tourist site at Trevor – by the end of the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal – has been taken up by Mandi Foley and Dave Evans. Their cafe boat Butty & Sweet is moored in the old open dry-dock next to the CRT Visitor Centre. They bought the boat to convert into a cafe in spring 2014 and started trading in Lymm, on the Bridgewater Canal, where they live. They ran it as
a cafe during the day and did cream tea and party cruises in the early evenings. Seeing the advertisement for the Trevor site in Towpath Talk, they thought it would be an exciting venture. After interview and a wait that seemed like forever they won the concession. Mandi and Dave told us that it is a fabulous place to trade from and they are enjoying it immensely. They do miss their established customers in Lymm but still see them on a regular basis. Some have even started to visit as Pontcysyllte and the surrounding World Heritage Site is such a stunning place to come to.
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Clues to meals, moorings and mysteries beside the Thames By Elizabeth Rogers
THE town of Wallingford and its surroundings are a mecca for readers of detective fiction but the clues to follow for boaters looking for a suitable mooring while taking a meal break at The Boat House Inn are very simple. Boaters who make a stop here while journeying along the River Thames are very well catered for. Moorings on both sides of the river close to The Boat House are controlled by Wallingford Town Council, which provides for both daytime stops and overnight stays. The cost for these is £5 per night, for up to three nights; the council is flexible in considering requests for an extra night in quieter times if vacant moorings are available. On-site facilities alongside the moorings include waste and recycling deposit areas. Thus with the boat securely moored its travellers can head for The Boat House to enjoy a meal, a snack, a drink, or, depending on the time of day, tea or coffee with a small snack – ideally sitting enjoying the sun in the riverside garden. For those deciding on a full lunch or dinner – food is served from noon to 9pm – there is a varied and regularly changing menu, including a traditional roast dinner on Sundays. Starters include soups and sharing platters. A main course favourite is the ever-enduring fish and chips, as is also sausage and mash. There are pizzas and hearty steak and ale pies. The vegetarians in the party have choices including a cauliflower cheese tart, macaroni cheese and lasagne. A dessert not to be missed is The Boat House’s speciality, its Sicilian lemon meringue pie. Other choices include chocolate brownies and cheesecake. For senior citizens visiting at lunchtimes from Monday to Friday, there is a discount on two or three-course meals. For the younger members of the family there is a children’s menu. And so, well fed and ready for a little sight-seeing before getting back on board, boating visitors, like all who come into the town these days, will find that tourists are much welcomed. In its management of its moorings the town council emphasises this welcome.
Murder mystery trails
The detection connection is for many the main attraction. There are both The Agatha Christie Trail and The Midsomer Murders Trail. Agatha Christie lived at Winterbrook House on the outskirts of Wallingford from 1934 until her death in 1976. She is buried in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, Cholsey, a close-by village in which Winterbrook House actually stands. Visitors can find her gravestone in the churchyard, and many spot a spelling mistake. She is buried alongside her husband, the archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan, who died two years later. Winterbrook House can also be seen from the river. Passing boats have a good view of its garden,
The Boat House Inn, beside the Thames at Wallingford. PHOTO SUPPLIED which stretched down to the towpath. When the trees are bare of leaves the house can also be seen, and its former squash court, now a house. The town makes the most of its famous author, with an Agatha Christie Festival each September, and an exhibition in the museum. On the most recent Pancake Day, race competitors dressed as her characters of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot in a fancy-dress competition. TheMidsomerMurdersTrailtakesvisitorstomany of the locations used in the filming of the TV series starring John Nettles as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby. It might take those three nights of mooring to see everything, for this is a town – the centre of which is only a short walk from the Boat House ● The Boat House is open daily from noon to 10.30pm, contact 01491 834100 or visit www.boathouse-pub.co.uk/ Although it does not provide accommodation, there are many bed and breakfast establishments nearby. Wallingford Town Council’s telephone number re moorings is 01491 835373.
– that has many sites of interest, including the Castle Meadows where the third most important castle in England once stood, and the historic bridge over the river.
FOOD & DRINK 77
78 HOLIDAYS
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BOATING
HO LIDAYS Canal breaks and river cruising in the UK, Ireland and Europe LEFT: Classic Thames cruiser Bernadette II. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
RIGHT: The dinette set for a cosy meal for two.
Classic cruiser now available on the Thames TRAVEL back in time on a classic Thames cruiser which is now available to hire through Waterways Holidays. The 1950s craft has undergone a major renovation to add modern comfort and safety to the wooden boat. Hand-built in mahogany, Bernadette II was originally launched at Chertsey in 1952. Now the 30ft heritage craft has a modern diesel engine, 240v power, jet-thruster technology and all mod cons. These include central heating, a shower and toilet, well-equipped galley kitchen plus modern technology including a TV with integral DVD, a
DAB radio/MP3 player, a USB socket – even a hairdryer and iron! Now based at Marlow, this heritage cruiser is a great choice for a couple to explore the Thames in vintage style. The mahogany panelling and floorboards shine, twin berths in the forward cabin have new comfy mattresses, and there’s a dinette for mealtimes. Double doors open on to a rear cockpit with bench seating for outside space. A week’s hire of Bernadette II this season starts at £900. Waterways Holidays managing director Nigel Richards suggests the cruiser is not for first-timers, but is ideal for those with a little experience of Britain’s waterways. Marlow is a perfect base from which to cruise either upstream through Henley-on-Thames and Sonning towards Oxford, or downstream to Maidenhead and Windsor. This stretch of the Thames not only offers lyrical river scenery but a host of waterside dining options from traditional pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants. Waterways Holidays: 01252 339023, www. waterwaysholidays.com
London’s first self-drive boat trips launch in Paddington FOR the first time, Londoners and tourists alike can charter their own electric boat – without the need for a captain or tour guide. Moored at Paddington Basin, GoBoat London is bringing an independent waterway experience to anyone looking for a fun, new activity. The concept has been very successful in Copenhagen and now two Londoners are bringing it to their home city. The favoured route is to go along Regent’s Canal to Little Venice, past London Zoo and on to Camden Lock where skippers can about-turn and head back to Paddington Basin. For an extra special experience, passengers can also take their own food and drink on board for no extra charge. GoBoats are eco-friendly, made from 80% recycled plastic bottles, fitted with electric engines and sustainably sourced wood. The ride is a casual 3½ knots, about 4mph, the perfect cruising speed for a lazy waterway journey. With prices starting from £55 for one hour, punters can invite up to seven friends to join them on a waterways voyage for less than £7 a head. It’s a perfect activity for a date night, families or groups of friends.
Mini adventure
Grant Sweeney, founder of GoBoat London, said: “We first saw the concept in Denmark a couple of years ago and couldn’t get it out of our heads – nothing like this existed back home. “The reaction so far has been incredible, people love being able to go on a mini city adventure without the need for a tour guide. Our GoBoats provide Londoners and tourists a fresh
Great for a picnic with friends – one of the new London GoBoats. PHOTO SUPPLIED perspective on our awesome city – something that’s rarely seen.” The enterprise also has the support of the Paddington Partnership, which has offered significant investment, and the Canal & River Trust. CRT London waterway manager Jon Guest said: “The GoBoats are a tremendously exciting addition to Paddington Basin and will give people a brand new way to explore the water. “We are delighted that GoBoat London will allow more people to experience the capital’s beautiful canals.” GoBoat London is based at Merchant Square, also home to London’s first Floating Pocket Park, forming a new vision for Paddington that includes a water taxi service, floating visitor centre and new cafe barge – also launching this summer. GoBoat will be open until late autumn from 10am till dusk daily. Tickets are available to book on the GoBoat London website at https://booking. goboat.co.uk
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For sale
ATLANTA 24 CRUISER 4-berth, new Honda 15hp engine, new hood, also new hot water boiler, interior just recovered, fridge, shower, television, pots, pans and cutlery, recently taken out of the water, bottom cleaned and repainted, all original paintwork, many other boat accessories, an all round genuine cruiser, reason for sale don’t have time to use it, £11,800. Tel. 01283 222920; 07974 203429. Derbys.
BOHEMIA CRUISER STERN 57ft narrowboat, 2015, 6ft 10” beam, Canaline 38hp engine, 180 ltr fuel capacity, 1000 ltr water capacity, BSC til Aug 2020, beautiful ready made roof garden, unique non traditional interior layout, fitted out with quality materials such as tiles and paints from Fired Earth and Farrow & Ball, bathroom incorporates fully tiled bath/shower/sink and storage cupboard, Thetford cassette toilet, kitchen contains custom hand built sink and worktop unit with ‘fired earth’ tiled worktop, full size Hotpoint dble oven gas cooker, 12v Shoreline f/freezer, double Butchers block and freestanding shelving/cupboard unit, lounge area contains a stylish and eclectic mix of furniture inc mid century modern pieces, super-efficient Morso multi-fuel stove, engine spec - 38hp Canaline engine and prm 120 gearbox; 12v lighting and fridge; 240v provided by a 1600w inverter and a bank of 4 domestic batteries (replaced Feb 2017), large 1000 ltr s/s water tank, £67,000. Tel. 07949 635176.
JAMAICA 40 cabin cruiser, £25,000 ono. Tel. 07950 676337. N Yorks.
BREW 40FT CRUISER 1980, 40ft, 4 berths, equipped with very powerful 45hp Barrus Shire engine, Webasto diesel c/h and a 1.8kw inverter in addition to the usual appliances Brew is comfortable and practical little boat. 120 ltr fuel cap, 800 ltr water cap, extended fore cabin; fitted with rev layout, interior offers large across d/bed fore, appliances exchanged and the hull given a new 6mm base plate, interior is light and modern providing 4 berths, spacious cabin thanks to the extended fore end, large shower enclosure within off-set bathroom and central living area has a stove, small functional galley situated aft leading directly to cruiser stern, a great opportunity to get on the water or maybe a nice long term cruiser for someone? £28,500. Tel. 01270 525046.
RANWORTH BREEZE BOAT SHARE 2001, 34ft long, 10.6ft beam, 2 berths, Yanmar engine model, 210hp engine power, currently two standard shares for sale on the Ranworth Breeze Boat Syndicate, 20 owners in the boat syndicate each having a 5% share that gives two weeks allocation each year, Ranworth Breeze is a 2001 Birchwood 340AC that is moored at the Tingdene Marina at Brundall,Yanmar 210bhp diesel engine, trim tabs, bow thruster, full deck safety rails and side ladders, full canopy (new in 2010) that can be partially or fully let down for bridges or cruising, dual controls are standard, aft double cabin with en-suite toilet/wet room, lounge with seating for 6 to 7 people, forward toilet/wet room a fully fitted galley that includes built-in gas oven and grill, gas hob and sink, 12v fridge, forward seating/dinette converts into another d/ berth, Share 1 is for sale at £3650. Tel. 0114 247 0242 work; 0114 265 0934 home; 07768 342075.
SEMI TRAD NARROWBOAT. Aluminium 62ft, reverse layout, 2+2 berth, lovely boat, newly fitted out 2012, everything you need and more, full size shower, toilet and basin, full kitchen, marble tops, gas burner hob, oven and grill, f/freezer and w/machine, Vetus engine, very little use, bow thruster, full c/heating, diesel, currently on Lancaster canal. Move aboard forces sale. Offers over £60,000. Tel. 07708 196483 for more information and viewing.
SENIOR 27FT restoration project, hull and deck looks ok, needs complete new interior, no diesel engine, no prop or shaft trailer not included, £500 ono Tel. 07850 851021. Berks.
FREEMAN MK II 1970s Crossflow engine, white canopy, snit-fouled, BSS 4 years, good condition, £6950. Tel. 077910 346095. Northants.
MOONRAKER MOTOR CRUISER 1970, 30ft long, 10ft beam, 3 cabin, 7 berth Moonraker motor cruiser, Mercedes diesel inboard shaft drive 43hp, boat and engine in good condition, lots spent on maintenance and improvements, ready to cruise, make good live-a-board lots of kit e.g. oven, fridge, gas cooker, toaster, TV, 2 radios, 240v, portapotti toilet, brand new batteries, 1 starter, 2 domestic, clock and barometer, Danforth anchor locker davits, 3 fire extinguishers, fire blanket, 4 life jackets, prior owner had out of water in dry storage for 13 yrs. Cruised 5 years, need to sell due to ongoing health problems. £16,000 Open to offers. Tel. 07552 408806. Sharpness.
RIVETED BOAT 100% aluminium, used as a landing craft back in 1948 (badge saying ‘1948 Commando Boat’, inside), 18ft long, 6ft wide (without outboard engine), double skinned, watertight, traditional bow, c/w 18ft long 4-wheeled trailer, both items are in good cond, but will need tidying up, both to be sold together, £750 ono. Tel. Steve 079641 51552. ste.bingham@talktalk.net W Mids.
MICROPLUS 461 fishing boat, SB trailer, for easy launching, 40hp Yamaha, auto bilge pump, Garmin hand held GPS, Garmin F Finder, £2500. Tel. 01709 546777; 07428 794419. S Yorks.
SPECIAL AND ORDINARY SHARES AVAILABLE in a new, private, totally non-profit, 12 share ownership club. S/h, 60ft, Reeves/ Milburn semi-trad boat with reverse layout and berths for up to 6 (one fixed double extends to k/size), one make-up (dinette) double, 2 singles that can make-up as Super King double), all three cabins have overnight access to toilet without passing through another cabin, boat roams a pre-determined region during the season, handovers at 5pm on Sundays, wherever she happens to be. Diesel fired cast iron stove plus gas fired c/h, Nanni diesel (Kubota based) 40 bhp engine with PRM 260 gearbox, owners allowed up to three shares each (i.e. 25%) buy-in cost £3500 for 1/12 of the boat + £500 towards mods/upgrades, initial set-up, fixed costs to February 2018 and share of the contingency fund. Contributions payable monthly from Nov at around £45 pcm (+25% for Special shares). For details see: www.sharewolverley.org.uk
TRADITIONAL NARROWBOAT 38ft, R & D manufactured, launched 1992, good condition, 4 berth, 3 cylinder engine, Perkins Perama, bow thruster, double glazed, oil c/h, alarm fitted, £25,000. Tel. 01354 651704. Cambs.
TUG-STYLE NARROWBOAT 1992, 49ft long, 6ft beam, 4 berth, Russell Newbery DM4 engine, 44 hp, built by Keelkast c1992, trad boatman’s cabin, powered by Russell Newbery DM4 engine, full refit and repaint with full BSC. More pictures available on request, £45,000. Tel. 07956 656887. W Mids.
WEDGWOOD NARROWBOAT 49ft cruiser style, 2009, 49ft long, 6ft 10” beam, 2 berth, Isuzu 35hp engine, 2+2 berth, fixed double plus bespoke sofa bed, light oak fit throughout, large kitcken workspace with breakfast bar, separate shower room, ample storage, Webasto central heating and multi fuel stove. 4 speaker sound system. Inverter, electric immersion for Shoreline. Fridge and gas cooker, stainless steel water tank, cratch and full stern cover, Isuzu 35 engine approx 640 hours, beautiful condition, joy to cruise, £52,500. Tel. 07732 789340. Leeds Liverpool canal.
WIDE BEAM CRUISER 40ft x 12ft, refit 1999, Lister twin STWS, very good condition, bottom survey 10/8/2014, out of water, very good order, certs with boat, 240v and 12v lighting and power, large comfy living room, unusual bedroom, bathroom, shower pump out and porta potty, usual kitchen layout, BSS cert 2018, permanent mooring if required, good rates and area, needs to be seen, £21,750. Tel. 075140 10092. Leeds & Liv mooring. INFLATABLE RAFT 2.3m, inflatable deck with paddles and pump, also two new Sedge 175N life jackets, new, still in packaging, £225 ono. Tel. 07593 175498. Notts. MICROPLUS 461 fishing boat, SB trailer, for easy launching, 40hp Yamaha, auto bilge pump, Garmin hand held GPS, Garmin F Finder, £2500. Tel. 01709 546777; 07428 794419. S Yorks. ‘LES ALLEN’ Classic trad 46ft, 1986, 46ft long, 7ft beam, 2 berths, BMC 1.5 engine, blacked in May 17, BSS to April 2021, calorifier for hot water and bathroom radiator, diesel c/h, twin alternators, 2.4Kw inverter and Shoreline 240v, d/bed, shower, cassette toilet, fully fitted kitchen, lounge with Morso stove and occasional double bed for guests, currently cruising to Huddersfield then back south to K & A, full cruising inventory. Travelling to and from Huddersfield. £38,750. Tel. 07836 222477. VIKING CRUISER 23 excellent example, 1991, built in 2014, full service, Honda 15hp outboard, out of water, clean 2015, painted, new carb and propeller, 4-berth with galley style kitchen, re-upholstered and cabin cockpit, plus many more extras, new 12 months’ licence, mooring paid 12 months, at Herons rest Mon & Brec canal, BSS Certificate expiry date 2019, £9995. Tel. 01633 485836. Gwent.
Engines
WAVEY RIDER WANDERER 18ft long, width 6ft 10”, 2/4 berth, cooker, WMB boat safety 3 years, chemical w/c, 4-stroke engine 5 years old, s/h, boat equipment on board, £1950. Tel. 01905 797019; 07582 073205. Worcs.
PERKINS MARINE DIESEL ENGINE 4 cyl, 36hp, 1753cc, can be seen running, fitted with Jabsco water pump for raw water, tank or keel cooling, water cooled exhaust manifold, TMP hydraulic 2 to 1 marine reduction gearbox. Collect from Newark on Trent, can help loading, £700. Tel. 07971 589612.
RENTING A BOAT TO LIVE ON, OR HIRING OUT YOUR OWN BOAT? Our important message to both groups is to do careful homework first and not to either hire out your boat or rent a boat that isn’t properly licensed for this use.
Please visit www. canalrivertrust.org. uk/boating/a-boatof-your-own to avoid any difficulties with legal and safety issues involved. Parts for sale DELPH HDF296 fuel filter/separator, free delivery, new/unused, £14. Tel. Glyn 07553 957996. Lancs. DIMPLEX COLDWATCHER compact mains heater, variable temp control, £40. Tel. 01709 546777; . St Ives.
Miscellaneous
BOSUN’S CHAIR Brand new Bosun’s chair never been used however there are a few slight marks due to being stored for over a year. Buyer collects either cash on collection or via PayPal. £40. Tel. 07884 152207. Cambs. CERAMIC SINK and taps, 14” x 10”, £25 ono; Thetford C200 cassette toilet, £100 ono Tel. 075620 22714. Warks.
TECHNICAL 111
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Insurance explained
Some pointers from River Canal Rescue on what you can expect if the unthinkable happens. WITH more and more boats now on our inland waterways, the need for insurance has never been greater. If you ‘chance it’ and fail to take out cover, you may well think you’re saving money on the insurance premiums, but if an incident occurs, it could cost you dearly. Insurers, as we know, will endeavour to put you back into the position you were before the incident occurred, but how many of us really understand what is covered by our insurance and what our insurance company expects of us? The following overviews from River Canal Rescue may help.
Peril identification
If your vessel sinks, most policy wordings will indicate that the liability for damage to the vessel, including its raising, is down to the insured. And although your insurance company will log your claim, the firm may not pay out. Why? Because your insurance company will expect you, the insured, to cover all recovery costs up until the cause of the sinking is identified. This is known as ‘identifying the peril’. Once the ‘peril’ or cause of the sinking is apparent, the claim can be assessed and a decision made whether to accept or reject the claim. If the sinking is due to poor winterisation or a failed bilge pump,
the claim may be rejected; unless there is clear evidence the cause was not preventable. If, for example, you did not regularly check your vessel when the river was in flood this could be classed as a failure of ‘duty of care’ and your claim will be rejected. If the sinking is due to vandalism it may be covered but until the vessel is raised and the cause identified, no insurance company will accept the claim. However once your claim is accepted then all costs incurred will normally be covered. In cases where you only have thirdparty liability, refloating of your vessel is usually covered under a salvage or wreck removal clause, although this is only applicable if the vessel is causing an obstruction to navigation or potential damage to a third-party property.
Accidental damage
If you’re in a lock, lose concentration and the boat inadvertently drifts, you may find that when the water empties it’s caught on a cill; and due to stiff steering or an immovable rudder cannot be moved. So would you be covered by your insurance? It would be dependent upon the level of cover you have, but similar to car owners with fully comprehensive cover who hit something, it would be classed as accidental damage. Obviously we can’t speak for insurers, but incidents such as hitting an underwater obstacle, catching your rudder on a cill or losing your propeller etc., would generally be classed as accidental damage and therefore claimable.
Damage mitigation What happens if you end up stranded?
Once an incident occurs, insurers expect you, the insured, to mitigate further damage. If you fail to exercise that earlier-referred-to ‘duty of care’
● River Canal Rescue runs boat and engine maintenance courses throughout the year. To find out more, visit www.rivercanalrescue. co.uk, email enquiries@rivercanalrescue.co.uk or call 01785 785680.
Even keeping the brasses clean helps. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
after properly from the start. It’s simply too big to allow you to reverse years of neglect when the time comes to sell. “We sometimes meet people at Norbury who don’t look after their boat and wonder why, when they come to sell it, that it won’t fetch the price they want.” The time to protect your investment is when you buy it and every time you use it. It is not difficult but it does take a little time and dedication. David said: “The paintwork really needs to be looked after, just like you would if you owned a classic car. It needs washing on a regular basis, and polishing too. “I know it’s a big job, but it will prolong the paint’s life and it will look good too, even keeping the brasses clean helps. Other major considerations include keeping the hull in good order by having it docked on a regular basis. This not only helps protect the hull but also allows the experts to check for any issues; if caught early enough then this can save time and money in the long run.” The other key component is the engine and it is far from unusual for some boat owners not to look at the engine between one service and the next. David said: “Checking the engine every day when you use it is a basic procedure everyone ought to follow.
With the boating season at its peak and January to May call-out figures up from 1357 to 1464, River Canal Rescue is reminding boaters of the five most common call-out reasons and how to avoid them. 1. Fuel issues and contamination
Would you be covered if your boat got caught on a lock cill? and more damage occurs, you may be perceived as negligent and your claim rejected or only a proportion of the damage costs covered. For example, if you find your boat vandalised with smashed windows and doors, your insurer would expect you to source someone to board up the windows/put a lock on the doors and make the vessel secure. Similarly, if you take a wrong turn on a river or canal with a strong current and end up stranded on a weir, your insurance company would expect you to organise for the boat to be rescued. Damage mitigation costs are normally covered by your insurance company, once the claim is accepted. In addition to our breakdown and emergency assistance service, we have an Incident Care team to help boaters manage insurance claims and recover costs following an emergency. Call us on 01785 785680 to find out more. ● Do you have a burning question on boat maintenance which breakdown and assistance firm River Canal Rescue can help you with? If you are keen to see a particular technical topic covered, contact us at Technical Tips, Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ; email editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk
Pride comes before a good price DO YOU remember the days when car ownership was a matter of pride rather than practicality? When every family was out washing and polishing their pride and joy while Dad checked the oil and water before setting out on a Sunday drive? If you do, you are probably knocking on a bit, but that 1960s approach applied to a boat does have a role in protecting your substantial investment. “Protecting your investment once you have bought a boat is essential to getting a good return when you come to sell it,” says Norbury Wharf director David Ray. “You may be able to get away with a car valet and a bit of polishing when you sell a car but a boat needs to be looked
Don’t get stranded this summer
Diesel bug and water contamination account for most fuel-related breakdowns. The bug is an enzyme that lives off water in diesel. In its mildest form it appears as black dust or soot, at its worst, it’s a black slime or jelly. Once in the system it clogs the engine’s fuel arteries and stops the engine working. Adding specialist fluid to the tank stops the bacteria from growing and kills anything that may be forming in the tank. It also treats mild cases. For more severe cases (or when the fuel system is blocked) a diesel bug shock treatment is necessary. Blocked filters and fuel contamination due to dirt and debris in the tank reaching the fuel system is easily rectified through regular checks and servicing. Marinas now offer fuel polishing services which clean fuel without having to treat or dispose of the contaminated fuel.
2. Electrical
Primarily due to a lack of attention to electrical connections where wires may be coming away or corroding. Before any journey, check and look for loose connections or disconnected wires and use a water-resistant spray or petroleum jelly to stop damp getting into electrical components such as isolators and block connectors.
3. Cooling systems and overheating
An air-lock in the cooling system is simple to identify and resolve. Feel the top and bottom of the swim tank, if everything is working fine there should be a difference in temperature (hot at the top and cool at the bottom in most cases), if not, both top and bottom will be hot or cold. To remedy this, locate and unscrew the bolt that sits on top of the swim tank; this will release the air locked in the system. Overheating can be caused by many issues from a coolant hose rupturing (look for leaks), a water pump failing or a fan belt shredding (which drives the water pump) or the worst case, a head gasket failing.
4. Batteries
Keep the hull in good order by having it docked on a regular basis. “It always amazes me that a lot of people never check the engine before starting it up. This can save you thousands of pounds in the long run and, again, it protects your asset. “The engine is the heart of the boat and, if you look after it along with the rest of the boat then, when it comes to selling, it should get a good price and a speedy sale.”
Typically due to misunderstandings around battery use, electrical capacity and charging – e.g., using a leisure rather than a cranking battery or linking the domestic system to a starter system could leave the boat without power when it’s most needed. Cranking and leisure batteries are designed differently; a cranking battery delivers a high output quickly and discharges/ charges back to full capacity equally quickly. A leisure battery delivers a lower output continuously and as long as it’s charged regularly, will maintain capacity. As a general rule and assuming it’s in a good condition, each battery in a
battery bank requires two to three hours’ charging to get back to full performance once fully discharged. If the wrong battery is used, the sudden surge of power needed to start the engine can quickly drain capacity on a leisure battery and while regular charging helps to regain these levels, using this type of battery will eventually lead to battery failure. Many leisure batteries are modified starter batteries and while suitable for owners using boats sporadically, they can prove unreliable for more frequent users. For liveaboard and frequent users it’s better to invest in true leisure batteries. Each battery cell has an impact on the whole battery bank, and one of the best ways to prevent battery deterioration is to regularly check and top up water levels in the cells (using de-ionised water). If one cell’s water level drops below 50%, it will bring the overall bank capacity down to the same level, irrespective of how good the other batteries are. Never mix and match batteries – always replace the whole bank of old ones with new ones. Similarly, battery terminals should not be forgotten – if they’re tight and greased they’ll deliver a good connection. It only needs one loose terminal to cause engine failure; usually the main earthing cable (connected to the engine bed).
5. Gearboxes
Because canal boats don’t have a clutch arrangement, gear boxes tend to receive a fair bit of abuse, so go easy, regularly service them and ensure they’re topped up with oil.
Call-out culprits
The next five call-out culprits are: breaking cables, starter issues, prop, prop shaft, rudder and other damage from underwater collisions (hence why accidental cover on insurance is so important), alternator failure and faulty fan belts. Managing director Stephanie Horton said: “We’ve so far this year attended an average of 70 call-outs per week and we fully expect this to exceed last year’s peak of 144 per week over the summer. Boaters who don’t understand the workings of their engines and those who fail to service and maintain their boats are likely, at some stage, to end up stranded. In many cases the ‘emergency’ could have been avoided with a little know-how, by giving the boat a once-over or simply carrying spares.”
Courses
RCR runs monthly boat and engine maintenance and electrics courses covering: diesel engines, transmissions, boat plumbing, boat electrics, lay-up and refit procedures. Boat and engine maintenance course dates are: August 12-13, September 23-24 and November 4-5; electrics course dates are: October 7-8 and November 25-26.
112 ON SCOTTISH WATERS with Hugh Dougherty
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Image collection puts canals firmly in focus
Assistant curator Liam Paterson shows how to access the film archive at Kelvin Hall.
PHOTOS: HUGH DOUGHERTY
CANAL history is in focus thanks to the National Library of Scotland, whose moving image collection, based at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall since September 2016, is now being made more available than ever before thanks to digital technology. More than 100 historic films of Scottish canals, from the early 20th century to the present, and including footage of boats, including puffers, and opening bridges in action on the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals in the years immediately before their closure in the early 1960s, are available to view. The Caledonian and Crinan Canals are also covered. Sixty-nine films are available exclusively to visitors calling at Kelvin Hall, and a further 43 are viewable on line, via the www.nls.uk website. Now assistant curator Liam Paterson is encouraging canal users and enthusiasts alike to dig into time travel on line. “It’s fascinating just how many film makers included the canals in their work,” said Liam. “The films were made by private and commercial film makers
How the films are presented on screen. A boat approaches an opening bridge on the Forth & Clyde in 1962. who found canals fascinating, and wanted to record their way of life. We have collected the films, conserved and digitised them so that as many people as possible can enjoy them and learn about their rich past.” Liam would like to invite anyone with an interest in Scottish canals to call into the archive, which holds hundreds of films on all aspects of Scottish life, if they’re in Glasgow and staff will be happy to help them search the archive. “If you would like staff help, please email us first to arrange a date and time at movingimage@nls.uk and we’ll be delighted to help. “You can also just turn up and view online yourself,” added Liam.
Green shoots of opportunity THE latest group of young people to benefit from an employability boost by learning new skills around the Falkirk Wheel, Union and Forth & Clyde Canals, have received their certificates from Falkirk Provost Pat Reid. The young people, aged from 16 to 25, all facing significant barriers to employment, learned practical outdoor and conservation skills such as vegetation management and creating habitats for waterway wildlife, thanks to the Scottish Waterways Trust’s Green Action Programme. They are the latest batch of more than 400 young people to have benefited from the programme, run over the last nine years, thanks to funding from the Forestry Commission Scotland and the Bank of Scotland foundation, with 60% of participants going on to a job,
Appeal goes out for Scottish maritime art THE Scottish Maritime Museum has launched an appeal for artists, collectors and families who may own or have originated works of art covering ships, harbours, maritime engineering, shipbuildingandcanals,tocomeforward with their art for possible inclusion in the museum’s growing collection. Fiona Carmichael, curator of art, is spearheading the appeal to add to the museum’s already 40-strong collection of paintings and sculpture, by well-known Scottish artists such as George Wylie, Francis Cadell and Benno Shotz, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Collecting Culture programme.
Fiona said: “We are keen to build up our maritime art collection to both enhance and to further explain the story behind our maritime heritage collections of ships, machinery and other artefacts and to improve our visitor experience. We believe that there may be many hitherto undiscovered works of art in existence and we would like people to come forward to have an initial chat with us.” Works of art need to be from the 1800s onwards and more than 10 years old to be considered. Anyone who thinks they can help should call Fiona Carmichael on 01294 278283 for an initial discussion.
A new chapter in learning
Provost Pat Reid of Falkirk Council with the successful Green Action volunteers at the Falkirk Wheel. PHOTO: SCOTTISH WATERWAYS TRUST education or training and many have picked up CV-boosting certificates. Green Action project manager Andrew Forrester said: “Some of the young people on the programme are those furthest from the job market, but each week we see them build confidence and learn the vital skills
they need to move forward.” Chloe Green (18), Green Action participant, said: “Before Green Action, I couldn’t even leave the house. Now I’m hoping to apply for college, do childcare and move into social services. Because of Green Action, I can be the person I want to be.”
Loch Tay cruising revived for the first time in nearly 70 years COMMERCIAL Cruising on Loch Tay has been revived for the first time in almost 70 years, since the Loch Tay Steamship Company withdraw its SS Queen of the Lake at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Loch Tay Safaris are operating cruises from May to November this year for the first time, on the 15-mile-long, deep loch, using its purpose-built, 12-seater, enclosed rib boat Iolare – Scots Gaelic
Curator of art Fiona Carmichael is seeking works of maritime art for the Scottish Maritime Museum collection. PHOTO SUPPLIED
for ‘eagle’ – which will ply the loch daily. Donald Riddell, owner of Loch Tay Safaris, a branch of long-established land safari operator, Highland Safaris, said that he had always wanted to revive Loch Tay cruising, which once attracted thousands of visitors annually, brought in by train to join steamers at Loch Tay Pier Station near Killin. Donald said: “The perspective of the
loch’s stunning landscape is enhanced by being on the water. “During our 90-minute cruises, our experienced skipper will point out the loch’s nature and wildlife while our passengers sit backs and absorb the loch’s history and folklore.” Full details of Loch Tay Safaris, cruise times and fares are at www. lochtaysafaris.net
The purpose-built enclosed rib Iolare, now operating safari cruises on Loch Tay. PHOTO SUPPLIED
SCOTLAND’s newest college is aiming to get more than 360 disadvantaged young people into employment through a new heritage conservation qualification. Canal college® is Scottish Waterways Trust’s flagship employability and training initiative aimed at getting disadvantaged people aged 16 to 30 into work. Offering almost exclusively outdoor, hands-on learning along the Forth & Clyde, Union and Caledonian Canals, the students will work towards a new SQA Level 2 Certificate in Cultural Heritage during the 14-week course. The courses will be run from the canals in Falkirk, West Dunbartonshire and Inverness with course activities centred on developing traditional heritage and conservation skills. As well as the new SQA in Cultural Heritage, participants will also work towards a Saltire Award, John Muir Award, Heritage Heroes Award and
Scottish Waterways Trust chief executive Karen Moore joins the first canal college students on an archaeological site survey and shallow excavation at the site of former Rosebank Distillery, Falkirk. PHOTO: SCOTTISH WATERWAYS TRUST
SQA Level 5 Unit in Working Safely. Canal college has been developed in partnership with Developing Nation, eCom Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and Scottish Canals.
Search is on for canal lovers! THE search is on for canal lovers. And that’s people who love canals, rather than young lovers enjoying a romantic embrace by the canal on a summer’s evening! The Scottish Waterways Trust is running its Love Your Canal project again this summer on the Forth & Clyde Canal in North Glasgow. The move follows a highly successful pilot in 2016, which saw volunteers put in 1500 hours of their time on the canal after they ‘adopted’ it. After training by Scottish Canals staff,
Volunteer lock keepers Bob Alston and Jason Moore.
PHOTO: SCOTTISH WATERWAYS TRUST
volunteers will operate locks to help boost boating traffic. They’ll also learn a range of skills, including emergency, first aid and repairing and maintaining the canal’s historic masonry, with awards and certificates up for grabs. The canal lovers will muster from now until the end of October between locks 21 and 27 at Maryhill, and the call has gone out for more volunteers. Tracey Peedle, Scottish Waterways Trust’s development director, said: “We were overwhelmed by the resounding success of our Love Your Canal project last summer, and are delighted to bring the project back to North Glasgow, with the support of our partners, Scottish Canals.” And volunteer lock keeper Bob Alston says last year turned him into a committed canal lover. “I didn’t know what to expect, but, for me, the best part was the lock keeping. I’m now a fully trained, volunteer lock keeper.” Anyone wishing to volunteer this year should phone Alan on 07768 951740 or email alan@scottishwaterwaystrust. org.uk
ON SCOTTISH WATERS with Hugh Dougherty 113
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Where rails cross canals Hugh Dougherty looks at the places where train track meets water.
A unique view of the Caledonian Canal from the train as it crosses Banavie swing bridge.
Heavy engineering at Clachnaharry looking north across the bridge.
Steaming along: Crossing Banavie canal bridge on the ‘Jacobite’. PHOTOS: HUGH DOUGHERTY I THINK I’ve always been fascinated by bridges that carry rails over canals. It’s to do with the fact that something as permanent as a railway, or tramway, can be lifted or swung out of position to allow boats to pass below. You can see swing bridges at two locations on the Caledonian Canal, both of which open frequently to allow craft to pass,
while regular trains use the lines over the bridges. The first is at Banavie, just outside Fort William, which takes trains along the scenic Mallaig extension of the West Highland Railway. And the Banavie swing bridge has the extra attraction of carrying the steam-hauled ‘Jacobite’ train service in summer – and now at Christmas too – while giving views east along
the canal towards the famed Neptune’s Staircase lock flight. The second is at Clachnaharry, at the eastern end of the canal, where trains on the former Highland Railway’s Far North Line pass over the Cally several times a day, with a mixture of passenger and freight traffic. Clachnaharry even boasts its own tiny, vintage signal cabin, to safeguard both rail and canal
An Inverness to Wick and Thurso train crosses the Caley Canal by Clachnaharry swing bridge.
traffic, while the bridge is looked after by the railway control centre situated at Banavie Station. There used to be a tramway swing bridge over the Forth & Clyde Canal at Dalmuir, which I once saw, as a wee boy en route to Balloch, being opened to allow a small boat to pass through. This would have been about 1954, and I can remember seeing the whole bridge rotate, tram rails,
road surface, and overhead wires, which had special fittings to allow the line of the wire to be temporarily interrupted and remade, before all was back to normal and trams were thundering across once more. It’s a bit disappointing that this bridge, like the trams, is long gone, replaced by a modern, fixed structure when the canal was reopened. But each time I pass,
Preserved Glasgow tram 1016 crosses the Monklands Canal at Summerlee Industrial Museum.
I always remember what was a superb piece of engineering by any standards. Fortunately, you can still see a tram passing over a canal in Scotland in the shape of trams on the Summerlee Industrial Heritage Museum at Coatbridge. Here, trams on what is Scotland’s only heritage tramway clatter over a fixed bridge above one of the last, extant sections of the Monklands Canal, while, in days of yore, trams also crossed the Forth & Clyde in Falkirk at three places. You can still see a tramway swing bridge in everyday use by both trams and canal traffic in Ghent, where one still does exactly what intrigued me on the Forth & Clyde at Dalmuir. If I’m seeking out the ‘rail’ thing, when it comes to trams and canal crossings, I can still find one in good health, if in Belgium, rather than at Dalmuir! Rail and canal bridges? Please tell the editor if you know a good example, so we can all enjoy a ‘lift’!
Ailsa explores a wave of new opportunities after taking charge of the Caledonian Canal MEET Ailsa Andrews, the first woman in charge of the iconic Caledonian Canal, Thomas Telford’s masterpiece, which continues to play a vital role in the communities it serves, and is responsible for an estimated 14% of tourist spend in its area. “I was appointed 18 months ago,” said Ailsa, speaking from her Muirtown Basin office in Inverness, with a clear, canal view from her window. “I’d been deputy to Russell Thompson, who was promoted to head of customer operations for Scotland. His old post, formerly designated waterway manager, has been restructured into my new role which carries the title of customer operations manager. It basically means that I’m in charge,” smiled Ailsa. “It’s a very responsible job.” No two days are the same in Ailsa’s world, and she’s to be found out and about along the length of the waterway from Banavie in the west, to Clachnaharry in the east, just as often as she’s busy behind her desk in the office. Ailsa is very keen to make the Caley
better known and to boost the current, very healthy transit figures for boaters, as well as upping leisure users such as kayakers paddling along the canal on their way through the Great Glen. “Do it west to east, unless you want to end up with Popeye arms because of the wind!” advises Ailsa.
Hotel boat
She’s also keen to support the hire and hotel boat trade, and is looking forward to a new hotel boat starting to ply on the Caley this season, while at the back of her mind is the possibility of developing commercial traffic, such as wind turbine transport. Add to that, her desire to cater for all canal users, whether by boat, bike or boot, and a growing number of residential boaters, and you begin to see just how challenging the task is of keeping this waterway, a listed historic monument in everyday use, flourishing. There are full-time and seasonal staff to manage, and canal engineers, council,
tourist, business and community bodies to liaise with, while Ailsa also enjoys a good working relationship with the Scottish Waterways Trust, whose very active Caledonian Canal heritage officer, Stephen Wiseman, is also based at Muirtown Basin. “What I’m especially keen on is promoting flotillas from across the North Sea to use us on their way across Scotland, and to also use the Crinan Canal,” said Ailsa. “We already have a very healthy number of Scandinavians who cross the North Sea and sail through the canal. Now we’re actively attending boat shows both in Scandinavia and in Germany, to seek out new business.” Ailsa lives for the Caley, values its heritage, and, above all, values those who use it and work on it, too. But what about Nessie, who also comes under her authority as boats cross Loch Ness? Has Ailsa seen the beastie? “That would be telling,” she smiles. “But I can say that she’s very much part of my remit!”
Ailsa Andrews at Muirtown Basin, outside her Inverness office.
PHOTO: HUGH DOUGHERTY
114 TOWPATH TREASURES
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Ray of hope Raymond, Britain’s last unpowered wooden narrowboat
SOME historic boats ooze instant appeal and draw dilated eyes and tender caresses wherever they travel along the canals. Raymond is the last unpowered wooden narrowboat built to carry commercial cargo in Britain, and there can be few boats that capture the adoration of so many. Raymond is beautiful, but good looks are not all this boat has to be proud of. When a restored and preserved historic boat is lovingly paraded anywhere on the inland waterways today, there’s usually a life story behind
Raymond being towed through Bridge 1 of the Grand Union Canal at Braunston.
Braunston Marina entrance.
the bright colours and polished brass that commands the very best salute. Raymond was built for Samuel Barlow Coal Carrying Company in 1958. Without an engine, Raymond worked as a pair, in tow with another motorised boat. Narrowboat Nutfield was Raymond’s longtime companion carrying coal from the Midlands to London. Raymond was a regular on the notorious Jam ’Ole run on the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union. Here imported fruit pulp
arrived from London Docks for the jam factory. The Jam ’Ole got its name from the boat crews that navigated their way into the dock that served the factory. It had to be accessed through a bridge, and since working boaters called all bridges ‘bridge 'oles’, the obvious happened. From 1962 to 1970 Blue Line Canal Carriers Ltd operated the boat and during its working lifetime Raymond was operated by Arthur and Rose Bray. Being their home as well as a working boat, when trade ceased in 1970
the Brays still lived aboard until 1980, when Jim and Doris Collins bought the boat and they moved in to live aboard until 1993. There were plans to restore the boat after that, but Raymond was too tired to wait and sadly sank. The charisma of this vessel called out and in 1996 the Friends of Raymond formed to save the vessel. Raymond was refloated and towed to the Black Country Living Museum. But before restoration could begin, the dilapidated boat sank again. As much as could be salvaged was used in the valiant restoration project that followed and on July 3, 2000, Raymond was returned to Braunston Marina near the place where the boat had been built more than 42 years prior. Raymond’s boatman’s cabin was restored with traditional lacework and lace plates and all the glorious functional fittings Arthur and Rose Bray would have needed to make Raymond their home. This boat has become a living document of historical importance. And like the best Mills and Boon tearjerker, Nutfield and Raymond were eventually reunited at their water base in Braunston.
TOWPATH TREASURES/ANGLING 115
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The Towpath Angler
David Kent
Our monthly look at the angling scene
Raymond and Nutfield in action at Braunston.
The plaque commemorating the Brays.
Adapted extract from Britain’s Canals, A National Treasure in 100 Must-See Objects by Phillippa Greenwood and Martine O’Callaghan – published by Coolcanals July 2012. www.coolcanals.com
FACT FILE Raymond Raymond can be seen at Braunston Marina, Grand Union Canal, or at waterways festivals and events throughout the year. There is always an opportunity to see Raymond and Nutfield, and ask the crew members more about the boats. For Raymond's full itinerary, visit their website. Raymond is looked after by volunteers, the Friends of Raymond, who are always looking for new members and trainees to learn how to operate the two boats. Friends of Raymond www.thefriendsofraymond.org.uk National Register Both Raymond and Nutfield are listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels (NRHV). www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk Location Raymond is based at Braunston Marina on the Grand Union Canal. www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Braunston OS Grid ref: SP540658 Canal: Grand Union Canal
How to get there By train Nearest train stations are Long Buckby and Rugby National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 By bus Traveline 0871 200 2233 By car Roadside or in car park near the marina On foot The towpath at Braunston forms part of two long-distance trails – the Grand Union Canal Walk and the Oxford Canal Walk. By boat Nearest boat hire: Union Canal Carriers, Braunston. Holiday and day boat hire. 01788 890784 www.unioncanalcarriers.co.uk Moorings There are plenty of visitor moorings along both the Grand Union and Oxford Canals through Braunston Local Tourist info Northamptonshire Tourist Info www.visitnorthamptonshire.co.uk Braunston village website www.braunston.org.uk Canal & River Trust Use the Canal & River Trust website to find specific local information. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
THINGS have been eerily quiet in recent weeks. Very few meetings and these will very probably reduce even more in the coming weeks as we move into the family holiday season. A couple of weeks ago I gave a brief talk to a luncheon group about my long standing connection with canals including my time as a volunteer with both British Waterways and the Canal & River Trust. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of interest, particularly in towpath usage. It became clear that a number of the group were regular walkers, a few were cyclists and two, I knew, did a bit of fishing. I obviously made reference to the Slow the PaceShare the Space campaign. Needless to say there was a bit of a reaction particularly with some of the group saying that education does not work for everyone and stronger action is needed. That said the underlying view was that we all have a responsibility for our own actions and that whatever we do, or how we do it, will undoubtedly have an impact on others. It is a great pity that all users do not share this philosophy. I have had some feedback on my comments last month re boat moorings including one instance where the differences of opinion had rumbled on for months. Views were clearly polarised for, as far as I can see, no really valid reason. I believe the boat owner has probably been guilty of overstaying but equally the anglers had continuously refused to sit down round a table. Sadly I do not think we have seen the last of this one. It does seem like one of those situations where heads perhaps need knocking together. As I said last month, engagement
and dialogue are invaluable and, in most cases, a solution will be found as a result.
Top titles
With my Angling Trust director’s hat on, I attended the Junior and Youth National Championships at the end of June. While these were held on a commercial stillwater it was tremendously encouraging to see 100 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 20 competing for the top titles in the sport. The level of expertise and ability was truly amazing, even among the very youngest, and this was only surpassed, perhaps, by the amount of equipment the majority of the competitors had. They were all supported and assisted by parents and other volunteers and were a real credit to them behaving very well and applauding all the medal winners etc. at the presentations. A great day was had by all. If these young anglers are anything to go by the future of competition angling looks, without doubt, to be quite healthy. Many of these anglers already fish our canals and others, clearly, will soon be ready for the new challenge of canal competitions. The AT/CRT Stillwater Championship is now under way with a pretty good take-up of tickets. This last weekend also saw the first AT/CRT Canal Pairs qualifier up in the North West where 20-odd pairs battled for places in the Grand Final. It is vital though that more anglers support these events. There are still tickets available for all but two of the remaining
qualifiers. For many it will possibly be their only chance of competing against some of the top names in the sport. Please get in touch with Angling Trust’s competitions office. The more seasonal weather is certainly beginning to generate better sport. For one thing it has helped fish complete the spawning process and settle into a more normal routine which, of course, includes feeding. Results everywhere seem to support this with some cracking catches from rivers, stillwaters and canals. Last weekend I was told of a 30lb bream weight off a canal just a few miles up the road from where I live. Apparently casters (the chrysalis stage of flies) was the deadly bait. These can work out quite expensive but on canals, at least, you do not need too many. We are past the longest day now and evenings will begin to shorten in a month or so but still it is probably the best time of day to fish. Tight lines as always.
Linlithgow Loch launch of new boat for disabled anglers FORTH Area Federation of Anglers (FAFA) recently launched a Coulam 16 Wheelyboat on Linlithgow Loch, following a successful fundraising campaign supported by The Wheelyboat Trust. There has been a Mk I Wheelyboat operating on Linlithgow Loch since 1995 but it is now showing signs of its age and needed to be replaced. The Coulam 16 Wheelyboat is a substantial improvement on its design and is a genuinely dualpurpose craft – anyone can use it, mobility impaired or not. Designed and developed by The Wheelyboat Trust and JM Coulam Boatbuilders, the Coulam 16 Wheelyboat is based on Jim Coulam’s 16ft reservoir fishing boat design and has been adapted to provide wheelchair
users with step-free access on board. With an open cockpit and level floor throughout, the disabled angler can choose to sit at the bow or the stern and is able to drive and operate the boat quite independently. FAFA is a group of volunteers that since 1962 has been running the fishing on Linlithgow Loch which is a trout fishery dominated by Linlithgow Palace on its shore and is very close to the M9 between Falkirk and Edinburgh. The project cost £11,166 and was funded by Avondale Environmental Ltd, LandTrust, Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, West Lothian Council and the Souter Charitable Trust. The Wheelyboat Trust relies on the support of individuals, companies and charitable
The Coulam 16 wheelyboat on Linlithgow Loch. PHOTO: FORTH AREA FEDERATION OF ANGLERS
organisations to fund its activities. Donations can be made in a variety of ways including online at www. wheelyboats.org/donate.html.
Counting down to National Fishing Month silver jubilee NATIONAL Fishing Month (NFM), now in its 25th year, is on target to match the success of previous years with more than 300 events running between July 22 and September 3 already registered on the official NFM website (www. nationalfishingmonth.com). Each entry details when, where and how anyone who wants to learn more about fishing can take part locally at events run by angling coaches licensed with the Angling Trust. Everyone who participates in an NFM event across
the country will receive a ‘goodie bag’ containing a ‘Get into Fishing’ booklet full of information on how to get started, advice on different types of fishing, stickers and a fishing log book. Participants will also be presented with certificates of participation as lasting mementos of their introduction to angling. The silver jubilee showcase schedule ends with the popular Evesham Festival (Saturday to Monday, August 26-28) on the River Avon in Worcestershire. www.nationalfishingmonth.com
116 WET WEB
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The Wet Web Helen Gazeley looks for some relief from the miseries of hayfever. BUNGED-up nose, sore eyes, sneezing, itchy throat – nothing that you want when you’re trying to breathe in the scents of summer, pootling along by narrowboat. But these symptoms are pretty much unavoidable for anyone who is sensitive to one of the tree, grass or weed pollens that cause hayfever.
yfever f tablets Pollinosan Hayf from A. Vogel are a homeopathic remedy combating the symptoms of hay fever.
If you’ve never suffered, spare a thought for the one in 10 people in the UK who, according to Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) figures, do. Actually, estimates for hay fever sufferers vary enormously; the charity Allergy UK puts them at nearly 18 million. The affliction hit the news in June,, when the RCGP reported a tripling in the number of patients seeing GPs with sym mptoms. It was the highest figure for 2017 7 so far, and almost 50% higher than for the unusually low figure for the same pe eriod last year, though not out of line with the average five-year trend. Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairmaan of the RCGP, said soothingly: “While in some cases it may be necessary to see a doctor, especially if the sym mptoms persist, there are many antihistaamine medications that can be bought over the counter inexpensively at your pharmacist that should provide effectivee relief.” Well, there’s certainly plenty of choice. For a plant-based approach, Dee Atk kinson, one of the UK’s leading medicall herbalists, who practises in Edinburrgh, outlined her starting point for patien nts with a history of hayfever-like symptom ms. “I always take a multi-faceted approacch; some dietary advice, often to cut out dairy products, combined with a focused herbal remedy. “My go-to herbs include Luffa operculata to relieve typical hayfever symptom ms such as sneezing, a tickly nose or throat and blocked nose, and I often recommend Euphrasia (eyebright)
eye drops and a Luffa nasal spray to be used at the same time.” You can find more information on her blogg (clinic.deeatkinson.net) as well as in her articles for Napiers.net, where you can order remedies. Her top tip of starting treatment a good three weeks before you expect your hay fever to kick in is probably too late for you this year. However, remedies containing the relevant herbs can be found at pharmacies.
Pollen maps
Vogel offers Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray to rinse away allergens and restore moisture to the nasal passages, while their contact lens-friendly, eye-soothing drops contain Euphrasia. They also supply Pollinosan Hayfever tablets which can be used in conjunction to treat allergies to grass and tree pollen (www.avogel.co.uk). For instant relief, The-Body-Doctor.com offers its wheatfilled Ice Doctor from its range of therapeutic eye masks, which you cool in the freezer and use to soothe sore eyes. However, if you’re wondering where to cruise next or are in the throes of choosing a permanent mooring, the first pollen maps of Great Britain, published by the University of Exeter’s Medical School earlier this
The Ice Docttor from The Body Doctor offers a cooling mask for irriitatted d, inflamed eyes. PHOTOS SUPPLIED year, could offer inspiration (www. sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S0048969717309749). Looking at the tree canopy and grass distribution around the country, the maps include locations of 12 grasses, weeds and trees – such as plane, birch, alder, nettles and plantain – which are known to trigger hay fever with their pollen. Grass pollen hotspots, for example, include Wales and the Peak District. For a more immediate picture, the Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/ weather/pollen-forecast) includes a pollen forecast, while a number of companies like A. Vogel (www.avogel.
co.uk/health/hayfever/pollen-forecastapp) and Clarityn (www.claritynallergy. co.uk/clarityn-mobile) offer dedicated Pollen Forecast Apps. Finally, for everyone who despairs of improvement, an optimistic note was struck by scientists from Imperial College London when they released research in February that indicated that grass pollen allergies could be markedly reduced by immunotherapy available on the NHS by either injections or pills. The key is persistence – only those who received treatment for three years were found to maintain improvements for at least two to three years after.
Do you have a favourite blog or website? Email Helen at helengazeley@aol.com
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TALKBACK
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‘Motorway’ type service stations for boaters?
ARE we the only continuous cruisers that are getting a bit fed up with the Canal & River Trust policy of renting out long-term moorings on the towpaths? We have travelled quite a big patch of the network now, mostly North West, Midlands and South West and on many occasions in various spots, usually somewhere near a pub or service point we have just not been able to moor up because of dozens and dozens of what appear to be ‘parked’ boats on CRT long-term permit moorings. The latest place which has pushed the button prompting us to write in is at Kinver on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire. We were looking forward to spending a couple of days around there and doing some walking up the Edge but when we arrived the visitor spots were full, (about four mooring places) so we went through the lock and for the next half-mile or more it’s all long-term moorings and some of the boats are obviously just locked up and left. We are all for live and let live but the canal towpath moorings, especially in popular spots, should be open for people who have paid for their
CC licence and are cruising the networks to moor up and not private. Obviously the opposite bank that’s privately owned should be free to do whatever they do with their moorings and if CRT want to compete with the private mooring sites why can’t they apply to build marinas off the network rather than limiting access for all the other users that are actually cruising the canal network; it seems like a good idea to us for CRT to open marinas and they could run them like a motorway service station for the canal providing facilities for the resident moorers and continuous cruisers alike. Having spoken to several CRT representatives and had a moan about this to them they acknowledge it is a problem and as a new marina opens they have a policy to reduce the longterm mooring spots by 10% and they also say they get an equal number of complaints that there aren’t enough long-term mooring spots, so why not kill two birds with one stone and make everyone happy by developing some marinas in these ‘hotspots’ then? Andy and Reina Gilbertt By emaill
Canal’s west end too narrow for wider beam boatss I was surprised to learn from Phil Pickin’s article (Boat review, Issue 139, May) that a 9ft beam boat “can cruise the Trent & Mersey Canal (other waterways are available)”. This is a little wide of the mark! He should have added that such a boat can cruise no further south than the winding hole at Croxton Flash. The eastern end of the T&M from Burton to the River Trent is of course a wide beam
waterway as are most of the waterwayss of northern and eastern England. Alan Smithh Evesham, Worcestershiree PS: I was interested to read in Harryy Arnold’s Cutnotes (Talkback, Issue 140,, June) about the DB Class of narrowboatss as I’ve seen one example in Droitwich h Spa Marina Marina.
Old bridge spoiled by new mechanism CAN someone please explain to me why the Canal & River Trust have thought fit to automate the lift bridge at Lower Heyford mill on the southern Oxford Canal? This was a delightful old bridge easily lifted by pulling on a chain. Simple! It now requires a key to operate it and its appearance has been degraded by the erection of a metal structure to hold the machinery. In addition if it breaks down it now needs an engineer to repair it. As a former hotel boat operator and present day horse-drawn horse drawn trip
boat operator I am well aware of the e pressures on the CRT budget and d would have thought that the nott inconsiderable cost of electrification n would be low down on their list off priorities and better spent elsewheree on repairing parts of the infrastructuree which are clearly failing. If the reason was that ‘it was hard d to lift’ can we expect all locks to bee automated in due course? Stephen Rees-Joness Dulverton Somersett Dulverton,
Why has safety fence been removed? OVER the years an obstacle fence which permits pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users – Radar Key – access along the towpath have been installed using licence payers’ money. Apparently the Canal & River Trust, with no consultation, have decided that these can be abandoned as witnessed by motorbikes on the towpath this week at Wheelock.
Why would this decision be made?? They were put in on safety groundss and are only a slight inconveniencee to users. The CRT system needs to have a users’ input that has minutes recorded d in papers like this and not be a token n gesture but a worthwhile interface. Michael Evardsonn By emaill
Is this the same Matilda that Peter used to own? I WAS interested to read the letter from Peter Laud in Tasmania in July’s Towpath Talk (Talkback, Issue 141), asking about the boat that he and his wife owned – Matilda. Though the cabin is different, it’s almost certainly the same boat as in the photo by David Williams. This was taken not many months ago, on November 8, 2016, at King’s Langley, just south of Hemel Hempstead, on
the Grand Union Canal, although the owner’s location painted on the cabin side is Northampton. Matilda was built as a day boat for use on the Birmingham Canal Navigations, designed to carry goods from factory to factory, or railway interchange sidings. Most day boats (sometimes known as joey or monkey boats) were horse drawn, but some were towed in trains by tugs. These boats were built by at
Matilda moored on the Grand Union Canal at King’s Langley in November 2016. PHOTOS: DAVID WILLIAMS
Avon boater defends navigation trust licence review A HAVING just read the July issue I H feel f the need to defend ANT (Avon N Navigation Trust, News, Issue 141). I am an Avon licence holder, I also have an ANT mooring at Evesham. I am h aangry, but not with ANT. I have seen the aarticle about ‘angry boaters’ not being happy with the licence increases in h most of the waterway publications now m aand nothing in support of ANT. As an Avon boater I am quite happy with the licence increases w increases, we all
knew it was coming, we knew why it was needed and we all had the chance to comment, I did and I didn’t object then. My boating is cheaper than Canal & River Trust boating for the way I boat now as someone who along with her husband works, perhaps when we retire we’ll have a full CRT licence? The river Avon is in good hands, it’s well maintained with much big work done in the last year, anyone who went to the recent AGM would understand
Bedside ‘panic’ button could trigger boat B hhorn in emergency
W HAVE just completed the WE Warwick Ring and very nice it was W ttoo; we had planned on skirting Birmingham turning right at B Bordesley Junction and going B tthrough the five locks to Salford JJunction, problem was it was closed sso we had to take the 14 via Aston JJunction instead. These things happen, especially when it’s raining; the thing is, it left w us with no light and nowhere to u moor except where any boater would m cchoose not to be. An hour or so later we were joined
by a group of youngsters on bikes who o n were taking a great deal of interest in our two boats, they did not make us an offer but myself and my friend d n thought they would probably return for a second ‘appraisal’ after relaxingg for a while under one of the bridgess, so in the dark we moved on. Now the point of all this is if ou ur boats’ horns were connected to a ‘panic’ button next to the bed at leasst we would be able to raise some sorrt of alarm. Eddie Barfordd By emaiil
Born on a boat IN the June edition of Towpath Talk (News, Issue 140) on page two there is an article about Matilda Penny Owen who was born on a boat in Priory Marina in Bedford. This infuriates me because I was born on a boat and I didn’t get into the newspaper. I have lived on a boat ever since
and I am 10 years old now. Joyce Bazleyy Nb Clara ra Editor’s note: I would love to have included an article about Joyce’’s birth but this was before my time w at Towpath Talk and don’t know whether anyone told my predecessorr!
You can teach an old dog new tricks
Trainer Ali Selby-Nicholls, of Castaway Canal Boats.
PHOTO: RYA
HAVING done narrowboat holidays on and off for a good number of years and with my wife struggling to do the locks because of a knee problem and a slight reluctance to put a boat in a lock on her own, we decided to look at a helmsman’s course. We decided on Castaway Canal Boats at Bathampton as it wasn’t too far from us and duly arrived on the Saturday for our two-day course. Ali Selby-Nicholls was to be our instructor and I must say she put us all – me, my wife and John who had no experience but had bought a boat – at
least 20 firms over a long period from around 1870, or perhaps earlier, until around 1950, though in practice most were built before 1930. The photos come from the book Historic Working Narrow Boats Today – 2, by David Williams and myself, just published by us at Canal Book Shop. Peter Silvester Canal Book Shop Audlem, Cheshire
ease straight away. Now as mentioned we have done it before many, many times but I came away with new skills that will make my boating more pleasurable, but most importantly Ali completely removed any fears my wife had about going into a full lock then descending single handed with calming and expert guidance and instruction from a first rate instructor and John was handling a boat with confidence by the end of the second day. Ali covered all aspects of narrowboating
and certainly changed our minds on the use and benefits of life jackets. This pleasant and patient young lady certainly proved that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks and I would recommend to anyone involved with inland waterways boating to consider doing a helmsman’s course. In monetary terms it isn’t the cheapest of weekends, but certainly for new techniques learned and confidence building it’s priceless. Phil Elsey By email
that. As to the boat apparently suffering repeated hull damage, was it by any chance a big deep-draughted plastic cruiser going too fast? As many do on the river? There are also many narrowboats that go too fast on the river. Slow down, respect the river and the charity and volunteers that made it navigable and continue to do so. Caroline Jones nb Dil, Dil Evesham
Tunnel controls were T already in place a
I WAS disappointed to read an inaccurate piece on the front page of the latest p Towpath Talk (Issue 141, July) entitled T ‘Towpath paddlers’. As a former narrowboat-owning rresident of Lancashire, who over the past 110 years has used the Foulridge Tunnel often, I need to point out that the tunnel o has been controlled by lights throughout h tthat time. So the sensible decision, in my mind, tto allow canoeists to use this tunnel is nothing to do with a new control system n but more likely pressure from paddlers b aas the alternative is a long and arduous ffootpath portage. The piece said that a canoeist supported s the ‘initiative’ (my word) tto allow access. However, a boaters’ ggroup (unspecified) has described it as ‘exceptionally long and dark to canoe tthrough safely’. In this regard it would aappear that the decision was made by the Canal & River Trust to assist canoeists C and one would assume after a proper a rrisk assessment. Also surely canoeists or CRT are better placed to comment o on the safety aspects of this new use of o tthe tunnel rather than an unspecified boaters’ group. We narrowboat owners, in my opinion, need to encourage the diverse use of the canal network by all kinds of different groups because we alone cannot provide sufficient support, either fiscally or in terms of volunteering, to maintain let alone improve our fantastic canal network. Paul Cammaerts By email Editor’s note: The comments were an extract from the column by Mark Tizard, vice-chairman of NABO (National Association of Boat Owners) in the same edition (page 118).
118 THE LAST WORD
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CRACKER’S CHAT
TOWPATH TITTER
More towpath ramblings straight from the horse’s mouth h
CONTINUING our light-hearted look at life on the cut with a contribution from Eddie Barford which was snapped by his daughter Anna at Fradley on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
“Good vibrations, trumpets blown and a visible goal” THE recent Montgomery Canal Forum was, in many respects, similar to the restoration of my favourite canal. It started late, had a few technical hitches along the way and went on a bit! However, the atmosphere in the room was one of optimism and positive energy, as well as the usual faith in ‘we’ll get there in the end’. Despite the fact that the screen was postage-stamp size (who says philately will get you anywhere?) and three laptop computers all refused to show the intended video, the 60-plus attendees (in number and age!) were wholeheartedly engaged with the various presentations. The good vibrations were no doubt helped by the fact that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) application was successful, restoration work is progressing at a pleasing rate and even the long-standing problems between Redwith and Pryce’s bridges would appear to be being resolved! In conjunction with other fundraising activities and very constructive contributions from various volunteer groups, the full Monty restoration is now a visible goal rather than a hopeful aspiration. Even I got a pat on the back, but self modesty prevents me from blowing my own trumpet. Oh! Go on then, I'll tell you how. It appears that when the HLF assessors made their final visit before making their decision on whether to award the monies, although they were impressed with fancy words, reports and presentations, what swayed them was the trip that Countess and I took them on. A picture speaks a thousand words, but you still can’t beat experiencing the real thing! This sort of feedback is a wonderful incentive for me and my team to keep going.
Magical day
I would also like to remind you that, again supported by HLF, I run fully sponsored one-hour trips from Canal Central. So, a couple of times a month groups of 12 people can experience the enjoyment, tranquillity and well-being of a cruise up the Monty. Just contact me and quote ‘HLF’ to register your
This boat’s crew seems to have gone to the dogs! If you have a suitable anecdote or photo we can share with our readers, please send it to Towpath Talk, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR or email: editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk And don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter @towpathtalk and on Facebook
Volunteers at Pryce’s Bridge heading towards Crickheath. PHOTO COURTESY TERRY O’BRIEN
Visible proof
Freestone Lock cottage awaiting some TLC. PHOTO COURTESY COLIN HEAD
Mark Tizard, vice-chairman of the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO), looks at more topical issues.
intention. Alternatively, just turn up at Canal Central in Maesbury Marsh on the designated days, and if there is space available, just jump on! On the day prior to the forum, we took part in a journey that epitomises the pleasure of a horsedrawn canal trip. A private charter to celebrate a 60th birthday saw a group of musical friends travel up to Queenshead for lunch. The sun shone, guitars strummed and fizz sparkled. What a magical day, but just one of many, as a visit to TripAdvisor will testify. We’re now up to 42 five* testimonials, so it’s not just me that thinks I'm great! There has definitely been a gearing up of canalside activity along the Monty. Discernible increases in the numbers of walkers, anglers, dog walkers, joggers and cyclists are visible proof that the powerful message is finally getting through. What message is that? Well, for decades, canals were perceived as historical relics pursued by geeky anoraks. There’s no doubt a solid army of this type of supporter is still in existence, and long may it continue. But in addition, canals are now acknowledged as social, financial, environmental and lifestyle necessities vital to the well-being of individuals, nature and communities alike. They are no longer just stretches of waterways for the well-heeled to sail along, but are arteries of calm, countering the pressures of
Friends reunited
Wine, women and song! PHOTO SUPPLIED modern living. The latest Canal & River Trust strapline of ‘share the space, kill the pace’ is probably more apt for the more urban canals rather than the Monty, but the first half of the phrase applies to all. Canals are for sharing, not least of which, it is important to share this knowledge with people who haven’t yet discovered the benefits of an hour or two spent on a towpath or boat. If I’d had a carrot for every person who on discovering my particular section of the Monty said: “Oh! I didn't even know there was a canal here!” I'd certainly be healthier than I am and be able to see in the dark! (another piece of misinformation from the Second World War).
Mellow mood
So, I hear you say: “What’s up with Cracker? You haven’t had a go at anyone or thing, or put your big foot into your mouth, and you’re certainly in a more mellow mood than usual.” Well, it may be down to the warm weather, but that brings out the horse as well as the dragonflies. It may be down to my lovely paddock at Canal Central
(thanks Iain and Fi for letting me stay), or it may even be that I’m getting soft in my old age. But I actually think it’s a reflection on all the love, affection, hard work, devotion, effort, blood, sweat and tears that Churchill (read Tom Rolt on Cressy) promised us. Long may his legacy flourish and until we meet again, may your bucket be full of whatever takes your fancy.
Cracker Maesbury Canal Fayre The Long Village Fête – September 15-17, 2017 Book early for this co-creational gathering of canal, transport and music enthusiasts. As a community event this really is about what you can bring to the party: skills, energy, charisma, stalls, a favourite hat… All narrowboats welcome including trade boats. http://www.bywatercruises. com/events/
● If you would like to comment on any of Cracker’s remarks, please get in touch on 07841 429980, via email at hello@ bywatercruises.co.uk or on Twitter @bywater_holiday or follow him on Facebook under BoatHorseCracker. www.bywatercruises.com
AS THE Canal & River Trust was being formed British Waterways commissioned a KPMG report regarding the future funding of the trust. The report felt that by the end of the 15-year Defra grant period in 2026, charitable giving alone would contribute some £9.7 million to CRT’s income, some 8% of the total. Parliament was sceptical and prudently reduced this total to £7 million. By 2026 the projection was that there would be some 88,000 friends contributing some £4.3 million a year. However in this congested market could CRT really compete with the likes of the RSPCA, Save the Children, WWF etc? There are some 160,000 voluntary organisations and charities all looking for your money, some with substantial marketing budgets. Only 31% of people who give to charity do so by monthly donation. With a fanfare CRT set the target at 100,000 friends and engaged an external fundraiser to recruit them. After the first two years CRT moved to recruit its own chuggers at an hourly rate of £9 plus commission. I’m sure you have seen them at popular canal sites. After five years (March 2017) the friends figure had risen to 20,000 (substantially less than planned) and it is likely still to show an accumulated loss. To put this into perspective CRT says there were 430 million visits to the canals last year. Areas such as corporate donations meanwhile are progressing well. Examples are the £500,000 from Help for Heroes and £250,000 from the Postcode Lottery. Why is this important? The funds generated from the hoped-for 100,000 friends monthly donations are meant to be a substantial part of CRT’s annual income by 2026 (when the current grant runs out) leading to a renewed but presumably lower Government grant. If CRT is unable to approach this target then the outcome could be that fewer funds will be available to maintain the canal infrastructure and thus impact on boating or indeed lead to a higher than expected licence increase to help maintain CRT’s funding. The friends model no doubt also features in the proposed takeover of the Environment Agency navigations. This leads me back to the title ‘friends reunited’. Boaters by and large feel that they already contribute substantially to CRT’s finances through their licence and marina/ mooring fees. Many also volunteer. In the current licensing review NABO suggested that there be an option for a boater to donate an amount using gift aid to a boaters’ fund jointly administered by the welfare officer and chaplaincy. There are 33,000 licensed boats so, say, 50,000 boaters as opposed to the current 20,000 friends. I am sure some boaters are friends as well but this is probably a very small number. There is an opportunity here for CRT management to engage with boating organisations about how they might jointly befriend their customer base in a way that would encourage boaters to become friends. Not necessarily through the current friends model but through a process specific to them. After all it should be in ALL our interests that funding for CRT continues to grow. Friends reunited indeed.
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