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Issue 225, July 2024

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FBCC 57TH ANNUAL RALLY – BRIDGEWATER CANAL COMES ALIVE!

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ENJOY A TASTE OF SUMMER ON A BEDFORD RIVER CRUISE

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There was plenty to see and do at the annual Crick Boat Show. See our full show report inside on p18. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

RED WHEEL DAY FOR BRAUNSTON MARINA

Making the future of the inland waterways an election issue

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By Janet Richardson

THE inland boating industry is banging the campaign drum in the run-up to the general election on July 4 to seek support from candidates.

Following the recent flotilla with which Fund Britain’s Waterways took its message by water to Westminster, it has welcomed the opportunity to speak to a new government and reinforce

FALKIRK EXPLORER CANAL CRUISES IN JULY

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the benefits that the inland waterways provide.

FBW chairman Les Etheridge said: “There will be many new faces and our members look forward to talking with their local MP and illustrating the worth of our inland waterways.

“We are already seeing the waterways deteriorating and businesses suffering.

If underinvestment continues this will become worse until a tipping point

Locks dredged

DREDGING has been taking place at Branston, Dallow and Tattenhill locks on the Trent & Mersey Canal between Burton-on-Trent and Kings Bromley in Staffordshire. The £60,000 investment by the Canal & River Trust has seen the removal of around 25 tons of sediment from each lock using a specialised grab barge designed for the purpose. While the canal’s depth in the area is generally fine, boaters had reported running aground in some locks.

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is reached and waterways have to be closed, wasting the benefits as well as the millions of hours of volunteer time and millions of pounds of public money that have gone into the current network.”

The Inland Waterways Association reiterated this message in a press statement, pointing out that almost 70% of parliamentary constituencies include at least one navigable waterway or waterway under restoration – and they are found

Explorer cruise

BIRMINGHAM Canal Navigations Society is proposing to run a slightly shorter explorer cruise next year specifically so that hire boats from Alvechurch can take part. This will begin and end in Birmingham from Sunday to Friday and dates will depend on available cruise leaders. BCNS is seeking a boater or a couple with reasonable experience of the BCN or a previous explorer cruise, who would like to show how enjoyable it can be.

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Speakers sought

THE IWA has revised and updated its list of people who give talks and lectures about the inland waterways. The new speakers directory can be viewed at www.waterways.org.uk; click on about us/speakers.

Anyone else who is willing to give talks about the inland waterways – whether about canals and river navigations in general or associated specialist subjects – is asked to email speakers@waterways.org. uk; likewise, any updates or corrections to the list.

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disproportionately in areas with the highest proportion of deprived neighbourhoods.

“We ask future MPs to support local waterway groups in their constituency and press for a review of inland waterway funding. Whether you are standing in rural environments, urban areas or cities, we all need and benefit from navigable and healthy waterways.”

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July 2024

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WELCOME to the July edition of Towpath Talk.

THIS month’s general election is the hot topic on everyone’s lips now – and for good reason. The outcome could have a huge affect on the country’s waterways and canal users. Given the uncertainty surrounding the future funding of the waterways’ essential infrastructure, it’s imperative that voters grasp the possible consequences.

The vast network of UK canals and waterways not only stands as a treasured cornerstone of our national legacy but also serves as a vital support system for local communities, leisure pursuits and eco-friendly transportation. Nevertheless, the preservation and maintenance of these waterways rely heavily on government funding, which could be altered (for better or for worse) depending on the outcome.

The stances of various candidates on infrastructure investment could significantly impact the waterways’ future. Hence, voters must thoughtfully evaluate which party is most capable of safeguarding these crucial assets. By voting with the interests of canal users in mind, voters may well influence the protection of this national treasure for future generations.

Politics aside, it’s a packed edition and I’d like to hear readers’ feedback on all matters of the waterways, not just politics! If you have anything to share with our readers, email us (with images if possible): editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk Enjoy the edition.

Dan

Editor Dan Clare tteditorial@mortons.co.uk Contributing editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466/01507 529451 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Tel: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – Thursday, July 25

The Rochdale Canal at Lock 92, inner-city Manchester. Urban and rural areas benefit from navigable waterways. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Making the future of the inland waterways an election issue • Continued from page 1 IWA quoted figures pointing out that the inland boating sector employs more than 41,000 people and supports almost a further 300,000 jobs through associated wider tourism. Locally there are many voluntary groups whose members support and promote the waterways for the benefit of the wider community.

It has called on MPs to join and participate actively in the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways, which brings together MPs and Lords to keep waterways matters on the Parliamentary agenda and enable scrutiny of relevant bodies.

The value of the canals was also stressed by the Canal & River Trust in its election statement calling on all political parties to recognise what the inland network of canals, reservoirs and docks contributes for people,

communities and businesses and to invest in their future.

Chief executive Richard Parry said: “They matter not only to the 10 million people who visit them regularly and feel better because of it, but to everyone else as well – because canals enhance the natural environment, they help to mitigate climate change, and they are integral to our future water security and supply. We, the Canal & River Trust, are proud to hold these irreplaceable assets in trust for the nation.

“We believe the new government will need and want an active partnership to keep our network of canals safe and open, delivering benefits to communities up and down the country, and we will continue to make the case for the funding necessary to secure their future.”

Chairman of the National Association of Boat Owners, Anne Husar, pointed out that it

is not only CRT that is feeling the pinch but also the Environment Agency and Scottish Canals, evidenced in deteriorating waterways and boat licence fee hikes. She said: “Gradual deterioration of the system through lack of maintenance is obvious to boaters. Many are now struggling to keep to their cruise plans because of the regular, all-year-round appearance of unplanned stoppages.

“Boaters are beginning to give up boating, finding it less enjoyable as well as more and more expensive. It is evident that a tipping point will be reached on the affordability of boat ownership; there will also surely be a canal and river maintenance tipping point if nothing changes.”

The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) urged the incoming government to take the future of the waterways seriously and make sure that its historic community and way of life is

service levels to licence-paying boaters. It stated: “Today, Britain’s 5000-mile network of navigable rivers and canals play a different but equally important role in the nation’s security, well-being and prosperity.

“British Marine is committed to working with government and the navigation authorities, including the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority and Scottish Canals, to ensure the network remains safe and navigable so that people can continue to enjoy the services and products the inland marine sector provides.”

Russell Chase, of Farncombe Boat House and chairman of British Marine Inland Boating Association, concluded: “Government must not allow our inland waterways to deteriorate as otherwise all its benefits, including the economic contribution that our businesses make, could be lost forever.”

Costly bridge repairs prompt ‘slow down’ plea to drivers MOTORISTS are being urged to slow down and take more care when crossing historic hump-back bridges that span the canal network.

The call comes as the Canal & River Trust completes a £100,000 project to repair the latest damage to the parapet of Barrow Bridge in Derbyshire when brickwork was knocked into the Trent & Mersey Canal below.

Regional director Linny Beaumont said: “Canal bridges, which date back hundreds of years, are such an important part of our local heritage and character so it’s heartbreaking to see them damaged in such a careless way.

“If motorists just slowed down a bit and took more care and attention then they would save themselves and us a lot of cost and aggravation and help us to

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preserved from discrimination.

It is calling for a public inquiry, investigating “the excessively punitive and commercialised approach towards boaters taken by various navigation and local authorities.

“Boaters are the lifeblood of the waterways system – not just users of the waterways, but custodians of it. We are a fundamental part of what makes them safe, beautiful and vibrant, giving them new life since the end of their industrial story.

“The incoming government must ensure that our way of life, in all its wonderful diversity, is rightly seen and respected as a benefit to the waterways, and as a fundamental part of their future.”

And industry trade body British Marine is calling on government to safeguard the future of Britain’s inland waterways and ensure inland navigation authorities have the resources to provide decent

Barrow Bridge showing the repaired parapet. PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

keep canals alive for future generations.”

Built to allow horses and carts to cross the canal, the centuries-old Barrow Bridge is still in use today but has been hit 16 times in 20 years by modern traffic. The trust has spent the past four weeks recovering bricks and carefully rebuilding the bridge.

Due to the narrow width of the bridge the road had to be closed throughout

the works but has reopened on completion of the works. Each year the trust has to fund more than £1 million of repairs to historic canal bridges across the country. In most cases these are hit-and-run accidents, leaving the charity unable to recoup its costs from drivers’ insurers, and having to divert resources away from other vital work to look after the canal network.

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Swedish lifeboat rowed home to Limehouse after 155 years A 19th CENTURY lifeboat has been rowed across the Thames to Limehouse Basin in London, site of the yard where she was built.

There, a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the visit and the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.

Unveiling the plaque, Canal & River Trust chairman David Orr said: “The return of Lifbåt 416, built here at Limehouse, is living heritage. In its heyday, Limehouse was the place that made the connection between the sea and the whole of the canal network.

“What events like this reinforce is that when you look at canals, and the locks and the engineering that sustains them now, this is the heritage. It is the stuff that was built 250 years ago and is still in use.”

Lifbåt 416, a self-righting lifeboat built to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s specification at Forrestt & Son, was a gift to King Karl XV of Sweden from Queen Victoria’s wine merchant James Gunston Chillingworth in 1868.

The pioneering self-righters built by Forrestt were tested by being dropped into the water on Limehouse Cut – London’s oldest canal, which opened in 1770.

The crew with Canal & River Trust chairman David Orr and guests for the unveiling ceremony. (Inset: the commemorative plaque.) PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST Lifeboat Lifbåt 416 is rowed into Limehouse Basin.

Saving lives

After an illustrious career saving 80 lives on the treacherous waters around Skanör, southern Sweden, Lifbåt 416 answered her last callout in 1939. She spent more than 45 years on display outside Falsterbo museum before her restoration to seaworthiness in 1992.

In recognition of the boat’s origins, and to mark the bicentenary of the RNLI, the Skanör-Falsterbo Lifbåtsroddarelag club arranged for

Lifbåt 416 to return to the UK by freight, participate in an event at the RNLI headquarters in Poole, Dorset, before returning home to Limehouse.

CRT heritage specialist Phil Emery added: “This fantastic project draws attention to the fascinating maritime industrial heritage of Limehouse. This whole area was filled with factories and workshops – shipbuilders, chandlers, sailmakers and latterly engine and pump manufacturers.

“Forrestt & Son was founded here in 1788, long before the Regent’s Canal arrived in 1820, and the self-righting lifeboats were the specialist product of the yard. Boats were literally dropped into the Limehouse Cut to test their watertightness and self-righting capabilities.”

He added: “We’ve carefully considered the location of the plaque and I’m delighted that visitors will be given this insight into the heritage of Limehouse in a prominent position for all to enjoy.”

Take a tour of the Toddbrook Reservoir works

THE Canal & River Trust is hosting behind-the-scene tours of the works at Toddbrook Reservoir at Whaley Bridge from 10am-3pm on Friday and Saturday, July 19-20.

One-hour slots include a tour of the construction works and an update on progress from project engineers.

It has entered a major construction phase and the construction of a new spillway to the side of the reservoir is well under way. This will replace the one on the face of the dam, which was damaged in the summer of 2019 after excessive rainfall.

CRT project manager Dilwyn Parry said: “Many thanks to residents for their continuing patience. We are now expecting the main reservoir restoration work to be finished by summer 2025.

“Prolonged wet weather and difficult ground conditions have both proved challenging. Thankfully future works are mainly above ground, so it may be possible to make up lost time.”

Over the past year trust contractor Kier has excavated the route of the new spillway channel and installed hundreds of piles to support the new flow of water.

Work has now started to line the water channel, which will in future carry Todd Brook stream and any reservoir overflow down through the Memorial Park and into the River Goyt. It started at the bottom of the new spillway structure

Project manager Dilwyn Parry.

PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

by the park and is progressing back up towards the top of the reservoir.

Once the main construction phase is complete, turrets in the Memorial Park, part of the reservoir’s new design, will be sandblasted with artwork created as part of a community art project by artist Tom Edwards.

Dilwyn continued: “This will be followed by demobilisation of the construction site, building the new sailing club and extensive landscaping to return Toddbrook Reservoir and Memorial Park back to public use.

“We are expecting the reservoir to refill naturally over the winter of 2025/26 and then hopefully be available again for public sailing, angling and other recreational activities from spring 2026.”

Tour places are limited and may be booked in advance via the Canal & River Trust website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ restoring-toddbrook-reservoir

The site of the new side weir and tumblebay.

Piling for the new turret and spillway.

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July 2024

Canal & River Trust regional director Mark Evans with the civic party.

Phoenix arriving, passing the SULA Lightship.

Tall ships sail into Gloucester Docks Report & photos: Tony Aldridge

THOUSANDS visited the three-day Tall Ships Festival in Gloucester Docks over the late May bank holiday weekend.

Six tall ships welcomed visitors aboard and events on the water included Vilma sailing round exchanging cannon fire with the larger ships and demonstrations by Severn Area Rescue Association.

The event was spread around the dock area and the entry fee included admission to the National Waterways and Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museums, and, on the Monday, paddleboarding in the docks.

There were street performers and excellent activities for children in the Hideout. Stalls included the IWA getting support for the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign.

Most services were represented at the Army Air Corps tent and the Mariners Chapel had special activities in its 175th year.

There were two main stages for

a wide range of artists. A popular performance by The Old Time Sailors kept the attention of a large crowd on Sunday and culminated on the Monday afternoon with Nathan Evans.

Throughout the weekend there was a Liverpool-based Submarine stage with live DJ. On Sunday afternoon this was the venue for the city’s mayor and sheriff awarding Best Dressed Boat winners, announced by the town crier. Canal &

Vilma exchanging cannon fire with other ships.

River Trust chief executive Richard Parry and Gloucester MP Richard Graham attended. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, was in the city on the Saturday and is understood to have paid an unofficial visit.

For a little extra there were trips available on the Dunkirk Little Ship, Queen Boadicea II, or self-drive hire boats from Gloucester Hire Boats.

Classic fairground rides included a helter skelter, carousel and big wheel.

A wide range of food and drink stalls supplemented the many existing in the dock area.

Outside the internationally renowned Neilson’s boatyard, with Kathleen and May there are already tall ship-style boats in Gloucester Docks. The little brig Stella and Dolphin are much travelled, with interesting histories on display alongside.

The next tall ships event in Gloucester will be in 2027 as part of the bicentenary celebrations of the opening of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and the docks.

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Irene passing through the recently repaired High Orchard bridge which was lifted successfully several times during the event.

A variety of visiting boats with the Walls stage and stalls in front of North Warehouse.

One of the Best Dressed Boat winners, Matilda.

Tall ships attending:

Kathleen and May: launched in 1900, last wooden hull three-mast topsail schooner built in Britain and probably the last of its type in the world. During restoration the masts are in adjacent storage and the large white awning gave people protection from the weather while aboard, including below decks and enjoying children’s activities.

Phoenix: a 18th century 112ft eight-sailed brig that has appeared in several films.

Grayhound: three-masted

lugger, first ship of its kind to be built in Britain for two centuries.

Brought olive oil from Hacienda de Queiles Spanish grove and sold from the ship.

Spirit of Falmouth: 94ft Mersey Pilot Schooner crewed to Gloucester by retired Armed Forces personnel.

Irene: 118-year-old ketch, used for charters and also seen in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Vilma: two-masted top sail schooner, built in Denmark.

Canal restoration gets under way in Staveley

THE Chesterfield Canal Trust celebrated the start of its latest phase of restoration with a groundbreaking ceremony at Staveley.

Lee Rowley MP, Toby Perkins MP and Coun Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice-chairman of the Staveley Town Deal Board, were joined by Tony Mitchell, a director of O’Brien Construction Ltd and Peter Hardy, chairman of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Peter Hardy welcomed everyone and said this was the culmination of three years of preparatory work. Toby Perkins said: “The canal is a huge asset to Chesterfield and the trust’s volunteers are involved in something that genuinely matters and makes a difference to very many people.”

Coun Gilby was pleased that another of the Staveley Town Deal projects was getting under way and said: “This wonderful asset will boost the tourist economy and people can use it to walk and cycle, possibly even to get to work.”

Lee Rowley also praised the

volunteers, saying: “It’s just amazing to see that this has got going, it’s taken a number of years to do but we’re now seeing another example of Levelling Up in action.”

Tony Mitchell said that O’Brien’s was very happy to have the opportunity to do the works which will bring joy to thousands of people for many years to come.

The civil engineering contractor is carrying out the first phase of an 18-month project.

The company will carry out major groundworks to clear the route of the canal and landscape the surrounding area.

Next, the abutments for the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge will be built and, in September, this 38-metre-long structure will

Taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony are, from left: Chesterfield Canal Trust chairman Peter Hardy, Toby Perkins MP, Coun Tricia Gilby, Lee Rowley MP and Tony Mitchell of O’Brien Contractors Ltd. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

be lowered into place.

Later a length of canal will be reinstated along with a new lock and another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane.

There will also be a pumping system and a new Bellhouse Basin will be built.

The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, stretching all the way across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw.

Finally, the whole area will be planted with wildlife-friendly vegetation and a seating area for people to enjoy the tranquillity of the newly restored canal will be installed.

Towpath Talk readers will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website at www.chesterfieldcanal-trust.org.uk This is one of 10 projects funded through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million

investment in Staveley through the Government’s Towns Fund.

The total cost of the canal restoration is around £6 million, most of which will come from the Town Deal. Go to www. chesterfield.gov.uk/ staveley-town-deal

for details of projects.

The trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former chairman of the trust.

To learn more, go to the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.

Left: A commemorative spade presented by O’Brien Contractors Ltd. PHOTO: CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST

An aerial view of the site at Staveley. PHOTO: KEN HARDY

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Cutting reopens to boat traffic

EASENHALL Cutting on the Oxford Canal has reopened to navigation while a major repair project by the Canal & River Trust continues.

After a period of intense rainfall in early February an estimated 4000 tonnes of the 18m cutting slipped into the canal.

Trust teams worked through difficult conditions, with continued wet weather saturating the site, to find a solution that involved installing a 300m access road across neighbouring fields and digging down the bank to remove the material from the canal.

Principal engineer Vaughan Felton said: “We’re delighted to be reopening the Easenhall Cutting to boats. Our team has worked hard in difficult conditions to get the canal back into a navigable state and it will be great to see boats back using this popular route.”

The towpath will remain closed until the early summer, with a further update expected by the end of June.

Repairing the landslip at Easenhall Cutting.

Work involved cutting down the bank to remove material from the canal.

PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Liverpool South Docks marinas make it four in a row

The site of the landslip at Easenhall Cutting.

Paddle under the Pennines trips launched FOR the first time, paddlesports fans will be able to canoe through Standedge Tunnel as the Canal & River Trust launches a new ‘bucket list’ experience.

Three long weekends of guided canoe trips are being offered through the longest and deepest canal tunnel in the UK which spans 3.5 miles under the Pennines between Marsden, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, and Diggle in Lancashire.

The dates are June 28, 29 and 30; July 26, 27 and 28 and August 23, 24 and 25. Places, which cost £100 for two people in a tandem canoe or £55 for a solo paddler in a

canoe, are limited and are bookable at www. canalrivertrust.org.uk Yorkshire & North East regional director Sean McGinley said: “This experience is one of the many ways people can help support our work while discovering this amazing treasure under the Pennines.”

Gordon McMinn, volunteer team leader and qualified paddlesports instructor at the trust, is co-ordinating the 18 trips each taking about two hours. They will be one way only, from either Marsden to Diggle or Diggle to Marsden.

Participants will use the trust’s open canoes and will be

guided by trained staff and volunteers.

All PPE (helmets, buoyancy aids, lights) can be provided; however, participants are welcome to use their own helmets and buoyancy aids.

They will need to plan the return leg of their trip, which could be a seven-mile walk back over the hill or, for those who have had enough exercise, there’s a local bus (Arriva 184) and local taxi services.

The charity is also running taster canoe and stand-up paddle (SUP) sessions for non-experienced paddlers at Standedge this summer. Buy your tickets online from CRT’s website.

THE Canal & River Trust has been awarded the international Blue Flag award for Liverpool’s Royal Albert and Salthouse Dock marinas for the fourth successive year.

High standards of environmental i n f o r m a t i o n , management, safety and boating services earned top marks for the 36 hectares of water space cared for by the trust.

A team of local volunteers help to keep the docks well looked after and clear of litter.

Thanks to the water quality, the docks are home to an array of

wildlife including blue mussels, eels and, during the summer months, moon jellyfish.

CRT harbourmaster Andrew Goudie said: “We are delighted to be awarded this prestigious international Blue Flag award for the fourth year running and to be the first marina owners in England to receive it.

“Our charity faces soaring costs of looking after our waterways at a time when available funding is stretched. So it’s more important than ever that we continue to receive recognition like the Blue Flag for our work.”

Both of the Canal & River Trust’s marinas in Liverpool consist of finger and linear pontoons, with up to 60 vessels accommodated in Albert Dock and 46 visitor canal boat moorings and 20 longterm moorings in Salthouse Dock.

Awarded by Keep Britain Tidy, the Blue Flag marina award is a world-renowned eco-award which is only awarded to marinas that boast the highest quality safety and services, environmental education and management.

The award-winning marina at Liverpool’s Salthouse Dock.

PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

CRT aims for consistency THE Canal & River Trust is looking to fill gaps between its boater facilities to bring them in line with its policy to ensure a consistent level of service.

Over the past year, the trust has been rolling out fully contactless payment options on pump-out machines, modernising the facilities, making them more robust and improving convenience for boaters.

Across the network, more than 70 pump-out machines have been upgraded to contactless payment.

Head of customer service Matthew Symonds said: “We are committed to providing the best possible boater facilities that we can afford.

“This year we will continue to spend around £2 million on boater facilities, with all but pump-outs free at the point of use.”

There are several areas across the canal network where the trust wants to increase services, with 19 spots requiring Elsan provision and 12 needing refuse facilities. It will work with partners to find ways to fill these gaps, which may include making agreements with the providers of existing private facilities to open them to all boaters.

In locations with over-provision, service points that are repeatedly affected by ongoing problems such as fly tipping and vandalism – plus non-essential services such as toilets and showers – may also close if damage or vandalism makes the cost of repair prohibitive.

In compliance with new Welsh Assembly waste legislation, the trust is required to provide separated waste and recycling facilities. Waste sites on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal will be consolidated and it is proposed to introduce a new facility at Goytre Wharf. There will be no changes on the Llangollen Canal.

Facilities currently closed until further notice are: Salterhebble, Calder & Hebble Navigation, retaining refuse and water point; Marple, Peak Forest Canal, facilility block being rebuilt retaining all facilities; Lancaster full closure; Red Bull, Trent & Mersey, retaining Elsan and refuse; Camp Hill, Grand Union, retaining Elsan and refuse; Tyrley, Shropshire Union, full closure and Govilon, Monmouthshire & Brecon, refuse moving to Goytre Wharf.

For more information on the Customer Service Facilities Policy please visit: Customer services facilities policy | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

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July 2024

Fewer boats – and licences – in London and South East

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THE Canal & River Trust’s National Boat Count, conducted in the spring each year, has seen a 1.4% drop in boat numbers on its network across England and Wales.

It also saw a 1.2% increase in unlicensed boats, meaning licence compliance now stands at 91.8%.

Nationally, 32,602 boats were recorded on the trust’s enforceable waters, down by 479 – the first reduction recorded since the formation of the trust in 2012.

The drop in boat numbers is most significant in the London & South East region, where there were 512 fewer boats than last year but an increase in those without licences.

The caseload and backlog in the legal system has been exacerbated by vacancies in the local team.

Across the network, the total number of boats with a home mooring has decreased by 3.7% while the total number of continuously cruising boats has increased by 4.9%.

CRT head of customer service support Matthew Symonds said: “Boating remains popular, but our national count paints a picture of the challenges facing many on the water. The overall drop in licence compliance continues the post-pandemic trend, with the costof-living increases being a challenge for many in society.

“The reduction in home moorers and increase in continuous cruisers may also point towards the wider economic environment.”

When all other avenues have been exhausted, the trust takes action to remove boats. In the last financial year 106 unlicensed, including many abandoned, boats were removed from the network.

Matthew added: “We do everything we can to support boaters who are struggling to stay on the water, and our boat licence customer support team and dedicated boater welfare team work with boaters to find solutions, including accessing available benefits for those living afloat on low incomes. We urge boaters who are struggling to talk to us as soon as possible.

“The income from licence fees represents about 11% of the income we have each year to invest in keeping the canal network open and navigable.”

The National Boat Count is a physical sighting of boats carried out by the trust’s towpath teams during March. Where boat numbers have changed nationally, it means that these boats are no longer on the trust’s waters. Where boat numbers have changed in a region, it could also mean that a boat has cruised out of one region into another.

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Rolling out the red carpet at Sale Cruising Club

THE picturesque banks of the Bridgewater Canal came alive as 140 boats glided into their moorings, writes Neil Parsons.

It was the 57th annual Rally of the Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Clubs (FBCC), and the air buzzed with anticipation.

Rally director Michelle Cann and her dedicated team had orchestrated a weekend that would rival any blockbuster movie.

Lights, camera, action!

Glamorous boaters, bedecked in sequins and tuxedos, stepped ashore. The Hollywood theme permeated every moment, from the grand opening to the final curtain call. The canal became our red carpet, and the boats our stars.

Four-legged companions strutted their stuff in the dog show, vying for the title of ‘waggiest tail’, while the

Local MP Andrew Western presents the Federation Trophy to Tim and Mary Bracegirdle, winners of the Best Trimmed Craft and Crew. PHOTO: FBCC ‘commodore’s games’ tested physical prowess and dexterity.

Then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, live music filled the air.

Boaters transformed into characters from celluloid dreams for the fancy dress parade. Fred Flintstone

shared laughs with Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, while The Godfather swapped stories with Cruella de Vil. The parade wound through the marquee, each costume more dazzling than the last.

Local dignitaries, perched on a flotilla of elegant vessels, waved to the crowd during the sailpast. Their presence lent an air of prestige, as if the Oscars themselves were being awarded on the water.

Quizzes tested brains, and stalls offered trinkets and curiosities. And from hearty breakfasts to freshly cooked curries, the culinary offerings were fit for a star-studded gala.

In her closing speech, FBCC chairman Phyllis Greenough applauded Sale CC’s rally committee, its tireless efforts having woven magic into every detail. She also thanked Peel Holdings, whose barge ferried

Di Baines, Neil Parsons and Mike Carrington, Watch House CC secretary, commodore and chairman, proudly show off trophies won by the club. PHOTO: FBCC the marquee and equipment.

The Bridgewater Motor Boat Club in Runcorn will host the next chapter of this waterway saga. Until then, we eagerly await more adventures, more camaraderie, and more unforgettable moments.

FBCC chairman Phyllis Greenough welcomes the dignitaries to the 2024 awards ceremony. PHOTO: FBCC

FBCC dignitaries and club commodores take in the full spectacle of the rally during the sailpast. PHOTO: PAUL TOWERS/PAULTOWERSPHOTO.COM

Jemsabi from Lymm CC, winner of the illuminated boat trophy. PHOTO: FBCC

Trophy winners

• The Watch House CC claimed the Alf Hayman Trophy for the club with the highest proportion of members in attendance, a testament to the camaraderie at the Watch House.

• The club also scooped the Bridgewater Canal Mooring Trophy, presented by Peel Holdings, for the moorings showing the most improvement over the year.

NB Vintage Port from Sale CC earned the Federation Trophy for its impeccably trimmed craft and crew.

NB Comfortably Numb, adorned with lights, music and dancers, clinched the Federation Silver Bowl for best-decorated boat.

In a nail-biting finish, NB Jemsabi from Lymm CC sailed away with the ‘Coupe de Lumiere’, its illuminated display stealing hearts.

• Recognition of a heroic act! John Neal of Worsley CC had rescued a fellow boater who had fallen into the cut. His courage earned him the Walter King Trophy, a beacon of goodwill.

Museum’s stolen Tilley lamps recovered

THREE Tilley lamps stolen from the National Waterway Museum Ellesmere Port have been recovered thanks to the keen eye of a Canal & River Trust volunteer who spotted them for sale on a well-known internet auction site.

The trust’s museums team alerted the police, who recovered the items; the seller is now assisting police.

CRT manager of national collections Steven Bagley said: “The Tilley lamps are now back where they belong.

“Thank you to our dedicated volunteer who spotted the lamps for sale and acted quickly, to the police for returning the lamps to us, and to the museums team for their diligence in the aftermath of the upsetting theft.

“We have carried out a thorough review and are looking forward to an exciting summer of events and education.”

In February, 11 exhibits were stolen from the museum which holds 90% of the UK’s inland waterways collection, including around 15,000 objects and more than 50 boats.

They included a model boat along with several small model engines and the three large Tilley lamps.

The collection had recently been catalogued, enabling swift identification of the stolen exhibits.

Anyone with information about the thefts should speak to the police or contact the trust directly at the National Waterways Museum.

The National Waterways Museum team, from left: Steve Bagley, manager of National Collections; Alec Swain, collections technician; Georgina Wilson-Williams, collections technician with the recovered Tilley lamps. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Advertorial

AFTER BEFORE

The Danny celebrates the 20th anniversary of her rescue and the beginning of her restoration

M

any of us are becoming familiar with the beautiful pictures of the Daniel Adamson earning her keep on the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and River Weaver in Cheshire, but it seems opportune to take a look back 20 years when things were very different.

In early February 2004, despite being a unique century-old maritime survivor, The Danny was earmarked for scrapping at Garston. But word of this soon got around the tightly knit maritime community and a group of 20 individuals held a hastily arranged meeting to inspect The Danny and Daniel Adamson Preservation Society (DAPS) was formed on February 21, 2004.

The campaign was spearheaded by Mersey tug skipper Dan Cross, with the help of Tony Hirst, a former director of the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum. Dan’s employer Svitzer Marine, on hearing of the steam tug’s plight, offered to dry dock and survey her for free to assess whether she was in fact worth saving. The next thing he knew, Dan had bought the Daniel Adamson from owner MSCC for the princely sum of £1.00 and the campaign was underway.

The scale of the challenge became clear when the cost of insurance, simply to tow her from Eastham to a berth across the river in Liverpool, was quoted at £2,000. But with the goodwill and generosity of many, the money was raised. Even though she had been stationary for two decades, and the BEFORE move from Ellesmere Port would not be done under her own steam, a new chapter in the Daniel Adamson’s life was about to start. There was a determination that she would steam again, and the support from many quarters gave DAPS the confidence to throw everything into AFTER the campaign.

The next task was clearing two decades’ worth of mud, rainwater

and rubbish. As the BEFORE media and Internet forums spread the word about the Daniel Adamson’s rescue, more members and volunteers joined up to DAPS, bringing much-needed skills, enthusiasm and, crucially, time. Ships’ surveyors and engineers, AFTER pipefitters, plumbers, joiners, electricians and many more, retired and still in employment, all offered their services free of charge.

Original members of the crew also turned up, including John Deakin, whose knowledge of the quirky workings of the old vessel proved invaluable. But more – much more - was needed.

The commitment and fundraising drive paid off, and in February 2015 The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £3.8m to restore the Daniel Adamson to full working order. The exciting news meant that she would once again be able to sail under her own steam…. And here we are eight years on, still run by our amazing volunteers and two members of staff – these before and after photos highlight this amazing achievement.

People return time and again to enjoy cruises onboard The Danny…. beautiful scenery, interesting local history and all whilst experiencing the sounds and smells of an historic steamship…. but you will need to join us to savour that bit!

All our cruises can be found here https://www.thedanny.co.uk/ events

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July 2024

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AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

Anglian waterways isolated by closures THE IWA is deeply concerned about the double effect of funding cuts and the recent prolonged extreme weather on access to and within the Anglian waterways.

Boaters were finally able to navigate to and from the Great Ouse as of June 10, now that the desilting works at Salter’s Lode are complete. The impact of the long stoppage was keenly felt by local boatyards and hireboat companies, whose trade relies on the

Boaters, happy to finally see Salters Lode open.

CREDIT: KEVIN RUSSELL, MLC

navigable connection and the effect had been compounded by other stoppages across the Anglian waterways.

The River Nene also opened fully on June 1 after winter works were delayed by the recent extreme weather and navigation on the Bedford Ouse is still affected by the ongoing closure of Brownshill Lock due to failure of parts which will need to be fabricated, with no date yet available for its reopening due to the complex nature of the repair. Further upstream, the Cam Conservators have had to close both Bait’s Bite and Jesus Locks due to structural concerns, with no timescales yet available for their reopening.

Brandon Lock on the Little Ouse is also closed until further notice due to siltation. A broken beam on the Northampton flight connecting the canal system to the River Nene further limits access to the region.

The Ely Ouse and the Middle Levels were isolated from one another for much longer than usual this year, and boats are still unable to get to the extremities of the Ely Ouse’s tributaries at Cambridge or Brandon, or to the Upper Great Ouse. While the waterways are open either

IWA leases moorings at Stoke Bardolph THERE have always been moorings of a fashion for commercial barges stopping at the Ferry Boat Inn en route up or down the Trent. The inn dates from 1823. From the 1950s to the 1970s, the moorings and associated concrete slipway were maintained by a local sailing club based on the river, but when the sailing club ceased operation at the site just over 40 years ago, the timber and concrete moorings fell into disrepair with only ad hoc repairs carried out by local boaters.

With a shortage of visitor

side of all these closures, the system has been fragmented for a long time with users prevented from accessing key facilities and services, and hire boats being trapped.

Sue O’Hare, chairman of IWA’s Navigation Committee, said: “Combined with inadequate funding, issues such as these will only worsen as the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt.

The Fund Britain’s Waterways group has come together to campaign to persuade national and local government to ensure that the benefits provided to the public by the waterways do not continue to be eroded.”

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

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

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

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

alk.

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

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

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

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

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

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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moorings on the River Trent, local boaters from the Facebook group ‘Visitor Moorings on the River Trent & Associated Waterways’, led by Robert Aspey (now IWA Nottinghamshire Trent Group moorings officer), met on site in 2018 to see what could be done to repair these dilapidated visitor moorings.

They were now in a dangerous condition with many planks missing from the fixed timber pontoon, only one mooring ring still present, and overgrowth over the whole site.

When contacted, Canal & River Trust and the brewery that

owned the Ferry Boat Inn said they did not know who owned the moorings. Eventually, Severn Trent Water was tracked down as owner of the freehold. One of its managers agreed to meet the group on site and thanked them for pointing out the poor state of the timber moorings, as the water company would have been liable for any accidents.

With some financial help for materials from Severn Trent Water, IWA and The Boating Association, over a four-year period the boaters carried out significant improvements.

Severn Trent Water informed

the group that the moorings were on a section of leased land, but no one held the lease at present. In order to secure future use of the moorings for boaters, IWA entered into negotiations to secure the lease, which it now holds. There are additional improvements to undertake, such as additional dredging and signage. IWA will maintain the site, additional volunteers are welcome. Post your interest on the Facebook group ‘Visitor Moorings on the River Trent & Associated Waterways’ or contact Robert Aspey via IWA’s head office.

75th anniversary of 1950 IWA Festival of Boats & Arts THE Leicestershire Branch of the IWA and local partners are organising a celebratory waterways festival on June 7 and 8, 2025 to commemorate the 1950 Festival of Boats & Arts held in Market Harborough. It is a historic event for the IWA and a huge success that became the benchmark for subsequent national waterways festivals.

The rally was a tipping point in the campaign to prevent the loss of the inland waterways system and triggered the revival of the British waterways.

The two-day festival will be hosted at Foxton, as Union Wharf at Market Harborough is now no longer a viable venue, being full of permanent moorings and a hire fleet base.

There will, however, be a colourful cavalcade of boats up the Harborough Arm on the Saturday

of the event to achieve a visual link to the historic festival site. Floating traders, historic narrowboats and private craft will be arranged on the main Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal above and below the staircase flight, with land-based activities and attractions, trading stalls, exhibitions, music and fast food all located in the trust’s event field adjacent to the canal.

The event website www.iwaharborough75. org has all the information about the festival.

Please contact Andrew Shephard, chairman of the Leicestershire Branch at: andrew. shephard@waterways.org.uk if you think you might be available to help, either in the planning and organisation of the event, or just over the weekend itself.

IWA identifies need for more funding IN SUPPORT of the multiorganisational Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign, IWA asked boaters for their views on the state of the inland waterways network and how it impacted on their cruising in 2023.

A total of 726 boaters responded anonymously.

Boaters were able to record specific problems but the main purpose of the survey was to obtain a snapshot of the current state of the infrastructure.

Boaters painted a picture of declining condition since their previous cruises and in the long term over the total period that they had been boating with 79%

recording the latter.

A particular interest of the survey was how this had impacted the enjoyment of cruising in 2023 and their ability to complete planned routes within the allocated time. Nearly half of boaters responding reported that unplanned stoppages and major problems with waterways condition necessitated replanning. Other responses identified problems with moorings, the need for more dredging and vegetation management and poor provision of service.

A key question was whether boaters’ experiences in 2023

would influence their future cruising plans. The good news is that 59% said that it would not have an impact, proving the considerable resilience of boaters. However others would not return to certain canals/ rivers or not cruise far from their home mooring and sadly 12% said that they were considering giving up boating, “These results prove the need for this survey as a snapshot of current conditions and a benchmark to enable us to identify future deterioration should funding reduce,” said Peter Marlow, IWA trustee involved with the survey.

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

Burslem Port: July 12 – 10.302.30 and July 26 – 10.30-2.30

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

Contact Dave Broome: 07974 966253 or dave.broome45@

gmail.com

Broughton Arms, Rode Heath, Cheshire Locks: July 18 – 10am-3pm

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

Contact John Lawson 07940

878923 or john.lawson@ waterways.org.uk

Northampton Branch: July 7 and 16

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

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

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Paul showing his latest work of art. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Characters of the Cut

Paul and Anthony Smith-Storey: Narrowboat Life Unlocked

By Alice Elgie

AFTER 13 years of hiring a small day boat from Ellerbeck Narrowboats in Chorley, and multiple walks along the towpath with their dog Dexter, it was a chance meeting that finally propelled Paul and Anthony Smith-Storey towards living aboard.

Paul explained: “We bumped into a lady who said she had sold her house and bought a boat and that it was the best thing she had done. It got us thinking that we could try the lifestyle ourselves.”

Four years and two boats later it seems the trial period is most definitely over and continuously cruising the canals of England has turned out to be exactly the right lifestyle for them.

Especially as, in particular, Paul and Anthony love being out on the cut in winter. “We love the peace in winter, walks along the frost-covered ground, last leaves falling from the trees, flocks of birds – mostly starlings and visiting fieldfares – and that warm cosy feeling when you get back aboard your boat in front of the fire with a hot chocolate.

Some of our favourite memories are of winter on the canals.”

Their current craft, a serial hybrid electric boat, was built by Oakums and it was important to the couple that it was as green as possible. “We wanted to do the right thing so we have an electric oven and hob, are gas

and coal-free, and can top up the batteries from our solar or generator.” They rely on solar on sunny days and tend to run their generator to top up the batteries in the winter months. “We can cruise for 6-8 hours and only use 20-30% of our battery power.”

As continuous cruisers this option is important, especially as nature and wildlife artist Paul likes nothing better than finding inspiring mooring spots to nourish his creativity. “I’m always sat at the dinette by the duck hatch and the days I can sit with a cup of coffee, in a beautiful location, duck hatch open, Dexter snoring by my side and drawing is my idea of heaven.”

Paul studied art and design at St Helens College of Art for two years but then became a full-time magician. He said: “I took a 30-year break from art and then Covid hit the world, all my magic shows were cancelled, so I downloaded some courses and got back into it.” Paul now Websites: www.paulsart.uk and www. narrowboatlifeunlocked. com YouTube: @NarrowboatLifeUnlocked Instagram: @narrowboat. life.unlocked Facebook: @morningstar73 X: @NBL_Unlocked

finds himself busy drawing British wildlife, and also pet commissions that he sells all over the world.

“I have always loved nature and wildlife, it’s just something I’m drawn to, pardon the pun!

I love to capture that look in an animal’s eyes, highlighting their character and personality.”

Feedback from Paul’s customers has been hugely encouraging and he particularly loves to bring back happy memories for pet owners who have lost their beloved pets and has so far drawn dogs, cats, horses and even pet lizards!

“It’s a real honour when asked to draw someone’s pet. I try to capture all the details and people say my artwork looks like a photo, but I still want it to look like artwork.”

It seems the stars aligned when Paul’s burgeoning career as an artist coincided with selling up and moving aboard as when several narrowboat folk highlighted his work, things really began to take off. “David from Cruising the Cut and Kath and Annamarie from The Narrowboat Experience were both very kind, featuring my artwork on their channels.”

Now Paul is also a floating trader and loves selling from the side of the boat. “Chatting is something I love to do and it’s really nice to meet customers when I’m trading.”

It’s this sense of community that is really the highlight for both Paul and Anthony because despite

A beautiful example of British wildlife by Paul. PHOTO: SUPPLIED being close to nature and the water, which offers a wonderful way of life, it’s the people who have truly captured them. “We have made some amazing friends and that’s the real icing on the cake for us. It’s the common ground we share for whatever reason we got into boating in the first place, be it a love of boats, water, nature, or

that sense of adventure.

We do think people are friendlier by the canal, too. It seems to attract like-minded folk who appreciate these wonderful stretches of water.” Something tells me Paul and Anthony are now paying it forward, inspiring others on the towpath to this way of life, just as they themselves were inspired!

Alice Elgie is a writer and yoga teacher who leads online journalling and mindfulness experiences to help people de-stress and reconnect with nature and themselves. www.wanderingalice.world

Paul’s love of nature and wildlife inspires his artwork. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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

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

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

EARITH, HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE £1,750,000 Freehold

Paul and Anthony aboard their current craft, a serial hybrid electric boat built by Oakums. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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

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River Canal Rescue loses ‘one of its own’

PAUL Drummie, a seasoned marine engineer servicing the southern region of London, was highly regarded by River Canal Rescue c o l l e agu e s and customers alike for his unwavering dedication to excellence.

Throughout his extensive career in the field, Paul held positions at numerous prestigious companies and even established his own marine engineering enterprise.

RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, said: “We are devastated; his diagnosis came as a

shock and his short battle quickly resulted in palliative care at the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Stoke-onTrent, where he sadly passed away a few months later.

“Paul was an integral part of the southern engineering team; he was well-liked, easy to get along with and a true professional, looking after our customers as well as having a great talent for engineering. He’ll be sorely missed by the team.”

Paul was well known and fondly remembered by many.

Former colleague and

Paul Drummie, 1962-2024. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

friend Chris Bennett said he was saddened by the news. “We worked together at Pyford Marina; I worked in sales and Paul was a fantastic

engineer with a talent for finding what was wrong very quickly and working out the most economical and effective solution to fix the problem.

“Paul made a lot of friends within the industry as a mobile engineer. I’m very sad that you have passed away mate and I will always remember ‘lefty-loosey, righty tighty’ and ‘If it falls off, pick it up and somebody else can use it!’. Rest in peace.”

Donations to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice can be made at: www.dougiemac. org.uk/donate

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

D OL S AT BO

Land values boosted by restored canals

Les Green, publicity officer for the IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch, looks at how proximity to a waterway can impact on property prices.

WHEN post-war governments were only concerned with closing waterways and, apart from waterway enthusiasts, nobody really cared what the old canals would look like, many became a blot on the landscape.

That, we all know, is no longer the case and a waterside frontage to a property is highly desirable. Estate agencies, developers and landowners are more than aware that this is reflected in the price.

Knight Frank, a leader in the property market, talks about ‘the enduring appeal of waterfront living’ by producing figures that show, on average, waterside properties can currently produce a 48% price differential above similar properties elsewhere.

The highest differential was enjoyed by properties close to locks or lakes at up to 71% but recently riverside homes by the River Clywedog in Wrexham were measured at 64%. A manager at Jackson Stops agency, while advocating that waterside properties were a good investment decision, described the properties with a mooring and direct water frontage as ‘absolute gold dust’.

There are factors that can reduce the differential, such as the proximity of facilities, roads etc but the experts were confident that 20-30% differential was readily available.

Waterside property prices were quoted as being up by 23% in the last five years and that they attracted 54% cash buyers, higher than the norm.

It is not surprising therefore that when the Sankey Canal drained away close to Spike Island in Widnes, leaving boats aground, that property developers interested in the land soon to be available on the Fidlers Ferry Power Station site contacted the Sankey Canal Restoration Society to see what could be done. Life close to a muddy ditch will not fetch the same money as when swans and ducks are swimming by!

Auction price

One very current example in real terms is happening at Crickheath on the Montgomery Canal (the ‘Monty’) close to Oswestry in North Shropshire. It is under restoration by volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society and in 2023, funded by the National Heritage Lottery, the society completed a further section of restoration, allowing boats to reach an extended winding hole north of Crickheath Bridge.

The frontage would possibly

The restoration site at Crickheath Wharf. PHOTO: LES GREEN

allow six to eight residential narrowboats to moor. The area of land that was put up for auction immediately the section of canal was finished was estimated at one acre.

Termed as only ‘bare agricultural land’ without the canal, Jackson Stops agency calculated a current national average selling price of £8845 per acre; however, with the canal frontage at auction, a price just short of £150,000 for one acre was paid.

The land does not have planning permission and the auction house had suggested a guide price of £90,000.

Immediately to the north of Crickheath Bridge on the non-towpath side is Pear Tree House, a well-maintained property owned by a volunteer for the Shropshire Union Canal Society.

This section of canal was little used after 1936, abandoned in 1944 and since then had become an overgrown and at times muddy ditch. Now under restoration, as the volunteers press on towards the Welsh border, this will include his waterside frontage as it is the site of the historic Crickheath Tramway and Wharf.

Funded by a £14,600 grant from the Institute of Industrial Archaeology with specialist dry stone wall volunteers completing the restoration, it is estimated for completion in September this year.

Expected to be back in water in 2025, his current plans include a summer house/ working art studio for his wife in a prominent spot overlooking the canal, landscaping the area above the wharf and then possibly mooring a narrowboat on the wharf as a static self-catering holiday home.

In Jackson Stops agency terms: absolute gold dust!

Boats Wanted!

We’re having a busy time for boat sales and as a result we now need more boats to sell Call for details

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July 2024

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

that imports 97% of its goods by sea, what’s not to like about their onward distribution by water?

Within 20 miles of our shores, based on their positive experience over many decades, the French have just invested £4.3 billion in building the 66-mile, Seine Nord Europe Canal – an entirely new waterway. While Britain has also seen success with inland waterways carrying, albeit on not such a large scale as our continental cousins, there are no evident plans to capitalise on the recent experience of the successful Tideway Project, now almost at completion.

WHY is it that so many people mourn the old ways of doing things? Could it simply be a romantic longing for the pace of days gone by or, just perhaps, a subconscious recognition that there was more to ‘the way’, in terms of its contemporary application, than meets the eye of its detractors?

Take moving goods by sail-driven craft, for instance. Superseded by steam and then by diesel more than a century ago, deep-sea, cargo-carrying vessels are beginning to reappear sporting various sophisticated sail-assisted propulsion systems.

Around the east coast of Britain, plying the larger estuaries of southeastern England, sail-driven Thames barges hung on somewhat longer, with the legendary ‘Bob’ Roberts operating Cambria under canvas alone until final retirement in 1970.

Transport of freight doesn’t come any more environmentally friendly than that and, as the Sea-Change Sailing Trust – operators of the Thames replica barge, Blue Mermaid – are demonstrating, there is still a role for sail in the UK’s coastal trade.

Inland, with low bridges and navigations that twist and turn to hug the land’s contours, sail becomes less of a practical proposition and the diesel engine more of a realistic solution.

Fuelled by a biofuel such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) barges can achieve 90% carbon neutrality, placing them within spitting distance of their winddriven counterparts. So, for an island

Large areas of wharfage can easily be lost wholesale to development!

Materials for Tideway construction, together with spoil, move effortlessly up and down the Thames. PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE

Super sewer

The Thames Tideway Project to build a ‘super sewer’, for the most part under the bed of the river, has proved an outstanding success in the way it has been approached, in its execution and in fulfilling a wide range of environmental objectives.

Its vision was not just to clean up the Thames, replacing Bazalgette’s outmoded Victorian system, but to promote a change in the relationship between London, Londoners and their river. In fact, the sort of change needed across Britain in the perception of our wider waterway transport arteries.

The statistics are impressive: more than 5.7 million tonnes of material moved by river; saving 344,000 HGVs and 17.5 million HGV miles – equal to 36 return trips to the moon. This in turn represented 24,400 tonnes of CO2 saved by using water rather than the urban road network.

As a spin-off, and very pertinent to today’s waterways infrastructure hanging in the balance, 103 individuals

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passed Boatmaster training, 50 Training for Skills Academy river apprentices were funded by Tideway and four safeguarded wharf sites on Tideway reinstated to maintain their viability for cargo handling.

Recognising that HGVs are responsible for 18% of all emissions, wherever possible Tideway used the Thames to transport construction materials and excavated waste. In doing so three core benefits were identified: lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced traffic congestion and fewer road traffic collisions. In the event Tideway was able to identify a saving of 71.5% in road miles by using the river.

Yet within a stone’s throw of the Thames, sitting beside a connected waterway, plans are afoot to develop a rail interchange … but with an obvious component omitted.

That’s right, this multi-modal project isn’t, in fact, all that ‘multi’ as I am unable to uncover a single reference to waterborne freight within the compass of the current planning application!

Temporary wharfs can be established on riverside construction sites just for the duration of the project.

Make no mistake about it: large companies masquerading under the title of ‘navigation authority’ are in reality, more often than not, property developers keen to turn a fast buck by building houses, offices and bijou apartments on what they purport to be derelict wharfs and quays.

Until water transport is viewed as part of a national transport strategy (in much the same way as trunk roads and railways) profit-driven, piecemeal dismantling of key waterways infrastructure will continue apace, in complete denial of the environmentally sustainable role that inland waterways freight has to play.

For this to become a reality, national oversight of all developments that have the potential to conflict with waterways freight-carrying should be the norm, with individual planning applications called in for consideration at government level by the Department for Transport.

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The 11th-century City Mill, which straddles the River Itchen at Bridge Street.

PHOTOS: NICOLA LISLE

Discovering Winchester’s only surviving flour mill on the River Itchen Nicola Lisle continues her museum series by exploring a fascinating 18th-century flour mill in the heart of Winchester

WINCHESTER is probably best known for its magnificent 11th-century cathedral and its historic connections to King Alfred and Jane Austen. Among its many other attractions, though, is the lovely River Itchen, which snakes its way along the city’s eastern boundary and was an important part of the medieval city’s economy, with several flour and corn mills lining its banks. Today, only one mill survives – the 11th century City Mill, which straddles the River Itchen at Bridge Street, close to the historic heart of the city. It is one of the oldest surviving watermills in the UK. Now Grade II listed, City Mill is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public throughout the year. Sadly, the waterwheel is currently out of action pending a major restoration, but you can find out about the history of the mill through information boards and a range of artefacts, learn how flour is made by harnessing the power of the river, and read about the trust’s plans to restore the waterwheel by 2025.

The original Saxon mill was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and at that time was one of the most profitable in the country. Sadly, a combination of poor harvests and the Black Death brought about a rapid decline, and

by the late 15th century the mill was derelict.

In 1744 it was substantially rebuilt by tenant James Cooke, who was responsible for the distinctive central gable and the eastern extension seen today. A young JMW Turner sketched the mill when visiting the city in 1795, producing one of the earliest images of the building and showing that little has changed since.

From 1820 the mill was in the hands of the Benham family, who also bought some of the adjoining land.

The Benhams ran a successful corn milling business until the turn of the

century when competition from nearby mills and the introduction of more modern milling methods saw a gradual downturn in their fortunes. The mill closed in around 1910.

The building was repurposed as a laundry during the First World War, after which it lay derelict for 10 years. Threatened with demolition, it was rescued in 1928 by a group of local benefactors who bought the mill, restored it and handed it to the National Trust.

In 1931 the mill was leased to the Youth Hostels Association, becoming the first in a chain of youth hostels lining

City Mill is Grade II listed and owned by the National Trust.

Island Garden, City Mill.

The Weirs, looking lovely in summer. the Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester to Canterbury.

Meanwhile, plans were afoot to restore the mill to working order and to start producing flour again. By the turn of the century, the mill had acquired a new waterwheel and grinding equipment, thanks to some generous donations, and after major restoration work, the mill opened to the public for its first flour milling demonstration in March 2004.

Severe flood damage in 2013-14, when heavy rainfall saw the River Itchen rise to its highest ever level, forced the temporary closure of the mill to enable substantial repairs to be carried out, and in 2017 a fundraising appeal was launched to enable essential repairs to be made to the structural beams of the building.

The decommissioning of the waterwheel in 2023 will allow essential repair work to be carried out, with the trust keen to preserve this vital part of industrial heritage. Find out more about the Winchester City Mill Wheel Appeal on the trust’s website (details in panel, right) and how you can help.

Other attractions at the mill include the island garden, a tiny wildlife haven cocooned by the River Itchen. Look out for kingfishers, trout, salmon and water voles, and watch the trust’s live feed and archive footage of the otters that thrive in this lovely stretch of the river.

Once you have finished at City Mill, enjoy a glorious scenic walk along the Itchen, including the promenade section known as The Weirs, taking in the abundant local flora and fauna in this peaceful section of Winchester.

Helpful information

Venue: Winchester City Mill Address: Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9BH Website: www.nationaltrust. org.uk/visit/hampshire/ winchester-city-mill Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm, throughout the year Admission: Free Extras: Cafe, gift shop, secondhand bookshop, family-friendly activities and events, toilets Parking available: No onsite parking. Visit www.winchester. gov.uk/parking for city centre car parks, or use the Park and Ride: www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/ park-and-ride/ Getting there: From M3, junction 9 (from north) or junction 10 (from south); Winchester Station one mile away; frequent local bus services.

The beautiful River Itchen.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

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Watt Way?

Two years ago Anita Weedy made the switch from bricks and mortar to a floating home. Sally Clifford chats to her about her electric way of life.

LIVING in Kent canals wasn’t familiar territory for Anita Weedy. Yet, having never been on the waterway, or set foot on a narrowboat, the retired teacher and carer decided to sell her home and invest the proceeds of her possessions into a floating home.

Anita recalls the life-changing decision she made when she purchased her electric – and appropriately named – narrowboat, Watt Way, two years ago. Working in a demanding job, Anita wanted to take life easier as she approached retirement, but she was also seeking a cost-effective and more sustainable way of living.

The initial contemplation to build a strawbale house proved prohibitive due to land costs.

Watching a video, on what she fondly refers to as the ‘University of YouTube,’ turned Anita’s attention to a floating home.

“I’m from Kent and there are no canals. I have never seen a narrowboat and I had never seen a canal so when I got Watt Way it was a big, big learning curve,” Anita recalls. Following extensive research, she came up with her own specifications for her 22-tonne, 57ft serial hybrid narrowboat.

“I knew I needed it to be 57ft long so I could go everywhere, and I knew I wanted it to be reverse layout. I didn’t want to walk through the back doors into my bedroom, I wanted to walk into the kitchen because it makes more sense to me.”

Anita, who has two grown-up daughters, can sleep five within her spacious living space, providing sufficient room for family visits.

The boat also boasts a dining and living room. Space wasn’t the only consideration in the build – sustainability was an important factor, as Anita explains. “I wanted it to be as sustainable as possible and also I had a finite pot. I sold my car, my house and a lot of the pot went on the boat.”

Going electric came out of Anita’s consciousness to reduce her living costs. “I don’t need to buy diesel so I have reduced my bills massively.

The boat has a diesel generator, the generator charges the battery, but I fill it up probably three times a year.”

Feathered friends: some of the wildlife Anita and Charlie meet on their canal travels.

Built by Mothership Marine, based in Oundle, Anita took delivery of her boat in February 2022 when it was launched in Oundle Marina. She admits life as a constant cruiser hasn’t been plain sailing. Despite having an insight into boating life when her friend, Roger, hired a 40ft narrowboat for a week for her to learn the ropes, Anita suffered a slight mishap approaching her first lock when she forgot to tie up Watt Way. Thankfully she managed to remedy the situation.

“You have to grow in confidence.

I do a lot of cheering and clapping when I manage to do something,” says Anita. “That sense of achievement is outstanding.” She also appreciates the support of the boating community.

“It’s wonderful. It makes you feel part of something.”

Anita has also become a passionate advocate for preserving and protecting Britain’s canals.

Last year Anita and fellow supporters participated in a slow cruise to London where they handed in a petition to No 10 Downing Street seeking the same heating support for the boating community given to UK households during the cost of living crisis.

Anita also supports Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), a coalition of organisations representing users and supporters of inland waterways who are campaigning to protect the public benefit and natural capital of the waterways. “The UK has something that no other country has got.

Nowhere else has got a canal system like we do that is so extensive and so

Watt a life: Anita Weedy sits with her book and her beautiful shih tzu cross chihuahua, Charlie.

It’s a dog’s life: Charlie seems to be enjoying relaxation time on board Watt Way, as does Anita. old and so full of history and we need to be celebrating that.

“Our waterways are unique to the UK and, out of the whole of the world nobody has anything like it. There is none of this winding a windlass and that

is the charm of the UK waterways. You are operating it in the same way they did 200 years ago – it is like a working museum,” explains Anita.

Being around water is also beneficial to well-being.“It is a known

Floating home: cruising the canals on Anita Weedy’s beautiful spacious electric narrowboat, Watt Way.

fact that people with anxiety and depression feel better when they are by water,” says Anita.

Testimony to the appeal of the canal, and the calming benefits it brings, are the appreciative responses she receives from her weekly videos on YouTube and TikTok documenting her life on water with her beautiful shih tzu cross chihuahua, Charlie.

“It’s a bit of calm in everybody’s frantic lives,” says Anita, who is colouring in her map of Britain’s canals as she completes each destination.

“There are 5000 miles of navigable waterways and I want to see every millimetre.”

To catch up with Anita and Charlie’s narrowboat travels search Narrowboat Travels with Charlie on YouTube and Tik Tok.

Torksey Lock Coffee House open for business

By Alison Alderton

TORKSEY Lock is a wellknown meeting place for boaters, cyclists and walkers and is now also home to a new cafe business. The Torksey Lock Coffee House, owned and run by Jody and Amanda Bett, is part of a small, independent group known as The Coffee Chain, based in Newark with another outlet at The Boat House, Thorpe on the Hill.

The original building has been thoughtfully renovated and sits beside the pool on the Lincoln side of Torksey Lock at the entrance to the Fossdyke Canal.

I came across this

Torksey Lock Coffee House opening times are Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.

PHOTOS: ALISON ALDERTON

establishment after a stressful downstream journey on the flooded Trent during a fine spring morning with fluffy white clouds scudding across the wide Trent valley and it made a welcome sight for sore eyes!

It’s dog-friendly and caters for fine coffee connoisseurs and pastry aficionados as well as providing tasty hot and cold snacks. The homemade food supplied looked tempting and there were full vegan options available.

Prices were reasonable and the quality was excellent; especially true of the hot, rich, mug of mocha that revived me on the day.

There are about six tables outside on the patio and a similar number inside, all in

Revitalised members of Velo Club Lincoln. demand while I was there.

Some seats were occupied by members of Velo Club Lincoln taking a rest stop.

They informed me they were happily satisfied with their food and drink choices, and paused for a brief photo

Amanda and Jody serving at the counter.

shoot before setting out on their onward cycle trip.

If you find yourself in Torksey and want good, honest home-produced food and quality coffee why not drop in? You’ll be glad you did!

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Boaters warned to pay Thames fees or risk a fine

A BOAT owner has been fined and should have been paid for the period must pay compensation for failing to January 1 to December 31, 2023.

The court heard that Environment register his boat on the River Thames, following a successful prosecution by Agency waterways enforcement the Environment Agency. officers were checking boat Tom Rhima, of Worcester registrations at River Thames Park, Surrey, was charged with moorings at West Molesey in July last failure to register a vessel under year, where they found the vessel HUI the Environment Agency Inland moored without registration details Waterways Order 2010 and failure on visible display. to obey direction to unmoor under On checking the EA national Byelaw 58 of the Thames Navigation licensing system, they found that Licensing and General Byelaws 1993. the boat’s annual registration fees He appeared at Staines Magistrates had not been paid. As no one was on Court on June 4, where he admitted board, the officers affixed a notice of both charges. He was fined £50 for the offence to a window of the boat’s the registration offence and £50 for the bylaw offence, with a victim surcharge of £40.

Mr Rhima was further ordered to pay £1893.60 compensation to the Environment Agency.

This is equal to the annual The unregistered HUI is the large boat in the boat registration fee that background. PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

Prodigious progress by June work party THE first of the Shropshire Union Canal Society June work parties on the Crickheath Wharf site of the Montgomery Canal clocked up a record 580 volunteer hours over three days.

Five volunteers from Practice Plan in Oswestry came to help out with vegetation clearance that was starting to choke the hedging whips planted over winter.

A further 10 Arcadis volunteers from as far afield as Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester helped with lining and blocking the channel. Enormous progress was made on all fronts and a big thank you is owed to all those who gave their time.

The channel in Phase 1A, north of the compound by Crickheath Wharf, and Phase 1B, south of the compound, is separated by a farm crossing which is beyond the scope of the current project. The site of this future work will be protected by temporary dams in the channel north and south of it with a connecting pipe between 1A and 1B. During this work party, a further 36m of channel was lined and blocked in the area south of the

Team Arcadis on site.

Wharf wall looking good.

Slowly does it.

PHOTOS: SUCS

compound thereby reaching the location of the temporary dam.

A heroic achievement aided by favourable weather and the additional volunteers.

There still remains much to complete in this section: towpath and offside banks at and above water level, plus of course constructing the temporary dam, but progress has been rapid and is well on track.

In Phase 1A, the focus was again on placing coping stones back on to the repaired wharf wall. This work party saw 16.7m of new copings funded by the grant from the Association for Industrial Archaeology placed on the repaired wall.

The next length of copings to be placed will comprise the original stones from the wharf that remain in good condition. So far, a total of 43m of copings have been placed, 39m remain.

This section of the channel remains very wet with high groundwater levels although these are continuing to drop – slowly.

A number of additional work parties have been arranged over the summer period to ensure works will be completed before winter rains fill the channel again.

cabin. On three more occasions in July, August and September 2023, officers visited the boat, each time serving enforcement notices.

On two occasions, the EA officers were accompanied by Surrey Fire & Rescue officers, who served prohibition notices against the vessel, due to safety concerns, and taped off the gangway.

In court, Mr Rhima claimed that the previous owner had told him that HUI came with mooring rights and was registered – neither of which was the case.

All boats kept or used on the non-tidal Thames must be registered annually, or risk prosecution and a fine. Boat registration on the Thames starts on January 1 every year.

To register a boat call 03708 506506 or visit www.gov.uk/ register-a-boat

Priority repairs to Thatcham canal lock DIVERS have taken to the water of the Kennet & Avon Canal in Thatcham as the Canal & River Trust carries out repairs to Colthrop Lock.

One of the busiest on the river section of the canal, the lock had developed leaks caused by general wear and tear.

The trust prioritised work to fix the leaks and ensure the lock remains safe and available to boaters.

Area operations manager Rob Coles said: “Colthrop Lock is in daily use by boaters and it was a priority to get it fixed quickly. Instead of draining the canal we’ve been able to send in divers to help make a repair and plan the works required later this year when the lock gates are replaced.”

With much of the damage below the waterline, instead of draining the canal, a specialist dive team took to the water to carry out an inspection and underwater repair work. This helped minimise disruption for boaters, as the navigation didn’t have to be dammed and drained.

The works cost around £5000 and involved divers and local colleagues from the trust who provided repair materials, support and welfare and who took the opportunity to re-anchor a mooring bollard that had come loose.

Following the inspection, the divers

One of the divers who carried out underwater repairs to the leaking lock gates.

PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

repaired leaks in the gate’s planks. They also discovered an issue with the seal at the bottom of the lock, which will require a further plan of work which can be incorporated into the project when the locks gates, being manufactured at the trust’s workshop, are replaced later this year.

The repairs follow recent dredging and significant bank repairs caused by the recent flooding over the winter period and have made a significant improvement to the lock operation.

Local teams will continue to monitor the lock’s performance and schedule more repairs if required.

Open day to celebrate marina expansion THE Roydon Marina Village open day was a landmark celebration, marking the unveiling of its extension, adding 168 new berths to the 315-berth marina.

One of the highlights was a charity raffle which raised more than £400 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

It was not just about introducing new berths but a full day of joy, exploration and community spirit with hundreds of visitors able to experience the lively atmosphere.

This included live music performances from Hector

Enjoying the atmosphere at the Roydon Marina Village open day.

Cottam, an annual moorer at Roydon Marina, and The Purple Sound, alongside a captivating hula hoop performance by Coley Hoops.

Food vendors included

Elton Moss Boatbuilders featured among the trade exhibitors.

the marina’s Boathouse Cafe Bar and Indian, Banh Mi Baby as well as the Cocktail and Cupcake Club. There were market stalls and outdoor activities for the whole family.

Guests had the opportunity to discover their dream boat or holiday home among a diverse selection of open lodges and boats for sale at Royydon Marina Village owned by Lakeland Leisure Estates.

Exhibitors included Promarine Finance, Titan Boat Canopies, River

Raising a glass or two at the Titan Boat Canopies stand.

Canal Rescue, Elton Moss Boatbuilders and Kingsground Narrowboats along with boat influencers Adam FloatingHome and May Moon Narrowboat.

Many new enthusiasts signed up to be among the first to moor at the newly extended marina which looks forward to welcoming more visitors and residents to Roydon Marina Village.

For more information about Roydon Marina Village and Lakeland Leisure Estates, visit www.lakelandleisuregroup.com

The marina now has more than 480 berths. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

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Hybrid Marine alongside Fischer Panda near the quayside.

Despite the overcast weather, there seemed to be plenty of visitors on preview day.

The local swans paid a visit and attracted a lot of attention.

Plenty on offer at Crick 2024

Words & photos by Phil Pickin

IT DOESN’T seem like a year since we undertook our annual pilgrimage to Northamptonshire for what is seen by many in the waterways community as the main event of the year – the Crick Boat Show. But, yes, it has indeed been 12 months, and so we found ourselves back at Crick Marina and in the company of the main players in the inland waterways sector among more than 200 exhibitors to find out what is attracting attention this year.

As in previous years, the event timetable included a number of seminars covering a wide range of subjects, but it was noticeable that this year the funding of the waterways was an important subject area, with a talk hosted by Peter Johns, publisher of

Waterways World, and Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal and River Trust. Given the level of concern, it was no surprise that the title of the session was The Future of the Waterways.

Among a number of other talks given on the design and use of boats, it was good to see green boating and electrical propulsion being discussed as part of the seminar programme. Evidence, as if it were needed, that these subject areas are of increasing importance and interest. So, with that in mind, it was good to see the continued presence of companies like Lynch and Epropulsion alongside Hybrid Marine and a range of battery specialists. But it wasn’t all ‘green tech’ at the show. Traditional engine and equipment brands like Shire, Beta and Barrus were there, with

the latter showcasing its recent tie-up with Hybrid Marine.

New products

What stood out this year was the number of new businesses offering portable air conditioning units. Is this due to a change in our climate, or are these the new ‘must haves’ for boaters? Other new brands included a US company called Newpowa UK Ltd. Apparently the company has a significant track record in California selling solar panels and associated equipment to the sailing community, so it is now offering its product range to owners of boats on the UK’s waterways.

Portable battery power was also evident with, among others, Fischer Panda promoting the Clayton Power LPS

II power system. Marketed as beingg ‘ultra-compact and high density’’, they can be charged from a variety off power sources, allowing users to bee truly off-grid for significant periods.

Although not new or unique, it seemss to provide further evidence of thee trend within the industry for efficientt energy storage.

At a time of increasing concernss about the purity of drinking waterr after the issues with the supply in n Devon recently, it was interesting to o talk to the representative of Aegina,, a UV LED water purification system m that is said to be able to provide clean n drinking water from almost anyy source. Categorised as “class A”, the e unit uses UV light to purify the waterr after it has been filtered to removee

As always, the canine visi tors to Crick seemed to enjoy the mselves.

Plenty of interest in the selection of boats.

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

A very traditional looking new boat from Lake Land.

CRT’s new workboat, Swilgate, also proved to be popular.

A nod towards the Chelsea Flower Show maybe? large particulate contamination. The system looks to be highly efficient and has been designed for those who own motorhomes, etc.

The obvious advantage for the boat owners is the reduced need for tank storage and overcoming concerns about a lack of opportunities to refill a tank. It is just a shame that the current publicity

regarding the state of UK waters must make promoting a system like this all the more difficult.

Old meets new

Despite the image of the waterways being a very traditional pastime, it is interesting to see that, although not new, subjects like vlogging are being

added to the seminar agenda with an opportunity to ‘meet the vloggers’ in the form of Fran and Rich from Floating Our Boat. The ‘fireside chat’ gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions about continuous cruising and the life of a YouTube vlogger.

Crick, as usual, gave visitors chance to participate in voting for the Favourite Boat in the Show, which this year was awarded to Kingsground and its narrowboat Highgrove. This year’s widebeam award went to a boat built

by The Bespoke Boat Company. In contrast to the new boats, the Historic Narrow Boat Club matched last year’s record number of boats on display, with members on hand to chat with visitors.

Moored alongside the historic boats was one of CRT’s newest workboats built in the workshops at Aqueduct Marina.

With a number of CRT staff on hand, it made for an unexpected but nonetheless interesting departure from the other boats on show.

Despite figures recently released

by CRT showing a 7% decline in boat numbers, all of the boat builders asked said they were busy with build slots filled for months, if not years, ahead. Even taking the decrease into account, there are still something like 32,602 boats on the system, which should provide plenty of interested visitors for Crick 2025, which will be from May 24-26.

With this year’s show having had a few problems as a result of the heavy rain before and during the show, fingers crossed for a return to the warm and dry weather of last year’s event.

An Epropulsion motor on show.

Just some of the products on offer from Torqeedo.

The Clayton Power LPS II power system.

CRT’s Richard Parry attended the preview day and took part in The Future of the Waterways seminar.

The historic boats always prove popular.

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July 2024

Enjoy a taste of summer on Bedford river cruise

The John Bunyan community boat on the River Great Ouse at Bedford.PHOTO: STEVE ASHLEY THE John Bunyan Community Boat offers a range of scenic river cruises along the River Great Ouse in Bedford until October, enabling both local people

and visitors to access the wonderful river environment.

It has carried around 55,000-plus passengers over the past 10 years on various trips, from

Kempston in the west to Great Barford in the east and along Bedford Embankment.

The John Bunyan will be running 30-minute taster cruises at the Bedford River Festival on July 20-21 where it can be found next to Bedford Town lock on the lower river.

Other trips during the summer include a history cruise along the embankment to learn about the history of Bedford’s landmarks from the Upper River and, by popular demand, afternoon tea cruises, lunch, tea and cake and fish and chip cruises.

Enjoy a lively music evening cruise featuring Irish ceilidh band Inis Eire or a jazz cruise.

There are also Sunday and Thursday afternoon cruises and one-way family walker trips from Priory Marina to Sovereigns Quay. For information and bookings visit www.bmkwaterway. org/johnbunyanboat/

the Grand Union Canal and include cream teas, fish and bubbles, ploughman’s lunches and coffee and cake.

You could also enjoy a relaxing cafe bar cruise or a half-day cruise to Fenny Stratford or Cosgrove and back with lunch.

For information and bookings visit www.bmkwaterway.org/ electra/

Community boat

The trust also runs the 12-seater trip boat Electra operated by volunteers on the Grand Union Canal, Milton Keynes.

Cruises run through to mid-December on

Etruria Industrial Museum Etruria Junction Stoke-on-Trent

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July 1100 to 1630 Shirley’s 1857 Bone & Flint Mill ‘In Steam’ The only operational potters’ mill in the world running from1230 Experience the atmosphere of a working canal side Victorian manufactory driven by an 1820s beam engine & 1903 boiler Blacksmith Demonstrations in the Forge Railway memorabilia exhibition in the Canal Warehouse Tea Room and Toilets Entrance to Museum and Mill £10.00 per adult OR guided tour of the mill (subject to availability) £15.00 per adult. Under 16s free when with a paying adult

Etruria Vale Road, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4RB info@etruriamuseum.org.uk www.etruriamuseum.org.uk

The all-electric Electra on the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes. PHOTO: GILL PRINCE

Crew call

The John Bunyan Community Boat is looking for a chairperson to lead the volunteers and management team in the day-to-day operations of the John Bunyan community boat.

If you are interested in this role, email volunteering@ johnbunyanboat.org Both boats are operated on behalf of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust which is always on the lookout for new volunteers.

They can train in the cabin, on the deck to helm and to qualify as a boat master.

For those who enjoy

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working with customers, there are roles available as cabin crew and as part of the purser team.

All funds and donations raised will go towards the development of a 16 miles (26km) new waterway park, which will link the River Great Ouse in Bedford to the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes.

If you would like to volunteer or know others who would like to get involved, please email volunteering@ johnbunyanboat.org or www.bmkwaterway.org/ electra/volunteering/ for more details about the organisation.

Rubber ducks and dragon boats return to Paddington Basin THE Rubber Duck Race and Dragon Boat Regatta are making a splash again in July on the Paddington Arm in aid of the Cosmic charity.

It supports the children’s and neonatal intensive care units at St Mary’s and Queen Charlotte’s Hospitals in London and hopes to raise more than £45,000.

On Thursday, July 25, up to 3000 rubber ducks will be released into the canal at Merchant Square (Paddington, London W2 1JX) at noon for the annual Rubber Duck Race over 100 metres. Ducks can be

sponsored for just £3 each.

The fun continues later that evening as the Dragon Boat Regatta takes over the canal from 5-9pm.

Traditional Chinese dragon boats, manned by 16 rowers and one drummer, will race in a 100m competition.

Both events are free for spectators to attend along the canal towpath. However, sponsoring ducks and dragon boat teams raises vital funds for Cosmic’s efforts supporting critically ill children and their families, as well as providing equipment and resources for hospital

staff. There will be live music, outdoor bars, street food and more festivities. For details and to sponsor a duck visit cosmiccharity.org.uk

Spectators watch the rubber ducks on the Paddington Arm.

RED HILL MARINA

Boat Sales – Riverside Garden Moorings – Residential Moorings – Land Storage

On Instructions of the Canal & River Trust

SALE BY TENDER

HISTORIC MOTOR VESSEL ‘CORVUS’ Tenders due: 18th July 2024 at 14.00 UK Local Time Location: Grantham

REDHILL L BOAT SHOW 2024 August Bank Holiday Weekend 24th - 25th - 26th

Boat trade stands, bar & cafe, LIVE music also featuring Tractor & Vintage Vehicle Show

Moorings available, Overnight Camping & Caravan pitches Car parking

Motor Vessel ‘Corvus’ – Circa 1935 Butty used for bulk cargo and now motorised when converted to a maintenance craft. Sold on condition it remains in its current condition until restored and cannot be converted into residential craft, the layout altered, shortened or lengthened. Currently located in Grantham area.

Viewing, Expressions of Interest form and further information please contact Tom Hutchinson on 07774 652425 or email tom@iaservices.co.uk Industry Asset Services Ltd, Bitstone, Foxt, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST10 2HN www.iaservices.co.uk

For trade & customer enquiries please contact: RED HILL MARINE, Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottingham NG11 0EB Tel: 07760 627421 e-mail: enquiries@redhill-marina.co.uk

21

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

WHAT’S ON IN JULY

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

Until July 20 Stafford Riverway Link: Display of

artefacts unearthed by SRL volunteers from the canal at Brereton Library.

Talbot Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1AU. It will then move to Baswich Community Library, Lynton Avenue, Baswich, Stafford ST17 0EA from July 24 until September 4.

July 5-7 Stratford River Festival: Three

days of fun and festivities alongside the River Avon opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

July 7 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s

Canal: Little Venice – Camden. Warwick Avenue tube station at 2.30pm. Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15 £5; under 8 free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks. com July 12-August 28 Gill Shaw: Canal

Boat Lives Photographic Exhibition. Marylebone Art Space, St Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LT. July 13 Aqueduct Marina: Boating event,

10am-4.30pm followed by live music 6.30pm-late. Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull, Cheshire CW5 6DX. Evesham

River

Festival:

Incorporating annual Russell Newbery Register Rally, decorated and illuminated boat parades.

July 13-14 Black Country Living Museum:

1940s weekend: daytime activities and evening event on July 13. Book tickets at bclm.com

Canal & River Trust: Sharpness Port 150th anniversary celebration with guided walks, boat trips and exhibition.

Sharpness Dockers Club, Berkeley GL13 9UN, 10am-4pm.

July 19 Louth Navigation Trust: Boules

at Ticklepenny Lock, 6pm. www. louthcanal.org.uk July 19-21 Gnosall C’Fest: Three-day

community festival with boat trips, floating market, historic boats, canal history, live music and refreshments at local pubs. Gnosall, Staffordshire ST20 0DA. www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk Thames Traditional Boat Festival: 45th festival featuring largest display of traditional boats in Europe and fleet of Dunkirk ‘Little Ships’. Fun family day out celebrating best in British boatbuilding, street food, shopping and camping. Live music every day.

Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2HY, open from 10am daily. www. tradboatfestival.com July 20 Pershore River Festival: Themed

‘River of Dreams’ with all-day live music, children’s funfair, tea and cakes plus water activities incorporating the Wychavon Games Bell Boating event, Bell Boat team competitions and try-itout paddleboard and kayaking sessions with Bonkers Activities and Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club.

July 20-21 Buckingham

Canal

Society:

Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair: Historic boats, trade stands, craft stalls, games and entertainment. www. buckinghamcanal.org.uk Bedford River Festival: Free event

including boat trips, live entertainment, raft and dragon boat races, funfair, food and drink, crafts and stalls. Riverside venues throughout the town.

July 21 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s

Canal: King’s Cross – Granary Square – St Pancras. King’s Cross meet taxi queue sign next to Pret a Manger at 2.30pm.

Normal charge £20; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £15; 8-15 £5; under 8 free.

Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com July 23 River Foss

Society: 4.4-mile riverbank evening walk from Blue Bridge to Huntington with optional refreshments at the Blacksmith’s Arms, Huntington. Meet 6pm Blue Bridge.

For more information contact Derek Chivers to let him know you are coming at derek@chivers.plus.com July 25 Duck and Dragon racing: Paddington

Basin, London W2 1JX, in aid of Cosmic charity. Ducks 12-2pm; dragons 5-9pm, also live music, outdoor bars, street food and more festivities. http:// cosmiccharity.org.uk River Foss Society: Social Pint’n a Chat at the Mason’s Arms, 6 Fishergate, York, 7pm. An informal meet-up for members and for non-members to find out about the River Foss Society.

July 27-28 Etruria Industrial Museum: Summer

steaming at the museum on the Caldon and Trent & Mersey canals at Stoke-on-Trent.

Gathering of Historic Boats: Audlem Mill, Cheshire CW3 0DX.

Tripping across the border THE popular trip boat George Watson Buck based on the Montgomery Canal in Llanymynech has restarted Sunday 30-minute trips between England and Wales following a successful survey of the boat.

Based at the Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre in the Limeworks Heritage Area in Llanymynech, the trips are ideal for visitors to the area to get a sense of the heritage and wildlife of the Montgomery Canal.

Vo l u n t e e r- r u n , both the boat and visitor centre offer an interesting insight into the canal and plans for its restoration.

In f o r mat i ve exhibitions in the old stable block highlight the history associated with the Montgomery Canal, which was built to carry limestone from local quarries as well as passengers and agricultural goods.

The visitor centre is open every Sunday – and August Bank Holiday

Monday – until the end of September. Opening hours are 1.30-4.30pm.

Entrance to the visitor centre is free and boat trips cost £5 for adults and £2.50 per child.

No booking is required for the boat trips and the visitor centre has light refreshments available and a picnic area.

The George Watson Buck trip boat at Llanymynech Wharf. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Step back in time at ‘The Trad’ EVOKING the nostalgia of boating from a bygone era, the 45th Thames Traditional Boat Festival takes place over the weekend of July 19-21.

This popular, long-running event offers more attractions on the water, in the air and on the land at Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2HY. Open from 10am daily, the festival offers an exciting and fun day out for the whole family, celebrating the best in British boatbuilding as well as street food, shopping and camping.

This year ‘The Trad’ will see the largest fleet of Dunkirk ‘Little Ships’ ever to attend the event and the largest display of traditional boats in Europe. Also amphibious and military vehicles and aircraft of the Great War Display Team.

The Crooked Billet will bring its pop-up gastro pub. A live music programme every day includes such well-known names as Clearwater Credence Revival on the Saturday.

For details of ticket prices visit www. tradboatfestival.com

THE BIGGEST & MOST EXCITING BOATING EVENT IN EUROPE

The 45th Thames Traditional Boat Festival: Friday 19th - Sunday 21st July 2024, 10.00am - 11.00pm.

A celebration of all that’s best in boatbuilding and craftsmanship evoking the nostalgia of boating from a bygone era.

This popular long running event, now bigger and better than ever offering more fascinating boats and vehicles. Plus more good vintage and other shopping and SO MUCH great music!

APPEARING AT THE TRAD:

EXHIBITORS & TRADERS

Traditional boatbuilding in action and a variety of trade stalls to wander around

HEROES OF OPERATION DYNAMO We salute the“Little Ships”of Dunkirk and the service men and women ofWW2

CLASSIC & VINTAGE Vintage and Classic cars on parade

AMPHIBIANS

The“Amphicar”of the 1960’s

AIRBORNE

Another chance to see the Bremont Great War Display Team 'in aerial combat'!

Supported by

Fawley Meadows • Henley-on-Thames www.tradboatfestival.com

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July 2024

Music impresario Pete Waterman, with microphone in hand, and Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina in the small dry dock during the recording of BBC Radio 4’s Open County in 2020. Behind is a modern narrowboat being painted by Dave Bishop. The dock is believed to date back to 1792, since when it has been in continuous use. PHOTO: BBC/HEATHER SIMONS

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The same scene, little change, in August 1950, with a Samuel Barlow yard-hand painting the fore-end of a motor. PHOTO: IAN WRIGHT

The legendary painter Frank Nurser working in that same dock in 1950 at the other end of that same motor. PHOTO: IAN WRIGHT

The first attempted conversion of a horse-drawn wooden butty to a motor in 1929 at the then Nurser’s Yard. The converted narrowboat was Forget Me Not for the ‘Number One’ Henry Grantham. PHOTO: WHITLOCK/

Braunston Wharf circa 1953, with the old engine shop still used for its original purpose, and the old diesel pump ‘for oiling up’ at the entrance point.

CARNE COLLECTION

PHOTO: AUBREY BERRIMAN COLLECTION

Red Wheel day for Braunston Marina

By Tim Coghlan

EARLIER this year, we received good news that our formal application for a National Transport Trust’s Red Wheel heritage plaque was successful. At our suggestion, it’ll be formally unveiled by music impresario and steam enthusiast Pete Waterman at 10am on Saturday, June 29, an hour before the formal opening of this year’s rally.

Pete had originally suggested that we should apply for one and then backed the application. Members of the Transport Trust will be in attendance, including Jerry Swift, deputy chairman of the National Transport Trust. The official guests will include Richard Parry, CEO of the Canal & River Trust, retired CRT chairman Tony Hales, and Mike Will, chairman of the IWA. Joining them will be Lady Sheila Suchet who, in her capacity as joint vice-president of the IWA with her husband Sir David, will be formally opening the rally as Sir David had to cancel due to an unforeseen change to his filming commitments.

Attendees at the rally will also be most welcome to join the unveiling.

The plaque will be mounted to the wall of the former engine shop, which it is suggested was built by the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War. There’s no conclusive proof of it but I was told this in my early days of acquiring Braunston Marina, c.1989, by a local who remembered it being built by them. Certainly, the evidence for the building’s construction during the war is very strong, as the building doesn’t appear in surviving photographs from before the war, and it’s certainly there in photographs immediately afterwards. The brickwork to the building is very fine, with the pointing so good, that at a time when cement was in desperately short supply, it was so well mixed that it’s survived some 90 years or so without need for any repointing!

The construction of the building included an asbestos roof overhang over the surviving section of the former line of the Oxford Canal. A raised quayside was also built under the overhang to facilitate working on boats under cover. An overhead hoist was supplied, reaching out over the canal for lifting engines in and out of the ‘motors’ of the Samuel Barlow fleet that operated

from the yard. The engines could then be worked on inside the building, which included a metal testing tank.

The change from wooden horsedrawn narrowboats to motors had occurred quite quickly, starting in the late 1920s and early 30s with the development of the Petter semi-diesels.

Some existing butties were converted in the yard’s small dry dock from horsedrawn boats to motor or were new-built as motors in the new large shed outside that dock.

The overhead hoist to the engine shop still survives and is believed to still be operational, though the present usage of the building is as a woodworking shop for the fitting-out of boats, built by Peter Nicholls Steel Boats. A section of the building was also converted to the new marina’s pump-out room and laundrette, with the new diesel pump located nearby.

It’s on the outside wall of this room that the plaque will be mounted, facing the marina’s iconic Horseley Ironworks bridge, where it’ll be well seen by marina users and visiting boats.

The idea that we should apply for this prestigious award had never really occurred to me. Although we have a collection of historic canal working buildings, which we’d restored and are still in use, we are a smaller operation compared to the

The launch of the Raymond in June, 1958 at Braunston Wharf, which, despite high hopes, proved to be the last wooden working narrowboat built for the canals. PHOTO: SUPPLIED 25 or so big names on the waterways who’d already received Red Wheel plaques. These include the Hatton Flight and the Blisworth Tunnel, and there’s already a plaque at Braunston Bottom Lock covering the greater Braunston area. However, the suggestion of making our own application came in the summer of 2020 when Pete Waterman came to Braunston to record a programme for BBC Radio 4. He had also disclosed that as a Coventry boy, born and bred, he’d often been fishing here with his father in the 1950s when it was still a working boat yard. So he had first-hand knowledge of it from those days.

Pete interviewed me for Open Country by the entrance to our small dock. I told him that we believed the dock had

Where the Red Wheel plaque will be mounted: the old engine shop seen here at a previous Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

been in continuous use for boat fitting and maintenance since 1792. On air, I showed him a copy of a photograph of exactly where we were standing taken by the early IWA enthusiast Ian Wright in August 1950. Pete was amazed.

He then went on to interview the wellknown canal boat painter Dave Bishop, who was painting away behind us during my interview. Dave had been trained by the legendary Ron Hough, who in turn had learnt from Frank Nurser, and so the apostolic succession had continued down the generations. Pete also interviewed Pete and Karen Flockhart, with their traditional rope fender business. Further interviews continued until recording was completed; Pete and I then retired to the canalside Admiral Nelson for a well-earned pint. It was here that he recommended Braunston Marina should apply for the Red Wheel plaque. The rest, as they say, is history.

There was still the question of the plaque wording though, and the question of just when Braunston Wharf had opened, as this date would appear for all time on the plaque. The Parliamentary Act for the construction of the Oxford Canal was passed in 1769 and, amazingly, by 1794 the handdug canal had been completed from Coventry to Napton, and in doing so, had passed through Braunston. Compare that with the snail-like HS2!

But just when did Braunston Wharf begin?

There is an advertisement in the Northampton Mercury dated 1774 offering coal for sale at Braunston that’d come from Coventry, but exactly where in Braunston was the wharf from which it was being sold cannot be established

Lady Sheila Suchet steering the Raymond, assisted by Roger Golder of the Friends of Raymond, in the opening parade of the 2023 Rally. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN with certainty. There had been another wharf of which little is known, and has long ceased to exist, which was near today’s Midland Chandlers, just the other side of the A45 towards Rugby.

However, there’s a delightful advertisement in the Northampton Mercury of July 20, 1778, that does mention ‘Braunston Wharf’ – the name that survives to this day. And this date we have chosen for the plaque, which now reads: “A hub of the canal network since 1778. Developed as a freight transfer facility and still in use for maintenance of canal craft. The last wooden boat was built here in 1958.”

That same 1778 advertisement reads: “Coals, at Braunston Wharf. The Dealers in the Coal-Trade, at Braunston-Wharf, beg leave to acquaint their friends and customers, that they may depend upon being constantly supplied at the above Wharf with Hawkesbury Coals (commonly called the Bedworth Coals) of the very best quality, and the lowest prices; but for the future. Ready money must be paid upon loading, as the small profits, at which such dealers are determined to sell, will not permit any credit to be given.” There are hints here of that line in the traditional Irish song The Wild Rover, a regular favourite in the David Blagrove Tribute session in the beer tent at Braunston Rallies: “I asked her for credit, she answered me ney. For custom like yours, I can get any day!”

Jerry Swift, deputy chairman, National Transport Trust, said: “The Red Wheel celebrates the history of Braunston Wharf and will complement the Red Wheel further down the cut that highlights the Braunston Canal Village: both are part of this key hub on the UK canal network.”

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

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24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

July 2024

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Visit our website

Welcome to the Lakeland Leisure Family...

We’re moor than just a marina!

For over 30 years, family-owned business Lakeland Leisure Estates have been developing and operating holiday and leisure parks along with inland and coastal marinas spanning across the UK and Spain.

Conwy, our marinas offer something for everyone whether you’re looking for a leisure or residential mooring, a winter mooring through the colder months, or just passing through for the day.

Set in some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, our marinas provide the perfect location for your boating adventures. Positioned at premier locations in Cheshire, Staffordshire, Essex, Gloucestershire and

Each marina is surrounded by picturesque views, boast fantastic facilities, and are managed by friendly faces to ensure your stay with us is perfect.

ON! 2024 WE CW rick Boat Show

Favourite Boat -

Tattenhall Marina, Cheshire

• Buy, sell, part-exchange

Highgrove was officially awarded 1st place for Favourite Boat in Show at Crick. This is a fantastic achievement for Lakeland Leisure Estates and Kingsground Narrowboats, and we are delighted!

Spain

• First-class service • 9 sales locations View our current boats at lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

lakelandleisuregroup.com

MARINAS & MOORINGS 25

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

CELEBRATES OPENING ITS DOORS 10 YEARS AGO THIS JULY Bosworth Marina would like to announce three new appointments: Mandy Wood - Marina Manager. Mandy brings with her a wealth of experience gained after working for many years at Swanley Bridge Marina in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Mandy says “I am delighted to become a part of the Bosworth Marina family and I am very excited with the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The 153 berth Marina is located in a lovely part of the country that I am very familiar with having lived in the area previously”.

Andy Wood - Boat Sales. Bosworth Marina has expanded into boat sales. Bosworth Marina Boat Sales is managed by Andy who brings with him years of experience and an enviable reputation for honesty, integrity and a friendly demeanour from his peers and clients alike. If you would like to sell your boat or purchase one, please contact Andy on 07818 804771 or email: boatsales@bosworthmarina.co.uk

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

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

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

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

01509 672385 www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk

Jo, Mandy & Dean and Kiah the Border Collie

Kegworth, DE74 2EY

HAREFIELD MARINA HAREFIELD MA ARINA

Dean Theron - Maintenance Manager. Dean who has many years experience in maintenance and will be working hard to make sure the site looks beautiful and you’re enjoying your stay here at our luxury moorings.

BOSWORTH MARINA FACILITIES INCLUDE: • Luxury Moorings • Boat Sales • Convenience Shop - Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm and Sunday 11am - 4pm • Day Boat Hire - ‘Harry & Sally’ Luxury 43ft Cruiser Stern • Chandlery • Laundry - Washer/Dryer (Payment using tokens) • Calor Gas • Diesel • Pump Out Facilities • Boaters Lounge with Tea/Coffee Machine For more information on what Bosworth Marina can offer you and your narrowboat please contact Mandy or Jo on 01455 291111 or email: enquiries@bosworthmarina.co.uk or call in for a friendly chat with the team.

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

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

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

One days cruising from the Thames.

At the heart of the Shropshire Union

TTouring ouring Park park

Holiday LWagons odges Glamping

Long and short term moorings

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

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

fully serviced moorings engineering workshop cafe

26 MARINAS & MOORINGS

July 2024

Whixall Marina

Whixall Marina

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

MOOR

STAY

Whixall Marina

Widebeam berths available

Whixall Marina

For Boat Sales please visit our website www.whixallmarina.co.uk

EAT

CRUISE

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

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

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

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

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

 QUIET AND SECURE MOORINGS  BOAT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

 GAS, DIESEL AND PUMP OUT

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

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

All other works are charged at £60.00 per hour

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

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

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

MARINAS & MOORINGS 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Hill Farm Marina

South Stratford Canal The View Restaurant is now fully open www.theview-eat.co.uk • Enjoy private access to a traditional 200 acre beef and sheep farm • Dogs run free in designated areas.

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

New owners of Fenny Marina on the South Oxford canal Mooring and Boat sales Pressure washing and blacking Grit blasting and epoxy coating Top side repaints (2 pack spray) Hull repairers and over plates

www.craftedboats.co.uk Tel: 01527 876 438

It goes without saying....

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

Fenny Marina Finding peace away from home

www.thefennymarina.co.uk

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

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

28 MARINAS & MOORINGS

July 2024

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New chandlery and MC order point

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

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

A marina that offers you a choice

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

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

Ca all us now to book a marina a tour

TPIF

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

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

CCC – New booking system now live on our website

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

SHAKESPEARE MARINA

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

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

• 250 berths located on river Avon • 10 mins walk from Stratford-upon-Avon • Rise and Fall pontoons • Waters & elec hook ups to each berth • Free wi-fi • Laundry • Showers • Fuel sales • Pump out

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

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

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

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

MARINAS & MOORINGS 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

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

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

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

Northampton Marina

The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways

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

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

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

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

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

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

We offer permanent, visitor and winter moorings.

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

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

30 MARINAS & MOORINGS / PRODUCTS & SERVICES

July 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

FRADLEY MARINA

07941 167 087

sml mar i nep a in ts.c o.uk

01 285 862 132

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

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

www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

S

TR

TH EE

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

AY WHARF

Coventry Canal

Lichfield

LT

D

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

Highest Quality work at a Traditional Working boatyard

7

DAY CALL OUT

10O% C UNT

DIS C S RS ER DE AD EA RE LR AL LL R A F OR FO

USE CODE:

TOWTALK10

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

SCAN FOR SAVINGS ON ALL PRODUCTS

HARTFORD MARINA

THE PERFECT HIDEAWAY

SET WITHIN THE PEACE & TRANQUILLITY OF HUNTINGDONSHIRE

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

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

ANNUAL & VISITOR MOORINGS

SLIPWAY AND CRANING FACILITIES

NEW AND USED BOAT SALES

FLOOD PROTECTED MOORINGS

DAY BOAT HIRE & WATERSPORTS

MODERN SHOWER FACILITIES

FAMILY RESTAURANT

PET FRIENDLY

FUEL & PUMPOUT FACILITIES

240V POWER TO EACH BERTH

FREE WIFI

FRESH WATER TO EACH BERTH

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

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

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

ANDICRAFT 65’ NARROWBOAT • 2010 • £64,950

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

NARROWBOAT 50’ • 2007 • £58,000

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

MGM Boats Ltd

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

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

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

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

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

CES SER VI VICES CO M M E RC I A L S E R V I C E S • B a n k S a f e t y Cove r se r v i ce s , training and equipment • C h a r te r o f ma r i n e e q u i p m e n t : s a f e t y & re s c u e b o a t s a n d wo r k b o a t s , t u g s , p a n s , h o p p e r s a n d wo r k f l a t s .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

32 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

July 2024

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

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

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

CALL TANKBUSTERS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Magnet filter bowl

Rust on magnet

Rust & diesel bug on magnet.

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

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

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

L R I N A arine E T m S

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS TRANSFORM YOUR BOAT

Refit, repair, replace, renew!

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

Engine Service – Fixed Price £185.00 inc VAT (Using our own stock filters)

Call 01299 877222 for details

DISTRIBUTORS & STOCKISTS FOR MAJOR BRANDS FULL BOAT YARD SERVICES

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

FOR YOUR CHANDLERY NEEDS

PLEASE NOTE:

01827 313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

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

NARROW FURNITURE FOR NARROWBOATS

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

DIESEL TREATMENT PRODUCT

HANKOOK BATTERIES

ELSAN PRODUCTS

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

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 33

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Great reads from £9.99!

132-page full colour, perfect bound bookazines

Hebden

A comfortable seating solution for limited space!

Fully pocket sprung | sofa or sofabed | including modular footstool space saving | two seating positions for optimal comfort.

ORDER TODAY FROM CLASSIC MAGAZINES:

www.classicmagazines.co.uk/thebookshelf CALL: 01507 529529 Also available at

Simple & Stylish Space Saving Solutions for Narrowboats!

01274 800334 • info@sofabedbarn.co.uk

www.sofabedbarn.co.uk

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

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

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

Kits from £1795.00

LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF EBERSPACHER HEATERS & SPARE PARTS

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

*Service exchange T&Cs apply

CALLSTART APP

Control your heater through your phone

Easy installation. Simple on/off.

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

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

34 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

July 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 35

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

NORBURY WHARF

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock 50% OFF

Limited

UP TO

DRY DOCK SPACES E AVAILABL !

W O N CALL

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values

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

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

One stop shop for all your boating needs TRADITIONAL NARROW BOAT PAINTING. FULL REPAINTING OF YOUR NARROW BOAT FROM £250 per foot incl. VAT.

TURN TO

Extras that can be added to the package:

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

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

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

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

PAGE 57 T

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

• (Re) gritting of cabin top and gunwhales.

• Graining/scumbling.

• Diamonds and geometrical patterns.

• Top bend/return plate decoration.

• Traditional canal art (Roses and Castles).

• Signwriting.

• Hatch and slide decoration.

• Varnishing.

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

• Painting of counter bands.

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

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

338 BRISTOL ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL2 5DH

01452 415430

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

65

35169

Britain’s SUPERSTORES Tools & Machinery Specialist NATIONWIDE

INVERTER GENERATORS

THE PERFECT GENERATORS FOR YOUR BOAT!

SINE WAVE TECHNOLOGY. Controlled electrical output ensures the delivery of clean and stable power – vital when running sensitive electrical equipment such as TVs, computers & tablets.

£

IG950D D

262.80

IG950D, IG1200D & IG2000D recommended by ukcampsite.co.uk

EASY WAYS TO BUY...

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inc.VAT

Max Output Running time at ¾ load Dimensions Weight Outputs Fuel tank capacity Anti-vibration feet?

Order Code: EXC.VAT INC.VAT

CLICK & COLLECT OVER 10,500 LOCATIONS

334

£

IG950D

IG1200D

.80

inc.VAT

IG1200D

466

£

IG2000D

.80

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IG2000D

800W 5.3 Hrs 392x203x353mm 9.3kg • 1x 230V,13Amp socket • 1x 12V DC (4a)

1100W 5.5 Hrs 444x234x391mm 12.4kg • 1x 230V,13Amp socket • 1x 12V DC (5a)

1800W 4.5 Hrs 488x285x463mm 19.3kg • 2x 230V,13Amp sockets • 1x 12V DC (5a)

2.1L ✔ 010617107 £219.00 £262.80

3L ✔ 010617112 £279.00 £334.80

4.5L ✔ 010617116 £389.00 £466.80

IN-STORE 65 SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

TELESALES 0115 956 5555

ONLINE machinemart.co.uk

Calls to the catalogue request number cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Calls may be monitored. All prices correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to change products and prices. All products subject to availability, E&OE.

36

July 2024 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Need a Survey or Boat Safety Examiner?

Dave Freeman

Over 25 years experience on the inland waterways

Marine Surveys & BSS Examinations For a Competitive Quote & Prompt Service

Tel 07918 677782

Covering all Areas Based Bridge 69 Trent & Mersey Canal dave.freeman@boatsafety schemeexaminations.co.uk

Cetec Marine Est. 1992

A friendly and professional fully insured service Steel, GRP & Timber craft Pre-purchase surveys Insurance surveys Valuations Ultrasonic Testing Phone Chris Holmes 07860 254369 01784 464899

BSS Examiner, Marine Surveyor & Marine Technical Consultant

surveyors@cetec.co.uk www.cetecmarine.co.uk

Areas Covered 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

STEVE SIMCOE

Burton Marine Ltd

Robert W Burton BEng (Hons), MIET, AffilIIMS, MIET, MABSSE.

Surveys, valuations, and consultancy throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and Scotland.

07794 862 022 robert@burtonmarine.com

www.burtonmarine.com

RHYS KILLIN Dip.S.C.Sur

BSS Examiner BSS Examination from £160

Covering areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Tel 07748 861795 rhys_k1@yahoo.co.uk www.rhyskillin.co.uk

BSS EXAMINER NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND SURROUNDING AREA PHONE/TEXT: 07860 943714 EMAIL: bimsimcoe@gmail.com FOR A PROMPT SERVICE

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL TANIA ON 01507 529489

Services

JDS BOAT SAFETY

BSS EXAMINER Covering Southern England

Jason Starnes 07795 625661 jasonjds28@gmail.com

Alan Buckle Boat Safety Scheme Examiner

Independent friendly service Covering the Midlands and surrounding areas.

07856 686363

bsswithalan@gmail.com

is an independent company providing professional and comprehensive support services to Narrowboats and Inland Waterways vessels.

Based in Northamptonshire we are ideally placed to offer our services.

Our services include: • Hull condition, Pre-purchase, Insurance and Valuation surveys.

(Accredited YDSA member) • Marine consultancy.

Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.

AREA COVERED: 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14

07903 945196 boats@jgmarine.co.uk www.jgmarine.co.uk

Narrowboat Surveyor

& Boat Safety Examiner

Michael Clarke

Dip.S.C. Sur AMIMarEST Areas covered: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 • A Friendly and Professional Service • Fully Qualified & Insured • Ultrasonic Pre-purchase & Hull Condition Surveys • No travelling Charges - All areas covered Northampton based

01604 858 868 07944 856 351

MARK

EDWARDS MABSSE

Boat Safety Scheme Examiner

All classes of vessels examined Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificates Caravans, RV’s and domestic properties

Tel 07970 384047

info@northernstarmarine.co.uk www.northernstarmarine.co.uk

Areas covered: 2, 4, 5

Pete Davidson BSS Examiner Most private craft examined.

East Midlands based.

BOB HURST

DELTA MARINE SERVICES

Areas covered 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,11

Phone: 07720 424396 Email: robert.hurst.bss@ btinternet.com Areas Covered 9 & 10

07988 739136 pete@bss-examiner.co.uk www.bss-examiner.co.uk

Your Local BSS Examiner

based at South Kilworth

Marine Surveying

♦ Pre-Purchase Condition Survey ♦ Valuation ♦ Insurance Condition Survey ♦ New Build/Conversion Project Supervision & Consultancy ♦ Damage Assessment ♦ Litigation Advice & Claim Assessment ♦ Areas covered 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 14

Mob. 07831 355543 Tel. 01926 499337

www.delta-marineservices.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 37

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

DO YOU LIVE AFLOAT?

Only LeeSan truly specialise in toilets

Are you worried about the future of your lifestyle?

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

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

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

Annual membership from only £30.00.

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

Staying ahead of the game on-board ...

Sponsored by All Wills and Trusts.co.uk

sales@leesan.com T: 01295 770000

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

LA Nina - Widebeam

£95,000

• 60’ x 12' • 2 Berth • 2013

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

UP TO 6

MONTHS FREE MOORING

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

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

on selected Stock Boats

Subject to terms and conditions

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

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

01386 768500

38 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

July 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

COMPETITION

WORD SEARCH

We have some great prizes which must be won. . . . Our advertisers have underlined 1 word in each of their advertisements.

All our readers have to do is circle all 14 words in the grid and return the completed puzzle to be in with a chance of winning, to: Emma Hansom, Towpath Talk Wordsearch competition, Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ.

£76.95 Everything you’ll need, all in one place!

Well Stocked Chandlery, Great Prices!

Established 1960 Situated next to Saltford Lock on the River Avon

Mead Lane, Saltford, Bristol. BS31 3ER

E: info@popaloo.co.uk T: 01427 787147 www.popaloo.co.uk

bristolboatsltd@gmail.com www.bristolboats.co.uk 07423 818675

Title:...............First Name: ..................................Last Name:.........................................

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01788 899123 3

Catering g for mostt manufacturers and models of vintage die ese el engine.

Supplyying parts an nd accessories, overhauls, routine serrvicing and mainten nanc ce, engine surveys and assesments, and general engineering.

Facilities in our new canalside workshop. Specialists in engine e roo om equipment and d ancilleriess, brasswork, safety guards, traditional control gear, eng gine swap ps and installatiions. Vintage engines supplied, in nstalled d, recomm misioned and repaired he Worrkshop, Bottom Lock, Dark Lane, Braunston, Northants. NN11 7HJ Th Email: Viinttag ge_diesels@btconnect.com Web: www.vintagediese els.co o.u uk

GP GOODWIN P L AST I C S

The Boat Specialists

PLASTIC TANK SPECIALISTS Stainless Steel Tanks now available

20 Years experience in manufacturing • Water & Effluent Tanks • Shower Trays • Battery Boxes • Window Guards YOU WANT IT WE’LL MAKE IT

T: (01270) 582516 Email: sales@goodwinplastics.co.uk Web: www.goodwinplastics.co.uk www.solutec.co.uk

Read the UK’s number 1 Inland Waterways paper.

Always online at

www.towpathtalk.co.uk Climb aboard for a unique

0151 523 9000

www.aintreeboats.co.uk Engineers Merchants Specialising in paints and protective coatings and a wide range of Stainless Steel fasteners, fixings and sealants

www.bestcoltd.co.uk Tel: 0151 630 5111 Fax: 0151 639 7459

Enjoy can de dini ng in our Gongooalsi zler Restaur ant

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Browse our stunning gift shop!

There are no cash alternatives available. The winners will be the first names drawn at random.

Winners will be contacted via an official Mortons email. We never ask for bank details.

Terms and conditions apply. Strictly over 18s only. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Towpath Talk) please visit www.mortons.co.uk/privacy CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 31st July

1ST

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underground experience!

# ! "

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk 0121 557 6265 infoCdctt.org.uk Birmingham New Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DE1 4SB

W: www.bywaterhotelboats.co.uk E: rosie@bywaterhotelboats.co.uk T: 07380 941 042

• First Aid Kit Courtesy of Mini First Aid

LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF EBERSPACHER HEATERS & SPARE PARTS

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS

Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

• Dudley Underground Experience for 4 passengers courtesy of Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust

New Hydronic HS3 heaters available now.

• Canal Boat Lives Book

Our pair of traditional narrowboats travel Britain’s beautiful canals, with eight guests in en suite cabins. Home-cooked meals are included in the price. Hotel boating is friendly, and fun for the active and less active alike, and surprisingly luxurious!

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

• River Rats Book

2ND

3RD

Prize

Prize

• Where There’s Brass Book

• Toby of the White City Book

Peace of mind for you and your family UK Wills - Single and Mirror Lasting Powers of Attorney Family Asset Trusts Probate Advice Secure Storage Prepaid Funeral Plans

01283 566133

www.allwillsandtrusts.co.uk

Westview Marina Offered For Sale Situated on the Great Ouse River Earth, Huntingdon, Cambs £1,750,000 Freehold

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

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 39

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

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

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES 41

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Kate Boats

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DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LICENSING RANGER

P6

FERRYING FLOCK TO SONIC FEAST

P10

Welford Wharf, at the end of the Leicester Line’s wildlife. Beyond is the historic pub, The Wharf Welford Arm, was once busy serving nearby Inn. PHOTO: ROBIN JONES lime kilns. It is now

TRAINING ON THE DROITWICH CANALS

Prime Minister urged to

P11

BOAT REVIEW: THE MOLE

P46

Young anglers

P23

STOCK BOATS

walks and

Rare plants

Gauging Lock

PROMISING to be the biggest people in almost 20 years, angling event for young RESEARCH is under way the of Young People and Fishing National Celebration plants in the Montgomeryexamining two species of rare THE Brentford Toll Staffordshire & Shropshire will take place on the they are the long-stalked Canal. Types of pondweed, the Grand Union House and Gauging Lock on Canal over the weekend Canal will be open to potamogeton praelongus of September 16-17. It visit over and the weekend of flat-stalked potamogeton has already attracted September 9-10 as part friesii, which are a part of 275 Potamogetonaceae of the Open entrants and is open to the House Festival. One family – a group of aquatic anyone aged from seven of London’s smallest museums, to comprised of more plants 20 years old. Everyone than a hundred species worldwide. it is based in the Grade II-listed Toll House who participates will take The research will home a medal or trophy, and there will also be the chance to look at developing different a Guru goody bag and meet some of the volunteer ways to lock keepers. special event certificate a Open House Festival signed by six former world naturally cultivate these plants, which improve is a two-week champion anglers. water celebration of quality, provide shelter London’s homes, architecture for aquatic organisms and act neighbourhoods. as a primary food source and For more information for waterfowl and fish. visit opencity.org.uk and click on open-house-festival-2023

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Starts on

a rural haven, great for

safeguard waterways

ALMOST 40,000 people have and give his assurance already signed a petition that the – please add in Government will support of the Fund Britain’s intervene, and circulate your signatures Explaining why now is the far and wide. Let’s time where necessary, to Waterways campaign. to act, the petition refers of its grant funding from 2027, ensure deliver a hefty The petition at change.org Britain’s rivers and canals 10 Downing pile of pages to to the waterways’ recognised this will impact on maintenance Street this autumn. benefits remain fully open, navigable, and risk canal closures. urges Prime Minister to well-being, “Also, please download, Rishi The Environment Agency print helping to regenerate projects Sunak to ensure his government safe and accessible for all. both rural also maintains Started by Inland Waterways and proudly display a window and urban takes action to help safeguard more than 600 areas and boat-based sticker. Whether you are Association chief executive miles of waterways including afloat tourism and Britain’s canals and rivers Prof or on dry land, now Sarah Niblock, these will send contributing leisure activities the Rivers Thames, the petition is out a and for future generations.

Medway £2.5 billion to the and striking message.”

Wye as well as the Anglian economy each year.

Itcallsonhim toacknowledge aimed to send a clear message The sticker, a copy of which to the heart of government waterways. It received less the many social, economic The Canal & River Trust than can be seen on page 78, relies half the funding and about what is at can be on central government stake. environmental benefits needed to grant support its maintenance that “The Fund Britain’s She said: downloaded at www.waterways. the inland waterways funding Waterways plans to make org.uk where there is also up provide petition is now a link quarter of its income nearly a for this year. Scottish Canals also LIVE and visible to the to maintain has more petition. than £70 its network. But if CRT loses 40% maintenance work million of outstanding.

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© Copyright Craftinsure Limited 2024. Craftinsure Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 309693. Registered in England and Wales Number 04386107. Registered office: The Royals, Altrincham Road, Manchester M22 4BJ. Policies available to UK residents only. Trustpilot rating correct as of 07/06/24.

45

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Aqua Spirit boat review P46 Food & Drink P49 Holidays and Leisure P48 Tech Talk: Insurance claims P50

New president-elect and directors at British Marine

BRITISH Marine has announced the appointment of a new president-elect and five non-executive directors to its board following a vote at the recent BM council, which represents the interests of the membership.

The board positions, which are effective from July 18, attracted a range of applicants and the newly appointed directors are poised to bring a wealth of diverse expertise and innovative approaches.

They are: Paul KnoxJohnston, sales and marketing manager at Haven Knox-Johnston; Miles Moorhouse, head of marketing at Fairline Yachts Ltd;

Paul KnoxJohnston’s career has encompassed boat sales, yacht charters, marine finance and most recently insurance, where he has been instrumental in bringing back the Haven KnoxJohnston name.

Luke Morrison, chief executive/managing director of Rooster Sailing Ltd; Carl Onens (treasurer), managing director of ABC Leisure Group Limited and Malcolm Stewart, head of commercial marine at Haven Knox-Johnston.

British Marine has also announced the appointment of Lyndsay McClay, the commercial manager of Marine Industry News, as the new president-elect.

She will serve in this role for two years before becoming president in July 2026.

Lyndsay said: “Since I joined the industry in 2015, I've aimed to support the amazing people who are the

Incoming presidentelect Lyndsay McClay brings a wealth of experience to the helm and will assume the role of president in July 2026. PHOTOS: BRITISH MARINE

backbone of our sector.

I’m really looking forward to working with our president, chairman, fellow board members and the entire British Marine team to drive success and innovation for the whole industry.”

British Marine chief executive Lesley Robinson said: “Each new director brings a wealth of experience and a new perspective that is vital for our continued strategic progress.

“I look forward to working closely with them and with our president-elect, Lyndsay McClay, to navigate the exciting opportunities ahead.”

New treasurer Carl Onens is managing director of the ABC Leisure Group which he joined as finance director in 2006. He recently completed a four-year term as an elected business boating representative on the Canal & River Trust council.

Marine businesses donate life jackets to boating charity

TWO neighbouring organisations have come together to celebrate a donation which will aid the safety of users on local canals.

Midland Chandlers has supplied new life jackets to its Braunston neighbours, boating charity LNBP Community Boating, with the help of Hampshirebased life jacket and survival technology specialist Crewsaver.

LNBP, which provides short breaks

Peter Ford of Crewsaver and Tom Stott, Midland Chandlers present one of the life jackets to John Tobin and Paul Iversen from LNBP.

and longer holidays for community groups and organisations aboard its two full-sized narrowboats, had identified the need to replace its ageing stock.

Chairman John Tobin said: “We are so grateful for the generosity and efforts that Midland Chandlers and Crewsaver have made with the donation/sponsorship of life jackets to us.

“We have always had a strong relationship with Midland Chandlers and look forward to further developing our close links as well as some new

A sample of the donated life jackets. PHOTOS: DREW REID, THE FRAME PHOTOGRAPHY

New apprentice award to launch at Southampton show THE launch of a new British Marine Apprentice of the Year award is set to be one of the highlights at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.

This prestigious accolade seeks to celebrate the talents of outstanding apprentices within the marine leisure, small commercial and super yacht sectors. The winner will be presented with a specially engraved trophy marking their achievement.

British Marine chief executive Lesley Robinson said: “This award not only highlights individual excellence but also underscores the vital role that apprentices play in the future of the marine sector.”

She will be part of a distinguished panel of judges joined by: Jasmine Kundra – a former BBC’s Apprentice participant; Lorna Wagner from

Olivia Richards-Smith, apprentice marine engineer at Sunseeker. PHOTO: RICHARD TARR Maritime UK Solent; Manj Mahey, head of training, British Marine and Tasha Joyce, EPA operations manager, British Marine.

The competition is open to all apprentices

who are currently active on any apprenticeship standard offered by their organisation – from business administrator to marine engineer, first-year newcomers right up to those

in their final assessment stages.

The judges will review all nominations after entries from member and non-member employers close on June 30. A shortlist of 10 finalists will undergo a final review and the ultimate winner decided.

The finalists will be announced on August 2, each receiving four complimentary tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show for themselves and their guests and will be invited to the Apprentice Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, September 17, which celebrates the emerging talent in the marine industry.

As part of the ceremony, the winner of the first British Marine Apprentice of the Year award will be crowned, with certificates presented to each of the finalists.

Streamlined approach to dinghy insurance MARINE insurer Hav e n K n o xJo h n s t o n has unveiled a speedy online ‘quote and buy’ tool which allows dinghy owners to get an insurance quote in less than 30 seconds.

Having spent considerable time discussing and listening to what customers really want, this new offering from Haven KJ is aimed at crafting the whole dinghy insurance process into a slicker experience.

Efficiency and

simplicity are key, meaning owners no longer need to answer a host of questions which aren’t relevant to their dinghy or input extensive personal details to generate a quote.

“We have always been committed to understanding and addressing the unique requirements of boat owners,” said Paul Knox-Johnston, sales and marketing manager. “Through ou r e xt e n s i ve engagement efforts, w e' v e gained invaluable insights.

initiatives with both them and Crewsaver in times to come.”

LNBP has also been awarded a further sizeable contribution towards the cost of the life jackets from the Rugby Group Benevolent Fund.

Wishing LNBP every success, chairman Graeme Fuller said the fund was delighted to support this worthy cause.

Representatives from Midland Chandlers and Crewsaver officially handed over the new stock to trustees and executive members of LNBP during the Crick Show trade and preview day.

Crewsaver also gave a short impromptu demonstration and guidance on the new life jackets, which were on hand for LNBP during its annual commitment to running the show’s trip boats across the weekend.

Speaking about the donation and further strengthening of the relationship

The result is our enhanced dinghy insurance offering and the introduction of our rapid quote and buy tool, both of which are designed to provide dinghy enthusiasts with a better insurance experience.”

Haven KJ has also taken the opportunity to tune its dinghy insurance policies to match the evolving needs and preferences of dinghy owners.

The All-Weather policy now includes cover for dinghy racing, inland

and coastal use in the UK, 30 days’ use in European Continental waters as well as road and ferry transit as standard.

A ‘base layer’ policy option is available to provide a basic level of cover often required by sailing clubs and events, including £5m Third Party Liability.

Haven KJ remains dedicated to catering for the diverse needs of the marine industry right across the UK, coupling industryleading customer service with comprehensive cover options for yachts, motorboats, narrowboats and much more.

For more information about Haven Knox-Johnston’s dinghy insurance, or insurance for any other type of boat, visit www.HavenKJ.com

LNBP officials, in blue, with Peter Ford of Crewsaver, Tom Stott, Midland Chandlers and Graeme Fuller and John Brooks, Rugby Group Benevolent Fund. between the three parties, Tom Stott, sales manager at Midland Chandlers, said: “I am delighted that we can support LNBP Community Boating with this donation, as ensuring safety for all canal

users is of utmost importance.

“Our strong relationship with LNBP and Crewsaver underscores our shared commitment to the local boating community.”

46

July 2024

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Aqua Spirit – the latest sponsored hire boat from Aqua Narrowboats

Impressive quartz granite-topped walkthrough galley.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Aqua Spirit on the canal for the first time. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

By Phil Pickin

THE idea of sponsored hire boats isn’t new and over the years it has proved popular with a number of boat owners who want to see a return on their investment while enjoying the waterways themselves. So it is interesting to see the latest sponsored hire boat from one of the industry’s most respected boat builders, Aqua Narrowboats, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. From its modern base between Uttoxeter and Derby, the company has built not only a growing number of sponsored and bespoke boats but also a reputation for high quality.

The latest is Aqua Spirit which, by the time you read this, will have been launched and joined four others in this growing hire fleet based at Barton Marina. Currently, it only operates out of Barton, but Aqua hopes to be able to offer another base as the fleet expands.

The hire fleet is just part of a wide range of services and products from Aqua Narrowboats, which also builds bespoke boats and supplies a wide range of boat furnishings via Aqua Furnishings.

Its latest project is a 58ft semi-cruiser stern narrowboat finished in a bright red, off-white and blue colour scheme and uses a Colecraft shell. Aqua Spirit has been fitted with a Beta 42, although

other hybrid marine options are available as part of the options available to sponsored boat buyers. Although the boat isn’t bespoke you would be unable to tell, given the quality of the finish throughout. It is what you could call semi-bespoke in that there are a number of layout options for anyone looking to buy a sponsored boat. These are dependent upon the length of the boat, with more options being available for the more popular lengths.

A comfortable and spacious living area. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Internal qualities

In the case of Aqua Spirit, the layout provides what would seem to be very comfortable accommodation for up to six people, thereby widening the hire opportunities for the owner, who, as part of the package, has four weeks per year to use the boat themselves throughout the five years of the sponsorship. At the end of this period, the boat retires from the hire fleet and becomes a private boat. During the five years within Aqua’s fleet, the boat is maintained, winterised, cleaned and generally looked after while earning the owner up to 38% of income from each rental.

The scheme would seem of particular interest to those who enjoy the waterways and are planning for their retirement with a view to doing a lot more cruising with the extra time

Aqua Spirit’s galley and lounge beyond. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN they will have available. Over the five years, they get to enjoy their boat and offset some of the costs while having it professionally maintained before potentially becoming continuous cruisers or liveaboards themselves. If they change their minds, Aqua offers an option to sell the boat via the company if

they decide they want or need to.

As for the boat itself, Aqua Spirit is as good as you might expect from a company that has built its reputation on being a ‘cut above’ over the last 20 years.

The galley features some impressive curves in the mid-grey quartz worktops; these match the high gloss cupboard and drawer fronts. A stainless steel sink has been inset to one side, and to the other is a three-burner gas hob. A Thetford oven and grill are located above a Fridgemaster fridge, and a microwave completes the galley inventory. When the boat retires from the fleet, the owner may look to add items like a freezer and washing machine.

There are plenty of cupboards around the galley and throughout the boat more generally. The breakfast bar, which separates the large lounge from the food preparation area, provides a very useful shelf. This has been made from oak, as has the rest of the interior fitout, with

the exception of the flooring, which is LVT. The kingfisher design seen in the Roman blinds continues throughout the boat and can be found on the porthole buttons in the main bedroom.

The lounge seating is substantial and can be configured in a number of ways to provide berths for two people, be they in single or double beds. The seating can also accommodate up to six around the removable tables stowed next to the TV and display unit. White radiators provide the heating, and numerous corner shelves with 13A sockets close by provide an ideal place to charge phones, etc, out of the way.

These shelves can also be seen above the two single berths in the next room.

These beds can be turned into a double if required, and the room is fitted with an additional TV and reading lights above both beds. The room looked comfortable, cosy and private, something often lacking on a hire boat.

Technical specification

Length: 58ft Style: Semi-cruiser stern with locker

seats

Engine: Beta 43 with hospital silencer Electrical: Wiring for solar panels,

Victron battery monitor Berths: Six Shell: Colecraft Galley: Quartz worktops, Thetford Oven, Fridgemaster fridge and microwave Price: £189,995

L-shaped seating makes the most of the space available. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Builder’s details: Aqua Narrowboats (MFG) Ltd, The Boat House, Tomlinson Business Park, Woodyard Lane, Foston, Derbyshire DE65 5BU. email: info@aquanarrowboats. co.uk Tel: 01283 585718 www. aquanarrowboats.co.uk

The two single berths that can be converted into a double. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

47

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

A sizeable bed in the main bedroom. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Again, there is plenty of storage on offer, which you can imagine would be needed if you had six adults on board.

The main bedroom is fitted with a foldable king-size bed that allows easy access around the bed and to the forward doors during the day and becomes a large bed at night. Again, more large wardrobes are provided on both sides of the bed, and a large porthole has been installed on each side of the boat.

As in the twin room, reading lights have been fitted on both sides of the bed, and double forward doors provide access to the forward deck area.

Overview

Good-sized shower cubicle in the bathroom. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The walkthrough bathroom is sizable, with a large shower cubicle, macerator toilet and a modern wash basin in keeping with the boat’s overall styling.

Looking over Aqua Spirit, you tend to forget that it is ostensibly a hire boat. The only reminders of this are the occasional warning sign and instruction plate you might see within the boat. The quality is excellent, putting it above your average hire boat. But then again, nothing about Aqua Narrowboats tends to be average.

The company rightly pitched its work at the higher end of the scale and would seem to be reaping the rewards. In

The walkthrough bathroom provides plenty of room while dividing the main bedroom from the rest of the boat.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

addition, Aqua recently announced a collaboration with Ortomarine to help with the next project, an electric boat with talk of a second Aqua/Orto boat on the books.

Aqua Spirit, like the other boats available to hire from Aqua Narrowboats, will provide a number of options. If you simply want to hire a boat for a holiday, it would seem you will get one of the highest-quality hire boats available.

If you are interested in owning a sponsored boat, with a view to making some money and eventually owning your boat outright, you could do far worse than consider one of Aqua’s range.

And if you want to have a bespoke boat built to your individual requirements, maybe trying out one of the hire boats would be a good place to start.

A nice view even if you are at the sink. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A boat dog’s story Reviewer: Janet Richardson

WHEN I saw the cover of Toby of the White City, The Boat Dog’s Story by Sheila Stewart, I knew I was going to enjoy this book.

Not only am I a dog lover but the painting of Toby reminds me of my first Jack Russell terrier so it struck a chord straight away.

This delightful tale from the author of Ramlin Rose tells how this ‘runt’ of the litter is saved from being drowned and worms his way into the hearts of Alf (Number One, Captain Alfred Hone, junior) of horsedrawn narrowboat White City, his wife Lizzie and daughters Rose and Betty who their other butty was named after. But first he has to prove he can walk the slippery plank from the bank on to the boat.

Based on a truelife Banbury-based boating family, it also draws on events during the Second World War such

as the bombing of Coventry and its impact on the boat people carrying vital cargoes along the Midlands canals.

It includes other real-life characters including author and joint founder of the IWA, LTC Rolt and artist Denys WatkinsPitchford, known as BB, whose drawing of Toby of the White City appears in Narrow Boat.

But the star is Toby, ‘with his tail cut short and his ears all wrong’ whose adventures and mishaps and the people he meets along ‘his’ Oxford Canal towpath make for riveting and moving reading. He is not the only fourlegged crew member – Bob the beloved boat horse is joined

by Jack the mule and Betty’s rabbits Budgie and Sampson.

Thanks to the author’s painstaking research, the book also p rov i d e s a snapshot of commercial carrying

Throwing out the rule book for designing canal boats H NOW IN THE WATER H

during the war years and the demise of horse-boating as more and more ‘hengined’ boats took over as well as competition from road and rail traffic.

The cover and delightful illustrations throughout the book were commissioned from acclaimed canal artist D C ‘Dusty’ Miller and there is also a map of the Midlands canals and detailed plans of motor

and horse-drawn narrowboats.

Sheila Stewart died in 2014 but the book was never published in her lifetime and was released for publication by her family in 2023.

Toby of the White City, The Boat Dog’s Story by Sheila Stewart is published by the CanalBookShop (126 pages, paperback, £11.95) and is available from www. canalbookshop.co.uk ISBN: 978-17399896-4-4

The size is 40`x 10` and built using 20mm for the base of the boat 15mm for the sides and 12mm for the upper sections.

The process they use is called extrusion welding

which is typically done on thermoplastics due to their response to heating. Unlike other types of plastics which burn when heat is applied, thermoplastics liquefy and harden again upon cooling.

Extrusion welding is typically used to join components such as tanks and pipes. In trenchless construction, sections of thermoplastic (most often polyethylene) can be extrusion welded together to form a monolithic pipe structure to be inserted into the host pipe for rehabilitation.

In other applications, extrusion welding is ideal for applications that require lengthy welds to be made in a single run. Although most commonly

done on HDPE sheets, extrusion welding can be performed on other thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF This canal boat is ready to be a sail away, at present the interiors are not all complete, for future projects formation plastic have the help and expertise of a multi award-winning yacht and naval architect

Prices from £50k

The new era of canal boat design For more information, please tel: 01274 299055 www.formationplastics.co.uk

48 HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

July 2024

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Rich and Telford cruising the canal on Roach. PHOTO: KEV MASLIN

Busman’s holiday for floating coal man IN WHAT is essentially a nomadic existence, Rich Nutter lives on board his narrowboat Roach, originally built in 1935 for Fellows, Morton & Clayton Ltd, one of the country’s largest canal carriers.

His constant companion is lively Cairn terrier cross, Telford, who loves the outdoor

01606 833668 Middlewich, Cheshire Situated on the River Thames Holiday Hire Cruisers from 2 to 12 berth Hourly, Daily, Short Break Hire Available We offer a personal service to boaters of all types.

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Enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday on the pictureseque Fenland waterways

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t: 01353 663 726 e: info@bridgeboatyard.com

life, and together they deliver much-needed coal, gas and diesel to canalside boats along their route. They regularly travel along the canals and rivers of Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, but also spend much of their time serving customers along the waterways of Birmingham and the Black Country.

“We love visiting these parts,” said 65-yearold Rich, who originally hails from the north-east of England, and moved on board Roach four years ago. “We get to see some real backwaters such as Withymoor Island near Netherton and the tucked away Engine Arm in the heart of industrial Smethwick.

“But what we’re really looking forward to this year is taking the boat to the Tipton Canal & Community Festival over the weekend of September 21-22. It will be a bit like a busman’s holiday, but the atmosphere will be great and we’ll simply moor up, relax and enjoy the event. Don’t get me wrong, if any of our fellow boaters need a bag of coal or a diesel top-up, we’ll be happy to oblige.”

Narrowboat Roach has been captured on many occasions through the lens of local waterway photographer Kev Maslin, who specialises in historic craft and is also the

organiser of the Tipton festival.

“I’m astounded at how popular the event is proving to be,” he enthused.

“The reaction from local people and the support of the canal boating community has been phenomenal.

“Within 48 hours of the online system going live we had around 40 boats booked in. Almost half of these are ones like Roach that were built pre-Second World War for carrying goods around the country.

“It seems that everyone is keen to come to Tipton, which became known during commercial carrying days as the Venice of the Midlands, due to its high concentration of canals,” he added.

Roach may be a shade over 70ft in length, but the pair’s floating home is the tiny cabin to the rear of the boat, which provides about 6ft x 10ft of living accommodation and also contains an engine room with a vintage Lister HR2 which provides the propulsion.

“It might appear like really going back to basics, but it’s a great way of life.

“We have everything we need for day-to-day living. The back cabin is nice and cosy, plus we get to wake up in a different location each morning,” said Rich.

Oakwood Marina 01606 331961 glamping@oakwoodmarina.co.uk g l www.oakwoodmarina.co.uk G+

We have 25 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, why not come and get away from it all by spending time in one of our beautifully furnished bell tents, or camping with your own tent or campervan.

The Wilder family, who own the place, have an attitude to the campsite that befits their surname. Grazed by cows in some parts and cut just once or twice a year for hay, the meadows are otherwise left long and wild in summer. A few footpaths have been conscientiously mown in between pitches to help guide you around the fields and over to another lake attached to the canal that’s a wildlife hotspot and a good place to watch for herons.

THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE 49

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

International boat operator launches new model A NEW agreement has been announced between Le Boat and Groupe Beneteau under its Delphia brand in Poland.

The deal will see Europe’s largest boat rental company invest more than £100 million into its international fleet over the next 10 years, giving travellers a greater range of options to choose from when planning their self-drive boating holidays.

Le Boat’s managing director Cheryl Brown said: “We’re delighted to be building upon our longstanding relationship with Groupe Beneteau to support the next stage of Le Boat’s growth.

“With these innovative new boats and stunning potential cruising grounds, this offers us a fantastic opportunity to grow both the charter and boat sales sides of our business.”

Of the 400 new Delphia boats to be built over the coming decade for Le Boat, 100 will be made in the next three years, including at least 25 in 2025.

These orders will be a combination of the current Horizon range, plus 34 of a premium new one-to-two cabin boat named Liberty which will be launched in 2025. In addition, the two industry leaders will also be developing a new three to fourcabin model for launch in 2027.

This new model will be designed in collaboration with Le Boat and will have both private variants and

One of the new Liberty range of luxury cruisers. PHOTOS SUPPLIED an exclusive charter version. They will include full air conditioning and a superior fly bridge.

To cater for Le Boat’s ownership programme, the agreement will also enable customers to invest in the new boats.

The programme allows owners to enjoy guaranteed income while taking an average of eight weeks’ holiday every year on their own boat, or a

sister boat across Le Boat’s 17 cruising regions in Europe and Canada.

The new Liberty boat range went on sale from June 6 and will be available to sail from selected Le Boat bases in France, Germany, England and The Netherlands. No experience required.

For more information visit www.leboat.co.uk or call 023 9280 1630.

Launching the new partnership are, from left: Martin Schemkes, Delphia brand director; Cheryl Brown, Le Boat’s managing director and Yann Masselot, Delphia chief of brands and communication officer.

Reeves Bakery in Devizes make an extremely popular sourdough bread, in either a round or farmhouse loaf.

Dog Friendly Pub Serving real home cooked food & good drinks.

01858 545250 www.theblackhorsefoxton.co.uk Foxton, Leics, LE16 7RD

The sandwich toppings platter on the galley worktop.

Sizing up a Saturday sourdough sarnie

By Kevin Thomas

WHEN it comes to culinary skills mine are non-existent. Bren, my wife, has honed the preparation of food down to a sort of wizardry I can only marvel at. My input amounts to snapping the odd pic. I might add though that this picturesnapping needs to be done quickly because Bren hates someone looking over her shoulder, while she is trying to concentrate on producing a meal for us. Understandable, I guess.

Historically my own sandwich-making always lacked any form of imagination. Marmite was my go-to filler choice or crunchy peanut butter.

Periodically I’d become really imaginative and make a cheese and tomato sandwich, and then spill most of it on the floor. In 1988 we went to the US on a safari marketing trip and while there finally learnt what a proper sandwich should look like. We had stopped with an American friend at a sandwich vending corner shop. The choice of breads and sandwich fillers was mind-boggling

and not merely limited to turkey breast or ham, or bland things similar. It included a huge array of pickles, chillies, cheeses and tomatoes. The list went on, including things we had never heard of.

While in the shop we also learnt how Americans decided on their favourite sandwich wants before they even entered the shop. It was so busy the counter staff weren’t inclined to wait while you dithered over deciding what you’d like.

Feeling under pressure, we indicated our friend’s four-tiered sandwich being constructed and, opting for an easy way out, ventured: “We’ll have what he’s having.” Due to the sheer volume and variety of fillers, eating our sandwiches was a mission. It was also a lesson learned and an awakening into the humble art of sandwiches.

Unfortunately, Saturdays on Sabi Star aren’t lazy days. Our weekly shop gets done, plus laundry, and a mix of other boat chores like filling the water tank etc. By midday, we’re normally both peckish and looking forward to a lunch of some sort, or to what has become our regular

The Tudor Arms Situated adjacent to Patch Bridge on the Gloucester/ Sharpness Canal

Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day 14 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more and ideal for visiting friends and relatives

Saturday sourdough sarnie. Reeves Bakery in Devizes sell a sourdough loaf in white or brown, and either as a farmhouse or round loaf. They also slice it for you. Narrowboaters cruising through Devizes would do well to try a loaf as they are in high demand by sourdough aficionados.

Additional purchases we enjoy with our sourdough sarnie are; cottage cheese with chives, lettuce, pickled gherkins, cucumber, ham, cheese, brawn, tomatoes, spring onions, avocados, mustard, Turkish-style garlic sauce and any other interesting stuff that catches our eye. When preparing our lunch, Bren first places the selection of toppings on to a platter, and then drizzles olive oil on to the sourdough slices before lightly toasting them in a frying pan. Once that is done the slices are placed on our individual plates and we select from the platter on the worktop what we’ll have on our individual sarnies.

It’s an easy-to-prepare and a filling meal, with Bren usually only having one slice to my two.

PENNINE CRUISERS

01453 890306 enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk www.thetudorarms.co.uk

The Leigh Arms • Moor at Bridge 208 on the Trent & Mersey Canal • Real Ales served • Children’s play area • Traditional British and Authentic European Dishes The Leigh Arms, Warrington Road, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4QT. Tel 01606 853327

www.leigharms.co.uk 01756 795478 | info@penninecruisers.com

of Skipton

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No exp perience needed as we give full boat han ndling and lock side instruction.

After being drizzled with olive oil, the sourdough slices are lightly toasted in a frying pan.

Day Boat Hire

The finished sourdough sarnies make for a tasty and filling narrowboat lunch.

Enjoy a day out with a difference sailing the Leeds Liiverpool Canal. Prices from only £70.

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We offer every service a private boatt owner could need. Gas, Diesel, pumpout, repairs and maintenance, with fully stoccked Chandlery shop. We also have dry and wet dock. Anything from an engine servvice to a full re-paint, no job is too small, simp ply get in touch to discuss any work you may require.

THE BOAT SHOP, 19 COACH STREET, SKIPTON | BETWEEN BRIDGES 177 & 178

50

July 2024

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Cheers! Montgomery Canal volunteers toast cash boost The aftermath inside Wind Whistle. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A lot of work needs to be done now. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Tech talk: boat insurance claims handling under attack In 2023, River Canal Rescue (RCR) warned boat owners about thirdparty ONLY insurance policies and how ambiguous wording could leave them unable to recover costs for a vessel refloat, removal and pollution management if their boat sinks. It’s not just third-party policy wording under fire; RCR highlights that even when you’ve done everything correctly, you can still end up in a situation where your claim is denied.

ONE such case is Keith Gray from Manchester. He and partner, Niall Senior, bought a 62ft narrowboat Wind Whistle in November last year. They found the boat on Facebook Marketplace and, after a video viewing, they drove some 270 miles to Newhaven to view it.

“The sellers were liveaboards and modified the boat between 2020-23,” Keith explained.

“The original empty steel hull (replated in 1979) was welded to a new steel cabin superstructure and they’d spray-foamed the inside of the steel shell and completely refitted the cabin spaces. Even though the boat had no engine and needed craning out and transporting to Manchester, the sums added up.

“As we were new to boating, we asked the sellers if they knew of a surveyor. The surveyor made a series of pre-purchase recommendations, such as adding skin fittings and valves, blocking up unused holes in the stern and fitting bilge alarms and pumps, which the sellers agreed to put right.”

Keith also asked the sellers what insurer they used, reasoning that if they went with the same company, they would be less likely to have any problems as the insurer was already covering the boat and would know its history and modifications. Keith paid a premium for his policy – nearly £850 including legal cover.

“Being boat novices, we wanted to make sure we were covered for all eventualities.”

The boat was craned into New Islington marina in December with plans to install an engine in the spring.

“We left the boat on Christmas Eve to visit family; this was during the time storms were hitting the UK. We’d had an issue with the domestic water tank, which we needed to fill three times in a short period of time, so we were concerned about where the water was going, but other than that, we thought everything was fine. Over the Christmas period we experienced days of severe winds and rain and on Boxing Day, a neighbour sent us a photo of our boat. Within 10 minutes of our arrival, it sank.

“Having lost everything, we contacted our insurer and hoped they would spring into action – but all we got was an email acknowledging receipt of our claim. They offered no help re salvage or finding temporary accommodation and we were left to deal with the situation ourselves, eventually contacting RCR who organised the salvage and provided support and advice.”

After the boat was raised, the insurer sent a surveyor.

He opined the rebuilding and fitting out works had been undertaken without adequate care and attention to acceptable boat building practices and construction standards, and reported the boat ‘not fit for purpose’.

Keith continued: “He said Wind Whistle had poor stability, a lot of weight had been added higher up and there was no ballast, causing the boat to list significantly and allowing large volumes of water to collect in the bilge. During the refloat RCR highlighted there was a lack of ballast, but being new to boating we had no prior knowledge of the importance of this.”

After raising Wind Whistle, RCR installed a bilge pump with a battery so if there was more water ingress, it would automatically pump it out.

Key contributors to the sinking identified as: • The domestic water tank and water system pipework had not been installed and secured in an appropriate manner or with the right material.

• There was no, or a significant lack of, ballast beneath the cabin floorboards, negatively impacting the boat’s stability, and the cabin floorboards were laid and secured in such a way they cannot be lifted to allow the retrospective installation of ballast in the underlying bilge.

• Weight was added high up without appreciating the effect this might have on the boat’s stability. Thick/heavy tiles and timber were affixed and used

to line the cabin sides and deckheads and a very large wall-mounted mirror was affixed to the cabin side in the saloon.

• Hull openings were incorrectly configured and an inappropriately blanked-off out-of-use skin fitting was left through the hull, close to the waterline, suggesting a lack of appreciation of the impact this may have on seaworthiness in general.

• The plastic skin fittings were not fitted with a valve and therefore open/unsealed; proprietary skin fittings were not in place in the two openings in the port hull topsides, adjacent to the galley sink.

• There were no bilge pumps or alarms fitted and the openings were not watertight.

The insurer rejected the claim, citing: Keith and Niall failed to comply with the surveyor’s recommendations, the vessel was not maintained for the use intended and it was in a poor condition, causing water incursion which was not sudden, unforeseen or accidental (which they would cover).

Keith concludes: “The claims handler referred to exclusions - loss or damage to the vessel due to repair/alteration/ maintenance and gradual deterioration, unless it could not have been identified by a routine inspection and could not have been prevented by servicing, maintenance or replacement etc.

“We used our life savings for that boat and now we have no home, no money and no possessions; we’ve lost everything and our insurer even declined to pay for the lift-out and towing away of the boat.

We’re angry and frustrated.”

Keith, a creative director, and Niall, a musician, are currently homeless, reliant on the goodwill of family and friends. Having lost everything, they cannot afford to rent and are trying to return Wind Whistle to a liveable condition.

To help them start again and create a new home, they’ve set up a Go Fund Me page https:// gofund.me/42b33c32

NORTH Shropshire-based Henstone Distillery is helping the Shropshire Union Canal Society raise funds to restore the Montgomery Canal.

The specialist distillery, which produces a wide range of drinks, is offering online customers a 5% discount when they quote the code Monty24 on their order. This will also trigger a 10% donation towards the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

This applies to the distillery’s entire drinks range which includes five gins, 11 whiskies and three rums.

Henstone Distillery director Chris Toller said: “I frequently walk along this canal and see the excellent work the volunteers are doing.

I share their vision of a fully restored canal and it’s great that Henstone Distillery can play a part.”

Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers recently completed a £2.8 million civil engineering project to restore navigation of the Montgomery Canal to Crickheath Bridge, the project having won a national Ground Engineering Award in November 2021.

Restoration of the historic Crickheath Wharf is ongoing with a £14,600 grant from the Association of Industrial Archaeology. Local authorities have also funded improvements to the towpath and a further quarter of a mile of canal is being prepared for rewatering courtesy of the Shropshire County Council-led Rural Prosperity Fund.

SUCS chairman David Carter said: “There are studies which reveal the positive effect a restored canal can have on rural economies.

What we are showing by working with local companies like Henstone is that, even during

Chris and Henry Toller from Henstone Distillery. PHOTOS: HENSTONE DISTILLERY

restoration, there are still substanttiaal imp pacts on the local economy.”

The Shropshire Union Canal Society is very grateful to Henstone Distillery for its support.

Orders can be placed with Henstone using this link: henstonedistillery.com

A selection from Henstone Distillery’s range of spirits and liqueurs.

Experts kick-start ‘rethinking’ of RCR implications

By Janet Richardson

TWO marine surveyors are testing the waters regarding regulations governing boat building on the inland waterways.

Tom Keeling and Peter Brookes presented the first edition of their discussion paper, Rethinking Postconstruction Assessment, in January. Aimed at inland waterways marine surveyors and brokers, the paper outlines the three kinds of vessel that need consideration against the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017: own-built for own use, part-completed (sailaway) and completed boats. The paper argues that RCR 2017 does not apply to a manufactured boat once in private ownership and that the current understanding of the scope of the legislation needs revisiting.

According to the introduction, the legislation states that post-construction assessment (PCA) applies to a product when ‘first placed on the market’ or ‘first put into service’ therefore its application to privately sold and owned used vessels is questioned in the paper.

It also discusses the distinction between brokers of these boats and distributors of new builds and suggests that brokers and marine surveyors

involved in the used boat market are cleared of any responsibility to consider RCR 2017 conformity, or whether PCA is required.

The paper was brought to our attention by Braunston Vintage Diesels specialist Tony Redshaw who is concerned about how the current regulations apply to specialist rebuilds and conversions.

He explained: “People believe they cannot have old/vintage/classic engines in a new build. Any engine designed or built prior to 1960 as a marine engine can be installed irrespective of the 2017 rule.”

Five-year rule

Tony referred to five-year rule which states that a self-built boat must be kept for five years before being sold, to exempt all the paperwork. Otherwise if offered for sale within the fiveyear period it must conform to the RCD (Recreational Craft Directive). After that it can be sold on freely and without any compliance with RCD/RCR. According to the paper, between 1998 and 2017

thousands of narrowboats were manufactured by individuals, many waiting the five years to sell instead of paying for CE-marking. Tony commented: “As we are no longer in the common market (EEC) this is irrelevant.”

The procedure requiring a post-construction assessment also applies to a boat which has had a major engine or craft conversion, i.e. stretching the vessel or has had a change in its intended purpose.

Tony added that on numerous occasions since the introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme some 25 years ago, he has asked for a pie chart showing its benefits in terms of safety but without response.

In their summary, the authors of the paper suggest that sailaway vessels have been incorrectly categorised since 1998 and overapplication of the legislation and allied processes has occurred. A private boat in private ownership is not in the scope of RCR 2017, and as such is free to be modified without regulation as the owner sees fit.

The paper Rethinking Post-construction Assessment can be downloaded at http://www.smallcraftservices.com Feedback should be emailed to info@smallcraftservices. com or peter@technicalsupport.ltd.uk The 2017 Recreational Craft Regulations, updated in November 2023, can be viewed at www.gov.uk

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

51

52 BUILDERS

July 2024

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Tel: T e l: 0 0151 151 2 298 98 9 9602.

602. sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk sales@collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk www.collingwoodboatbuilders.co.uk 72 7 2 St St JJohns ohns R Rd, d, L Liverpool iverpool L L20 20 8 8BH BH

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BUILDERS 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

FOR SALE Top Spec 58ft Cruiser Stern available now

• Narrowboats • Widebeams • Dutch Barges • Bespoke • Offering Shells & Sailaways

Lee and Garry welcome all their customers, whether first time owners or old friends, a quality shell built to your specifications at affordable prices

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‘X R&D Boatbuilders’

Come and see us at Unit 67, Road A, Boughton Industrial Estate, Boughton, near Newark, Notts. NG22 9LD D Call 01623 863576 or Garry 07830 720879, Lee 07723 021798 Our website is packed full of images of past and current builds, visit: www.xrandd.co.uk

50 years combined experience

54 BUILDERS

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Jonathan Wilson Boatbuilders Ltd Just Superb STEEL BOATS Sailaways & FULLY LINED Sailaways

Also Fully Electric Sailaways with market leading technology managed and warranted systems for peace of mind Narrow, Widebeam and Dutch Barge available We have secure widebeam moorings with parking in the HEART OF SHEFFIELD CITY, 5 mins walk to Sheffield train station & city centre

For more information, please call J Wilson on 07815 904721 or L Wilson on 07815 900670 www.jonathanwilsonboats.com

LOUIS AND JOSHUA BOATS 57’ Jonathan wilson hull traditional bow and stern to include, 1 set of side doors, front and rear doors, Sliding hatch, stern tube, 4 anodes, 2k epoxy primer.

All hull variations and extras available on request.

Basic • Vetus 40HP engine or equivalent with starter battery • Primed with Jotun Epoxy 2K primer • 5 chrome mushroom vents • 5 Caldwell single glaze windows with 4 Portholes Total = £42,737 plus VAT Basic Plus – includes all above • Fully battened • 30ml of spray foam • 3 ton of ballast • 25ml hardwood insulated floor Total = £47,307 plus VAT

Savvy Sailor – includes all above

• Sides and roof lined with accents of American white oak or equivalent • Front and rear bulkheads • Bathroom and bedroom walls to customer spec • Solid oak doors • Porthole and window solid oak reveals Total = £60,307 Plus VAT Captain Suite – includes all above • Full electric to include Victron inverter or equivalent, water pumps, down lights, under gunnel lights, USB ports, double socket fronts and light switches

• 12v and 240v distribution panel • 4 x 110a leisure batteries • 300W solar panel system with a smart Victron MPPT controller ( 2 panels) • Full plumbing system to include, 4 radiators.

• 5kw diesel heater • 55L twin coil colarifier with 240v immersion heater • 600L stainless steel water tank Total = £75,957 Plus VAT OPTIONAL EXTRAS • 2k spray applied paint work, 1 colour £6,000 plus VAT 2 colour £8,000 plus VAT 3 colour £10,000 plus VAT • Semi traditional stern £2,000 plus VAT • Square back £2,598 plus VAT • Bow thruster £2,750 plus VAT • Cruiser stern £1,298 plus VAT

Fullfits from £133,000 + VAT Stanilands Marina Lock Hill Thorne DN8 5EP 07725 979108 07815 904721

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements.

Boats are built to order to any stage of completion – from a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished.

We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters.

BUILDERS / BROKERAGE 55

Your Boat • Our Expertise Over 28 years of experience selling individually inspected, well presented boats from your own mooring anywhere in the UK, or from our base at North Kilworth Marina, LE17 6HY

Whether you are buying or selling our website is packed with information and updated daily

Our latest trip boats include Crusader Comunity (Widebeam with Hybrid propulsion - full MCA certification), Electra (Narrowbeam with electric propulsion - 12 passengers) and Kingfisher Mark (Widebeam with electric propulsion 12 passengers).

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Standard fee of 6% + VAT with a loyalty discount for returning customers

01788 822 115 • admin@abnb.co.uk

From Hull only to fully fitted narrow & wide beam boats built to your own design 57ft cruisers fully fitted from £125,500 Aintree Beetle range starting from £45,000 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM www.aintreeboats.co.uk 0151 523 9000 | info@aintreeboats.co.uk Units 14-16, Brookfield Trading Estate, Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AS

56 BROKERAGE

July 2024

F I N D AT

O U R

S A W L E Y

£ 2 2 ,9 5 0

K I W I

R O S E

Type: Inland Cruiser Length: 24ft Width: 8ft 5in Moored at: Sawley

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BLUE

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T H E O R

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£ 4 9, 5 0 0

B A S I N S £ 59,9 5 0

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Type: Narrowboat Length: 31ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Crick

Type: Narrowboat Length: 68ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Sawley

£ 8 9,0 0 0

£ 1 78 ,0 0 0

S PA RTA N

L A Z Y

Type: Narrowboat Length: 58ft Width: 6ft 10in Moored at: Crick

Type: Widebeam Length: 60ft Width: 12ft 6in Moored at: Sawley

Start your journey to a new boat with us, we have over 100 new and used boats for sale across our 29 marinas.

We can also help you find the perfect residential or leisure mooring too. Call 01455 249000 or email us at boatsales@aquavista.com.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit aquavista.com/boat-sales to see more boats.

D AYS

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BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

New stock arriving shortly

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values UNDER OFFER

SOLD REF 10545 - Monaco.

59 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £39,950.00.

REF 10547 - Blue Diamond 60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £47,950.00

JUST ARRIVED REDUCED REF 10558 – Ladydog.

57 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £64,950.00.

REF 10559 70 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £39,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED

JUST ARRIVED

REF 10563 - Nugs Tug. 37 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £32,950.00.

JUST ARRIVED REF 10565 - Elapsed Time.

65 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £29,999.00.

JUST ARRIVED REF 10567 – Welsh Rose.

60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £47,950.00.

REF 10564 - Tia Maria.

69 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. £44,950.00.

SOLD

JUST ARRIVED REF 10566 - Rosewood.

57 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £64,950.00.

UNDER OFFER REF 10568 – Caesar.

56 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £28.950.00.

Please visit our website for a full list of boats currently For Sale

The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Tel: (01785) 284292 • E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

58 BROKERAGE

July 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking -Taking full boat painting bookings for 2024 BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Bottom Blacking • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys GREAT DEALS ON EBERSPACHER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

BOAT OF THE MONTH

SOLD

SHUGLEY

£49,950

57ft, 1991, North West Narrowboats. A reluctant sale of a very well cared for craft, one owner from new.

Mitsubishi engine, solar panels, central heating, recent hull survey. 10/6/4 steel spec.

TRANQUILLITY

TA-RA-A-BIT

£42,500

50ft, 1997, Charlie Fox. Cruiser stern. Just arrived, be the first to see.

SARAH JANE

£64,950

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

£34,950

42ft Trad 4 berth, 1981 by Colecraft. Excellent condition, Hull shotblast and 2 pack epoxy, BSS expires: 11/2025. 1 owner from new very reluctant sale!

RAIN DOG SIGRID

£48,500

£37,950

45ft, circa 1997, Ron Lloyd, traditional.

48ft, 2007, Viking Afloat. Just Arrived, very well maintained craft with a versatile 2 + 2 berth layout. Ideal family boat or for a couple.

SANDPIPER £50,750

CAVALIER

£27,500

Just Arrived. 45ft, 1988, Eggbridge, traditional, BMC 1500, 2 berth, project boat. Full internal pictures and spec coming soon, now available for viewing.

50ft, 1992, Marque Narrowboats.

A well presented 2 + 2 berth semi trad, with recent hull survey. This would make an ideal live-aboard for a couple or a well appointed cruising/holiday boat.

VISIT US AT Alvecote Marina, Robeys Lane, Alvecote, Tamworth B78 1AS Tel 01827 898585 narrowcraft@alvecotemarina.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 08.30 - 17.30. Sundays & Mondays by appointment

For latest info and offers, follow us on twitter @AlvecoteMarina ON THE COVENTRY CANAL - ONLY 5 MINS FROM J10 M42 BY ROAD

www.AlvecoteMarina.co.uk

BROKERAGE 59

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

Tel: (01788) 891373 Fax: (01788) 891436

Braunston Marina Ltd The Wharf Braunston Nr. Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 7JH

TREE SPARROW

On the Internet: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk

FOR SALE

FOR SALE £44,950

45ft 3ins (13.8m) Cruiser Style Narrowboat 1989, Built by Alvechurch, Beta Marine Diesel Eng gine 38HP, 2 Berth.

SPEEDWELL

UNDER OFFER VICTORIA

FOR SALE £39,950

52’(15.85M) – Semi Trad 1996 – Hull by Michael Cull F/O by Lockhart boats, 2 berth, Trad engine midships.

GAIA

£41,950

42ft /12.80m Trad Style 1998, Hull & Fit Out by Venetian, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE NB VIGILANTE

REDUCED £38,000

50ft /15.24m BW Inspection Launch 1961 Hull by Yarwoods, Re Fitted in 2004.

WIBBLY WOBBLY

£110,000

60ft /18.3m Semi Trad Style 2014, Hull Tyler Wilson, F/O by Milburn Boats, Reverse Layyout & Hyybrid Enggine, 2/4 Berth,

SOLD NAMASTE

£34,950

35ft /10.67m Trad 1971 Hull by Rugby Boats, Fit Out by Unknown, 2 Berth.

SOLD £43,950

50ft /15.24m Cruiser Style 2001, Hull & F/O by Calcutt, 2/5 Berth Reverse Layyout

BLUE DREAM

62ft (18.9m) Semi Cruiser, 2015, Hull—G Reeves, F/O byy Clifton Cruisers/Owner, 2 Berth.

£59,950

THEREARE MANY GOOD REASONSWHYYOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELLYOUR BOAT.....

Here are just two:  

We have a proven record for high and quick turnover of boat sales founded on our famous and prominent location An excellent and efficient purchasing procedure for our buyers backed up by our comprehensive boatyard facilities and services, and attentive, caring staff.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE THIS SEASON

A SMALL NUMBER OF WIDE BERTH MOORINGS ARE AVAILABLE! • Moorings • Narrowboat Sales • Steelwork by Arrangement • Chandlery • Pump Out • Laundrette • Diesel • Calor Gas • Dry & Wet Docks • Blacking • DIY Facilities • Engine Repairs & Servicing • Painting & Signwriting • Rope Fenders • Refits & Alterations

60 BROKERAGE

July 2024

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David Mawby Ltd NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 3LX

T: 07721 382619 E: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com W: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisers are available to view by appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experience and 2,500 boats sold.

VIKING 28

£28,995 MAYLAND SAPPHIRE

Length 28ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1995, 6 Berths, cooker, toilet, fridge, shower, hot and cold waters system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS WITH BLUE PIPING, excellent canopy, powered by a Suzuki 20Hp 4 stoke outboard engine (new 2023), Bsc 2028, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

£13,995

Length 22ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1990, 3+1 Berths, cooker, hot and cold water system, separate toilet compartment with portaloo, new cream leatherette cushion covers with blue piping, new side and floor carpets, new canopy, 12 and 240 volts electrics, powered by a Mercury 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

New Viking Cruisers

Show Boats Now Available to view at our indoor showroom.

Prices From £32,995.

Including Outboard Engine PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST OFFERS

SUPERB VIKING 275

GREAT SAVING ON NEW £69,995 VIKING 22

Built in 2023 and in almost as new condition, Length 27ft6ins + bathing platform extensions, Beam 9ft, EASY ACCESS REAR DOOR, 6 Berths, HiLine spec including Cooker with 2 ring hob, grill and oven, fridge (12 and 240 volts), shower, electric flush cassette toilet, 12 and 240 volts electrics, WARM AIR HEATING, BOW THUSTER, HARD WOOD CABIN FLOORING, FLEXI TEAK COCKPIT FLOORING, STEREO, FISH FINDER, STEREO, UPGRADED COCKPIT UPHOLSTERY, powered by a Mariner 40Hp 4 stroke outboard engine with power lift and having covered less than 50 hours( fully serviced and includes balance of manufacturer’s warranty), BSC 2027, all original unmark gelcoat, hull and superstructure full polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles.

£19,995

Wide Beam called Laura Belle, Length 22ft, Beam 7ft 8ins, Built 1995, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, toilet, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE UPHOLSTERY WITH BLUE PIPING, NEW CANOPY, NEW FLOOR CARPETS AND HEADLINING, powered by a Honda 25Hp 4 stroke outboard engine (just been fully serviced), Bsc 2028, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available

NEW VIKING 23 NARROW BEAM NOW IN STOCK FOR IMMIDIATE DELIVERY 4 Berths, Hiline Spec boat with Folding windscreen for low bridges, cooker with 2 ring hob, grill and oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, electric flush cassette toilet, 12 and 240 volts electrics with battery charger, powered by a 20Hp 4 stroke outboard engine

SPECIAL SUMMER PRICE OF £47,995, BOOK YOUR VIEWING NOW.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

HOORAY HENRY

£31,500

60ft by 6ft10ins, trad stern narrowboat built 2005 approx by Liverpool Boats, powered by Isuzu 38hp diesel engine. From the stern is main bedroom which is a good size currently requiring a bed, there is a large wardrobe which will need finishing regarding handles and catches etc. Moving forward is the bathroom again this requires a degree of plumbing work connecting a shower and tray, some tiling and timber work etc.

There is a Pullman dinette offering comfortable area for dining with storage under the seating, this is also a guest double bed. Moving forward again is the galley with units running port & starboard comprising of a stainless steel sink and drainer, fridge, 4 ring gas hob, and an eye level oven & grill. The main cabin is open plan allowing free standing furniture currently with 2 x arm chairs, and a newly fitted stove. This craft is being sold as a project that requires a reasonable amount of TLC to bring to a comfortable standard. Once the work is completed this would make an excellent residential boat. It has 12 & 240v electrics, Inverter, and a current BSC

SIR KAY

£33,500

40ft by 6ft10ins trad stern,built in 1999 by R & D Fabrications powered by Nanni 35hp inboard diesel engine, Entering the boat from the stern there is cupboard storage / locker this area also gives access to the electrics fuses etc. From the steps is the dinette which gives comfortable seating for 4 people with storage under, this also makes a guest double bed. Moving forward is the galley with units port & starboard incorporating 4 ring gas hob, oven & grill, matching sink & drainer, fridge, toaster & kettle.

There is a small shelf, towel rail, and ample storage & work-top area. The bathroom is next with shower, hand wash basin set in cupboard unit and porta potti toilet. Moving forward again is the main cabin with fixed seating which makes a double bed with storage under, large wardrobe, corner unit with TV, wall mounted TV, folding table, and a Refleks with back boiler supplying the central heating radiators. The craft has 12 & 240v electrics, calorifier with immersion heater, front cratch & a BSC valid until June 2027.

FLOTILLY

£47,995

48ft by 6ft10ins trad stern built 2006 by Hine powered by BMC1.8 inboard diesel engine. From the bow is an L shaped dinette acts as corner sofa seating with storage under also is a guest double bed. In this area is on the port side is a solid fuel stove with back boiler mounted on a tiled plinth & surround. The starboard side has a corner storage unit with power points for TV etc, there is separate table when dining & a central heating radiator. The galley comprising of a circular stainless steel sink & drainer, full gas cooker, fridge, microwave oven, kettle and a side hatch opposite offering additional light & ventilation. The bathroom has a shower, hand wash basin, heated towel rail, & Thetford cassette toilet. The bedroom has a fixed double with storage under, wardrobe, small shelf along the side of the bed & central heating radiator. There is also an additional wardrobe in the corridor with shelving. The craft is clean & tidy ready for use. It has 12 & 240v electrics, calorifier with immersion heater, BSC valid until April 2028.

STOVE PIPE WELLS

£42,000

60ft by 6tf10ins, Trad Stern, built 1999 by R & D Fabrications, powered by a brand new Beta marine 45hp inboard diesel. From the bow is the main cabin which is open plan allowing free standing furniture. The starboard side has a solid fuel stove mounted on a tiled plinth & surround. Moving down the boat is the Pullman dinette which offers comfortable seated dining with storage under the seating, it also makes a guest double bed. The galley has a 4 ring gas hob, a circular sink & drainer with tiled splash-back, fridge, and space to install a eye level oven & grill. There is also a side hatch offering additional light &ventilation.

The bathroom comprises of a small bath with shower over, hand wash basin with tiled splash-back, porta potti, a pump-out toilet, the main bedroom with a fixed double with storage under, wardrobe with set of drawers below, The boat has 12 & 240v electrics, twin alternators, 2kw combi inverter, 80amp battery charger, Webasto diesel central heating, and a BSC valid until May 2025.

Narrowboats URGENTLY required for brokerage or outright purchase.

(Free valuation, free storage, fast payout on completion, competitive rates, terms apply) Please contact David on 07721 382619

Website: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Email: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

BROKERAGE 61

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ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

www.ashboats.co.uk

steve@ashboats.co.uk

NEW BOAT – AVAILABLE SOON,

BY NEW CONCEPT BOATS. 57ft cruiser style, the 4th boat in their Premium range, currently in build. Reverse layout with bedroom forward, living area aft and galley and shower room central. Very high quality and high spec with solar panels, Victron electronics including Smart Panel, stylish, contemporary interior. £139,500 INC VAT

NEW BOAT – SAILAWAY, AVAILABLE NOW FROM STOCK. 57ft cruiser style, narrowbeam with sprayfoam insulation, windows fitted with portholed forward, lined interior, Canaline 42 engine fully installed. This boat is on hardstanding at a boatyard alongside New Concept Boats who can instal anything required by the buyer at a reasonable cost. The exterior is painted in dark blue with cream coachline. £65,950 INC VAT

NEW BOAT – FULLY FITTED AND AVAILABLE NOW FROM STOCK. 57ft cruiser style, narrowbeam by Mellor Boats with reverse layout. Large living area aft with the solid fuel stove in hearth, galley with quartz work tops side doors etc. central shower room and forward bedroom, extending to the front bulkhead – no front cockpit.

Bright and cheerful living space. Keenly for sale with offers invited close to £110,000 INC VAT

NEW BOAT – CURRENTLY IN BUILD, AVAILABLE IN APPROX. 2 MONTHS 52ft semi-trad narrowbeam fully fitted by award winning Bourne Boats. Stunning quality woodwork with cupboards, shelves and drawers in every possible space – a ‘fully’ fitted boat in every sense. Aft galley, forward bedroom. The steel shell will be grit blasted and 2-pack painted for long lasting exterior finish – to the buyers’ colour choice. Outstanding quality. £126,000 INC VAT

SPECKLED JIM £74950 70ft Tyler Wilson trad with a high quality oak & ash interior and a perfect layout for a family. Main bedroom aft, shower room, 2 single bedrooms with bunk beds over storage, galley and forward living area. Well equipped, good Ref 1517 condition, BSC to Oct ’27.

BRISTOL FASHION £49,950 50ft Dutch style narrowbeam. Fully refitted (from bare shell) in 2017.

Lovely bright interior with shower forward, bedroom, aft living area of lounge, dining area and galley. Solar, inverter, solid fuel stove, gorgeous wood floor – all new 6 years’ ago.

Ref 1508 Good survey from 2021 available.

NEWING T LIS

Ref 1521

TOMMY’S DREAM £32,950 40ft cruiser style narrowboat, John White built (we understand) in 1998. Conventional layout, bedroom at the back, shower room with cassette wc, galley and forward lounge with Squirrel stove. Isuzu engine and new BSC.

NARROW ESCAPE £89,500 57ft cruiser style narrowboat, completed early 2022, light an airy modern interior – aft galley, central living area, walk-through bathroom (cassette wc) forward main bedroom. Canaline 38, solar panels, recently epoxy covered hull. V good Ref 1518 condition.

NEWING T LIS

S AG ALE RE ED

Ref 1507

NEWING T LIS

MYRTLE £62,500 58ft cruiser style by Bridgewater Boatbuilders in 2007. Aft bedroom, forward living area, with dinette, galley, shower room – all to a good size.

Excellent condition throughout, and very well maintained.

GREGWELL £42,500 57ft trad style completed in 2011 by the very talented engineer, first owner. A real ‘engineer’s’ boat, built to last with a practical, reverse layout of galley, living area, shower room and bedroom. Functional rather than pretty, but with Ref 1519 everything working as it should.

NEWING T LIS

ATLANTIC £89,500 Beautiful 60ft trad, with Gardner 4LK in engine room, Boatmans cabin and well crafted wood interior. Completed 2008 by Black Country inspired craftsmen and offered in excellent condition.

Gorgeous lines and a real Ref 1520 headturner.

Ref 1509

SMOKEY JOE £39,950 50ft semi-trad narrowboat.

John White Fabrications with conventional aft bedroom/ forward living area, with dinette/double. Solid fuel stove plus diesel cent heat. Solar panels, bow thruster etc.

PEARL GRACE £27,950 A unique 32ft narrowboat with wheel steering forward (In the cabin) and tiller steering on aft deck, plenty of windows and designed as a weekender with sleeping potential aft and a make-up bed forward. Wc/shower and cooking facilities. Hardly used.

Ref 1506 HUGE DROP IN PRICE TO £20,000

62 BROKERAGE

July 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

T: 01926 813757 E: boats@calcuttboats.com www.calcuttboats.com Tomlow Road, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire.

CV47 8HX CLARA

£68,000

1996 60ft Walsall Boat Builders hull with fitout by Walsall Boat Builders/Evesham Marina. Powered by Lister HRN 2 with a PRM 280 gearbox. Boat Safety Until June 2024.

FIRWOOD

£47,000

MONTPELLIER

£48,000

2006 49ft – Napton Narrowboats hull and fitout. Powered by a Shire 1952 with a PRM260 Gearbox. Boat safety until May 2026.

COFFEE JOHNNY

£38,000

ED C U RED 2001 50ft – Colecraft hull and fitout. Powered by an Beta 1505 Cylinder with a PRM150 Gearbox.

THE MIGHTY QUINN

£35,000 2005 57ft – Paul Widdowson Hull with owner fitout Powered by a Thorneycroft 90.Boat Safety Until Sept 2026.

1982 52ft – Steve Nicholls Hull with a 2016 fitout Burscough boats Powered by a Canaline 38 with PRM Gearbox. Boat Safety New with Sale.

THE HIVE

£21,000

FER F O ER UND 2017 31ft – Powered by an Beta Marine with a TMC Gearbox Boats Safety until April 2025.

Marine Engines Specialists in servicing, rebuilding and spare parts for BMC. Our respected quality re-manufactured BMC 1.5 and and 1.8s marinised for keel cooling from £2820 If it’s BMC we have what you need Call us now!

A range of high quality re-built gearboxes are also available.

Reliable central heating and hot water for boats of any size

www.dieselheating.com

ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.calcuttboatsshop.com Open 24/7 for all your BMC and Hurricane spare parts and all your other chandlery needs online.

MARINA MOORINGS Moorings available in our award winning marinas, more information available on our website.

BROKERAGE 63

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

RED HILL MARINA

Boat Sales – Riverside Garden Moorings – Residential Moorings – Land Storage

BOAT SALES

New & Used Narrow boats, Widebeam, Dutch Barges & Cruisers Please call for further details on 07429 253325

KERENSA £160,000 We have a wide range of boats available for purchase, including narrowbeams, widebeams, canal cruisers and more.

Whether you’re looking for a new boat or a used vessel for a bargain, we have something for everyone.

SERVICES ON SITE ■ Boat fit out facilities ■ Paint Shop ■ Hoist & slipway for up to 60ton Boats Widebeams & Dutch Barges For trade & customer enquiries please contact: RED HILL MARINE, Ratcliffe on Soar, NottinghamNG11 0EB Tel: 07760 627421 e-mail: enquiries@redhill-marina.co.uk

- Built 2013 - Single Vetus Deutz DT44 114hp Diesel Engine

- Bow & Stern Thruster - 7.2kva Generator / Solar Panels - Kabola Boiler

Wide Beam Barge built by Bluewater Boats Limited.

The bespoke building and fit out of this barge means the attention to detail and materials used are of an excellent standard. This includes hardwood flooring with underfloor insulation throughout, Oak tongue and groove cabin sides, built in entertainment cabinets and granite worktops. The roof hatch and port lights ensure a light and airy interior and the wheelhouse with a table and seats offers a separate living area, all heated by a central heating system and radiators. Fully equipped with every convenience required for living afloat or as a luxury holiday home.

NEWARK MARINA Farndon Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 4SD 01636 704022 joanna.parsons@newark-marina.co.uk www.newark-marina.co.uk

Expert advice and guidance when buying and selling your Narrowboat At Swanley Brokerage we take pride in our professional approach and unrivalled reputation in selling narrowboats for our clients.

Our friendly and experienced Brokerage team ensure our clients sail smoothly through the buying and selling process.

If you would like to find out more about what we can offer please call 01270 524855 or email sales@swanleybrokerage.co.uk Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk

64 BROKERAGE

July 2024

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LARGE CHOICE OF

WIDEBEAMS NARROWBOATS DUTCH BARGES

COLLINGWOOD WIDEBEAM 60' x 12' 05'' 'Elysium' | £172,500 | thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

WIDEBEAMS & BARGES

COLECRAFT 60' X 10' 6''

SAGAR MARINE DUTCH BARGE

VIKING CANAL BOATS 65' X 12' 06''

'Lady Macbeth' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Treacle Mine’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Freya' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

£149,950

£195,950

£129,950

£119,950

GRANT & LIVINGSTON 58'

ANDICRAFT 65' SEMI-TRAD

COLECRAFT NARROWBOAT

NARROWBOAT 50'

'Pheonix' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Amber' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'Rasmunda' hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

'Dulcibella’ hartfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£99,950

£64,950

£64,950

£52,950

MIKE HAYWOOD 57' TUG

PIPER 50' SEMI TRAD

LES ALLEN & CO 42'

NARROWBOAT 50' ALVECHURCH

'Oasis’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Animishkaa' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Jude II' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Alder' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£64,950

£39,950

£39,950

£39,950

HERITAGE BOATS 62' X 12' ‘Geanna' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

NARROWBOATS

NEW AND USED BOATS AVAILABLE FROM 10 UK LOCATIONS

SPECIALIST WIDE BEAM AND NARROWBOAT SALES OFFICES Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames and Kennet Marina | 01189 477770

B E R T H I N G AT A N Y T I N G D E N E M A R I N A G U A R A N T E E D * W I T H A L L C R A F T S O L D !

*subject to availability

01933 551622 boatsales@tingdene.net www.tingdeneboating.com

BROKERAGE 65

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BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT SUMMER HILL Discover this charming cruiser by Hallmark! This 40ft beauty is powered

New fully fitted Narrowboats

by a Vetus 27hp engine, boasting a Valor stove,Vanette cooker, and Engel fridge. With 4 berths, a cosy double bed, and modern bathroom, it’s perfect for your water adventures. Equipped with a 12v, 240v system, and a Power Jack 2kw inverter. Includes BSC until Feb 2027 and blacked in 2019.

Front and rear covers complete this dream package. Make Summer Hill your floating oasis today!

Currently Available

£32,950

MICKEY’S DREAM - A 62ft Traditional stern narrowboat by Dave Thomas. This stunning

vessel embodies the timeless elegance of a boatman’s cabin, featuring a Perkins 46hp engine in the engine room. Stay cosy with hot water provided by the calorifier/immersion/Alde system, central heating from the Alde and Morso Squirrel stove, and boatman stove. Enjoy modern conveniences like the Thetford cooker, Shoreline fridge, and washer/dryer. Sleep soundly with six berths, a well-equipped bathroom, and a convertible seating/dining area. Don’t miss out on this charming vessel, with a BSC until Feb 2026 and recent survey. £47,950

THE GRAND DUKE - A stunning 62ft Semi-Trad boat by Longport Wharf. With a powerful

• New 60’ narrowboat, semi cruiser stern, reverse layout, diesel propulsion, is on brokerage at Aqueduct Marina, £164,995 incl.

(Aqueduct Marina, Nantwich CW5 6DX - 01270 525040)

Beta Marine 43hp Engine and Vetus Bow Thruster, this vessel exudes both grace and functionality.

Featuring a comprehensive electrical system, galley with top-of-the-line appliances, and sleeping space for eight, including two fixed doubles with doors between them and two bathrooms. Don’t miss this opportunity! Pram & Cratch covers, BSC until June 2024, and 2021 blacking. Experience luxury and comfort on the water with The Grand Duke!

• New 42’ narrowboat, cruiser stern, trad layout, electric propulsion, is on brokerage at ABNB North Kilworth Marina, £155,000 incl.

(ABNB, North Kilworth Marina, LE17 6HY - 01788 822115) • Refurbishment, 70’ narrowboat, trad layout, trad stern, diesel propulsion, £98,750 incl.

(At Ovation Boats)

SELENE - An exquisite 65ft by 12ft Widebeam boat by Collingwood. This beauty features a

sought-after reverse layout and is powered by a Canaline 60hp engine with a PRM 150 gearbox and bow thruster. Enjoy a cosy living space with hot water, central heating, and a charming solid fuel stove. Stay connected with comprehensive electrical setup, solar panels, and MPPT solar charge controller. The galley is fully equipped, and Selene sleeps four comfortably. With BSC validity until 2027, this boat is well-maintained and ready for your adventures. Located conveniently near London, Selene offers the perfect blend £134,950 of water escapades and city living.

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS

• Next commissioned build slot for completion Summer 2025.

07963 974793 (Best)

£74,950

0116 260 0145

Unit 5 Redhill Marina, Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire. NG11 0EB

NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

Staniland Marina, Lock Hill, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5EP

Tel: 01405 816992 www.stanilandmarina.co.uk On the Stainforth & Keady Canal, convenient for all waterways in the north

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale Soar Valley - Galaxy Class 60 – 2018 60 x 12 Soar Valley Steel Boats Galaxy Class Widebeam.

Vetus 65hp. Constructed in standard 10-6-4 steel, this liveaboard cruiser is ideal for a couple downsizing. £139,995

Bounty - 27 Sedan – 1Ex-Broads Bounty 27 ready to be used. Powered by a 32hp BMC diesel inboard, she is well equipped with hot water, diesel central heating and 4 berths. £16,995

Dunstons of Thorne - 61 Sheffield Keel – 1952 Sheffield Keel by Dunstons of Thorne. Powered by a 4cyl 4L BMC with a PRM Gearbox. Overplated in Feb 2024, she is presented and an ideal liveaboard project £39,995

P & D Boats - Sea Hunter Viper – IN STOCK Brand New 2023 P & D Boats Sea Hunter Viper rigged with a Tohatsu 30hp outboard and snugly sat on a galvanised road trailer. £14,995 REDUCED TO SELL

Fairline - 32 Sedan – Fairline 32 Sedan Flybridge. Powered by twin 106hp Volvo Diesels. Requiring TLC she is priced to sell £19,995

Fletcher - Zingaro 30 – PRICE REDUCED Fletcher Zingaro 30 powered by a pair of Volvo Penta AQ151B engines giving 138hp each.

Recently overhauled, serviced, valeted and antifouled. £14,450

Salter Bros - 30 Sedan – Well presented Salter Brothers 30’ ex-broads cruiser with 32hp BMC Diesel engine on hydraulic drive.

Believed commissioned in 1980, this 30’ sedan is spacious and ideal for a family for holidays £19,995

Colvic - 26 Northerner – Very Well presented Colvic Northerner 26’ River Cruiser. Refurbished in 2020 to a high standard, this well respected cruiser has had very little use in its 50 year history! Powered by BMC 1.5 Diesel on shaft. £12,995

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July 2024

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View all our boats! lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk

Introducing Highgrove... winner of Favourite Boat at Crick 2024!

Among the dazzling array of vessels at Crick, one boat stood out and captured the hearts of both judges and visitors alike: ‘Highgrove,’ built by Kingsground Narrowboats for Lakeland Leisure Estates. It is with great pride that we announce that Highgrove was awarded the prestigious title of Favourite Boat in Show, a testament to her exquisite design and innovative features.

This 4-berth narrowboat has been crafted exclusively for Lakeland Leisure Estates, and every detail speaks to the commitment of Kingsground to create a luxurious vessel that not only looks

immaculate but also respects the environment. The boat features a mixture of repurposed materials and high quality touch points throughout, including walnut, ebony, copper and quartz. The use of such high-quality, eco-friendly materials showcases a dedication to preserving nature while providing a luxurious experience.

The interior design brings the outside world in to this private sanctuary, using rich leafy greens and muted earth tones to create a serene floating oasis.

Highgrove is now available to purchase; visit our website or email sonia@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk

WOT NO WHEELS | £49,995 | 2007 45FT SEMI TRAD | TATTENHALL MARINA

SLOW AND CURIOUS | £140,000 | 2013 70FT WIDEBEAM | ROYDON MARINA

BLOWING FREE | £58,500 | 1994 54FT SEMI TRAD | SAUL JUNCTION

A VERSATILE 4 BERTH BOAT IN GOOD CONDITION. AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONALISATION.

A LUXURIOUS AND BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED 4 BERTH CRAFTED BY VIKING BOAT BUILDERS.

EPITOMIZES THE CHARM AND FUNCTIONALITY THAT MAKES LIFE ON THE WATER SO APPEALING.

PERFIK | £55,950 | 1995 50FT TRAD | SAUL JUNCTION MARINA

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE | £72,000 | 2006 65FT NARROWBOAT | GREAT HAYWOOD

RIC O-SHEA | £67,750 | 2006 60FT CRUISER STERN | CAEN HILL MARINA

A TRUE MASTERPIECE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DESIGN, WITH RECENT SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES.

RECENTLY REFURBISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD. A COMFORTABLE & STYLISH LIVING EXPERIENCE.

AN EXCEPTIONAL, VERSATILE BOAT BY AQUALINE, BLENDING LUXURY AND PRACTICALITY.

View Highgrove online

Thank you to all who attended our Open Day!

We were ecstatic to unveil our new marina extension to the community and our industry peers with a day full of entertainment, stalls, delicious food and drinks and opportunities to join our community. The day was a resounding success with a significant sum of money raised for Alzheimer’s Society, a flurry of moorers reserving the new berths and much interest in our currently available boats and lodges. Please visit our website to reserve one of the remaining moorings at roydonmarinavillage.co.uk, call 01279 792777 or email enquiries@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk.

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SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

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Blennerville and the Tralee Ship Canal

FOR many centuries the old port of Fenit served as the seaport for the important Co Kerry towns of Ardfert and Tralee.

Around the middle of the 17th century, following pressure from local merchants, a new limestone-faced quay was built by the local landlord at Blennerville only 3km outside Tralee on the south side of the River Lee estuary. This became the major seaport for Tralee and a period of prosperity ensued.

Not only was the quay used for the import and export of goods, in particular cereals such as wheat, barley and oats, but it was also the gateway for countless emigrants seeking a better life in North America. The tall ship Jeanie Johnston called here on several occasions and was said to be the only emigrant ship on which no passenger ever died. In 1990 the replica was built here at Blennerville before sailing to Dublin where it is currently moored on the north bank of the Liffey.

Around 1800 Sir Rowland Blennerhassett had a windmill constructed on the quay, reputed to be the largest windmill in Ireland.

Unfortunately, over the ensuing years a build-up of silt reduced both the depth of water at the quay and the width of the entrance channel. Further pressure from merchants and traders, pushing for better port facilities, resulted in the building of the Tralee Ship Canal.

Constructed between 1834 and 1846, the canal extended for 3.2km from an entrance 1km further downstream, the

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Fáilte Ireland, Geograph Ireland, The National Library of Ireland and Wikipedia Creative Commons for the use of images with this feature.

The re-gated sea lock. PHOTO:

Caroilin Callery (Irish Famine Way) presented Captain Denis Rowan, RV Celtic Explorer, with replica Bronze Shoes to be transported to Canada during a Marine Institute research trip to mark the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way.

RAYMOND NORRIS, CC BY-SA2.0

other side of the River Lee estuary from Blennerville, through a sea lock and then a swing bridge to a large terminal basin at Prince’s Quay on the outskirts of Tralee.

Following the opening of the canal, Tralee experienced a period of rapid growth and the seaport at Blennerville fell into disuse with the windmill also closing by 1851. Again, the canal was subject to silting and by the late 19th century, ships were offloading into small lighters.

In the late 1880s a new deep water port was constructed at Fenit and when a few years later a railway was constructed from Fenit to Tralee the canal’s fate was sealed. The canal limped on into the 20th century but by 1951, having fallen into disrepair, it was closed.

As part of an ambitious plan to

Looking towards Tralee Bay from the sea lock. PHOTO: ADRIAN PLATT, CC BY-SA2.0

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BROUDER MARKETING/FÁILTE IRELAND

Royal Canal Famine Walk goes global The old Blennerville swing bridge.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF IRELAND

revitalise the area, both the windmill at Blennerville and the Tralee Ship Canal were restored in the 1990s.

An apartment complex was built at Prince’s Quay, a new swing bridge was installed and the sea lock was re-gated, allowing pleasure craft to reach Tralee once again. The towpath along the northern bank of the canal now forms part of the Dingle Way and allows expansive views across the River Lee estuary to the mountainous Dingle peninsula or over Tralee Bay to distant Fenit Island.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of regular use and the removal of the upper lock gates in 2014, the canal is now once again inaccessible and only the local Tralee Rowing Club and a few kayaks disturb the tranquil waters of the canal.

The replica Jeanie Johnston, Dublin.

Tralee Ship Canal, looking inland from the swing bridge. PHOTO:

ON IRISH WATERS WITH ALISON ALDERTON 71

PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

THE National Famine Way Commemorative Walk, which starts in Strokestown, Co Roscommon and follows the banks of the Royal Canal into Dublin’s Docklands, has taken place.

The event, held over six days, was led by the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, Eamonn McKee and representatives of the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail to mark the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way. The Global Irish Famine Way, officially launched on Saturday, May 25, is an extension of the National Famine Way and is the largest heritage trail in the world.

The trail follows the journeys of all Irish Famine emigrants around the world,

including the UK, Canada, the United States, South Africa and Australia.

Children’s shoes cast in bronze, the symbol of the National Famine Way, will be installed at each significant location on the Global Irish Famine Way, beginning this year with Canada and the UK (Liverpool).

A pair of the bronze shoes travelled by sea from Galway to Newfoundland, Canada on the Marine Institute vessel the RV Celtic Explorer where a series of commemorative events m a rk e d their arrival.

Meanwhile, a further pair of bronze shoes were carried on the walk to Dublin and then taken on to Liverpool and

Clarence Dock where more than one million Irish Famine poor were brought into Liverpool during An Gorta Mór (The Great Famine).

This year the 165km walk alongside the banks of the Royal Canal was not without its challenges as major works to the Royal Canal Greenway resulted in some diversions. However, it is hoped that the walk will become an annual event.

The National Famine Way is open to all and at any time of the year.

Walkers can purchase an official passport and have it stamped along the route as well as listen to associated famine stories through a free app.

You can find out more details at: www. nationalfamineway.ie

RAYMOND NORRIS, CC BY-SA2.0

Useful information Tralee:

Find out more about Tralee, the capital of Co Kerry, and the surrounding area by visiting: www.tralee.ie

Blennerville Windmill and visitor Centre:

Blennerville Windmill is a fully restored 18th-century windmill located on the Wild Atlantic Way near Tralee, Co Kerry. The working windmill is the centrepiece of a large visitor experience which includes displays on the history of milling, Blennerville’s role as a famine emigrant port and a model railway exhibition on the famous Tralee & Dingle line. Discover more at: www.blennerville-windmill.ie Tralee Rowing Club

www.traleerovingclub.com

Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way, 1600 miles (2600 km) in length, is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. In 2024, the Wild Atlantic Way celebrates its 10th anniversary. Find out more: www.thewildatlanticway.com

Bronze shoes alongside the banks of the Royal Canal in Co Roscommon marking the National Famine Way. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANDREW DOWNES/FÁILTE IRELAND

Unique barge-inspired planters for Grand Canal town THE canalside town of Sallins in Co Kildare has received a number of barge-inspired flower planters to adorn the bridge across the Grand Canal.

The unique planters, commissioned

by Sallins Tidy Towns and handcrafted

by Crann Designs using recycled oak barrels, railway sleepers and curtain rings as portholes, replace old planters which were built by the local men’s shed group and had served the community well for more than five years. In the spirit of the previous planters which were decorated with wording, the new planters have names,

chosen to reflect the local community and culture: Cairdeas meaning friendship, Le Chéile meaning together, Suaimhneas meaning peace and Sláinte meaning health.

Sallins, always a bright and cheery place to visit with its diverse and friendly community of liveaboard boaters, will be even more colourful now thanks to Sallins Tidy Towns!

Discover more by visiting Sallins Tidy Towns and Crann Designs on Facebook.

Barge planter at Sallins.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SALLINS TIDY TOWNS

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Walking the very best of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

July 2024

Bingley Five Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

PHOTO: LEE SENIOR

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A milepost along the way on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

PHOTO: LEE SENIOR

Lee Senior describes his favourite sections walking England’s longest single canal

TOWPATH

TALK

AT JUST over 127 miles long, the Leeds-Liverpool canal is a seriously impressive Trans-Pennine route. The diversity of the scenery and places along the way offers something for everyone. There are many notable highlights, far too many to mention, so I intend to focus on the must-see parts of the canal.

Walking west to east with the prevailing wind generally behind us, we leave Canning Dock, Liverpool.

These days the dock is the impressive starting point of our journey across the Pennines to West Yorkshire. Leaving Liverpool we pass close to Aintree racecourse, home of the famous Grand National race, held every April. With about 23 miles completed, we reach Burscough Bridge, the northern part of the small West Lancastrian town of Burscough. Its historic wharf these days is home to a impressive retail development. Nearby is a railway station with trains to Manchester, Wigan and Southport. There are good bus links too.

Just under four miles later, we reach the village of Parbold. Of interest here is the attractive distant vista neatly framed by Parbold Hill. Meanwhile, back at canalside, there is a distinctive former windmill, last used in the mid 19th century. We reach the iconic Wigan ‘pier’, seven miles later. There is of course no actual pier or tide or beach!

We are too far inland for that. Instead, the area is an old wharf that was used for loading coal on to waiting barges via a tramway. Both Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western stations are just a 10-minute walk away, offering great linear walk opportunities.

Soon afterwards, the impressive Wigan Flight comprises 23 locks spanning a height of 200ft over the next two and a half miles. An attractive rural section then eventually leads to the town of Chorley. Soon afterwards Blackburn and Burnley follow suit.

All three towns offer plentiful rail and bus options.

The one-mile-long Foulridge tunnel isn’t far away now. The tunnel is a remarkable feature in its own right,

although there is no actual walking route through it. Instead, a detour is necessary via Foulridge Reservoir, a very pleasing alternative. The highest town on the route, Barnoldswick (locals call it Barlick) is reached on the way to Greenberfield Locks. The locks mark the summit of the whole route at 487ft.

The only way is down! It’s a fascinating spot too with an old pump house and old lock keeper’s cottage, on what is a delightfully rural section of the route.

There are rolling fields and long-range Pennine vistas aplenty and the towpath surface is in good condition too. Near the locks, the county boundary is located as the Red Rose gives way to the White Rose county of Yorkshire for those of us walking east!

Moving on, we reach the tiny village of East Marton and the famous doublearched bridge. This is one of the most talked-about features of the canal and the Pennine Way walk shares the towpath here, as it passes underneath the double bridge! This arrangement is certainly unusual and the second bridge was built to maintain the height of the A59 road above the canal.

Shortly afterwards, the self-proclaimed gateway to the Yorkshire Dales is reached. It is of course the attractive North Yorkshire market town of Skipton

with its many attractions.

The next section towards the West Yorkshire town of Keighley also makes for delightful walking country, offering yet more enticing Yorkshire scenery.

The small town of Bingley is four miles further east. Here the Grade I listed Five Rise Locks are nationally renowned as one of the wonders of British waterways. They rise a total of 60ft over a distance of 320ft and are the steepest flight of locks in the UK. Saltaire village, a World Heritage Site, is just a further three miles away. Saltaire is famed as the place that Sir Titus Salt built for his workers who were employed at his extensive mills located there.

Shipley is just 1.5 miles further and beyond it is only a further 13 miles to the end of our walk. Along the way is a tantalising glimpse of Kirkstall Abbey before the urban conurbation of Leeds begins. The Leeds-Liverpool Canal makes a great choice for linear walks. It is rarely far from public transport and is ideal for a car-free weekend or day trip.

Much of the towpath has a good surface, though parts can be muddy underfoot after heavy rain. Whether your taste is in wildlife, industrial history, glorious unspoilt countryside or fascinating engineering achievements, there is much to see and do.

A map of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. PHOTO: CANALJUNCTION.COM

A play on birds

From just £20 QUOTING: TPT02

Meet Bob, the Jack Russell terrier

By Kevin Thomas

HAVING owned a few extremely loyal Jack Russell terriers over the years, I’ve always had a soft spot for the breed, or to use their international acronym, JRs, so I was pleased when I was given the opportunity to meet Bob. He’s a lively two-year-old rescue Jack Russell belonging to Caen Hill Marina moorers, Kev and Lyn. They rehomed Bob through the Dogs Trust and he lives very happily with them aboard their 52ft boat, Ena. Watching the three of them interact it’s obvious Bob is devoted to his new owners.

Heritage

GUARANTEE DELIVERY TEL: 01507 529529

Kev, Lyn and their rescue Jack Russell, Bob.

Ken Norman continues his series of frivolous bird cartoons which he creates while relaxing on board his narrowboat Daedalus.

A wholly British breed, the Jack Russell is classed as a small terrier, either smooth, rough, or broken coated and can be any colour.

The breed was first bred in North Devon during the early 19th century where it was used for fox hunting. The person who originally developed the Jack Russell as a breed was a hunting-loving country parson, the Reverend John ‘Jack’ Russell, born in 1795, after whom the breed is named. The breed’s direct lineage can be traced back to the now-extinct English white terrier.

Dogs Trust

During the early stages of our chat, Kev and Lyn made mention of something which they felt needed sharing with other boat-dwelling folk. This being that the Dogs Trust has no problem with its rescue dogs finding homes aboard boats.

Seemingly, some folk who would love to own a rescue dog are reluctant to try and do so due to the erroneous belief that because they live on a boat, the Dogs Trust rescue organisation won’t allow them to rehome a dog. Hopefully, this will put that concern to rest and other dogs needing a loving home will also be able to find a new life on the UK’s inland waterways.

It’s a dog’s life

Bob is certainly a happy, well-adjusted

Jack Russell, if not a bit vocal when he wants to express his views, and it’s clear to all that he thoroughly enjoys his boat-dwelling life, plus the lengthy daily walks he takes along the canal and surrounds. Kev and Lyn, who originally hail from Swindon and have been living aboard their boat for two years now, believe Bob may have previously been used as a ratter because whenever he goes for a walk, a close watch has to be kept on him.

If he is freed of his lead for a short while, the slightest whiff of rat scent sets him off.

Thereafter it can become a bit of a mission to get him back on the lead. I guess in Bob’s intelligent Jack Russell mind, coupled with the breed’s high levels of energy, he is merely carrying out one of the roles this terrier was originally bred for. As they say: “It’s in the genes.”

Bob was more interested in a treat than looking at the camera.

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Behind the Wheel tours return to popular attraction

VISITORS can enjoy the unique experience of exploring inside the world’s only rotating boat lift. Tours, limited to eight people per tour, will take place monthly and include a short presentation, a brunch or light lunch, a walk around the site and the opportunity to see inside the Wheel itself.

As well as the walking, visitors will have to climb several flights of ladders.

The Falkirk Wheel was officially opened

by HM The Queen in 2002 and it soon became a major tourist attraction, as well as an amazing way of transiting between the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals.

It was a revolutionary solution to the problem of replacing the previous flight

Go Forth on scenic explorer canal cruises in July TAKE advantage of three different cruises offering a rare opportunity to explore both the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals from the Falkirk Wheel. LUCS, in association with Scottish Canals, will take passengers on an 11-mile, one-way cruise with a trip on the Wheel, through the Falkirk Tunnel and across the Avon Aqueduct to Linlithgow.

The Connected Canals cruise visits the site of the original top lock and the historic Union Inn

of 11 locks as part of the Millennium Link project to restore the Forth & Clyde Canal and reopen the Lowland Canals.

The Wheel closes for its MoT each winter and in 2023–24 underwent a £2.7 million upgrade to the control system, including state-of-the-art water level sensor technology, improved energy efficiency and enhanced safety systems.

Scottish Canals’ head of destinations, Ross McMillan, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people have experienced our boat trips but only a handful have ever stepped inside the heart of the Wheel and we can’t wait to share this magical experience with everyone.”

Book a tour via scottishcanals.co.uk

in Falkirk, with two trips through the Wheel itself. The third cruise, another one-way trip, takes passengers to the Kelpies, taking in the 15 locks between the Wheel and Helix Park. Tickets can be booked via bookings.lucs.org.uk/ The price includes a soup and sandwich lunch, teas, coffees and scones, and a return coach provided for the one-way cruises.

LUCS vessels en route to Winchburgh, with Victoria leading the way.

Visitors enjoying the Splash Zone at the Falkirk Wheel.

The flotilla arriving at Winchburgh. PHOTOS: MIKE WILKINSON

The flotilla arriving at the Falkirk Wheel, led by FCCS’s Maryhill.

PHOTOS: SCOTTISH CANALS

New marina for the Union Canal A NEW marina at Winchburgh was officially opened and handed over to Scottish Canals on Friday, May 3. The local community, including hundreds of school children, came out in force to enjoy the celebrations.

LUCS (Linlithgow Union Canal Society) boats Victoria, Leamington and St Magdalene were joined by boats from the Bridge

19-40 Union Canal Society and electric boats and canoes provided by Scottish Canals, in a flotilla carrying 60 guests, with the lead boat carrying Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop and Scottish Canals CEO John Paterson.

After the formal presentation and a water safety demonstration, LUCS provided boat trips along the canal, carrying around 350

passengers during the day.

It was a long but thoroughly enjoyable and successful day for the LUCS volunteers.

The four-hour return trip between Linlithgow and Winchburgh saw crews and members leave Linlithgow at 8am, returning to the LUCS basin at 7pm.

Winchburgh, 12 miles west of Edinburgh, is the centre of new development, providing new homes,

s c h o o l s, i m p rov e d transport, outdoor spaces and a marina linked to the Union Canal which runs through the town.

The marina is now open for visiting boats. It can accommodate up to 20 narrowboats with plans for a further 29 online moorings on the canal itself. Leisure moorings will be available as the development progresses, with plans for an eventual eight residential moorings.

More information is available at scottishcanals.co.uk

RYA Scotland volunteer Alan is celebrated for years of dedication

ALAN Falconer of Castle Semple Sailing Club in Lochwinnoch has been awarded an RYA Scotland Impact Award.

The Impact Awards are designed to recognise outstanding commitment and impact within the Scottish sailing community. Recipients of the award, given only to those who truly make a difference, are nominated by the wider boating community.

He has been a stalwart volunteer at the club for many years, spending huge amounts of time, energy and effort to manage a fleet of 23 club boats and the maintenance and repairs to ensure they are ready for others to sail.

Alan has also helped the cadets, giving up his time over the summer – and most Sundays – to help teach the younger members of the club.

Alan Falconer with his RYA Scotland Impact Award.

RYA Scotland volunteers and staff enjoying the volunteers’ evening.

PHOTOS: RYA SCOTLAND

Alan’s impact was highlighted last year when he had to spend some time away due to ill health. The scale of the work needed to cover his contributions was immense. As Castle Semple Commodore Peter Collings said: “… we realised just how much work he’d been doing keeping all the boats maintained and especially with cadets.”

In recognition of his efforts, he was offered an honorary club membership which he subsequently declined so as to keep making a financial contribution.

Alan truly loves being out on the water, a passion he’s worked hard to share with others through his volunteering.

In addition to his involvement at Castle Semple, Alan was previously chairman at Clyde Windsurfing Club.

Upon receiving his RYA Scotland

Impact Award, Alan said: “You know, when I think of all the trophies I have had in the past for sailing, this one – the fact that it’s an impact I’ve made on sailing, it really is... well I’m kind of lost for words... I’m very, very pleased and thank you very much.”

RYA Scotland is the national body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. Volunteers’ Week, the annual celebration of volunteers and volunteering, was held in the first week of June this year. RYA Scotland hosted a volunteers’ evening at the Falkirk Wheel on June 4 to say thank you and acknowledge the huge contribution made by volunteers. The well-attended event allowed volunteers the opportunity to connect with RYA Scotland staff, board members and other volunteers.

RYA Scotland volunteers and staff trying out Scottish Canals’ e-boats.

Revolution at the Falkirk Wheel

REVOLUTION Festival Flotilla 2024 took place at the Falkirk Wheel on Saturday, May 25. The popular annual event included a flotilla with private boaters travelling from Lock 16 on the Forth & Clyde Canal in company with boats from the Forth & Clyde Canal Society (FCCS), LUCS, Go Forth & Clyde

and the Sorted Project.

Aday ofentertainment and activities followed, including live music, a dog show and lots of off- and on-the-water activities, including boat trips provided by LUCS and FCCS. In the evening, boaters enjoyed a social event on board FCCS’s Voyager.

FCCS vice-chair Scott

Castel, who was heavily involved in organising the flotilla, said: “Revolution Festival has become a signature event in the Falkirk Wheel calendar for members of the public, local communities, and tourists. We’re delighted that this year we can join the celebrations with a flotilla.”

Welcome support for special needs cruises on the Union Canal

THE East of Scotland branch of the Seagull Trust Cruises charity, operating three boats from its base at Ratho, received welcome support from independent retail consumers’ co-operative Scotmid in the form of vouchers to help provide refreshments for passengers while out on the cruises.

With four branches on the Union, Forth & Clyde and Caledonian Canals, the charity is entirely run by volunteers and provides free canal trips for the elderly, infirm and those with special needs. About 2000 cruises take place each year, taking around 22,000 passengers out in the fleet of nine specially adapted wheelchair accessible boats.

Eddie Thorn, president of Scotmid, said: “The Seagull Trust is a wonderful charity with an enthusiastic team of volunteers. We at Scotmid are pleased to be able to support them in their efforts and

wish them and their passengers all the best for the 2024 season and beyond.”

Most of the Ratho branch clients come from nursing homes and care homes throughout the Lothians, Fife and the Borders to enjoy a two to three-hour cruise, often stopping for lunch at Almondell Aqueduct before returning to Ratho.

Stuart Rennie, branch chairman for Seagull Trust Cruises at Ratho, said: “We were delighted to yet again be supported by Scotmid, which I am sure will be appreciated by our passengers as they cruise along the Union Canal. Like all organisations, it is becoming more and more difficult to fund our operation, and to continue to provide our free service to our all-important passengers. Scotmid’s latest generous contribution really is most welcome.” Find out more at www. seagulltrust.org.uk

Stuart Rennie (branch chairman, Seagull Trust Cruises); Eddie Thorn (Scotmid president); Cheryl Parkinson (Seagull Trust Cruises) on the canal near the Ratho base. PHOTO: SEAGULL TRUST CRUISES/SCOTMID

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Just some of the architecture and history ry y Chester has to off ffer. f

PHOTO: MARKETING CHESHIRE

Chester’s Roman amphitheatre. PHOTO: CHESTER BID

Days Out

Exploring the city of Chester

Our series is dedicated to showcasing unique days out near special canals. Whether you’re into gongoozling (watching boating activities), leisurely towpath walks, wildlife spotting, boat trips or even retail therapy, our canal system has something for everyone. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Nantwich, with close links to the waterways and a town that has plenty to offer to visitors.

By Phil Pickin

CHESTER has to be one of the UK’s most historic cities, with its history dating back over 2000 years. That history is today mixed with all the trappings of a modern city, but everywhere you look, there are reminders of its past; many of these reminders are easily accessible to

the narrowboat visitor.

Nestled in the north-west of the country, Chester offers a unique and picturesque experience to visitors who arrive with the Shropshire Union Canal and the River Dee, both flowing through the centre of the historic, completely walled city of Chester. And

The Chester Lock Flight in use. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

it’s at Chester Basin where they meet.

As a result, there are very few cities that provide narrowboat users with such a vantage point to enjoy a city with such a rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture.

One of the city’s unique features, and one that is easily accessible from many stretches of the canal, is its city walls. Chester is renowned for its well-preserved Roman and medieval walls, as well as the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain. But it is the walls that encircle the city centre that provide the backdrop to many views of the city. Although access to them can be a challenge for some due to the number of stairs involved, the walls provide an opportunity to see the city from a very different perspective.

For those who do walk along them, they also offer a close-up view of the famous Eastgate Clock.

Chester Town Hall is an imposing building and home to the local Tourist Information Centre. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

City centre

Within the confines of the city centre, visitors will find the impressive 1000-year-old Chester Cathedral with what are thought to be some of Europe’s finest examples of medieval carvings.

Not far from this impressive building is the 700-year-old Rows Galleries, home to many different shops and businesses.

If you do visit, try to remember you are walking where Roman legionaries once walked. These were not the only early visitors to the city. Vikings, Normans and Anglo-Saxons are also thought to have ‘paid a visit’.

According to local information, Chester is also home to the oldest racecourse in Britain. Located a short distance from the city, the course brings in even more visitors to the city on race days. But for those who are looking for a more relaxing place to visit, there is Grosvenor Park, which is a public park in the city that consists of 20 acres of land overlooking the River Dee, which provides a refreshing break from a busy city close by.

But if you are looking for an opportunity to enjoy something a little livelier, Chester has a number of

You can find some more unusual boats in Chester’s canal basin. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

The Towpath Angler Our monthly look at the angling scene

By David Kent

It isn’t just the boating community who make use of and enjoy the waterways in Chester. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN canalside restaurants and bars which offer a perfect opportunity to savour the local cuisine and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

There would seem to be something for everyone, which is what you would expect for a city of this size and in this impressive location.

Narrowboat access

But for narrowboat users, the feature has to be the close proximity of the canal to the city and the fact that, in many locations, the canal runs alongside the city walls and is close to many of the most notable historic sites. With Chester being the county town it is the home of the Cheshire Ring, which consists of 97 miles of canal and 92 locks, which is said to take 50 hours to complete. The three main canals of the Ring run through the county and include the Macclesfield Canal, which runs through Congleton and Macclesfield; the Trent and Mersey,

which runs through Middlewich and Wheelock; and then the Bridgewater Canal that runs through Lymm in the north. But it is the Shropshire Union Canal that skirts the city walls and makes for a spectacular urban landscape to cruise through.

The area around the Chester basin is not only where the canal and the river meet but is also representative of where old and new meet, with modern buildings sitting alongside the canal.

Historic buildings sit close to suburban housing, and among all this is the wellknown dry dock.

And as if to complete the picture, the main rail line runs close to the flight of locks to provide an example of road, rail and canal transportation mixed with thousands of years of history, all within a stone’s throw of each other.

For those who want to venture a little further from the city, there are two very different world-famous attractions of

Chester Zoo and the Anderton Boat Lift not too far away, proving that Chester and the surrounding area can cater for almost everyone.

FACT FILE Further places of interest include: Canal & River Trust:

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ places-to-visit/chester Chester Zoo: www.chesterzoo.org Visit Chester: www.visitcheshire. com/chester Chester: www.chester.com Visit England: www.visitengland. com/things-to-do/chester Telford’s Warehouse:

www.telfordswarehousechester.com

Chester Boat:

www.chesterboat.co.uk

ALTHOUGH less involved in angling politics than I once was, I am still very much aware that there is plenty going on.

Those who read this column regularly will know only too well that I often make the point that all the national agencies who have a direct or indirect impact on angling should be working in unison for the benefit of all participants and those whose livelihoods depend on the sport being buoyant. I am not naïve enough to believe any collaboration in any context to be totally harmonious but any differences should either be resolved or accepted so that we can collectively do the very best for the sport and everyone involved with it. There is neither the time nor the resources to be in competition, and I appreciate that this does not just apply to our sport. The trouble is, the grassroots people are, sadly all too often, the losers.

Last month I referred to the impact of the many flooding events, making particular mention of the devastation to many of our fisheries, including some of our beloved canals, which are often victims of landslips and breaches following heavy rainfall. Of course, changes in global climate patterns are undoubtedly one of the key causes although, I believe, not the only one.

Whatever the reasons, it is abundantly clear that a full rethink and then upgrade of flood prevention and land drainage strategy is essential. I accept it is a complex problem where there will never be a one-size-fits-all solution.

However, it strikes me that even as a non-expert, I can see that there are some pretty basic measures necessary, which should be implemented across the country. These include a complete desilting of rivers and watercourses (how often do we hear this cited as a major cause of flooding) and also a change in the way flood defences are constructed to ensure that, instead of being able to withstand a one-in-100-year event, they should be able to withstand a one-in300-year event.

All the key events scheduled for 2024 are either already under way or are about to start. I mentioned the Angling Trust Nationals last month but in addition, of course, there is the CRT Pairs Championship, its National Celebration of Young Anglers event, not forgetting numerous Let’s Fish events (see page 76) which, while not competitions per se, often see many of the youngsters trying to do that little bit better than each other. Although all about angling on the face of it, I remain a firm believer that Let’s Fish is also the best medium currently operating for enabling young people to learn about the canals, the canal environment and the importance of canals in a community. Indeed, one key lesson the youngsters learn during these sessions is to have respect at all

times for other users. Like most canal users, anglers display respect for others.

That said, there is still a small minority who need to do things better. Let’s Fish helps show the youngsters just how important this is.

The weather finally turns

Following the horrendous weather during spring which, among other things, caused water temperatures to remain really low and this, in turn, delayed the spawning process, it is probably fair to say that fishing now is just starting to improve. A couple of weeks ago I heard reports of water temperatures hitting the ‘magic’ 16/17 degrees Celsius benchmark, which is often the trigger that fish need to get cracking, and the majority will have reached. Results from around all the waters would seem to support this; silver fish generally are doing well and I have heard great results from various canals including a match-winning weight of more than 20lb. However, a better reflection of how a particular water is fishing are the supporting weights. In one case a match on one of the Yorkshire canals saw 10lb or so needed to win every section. Weights from stillwater venues are getting there too.

I have fished three times since writing my last article for Towpath Talk, finishing second in one match and third in the other two and picking up a couple of brown envelopes along the way. I enjoyed all three matches, not least because the weather was good and we all stayed dry, but also because each match was a challenge insofar as you had to really work hard to get a response and then make the right decisions at the right time to get the best out of a swim.

My top weight from these matches was 70lb, just 2lb behind the winner. Club matches are under way now so, all being well, I will be on the bank more often.

I guess many of you will be making the most of the long evenings at the moment.

Arguably this is still the best time to go fishing. It does seem that tackle and baits more appropriate to the time of year are working now. I am not saying throw caution to the wind but be mindful of the changeable weather which will often dictate how the sport will be.

Tight lines.

Safety advice for anglers

The famous Eastgate Clock. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

Chester’s Bridge of Sighs. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

WITH pollution in rivers continuing to cause concern, the Angling Trust has issued new safe fishing advice for freshwater anglers.

The trust’s Health & Safety Guidance for Freshwater Anglers covers all aspects of freshwater angling, including minimising the risk of becoming ill due to sewage in waterways. It also outlines six simple steps

every angler can follow to avoid contact with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli.

The six steps are: • Never put wet lines in your mouth or any other items of tackle that have been in the water.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitiser before eating and after fishing.

• Cover any cuts and grazes with waterproof

plasters before fishing.

• Clean any wounds as soon as possible and wear protective clothing.

• If you do fall in, keep your mouth closed and avoid drinking water.

• Shower as soon as possible if you’ve been in potentially infected water.

A PDF copy can be downloaded from the Advice section at: www. anglingtrust.net/news

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July 2024

The Wet Web

Children receive coaching at Stoke Hammond on the Grand Union Canal in 2021.

By Helen Gazeley

WITH the start of the school holidays, are you looking for ways to prise your children from their screens and get them outdoors? Let’s Fish! – described by the CRT as “the UK’s most popular programme of angling events” – is in full swing, with more than 400 events taking place across England and Wales in conjunction with local angling clubs.

Since 2016, it’s offered opportunities every year to try fishing for free, with tackle, bait, a rod licence and a fishing permit all provided, along with expert one-to-one coaching.

John Ellis, the CRT’s head of fisheries and angling, says: “It’s so important to keep canals alive as they’re on the doorstep of millions of people and we know that regularly spending time by the water is good for people’s well-being.

We’re proud that our Let’s Fish! events have introduced thousands of young people to the sport.”

Let’s Fish! is just one of a range of initiatives by various organisations to introduce the enjoyment of fishing to younger generations.

The Angling Trust is running beginner and family-friendly sessions throughout the summer as part of its ongoing Get Fishing campaign (www.anglingtrust. net/getfishing). And for anyone wanting to strike out on their own, it’s highly likely that Angling Direct stores (www.

PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Let’s Fish! sessions, like this one on the Titford Canal in June 2022, are suitable for children from the age of six. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST anglingdirect.co.uk) around the country will be offering free whip kits for under16s. These simple rods are generally made available in time for the school holidays, so keep an eye on social media or your local branch.

Of course, we all know that fishing is touted as one of the most relaxing pastimes, but it’s also being researched as therapeutic. In May, a four-year project, led by University College London, was announced. It aims to track how social prescribing of fishing, gardening and other activities might reduce loneliness and mental health difficulties in children aged between nine and 13. The project aims to involve

600 pupils as it expands next year.

Fishing for Schools already knows how effective fishing can be as a children’s pastime. Initiated in 2007 to offer students with learning difficulties a way back into formal education, its reach spread to mainstream schools and it now offers free resources to more than 30 schools each year, offering a counterbalance to education’s current emphasis on targets and results.

“We know learning in the classroom doesn’t suit everyone,” it says in its Impact Report 2007-2019 (www. fishingforschools.co.uk/impact). “By using fishing as a medium, it allows young people to understand the basics of geography, mathematics – weights,

measures, geometry – and literacy. We open up a world of aquatic conservation and preservation and the complex world beneath our rivers, lakes and streams.”

If you’d like to help kids get into fishing, there are various volunteering opportunities with some of the organisations mentioned, as well as The MayFly Project, which has had a UK presence since 2021, after being founded in the US in 2015. It gives one-to-one mentoring to children in foster care through teaching fly fishing and conservation, building self-esteem and confidence with the new skills.

Find out more on the website: www. themayflyprojectuk.org/what-we-do Fishing for Schools and Let’s Fish!

both see competition as important, to meet young people’s desire to succeed.

Let’s Fish! is encouraging young people to follow up their introductory sessions by attending regional celebrations later in the summer, supported by Let’s Fish! coaches. The events culminate in the National Celebration of Young People and Fishing, with the biggest line-up of youthful fishing in one location this century, on September 14-15 on the Shropshire Union Canal.

In October, the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration invites young people with ancestral connections to countries around the world to take part.

Find out more on the CRT website (bit. ly/3wZy9K4).

Sustainable boating: batteries

Left: Proprietary systems (and support for fitting) are available for integrating lithium and solar PV into your existing electrical system.

IWA Sustainable Boating Group member Jonathan Mosse continues his series on off-grid boating.

I CAN wax lyrical endlessly on the subject of batteries but, at the risk of over-simplification, I’ll confine myself to some very specific and directly relevant areas, targeted at practical applications for inland waterways craft.

Essentially, we’re looking at two very different chemistries: lead acid (LA) and lithium. The former will include flooded and sealed cells; AGM; gel, lead carbon and the like, but they all demand the same four-stage charging regime composed of bulk, absorption, float and equalisation, to be met on a regular basis, or their overall capacity will become steadily depleted. This is obviously challenging unless a landline is regularly available or you cruise for extended periods of time.

Lithium-ion too covers a multitude of sins but the boater

will be looking at lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) … or rather should, on safety grounds alone, only be looking at the more stable LiFePO4 chemistry. With lithium batteries, the rigorous LA charging regime goes out of the window and they can be treated just as you would your phone or laptop.

There are tempting opportunities to purchase lithium-ion batteries (largely second-hand, ex-EV or bus) which, set against the price of new LiFePO4 examples, look very attractive. However, you are (literally) playing with fire here and I can confidently predict that it will not be too long before they are outlawed. To date, the only recorded lithium batteryrelated fires, recorded on leisure boats, have been from lithiumion batteries in devices that have

Proprietary systems (and support for fitting) are available for integrating lithium batteries into your charging system.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Batteries come in all shapes, sizes and chemistries.

PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE

been brought on to the vessel.

Having decided to go for the convenience and improved overall performance of LiFePO4 batteries, they need to be managed within a series of fairly tight parameters. For this, a battery management system (BMS) is required and it can either be incorporated into an individual battery or be a standalone device, connected to a battery (or bank of batteries).

In the second instance, there is generally greater flexibility for multiple batteries to be wired both in series or in parallel.

LiFePO4 and LA chemistries should not be mixed in the same bank, nor should LiFePO4 batteries be seen simply as drop-in replacements for previously installed LA examples. The internet promotes examples of devices and strategies for such infernal mixes but the bottom line is that it will not be too long before insurance companies catch up with such devilment and they are outlawed. Lack of space prevents me from going into further detail.

However, there are at least three acceptable strategies out there allowing the safe replacement and integration of LA chemistry with lithium which, with twin alternator systems, involve the fitting of some form of alternator control and battery protection and, with a single alternator system, charging of the leisure battery bank via a battery to battery (B2B) device from the LA starter

battery. The third possibility is via a device that combines the outputs of both alternators, the output of which can be programmed to match lithium battery charge profiles.

In a nutshell, the internal resistance of a lithium battery is considerably lower than that of an LA battery and as such the charge it is taking needs to be carefully monitored and controlled. Add to this the BMS which, once it detects a full charge, closes down almost instantaneously, usually with disastrous consequences to an alternator’s internals.

20kW of lithium batteries in series/parallel configuration with separate BMS and Lynx fused distributors.

Further insight is available at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jgoIocPgOug&t=15s.

As with the conversation turning to different types of toilets, within a couple of minutes of two or more boaters meeting, so too does the high cost of lithium batteries compared with their LA counterparts soon arise when this equipment is discussed.

Taking whole life costs, there is probably actually very little in it, with lithium winning out comfortably on the inherent convenience of its charging regime.

However, there is a considerable difference in the purchase price of seemingly identical examples of what is ostensibly the same product and specification. Not all lithium batteries are born equal; some, for instance, are far more able to withstand the rigours of boating than others that may simply have been specified to sit quietly in one location. When I chose my own 30kW battery bank I was looking for Grade A cells (B and C are available more cheaply) of prismatic construction, rather than cylindrical or pouch configuration.

Finally, think ‘accreditation’: few surveyors have the necessary skills to determine the safety or calibre of a sophisticated electrical system. However, installation (or sign-off ) by an accredited electrician provides reassurance and British Marine has already devised a suitable qualification.

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www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

British Marine welcomes its new president, Robert Parton

By Phil Pickin

AFTER two years as president-elect, Robert Parton, owner of Aqueduct Marina, recently took up the post of president of British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. It seemed a good time to determine what his appointment would mean for the waterways sector.

Robert opened Aqueduct in 2009 and took an Advanced Marina Management course with BM in 2012. He joined the Midlands committee of BM and was then elected chairman in 2017 until 2019. After being appointed to the board of British Marine in 2020, he became president-elect in 2022.

Robert, together with his wife Andrea and, at the time, three young children, opened Aqueduct Marina 15 years ago.

Since that time they have not only built a thriving business but have also got involved in the work of British Marine and, in particular, the associations linked to the inland waterways and the marina sector.

This was something of a major change of direction for a Cheshire farmer, but his previous farming experience of working with unpredictable weather has given him an appreciation of the changing climate, something which continues to influence his work and, it is reasonable to expect, the work he does as head of British Marine.

We spoke to Robert shortly before he took part in the Fund British Waterways event held at Westminster, which involved a number of MPs and senior

Robert Parton, president of British Marine. PHOTO: SUPPLIED figures within the waterways sector.

Robert was keen to point out that the campaign to fight for additional funding for the waterways is of vital importance to everyone. Having taken a long walk along the canal with IWA chairman Les Etheridge, the conversation resulted in helping sow the seeds of the FBW campaign, which he would now like to see the wider industry support as much as possible.

It isn’t for altruistic reasons that Robert wants to see the waterways flourish, although some might see it that way. A secure and properly funded canal and waterway system will benefit everyone and the environment, something he feels strongly about. Over the past few years, he and his team have worked hard to reduce the carbon footprint of the marina, a process that hasn’t been easy but one that he would

The award-winning five-Gold Anchor Aqueduct Marina. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

like to see BM help more members embark on. As a result of this work, not only has the team at Aqueduct been able to reduce its carbon footprint, but it has also been one of the first marinas to offer HVO fuel and, more recently, hydrogen. As a result, Aqueduct has been awarded gold anchors and gained TYHA clean marina accreditation.

Training is also something that Robert believes businesses, regardless of their area of work, should take seriously. As a Certified Marina Manager and an end point assessor for the Marina and Boat Yard apprenticeship, he is keen to see progress in the field of training for the marine sector. With colleges that can support and work with apprentices thin on the ground away from the south coast, remotely located marine businesses often struggle to gain the marine specialist trainees and college support they need. So, maybe we can expect more emphasis on this area during Robert’s two years as the head of the association. What he has expressed a keen interest in is for more members to make use of British Marine specialist training courses available to them, which are in addition to the legal, political, representational, technical and marketing guidance and support available to all 1300 members.

So we can expect more emphasis on environmental issues and increased funding for the waterways, be they CRT, EA or whoever; the importance of training to drive up standards in the industry and to encourage the BM membership to network more with more collaboration and discussion

Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

TALKBACK

Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk Nantwich showers need to be open

THE customer service facilities showers at Nantwich on the Shropshire Union Canal have been closed for months.

I called the Canal & River Trust and was told this was due to vandalism but it looks as if they have been disconnected.

There are well over 150 boats that permanently moor at the local marinas and other private moorings, as well as the hundreds of holiday boats that visit every month. If all the boats were to use their own showers there wouldn’t be a fish alive for miles. CRT should provide adequate essential services for its customers.

Kind regards Steve Garratt – by email

within the various associations that make up BM. One event he is particularly proud of is the inland association’s autumn conference, the most recent of which was held in Worcester and saw 80-plus delegates attend. This is something Robert is keen to see more of across the entire marine industry.

When he is not busy running his own marina and undertaking his BM commitments, he is also on the board

Coir roll perils

Dear Towpath Talk, The article in your February issue – Trent towpath to be transformed by £2m revamp – caught my eye.

Last year our prop encountered one of those coir rolls on the Stratford and Avon. Several hours of work by John Tweats of Stockport – an angel who was behind us – followed by a callout to boat share company BCBM (pictured) set us free. Twentyplus years on the cut and we’ve never encountered anything near as tenacious. We would strongly suggest another way of encouraging plant life.

Regards Christine Howze – by email

Assistance from BCBM to help sort the coir roll. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. Outside of work, he is a season ticket holder at Manchester United, and if he can find time, you may also find him on his local golf course or on the Southampton Municipal course after a meeting in Tagus House.

But with a busy couple of years ahead of him, it remains to be seen just what opportunities he will have to work on his swing!

The team at the Aqueduct Marina stand. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN

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July 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Where did that word come from?

John Souter continues his series by exploring the origins of commonly used boating terms.

MANY of you may be familiar with what a lot of the words that boaters use mean.

But have you ever stopped to wonder where the words we are all too familiar with actually originated from? Here are more examples of words whose origins may hopefully inform you and, in some cases, perhaps even surprise you.

Rudder

The broad, flat piece of hinged wood or metal vertically attached to the stern of a boat which projects downwards into the water to be used for steering. It is the force of the water against the rudder blade that makes the fore-end of a boat turn in the same direction to which the rudder is pointing.

The word is thought to come from the Old English word ‘rodor’ meaning ‘paddle, oar’.

Saloon

The nautical name given to the living area on a boat similar to a lounge or living room in a house.

It’s the Anglicised version of the 17th century French word ‘salon’ meaning ‘reception room’.

the canal itself. The term is also used for smaller sloping areas used to launch smaller boats, e.g. from trailers reversed into the water.

The word is believed to come from the 13th century Middle English word ‘slippen’ meaning ‘to move’, and also the Old English word ‘weg’ meaning ‘way’, or possibly the Middle English variant of ‘away’ meaning ‘a line of passage’.

Sluice

A Fenland/East Anglian term for a lock, originally from the meaning of a water channel that carries a rapid flow of water with a sluice-gate to control the flow, especially in times of flood conditions.

The word is thought to date from circa 1400, being a shortening of the Old French ‘escluse’ meaning ‘sluice, floodgates’, or alternatively from the Latin ‘exclusa’ meaning ‘barrier to shut out water’.

The tiller is used for steering.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Denver sluice. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Starboard

The right-hand side of a vessel when looking towards the bow. Believed to originate from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘steorbord’ (‘steor’ meaning ‘steer’ plus ‘bord’ meaning ‘side’), which subsequently evolved into the Middle English ‘sterbord’ meaning ‘steering board, side on which a vessel was steered’.

Slipway

A ramp or other similar area sloping from the bankside and towards and into the water and on which large boats and ships are built in preparation for easier launching, i.e. easy ‘slipping’ into the water. On canals, the slipways were often set at acute angles to the cut due to many boats being built to lengths wider than

Early vessels, especially Germanic ones, were steered by a long oar or steering-board extended over the righthand side of the vessel from which ‘steering-board’ evolved into ‘starboard’.

Stern

The rear of a vessel, and in particular the outside rearmost part.

Believed to come from the early 13th century, possibly the Old Norse word ‘stjorn’ meaning ‘steering’, or Old Fresian ‘stiarne’ meaning ‘rudder’. Hence the link with the back or rear of the vessel.

Strake

The slipway at Aylesbury. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

These are the horizontal bars or bands protecting the sides, bow and stern of a vessel. The term can also be used to refer to a moulding fitted to the outside of the hull, usually at deck level to protect the topsides.

The word is thought to derive from the mid-14th century Middle English as a

Starboard is the right-hand side of a vessel when looking towards the bow. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON development of the word ‘stretch’ from the Old English word ‘streccan’.

Tiller

A wooden or metal rod or pole handle attached to the rudder post/swan’s neck and used for steering. Pushing against the tiller will make the rudder turn and therefore gives the boat its steerage.

The meaning of a ‘bar to turn the rudder of a boat’ was recorded in the 1620s, possibly from the mid-14th century Old French word ‘telier’ meaning ‘stock’ (of a crossbow), or from the Latin word ‘tela’ coming from the Medieval Latin word ‘telarium’ meaning ‘weaver’s beam’, both of the latter used in the sense of giving direction.

General election provides chance to highlight the concerns of waterways users NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues.

HOPEFULLY, you have all picked up a copy of this issue as soon as it hit the distribution point where you usually find it and turned straight to the back pages! There is only a week until the general election on July 4! The boating community is not generally considered to be a large element in the determination of the election.

Many do not vote. Many quip

that they are floating voters.

Others consider themselves to be insignificant in the whole scheme of things.

However, in a democracy, we must hold to the belief that every vote matters. I encourage you to use your vote. I am not really concerned about who you vote for but please have certain things in mind when selecting your chosen candidate. Around a quarter of the parliamentary constituencies in the United Kingdom have a navigable waterway within them. These are all important for heritage, flood prevention and control, effluent management, drinking water management, leisure uses and nature conservation.

The 2023 Defra review showed that central government is not willing to fully recognise the national importance, pay for the benefits that canals and rivers provide and accept the full cost. It is important that we elect representatives who are willing to take a positive view of the benefits that waterway use contributes to the national wellbeing. Whoever wins the right to form the next government, the need to highlight these

issues will not go away and the Fund Britain’s Waterways movement, in which NABO is a major participant, will be ready to speak up for the navigation authorities who find their funding restricted by shortsighted decision making.

By the time you read this, we will have completed the June Explorer Cruise organised by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society. We have spent a fair amount of time in the area over the years since our first-ever cruise on the Black Country Ring in a hire boat. That took us through the centre of Birmingham twice and we loved it. London did not give us the same feeling.

The Birmingham canals speak loudly of the industrial heritage that spawned them but have brought about a tremendous transformation since the demise of the coal, iron and steel and heavy manufacturing industries.

Much of the regeneration is in part due to the work of the BCNS, whose current strapline is “Clean it and cruise it”.

The great difference about our travels this time will be that we will be in company. So often

we have seemed to be the only boat on the move. We will also hear from the experts some of the history and heritage that the remoter parts of the network provide. It will also include a visit to the Canal & River Trust’s Bradley workshops, which are now the only works making lock gates for the whole of the Canal & River Trust's system.

Our trip up to Birmingham is over a route that we have navigated many times. It is still different every time. CRT has been busy over winter placing pre-planted coir rolls at regular intervals down the concretepiled sides of the canal. Why? Only the water voles who previously could not bore into the concrete will appreciate these new habitats.

This time the weather was reasonably kind to us and careful checking of radar weather predictions helped us to dodge the downpours so that we did not have to boat in heavy rain. But the evidence of the damage wreaked by extreme weather was there the whole way. We were held up by a fallen tree. Fortunately on the same stretch of canal,

in the queue coming the other way, was our local coal boat operator. He cleared away the branches from the trunk over the canal to form an arch that his boat could fit underneath.

Within an hour we were all moving again. What would we do without the coal boats who regularly ply the canals to deliver the necessities of canal life? The deep draft on the boats helps keep the channels clear of silt and the experience of the operators is shared among the community without favour.

We were certainly grateful that he was equipped with the wherewithal to cut us a tunnel! I did not see him at work because the banks were such that I could not actually land. This was the section of the canal where there once was a tunnel which did not have a towpath.

In other places, there were towpaths where I would not want to land. The heavy rains of this spring have left many deep in mud, rutted by bicycle tyres and all but impassable to walkers. I have never seen them so bad. At one lock I let off my crew at the start of the lock landing and gave them a

difficult task to walk to the lock as the towpath was puddled, very muddy and slippery with thorn bushes impinging the walkway to the extent that it was almost impassable. Where a boat had come adrift from its moorings the towpath was under water, impeding the re-mooring process.

I spoke to one of Canal & River Trust’s rangers, whose job it is to walk about 20 miles of towpath a day to provide sightings of all the boats in that patch. He agreed that there are some paths that are now so narrowed by vegetation and subsidence that he is at risk of falling into the canal. Our local waterways manager has told me that there is absolutely no money for towpaths.

I congratulate the volunteers on the Chesterfield Canal for the valuable work that they have been doing to renovate their towpaths. Perhaps they will inspire others to do the same.

Many towpaths are designated as long-distance footpaths and some are included in the national cycle network. Surely it is time that these too got the attention they deserve.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk July 2024

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July 2024

“Holidays, fun activities, money to spend.

I’d rather have a mortgage forever.” (said no one ever) There’s another way.

Choose freedom, together with Aquavista.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk