Towpath Talk November issue - Preview

1 Issue 205, November 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2022

The UK’s Number ONE read for all waterways users

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72 PAGES

REFLECTIONS FLOTILLA LIGHTS UP THE RIVER

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Two narrowboats are worked through Henhurst Lock near the bottom of the Wigan flight of locks on Monday, October 17 on their way up the 21 locks to Aspull on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. It was the first day of a two-week reopening to enable boaters to pass up and down the flight to return to their home or preferred mooring for winter, with the plan being for the window of opportunity to be open for two weeks. The navigation will then be closed again to enable the reservoirs to hopefully refill over the coming winter. PHOTO: COLIN WAREING

Waterways winter work programme for 2022-23 THE Canal & River Trust has announced its winter works programme 2022-23, providing details of the major repairs and canal improvements the charity will be carrying out between November and March.

Forty-eight waterways will benefit from 172 large-scale works to repair masonry and brickwork, fix leaks, update and install hydraulics and electrics at mechanised structures, as well as replacing seals, stop plank grooves, lock ladders and lock gates.

The trust’s specialist workshops are handcrafting 120 lock leaves for the works, to be installed at 52 locks across the network.

Chief executive Richard Parry said: “As boaters know, we work year-round to maintain navigations but the work we carry out over the winter is at the heart of it. While there are some familiar names on this year’s list of work locations, the majority of the winter works are the ongoing repairs we need to undertake every year to keep the waterways

navigable and safe: replacing older lock gates, repairing bridges, locks and aqueducts, and fixing defects.”

As usual, the trust is carrying out the works in winter to minimise disruption to boaters over the busier summer cruising months and will be aiming to avoid the Christmas period when more boats take to the water.

Seventy-two stoppages are due to take place before Christmas, with 93 scheduled for the new year, and a small number spanning the festive season.

Works aimed at improving navigation for boaters will be taking place across the network. On the Kennet & Avon Canal, there is a suite of lock gate replacements between locks 52 and 65, including works at Crofton Pumping Station. The Queen Elizabeth Lock at Caen Hill will also be re-grouted to reduce leakage.

Lock 3 at Hillmorton will see its gates replaced and a number of lift bridges on the Oxford Canal will have their hydraulics renovated.

Continued on page 2

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2 WELCOME/NEWS

November 2022

WELCOME THE sun is still shining and it’s hard to believe this is the November edition and the clocks will have probably already gone back by the time you read this.

It has been rather a topsy turvy season with the hot dry weather causing stoppages due to low water levels but on the other hand enabling people to enjoy the successful return of many events and trip boat operations, see the report from the Friends of Cromford Canal on page 3.

I enjoyed seeing people for the first time since before the first lockdown at the Northern Canals Association’s autumn meeting at Chesterfield’s Hollingwood Hub, report also on page 3 and had a wonderful day with Andrew and Frances Phasey of St Pancras Cruising Club and their crew on the Thames for the Reflections flotilla, see page 4.

Jonathan Mosse spent one of the hottest days of the year with Andrew Haysom on fuel boat Tadworth, see his report on page 14 and Lee Senior concludes his season of canal walks with a towpath rambler’s guide to the Stratford Canal on page 15.

Turning our thoughts to the winter months ahead, Phil Pickin reports on a fuel-saving device and River Canal Rescue gives boaters a timely reminder to book a service on page 40 while surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies shares more winterising tips on page 44.

We have some tales about wildlife and pets in our back section. Helen Gazeley looks at the return of beavers as a native species in The Wet Web on page 68 while Kevin Thomas recounts the amazing story of a cat which was returned to its owners 13 months after ‘jumping ship’ on the Kennet & Avon Canal on page 69.

And Tim Coghlan brings us the story of the mallard hen who squatted in a plant box on a narrowboat roof to raise a clutch of ducklings in early October – possibly a consequence of global warming – on page 70.

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Waterways winter work programme for 2022-23 Continued from page 1 There are lock gate replacements at Tardebigge Flight on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, gate repairs and replacements at Audlem on the Shropshire Union Canal, and on the Hanwell Flight on the Grand Union Canal in London.

In the north of the country, which has been battling difficult drought conditions this

summer, the trust will continue its programme of water-saving repair works, after utilising the unscheduled canal closures to complete some repairs early.

One such project was at Bosley Lock Flight on the Macclesfield Canal, where dozens of essential tasks, including the relining or replacement of lock gates and work on cills, paddles, mitres, spindles and quadrants were brought

forward, alongside mortar repairs, painting, repointing and the creation of a new boater landing stage.

Canals including the Leeds & Liverpool, Rochdale, Peak Forest, Macclesfield, and Huddersfield Narrow will see gate replacements and repairs, grouting, relining, masonry works to washwalls and other improvements over the winter. This is on top of the trust’s major investment to

future-proof its reservoirs, which are vital to the network’s boating demands, which will continue over the winter. This includes the ongoing work at Toddbrook and Barrowford reservoirs in the North West.

R i c h a rd concluded: “Navigation depends on having a resilient network, while safe and accessible waterways help improve the lives of millions of people in waterside communities

and act as green corridors that bring huge benefits for nature recovery. It’s more important than ever that these historic waterways are properly funded so we can preserve them for boaters, neighbours, and all those who spend time by them.”

The full winter stoppage programme can be viewed on the Notices & Stoppages page of the trust’s website: canalrivertrust. org.uk/notices

Vegetation and dredging major issues at users’ forum Words & photo: Phil Pickin

THE issues of uncut vegetation and what was seen as a lack of dredging in the West Midlands were just a couple of the standout issues raised during the recent Canal & River Trust regional users’ forum meeting.

Many users attended the meeting hosted by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society in the Titford Pump House.

It was chaired by boating and customer service manager Tom Freeland, who started with a review of the trust’s activities during the Commonwealth Games and, for many more importantly, the legacy of the games. From his presentation, it would seem that the primary objective was raising CRT’s profile – something it felt had been achieved.

With viewing figures of 28.6 million, the ‘modest’ investment in marketing was considered worthwhile although no indication was given as to how ‘modest’ this amount was. With government grants in the minds of many within CRT, they feel there is a need to grow the level of support for the organisation and the waterways, in general, to help build the case for continued financial support.

Sally Boddy, CRT regional engineer, outlined the planned works for the area over the coming 12 months and beyond. With a limited budget of £13.7 million for repair and maintenance and rising costs, the challenge will continue to make money go as far as possible. To help, a significant amount of external funding is obtained from various sources, something Charles

Canal & River Trust speakers at the users’ forum included, from left: Richard Preston, regional operations manager; Sally Boddy, regional engineer; Tom Freeland, boating and customer service manager; Charles Hughes, environmental scientist and Matthew Symonds, head of customer service support.

Hughes, CRT’s environmental scientist, highlighted in his presentation.

During his presentation, Charles highlighted his role in allocating resources and assessing the locations for dredging work to be carried out.

As such, he had to answer a number of questions on the issue that many boaters have problems with. Like Sally Boddy, he, too, has a problem with having finite resources and significant demand for those resources.

He outlined the criteria used when deciding where this work would be carried out, including hydrographic surveys, the dredging schedule, the feedback from boaters and the traffic levels in a given area. He was asked about a number of locations within the West Midlands where audience members had run into problems – some quite literally. He was able to provide some detail on when work was to be carried out in several locations.

Charles also outlined the environmental work done to remove invasive species and the work undertaken to create and retain existing wildlife habitats. He thanked the many volunteers who have helped survey large sections of the system on the lookout for water voles, otters, bats, moths and many other species.

While Charles Hughes is working to retain and encourage habitat, his colleague, Richard Preston, regional operations manager, has the unenviable task – together with more than 90 operatives and a number of contractors – of keeping vegetation under control.

The mowing of towpaths has become an emotive subject in the West Midlands.

Richard was quick to admit that the transition to the contractor, Ground Force, which won the contract for vegetation management some time ago, didn’t go smoothly. The company, hampered by Covid and an inability to

recruit sufficient staff, is still working to catch up. Richard is still meeting with its senior staff to address the problems.

It would seem that the West Midlands has been unlucky as other parts of the country have different contractors who have been able to carry out the vegetation work more effectively.

Head of customer service support Matthew Symonds rounded off the event by discussing the Boater Census and his plan to gather more data to enable the trust to implement a future strategy. It was pointed out that this had been done before but that ‘nothing had come of it’. In reply, Matthew said that he intended to make sure that any policy suggestions were followed up this time.

With the meeting overrunning, Tom Freeland closed the meeting by thanking the attendees and adding that any pre-submitted questions would be answered in writing.

Refugee volunteer group helps with Kennet & Avon makeover A SWING bridge and lock on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Newbury have received a makeover thanks to a group of refugees who are volunteering with the Canal & River Trust.

Refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Iran and El Salvador have been working with the trust and the existing volunteer towpath taskforce to transform the appearance of Bull’s Swing Bridge and Bull’s Lock, which are situated on the canal between Newbury and Thatcham. Having made excellent progress painting the bridge and lock, the group are now set to move on to revamping a nearby footbridge.

The opportunity for the

refugees to join the vast network of volunteers, who give their time across the CRT network, came from a suggestion from volunteer Karen Reeve who is also a lead co-ordinator with the West Berkshire Action for Refugees – a group in the local area who are providing support for the refugees who first moved to the UK at the start of 2022.

Not only are their voluntary efforts helping to improve this part of the Kennet & Avon Canal but volunteering with the trust is providing group members with an opportunity to get active in the local community while learning new skills and developing their use

Refugee volunteers working on Bull’s Swing Bridge. PHOTO: CRT of the English language. They have been registered as Level One volunteers and have participated in water safety training before undertaking

their voluntary tasks.

Caroline Kendall, community engagement manager for the Wales & South West region, said: “Keeping the

canal in an excellent condition is an important part of our work and to have this group of participants being keen to help in the local community, build their confidence in a new environment and learn new skills along the way is wonderful to see.”

Rob Coles, area operations manager for the east section of the Kennet & Avon Canal, added: “The group has done a fantastic job of refreshing Bull’s Swing Bridge and Bull’s Lock on a lovely section of the Kennet & Avon Canal. We are looking forward to them continuing to contribute to some other exciting improvement works along the waterway.”

NEWS 33

November2022 2022 www.towpathtalk.co.uk www.towpathtalk.co.uk November

Preparing the ground for funding bids Words & photos: Janet Richardson

MEMBERS of about 25 canal societies and trusts converged on the Chesterfield Canal on Sunday, October 9 for the autumn meeting of the Northern Canals Association at the Hollingwood Hub. They were welcomed by chairman Ivan Cane to the 80th held since the first meeting in Huddersfield in 1991. He asked that if anyone has any photographs of the early meetings, these would be appreciated for the website.

Setting the scene for the day, Chesterfield Canal Trust development manager George Rogers described how he became involved in canal restoration, having started his engineering career designing sub-stations for the National Grid.

His interest was sparked after moving near the Cromford Canal and through family boating holidays, but it was really down to the Waterway Recovery Group, with which he attended his first camp on the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal.

Giving an update on the progress of restoration on the Chesterfield Canal, George said since 1989, 12 miles have been completed, 37 locks restored, and 11 bridges and two new marinas constructed. Renishaw is currently one of the active sites where work is taking place.

He pointed out that HS2 has not gone away and a large amount of the eastern leg has been put on hold.

George added that the opening of a paddleboard and kayak hire base at Hollingwood Hub this year had proved very popular.

With the original route of the canal at Killamarsh having been heavily built on, he also showed maps of the eastern and western alternatives and entries in a competition to design a boat lift to replace the Norwood Flight of locks.

A new non-tidal connection to the canal network – the Rother Link – is a long-term aim and would create

Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteer Bromley Fowler leading one of the groups. a 108-mile South Yorkshire cruising ring. George explained that canal regeneration is one of 11 local projects that will benefit from the Staveley Town Deal, awarded more than £25 million by the Government.

Shovel readiness

Delegates split into two groups for the workshops led by George Rogers and Patrick Moss and a site visit to see the restoration work at Staveley Waterside and Hartington Harbour and the route of the Towns Fund scheme beyond.

The workshop focus was ‘Shovel Readiness – What does it mean?’ with a look at Levelling Up funds and other similar Government programmes.

Projects must meet the criteria set out in the HM Treasury Green Book, which uses a Five Case Model, with the project examined from a strategic, economic, financial, commercial, and management perspective.

Patrick Moss, from Moss Naylor Young, led a presentation and workshop on the strategic and economic cases which broadly set out why the project should be delivered, while George Rogers covered the other elements.

Before the afternoon workshops and site visit, IWA public affairs manager

Alison Smedley gave a briefing on the results of a restoration survey of some 55 organisations and the launch of Waterways for Today – see report on page 12.

Updates were then given by 11 groups including NCA newcomers Trentlink, which aims to improve the knowledge and safety of new visitors and increase the number of inland boats using the tidal Trent.

Administrator Nick Roberts explained that a free Facebook group shares local boaters’ best practice.

NCA delegates on a site visit to Staveley Town Basin.

Looking down to the site of a proposed lock with the Doe Lea Valley and Mastin Moor beyond.

He went on to stress the importance of attracting more boats to the North East region waterways, including the Fossdyke and Chesterfield canals and the Yorkshire navigations.

Concluding the updates, Waterway Recovery Group chairman Mike Palmer said it should be back to normal next year with its canal campaigns. “If you

The spring meeting will be hosted by the Bradley Canal Restoration Society on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Report highlights post-lockdown boating boom LEISURE boating enjoyed a record summer in 2021 after the canals reopened for unrestricted navigation following the first Covid-19 lockdown, according to the Canal & River Trust.

Its annual report and accounts for 2021/22, the second year to be severely affected by the coronavirus, also showed a continued rise in use of the towpath, with nearly 800 million individual visits during the year.

Accounting for variances relating to the pandemic, income for the year remained broadly stable and the trust was able to increase the amount spent on core maintenance and repair works to keep the network open, safe, and navigable.

Chief executive Richard Parry commented: “In a year severely affected by the pandemic, the trust has demonstrated

its resilience to the challenges faced and continued to provide opportunities for the nine million people who have waterways on their doorstep to experience the wellbeing benefits they offer.

“With the threat of climate change, we must continue to focus funding and resources on increasing the resilience of the canal network and our core purpose of keeping the waterways safe, attractive, accessible, and available for boating and the wide range of other users.”

More than 160 large-scale works were completed during the year, including repairing masonry and brickwork, fixing leaks, updating and installing hydraulics and electrics, and fitting 132 lock gate leaves

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handcrafted at the trust’s specialist workshops.

However, the trust’s largest spend on infrastructure was again on its high-risk reservoirs, continuing a programme of additional works over the decade to minimise any threat to public safety and to safeguard the vital canal water supply that the reservoirs provide.

The report also looks ahead to the review of the Government grant, due to complete in 2022/23, for the period beyond 2027 when the current grant agreement comes to an end.

Richard continued: “As the cost of looking after our ageing network continues

to rise, the sustainable long-term future of our waterways depends on building broad support and maintaining our partnership with Government to secure the funding that is essential to address their long-term resilience and avert their decline.

“With our grant declining significantly in real terms over the next few years, the current Government review of our future funding provides the opportunity to demonstrate the substantial benefits that waterways bring, as well as the wider public risks associated with our ageing and vulnerable network.”

To view the trust’s 2021/22 annual report and accounts, visit: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ about-us/annual-report-and-accounts

4 NEWS

November 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Passing the former Battersea Power Station is Flora Dora, crewed

by Pam and Terry Garland and friends. The Grade II-listed landmark, comprising flats, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, officially reopened on October 14 PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Reflecting on the late Queen’s 70-year reign Widebeam Reflections emerges through Tower Bridge with skipper Richard Boittier, accompanied by nine adults, a baby and a dog. PHOTO: FRANCES PHASEY

By Janet Richardson

AS DUSK fell over the Thames in central London on Saturday, September 24, the Reflections flotilla of about 150 boats, motorised and manpowered – all decorated in thousands of white lights – started its journey down the river.

I was a guest on Andrew and Frances Phasey’s narrowboat, Doris Katia, which led a group of narrowboats including members from the St Pancras Cruising Club in the flotilla, which was a tribute by the river community marking the passing of The Queen and the accession of King Charles III. The Phaseys were stringing about 2000 lights over their boat when I arrived at Limehouse Basin, where most of the boats were moored. We were soon joined by crew members Jeremy Batch, a former tidal lock keeper at Limehouse who now works at the Cruising Association, and David Yeo, an SPCC club member.

At around noon we started locking through in groups onto the river, where we made our way in convoy up to the mustering point. There we waited, three narrowboats to a mooring buoy, while the river closed to traffic at 5.30pm and the boats, ranging from passenger boats and RIBs to row boats and kayaks, started to take up their positions.

The centrepiece, The Queen’s row barge, Gloriana, was waiting to join as we passed under Albert Bridge – one of seven specially illuminated for the

occasion – on our way to Tower Bridge, where we waited for it to open before the flotilla passed through to end the spectacle. The delay was apparently due to the bridge being packed with spectators who were reluctant to move!

Along the route, riverbanks and other bridges were also crammed with spectators, and cadets lining the deck of HMS Belfast stood to attention as we passed.

Andrew and Frances said afterwards: “It was a truly memorable experience and we are grateful to Thames Alive for the organisation of it, and to the narrowboaters, some of whom travelled a long way to join the convoy. It’s particularly notable that some boats – Galatea, Doris Katia, Indigo Dream and Dragonfly – managed the ‘double’ of the diamond and platinum jubilee events.”

The event is expected to raise up to £20,000 for the RNLI, supporting the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge. Promoted as part of Totally Thames 2022, Reflections was organised by Thames Alive, together with a group of people who played a central role in the delivery of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

The flotilla heads under Grosvenor Railway Bridge with the city skyline beyond. PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Lighting up as dusk begins to fall.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

Getting ready to leave Limehouse are the crew of Doris Katia, from left: David Yeo, Frances Phasey, Jeremy Batch and Andrew Phasey.

The Queen’s row barge, Gloriana, waiting to join the flotilla.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

My thanks to Andrew and Frances Phasey and crew members Jeremy Batch and David Yeo for a most memorable experience.

Approaching Tower Bridge on the way upriver.

Doris Katia’s flagstaff flying flotilla and diamond jubilee flags.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

PHOTO: FRANCES PHASEY

Narrowboat Indigo Dream passes the London Eye, crewed by Sue Cook and Richard Nosek, plus friends. The greyhound images reflect their support for Greyhound Rescue. PHOTO: FRANCES PHASEY

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2022

Cotswold Canals Connected holds ground-breaking event MORE than 100 people attended an open day hosted by Cotswold Canals Connected at a section of the ‘missing mile’ currently being excavated by Archaeology England.

There were three stalls at the event, organised for members of the public to learn about the history of the site, examine finds, and look at plans for the restoration works.

Explaining the Missing Mile was led by project manager Darryl Rasdell, Finds from the Site was led

by Archaeology England and Cotswold Canals Connected volunteers, and the Discovering Local History stall was led by Stroudwater Navigation Archive Charity, a Cotswold Canals Connected partner.

Archaeological excavations are taking place in the field next to the A38 roundabout, soon to be named Hydes Basin. This field forms part of the ‘missing mile’, a section of the Stroudwater Navigation Canal that will be reconstructed. The original canal was infilled in the 1960s.

A recently-built section of canal runs underneath the busy A38 roundabout at Whitminster. It includes two new bridges, a canal channel and towpath, and was made possible thanks to a £4 million grant from Highways England. The creation of Hydes Basin will be the next step in the restoration process, resulting in a large mooring area for boats and a canalside café.

Over the six weeks of the dig, Archaeology England, with the help of Cotswold Canals Connected volunteers, discovered evidence relating to a Romano-British settlement.

This included enclosures, ditches and pits from which artefacts such as pottery and animal bone were recovered.

This material represents domestic rubbish from Romano-British people and will help archaeologists to understand how they lived, what they ate, farming practices, potential local industries and trade links.

At the open day, the public were able to examine finds from the site, which included an ornate piece of Roman-era Samian ware, lots of black burnished ware fragments, and a rare

blue glass bead found by a Cotswold Canals Connected volunteer.

Coun Catherine Braun, leader of Stroud District Council, who attended, said: “The archaeological open day was a great success! It was fantastic to see people of all ages interested in this site and the wider project to restore the canal for all to enjoy. It is really exciting to see the Cotswold Canals Connected project gain momentum, with community involvement and engagement a crucial part of the canal restoration work.”

Cotswold Canals Connected is a partnership of organisations led by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust, which is restoring the canal network.

Stroud District Council leader Coun Catherine Braun and environment committee chairman Coun Chloe Turner, right, with Prof Mark Horton and canal project director Chris MItford-Slade.

A member of the Archaeology England team talks to visitors about the finds.

Canal project director Chris Mitford-Slade being interviewed by Matt Bigwood, of Stroud Times, and Helen Gadd, of Glos Live. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

A small blue glass bead found by a volunteer.

Rhiannon Philp, of Archaeology England, with TV archaeologist Prof Mark Horton, who is vicepresident of the Cotswold Canals Trust.

Amber Valley Rotary Club presenting Birdswood crew members with their new green hi-viz vests. PHOTOS: FCC

Highs and lows of successful season LOW water levels on the Cromford Canal caused the cancellation of some of the popular trips on board trip boat Birdswood, which was stuck on its mooring.

According to the Friends of Cromford Canal, the cruising season was officially due to finish on October 30 but at the time of writing, it was anticipated that this could happen earlier. There is a bi-annual in-water inspection by inspectors of the Maritime & Coast Agency during November, which means all the fixtures and fittings in the boat must be removed to allow the floor panels to be lifted.

In addition to the low flows from the Bonsall Brook, the water source that fills the canal at Cromford Wharf, the canal owner, Derbyshire County Council, has been actively investigating potential leaks. It has already undertaken ground penetrating radar surveys and has been trying to identify the worst leakage areas with the intention of fixing the leaks by using a contractor.

Birdswood has had a very successful season with the new extended trips which focus on industrial archaeology, wildlife and ecology with an FCC guide, proving to be highly popular.

Passengers, having travelled from Cromford, disembark at Leawood pump house to be met by guides who conduct the passengers, in three groups, to Leawood Pumphouse, Aqueduct Cottage and Wigwell Aqueduct.

Initially two extended trips were planned to see what the take-up would be, but these proved so popular that several more were organised.

Unfortunately, at the end of the

season the FCC boat committee and crew had to cancel the last two trips because of low water levels. However, due to their popularity, they will be a significant part of next year’s cruising programme. Meanwhile, the official launch and opening of the Aqueduct Cottage, which has been under restoration for three years, has been delayed until April 2023.

One exercise which started midway through last season and continued fortnightly this year involved a group of female work party members, together with some of Birdswood crew, cleaning the boat inside and out.

The pride of those volunteers doing that job has been great to see and the Friends group has recevied many positive reviews about the cleanliness of Birdswood from passengers, verbally and on the Birdswood website and Trip Advisor.

The Friends group has also been presented with new hi-viz vests for the work parties and the Birdswood crew

by Amber Valley Rotary Club.

The work party presentation was held at Sawmills, where an original wall of the canal was being rebuilt.

The party from Amber Valley Rotary Club, then moved to Cromford Wharf to hand over the green hi-viz clothing to the Birdswood crew before the boat set off on its afternoon sailing.

Volunteers cleaning the inside of Birdswood.

Work party members with the new yellow hi-viz.

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6 NEWS 6

Trust seeks second apprentice

THE Wey & Arun Canal Trust is looking to take on a second apprentice to join it in the restoration of the historic canal, which runs from Shalford in Surrey to Pallingham in West Sussex.

The charity was the first independent canal trust in the UK to take on an apprentice back in 2021 when it recruited Adam Rayner, who on successful completion of his course will soon be joining the trust as a permanent member of staff.

The new Level 3 (A Level) Water Environment Worker apprentice will help guide and lead teams of volunteers in constructing new bridges and will carry out

a wide range of waterway and environmental mini projects along the length of the canal as well as maintenance tasks.

The role offers on-the-job training combined with studying both remotely and in person at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Applicants must enjoy working outdoors, be self-motivated, and hold a clean driving licence.

Applicants also require good organisation and problemsolving skills, as well as physical fitness and the ability to communicate well with a wide range of people of all ages.

Training director Margaret Darvill said the apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity

The Wey & Arun Trust’s first apprentice, Adam Rayner.

PHOTO: WACT

for someone looking to learn new skills and forge a career in waterway restoration:

“Applicants need to be willing to work outside come rain or shine, but the training and experience offered will provide a great avenue for progression within the industry as well as being a lot of fun along the way.”

She added: “We are really proud to have been able to offer Adam the opportunity to learn about waterway management and show how rewarding canal restoration can be, and we are very pleased he is staying with us.”

To apply, please visit www. findapprenticeship.service.gov. uk and search for Wey & Arun Canal Trust.

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Volunteers bringing Surrey canal stretch back to life VOLUNTEERS at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust have been making great progress on their latest major restoration project in Surrey, a few miles south of the point where the Wey & Arun Canal connects with the national waterway network.

The trust is restoring a section of canal at Birtley, near Bramley, to create a length of waterway suitable for kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists to use, and work is underway to construct the second of two bridges in this picturesque area.

The canal is blocked by a causeway that carries a bridleway and cycleway, so volunteers have constructed a diversion to allow

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Working on the bridge foundations at Birtley Bridge. PHOTO: WACT

right of way use to continue while the bridge is built.

They have also worked with gas distribution company SGN to relocate a gas main under the canal bed.

Piling contractor Neil Foundations Systems set to work at the end of August and volunteers have now begun work on the bridge foundations.

Concrete blinding was applied to the canal bed in September to create a sound working base and working parties have been constructing formwork, and steel cages at the trust’s depot and site ahead of casting the concrete ground beams needed.

The bridge will be a manually operated lift bridge, and the same mechanism will be fitted to the bridge several hundred metres to the south, which currently has a temporary fixed deck.

Trust chairman Sally Schupke said she looked forward to the next phase of work at Birtley: “Restoring the canal here at Birtley will provide a stunning outlook for the many walkers, cyclists and horse riders who pass by and add to the attraction of the canalside walk we opened here earlier this year.”

Leeds & Liverpool Canal celebrates Green Flag status THE Canal & River Trust is celebrating after a new 35-mile section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal between Stanley Lock Flight and Wigan Top Lock has been awarded Green Flag Status.

Now in their third decade, the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy awards are given to outdoor spaces that boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained, and have excellent visitor facilities.

The presentation of this award marks a remarkable transformation of the Liverpool end of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which only two decades ago was classified as ‘remainder length’ by British Waterways. The opening of the Liverpool Canal Link in 2009 proved a turning point,

providing boaters with an amazing leisure destination in the South Docks and re-energising the western end of the country’s longest canal.

The growth in the number of volunteers with the Canal & River Trust has also been a key factor in upgrading the environment, with a strong, dedicated team now keeping the canal and towpath in top condition, supporting trust staff in providing help to boaters and local communities along its route.

This year the trust has seen an extra 125 miles added to the 565 miles already designated with the Green Flag environmental quality mark. This includes a 15-mile section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in East Lancashire between Blackburn

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and Burnley, and several other waterways throughout the North West.

CRT North West Daniel Greenhalgh director said: “We are delighted that more than a quarter of our network now holds Green Flag awards. It is a testament to everyone who works or volunteers with the trust, including those in the community who play such a vital part in helping to look after their local canal.”

To participate in the trust’s weekly volunteer work parties in Wigan and Sefton, email Neil Holladay at Neil.Holladay@ canalrivertrust.org.uk. Also visit canalrivertrust.org.uk

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Volunteers recognised in annual awards scheme THE Canal & River Trust, together with Marsh Charitable Trust, has announced the volunteers who have been recognised in its annual awards scheme.

To coincide with the trust’s 10th anniversary, this year included an extra category to recognise a volunteer in each region who has been volunteering with the trust since its inception.

CRT head of volunteering Christine Mellor said: “We have seen an incredible change in the number of people volunteering on the canals and the impact that they have. This summer, volunteers donated their five millionth hour to the Canal & River Trust since our launch 10 years ago.

Marsh Charitable Trust chairman Brian Marsh said: “We are pleased to be able to

work with the Canal & River Trust and to deliver these awards in its tenth year.

“They recognise some very special people who give their time to volunteer on our nation’s waterways and support the wellbeing of those who use them.”

Ceremonies have been taking place in each of the Canal & River Trust’s six regions. Pictured are winners from the first four regions.

North West volunteer of the year Tommy Higson, recognised for his work on the Rochdale Green Recovery Project. The 10-year award went to Jon Stopp.

The East Midlands team award went to the Foxton Lock volunteers.

Pictured, front row, are: CRT chief executive Richard Parry, Tony Gale, Mike Dex, Matthew Wakely, head of volunteering Christine Mellor, and Foxton Locks duty manager Julie Nottingham. Back row are: Nigel Cooke, Kevin Burton and Martin Nicholls.

East Midlands individual award winner Jules Hall, centre, with from left: CRT chief executive Richard Parry, volunteer leader Jane Stubbs, head of volunteering Christine Mellor and Marsh Charitable Trust manager Annie McCarthy. The 10-year volunteering award went to John Carvel from Rugby, who is not pictured.

The Tuel Lane Lock volunteers won the Yorkshire and NE team award. Pictured from left are: Ian Kelshaw, Andrew Cotterill, Phillip Denison, Cath Munn, Mike Brennan and Jim Wright.

Yorkshire & North East individual award winner David Wadsworth.

The North West team award went to the Middlewich lock keepers, pictured at the presentation ceremony at Anderton.

The London & South East award winners pictured with CRT head of volunteering Christine Mellor and regional director Ros Daniels, right: Colin Parker, of team award winner South East Action Days; individual award winner Frank Stimpson, for his work as a roving lock keeper on the Lee Navigation; and 10-year award winner Dick Pilkinton for his efforts in enabling people to get outside and enjoy fishing. PHOTOS: CRT

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November 2022 2022 November

Book and music shop opens in Stonehouse

Flanked by Old Mortonians supporters, Thomas Brindley holds the information board to pay tribute to his famous namesake. The last yards of the last Brindley canal can be seen in the background.

Old Mortonians mark Brindley anniversary SUPPORTERS of the Old Mortonians recently marked the 250th anniversary of the death of the ‘father of English canals’, James Brindley.

This Hillmorton Canal Heritage Group is named after the old Morton Pound that had reached just short of the site of the bottom Lock

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at Hillmorton on the day James died.

Working with Rugby Borough Council, they designed and produced an information board to display on a small lectern beside the canal below the bottom lock, opposite the overgrown remains of that last Brindley canal. But as

reported in Towpath Talk last month, the Canal & River Trust would not grant permission for its unveiling to take place.

It was left to local teenager Thomas Brindley – not a direct descendant but he also lives just off Brindley Road, Hillmorton – to hold the information board.

THE Cotswold Canals Trust Charity Book and Music Shop has officially opened in Stonehouse.

Accompanied by town councillor Chris Brine, Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie cut the ribbon on September 24 to celebrate the opening.

She said: “The Cotswold Canals Trust is a fabulous local success story that shows how support from a community of volunteers can really make a change.”

The shop is a treasure trove of books, games and music. From Portland Oregon to Portland in Dorset, you’ll find a vast collection of travel books and eclectic items such as a German Second World War map of Gloucestershire.

Books in excellent or near-new condition range upwards from 50p.

There is also a cosy corner with seating for children to browse and read.

Volunteer-run, all proceeds go towards restoring the Stroudwater Canal & Thames & Severn Canals.

Anyone interested in volunteering can get in touch via its website at https:// cotswoldcanals.org/volunteer

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie and Coun Chris Brine cut the ribbon to officially open the new shop. PHOTO: MIKE GALLAGHER

Bowling club supports Chesterfield Canal Trust

The proposed siting of the Old Mortonians’ tribute, shown on an OS Map of 1888. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

CAPTAINS of Retford Bowling Green, Carol Norman and Chris Bromley, decided to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust as their chosen charity this year to aid its important work in restoring this historic canal.

The sum of £300 has been raised from various events throughout the bowling season, with raffles, bowling ‘spiders’ and social events. Bowling, associate and social members have enjoyed these events, being pleased to take

Towpath team triumph on the Monty

TOWPATH

The Canal & River Trust deadline for completing the towpath, and shaping and lining the channel, was the beginning of October. The clay dam that has been retaining thousands of gallons of water in Crickheath Basin was due to be removed during the first October work party using a large digger from the offside.

Progress has been made at an astonishing pace over recent months, due in no small part to new volunteers arriving, including a 16-year-old student undertaking part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with the

society. CRT intends to fill the channel with water to test it in November, with a view to opening the canal for navigation next Easter. The Heritage Lottery Funding was due to expire in October, adding to the pressure to complete the work on time.

Advanced planning is taking place for the next project beyond Crickheath Bridge. The preliminary work of constructing a compound site and fencing has begun and main channel work will begin in 2023 to link with the new Schoolhouse Bridge, which hopefully will be reinstated by the Restore the Montgomery Group by next year.

new members of any age and ability.

It not only offers bowling in the summer season but also a varied winter programme including social activities and events. Fortnightly coffee mornings (Fridays) provide an ideal opportunity to come and meet the club.

Anyone who may be interested in joining or coming along would be very welcome.

For more information, email rbglpublicity@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page https:// facebook.com/RBGLTD1897/

Chesterfield Canal Trust secretary Rod Auton (centre) receives the cheque from captains Carol Norman and Chris Bromley at Retford Bowling Green. PHOTO SUPPLIED

TALK

IN BEAUTIFUL dry weather, the second September work party of Shropshire Union Canal volunteers produced an amazing completion to what seemed an impossible task in August.

The 330m length of towpath has been boarded with parallel lines of shuttering to retain the stone base. This has been top dressed with finings of stone dust and whacker plated to consolidate it.

Large stones have also been applied to the metre above the block paved channel to complete the distance up to towpath level.

Finally soil was added onto the stones and on either side of the new towpath to encourage the growth of vegetation.

part and support the chosen charity as they always do.

Rod Auton, secretary of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, received the cheque and said: “We were very honoured to be chosen as the Retford Bowling Club’s charity this year.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this wonderful donation, which will go towards the future restoration of our beautiful canal.”

Retford Bowling Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and has held various events highlighting the club and its merits. The club has a combined membership of about 140 people and welcomes and encourages

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An aerial view of the final 10m. PHOTO: DALTON DRONES

Journey’s end: The finished product. PHOTO: SU PUBLICITY

Final surfacing of the towpath.

PHOTO: SU PUBLICITY

CHARACTER 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2022

One of Richard’s range of bee and bug hotels.

Richard Paterson and his dog Harvey beside his narrowboat Smoke on the Water.

Richard Paterson Birds & the Bees Bird feeders and insect hotels handcrafted from reclaimed wood.

By Alice Griffin

WHEN I first bumped into Richard Paterson on the Grand Union Canal, he had set up his workbench on a spare piece of grass along the towpath and was busy sawing away with faithful dog Harvey by his side.

Together they created an idyllic scene so when one of my dogs, Pepper, decided to introduce herself, I was glad for the opportunity to start a conversation!

Having moved onto the canals in 2019 when divorce forced Richard to rethink his life and consider a different way of living, he now happily wanders the waterways aboard a 50ft 1986 Colecraft cruiser stern named Smoke on the Water.

“I had X amount of money to spend and originally looked at land in Wales with a view towards self-sufficiency, but when I considered how isolating that might be, I decided I could achieve something similar on the water,” he said. “I love being so close to nature, and

the sense of survival – especially in the cold – keeps me on my toes. Plus, your garden always changes, with a lot more freedom to have nice countryside on the doorstep, and I get to live comfortably as an introvert while getting my extrovert bit from talking to the public I sell to.”

What Richard sells is not just wooden items for the garden, but also his deeprooted love of nature: “The idea popped into my head one day about a business handcrafting bird feeders and insect hotels from reclaimed wood, and so Birds & the Bees was born.”

The nod to the environment in more ways than one doesn’t go unnoticed. Not only does Richard want to encourage

Birds & the Bees products on display.

One of Richard’s creative designs. everyone to care about nature, but he also doesn’t want to contribute to more waste.

“I’ve always been the type of person to make use of waste or unwanted items and if what I do can also benefit the environment, then that’s a bonus!”

Richard’s knowledge of bees is second-to-none and his passion is to educate everyone who passes about their importance. “It’s a shame that people don’t always understand how vital these creatures are to the environment.

One simple explanation I offer is if we didn’t have bees, we wouldn’t be living – because no bees means no pollination.

Without pollination we wouldn’t have trees, and without trees there would be no oxygen to breathe.”

He has always enjoyed practical work that encourages creativity and working with his hands, so his business offers a great way to keep him busy. “I’m dyslexic and dyslexics are by nature very creative, always needing to entertain the grey matter!” In particular Richard shares with me that the dyslexic brain appreciates more of a challenge, so he is often conjuring up new and creative designs. “I like things that are a bit more out there, like my demijohn bird feeders.”

A gravity-fed feeder using an inverted bottle. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

An insect hotel handcrafted from reclaimed wood.

These gravity-fed feeders are a novel way to reuse discarded bottles, and it seems Richard has the knack of finding necessary materials everywhere: “I look for anything I can make use of, which is generally bottles and wood.” Richard also collects unwanted pallets from a wellknown shop which is glad to see this waste product repurposed. “When I’m moored nearby I take a trolley run and fill my boat up. I can make a lot with six to 10 pallets!”

While Richard loves his work, times are hard for all and so selling enough to survive is tricky. “My long-term plan is to go back to full-time employment and do made-to-order items online or for collection on the side.” His most popular product is his £18 range of bee and bug hotels. “I don’t make anything for just one bug, so these accommodate solitary bees, ladybirds, spiders, earwigs – you name it!”

It’s important to Richard that the environment is always considered in his creations, so as much as possible he keeps things simple and natural. “I

might not be a Greenpeace activist but I’m doing my bit,” he told me, which is a solid reminder that if each person adopted this outlook, we might have a brighter future.

As a spiritual person, Richard often reflects on his life. “It is idyllic but it can still be a challenge, although I believe this brings you closer to nature. Life on the canal is like a mediation for me and I doubt I will go back to land now. I’ll probably end up making my own coffin out of pallets!”

Facebook: palletupcycle Competition: Keep an eye on Richard’s updates for news of the bird table raffle!

Alice Griffin is a writer and yoga teacher living and working aboard her narrowboat, Melody. She leads nature-inspired e-courses and offers online yoga classes that bring us back to the earth and ourselves. www.alicegriffin.co.uk

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Toddbrook Reservoir project gets under way

MAJOR construction work has started to restore Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge. The project is likely to cost about £15 million and take two years to complete, with the reservoir due to reopen in late 2024.

The Canal & River Trust is working with contractor Kier to deliver the restoration. Work recently began to create a site compound on the northern end of the town’s Memorial Park, which has been temporarily closed to the public. Hoardings have been erected, site access installed, and existing drainage and feeder channels realigned.

CRT project manager Tom Greenwood said: “We are

pleased to be starting work on the major construction project to restore Toddbrook Reservoir.

“We are very eager to reopen it again for the benefit of the local community, the sailing club, anglers, walkers, and all the other visitors who enjoy using it.

“With this summer’s dry weather, we’ve sadly been forced to close both the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals due to lack of water, so it’s a timely reminder of why it’s vitally important to get the reservoir operational again.

“Kier has appointed a dedicated community stakeholder manager who will be available throughout to liaise with local residents.

“Construction access will be along Reservoir Road and we very much appreciate the cooperation of those residents, in particular as we start the main construction activity. We will do our best to mitigate noise and disruption as far as we can.”

Kier stakeholder manager Tess Smith will be available at a weekly drop-in community hub every Wednesday between 2.30pm and 5pm in the Transhipment Warehouse at the Canal Basin in Whaley Bridge.

There will also be a noticeboard with regular updates posted both at the warehouse and by the site works, plus letter drops to near

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neighbours about construction traffic and site activity.

Tess will be sending out regular updates by email.

Anyone who has specific construction queries or would like to join the email list is invited to contact her via email: Toddbrook@kier.co.uk The public will still be able to walk through the park on a footpath connecting Reservoir Road to the Memorial Park Bridge, which will feature a viewing point. New children’s play equipment has been installed as a temporary measure at the top of the dam, next to Whaley Bridge Athletic Football Club.

At the end of the project, a new playground similar to the existing one will be rebuilt at the same location in the Memorial Park.

The park will also be re-landscaped with replacement trees, wildlife habitats, extra paths and a new footbridge over the reservoir bypass channel.

The project aims to achieve a net biodiversity gain of more than 10%.

Construction work is due to start to create a new overflow spillway structure to the north of the dam.

This involves building a side channel weir, ‘tumble bay’, spillway channel and stilling basin which will link into the existing bypass channel flowing into the River Goyt in the park.

To make way for the new spillway works, the sailing club will be relocated behind the new tumble bay. The clubhouse has been dismantled and will be replaced by a new sailing club slipway, clubhouse, boat storage and car park.

The final phase of the project will be to remove

Kier stakeholder manager Tess Smith.

CRT project manager Tom Greenwood.

the concrete panels from the 1970s-built overflow spillway, damaged in summer 2019. The dam will then be repaired and grassed over. This will be

followed by works to the inlet cascade at the far end of the reservoir to increase resilience to high flows from Todd Brook stream.

Hoardings being erected around the site. In the foreground is the route of the new spillway.

An artist’s impression of the new sailing club. PHOTOS: CRT

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NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2022

PART OF MIDDLEWICH CANAL CENTRE

Before the new Coulam V17 Wheelyboat set off on her maiden voyage, pictured from left are: Jim Coulam (Coulam Boatbuilders Ltd), Andy Beadsley (The Wheelyboat Trust), Gerard Walmsley (Avon Boating), Elizabeth Dixon (Accessible Stratford), Coun Chris Kettle, Janine Ray (Stratford District Council) and Jim Clarke (Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub). PHOTO: LORENTZ GULLACHSEN

LD

B

O TS A O

Stratford’s first fully electric accessible hire boat is launched on the River Avon A FULLY electric wheelchair accessible hire boat has been launched on the River Avon in Warwickshire.

The Coulam V17 Wheelyboat will now enable wheelchair users of all ages and abilities to independently access and enjoy the waterway that runs through the heart of Shakespeare’s Stratford for the first time.

Through funding support from Stratford District Council and national charity The Wheelyboat Trust, Avon Boating is now able to provide Stratford’s first electric accessible boat – which is also the first self-operated accessible hire boat on the Avon – for local people with disabilities and their friends and families to enjoy, as well as the many tourists with disabilities who visit each year.

As well as being able to enjoy the River Avon as passengers, they will also be able to drive the boat independently if they wish, using its drive-fromwheelchair helm. Thanks to the boat’s Torqeedo Cruise 2 outboard, the boat runs very quietly and is also capable of a full day’s boating without needing to charge.

It was officially launched on September 20 by The Wheelyboat Trust’s director, Andy Beadsley, who cut the ceremonial ribbon. Also in attendance was Coun Chris Kettle, Jim Clarke (business mentor and account manager from Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub), Elizabeth Dixon (disability advisor from Accessible Stratford), Janine Ray

(council licensing officer for Stratford District Council) and boatbuilder Jim Coulam, who have all been instrumental in making this project come to fruition.

Avon Boating director Gerard Walmsley said: “For a long time we have wanted to be able to accommodate wheelchair users – or indeed anyone with more complex mobility issues – on our hire fleet. I am delighted to say, with the purchase of the Coulam V17 Wheelyboat we can finally offer this service.

“Our customers see firsthand the many benefits that being out on the water and in fresh air can bring.

“We cannot wait to see locals and visitors alike, including those who have never been out on the river before, enjoying all this iconic waterway has to offer.

“We would like to thank everybody who came together and offered us the advice and support needed to make this dream a reality.”

The V17 Wheelyboat is The Wheelyboat Trust’s most versatile to date. They are suitable for use on inshore waters and with a 90hp outboard can reach a top speed of more than 30mph.

They are equally at home on inland lakes, rivers and canals, and are perfect for leisurely pleasure boating and whiling away a few hours on the water.

Every Wheelyboat has roll-on roll-off access and an open and level cockpit, and their drive-from-wheelchair helms enable anyone in a wheelchair not only to board the Wheelyboat easily and move around safely but also drive it too. All Wheelyboats are handmade and fitted out to order by Jim Coulam, of Coulam Boatbuilders Ltd, in Lincolnshire.

Wheelyboat Trust director Andy Beadsley explained: “These are a lifeline for anyone in a wheelchair or who has mobility issues as they no longer need to be manhandled into a non-accessible boat, which is not only unsafe but also undignified.

“Thanks to the watertight bow door that lowers to form a ramp, anyone in a wheelchair can simply board and move around easily and independently.

“We are delighted that locals and visitors to Stratford with disabilities can now enjoy the River Avon in the same way that able-bodied people already do.”

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To book a trip on the new Wheelyboat, visit: www.avonboating.co.uk/product/wheelyboat The Wheelyboat Trust relies on donations from individuals and organisations and its work could not continue without the ongoing generosity that provides. To help get more people with disabilities out on UK waters, text WHEELYBOAT to 70085 to donate £5. To find out more, visit www.wheelyboats.org

New appointments at Canal & River Trust THE Canal & River Trust has confirmed three appointments to its board following approval at its recent council AGM. David Orr became the new chairman, with Bronagh Kennedy and Ian Peters joining as trustees.

These appointments are for an initial three-year term and bring the trust’s board to 11 members, with the charity’s outgoing chairman, Allan Leighton, and trustee Ben Gordon having stepped down

on completion of their terms of office.

The trustees are unpaid voluntary roles; they lead the trust’s decision-making on policy and strategy, have legal oversight of the wide range of statutory duties, and provide direction to the chief executive and his team.

Bronagh Kennedy retires later this year from her role as group company secretary and general counsel at Severn Trent Water. She

has held previous executive roles at Mitchells & Butlers, has non-executive roles at Wolseley UK and British Canoeing, and also sits on the advisory board of EMR. Ian Peters is chair of the UK Health Security Agency and three companies involved in the energy transition sector.

His previous roles include chief executive of British Gas, vice chair of the Peabody Trust, and chair at Bart’s Health NHS Trust.

WWW.CANALCENTRE.COM

12 IWA ROUND-UP

November 2022

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

Awards presented at IWA annual meeting

THE Inland Waterways Association’s 63rd AGM was held on Saturday, September 24 at the Guildhall in Lichfield, with members attending in person and via Zoom.

There was a good turn-out and members were enthusiastic about the launch of the Waterways for Today report, which was very well-received. Following a presentation about the report, the meeting started and members had the opportunity to vote on key issues, including the appointment and reappointment of trustees.

The National Awards were also presented to volunteers and groups who have made significant impact through the work they do and their overall commitment to IWA. A special thank-you goes to the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, which made a short presentation after the ceremony and took members on a two-hour guided walk after lunch. Thanks also to the members of IWA Lichfield Branch and other volunteers who helped out at the event.

IWA National Awards

Richard Bird Medals were presented to the following

members whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Inland Waterways Association over a sustained period: David Carrington; Mike Elwell and Jane Elwell; Sue Schweiso; John Hawkins; and Mike Slade.

Christopher Power Award for the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway: Terry Cavender, from Buckingham Canal Society.

Branch Achievement Award for the IWA branch which has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the association’s aims and objectives during the past year: IWA Lichfield Branch.

Cyril Styring Trophy, IWA’s premier award for an outstanding contribution in furthering the association’s campaigns: John Fevyer.

IWA and BCNS help Bradley volunteers THE Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch has, along with the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, been pleased to support the Bradley Canal Restoration Society in its endeavours to clear the lower reaches of the canal.

Starting from its junction with the Walsall Canal at Moorcroft, volunteers have worked their way up to the second lock. Vegetation has been cut back, rubbish and fly tipping removed, and

Cutting back rubbish along the lower reaches of the Bradley Canal.

the area tidied up to the satisfaction of residents who walk the area.

Lock brickwork has been exposed, and progress is now being made on opening up some of the by-washes.

Vegetation management continues, and soon ground radar and core sampling studies will take place on the infilled flight of locks. This will require further fundraising and the results will point the way to the next steps in the restoration.

Volunteers tidying up the area popular with walkers. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Restoration webinar: Crowdfunding for your restoration CROWDFUNDING as a means of fundraising will be the subject of a Restoration Webinar on Tuesday, November 8 from 11am to noon via Zoom.

This session will be facilitated

by Chris Rose, from Invest My Community, who will be talking us through what crowdfunding is and the pros and cons of this type of fundraising. He will also go through setting up an online crowdfunding page and provide an introduction to a number of different sites and their differences.

Please register in advance for this webinar at https://waterways.org. uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/ e v e n t s / r e s t o r a t i o n - w e b i n a rcrowdfunding-for-your-restoration

Get involved – work party dates PLEASE contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes and old clothing, and bring a waterproof. You may want to bring a packed lunch and refreshments.

NORTH WEST Saturday, November 12 IWA Manchester Branch in conjunction with the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal Society:

Prestolee. Contact: Barry McGuiness at b.mcguinness1@googlemail.com MIDLANDS Fridays, November 11 and 25 IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Burslem Port Trust: Work party on the Burslem Arm,

Stoke-on-Trent, 10.30am-2.30pm.

Painting and vegetation clearance.

Contact: Dave Broome on 07974 966253; dave.broome45@gmail.com Thursday, November 17 IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Trent & Mersey Canal Society: Monthly work party on

the Cheshire Locks (Trent & Mersey Canal, Kidsgrove to Wheelock), 10am-3pm. Painting and vegetation

clearance. Contact: John Lawson on 07940 878923; john.lawson@ waterways.org.uk Monday, November 21 IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust: Monthly work

party on the Uttoxeter Canal working between Alton and Crumpwood, 10am-3pm. This month we will be carrying out vegetation management along the former towpath near Alton.

The meeting point is across the road from Alton Station, on Farley Lane, ST10 4BY. Contact: Alison Smedley on 01538 385388; allie.smedley@ waterways.org.uk EAST Sunday, November 6 and Tuesday, November 15 IWA Northampton Branch: Work

parties are usually held one weekday and one Sunday a month, along the

Arm, 10am-2pm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Contact: Geoff Wood at geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk Tuesdays IWA Milton

Keynes

Branch:

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

9.30am-1.30pm. Work can include vegetation clearance, gardening, litter picking and painting. Work parties are dependent on weather being agreeable. Contact: Pat Durham on 07510 195918; email pat.durham@ waterways.org.uk WEST Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in the

Somerset area, 10am-1pm. Contact: Mike Slade at mike.slade@waterways. org.uk; 07977 263840.

The siting of water points featured in IWA’s Gaptracker survey. PHOTO: IWA

Canal & River Trust draws on IWA research for facilities consultation

THE Canal & River Trust is currently consulting on the provision of facilities for boaters, with the aim of establishing the baseline minimum services that users require.

In doing so, it has drawn on the Gaptracker survey carried out by IWA in 2018 and the subsequent report on the findings. Ahead of the launch, the IWA met with the trust to discuss the findings from its report and how they could be used to inform the CRT consultation.

The IWA report made several recommendations on the provision of customer service facilities for boaters, including water points, rubbish disposal points including recycling points, portable chemical toilet disposal points, and electricity (shore power mains connection charging sites) at the following frequencies: • Every five hours of cruising across most of the inland waterways system, including between waterways managed by neighbouring navigation authorities.

• Every two hours of cruising in London and other urban areas with large numbers of residential boats on unserviced moorings.

• Pump-out facilities at regular intervals, ideally provided by boatyards, marinas and other third-party providers.

• Where there are gaps of more than 10 hours of cruising, then navigation authorities should encourage third party provision and where this fails,

should provide DIY pump-out facilities, or portable chemical toilet disposal points should be suitable for the use of boat-based DIY pump out equipment.

• Recycling points at the majority of rubbish disposal points, as recycling is currently seriously under-catered for and when cruising accessing recycling points away from the water is not always practical or possible. IWA recognises that boaters will only be encouraged to separate items for recycling if there are frequent recycling points and their location is known. As recycling policies and the colour coding of bins vary from place to place, clear information about what can and cannot be recycled will be needed.

The full report can be found online at https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/ news/survey-calls-for-basic-facilities IWA is pleased that CRT is using its recommendations and proposing that, as a minimum provision, the following facilities should be provided by the trust approximately five cruising hours apart, and shorter in very busy areas such as London: • Water points • Elsan points • Refuse/recycling points Boaters who use Canal & River Trust waterways are urged to complete the consultation, which can be found at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/ national-consultations

Chester Canal 250 event declared great success IWA organisers of the boat rally held in Chester on July 30/31 have been delighted with both the final results and what they achieved.

The event, with free admission, celebrated the opening of the Chester Canal in 1772. It attracted more than 1000 visitors and generated a surplus of more than £1000 now available for waterway projects in

the area. A number of traders sold out of stock on the first day and had to replenish to carry on trading the following day. Several approached the organisers to be kept informed of future events.

Guided walks were well patronised and a number of VIPs attended, expressing their support for the work carried out by the IWA. IWA Chester

& Merseyside chairman Jim Forkin said: “It was great to see that the public turned out and appreciated the canal network but the added bonus was to show to the decision-makers in Chester the value of waterway assets in the city and the latent demand for the opportunities to be maximised. Waterways can really benefit local economies and create jobs.”

IWA launches Waterways for Today report TAKING advantage of its unique position as the only independent national charity dedicated to supporting and regenerating all of Britain’s navigable rivers and canals, the IWA has produced a new report.

Waterways for Today can be used by waterways organisations to highlight the value and importance of the waterways network and is particularly relevant for anyone in discussions about funding for a waterways project.

The report demonstrates how rivers and canals can contribute to the country’s economic recovery and why the ongoing maintenance and regeneration of Britain’s navigable waterways is essential.

By assembling diverse evidence and casestudies from throughout the sector, the report outlines the 12 most significant ways that inland waterways can benefit the economy, environment, local communities, and the lives of individual people.

It also shows how improvements to navigable waterways and the restoration

of abandoned canals and rivers can act as a catalyst for wider investment and regeneration.

Commenting on the launch, IWA national chairman Les Etheridge said: “Inland waterways are an integral part of our life and landscape, stretching for 5000 miles throughout urban and rural Britain. Millions visit them every year and yet these blue-green corridors are constantly under threat from a serious lack of funding and investment.

“We want our Waterways for Today report to become a resource for all those on the front line at IWA or any other waterways organisation, restoration society or navigation authority to use when campaigning for funding. It has all the facts and figures needed to persuade those holding the purse strings that funding would be well spent on waterway regeneration or restoration projects.”

Download an electronic copy from the IWA website at https://waterways.org.uk.

Printed copies of the report are available on request.

13

www.towpathtalk.co.uk November 2022

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14 FREIGHT

Fuelling our desires Jonathan Mosse continues his monthly look at freight developments on the inland waterways.

at Northwich in 1937. She is currently powered by a three-cylinder Petter which has succeeded both a two-cylinder variant and a National. With butty in tow she is still capable of moving 55 tons of assorted cargo (dredged depth permitting) with minimal environmental impact.

Andrew and Tadworth represent the most southerly outpost of the Jules’ Fuels fuel boat operation on the Grand Union Canal. During times of peak demand, over the winter months, there are a total of eight craft at work servicing boaters on a stretch of the navigation between Bull’s Bridge – at the junction of the main line with the Paddington Arm – right through to Stockton, in Warwickshire.

During the summer Tadworth works alone and when demand steps up through the winter months, Andrew takes on a full-time crew member and adds a butty to the team. ‘Team’ is perhaps the

FACED with the problem of how to pass one’s lunch break as an engineering student on day-release in the market town of Newbury, I can think of many worse things to do than taking the short drive from the college down to the locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Less than a decade ago, this was exactly how Andrew Haysom resolved this dilemma, knowing little at the time about inland waterways in general and the vessels that navigated them in particular, be they contemporary leisure boats or traditional working craft.

Fast forward eight years and here I am, boating the southern end of the Grand Union Canal on one of the hottest days of the year aboard Tadworth: an 85-yearold working boat, owned and steered by that very same engineering student and now delivering coal, diesel and bottled gas to bankside boaters.

A mere five years elapsed between what amounted to Andrew’s watery Damascene conversion beside Newbury’s Greenham Lock and his purchase of Tadworth, at that time in need of some serious TLC amounting to a significant restoration. Work complete, he has now rounded the job off with an impeccable paint job and the boat’s turnout bears testimony to Andrew’s commitment and dedication to keeping the spirit and ethos of traditional working narrowboats alive.

For the initiated, Tadworth is a Large Northwich, built by Yarwoods

Andrew Haysom makes short work of heaving gas cylinders and copious bags of coal out of Tadworth’s hold, along precarious lines of planks balanced across her gunnels.

November 2022 2022 November

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wrong word: more ‘family’ I begin to think as between fuel drops, to moored boats, I learn about the shared expeditions away and the events that are organised

by Jules – Julie Cook aboard Towcester, paired with butty Bideford, home mooring Stoke Bruerne – founder of the company and driving force behind its success.

Renowned for his prodigious appetite and love of tomato ketchup, Andrew also makes short work of heaving heavy gas cylinders and copious bags of coal out of Tadworth’s hold, along precarious lines of planks balanced across her gunnels, to step off and delicately place them in the lockers and on the back decks of his moored customers. Meanwhile May, his 10-yearold terrier, greets old and new friends alike, shuffling around on the cabin, trying to find whatever shade there is available.

On the day I join him (my ‘work’ limited solely to lock operation) we cover a relatively short stretch of the Grand Union, starting at Cowley Peachey and finishing

mid-afternoon at Springwell Lock, near Maple Cross. Places to load coal and gas to replenish stocks have become very limited in the face of housing developers, anxious to add a premium to selling prices for a waterside location, meaning that an environmentally sound method of local distribution of what are effectively heavy goods, is constantly under threat.

As May panted on her rug atop the boatman’s cabin, we sweated in the unremitting 40-degree sun, anxious to grab whatever shade the bankside trees afforded, while waiting for the locks to fill on the steady climb up towards the Chilterns, diving out only to heave a gate open or drop a paddle.

Andrew freely admits that he sees such heavy, demanding work (carried out in all weathers) as having a finite span in his life, although as a ‘young ‘un’, I can’t see him leaving fuel boating any time soon.

Rapidly escalating energy prices herald an uncertain future for us all, no less so for those that make their living out of supplying the stuff in several of its myriad forms.

Terrier May on her rug atop the boatman’s cabin.

Tadworth represents the most southerly outpost of the Jules’ Fuels fuel boat operation on the Grand Union Canal.

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Tadworth is powered by a 27hp Petter PJW3 engine.

PHOTOS: JONATHAN MOSSE

However, as boaters we are probably better off than most in being able to contain and control our energy spend, a fact that Andrew will be more than mindful of before contemplating a life back on the bank!

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