Volume 8 Issue 4
December 2024
Contents:
1. Season greetings & celebrating nature’s glory
2. NW&DCT AGM report
3. Canal Events, planning for celebrating 200th Anniversary of the Canal construction
4. Christmas gifts
5. Autumn Work Parties.
7. Friends of Sue Boulton visit the Trust work boat “Sue B”.
8. Andrea Lamyman news update from Canada
9. Boating Safety. Wind/Water conditions.
12. Trustee contacts and call out for your interesting articles.
The newsletter of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust
Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1180474
The Trustees would like to wish peace and joy to all our members, volunteers and supporters as is traditionally shared at this time of year, because the canal offers us opportunities for both along its many access points. As we write, the Autumn colours in the trees are simply glorious. Soon enough we will lose the colourful leaves to the winter frosts and winds. Every season and change of weather along the canal present us with nature’s beauty.
This photo of the Aurora Borealis at Ebridge Mill was taken by Trust member Dawn Mountain. Interestingly, the same photograph was chosen by “Just North Walsham” as a feature article. Dawn reported “it was such a wonderful sight, especially to see the aurora over one of my favourite places and good to see it with the naked eye too.”
Maybe take your camera if you visit the canal over the festive season, whether walking by it or paddling along it, swimming, fishing, spotting the wildlife or launching your model boat. We hope you will notice the great work by the volunteers, who work hard to help keep the navigation open and the bankside vegetation under control, while planning the next stage of restoration. Heartfelt thanks go to the canal proprietors who support us in these endeavours. Sue Kirrage
Over 30 members attended a very enjoyable Annual General Meeting of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust and not only asked some relevant questions but offered interesting ideas and observations. It was also an opportunity to have some social time together, as well as addressing the essential serious business of our organisation.
The Black Swan Theatre was once again a great venue for our members. As it is another not-for-profit venture, we enjoy being able to support another local, community-oriented organisation.
The Chair spoke of the importance of the Strategy, which was ratified at the AGM by membership, with a huge majority. Our Treasurer ensured that we heard a positive message about recent grants helping to stabilise our finances, but since those monies are earmarked for special projects, he also emphasised the ongoing need for rigour in spending wisely and managing our finances.
Concern had been expressed in previous years by members about more control and clarity being needed in decision-making, organisation and spending. A priority this year has been to develop a clear Strategy to guide our decision-making in a cohesive and relevant direction. Over the next year further organisational clarity will be achieved by reviewing and bringing together policies and procedures into a management system to present at next year’s AGM.
Michael Starling, one of our Canal proprietors present at the AGM, gave us all a comedy moment, thanking the Trust (tongue-in-cheek) for the gift of land! He described an error on a map that the Trust had previously published, whereby the boundary had been drawn wrongly, extending his land into someone else’s!
The gathering reported that they liked the pub and theatre overall as a venue and as well as the teas and coffees, a few glasses from the bar were enjoyed. Sue Kirrage
However, with the Trust having annual running costs of over £12,000 we need to think how we could improve our fund raising from such events and how we might reach more people. The festival committee has met to review how it went and gathered some comments and ideas from visitors, volunteers and stallholders.
We would love to hear from anybody who has ideas on this and/or might like to join our events team. Contact secretary@nwdct.org OR chair@nwdct.org
The Canal Festival in September 2024 was a great success, it made over £2,000 and was enjoyed by many.
The canal construction was commenced in April 1825 and officially opened at the end of August 1826.
In your next March edition of “Quagmire” you can expect some news of any plans and an article about the history of the canal construction.
The Trust will be marking the 200th Anniversary and we would love to hear from people about how they think the anniversary might be celebrated.
Please come and meet us at the Black Swan PH & Theatre from 2:30 – 5pm on Saturday 14th December & Thursday 19th December.
If you w ish to call in to share any ideas, that would be great. We will also have some unique NW&DC Trust Christmas gifts for purchase (see next page)
Imagine how thrilled I was to see an otter cross the road at Ebridge at night some weeks ago. I feel so privileged. Sue Kirrage.
It reminded me of one of Boy Roy’s Tales Some extracts: Lotta otter Lit up by Lantern Man by Roy Webster
“I’ve sunk our boat, rowed it into a sharp stake in the dyke, so I’ve hacked a path through the old Broad reed bed beyond the alders and willows to reach the Canal ...” “You had better watch out for the little lantern men,” grinned Old Sam. “They roam about in the alders once the light goes.”Lantern men, lantern men? The Boy shrugged his shoulders. Old Sam was having him on again: “a proper wind-up merchant if ever there was one”, he thought ... within half an hour he was at the waterside in sight of the confluence where the Dilham Canal meets Taylor’s Cut
A copy of the book is £5. Or buy two if you’re gifting one, as you’ll not part with it easily.
Waterproof Phone Pouch. £5. With a NW&DC Trust safety - break lanyard. Phone and camera functions work even if dropped in water. Various colours.
NW&DCT pottery MUG £2.50 (NB - Tea and biscuit not included)
Fully adjustable CAP £2. 50 Great sun visor, lightweight.
Unique Christmas gifts and fundraising for the Trust.
You can find us at the Black Swan Pub & Theatre, North Walsham from 14:30 to 17:00hrs on Saturday 14th December & Thursday 19th December .
COLLECT ONLY Apologies, but post & packing not available at this time
The autumn weather has been good for work parties in stark contrast to that experienced last autumn when working on the Light Craft Navigation project and, for that matter, the weather experienced in the spring and the start of the summer this year. However, all credit to the work party volunteers, who will normally turn out whatever the weather and achieve great things.
DR mower in its natural habitat
Although work parties are traditionally organised for every other Sunday and the Thursday that follows that, there is more activity on other days. People are cutting the aquatic vegetation on the Smallburgh and Ebridge Pounds (Pounds 1 and 4) and cutting the grass on the Ebridge Pound (Pound 4).
There is also a lot of work done to keep the depot at Spa Common tidy and the equipment in good working order. In addition, several people are involved in organising the work parties, liaising with the Proprietors to establish what needs to be done. Invitations going out to volunteers with equipment and materials also to be organised. It’s good to report that Ian Hibbert is taking up the role of Work Party Co-ordinator – this is going to be most helpful.
The “Sue B” & weed harvester at Honing Lock
On the Smallburgh Pound (Pound 1) the “Sue B” with the electrically powered weed harvester has travelled up to both Honing Lock and to the end of the East Ruston cut.
Good work has been done on cutting the aquatic weed as well as trimming back overhanging branches and removing sunken logs, some of them quite sizeable.
There was a new activity on Pound 1 this autumn. Floating Pennywort, (an invasive species) had been found. Left unchecked it can grow rapidly and block waterways.
Working in support of the Proprietor the Trust has been providing the equipment and volunteers under the strict supervision of Norfolk Count Council (NCC) to remove the Floating Pennywort from the canal channel
This involves physically removing the growth of the plant from the water. Quite a few days have been spent doing this and our work in helping NCC is much appreciated. The aim is to eradicate it, but this could take a couple of years.
On the Honing Pound (Pound 2) the Staithe has been cut as has the adjacent canal walk, though several large fallen trees still need to be dealt with.
There has also been some work at Honing Lock. A revisit to Briggate is due soon.
Ebridge spillway
At Ebridge the repair work to the brickwork on the culvert under the road and mill was completed.
The area around the lock, the spillway and the mill pond was cut. Further work was done above Royston Bridge to remove saplings growing in the banks
Mill culvert headwall
One of the main tasks for the work party volunteers in early September was to help with the Canal Festival. A serious amount of effort was necessary to get the equipment, etc to Tonnage Bridge, erect tentage, help during the festival and, of course, remove it all after the event Chris Heath
very pleasant ladies and me to reminisce about lovely friend, Sue Boulton and for them to see the “Sue B” Trust pontoon in action. We recalled was in April 2016 that Sue had passed away unexpectedly. On the day of their visit, a work was using the Trust Weed Harvester, fitted to “SueB”.
friend Sue Boulton, a valued former Membership Secretary for the North Walsham & Dilham Canal Trust.
On Tuesday 3rd September 2024, Sylvie Waller, Roy Waller’s wife, of Radio Norfolk’s fame, with four close friends and former work colleagues of Sue Boulton at BBC Radio Norfolk
The ladies were enthralled to see the work boat that was named in their dear friend’s honour still working hard for the Trust. Four of the ladies were very keen to also take a short trip down toward Wayford Junction which they thoroughly enjoyed. Sue K and I showed them around the Dilham Canoe Hire site, where they also viewed the “Queen of Light” and “The Newun” from the bankside We talked about the canal restoration work and the Canal Festival, and the ladies kindly donated towards the work of the Trust. The photo on the left was at the “Sue B” naming ceremony a few years ago, with former Chair, David Revill and Sue Boulton’s husband, Tom
The five friends left with plans already being discussed for how they could continue to support the Trust and when they might visit the “Sue B” once again. Julie Kelleher
Greetings from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada!
Some members may remember me as a former Trustee of the NWDCT. I’m currently living in Victoria, while attending the University of Victoria as part of my degree in Ecology and Conservation at UEA.
It’s ’Big Country’ out here and the scale of the trees, forests, rivers and wildlife (!) is incredible and the coastline spectacular, though very unlike our beautiful Norfolk coastline.
I’m studying some great modules, such as Entomology, Freshwater Ecosystems, Forest Ecology, and Flowering Plant Diversity and, whilst the Ecology and Conservation of Whales may not directly come into play, back home, I’m very much hoping these modules will make me a more rounded ‘ecologist’ and better able to support local projects, close to my heart.
I’m also learning more about the communication of science and interacting with stakeholders - which is a major part of the execution of a restoration project.
It’s particularly fascinating here given the acknowledgment and involvement of First Nations Peoples, whose connection with the land spans many thousands of years.
As part of my coursework, with the encouragement of the Trustees, I’m looking at producing a communication strategy to assist the NW&DCT.
It’s an exciting opportunity to consider how to pull together all interested parties in executing the Trust’s objectives…
Whilst the scenery and wildlife is fabulous here, we are still looking forward to getting back home and seeing family, friends and our favourite canal!
Andrea Lamyman
The water is colder, the air temperature has dropped, and winter is on its way. The environment has changed but it is expected as that is what it does at this time of year.
So, what do we change as a paddler / dog walker / stroller?
Our clothes change, our provisions become hot drinks instead of cold water, we may even plan a different route as we already know where floods may occur, or where trees normally fall. We prepare ourselves for the already known environment.
However, what does surprise me in paddle sport, is that during the summer months, and many other months, I notice less planning, less concern for the condition changes and less care as to what could go wrong on the water.
In this article I want to give an insight to what I do as a qualified paddle sport leader, to combat season changes and before embarking on any water-based adventure.
To start with, here is the very start of my thought process before I take myself, friends or my students on a paddle.
Phone, Location, Awareness, N ature
1. Do I have my phone with me and fully charged? In a waterproof case ?
2. How well do I know this location? What are the dangers, obstacles, access like at this location? Is this within my ability or do I need more guidance or experience for that location?
3. Have I made my loved one, my friend or someone else aware of the location I’m going to and where I’m intending to be heading toward? Who I am going with, and what is my intended targeted return time?
4. Have I made myself aware of the conditions? What is the weather like now and in the next few hours? How cold is the ambient air temperature? How cold is the predicted water temperature? Do I know anything about the flow of water, is it tidal, fast flowing or normally flat? Is the location sheltered or quite open? Do I, or the people I’m with, have the ability to undertake this adventure?
Beach Day – but before we even set off we planned for the wind, tide and weather conditions.
PLAN - A good day can turn into a bad day in a heartbeat!
So, with my basic PLAN in place my thought process goes to what to wear, what provisions to take and what equipment do I need.
Summer is easy - shorts, shortie wetsuit or Lycra A tee shirt, water shoes, buoyancy aid, quick release belt, phone in a dry case.
Dry bag with a waterproof torch, a knife, some water, a hoody or waterproof jacket, small first aid kit, strap (or a strop), waterproof map, a compass, sun protection and energy sweets.
Autumn
This is where I start with 3mm wetsuit under some form of Lycra or thin layer, then increase to 5mm as the weather and water temperature changes to my tolerance level. The water shoes start turning into water boots, a waterproof beanie comes out and my dry bag contents change.
On top of my summer kit, I now take a hoody and waterproof light weight jacket. I add hot drink in a flask, with an updated first aid kit that has a survival foil blanket in it. I also have a hot flask of tea or coffee in my vehicle for my return as well as a blanket.
(Yes , some of us do go out on ice cold days!) - my wet suit is hung up, out comes my drysuit with an all-in-one jumpsuit base layer. Warmer socks, gloves, hat and thicker water boots. My bag contents change again, I don’t need the hoody, the flask of hot drink gets larger and the sweets bag increases. Depending on the conditions and where I’m going, my survival shelter may also come along for the outing.
I’m still wearing the drysuit for the first part of spring. Winter bag contents stay the same, but as the weather changes, the water temperature increases, my autumn gear starts to come out again and then it’s back to the lovely summer days.
In some cases, depending on who I’m out with or the distance I’m traveling, my survival shelter comes with me, I may increase the size of my first aid kit, I may bring a spare hoody and paddle.
In all cases for long distant or advanced conditions, I change my voicemail to information as to where I am, I also provide a what3words location of my start point and direction of travel (because in the wilderness, you may not be able to get reception) and I provide my intended return time in the message.
But with all that planning, all that forward thinking, the environment can change in a heartbeat. This is where experience kicks in, I know my abilities, I respect them highly, but I will also make sure I know the other paddlers abilities that are with me. If conditions change, the adventure changes instantly.
That could be a turn around and head back, a get out and wait it out or a paddle through (if it’s safe) to a safe location and arrange a different way to get home. This is why knowing where you are intending to paddle is important as well as being able to respond quickly with a decision is vital.
It all sounds extreme, very extreme, but even on a short 2-hour paddle, my equipment comes with me, and I still plan ahead regardless.
There is a lot of great resource material available from the Paddle UK website, as well as some great weather and tide apps available for smart phones.
• Davis Weather Link App
• XC Weather App
• Surf Line App
• As well as the ‘GoPaddling’ app for launching and location information
I also advise people to get lessons or some coaching from a qualified coach in respect of each season change You’ll be surprised how much you can learn, how to be a safer paddler for yourself and others that paddle with you. Once a year Norfolk Paddle Meet Up run a safety weekender at the Mike Thurston Centre, in North Walsham. It really is worth looking into. Captain Baldie
Boating@nwdct.org
Chair@nwdct.org
Fishing@nwdct.org
Darren Reeve
Sue Kirrage
Tom Webster
Liaison, via Secretary@ David Revill
Membership@nwdct.org
Projects@nwdct.org
Secretary@nwdct.org
Treasurer@nwdct.org
Walkways@nwdct.org
Workparty@ndct.org
Vacant roles
Julie Kelleher
Chris Heath
Julie Kelleher
Barry Mobbs
Andrew Fryer
Ian Hibbert
Education & Training - Events - Grants and Funding Meetings Administrator - Press and Media
Quagmire compilation - Wildlife and Environment
If you have an interest in volunteering with us, please contact us on secretary@nwdct.org for more details, as we are very keen to recruit team players, who have an interest in the canal restoration and conservation
CALLOUT for your items of interest for the Trust newsletter! Here’s a pic of the Trust Chair at Cromford Canal on their trip boat.
Dear Members, please send us relevant photos and articles for possible inclusion in “Quagmire”. We’re interested in any trips you may have had to other canals, news of your adventures on or by waters elsewhere. Contact secretary@nwdct.org