183 The Butty Summer 2008

The K&A Canal’s own magazine No.183 Summer 2008

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ÂŁ2.50

The father of English Geology

Rare dragons on Caen Hill Honeystreet ferry

Devizes to Westminster The art of Chico Hilton

canoe race

Working to protect, to enhance and to promote The Kennet & Avon Canal

Newbury Boat Company Please note our new Business Address Ham Manor Marina, London Road, Newbury, RG14 2BP Moorings

Permanent non-residential and temporary cruising moorings with good security at two locations in Newbury both within walking distance of Newbury town centre.

Resident staff at both locations Tel: 01635 42884 email: enquiries@newburyboatco.co.uk www.newburyboatco.co.uk Ham Manor Marina from the river

Greenham Canal Services At Greenham Island Between Greenham Lock and Newbury Lock

Boat Services/Chandlery Diesel, Pumpout, Calor Gas, Coal etc Souvenirs and ice cream Tel: 01635 31672

Greenham Island

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Cover photograph: Moored boats near Pewsey

The magazine for the Kennet & Avon Canal

contents 5

11 pages of K&A news

18

The art of Chico Holton

19

Run-up to K&A 200th anniversary

20

The father of English Geology

22

Newbury Lengthsman’s Report

25

Honeystreet Drove

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New range of clothing for Trust

No.183 Summer 2008

Picture by Warren Berry The Trust and its aims The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust has three separate but complementary objectives: • To protect the newly restored Canal from neglect, abuse and inappropriate developments.

• To enhance the Canal, either by the direct application of Trust funds or, more likely, to unlock larger amounts through matched funding.

• To promote the Canal as a magnificent national amenity that is freely available for the enjoyment of all.

It was The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (through its predecessor organisations) that fought successfully to save the Canal from formal abandonment in the mid-1950s. Through physical effort, innovative fund-raising and persistent political pressure, the Trust led the campaign that resulted in the Canal’s re-opening for through navigation in 1990 and the subsequent £30 million restoration project from 1996 to 2003. The Canal’s infrastructure is now in a condition that will support sustained operations for many decades ahead.

The Trust’s membership reflects the wide range of leisure activities – boating, walking, cycling, fishing, pursuit of wildlife and heritage interests – that the public can enjoy along the length of the 87 miles of Canal.

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Devizes Wharf Couch Lane Devizes Wiltshire SN10 1EB. 01380 721279 01380 727870 (fax) www.katrust.org.uk President Sir Anthony Durant Vice Presidents Richard Benyon MP Sir William Benyon David Bruce Peter Collins Donald Collinson Michael Corfield Michael Goodenough David Lamb Admiral Sir William O'Brien Philip Ogden Brian Oram Sir Frank Price Prunella Scales Timothy West Company Secretary John Forbes secretary@katrust.org.uk

Administrator Mo Crossley administrator@katrust.org.uk

Finance finance@katrust.org.uk Retail Manager retail.manager@katrust-ent.org.uk

Devizes Shop devizes.shop@katrust.org.uk

Hon Treasurer Neil Lethby

Hon Civil Engineer Michael Lee Museum Curator Warren Berry Trust Council John Arthurs David Copley Graeme Dewhirst Peter Dunn Bill Fisher John Forbes Terry Kemp John Kirby Neil Lethby John Maciver Adrian Softley John (Sam) Weller Harry Willis Butty Editor Di Harris Pear Tree Studio High Street, Urchfont Devizes SN10 4QH 01380 840584 07711 367124 di@thebutty.co.uk Butty Editorial Design & Layout Bob Naylor 07788 134901 bob@thebutty.co.uk For Advertising Contact Di Harris or Bob Naylor Printers BAS Printers 3 Premier Way Abbey Park Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ 01794 830244

Contributions Articles and photographs are welcome. Please contact the Editor to discuss your ideas before submitting them.

Whilst every care is taken with all material submitted, neither the Editor nor the publisher can take responsibility for loss or damage.

Disclaimer Views expressed in The Butty are not necessarily those of the Editor nor of the Trust.

Registered Charity The Trust is a registered charity (No CC209206) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No 726331) at the above address.

The Butty is published

by The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust of the same address.

Data Protection Act The Trust is registered under the Data Protection Act 1984, reference SO46307X. Subject access requests should be directed to the Trust office in Devizes.

Plus regular features 15 Wilts & Berks news, 16 BW Briefing, 17 Running up to 2010, 19 Wildlife — dragons on Caen Hill, 24 French connections, 26 Page for younger readers, 27 Reviews, 28 Marketing and membership, 29 Branch reports, 35 Safety, 36 Letters to the Editor, 38 What’s on and Unclassified ads

Copy deadline for The Butty No 184, Autumn 2008 18th July 2008

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TRUST matters

No.183 Summer 2008

Crofton AGM venue he pumping station in steam was an added attraction that ensured a good turn out to this year’s AGM at Crofton on Saturday 10th May. This was the first time that the AGM has been held outside Devizes since 1996 when it was held at Burfield.

The meeting was held in a marquee on the lawn and followed by a meal.

Crofton proved a beautiful setting for the business meeting and encouraged Trust members to take an active role in the meeting and to enjoy a sociable afternoon.

After hearing a message from the President, the meeting heard from Terry Kemp who reported on the Trust’s activities during 2007.

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Neil Lethby then outlined the financial situation. The financial report was passed with two votes against — from Brian and Juanita Poulton.

Marketing and Membership Director John Kirby explained the reason for a proposed increase in the membership subscriptions from 1st January 2009 to £20 a year for an adult with a pro rata increase for other memberships.

The proposal was carried unanimously.

Sam Weller proposed a vote of thanks to Brian Poulton for his 32 years’ service to the Trust as branch member, branch committee member, trustee, Trust Council member and Chairman. Brian was given a round of applause.

David Lamb suggested a very

formal way that this could be done that has been established over the years — to consider appointing Brian Poulton as a VP. It was agreed that this proposal would be considered by Trust Council.

Mike Corfield added a vote of thanks to the other Trust Council members who had resigned, Fleur de Rhé-Philipe, Mike Lee who he said was, “thankfully still our Engineer” — to Mike Davis the Bath Chair for 10 years and David Lindop “our Treasurer for such a short time”.

They also were give a round of applause.

Brian Oram proposed a sincere vote of thanks to the current trustees for the difficult path they have had to tread and the way that they have dealt with

The President’s AGM address adies and Gentlemen, thank you all for attending this the forty sixth Annual General Meeting of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and welcome to Crofton Pumping Station.

Unfortunately I am not able to attend today due to having booked a holiday which unfortunately coincided with today’s meeting.

However, I’m sure that the meeting will go just as well for you all knowing that I’m safely tucked up on my deck chair…

The President’s job at an AGM, as far as I have ever been able to make out in all the years I have been doing such things, is firstly and most importantly to thank you all for taking the trouble to attend and secondly, to tell you how hard the Members of Trust Council and other volunteers have worked over the last year in making sure that the Trust continues to be a success.

2007 was a challenging year for the Trust in a number of respects but I am pleased that after a period of uncertainty, the Trust Council has risen to the challenges it faced and has managed to turn the whole organisation around and now I’m pleased to be able to report to you that the Trust is on a sound footing for the future.

Much work still needs to be

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done, particularly within its trading subsidiary, but I am confident that the team in place will succeed in its endeavour of ensuring that the Trust we so love and cherish, has a bright and certain future.

The Trust President, Sir Anthony Durant was unable to be at the AGM this year — this is the text of his address that was read out to the meeting by the Trust Director of Heritage and Fundraising, Terry My thanks go to every member of Trust Council for their unstinting efforts over the last few months and I am particularly encouraged that new members will be elected as Trustees today.

I am particularly pleased this year to be able to tell you that Trust Council has succeeded in securing the services of two new Vice Presidents; Richard Benyon the MP for Newbury and David Bruce whom many of you will know through his connection with the Bruce Trust and who I’m told is here among you today.

With a renewed sense of

purpose, spurred on by the need to undertake some high profile restoration and improvement projects over the coming years, Trust Council has vigorously pursued a renewed policy of fundraising.

As you know, that can’t happen overnight but a solid start has been made.

I can report to you that against a total of approximately £36,000 raised in the whole of last year, in the first four months of this year over £50,000 has been raised for specific projects so far, with more fundraising schemes still to come.

I must thank all the many individuals who have made this turn around possible in what is one of the most important areas of Trust life.

In fact I must thank all of our volunteers and paid staff for the remarkable effort and individual and team contributions they have made in the past year and I know, from hearing the reports in Trust Council which I have attended this year, that they continue to do so.

Well done to everyone.

Last but not least, I can tell you that at next year’s AGM I will be handing the Presidency of the Trust over to Michael Ancram who many of you will know has been connected with the Trust for many years.

The Trust in 2007 Highlights of Terry Kemp’s review of the year e have moved on from the ‘crossroads’ and the disagreements of last September to a point were we are able to report good news and continuing success.

This is possible because a terrific amount of work has been undertaken by Trust Council — all volunteers — with help and advice from professional advisors and the Charity Commission.

The position of the Chairman still remains vacant. This is a deliberate decision that follows advice we have been given.

In the meantime, day-to-day operational decisions are undertaken by an executive committee who have been granted limited delegated powers by the Council.

We will, however, be using the good offices of our present President and our future President to recruit a new Chairman in the future.

We are a multi-functional charity and business with many activities that make up the whole.

Membership numbers are being maintained with recruitment replacing those who leave.

Our volunteer base is extremely strong along the waterway — running and staffing branches, events, shops, pumping stations, the museum, boats and other works.

The Trust appreciates the vital work of volunteers and this year we have published our ‘Volunteer Charter and Handbook’.

We have begun a new volunteering partnership with BW with our volunteers working not only with the annual clear up but also in fitting new handles to the lock beams between Reading and Crofton.

Our thanks to everyone who took part and especially to Mike Lee who dealt with many of the arrangements.

The property and heritage issues the Trust is involved with are canal wide.

We need a full assessment of what we need to plan and budget for — and in 2008 we will produce a Conservation Plan for all our sites.

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Moving forward ollowing the decisions made in the latter part of 2007 and so far during 2008, the financial position of both the Trust and its trading arm have much improved.

Whereas Enterprise had become a drain on Trust finances, the trading arm now makes a contribution to the aims and objectives of the Trust.

This year’s Enterprise figures are very good to date, despite the early Easter and poor weather.

All trading outlets are doing well and meeting or beating their targets.

The success of Enterprise is essential to support the cost of running the Trust and carrying out our aims.

In the short term the Trust has also been very successful in identifying and gaining funds for specific projects.

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Picture the Past Project The museum archive has a significant collection of canal photos which we wish to digitise

and make available for research purposes.

The Big Lottery has awarded us £8,500 and Kennet District Council £1,500, which will fully fund the project.

In addition to this, BW have offered the Trust ownership of the Pumping Station, which we are considering.

Crofton Rivet Appeal

Our website is being redesigned and will include many new features that will help to promote the Trust as well as selling many of our products.

This is already off to a great start with almost £10,000 raised.

Bone Mill Sluices

Website revamp

The Trust has been a partner in the negotiations with The Environment Agency to replace the Bone Mill Sluices in Newbury.

Through tax effective giving we will have raised £33,360, which includes the Trust’s Contribution of £10,000 and three other private contributions totalling £20,000.

Meeting the members

Claverton

Looking forward

We have already got planning permission for a new car park, but we need to buy the land and build it.

We have promises for funds to cover the purchase so we are on our way.

We still have a job to do to bring our finances together, but Council is confident that we have turned the corner.

Trust Council has decided to rotate its meeting venues so that Council can get out and meet members locally, with local members welcome to join Trust Council for refreshments and to discuss local issues for an hour from 6.30 pm.

Later this summer, Council will publish a full plan for the Trust.

The Trust Grand Draw The six lucky winners: ARL Fitch from Swindon wins a one-week Hotel Boat Holiday for two donated by Thames and Chilton Holiday Cruises Mr JS Sykes of Harrogate wins a Canal Boat Holiday for two to the value of £750 www.ukboathire.com JB Knight from Bath wins a case of wine donated by Newbury Boat Company Mrs A Munroe from Stevenage wins a selection of Canal Books Charles and Pat Garven from Saltford win a free annual subscription to the K&A Canal Trust Peter Knowlson of Eldersfield Marsh wins a selection of cuddly toys The profit from the raffle will be in the region of £2000 — thanks to everyone who took part and many thanks to the sponsors of the prizes that made it all possible.

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No.183 Summer 2008

Dramatic start for boat fire safety week

By Bob Naylor woman and her two dogs escaped from her son’s blazing boat at Horton near Devizes in a dramatic start to the Wiltshire Fire Brigade boat safety week.

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After being raised by BW the boat was being towed to Devizes when it sank again between the Bridge Inn at Horton and Laywood Bridge

Picture by Elaine Kirby

The following morning the boat was settled on the bottom in the middle of the canal creating a hazard to navigation

relaxing, but even the most experienced boater should prepare for the worst.

"Luckily on this occasion nobody was hurt. Just as for householders, boat owners should ensure that they have a working smoke alarm, and preferably a carbon monoxide detector as well.”

Picture by Nikki Softley

The boat had oxy acetylene bottles as well as LPG cylinders on board that had to be cooled to prevent explosion

Mary Turner went back into her son Ian O’Leary’s widebeam boat moored near Townsend Bridge, Horton near Devizes to rescue her two German Shepherd dogs before calling the Fire Brigade on the evening of Tuesday 27th May. When the fire engines from Devizes arrived the boat was burning fiercely.

“There are usually LPG cylinders on canal boats” said Station Commander, Pip Flowers, “But on this one there were oxygen and acetylene cylinders on board as well and we had to draw back.

“We used special equipment to cool the cylinders and when they were safe we went in and put out the fire."

The Fire Brigade continued to pump water into the boat into the night and the next morning the boat had sunk in the middle of the navigation.

The canal was passable with care by narrowboats — but it remained closed to widebeam boats.

“This is a tragic start to Boat Safety Week which began on Monday” said Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service Station Manager Sarah Allen.

“Boating is usually fun and

After being re-floated again, the stricken boat was taken to Devizes Wharf, craned out and taken to the BW yard at Sharpness.

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No.183 Summer 2008

MP Michael Anchram at The Bistro on Pewsey Wharf

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust President Sir Anthony Durant will retire at the Trust 2009 AGM and Devizes MP, Michael Ancram will succeed him.

Michael Ancram QC has been Devizes MP since 1992.

The Kennet & Avon Canal

runs through his constituency and Michael lives only 400 yards from the canal just outside Pewsey.

He is married with two grown up daughters.

He has held various political posts including Minister of

State in Northern Ireland 199397 and Shadow Foreign Secretary.

Michael was raised and has lived most of his life in the countryside and is a passionate campaigner to preserve the British rural way of life which he feels is under threat from a bureaucracy which doesn’t appreciate the value of the countryside.

He loves the K&A and frequently walks lengthy stretches.

He has long defended its interests both locally and in Whitehall and he is deeply concerned about decreasing financial support from Government.

Michael said, “The Kennet & Avon Canal is a major national asset to be supported.”

New Trust HR manager

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Tim is currently interested in the feasibility of keeping a boat on our canal which can be used as a more comfortable and homely alternative to hotel life when he is working along the M4 “street”.

Tim is a Chartered Fellow and Council member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (the professional body for human resource management and development in the UK) and he is also a registered practitioner with the British Psychological Society which is the governing body for the work of occupational psychology in the UK. While Tim brings his knowledge and experience of training and compliance to the party for the K&A — he readily admits that he knows little or nothing about inland water boating and even less about canals and canal life – although he does have over 20 years experience of coastal waters sailing with a 41-ft racing cruiser — so the water-borne life is not entirely alien to him.

Tim Jones the new K&A Canal Trust HR manager

Tim says that his approach to managing the strategic and operational considerations of training and compliance for the K&A Canal Trust will necessarily draw on the knowledge, understanding and experience of many members of the Trust and he looks forward to learning a lot at the grass roots level of the organisation.

To support this approach, Tim intends to visit the key features and infrastructure of the canal — as well as actually spending some time on a boat!

Expect to see Tim, and his wife Grace (who also works with Tim in their business) appear at a location near you!

Richard Benyon MP

ichard Benyon was elected as Conservative MP for Newbury on May 6th 2005 having worked hard for West Berkshire’s residents, businesses and charities for many years.

He has helped run bodies committed to improving life in West Berkshire, from the West Berkshire Partnership to the Kennet and Pang Valley Countryside Projects.

In Parliament, Richard is a member of the Opposition Front Bench, serving as a Whip as well as being the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Lord Strathclyde, The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords.

Before entering Parliament Richard was a soldier in the Royal Green Jackets, serving in Northern Ireland and the Far East.

He qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and managed a family business involving farming as well as rural and urban housing.

Richard is married to Zoe, with whom he has two sons, Louis & Jimmy.

He also has three sons, Harry, Thomas and Freddie, from his previous marriage.

Richard said: “It is a real privilege to become Vice President of the Trust and I am very much looking forward to getting more involved in the Trust’s valuable work.”

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David Bruce

David who has agreed to become a VP has had a long association with the Kennet & Avon Canal.

He founded the Bruce Trust in 1989 so that people with disabilities can enjoy canal holidays.

We will run a full profile of David in the next issue of The Butty.

Picture by Bob Naylor

im Jones joins the K&A Canal Trust as Human Resources Manager with considerable experience of carrying out director roles with various organisations including the private, public and third (voluntary and not-for-profit) sectors.

Tim has held several director and senior executive roles with responsibility for learning and development; training; health and safety; corporate governance and people management.

Tim runs his own business which specialises in training and organisational development and interim management particularly in HR and personnel roles but also general management of various organisations when there is a need to cover sickness, maternity/paternity leave or specific projects and assignments.

In this regard, Tim works all along the M4 corridor from his native Swansea up to Reading (and sometimes in London) — hence an interest in the K&A.

Picture by Bob Naylor

Picture by Bob Naylor

Michael Anchram MP to be next Trust President

New Trust VPs

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No.183 Summer 2008

Bath Festival of Boats

by Tina Curtis

ath Festival of Boats was started 26 years ago to promote the use of the river in the City and this year organisors John Duggan and Tony Boyce attracted 44 boats to the event.

Most of the narrowboats, widebeams, dutch barges and cruisers were highly decorated and illuminated and vying for the award for the best turned out boat.

The weather as always, almost by

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Foxhangers Marine

arrangement, was fantastic although heavy rain and flood conditions on the river midweek made it difficult for the organisers to get from Bristol to Bath to set up the event.

There was live music, dancing and a BBQ on the Quay on Friday and Saturday night.

On Sunday in the pavilion local MP Don Foster presented every boat skipper with a plaque for attending the festival.

Picture by Andrew Kirby

Modern Narrowboat fleet all built

by Foxhangers.

12 boats, 4 luxury semi-trads introduced.

Full engineering/maintenance base BETA and ISUZU engine sales/fitting WEBASTO central heating dealers Covered narrowboat painting dock Based at the bottom of Caen Hill Locks

email: marineservices@foxhangers.co.uk

Tel: 01380 827801 www.foxhangers.co.uk

The Wharf Bradford on Avon The Bradford Wharf Co Ltd — now open Dry Dock • Blacking • Steam-cleaning Stern-gear and Anode Inspection Mechanical and Welding Work Hardstanding for DIY/Storage Steel, Wood or GRP repairs undertaken Slip for small boats

Call Ben on 07794 601735

Dry Dock available for DIY Solid fuel for sale

Hope to see you soon, pop in for a cuppa!

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DAY BOATING

Kennet & Avon Canal on the beautiful

self-drive and skippered boats canadian canoes & cycle hire The Bath & Dundas Canal Co. Brass Knocker Basin Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7JD Telephone: 01225 722292 Web: www.bathcanal.com

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No.183 Summer 2008

Canoe marathon anniversary An early Easter brought with it freezing weather conditions that caused problems for canoeists who took part in the 60th Anniversary race from Devizes to Westminster over the Easter weekend. ore than 300 boats took part in the 60th anniversary race, which turned out to be one of the toughest yet.

Gale force winds and subzero temperatures took their tolls on the competitors who battled against ice-covered boats, paddles, locks and clothing, standing waves created by headwinds on the Henley Straight and some of the worst conditions for years.

There was a 50% drop out rate for the non-stop race, but the determination of the canoeists in the 4-day event brought the overall drop-out rate to around one third.

It wasn’t only the crews who had to cope with the conditions.

The DW relies is as much on the hundreds of volunteers as on the participants.

Although the conditions were particularly tough for paddlers, they were also extremely tough for the organizers, volunteers, marshals and more than 350 support staff, whose

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perseverance during the weekend was crucial.

The event has become a major fund-raiser and this year’s race raised £216,339.78, which went to several charities, including the Evelina Children’s Hospital Appeal at St Thomas’ in London and Marie Curie Cancer Care, who also celebrate their 60th anniversary this year.

Devizes-based Brewery, Wadworth, joined in the celebrations with a special DW60 beer, which was launched by Devizes MP, Michael Ancram.

Bottles are still available through the Wadworth Visitor Centre on 01380 732277.

The award ceremony was held in Devizes in May and was followed by a 60th anniversary party with many crews from the past joining in the celebrations, including the scouts who started it all off.

The four Devizes Scouts who started it all

t is hard to believe it when you meet them, but it is a full 60 years since Peter Brown, Laurie Jones, Brian Smith and Brian Walters made their memorable journey along the K&A and the Thames from Devizes to Westminster.

The four Rover Scouts were 17 and 18 at the time and they made the journey after taking up the challenge to win a prize of £20 if they could canoe the distance in under 100 hours.

They had no idea that their marathon would grow into one of the major events of the canoeing calendar with an international field.

Their canoes bore little similarity to modern-day craft.

One had a frame made from matchboard stripped from the inside of a shed and covered with canvas — the other sprang a leak shortly before they set off.

And of course much of the canal had no water so they had to carry the canoes, camping gear and provisions for four days.

They had no support crews, but phoned home every evening and bulletins of their progress were flashed up on the screen at Devizes Cinema.

When they arrived, tired and very grubby, at Westminster they found a coach full of supporters there to great them.

All four were at the 60th anniversary party in Devizes after this year’s award ceremony.

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No.183 Summer 2008

New gardeners at Bradford on Avon

Pony in river rescue drama hen Dipsy the Shetland pony fell down an eight foot bank into the River Avon fire crews from Brislington and Bath were soon on the scene at Avon Valley Country Park near Keynsham.

They arrived to find the pony up to its neck in water and unable to get back up the steep bank so a boat launched and when it was in position a firefighter climbed down the bank and tied a line around the pony’s neck.

The boat crew then led the pony further down the river bank to safety.

Dipsy had to swim behind the boat for about 100 meters, to a spot where she was able

aul and Rose Harris have taken over the gardening at the Trust Tea Room at Bradford on Avon Wharf.

They regularly have successes in the Bradford in Bloom competition with their garden at home and they hope to continue with Harry Fox’s winning ways at the Wharf.

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he Kennet & Avon Canal Trust will benefit from an evening of music, theatre and caberet hosted by David and Mary Russel at Combe Manor, near Hungerford.

The evening will begin with a performance of Hearts and — after an interval for dinner — caberet with an English slant will be staged.

For booking details see the advert in the “What’s on” column on page 38.

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BW refloat sunken boat at Southcote

Picture by John Forrest

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25 years service arene Tarr’s 25 years of service as a finance clerk to the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust was celebrated with a meal for staff and Trust Council members in the garden of the Bridge Inn at Horton at the end of May. Marene was presented with a framed original cartoon drawn

by Trustee Terry Kemp who had worked with her when he was seconded to the Trust from BW.

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Wild Over Water eing safe near water was the theme of the first Wild Over Water school assembly talk given by Elaine and John Kirby at Langley Fitzurse School at Kington Langley near Chippenham.

The start of the WOW project was delayed by staff changes at British Waterways but John and Elain’s talk is the first of many that will be given by members of the WOW team to schools along the K&A corridor.

The school also visited the Trust Canal Museum in Devizes and took a trip on the Barbera McLellan at Bradford on Avon as part of a project on canals.

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Picture by Bob Naylor

his boat that sank on its mooring at Southcote near Reading in February defied two attempts by the owner of the moorings to raise the stricken vessel.

Eventually BW had to step in and they refloated the boat in June.

to get out of the river and up the bank with the help of the firefighters.

Once on dry land Dipsy quickly made off into the field none-the-worse for her ordeal.

Picture by Nikki Softleye

An evening at Combe

Pictures by Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Picture by Bob Naylor

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No.183 Summer 2008

Windy Whit scuppers skiff trip

Picture by Sue Milton boat trip from Devizes to Hungerford over the Whit Bank Holiday weekend had to be abandoned when bad weather forced members of the Thames Traditional Boat Society to haul the boats out at Honeystreet and head for home.

Eight traditional clinker-built skiffs and an open canoe launched at Devizes and after a late start they made the short trip to The Bridge Inn at Horton where they took lunch.

Unfortunately the weather changed and when they set off again progress was almost impossible against a strong head wind — and shipping the oars to go through the narrow bridge holes brought the boats to a standstill.

There was talk of abandoning the trip but TTBS member Cliff Colborne offered to ‘tow them with his narrowboat ‘Restharrow’. One boater decided to skull on alone and he made it to Pewsey — but the rest were taken in tow and arrived at Honeystreet safely — just as the rain set in.

They spent an uncomfortable night — some on board their skiffs and others camping ashore.

With more bad weather forecast for Sunday and Monday they reluctantly pulled the boats out and abandoned the trip.

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No.183 Summer 2008

Winter Stoppages

Sunken boat shuts Caen Hill Flight

Planned replacement of top and bottom mitre gates

he Caen Hill Flight had to be shut to contain oil pollution after the narrowboat, ‘City of Truro’ sank on its mooring on the Caen Hill Flight on Saturday 31st May. A boom was put in place by the Environment Agency at the lock next to the tea room and boats travelling up the locks had to be turned round and sent back to the bottom of the flight.

Three boats had almost reached the top when they had to turn round and go back down.

On Monday the boat was refloated, the oil cleaned up and the canal re-opened.

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Other projects Hungerford marina connection

19th January for up to six weeks. This may only be a restriction and not a stoppage.

Caen Hill 19th January – 2nd February Towpath repairs between Lock 38 and Lock 39, stoppage to dewater pound.

Bradford on Avon 2nd – 13th March Upstream of Bradford lock gate work, culvert work, visitor moorings – towpath works.

K&A Trust Devizes Branch member, Vic Miller pictured on the Quadrangle Green at Windsor Castle. Vic has been awarded the Silver Wolf Award, for outstanding services to scouting.

TV stars needed re you moving to an idyllic part of the countryside to renovate an old boat or barge and turn it into your dream home or dream business?

If so the Channel 5 series “Build A New Life in the Country” would like to hear from you.

If you would like them to document your inspirational journey call 0207 985 7165 or email:

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Cecily.ancliffe@shinelimited.com

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Safer steps for Semington lock he steps on the steep bank at the lock landing stage at Semington bottom lock had become dangerous and BW considered closing the mooring.

This would have resulted in short-stay vistor moorings on the west side of Semington Bridge being sacrificed for lockworking.

Boaters and hire-boat operators have welcomed BW’s decison to upgrade the steps and keep the visitor moorings.

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Scouting award

Picture by Bob Naylor

County Lock (106) 29th September - 24th October (timed to take account of high water levels) Heales Lock (93) 3rd November – 19th December Midgham Lock (92) 3rd November – 19th December Kintbury Lock (78) 12th January – 6th March Brunsden Lock (77) 12th January – 6th March

Are the workings of a boat engine a mystery to you? re you familiar with your engine’s basic workings or have you spent a lot of money because you broke down with a simple problem?

Would you like to feel confident enough to carry out your own basic engine maintenance?

If so River Canal Rescue might have the answer for you with a two-day course in diesel engines and boat maintenance.

For nearly five years they have worked closely with Tony Brooks, a lecturer and writer for canal magazines — together they have travelled the length and breadth of the country delivering a practical, beginnerfriendly course.

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The course offers the chance to learn using a combination of theory and hands-on experience.

The course content teaches basic engine maintenance and provides practical advice.

Topics include engine operations and types, steering gear, gearbox types, fuel system, cooling system, electrics, alternators and charge.

All aspects of the course are demonstrated on three different engine makes.

By the end of the course, pupils should be able to bleed their own systems and do a basic service.

River Canal Rescue is always avaiable for boaters in need,

however they do believe in empowering boaters with knowledge of how their engine works. This can only lead to providing further piece of mind, as well as helping to keep our waterways moving, which is to the good of us all!

All courses run on a Saturday and Sunday from 9am till 5pm.

RCR are now offering the chance to make group bookings anywhere in the UK with discounted rates.

In the near future they will be offering a follow-on course in boat electrics.

Get in touch with RCR 0870 200 8021 or email enquiries@rivercanalrescue.co.uk.

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No.183 Summer 2008

BW chief at Devizes meeting

Stroud Council fill breach left by shock BW decision troud District Council have voted to step into the breach left by British Waterways’ shock decision to withdraw from restoration work on the Cotswold Canals.

In June Councillors decided to apply as lead partner to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the original £12m allocated to the restoration of the canal from Saul Junction to Brimscombe Port in Stroud.

At a recent public meeting in Gloucester, Robin Evans the Chief Executive of British Waterways confirmed that if the application to the HLF is successful then BW will transfer its lease on the Stroudwater Navigation to Stroud District Council.

Picture by Bob Naylor

S John Ward, left, the acting General Manager of BW South West speaks at the meeting in Devizes. One of the stops on BW Chief Executive, Robin Evans’ countrywide tour. Right is Marketing and Customer Service Director, Simon Salem

obin Evans, British Waterways chief executive visited Devizes during his nationwide tour to meet boaters, anglers, walkers, and other canal users to get their views on the management of the waterways.

Robin gave an update on BW activities to the meeting in the the Bear Hotel ballroom that was filled to capacity, before

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opening up the meeting to questions.

A wide range of topics were covered including licence evasion, mooring abuse, the problems of cars cluttering country lanes and the mooring tenders trial.

Robin said, “Part of the appeal of canals is the diverse groups of users who sometimes have different

priorities and different perspectives. I want to manage the waterways for the greatest public benefit and hearing and exchanging views at first hand helps us develop the right policies for the future.”

Robin was taken aback when he asked if there were any specific maintenance problems on the K&A and every hand in the room shot up.

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No.183 Summer 2008

Canal at War Exhibition opens at Newbury

K&A Trust Company Secretary, John Forbes presents a print of John Gould with his working pair of boats Colin and Iris as they passed Newbury Wharf

K&A Canal Trust Trustee, Bill Fisher, centre, escourts Newbury MP, Richard Benyon, right and Newbury Mayor, Phil Barnett around the exhibition

ewbury MP, Richard Benyon, who was a soldier in the Royal Green Jackets before entering Parliament, opened the Canal in Wartime Exhibition at the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’s café in the Stone Building on Newbury Wharf on Friday 20th June.

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Richard, who has recently been appointed a Vice President of KACT was joined by Newbury Mayor Phil Barnett.

The exhibition which was first displayed in Devizes illustrates with pictures and artifacts from the Second World War the role the K&A Canal played in forming part of

the last defence protecting London and the industrial Midlands from German attack. It is brought to life with many personal recollections.

The exhibition will remain at the Stone Building all summer and be open to the public each day during shop hours.

David Owen & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 17 Market Place Devizes Wiltshire 01380 722211

126 High Street Marlborough Wiltshire 01672 512163

Auditors to The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

HAMS TRANSPORT HOPTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, DEVIZES, WILTS

With flatbeds up to 60’ we can safely transport your narrowboats and wide beams throughout the UK 01380 726837 www.hams-transport.co.uk

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Wilts & Berks Canal News

No.183 Summer 2008

Easter camp at W&B flagship bridge teppingstone Lane Bridge on the Wilts & Berks Canal near Shrivenham could be said to be the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s flagship project, and indeed that of the Waterways Recovery Group because as far as we know it is the first brickwork bridge to be built from scratch (apart from the foundations) entirely by volunteers.

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The bridge was designed by the Trust’s former engineering director, David van der Cruson to carry a bridleway over the canal.

Work has progressed with two or three camps a year over the last four years and this Easter 24 volunteers, a mixture of newcomers and experienced navvies, were on site for a

camp led by Rachael Banyard and Martin Thompson.

“The weather threw just about everything at us, snow, sleet, hail, rain, gale force winds, and even started with floods from torrential rain over the first weekend, but in between we actually had some warm sunny days!” said Rachael.

Steppingstone Lane Bridge near Shrivenham

“While the bricklayers concentrated on building up the brickwork on either side of the bridge, the rest of us finished painting the third coat of bitumen over the arch, filling in and compacting the hollows at either end with broken bricks, and then building up a good layer of drymix concrete over the arch.

Picture by Diane Smurthwaite

“Despite the weather, we managed to get two thirds of the concreting finished, and the brickwork built up to corbel height on both sides, with the three courses of corbels completed on one side. We feel immensely proud of what has been achieved so far, and it is now really looking like a bridge!”

BW plans celebration for K&A bicentenary ritish Waterways has formed a Steering Group which includes the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, the Kennet & Avon Trade Association and all the local authorities along the canal to create a range of projects and events to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Kennet & Avon Canal in 2010.

The plans include a pair of landmark sculptures to go at either end of the canal, a huge bonfire party at Caen Hill in December 2010 with a ‘Fire Sculpture’ as its centre piece, a

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photographic calendar for 2010 and a range of new village destination panels along the canal to create better links between the waterway and the communities it serves.

All the projects are at a very early stage at the moment,

but so far the group have produced a special “K&A 200” logo and ordered a small range of promotional items that will go on sale later this year.

Watch this space and the local press for more information about how you can take part in the

preparation and celebrations.

Susie Mercer, who’s recently moved into the Marketing & Communications role at BW South West, said “I’m really excited about working with everybody on this project.

“For me, the Kennet & Avon Canal is probably just about the most successful recycling project this country has ever seen — its transformation from semi-derelict industrial left-over to thriving recreational facility and wildlife haven is something we can all take a huge pride in and celebrate”.

CATLEYS CALOR GAS CENTRE Appliance sales & installations

Bring your boat up to Boat Safety Scheme standards Repairs, servicing and installation Corgi Reg: 50508

Beechfield Road Hopton Trading Estate, Devizes Telephone 01380 727266

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No.183 Summer 2008

British Waterways briefing

by James Young, BW South West Business Development Manager

Staff changes Ian Jarvis

John Ward

am pleased to be writing to you with an update on British Waterways news and activities starting firstly with the announcement that Ian Jarvis, South West General Manager has been seconded to our central team for six months to prepare a new 10year National Corporate Plan.

I’m sure you’ll join me in congratulating Ian on this Ian Jarvis exciting and challenging responsibility.

ohn Ward has stepped up as Acting General Manager and his previous role has been filled

by Will Burnish who is standing in as Acting Asset and Programme Manager.

Will has recently joined the South West Business Unit but has many years of BW experience and most recently headed up BW’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) water control project.

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John Ward

Business Development Licence Evasion have been developing my role of Business Development, effectively responsible for the income side of the business including moorings, licences, property and marketing and communications.

I attended the Kennet & Avon Trade Association and I am keen to meet and work with businesses along the K&A.

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Learning the ropes During my recent weekend as Duty Manager I met up with the Kennet Horse Boat Company at Kintbury.

Walking along the towpath with Steve and ‘Bonnie’ I gained an understanding of the synergy between an operating business and the demands of our Vegetation team in keeping saplings cut and reed management.

I also called on the dry dock at All Aboard Marine Services in Newbury and met with new

boaters who were blacking up their new boat, ‘Freedom’.

Later that weekend I visited Winsley Bridge near where it had been reported that a number of boaters had set up a camp on our land adjacent to the towpath.

This is clearly unacceptable and can cause damage to the environment.

BW are keen to ensure that all boating activity is kept within our guidelines and regulations.

We quickly mobilised a team who set about reinstating the natural environment, and ensured that the continuous cruisers were moved on.

ne area of particular concern for British Waterways is Craft Licence evasion. BW is determined to tackle this problem and additional resources have been allocated in order that we can reduce the evasion rate.

The restoration of the Kennet & Avon Canal has proved in many different respects to be a great success.

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There are now approximately 2,000 craft on the canal and demand for moorings is significantly in excess of supply.

Craft Licence evasion and control of this is a serious issue across BW’s waterways.

This season we have employed two additional boat counters and another Enforcement Officer who attended the User Forum meeting in Bath in June.

Helmsman Course To gain a greater understanding of the boating world, I recently completed the RYA Helmsman course with ABC at Hilperton Marina with two colleagues and found the whole day a complete education.

New BW enforcement staff, from left, Richard Harrison, Ian Irwin and Craig Enderby who will be working with Patrol Officers Jane Lee and Russel Bennet.

Consultation on gatekeeper proposal W is considering having gatekeepers at both ends of the K&A to ensure all boats entering the waterway are licensed.

Staff at these locks will be able to issue licences, if required.

We have recently issued a consultation paper to get the views of K&A Craft Licence holders, though others may wish to comment and are welcome to do so on this

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proposal.

BW is committed to getting the views of its customers and stakeholders and will arrive at a final decision after taking these views into account.

Proposal The proposal is to have Hanham Lock on the Western end of the canal and County Lock, or one close by, on the Eastern end of the canal staffed

with other locks along the navigation staffed at random times with boaters required to display a valid craft licence in order to pass through the lock.

Opening hours Opening hours at either end of the canal are introduced as: April to October: 9am – 6pm November to March: 10am – 3pm

This consultation process was

published on 21st April 2008.

The closing date for comments is 21st July 2008.

We would prefer responses to be submitted by email to: KandAConsultation@ britishwaterways.co.uk If you are unable to respond by email please write to: K&A Consultation British Waterways South West The Dock Office Commercial Road Gloucester GL1 2EB.

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No.183 Summer 2008

Countdown to 2010 Di Harris delves into the archives again to discover what was happening during the run-up to the opening of the K&A Canal uring the summer of 1808, the Napoleonic Wars were barely half way through.

Jane Austen who had lived in Bath from 1801 to 1805, had already written her first versions of, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice, though it would be a few years before any were published.

Around the world, the benefit of water transport was being recognised — the North American Erie Canal , famous for songs and stories, was proposed in that year to link the waters of Lake Erie in the west to the Hudson River in the east.

In England, canals were flourishing and on the Oxford

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Canal there had been an increase of traffic of 30% since 1801 and shareholders were seeing a 20% return on their investment.

Business was prospering along the K&A, although there were still 2 years to go before there would be navigation along the full length.

In Devizes the Town Hall was built in that year and a company was set up on 9th July to lease the wharf from the Mayor and Burghers of the town and it was agreed to pay the Sum of Twenty pounds to the Chamberlains.

Further to the west, the Kennet & Avon Canal Company agreed on the 28th of July 1808 to create a horse towing

path ‘for the purpose of towing and hauling with horses or otherwise boats, lighters and other vessels up and down the river’ Before that, sailing boats would have been at the mercy of the wind and barges would mostly have been hauled by gangs of men in the water or sometimes poled along.

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From 30ft narrowboats through to our range of larger wide beam vessels

Visit our chandlery trade counter For all your boat safety, repair, upgrade and fit-out needs Tel: 01380 828448 Fax: 01380 828855

www.mp-steelcraft.co.uk 17

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No.183 Summer 2008

Chico Holton

hico Holton of Warminster is an artist with a passion for capturing the beauty of country scenes using pointillism, a style of painting that was popular among the French NeoImpressionists of the late 19th Century.

“The pictures are made soley with dots”, says Chico, “and this gives subtle differences of tones and textures.”

Chico has been drawing all his life — since he was old enough to hold a pencil.

And although he paints in various styles including oils – and even traditional signwriting – his first love is pen and ink.

He discovered the flexibility of pointalism when he was commissioned to draw a garden with a rockery in it – and traditional cross hatching was just too heavy.

He wanted a technique that created more subtle changes of shading, particularly in areas of water, stone and trees — and pointalism was the answer.

However, the technique comes at a price. It is very time-consuming.

For example his picture of Corfe Castle took 365 hours to complete.

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The Black Horse, Devizes — from Prison Bridge

Hungerford Wharf

But Chico is convinced that it is worth every second to get the level of detail and fineness he wants in his pictures.

When he’s not drawing, Chico performs as a singer songwiter and also entertains in clubs with a show of 50s and 60s rock, pop and country music –

everything from Hank Williams, to Elvis and Check Berry.

For more information go to www.chicoholton.com where you can find more examples of his artwork and information about commissioning a picture as well as examples of his music.

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No.183 Summer 2008

Caen Hill home to rare dragons

By Susan Litherland of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

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England.

In the new WBAP, Habitat Action Plans have been written for 10 different habitats to be found in Wiltshire, which will in turn improve prospects for the wildlife that lives in them.

The Odonata targets come under the Standing Open Water Habitat Action Plan and the Rivers, Streams and Associated Habitats.

The Cotswold Water Park (CWP) in the north of the county is also creating its own Atlas and results from both will feed into a five-year programme run by the British Dragonfly Society to map the distribution of Odonata around the UK. This will culminate in the publication of a national dragonfly atlas in 2013.

Sightings sent in by readers will also be forwarded to the WSBRC, based at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in Devizes, so that a truly comprehensive

Dragonfly larvae shells

Banded Demoiselle

Picture by John Notman

“At Caen Hill I found young newly emerged scarce chasers, which indicates they are actually breeding there.”

record of these beautiful insects is built up.

The Nationally Scarce downy emerald dragonfly comes in for some special attention in the WBAP, with the establishment of a monitoring programme and the development of best practice management at all known sites in the county by 2012.

“The downy emerald has two subtle habitat requirements,” explains Gareth Harris, Biodiversity Officer of the Cotswold Water Park Society. “It likes some overhanging trees around water bodies; the larvae will crawl out and emerge as adults from the overhanging vegetation. And it also likes leaf litter within the water, which provides great cover for the larvae, particularly important over the winter.

“Unfortunately for this species, people tend to cut back trees and clear ponds, which accounts for at least some of their fall in numbers.”

He too says that climate is bringing new species into the UK from continental Europe, and allowing species already here to move further north.

In 2006 Steve and Gareth recorded a new species for the CWP and for Wiltshire, the lesser emperor, which comes from the Continent, and in 2007 were able to confirm that it was actually breeding on one of the lakes.

“We are finding that some species are responding to climate change by becoming less fussy about where they live,” says Gareth.

Both Steve and the WSBRC would be extremely happy to receive your sightings of any dragonflies and damselflies.

Steve says, “Boat users would be particularly helpful because from the water level you are more likely to spot the discarded shells of the dragonfly larvae which they leave behind as they hatch into adults.

“There is no better way of finding out whether they are actually breeding on our

Picture by John Notman

county, and the project has been launched this summer to fill in the gaps.

The completion of a Dragonfly Atlas for Wiltshire is a target in the newly revised Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan, a blueprint for restoring wildlife in the county.

The document was originally launched in 2002 and revised this summer.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust coordinates it on behalf of the more than 40 different organisations that make up the Wiltshire BAP Partnership, and funds it along with Wiltshire County Council and Natural

Picture by John Notman

new resident has moved into the ponds on the Caen Hill flight of locks in Devizes and it is rather a special one.

The scarce chaser dragonfly (Libellula fulva) is, as its name implies, pretty rare in Britain.

Steve Covey, the County Recorder for Odonata (the group name for dragonflies and damselflies) says it is the first time he has recorded this British Red Data Book species at this spot.

“A well-used canal like the K&A makes good hunting but poor breeding grounds for dragonflies because there is so much turbulence.

“But at Caen Hill I found young newly emerged scarce chasers, which indicates they are actually breeding there.

The ponds provide a suitable habitat for them as they receive flowing water but are much quieter than the main stretch.

“Climate change will be at least partly behind their population expansion” he says, “because as temperatures warm up dragonflies are using habitats that previously were unsuitable.”

With the help of the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) Steve is recording and mapping the exact whereabouts of dragonflies and damselflies around the county to create a Dragonfly Atlas.

The Wiltshire Atlas will become a baseline against which any changes in dragonfly populations can be mapped to aid their conservation.

“The sorts of dragonflies that you would be likely to spot hunting over the canal” he says, “include the southern, emperor and migrant hawkers, the common, azure, banded and blue tailed damselflies, and the common darter.”

The impetus for creating this Atlas has been the lack of comprehensive coverage of Odonata records across the

Southern Hawker If you would like to send sightings, photos, even larvae shells then please contact steve.covey@ntlworld.com mobile: 07748662165.

Or you can contact the WSBRC — you can fill in an online recording form at: www.wsbrc.org.uk — or contact them by post at Elm Tree Court, Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1NJ, or telephone on 01380 725670.

Please provide the date, location (grid reference is best) and the name of species if you know it — if you are not sure, then you can send a photo to confirm identification.

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No.183 Summer 2008

The Father of English Geology

by Andrew Mathieson alk or cycle ride south from the K&A at Dundas along the newly opened Sustrans Collier’s Way Cycle and you will find a sculpture erected to celebrate the work of William Smith who is known as ‘The Father of English Geology’.

William was involved in the surveying and construction of the Somersetshire Coal Canal and this artwork by local sculptor Jerry Ortmans stands beside the route of the canal about two miles south of Midford.

It uses a selection of the rocks which Smith described in his 1799 Order of Strata arranged in the same order, with the youngest on top and the oldest at the bottom, just as they are found in the local area.

Each block of stone was selected from local quarries: Chalk From LaFarge Chalk Pit, Westbury, Wiltshire Forest Marble From Knockdown Quarry, Tetbury, Gloucestershire Great Oolite From Stoke Hill Mine, Limpley Stoke near Bath More usually known as Bath Stone, this was used to build many of the bridges, locks and other structures on both the Coal Canal and the K&A. Inferior Oolite From Doulting Quarry, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Blue Lias From Ashen Cross Quarry, Somerton, Somerset White Lias From Stowey Quarry, Bishop Sutton, Bristol Pennant From Bixhead Quarry, Parkend, Gloucestershire This sandstone was used for the stone sleepers on the Coal Canal railways and in most of the K&A locks.

William Smith finally used the information he had amassed to publish his famous Map of the Strata of England and Wales in 1815, which was an extraordinary feat for one man.

Unfortunately this also led to financial disaster and he lost his

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Picture by Bob Naylor

William Smith illiam Smith was born in 1769, the son of an Oxfordshire village blacksmith.

He had little education at school but clearly had ability because at the age of 18 he helped with a land survey of the village and was then employed by the surveyor, at Stowe-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire.

In 1791 Smith was sent to Somerset to survey the estate of Lady Jones of Stowey, and stayed in the area to work on other land surveys.

Smith was employed as a surveyor and engineer on the construction of the Somersetshire Coal Canal between 1793 and 1799, which allowed him to see the local succession of rocks and collect fossils from them.

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house and estate at Tucking Mill, beside the Coal Canal.

However he had established his reputation as The Father of

It was during this time that he made his ground-breaking discovery that fossils can be used to identify different strata.

Smith was dismissed by the Canal Company in 1799 and on 11th June that year he met two local clergymen at 29 Pulteney Street in Bath — and between them they listed the local rocks and their characteristic fossils in the Order of Strata.

He spent the next 15 years working all over the country as a mineral surveyor.

He recorded all the rocks he saw on his travels which he recognised by their fossils.

He produce a map of the rocks around Bath, which is thought to be the world’s first geological map.

English Geology and was eventually able to retire in Yorkshire with a government pension for his achievements.

The Somersetshire Coal Canal he Somersetshire Coal Canal was one of the most prosperous in the south of England, and it provided a very significant trade and income for the Kennet & Avon Canal until it closed

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It was originally built to reduce the cost of transporting coal from some of the mines in the north of Somerset so that it could be sold more cheaply in Bath, and to open up new markets as far east as the River Thames.

It had two branches which followed the river valleys in the west, where the coal mines were situated.

Coal was carried from the mines to the canal by a network of horse-drawn railways.

The canal branches joined together near Midford, and the route continued eastwards to meet the Kennet & Avon Canal at Dundas.

Most of the cargo carried on the canal was coal and it was taken to Bath and towns in Wiltshire and Berkshire, using both the Kennet & Avon and the Wilts & Berks canals.

The coal was carried in narrowboats, which were made of wood and pulled by a horse or a pair of mules. Each could carry a cargo of 25 — 30 tons.

When the canal was busiest,

between 1820 and 1870, over 100,000 tons of coal were carried each year.

The Coal Canal eventually suffered from the competition of railways and the closure of many of the coal mines along its route.

In 1871 the southern branch of the canal was sold to the Somerset & Dorset Railway, and trade dwindled along the remainder of the route until the canal finally stopped trading in 1899.

The Great Western Railway bought up the disused route and opened a branch line over its course, from Camerton to Limpley Stoke, in 1910.

You can see a few remains of the original southern branch of the canal between Midford and Radstock, although it was mostly destroyed by the building of the Somerset & Dorset Railway.

To the west of Midford, you can clearly see the remains of the canal bed and the recently restored Midford Aqueduct.

The Colliers Way he Colliers Way is part of National Route 24 of the National Cycle Network, which will eventually provide a continuous cycle route all the way to Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as a link to Poole via National Route 25 and Weymouth via National Route 26.

This route uses disused railway lines to give traffic-free walking and cycling, connected by quiet country lanes.

At the north end of the route is the Dundas Aqueduct that carries the Kennet & Avon Canal across the River Avon.

At Brassnocker Basin there is a visitor centre, a cafe and bike and boat hire.

To the south is the former mining community of Radstock set in some of the most beautiful Somerset countryside.

It is home to the Radstock Museum where the history of mining and life in the North Somerset Coalfields is told.

The cycle route continues to Frome which has more listed buildings than any other town in Somerset, as well as a renowned and thriving Arts and Crafts community.

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Linear Orchard Railway travellers threw apple cores from train windows which self seeded — and this has provided the inspiration for a planting scheme and a series of signs between Frome and Radstock with etched and enamelled copper plate signs that highlight the names of old English varieties of apples and pears.

They will form a linear orchard that will provide refreshment for travellers on the route in the future.

For more information on the Colliers Way visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/colliersway

A free leaflet illustrating the cycle route and artworks is available from Sustrans on tel: 0845 113 0065.

Bike Hire - Brassknocker Basin at Dundas on the Somerset Coal Canal Tel: 01225 722292

Midford Aqueduct

Pictures by Bob Naylor

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No.183 Summer 2008

Newbury Branch Lengthsman’s Report John Arthurs, Rob Dean and Chris Goldsmith of the Newbury Branch of the K&A Canal Trust conducted a comprehensive survey of the state of the 16 locks, 6 moveable bridges and 121⁄4 miles of towpath between Kintbury and Woolhampton early this year — here is a brief summary of their findings. he 2008 Lengthsman’s Report conducted by members of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Newbury Branch concluded that the canal along this stretch was generally in good condition and was navigable throughout at the time of the survey in early 2008.

They noted that the failure of weirs would probably be the greatest threat to navigation on this stretch.

Several failures of structures were noted.

Some fall into the category of routine maintenance which BW would be expected to repair in a relatively short time.

Others fall into the category of serious wear likely to lead to loss of navigation or access in the future.

Under the heading of ‘Protect’ these were: Gates at Midgham lock (no 92) are severely weakened through age and they leak very badly.

Replacement of these gates should be a high priority.

Widmead lock (no 89) is in a very poor condition — the gates are severely worn and are leaking, the balance beams are rotten and warped.

Brickwork and coping are missing, mainly due to vandalism.

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Complete renovation of Widmead lock should also be a high priority.

Opportunities for improving this stretch were also noted — mostly to enhance the safe use of the canal.

Under the heading of ‘Enhance’ were: Copse lock (no 80) has no means of crossing to the off-side without climbing across the top balance beams.

Crossing boards on the bottom gates or a footbridge below the bottom gates would be a significant health and safety improvement.

Towpath upgrade — the problem of poorly surfaced towpath creating muddy access as well as erosion of the bank side was particularly evident at the western end of the stretch above and below Dreweat’s lock (no 79).

Bulls bridge mooring — this bridge (no 48) above Bull’s lock (no 88) is the only movable bridge on the entire canal without a mooring.

When approached from below the lock mooring suffices, but for boats approaching from above it can be a significant challenge. Providing a mooring would be a significant safety enhancement, particularly for those with restricted mobility.

Bulls Bridge: is the only movable bridge on the entire canal that does not

have a mooring — operating the bridge can be a significant challenge 22

Midgeham Lock: was found to be weakened through age and leaking badly

Widmead Lock: is worn and has a serious problem with leaking gates — the balance beams are rotten and warped

Copse Lock: there is no means of crossing the lock — other than on the allance beams

Drewetts Lock area: poorly surfaced, muddy towpath and bank erosion

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Account No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................................

To Bank: When making payments please quote: . . . . . . . . . . .

004

005 Gift Aid Declaration Name of Charity: The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Details of Donor Title: . . . . . . . . .Full Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

006

007

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . .

008

009

Pictures from the Canal Museum’s archive are available as A4 prints on photographic paper. A4 prints are £19.95.

Please add £2.50 for each order for post and packing.

Phone 01380 729489 giving your credit card details or send a cheque with your delivery details and list of required print numbers to: Archive Prints, K&A Canal Trust, Devizes Wharf, Couch Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1EB. 23 Please make your cheque payable to The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (Enterprise) Ltd.

I want the charity to treat all subscriptions/donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid Donations.

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You must pay an amount of Tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on your donations in the tax year (currently 25p for each £1.00 you give).

Please post or fax this form to: The Membership Secretary, The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, FREEPOST, Canal Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1BR. Fax: 01380 727870

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No.183 Summer 2008

French connections news of our twinned canals twinning trip by a group from the K&A Canal Trust to the Canal du Nivernais our twinned French waterway in Burgundy is planned for September.

The original plan was to go north from Decize but because there are no suitable boats available from Decize an 8/10 berth Salsa Elite is being hired from Crown Blue Line at Tannay.

also be present.

Because of the change of starting point, the original visits are having to be revised and Les Amis have not yet finalised the arrangements — one thing is sure however — it will be a very enjoyable weekend.

So far six people have confimed — so if anyone wants to come there is still time to book.

The cost of the boat charter

is €1784 plus fuel and parking which is likely to cost about another €350.

Added to this there will be the cost of getting to France either by car or train.

Picture by Bob Naylor

Picture by Bob Naylor

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The one-way trip to Decize will start on 20th September.

This is a very beautiful part of the Canal du Nivernais and involves going up the Sardy flight of 16 locks, as well as navigating the 3 summit tunnels.

Les Amis, with their usual generosity, are laying on entertainment over the weekend, when representitives of the Irish, Royal Canal, will

One of the 16 locks on the Sardy Flight

The lock at Baye at the summit of the Canal du Nivernais

Newbury Waterways Festival 2008 Victoria Gardens, Newbury A colourful flotilla of boats will set the scene for Newbury’s principal canalside event Victoria Park will be filled with stalls and entertainment with plenty to do for all the family The theme this year is

Twinning cruise of the Canal du Nivernais in Bergundy Cost of boat between 250 and 350 Euros per person.

One week cruise, starting 20th September 2008 sharing a 10-berth cruiser

‘Wind in the Willows’ For more information call The Stone Building on 01635 522609 or Julie Dean on 01962 883939

Free Entry

Sponsored by

All profits go to the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust 24

8/10 Berth Salsa Elite

For more information contact Di Harris on 01380 840584 or Mike Lee on 01225 873915

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No.183 Summer 2008

Honeystreet Ferry

The remains of the Honeystreet ferry ramp can be seen clearly on the far side of the canal behind the paddle boat Charlotte Dundas moored alongside the landing stage on the south side of the canal at Honeystreet in this pictue taken by Geoffrey Snelgrove in 1979

by Charles Reiss

ngland’s history lies hidden in some unexpected places — and one of the dangers is that because it is hidden it will be forgotten and, eventually, lost.

One such place is on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Honeystreet, directly across the canal from the Barge Inn. Many with an interest will know that in the heyday of the K&A Honeystreet was a thriving community with a workforce of more than one hundred at the sawmill and the barge-building wharf.

Less well-known and less noticed is the little ramp that cuts into the northern canalbank opposite the pub, offering a route apparently to nowhere.

Until about twenty years ago

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it was concrete.

Since then, the surface has become cracked and overgrown and if the reeds and grass and nettles were not cut back it would soon disappear altogether.

That would be a pity because the ramp is the last

The arrival of the canal in 1810 slashed ancient fields and ancient tracks much as a new motorway does now.

One of those was the drove road which led from the south to the age-old fair on Tan Hill.

Tan Hill, more properly named St Anne’s Hill, lies some

The arrival of the canal in 1810 slashed ancient fields and ancient tracks much as a new motorway does now. vestige of a right of way across the K&A which the canal’s builders were obliged to grant, and to promise to maintain in perpetuity.

three miles north of Honeystreet.

Every summer hundreds assembled there for the annual sheep and cattle fair.

The gathering is first mentioned in the records in 1499 but it almost certainly dates back much further, perhaps to pre-Christian times.

After the canal was built a ferry service was established to honour the old right of way and carry travellers, their goods and their beasts.

The ramp marked the loading and unloading point on the northern side.

The ferry is long gone. The fair limped to an end in 1932.

It is seventy years and more since anyone tried to ship cattle across the K&A yet the ramp remains, a tiny monument to a historic pathway and a promise long-kept.

It would be a shame to see it vanish altogether.

Moonraker Narrowboat Company Once in a while we all deserve the 5 star treatment. Whether a romantic escape, family holiday or just some time out from the stresses and demands of life, your relaxation and enjoyment is paramount. Our aim at Moonraker Narrowboat Company is to help you unwind by providing high quality, luxurious boats and a personal service second to none.

Please visit our website at

www.moonboats.co.uk for up to date information, prices & availability

Alternatively please telephone

07973 876891 or email enquiries@moonboats.co.uk with your requirements

25

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183 Summer 2008

Canals for kids

with Terry Kemp

Annie and Kenny Avon have many canal tales to tell and these canal friends will help them tell them.

Annie and Kenny’s Canal Tales Jenny Wren and the ducklings

ie the Farm Bridge Fredd

enny was perched on the parapet of Freddie the Farm Bridge when she saw a large farm tractor coming.

Every day the tractor crossed the bridge to get to the farm fields on the other side of the canal.

But today the farmer could not see a family of ducks and ducklings crossing the roadway in front of him.

Freddie cried out but the farmer could not hear him because the tractor had a very loud engine.

Jenny Wren was very small so could not warn the ducks or the farmer and it looked as if the tractor would run over the ducks and ducklings!

Jenny had an idea — she took off into the air and began to turn somersaults

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Annie and Kenny Avon

just in front of the tractors windscreen.

As you can imagine the farmer was very surprised to see a small wren giving such a display and in his surprise stopped the tractor.

The ducklings and ducks continued on their way not knowing that little Jenny Wren had saved them.

Jenny did a few more somersaults then flew off leaving the farmer puzzled as to why a little wren should behave that way.

When he got home to the farmhouse he told his wife but she just laughed and said he must have been dreaming.

If you want to write a canal story yourself or introduce a new canal friend please write to us at the Butty.

Norman the Narrowboat

Kylie

ayak th e K

Maurice the Moorhen

Lenny the Lock

Canal Wildlife — The Tawny Owl ou may be lucky enough to see a Tawny Owl in the daytime or early evening.

They are very small — only the size of a pigeon!

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They are brown, soft, fluffy, bigheaded and without ear tufts.

They catch and eat small animals and birds as well as large insects and frogs.

The Mousehole Boat Company

What time do ducks wake up in the morning?

The quack of dawn!

Langley Fitzurse School canal project

Pictures by Bob Naylor

When Lin Evans, the head teacher of Langley Fizurse School in Kington Langley near Chippenham was a student she painted roses and castles on narrowboats. So — when the school did a project on canals she taught all the children how to do them.

They learned about the history of the canal system and the lives of the families that oprated the boats.

A highlight of the term was a visit to the Trust Canal Museum in Devizes followed by a trip on the Barbara MacLellan at Bradford on Avon.

John and Elaine Kirby visited the school and did an assembly that taught the children the importance of staying safe near Tyler, Eve, Hannah, Eloise water. and Thomas with some of the artwork

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No.183 Summer 2008

Reviews

Leonard Pearcey Non-technical book reviews

A Girl At The Tiller

By Geoffrey Lewis First published in 2008 by SGM Publishing ISBN 978 0 9545624 7 2 248 pages. £7.99 soft cover

The Dead Pool

By Sue Walker First published in 2007 by Penguin ISBN 978 0 718 14887 4 296 pages. £7.99 soft cover

his is a sequel to ‘A Boy Off The Bank’ which I reviewed for you in Issue 177 (Winter 2006), and I’m afraid that my one moan then in the midst of an otherwise favourable review applies here too: I have a problem with the writing of the dialect/dialogue of the canal folk. Interpreting the phonetics once again breaks up the author’s beautiful and convincing flow.

But here too it’s worth persevering.

We happily renew our acquaintance with Michael and Ginny, Alby Baker, and the other boating families, but this time some new faces appear, including one particularly dominating and domineering individual who threatens the happiness of our little team. And on the Grand Union Canal towards the end of the 1940s change is on the way. A convincing portrayal of canal working life at the time, and a third book is planned for early 2009 to complete Michael’s story.

Something to look forward to.

he author is a TV journalist who’s concentrated for the past fifteen years on documentaries specializing in crime investigative work and miscarriages of justice, so it’s no surprise that this is her third crime novel. It’s set on a river rather than a canal, The Water of Leith, that winds through Edinburgh, and the ‘soft summer shushing’ sound of the weir as it trickles down from the Cauldron on its way to the sea. Is Morag Ramsay ‘The Cauldron Killer’? Her boyfriend and his lover were murdered there a few months before Jamie Munro drowned in that deep pool – a tragic accident, suicide, or was that too murder? His daughter-in-law Kirstin Rutherford is determined to find out.

This is an exceedingly good read, with a highly satisfactory confession to round it off. As it says on the cover: ‘Murder lies beneath the surface…’.

T

T

Tim Wheeldon Technical book reviews

The Complete Encyclopedia of Sailing Ships

by John Batchelor & Christopher Grant.

Published by REBO Publishers, ISBN: 9036617189 £12.99 (£5.99) he K&A wasn’t exactly built for sailing craft — although there is an 1805 aquatint showing a sail (presumably attached to a boat) crossing Dundas Aqueduct — and most of the ships featured would not fit the K&A by a long chalk. So this book is for those with a ‘catholic’ interest in floating things.

If you’re into sail this book will satisfy you as much as the Crofton one will please those into steam. Every weird and wonderful design of world wide sailing craft from 2000BC (from the point of view of symmetry you’d think it would be 2006BC wouldn’t you?) to 2006AD is described and well illustrated. Famous ships such as HMS ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Victory’ are covered with as much fascinating detail about their voyages as the vessels themselves. Particularly interesting is the sad fate which befell so many historic ships.

This is one of those books you might pick up to while away a few minutes and next thing you know it’s an hour later and your coffee’s cold!

At the reduced price of £5.99 it’s an absolute bargain.

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The Crofton Pumping Station, Issue 3, Spring 2008

by Ian Broom, Ray Knowles and Harry Willis Published by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, price £5.00 n 1958, when I was 16, I and a friend hired a canoe from John Gould and paddled it (well, mostly carried it actually) to Wootton Rivers and back.

Crofton pumps were still working so we knocked at the door and were shown around by the engine man.

Shortly after our visit the pumps closed and the chimney was reduced in height: ever since then I have followed with awe and pleasure the process of the saving of this incalculably valuable monument by the Trust and its supporters.

This splendidly produced booklet tells you everything you need to know about Crofton — its history, its closure and its restoration.

It is a delight and indeed a credit to Ian Broom, Ray Knowles and Harry Willis. It is so easy to read and understand, that even nontechies will be able easily to grasp the details of the working of these fantastic machines.

When you’re visiting Crofton (and you must), read this publication first and take it with you. It will help your understanding and admiration of the pioneers of 18th – 19th century technology and, for a mere fiver, it will remind you of the incredible social value that the K&A Trust is privileged to hold in trust for the nation.

I

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No.183 Summer 2008

Making a difference

by John Kirby — Director of Marketing and Membership e have started work on the restoration of the ex-BW work boat, ‘Avon Vale” — the first job is to get the engine hold ready so that the engine that Eric Argent has refurbished can be re-installed.

The working party meet every Monday from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the British Waterways yard next to the Café on the Caen Hill flight in Devizes.

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Avon Vale gets first sponsor We have our first sponsor for Avon Vale — HMG Coatings of Andover. Alan Whitewick, managing director of the company which specialises in marine paint has donated free of charge all the paint needed on the ‘Avon Vale’.

application form for the ‘Avon Vale 100 Club.’ This is a great way in which all Trust members can help with this project without having to go outside the front door and at the same time win, ‘Big Cash Prizes’ every month — now that is helping to make a difference.

Email addresses I would like to give a big thanks to all who have sent in their email address to the Trust, this is a great way to help the trust to save money.

But there are still some of you out there who have not

sent yours in, ‘Please’ just do it.

All you have to do is send an email to: administrator@katrust.org.uk and put your Name, Membership Number and Branch (which is on your membership card) in the subject line — and send it.

That’s all you have to do.

Volunteering for the Trust couldn’t be simpler.

Peter LindleyJones Lock We now have the date for the naming ceremony of the Peter

Lindley-Jones lock. It will take place on 20th July at 12 noon at lock number 36 on the Caen Hill flight (just down from the tea rooms).

Ian Jarvis British Waterways South West General Manager has kindly said he will be attending and an invitation has gone to all of BW staff who knew Peter.

And of course all Trust members are welcome so please come along and meet Peter’s family along with his friends and help celebrate the life of this man who did so much for the Trust.

BW support

Avon Vale 100 Club

THE FIT OUT FACTORY

You will also see inserted inside this edition of the Butty an

We fit-out spaces and specialise in broad beam canal boats for uses from floating homes to floating board rooms

Chilton Cantelo, Nr Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8BQ Telephone: 01935 850860 Mobile: 07815 916959 Email: info@thefitoutfactory.co.uk www.thefitoutfactory.co.uk

28

The Tutti Pole

Taking a break from work on Avon Vale are, from left to right, John Peters, John Kirby Adrian Softley and Rod Hannah

Ltd

by the South side of Hungerford Bridge

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our Tea Room/Restaurant and Patio Area seating up to 50

Morning Coffee • Luncheon • Afternoon Tea Roast Sunday Lunch • Home made fare a speciality Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm • Saturday & Sunday 9am – 6pm The Tutti Pole, 3 High Street, Hungerford RG17 0DN Telephone: 01488 682515

Picture by Bob Naylor

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dale Marshal, David Berezynskyj and all the staff at the BW yard who have been very helpful with this project.

If you would like to take part and help in this exciting programme please give John Kirby a call on: 0774 8873280. All are welcome.

the

Butty BRANCH REPORTS Reading David Copley 0118 9598247 new face at the top of the column — Mike Wyatt retired as Branch Chairman at the Branch AGM in April and I have taken over from him.

Mike’s many achievements include developing the ‘Declaration of Gratitude for Re-opening the Canal’, which was presented to the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

He also organised the Special Event to mark 50 years of the ‘K&A Association’ and ‘Trust’ in the Reading area, as well as keeping the Branch on an even course for many successful years.

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No.183 Summer 2008

Mike continues on the Branch committee as ViceChairman (he and I have swapped roles) and as Harbourmaster for WaterFest 2008.

Late Christmas Christmas comes late at Reading.

Our annual Christmas dinner took place in March at the West Grange Hotel, Midgham, organised by Andy James.

Good food, good company and a good time was had by all.

Spitbank Fort May saw twenty seven members and friends meeting for lunch in the middle of the Solent on Spitbank Fort — a highly successful event. Thanks to Mike Bennett for making the arrangements.

Aldermaston Shop Wendy Pike and her helpers are active at the shop — but

the early date of Easter and indifferent weather have, at the time of writing, not helped our income.

Mary, our volunteer gardener, has done a great job keeping the flowerbed a mass of colour to attract visitors into the garden when the weather allows.

Please drop in and see it for yourself if you are in the area.

Volunteer work March brought the annual Clean Up on the Kennet in central Reading.

Fewer shopping trolleys were recovered, but 2008 seems to be the Year of the Bike.

This year the date coincided with the BW national clean up and we were pleased to have Alison Smith of BW and her fiancée (now husband) working with us. We wish them both well.

Monthly meetings The programme of monthly meetings has now reached the

summer break.

After recent meetings branch members now know how to build a Bailey Bridge and can recognise several species of bats.

Meetings resume in September, usually on the last Friday of each month.

Once again there is a possibility that we may move out of Turnham’s Farm Hall for a new venue, so please check with a Branch committee member closer to the time.

Lock gate handles We are also extremely pleased that seven Branch members as part of a BW volunteer project, led by Mike Bennett, spent several days fitting lock gate handles to all locks between Reading and Bedwyn, which previously lacked them.

The team quickly learned how far many of the locks are from the nearest road when carrying heavy equipment.

We hope that more projects will follow.

Mike Price MABSE Approved Independent Boat Safety Examiner Tel: 01225 703747 Mobile: 07736 837968 Email: mpboatsafety@aol.com

Stop at the one-stop service

HONEYSTREET Visit our Wharf on the Long Pound by Honeystreet Bridge for diesel, Calor Gas & coal water & 240 volt electrics overnight moorings pump-out & ‘Porta Potti’ disposal

Boat Trips

From the Cunning Man, Burghfield Bridge Public trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May to September Private party hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A range of cruises Day boat hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Self-drive for up to 12 people Holiday hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 & 6 Berth Narrowboats Flexible weekly or short break periods Moorings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Permanent or temporary

Gibson’s Boat Services

Enquiries: 14 Beech Lane, Earley, Reading, RG6 5PT Tel: 0118 987 1115 Fax: 0118 921 0604

Telephone 01672 851232

www.kennetcruises.co.uk 29

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No.183 Summer 2008

Facelift for Stone Building Newbury Julie Dean 01962 883939 ewbury branch held its AGM on 30th April which saw the same committee re-elected to serve another year.

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Volunteers recognised We were delighted to see the coveted Newbury Branch ‘John Gould Award’ presented collectively to the shop volunteers.

Ian Savin received the award on behalf of them all and it now hangs in pride of place in the Stone Building.

AGM The AGM also brought us to the end of our monthly series of illustrated talks for this season.

These will start again on 24th September – see the next Butty for more details.

Lengthman’s report To finish this season Rob Dean and John Arthurs presented the findings of their survey of our ‘stretch’ of the canal — from Kintbury in the west to Woolhampton in the east.

A copy of the full report will be sent to Trust HQ and BW. Rob and John would like to thank Chris Goldsmith for his help with the report.

The Stone Building shop has had a facelift!

Many thanks to Bill Fisher, John Forbes, Crofton and Hungerford branch for their help in doing the refit.

Shop Manager Tracy is very pleased with the result and has already seen an increase in sales now that everything is displayed to its advantage.

Pop in and see for yourself.

Waterways Festival The Newbury Waterways Festival is just round the corner.

Do join us on Sunday 27th July in Victoria Park, Newbury and make this the best festival ever.

The theme this year is ‘Wind in the Willows’ so we hope to see lots of Rattys and Toads attending!

There will be plenty of things to do for the whole family, including the now traditional duck race.

The Festival is a major event for the Trust. Not only does it promote the canal and our work to protect it, it also raises funds (last year over £2500) to support the work of the Trust.

Catering will once again be provided by Devizes branch under Adrian Softley’s capable management. But the small Festival team at Newbury would welcome all offers of help both from other branches and from

Gibson's Boat Surveys Ltd. Independent Marine Surveyors based on the K&A Canal

individuals. And there is still space for boaters to join us for the entire weekend of fun.

Contact Harbourmaster, John Arthurs on 01793 722292 for details.

Hippo Granny’s seat In April a canalside bench was unveiled just below the West Mills swingbridge in Newbury in memory of Audrey Savin.

Audrey worked as a volunteer at the Stone Building alongside her son, Ian, until shortly before her death in

2006 at the age of 84.

Her two grand daughters, Caroline and Dorothy, very much wanted some sort of memorial and thought that a bench dedicated to her, by the canal in her favourite spot where she used to feed the ducks, would be ideal.

So now they have a special place where they can sit in peace and be with their granny once again, whenever it all gets too much!

Audrey is remembered with great affection by everyone — the customers, volunteers and Tracy Perryman, the manager of the Stone Building. The unveiling ceremony was kindly performed by Peter Beasley —- a friend both of Audrey and the Stone Building.

TH MARI A P NE W O T

For all your surveying needs please contact Richard Burchell on 07810 671770 or E-mail rich.burchell@hotmail.co.uk

MOBILE MARINE SERVICE FOR WATERWAYS CRAFT

Hull or full craft Surveys with comprehensive written reports undertaken for Insurance, purchase, condition or damage assessment purposes

Outboard/Inboard Engine Servicing & Repair 12/240V Electrics, Plumbing & Diesel Heaters Breakdown Service & Boat Relocation

Specialist consultancy also available for new build, RCD regulations and vintage or historic craft.

Contact:

The Old Builders Wharf, Honey Street, Nr Pewsey, Wilts SN9 5PS

Tom Sheldrick Tel: 07760 452195

30

ON THE KENNET & AVON CANAL

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Butty BRANCH REPORTS Hungerford Richard Snook 01635 253446 he summer season started off at the Easter weekend with a charter trip on the Saturday morning.

When in the planning stage, we had a vision of cruising gently down to Dunmill in the warm sunshine and a light breeze helping us to wind before returning to the wharf.

Reality was somewhat different: a howling gale, horizontal snow and the mercury barely above zero.

Needless to say, the public trip to follow it had no takers at all.

T

Rose spruced As soon as the weather improved the public trips have been very well supported.

Much work has been going on sprucing up ‘The Rose’,

No.183 Summer 2008

finishing off with re-painting everything above the waterline.

A good coat of paint was well overdue but now ‘The Rose’ looks very smart indeed.

Woe betide any of the resident ducks if they dare to make a mess on the roof of the boat; I must get the orange sauce ready just in case.

The committee wish to thank Graham Seymour, Peter Smith, Patrick Titman, and others for their sterling work with the winter/spring maintenance programme.

Secretary retires after 30 years Tony Bond, who seems to have been our branch secretary almost from the time that the quill pen was superseded by the Biro, has finally decided to call it a day.

In fact he has been secretary for almost 30 years until he resigned at the AGM, where he was presented with a framed watercolour of ‘The Rose of Hungerford’, specially

commissioned, by a local artist, Jonathan Pomroy.

Our new secretary will be Janet Sawyer who herself acknowledges that she has a hard act to follow.

Colin Goodson, who has been our crew and training manager for 9 years also decided to stand down at the AGM. Diana Wheatley has agreed to take on the crew part of Colin’s job but, at the time of writing, the committee has not yet appointed a training manager.

The committee wishes to thank both Colin and Tony for their sterling work for the branch over the years and are pleased to hear that they both will continue as captain and crew respectively.

Sanitary station vandalised I see that the door of the insanitary station has been forced open causing much damage to the door and its

surround.

Such needless vandalism is to be deplored and I ask myself, why?

The only things in there are a rather smelly hose pipe, a card reader on the wall and liberal coating of filth.

Economy affects charters We seem to be suffering a little from the present economic situation with a few charter cancellations.

The usual reasons given are that the coach to bring the party to Hungerford is too expensive or that too many of the party have dropped out owing to shortage of funds.

In spite of that, the charter bookings are on a par with the same time last year which is good news indeed.

Rose 25 ‘The Rose’ is 25 years old this summer and we all look forward to another successful quarter century to follow.

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Butty BRANCH REPORTS

No.183 Summer 2008

has been fixed to the top riser.

Rivet appeal Ray Knowles 01672 851639 e finished the planned winter work on the weekend before Easter, so Tuesday 18th March was almost an anti-climax and we had to keep checking that we hadn’t forgotten something.

Twenty tons of Daw Mill trebles at £140 per ton came that day.

As elsewhere, Easter was cold, wet and windy but we did sell a lot of soup.

The completed concrete slope outside the Boiler House and Café doors is now a safe non-slip surface and looks very good.

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‘The Lake Steps’ The full cost of what we are calling ‘The Lake Steps’ has been very generously donated by the late Robert and Clare Lake’s daughter and her husband and a brass plaque

Devizes Adrian Softley 07899 844929 ust where is the year going? Already into June.

Our Branch AGM seems a long time ago now, but alas we still do not have volunteers for the posts of treasurer and secretary.

By ‘we’ I mean the two of us who attended the last committee meeting.

We cannot do it all and we really would appreciate some help.

J

Work Boat The work boat is progressing well with a regular team working on it every Monday.

With luck the boat should be out of the water soon, then we can get stuck into scraping and cleaning.

A more full report from John Kirby appears on page 28.

32

The rivet appeal is well under way and has passed the halfway point although it works out at £20 a rivet so is not as easy as the chimney appeal which was £1 a brick, but please keep the donations coming.

The Boiler House window frame is rotten at the base and must be replaced.

We are awaiting a reply from the Kennet District Council Conservation Officer regarding the design of this window, as we have photos from various dates showing different designs and part of the existing window clearly comes from a greenhouse and is not appropriate for a Grade 1 Listed building.

We have been very pleased once again to welcome two new members, David and Jane Parr.

David has joined the Tuesday Group and will be available for some steamings and Jane is helping Maxine in the shop and kitchen.

We have a splendid new till on the shop counter which isn’t quite so intimidating as it first looks and a smaller version on the entrance desk as well, to

We have recently been fixing leaks in condenser tanks and

Lacock Street Fayre

Newbury Waterways Festival seems to be attracting a good deal of interest and the team from Devizes will once again be flipping burgers over that weekend.

Hope to see some of you out on the cut this summer.

We hosted the very successful Trust AGM this year with Maxine in charge of the catering arrangements in the marquee and keeping the Engineman’s Rest café running as normal.

New members

Maintenence

Newbury Waterways Festival

Bookings Bookings for daytime and evening group visits and events are coming in and with the normal steaming on Sunday 29th June we will be having a display of photographs from the original restoration of the pumping station which started in 1968.

Boiler House window

We are hoping to staff a free pitch at the Lacock Street Fayre again this year — but we can only do this with the help of volunteers.

Last year’s event was fantastic and it proved very successful in attracting new members and in raising awareness of the Trust.

So if there are any hands available, even for a couple of hours on the August Bank Holiday, please give me a call.

meet the requirements of HM Revenue and Customs as there has to be an audit trail for all our takings.

Trust AGM

Wednesday volunteers Finally, we are urgently in need of two volunteers to run the pumping station on Wednesdays.

It doesn’t have to be every Wednesday if we can get enough people to do once a fortnight or once a month, or anything!

Please give Maxine a call on 01672 870300 if you can do anything to help.

Steam Gala Don’t forget the Steam Gala on the last steaming of the year — 27th/28th September.

Devizes towpath tidy

Pictures by Elaine Kirby

Crofton

catching up on the painting now that the weather is warmer and drier.

The preparation of the 5and 10-year conservation plan is also under way.

The Devizes Branch took part in the canal clear-up again this year.

The numbers of helpers was down on recent years but the event was still a great success with the litter pickers returning with heavily-laden black plastic bags.

Thanks to all those who helped.

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Butty BRANCH REPORTS

No.183 Summer 2008

Bradford on Avon towpath tidy West Wilts Gill Milner 0800 1214679 familiar face is missing from the head of this report — John Maciver our Branch Chairman for the past 5 years has stepped down due to pressure of work.

We are all going to miss his Scottish charm (yes, there is such a thing!) with visitors, members and potential volunteers as well as his leadership skills, infectious enthusiasm and encouragement.

He retains his interest in the branch as a Boatmaster with Joan as a volunteer.

John has also promised to be on hand with advice, born of many years K&A experience and he will continue to sit on the Trust Council.

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With no-one coming forward to replace John, the branch is being run by a committee, which presently consists of Colin Daws, Eric Doel, Sally Ferrers, Barbara Froggat, Valerie Henderson, Grant and Gill Milner. Val and Barbara were co-opted at our committee meeting on 16th April.

We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to their contributions.

We also welcome Barbara as our new shop manager.

There are many other people we have to be grateful to for all their hard work, including Dave and Margaret Jupp in reorganising the shop ready for the new season.

Barbara Mac We also continue to be grateful to Colin Daws our boat Manager who sometimes appears to be welded — Linda might use the word wedded instead — to the Barbara Mac. I recall passing over the lock bridge at Bradford on Avon one bitterly cold January evening and spotting a light on in the

Picture by John Maciver

Branch Committee

Nine Trust vounteers and ten BW staff took part in the Canal clean-up in the Bradford on Avon split into two teams — some working in the Hilperton area and some around BoA.

engine room.

It was CD at work again I later learned.

Further boat maintenance thanks are due to Roger ‘steamboat’, Roger Brown and Trevor Ward.

Trevor has been a dab hand with the paint brush during the winter period and we now have some distinctive red and green windlasses and poles.

He has also carefully tackled some wear and tear problems which can make the boat appear shoddy.

Robin Parry who is a former Boat Manager, has stepped down as a Boatmaster.

Robin can be justifiably proud of his contribution to the Trust and canal over the years.

We now look forward to seeing Brenda and Robin yourself helping as crew.

We also hope that you will be able to spend many happy hours on your own boat and in the campervan.

Busy lives We all seem to lead busy lives, at least most of our volunteers seem to, so that it is always a balance between domestic, social and work priorities.

Somehow we still manage to operate both the shop and boat in a professional and efficient manner.

At times crewing the boat can be a close run thing because we currently do not

have a crewing manager and the skippers do this on a rota system, one week at a time.

Without singling out key individuals, it is often the same people who bail us out of trouble at the last minute.

Thank you — you know who you are!

Crew training Geoff Olver once again coordinated our crew training sessions and we thank him and others who helped with this annual mandatory task.

Geoff’s attention to detail is locally legendary and so many of us have reason to be grateful that we have been trained in a proper manner.

Devizes promotional trip

was another success — despite the inclement weather.

We were able to introduce a large number of people both to the ‘Barbara Mac’ and to the canal.

The cheerful atmosphere and opportunities to get involved with all aspects of canal work makes this trip, which is spread over four days, special and a number of people have signed up as volunteers.

Charter bookings The boat is being well booked with charters considering the economic climate. It looks like we will have a busy and exciting year. However, we do need more volunteers to help run our boat and shop.

Whatever your abilities, if you can spare time now and again, please come along and learn new skills, have some fun and make new friends.

The Barge Inn Honeystreet

Our promotional trip to Devizes

Historic Canalside Inn

serving home cooked food from noon — 2.30pm and 7 — 9pm

Real Ales Campsite Marquee for parties

Tel: 01672 851705 www.the-barge-inn.com

Crop circle venue with notice boards 33

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Butty BRANCH REPORTS

No.183 Summer 2008

Claverton, Bath & Bristol Pete Dunn 01761 432811 he western end of the Trust (‘Jubilee’ and Claverton) were both fully operational for Easter but the poor weather kept the visitors away, since then the closure of the Warminster Road the A36 at Limpley Stoke has kept many more of the public away.

However ‘Jubilee’ has got a lot of charters booked which are not affected by the road situation.

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Burbage Crane Project At Claverton the Burbage Crane Project is making good progress. There is some impressive heavy wood woodworking being undertaken by the team who are really getting stuck into the project.

We are still looking for new volunteers for all aspects of

Work continues on the Burbage crane project

branch activities so if you have a little spare time why not consider becoming active on behalf of the Canal and the Trust.

Branch Chairman I am carrying on as acting Branch Chairman but do not wish to hold that role

permanently.

Claverton requires my fulltime involvement as there are a lot of developments there which require attention.

So there is a vacancy for someone who can coordinate the Bath and Bristol Branch and represent it on Trust Council — If you are interested why not

Tel: Tel: 01380 01380 725300 Quality narrowboat maintenance Repair & refurbishment Engine servicing — Hull blacking Shot blasting — Painting — Sign writing Hull extensions & welding DIY covered wet dock Pump-out — Diesel —Gas — Coal Day & weekend boat hire Chandlery — Boat Sales

www.devizesmarina.co.uk 34

give me a call for an informal chat on the role.

Joint meetings with IWA The Branch is joining with the local IWA for a number of talks this year that are listed in the What’s On column on page 38.

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Butty

No.183 Summer 2008

Safety matters by Ben Woodman ho remembers Lord Robens? — not many people I bet.

He was famous — or rather infamous — for being chairman of the National Coal Board in 1966 when the Aberfan disaster occurred.

That certainly wasn’t his finest hour. He went on however to chair the Robens committee which completely modernised and streamlined Health and Safety Law in the UK. Prior to the committee findings there were nine main sets of legislation, administered by five different government departments and seven independent inspectorates.

UK Health and Safety Law was misunderstood and fragmented and at the time more than 5 million workers were not protected by the law.

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Industry was expanding and innovating and the existing Health and Safety Law — such as it was — couldn’t keep up.

Unscrupulous employers were putting workers at risk, and as a result accident rates were rising.

To put it another way, more and more workers were getting injured and killed.

The result of the committee’s deliberations was The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.

For the first time, virtually all workers in the UK were protected by a law which had the power to prosecute offenders in the Criminal Court.

The HASAWA was pretty fair too; it laid duties on employees and contractors as well as employers.

All had a duty to take care that their ‘Acts and omissions’

didn’t give rise to risks to other persons. That was a first!

Previously if someone saw and recognised a dangerous situation, they could just shrug and walk away. Not any more!

Now they had a duty to do something about it, and if they didn’t, they were committing an offence.

The Health and Safety at

Work Act is still with us today, pretty much the same as when it first came out.

The duty to work and act safely and without risk to others is just as important today as it was in the nineteen sixties.

Personally, I’m rather glad about that. You and I are many times less likely to suffer an accident today than we would

Boat builders and repairers Bespoke built narrow and wide beam boats

Holiday hire 2-12 berth Full weeks and short breaks 2 fully equipped and built for disabled use

Full mechanical and electrical services Break down service Agents for Shire and Beta engines Mastervolt energy shop 3M thinsulate insulation Webasto heaters

Quality work by quality craftsman Reading Marine Company Ltd Aldermaston Wharf, Padworth, Reading RG7 4JS 0118 9713666

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the

Butty Letters to the Editor

No.183 Summer 2008

Letters on any subject related to the canal are welcome. We want to encourage debate about canal issues. This is your forum to voice your views. Requests for anonymity will be honoured, but no letter will be Editor, Di Harris published unless it arrives with contact details. Letters should be not more than 300 words and may be edited for reasons of space or clarity. Send letters to the Editor: contact details on page 3.

AGONY ON THE AVON fter a trip to Devizes my wife Ros and I were motoring just north of Keynsham and we took the opportunity to enjoy a ride on the Avon Valley Railway operating out of Bitton.

One of the features of this little journey into the past is the ability to get off the train and transfer to a powered canal boat for a 5-mile round trip up and down the Avon River.

We were appalled to see the havoc caused to the banks all along this route by no less than three floods during the past winter.

By havoc, I mean nonbiodegradable plastic bags, toys and other debris caught in the branches of overhanging trees, bushes, shrubs, etc.

To say the least, it is most tragic and unsightly, a real blight and totally out of

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character with an otherwise serenely beautiful landscape.

Not unlike the infamous Hurricane Katrina, it won’t go away and cannot be ignored.

It is an agony of the river that simply screams at you.

A deeply troubled and apologetic Captain informed us that local authorities appear indifferent to the problem — perhaps due to other priorities.

With dedication of the proper resources, clean-up would not seem difficult, although obviously painstaking and tedious if the foliage is to be preserved.

What is lacking, according to the Captain, is greater public awareness.

In response to his plea for help, I took this picture of the carnage.

Rolf Augustin Boston, USA

ROWAN

BW WITHDRAWAL FROM COTSWOLD CANALS our readers may receive only a partial view of the BW position from the report of Ian Jarvis, BW South west Regional Manager, in the last Butty.

I speak from some knowledge being involves with the canals since 1966, author of books thereon, joint founder of the Stroudwater Canal Society in 1972 (now the Cotswolds Canals Trust) and having served on the board of the canal owners — the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation — for almost two decades.

At best BW’s management of the preparations for restoration were always amateurish, deficient and late.

Secondly, given the special problems on the Brecon Canal, BW has made no attempt to seek alternative extra funding for that. This was always a weak excuse not a reason.

Thirdly, if you are involved in restoration schemes, you progress those for which HLF and other funding is agreed and available and slow down those where this is not agreed.

Fourthly, the government

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regards the Cotswold scheme as the country’s premier restoration. So it should have priority on that basis.

Worst of all, all BW’s natural supporters — who like me have sung its praises for reviving the network over the decades — regard this as an appalling political misjudgement from an organisation that has lost its way and lost its nerve.

I presume this decision is made by a severe weakness in the board’s directors who clearly know lots about property development, but precious little about waterways, the importance of garnering your supporters and common sense.

As it is I think the restoration position proves several things: 1. We are better off without BW 2. The restoration will go ahead without them.

If it doesn’t then I will never forgive them or advocate their case to government again.

MA Hundford Centre for International Transport Management, London Metropolitan Business School.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Despite the best endeavours of The Butty editorial team and the members of the Trust who spell and fact check the proof pages, mistakes still sneak into the magazine.

In the report in the last

issue about the sterling work being done to refurbish the Trust’s new workboat Bob Naylor’s caption had Eric Argent’s surname spelt wrongly — sorry Eric.

Primers Corrosion Resistant, High Build Quality

Boat Fitting Ltd

Undercoats All Colours Coach Enamels All Colours

Tel: 01380 828863 Mob: 07779 156 659

Next Day delivery on most colours Supplied in 1lt, 2.5 lt or 5 lt

www.rowannarrowboats.co.uk 36

HMG Paints Ltd, Faraday Park, West Portway Industrial Estate Andover, Hants, SP10 3SA

Tel: 01264 356296 Fax: 01264 338123 Email: mail@hmgcoatings.co.uk

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Butty Letters to the Editor

No.183 Summer 2008

UNEXPECTED CLAVERTON VISITOR

THANK-YOU FROM IAN SHARP

big thank you to all those K&A Canal Trust members, K&A Trade Association members (in particular Steve Butler from Kennet Horse Boat Company), boat crew, friends and family who collectively helped to

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provide a ‘seamless’ service to our customers both on the hire boats and ‘Kenavon Venture’ during my recent illness.

As you know I am usually robustly healthy but being struck down, literally, with viral vertigo was quite simply totally disabling. But I drew the line at a ‘bed bath’, it tickles too much; I am very sensitive, as you all know!

Thanks once again to everyone for helping us out.

It has proved that when the chips are down there are people out there prepared to get ‘down and dirty’!

Ian Sharp White Horse Boats, Devizes

THUGS ARE TAKING OVER THE WATERWAYS usan Litherland says she wants volunteers to help pull up Himalayan Balsam from Wiltshire rivers.

My concern is that the public might try and do the same with the Giant Hogweed also mentioned in this article.

Anyone touching this plant with their bare hands or arms will end up with nasty large painful blisters. No warning was given in the article about this.

Some years ago there was a series on TV about dangers in the countryside.

In one programme a young

S

girl had run through a large patch of Hogweed.

The blisters on her arms and legs were so bad they had to slice them off.

They showed a picture afterwards of the scars on her arms and legs.

Sorry if this is a bit gory, but the Hogweed is something that should be left to the experts.

Also it’s a notifiable plant under the Countryside Act so local councils have a duty to do something about the Hogweed.

RW Evans Boscombe

Sue Litherland replies…

The hogweed can couse nasty blistering if you get it on your skin and go into sunlight, apparently. In the article we were very specific about pulling up balsam, so I’d be surprised if anyone took that to mean pulling up other plants too.

Picture by David Bolton n any book or magazine article concerning canals when reference is made to the abundance of nature to be seen the kingfisher is invariably mentioned.

For many there is probably no sighting at all but for those who do see one it is probably a darting glimpse.

At Claverton Pumping Station on a Wednesday morning in mid-March some of the early arriving volunteers had a much closer and steadier look at one.

I

When Neville Levitt, one of the long-standing volunteers, went out of the mess room to unlock for the day’s activities he found one in an upper room window trying to escape. How it became trapped in the building is a mystery.

The bird was captured with quite minimal fuss and taken outside and when released shot off over the tailrace and was soon lost to sight behind the trees.

David Bolton, Alresford, Hampshire

ALL-ABOARD MARINE SERVICES & NEWBURY DRY DOCK Boat Painting Fenders and Ropes Hull Blacking

All boat maintenance services Boat Safety Examinations Anywhere on the K&A and Thames

07970 729116 or 01225 710017 Corgi Reg:

189616 Tel: 01635 37606 Mobile: 07940 583361 & 07703 235779

GREENHAM LOCK COTTAGE, AMPERE ROAD, NEWBURY RG14 5SN

www.aamarine.co.uk

37

the

Butty

No.183 Summer 2008

What’s On July Saturday 19th–Sunday 20th Waterfront Beer Festival at Pewsey Wharf. Live bands, real ales and BBQ — Entry £2.00.

Sunday 27th Newbury Waterways Festival.

Victoria Gardens, 10am – 4pm.

August

Day, 10.00am till late. Limited overnight moorings available by prior arrangement. Phone Vicky on 07703722102 for further details.

Saturday 27th- Sunday 28th Crofton Steam Fair — bigger and better than last year with steam engines, vintage cars and motorcycles. Beer tent and refreshments and — of course — Crofton in steam.

October

Monday 25th Devizes Branch. Lacock Street Fayre, 10am – 4pm. This was a great success last year, recruiting many new members.

More details to follow.

Saturday 30th Reading Branch BBQ at K&A Padworth Shop, Aldermaston Wharf, 6.30pm. £8 per head.

Bring your own drinks. Please contact Andy James on 0118 950 7965 or e-mail him at andyjames@waitrose.com before 27th August as he needs to know how many are coming".

September Sunday 7th Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, MCC Branch, bring-your-own BBQ at Lower Foxhangers Farm, from 12 noon. Bar will be provided (maybe even some music).

Minimum £1 per person donation would be appreciated.

Tel 01225 753883 for further details.

September 13th Burghfield Island Boat Club Fun

Devizes Branch. Lengthman’s Inspection. As in previous years we will be asking everyone to help provide a comprehensive report for BW on the state of the canal between Wooton Rivers and The Barge at Seend.

Contact Adrian Softley on 07899 844929 for details.

Tuesday 7th Bath & Bristol Branch. ‘Crossing Germany East to West by Boat’, a talk by Ron & Myra Glover.

The Somerset Room, Salford Hall, Wedmore Road, Saltford.

Tuesday 7th Canal Users forum Woolhampton Village Hall, Bath Road, Woolhampton, Reading RG7 5RE. All welcome. Agenda from Gail.WILKES@ britishwaterways.co.uk

November Tuesday 4th Bath & Bristol Branch. ‘The Life & Times of a Thames Lock Keeper Today’, a talk by Peter Payne.The Somerset Room, Salford Hall, Wedmore Road, Saltford.

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust will be presenting an evening of music, theatre and cabaret at Combe Manor Friday 26th September 2008 commencing at 7.00 pm.

A musical entertainment “HEARTS will be presented in the first part of the evening.

Dinner will be served during the interval. This will be followed by staged cabaret with an English slant, including material by such writers as Lionel Bart, Julian More, Julian Slade, Sandy Wilson and, of course, Noel Coward.

Tickets are £46.00 each (including dinner) from : The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, The Wharf, Couch Lane, Devizes, SN10 1EB (01380 721279 or Email:administrator@katrust.org.uk The event is possible thanks to the generosity of David and Mary Russell

Butty crossword 182 Winner: Mrs EA Kearney, Pershore Runners up: Graham Hawkes, Tilehurst and B McGowan, Swindon

38

UNCLASSIFIED ADS Fancy a weekend’s hard graft? The NWPG arranges monthly restoration trips to southern canals. Learn new skills – for free! Contact Graham Hawkes on 0118 941 0586 or email: grahamhawkes@btinternet.com Sundial Marine Services For gas, oil, solid fuel heating servicing and installation, plumbing and electrical work.

Eddie Belston 01225 873243 or mobile: 07795 550839 Mike Price Boat Safety Examiner Tel: 01225 703747 Mobile: 07736 837968 Bob Naylor Boat Safety Examiner Tel: 01380 840584, Mobile 07788134901 Email: bob@boatsafe.co.uk Wilderness Boats For repairs, refits and new and used craft.

Call: 01666 577773 Dorset B&B Explore the Dorset & Somerset Canal on Foot. We can offer Bed & Breakfast, a packed lunch, drop off at any point on the canal & collect when & where required. £80 a night for 2 people inclusive plus £60 for additional night. Contact Howard or Jane Smith www.barefootsorchard.co.uk 01749 814930 or 07831 738753 Bukh 6 hp engine Hurth 2/1 reduction gearbox working order/excellent condition. Tel: 07815 439824 Holiday Cottage to let Port Isaac North Cornwall.

Creel Cottage is a beautiful, warm cottage in this ancient fishing village. Available throughout the year. For information contact Derek Bullen 01380 828413 DEVON – Narrowboat Holiday/Breaks. Luxury 4/5 berth Narrowboat, 11 miles, lock free, along peaceful Grand Western Canal Country Park & Local Nature Reserve. Ideal beginners, wildlife/bird watching. Own mooring with lawn & car park, can combine cruising with days out in the West Country. 01884 252178 www.middevonhireboats.co.uk

A collector’s model of your boat or cottage — or both — in a bottle. John Burden, 01672 563193. Guild Waterways Artists. Waterways Craft Guild – Master Holiday Mews to Let Central Bath, quiet location.

Sleeps 4. All mod cons including dishwasher. Available throughout year. Owner continuously cruising. £25 donated to K&A Canal Trust for booking. Contact Peter 07905 905333 Desmo 3-cycle carrier Never used. £12.00. Peter Robinson 01380 720910 Boat for sale 19ft Dawncraft Dandy 2-berth cruiser. Water heater and loo.

Moored Devizes. Ideal starter boat with new BSSC. Brian Poulton: 01793 731158 or 07776 196055 60' Narrowboat Professional Build & Fit Out by MCC, Ten years old. Full details: uk.geocities.com/peterj.waite@ btinternet.com/Home_Page.html

Tel: Peter Waite 0780 3233351 Windlass K&A style. Marked JHSG 3705.

12’’ throw for good leverage. £15.00. 01225 872706 Burghfield Island Boat Club is a self supporting club and is currently looking for new members to join the waiting list.

Please phone Vicky on 07703722102 for further details Rowing/outboard motor boat Length 6ft, width 3 ft 8 ins. Very good condition. £250.

01454 311085, 07941 473696 Jane Crowe Traditional Signwriter and Decorator Experienced in roses & castles, scrolling, lining, graining, signwriting. Craftmaster Paints.

Local to K&A. 01380 860969, 07833 931364, jctraditionalart@aol.com Little used corner diesel bubble stove. In a narrowboat moored at Foxhangers Wharf, Devizes. £350. 01962 883379. Mr R Digweed Morso Squirrel solid fuel stove VGC with flue £200 07884 376413

Unclassified ads are free for members of The K&A Canal Trust for up to 30 words — subject to available space

the

Butty

No.183 Summer 2008

New K&A Canal Trust clothing range ollowing many requests from customers for clothing sporting the K&A Canal Trust Logo to be sold again a new range of clothing was commissioned and it is now on sale in Trust shops.

K&A Canal clothing has not been available for a few years so the new range incorporates some old

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Baseball cap £6.50 (The cap is one size fits all)

favourites and introduced additions to the range.

By revamping the shops and with changes in staffing levels and new merchandise, Enterprise is now in a much stronger trading position than it was at this time last year — it is now well on the way to achieving its objective of raising funds for the Trust.

Clothing is available in blue and green and sizes small to extra large — other sizes and colours are available to order The clothing is modelled by Kate Black — photography by Emma Webb

Fleece £25, Waterproof with fleece lining £25 Waterproof unlined £15.99, Polo shirt £16 Sweat shirt £17.99, Hoodie £19.99

Placemats, coasters and greetings cards Placemats £4.99 each 210mmx 297mm

Coasters £1.99 each 100mm x 100mm

The new cards are produced from watercolours of the K&A by Robin Woodford and the coasters and placemats are from canal scenes by Michile Butler Cards are £1.50 each or in packs of 6 alike for £4.99.

They measure 150mm x 105mm.

You can get these new additions along with the full range of books, maps, painted canal ware and other gifts from all of the Trust shops.

Soon they will also be available on line from the Trust website www.katrust.org.uk 39

Trip Boats

‘Rose of Hungerford’ A wide-beam boat seating 50 operating from just off Hungerford High Street.

Public trips: • Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter until October – 2.30pm: 2.5 hours • Every Wednesday from June until September – 2.30pm: 2.5 hours • Every Wednesday during July and August – 11.30am: 1.5 hours • Every Sunday during August – 11.30am: 1.5 hours • Special Santa Trips at Christmas Charter trips available for all your special occasions Wheelchair/disabled access Booking Manager: 0800 121 4674

Visit the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust’s attractions Claverton

Cafés & shops

Bradford on Avon Wharf shop & café Tel: 01225 868683

Pumping Station Claverton Pumping Station is a waterwheel powered beam engine built in 1813 to raise water from the river Avon to the Kennet and Avon Canal. It has been restored by volunteers and is now open to the public.

Claverton is five miles south of Bath off the A36 Warminster Road, 400 yards down Ferry Lane across the uncontrolled level crossing. The pump is approximately 25 minutes walk from Dundas Aqueduct. Free admission for children under 16 (must be accompanied by an adult)

Devizes Wharf museum & shop Tel: 01380 729489

Open days 2008 Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from March 23rd to October 25th Opening times: Wednesdays 10am – 4pm, other days 10am – 5pm

Running days

‘Barbara McLellan’

March 23rd & 24th, April 27th

August 10th, 24th & 25th

May 5th, 25th & 26th, June 8th & 22nd

September 14th & 28th

July 13th and 27th

October 19th

Phone: 01225 483001 Email: enquiries@claverton.org

65ft wide-beam boat seating 51 operating from Bradford on Avon Wharf Cottage Public trips: • Every Wed, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays from Apr to Oct - 2.30 pm, 1? hr to Avoncliff and return.

• Easter and every Sat and Sun from May to Sep - 11.30 am, 1? hr to Meadows Bridge and return.

• Every Sun from end-May to mid-Sep 4.30 pm, 1 hr to Widbrook and return.

• Special Trips including Cream Teas, Bath, Autumn Tints.

Christmas Santa Trips Wheelchair/disabled access Charter trips: for 1 to 5 hours or a whole day.

Booking Manager: 0800 121 4679

Crofton

Crofton Pumping Station shop & café Tel: 01672 870300

Beam Engines 1812 Boulton & Watt and 1846 Harvey beam engines regularly steamed from hand stoked, coal fired Lancashire Boiler. Amazing industrial archaeology in a rural setting From Marlborough, either take the A346 to Burbage and then follow the brown 'Beam Engines' sign, or take the A4 towards Hungerford, turn right, 'Beam Engines' sign before Froxfield, and continue to follow the brown signs, through Great Bedwyn, to the pumping station.

From Hungerford, take the A338 towards Salisbury, turn right at Shalbourne following the signs to Great Bedwyn, then follow the brown signs.

From Salisbury, follow the signs to Hungerford on the A338, then turn left at East Grafton and follow the brown signs.

Newbury Wharf shop & café Tel: 01635 522609

Open days Open daily 10.30am to 5pm from March 22nd — September 28th 2008

Steaming days March 22, 23, 24 (Easter), May 3, 4, 5, 24, 25, 26 June 28, 29 July 26, 27 August 23, 24, 25

‘Jubilee’ A 30 seat converted traditional narrowboat operating from Brassknocker Basin, opposite Viaduct Inn, Limpley Stoke on the A36 East of Bath Public trips: • From March 23 to October 26 Sundays and Bank Holidays 12.00 – 2.00pm Cruise to Claverton and return 2.30pm – 5.45pm Cruise to Avoncliff stopping for 30 minutes and return Charter trips Booking Manager: 0800 121 4682

All boats have a licensed bar and refreshments are available.

There is a public address system or you can use your own sound system.

September 27, 28 (steam gala weekend)

Phone: 01672 870300

Museum

Devizes Wharf The museum is housed in the historic bonded wharehouse on Devizes Wharf.

Its exhibits chronicle the rise and fall of the canal as a commercial waterway and its subsequent restoration by volunteers.

Opening times: 10am — 5pm, 7days a week

General enquiries: 01380 721279

Website: katrust.org.uk

Aldermaston visitor centre, shop & café Tel: 01189 712868

real a y o j n E t! a e r t y l i fam