Lichfield Branch
Page 1
then stop and accept one when I’ve said that we just want their signature and not their
Lichfield Branch
Page 2
• A View From The Helm Page 3
• Forthcoming Events Page 6 Walks, Meetings and Events until January 2026
• Recent Activities Page 7 Walks and Meetings
• Christmas Lunch Menu Page 9
• AGM Awards Page 12
• Our Boating History—Neil Barnett Page 12
• Planning Matters Page 15
• Editorial Notice Page 17
• Committee List Page 18
Front page photos—Some recent Branch Activities August Lockwind & a very soggy September walk
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy, or as an official pronouncement, unless specifically identified as such.
The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 Registered Office: Unit 16B, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2PX Tel: 01494 783453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk
Lichfield Branch
View From The Helm
3
I think we can safely say that this spring and summer have been one of the most challenging times for our navigable waterways ever, certainly during the 49 years since the drought of 1976 anyway. With more boats than ever on our waterways, the impact of this years critical low water levels has been more severe and disruptive. It has been what is often referred to as a perfect storm. Years of poor maintenance resulting in leaky locks, back pumps not working, reservoirs already below normal levels, neglected water supply channels, the huge re-construction costs (currently in excess of £70m) for Toddbrook Reservoir following its nearly catastrophic dam burst in 2019, and the remedial work required for many of CRT’s 90+ other reservoirs since then.
So what of the future? Whilst opinions vary, the consensus is that it will require an unprecedented winter of rainfall for the stocks of water to return to normal. The strain on the various structures along our canals and rivers will be put to the test, not least the canal embankments which have probably been weakened by months of not being supported by water.
If we do get all that rain, what impact will that have? A generally steady rainfall over a long period would be best, but if the last few years are anything to go by it’s more likely to be bouts of extreme heavy rain storms, and we’ve already seen the catastrophic impact these can have, with the huge breach on the Bridgewater Canal and elsewhere such as the Macclesfield and Huddersfield Narrow Canals.
If there isn’t some significant investment in our waterways I really do fear for the future. I’m old enough to remember what our canals were like in the 1950’s and 60’s and we wouldn’t want to go back to those days when many were dirty smelly stagnant or dried up ditches, and not the nice places to boat or walk next to that we have become so accustomed to these days.
Despite the well supported and vigorous IWA led ‘Fund Britain’s Waterways’ campaign which has been running for the last few years, we seem to be no nearer to
Toddbrook Reservoir in 2019
Lichfield Branch
4
getting the vital government funding that is needed just to keep our navigations operating let alone improving them. The enormous value and benefits of our waterways both financially for the economy and for the health of the population have been well documented (see our IWA main website) and the government are aware of these issues, at least some of the MPs are anyway.
I was once told that HS2 were spending every week the amount of funding our waterways require for a full year. How true that was I don’t know, but if so then it really puts things into perspective, whether you are a fan of HS2 or not.
Garnering support from the public has been difficult in that despite our efforts, much of the population are still unaware of the predicament that our canals and rivers are facing. The canals ‘have always been there’ so they take them for granted without a second thought as to what’s involved in keeping them alive and well maintained. I fear this will only hit home to people when the canals begin to be abandoned, and by that time it may be too late.
Getting back to the old days of us engaging the public with campaigns, many of which attracted thousands of the people to attend, are long gone. The world is so different nowadays. People have more going on in their lives, particularly with other activities, pursuits, and family responsibilities. The participation in those early campaigns consisted predominately of the younger generation, and many of those early stalwarts are still IWA members all these years later.
People in those days, particularly the youngsters, enjoyed pursuing and supporting a cause, but I think we’ve lost that from our culture nowadays and there isn’t that mindset with the youngsters of today. Lethargy is another factor, in that people don’t bother because they think it won’t make any difference.
So where do we go from here, and what more can be done to persuade the government to support our quest? The IWA led Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign, supported by over 160 waterways related businesses and organisations, have worked tirelessly to bring the issues to the fore, yet the support in terms of signatures on the petition has only grown slowly.
Lichfield Branch
5
I think the name of the campaign is perfect, however whenever I’ve partaken in the various events, I’ve had people ignoring me and refusing to accept a leaflet, only to then stop and accept one when I’ve said that we just want their signature and not their money. Then having stopped, they’ve listened sympathetically to the issues, and have seemed genuinely enthusiastic about supporting our campaign. So I wonder how many are put off by the word ‘fund’, mistakenly thinking that we are just after their money. Anyway, less of the ‘doom and gloom’, and lets move on to more positive matters. At the recent IWA National AGM, we are proud to report that our Regional Chair and active branch member Helen Whitehouse received the Cyril Styring Trophy, the highest level of IWA’s accolade awards, in recognition of the endless work she has done for the IWA both nationally and for our own Lichfield Branch during the last 42 years. Read all about it on the following pages of this issue.
In August our annual lock wind at Barton Lock attracted a fair number of visitors, who bought some of our delicious cakes or made a donation, and learned of who we are and what we’re about. Some became members as well. We also helped 18 boats through the lock.
In September we had a stand at the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Trust’s Huddlesford Gathering, and chatted with many of the visitors. Despite the Coventry Canal restrictions and ultimate closure preventing most of the historic boats and roving traders getting to the event, there were lots of land based stalls to attract plenty of visitors.
We really need some help with setting up our stand and hosting these events which we attend, because it’s got to the stage where the job falls upon just a few people. A couple of hours of your time are all we need, and we are only talking about 3 or 4 events a year. It would make such a difference and be a tremendous help, so please think about it and get in touch with any of us if you think you might be able to help us out on occasions in the future.
Our branch began our new season of social evenings in September with a very interesting and enjoyable talk from the esteemed traveller of our waterways Phil
IWA National AGM
Lichfield Branch
Clayton, and we have two fabulous talks lined up for October and November. Whether you’re a boater or somebody who simply loves and enjoys our waterways, the October talk about how the CRT tackle the invasive floating weeds will I’m sure be a fascinating one, especially the results of their recent experiment using weevils. Our November talk about canal tunnels, their history, and how they are currently maintained should be fascinating. Whilst on the subject of enjoying our waterways why not pop along to one of Clive Walkers short walks? The details of these events can be found on the following pages.
Our annual offside vegetation cutting programme was due to commence on 9th October, but has now been postponed until 6th November because of the current low water levels and lock closures. At the time of writing, having had some rain, the signs look encouraging, but with our unpredictable climate, even that start date is not certain yet.
Finally, don’t forget our Christmas Lunch on 14th December as it would be really nice to see some new faces.
Neil Barnett Chairman, IWA Lichfield Branch
Forthcoming Events
All our Social Meetings will be held at Darwin Hall, off Heathcot Place, Lichfield WS13 6RQ at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.
Thursday 6th November 2025—
Guided Walk
“Stoke Golding and the Ashby Canal.” This is a 3¼ mile circular walk with 5 stiles along footpaths, pavements, and the towpath. There is a gentle climb from the canal up to the village at the end of the walk.
After walking through the village (where there is a memorial to the Battle of Bosworth), we first head south, and then west across pastureland to join the canal at Basin Bridge. We follow the towpath past the Ashby Boat Company and Ashby Marina before leaving the canal by bridge 27, from where we walk uphill back to our starting point.
Meet 10:30 for a 10:45 start on Thursday 6th November 2025 at The George & Dragon, Station Road, Stoke Golding, Leicestershire CV13 6EZ
Contact Clive Walker: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Friday 21st November 2025—Social Meeting
Our speaker will be Peter Simpson, Canal & River Trust Principal Engineer for Tunnels and Culverts.
If you have ever been through a canal tunnel you will appreciate the issues in keeping these 200+ year old structures in good order.
Lichfield Branch
Sunday 14th December 2025—Branch
Christmas Lunch
Come and join us
Following the success of previous years we will be back at Darnford Moors Golf Club again. Menu details are on Page 9. Look forward to seeing you there so please contact Sue Gurney on sue.gurney@waterways.org.uk to book.
Please note booking and payment need to be completed by November 16th
Thursday 1st January 2026—New Year’s Day Guided Walk
"Atherstone and the Coventry Canal." This is an easy 3-mile walk with no stiles along a disused railway line, quiet roads, country lanes and the towpath. Shortly after leaving the pub car park, we join the Coventry Canal by the top lock. We follow the lock flight down as far as Whittington Lane, where we leave the canal. A road bridge takes us over the main railway line, before we carefully cross the A5 at the designated crossing points. After around ½ mile we leave Waste Lane and walk downhill along a disused railway track. We re-enter Atherstone by the wall of the Merevale Estate, and from there back to our starting point.
Meet 10:45 for an 11:00 start on Thursday 1st January 2026 in the car park of The Red Lion Hotel, (entrance to the car park is off South Street), Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1BB
Please note the following: It has not been possible to make a group booking for a meal afterwards. Therefore, if you wish to eat at The Red Lion after the walk will you please make a table reservation beforehand for 1 pm for yourself and your associates, either by telephone on 01827 713156 or online: info@atherstoneredlion.co.uk
Contact: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Recent Activities
Sunday 3rd August 2025—Lockwind
Our regular August lockwind was held at Barton Turn lock. The weather was reasonable, dull and cool at times but pleasant the rest of the time.
We spent the day chatting to boaters and passers-by about the IWA and its aims. Traffic was quiet at times but we helped a
Lichfield Branch
8
total of 18 boats through the lock. We also sold a lot of cakes which made a useful addition to Branch funds. This was followed by a meal and a chat at the outside tables of the Barton Turns pub.
A good day!
Pictures
by
Margaret Beardsmore
Thursday 4th September 2025
—Guided Walk
Gnosall & the Shropshire Union Canal
After a long dry Summer heavy downpours had been forecast for the date of this scheduled walk. Whilst we needed the rain it wasn’t ideal for this undertaking and nine walkers, all in wet weather gear, assembled in the car park of The Acorn Inn in Gnosall, their car windows wound up fully to keep out the relentless precipitation. With little prospect of the weather improving until much later in the day, it would have been foolhardy to embark on the planned route of around 4 miles. And so, with a good turnout, and to uphold the booking at the pub, a new plan for a much shorter walk of around 2 miles was hatched in agreement with the participants.
From the car park we first walked along the disused railway line (Shrewsbury to Stafford) to bridge 35A where we joined the Shroppie. Then past the Navigation Inn, leaving the Shropshire Union by bridge 34 and The Boat Inn, and from there through Gnosall Heath back to our starting point, where we enjoyed a good meal. The original walk will now be re-scheduled for September 2026; the precise date is yet to be determined.
Clive Walker 8th September 2025
Friday 19th
September
2025—Social Meeting
Our first meeting of the season was a talk from the ever entertaining Phil Clayton telling us about his journeys in the North of England. As usual with Phil his talk was amusing and informative.
Lichfield Branch
9
Lichfield Branch
Saturday/Sunday
20th/21st
Lichfield Branch
11
September 2025—Huddlesford Gathering
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust held their biennial Gathering at Huddlesford over the weekend. Despite the rain on the Saturday and problems with lock
closures on the Coventry Canal restricting the number of boats attending, the event was very successful.
The Branch had a stand at the show, ably manned by Helen, Phil, Margaret Hille and Derek Beardsmore, talking to people and selling IWA Christmas Card and some of Helen’s stock of second hand books. This provided another useful boost to Branch funds.
Friday 17th October 2025—Social Meeting
Charles Hughes of Canal & River Trust gave us a fascinating talk on the problems they have with invasive plant species. These are significant issues and cost for CRT and they are investigating ways to control them biologically. One success is with Azolla, a type of floating fern, which blanketed the Walsall Basin. This has been significantly reduced by the use of weevils that feed only on that type of plant. A really interesting evening!
Lichfield Branch
AGM Awards
At the AGM, IWA celebrated the winners of the Sustainable Boating Awards, presented in partnership with Towpath Talk. These awards recognise individuals, organisations, and businesses making a real difference in sustainable boating. The IWA National Awards 2025 were also presented, honouring members and waterway campaigners whose dedication has helped protect, improve, and bring new life to our inland waterways.
The premier award is the Cyril Styring trophy which this year was given to West Midlands Regional Chair and Lichfield Branch member Helen Whitehouse with the following dedication from National Chairman Mike Wills. Helen’s long-standing service has made her an exemplar for us all. Since joining IWA in 1983, Helen has held multiple roles, from committee to trustee. In each role she has brought energy, vision and commitment. Helen has earned the Association’s highest honour for enduring service, wit and spirit. She has run seminars, organised publicity, and supported members. Helen has also looked after IWA clothing and managed the IWA sales and recruiting stand for many years. Helen brings people together and always offers creative solutions. The waterways have benefitted enormously from Helen’s unfailing support.
Our Boating History
Having been on many hireboat holidays since the mid 1970’s and a part share owner of a boat for a few years, my wife and I always had an ambition to one day buy our own narrowboat and live onboard it.
We had been quite smitten by the thought of buying a brand new narrowboat built to our specifications, however the cost of this would have meant either selling our house to fund it, or for both of us to continue working until we reached our respective statutory retirement ages 7 years later. However, if we were to lower our aspirations and instead buy a decent second hand boat, it
Neil at the helm
Lichfield Branch
A misty Severn Estuary
would mean we could keep the house and rent it out, and the monthly income from our tenants would enable us to retire straight away instead of having to wait. We would then still have the house if it transpired that living on a boat wasn’t what we had expected.
So in 2012 we took the plunge, bought a decent second hand narrowboat, and 3 months later moved aboard. It was quite a challenge moving from a 4 bedroom house to a ‘60ft tube’, but we were fulfilling our dream so we were fine with that. With tenants in place and a healthy monthly income forthcoming, we both quit our jobs. We didn’t want to be continuous cruisers so we chose a home mooring as a base from which to go away for extensive cruising whenever we wanted to.
In the nearly 13 years we’ve lived on the boat we’ve had some wonderful times and have extensively cruised most of the system. Some of you are aware of our penchant for narrowboating some of our more challenging waterways from the talks I’ve held at our branch meetings, and articles I’ve written for Waterways World magazine. Our favourite trip was the Ribble Link up to the Lancaster Canal on which we spent a wonderful 4 weeks. The ‘Lanky’ is an absolute delight not just with its superb scenery, but also the surreal experience of chugging along whilst overlooking the sea, and being able to moor just 5 minutes walk from it. Then there’s Glasson Harbour and the bizarre experience of mooring amongst sea going craft, watching the tide ebb and flow, and consuming freshly caught fish.
The Severn Estuary from Sharpness to Bristol in 2022 was a challenge, especially when our old and faithful BMC engine overheated as the estuary widened out into the Bristol Channel, but despite this it was a marvellous and unforgettable experience, and cruising under Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge into Bristol was a lifetime’s ambition fulfilled.
Lichfield Branch
14
Going under the Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
We’ve boated the entire length of the Manchester Ship Canal from Pomona Lock in central Manchester all the way to Eastham where it joins the River Mersey, and then down the Mersey into Liverpool. We’ve twice cruised through Central London on the Thames Tideway, a somewhat bizarre experience taking our home past all those famous landmarks. The highlight for me was travelling under Tower Bridge, and on both occasions, choosing an early morning tide meant that the boating traffic was light enough for us to be allowed to pass under the central section.
We’ve also done other tidal waters such as the River Trent down to Keadby and the Yorkshire Ouse up to York. We had planned on crossing the Wash this year but circumstances arose whereby we’ve had to put those plans on hold. We’ve loved experiencing those large waterways as they’ve offered something a little different, but we do actually prefer the canals. They’re more intimate, sedate, and varied, and allow us to be spontaneous rather than having to plan and pre-book passages on those larger waterways.
Whenever we’ve returned to the midlands from our long trips around the country we always think about how blessed we are to have such lovely canals around here, and with so many junctions, the scope for the cruising options which they offer as well.
The iconic Tower Bridge in London
Thirteen years on and we don’t miss living in a house at all, and we want to continue living on the boat for as long as we are physically able to do so. It’s not for everyone of course, but we absolutely love the life afloat.
With living on the boat it’s great to be able to just untie the ropes and go away cruising
Lichfield Branch
15
whenever we want, but the thing I do miss from our days of hiring is not having our week’s hire-boat holiday to look forward to!
I’m a bit of an ‘anorak’, and since our first ever boating experience in 1976 I have always logged the miles and locks of our journeys, even if it’s just for a short day out ‘up the cut and back’ from our marina. To date we have cruised a total of 7,360 miles and 4,088 locks, with hopefully a lot more to come.
Neil Barnett
Planning Matters
This report summarises the more notable of about 35 planning matters dealt with between mid-July and mid-October 2025.
On the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Four Ashes, within the developing West Midlands Interchange warehousing site, we have welcomed the proposed removal of two long-redundant pipe bridges and a concrete road bridge over the canal that were part of the former chemical works, as promised in the Development Consent Order.
On the Trent & Mersey Canal at Weston, an outline application to build 150 houses between Green Road, the A51 and the canal on the east side of the village would be on open farmland. The indicative plan shows recreational open space and a play area by the canal, and additional planting would help screen the site. We have also suggested it could be further mitigated by funding towpath improvements from Weston Bridge to Weston Lock, which would benefit both new and existing residents.
At Pasturefields, the application for a gypsy caravan site refused in 2023 and amended in 2024 has again been refused as visually intrusive to the Trent & Mersey Canal Conservation Area.
Alongside the Rugeley bypass bridge embankment and adjacent to the Ash Tree Boat Club moorings, the application for two houses we objected to has now been refused,
Pipe Bridge at Four Ashes
Lichfield Branch
16
due to its effect on the canal’s Conservation Area, ecology, unsafe road access, embankment stability, etc.
At Alrewas, between Bagnall Lock and the bypass bridge, an application for 2 office buildings is an improvement on that refused in 2024, with one set further back from the canal and both of simpler timber-clad designs.
Along the Ashby Canal towpath between Conkers and Donisthorpe Woodland Park, the National Forest Company have received permission for ten new and replacement direction signs of several types, including waymarkers and fingerposts.
On HS2 the Phase 2b Eastern Leg planning safeguarding directions were finally lifted in a ministerial 6-Monthly Report to Parliament on 17 July, paving the way for the Measham Waterside housing development to proceed including restoration of a 1.1km section of the Ashby Canal. It will also simplify the Chesterfield Canal restoration at Staveley.
In September, a report from the Policy Exchange “Instead of High-Speed Rail” was highly critical of the NPR (Northern Powerhouse Rail) proposed new LiverpoolManchester line, which would be longer and no faster than the two existing routes, at great expense. It would cross the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal, and a low level crossing of the St Helens (Sankey) Canal at Warrington could prevent its restoration. The report instead proposes a range of more effective alternative rail improvements, including a new underground through station in Manchester connecting all the north-south and east-west routes. It also advocates 4-tracking the West Coast Mainline through Shugborough Tunnel with a new grade-separated junction at Colwich, which would affect the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Phil Sharpe, Planning Officer & HS2 Lead
Fingerpost on the Ashby
Lichfield Branch
Editorial Notice
Lichfield Lines is the newsletter of IWA Lichfield Branch, it is produced 4 times a year to keep members informed about our forthcoming public meetings, walks, work parties and other activities, to provide reports on recent meetings and events, and to include articles of general interest to our members.
The editor, Peter Gurney, welcomes articles, letters or photographs of waterway activities in our Branch area which can be emailed to pete.gurney@waterways.org.uk (Please note there is a 35MB limit for emails with attachments sent via this address). The copy date for the next newsletter will be 15th January 2026, for publication in February.
Advertising
Lichfield Lines is posted or emailed to about 300 Branch members. It can also be read and downloaded by anyone from the Branch website pages. If you would like to publicise your waterway related business to our members, and others that read the newsletter online, we can offer advertising space at the following rates:
Full Page - £20 inc VAT per issue
Half Page - £10 inc VAT per issue
Please contact the editor to discuss artwork and layout. By advertising you will help to sponsor IWA's charitable activities and reach potential customers who are all committed to the waterways.
The IWA has a range of corporate members some of whom offer discounts to members. The discount details can be found on the IWA website at https://waterways.org.uk/benefits
Corporate members in our area are
Lichfield Cruising Club 2000 Ltd
Stafford Boat Club Ltd
Longwood Boat Club
Ashby Canal Association
Truman Enterprise Narrowboat Trust Tamworth Cruising Club
Ashby Canal Trust
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals
Restoration Trust
Canal Transport Services Ltd
River Canal Rescue Ltd
Ash Tree Boat Club
Countywide Cruisers (Brewood) Ltd
Elite Furnishings
Waterways World Ltd
Birmingham & Midland Marine Services
Midland Chandlers Hargreaves Narrowboat Trust
Norton Canes Boat Services Ltd
Lakeland Leisure Estates Ltd
Stafford Riverway Link
Please mention the IWA when contacting any of these Corporate Members.
Your Committee
Chairman
Tel: 07808 846434
Lichfield Branch
Email: neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer
Tel: 01785 255101
Email: sue.gurney@waterways.org.uk
Secretary & Planning Officer
Tel: 01889 583330
Email: phil.sharpe@waterways.org.uk
Volunteer Coordinator & Navigation
Tel: 07808 846434
Email: neil.barnett@waterways.org.uk
Membership Officer
Tel: 01283 713125
Email: adrianwedgwood1941@gmail.com
Member
Tel: 07847 470112
Email: derek.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk
Social Secretary
Ex Officio: Region Chairman
also Branch Sales (non-committee post)
Tel : 01543 491161
Email: helen.whitehouse@waterways.org.uk
Non-committee posts
Newsletter and Website Editor
Tel: 01785 255101
Email: pete.gurney@waterways.org.uk
Walks Coordinator
Email: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk
Social Media Editor
Email: Richard.curtis@waterways.org.uk
Branch Contact Address
Email: lichfield@waterways.org.uk
Neil Barnett
Sue Gurney
Phil Sharpe
Neil Barnett
Adrian Wedgwood
Derek Beardsmore
Position vacant
Helen Whitehouse
Pete Gurney
Clive Walker
Richard Curtis
Lichfield Branch
19
