IWA Festival of Water Brochure 2021

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

IWA 2021 Festival of Water

Photo © Andrew Lachlan

28th TO 30th AUGUST PERDISWELL PARK, WORCESTER

Supported by:

waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater 1

IWA Festival of Water 2021

2

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

Welcome Bob fox Vice Chairman & Secretary, IWA Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch

Greetings! On behalf of the Inland Waterways Association I am pleased to welcome you to the IWA Festival of Water here on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Perdiswell, in the City of Worcester, on the 75th anniversary year of the founding of the IWA. The Worcester & Birmingham Canal runs from the River Severn at Diglis in Worcester, through the historic city and north to the heart of Birmingham, being in the main delightfully rural and featuring at Tardebigge, 30 locks, the longest flight in the country.

A year later than originally planned, we have a varied and interesting August Bank Holiday weekend for boaters, campers and day visitors to enjoy, including a programme of music, dance, craft and food stalls. There’s plenty for the children too, with rides, our Wild over Waterways (WoW) activities and fishing.

We have produced a guided walk, from the River Severn, through Diglis and up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to the Festival site here at Perdiswell, where you will be able to refresh yourself from the beer tent and food outlets.

IWA Festival of Water draws together and spotlights the wide range of work IWA volunteers undertake to promote, restore, protect and enhance the inland waterways of Britain.

This Festival, supported by Worcester City Council, has been set up and is run by volunteers. Please donate as generously as you can when you see our donation buckets.

The Worcester & Birmingham Canal is of significant importance to the IWA as it was on board narrowboat “Cressy” on this waterway at Tardebigge in August 1945 that co-founders Tom Rolt and Robert Aickman first met, forming together and with others the IWA in 1946.

We hope that you enjoy your time here.

Thank you for supporting us.

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IWA Festival of Water 2021

Councillor Stephen Hodgson Mayor of Worcester

The city is proud to host the 2021 IWA Festival of Water. The Worcester & Birmingham Canal is a fantastic asset, providing a haven for wildlife and an attractive route for walking, cycling and boating.

The Festival promises to be a fantastic family event for the whole community to enjoy – we welcome boaters and visitors from across the UK to Worcester this Bank Holiday weekend.

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester

Contents Worcester Heritage Trail

6

Celebrating 75 years of IWA

9

Highlights

11

Live Performances

12

Site Plan

14

What’s On When?

Exhibitors’ Listings

18

Food & Drinks

19

Lucky Prize Draw

20

Stay Safe at the Event

21

Share your Photos

22

Support the Waterways

23

Restoring the Droitwich Canals

24

Canal Camps & Volunteers

27

Boat Spotting at IWA Festival of Water

28

Thank You

29

IWA Worcester Birmingham & Black Country Branch

30

IWA’s ‘Festival of Water’ is organised by The Inland Waterways Association which is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Company registration number 612245. Charity registration number 212342.

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham. HP5 1WA.

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15-16

IWA Festival of Water 2021

Worcester Heritage Trail Stroll along the River Severn from the heart of Worcester to the IWA Festival of Water site at Perdiswell on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and take in the heritage highlights along the way.

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Follow the full walk: waterways.org.uk/ worcesterwalk Distance - 5.5km (3.5 miles) Parking - use postcode WR3 7SN. Access to the Festival Car Park will be off the A38, Droitwich Road, from here there is a good bus service to the centre of Worcester to start the walk. See map on P8.

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Walk Highlights:

1

Worcester Bridge and River Severn

Worcester Bridge was originally built by John Gwynne in 1781 and reconstructed in 1930. The size of the barges forming the last significant trade on the river (an oil supply from Sharpness to Stourport operating between 1930 and the early ’70s) was limited by these arches.

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3

Diglis Basins

When the Worcester & Birmingham Canal opened in 1815, Pickford’s provided the road transport connection for goods in their horse-drawn wagons. Henry Webb & Co, a chemical manure works, operated here using barge and narrowboat transport. The redevelopment of the basins carried out from 2005 included transforming the main basin into a marina. It is here that Spry, probably the last Severn Trow, was rescued from a watery end and restored to take up to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s Blists Hill Victorian Town, where it can still be seen.

The Watergate

The Watergate gives access to the cathedral grounds. The stonework shows high water marks from many years of flooding from 1672 to the highest level in March 1947. From here it is possible to visit Worcester Cathedral, built between 1084 and 1504 and incorporating every architectural style from Norman to Gothic.

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester

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6

Shrub Hill Station

Between bridges 5 (George Street) and 6 (Cromwell Street) there are views of Worcester Shrub Hill railway station, a fine building designed by Edward Wilson in 1865 and part listed.

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7

Railway Viaduct & Lowesmoor Basin

See the railway viaduct and Lowesmoor Basin, an important terminus for the canal company prior to the construction of Diglis Basins. On the opposite bank of the canal the remains of brick entrances to an early Gas Works retort house can be seen, reminding us of the early industrial nature of the canal.

8

4

Gregory’s Mill locks show typical Worcester & Birmingham Canal paddle gear designed at a time when each canal company was independent and produced all its own lock equipment at local workshops.

Sidbury Gate – Site of The Battle of Worcester

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A plaque on the parapet wall marks the Sidbury Gate of the City and the site of the last battle of the Civil War fought on 3rd September 1651. An artwork with pikes and helmets on the bridge indicates the spot to those passing by boat.

5

Gregory’s Mill Locks

Perdiswell

Perdiswell Park extends along the off side of the canal and was the site of a World War II aerodrome. At Ivy Bridge (16), you can see the remains of a sentry box. Cross the canal here for access to the park.

The Commandery

Alongside Sidbury Lock is the Commandery. The history of the building goes back to the 13th century but it is best known as the headquarters of Charles Stuart (later Charles II) in 1651 prior to the Battle of Worcester. It is now a major museum of the Civil War. 7

IWA Festival of Water 2021 Perdiswell Park

IWA Festival of Water Entrance

B4482

Dro itw ich Roa d

A38

Bil for dR oa d

9 Farm Close

To Droitwich, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Birmingham

Bilford Bridge

Astwood Cemetery Bridge

Gregory’s Mill Bridge

Ivy Bridge Perdiswell

Perdiswell Leisure Centre

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Astwood Cemetery

Lowesmoor Tavern Hill Bridge

St George’s Square

r ste rce Wo

d e Roa ourn Barb

As tw oo d

Ro ad

Gheluvelt Park

Little London

RAINBOW HILL

anal am C ingh irm dB an

Landsdown Road Bridge

BARBOURNE

Landsdown Park

A38

7

The Tything The Tything

Rail Bridge Rainbow Hill Bridge

Worcester Foregate Street

Lowesmoor Bridge Worcester Shrub Hill

Cromwell Street Bridge To Malvern and Hereford

1

6

George Street Bridge

CrownGate Bus Station

A38 Blockhouse Bridge

2

KEY Keys: Mooring Bus Stop Footpath

5

Worcester Cathedral

The Commandery

4

Fort Royal Park

Sidbury Bridge

River Severn

BusInformation Information Bus Bus Nos 144, 144A Bus numbers 144, and 36 all go to and 144A 36 all go to fromand CrownGate and Crowngate Busfrom Station and Bus Station and Perdiswell Perdiswell

Lon don Road

Mill Street Bridge

3

A44

Diglis Inner Basin Bridge

Diglis Swing Bridge

A38

0

Road

Approx 200m

To Pershore and Evesham

From Diglis Inner Basin Bridge to the Commandery is ¾ mile

Railway Railway

From Sidbury Bridge to Bilford Bridge is 1½ miles

Walk Trail Highlights

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester

Photo © Robert Aickman Collection, The Waterways Archive, Canal & River Trust

Celebrating 75 years of IWA

This year, is a very special year for the Inland Waterways Association, marking 75 years of campaigns to save, restore and protect our canals and rivers.

IWA at 75 - What’s on?

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Waterway Talks

Find out more about the waterways – come along to one of the talks taking place at the IWA at 75 Marquee – the programme is available on P16.

It is possible to walk or boat along many waterways now only because of our early volunteers. Their campaigning and determination transformed derelict waterways into the places we all enjoy today.

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See the Exhibition

Also in the IWA at 75 Marquee is an exhibition of photos – celebrating the volunteers that helped us achieve some key milestones over the past 75 years.

In August 1945, when waterways were becoming neglected, closed and in danger of being lost, IWA’s founders Tom Rolt and Robert Aickman met at Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. They discussed the need for an organisation to speak up for the inland waterways of Britain. It was at this meeting that plans for the IWA were developed and six months later, in early 1946, IWA was officially formed.

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Schools Artwork

Around the site you can also see artwork from local schools depicting scenes from waterways of the present and future.

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Visit the IWA Stand

View the display boards and talk to our volunteers about the exciting plans that the IWA has to take us into the next 75 years and how you can get involved.

Since then, over 500 miles of waterways have been restored to navigation and many more have been saved.

IWA Festival of Water promises to be a highlight of the 75th anniversary celebrations as we look ahead to the next 75 years too.

Find out more about the waterways that have been saved or brought back to life. Visit: waterways.org.uk/75years 9

IWA Festival of Water 2021

Visit waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater to book your place for Let’s Fish sessions 10

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

highlights This promises to be a fantastic family event for the whole community to enjoy - we look forward to welcoming boaters from across the UK to Worcester this summer.

Live music & dance With two marquees to choose from there is something for everybody to enjoy! The Festival plays host to music of all genres from ukulele, through folk, to rock and roll. See fascinating presentations about living on a boat, boating sustainably and Alarum Theatre bring history and tradition back to life. The full programme of entertainments and talks is on P15-16.

Over 100 boats Take a walk alongside the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and see the colourful boats, many decked with bunting and flowers. Some have travelled miles, for days and weeks, from different parts of the inland waterways system – their owners would love to tell you about their boats and journeys, so don’t be afraid to ask! See P28 for boats to look out for.

Your Chance to win £50 Turn to P20, fill in your details in the pull-out prize draw form and take your completed entry to the IWA Marquee, where you will find a Prize Draw Post Box. Pop your form in the box and be in with a chance of winning £50!

Fun for all the family

Meet IWA

There are lots of fun activities for younger visitors to enjoy*: fairground rides, learn the art of angling with Let’s Fish, admire the model boats, pick up a Wild over Waterways Passport and see how many stickers you can collect! Get involved in multi-sports activities in the Find It Do It Worcester Arena.

Come and visit the IWA Marquee to chat about the waterways both locally and nationally. There will be volunteers available to answer all your questions and a stall offering waterways books, maps, guides and colourful greetings cards. If you are interested in becoming a member of IWA, please see us today and get £10 gift voucher to spend on the stand when you join.

*some require booking in advance so please check our website for information: waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater

Treat yourself

SCHOOLS ART EXHIBITION

From donuts, candy floss, sweets, crepes and waffles to wood fired pizzas, tacos, street food, stews and carvery selections, there’s something for everyone. And when it’s beer o’clock, head over to the Real Ale Bar for a pint or two. If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, there are stalls selling everything from crafts and crochet to jam and jewellery. Go to P18-19 for the full listing.

The IWA Festival of Water Schools Art Exhibition is a must see. The Christopher Whitehead Language College, Tudor Grange Academy, Browbrook House School and Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club have produced five complete hessian panels for the Exhibition. The quality of work is outstanding and a real credit to all involved.

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IWA Festival of Water 2021

Live Performances

We have live music and theatre performances all day and into the evening for wrist-band holders. See P15-16 for the full timetable.

Woo Town Hillbillies (EM) The Woo Town Hillbillies are a local band – four fun, lively, musicians, playing varied styles of music on guitars, banjo, ukulele and double bass. From covers to original tunes. Expect four-part harmonies and more.

EM – Entertainment Marquee IWA – IWA at 75 Marquee

SassCappella (EM)

Alarum Theatre (IWA)

A three-piece a cappella group from Malvern, Worcestershire. SassCapella cover a wide range of musical genres in their repertoire making a unique and entertaining set.

From coal, cocoa and catastrophe to brambles, wellies and mud up to your knees… Alarum Productions perform extracts from their shows The Muck and Shovel Brigade and Idle Women of the Wartime Waterways. There will also be a preview of their new show about women involved in campaigns in the Black Country - I Dig Canals!

DryWood Folk Duo (EM) Denise Dryburgh and Phil Underwood are back as DryWood - an exciting collaboration between a highly respected folk singer and an award-winning multiinstrumentalist. They will be performing original and traditional songs, poetry and stories. They will be premiering Boat Horse - their fun new show about life on the canals. Be prepared for laughter, tears, and a jolly good sing along.

Syncopated Rhythm (EM) Syncopated Rhythm is a four-piece jazz and swing band. The band draws on various musical styles and individual expertise extends from traditional jazz to classical and orchestral performance.

Their repertoire is mainly from the 1920s, 1930s and the dance-band era, with a mix of instrumentals and vocals.

Braunston Pickle (EM) Barbara and Lionel - Braunston Pickle – have been Festival Favourites since 2004.

This popular folk duo has waterways at their hearts. Songs, comedy, a generous sprinkling of instrumentals, amazing spoon playing, and good fun guaranteed!

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Canal & River Trust is

#GettingGamesReady Volunteer with us and help get our canals ready for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Opportunities are available across the West Midlands.

Make a real difference in your local community and help to build a lasting legacy.

Join us. Volunteer. canalrivertrust.org.uk/ commonwealth-games-2022

Site Plan Keys:

Vol Wo untee rk cam r p

(al l & c car am pa ps rks ite )

Bar

Stall

Toilet

Coracle

Ivy Bridge

Fairground

Catering

Ice Cream

Coffee

Info

First Aid

Fishing

IWA Stand

Heritage Trail (P6-7)

IWA at 75 Marquee

Entertainment Marquee

Model Boats

Pe

rd isw Pa rk ell

Co

m m ar un en ity a

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester

What's on When?

Entertainments Marquee Live music all day long.

SATURDAY 11:00

Braunston Pickle

12:15

Worcester Ukelele Band

13:15

DryWood Folk Duo

14:15

Big Skies Duo

15:15

Worcester Ukelele Band

16:15

DryWood Folk Duo

17:15

Big Skies Duo

19:30

DryWood Folk Duo*

20:30

Rock & Roll Juke Box*

Sunday 11:00

Braunston Pickle

12:15

Woo Town Hillbillies

13:15

DryWood Folk Duo

14:15

Woo Town Hillbillies

15:15

Syncopated Rhythm

16:15

DryWood Folk Duo

17:15

Syncopated Rhythm

19:30

Open Mic*

22:00

Open Mic*

Monday 11:00

Braunston Pickle

12:15

SassCappella

13:00

Awards Ceremony

13:15

DryWood Folk Duo

14:15

Sasscappella

15:15

DryWood Folk Duo

16:15

Braunston Pickle

*For wristband holders only 15

IWA Festival of Water 2021

What's on When?

IWA at 75 Marquee

in the park

Talks and performances to celebrate IWA’s 75th anniversary.

Stop by the information point if you’d like more information.

SATURDAY

saturday

11:00

Sustainable Boating

11:45

12:15

Alarum Theatre

13:15

Inland Waterways Association

14:15

Residential Boat Owners’ Association

15:15

Alarum Theatre

16:15

Sustainable Boating

17:15

Myth Busting Composting Toilets

Sunday 21:00

Sustainable Boating

12:00

Alarum Theatre

13:00

Inland Waterways Association

14:00

Residential Boat Owners’ Association

15:00

Alarum Theatre

16:00

Sustainable Boating

17:00

Myth Busting Composting Toilets

21:00

Sustainable Boating

12:00

Alarum Theatre

13:15

Residential Boat Owners’ Association

14:15

Alarum Theatre

15:15

Sustainable Boating

16:15

Myth Busting Composting Toilets

Awards Ceremony (EM EM)

'Find it, Do it' community area

Watch or participate in community and sports group activities in the arena. Check nearby signage or the website for timings and booking information at: waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater

Monday 11:00

Illuminated Boats

monday

Sunday 11:00

Opening Ceremony

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Photo © Alarum Theatre

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

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IWA Festival of Water 2021

Exhibitors' Listings Beads & Bobbins Boutique Handmade jewellery, window charms, handbags & bottle lights.

Birmingham Black Country & Worcester Branch Local waterways information.

Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Society Promoting the restoration of the canal from Hereford to Gloucester.

Spoilt Kitty Resin bead jewellery, key rings & charms.

Hook a Turtle Prize every time.

The Woodland Trust Charity awareness & membership fundraising.

Boaters Christian Fellowship Boaters’ Christian Fellowship members are Christians who appreciate the inland waterways of the UK from all denominations who aim at fellowship, worship & witness.

Inland Waterways Association IWA is the charity campaigning to restore and protect 7000 miles of inland waterways in Britain. Visit our stand to find out more, buy a waterway book, map or guide or join us.

Bradley Canal Restoration Canal restoration information.

Little Radford Model Boat Club Model boat display.

Buckingham Canal Society Restoration society working to restore the Buckingham Canal.

Marine Engine Services Parts & engine servicing for older engines.

Cherry Lane Women’s clothing and accessories.

Darraugh Dogs Pet accessories, dog bandanas, bow ties, scrunches, face masks & bags.

Ebinka Craft Homemade crafts including fabrics, wood turned items & cards.

Hats Off Oxford Hats & gloves.

OM Traders Tye dye clothing.

Pack it in - Zero Waste Living Ltd Zero waste ethical & sustainable products.

Pansy Power Craft Handmade sewn & crocheted goods.

Swingboats Children’s rides.

Wallflower Novelty mugs, wall plaques, suncatcher & animal figures.

Waney Edge Woodcraft Handcrafted wood turned pieces.

Waterway Recovery Group North West Second hand books & brica-brac. Sales support canal restoration.

Worcester Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society Canal society information, gifts & badge making.

Woofs Treats Dog treats & gifts.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Working to protect wildlife across Worcestershire.

Resin Remix Resin crafts & jewellery.

Floating Trader Selling wares from the canal-side.

Sew Singular Aprons, bags, books & storage items.

Wildside Preserves Preserves - jam, marmalade & chutney.

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester

Food & Drinks Pizza Heaven Wood fired pizzas.

Indian Street Food (Sunday only) Freeman Event Catering Tropical slush.

Platinum Pancakes Sweet pancakes topped with the finest local ingredients pancakes (Monday only).

Ice Cream Van Ice cream.

Rapple Milk Shakes Milk shakes.

J W Catering Breakfast rolls, burgers, hot dogs, chips, hot & cold drinks.

Tacos & Frozen Margaritas Tacos, chicken rolls & frozen Margaritas.

The Candy Stop Hot donuts, candy floss & sweets.

The Green Kitchen Duck fat roast potatoes & stew.

The Retro Coffee Company Tea, coffee, cakes, crepes & waffles.

Photo © Nik Owens

Carvery Pork & beef carvery.

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IWA Festival of Water 2021

lucky Prize draw Win £50 by answering these questions (just draw a ring round whichever apply) and putting your entry in the Post Box on the IWA stand.

How did you hear about IWA’s Festival of Water here in Perdiswell Park?

IWA website / IWA magazine / Social media / Poster or Flyer / TV or Radio / Word of mouth / Other Where have you travelled from?

Worcester / other location in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire / Other, please specify:

Are you a member of IWA?

Range of Food Entertainment

(Boaters only) Mooring arrangements (Campers only) Campsite facilities If you have any suggestions about the event, please add them here:

No

Yes

Range of stalls

Display of boats

Have you been to an IWA Event before?

Yes No Yes

Information about the IWA and what they do

Range of children’s activities

Have you come to Worcester especially for the event? Yes No

Do you have a boat here?

Please can you score the following: 1 is poor, 6 is excellent

No

Do you know who the IWA is and what the IWA does? Yes No Name: Name Contact Tel No.: Email: The information provided here will be used solely to help us improve our festivals. Your personal details will be used to contact you should you win the Lucky Prize Draw.

We would love to tell you more about the vital work we do, and keep you up to date with local and national waterways news, events and offers via IWA’s regular email newsletters.

We will never sell your data. See www.waterways.org.uk/privacypolicy I would like to hear from IWA: IWA

Yes

No

Date: Date

Rules of the Lucky Prize Dra Draw. Entry to the lucky prize draw is restricted to one entry per person per day please. Multiple entries will be disqualified. The daily prize of £50 is provided in GB sterling only as cash or cheque. Cheques can only be sent to a valid UK address. One winner will be chosen each day 30 minutes before the close of the Festival at random from all valid entries.

Winners will be contacted via the details provided. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to. The lucky draw will run each day from 28th-30th August 2021. The Inland Waterways Association is compliant with the Data Protection Act. We will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

Stay safe at the event For your safety and enjoyment at the event, please: •

Always keep children within sight – and don’t run near the water’s edge.

•

Take care walking along the towpaths, close to the locks and grassed areas near the water, there are more boats here than usual and there are, unavoidably, some trip hazards – watch your step and look where you are going at all times.

•

•

Do not lean out over the water, or sit on or lean against the boats – they can move about unexpectedly.

•

Don’t climb on or cross the lock gate to get to/from the towpath – use Ivy Bridge instead.

•

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Please clean up after them. Make use of the litter disposal facilities and recycle or re-use as often as possible.

•

Please listen out for important public announcements.

•

Follow covid-19 safety guidance displayed at the event

If you have any concerns please go to the Information Stand, First Aid Post or the IWA marquee – or ask a volunteer.

Never jump across or dive into the canal.

Theatre & Event Technical Services

A tailor-made service to meet your needs.

Call to discuss your event.

020 8866 8536

i nfo@djcsoundsystems.co. uk

www.djcsoundsystems.co.uk DJC Sound Sysytems are proud to be working with IWA Festival of Water again this year

• Sound

• Special Effects

• Rigging & Staging

• Lighting

• Music Stands

• Audio Visual

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Share your photos

Share your festi val photos

Tag them with #festivalofwater on social media or email them to images@waterways.org.uk 22

Photo © Robert Smith

IWA Festival of Water 2021

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

Support the waterways Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. Your support can make the difference.

Our volunteers organise events like IWA Festival of Water to provide free activities and memorable experiences on the water and beside it. If you enjoyed your day out at the festival, please consider donating to support the waterways.

Look out for donation points around the show or donate online:

We are the Inland Waterways Association - the charity that protects and restores Britain’s inland waterways. Much of our work is carried out by our dedicated volunteers and, with your help, we can continue to campaign for waterways like the canal that runs through Worcester.

We can also help bring formerly derelict Waterways back to life, as we did for the Droitwich Canals.

waterways.org.uk/donate

Make a dona tion

Join with us You can also join us as a member for as little as £3 a month. As a thank you, you will receive our quarterly member magazine Waterways as well as up to 25%

off boating holidays and more. Talk to us at the IWA marquee to find out more or visit: waterways.org.uk/join 23

IWA Festival of Water 2021

Restoring the Droitwich canals

Photo © Rosemary Carden

WRG volunteers at Hanbury in 1988

Droitwich Big Dig of 1973 Droitwich Dig

Photo © Waterway I amges

Droitwich Junction Lock restoration

Work on the Droitwich Junction Canal

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Droitwich Canal, barge loc

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

The Droitwich canals were reopened in 2011, 72 years after they were officially abandoned. The restoration of the canals reconnected Droitwich with the River Severn and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and re-established the Droitwich cruising ring.

Celebrating 10 years back in water IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group volunteers supported the work of the local Droitwich Canals Trust and wider Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership to bring the canals back to life.

WRG volunteers were particularly involved in the restoration of the Hanbury Locks throughout the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s, they also supported the Droitwich Big Dig of 1973 when over 500 volunteers turned up to clear vegetation and start restoration work. In 2005 work to complete the restoration was funded by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Advantage West Midlands, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council, IWA and others.

WRG volunteers returned to the project in 2008 and helped refurbish the Droitwich Barge Lock prior to the reopening of the canals in 2011.

ck back in water

Photo © Chris Handscombe

WRG volunteers working on one of the locks at Hanbury in 1988

Each year, IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group runs week-long working holidays known as Canal Camps as well as weekend digs with regional WRG groups.

Find out more at: waterways.org.uk/wrg 25

IWA Festival of Water 2021

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester

canal camps & volunteers ENJOY A WEEK RESTORING A CANAL (Just £70 per person for seven days full board) IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to help restore Britain’s lost waterways through its Canal Camp working holidays, which take place across England and Wales. Working outdoors, volunteers can get involved in various activities like clearing vegetation and bushwhacking, or learning new skills such as bricklaying, stone walling, restoring locks, re-lining canals or creating towpaths. Each Canal Camp is one week long, costs £70 and includes three meals a day plus endless tea and cake. Basic accommodation is provided, usually in a village hall or scout hut.

Restoration has been a pillar of IWA’s work since it was formed in 1946. Today, we continue to support, advise, fund and equip restoration efforts across the country. There are nearly 100 canal restoration projects across England and Wales. These are at various stages of development ranging from well-established groups seeking full restoration to isolated pieces of lost canal being restored by a small group of people.

The restoration of canals relies on people power to make it happen. IWA has been providing site volunteers for over 70 years through local IWA branches and Waterway Recovery Group.

er Regist st ntere your i ive to rece ’s ear next y re u broch

wrg.org.uk / 01494 783 453 27

IWA Festival of Water 2021

Boat spotting at IWA Festival of Water Photo © Tim Lewis

Over 100 boats will line the towpath at IWA Festival of Water. Among them, there will be historic working boats, state-of-the-art electric boats, and boats selling treats. See if you can spot them all.

Historic Boats Fulbourne (1937) Fulbourne was built in 1937 as a commercial carrying boat for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company Limited. She was one of forty-eight riveted steel narrow boats built for GUCCCo by Harland and Woolf at North Woolwich on the River Thames during 1936-37. She is a Town class motor boat.

Fulbourne, Marsworth Locks, Grand Union Canal

Other boats to look out for Tixall

Swift (1933)

Built 1986 by Stoke-on-Trent Boatbuilders – you’ll notice that Tixall has a much bigger chimney than many of the other boats. Instead of being powered by diesel, the engine runs on steam, powered by wood briquettes.

Swift, which was built in 1933 by Yarwoods of Northwich, is a narrowboat of steel construction. She was supplied new to the chemical firm Cowburn & Cowpar of Manchester for the foundation of their own fleet.

Ampere

Kew (1960s)

Ampere is a BCN tug-style narrowboat with an innovative electric propulsion system. Learn more about greener boating options in one of the IWA at 75 Marquee talks (see P16).

Kew was an unpowered butty, with an engine installed in the 70s. She has distinctive blue fibreglass cargo coverings, which enable the hold to be covered by one person much more quickly than with traditional cloths as seen on other historic working boats.

Boat traders

Skylark (1934)

Wandering Bark & The Jam Butty

Built in 1934 by Yarwoods, Skylark is a narrowboat of steel construction and still has her original semi-diesel engine.

During her working life her principal customer was also the Cowburn & Cowpar factory at Manchester.

The Jam Butty sells handmade preserves featuring foraged ingredients from the canal side. Stock up on high quality jams, marmalades, chutneys and vinegars.

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Perdiswell Park, Worcester Photo © Andrew Lachlan

Thank you The Inland Waterways Association is a registered charity and relies on legacies, fundraising and membership subscriptions to fund its work. Events such as IWA Festival of Water are organised and managed with substantial help from IWA members, volunteers and supporters. IWA is very thankful to all those who have helped bring this year’s Festival of Water together.

Thank you also to the following organisations for all their assistance and support and without whom there could be no festival:

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Worcester City Council

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Mediwest Kingfisher – for first aid services

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Green Bio-fuels Ltd – for greener power to our generator

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Freedom Leisure

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DJC Sound Systems

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Worcester Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society

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Worcester Canal Group

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Waterway Recovery Group

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Canal & River Trust

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Chris Handscombe

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PPL PRS Ltd - for the music licence

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The staff and students at Christopher Whitehead Language College, Tudor Grange Academy, Browbrook House School and Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club for their hard work and enthusiasm in creating the Art Exhibition

IWA Festival of Water 2021

IWA WORCESTER BIRMINGHAM & BLA Your local branch of the Inland Waterways Association is IWA Birmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire Branch. We campaign for waterways from Worcester in the south through Birmingham, the Black Country to Wolverhampton in the north.

We also organise work parties, social events, talks and walks that are open to anyone who wants to join in.

Walks: Sunday 5th September (14:00pm)

Sunday 3rd October (14:00pm)

Event: Guided walk of the Bordesley Ring

Event: Guided walk around Tipton using Old and New Main Lines via Brades

Location/Leader: Michael Payne Starts at Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street. On-street parking is available but it’s easier to use public transport.

Location/Leader: Ivor Caplan Starts at Tipton Railway Station (please note parking there is for rail users, but there is plenty of public parking nearby) 30

Perdiswell Park, Worcester

ACK COUNTRY Branch

Join us at an event We have waterway walks and talks coming up.

Visit waterways.org.uk/worcester or email secretary.birmingham@waterways.org.uk for more information and to book your space.

Talks: Monday 18th October (19:30pm)

Monday 15th November (19:30pm)

Event: Talk by Julie Sharman, COO at Canal & River Trust

Event: Talk about looking after some of the world’s big bridges by Charles Cocksedge

Location: Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin, Hereward Rise, Halesowen B62 8AW and Zoom

Location: Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin, Hereward Rise, Halesowen B62 8AW

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IWA Festival of Water 2021

EXPLORE OUR HISTORIC WORCESTER Worcester played a decisive role in the English Civil War and the Battle of Worcester changed the way that Great Britain was governed, creating the democracy we enjoy today.

battlefield, uncover the secrets of battle strategy and come face-to-face with Oliver Cromwell.

Take a walking tour through the city, exploring the Worcester Story and following in the steps of Cromwell and Charles II.

Discover the clash of Royalist and Parliamentarian beliefs in an interactive exhibition at The Commandery, the Royalist headquarters during the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Magnificent views of what would have been the battlefields can be seen from the top of the tower at Worcester Cathedral. Charles II plotted his battle strategy from here before escaping from Cromwell through the streets of the city.

Imagine daily life as a militia soldier 300 miles from home, see weapons straight from the

Plan your day at

visitworcester.co.uk/civilwar

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