News

IWA Calls For Repairs of Dunardry Bridge on the Crinan Canal

Our recent campaign asking people to Save Waterways Heritage has led to calls for the unique Dunardry Bridge at Lock 11 on the Crinan Canal to be repaired, having been out of action since 2015. The bridge is a unique feature as it is the only hand-operated rolling bridge that goes across a lock chamber anywhere on the UK’s inland waterways network.

After liaising with Scottish Canals which is responsible for the upkeep of Dunardry Bridge, there has been some very encouraging communication, with the navigation authority agreeing that the bridge does indeed require urgent attention. We will now work with Scottish Canals to try and secure funding for the repairs.

Jonathan Mosse, one of IWA’s representatives in Scotland, has been very active in calling for the repairs to take place. He says, “While there are other moveable bridges across lock chambers and other rolling bridges on the network, Dunardry Bridge is the only example of both. As such, we are working with Scottish Canals to explore options for how to repair it. We understand that Scottish Canals needs to concentrate its expenditure on improvements to navigation but IWA will fully support any heritage funding bid undertaken by Scottish Canals to reinstate the bridge.”

We will keep you updated on the progress of the bridge repairs, but hope that if funding can be found, we will once again see a fully operational Dunardry Bridge back on the Crinan Canal in the near future.

This is a perfect example of what our Save Waterways Heritage campaign is all about. If you are aware of any other examples of waterways heritage that could be at risk, please contact the IWA Heritage Advisory Panel at campaigns@ waterways.org.uk with information.

Dunardry Lock 11 and bridge, Crinan Canal April 2019.

IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns to london in 2022

IWA Canalway Cavalcade will return to London’s Little Venice from Saturday 30th April 2022 to Monday 2nd May to celebrate the best of life on the waterways in London and its community.

Boaters are invited to decorate their craft for the colourful pageant and illuminated boat procession.

There’s something for everyone at IWA Canalway Cavalcade. Whether visiting by boat or on foot, it’s a splendid day out for you and your family. Soak up the atmosphere surrounded by vibrant boats, alongside a multitude of unique stalls, a real ale bar and delicious foods for all appetites.

There will be eclectic live music around the site, special boating activities like the legendary illuminated procession, and kids’ entertainment for all ages. You’ll also find amazing art from local schools on display, and plenty of opportunities to get involved at IWA Canalway Cavalcade.

Moorings are available for boaters to book for the weekend. Go to waterways.org.uk/cavalcade to find out more and book your place.

Join the IWA Canalway Cavalcade team

Come and join the fantastic team of volunteers who organise IWA Canalway Cavalcade. This unique festival, now in its 39th year, is held annually in Little Venice.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love getting stuck in and have a positive ‘can do’ attitude for the following roles: • Secretary • Assistant Secretary • Publicity Assistant • Social Media Manager • Commercial Assistant

All roles require attendance at around eight committee meetings per year and general availability during the week.

To discuss the roles further or register your interest, please contact Christine Smith, Deputy Chair, by emailing christine.smith@ waterways.org.uk or phoning 07774 890750. Visit waterways.org.uk/ cavalcade for more information.

Join in with the festivities at Little Venice this early May bank holiday weekend for IWA Canalway Cavalcade.

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IWA national awards now open for nominations

Hundreds of volunteers give their time to support the waterways through IWA and each year a number are nominated for and presented with IWA’s national awards. It’s one of the ways in which we recognise the amazing work carried out by our supporters throughout the year, and over longer periods of time too.

Due to the pandemic, we were unable to celebrate our 2020 award winners and distribute the prizes as we normally would, and so the decision was taken not to take nominations in 2021. However, the hard work has not stopped and we are keen to recognise this with the return of the national awards in 2022.

Nominations for these awards are now open. From fundraising efforts to restoration endeavours, it is time to say thank you for the contributions that IWA simply could not operate without. Nominations for awards are invited from members, branches and regions and should be emailed to awards@waterways.org.uk or posted to Awards Panel c/o Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA by 31st May 2022. These are then considered by an Awards Panel nominated by trustees, and recommendations are made to trustees for final approval.

The winners of the national awards for 2022 will be announced at the national AGM in September.

The awards

Cyril Styring Trophy – this is the Association’s premier award and is presented to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to our campaigns.

John Heap Salver – the Association’s major fundraising award, the John Heap Salver, is given to an IWA member who has made an outstanding contribution to raising funds for the Association.

Christopher Power Prize – this prize is given to the person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an amenity waterway.

Richard Bird Medals – these medals are presented to members whose efforts and support are considered to have brought considerable benefit to the Association over a sustained period.

IWA Festival of Water 2022 at Burton-upon-Trent

Our 2022 IWA Festival of Water will take place on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Burton-upon-Trent on 27th-29th August.

Make the festival part of your summer plans and join us for a bank holiday weekend of fun for all who love spending time by the water.

Boat moorings and campsite pitches will be bookable soon. See waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater for more details and updates.

IN MEMORIUM

Jerry Sanders

Jerry Sanders moved to Staffordshire in the early 1990s and was already involved with waterways through boat-ownership and in volunteering with the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration. He soon joined IWA Lichfield Branch, becoming Secretary in 1995 and Vice-Chair from 1997 to 2002.

After looking after sales between 2001 and 2003 and membership in 2006, he took on the role of Deputy Chair from 2006 to 2008 before retiring to devote more time to what had become his main interest in IWA, the commercial side of festivals. His first involvement with IWA’s festivals was at Windmill End in 1996.

As a former Londoner, Jerry also had a particular commitment to IWA Canalway Cavalcade, which presents the unique challenges of a constricted site and massive public attendance. That Cavalcade adapted to ever more onerous Health & Safety requirements and other changes, and not only survived but prospered, was in no small part down to Jerry’s commitment to working constructively with the traders and others to keep the show on the road. Typically, he was working on Cavalcade right up to his final illness.

Another of Jerry’s passions was historic buildings, and he moved to Wharf House, overlooking the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire with a convenient mooring. Restoring and adapting his section of this imposing, listed building was an ongoing challenge that he typically relished as he put his own distinctive ideas into its interior.

Jerry’s boating activities, first on Rosie and later Josephine, were often routed around IWA festivals and Cavalcade, with regular annual voyages down to London and back, sometimes via Crick, and often involving friends as crewmates.

Everyone who knew Jerry recognised he was a oneoff. His friends loved him for his eccentricities and his sheer dogged determination to do things his way. We send our condolences to Jerry’s family and to all who counted his friendship as a privilege. Phil Sharpe

Correction

Following the publication of the memorial notice for Brian Saunders in the Winter 2021 issue of Waterways, we have been made aware that Brian died of a short illness in April 2021. He was previously diagnosed with cancer in 2009, from which he had recovered following treatment. We apologise for any upset or inconvenience the error may have caused.

Bridgwater Docks Regeneration Is A Step Closer Thanks To Government's Towns Fund

We have welcomed the announcement by Bridgwater Town Development Forum that £23.2m has been awarded from the Government’s Towns Fund to Sedgemoor District Council for the regeneration of Bridgwater.

The award includes £4m towards the regeneration of Bridgwater Docks, which we are keen to see used to provide new community and leisure facilities and to support the restoration of both the docks’ infrastructure and the historic Bascule Bridge that straddles the docks. The award is subject to a satisfactory business case being prepared and signed off by the Government.

Waterways boost local economies and bringing health and wellbeing benefits to the communities they touch, providing a leisure amenity that everyone can enjoy. Nowhere is this more evident than at Bridgwater in Somerset, where there is a combination of a river and historic quayside, the heritage docks including the Bascule Bridge, and the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal that passes through 14 miles of delightful countryside to the county town of Taunton, where it joins the River Tone Navigation.

For some years IWA’s West Country Branch has been lobbying the local authorities and others to secure the future of the docks. Now that the award from the Towns Fund has been announced we are keen to work with the authorities to help optimise the opportunities provided by this funding.

Cameras at the ready

enter our 2022 photography competition

Entry is now open for our 2022 photography competition. There are four competition categories: 1. Heritage details – the details that tell a story about our waterways, from old signage to rope grooves caused by horsedrawn boats. 2. British waterscapes – from enchanting views of navigable waterways throughout the seasons to the 500 miles of waterways that could be usefully restored. 3. Old meets new – let’s get a picture of the creative, refreshing spaces found along our waterside environments, whether they’re historic warehouses or new developments. 4. Living waterways – the vibrancy of our historic inland waterways demonstrated by a family enjoying a day trip, a horse-drawn boat, heritage crafts or wildlife. Photography highlights the wonders of the waterways and helps to bring our campaigns to life. It also makes sure that as much of our income as possible is used to protect and restore our waterways.

Photography competition category winners will each receive £25 to spend in our online shop, plus IWA goodies. The overall winner will also receive a print of their photo.

Find out more and enter your pictures now at waterways.org. uk/photocomp.

Spotlight on... HIDDEN HERITAGE

IWA members have been uncovering historic features along the inland waterways as part of our Save Waterways Heritage campaign

Launched last year, our Save Waterways Heritage campaign is seeking to identify interesting pieces of heritage along the waterways with the help of members who have been asked to send in photographs of their discoveries. These are not necessarily the bigger things, like bridges, locks, aqueducts or tunnels, but the smaller features that are all too often overlooked, such as rope marks on a bridge, mason’s marks on a lock wall, canal company signage or mileposts along the towpath. Let’s look at a selection of some of the submissions received so far…

Mileposts on the River Severn

These mileposts can be found on the River Severn in Worcestershire along the bank in Grimley from Bevere Lock northwards. Mileposts (or milestones) are more commonly found on canals rather than rivers, making these particularly interesting examples of hidden heritage. Mileposts were once placed every mile or half-mile so barge companies knew how far they had travelled with their cargo. Customers were charged by weight and distance, so it was very important that the companies kept track of the distance each barge covered. The mileposts were made of different materials, usually stone or cast iron, and often painted white to make them visible in the dark. These ones on the River Severn are made of iron and have lasted well considering they could be over 200 years old.

Get involved

We are highlighting the hidden heritage of the waterways as a part of our wider campaign to Save Waterways Heritage. This campaign aims to improve the protection of heritage assets along the UK’s rivers and canals through the extension of existing Conservation Areas and by raising awareness of historic waterways features that may be at risk from insensitive development.

We are asking people to investigate their local canal or river in more detail than perhaps they ever have before and find items of interest. We want to make sure the quirky features of the waterways are retained, ideally in working order and are not forgotten in the future. We all know that funding is scarce for both local authorities and navigation authorities so active support from the local community helps keep the waterways heritage message on the agenda.

All of the hidden gems that are uncovered will be recorded for future generations and, where required, we will lobby the relevant authorities to ensure these features are protected and repaired. In order to carry out this activity, we will be recruiting new, and supporting existing, Heritage Champions. As part of their role, our Heritage Champions will help to safeguard waterways heritage in their area by monitoring any planned developments. Full training will be given. For more information on our search for Heritage Champions, please see page 12.

Rope marks on the Regent's Canal

Our campaigns officer, Amy Tillson, went out on her local canal and uncovered some hidden heritage on her doorstep: “As a selfconfessed canal heritage nerd, when I went for a walk along the Regent’s Canal with my family to take photos for the campaign, I wasn’t expecting to come across evidence of canal heritage that I’d never noticed before. This is a waterway I’ve walked and boated along more times than I can count over the years.

“Under the bridge below Hampstead Road Locks (popularly known as Camden Locks) there is a metal column with rope marks on it left by the tow ropes of thousands of horse-drawn and towed butty boats over the years. This column protected the stonework from damage as the boats were towed into the lock and they are quite common across the system. What I hadn’t spotted before was a second metal piece, next to it. Looking at the grooves on this, they are at the wrong angle to be from boats towed into the nearby lock. They could only be made by tow ropes of boats turning the corner into a basin. Looking closer, I could see that there was evidence of different bricks where the entrance of this long-filled-in basin would have been.

“When I got home, I looked up the area on an old map. And there it was: Bridge Wharf – an old basin alongside the bridge, in exactly the right place for those tow rope grooves to have been made.

“Going out for a ‘Hidden Heritage walk’ along a waterway local to me made me look closer at this familiar canal and learn something new. I would encourage you to do the same, and share what you discover.”

Air Valve on the Coventry Canal

This hidden heritage submission is at the fifth lock on the Atherstone flight on the Coventry Canal, at Bridge 43. It is the subject of much discussion from passing boaters, who often ask what it is. Our Heritage Experts believe it is an air valve that has something to do with a water main that goes over the other side of the bridge. The valve could be operated with a longhandled tool from the bridge, to drain water or air out of the water main.

Distance marker on the Oxford Canal

Perhaps the most controversial of our hidden heritage submissions, or the one that has sparked the greatest amount of debate, is this distance marker on the Oxford Canal. We believe that if a boat had passed this distance marker heading towards a lock (and the lock was in its favour) then anyone turning the lock against them would be in breach of the Oxford Canal Company by-laws. Others feel that it was installed to warn the boatman that he was approaching a lock so that a crew member could run ahead and ready the lock, or it was to warn the boatman that he needed to start slowing for the lock, especially if it was a horse-drawn barge. Given that horse-boats had no brakes, they needed to be travelling very slowly as they approached a lock in order to be strapped to a halt rather than ramming the gate or cill.

One commentator suggested: “The distance markers were intended to avoid disputes between boaters. Whoever passed the marker post first was entitled to use the lock. Unfortunately, as it was usually impossible to see one marker from another, they ended up being largely irrelevant. Possibly boaters were supposed to crack their horse whip, or blow their warning horn when they passed the marker, but very few bothered. It was often down to the lock-keeper to keep the peace.”

Gaslight at Crick

This photo of Bridge 12 at Crick on the GU Leicester Line summit shows pipework coming out of the bridge. We are unsure whether this is an old gaslight or some kind of water outlet. Do you have any ideas? We would love to hear from you at hiddenheritage@ waterways.org.uk if you can help.

A ruined stable block on the Oxford Canal

This ruined stable block can be found on the Oxford Canal at the junction with Dukes Cut. Horses were very important to the successful running of the canals, with horse-drawn boats operating until the early 20th century. Seeing the remains of a stable block with tie-up rings, a trough for feed or water and a cobblestone floor shows that the working boaters cared for their horses and ensured that they were able to rest and recuperate on their long, heavy journeys. This stable block would have most likely had a slate roof to protect the horses from the worst of the elements.

Your donation can help Save Waterways Heritage

Many thanks to all of you who have already donated to the Save Waterways Heritage campaign. If you are able to support the campaign with a financial donation, please know that your funding will go directly towards three key areas of work: • Understanding and increasing planning protection for the waterways • Lobbying Government bodies where heritage features are under specific threat • Recruiting and supporting Heritage Champions to safeguard our waterways from poor development.

Please visit waterways.org.uk/saveheritage for more information on how to donate.