Cargoes Spring 2023

Spring 2023 & Oxfordshire Branches

Spring 2023

Branches

Newsletter of Guildford

Kent

Newsletter

Guildford

Kent

& Reading

& East Sussex and Oxfordshire

of

& Reading,

& East Sussex

Basingstoke Canal Society Page: 6

John Pinkerton Page: 8

Focus on Accessible Boating Association Page: 9

Branch AGMs Page: 4

IWA Guildford & Reading

IWA Oxford

British Canoeing Page: 22

Byfleet Boat Club Page: 10

Chichester Ship Canal Trust Page: 10

Guildford & Reading Branch Page: 5

Sales and Publicity Stand

Kent & East Sussex Branch – IWAKES Page: 24

Thames & Medway Canal Association

Dartford & Crayford Creeks Restoration

River Medway

Faversham Community Boat Builds

Sussex Ouse

Kentish River Stour

River Adur

Future Events

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Page: 12

Newbury Reading

Crofton Beam Engines

London Region Page: 37

South London Branch

Canalway Cavalcade Festival of Water

Maidenhead – Friends of Maidenhead Waterways Page: 16

Mikron Theatre Group Page: 35

Oxfordshire Branch Page: 32

Tooley’s Boatyard Trust Page: 33

Region Chair Report Page: 3

River Thames Page: 21

River Wey & Godalming Navigations Page: 17 National Trust

Towpath Walks Page: 36

Wey & Arun Canal Trust Page: 19

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Page: 33

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Index

Welcome to the Spring edition of Cargoes. The weather is now slowly getting warmer after a few really cold snaps that have affected everyone in various ways. I hope it didn’t interfere with your forays out.

Thank you to all our contributors for their articles. It was especially interesting to receive the front cover photo from Mike Chamberlain of the Byfleet Boat Club along with a partial copy of the letter he sent his MP. Invasive species can cause a lot of trouble around our waterways.

On another note Calor Gas have decided to “streamline” its cylinder range, i.e. stop supplying the smaller cylinders

I hope this doesn’t affect you. See page 41 I hope you enjoy reading all the articles and have a good time whenever and wherever you can get out and about.

Chris Jones – Editor

From the Region Chair

Congratulations to Sally Schupke, who is Chair of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, on her award of an MBE in the New Year’s Honour list. Sally has led the WACT team over many years and they have achieved remarkable progress in restoring the canal with detailed plan s for future developments already on file. Sally is also active in village activities . A really well-deserved award.

The weather into the new year has provided some excellent photo opportunities at a variety of canal locations which have been posted on social media. Pretty as it was, ice on the Oxford Canal caused problems for liveaboard boaters trying to access water points and facilities. And the enclosed photo shows ice on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Milkmaids Bridge.

The branches’ Annual General Meetings will be taking place in the near future. The IWA needs to raise its public profile, so do support our local branch es who do their best to protect local waterways .

Just helping at one event for a few hours is really welcome.

Verna Smith, Region Chair

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Editorial

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Photo Courtesy: Graham Puddephat t, K&A Reading Branch Cover Photo Courtesy: Mick Wilson of Byfleet Boat Club with NB Cranley stuck in weed at Walsham Lock, River Wey. Ice at Milkmaids Bridge K&A

Branch Annual General Meetings

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire and Guildford and Reading Branches of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows:

The Oxfordshire Branch AGM. This Zoom AGM will take place on Wednesday 15th March 2023: at 7.30pm. followed by a presentation by Marcus Nurton the Chair of Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire (OxSAR) . Please check the IWA website for further details .

The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place on Monday 27th March 202 3. This Zoom AGM will take place at 7pm followed by our speaker, David Pearce, IWA’s new CEO. The link is shown here and also on the IWA website. There is no need to register, just click on the link.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83644210449?pwd =U2dyU29zUGZEU2wyM3dTdl pERGZEdz09

The Agenda for the branch meetings will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws as follows:

Agenda

1 Apologies for Absence

2 Approval (following amendments if necessary) of the Minutes of the Branch AGM held the previous year

3 Matters arising from the Minutes (and not under other Agenda items)

4 Branch Chairman’s Report

5 Branch Treasurer’s Report and Accounts

6 Election of members of the Committee (Nomination no l onger necessary). Simply contact the Chairman to apply to join the Branch Committee or do so at the AGM

7 Any item for discussion of which the Branch Chairman has been notified in writing at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the relevant AGM

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Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman

Our AGM will take place on March 27th at 7pm by Zoom. The speaker will be the new IWA CEO David Pearce: See joining code below and on page 4. We are planning to take the branch sales stand to a few events around the branch during the summer however, we really do need some help to man the stand during the day and for set up and dismantling. Ben Scott has volunteered to coordinate the team for the Reading Water Fest, which is our first event on June 10th. We would also like to attend the River Wey Festival at Guildford on 16th September, which will also need your help please.

I am sure that you are aware that the IWA is virtually unknown on the R iver Thames and other local waterways so attendance at community events is a good way of raising the profile of IWA.

Verna Smith (acting Chair)

Sales & Publicity Stand

After an unsuccessful year of events in 2022 the Sales team are hoping 2023 will be better. Although not all dates for next year’s events are available yet , please do contact us if you think you will be able to help. W e are hoping to attend Reading Water Fest and the River Wey Water Festival as well as supporting IWA Oxford with the Banbury Canal Festival.

Please contact Ben Scott (benboattrain@gmail.com) or any of the Sales Team if you can help at any of the events, our email address is chris.jones@waterways.org.uk.

Future Events

The Sales Team

Mon 27th March, 7pm : Guildford & Reading Branch AGM This Zoom AGM will take place at 7pm. The link is shown here and also on the IWA website. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83644210449?pwd=U2dyU29zUGZEU2wyM3dTdlpERG ZEdz09

Sat 10th Jun: Reading Water Fest

Sat 16th Sept: Wey River Festival. National Trust, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

Sat 30th Sept – Sun 1st Oct: Banbury Canal Festival: Supporting IWA Oxford Branch

Other Sales team dates for 2023 will be listed in Cargoes and on the IWA website.

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Basingstoke Canal Society

The Basingstoke Canal Society fund new Weed Cutter

The Basingstoke Canal Society has agreed to fund the purchase of a new Conver C420 mower to help manage the growth of floating Pennywort from Lock 7 down the Junction with the River Wey.

This new piece of equipment is urgently needed to help manage this invasive plant to help ensure that this doesn’t hinder navigation along the Basingstoke Canal. In addition, by funding this weed cutter, pressure on Basingstoke Canal Society volunteers will be lifted. These are volunt eers who have spent many hundreds of hours helping clear the Pennywort using workboats and working from the towpath in lieu of a piece of equipment.

Following purchase of the Conver C420 mower, there will be two weed cutters on the Basingstoke Canal with existing Basingstoke Canal Authority weed cutter (Millie) working further west along the canal. This image illustrates one of the Environment Agency Conver C485 mowers tackling floating Pennywort on the River Wey.

Basingstoke Canal Society further supp orts the Basingstoke Canal Authority

In addition to the funding of the new Conver C420 Weed Cutter to help with ensuring navigation of the Basingstoke Canal, funds have been allocated to contribute to the Canal Authority spot dredging programme planned for the Hampshire Pound this quarter.

This will be helpful to boats visiting the Basingstoke Canal and also with the successful Basingstoke Canal Society trip boat, John Pinkerton II. It will also help accessible boating activities and the Galleon Marine’s hire boat operation.

Basingstoke Canal Society New Electric Trip Boat Update

The Basingstoke Canal Society is making progress with the grand and exciting project of updating the Woking based trip boat. The very latest is that substantial progress has been made in getting electric power to the Bridge Barn Wharf where the electric trip boat will be berthed when not in service. A huge thanks goes to all those involved including UK Power Networks, SSC, the Basingstoke Canal Authority

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and Whitbread for ge tting us to this point. There is still plenty of work to be done and “wrinkles to iron out” but all are achievable.

An electric Kitty trip boat should become a reality in 2023 with a full service date planned for 2024.

This project has brought to the forefront the wider challenge of environmentally friendly electric facilities for boats along the Basingstoke Canal and the Basingstoke Canal Society is working closely with the Canal’s Council Owners to address this future need over the coming years.

The most recent fundraising campaign in December 2022 was the Art Auction of Nancy Larcombe artwork which raised over £1,200

from the sales of multiple pieces of artwork of the Basingstoke Canal and the local area. The late well known artist, Nancy Larcombe, spent some years living in a 40ft narrow boat that she named the Nancy Bell and moored near the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett, Surrey.

Finding and retaining great volunteers

Sue Lea from Voluntary Support

North Surrey recently interviewed some of our wonderful volunteers to find out how the Basingstoke Canal Society manages to maintain such a welcoming community. She discovered that, across the society, there is a focus on en joyment, support and flexibility, which appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you are interested in engaging with the local community and helping to protect our precious natural surroundings, please have a look at our Volunteering Page here where you can find out more.

Charlotte Rodgers, Press Officer BCS

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Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II and Kitty

Boat Trips: The John Pinkerton II trip boat operates from Odiham in Hampshire, running public, themed and chartered cruises. Trips last about 3. 25 hours and run through farms, woodlands and the occasional small settlement.

Information for times and prices for trips and how to charter the boat for a special occasion or social outing is available on our website: https://basingstokecanal.org.uk/book -your-trip/

All bookings are done online but for help email: jpbookings@basingstokecanal.org.uk, or call: 07506 864411 (10am – 6pm).

Kitty public boat trips are at 11am, 1pm and 2.45pm from the town wharf in Woking.

Trips from Mytchett: Boat trips on board our friendly 12 -seater boat Rosebud usually run at weekends and on public holidays from Easter to September . Please contact us for up to date informatio n. Tel 01252 370073, email info@basingstokecanal.co.uk or check on Facebook or Twitter.

Themed Trips

Fri 21st April, 7pm to 9.30pm Price £30 . An evening cruise with songs from the 70's and 80's with Emma and Jenny. Fish & Chips supper included , fully licensed bar. Recommended for adults.

Wed 17th May, 3pm – 5.30pm Cream Tea Cruise £20. Served with our special cream tea, complemented by china tea -sets and table-cloths Background of piano accompaniment.

Fri 26th May, 7pm – 9.30pm “Four in a Bar” ..Music from the swing era of the 40’s to pop songs of the 00’s . Fish & Chips supper included, fully licensed bar. Recommended for adults. Price tba

Sun 11th Jun, 1pm – 5.30pm Old Thatch Winchfield Price £30 . Take the boat to visit the gardens at Old Thatch Cottage (part of the National Garden Scheme). The entrance fee of £5 per adult is not included in the boat ticket price. After approximately 2 hours, the boat will bring you back to Odiham.

Wed 14th Jun, 3pm – 5.30pm Cream Tea Cruise. Price £20. Served with our special cream tea, complemented by china tea-sets and table-cloths Background of piano accompaniment.

Fri 16th Jun, 7pm -10pm: Thai Dinner Cruise. Price £32. A summer evening cruise. Further details to be announced.

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Wed 21st Jun, 4am – 6.30am: Summer Morn Cruise. Price £16. An early start at 4am to experience the Sunrise on Mid -Summer-day, cruising eastwards to Barley Mow, Winchfield. Hot and cold drinks available for the duration of the trip and a continental breakfast will be served on the return trip.

Fri 23rd Jun, 3pm – 5.30pm, Grand Café Cruise. Price £30 Sandwiches, cakes, scone and jam with a glass of Prosecco complemented by china tea -sets and table-cloths. Background of piano accompaniment.

Wed 19th Jul, 3pm – 5.30pm Cream Tea Cruise . Price £20. Served with our special cream tea, complemented by china tea -sets and table-cloths Background of piano accompaniment.

Fri 28th Jul, 7pm – 9pm: Sea Shanty Cruise, Price tba A summer evening cruise to enjoy and sing sea shanties with Gale Force 8. Fish & Chip Supper, and Licensed bar.

Wed 9th Aug, 3pm – 5.30pm Cream Tea Cruise . Price £20. Served with our special cream tea, complemented by china tea -sets and table-cloths. Background of piano accompaniment.

Thurs 17th Aug, 2pm – 4.30pm: Children’s Pirate Cruise. £10 A Thursday afternoon family cruise for children aged 5 - 10 with a pirate theme. Prizes for those dressed as pirates. Fun and entertainment for all!

Fri 18th Aug, 3pm – 5.30pm , Grand Café Cruise. Price £30 Sandwiches, cakes, scone and jam with a glass of Prosecco complemented by china tea -sets and table-cloths. Background of piano accompaniment.

Sun 10th Sep, 10.30am – 3pm. Ramble and Cruise Price £16 - £22. A Sunday cruise to Barley Mow, Winchfield with the option to Cruise on either the Outward or Return leg, and ramble the other leg back to your start point. Served with a Ploughman's lunch in two sittings. Option to cruise both legs available.

Focus on Accessible Boating Association

The Accessible Boating Association, ( Accessible Boating or ABA), is a registered charity initiated in 1985 by Mildred Stocks, then Chairman of Hart District Council, who wanted to enable people who couldn’t use existing canal boats to enjoy cruises on the Basingstoke Canal.

Two boats are available: Madam Butterfly is a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat and Dawn is a 12-person day boat

Both boats are based in Odiham at Galleon Marine’s boatyard with trips operating from Colt Hill Wharf from April to October.

For more details see the website www.accessibleboating.org.uk . New volunteers are always welcome; speak to one of our volunteers or contact our Chairman, John Ranson at chairman@accessibleboating.org.uk

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Byfleet Boat Club

Happy New Year,

Following an appeal from NABO and IWA I wrote to my MP ahead of the interparliamentary debate on funding of the waterways. Part of my letter is reproduced here:

“As a boat owner on the River Wey, I feel it is vital that the waterways in public ownership managed by the EA and CRT receive adequate financial support. Since the pandemic we have seen a huge increase in the use of the waterways in Surrey for such outdoor activities as walking, running, cycling, fishing, sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding as well as boating. The benefits are obvious.

However, the inactivity of the EA (as well as their management of The Thames waterways) has led to the deterioration of our local waterways, for example in the proliferation of invasive species on the River Wey. (see front cover) All the amenities offered by the Waterways are now under threat. Please will you raise this with the DEFRA Minister with responsibility for the inland waterways, Rebecca Pow MP, as a matter of urgency, an d bring to her attention all the benefits of the waterways mentioned above as reasons why the inland waterways in general, and CRT in particular, should continue to receive funding from government into the future”.

The result? Rebecca Pow, recently re app ointed as the DEFRA Minister with responsibility for waterways in England and Wales, responded to the debate, but was unable to confirm any timescale for the announcement of DEFRA’s review into CRT’s funding, saying only that “the outcomes… will be announc ed forthwith”

Mike Chamberlain, Editor of By The Wey

Chichester Ship Canal Trust

Preparing contributions for the newsletter has given us the opportunity to reflect on our bicentenary anniversary year. What a year of celebration, community and partnership, and we finished on a high with Christmas illuminations and a full schedule of ev er-popular Father Christmas trips. We received such wonderful feedback all through the year, due to the hard work of all volunteers and small staff team. We’d like to thank every single person, however you were involved, who made 2022 such a success. 2022 really helped to raise our profile as a key organisation in the cultural and heritage sector in the city, with many people discovering us for the first time. Partnerships created will continue to flourish through 2023. A couple of my personal highlights are our recent invitation to join the newly formed Chichester Family Arts Network, and our registration as a “Warm Space”, for any member of the community.

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We have welcomed many new members and volunteers through 2022, and are very grateful for their support. 2022 has been our year of "returning to normality" after the pandemic, and it is pleasing to say that the finances of both Trust and Trading support that. Our shoreside operations continue to thrive. Our sales from the café, licences, and rowboats, are 10% higher than 2021, and a fantastic 25% above 2019. We continue to be a popular outdoor destination for refreshment and exercise in Chichester and surrounds.

Trip boat operations were the most constrained area of our busine ss over the last couple of years; however, we are now well on the way to returning to previous levels of customer demand and activity levels, including the ever -popular Father Christmas trips. Sales in 2022 were more than double the previous year, and at about 70% of 2019.

In 2022, we completed the latest phase of canal banks restoration, utilising the funds raised for that sole purpose in the successful 2020/21 campaign. This means that all of the Trust funds at the end of 2022 are "unrestricted", and available for other canal projects. The Trustees and Trading Directors are working closely together to determine the best use of these funds. Our volunteers designed and installed a new sign on the bridge at Hunston, to raise awareness of the famous Turner image. Imagine our delight when that famous Turner image was returned to the city (for the first time in almost 200 years) as part of the Pallant House Gallery “Sussex Landscape” exhibition. The exhibition is open until 23rd April and is well worth a visit. As is the Exhibition at the Novium Museum on our 200 year history, open until 26th March. www.chichestercanal.org.uk

Photos Courtesy: Dave Standley

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Catherine Cannon -Trustee Christmas Hats Chichester Canal

Kennet & Avon Canal News

Newbury Branch

In Newbury preparations for the 2023 boating season are well underway. As always, new volunteer crew for our tripboat Jubilee are welcome. If you are interested or would like to find out more - email us at jubilee@katrust.org.uk . Training will be in late March ready for the start of our trips on Easter Sunday 9 th April. Our public trips are on Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holidays at 12 noon and 2pm from April to Oc tober; and on Thursdays at 2pm from April to September. We will also be running special themed trips. For further details and to book online please visit www.jubilee.katrust.org.uk. As well as our public trips, we offer private charter trips so get in touch if you would like your next party onboard Jubilee.

The Newbury Branch AGM will take place on 19th April at 7.30pm at the Stone Building in Newbury. Everyone is welcome to come along; you don’t have to be a member to attend. After the formal business, a local historian will give a talk about the history of the Kennet Navigation, which has its 300th anniversary this year. For further details contact Julian Foley newbury.chairman@katrust.org.uk .

Sarah Foley

Future Events

Sun 9th Apr: Start of new boating season.

Tues 19th Apr, 7.30pm: K&A (Newbury) AGM, Stone Building Newbury

Reading Branch

Chairman’s Report

Hello again, Wishing you an enjoyable new year. Hopefully you have had a great Christmas and have survived the frozen temperatures of the first couple weeks of the new year.

We had some heavy rain recently which has spilled over onto the water meadow and raised the levels of the waterway. Fobney lock was shut with water spilling over the top gates. The red boards were (Figuratively) up and the current certainly made it not sensible for boats. Many of the paths and walkways have become covered with a couple of inches of water, as you might expect across a water

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Fobney Lock in Flood

meadow. Shortly after we have seen the still water of the canal freeze over, and the ducks skidding about on the slippery surface. The thaw is now starting and we are beginning to see the early spring plants pushing thr ough as green growth; we have also had a couple of moles pushing up in the side of Southcote Lock. I am hoping to join the CRT walk along the Kennet out of Reading on the 2nd of February. I thought it would be a nice way to start the 300th Anniversary year of The Kennet Navigation. This was opened in 1723, long before John Rennie connected it to the Avon around a 100 years later.

We are beginning to plan for this year’s Water Fest on Saturday 10th June, and have contacted the Huntley Wharf Developers to make sure the walkway is going to be open so we can once again enjoy the Riverside Walk down to the Bel & the Dragon. We plan to have an exhibition in the Turbine House, and hopefully return of involvement from the restaurant once the pathway is open. And HOT OFF THE PRESS the Newbury Trip Boat Jubilee will be making a welcome return. If anyone is interested in being a passenger on the trip, to or from Newbury, contact me, and I will put you in touch with the boatmaster. We have spoken to the Waterways Poet Laureate Roy McFarland and hope that he will be at Water Fest. Watch this space!

We are looking to join Reading Rescue “River and Environmental Spaces Clean Up Event”, the Litter clearing exercise that has been dealing with rubbish along the waterway twice a year since 1989. This is being organised by Connect Reading info@connectreading.co.uk . Reading branch will join in with the use of Matilda Too to pick out the floating debris around Reading Town Centre. It’s also a great way of enhancing the s kills of the helm, manoeuvring the boat in ways that are different to the run of the mill trip route. We are looking to generate some interest in improving the access, environment, and facilities of the Kennet and Avon Canal, specifically, the first mile, from its confluence with the Thames up to County Lock. This section of the navigation comes under the auspices of two District councils (Reading & Wokingham) and two different water authorities (Environmental Agency for the Thames, and the Canal and River Trust).

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Confluence of the River Kennet and River Thames

Like many things that have multiple key players often the first step is left to the other parties. Historically The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust is the organisation who rallied, campaigned and worked to restore the waterway from being virtually abandoned to the active navigation it is today. We are looking to be the catalyst to get the navigation improved, appreciated and cared for in Reading.

At the moment boats (hire boats and private leisure boats), avoid Reading and move their holiday and business on to Henley, Pangbourne, Marlow etc... We have had discussions with the local hire boat company and three local marinas and believe Reading centre businesses are losing over 2 million pounds a y ear due to this at best indifferent, and at worst hostile reception of leisure boaters and canal users.

The recent Water Fest revealed that many of the councillors, including the Mayor, w ere not aware of the reputation and avoidance that the boating commu nity has around Reading.

We (KACT) Reading Branch have a new trip boat working over this first mile and have been amazed at the reception we have had from our passengers. Perhaps one of the more surprising perceptions has been that many believe that the waterway running from Blakes Lock through the Oracle to County Lock is The Thames!

Most large towns and Cities seem to welcome the boating community and the colour and vibrance...and revenue it tends to bring. This doesn't seem to be the case at the moment in Reading.

We are planning to use the trip boat to enable the councillors and other interested parties to experience this 1st mile in its current state and to spark the conversation as to how it can be improved. To paraphrase Daniel Defoe “Reading…on Kennet and oh so near the Thames” from “A tour thro' the whole island of Great Britain” - Daniel Defoe 1724.

We have a lot of activity at Aldermaston Wharf. The Trust has found a new team to operate the Tea Room. This is a new venture for Liz and Siobhan, who have a good background in catering, and have some great ideas to make an exc iting addition to the canal side. The plan is to open by April ready for the big test of the Easter bank holiday and the Devizes to Westminster canoe race. I think it will be well worth taking a trip down to the wharf.

At the same time as finding new operators for the tea room we have had the wash/toll house renovated by the specialist builders “Kingsmen construction” who have done some amazing work to renovate and repair the building , restoring the brick work, and the roof tiles and timbers. The building is now water tight and stable. The door and windows replaced or renovated. We are now working to provide information and displays to make the information centre a worthwhile destination. Canal and River Trust have offered to provide some of the arti facts that we are hoping to display and we are planning the

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visitor centre will be open in line with the tea room opening. Our branch meetings continue to be held on the Humber Barge at the Bel & the Dragon on the 3rd Tuesday of the month starting around 7 .30pm. We will also join up on a zoom session, so more distant folks can enjoy the discussions. We have a fantastic bunch of speakers lined up , we have Steve Bacon from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust on the 21st March, a speaker from the Litchfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust on 18th April, and Paul Fitt talking on the restoration of Nb Lancing on the 16th May. This will lead in to Water Fest celebrating 300 years of the Kennet Navigation, and the summer break. If you would be interested in attending, please contact me.

Keep well and look after each other.

Future Events

Graham Puddephatt

Entry donation to Meetings, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses). All meeting start at 7.30pm and further details can be found on the Website at www.katrust.org.uk

Tues 21st Mar: Steve Bacon from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust.

Tues 18th Apr: A speaker from Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust

Tues 16th May: Paul Fitt talking on the restoration of NB Lancing

Crofton Beam Engines

END OF SEASON MESSAGE

Crofton Beam Engines and the pay and display car park are closed for the winter. We plan to open again for spring 2023, dates are to be confirmed, so keep an eye on social media and the website for updates. We will be carrying out essential winter maintenance during the closed season and will be open on some Saturdays for Winter Works Open Days. A chance to see what goes on behind the scenes over the winter period. We hope to see you there!

Please visit our website for up to date information on our Winte r Works Open Days: www.katrust.org.uk

Photo: Crofton Beam Engine Website

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chair.reading@katrust.org.uk

Maidenhead Waterways

It was with regret that we had to cancel at short notice our planned Waterways Family Fun Day on September 17th following Her Majesty’s passing. Fortunately , we have been able to set a new date for April 22nd, with our sponsors and most stalls and entertainers happy to roll over their bookings. With lots more space available from a road closure, we expect an even bigger event than the inaugural Waterways Fun Day, which celebrated completion of the first phase of the restored waterway. In December we made a further addition to our “fleet” of service boats, with the purchase of a new 3.9 m flat bottomed heavy duty aluminium work boat from Seastrike, complete with outboard. After problems with blanket weed during last summer’s heatwave, a removable bespoke weed rake was jointly designed by Seastrike and ourselves and is now able to be used on the new work boat to rake up excess weed whenever we want to, reducing the need for costly contractors. With the weed rake attached (pictured raised) it does remind me a bit of the Bond villain “Jaws”, but the new work boat is already proving invaluable for its space, stability and robustness. It is now in regular use by volunteers for clearing litter from the water, cutting back encroaching brambles and removing excess weed. May sees local elections in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (and a Coronation..!!) so we are once again seeking support from all the main parties to continue to progress the waterways project when/if they are elected. A rather controversial new Borough Local Plan has just been adopted, which envisages M aidenhead taking c70% of all housing growth in the borough, leading to an increase of c40% in the town’s overall population. Significant parts of the Green Belt are being released to allow the scale of development planned. Realising in full the potential of the green and blue corridor that the waterway represents for Maidenhead’s growing population is now even more important, for the enjoyment, health and wellbeing of people and wildlife alike.

As part of our long term aspiration to connect the restored waterway to the Thames at Bray, we were delighted to host another weekend long visit this month (January) from the BITM (Bit in the Middle) branch of the IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group. Fourteen volunteers drawn from all over the SE, with Tirfor winches and chainsaws spent the weekend hauling out and cutting back fallen trees from Bray Cut which obstruct the public right of navigation and also aggravate flood risk. We plan to invite them again in the autumn, after the nesting season, to continue this important work.

Richard Davenport, Chair of the Trustees

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River Wey & Godalming Navigations

Looking back over this last year it has been a turbulent time for everyone. From repeated COVID outbreaks to Storm Eunice, one of the driest summers we have had resulting in more summer boards being out than has been the case for 15 years, to fires along the navigation and now the cost-ofliving crisis, I have been proud of how much the team have managed to accomplish. Here are some examples of the work they have been doing:

• Bank protection and reinstating areas of towpath through Guildford, New Haw and Cartbridge

• Installation of infrastructure (electrical bollards and access area) to allow electric boat hire from Dapdune Wharf

• Replacement of the gates at Triggs Lock

• Removal of damaged trees and those affected by Ash Dieback

• Vegetation management

• Maintenance and repairs of existing structures

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers and staff for their continued hard work and passion for both the waterway and the Wharf. Their contributions have been invaluable, and I have been so impressed by their technical knowledge and dedication.

It has also been a testament to the community on the Navigation, in all its variety, that it has continued to be a welcoming and friendly environment that is open to everyone. It is during these difficult times that it is apparent how important it is to protect this waterway and the peace and enjoyment that people find by using it.

Looking forward to next year, the main projects along the Navigation will be:

• Repairing Godalming Wharf Wall and replacing the damaged staging

• Remedial works on 1km of steel sheet piling along the New Haw mooring line following the structural surveys that were completed in December

• Repair works on Unstead Meadow Weir

• After spending more than a decade at Dapdune Wharf, Perseverance, one of only 3 remaining Wey Barges, will be moved and lifted out of the water at Stoke Lock

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so that over the coming years we can start to complete the necessary maintenance works on her. The aim being that one day she will not only float on the Navigation again but be a functional part that can be enjoyed by the communities along the river.

• The replacement of Thames Lock footbridge. We are still going through the planning process, but the aim is to dramatically improve the accessibility of the structure, with the actual replacement aiming to take place at the end of 2023

• We will continue to develop new partnerships and offers at the Wharf

• Looking to the future and the effects of climate change that have been so apparent this year, from the drought conditions in the summer to the massive downpours we have already seen this winter, we are starting to update the way we monitor water levels. The first stage of this will be to put remote (renewably powered) cameras at key strategic points al ong the navigation so that water levels can be monitored remotely. This will act as a trial this year to then be expanded on over the coming years.

• We will also continue to build on our messaging to portable craft users in terms of both safety and the need of licences. We will be advertising the Paddlers Code more widely along the Navigation and will continue to promote the purchase of licences through the QR codes displayed at key points. I am very happy to say that the trial run at the end of the summer resulted in an increase of 135% in our annual sales figures for temporary portable craft licences compared to 2021.

Visiting Dapdune Wharf

The team will be hosting a number of events and walks over the course of next year building on the success of this year’s schedule. Some of the highlights of these will be; camping on “the island” at our family friendly Big Camp Weekend in the Spring, back by popular demand, we will be running our Easter trail again, along with our Come Out and Play festival highlighting different sporting events over the Summer holidays, as well as the Wey River Festival in September with the illuminated pageant.

If you can’t wait until then, we have made the decision to keep our tearoom and bookshop open over the Winter months on Friday s, Saturdays and Sundays, so feel free to come down, keep warm and enjoy a coffee and a book.

Future Events:

Sat 16th Sept: Wey River Festival. Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. Join us for a fun day out for all the family.

Please visit our website (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey ) for more information.

Tristan Brown Wey Navigations General Manager

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Wey and Arun Canal Trust

WACT News

2023 is the 50th anniversary of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust which was formed on 5th February 1973, replacing the Society founded in 1970. We will be marking this occasion with a small boats event at Loxwood on the morning of our Annual Meeting (22nd April) and the 50th Poddle (sponsored walk – 4th June). The Poddle will be around Petworth, the home of the 3rd Earl of Egremont who was the driving force behind the building of the Wey & Arun Junction Canal. If you would like to participate in the small boats festival, please look at our website www.weyarun.org.uk for further details and online booking. If you would like to join our walk, please email support@weyandarun.co.uk who will send you a sponsor form as soon as it has been finalised.

A private boat trip on the Loxwood section of the canal can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion, or a fun outing for your group or society. We provide the boat and the crew and we can also help with refreshments. If you are a Wey & Arun member and book a private trip then you will receive a member’s discount on the standard price. We are also offering a discount for all 2023 private trips booked by 28th February. To find out more or to book, the best way is to use the online enquiry form on our website or you can contact support@weyandarun.co.uk. We have a small number of 2023 calendars available , now at half-price. You can order online at www.weyarun.org.uk/shop or e-mail canalcentre@weyandarun.co.uk.

Our Loxwood Canal Centre will open for visitors on 10th March. For the warmer months, we are looking for more volunteers to help keep the Canal Centre open. If you are enthusiastic about the canal, you enjoy meeting people, you live within range of Loxwood and can spare a couple of hours from time to time, please get in touch (canalcentre@weyandarun.co.uk). And finally ....our Hunt Nature Park team is currently harvesting willow from our osier bed. If you would like to collect some freshly cut willow in various colours (donation requested), please contact support@weyandarun.co.uk .

Oak Tree Planted as a Special Reminder

On a blustery day in November 201 8 Stewart Paton proposed to Louise Williamson at Gennets Bridge Lock at Loxwood. To mark the occasion Stewart picked up a fallen acorn, brought it home and put it in a pot. He hadn’t really expected it to grow, but grow it did and now four years to the day the couple have replanted the sapling in the same spot at Gennets Bridge Lock.

Keeping the sapling alive during the heat of this summer was a challenge but the sapling survived and now looks set to thrive in its new home by the lock.

The pair, from Loxwood, are regular visitors to the canal, walking their two dogs along the towpath, and the little oak tree is now a permanent reminder of their

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special day. “We wanted to have a legacy of us coming together as a couple and this way people can see our mark on Loxwood and the canal as we love the place so much,” says Louise.

“It’s such a nice place to walk the dogs and it’s free for everyone to enjoy,” adds Stewart. “We’ve seen adders swimming, badgers, mink, loads of wildlife.”

Louise pays tribute to the Wey & Arun Canal Trust volunteers who maintain the canal and are restoring more of the 23-mile waterways for leisure use. “It’s so inspiring seeing the work all the volunteers do,” says Louise. “It’s just amazing.”

50th Anniversary Gala Small Craft Rally

Help us to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust at our small craft rally to be held on the Canal in Loxwood on Saturday 22 nd April 2023 at 10:00.

Canoes, Kayaks and Paddleboards are welcome and we invite all participants to donate £5 which includes your day licence* together with refreshments at the canal centre when you arrive and a copy of our Loxwood guide giving you all the information about what you are going to be seeing.

When you arrive, please check in at the Canal Centre where additional facilities will be available including a toilet. Free car parking is behind the Onslow Arms pub (on the B2133 Loxwood High Street) which will be open for lunches and drinks from 12pm onwards.

Please note that we will be running boat trips on the day so no powered craft will be permitted.

*Since this is our special day, please note that the day licence fee is also applicable to BCU members.

Sun 4th Jun: The 50th “Poddle”. The Poddle will take place around Petworth, the home of the 3rd Earl of Egremont who was the driving force behind the building of the Wey & Arun Junction Canal.

Boat Trips. A private boat trip on the Loxwood section of the canal can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion, or a fun outing for your group or society. We

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provide the boat and the crew and we can also help with refreshments. If you are a Wey & Arun member and book a private trip then you will receive a m ember’s discount on the standard price. We are also offering a discount for all 2023 private trips booked by 28th February. To find out more or to book, the best way is to use the online enquiry form on our website or you can contact support@weyandarun.co.uk .

Our first 2023 public boat trips are now open for booking and include:

Sun 19th Mar, 11.30am - Mothering Sunday: Treat Mum to a wonderful short cruise on this restored canal in Loxwood . Price Adult £9, child £4.50

Sun 19th Mar, 1.30pm - Mothering Sunday: Treat mum (and yourself!) to a Cream Tea Cruise. A 90 minute trip. Price £19

Wed 5th, Fri 7th, Sat 8th, Sun 9th and Mon 10th Apr. 11am & 12.30pm. Easter - trips on all these days include refreshments and an Easter Egg Hunt for children. Price £13.

Sun 9th Apr - Easter Sunday afternoon Cream Tea Trip Celebrate Easter on the Wey and Arun Canal. Ticket price includes two scones, jam, cream and tea or coffee. (Fruit Shoot for younger guests). Price £19.

Please book online via our website for any of these trips .

For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk

River Thames News

There is no doubt that lack of certainty about funding on the River Thames makes forward planning almost impossible. While the staff do their best to keep on top of infrastructure maintenance, the length of time i t takes to mend lock structures is hard to justify. Added to the lack of usable water points and pump out facilities plus the well-publicised unacceptable levels of pollution the Thames is in a sorry state.

I understand that the EA now has an idea of funding for the next year but not beyond that and the figures have not been widely shared. A bit of good news - There is now a new Thames river conditions website that has been well received and is said to be a big improvement on the old one : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-thames-current-river-conditions

Verna Smith

Editor’s note: I have tried it and it does seem to work!

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British Canoeing

River Thames Scheme

https://www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk/scheme

An update from the Autumn issue: British Canoeing (BC) and canoe clubs in Surrey have attended the River Thames Scheme (RTS) engagement events for responding to the now closed consultation. BC as an interested party ha s also had an individual meeting with RTS at this early stage to discuss public access and overall design.

On access, BC commented the River Thames flows in both channels with an augmented (sweetener) flow. As such each will have an inherent public right of navigation afforded by the Thames Conservancy Act 1932. This will replicate the public right of navigation enjoyed on the Jubilee River flood alleviation scheme.

In response, RTS said the extinguishing of a public right of navigation is n ot ruled out. It is point noted. Public funding for schemes must not remove public rights.

Also, the scheme only a refers to “new green open spaces” having public access. Adding “new blue open spaces” would be appropriate. Access to and along both channels with suitable infrastructure will be a socioeconomic benefit for recreational gain. It would provide a legacy from a publicly financed (600M +) scheme.

For understanding the overall design more fully, to receive enginee ring details such as bank profiles, bridge clearances and weir design, including the intersection of the Runnymede Channel with the Abbey River and flow control , Workshops and a further consultation are said to follow this year. ”

Thames Water

The company hosts a web site with data of stormwater/sewage discharges and the duration of these events. It has already provided useful water quality

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information for paddlers with the periods of high rainfall early in the New Year. Known as Event Discharge Monitoring (EDM) the information is posted at:

https://www.thameswater.co.uk/edm -map .

The draft Water Resources Management Plan 2024 proposes a new river abstraction at Teddington. Highly treated recycled water would be piped from Mogden sewage treatment works in Isleworth to a point upstream of the weir. Abstracted water would then be transferred via an existing underground tunnel to the Lee Valley.

The scheme has previously been rejected by the Environment Agency for the potential impact on the environment. Possible depletion of river flow and water temperature rise could be issues. On the positive side, discharges of normal treated sewage discharges into the tidal Thames at Isleworth Ait could be reduced. The design of the scheme is posted at:

https://thames-wrmp.co.uk/new -water-resources/teddington -river-abstraction/

Other plans are for transferring water from the River Severn onto the River Thames and revisiting a scheme for a new reservoir near Abingdon. The consultation period for the draft plan closes 21st March.

Kevin East

Voluntary Waterways & Environment Project Officer

Maps from River Thames and Thames Water websites

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Kent & East Sussex Branch Interim IWAKES Chairman’s Piece

Your Branch still needs you!

We all know that there are many shades of waterways interest within IWA. What I don’t know is which of these shades are represented amongst the members of our branch. As we are set apart from the connected system, other than by tidal passage or overland, I am sure that many of us, as I do, spend time taking part in activities beyond the branch boundaries. We do have however, within the branch area, a number of subjects of interest such as heritage ports, tidal rivers and long abandoned navigations. Our committee members, small in number, report from time to time on these aspects. Some of these accounts you will see written in this newsletter. Are there other areas of interest or other waterways activities , that would be of interest to a wider audience and which would benefit from being more widely known. If you know of any I should be pleased to hear from you.

By the time you read this note we shall have held our first social meeting of the year at Strood. We have others planned for later in the year also at Strood which is a venue that seems to suit the members we see there. It would, I think, be good if we could find a more westerly venue which might attract others to meetings. Whilst the position of social secretary remains vacant we will have d ifficulty in progressing that ambition. If there is anyone out there who has the time and is able to help with putting on an event, even if this is a one off, perhaps in conjunction with another group anywhere within our branch area please get in touch.

The branch AGM will be held in Maidstone. I am sure that Les Etheridge , whom most of us know well, will have lots to tell us about recent developments and future ambitions for IWA. I hope to see you there.

Peter Wilkinson

Thames & Medway Canal Association

We were very sad to hear that John Epton , a long-time member of the TMCA, had passed away. John was Chairman of the Association for many years until forced to resign due to illhealth. Subsequently, he and his wife Ann compiled, edited, printed and distributed our newsletter, Cut-A-Way. Our sincere thanks go to them both for their tireless dedi cation and support.

We have not found a volunteer to take on the role, and printing and postage costs are rapidly increasing. It has now reached a point where a loss arises purely from subscriptions, with production of the newsletter now subsidised by kind gifts and donations. We have decided that Cut-A-Way will be replaced by a monthly newsletter emailed to members. Our Web site has general information , as has our Facebook page with over 600 “members”, but only paid-up members will receive

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this regular emailed newsfeed. Membership details, including an annual update , will be posted once a year to keep costs to a minimum and maintain a direct contact. Although the wider public’s interest in using canals may be increasing, the interest in committed support to clubs or groups such as ours is reducing.

Our general tasks kept us busy over the winter; keeping the canal and towpath clear of litter, cutting back overhanging trees and developing more areas to encourage both people and wildl ife. Work stopped briefly over the Christmas break but will resume again on 10th January. Our ongoing project around the Obelisk at Canal Road Higham is to clear the dense foliage in the canal bed and southern bank which should make it look attractive in the spring with daffodils and a grassed area.

The slipway area needs little work over the winter as it is primarily almost a lawn which is used for launching boats and other water transport as can be seen in the photo.

Every time the Trust puts on any event our Facebook page membership expands and our traction with the public increases. We now have over 2500 “Friends of Dartford and Crayford Creeks ” .

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Dartford & Crayford Creeks Restoration Trust news from Brian Franklin

River Medway news from Mike Marsh

On January 2nd 2023 a boat broke free from its moorings and became stuck under the Broadway Bridge in central Maidstone with the river at a high flow. Two fire engines attended and the boat was recovered to the riverbank. The boat awaits recovery when river conditions allow. The picture shows a lifting barge in place at Ringlestone on the River Medway to recover a sunken narrowboat, caught out by fast changing river conditions.

Environment Agency – Sluice news update….

• Allington sluice: All gate refurbishment work is now complete.

• Hampstead sluice: A contract has been awarded via a tendering process to Land & Water Ltd, for work to be carried out in February. The pen from Hampstead to Sluice weir will be drained down for the work to take place and a road closure put in place. The old sluice and penstock will be removed and made safe. Work will take four weeks to complete.

• Teston sluice: Is progressing as planned. Subject to final permiss ions the work is scheduled to begin in the spring and run until the autumn. The old sluice and gantry will be removed, and a new fixed crest weir and eel pass constructed. Other works to the lock and landing stages will be carried out in parallel as well as landscaping of the area. The temporary works access track will be removed at the end of the project.

• Visit the EA Medway website [https://therivermedway.co.uk] for more information on Notices to Mariners, updates on recent industrial action, maps, river information, charges, links to tide times, FAQs, etc.

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Kentish Lady….

Kentish Lady at Allington Lock on her way in early January to Port Medway marina for the dry docking.

https://kentishlady.co.uk

Look out for all the Kentish Lady cruises when published later in the Spring. She operates from Easter to early October.

The River Medway – A brief history ….

Origins: Also known as Medwege, the River Medway was given the name Vaga by the ancient Britons. Later, the Saxons added the syllable mad, meaning “middle”, as the river ran through the middle of the Kingdom of Kent.

Where it flows: The River Medway is an iconic river that rises in High Weald, Sussex and runs 113 kilometres across the south east of England. It continues to flow through Tonbridge and Maidstone before emptying in to the Thames Estuary near Sheerness.

Tributaries: The best-known include River Eden, River Bourne, River Teise, River Beult, Loose Stream and River Len. The main source of the river is Turners Hill in West Sussex. From here, the river continues to flow until spilling into the Thames Estuary, becoming tidal after Allington Lock

History: Areas around Aylesford are notable Stone Age sites, and home to a group of Neolithic chamber tombs. There are also bronze age ornaments that have been found along the river, as well as pre -Roman Iron age finds. The river was a site of historical significance during several wartime moments. Specifically, the Roman invasion of Britain which was named Battle of the Medway, and the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1667 named Raid on the Medway. The River Medway played a key role in the history and development of communities. For example, over 200 sites exist along the Medway where the river’s power was harnessed to mill corn, make paper, generate electricity, and pump water. One of these mills is still working for commercial trade today.

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Faversham Community Boat Build

Build a Boat! Row a Boat!

A local community discovering boat building and rowing on creeks and rivers! See Facebook: Faversham Community Boat Build .

Children and adults from the age of 12 to 87 are enjoying the hands-on experience of building beautiful wooden rowing boats in an historic building in Faversham. Last week, we commenced building our fourth St Ayles skiff, a five -man, traditional styled rowing boat. These pretty boats are 22 feet long and were designed by Iain Oughtred who based them on the Fair Isle skiff. They look like Viking ships!

30 people are currently on the building team. They come for two hours during the day or after school, Tuesday to Friday each week. They are guided by me to construct the all -wooden skiffs which come as kits from Jordan Boats. Most participants have no prior experience at all, while a few have basic skills. Soon, hand-tools are being used to cut timber and shape planks, which are then glued together and finally painted to create a smooth finish to glide through the water. There’s pride in the finished vessel as she approaches the big launch day.

Many are now discovering getting on the water in our beautiful skiffs on Faversham and Oare Creeks. This is a totally new experience for most who take part. I hear comments such as, “I’ve lived here for over 50 years but I’ve never seen our town from the water before!”, “It’s so peaceful and calming!”, “I can’t wait to go rowing at the weekend!” or “He’s grown so much in confidence!” .

Personally, I’m totally amazed by the enthusiasm for building and rowing these boats. So long as the water hasn’t iced over, then there’s an ever -growing number who want to get out on the water. It’s wonderful! At the beginning of

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Cinque Ports

December last year, we towed our three skiffs, Avocet, Findlay

Macdonald and Lena Reekie , to Norwich to compete in the oldest rowing race in England, The Carrow Cup, in which about 70 rowing boats compete in a 3.9km route on the river which winds through the city. The ladies’ team, all novices, won their class!

December last year, we towed our three skiffs, Avocet, Findlay Macdonald and Lena Reekie , to Norwich to compete in the oldest rowing race in England, The Carrow Cup, in which about 70 rowing boats compete in a 3.9km route on the river which winds through the city. The ladies’ team, all novices, won their class!

There’s no stopping them now! They’re out rowing throughout the year and looking to row on other rivers and creeks, for social rowing too. They’ve even decided to take part in The Great River Race on 16th September. That’s a 21-mile row up the River Thames through the heart of London with 300 other rowing boats! Names are booked already on the skiff we’ve only just started building!

Rowing is a Community Interest Company (not-forprofit) which was founded in January 2020 and relies upon donations and funding from trusts and grants. Our community project is open to people from all backgrounds, aged from 12 years. We plan to introduce Adaptive Rowing for those who have mobility issues. The wider vision is to inspire and help other towns in the South East of England to start up similar pro jects. Get in-touch!

Alan Thorne, boat builder and speaker Alan Thorne, boat builder and speaker

Cinque Ports Rowing is a Community Interest Company (not-forprofit) which was founded in January 2020 and relies upon donations and funding from trusts and grants. Our community project is open to people from all backgrounds, aged from 12 years. We plan to introduce Adaptive Rowing for those who have mobility issues. The wider vision is to inspire and help other towns in the South East of England to start up similar pro jects. Get in-touch!

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust

SORT is now registered by the Charities Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Following approval by its members at an Extraordinary General Meeting, SORT Limited has been wound up and all its members and assets transferred to the new CIO.

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Kentish River Stour news from Malcolm Hasler

Welcome to the Spring 2023 news of the Kentish River Stour.

I had hoped in this issue to have been writing Part 3 (Plucks Gutter to Grove Ferry) of my journey from Pegwell Bay to Fordwich, but family matters and inclement weather have postponed the next chapter in the saga.

To be honest, since my las t news item boating conditions on the Kentish Stour have not been ideal, with typical winter rain, high tides, high river levels , high flow and strong winds to mention but a few. Most outings and trips ended up being cancelled, not least because of the ch allenges presented to manoeuvre boats on and off the moorings! The river has not looked at its best with high silt levels from water run-off from the fields, debris, and the odd wind -blown tree. Signs of this can all still be seen with flood waters clearly visible in the fields at Sandwich , which recently froze over as overnight temperatures plummeted below freezing.

Recent notable sightings on the river and in the estuary have been a pair of White Storks early in the autumn (possibly visitors from Essex ) and in the last few weeks a beaver in the lagoon at Pegwell Bay. Attempts to capture the beaver by a Beaver Protection Unit were unsuccessful and it is hoped that the animal found its own way back up the river. Reported seal numbers in the estuary have varied on any day from none up to about 100. The Kent Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve at Pegwell Bay is well worth a visit and pleasant walk.

So, as we all look forward to the fast -approaching Spring and Summer, we start to prepare our boats for the cruising season ahead. At the time of writing, I am looking forward to attending the Grove Ferry Boat Club AGM on the 19 th February along with the IWAKES AGM on the 21st February in Maidstone.

On the horizon, future challenges could include possible effects on the Kentish River Stour from the proposed reservoir at Broad Oak. Along with this we have potential changes to the High Speed Train services , with the re-opening of Manston Airport and the Thanet Parkway Station possibly affecting level crossings and bridges between Ramsgate and Ashford. Watch this space, I will be! Here's to an enjoyable and weather friendly Spring and Summer, and safe boating. I can be contacted by email at Malcolm.Hasler@waterways.org.uk

from Brendan

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River Adur news

Whelan Revised plans have been submitted for extending the development at Free Wharf, on the banks of the River

Adur. Little seems to have changed from their previous request to amend the planning permission. Essentially, because the development has cost more than expected, they want to cut back on benefits to the public and build more flats. Clearly, the viability, or otherwise, of a project is not a valid reason for such changes. The ancient public access to the water would be removed, a riverside walk narrowed. IWA and SSG have already objected to these water access related issues. More generally, and out of our remit, the developer would like to (i) reduce the number of parking places to about 0.4 per flat, (ii) greatly increase the number of flats and (iii) fail to s eriously provide for energy related matters.

No information has been made available on a possible slipway upstream of the lifeboat station. Similarly, no plans have been published for providing public access to the river at Stowes Gap.

After 24 years in the role, I am stepping down as IWA's Adur Representative. I would like to thank the many IWA members who have helped me over the years and I will be happy to assist my successor.

Future IWAKES and Other Events

Tuesday 21st February 2023: 7.45 for 8.00pm: St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone. ME16 ODE:

“IWAKES Annual General Meeting” followed by a talk… “IWA moving Forward” by Les Etheridge, IWA National Chairman.

Thursday 30 th March 2023: 7.30 for 8.00pm:

Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH: “Faversham Community Boat Build Project ”: a talk by Alan Thorne of Cinque Ports Rowing.

Saturday 2nd September 2023: “River Cuckmere ” :

Pub lunch in Alfriston followed by walk to Exceat Bridge or the Haven. Please contact Roy Sutton on 01342 317569 to reserve a meal and for rendezvous.

Tuesday 19th September 2023: 7.30 for 8.00pm:

Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH: “SS Shieldhall”: Graham Mackenzie describes this 1954-built, Southampton-based sludge tanker.

Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES “physical” evening meetings. Entry is free with a raffle to cover costs. All IWAKES events are open to non -members and you are encouraged to bring friends to “physical” meetings or to tell them about “virtual” meetings . Similarly, if you know a local club or society might be interested, please tell them.

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Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman

It has been a busy winter on the Thames with flooding and freezing, I hope that you have got through the winter. We have arranged the branch AGM to be a Zoom meeting on Wednesday 15th March at 7.30pm. As well as the very short business of the branch AGM we will be able to enjoy a presentation by Marcus Nurton the Chair of Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire (OxSAR)

Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire (OxSAR) are a voluntary Search and Rescue team. One of 34 member teams of Lowland Rescue. They are on call 24/7 to support our partner agencies; Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Oxfordshire Local Resilience Forum and other Lowland Rescue and Mountain Rescue teams. They number around 70 local people from all walks of life and provide a wide range of specialist services to our partners. Marcus’ talk will explain all of their work with a particular emphasis on their waterborne search and rescue capability using their rescue boats. An email with sign up details will be sent to all members soon. Please do join the meeting and whilst we continue to desperately need more branch members to get involved at whatever level they can to organising branch activities there will be no pressure to do so.

In particular we are looking for someone to take on the role within the branch of keeping an eye on planning applications affecting the waterways as Roger Badger is no longer able to do this. He is kindly continuing as Treasurer. We have

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also been asked to be more involved in the Banbury Canal Festival and t o send someone to the festival’s organisation meetings. Will you volunteer to help?

I hope you enjoy spring on the waterways.

Photos Courtesy: Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire

I hope you enjoy spring on the waterways.

Photos Courtesy: Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire

Ian Lindsay , Branch Chair

Ian Lindsay , Branch Chair

Ian Lindsay , Branch Chair

Future Events

Wed 15th Mar, 7.30pm. By Zoom: IWA Oxford AGM. Including a presentation by Marcus Nurton the Chair of Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire (OxSAR)

Sat 30th Sept - Sun 1st Oct Banbury Canal Festival

Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

Here at Tooley's we've already started work on this year's Banbury Canal Festival, following the success of last year's. Once again it will be over a whole weekend - Saturday Sept 30th/Sunday October 1st - so put those dates in your diaries now!

We'll also be starting our ever -popular boat trips in the Dancing Duck from Easter on, so do check our website for details and bookings: https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk/

We'll also be starting our ever -popular boat trips in the Dancing Duck from Easter on, so do check our website for details and bookings: https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk/ And don't forget: the Duck is also available for hire for skippered longer trips - ideal for a special event or a work outing (max. 12 passengers).

And don't forget: the Duck is also available for hire for skippered longer trips - ideal for a special event or a work outing (max. 12 passengers).

As the Trust looking after our historic “hidden gem” in the heart of Banbury, we are fully involved with the various initiatives affecting the canalside area, which has seen such changes in recent years - mostly positive, it must be said. We are working on some ideas of our own, so watch this space!

For more information on our boat trips go to: https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk/boat -trips/ .

John Madden, Chair Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

John Madden, Chair Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

Wilts & Berks Canal

Unfortunately, our much-hoped for progress on the planned M4 crossing has stalled. National Highways, gave us a grant of £44,000 to get some preliminary work done, that work enabled us to apply for the second stage of funding, which we did. Sadly, NH have found themselves unable to fund that stage in the current round of funding. it would have been around £870,000. However, we have been ramping up our

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fundraising activities of late, so the plan is to ramp them up further with a view to raise a similar or larger amount so we can get this work done ourselves in order to put in a bid for the construction stage, currently estimated at around £1.2 million. Meanwhile, restoration work has resumed at Pewsham, where several locks, a lockkeeper’s cottage, a dry dock and what is thought to be a carpenter’s workshop are in the process of being restored. Last time I mentioned that we had obtained a Lease on two pieces of land; to clarify, the one at Naish Hill is at a peppercorn rent while the Lease at Uffington Gorse is for over 900 years so is to all intents and purposes a purchase. Furthermore, an appeal to Trust members and members of the public raised well over £20,000 towards the total needed of £55,000, the balance having already been raised via our normal fundraising activities. Any further amounts raised will go towards the considerable maintenance needed for these 9 acres of woodland, bordered by the 200 metres of canal which are to be restored.

No end of year is complete without mention of Santa – he was able to join us again on our trip boat Dragonfly, delighting the children (well – their parents anyway) when he remarked how they’d grown since last time!

My last article mentioned a change in CEO that didn’t actually work out, though we learnt some useful lessons from the experience. I am now pleased to say that we have appointed Mike Gibbin as our Volunteer CEO. Mike lives very near the canal line and has already walked several stretches. We look forward to working with him as we progress further with our ambitious project.

Chris Barry Comms Secretary , Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

Boat trips on Dragonfly

Trips last approximately 20 mins. Fares are £4 for anyone aged 2 or over. Trips (depending on season) run at weekends & Bank Holidays, plus Wednesdays during the spring & summer school holidays, from 10.30 am - 3.30 pm and run approximately on the hour and half hour. To book, call (but do not text) the boat team on 07401 220076 or preferably email boat.bookings@wbct.org.uk

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Mikron Theatre Group

A Force

to be

Reckoned With With handbag, whistle and a key to the Police Box, WPC Iris Armstrong is ready for whatever the mean streets of a 1950’s market town throws at her.

Fresh from police training school, she prepares for her first day on the beat. The reality is very different. Stuck at the station, she soon finds her main jobs are typing and making brews.

Iris joins forces with fellow WPC Ruby Roberts. They’re an unlikely partnership. A two-girl department, called to any case involving women and children, from troublesome teens to fraudulent fortune tellers.

What starts as ‘women’s work’ soon becomes a specialist role. Iris finds she’s earning her place in a historic force to be reckoned with. Along the way, she discovers the Edwardian volunteers who came before her, a lineage of Suffragettesturned-moral enforcers and the secrets that the police box hides.

In this arresting tale of law and order, join forces with Mikron as we investigate pioneering women in the police.

Twitchers

Springwatch is coming to RSPB Shrikewing nature reserve. Jess, the Reserve Warden, can’t wait to show the world this special place, with its amazing wildlife and incredible birds. But Shrikewing is not an island. From pollution and vandals to an overzealous mayor, Jess is starting to feel that protecting birds from human interference might just be impossible. As we meet raucous rooks, booming bitterns and plenty of tits we realise the birds of Shrikewing are its r eal stars. Can Jess take inspiration from the RSPB’s tenacious female founders and draw on its history of campaigning to save them? Can she find her own voice to raise a rallying cry for nature?

Nest(le) down with Mikron in this flight through birdwatch ing history, feathered with birdsong and laughter. You’ll be giggling from heron in and you won’t ‘egret coming!

Please visit our website for booking details, times and venues.

www.micron.org.uk

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Towpath Walks Group

The Start time for all Walks is 2.30pm. Normal charge: £15. Concessionary and Student rate: £10. Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £10. Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5. (Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free).

Prior booking is mandatory: Please contact London Walks: 020 7624 3978. Or email them at: london@walks.com. It is Very Important to watch the IWA website - www.waterways.org.uk - or the London Walks website – www.walks.com - to see if any late changes to the walk have had to be made. Towpath Walks Group are looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere). This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you .

Sun 5th Mar Nov, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square –Camden. Meet King’s Cross by taxi queue

Sun 19th Mar, 2.30pm: Royal Victoria Dock – East India Dock. Meet Royal Victoria (DLR) (Emirates Air Line/Seagull Lane Exit

Sun 2nd Apr, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: Kings Cross – Hitchcock’s Hackney. Meet Kings Cross by taxi queue

Sun 16th Apr, 2.30pm: Limehouse: Thames - Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR by Cycle Hire Point)

Sun 23rd Apr, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit)

Sun 7th May: Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse. Meet Mile End.

Sun 21st May: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross by taxi queue next to Pret a Manger)

Sun 28th May: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit)

Sun 4th Jun: Royal Victoria Dock – East India Dock. Meet Royal Victoria (DLR) (Emirates Air Line/Seagull Lane Exit

Sun 18th June: Limehouse: Thames - Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR by Cycle Hire Point)

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London Region

LONDON REGION SOCIALS (COMBINED WITH NORTH AND EAST LONDON BRANCH)

At the last London region committee meeting we agreed to restart our social meetings on the third Tuesday of the month. These will alternate between webinars and in-person meetings. The full programme is not yet available but please save the dates below. Full details will be available on the IWA website in due course and all IWA London and South-East Region whose emails are held by the office at Chesham will be circulated.

Tues 21 st Feb, 7.30 pm webinar - details tbc.

Extra meeting

Mon 20th Mar, 7.30pm at the London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT, North & East London Branch AGM followed by talk by Chris Bushill: “London Bridge - the Dartmoor Connection”

Tues 21st Mar, 2.30pm : visit to Museum of London Docklands, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. Nearest station West India Quay (DLR). Meet in entrance by shop. This will be followed by a drink/meal in nearby Wetherspoons, The Ledger Building.

Tues 18th Apr - tba

Tues 16th May - tba

Tues 20th Jun – tba

South London Branch

We are delighted that now the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted we can return to having in -person social meetings. A large selection of second hand and pre-loved books are available to buy , and refreshments and homemade cake are available to purchase during the break.

Future Events

Wed 8th Mar, 7.30pm: Branch Annual General Meeting followed by a presentation by Jenny Hodson “A Brief history of the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG)”

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07956

Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk

655037

Wed 12th Apr, 7.30pm: “The Platinum Reflections Cruise – River users tribute to the late her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 24th September 2022 ” by Libby

Bradshaw

Sat 29th Apr – Mon 1st May: IWA Canalway Cavalcade: On the canals and ground around Little Venice and Paddington, W9 2PF

Wed 10th May, 7.30pm: Social meeting Speaker tbc

South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon , CR0 5LP. Admission to talks and presentations is free to members and non-members, but we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakers’ expenses, thank you. For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson. Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk

IWA CANALWAY CAVALCADE

AT LITTLE VENICE, EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2023 FREE ADMISSION

BOATS / FOOD / DRINK / MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT / CRAFTS / FAMILY FUN

We’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of IWA Canalway Cavalcade, at its iconic home of Little Venice, during the Early May Bank Holiday 29th April –

1st May 2023.

This legendary event has been bringing communities together since 1983, and will once again be transforming the heart of the London canal network, with over a hundred colourfully dressed boats, live music, refreshments, craft stalls and plenty of family fun for all to enjoy.

This vibrant festival is one of the biggest and brightest events in the nation’s waterways calendar and a firm favourite with visitors. There is a packed programme of events both on and off the water including a pageant of decorated boats on Saturday; boat handling competitions and an evening procession of illuminated boats on Sunday. Younger visito rs can try their hand at kayaking, visit a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, enjoy crafts, games and fairground rides.

Opening Times: Saturday 29th April 10 – 6pm

Sunday 30th April 10 – 6pm and 9pm – 10.30pm

Monday 1st May 10 – 5pm

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For more details of what’s on, timings, how to get there, how to book in your boat, plus a full listing of food & drink, craft and other stalls, please visit the website: https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways -to-get-involved/events/iwacanalway-cavalcade-2023 . Follow us on Facebook (search for IWA Canalway Cavalcade) or use #canalwaycavalcade on Twitter and Instagram.

The event is one of the most successful and best attended inland waterways events in the country, is organised, set up and run entirely by IWA v olunteers and we need more talented people to strengthen the team and fill some much needed roles. So, if you have a few hours a month to spare and can make yourself available during the Early May Bank Holiday, we would love you to get in touch – whatever your speciality we have something for you to do!

All you need is enthusiasm and a positive, eager “can do” attitude for the following:

• Secretary

• Assistant Secretary

• Publicity & Marketing Assistant

• Social Media Manager

• Commercial Assistant

• Site Services Assistant

All roles above require attendance at around eight committee meetings per year (mostly on video conferencing) and the need for general availability during the week leading up to the festival to take on duties attributed to the role. You will of course also be required to attend the event. For more information, or to register your interest, please contact:

All roles above require attendance at around eight committee meetings per year (mostly on video conferencing) and the need for general availability during the week leading up to the festival to take on duties attributed to the role. You will of course also be required to attend the event.

For more information, or to register your interest, please contact:

Tom Claydon, Festival Chairman - Email: tom.claydon@waterways.org.uk

IWA Festival of Water

Saturday 26th August – Monday 28th August

Free Admission

IWA Events Committee is delighted to confirm that this year’s Festival of Water will be held at Pelsall, near Walsall, in the West Midlands, from Saturday 26 th August to Monday 28th August. The festival site is on the Wyrley and Essington Canal, close to its junction with the Cannock Extension Canal. There’ll be lots to see and do for the whole family throughout the three days of the festival. Children’s activities include Giant Jenga, Learn to Drive a Digger, Rope Throwing, rides and competitions, while adults can roam around the many fascinating trade stalls and enjoy tasty refreshments, or chill to all kinds of music in the Entertainments Marquee – and much, much more. Entertainment starts with the legendary Boaters’ & Campers’ Quiz and Real Ale Bar on the evening of Friday 25 th August.*

*Public Opening times: Saturday 26th August 10am – 6pm

Sunday 27th August 10am – 6pm, Procession of Illuminated Boats 9pm – 10.30pm

Monday 28th August 10am – 5pm

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*Campsite Bookings - The Campsite will be open from 12 noon on Thursday 24th August and will close at 12 noon Tuesday 29th August.

*Boat Mooring Bookings – Moorings will be available from Tuesday 22nd August until Tuesday 29th August.

The Wyrley & Essington Canal is part of the 100-mile network of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) which extends across the West Midlands. It winds its way from Wolverhampton to Brownhills in the most sinuous fashion to keep on the same level (473 ft above sea level). No wonder it’s known as the “Curly Wyrley”. Mainly built to serve the numerous collieries in the area, it’s now almost exclusively used for leisure purposes, it forms a green corridor through a mainly built -up area.

Points of interest include:

Near Horseley Fields Junction is a historic canal basin.

Sneyd Junction at Bloxwich, where a branch once headed north to collieries in the Wyrley and Essington areas, there’s a canal depot and residential boating community.

Birchills Junction links to the Walsall Canal and the rest of the BCN. Pelsall Junction: the festival site is at the junction with the Cannock Extension Canal, built to serve collieries in the Cannock Chase area. It now ends at the A5 at Norton Canes (boatyards), the rest having been closed because of mining subsidence. A pleasant walk and cruise through rural Stafford shire.

Catshill Junction, Brownhills: is the junction for the Daw End branch linking to the Rushall Canal and the rest of the BCN system. At Brownhills is a good mooring and a canoe club base.

Ogley Junction, Brownhills: is where the canal once turned rig ht to join the Coventry Canal at Huddlesford Junction. This derelict section is being restored by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust. One feature for which funds were raised by the Trust is the provision of an aqueduct spanning the M6 Toll , which puzzles many motorists!

Anglesey Basin: at the end of a branch from Ogley Junction. Last used to transport coal in 1967 the basin lies at the foot of the dam of Chasewater, a reservoir built to supply the canal with water, now a water sports centr e with a steam heritage railway (the Chasewater Light Railway) running close by. This makes for a pleasant walk and cruise past open countryside and features an aqueduct across a railway. There is another aqueduct near Birchills Junction.

Nearest stations for access to canal: Wolverhampton: for start of canal at Horseley Fields Junction, train and metro. Bloxwich: for Sneyd Junction. There are numerous bus routes in the area, go to https://journeyplanner.tfwm.org.uk/Routes to find yours.

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The Festival Site address is: Pelsall North Common, Highfield Road North, Pelsall, WS3 5DA

You can find out more, book a mooring for your boat, book a pitch for your tent or camper van or reserve a space for your trade stall by going to https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways -to-get-involved/events/iwa-festival-ofwater-2023

IWA Chesham Head Office Staff

Chief Executive Officer (PT): Dave Pearce extn 610

Head of Operations (FT): Ross Field ext 602

• Administration Manager (PT): Tracy Higgin ext 601

• Volunteer Manager (FT): Jenny Hodson (07531 004531) ext 605

• Campaigns Officer (PT): Amy Tillson exn 618

• Marketing and Communications Officer (FT): Georgia Howe ext 606

• Marketing and Communications Officer (FT): tba

• Events and Restoration Hub Co-Ordinator (FT): Verena Leonardini ext 607

• Technical Support Officer (PT): Mikk Bradley ext 604

• Membership Assistant (PT): Rachel Bryant ext 600

• Administration Assistant (PT): Kelly Gascoine ext 615

Head of Finance (FT): Vedy Reddy ext 613

• Assistant Finance Manager (PT): Paula Smith ext 614

• Finance Assistant (PT): Helen Walker ext 612

IWA Insurance & EWL Director & Company Secretary: Neil Edwards ext 609

Calor announces plan to streamline its cylinder range to improve customer service

From 1st February 2023, the Cube, 3.9kg Propane, 4.5kg Butane, 6Lite Propane and 12kg Butane will be discontinued. This means that customers won’t be able to buy new cylinders or exchange existing cylinders of these sizes for a refill.

Suitable alternatives will be recommended to customers via Calor’s extensive retailer network and via the FAQs on Calor’s website at www.calor.co.uk/cylinderrange-faq .

Calor will reimburse a percentage of the cylinder refill charge of returned cylinders in line with our Cylinder Refill Agreement. Details on how to return your Calor cylinder are also included in the customer FAQs. Calor Gas website Editor’s note: You may get a refund if you have your original agreement!

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The Inland Waterways Association

IWA South East Region

Chair: tba

IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee

Acting Chair: Verna Smith

63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE

Tel: 07986 244479 Email: verna.smith63@gmail.com

Secretary: Chris Jones Tel: 07711 784374 Email: chris.jones@waterways.org.uk

Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis

Basingstoke & R. Thames: Vacant

K & A, WACT & Planning: Verna Smith

IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee

Interim Chair: Peter Wilkinson

Tel: 01303 890658 Email: peter.glen4@gmail.com

Secretary, Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton

79, St Leonards Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EG

Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer & Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson

Membership Secretary: Les Etheridge Social Secretary: Vacant

Waterways Representatives

R. Medway: Michael Marsh

R. Stour: Malcolm Hasler

Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell

Dartford & Crayford: Brian Franklin

R. Adur: Vacant

Northfleet Harbour: Vacant

R. Rother: Malcolm Jones

Faversham & Swale: Vacant

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee

Chair: Ian Lindsay

Tel: 07889 070623 Email: ian.lindsay@waterways.org.uk

Secretary: Robin Williams

Tel: 07490 454260 Email: robin.williams@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer: Roger Badger

Webmaster: Robin Williams

Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: tba

Non Committee Responsibilities

Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper

Next issue: Summer Copy date: 27th May 2023

Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA.

IWA, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453

Company No: 612245. Charity No: 212342 www.waterways.org.uk

Cargoes Editor: Chris Jones chris.jones@waterways.org.uk

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43 Join our community of like-minded people from all walks of life and show your support for the waterways. The Inland Waterways Association is the only national charity that works to protect and restore all Britain’s 7,000 miles of canals and river navigations. become a member The Inland Waterways Association 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. Photo © Raymond McBride. waterways.org.uk/join 01494 783 453 Join IWA Your support can make a difference Only IWA does all this, and more… • We campaign for the waterways and champion regeneration • We lobby Parliament and fight to improve the waterways • We offer practical support and advice on waterways restoration • We run Waterway Recovery Group which supports restoration projects

iwa canalway cavalcade 29th April - 1st May 2023 | Little Venice, London The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Company registration number 612245. Charity registration number 212342. waterways.org.uk/cavalcade Visit our website to find out more about the event: Join us for a bank holiday weekend of family fun to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this vibrant canal festival. Enjoy the colourful boats, live music, refreshments, craft stalls and plenty more! Free entry #CanalwayCavalcade

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