Aegre November 2005

AEGRE

Ellesmere Port 1795

November 2005

NO 112

InlandWaterwaysAssociation EastMidlandsRegionCommittee Chairman WRG

John Baylis, 215 Clipstone Road West, Forest Town, Mansfield. NG19 0HJ Tel: 01623 621208

Vice-Chairman & Treasurer

Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End Goxhill. DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138

Leicestershire Branch Chairman

Carol McDonald, 30 Lutterworth Road, Leicester. LE2 8PF Tel: 0116 283 0834

Lincolnshire Branch Chairman

Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End Goxhill. DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138

Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman

NancyJohnson , 37 Eastmoor, Cotgrave, Nottingham.

NG12 3NU Tel: 0115 989 9612.

South Yorkshire & Dukeries Branch Chairman

Mavis Paul,116 Sandygate Road, Crosspool, Sheffield. S10 5AZ Tel: 0114 268 3927

Secretary

GraemeWade, 9 Swan Drive, Sturton-by-Stow, Lincoln.

LN1 2EA Tel: 01427 787727.

RegionPlanning Officer

Mike Snaith, Hawthorne Cottage, 70, Main Street, Gunthorpe, N ottingham, NG147EU. David Johnson ,37, Eastmoor, Cotgrave, Nottingham, NG12 3NU. Tel: 0115 989 9612.

Ian MacDonald, 30 Lutterworth Road, Leicester. LE2 8PF Tel: 0116 283 0834

Acting Editor: Retiring Editor

Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth, Lincolnshire. LN11 0GQ 01507 602713. email: aegre@humbhony.demon.co.uk David Pickup.

Collation: Printing:

N&D Branch Members.

TerenceBalchin, Inkers.

Cover Picture

Ellesmere Port 1795

Inland Waterways Association, Registered Office, 3, Norfolk Road, Rickmansworth, WD3 1LT. Registered as a Charity No: 212342 Tele: 01923 711114 Fax: 01923 897000 Website: www.waterways.org.uk The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the East Midlands Region. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers.

AEGRE November 2005

NO 112 Contents

Page.

2

From The Editor.

3

Region Chairman's Notes

5 6

British Waterways Newark Repair Yard

9

Letters

11 12

Tank Travels on the Rhone Thorne Swing Bridge

14

IWA Grants

15 16

Nancy's Nostalgia Seth Ellis

18

Around The Branches

18 19

S outh Yorkshire & The Dukeries N ottinghamshire & Derbyshire

22

L eicestershire

24 27 28

L incolnshire Crossword Puzzle, Just for Fun No.7 AGM Notices

IFC

Officers Of The Region.

IBC

Canal Societies in the Region.

OBC

Region Diary

Next Issue: To be published February 2006 Material: To the Editor by end of January 2006 Articles are by the Editor unless stated otherwise.

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From The Editor Well, all good things must come to an end and this is my last piece as editor of AEGRE after goodness knows how many years of doing it. And I’m in a bit of a quandary as to how to finish it. Of course I must thank all those contributors who have over the years produced such material as to make the magazine still a very good and informative read. I must also thank those who’ve been involved in the production of AEGRE especially Terence. But most of all I must thank John who has always been at the end of a telephone with useful advice and who has the ability to gently remind those contributors who may be a little tardy with their pieces. During this time I don’t think we’ve missed an edition even when illness and the occasional operational requirement on my part tended to get in the way.

But I feel I should also comment on how I see the inland waterways of the region have developed and changed over my tenure. Obviously I can’t comment in detail on some improvements because I haven’t seen them.

But I must offer my congratulations to those within the region who have achieved success – especially I am thinking of the Chesterfield Canal which seems to be going from strength to strength. Also the Erewash Canal and the Derby Canal schemes seem to be making steady progress. Of those waterways I know the River Trent has seen the extension of some mooring facilities but yet more are still required especially around those attractive villages which we boaters can’t get at because we can’t stop. It’s also a shame that we lost many of the familiar lock keepers as BW re-organised itself around the area. The new lock keepers I hasten to add are just as friendly and helpful but one used to get to know them – now you don’t know who’s at each lock or if there’ll be anyone there at all, as happened to us one day in August!

I know I’m in danger of ruffling a few feathers when I say that my biggest disappointment has been the Grantham Canal. This is no doubt because I live so close to it and did live in hope that when we moved here in 1989 that by 2005 we would have been able to bring a boat up to Grantham. It’s a beautiful canal and since we’ve retired we’ve been able to walk much of it with Basil (our basset). But the rebuilt locks are unused and for much of its length the canal is covered in weed. I appreciate what the main problem is, the reconnection to the Trent, and that there must be lots of serious obstacles, physical, financial and bureaucratic, to be overcome. I’m also 2

pleased that there now seems to be a bit more activity in this area, as seen later in the magazine. So let’s hope it won’t be too long before we see boats making their way to the outskirts of the town.

So finally may I wish my successor the best of luck. I won’t say the same to the Region and the Branches within it as I know they’re in good hands.

They may also be seeing a little more of the Pickups as I now live permanently in the area. And also I hope to contribute to AEGRE in other ways as we use our retirement to explore the waterways of Europe.

So good fortune to AEGRE ‘and all who sail in her’.

PS Many congratulations to Dave Carnell for his award of the Richard Bird Medal for his massive contribution to the canals and waterways of Lincolnshire over the 30 years he has been Chairman of the Lincolnshire Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.

DavidPickup DavidPickup

Region Chairman First of all I must congratulate Dave Carnell on being awarded a Richard Bird medal for his services to IWA. Dave started in Lincolnshire Branch in the 1970s and for most of that time he has been Branch Chairman. With his wife Penny they have been involved with all the Lincolnshire waterways and the award is very well deserved.

Not many members from the East Midlands attended the IWA National Waterways Festival at Preston Brook this year but congratulations go to Chelcei Colville for winning the Young Boaters Trophy. Chelcei was staying with her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Cakebread who live in Sleaford and were on their boat Icing. Congratulations also to Amy and Rebecca Barker who won the Penny Briscoe Trophy for the best boat log and the Violet Kent Hawkesbury Cup for the best cake made by an under 16 year old. They were staying with their grandparents Eric & Doreen Wood on Cre-dal-wood.

My thanks and a happy retirement to David Pickup whose final effort was this edition of Aegre. I hope that we will receive reports on his foreign boating travels with a fully vaccinated and passport carrying dog. My thanks also to Peter Hill from Louth who responded to my plea in the last edition for a new editor. Peter has agreed to take on Acting Editor and see how h e settles down. All branches and the region committee are in need o f 3

volunteers to help with the not too onerous work for IWA and I hope at the coming Annual General Meetings we will find more people to give it a go like Peter.

In various ways vegetation is a problem on the canals and rivers and I was very surprised at the poor state of the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation when I went up for the first time in a few years. The locks were all fairly neatly mowed but nothing had happened in between and the only BW man I saw working was the excellent Dave at Tinsley Flight. We met him at Holmes Lock in Rotherham at about 10.00 and by soon after 13.00 w e were in Sheffield Basin. This is an excellent mooring for a few days to look round Sheffield and there are some good safe mooring sites between Doncaster and Rotherham.

I am sorry to see the departure of Bob Drommel on his retirement after seven years at Sawley Lock. With his Dutch accent and perhaps abrasive manner myself and number of the older users of the river did not see eye to eye with him for some time. However, as I got to know him better I learned that much of what he said made good sense and we came to the same answer from different directions. When waiting at Shardlow recently whilst the floods receded I certainly missed his prompt and accurate predictions of water levels. It‘s people on the ground like Dave and Bob who are the best ambassadors of BW. After a good summer, apart from the rain at Preston Brook, the autumn was warm, but since then we have made up for it with the coldest November in years. The forecast for the winter is more cold so I make n o predictions this year about where we are going boating. If the weather is very warm we might venture out for a few days but I am afraid that these days a warm fire and cup of coffee is more tempting than trying to keep warm by drinking a cup of coffee in a blizzard.

I hope that I shall be able to visit all branch Christmas socials this year, but to those that I don’t see I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

JohnBaylis

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British Waterways We have taken up several issues with BW of signing on the River Trent.

Firstly the proposed re-numbering of the Kilometre markers has been put on hold and the users will be consulted before there is any change. We have also been given the assurance that the motorway type signs will b e repainted or replaced and that tree growth obstructing the signs will b e removed. BW is looking at signage generally and I have a meeting with BW nationally to discuss the problem of local signage at bridges and attendance by the emergency services.

BW have identified a number of sites where dredging will be taking place in the East Midlands. Most of these are spot dredging areas but there are two longer sites on the Chesterfield Canal at Wiseton and Osberton to b e dredged this winter. The winter stoppages have started, the majority being on the Erewash Canal this year. The initial stoppage at Trent Lock suffered from flooding by high river levels and others are planned at Sandiacre, Potters and Barkers all for tailgates. I have taken up with BW the fitting o f their present standard Grand Union gate on the Erewash and in other other areas. These are generally much heavier and do not have the same paddle layout as was originally on the canal. If BW is going to live up to its heritage claims it the type of gates must be appropriate to the canal.

Leicestershire Branch IWA are taking up problems with the “1860” bridge in Mountsorrel where the owners of this listed structure have done inappropriate works. We are trying to get BW involved but as it doesn’t own the bridge it doesn’t seem very interested. The saga of the Long Horse Bridge at Derwentmouth lumbers on, the promised completion date has passed and boaters and the Shardlow Heritage Society are concerned a t the proposed revised position about 150 yards up the river from Derwentmouth. On the Erewash Canal a new footbridge into West Park School is being built from Tamworth Road.

Robin Evans Veg Pledge to cut all canal towing paths down to the water

by March 31st. 2005 seems to have failed. Most of the Chesterfield and Sheffield & South Yorkshire were un-cut and on other canals the cutting was patchy. We have had promises from BW that the cutting will hopefully be completed this winter and a considerable sum has been allocated nationally for offside tree cutting. I believe that work will be done the Leicester Section from Foxton to Kings Locks, and parts of the Trent & 5

Mersey and Erewash.In Yorkshire new arrangements are being made but I have not heard of any definite proposals.

There also some problems with alien weeds. Japanese Knotweed appears in a number of places on canals, particularly where contractors have worked on drains or bridges. Himalayan Balsam is well established o n the River Trent both above and below Nottingham and there is an article in Leicestershire Chairman’s Notes about Floating Pennywort on the River Soar. The incidence of alien weeds is becoming a major problem and the Environment Agency needs to be taking a more active role in their control and elimination. Perhaps the days when Canadian Pondweed was a problem on the Erewash and Chesterfield Canals was not too bad; at least CPW has now moved to other parts of the country.

Mooring and rubbish disposal continues to be a problem at several sites both on rivers and canals. We have suggested a number of rural sites which could be improved for overnight mooring on the River Soar and Chesterfield Canal and at a number of town areas where the installation o f mooring rings would improve overnight or shopping stops. Leaving boats unattended on visitor or short term sites is still a problem and BW has promised not to leave crane boats and plant moored at West Stockwith and Dunham floating moorings.

The regular user meeting give us chance to hear about BW’s proposals and for them to hear of our complaints but all users must take more active role and complain to BW or send in an Incident Report form whenever they have an accident or a near miss. Finally, I am pleased to report that the o f team Mark Westaby, Chris Johnson, Richard Sear, Nigel Linley and Neil Fahey at Torksey Lock were the national winners of the BW National Lock & Bridge Competition for 2005. Robin Evans, BW Chief Executive presented the awards at Torksey Lock on October 6th.

JohnBaylis

Newark Repair Yard British Waterways has announced that it is closing the Newark Repair Yard on March 31st. 2006 and moving any remaining operations to Stanley Ferry, near Leeds, and Bradley in Birmingham. It also said that the remaining seven men would be offered replacement jobs or made redundant.

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Newark Repair Yard was probably started by the Newark Navigation Commissioners around 1750, the land being leased from the Duke o f Newcastle. It was later leased to and then purchased by the Trent Navigation Company. On the original site at Newark was one dry dock capable of taking the Trent barges which were about 80 feet x 14 feet with a ramshackle collection of workshops for blacksmiths, carpenters, engineers and painters and other buildings for goods transhipment.

Although the Trent Navigation Company bought the repair yard area it continued to lease Newark Dyke from Averham Weir to Crankley Point from the Newark Navigation Commissioners. I understand that the Commissioners were never nationalised and this section is still leased to BW; the “peppercorn� rent being distributed to local charities. Following the First World War the Corporation of Nottingham built the four big concrete locks at Holme, Stoke, Gunthorpe and Hazleford to replace the existing locks at Holme and Holme Flood Lock. Nether Lock was replaced by the Trent Navigation Company in conjunction with the Corporation o f Nottingham the work in this case being carried out by a contractor from Rotherham. The four locks and Nether being completed in 1927; the top chamber at Cromwell was completed in about 1908.

Newark Town lock became a bottleneck to larger boats but there was no incentive for enlargement as the Navigation Company were quite happy with transhipment and storage charges. Then, after nationalisation, the British Transport Commission, Inland Waterways Section, built the new Town Lock in the early 1950s. The steel piled lock was built alongside the old lock, partly on land that was part of the old repair yard. The top fore bay of the old lock being converted to a small dry dock; the bottom stank is in the position of the old top gates.

The large new dry dock (130 feet by 55 feet that can take boats up to 110 feet long by 18 feet 3 inches beam) was built between the new lock and the weir stream; this is the largest dry dock so far inland. New brick workshops and sawmill were built on the area between the dry dock and Mill Bridge. The main functions being to build lock gates, moving bridges and provide heavy engineering support for works on the River Trent. From nationalization in 1947 Newark continued as the repair yard for the River Trent but as part of BWB Nottingham Area it took on the additional waters of the rivers Soar and Witham, the Trent & Mersey Canal to Burton-onTrent, and the Erewash , Cromford and Chesterfield canals.

7

By 1960 there were over 30 staff controlled from or working at Newark Repair Yard. At the end of the 1960s' building of steel boats began, these were the first boats built at NRY since the 1920's when 5 wooden Trent sized barges were built for the Trent Navigation Company. In excess of 70 boats were built under BW, including narrow beam dredgers, tugs and wide beam crane boats. Mud hoppers were built for the River Soar, Scotland and London and large mud hoppers built for the River Trent, Aire & Calder and Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigations. In more recent times two office barges were built for Paddington Basin. Between 1975 and 1999 over 30 swing bridges were built for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, River Witham, Kennet & Avon Canal and Grand Union Canal.

Mechanisation of the Trent Locks started after building the new Newark Town lock, these locks were only operable by lock keepers, however from the 1980s the final three locks were mechanized and all locks, except Cromwell, converted to boater operation by the repair yard staff. Newark Yard also converted smaller locks at Stamp End, Boston Grand Sluice, West Stockwith and Sawley. Following the BW re-organisation in 1989 Newark continued with a more national role and doing some contract work for other navigation authorities, however in order to reduce travelling costs in the larger area most of the small local work was contracted out.

So it looks as though Newark Repair Yard has followed Bulls Bridge, Bulbourne and Northwich as being un-necessary for BW's current scale o f operations. What now? Will NRY be sold into the private sector or will it be mothballed or will it be sold in a package with Parnhams Mill for redevelopment. Admittedly NRY has poor road access for the current size o f heavy lorries and the larger Trent gravel barges cannot access it at present through Newark Nether Railway Bridge but the only other BW dry dock at Stanley Ferry is too small for the large crane boats and dredgers.

Changes in the railway crossing to alleviate the problems of the Newark Diamond crossing of the Great Northern and Midland mail lines may be o n the cards to increase rail traffic flows or the Newark Backwater might be developed to a new inland port in Nottingham.

BW has recently offered White House Wharf, above Mill Lane Bridge, for sale. This has slightly better road traffic access as it does not involve a bridge crossing, but perhaps equally importantly it was well used as a BW mooring in Newark and a repository of some of the larger equipment needed on a big river navigation. Apart from locks BW could soon have 8

disposed of all its land bases on the river. Without an adequate base and maintenance facilities what will happen to the tugs Robin Hood, Arthur-aBland and Friar Tuck. I know that BW is modernising its small maintenance fleet but will such larger vessels soon be made redundant? They may be old but I think they are still adequate for purpose and part of the history of the River Trent.

John Baylis With thanks to Richard Albery and a number of other IWA members for information.

Post Script. On the wall by the earlier entrance to the Repair Yard by the riverside was a life ring (buoy). It was the usual red and white with the initials NRY so that it could be identified when fished out of the river. The crack amongst the gang was that it was the answer to the question - NOT READY YET

Letters To The Editor Dear Member Making a Difference We need your help. There are a small group of people that help to lead the Notts and Derbys IWA. Due to changing personal circumstances some of this small group wish to step down from the committee and pass on their responsibilities to new people.

This is where you come in. Do you want to make a difference? Do you feel that nobody listens to you and you never get the opportunity to get your views across? Maybe you feel that other smarter people organise events and you’re not smart enough?.........You’re mistaken; you are just the person that can make a real difference and help us continue the success of the Branch. Help us to conserve, maintain, restore and develop waterways in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

We really need you. We need you to offer your help. We are only a small group, so, although there’s no pay, its fun. We meet briefly one evening in the month and informally plan what needs to be done and who does it.

There are some specific roles, no point in listing them here, as we would aim to see where your interest lies and accommodate it. I’m therefore sure you will find it fun as well.

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So, we need your help, it doesn’t take up too much time and its fun. Make a difference, pick up the phone or write to me expressing your interest. My contact details are on the inside front cover of the enclosed Aegre magazine.

Before you throw this letter away, STOP, it doesn’t really tell you what is involved. Pick up the phone or write to me and find out!

Thanks for reading this far. Enjoy reading the Aegre; it’ s a good one.

Yours sincerely,

NancyJohnson NancyJohnson IWA Notts & Derbys Branch Chair Dear David, Its always seemed odd to me that the canal society contacts on the inside rear cover include no names. As these are almost certainly private addresses rather than company headquarters, a name to ask for would b e a helpful courtesy, both to caller and resident.

In the hope that this will be taken up, please include my name as chairman of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Yours sincerely

Keith Ayling.

I think that at the time the list of addresses was first used some contacts wished to remain anonymous. However, I will ask at least some o f the societies and add names where I can; I shall not put names in until I have had an affirmative response from the contact.

JohnBaylis Dear Sir, As a former member of IWA (and indeed a Penny Briscoe Award winner) I now live in Provence, France, where I work as a translatorinterpreter. As the Mediterranean replaced the Sheffield & S. Yorks navigayion, canalling gave way to sailing, but I still keep an eye open for articles, TV programmes etc. about the waterways. When I saw the enclosed in my local paper it occurred to me that it might be of interest to IWA members. I enclose a translation.

10

Meanwhile all the best to everyone at IWA, especially any that remember the East Midlands Branch in the 70s, Sheffield Canal basin befire the clean-up, the Cheshire Ring working parties, Guildford Rally etc. etc. And thanks for a great website – means we lost sheep can keep in touch from time to time.

Yours sincerely

MartynCrossland, Crossland, Ecole de la Bergerie, Bergerie, 13320 Bouc Bel Air, France.

Tanks Travel on the Rhone to Avignion For ecological reasons, Army transports heavy equipment by river for the first time.

The Army is going green. Ecological Green. For the first time in its history, the Army is to use river transport for heavy equipment: assault tanks. The object of the exercise? To avoid encumbering the road network, to improve security by using the river – safer than the road – and finally to reduce pollution. Weight for weight, river transport uses less energy. And no half measures for the Army’s first try a barge 67 metres long and 9.3 metres wide, carrying 2,360 tons was chartered from private firm to carry four 54 ton Leclerc tanks, each with its carrier, seven armoured cars, and three off road vehicles. The convoy left Pagny, near Dijon, on SAUgust 29 and is to arrive this morning in L’Ardoise , near Avignon. The equipment will then continue by road to Conjuers in the Var for artillery exercises taking place from September 3 to 16. If the experience is conclusive, river transport could become for the Army and alternative to rail and road.

Jean-LucParpaleix Jean-LucParpaleix,, translated by Martyn Crossland.

(218 x 31 feet, with a draft of 12 feet – larger than a Trent Lock – John Baylis)

11

Thorne Swing Bridge The A614 road in Thorne used to cross the Stainforth & Keadby Canal by a manned swing bridge adjacent to the Canal Tavern on South Parade.

At that time swinging the bridge to let canal traffic through was a regular occurrence. Locally, road traffic was fairly busy but by today's standards was comparatively light. The canal traffic was at that time quite regular with a great deal of commercial traffic. The bridge was bought by the former West Riding County Council during the 1930's. The company tried to put a proviso in the sale conditions that the bridge had to remain open to navigation whenever a barge that wanted to pass was in sight of it. This was an unrealistic proposal that was never activated.

When the bridge was swung it did cause a tailback of traffic. This was not too bad if you were travelling into Thorne from Doncaster. If you were travelling out of Thorne towards Doncaster it could, and often did, bring the town streets to a standstill. If you have motored through Thorne you will know that the main road is narrow and twists through the town centre past the small market square and does not widen out until it reaches the Rawcliffe Road.

There had been pressure to replace this swing bridge with a permanent higher level structure for many years. In 1969-1970 the present fixed high level road bridge was opened freeing all bridge users from the enforced waiting for canal traffic to pass. The present road bridge is in the care of the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Highways Department.

Although the new bridge has greatly improved the traffic flows in Thorne it was built to minimum dimensions. It was also built with a bend in the centre which means as a driver or pedestrian you cannot see any approaching traffic. Because of the nature of the surrounding area the gradients of the bridge are rather steep and do not meet modern gradient standards. The traffic lanes are not wide and neither are the footpaths.

With the size of modern vehicles it can be rather frightening crossing the bridge as a pedestrian, especially if you were pushing a pram or pushchair or meet another pushchair coming the other way. A wheelchair user is in particular danger using the bridge.

The ongoing dangers to pedestrians has led to a call for some sort of footbridge to be reinstated at the site of the former road bridge. This action has been ongoing for at least the last ten years. Because the footings and 12

curved stonework of the original bridge were never removed designing a new footbridge would not cause insurmountable problems. It would mean installing new electrics to operate the bridge, new landing stages for boats as the bridge would not be manned and making new pedestrian approaches.

Thorne Town Council was the prime mover for the bridge’s construction. The project is supported by the Rural Target Fund of the Objective 1 Programme for South Yorkshire funded by EAGGF and DEFRA, Single Regeneration Budget (SRB6), Thorne Moorends Regeneration Partnership and Thorne Moorends Town Council. The Architects were Broadway Manyan and the bridge was designed by Buro Happold and was manufactured by Mandalls of Petre Street, Sheffield. When all the work is complete and satisfactory testing has been carried out the bridge will bridge will come under the joint stewardship of Thorne Town Council and Doncaster MBC. British Waterways preferred the bridge to be electrically operated thus conforming to the electrical standards on the remainder of the Stainforth & Keadby Canal. The control panel is of standard BW design and uses a BW key.

Operating instructions are posted on the panel.

The bridge is monitored by 2 4 hour CCTV. I have spoken to several bridge users and all say that it is most welcome and will make crossing the canal and a much safer and pleasant experience.

The new swing bridge was opened to pedestrians on Monday, May 16th.

2005. There may be an official opening later in the year. Of course this new bridge will mean all guides to the waterway will now be obsolete and will need updating.

MalcolmFielding 13

IWA Announces Grant To Canal Partnerships The Inland Waterways Association has awarded a grant of £10,000 to the Grantham Canal Partnership towards the cost of a feasibility study to determine a route to reconnect the Grantham Canal to the River Trent east of Nottingham.The grant from IWA will enable the Grantham Canal Partnership to conduct vital studies to assess the route options and enable the Partnership to negotiate the optimum Trent Link. These studies will ultimately enable the Grantham Canal Partnership to fulfil its target of having 80% of the mileage of the canal navigable by 2015.

Vaughan Welch, chairman of IWA's Restoration Committee, said The IWA is delighted to be involved with this study and we hope that it will finally result in enabling this long awaited waterway restoration to progress. The proposed restoration has the potential of becoming a major contributor to the local economy and the quality of life in the area’ Peter Stone, secretary of the Grantham Canal Partnership, said "A link with the River Trent and the national waterway network is essential to the future of a restored Grantham Canal and we believe that the next year offers an unprecedented opportunity to secure the canal's future."

At the other end of the canal in Grantham South Kesteven District Council are rejuvenating the part of the town around the old canal basin. As part of this it is looking towards restoration of the Grantham Canal through the A1 road embankment back to its old basin. We understand that the route is largely available and partly in water and the Council are looking for supporting grants for the necessary studies before work can start. So far Lincolnshire Enterprise has contributed £40,000 and SKDC £50,000 and the Grantham Canal Partnership £5000; offers are awaited form Lincolnshire County Council and British Waterways.

Hot off the presses, from the November Council meeting IWA has awarded a grant of £3,500 for each of the next two years to the Chesterfield Canal Partnership help fund the Project Officer. Geraint Coles the current officer has completed two years and has produced a number o f fresh ideas to progress restoration at Chesterfield, around or through Killamarsh and at the Kiveton Park colliery site.

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Recently, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is considering whether it can continue to finance this position. IWA, the Chesterfield Canal Trust and other organisations have protested to Rotherham MBC that as restoration is nearing completion it is important to continue its funding and maintain the impetus of restoration. This is particularly important whilst EU and Coalfield Renewal funds might be available in the deprived areas.

Nancy’s Nostalgia No. 6 (as Nancy isat such atenderage,anything before 1983isnarrated by herGranny)

The Corinth Canal in Greece We have all seen the Corinth Canal in the Television ads and wished w e were there. My other half was; in 1959 by kind permission of Her Majesty’s Forces as a very unappreciative transit to some far away place, which was even less interesting at the time.

He was on one of her Majesty’s troopships and sailed all night through the Gulf to arrive early on the morning. A tug was waiting to take the ship in tow. With engines shut off the ship was hitched up by ropes. The vessel towered high above the tug and the canal side towered even higher above the vessel. Progress was very slow and it took an hour and twenty minutes to eventually reach the Saronic Gulf when the tug cast off with a blast from its hooter. With an even louder reply the engines revved and the ship set off again, having saved some 200 miles on the journey to Piraeus.

The Corinth Canal was started in 1881 and it took eleven years to complete. This canal literally cuts Greece in half to connect the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. It was not the first attempt to cut a canal on this route as no less a person than Nero (the one who fiddled whilst Rome burned) cut the first sod in AD 67, but the unrest in Rome forced him to return and the scheme was abandoned. (a better excuse than we hear today).

For the next eighteen centuries small ships were dragged on rollers across the four miles of the isthmus while vessels too large to manhandle had to sail the long way round.

The Corinth Canal is over four miles long, perfectly straight, 70ft wide, 26ft deep and lies in a vertical sandy cutting. It was first made navigable in 1893.

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It seems ironic that all the years ago it was a tax free trip that was forced upon one, and today one would give a right arm and pay for the privilege including the tax.

(Information gathered from various publication around 1960)

Seth Ellis New Trip Boat ForTheChesterfield CanalTrust Launched On July 26th 2005 the Chesterfield Canal Trust officially launched their new trip boat at Retford Town Lock on the Chesterfield Canal. It was a lovely sunny day and hopefully this will be a good omen for the new boat.

Councillor Terry Yates of Nottinghamshire County Council presenting a cheque for ÂŁ1000 to Keith Ayling A group of invited guests gathered at the lock for the traditional launching ceremony. It was decided to dispense with the usual ritual o f breaking a bottle of champagne over bows of the boat, instead a bottle o f Gardiners Tap, a locally brewed beer, was poured over the bow of the boat

by Mrs Hilda Bennett wife of Councillor Michael Bennett, Chairman o f Bassetlaw District Council. The Broadstone Brewery located behind the Rum Runner pub in Wharf Road, Retford brews the beer especially for Chatsworth. Short presentations were then given by Keith Ayling (CCT), Nigel Sheppard (BW), Councillor John Carter of Bassetlaw District Council 16

and Councillor Terry Yates of Nottinghamshire County Council. These councillors then presented a cheque for ÂŁ1000 from their respective authorities to the Canal Trust Boat Building Fund and Nigel Sheppard presented the Trust with a notice board advertising trips on the boat.

Other guests were present from The Chesterfield Canal Trust, Bassetlaw District Council and from Nottinghamshire County Council, The Canal Partnership, British Waterways, Retford & Worksop Boat Club, East Midlands Development Agency and the IWA. The boat builders, Soar Valley Steel Boats, joint owner David Woodvine was presented with a plaque commemorating the companies award o f corporate life membership of the Canal Trust in recognition of the help they gave the Trust in the building and fitting out of the boat.

After the official launch and presentations all guests retired to the Hop Pole Inn for refreshments.

MalcolmFielding.

Ovation Boat Services BSS Boat Safety Examinations East Midlands & Surrounding Area Tel. 01509 812225, Mobile. 07963 974793 chriswilliams.ovation@ntlworld.com www.ovationboatservices.co.uk

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South Yorkshire and Dukeries Branch Chairman

Mavis Paul, 116 Sandygate Road, Sheffield S10 5RZ Tel: 0114 268 3927 BranchChairman’ sNotes Another year is almost over although winter doesn't’ seem to have arrived yet. Brian and I decided along with two friends to hire a boat the first week of November. It is the first time we have been on the canals for many a year and it made us realise how different boating is on the canals to the Norfolk Broads where we keep our boat. The weather was very good for the time of year and there seemed to be plenty of water especially on the Ashby Canal.

The branch had another successful canal clean up on November 6th. although the weather wasn't’ up to its usual standard there was a good turn out from Abbeydale Rotary Club which boosted the number of branch members who attended. Thank you to the people who turned up.

The October meeting saw Geraint Coles, Project Officer of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, give a talk on the future restoration of the Chesterfield Canal, and how a possible link up with the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation can be achieved. This was very interesting and hopefully it will not be to many years before it happens.

By the time you read this we will probably have had our Christmas Social on December 7th. If the magazine is sent out and you receive it before the end of November orders can be taken for pie and peas up to December 2nd. by ringing me on the number above. We would love to see you.

On February 8th. it will be once again the AGM for the branch. We still need people to help run the branch and bring along new ideas, especially a social secretary and a sales co-ordinator. If you want to know more about how the committee runs before volunteering please give me a ring.

All that remains is to wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and hope that I will see some of you at future meetings.

Mavis Paul 18

Nottinghamshire&DerbyshireBranch Chairman & Secretary:

Nancy Johnson37 East Moor, Cotgrave Nottingham NG12 3NU Tel:-0115 899612

BranchChairman’ sNotes It seems another summer is almost over again before we have chance to organise holidays and leisure time and to take advantage of the warmth and sunshine. Other events always seem to take preference. I must have a word with my social secretary to arrange things a bit differently next year.

Saturday, June 18th. saw us at the Cropwell Butler village fair, along with the Grantham Canal Restoration Society with two display stands and excellent sales of our cards and nick-nacks. The GCRS recruited a further nine members due to the blackmailing technique of a certain salesman.

The Waterways Recovery Group successfully removed bridges 8 & 19 on the Grantham Canal during a one week camp when they were accommodated at the Cropwell Bishop Village Hall. These were low level bridges that are no longer required. Their removal means less maintenance and opens up the canal for the weed boat. Caroline Killeavy the British Waterways East Midlands Navigations Manager sent her congratulation for a job well done.

July 17th was the presentation of the IWA Christopher Power Prize to the Grantham Canal Restoration Society. The GCRS has won this prestigious award for “Best practice in training and working with other groups”. A cheque to the value of £700 was handed over at the South Kesteven Council Offices with the appropriate photo shoot which gained publicity in quite a few publications. This money has since been matched b y the Grantham Canal Partnership and resulted in the purchase of an aluminium working boat complete with an eco friendly electric engine.

Picture in the last edition of Aegre, August 2005.

OwthorpeCountry OwthorpeCountryFair July 18th. prompted the usual interesting conversations with the villagers who remember a great deal about the canal and are always asking “when it will be back in water”. Although this show is only for half a day we were very busy the whole time.

On August 5th , 6th and 7th We all attended the ever popular Nottingham Riverside Festival. Over 200 boats were present and the show started on the Friday night with a 19

spectacular firework and light show staged on a barge anchored in the river. The Branch again organised the illuminated/decorated boat parade including some 50 boats. The George & Janie Champion Plaque was won by a joint entry of narrow boats, Firechick and Queen Bee, owned by Helena and Alan Oliver and Carl Needham who dressed both boats as Nottingham Castle. The highly commended prize was won by Dave and Val Smith on n.b.

Ratty’s Retreat. The judging of this event proves to be more difficult year b y year as the contestants get more and more professional, but with the help of Richard Buxton from the City Councils Events and Leisure Dept. we eventually managed to make a decision. The weekend ended with an even more spectacular firework display in front of County Hall on Saturday Night.

At last during the last two weeks in August we were able to take a holiday on our boat. Looking very posh with a new windscreen and other woodwork we set off up the Trent & Mersey getting caught up with lots of other boats on their way to our National Festival at Preston Brook.

Fortunately when we turned on to the Wardle Canal at Middlewich we were very much on our own. We intended to go to Chester but the towpath telegraph told us that there was a five hour wait at Bunbury so instead w e turned left at Barbridge and travelled south on the Shropshire Union to one of our favourite stops at the Shroppie Fly. From there we continued south to Autherley and then on the Staffs & Worcs to Great Haywood and home via the bottom bit of the Trent & Mersey. It was 1983 since we had been in this area and was surprised at the changes made during that time, but we still suffer from the same problems like lack of visitor moorings and not enough space on lock approaches. The weather throughout was fantastic and we both got sunburned and for medical reasons had to spend quite a lot time in the pubs and out of the sun.

GooseFairGander Was again held on the Nottingham Canal, near to Sainsbury’s; unfortunately I spent the weekend in bed with my better half, this was not by choice but inflicted by a very severe bout of flu from which we are both still recovering. I understand that a good time was had by all at the Grove and entertainment by the folk group “Boat Folk” went down very well. This was followed on Sunday morning by a guided tour round the Lace Market area of Nottingham. Many thanks to the Committee members who hosted the weekend.

TheGranthamCanal GranthamCanalRestorationSociety Was again hosts to the Waterways Recovery Group on October 1st & 2nd. They were able to continue with the brick work on what was bridge 19 at Cropwell locks. The Waterways Recovery Group must love 20

something about the Grantham Canal as we joined about 30 other volunteers for the weekend of Oct 15th & 16th clearing a spill weir and overflow dyke of trees and vegetation near to the old lime kilns at Cropwell.

We also took the opportunity of pulling up some small willows from the canal bed. These were already five feet high in spite of the canal bed being re-profiled only two years ago. This stretch desperately needs to be rewatered.

Derby&SandiacreCanal.

SandiacreCanal.

Good news Bob Laxton, the M P for Derby North has agreed to become President of the Canal Trust and a photo shoot was held a t Shelton Lock on Friday, October 21st. This should add extra credibility to the efforts of both the Trust and the Society and to the projects at Swarkestone and Spondon. Our branch also gave £150 towards their “brick appeal” The Erewash work parties The work parties at Langley Mill are making good progress on the extension and hopefully will result in a new car park and a new site for a swing bridge. I also hear that Sheila’s trip to Holland was well supported and that all participants are now fully informed of the workings of the Cruquius Pumping Station.

FriendsoftheCromfordCanal CromfordCanal In anticipation of an Open Day for the Derwent Mills World Heritage Site a group from the Friends of the Cromford Canal bow hauled a boat from High Peak Junction to the wharf at Cromford. This was found to b e feasible in spite of having to carry loppers and various other tools. We may have a horse drawn boat back on the Cromford yet. Progress is also being made regarding the Codnor Park Reservoir Study by Halcrow and the Ecology Study.

Finally our good wishes go to members Chris Allsop, Patricia Talbot and Carol Golds all of whom have recently been ill. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

ChristmasSocial Please remember our Christmas Social at the Arena on Rugby Rd. West Bridgford on Friday, December 16th. when Mick Golds will be giving a slide show and talk on the Chesterfield Canal. All are welcome, members or not, we also need volunteers to bring food and raffle prizes.

NancyJohnson 21

LeicestershireBranch Chairman:

Carol McDonald, 30 Lutterworth Road, Leicester LE2 8PF Tel: 0116 283 0834

BranchChairman'sNotes NavigationUnderThreat For many years boaters have complained about being unable to navigate because the water was not deep enough or locks would not hold water o r for many other reasons, but in the Leicestershire area navigation is under a significant threat NOW. Returning through Leicester at the end of September a member became stranded on an immense mound of Floating Pennywort. The situation was so bad that he feared he would do major damage to his drive system and accordingly called British Waterways to free the boat from this mass.

Small amounts of this weed were released from fish tanks into natural waters it is an alien species which has found growing conditions in our waters are ideal. It is a native of North America and was first brought into this country in the 1980’s. It was first noted in the wild in 1991. It grows at a phenomenal rate, growing up to 15m from banks and a single stem can grow 20cm per day (8 inches!). Over this past summer it has heavily populated bywashes through Leicester and is now spreading downstream.

It has to be cleared out thoroughly as only one leaf will start a new population. Its roots form a heavily interwoven mat up to 50 cm deep into the water.

With the navigation being running water the Environment Agency will not permit the use of a weedkiller, yet at this time neither the EA nor BW seem to be aware of just how significant a threat this weed presents. The IWA is working hard to make sure that all the good work done by the Association over the years in getting waterways restored is not negated b y the thoughtless acts of those that “fly tipped” the weed into our waterways.

We need to be vigilant looking for it and reporting its location, and if it is only a small piece than can be safely removed, then pulled out and destroyed. We need to work together on this and then we can win.

Leicester Festival Well we managed a successful Festival of the River in September, many thanks to all who came joined in and helped. For those of you that failed to 22

make it along you missed enjoying yourselves and getting thoroughly wet on the Saturday, except that we did manage to get the rain to stop in time for our hot picnic and we all relished the dry period after the almost incessant rain from around 9am. As boats cast off for the illuminated boat procession, the rains came again, but so did the crowd. It was estimated that some 500 people came out in the wet and dark to see the many boats that did us proud.

These boats ranged from the illuminated canoe, complete with canoeing dog, through the Sea Cadets with a good effort and promises of a real g o next time onto the newly decorated Greenlife boat was a blaze of lamps, but paled into insignificance alongside the experts, yet there was a surprise. A late entry cruised to the top of the straight and suddenly a gracious three masted ship was illuminated and sailed down the waters. The Clock Tower, looking rather like the Carillon came second and the indefatigable Mick & Linda came third with a topical display. I am convinced that most of the boats would have won at many other displays of illuminated boats, but maybe other branches would like to contest this. How about a battle of the boats? With our three masted boat we will obviously outgun most!

The pyrotechnic display that followed was greatly appreciated by all who saw it, sadly the illuminated boats didn't’ as they were still cruising back up.

The sponsors of the awards, Riverside Housing, were absolutely amazed b y what we put on. The land based events were a great improvement on previous years and showed that the City Council can get their act together if pushed hard enough, my thanks to our Secretary and Vice Chairman for all they did in helping me push this forward. Despite the weather there seemed to be an improved turn out of visitors over last year. We did see a bit of sun too on Sunday. It came out at 3.50pm, and the show finished at 4.00pm! At least many boats had fine weather as they dashed for home. It was lovely to see the vintage wooden boats there and Cholmondesleigh did sterling work, once she got a new starter motor.

But in 2006 we will not be able to run it on the same weekend in September as most of the committee are taking their boats to the Association’s Diamond Jubilee celebratory Festival at Beale Park on the Thames and will not be back in time to organise things. The City Council are keen for it to go ahead so we have had their agreement to hold it on June 3rd. & 4th on the weekend after the Crick Show and we hope we shall attract many visiting boats on their way back from that show. Mark your diaries, but we will not be able to hold an illuminated procession at this time of year so it will be a decorated boat parade.

CarolMcDonald 23

LincolnshireBranch Chairman:

Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End, Goxhill, Humberside, DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138

BranchChairman’Notes N s otes The Government are introducing changes to the way Structure Plans for Local authorities are managed. These are to be known as local Development Frameworks that plan for the next 10 to 15, years of future development of a Core Strategy. Consultation on this will allow for Community Groups to play a greater role in the development of specific sites and interests. The IWA have approached all local authorities in their respective Branch areas. In the case o f Lincolnshire Branch there are nine County, District, Unitary, City and Borough authorities. Responses received indicate that some are just beginning this work whilst others have produced draft documents for consultation to which we are invited to respond.

We have identified our areas of interest and I believe this is an opportunity for us to ensure that these interests are fully considered for the development of our waterways. An example of this is the inclusion, by North Lincolnshire Council, of proposals to develop new leisure and living environments by a project called Lincolnshire Lakes. This envisages creating large areas of water adjacent to the River Trent and the M180 which will include flood protection works, recreation, leisure, wild life habitats, housing and agriculture; An ambitious scheme that will take years of extensive feasibility work.

River Ancholme To mark the completion of extensive works in mechanising the South Ferriby tidal lock the EA are holding an open day. I hope to report on this in a future edition of Aegre. Due to a clash of dates I was unable to attend the recent Ancholme Users Group meeting but I am aware that the River was obstructed by a redundant water main pipe collapsing into the River. This caused some disruption to the passage of craft and is believed to have been caused by youths using the pipe as a diving platform. Fortunately no one was injured or damage caused to craft.

Louth Navigation Trust.

The Trust hosted a very interesting Northern Canals meeting at which it was announced that the IWA was to celebrate its 60th Anniversary by offering an award of ÂŁ100,000 in which restoration groups were invited to submit brief details of worthy projects.

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Lincolnshire Groundwork have acted as the lead in the production of a feasibility study. This is now completed and is being discussed with the various funders and local authorities. Groundwork had also submitted a bid for ÂŁ150,000 to start works on the canal, this was not successful, but the trust are progressing the raising of a Bailey Access bridge near Tetney that will open up a long stretch of water for small trail boats and canoes.

Yet another application for a wind farm has been submitted on the Tetney Marshes. The trust, along with many others, objected on environmental, visual and the fact the county already has more turbines that indicated by the government. On appeal this was approved by the District Council. Due to the "about turn" I understand the decision has been "called in" for further examination.

HorncastleandTattershallCanal.

C anal.

HATCH. The presentation on the History and future of the canal was well received b y those attending the meeting at Coningsbyin October. A further meeting of an entertaining nature, a light hearted performance around the navigation, is to take place in Horncastle, early November. This it is hoped could be adapted to other waterways. To help keep the waterway corridor neat and presentable a tidy up with a environmental group En/Cam has been held. Future such exercises are planned SleaNavigation SleaNavigationTrust.

Following a weeks canal camp by WRG volunteers, a long stretch of towing path, in urgent need of attention, has been opened. This all weather surface has received many compliments from users and allows handicapped people in electric buggies to access the riverside. This work has been extended further by the Trust members to a point where the District Council are installing a boundary "kissing gate", this will deter motor cycles but allow disabled access uses. The Bailey Bridge at South Kyme has been raised with help from London WRG and now meets the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities standards being adopted for the reopened waterway. A scheme was submitted to the IWA Jubilee Award project. Out of 34 applications I am pleased to report the application has been short listed to the last 9. A very full and detailed costing and design submission has now been made for the raising of a very low and narrow footbridge at Eastgate Car Park, the creation of a Trailboat or canoe slipway and winding area at the head of navigation, all adjacent to the restored warehouseand recently openedNavigation House.

The National Heritage Transport open weekend was marred by wet weather, but the joint efforts of the Friends of Cogglesford Mill and the Trust/IWAdisplay produced a colourful display and manycomments of support. The fresh baked scones using flour ground at the mill were particularly well received.

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BostonNavigableDrains.

During the winter, low water retention levels, the EA are to carry out bank protection works by installing coir (coconut hair) rolls along the waterline on the MaudFoster Drain. This work should not impact on navigation or recreation activities, once the levels are restored. We have asked that they examine the area near the Packet Boat steps on HorncastleRoad, for under water obstructions. Warning signs have been there for some years and it appears to be an ideal opportunity to verify and remove these.

LincolnshireWaterways Partnership.

The new pontoon moorings on the River Witham at Fiskerton have been in use all summer, however the connection footpath to the nature reserve has not been completed. I am given to understand that this work and the bird hide will be completed by the end on this year. The proposal to install 120 recycled fishing stances has been reconsidered, due to parking restrictions and overhead power supplies. About 20 stances are to be provided near the junction of East Fen/ West Fen Catchwater Drains and Northlands Caravan Park.

FenlandLink.

FenlandLink.

Planning consents have been received for the refurbishment of the lock connecting Boston Haven with the South Forty Foot Navigable Drain and also the installation of a tidal barrier and lock on the Haven. This will be situated upstream of the commercial dock entrance, with the new lock providing access to the tide for small commercial and leisure craft. The barrier will maintain a navigable depth of water through the town and to the South Forty Foot Drain, as well as offering an improved degree of flood protection. The EA have indicated that sponsors of the project, including IWA, will now participate in meetings to take these works forward.

Brayford.Pool P oolLincoln.

A decision as to the future management of the Pool has still to be made. The Branch is monitoring the situation in the interests of members who are moored there and other who use the facilities. The former Cox's marina has been sold to a property development company, who are submitting plans for a 100 residential apartment complex on the former boatyard and car parking area. This will restrict any use of the facilities connected to the 80 berths, which are being advertised for sale. Developments of this magnitude are spoiling the historic centre of the city.

With very unseasonal weather, 17 degrees in October, it does not seem appropriate for Penny and I to wish you all very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year but due to printing deadlines that is the case.

DaveCarnell DaveCarnell 26

For7Fun JUSTJust FOR FUN 1

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Across

Down

1 T hevertical ofa lockgate nearest toits hanging also see 3a (4&4) 3 S ee1across(4&4) 6 Y ouneed tobe thisat alltimeswhen boating (5) 7 L ee & _ _ _ _ _ Navigation (5) 10 A mixture oftar, cowhair andhorse dung for sealing the timbers (7) 14 G eneralnameforthewaterways ofthe Middle Levels (4) 15 A longhandledrakeusuallyfoundat locks (3) 16 T hefrontoftheboat(4) 19 I am caused byheavy rainin theriver (7) 22 B atterieswouldbeinasorrystate without these liquids (5) 23 Doncaster's Gas House _ _ _ _ _ (5) 24 A nothernameforaroving bridgealso see 5c d & 17d (4&4&4&6) 25 T hisstuffkeepsthewaterin (4)

1 A nothername forthe controlsof aboat (4) 2 T heseneedtobeverygood onany boats electrics (6) 4 Y ouwillseethese holdingthe spiritsin the bar (6) 5 S ee 24a& 17d(4&4&4&6) 8 B ridge7Sheffield& TinsleyCanal(7) 9 H erethereare11 butthey areknown as the 12 (7) 11 BW's Yorkshire office is located here (5) 12 N iceplacefora drink(3) 13 T his kind of horse was oneof manythat pulled the boats (3) 17 S ee 24a& 5d(4&4&6) 18 A goodonewillgiveyou agood reception when cruising (6) 20 Y ouwillgetonebackwhen youshout going through a tunnel (4) 21 A noldJackTarscall(4)

Answers To Just For Fun 6 Across: 1. Hack; 3. Acle; 6. Islip; 7. Blaby; 10. Marsden; 14. Kiln; 15. Sow; 16. Avon; 19. Fazeley; 22. Steam; 23. On Tap; 24. Rush; 25. Nene.

Down; 1. Hest; 2. Crinan; 4. Calder; 5. Elbe; 8. Cuckoos; 9. Swinton; 11. Stone; 12. Fly; 13. Ivy; 17. Canals; 18. Rennie; 20. Star; 21. Sale.

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Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the East Midlands Region of the Inland Waterways Association and its constituent Branches will be held as follows.

South Yorkshire &Dukeries Branch. At StrawberryIsland BoatClub,Mile Thorn Lane, Doncaster on Wednesday, February 8th.2005 at 8.15 pm.

Leicestershire Branch. At the OadbyTennisClub,Oadby, Leicester,on Thursday, February 9th. 2005 at 7.15 pm.

Lincolnshire Branch. At St.Mary-le-WigfordChurch Hall, Lincoln, on Thursday, February 16th. 2005 at 7.45 pm.

Nottinghamshire&DerbyshireBranch. AttheRushcliffeArena,RugbyRoad, West Bridgford, on Friday, February 17th. 2005 at 7.45 pm.

East Midlands Region.At Region. Strawberry Island BoatClub,Doncaster on Wednesday, February 8th. 2005 at 8.00 pm.

Agenda 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the last Annual General meeting 3. Mattersarising.

4. Report of the Chairman.

5. Report of the Treasurer and presentation of accounts.

6. Adoption of the accounts.

8. Statement of committee size 9. Election of Committee members.

10. Address by Member of Council.

11. Any other business.

Nominations for election to the committees must be in writing, signed by the proposer and the seconder and containing the consent of the nominee. They should reach the relevant Branch or Region Secretary not less than 14 days before that meeting.

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Canal Societies In The EM Region Barnsley Dearne & Dove Canal Trust

Milton View, 39 Hill St, Elsecar , Barnsley. S74 8EN Tel: 01226 287571

ChesterfieldCanal Trust Ltd.

Keith Ayling,16, PinchfieldLane, Wickersley , Rotherham, S66 1FD Tel: 01709 700223

Derby & Sandiacre CanalTrust.

Sawley Bridge Marina, Sawley , Long Eaton, Nottingham. NG10 3AE Tel: 01332 873459

Derby & Sandiacre CanalSociety

318 Osmaston Park Road, Derby. DE24 8FB Tel: 01332 368746

Erewash Canal P & D Association

1 Millfield, Kimberley, Nottingham.

NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 938 4129

Foxton Inclined Plane Trust

Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Foxton, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 279 2657

Friends of the CromfordCanal

50 Beech Ave., Alfreton, Derbys.

DE55 7EW Tel: 01773 833425

GranthamCanal Restoration Society

6 Elms Court, Bassingfield, Nottingham.

NG12 2LG Tel: 0115 969 6239

GranthamNavigation Association

213 Melton Rd, Edwalton, Nottingham.

NG12 4AF Tel: 0115 923 1417

Louth Navigation Trust

NavigationWarehouse,Riverhead, Louth, Lincs. LN11 ODA Tel: 01507 606044

Melton & Oakham WaterwaysSociety

Sysonby Knoll, Ashfordby Road, Melton Mowbray. LE13 0AH Tel: 01664 563563

Old Union Canals Society

2 NithsdaleCrescent, Market Harborough, L eics. LE16 9HA Tel: 01858 461483.

SleafordNavigation Trust

10 Chelmer Close, North Hykeham, Lincoln.

LN6 8TH Tel: 01522 689460

Trent and Mersey CanalSociety

BrownsfieldCottage, BrownsfieldLane Lichfield. WS13 3EH Tel: 01543 255410

Region Diary

All members of any Branch (and also non-members) are most welcome to attend any of the events shown below.

SouthYorkshireandtheDukeriesBranch DukeriesBranch Venue: Strawberry Island Boat Club, Milethorn Lane, Off Wheatley Hall Road. Doncaster.

Time: 8.00 Dec 7

P ie and Peas will be available cost about £1.60 with the usual quiz and a game of boatle

2006 Feb 8th. Annual General Meeting Leicestershire Branch Venue: Social Secretary Dec 8 2006 Jan 12 Feb 9

Oadby Tennis Club, Oadby, close to Leicester Racecourse (except where otherwise stated).

Beryl McDowall, Tel:- 07710 029247

Blue Bell Inn, Town Green Street, Rothley. Hot & Cold buffet with suitable entertainment £6/head. Please phone Beryl beforehand if you want to eat.

The Tennis Club in Oadby to hear Marj & Clem Clements “Bring me Sunshine”? in an illustrated talk on how a rather special sundial was designed.

Annual General Meeting at The Tennis Club, Oadby Followed by Rallying Around, Then & Now – Far & Near, topical for the IWA Diamond Jubilee Year.

Nottinghamshire&DerbyshireBranch Venue RushcliffeArena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford.

Time 7.45 pm Dec 16

The Chesterfield Canal by Mick Golds followed by

Christmas Social Buffet.

2006 Jan 20th. Phil Speight, Canal Boat Painter - The rise and fall of the working canal and it's folk art.

Feb 17th.

Branch AGM followed by an update on the Grantham Canal by ChrisTizzard.

March 17th.

A funny thing happened on the way to the print room by Derek Pearson; from Canal & Riverboat Magazine.

LincolnshireBranch Venue Time Feb 16 2006

S t. Mary-le-WigfordChurch Hall,Lincoln.

7.45pm.

AnnualGeneralMeeting.