Aegre March 2015

Aegre No. 141 March 2015

In this issue - River Welland Special, Boston Update, and Trent Boating

from the East Midlands Region of

Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 1

Aegre is published Š 2015 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association for members of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branches.

Chairman

David Pullen, 16 Church Street, Scothern, Lincoln LN2 2UA. Tel: 01673 862278

Vice-Chairman

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

Leicestershire Branch Chairman

Ian McDonald, 1 Goodheart Way, Thorpe Astley, Leicester LE3 3RX. Tel: 0116 3321534

Lincolnshire Branch Chairman

Dave Carnell (as above)

Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman

Mike Snaith, Hawthorne Cottage, 70 Main St, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7EU

Secretary & WRG

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

Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0GQ E-mail: aegre@waterways.org.uk Advertisement Manager for Aegre: Ian Mc Donald, see above.

E-mail: aegre.adverts@waterways.org.uk This is the web edition, with lower definition colour pictures.

Picture credits: Front cover: River Welland, see page 29. Page 3: Welland below Fosdyke, Ian Paterson. Back cover: Stefanie Preston. Other credits, page 26

The Inland Waterways Association: Registered Office; Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Registered as a Charity No: 212342.

Tel: 01494 783453. Website: http://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 published as being of interest to our members and other readers.

The inclusion of any advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the IWA East Midlands Region or any of its Branches.

Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 2

AEGRE

River Welland below Fosdyke

No. 141 March 2015 Contents Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region..............................4 The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam.................................................5 From David Pullen, Chairman.......................................................6 A Cruise to Spalding May 2015....................................................7 Cromford Canal work at Ironville...................................................9 News from Leicestershire...........................................................10 Boating on the Tidal Trent...........................................................13 The Shardlow Crane...................................................................15 Lincolnshire Happenings............................................................18 News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire..............................21 Around the Societies and Trusts.................................................24 Journals Received......................................................................26 Picture Credits............................................................................26 By all means - visit the Welland..................................................27 Notts & Derby Branch Meetings.................................................30

Next issue probably to be published in July 2015. Contributions to the editor (see page 2) by the end of May 2015 please.

The space on the right is for local contact information.

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Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region

Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society Erewash Canal P & D Association

Chris Madge, c/o 62 Broadway, Duffield, Derby DE56 4BU Tel: 07827 946444 www.derbycanal.org.uk

Howard Smith, 1 Millfield, Kimberley, Nottingham NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 9384129 www.erewashcanalpreservationanddevelopmentassoc.org.uk

Foxton Inclined Plane Trust

Friends of Charnwood Forest Canal

Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk

Mike Handford, 1 Sheepy Close, Hinckley, LE10 1JL Tel: 01455 611508 mahandford@gmail.com

Friends of the Cromford Canal

Ad interim John Baylis, see page 2. www.cromfordcanal.org.uk

Grantham Canal Society

Mike Stone, 7, Crow Park Drive, Burton Joyce, Nottingham NG14 5AS; Tel: 0115 931 3375 www.granthamcanal.com

Louth Navigation Trust

Paula Hunt, Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead, Louth LN11 0DA Tel: 01507 605496 www.louthcanal.org.uk

Melton & Oakham

Richard Booth, Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0HP Tel: 01664 503330 www.meltonwaterways.co.uk

Waterways Society Sleaford Navigation Trust

Steve Hayes, 10 Chelmer Close, N. Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8TH Tel: 01522 689460 www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk

Trent and Mersey Canal Society

10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0BL. Tel: 01606 834471 www.tamcs.org.uk

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The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam Last time in Aegre we were running into winter, with not a great deal to report apart from indoor meetings.

This time we are running into spring, and a great deal seems to be happening. From the Canal and River Trust there are two major new initiatives to address problems which have been developing for some years. They are the mixed usage of towpaths, and the question of “continuous cruisers” who are not really cruisers but move just a few yards from spot to spot every few days or weeks. There is no change in the actual rules, which were confirmed in a High Court hearing last year, but new techniques will be adopted to “encourage” those few who are cheating the system.

IWA East Midlands is planning a “cruise in company” from Boston to Spalding (see page 7). To support these we have a special article on the Welland (page 27), which is tidal below Spalding.

On Boston and the Haven, and looking back on past issues of Aegre, it is fascinating to see the cover of the June 2008 issue, which showed an artist’s impression of a dramatically improved Boston Haven waterfront with people strolling in sunshine, and sitting in cafés and restaurants. Perhaps not Cannes or or even Middelburg but better than the muddy tidal ditch. Optimistically this had a heading “Boston 2013?” Well perhaps not quite. Recent decisions of Lincolnshire County Council now give real The document on towpath usage is also strong on encouraging all users to hope of progress with both the Flood Barrier and the associated waterway show consideration to others. How improvements - but see David’s notes this will go down with the few who on page 6. sadly don’t care may become clear with time.

Recently I have received several press While some of our waterways are a bit releases from C&RT about wild life on our canals and rivers. While I am over-used and over-moored (as in London and the Bath area), some are of course pleased to see them, I had to restrain myself some time ago watchrather neglected. If there is a bit of tide or river current, people seem very ing a water vole nibble carefully cautious and don’t try. While care and through some marsh marigolds which planning on tidal stretches and rivers my wife had bought and planted. is always good, a little bit of informaA reminder that we are now able to tion can help. Several initiatives are reported in this issue. C&RT are plan- accept advertisements in Aegre. For information and rates please contact ning to encourage boaters to look Ian McDonald; details on page 2. more widely with training sessions Peter and information (see page 13) and Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 5

From David Pullen, Chairman fishing fleet and a bySince Dave Carnell Boston Haven pass outfall for Black penned his LincolnWaterside Sluice drain. To include a shire round-up, the -A future dream? navigation lock (sea Environment lock), which is being Agency and Lincolndemanded by sea-going shire County Counyachts and the fishing cil (LCC) have fleet based at Boston is decided that, when another £6M. the Boston Barrier is built (due for comLCC have nevertheless pletion in 2019), it indicated that the £11M will now NOT be in their economic regenused from the outset eration budget they had to maintain the water earmarked for the Barlevel of the Witham rier, from 2015/16 onwards, will outfall in Boston between tides. The remain in place. LCC now plan to proposal, known as “Water Level Management (WLM)” within the Bar- spend this money to “…bring ecorier project team, was to manage the nomic benefits (to Boston) sooner and water level on every daytime tide over with greater certainty”. The LCC appraisal also mentions a “floating the summer boating season at the haven” and lengthening Grand Sluice same height as the River Witham upstream of Grand Sluice – typically Lock. In the short term the floating +1.4m ODN. This would have created haven would be provided downstream of the barrier, and when WLM is a long window of over 12 hours per day for boats to navigate on the level implemented would provide moorings for the fishing fleet, initially for the through Grand Sluice Lock and to Black Sluice Lock irrespective of the construction phase of the sea lock and possibly also in the longer term. tide in The Wash and The Haven Lengthening Grand Sluice Lock is (Witham Outfall). certainly an improvement for inland waterways boaters and would increase The policy now is to work towards WLM, but aligned more with progress the present window for lockage of boats longer than 13.7m (45ft). We on the Fens Waterways Link than must press for the improved lock to be with construction of the barrier. To include WLM at this stage would cost able to pen both up and down onto the Haven.

16 February 2015 £13.2M, including re-locating the Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 6

A Cruise to Spalding May 2015 We now have a positive response from EA about navigating to the Welland in midMay. We are constrained to this weekend as it is only the higher "springs" that make a level at Fulney. This is not really a navigation lock at all, rather just a flood or tidal defence structure that can be used for navigation at certain states of the tide.

Fulney Lock in action Sue Cant of the Environment From the Tuesday Night Club Agency, has said: “I have discussed your proposed boating event for the River Welland with the lock/sluice keeper at Fulney and I am 3. We will need to know how many boats will be attending and their varipleased to be able to say that: ous lengths and widths. This will enable the lock/sluice keeper to plan the 1. Locking through times.

15th to 17th May - the suitable tides most efficient way of getting everywill be afternoon/evening. one through. It goes without saying that his instructions must be followed 18th May - suitable on both tides. at all times. Will it be possible for you 19th May - locking through is possible on both tides but is dependant on to provide this information at least six weeks before the event? how much daylight is available as there is no lighting on site.

4. All boats participating must hold valid registrations for our EA water2. There is inevitably a build up of tidal siltation downstream of the tidal way.“ gate. I have therefore arranged with ********** Fulney has two pairs of outward the sluice keeper to initiate a routine pointing (tidal) doors which keep out of flushing through. Barring any major event such as a drought, which the high tides. The inner set are the original pair, with the newer pair could prevent the flushing routine, this will keep the area clear and allow added more recently to provide better protection. There is also one pair of boat passage for your event.

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upstream pointing doors which maintain the retained water height in the river through Spalding when the tideside level is lower. EA operating procedures only allow passage when the tide is level and falling, and they will not allow all the gates to be fully open even when the tide makes a level.

I'm hoping that we can get three narrow boats per tide through Fulney (as the "lock" structure is 9m wide).

Therefore it appears we can take up to nine boats up as follows : Friday 15 May: 3 up pm tide Sat 16 May: 3 up pm tide Sun 18 May: 3 up am tide.

And back down: Sun 18 May: 3 down pm tide Mon 19 May: 3 down am tide Mon 19 May: 3 down pm tide

trip, but before Black Sluice Lock was built, with the mooring pontoons, and Fosdyke Yacht Haven was still a commercial port. These two now both offer possibilities for mooring over tides to ensure getting to Fulney at the right tide time.

Please can you let me know (07766 714650) as soon as possible if you intend to join this cruise. There is no guarantee that it will actually be possible though, due to possible adverse weather. I will take advice on the highest winds that would be safe for narrow boats to make the turn round Tabs Head. However both Boston Haven and the Welland outfall are marked and constrained by stone training walls and marker buoys or beacons so it is only a matter of five This would still allow up to nine boats minutes or so actually making the turn to make a "presence" all together in with the open sea on one side!

Spalding for about 10 hours on Sunday 18 May, depending on numbers It is usually possible to "rehearse" part we can muster at Fosdyke Yacht of the cruise, nearly up to the Fosdyke Haven. So perhaps up to two convoys yacht haven, aboard Boston Belle. I coming out of Boston to turn up the did this in 2012 before having to Welland on the previous rising tide. abandon the planned cruise. Rodney, We need at least one boat in each con- the skipper of Boston Belle, is very voy with marine band VHF radio. I helpful, but at present the "rehearsal" don't think we can make it from Bos- trip on Boston Belle is doubtful as ton to Fulney on one tide and get their first normal scheduled cruise is through the lock. We will need an EA late May. However I'm wondering short term licence possibly to comwhether we might be able to organise bined with a Black Sluice licence. a private charter in say April if we could get enough people who would This proposed trip is not a “first”. In like to do it - an East Midlands IWA 2001 a group of boaters known as the cruise!? Again call me if interested.

“Tuesday Night Club” did just such a David Pullen Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 8

Fulney Lock from shore - From Kate Jewell Some useful references: Environment Agency The Rivers Welland & Glen A guide for river users.

Rivers Welland and Glen: locks and facilities.

Or via https://www.gov.uk/rivers-welland-and-glen-locks-and-facilities Imray Laurie Norie &Wilson, St Ives, PE27 5BT Chart Y9, The Wash. November 2014, one correction.

Tidal Havens of the Wash & Humber. 6th Edition. 2011 The Tuesday Night Club, cruise 2001 http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/Tour_01/fen8.html

Cromford Canal work at Ironville Through concerted efforts by its members, the Friends of the Cromford Canal sold the most tickets in the 2014 IWA raffle, and have been awarded the highest amount of ÂŁ1,200.

This will be used to buy tools and equipment for use at the Ironville site, shown left.

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News from Leicestershire Since the last edition we have enjoyed two social meetings. Our Christmas party was held at the home of our Social Secretaries where they created a wonderful selection of dishes for the buffet supper and gave those present a very good mental test with the quiz. I was delighted to be acting as the question master as it saved me from displaying my ignorance. It was another great evening and we all enjoyed the golden prizes.

In February our AGM was held at The Gate, the expected refurbishments being delayed, and we welcomed the Region Chairman and our Newsletter Editor, as well as our speaker Sir Peter Soulsby, elected Mayor of Leicester and a fellow Branch member. We also welcomed a full house of members and friends with people perching on tables, all seats having been taken! AGM matters were dispensed with simply, sadly with us losing another member to our committee and with no new volunteers.

through Leicestershire. With a series of slides to illustrate points about the existing assets, he then showed details of how the City of Leicester has overall plans to improve the water-space in Leicester dramatically.

He reported that the City Council had succeeded in gaining funds from UK and European sources to transform the area, bringing new vibrancy to a part of the city that has been too long neglected, mainly between Abbey Park and Castle Gardens. He stressed that a key ingredient will be to improve the attractiveness of the city to boaters and others that use the waterway and adjacent paths. The provision of facilities for boaters will be achieved (Hoorah, at last!) with plans for mooring both alongside Friars Mill, north of West Bridge and the existing secure moorings, and also at Memory Lane Wharf. The work at Memory Lane will be part of the development of a new Basketball arena and is planned to include a new footbridge over the navigation into Abbey Park. Some of the funding for the overall work is through the Environment Agency, with the works they are starting to undertake to reduce the risk of flooding to significant areas near the city centre.

After our refreshment session the reason for the great audience was an address by Sir Peter, assisted by Anne Provan, talking about the plans for the future of the waterways through Leicester. He started with a review of the workings of the River Soar & Should others wish to look at the Grand Union Partnership and how planning outline, a link on our web this is linking plans for what he conpage will find the details. It will be siders a vital North-South corridor Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 10

successful conclusions, Richard was to be advised at once. Am I being too optimistic to hope that we might at last give Leicester waterside attractions that will encourage boaters to venture into the city and stop!!

Our next meeting is on April 9th where we will probably hear some controversial points from Steve Haywood, too late to comment when you read award-winning current affairs TV this, but you should find it interesting. producer, journalist, author and longPicture above courtesy of Leicester time boat owner.

A provocative talk City Council. can be anticipated! Venue is to be A really significant part of the whole confirmed subject to the aforementioned refurbishments commencing at set of plans is the way that the City Council, C&RT and EA are all work- The Gate Hangs Well. The meeting ing in the area towards the same goal, will start at 7.30 and please check our though the goal will achieve different web page for final details. All indoor meetings are on the second Thursday objectives for each organisation. A measure of this is that Simon Papprill, of the month. For more information, Enterprise Manager for Canal & River please contact Andrew Shephard andrewshephard@madasafish.com Trust, travelled to our AGM from M: 07710 362 952.

Fazeley in the afternoon before driving home to the outskirts of Manchester that night. Simon had been with us Hopefully all boaters reading this understand that the dire tales of the previously at the Open Weekend for Lime Kiln lock, where he introduced bandits in Leicester are totally unfounded. Presently the last C&RT me to Richard Parry, C&RT Chief Executive, before I then ensured that facilities that can be used to the north Richard met and had an extended talk of the city are at Barrow, whilst to the with Sir Peter. I understand from both south they are at Kilby Bridge. This is achieved easily in two days so everyof them that they found the meeting one could and should plan to spend at very useful, and Richard told Simon that if there was anything that C&RT least one night in Leicester. There are secure moorings currently at Castle was seen to be putting in the way of Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 11

Gardens, and just south of there by Kings Lock they are good, as they are in Birstall. In all the years we have boated through and stopped in Leicester we have never experienced any trouble whilst mooring, not even when mooring on the towpath on the Mile Straight. There is a great deal of history to see in Leicester, as well as the new, large Highcross retail centre about 200 metres from Castle Gardens. The Richard III exhibition and tomb is even closer, along with large expanses of Roman brickwork and ancient churches.

no charge for anyone and I do hope boaters will come along in large numbers to fill the towpath. People love to see all the boats, especially those that are decorated, please go along and enjoy the weekend. It is encouraging too that C&RT are going to be very actively present; BW occasionally came along in the past but the new enthusiasm of the Trust is very welcome. Don’t forget also the Foxton Canal Festival on June 20-21.

So Leicestershire Branch is alive and kicking with some good meetings that have attracted some new members along. We would be delighted to have new members for our committee, but failing that we really welcome feedback and comments; my contact details are published on page 2 in Aegre. I look forward to hearing from you, especially if there is something that the Branch should take action upon.

The branch has been represented at and participated in meetings of the River Soar & Grand Union Partnership as well as in the Catchment Area Partnership, and several of us assisted at the Lime Kiln lock open day, and also assisted in trying to clear the debris from the invert of the lock. I understand C&RT reckoned around 50 tons were removed, much of it by hand and shovel, with getting it clear We are very fortunate in having such still in doubt only 24 hours before vis- a tremendous editor of Aegre, he creitors arrived. ates a really good read in each issue and puts up with some contributors The Branch is also assisting with the who are very careless at keeping to planning for Leicester Riverside Fes- copy dates and he also travels great tival on June 6 and 7 from 10 till 5 distances to meetings. So Peter, I start each day. The event gets bigger each with this appreciation of you.......but I year, and this year welcomes back bet you will edit it out!

Dragon Boat Racing on the Saturday.

Ian Western Boulevard alongside the Straight is again traffic free and as No, but I did move it to the end, Ian. well as the usual range of stalls there Thank you. All contributions to Aegre is a large free music event. There is gratefully received. Peter Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 12

Boating on the Tidal Trent The Canal & River Trust is developing a survey to try and understand what can be done to encourage more boaters to venture out onto the nation’s rivers.

This is being prepared by the Trust’s East Midlands waterway partnership along with the Boating Association and Inland Waterways Association. Together they are keen to attract more boaters onto the tidal Trent, but it’s hoped that the findings will provide useful insights for other rivers across the country.

The aim is to understand current trends on tidal, non-tidal and canalised rivers and to identify possible barriers which may prevent boaters from exploring their nearest one.

The partnership will then use the findings to develop a package of measures which could include training courses, instructional videos, more readily-available information, or informal boating convoys.

Danny Brennan, chair of the Trust’s waterway partnership in the East Midlands, said; “We firmly believe that every boater should experience the River Trent at some point in their lives but we also recognise that there are some issues that may currently prevent them from doing so.

“Whether it be a degree of fear or a simple practicality, such as not knowing when locks will be open, we want to understand why some boaters don’t venture onto the Trent – and the other rivers that the trust cares for.

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“Once we’ve identified all the issues we can then start to look at ways in which they can be addressed. We want to make it easier and more attractive for boaters to venture onto our rivers so that they can really get out there and explore a different aspect of life on the water.”

Possible areas of discussion and, in due course, support include: Convoys with a lead boat; Pilotage by experienced volunteers; Wider availability of charts and the Trent Vale Guide (currently out of print); VHF training and guide to getting a licence from Ofcom; Tide tables.

Much of this material could be made available by newer methods such as Youtube for training videos; apps for phones and tablets; a real time app including GPS; a web site with the associated information and maybe a forum.

Actual training topics could include the range of items needed to plan a trip, such how to gain advantage of the tides:Planning a journey; Using tides; Strong streams and floods; River bed profiles; Journey times, speeds, speed limits; Entering and leaving locks; Anchors and what to do with them; How to meet oncoming vessels and their wash; Commercial traffic; Navigation signals; Contact with Lock Keepers; Safe mooring in emergency; MOB recovery.

Signs and Portents on the Trent: Sunken Island

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The Shardlow Crane Text and pictures from John Baylis From the early days of the canal system in the late 18th Century a few primitive timber cranes were used to load and unload heavy items from boats. Smaller cranes were swivel wharf cranes probably lifting about one ton but there were larger cranes or hoists fitted inside buildings over an internal canal basin. Then with the coming of railways and their take– over of canals in the 1850s, many different types of small crane were installed on wharves, station goods yards and at warehouses. These often had cast iron bases and gear mechanisms but the jibs were probably originally of timber with later models using wrought iron or lattice girder jibs.

There are numerous photographs of old Shardlow with various types of crane but the only one remaining in the village is outside the old warehouse just below Derby Road Bridge. This crane in particular is not shown on the early photographs and the Shardlow Heritage Society doesn’t believe that it is the first crane on this site. From a photo of about 1960 it had probably been installed there for some years, although that may not have been its original location, and its foundation work looks fairly old. It is probably a “Railway Company” crane and may have been installed by Messrs. F.E. Stevens Ltd. when they owned most of the warehouses in Shardlow. However, on the crane base is a brass plaque with the following text.

THIS CRANE WAS DONATED BY JEFF CLIFTON DECEMBER 1989 RENOVATED BY THE TRENT & MERSEY CANAL SOCIETY UNVEILED BY NITA COOK (NEÉ STEVENS) 19 MAY 1990 THE CRANE WAS ERECTED IN 1870 BY ZACCARIAH SMITH FOR BEER HANDLING AT THE BOTTLING STORES EACH SIDE OF THE ADJACENT CANAL ARM IN 1974 BERNARD DE STEVENS GAVE THE CRANE TO MR. CLIFTON REQUIRING HIM TO ENSURE SAFE KEEPING ON THE ORIGINAL SITE

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Zaccariah Smith’s Brewery was opposite the Malt Shovel and was demolished in the late 1960s.

By 2006 the timber jib was becoming badly affected by rot and Alan Bates, work party leader of the Trent & Mersey Canal Society, decided to lower and remove the jib in order to obtain a replacement.

The jib was measured and the tapered octagonal shape was drawn out with a view to getting quotations and possible grant funding; but nothing happened in over three years.

Then, in 2011, I was getting some old British Waterways timber stop planks cut up for the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association for use on the swing bridge at Langley Mill. Phillip Gregory, of Charles Gregory & Sons Ltd. at Tansley, made the cutting look such an easy job with his large band saw that I asked him for a quotation for cutting a new jib.

Phillip’s price was £200 less than the previous estimate so I asked him to cut a new 22 foot long tapered octagonal jib for the crane, starting from a larch log about 14 inches in diameter. After the cutting we left it to dry out under cover in his timber store. Following this, Alan Woodhouse planed and sanded the post prior to it being “Tanalised”. After delivery by lorry to Langley Mill, Dave Turner carried it on his boat to John Cooke’s garden. Alan then shaped the ends to take the cast iron sockets at the base and top of the jib. Following this the jib had several coats of special water based paint which allows the timber to breathe. Modern gloss paints form an impervious sheath on timber which traps water in the timber and accelerates decay; hopefully this will be prevented by the new paint.

When he first took the jib down Alan Bates had made several new 1.5 inch diameter bolts for the base and the top pulley wheel, and had painted most of the gear wheels. I obtained a piece of 16 mm thick laser-cut steel to bolt over a crack in part of the base side casting. To satisfy English Heritage this has a small plate fixed showing “WRG 2012”. I also made new tapered gib keys to locate and lock the gear wheels on to the spindles. Then on a Friday Ernie Boddy, Mac Lambert and myself refitted the repaired side plate, fixed the gears and recovered the 20 foot iron tie rods from Shardlow Marina where they had been stored.

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A date was fixed for the final erection and on Friday, October 17th last year members of the ECP&DA working party moved sufficient scaffolding and equipment to Shardlow and loaded it, along with the jib and other parts, on to Dave and Izzy Turner’s working boat “Bath”. The following Friday morning Dave moved the boat to the crane site ready for the ECP&DA working party, augmented by a few more from WRG. The jib was swung into position and a new bolt fitted to fasten the jib to the cast iron base; the tie bars were also fitted to the top end of the jib. A large scaffolding tower was erected round the jib and the jib slowly raised using a geared chain block.

Part way during the lift the chain and hook were fitted and the spare chain wrapped round the drum on the base. The lifting continued until the tie rods reached the top of the base when they were bolted on to the cast iron top plate.

The cast iron base was touched up with paint as necessary and the spare chain bolted on to the crane base. The total cost of the work was just over £600, more than half of which came from the Trent & Mersey Canal Society, the remainder being from donations and Waterway Recovery Group (East Midlands).

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Lincolnshire Happenings I am pleased to be able to report that the Black Sluice entrance lock to the Fenland Link is again usable for navigation. Many trials and tribulations with its complex operating software have been overcome following flood damage early in 2014.

The Link, in common with the Boston Navigable Drains, is open for navigation May to September inclusive. Suitable times for passage over the tidal Boston Haven can be checked with the Black Sluice Lock Keeper on 01205 36486 or 07712 010920. Before leaving Black Sluice or Grand Sluice lock a check should be made with the Port of Boston Harbour Master (Tel 01205 362328) that no commercial shipping movements are taking place. An IWA voyage out of Boston to the Welland is planned for May. See our special article on page 7.

Other good news is that the Grantham Canal Partnership has succeeded in obtaining an HLF grant of £830.000 towards restoring locks 14 and 15 on the Woolsthorpe flight. A further two, 12 and 13 in Lincolnshire, also require restoration, taking the waterway to the Lincolnshire boundary. The works are to provide Heritage Skills Training for volunteers and the Grantham Canal Trust will be pleased to hear of any one who can help, tel. Ian on 0115 9892128 or 07789 383266. See also page 24.

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Volunteer with WRG! Last year the Waterways Recovery Group visited to prepare a site compound for the works planned this year.

They will be holding three more camps there this year during the period August 22nd to September 12th. Volunteers are always welcome, and enquiries should be made to Jenny Black tel 01494 783453 ext. 604 or jenny.black@waterways.org.uk.

The Branch Committee were pleased to be able to help an appeal from the Newark Heritage Barge project, ”Leicester Trader”, with a donation of £500. Details of their work can be found on newarkheritagebarge.com or by contacting Les Reed on 07971 589612. They are holding a sea-shanty evening in Newark, at the Staythorpe Social Club in King’s Road, NG24 1EW on Friday evening 27th March. Tickets £10, also from Les. The River Ancholme Trust are working with North Lincolnshire Council to purchase a weed cutting and

removal boat. This will not only be used on the Ancholme but on other leisure waterways within the “Unitary Authority” by trained volunteer operators.

Works continue with creating a multi-user path along the river northwards from Brigg to Castlethorpe Bridge, the first of several phases intended to reach the River Humber at South Ferriby..

Louth Navigation Trust have now located a copy of the Abandonment Act and are investigating the ownership of structures along its course. To help their efforts they have created an e-petition and are inviting enthusiasts to show their support by registering on the e-petitions part of www.gov.uk. It is petition 70914.

In Lincoln a planning application has been made for another “over the waters” commercial building at Brayford Pool at the site of the present viewing point. This continued development over what is said to be the “Jewel in the Crown” of the City raises concern over where Heritage sits with the planners?

Sleaford Navigation Trust continue to work for the provision of moorings and canoe launching facilities in South Kyme. Fishing stances are now in place. The provision of a winding hole using an IWA design is subject to Land Drainage Consent. Hopes of

Cogglesford Tree Roots funding other projects using Landfill Site monies have received a set-back in that the local site has closed. All its waste is now being incinerated to produce electricity.

A further set-back to Sleaford Town Regeneration of the Navigation is that Tesco have decided they are not going to build a large new store, meaning a loss of funding from section 106 monies for benefits to the Community.

Volunteer workers have been busy removing tree roots from the lock chamber at Coggleford Mill Lock in the Town (pictures here).

Members of the SNT and IWA represent waterways interests on the Sleaford Urban Opportunities group and also on the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust which concentrates on protecting, enhancing and restoring the Witham and its tributaries for all to enjoy.

Details of their work can be found at www.lincsrivers.co.uk.

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Diary. The Boaters’ Gathering at South Kyme will take place on May 2, 3, and 4, 2015. All are welcome to participate and enjoy this local village activity. For visiting boaters this would provide an ideal opportunity to explore the Witham Navigable Drains and Fenland Link.

Cogglesford Cleared

An archive question The archives of EA in Lincolnshire have revealed some old, glass plate photographs, but without identification. Can anyone help with ideas? If so, please contact me. They are called 27-2, 31-2, 34-2, and U1.

Dave Carnell

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News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire It has been relatively quiet over the winter season but the longer days are coming and the warmer weather is on its way. On that buoyant note I can think back to some good social evenings during the dark nights. At the November meeting we had an interesting presentation from Robert Neff, General Manager of Mercia Marina, perhaps the UK’s biggest inland marina. The trials and tribulations that went into building the marina are much more complex than you might imagine. Robert’s photographs and anecdotes of his waterways experiences kept the audience enthralled.

The site was a former gravel pit and a lot of the current shape is derived from that challenge. However the occupants feel that the layout, reminiscent of a grouped series of lagoons, is inspired. It feels like living in a small village-like community but allows the facilities to be provided with the economies of scale of a large enterprise. The effort and thoughtful planning that went into the construction were something to behold. At the same time all the environmental and wildlife planning activities are only just beginning to be seen but will have a long term positive influence.

company and a testing quiz, putting everyone’s waterways and general knowledge well and truly to the test. I did think it was a particularly evil twist to have the picture round in black and white thumbnail style photographs and it certainly courted some controversy. At the end of the evening though everyone had had a great time and went home with happy smiles.

Into the New Year and January saw Peter Toon of the Mikron Theatre Company give a great presentation on the history and operation of the famous travelling theatre group. It takes a particular type of person to live and work with a small group of originally unknown other people on a narrow boat travelling the canal network and performing art in a field or beer garden. But the performances are very special and the organisation and planning that goes on behind the scenes is mesmerising and often very entertaining to boot. Mikron continue to face very difficult funding problems but we all hope they succeed, as they are an integral part of what makes our waterways so special. If you get the chance, do go to a performance and support them; it is truly great entertainment that you can’t experience anywhere else.

Our Christmas meeting was in December and it never ceases to amaze me how a plan comes together.

On the planning applications front It comes down to forward planning and hard work by the organisers. We there is an application from Brett Aggregates to create a gravel extrachad a great evening of food, good Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 21

Branch team last year at Meadow Lane. From Alison Smedley

tion site at Shelford adjacent to the River Trent, midway between Stoke Bardolph and Gunthorpe Locks, about to be put to the planning authorities.

The proposal is to extract 500,000 tonnes of gravel per annum from the site for a period of 8 years, with 180,000 tonnes pa leaving the site by waterborne freight and the remaining 320,000 by road. Not surprisingly there is huge resistance from all the villages along this section of the River Trent corridor owing to the massive increase in road traffic along the congested A6097 around East Bridgford, Gunthorpe bridge and Lowdham. If this goes ahead it will see 250 tonne barges back on the Trent plying their trade between this site at Shelford and the Colwick Industrial estate in Nottingham.

Erewash canal. Compared to the original the applicants have decided to swap the previous sites of the playing fields and housing as that fits in better with the overall layout. In terms of the Erewash canal there is no impact as the adjacent layout remains the same. If this application goes ahead using the newly proposed layout it will see a nice area of public open space adjacent to the Erewash canal and a footpath connecting the open spaces only a few metres away. It could well be a good result.

Readers who live near South East Nottingham or Grantham may have heard a huge cheer in late December when the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the Grantham Canal restoration ÂŁ830,500 to restore locks 14 and 15 on the Woolsthorpe flight and train There has also been a revised outline volunteers in conservation skills. This planning application submitted for the is the culmination of almost three Stanton Ironworks site adjacent to the years of effort following a previous Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 22

planning a clean-up on the Erewash canal. Final planning has still to be completed as I write but C&RT have agreed to provide work boats and crew to transport and finally dispose of the rubbish. Erewash Canal PreserA key stipulation of the award is that vation and Development Association it is largely carried out and led by vol- (ECP&DA) will also be heavily involved. We hope to get a large secunteer labour with an emphasis on tion cleaned over a two day period. teaching heritage and conservation skills to younger generations. Which The dates for the clean up are Friday means that a training college for herit- and Saturday 28th and 29th March. age and conservation skills will be set ECP&DA are concentrating their efforts on Friday and therefore IWA up and this will enable locks 14 and 15 to be restored. At the same time it are concentrating effort on the Saturday but everyone is most welcome to will also lay the groundwork for restoration of the remaining two locks of participate on either day. Once plans are finalised it is expected that we the Woolsthorpe flight (12 and 13) should meet up at Sandiacre Lock, and raise awareness of the canal via Lock Lane, NG10 5LB at 9.30 a.m. an array of educational and community involvement activities. Overall it on Saturday 29th March where towing is expected to take five years to com- path litter picking and grappling the canal bed will commence and then plete with much of the time taken up head south towards Long Eaton. For in training volunteers. What a huge further information please contact success in the current environment John Baylis on 07889 444190. and congratulations go to all those involved in generating and writing the extensive bid documents. preliminary award that has entailed extensive community involvement activities and surveys coupled with engineering investigation and design work.

Looking forward, it is coming up to the time of year to get physical with canal clean-ups.

We are therefore Branch bicycle collection last year.

From Alison Smedley

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If the Friday date suits better, the clean-up should start at 9.30 a.m. at Gallows Inn car park and then proceed south towards Sandiacre. See our back cover.

Later in the year there will likely be a further clean up on another section of the Nottingham canal to continue the good work of last September, so watch for announcements in future editions of this magazine.

Looking ahead to the Social calendar, on Friday 20th March author and Chesterfield Canal restorer John Lower will give an illustrated talk “Narrow Boating on the Trent from Nottingham to Keadby”. So if you have questions or ever wanted to know more about boating on the tidal Trent now is your opportunity. On Friday April 17th Bob Williams of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Trust will give an illustrated talk “The Lichfield Canal” regarding the latest developments of the canal restoration. Many will already know of the good work being done but then along come the HS2 planners wielding their pens and slicing through the countryside and canal track. In May we venture out from our usual venue with a walk and guided tour of the historic inland port of Shardlow along with its heritage centre, on 15th May. So put the evening of the third Friday in the month in your diaries and see the calendar of events at the back of this magazine. Do come and join us, everyone is most welcome, I look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Snaith

Around the Societies and Trusts The Grantham Canal Society has the enviable task of preparing for the implementation of plans submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to set up a skills training centre and the associated restoration of locks on the Woolsthorpe flight. They say “We need volunteers for the new restoration work, which includes major rebuilding tasks, so our top priority is to recruit anyone willing to volunteer. Your time, no matter how much you may have available, is very precious to us and we will do our utmost to ensure that you find a job that satisfies you”. If you can spare some time to volunteer your skill, ability or sheer brute force, then they have just the thing including work experience … please contact them at www.granthamcanal.org.

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Melton and Oakham Waterways Society (MOWS) had a good AGM at the end of last year. They are now moving forward with the formation of a Melton Waterways Partnership, on the model of other such successful groups in other areas, and are getting positive reactions from local statutory bodies and voluntary groups.. It is hoped to extend this work to promote the Syston Hub proposal, described in the Aegre of March 2014. This would form a sixth hub to the five already identified by the River Soar and Grand Union Canal Partnership.

The Derby and Sandiacre Trust work parties continue at Draycott and Borrowash. Indoor meetings are planned to continue on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Wilmot Arms, 49 Derby Road, Borrowash DE72 3HA. Cromford Canal. See page 9.

Sleaford Navigation Trust continue with their work parties (usually second Sunday of the month, call 01522 856810). .

Louth Navigation Trust is included in Dave Carnell’s report on page 14.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust announces a major effort to refurbish the work boat Python, an 86 year old ex-British Waterways working boat. It is on the Register of National Historic Vessels. It was acquired by the Trust in 2009 and is used as a floating promotional vehicle at boat rallies across the canal system in the summer. In the winter, the Trust’s volunteers use it to help the Canal & River Trust with maintenance tasks on the Chesterfield Canal.

Over a year ago, it sprung a leak. Upon detailed inspection, it was found that much of the hull was very seriously corroded and would need major repairs.

Unfortunately, a bid for help to the Heritage Lottery Fund failed, but the Inland Waterways Association stepped in with a major grant, just before Christmas, of £15000 from the Keith Ayling bequest..

Python has been stored at Paul Barber’s boatyard on the Erewash Canal for over a year. The crew is now busy preparing it for the repair work, which will take place in the summer. It is hoped that Python will return to the Chesterfield Canal in the autumn ready for its maintenance role.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Jan Warsop said “We are very grateful for this generous grant. We are delighted that this well loved vessel can now receive the love and attention that she deserves. We can’t wait to get her back on the water, helping C&RT and visiting boat rallies where she has many friends.”

Picture on next page.

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Python under repair, from Jan Warsop

Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Packet” from the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “The Bridge”, from Grantham Canal Society; “Sleaford Navigation Trust” journal; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; and “The Wharfinger”, from Louth Navigation Trust, as well as “Navigation” from our neighbours at West Midlands, the “Easterling” from our Eastern neighbours the IAWA, and “Endeavour” from Northampton Branch. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given on page 4. For “The Cuckoo” contact the editor John Lower at 92a Tapton View Road, Chesterfield S41 7JY.

Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this edition of Aegre: Ian McDonald; Dave Carnell; Rod Auton; Shirley Rogers, John Baylis, and as noted for specific articles. Some photographs in this issue are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. The authors concerned are acknowledged in the relevant articles, and for page 14, Graham Horn.

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By all means - visit the Welland One of our rivers running out to the North Sea via the Wash, some dismiss it as a dull affair, as being mainly for drainage, straight and with high banks. But it has a multitude of faces, and has had an exciting history - though we hope not too exciting nowadays, and no serious floods of the kind seen in the past.

Here is a short survey, from source to mouth, and we hope it will encourage visitors to come and see - by all means; foot; bike; boat. There is scope for all.

This is especially to encourage members and others to join in an unusual cruise from Boston to Spalding in May, when the tide serves. Spalding was once a seaport, and deserves more visitors by water. Details of that on page 7.

To start in the far West, the river rises as barely more than a field drain between Husbands Bosworth, Welford and Sibbertoft. It soon becomes the boundary between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire and meanders through pleasant English countryside eastward. Even here, many of the meanders have been straightened to ease agriculture, and this can easily be spotted by comparing the county boundary - the original course - with the present course. At several spots the river has also been re-routed to allow for the construction of a railway - itself now dismantled. Some work has been started by the new Welland Rivers Trust to reverse these changes and improve the environment for fish such as trout. The area is well provided with footpaths and cycle routes to allow exploration, including the Jurassic Way, the Mid-shires Way, Hereward Way, Leicestershire Round and the Macmillan Way. There is no convenient continuous riverside path in the upper reaches, but several interesting bridges and causeways cross the river and are noted by English Heritage.

Passing through Market Harborough the river is only a few hundred yards south of the Canal Basin. It then passes under the railway and the Aegre 141 - Mar 2015 Page 27

A6 to tend northwards past Corby. A major feature of the landscape here is the railway viaduct at Harringworth, built in 1879. A BCU note says the river has been paddled downstream from here, with a couple of awkward portages at Tinwell and South View Farm, but the current position is not clear. Tixover church, isolated from its village, is one of many interesting sights. Approaching Stamford - too well known to include much visitor information here - the village of Tinwell once had a weir and sluice to keep the Stamford Mill Stream supplied with water. This was modified during work on a pumped supply to Rutland Water and a smaller Mill Stream pump later fell into disuse. A voluntary group, the Stamford River Care Group, was set up in 2004 to care for the Stamford stretch of the Welland. They have managed to get the flow of water re-instated and also cleared vegetation along the Mill Stream, so that a very pleasant area for walks now exists on the Meadows to the west of the town.

Stamford once had a canal to allow trading vessels to reach the sea. This was first authorised in 1571, one of the earliest such consents. In the 1660s it was actually built through the Deepings. A description of the work was published by the Deepings Heritage Group a few years ago and gives a good account of the route and a map.

Below Stamford the river parallels the old canal for some miles to below Deeping St James, but the Maxey Cut, a flood relief channel, cuts off the northerly loop to pass south of Maxey and Northborough. Deepings rail bridge east of Northborough is the head of navigation for powered craft in the Environment Agency current guide to the Welland, with Stamford for canoes and kayaks.

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Below Peakirk the river is thoroughly embanked with wash lands either side for possible flood relief. Boaters need to be careful about air draught. For many years a major obstacle was Four Mile Bar footbridge, but this was replaced in 2007 by an elegant new bridge thanks to the efforts of the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership. The Environment Agency issues a list of Bridges and “Headways” for Glen and Welland, with Surfleet Iron Bridge shown as the lowest at 1.8m. Of course these heights vary with water level, but it is slightly confusing that they also quote heights as 5’90” , for example.

At Crowland, but not on the present river, is the famous three-way Trinity Bridge where the channel used to split into two, one branch going to Spalding and the other to the Nene near Wisbech. Spalding further down, was a major trading port in early days, and claimed to be on the sea. It still has handsome merchants’ houses to recall those days. Now, a lock at Fulney is the limit of tidal flow (see page 7). Between here and the mouth a nearby feature is the Pinchbeck Engine, built for drainage in 1833 as a steam powered scoop wheel pump from the Butterley company.

Continuing NE, a straight channel passes Fosdyke Bridge, fixed since 1988, and the new Fosdyke Marina below it, replacing old wharves. A final stretch leads to Tabs Head, where a beacon marks the division between Welland Mouth and Witham Mouth.

Pictures for this article: Front cover; Medbourne Bridge by Richard Williams; Four Mile Bar Bridge by Michael Trolove; Tabs Head by Christine Johnson. Previous pages here: River at Gretton by Oliver Dixon; At Market Harborough by Hilofoz; Harringworth

by Oliver Dixon; Stamford Meadows by Row17; Bridge over former Stamford Canal and Spalding by Richard Croft; Fosdyke by Mat Fascione.

All of these are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

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Notts & Derby Branch Meetings The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch of the IWA organises a series of public meetings. We are hoping to attract lots of new faces to the meetings and have arranged a very interesting and varied group of speakers. Non IWA members will be very welcome to attend.

Meetings are held on the third Friday of the month throughout most of the year.

Indoor meetings are held at 7.45 pm at Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7HY. This is not far from the A60 (Loughborough Road) and the Arena entrance road is roughly opposite Greythorn Drive. Don’t be alarmed by a barrier at the entrance - they will let you out again.

It would take about 25 minutes from M1 Junction 24 up the A453, Clifton traffic and road-works speed limit permitting. For SatNav equipped vehicles try 52° 55.328’ N, 01° 08.673’ W, or SK 57610 36424. Note that Rushcliffe Leisure Centre is a different place. Further information about meetings can be obtained by email :- nottsandderbys@waterways.org.uk

Friday, March 20th 2015 “Narrow boating on the Trent from Nottingham to Keadby ” - an illustrated talk by John Lower (Chesterfield Canal Society) Friday, April 17th 2015 “Lichfield Canal” - an illustrated talk by Bob Williams (Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Trust) on the progress of the Lichfield canal restoration.

Friday, May 15th 2015 Guided tour of the historic port of Shardlow and Heritage Centre. Details still to be confirmed but likely meet at Shardlow Heritage Centre 7.30 pm. Small charge applicable for entry to the Heritage Centre.

Friday, June 19th 2015 Guided walk along the Grantham Canal, hosted by Grantham Canal Society. Details to be confirmed.

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Other Coming Events IWA Promotions and Communications Committee plans to arrange a Recruitment Workshop on Saturday March 28th 2015 in Peterborough, at the Museum and Library, which is not far from the station. Anyone from our region who is interested is welcome. Timing 10 to 4:30, lunch provided. This is a change from the original proposal, and it is hoped the venue will prove more accessible to members from a wider area.

Anyone interested in understanding IWA’s needs in growing membership and strengthening our image will be welcome.

For more information please contact Jerry Sanders. jerry.sanders@waterways.org.uk

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Join Us on a Canal Clean Up

Erewash Canal Clean Up

th th Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March 2015 Join the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association, Canal & River Trust and IWA Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch for a canal clean up.

Friday 28th March; meet at 9.30am at the Gallows Inn pub car park (DE7 5BN). Work will progress towards Sandiacre Lock for about 3pm.

Saturday 29th March; meet at 9.30am at Sandiacre Lock (Lock Lane, NG10 5LB). Work will be carried out down to Trent Lock for about 3pm.

Return to the start point will be arranged. Please wear stout shoes and old clothes and bring waterproofs and a packed lunch if staying all day.

Contact Stefanie Preston, IWA Branch Campaign Assistant 01494 783453 stefanie.preston@waterways.org.uk

Nottinghamshire & Aegre 141Branch - Mar 2015 Page 32 Derbyshire