Aegre November 2010

No.127

AEGRE

Aegre November 2010 Page 1

Aegre is published Š 2010 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association for members of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branches.

Northampton members receive their own publication.

Chairman

John Pomfret, db Drijfhuis, Braunston Boats Ltd, Bottom Lock, Dark Lane, Braunston, Daventry NN11 7HJ Tel 01788 891027

Vice-Chairman

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

Leicestershire Branch Acting Chairman

John Evans, Highfields Farm, Woodhouse Road, Quorn, Loughborough LE12 8AL Tel 01509 416647

Lincolnshire Branch Chairman

Dave Carnell (as above)

Notts. & Derbys Branch Chairman

Vacant. Contact Mike Snaith, below.

Northampton Branch Chairman

Bernard Morton, Yew Tree House, 14 Baker Street Gayton, Northants. NN7 3EZ Tel: 07785 375787

Region Planning Officer & Notts & Derbys Branch

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

Member

Ian MacDonald, 68 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JG Mobile: 07950 003383

Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0GQ Tel: 01507 602713; email: aegre@humbhony.demon.co.uk Printing: This is the web pdf version, with low definition pictures and active links.

Picture credits: See page 25. Front cover picture: Repairs at Mountsorrel.

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

Tel: 0845 4501146 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.

Aegre November 2010 Page 2

AEGRE November 2010

No. 127

Contents Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region....................4 The Editor’s Bow Button.....................................................5 British Waterways - A National Trust?................................6 Boston 200 Event................................................................7 Nene 250th Anniversary.....................................................7 The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam.......................................8 Melton Mole Progress.........................................................8 Chesterfield Canal Restoration Plans Revealed.................9 The Battle for Bridge 16....................................................10 Festival at Worksop..........................................................14 Beale Park - Another View................................................15 News from Lincolnshire Branch........................................18 Couple’s Golden Gift to Canal..........................................21 News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch........22 Stoke Bruerne’s War Weekend Goes with a Bang...........23 Cargo Carrying Returns to the Chesterfield Canal...........24 Picture Credits...................................................................25 Butterley Weed-away........................................................25 Floating Pennywort from the Soar....................................26 Journals Received............................................................27 Success at IWA National Festival.....................................27 Regional Diary Dates 2010/11..........................................28 Notts & Derby Branch Programme...................................28 Leicestershire Branch Programme..................................29 Annual General Meetings.................................................31 Next issue probably to be published in mid-March 2011. Contributions to the editor by the middle of February 2011 please.

The space on the right is for local contact information.

Aegre November 2010 Page 3

Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region Buckingham Canal Society

Helen Preston, 16 Mallard Drive, Buckingham MK18 1GJ Tel: 01280 821232 www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk

Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society

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

Erewash Canal P & D

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

Association

Foxton Inclined Plane Trust

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

Friends of the Canal Museum

C/o The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester NN12 7SE Tel: 01604 861205 www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk

Friends of the Cromford Canal

Patrick Morriss, The Shieling, Dukes Road, Lower Hartshay, Ripley, Derby DE5 3RP Tel: 01773 742895 www.cromfordcanal.org.uk

Friends of Raymond (and Nuffield)

c/o Braunston Marina, Braunston, Daventry, NN11 7JH www.thefriendsofraymond.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

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

Melton & Oakham Waterways Society

Richard Booth, Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0HP Tel: 01664 563563 http://beehive.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/mows/

Old Union Canals Society

36 The Ridings, Desborough, Kettering NN14 2LP Tel: 07010 705103. www.fipt.org.uk/localcanals.htm

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

1 Pinfold Cottages, Back Lane, Little Haywood, Stafford ST18 0UL. Tel: 01889 882770 www.tmc-mileposts.co.uk

Aegre November 2010 Page 4

The Editor’s Bow Button Pottering about this season, we have seen many entertaining things on the waterways. We were out during that season of football matches, and wondered about the stability criteria of day hire boats when all the people on board are on the roof of the vessel and, what shall we call it, merrily moving from one side to another. At the same season it was interesting to see the variety of flags on display, not only on boats, but at many places along the banks. When you move fairly slowly along a canal or river, many things can be seen which flash by unseen with other modes of transport. There were interesting contrasts in the various gardens or other plots of land bordering the water. Some are beautifully kept, with flowers and pots of various kinds; others are utilitarian, with neat but dull paving, while others give the appearance of a scrap yard, even if not actually serving that useful purpose. So a thought came to mind, triggered by the “on land” competition for village gardens or “Britain in Bloom”. Why not a competition for the best looking plot of land or garden bordering a canal or river in our region? There could be a few classes - domestic; pub; industrial say, and the winners could have a fancy certificate at the end of a season.

Like many people, I try to keep up-to-date with canal closures of various kinds, but sometimes I feel there must be a fascinating story behind the facts, which we don’t get told. Maybe a stretch of tow-path is closed because of a “police incident”, or a lock gate is lifted off its hinges by some unknown force. In this case I don’t believe vandals could manage it, so how did it happen?

This time in Aegre we have given a full background account of the Grantham Canal Bridge story, as it has been a matter of great concern over the past couple of years; we have tried to bring you the latest programmes from the branches; and a report on the National Rally from the point of view of one of the workers, to try to avoid the impression you could get from some national magazines that it all happens by magic.

Good luck to all for the remaining season; keep boating in any late autumn sunshine. Peter.

Aegre November 2010 Page 5

British Waterways - A National Trust?

Just as we were about to send off this issue of Aegre to the printer (at 9.30 am on the 14th of October), the government announced their intention to change the status of BW. There has been a lot of speculation on this topic, but to give you the real words, here are the texts of the basic announcement, and part of the BW reaction. Ed. British Waterways No longer a Public Corporation - Abolish as a public corporation in England and Wales and create a new waterways charity – similar to a National Trust for the waterways

Environment Agency Retain and substantially reform - Reform through structural, process and cultural change to become a more efficient and customer focused organisation; and clarify accountabilities. Further announcements after the spending review. The Environment Agency in Wales may move to form part of a WAG Environmental Body.

Welcoming the announcement, British Waterways’ chairman Tony Hales said: “This is excellent news and something we have been urging all political parties to support since last year. The waterways have been utterly transformed for the better in the time since British Waterways was established in 1962 and are now used in ways which their original builders could never have imagined.

That transformation has owed much to the enthusiastic staff and stakeholders who love the waterways passionately. Moving the waterways from public ownership into a charitable body recognises the need to build on that enthusiasm and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their 250-year history.”

“In the 50 years since British Waterways was established, the waterways have evolved from a moribund industrial transport system into a thriving environmental and leisure resource. British Waterways’ 2,200-mile network of historic canals, rivers and docks is visited by 13 million people a year and now delivers an annual £½ billion in benefits to the nation, from amenity, flood relief and employment to green infrastructure, neighbourhood renewal and wildlife corridors.”

Aegre November 2010 Page 6

Nene 250th Anniversary Next year is the 250th year of navigation on the Nene from Northampton to Peterborough and thence on to the North Sea . Northampton Branch is planning special events to commemorate this notable anniversary, including IWA’s National Campaign Festival, which will be held on the River Nene in Northampton from 30th April to 2nd May 2011 .

The 91 mile River Nene has played a vital role in the area since the Bronze Age with significant finds being made, particularly at Flag Fen in 1982, where a visitor centre and museum record the discovery of 3000 year old timbers which had been perfectly preserved in the moist soil. However, the navigable section up to Northampton from The Wash was only finished in 1761. The first navigable link to the main canal system via the Grand Junction Canal (now the Grand Union), at Gayton Junction, was completed in 1815.

Northampton Branch were the winners of the 2010 IWA branch achievement award, in particular for the branch’s many successful rallies on the Nene, an excellent and well-attended series of public meetings, a first-class news-letter and good presence on the Association’s web site. The award was presented to Liz Payne, a former chairman.

Bernard Morton

Boston 200 Event In 1810 Boston suffered some of the most severe floods in the town’s history.

These floods acted as a catalyst for the establishment of better flood defences for the town. Although there has been minor flooding in 1953 and 1978, the defences put in place since 1810 have provided the town with a good level of protection.

The Boston 200 event will be in the Community Rooms and Room 52 Gallery in Strait Bargate between 10th and 13th November 2010, open daily between 10 am and 4 pm. In The Gallery there will be displays on::

Agencies responsible for flood prevention will man stalls in the Community Rooms where they can provide greater details of the work they undertake.

Aegre November 2010 Page 7

Melton Mole Progress Melton and Oakham Waterways Society report excellent progress on their new work boat Mole. The steel work and hydraulics have been done, and painting is in progress. Now they are looking for volunteers to learn to drive and control the vessel, which looks unusual but is thoroughly practical for the jobs they plan. More information from Mick Clowes on 01509 414140.

Mole in the workshop at Bardon

The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam From our industrial archaeology archive - this picture was taken just last July 2010!

Aegre November 2010 Page 8

Chesterfield Canal Restoration Plans Revealed Plans for the full restoration of the Chesterfield Canal were revealed at an illustrated public lecture in Chesterfield on 20th October.

The Chesterfield Canal runs for 46 miles from the River Trent to Chesterfield.

The 26 miles of the eastern end to Worksop have always been operational. 11 miles and 36 locks of the western end have been restored since 1989. Five of these miles are isolated in Derbyshire. Dr. Geraint Coles, the Development Manager for the canal, explained how to close the remaining nine mile gap between Staveley and Kiveton Park. This would enable boats from the River Trent to cruise into Chesterfield for the first time in over a century.

Work will include a new aqueduct across the Doe Lea Valley, navigating through Killamarsh (where houses have been built on the original line of the canal) and getting under the M1. Most interesting of all will be the solution to the problem of the Norwood Tunnel – nearly 1ž miles long - which collapsed in 1907. New targets include a £310 million Waterside development in Chesterfield (below) to which the canal is key.

Aegre November 2010 Page 9

The Battle for Bridge 16 Probably nobody has ever investigated the full relationship between the man-hours devoted to the physical restoration of our canals and the man-hours devoted to the paper-work and procedures involved. Exceptionally, and to bring everybody up-todate, we are giving an extended report on the recent struggles by all concerned to achieve a sensible solution to the problems raised by the Highways Agency’s refusal to “bend” in the construction work around this bridge on the road to Stragglethorpe from the A46. The text is due to Mike Snaith and Peter Stone, slightly edited to fit it all in, and with some direct quotation from the official reports to give a flavour of the arguments. In spite of the negative outcome, please read at least Peter’s positive view on a way forward. Ed.

The Supplementary Planning Inquiry is now complete and the Inspector has written and submitted his report to the Secretary of State.

The Inspector writes in his report “The A46 scheme will not physically affect the Grantham Canal, other than to a minor degree. Even so, it is quite clear that the scheme would have an indirect and substantial impact upon the potential engineering options for future bridging of the canal at Stragglethorpe Road. These effects would make future bridging, and thereby complete canal restoration, significantly more difficult to deal with than the position that would have existed had no A46 scheme come forward. In coming to this opinion I have had regard to the relative position and level of the new roundabout relative to the canal, necessary service diversions, earthworks and field accesses, the undisputed need for highway visibility standards to be achieved, the environment of the area and the general confinement of the site.”

He goes on to say “It follows that the A46 scheme would have a serious and costly effect on the future bridging of the canal and necessitate expensive lowering of it. In my opinion, and having regard to the competing evidence on this particular point, this additional expenditure, over and above that which would have been necessary should the A46 scheme not have been built, could amount to a total figure in the order of £0.75 million - £1 million.”

He then summarises “In summary, I am of the firm view that the A46 scheme will not make restoration of the canal impossible from an engineering point of view, but the design Aegre November 2010 Page 10

of the A46 scheme has clearly caused it to be appreciably more expensive and administratively more complex. These are direct consequences of the trunk road scheme. In these circumstances I can understand the view held by the Partnership and its supporters that the complications that would arise for the canal restoration may not have been adequately fed into the earlier Inquiry by the Partnership. Similarly, whilst the Highways Agency did respond to the written evidence of British Waterways, it appears that it did not go into the depth needed to enable an appreciation of the real impact, which the scheme would have locally, to be formed.”

Before finally concluding: “As none of the draft Supplementary Orders before this Inquiry affect the canal it is not for me to carry forward any recommendation, which might have arisen from the above conclusions, into my Recommendations at Section 10 of this report, but I draw attention to the above conclusions, to the relative difficulties that the A46 scheme would now pose for the future canal restoration project and what might still be done about it.

You can see therefore that the Inspector did not have the powers to make any recommendation (which was already made clear at the very outset of the Inquiry) but did take the opportunity to clearly and concisely state his reasoning and conclusion that the A46 scheme, although it does not preclude full canal restoration, will have an adverse impact and make it appreciably more expensive to accomplish.

This therefore meant that the new Secretary of State, thankfully, had the opportunity to read the Inspector’s Report, including all the quotes in italics above and accept (or otherwise) the conclusions. The eagerly awaited reply was then received from the Under Secretary of State (Rt. Hon. Mike Penning MP) outlining the Dept’s final position: “…. as the Inspector considered it was in the public interest that the Partnership’s case should be heard at the inquiry, I have now looked at the matter. The key points for me are: *

A new bridge to take Stragglethorpe Road over the Grantham Canal is not part of the A46 improvements scheme as the canal is beyond the boundary of the scheme at this location Aegre November 2010 Page 11

*

The A46 scheme does not prevent restoration of the canal or the construction of a new bridge in the future.

It would therefore be inappropriate for the Department for Transport to fund and construct a new canal bridge on the Stragglethorpe Road.”

These bullet points are exactly the position set out by the Highways Agency when this issue was first raised, almost 2 years before the Supplementary Planning Inquiry hearing; it is almost as if the Inquiry did not take place. Regrettably, the above shows the Secretary of State has clearly decided to ignore the Inspector’s conclusions and so the Battle for Bridge 16 is lost. However, I would ask that everyone sufficiently motivated by reading this article write a brief letter to their local MP expressing their feelings and chagrin over this outcome as firstly, when restoration is completed the funding from the overall Public Purse will be significantly higher (to the tune of £0.75 million £1.0 million, in today’s money) as a result of this ruling and secondly the initial bullet point above is patently untrue as new asphalt has already been laid across the canal track….so how can it be “beyond the boundary of the scheme”? Such a letter will at least point out the absurdity of the outcome and hopefully pave the way for a more logical and economically sensible result in future cases.

However, following this negative outcome, and based on the inconsistencies in the ruling, and the very constructive observations made about the case by Inspector Bill Wadrup following the Cotgrave 2010 Public Inquiry, the Partnership tried one final avenue.

Whilst the Minister's ruling was pretty clear, nonetheless in view of the significance for the Grantham Canal of the Highways Agency's action, a number of the Canal's supporters felt it worthwhile to seek legal advice as to whether the ruling could realistically be challenged and/or whether some compensation could be gained for the significant increase in Canal restoration costs that will result directly from the HA's work. Having, to some extent, 'missed the boat' at the 2007 Public Inquiry, we were determined not to let another 'now or never' opportunity slip by.

Counsel was briefed on behalf of the Partnership, and he has produced a very clear appreciation of the situation and clear advice - which is that there is no point in pursuing the matter further using legal action. In this situation we feel that the next steps should be: Aegre November 2010 Page 12

* to communicate the outcome and thank our supporters for their great support during 'The Battle for Mann's Bridge'

* to switch to the more positive impacts of the A46 improvements on the Grantham Canal - especially that a brand new ÂŁ2.2 million bridge is now under construction (see photograph above), to carry the new dual-carriageway road over the Canal. It's not everyday that we get a present like this and we need to make the most of the opportunity and welcome its arrival!

* to prepare all parties for 'Plan B' - the fact that, as a direct result of what the HA has done, with the Minister's approval, we will now have to develop plans for the new Bridge 16 to take a different form - most probably a modern electrically powered hydraulic lifting bridge. As we have consistently demonstrated, a conventional Bridge 16 is now a virtual impossibility in the space available - at the very least also requiring the lowering of the Canal, by a new lock - but a modern lifting bridge could be accommodated without raising the surrounding road surface, lowering the canal etc. The current situation at Mann's Bridge needn't sever the easternmost 26 miles of the Canal from the rest for evermore - we just need to develop 'Plan B' ... and propose to do so in the coming months.

Aegre November 2010 Page 13

The Raptor Foundation’s owls and hawks were always busy. The Trust’s trip boat, Seth Ellis, was fully booked.

Many people had their first ever try on a Segway or in a canoe.

There was a very wide range of stalls from Handley Rose Nursery to Home Baking to Canal Ware. Many charities and societies had stalls and there was an exhibition by the North Notts.

Embroiderers’ Guild and a Schools’ Art show organised by the Harley Gallery.

Besides a fun day out, the purpose of the Festival was to bring attention to the glorious Chesterfield Canal and the Trust’s campaign to restore the nine mile gap between Staveley and Kiveton Park. There was a reception on the Saturday morning for politiFestival at Worksop cians and other decision makers at which the canal’s Development ManThe Chesterfield Canal Trust held its ager, Dr. Geraint Coles, outlined Next Festival at Worksop on Saturday and Navigation – a thousand page docuSunday 17th and 18th July. Despite ment that gives every detail of the resunhelpful weather, there was a healthy toration plans. turnout to see a very wide range of The Chesterfield Canal Trust wishes attractions. to thank Worksop Rugby Club, BasThe entertainment marquee had a con- setlaw District Council, British Watertinuous flow of entertainers including ways and the Chesterfield Canal the Talegate Theatre Company, Carlo Partnership and the staff of these the Clown, Ryton Chorale and music organisations that have given invaluafrom John Berry. A Street Dance ble help.

Troupe closed the Festival on the Sunday afternoon with a superb perform- The event was sponsored by Fabulous Arts in Bassetlaw, whose Festival ran ance that merited an encore. until the end of August.

Aegre November 2010 Page 14

Beale Park - Another View The National Waterways Festival is over. By now you will have seen articles and pictures of the event at Beale Park. What makes this event come together? It is widely acknowledged as the waterway event of the year, and what makes it remarkable is that it is all done by volunteers; around 300 are involved. Once a site is determined, management meetings start in October of the preceding year. Two will have taken place for 2011 by the time you read this. Our part starts three weeks before the event when the BODS (Build, Operate and Dismantle) Teams come to the site. Our part was the installation of temporary moorings in the Beale Park Lake for exhibitors, The Barge Association and the “three week workers”. Plus drinking water, electricity for around 500 boats and 400 campers, caravans and motor homes, toilet blocks and showers.

- we should have waited for him. It was pointed out to `Basil the King` that he was not in sight when we prepared the lock and that section of the canal was fed by water from the river.

At Rugby we provisioned and said goodbye to our extra crew. Arriving at Braunston Bottom Lock on a Saturday is not a good idea, due to hire boat change-over times. The congestion was made worse by the presence of the Police “scenes of crime” people, three boats having being broken into.

Once in the tunnel we were following Apfelkorn 2 when a boat coming the other way became disorientated and collided with them; the same was repeated with us. Still, apart from some missing paint no damage was done.

Hilmorton Locks created some confusion for a hire boat crew. The hirers had explained the system and left This year we left Lincoln, accompathem to it. Later that evening, having nied by NB Apfelkorn 2 and dry moored up, we heard extremely loud docked on the Erewash for a week. engine noise and this same boat came Then to Sawley for gas and a pump hurtling round a bend on the wrong out and on to Shardlow where our side of the channel. Seeing he daughter joined us for a few days as couldn’t get round he killed the revs. crew. The journey via Fradley and And really lost steerage - strong stuff Fazeley was blessed with good weath- these metal piles. Having sorted himer. We met many friendly people, and self out I advised him of the speed friends from the Slea Navigation limit. “Four mile an hour, that`s absoTrust. There is always the odd boater lutely ridiculous” came the response who spoils things. Whilst preparing a as he disappeared in a cloud of black lock a boat appeared round a bend and exhaust smoke. remonstrated about the waste of water Aegre November 2010 Page 15

The journey down the GU to Brentford was enjoyable and it was good to see, despite the funding crisis, that bank protection works were being carried out by contractors.

but after passing the Richmond halftide barrier it was calm. We moored for the day above Teddington Lock, at the YMCA activity centre. Later that evening boaters returned to their moorings on the island opposite. SeeIt was raining as we entered Brentford ing our boats there was much pointing Basin. All visitor moorings were full and discussion on our presence. As and we opted to moor under the load- we prepared to depart the following ing shed. We walked to the tide lock morning a young man from the Counand saw the vast amounts of mud on cil appeared enquiring how long we the tidal side. As we watched, a fox intended staying. The Island dwellers was out on the mud looking for his had complained. So much for the supper amongst the large boats. On Royal River. arriving at the lock at 11.0 am as requested by BW the following day, All those booked in to the festival had there was no one there and little water been given large notices indicating in the channel. Eventually at 12.45 the their length. This was appreciated by keeper arrived and we entered the the lock keepers, who could indicate Thames. It was quite choppy for a whether there was room to enter or to while with the bow rising and falling wait for the next locking .

“Day Break� on the lake Aegre November 2010 Page 16

On August 15th we started putting the moorings into the Beale Park Lake; another team were doing similar work out on the River.

44 moorings were required for the “three week workers” plus an extra large one for the Barge Association with added “standoffs” due to their length. Scaffolding poles up to 20` were piled into the bed of the lake using a heavy length of steel tube with handles welded on each side. Cross braces and hand rails were fitted and four metre scaffolding boards secured for walkways. All to the IWA Safety manual and approved by the site safety officer. Well done lads. It certainly sharpens the appetite, this manual work.

lake and the owner of Day Break gave demonstrations of sculling the barge’s “coggy” boat.

After the event it took just three days to remove all the moorings, assisted by a manual crane on a steel barge, sort all the scaffolding and board into Two narrow boats with a floating pon- different hirers’ piles and the job was done. toon alongside carried all the materials and provided a working platform For our return trip we completed the except in the case of the 20 foot poles ring via Oxford to Braunston, then via and then it was standing on the boat Fradley to the Trent and back to Linroof. Wearing life jackets was manda- coln. Nine weeks away from our tory. mooring and 275 locks in the log book. Will we do it again? Well next As the boats began to arrive I was pleased to see the Humber Keel “Day year it’s only at Burton on Trent, isn`t it? Remember 29 to 31 July next year.

Break”. She was built in 1934 at Thorne and is now a house boat on the Thames. During the festival several heritage boats did a grand tour of the

Dave Carnell

Aegre November 2010 Page 17

News from Lincolnshire Branch A formal notice is given later in this magazine that the Branch AGM will take place at 7.45pm on Monday 14th February 2011 at St Mary-le-Wigford Church Hall, Lincoln. This is adjacent to the Rail Station. Five committee members are due to stand down by rotation. Nominations are required for Christine Martin, David Pullen, Mel and Sue Sowerby and Andy Martin.

Any other members interested in joining the committee, which meets in the Lincoln area, are welcome and can learn more of the activities in promoting the waterways by contacting Penny or Dave Carnell; details inside the front cover of Aegre. Following the AGM there will be a presentation on the future of the waterways, county and nationally.

time you read this the way forward will be clearer.

Work on improving facilities continues apace, particularly in the Witham Valley. New decking has been fitted to the Washingborough visitor moorings. At Boston new moorings, more suited to narrow boats, are being installed and boaters waiting for the tide at Torksey Lock can now refresh themselves at the tea rooms created in the former tool store. Fresh homebaked cakes and scones are proving popular in attracting visitors to this quiet historic spot.

Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership have added to the Water Rail Way with a section running alongside the Horncastle Canal and the Viking Way from Horncastle to near the village of With the change in government, the future funding and management of the Roughton. This path, with an allweather surface, includes artworks in waterways remains unclear. Will wood, stone and metal that reflect BW’s wish to become an equivalent of the National Trust occur or, as seems likely, be part of a Civil Society?

Certainly much work is being carried out by BW and the EA on mutualisation of their navigations.

Perhaps by the

On the Horncastle Trail

Aegre November 2010 Page 18

local interests. They say “The original trail ends about a kilometre south of Horncastle and we’re planning to extend the trail into the town centre.

We’ve now addressed the nature conservation issues and woven the construction timetable into those of nursing badgers, foraging newts and nesting birds. The last hurdle is for the Planning Inspectorate to hear the case for diverting a public footpath,

point at the cafe at Odder. This section has been cleared of overgrowth and some minor surfacing repairs carried out. The detailed design for the road crossing is done and we have gone out to tender for the construction of that and of the bank top section of the trail. Fittingly, the canal will come into use during construction because materials will be brought on and off site by barge. The trail will join the existing cycle path at the Pyewipe Inn, which is just south of the A46 bypass and from there into Lincoln via the Brayford Pool. Residents in Saxilby and Burton Waters have been looking forward to getting this facility completed and we are certainly getting close LWP team members inspect the cycle track now. Hopefully, by next spring...” which we anticipate they will do over the coming winter. Once the Inspector In Boston the EA is holding further has come to a decision we will be in a consultations on the positioning of the position to start work pretty much tidal barrier. Originally five sites were straight away, if they consent to divert being considered. These have now the footpath. So, we’ll just have to be been reduced to three, with the two patient for a little while yet.” nearest the town, up-stream of the new lock, being discounted for nuHeading west from Lincoln, on the merous practical and cost reasons. north bank of the Fossdyke to the Further consultations are being held Pyewipe public house, a multi-user (see also our report on the “Boston surface has been installed on the 200” event).and I will report further track. LWP say “The bridge over the on this next time. river Till is now installed and the route uses the old A57 to the crossing Aegre November 2010 Page 19

On November 27th and 28th the Lincolnshire Food Fare is again being held at the Lincolnshire Show Ground. In past years our members have assisted by manning a stand promoting the Waterways Partnership’s work and progress on their waterway projects. This year we hope to continue this and look forward to meeting members in the county for a chat.

Events for 2011 are being planned.

These include a Boaters’ Gathering in South Kyme on the Slea on May Day Bank Holiday with joint activities of the village and visitors.

concession charges for this re-opened section to Donnington.

Facilities now available for visitors include a toilet and shower block, waste disposal and a café bar at the moorings on the waterway in Boston.

Tesco supermarket, about a mile upstream, has moorings convenient for boaters to restock provisions, and the pubs at Hubberts Bridge and Swineshead provide a warm welcome.

A waterways strategy document has been completed for Spalding, and a detailed study for the Donnington to For the Late May Bank Holiday there Surfleet section should be completed will be a campaign cruise and Boatin time for a second Fenland Link ers’ Gathering in the Boston Naviga- workshop in Spalding on November ble Drains. Visitors will be able to see 18th 2010. People interested in this the works carried out by the Witham event can obtain details by ringing 4th Internal Drainage Board to Dilys Britt on 01522 550615 or eimprove passage along some of their mail dilys.britt@lincolnshire.gov.uk.. waterways and use the new mooring A suggestion that an event could be rings installed at Cow Bridge Lock held at Saxilby is being investigated. and the Packet Boat Steps in the cen- More on this in the next Aegre. tre of Boston on the Maud Foster In the last edition of Waterways there Drain. We are working on an was an article “ IWA Works”; our improved and up-dated map of the system and preparing a set of notes to Branch has submitted a piece for help boaters visiting for the first time. inclusion in a future edition. The aim is to make people aware of the vast While in Boston, use could be made and varied amount of work that goes of the new moorings at the entrance to on behind the scenes and receives litthe Drains at Anton`s Gowt and the tle or no publicity.

Witham near the Grand Sluice. This Pictures for this section are courtesy may also be an ideal time, subject to tide times, to visit the short tidal pas- of Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership and Lincolnshire County Counsage to the new Black Sluice Lock cil. and enter the Fenland Link section.

The EA will be asked to continue the Dave Carnell Aegre November 2010 Page 20

Couple’s Golden Gift to Canal Margaret and Brian Limb of Old Whittington, Chesterfield, wanted a special way to mark their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Both are members of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. They often walk down to Staveley to watch the Trust’s Volunteer Work Party in operation.

Instead of personal gifts for their anniversary, they asked all their friends and family to give money.

They then donated it all to go towards the further restoration of the canal.

On Thursday they went to Mill Green at Staveley where they met Terry Berridge, who organises the Work Party. They presented him with a cheque for £600.

Margaret said “After fifty years of marriage, there aren’t many things that you want and we admire the work that these lads are doing and want to support them.”

Brian said “We were a bit reluctant to have our photograph taken, but we hope that by making this gesture we will inspire others to do the same.”

Terry said “We are very grateful for this wonderful donation. It will help us to extend the canal from Mill Green to Staveley Town Basin.”

26 miles of the Chesterfield Canal from the River Trent to Worksop have always been open. 6 miles in Nottinghamshire and Rotherham and 5 miles in Derbyshire have already been restored along with 36 locks and 11 bridges. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is campaigning to close the nine mile gap between these two sections. The gift from Brian and Margaret demonstrates the tremendous local support for the project.

Aegre November 2010 Page 21

News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch Since the last Aegre yet another summer has gone by with all the frenetic activity building up to and during the IWA National Festival. I hope everyone took full advantage of the holiday season by being out and about on our wonderful waterways. As I write this the leaves are just beginning to fall and it’s the ideal time to take advantage of the quieter period of autumn and the run up to those photogenic early morning mists and snow scenes.

Over the intervening period our previous Social calendar was concluded with an extremely interesting walk around Attenborough Nature reserve with expert guidance and narrative by the Rangers. It is truly amazing to see the array of wildlife in front of you when an expert is on hand to point it out, describing what you see and why that behaviour occurs. Did you know that Swifts live for up to 30 years with the males living the whole of that period virtually without touching ground, the females much the same but tending the young. They spend almost the whole of their life on the wing, eating, sleeping, migrating, all in flight……isn’t evolution an amazing phenomenon?

We also gave the branch exhibition stand an airing by attending the North Muskham Riverside Festival. A big thank you goes to Mavis White for all the hard work running the WoW (Wild over Waterways) activities. Whilst short handed on the main exhibition stand we sadly did not see many people but the flow of children attending the WoW activities seemed endless, with great enjoyment had by all. Let’s hope we influenced some budding waterways ambassadors of the future. Thank you Mavis for all the hard work making WoW happen and also to the small band of people helping set up and man the main stand.

On the Social front we have recommenced our monthly meetings at West Bridgford, Nottingham so put the evening of the third Friday in the month back in your diaries and see the calendar of events at the back of this magazine. Do come and join us. The September meeting was all about the majestic mountain scenery of the Pyrenees so you missed a treat if you weren’t there. On 19th November we have Mike Kelly of the Friends of Cromford Canal giving us an illustrated talk on the increasing pace of restoration on the Cromford Canal. You are all most heartily welcome to come and join us, so I look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Snaith Aegre November 2010 Page 22

Stoke Bruerne’s War Weekend Goes with a Bang The canal village of Stoke Bruerne resounded to the sound of mortar and gunfire over the first week-end of October for a repeat of the annual World War II re-enactment staged by The Friends of The Canal Museum.

The colourful 40s event was opened on Saturday morning by local MP Andrea Leadsom accompanied by Churchill (aka canal personality Ken Roseblade) and Field Marshal Montgomery (Alan Oliver).

This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, with a vintage fair complete with dodgems and a helter-skelter. Attractions also included a replica Spitfire, musical entertainers George Formby (aka Paul Casper) and Lola Lamour; and a special Land Army display featuring vintage tractors and a Dig for Victory garden along with farm implements and static animals. Even the poor weather on Sunday didn’t deter families from turning out to experience what it was like to live in the austere 40s and learn how to do the “Lambeth Walk” at the popular afternoon tea dances. There was plenty to do for the children too – with Wild About Waterways running activities in the Canal Museum which was offering free admission on both days. And as usual, there was plenty of activity on the water with boat trips and vintage boats, as well as trading boats selling black market cheese and delicious fudge.

A £50 prize to the “best dressed house” in Stoke Bruerne judged by “Churchill”, who toured the village by jeep, was won by Rory O’Farrell and his partner Kirsty at Rosebud Cottage who not only taped up their windows, but hung out bunting and played stirring wartime music to entertain the passing crowds.

All surplus proceeds go to The Friends of The Canal Museum, in their work supporting the Museum and the event also benefits local charities and organisations such as Greyhound Rescue, the Village School, RSPCA, Stoke Bruerne Parish Church and Scouts.

Aegre November 2010 Page 23

Cargo Carrying Returns to the Chesterfield Canal Faced with the prospect of having to move a load of fencing panels from West Stockwith to Shireoaks, the Chesterfield Canal Trust looked round for a suitable form of transport and found it close to home.

Using the greenest option available, a volunteer crew took the Trust’s historic Learning Boat, Python, down to West Stockwith. The elderly vessel was loaded up with the fencing panels and made the return trip to Shireoaks the following week.

The fencing panels were loaned to the Trust by British Waterways. They will be used to create a compound at Shireoaks Marina for the building of New Dawn. This is a project to build an exact replica of one of the old Cuckoo boats that used to ply the canal. None of the original boats are left, so the Trust obtained the necessary materials a few years ago. Now that the wood has seasoned they are ready to start. The intention is to use the original methods wherever possible.

The New Dawn and Learning Boat projects are just two of the ways in which the Trust is realising the aim of the full restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.

Aegre November 2010 Page 24

Butterley Weed-away Butterley Reservoir on the Cromford Canal was built by the Nottingham Canal Company to supply water for the Nottingham Canal below Langley Mill. It was later bisected by the Ironville to Ambergate railway line at what is now the main station of the Midland Railway Centre. The reservoir is fished by the Butterley Anglers and in July was suffering from lack of oxygenation due to excessive weed growth. In this case the offending weed was Canadian Pond Weed.

British Waterways moved the weed cutting boat John Nuttall to the reservoir to cut the weed and Simon Gent, the volunteer organizer for East Midlands Navigations at Newark, requested help from volunteers to drag the cut weed from the water. Simon said “the bulk of the volunteers came from the Derby Probation Service. We could not have achieved anything like as much weed clearance without their help and from the Friends of the Cromford Canal, the Grantham Canal Society, anglers and members of the local community. In total nearly 800 hours of volunteer labour was given in August.� The volunteers managed to clear about two thirds of the cut weed before the John Nuttall had to go elsewhere. In total about 50 tonnes of weed was removed, most of which has gone for composting on local allotments and probation service projects. There is still some clearing up to do on the bank until the rest of the weed is taken for recycling. It makes very good compost.

John Baylis

Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this or earlier editions of Aegre: Paul King; Paul Birtles; Tony Pitman; John Lower; Peter Stone; Ian McDonald; Dave Carnell; Brian Dominic; Beryl McDowall; Nancy Johnson; Norman Osborne; David Pullen; Dave Scott; Mike Snaith; John Baylis; Bill Joyce, Lynda Payton; Roger Bunting; Colin Crofts; Rod Auton; Linda Hulme.

Aegre November 2010 Page 25

Floating Pennywort from the Soar We were approached by Stuart Collins, Volunteer Leader for the BW Central Shires, to see if I and/or any friends might be available in July to help with pennywort removal, along with some BW staff members. We would be working from a boat to clear the area above Mountsorrel Lock.

This day was organised for the BBC to come and film. They dropped out at the last moment, but we continued with the day.

I approached David Hastie, and Pat and Terry Hind, all members of the IWA Leicestershire Branch, and they were all keen to help. We all met Stuart at my moorings at Mountsorrel, where the BW flat, "Mr Potts", had been left ready, and travelled on the boat up to the A6 bridge, to meet the other BW staff. Lifejackets, protective gloves, waterproof gear, and high-vis. jackets were all put on, and work began. Kebs (a rake like a garden fork, but with a longer handle, and the head set at 90 degrees to the handle) and drags were used to pull the pennywort towards the boat. We soon found that the most effective way of getting the weed into the boat was to grab it in your arms and pull hard!

During the course of the day, the flat had to be taken back to the bridge twice, and the pennywort emptied onAegre November 2010 Page 26

to the back of the towpath, ready for collection by road. Had we known sooner, we might have been able to arrange for it to be composted on my land, but at least it was removed from the Soar. There is still much work to be done, but we all felt that this was a worth-while exercise.

In September David Hastie and I attended another Volunteering Day with BW, EA and Leicester City Council, working on the stretch from Cossington Lock to Junction Lock. IWA joined BW on "Mr Potts", working on the navigation, and the EA and LCC used LCC's recently acquired little work-boat and a bell-boat on the backwater.

Beryl McDowall In the photo, Darren Green, Region Manager, Central Shires, is standing on the bow, and Branch members Terry and Pat Hind and David Hastie help BW office staff with pennywort removal. Photo: Beryl McDowall (also part of the work party)

Success at IWA National Festival Members of the Leicestershire Branch were delighted to hear that members Andrew and Rosemary Bimson of narrow boat "Isander" were joint winners of the Cressy Award for the best residential boat at the Festival. They tied with a 130 ton Dutch Barge after a long day for the judges, with more entries this year than usual. Both boat owners were commended for the sustainability of their boats, and the many innovative design features which made their craft stand out above the rest.

Beryl McDowall

Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “Endeavour” from Northampton Branch; “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “The Bridge”, from Grantham Canal Society; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; “The Wharfinger”, from Louth Navigation Trust., and “Navigation” from West Midlands Region.

Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given in our page 4 directory.

For “The Cuckoo” contact the editor John Lower at 92a Tapton View Road, Chesterfield S41 7JY.

Aegre November 2010 Page 27

Regional Diary Dates 2010/11 All members of any branch, visitors, and non-members are all welcome to attend.

For more information on Northampton events contact Graham Treagus on 01604 87051.

Notts & Derby Branch Programme The Notts and Derby 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. You will find us a friendly bunch! We meet on the third Friday of the month throughout most of the year.

Meetings are held at 7.30 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. It would take about 25 minutes from M1 Junction 24 up the A453. Don’t be alarmed by a barrier at the entrance - they will let you out again.

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 from Mavis White on 01636 671726.

Friday, 19th November 2010 Illustrated talk by Mike Kelly of the Friends of Cromford Canal on the “Cromford Canal”.

Friday, 17st Dec 2010 Christmas Social meeting.

This is your chance to get to know people better, with a Mini presentation “A continental boating holiday on the Canal du Midi” by John Wilkinson.

Followed by Christmas refreshments.

Aegre November 2010 Page 28

Friday, 21st January 2011 Illustrated talk by David Amos “Coal in the Leen Valley”. The coal mining industry in the older concealed coalfields of the River Leen valley in Nottinghamshire. Find out more about the history of coal mining and communities from Annesley colliery in the north to Clifton colliery near Nottingham, in the south.

Friday, 18th February 2011 Annual General Meeting of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire branch followed by an illustrated talk by author and canal restorer John Lower, on the latest restoration developments along the Chesterfield canal.

Friday, 18th March 2011 Illustrated talk by Bob Williams “Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Today”.

Friday, April 15th The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Specialist Team.

Leicestershire Branch Programme Meetings will normally be held at 7.30 pm at The Wheatsheaf Pub, Leicester Road, Thurcaston, LE7 7JN, (at the junction with Mill Road) in the Function Room/Skittle Alley, unless otherwise stated. The Wheatsheaf is on the Anstey to Birstall road. There is plenty of parking at the pub. For SatNav equipped vehicles try 52° 41.679’ N, 01° 09.715’ W, or SK 56738 11106.

Thursday, 11th November, 2010 John Pomfret, Regional Chairman and IWA Trustee, will give an illustrated talk entitled “Waterways of the North East.”

Thursday, 9th December, 2010 Our Christmas Meal last year, at the Wheatsheaf, proved very popular, so we will be eating there again this year. Pre-booking will be essential to guarantee a place. Booking forms with cheques must be returned by 14th November.

Bookings will be taken on a “first come, first served” basis.

Aegre November 2010 Page 29

Thursday, 13th January, 2011 David Hastie, a member of the IWA Leicestershire Branch, will give a talk entitled "A visit to the Waimangu Valley, New Zealand." This illustrated talk shows the splendours of this unique area, formed since the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.

Thursday, 10th February, 2011 Branch Annual General Meeting, followed by a presentation by Beryl McDowall entitled “A Year in the Life of the IWA Leicestershire Branch: 2010-2011.”

Thursday, 10th March, 2011 Mary Matts will give an illustrated talk entitled “Wild Flowers and Waterways.” Although she is based at Foxton, Mary’s talk will include flowers from a wider area, as well as local specimens.

Thursday, 14th April, 2011 Skittles Night at The Wheatsheaf pub, Thurcaston. Prior booking desirable.

Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May, 2011 Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival.

Thursday, 12th May, 2011 Explore an area of Leicestershire by walking round a village to take part in our Treasure Hunt, organised by Beryl McDowall. Further details nearer the time.

Saturday / Sunday 4th / 5th June, 2011 Riverside Festival and Boat Rally on the Mile Straight, in Leicester. Many attractions, both on and off the water, with something for everyone.

Further details of meetings will be given in “Winding Ways” and will be on the Branch web site. Alternatively, contact the Social Secretary, Beryl McDowall (phone 07710-029247) or email beryl@nbwasp.co.uk.

Note: If you are coming to hear a specific speaker, you are advised to ring Beryl nearer the time to confirm the details, as occasionally changes have to be made.

Aegre November 2010 Page 30

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: Leicestershire Branch. At the Wheatsheaf Inn, Thurcaston. Leicester, on Thursday, February 10th. 2010 at 7.30 pm.

Lincolnshire Branch. At St. Mary-le-Wigford Church Hall, Lincoln, on Monday, February 14th 2011 at 7.45 pm.

Northampton Branch. At the Walnut Tree Inn, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, Northants, NN7 3DS, on Tuesday, 8th March 2011, at 8pm Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch. At Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, on Friday, February 18th 2011 at 7.30 pm.

East Midlands Region. At the Walnut Tree Inn, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, Northants, NN7 3DS, on Tuesday, 8th March 2011 following completion of the Northampton Branch AGM. AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting 3. Matters arising.

4. Report of the Chairman.

5. Report of the Treasurer and presentation of accounts.

6. Statement of committee size 7. Election of Committee members.

8. Address by Member of Council.

9. 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 Secretary or, in the case of East Midlands Region, the Region Chairman not less than 14 days before that meeting.

John Baylis, Secretary, East Midlands Region IWA. Aegre November 2010 Page 31

Aegre November 2010 Page 32