Endeavour
1 to attempt (eg the ful filment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n a serious determined effort
Northampton Branch Newsletter - August 2016
SAVE THE DATE New venue and date for the 2017 Branch Boat Gathering ST OKE BRUE RNE , 19T H –21ST MAY Vicky Martin , CRT Sou th-E ast Waterways Manag er, wri tes for End eavo ur
“ARM ADOPTION IS AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS” Looking back at my first year or so in post, it certainly has been a period of change for the Canal & River Trust. We have a new Chair at the helm, lots of new directors and a new super huge directorate - Customer Services and Operations headed up by Ian Rogers. In January, the Regional Waterway teams and national Community Engagement team moved into the new directorate joining with Boating and Licensing, Customer Service and Museums. One of the great advant ages of the new structure is that most of the customer facing teams in the Trust have now been brought together as one directorate. This is helping us to become more customer focused as an organisation and I believe it’s a posiVicky Martin tive step forward. I have already started to see a shift in the way customer feedback is being used to influence priorities and shape the national works programme. Continued on page 16 The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retention, restoration and development of Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use. The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.
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EDITORIAL MUSINGS It scarcely seems possible that 12 months have passed since the Festival of Water was held at Northampton. Since then dramatic changes have overcome the area around the lock and Lock Island at Becket’s Park where the event was centred. No longer a boathouse – and a pedestrian and cycle bridge, virtually spanning the island, is already under construction, linking the Park with the developing University of Northampton Waterside Campus, where building activity is hotting up. And, nearby at Midsummer Meadow, a new road layout connected with the University’s development is rapidly taking shape. It’s all a bit of a mess at the moment whilst things are underway. The Marina stands in the midst of this activity and I gather life hasn’t been all that peaceful at times, especially when pile-driving was taking place! However, I am sure the situation will soon sort itself out, but only on completion will we be able to judge the impact of the development on the overall waterside environment. Our principal concern, of cours e, focus es on the island area and whether or not it will be feasible to hold events there again. Get down to Becket’s Park if you can and see for yourselves what is going on. Meanwhile, there was an immediate response in Waterways World to the magazine’s story (which prompted our item in May’s Endeavour) about the protest by 120 or so people to the building of the proposed Daventry canal arm into the town. “What is wrong with the people of Daventry?” queri ed WW correspondent S.S. Burrows. He added: “Fancy taking the time and effort to protest against a canal. Of all the things to object to in this day and age, they’ve chosen to take issue with a mere two -mile arm that would actually have economic benefits for the town.” Was the protest politically motivated, as suggested by the writer? Whichever way you look at it, I find it all rather sad. On a totally different theme. We all make mistakes, so one tends not to gloat from the editorial chair. But I cannot resist this one: according to The Times, of all people, the Canal & River Trust is a 200-year-old charity! In March, CRT issued a press releas e urging people to stop feeding bread to ducks, suggesting that kale and pea shoots to be a far more healthier substitute. Under the headline, “The bread is off as trendy fat ducks dine on kale, The Times reported: “The 200-year-old charity held a lettuce taste test on waterfowl in the Aylesbury stretch of the Grand Union Canal which found that, like the latte-sipping metropolitan elite, the birds enjoyed leaves and greens.” As far as I know, the statement went uncorrected. So this how things become a matter of record!
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DIARY DATES
September 10th-11th Village at War Stoke Bruerne. See page 11 Details friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk 13th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth. Speaker: Tony Conder — Waterways at War October 11th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth. Speaker: John Beynon — History and purpose of Swansea and South Wales canals 15th 7pm IWA Northampton Branch Annual Dinner at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne. Details on page 27 November 8th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth. Speaker: Dave Moore — Narrowboat Decoration and lettering (including demo) December 6th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth. Christmas Quiz with Mick and Catriona Butler
NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTY DATES September 4th, 20th. October 9th, 25th. November 13th, 29th. December 11th. Contact geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or phone 01604 453932 BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WO RK PARTY DATES September 8th, 11th, 22nd. October 6th, 9th, 20th. November 3rd, 13th, 17th. December 1st, 11th, 15th, 29th. Contact Athina Beckett on 01908 661217 Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership Work Party Dates September 14th. October 12th. November 9th. December 14th Contact stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk
IWA Northampton Branch web site www.waterways.org.uk/northampton Please visit it regularly to see any updates
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Branch Chairman’s Jottings by Bernard Morton
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Following the country’s biggest hokey-cokey dance (“ in-out, in-out, what was it all about?), we found ourselves for a short while as a Branch with the possibility of the MP covering a large section of our area becoming Prime Minister. In the event, Andrea Leadsom, the Member for South Northamptonshire, ended up as the new Environment and Rural Affairs Secretary with a seat in the Cabinet. Over the past few years or so, Andrea has shown hersel f to be a friend of the waterways through her attendances at various events at Stoke Bruerne. She has also gone on record as opposing the environment-wrecking Rail Freight Terminal between Blisworth and Milton Malsor and I gather she’s not too keen either on the HS2 project which passes through the extreme southern tip of the county. We await developments, if not with baited breath but with a degree of vested interest. RETURN TO STOKE BRUERNE. First, on Saturday 15th October, we are at The Boat Inn again after a break of several years for our Annual Dinner. Interest had been declining over the past few years in the Heart of England pub at Weedon as a venue, so last year we went afloat for the first time for dinner at the Riverboat Restaurant moored at Midsummer Meadow at Northampton. But that, for various reasons, did not float everybody’s boat. Thus your committee has taken soundings, reassessed the situation, and has decided the time is right for another change. As a result, we shall now be dining in The Boat Inn’s canalside restaurant at Stoke Bruerne where we shall anticipate a good, wholesome meal at a reasonable price. A booking form is included with this Endeavour (or available online at https:// www.waterways.org.uk/northampton/northampton_pdf/branch_dinner_2016) . Places are limited to 50. Book early is my advice! Also returning to Stoke Bruerne is our annual Spring Boat Gathering. We have had two years at Nurser’s Dock at Braunston Marina, courtesy of Tim Coghlan (who would have been happy to have had us back in 2017), but again interest in the event has been waning and it was considered a move would be opportune. There’s a new date, too – the weekend of 19th -21st May. This is the weekend before the Crick Boat Show and the hope is we may attract travelling boaters on their way there. The lack of a Bank Holiday Monday, I think, will not be that critical to the overall success of the Gathering. After all, we never did anything else on the Monday apart from packing up and going home! We’ve already obtained full CRT approval and support, with a number of mooring spots to be reserved above Top Lock (excess in the Long Pound below second lock), but importantly we shall have the use of Quarry Field where we can pitch our marquees. For those of you unfamiliar with Stoke Bruerne, Quarry Field is an area of land, acquired by CRT, adjacent to the towpath a short distance from the Museum Green going towards the tunnel. Its availability is limited at the moment as CRT
8 considers its options, but it will be used for the first time over the weekend o f 10th 11th September when The Friends of The Canal Museum stage their popular Village at War event. A new entrance gate is being installed from the towpath. See as many of you as possible at Stoke Bruerne – yes! FRIENDS’ CHAIRMAN. Throughout the IWA’s long life, there has always been a tradition of members hiving off and getting themselves involved in other waterway projects whilst at the same time continuing with their Association’s membership and active support. In fact, numerous restoration societies have their roots embedded in the IWA. Locally, our Branch has several o f its members at the heart of The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne organisation – indeed they were integral in its formation in the mid 2000s. Now Branch member Michael (Mick) Butler has taken over the Chairmanship of the Friends’ Council following the untimely resignation through ill-health o f waterways polymath David Blagrove. Mick is a relative newcomer to the waterways, but he found his involvement went with the territory when he married Catriona, whose own boating life started as a young member of the Hasdell family way back in the 1960s. Subsequently, he has become one of the key members of the Northampton Branch committee, bringing a strong whiff of fresh air to the proceedings, never afraid of calling a spade a spade. In fact his wide experience at a senior level in the construction industry proves invaluable (he seems to know where he can lay his hands on things when others can’t!). Mick has carried his enthusiasm on as joint organiser of the Branch’s Northampton Arm Adoption Group. His energy, allied with that of co-organiser Geo ff Wood, is ensuring the ongoing success o f the venture, along with their loyal and hard-working Task Party colleagues. Now he is turning his hand to leading the Museum Friends group. It is a challenging task, but I am sure Mick will handle it well in his own individual style. I wish him well. MILEPOST TRIBUTE. Elsewhere in Endeavour you will find a report of a milepost unveiling ceremony on the Northampton Arm marking the huge contribution Eric Young brought to the waterways scene locally. Eric died sadly, and too soon, on New Year’s Day 2015. He was a true enthusiast, friendly, always ready to lend a hand and get stuck in. In recent years, a similar towpath memorial near Yardley Gobion was unveiled in memory of John Russell, a long-serving Branch committee member whose connections with the Branch go back to before the IWA National Rally in Northampton in 1971. It’s a fitting and lovely way to remember someone’s life. NEW REGION CHAIRMAN. At last Eastern Region, to which Northampton is affiliated, has a Region Chairman. He is our own John Pomfret, a Branch committee member, who has been involved in all our major events in recent years. John, who lives on a boat at Braunston Marina, requires little introduction. He is well known on the national waterways scen e, especially in inland freight circl es, and in the summer issue of IWA Waterways, his work in compiling the new Waterways Directory was detailed. We look forward to working with him.
9 GONE BOATING. As I write this, summer seems to have arrived at last with temperatures up into the 30s and we are about to set off on our boat for a much -needed break. Enjoy your boating and other activities around the waterways for the rest of the summer and into autumn. I hope to see you at our regular monthly social meetings at The Walnut Tree Inn at Blisworth which resume on the second Tuesday of September (13th). Following Graham Treagus’s retirement, our new Meetings Organiser, Gemma Kinsey, has been busy planning an interesting range of speakers to entertain us. There is a full list of speakers on page 19.
NEW BRANCH MEMBERS ARE WELCOMED We extend a warm welcome to the following who have joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour
NEW MEMBERS Mr S Jones & Mrs A Houslander, Leatherhead Mr K P Judd, Everdon, Northamptonshire Mrs S Lownes, Flore, Northampton
MEMBERS WHO HAVE MOVED TO THE BRANCH Mr S W & Mrs A Briggs, Ke tte rin g
We look forward to meeting you all at our Branch events
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SAVE THE BRANCH MONEY! Stop receiving Endeavour by post and instead get it electronically. You will be notified by email when it’s published on-line. This will save in postage and printing costs. The printed version will be available at Branch meetings. Contact Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk and he will organise it. Editor
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JOB VACANCY Northampton Branch
ARE YOU THE PERSON WE NEED ON OUR BRANCH COMMITTEE?
Northampton Branch is looking for a new Committee member after Lynda Payton’s decision to retire due to Sam’s illness following an impressive 19 years loyal, dedicated service to the Branch. What is involved? One committee meeting per month on 1 st Tuesday (except for June, July and August) Role of publicity/grants officer is on offer but is not an essential part of the vacancy Positive way to contribute to help preserve our inland waterways heritage Salary — negotiable, but not exceeding £0 per annum! If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Bernard Morton, Chairman, 07785 375787 email Bernard.morton@waterways.org.uk
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Another success for Stoke Bruerne Family Festival Dry and warm, if not entirely sunny weather, ensured a steady stream o f visitors to Stoke Bruerne for The Friends of The Canal Museum’s 11th Family Festival on 18th -19th June to celebrate the canal’s heritage and provide a fun -filled week end on and off the water. This year's focus was on dance and music with a full programme of live entertainers in a covered marqu ee and out on the towpath. Boat trips, canal craft demonstrations, trade and fundraising stalls, pony rides, tombolas and a raft o f children's activities were among the rang e of things to do and see. A variety of food outlets serving everything from burgers, champagne and strawberries and cream teas topped off by a real ale bar and beer festival at The Navigation pub kept visitors well watered and fed. All in all, another successful Festival for all the family.
Letter to the Editor
Northampton Arm congratulations My wife and I have travelled twice a year up and down the Northampton Arm for the last 15 years or so. We have again made the trip this year down from the Grand Union Canal to Northampton and on to the River Nene. It is a trip we have never really enjoyed due to poor leaking locks with difficult paddles, lack of water, running aground, graffiti, etc. However on this occasion there was a noticeable difference, with everything well maintained, paddles much improved, grass trimmed and plenty of water. Even lock 16 was tidy! The new bi-centenary seat at Lock 17 made the picture complete. Well done to all those who have had a hand in this transformation.
John and Barbara Bennett (nb Grandad Dyer)
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16 Continued from front page: VICKY MARTIN WRITES... Over the last year I have enjoyed getting out and about exploring my patch, meeting stakeholders and listening to their views. It did not take long to understand the enormity of the challenge facing the Trust and to realise that the only way we The pictures on this page illustrate two of the art installations could hope to in the Great Linford area. Above the white barn owl and deliver our vision below the shire horse. On page 18 the Japanese-style of ‘living waterenamel panels are pictured ways, transforming places and enriching lives’, was to recruit an enormous army of volunteers. On my travels I have met with lots of volunteers including lock keepers, members of adoption groups, canal partnerships and restoration societies. And I have seen some great work taking place on the ground. The transfo rmation of the 4.5 mile Northampton Arm, adopted by the IWA Northampton Branch three years ago, is certainly an inspiration to others. It has been wonderful to see the way that you have engaged local schoolchildren in creating a mosaic at Gayton and with local businesses, such as Carlsberg and Santander, and most recently Bellway Homes at Lock 17. You have shown what can be achiev ed when
17 a community is allowed to take ownership and empowered to make a difference. If we could replicate what you have achi eved across the 2000 mile track, we’d be laughing… Highlights of the year must include Crick Boat Show in May, with a record number of visitors attending this year. The Canal & River Trust marquee was buzzing all weekend – we counted over 6,500 visitors and our fundraising team signed up a record breaking 55 fri ends. It was great to see so many staff and volunteers on board. The Roses and Castles drop-in painting sessions, heritage skills demos, giant fish tank and the Brindley costumed character went down a storm. Despite the best efforts of many a mischievous boater, Brindley could not be caught out! He really knew his stuff. In Brindley’s honour we also offered bridge and canal building activities in the marquee. Ahead of the show our education team rolled out their new Brindley Brainwaves education programme to local schools. Big thanks must also be said to Vinci for generously agreeing to sponsor the temporary bridge both this year and next. A further highlight was our new Canal Laureate, Luke Kennard, visiting the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally in June. The poor weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 67 historic narrowboats and 7,000 visitors who flocked to the event; and Luke jumped aboard Nutfield for the boat parade. Inspired by the day, Luke wrote a sonnet in praise of Hadley, winner of the Nurser Award for the best historic narrowboat. Luke also offered to write a poem to commemorate Nutfield’s 80th birthday on 22nd July. Over the last year, our Sports Participation Manager, Joe Sammon, has been working with local groups to encourage the use of our waterways for physical activity. The project has been funded by Sport England and events have taken place at Aylesbury, Banbury and Weston Turville Reservoir, offering free taster sessions in a range of activities including paddle boarding, canoeing, angling and cycling. For those of you who like a challenge, Joe has planned the Trust’s first half marathon. ‘Two Arms on Two Legs’ incorporates the Wendover and Aylesbury Arms and takes place on 11th September. So there is still time to sign up! If the idea of a hal f marathon terri fies you, there is also a 10k and family fun run. For further information, please contact Joe Sammon on 01908 351940 or Joe.Sammon@canalrivertrust.org.uk. Another date for your diary is 17 th December when we will be having our first ever Illuminated Boat Festival at Foxton Locks. CRT is working with Foxton Incline Plane Trust and Harborough District Council to develop plans for the event. Do come along as it’s going to be epic! There will be a prize for the best dressed boat and an opportunity to be part of the parade and choreographed pyrotechnic display. Plus floating and local produce markets, carol singing, lanterns and Santa of course. Further inform ation and details on how to book will be publicised as plans take shape. Please note that The Friends of The Canal Museum have decided not to organise an Illuminated Boat event at Stoke Bruerne this year, so make sure you don’t miss the festivities at Foxton.
18 Events are a great way to encourage visitors to our waterways but one of the major challenges for the Canal & River Trust is how to monetise the visitor experience. We attract 19 million visitors to our waterways each year, yet few directly contribute to their upkeep. Having a tourism background, I jumped at the chance to be part of a national pilot project to develop Destination Management Plans (DMPs) for key destinations. The DMP involves working with stakeholders and agreeing a shared vision and action plan fo r the sustainable development of a des tination. As part of the pilot, plans have been developed for sev en destinations, including Foxton and Stoke Bruerne on my patch. The plans have just been finalised and will be used to support funding applications to take projects forward. The pilot marks a shift towards a more strategic approach to developing our destinations. This year we are planning to work with stakeholders to develop a DMP for the Milton Keynes canal corrido r. In the meantime, if you are boating through Gifford Park look out for the new art trail which has just been launched to commemorate the legacy of Gyosei Intern ational School UK. When the Japanese school and playing fields closed in 2002, the site was redeveloped fo r housing. Great Linford Parish Council have led the project, which has been paid for with developer funding. Phase One includes eight art installations, all related to the themes of Japanes e connections, canal history, fish, fowl, insects and invertebrates. From the canal you can see: A stunning glass mosaic of a white barn owl swooping into the trees at Great Linfo rd by local artist M A life-size shire horse in steel by Andrew Kay A Three Post Bench with colourful carvings of canal wildlife by Jeremy Turner A giant dragonfly hovering in the air by Ptolemy Elrington A series of Jap anese-style enamel panels inspired by bird and plant life seen by the canal by Laura Boswell. It’s well worth a boating trip, and even mooring nearby, to see the artworks close up. The trail is located on both sides of the canal and there are also additional artworks (giant frog ben ch and spider web and commemorative plaque) set back from the waterway.
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SOME THOUGHTS TO KEEP YOU SAFE AS YOU ENJOY OUR INLAND WATERWAYS THIS SUMMER However you plan to visit our inland waterways (whether by boat, bicycle or on foot), please keep the following in mind:
In warm weather, the temptation to cool off in a local waterway increases – sometimes with tragic consequences. Any open body of water can pose a hazard as the water can often be extremely cold and can bring on cramps in even the strongest of swimmers and there may be hidden objects lurking beneath the surface. Locks on canals and rivers can be dangerous places with potentially hazardous equipment. Be wary of accepting help from strangers who may not know how to work locks safely and could put your vessel at risk. If you see any instances of anti -social behaviour or encounter any threatening behaviour, remember to use 101 to report non-emergenci es to the Police, which can be done anonymously. 999 should, of course, be used for emergencies. In isolated locations, try to give the location of the nearest access point if known. If not, use the nearest bridge or lock number. It is also very helpful i f any incidents are report ed to the relevant waterways authorities. To contact CRT phone South-East Waterways 0303 040 4040 or email enquiries.southeast@canalrivertrust.org.uk To contact EA use the Incident Hotline 0800 807060.
Branch Meetings 2016-2017 13th September: Tony Conder
Waterways at War
11th October: John Beynon
History and purpose of Swansea and South Wales canals Narrowboat Decoration and Lettering (including demo) Christmas Quiz
8th November: Dave Moore 6th December: Mick and Catriona Butler 10th January: Patrick Moss
Somerset Coal Canal Society
14th February: Peter Gray
Water Management
14th March: AGM –Tony Brooks
Boat Maintenance
11th April
TBA
9th May
TBA
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Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally continues to push the old boats out Despite poor weather, a total of 67 historic narrowboats and some 7,000 visitors attended the 14th Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally in late June, making it once again by far and away the larg est rally o f thes e narrowboats anywh ere on the can als, writes Tim Coghlan And this is despite a growing number of similar events around the waterways – inspired no doubt by the success of the Braunston Rally. As David Daines, owner of the 1935 Yarwood’s Cyprus said: “Braunston remains the premier event, and it is the first we put in our diary every y ear.” The Rally has come a long way since the first one in 2003, when 29 boats attended – which seemed a lot at the time. The Rally was opened by Les Etheridge, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, in recognition of this being the 70th anniversary o f the founding o f the Associ ation in 1946, which has done so much to save and preserv e our inland waterways. Les sportingly donned traditional working boatmen costume. With a little help from the Friends of R aymond, he helmed the Nutfield – 80 years old this July - towing its famous butty Raymond from the Grand Union Canal into the marina. Raymond was steered by Richard Parry, CEO of the Canal & River Trust, who had opened last year’s Rally. As Les Etheridge passed under the marina’s famous 1834 Horseley Ironworks Bridge in the pouring rain, he declared the 2016 Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally ‘Open!’ His acclamation was Smiling through. Despite the rain, Inland Waterways Association accomp anied Chairman Les Etheridge preparing to set off on Nutfield to formalby the joyful ly open the 2016 Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally sound of the
21 church bells of Braunston, and celebratory music from Daventry Brass, which had retreated into the nearby beer tent, from where it continued to play. After the parade, an 80th birthday party was held on Boats galore on the Grand Union Canal Nutfield by the in the traditional parade of boats Friends of Raymond, for which a special cake in the form of Nutfield in a lock had been made by former working boatwoman Alice Lapworth. This was formally cut by Les Etheridge. Shore-side attractions included a trade marquee, and also a number of outside exhibitors, among them several canal societies. Other entertainments included Morris Dancers, the famous beer tent and music provided by a number of groups. There was also the now well established canal artists’ marquee, with a special exhibition of the li fe and works of the legendary Braunston canal boat painter Ron Hough, who died last year. Before the formal opening of the Rally, a commemorative plaque to Ron was unveiled by Les Etheridge in the presence of Ron’s wife Yvonne and daughter Angela. On the Sunday, there was also the presence of the new Canal Laureate Luke Kennard, who joined Nutfield for the parade of boats. He will be writing a poem to commemorate the Nutfield’s 80th birthday on 22nd July. Having been tipped off for the winner of the Nurser Award for the best historic narrowboat at the Rally - as voted on the Saturday by the boaters - Luke also visited that boat, the Hadley, owned by Peter Dumelow. Peter still actively trades on the canal as a coal and fuel boat, and keeps his boat in very fine condition. Inspired by his visit, Luke laboured there and then on a sonnet in praise of Hadley, which he read following the presentation of the Nurser Award, which compris es a painted Buckby can to be held for one year, and £250 of Midland Chandlers vouchers generously sponsored by them.
22 To manage the event at its present size, a number o f chang es have b een mad e in recent years, including having now eleven volunteer harbour-masters to manage the moorings and parades. One o f them, John Boswell, was a working boatman in his boyhood in the 1950s, and knew some of these boats in their working days. The stewards have much reduced the good-humoured chaos traditionally associated with past parades. The Canal & River Trust supported the Rally in many ways, including closing the visitor moorings in the parade route, and making them available for historic narrowboats. For me what was most pleasing was the numb er o f bo ats that came which had n ever been before, and the comments from so many owners that it is events like the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally which inspires them to restore and maintain their boats which are such an important living and moving part of our canal heritage. Each year I h ear the s ame grati fying story, which makes org anising the Rally so worthwhile. All profits, exceeding £6,000, were donated as usual to can al causes. The main recipient was the Friends o f Raymond which receiv ed £2,000 fo r its important restoration maintenance o f the Nutfield and Raymond. A number o f other donations were made to canal societies attending the Rally, including £1,000 to The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, whose narrowbo at Sculptor has recently undergone major restoration. It was seen in the parades with the Friends’ recent Chairman David Blagrove enjoying coming on board and taking a passenger role. The Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally is sponsored by Braunston Marina and Towpath Talk, and is supported by the Canal & River Trust. Braunston Marina will be hosting the event again next year on the same last week end in June – 24th – 25th.
At the Ron Hough exhibition, Ron’s relatives enjoy the display. The exhibition was well attended
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UPDATING THE RAIL FR EIGHT TERMINAL SITUATION A “str ateg ic i nterc h ang e” i s n o w also pro pos ed ! Endeavour has received the following contribution from the pressure group, Stop Rail Central: Northampton’s warehouses are spreading south, clearing the way for the redevelopment of older, urban -edge industrial estates into housing. Stop Rail Central suspects the 'headline' jobs created are not new, but in fact will be relocations from these less shiny industrial estates north-east of Northampton, as companies consider consolidating their operations into Rail Central's proposed massive sheds between Blisworth and Milton Malsor. By now you have probably heard of the Roxhill proposal to build a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange on the land immediately adjacent to Rail Central. This is the site formerly known as the Howden Development and is next to junction 15 of the M1. If this new proposal and Rail Central were both to be given approval we would end up with 14 million square feet of warehousing and two rail freight depots which together would probably constitute the largest logistics park in Europe. So what are the implications of this second concurrent application? Could we really end up with two massive SRFIs adjacent to each other? If only one can feasibly be granted cons ent which one would it be? Would it be first come first served? The implications for the local community and the environment of one being built are devastating enough; two would be unthinkable. This situation is unprecedented and Stop Rail Central are currently liaising with the relevant authorities in an attempt to find out more. SRC's stance has always been that this is the wrong place for a Rail Freight Interchange and there is nothing in the new proposal that causes this view to change. Those of you who have followed this sorry saga will know that the stock response from Ashfi eld Land "it’s on different timelines” has been repeatedly used when questioned as to why there is a need for another massive rail facility less than 20 miles from DIRFT; which now has permission to build an additional eight million square feet over the next 15 years. DIRFT 3 is clearly on the same time line as Rail Central and will compete for the same tenants and the same train paths. The same is absolutely true of the new Roxhill Junction 15 proposal. In fact, because Ashfield land made such a mess of the first round of public exhibitions, they will now have to repeat them early next year prior to a planning application in July 2017. Roxhill are highly likely to be submitting a planning application before Ashfi eld with their public consultation starting in September this year. Much of this is inconsequential because the fact is that the area cannot accommodat e one SRFI let alone two — the road network would be overly stressed with the additional traffi c generated by eight million square feet of warehousing let alone 13 million square feet and, most significantly, there will never be suffici ent rail paths on this stretch of the West Coast Mainline to allow either to operate effectively as an SRFI. Where is the sustainability in all of this?
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NORTHAMPTON ARM UPDATE It has been a busy time for the Northampton Arm adoption group during the spring and early summer, writes Geoff Wood. On top of running our regular Task Parties, on the 12 th May we hosted a group o f 12 volunteers from Nationwide Building Society, Northampton and carried out a litter pick in the Briar Hill/ Far Cotton area. The group met at bridge 14, Briar Hill and then litter picked the surrounding area, moving on along the Nene Way and ending up by the KFC outlet, who kindly supplied everyone with tea and coffee. About 40 bags of rubbish plus shopping trollies and bike frames were collected. The weather stayed fin e and everyon e had a good day. You may rememb er that over the last two years we h ave hosted Sant ander volunteer groups on the Arm and we welcomed them again this year. I was contacted by Santander in March about hosting a group o f about 20 volunteers some time in June. When I replied saying we could split the group up and have about seven per day over three days, imagine my surprise when they said they meant 20 volunteers per day over three days. Mick Butler and I talked it over and decid ed this would be a great opportunity to renew the 70 metres of fen ce at Lock 1 which has been in a sorry state for some time. So, over 7th, 8th and 9th June this task was undertaken. On day one all the old fen cing was remov ed and stack ed. A tree was prun ed to allow access to the fence, about 3/4 of the new holes dug and about 1/3 of the new posts concreted in. Extensive lock edging was also undert aken. On day two the remaining
Photocall for Santander volunteers at Lock 1
25 holes were dug and we began to fit the rails and started the painting. On day three we completed the fence and also carried out a lot of other edging and bollard painting. We had three very hot days, with only a small interruption for rain. We also had to put up with cattle, including a bull, which were very inquisitive in the field we were working from. Again everyone enjoyed themselves and a big thanks to our volunteers and Santander for all their efforts in getting a job of this size done. On the 2nd July we hosted a group of over 20 from the St Giles Cubs and Scouts group, Northampton. We litter picked from Lock 2 down to Lock 17 with over 30 bags and other general rubbish collected. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
The Cubs and Scouts proudly display the rubbish they collected
Local Crafts & Gifts THE CANAL SHOP at Stoke Bruerne Under the management of Sue Austin, who warmly welcomes all visitors Crocheted lacework a speciality Special offer –10% off for boaters SUMMER OPENING TIMES Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am - 3.30pm From 1st October, open Fridays Saturdays & Sundays 11am –3pm
Contact 07760 778638 You will find The Canal Shop opposite the Museum at Stoke Bruerne
Now fully open
WHILTON MARINA CHANDLERY
Diesel Pump out
Well stocked chandlery Groceries
Pay us a visit, just browse and see what we have to offer Open daily 9am –6pm ALL YEAR ROUND Te l 01327 844639
E-mail: marinachandlery@gmail.com
26 Remembering Eric Young on the Northampton Arm
COMMEMORATIVE MILEPOST UNVEILED On a hot and sunny late July afternoon, fri ends of Eric Young, a stalwart o f IWA Northampton Branch, who died on New Year’s Day 2015, gathered on the Northampton Arm towpath to celebrate the unveiling by his wife, Irene, of a commemorative milepost and plaque. Iren e told the gathering: “Eric was a true enthusiast and loyal supporter of the waterways and got himself involved in so many different ways. I am so grateful and pleased on his behalf that you have made this gesture so that we can be constantly reminded o f his enthusiasms and how much pleasure he got out of them. Thank you all so very much.” Irene was supported by Eric’s younger brother, Peter. His other brother, Gerald, who lives in Surrey, was sadly unable to attend. The milepost, marking two miles from Gayton Junction, and plaque are sited a short distance above Lock 14 (Wootton Lock), now generally known as Pineham Lock. The Branch drew upon the expertise of local members o f The Milestone Society, which campaigns for the conserv ation of milestones (mileposts) and waymarkers, to ensure the milepost was positioned correctly. Helen Crabtree, the Society’s Northamptonshire represent ative, told Endeavour: “We were only too pleased to help. It is so important that we keep in touch with our past in this way.” The milepost and plaque were professionally cast. CRT also got involved, so did David Wilson Homes, developers of the adjacent site who generously contributed £300 to the project. The installation was carried out by Arm Adoption Group volunteers, some of whom attended the unveiling. Among others present was Jacqui Flint, Friends of Eric Young gather for the milestone and plaque unveiling
27 CRT’s SE Waterways Volunteer Development Co-ordinator. Branch Chairman Bernard Morton said: “ It was a very friendly and informal gathering — the sort of occasion Eric would have loved to have been there in person.” Meanwhile, sincere thanks to Brian Mayland and Rose Granaghan for ad ministering some TLC on the milepost and plaque commemorating John Russell’s contribution to the Irene with Eric’s brother Peter (right) and Bernard Morton waterways. This milepost, indicating 25 miles to Braunston, may be found on the towpath south of Yardley Gobion ( see Chairman’s Jottings on page 8).
ANNUAL BRANCH DINNER Saturday 15th October 2016 at 7pm at The B oat Inn, Stoke Bruerne Our guest speaker will be Richard Parry, CEO of The Canal & River Trust Numbers are limited to 50, so please book early to avoid disappointment. A booking form is included in Endeavour and is also available on the Branch web site, www.waterways.org.uk/northampton IWA Northampton Branch now has a Facebook page. It’s at https:// www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in discussion on what’s happening.
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RICHARD GILL BSc, MABSE BOAT SAFETY TESTING
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HIGH HOUSE MARINA LTD High House Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4S F OUR SMALL MARINA (ONLY 24 BOATS) IS A VERY FRIENDLY PLACE TO BE MOORED, HENCE OUR CLIENTS TEND TO STAY PUT Our car park is quite secure and well hidden from the road WE DO NO W AND AG AI N H AVE A VACANCY, SO W H Y NOT GI VE US A CALL ? Contact Phil Gardner on 01327 349519, E-mail:phil.h.gardner@btconnect.com
Baxter Boat Yard Ltd
Dry Dock, Painti ng, Welding services, Engine Ins tallations & Servicing, Carpentry, General repairs, Wharf Services & small Chandlery.
Bridge 60, Yardley Gobion Tel:01908 542844 baxterboatyard@gmail.com
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine. Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however, gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify
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BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY The BCS ran a very successful festival over the weekend of Saturday 16 th – Sunday 17th July with a Canal Festival and Lock Ransom at Cosgrove Lock and a Craft Fair with cream teams and cakes in Cosgrove Village Hall. We were exceedingly lucky with the weather and had a wonderful sunny weekend. In fact people were looking for the shade, being that unused to sunny times, writes Athina Beckett. We also had some extra publicity when 3 Counties Radio and Radio Northampton decided to make our festival the ‘treasure’ in their Treasure Quest programme on the Saturday morning. I was asked to give an interview with Radio Northampton about the festival and later in the day Terry Cavender was also interviewed by Radio Northampton — all extra publicity for us. This year there were more than a dozen trade boats attending the festival, among them our old favourites the Cheese Boat, the Fudge Boat and Raymond and Nutfield plus Aldgate together with some new attendees, including the Therapy Boat and the Herb Boat. Here I would like to thank Geoff Wood for doing most of the paperwork for the festival and booking in all the boats and stalls. The Craft Fair in the Village Hall also went well and a big thanks here goes to Joan Shean who rounded up family and friends to help serve the teas and cake, making for a very successful weekend. Also thanks go to everybody else who volunteered for us at the festival. Thanks must also go to all at the CRT stall who helped and attended the festival, including Richard Parry, Vicky Martin and Lee King plus several other CRT people. This year music was again supplied by Phil Underwood and friends who played at both the canalside and in the village hall and entertained us on Saturday night whilst a group of us had a fish and chip supper on the ‘island’ next to Cosgrove Lock. Sunday had looked to be a little quiet as Phil was booked at another venue but then a couple of young buskers arrived and played and sang for us along the towpath and proved to be so popular that they have been invited back next year. Once again the Buckingham Canal Water beer was on sale but this time supplied by Frog Island Brewery. Whilst not a beer drinker myself, I hear they were a great success with their canalside bar. Regarding the work parties, over the next few months most of these will be concentrated at Cosgrove whilst we explore the area around Bridge No 1, examining what remains of this bridge. Blue, our excavator, is now based on site and is being used on a regular basis. Work will continue to discover how much of Bridge 1 remains. For a considerable period it was thought most of this bridge was missing but towards the end of 2015 our volunteers carried out exploration work on the bridge and a lot more of it appears to be there, buried under several layers of earth. If this proves to be the case, work to restore the bridge becomes much easier. We have also had extra help at our Nature Reserve site with outside companies joining us for the day. These have included several Santander visits with other companies including Argos and NHBC. All Northampton IWA members would be welcome to join us on our Thursday and Sunday work parties, particularly as Cosgrove is in Northamptonshire! Contact me for details (see page 4).
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ADVERTISING All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.
CO MMERCIAL RATES 1/4 Page (box) £12.00 +VAT 1/2 Page (box) £25.00 +VAT Full Page £40.00 +VAT Other sizes by arrangement 10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance 5% discount for 4 issues paid quarterly
CLASSIFIEDS (suggested donations) £1.50 for 22 words, 15p each additional word £3.50 for box around classified advertisement (nb. telephone numbers count as one word) £3.50 for photographs
BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May inclusive at THE WALNUT TREE INN, BLISWORTH, at 8pm All members and non-members welcome. Food and drink available
NEXT MEETINGS Tuesday, 13th September Speaker: Tony Conder —Waterways at War Tuesday, 11th October Speaker: John Beynon — History and Purpose of Swansea and South Wales canals Tuesday, 8th November Speaker: Dave Moore — Narrowboat Decoration and Lettering (including demonstration) See page 19 for the year’s programme The next edition of Endeavour will be published in November 2016
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WHO ’S WHO IN NORTHAMPTON BRANCH 2016/2017 Branch Chairman
Branch Meetings Gemma Kinsey
Bernard Morton
07785 375787/ 01604 858294 E-mail: bernard.morton @waterway s.org.uk
E-mail: gemma..kinsey @waterway s.org.uk
Vice Chairman, Joint Task Party Organise r & Membe rship Se cre tary
Boat Gathering Chairman & Joint Task Party Organise r
Geo ff Wood
Michael Butler E-mail: michael.butler
E-mail: geoff.wood @waterway s.org.uk
@waterway s.org.uk
Branch Secre tary
Planning Office r
Sandie Morton
01604 858294 E-mail: sandie.morton @waterway s.org.uk
Helen Westlake
E-mail: helen.westlake @waterway s.org.uk
Tre asure r
Alex Madisons
Region Chairman/ Committee Membe r
E-mail: alex.madisons @waterway s.org.uk
John Pomfret
Publicity & Grants Office
Vacant (volunteer re quire d)
Ne wsle tte r & Joint We bsite Editor
E-mail: john.pomfret @waterway s.org.uk
Joint We bsite & Social Me dia Office r Sam Line
E-mail: sam.line @waterway s.org.uk
Tony Clarke
07939 977859 E-mail: tony .clarke @waterway s.org.uk
Non-Committee posts Sales: Catriona Butler 01604 473756 Endeavour Assistant Editor, Advertising & Distribution, Archivist Roger Hasdell 01604 248582
Boat Gathering Sub-Committee members Michael Butler (Chairman), Catriona Butler, Linda Clarke, Tony Clarke, Alex Madisons, Bernard Morton, Sandie Morton and John Pomfret
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