Cargoes Autumn 2010

Autumn 2010

Newsletter of Guildford & Reading Kent & East Sussex Oxfordshire and Solent & Arun Branches

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Editorial Writing an Editorial for the Autumn Edition of Cargoes brings home the fact that by now (at the end of July) the season of Summer waterways activities will have passed its peak and we can start to look forward to the programme of talks and social meetings that fill the calendar from September onwards. That said, this year’s pinnacle of effort will not be reached until the end of August with the regionwide involvement in support of the National Festival at Beale Park over the Bank Holiday weekend. More details can be found elsewhere in this Cargoes and we do urge all members to spread the word and come along themselves.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Berncastle whose contributions to the Solent & Arun small boat cruises were instrumental in ensuring their success. We know that each season’s schedule of cruises was eagerly awaited by members and reports about such events made for interesting reading in Cargoes. A tribute to Andy can be found on page 31.

A memorial seat to Colin Ward, the founding editor of Cargoes, is now in place on the Basingstoke Canal at Lock 22. Speaking to Colin’s widow, Janice, we appreciate that this is going to be a fitting tribute to his efforts on behalf of the canal. Let’s hope it won’t be too long before those taking a break will witness the sight of passing boats again.

Finally we return yet again to a perennial topic, the need to strengthen our Editorial Team. Currently its two members are fully stretched in garnering contributions from upwards of 30 potential sources and then producing what it is hoped is a coherent end result of some 36+ pages. How things have changed since the first Guildford & Reading Branch Newsletter (GARdian) comprising just 8 pages was published in February 1989.

So do please contact us if you might be able to help in any way (Emails to: iwacargoes@hotmail.com).

Cargoes Editorial Team Cover Photo: Waterside scene at this year’s Newbury Waterways Festival [Ray Carnell]

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From the Region Chairman Summer Cruising After a cold Spring the fine weather we had been promised finally arrived. I took my narrowboat out for 4 weeks during June and after a few days the weather became glorious and I had over 3 weeks of hot dry weather. This was just the weather to get to grips with plenty of locks and there were plenty because I travelled from near Daventry up to Birmingham via the “bottom road”, down to Worcester, up to Stourport, through Stourbridge and then back to Birmingham exploring all the arms and branches of the southern BCN before returning to Daventry. I was pleased to spend some time at the Black Country Museum where, after a steam weekend I saw the steam narrowboat President leave to go back to Stourbridge, significantly it was being steered by a young lady and it was encouraging to see heritage preservation attracting the young!

Throughout my trip I found the BCN locks exceptionally well maintained, even on the obscure branches such as the Titford. I called into the West Midlands BW office at Cambrian Wharf to congratulate them and they encouraged me to fill in their visitor book saying “we need all the good press we can get”. However water depth was a separate issue and I ran into difficulties near both Spon Lane and Smethwick locks, apparently well known shallow spots due to heavy metal industrial waste. Dredging here will not come cheap. I made it down the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal just before it closed following a breach caused by vandalism. How I wish we could find a way to sort out these social issues.

Parliamentary Reception Despite being away for a month I was never far from IWA duties with regular e-mail traffic together with a number of meetings that I needed to attend. I am extremely grateful to my West Midlands Region colleague Vaughan Welch who ferried me to these meetings or at least the nearest railway station. He also took the opportunity to show me the rich industrial heritage that abounds the Midlands system. One of the meetings was a waterways reception that IWA hosted in the House of Commons for MPs with either waterways in their constituency or have an interest such as the three former waterway Ministers who attended. This event was part of an ongoing IWA political campaigning strategy to influence the future direction of policy and national chairman Clive Henderson set the scene outlining IWA’s vision for an Inland Waterways Conservancy.

It was reasonably well attended but regrettably included only the MP for Banbury from SE Region. I spent some time talking to the new MP for Daventry who probably has the largest number of moored boats in any constituency (including mine) with a large number of marinas along the GU corridor including Crick, Yelvertoft, Braunston, Weltonfield, Whilton, Heyford Fields, Gayton and Blisworth. He volunteered that he fully realised the considerable economic benefit that boating brought to his patch but also commented that most of his constituents did not appreciate this. We touched on how to resolve this but I think he thought this was down to us!

5 Waterways Management Issues Since I last wrote in Cargoes there has been a lot of political activity on the subject of future management of the inland waterways. Activity is continuing apace and by the time you read this the situation may have clarified although the full outcome is unlikely to be known before the spending review announcements in the autumn. You may recall that a few months ago I brought up to date the longstanding IWA proposal for an inland waterways conservancy embracing as much of the system as possible, essentially taking on board some of BW’s third sector proposals but extending them to other navigation authorities. The new coalition waterway Minister, Richard Benyon, has made a statement that Defra are looking at the possibility of BW becoming a third sector body and also that consideration is being given to including the EA navigations in this. In an adjournment debate a few days later the Minister made some very helpful statements: the new organisation would be something completely new and not just BW under a new name; he accepted that government funding would still be needed; and there seems to be a growing acceptance that the BW property portfolio would be an essential dowry to make a third sector waterway body viable. This is all excellent news and goes a long way towards what IWA has been seeking for over 50 years. I know that within this region there are concerns from some Thames boaters that standards on the river could erode with such a change - that is not the intention. There is of course a shadow over all this work - the money available to the waterways, in keeping with all public expenditure, will be a lot less. Whatever the eventual management arrangements, including the unlikely event of status quo, there will be much less money to spend and we have to find better ways of sustaining the waterways. IWA stands ready to join in the challenge!

National Festival Preparations are well advanced for IWA’s National Festival to be held at Beale Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Regions that host the festival are allocated a £2000 grant to be given to worthy regional projects. I am delighted to report that this year’s grant is to be given to the Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust to cover the cost of a second hand dumper truck already being used in the restoration of Isfield lock north of Lewes. We had been very tardy in awarding the grants for both the 2003 and 2006 Beale Park festivals but I am also delighted to report that the £4000 is going to the Wey and Arun Canal Trust to restore a short length of canal on the summit from the Three Compasses to Tickner’s Heath which will allow a second small trip boat operation (this amount is in addition to the grant of £1,000 by IWA Restoration Committee towards an ecological survey for the ‘Bramley Link’).

I hope that many of you will visit the festival. It is a great day out for all the family. Taking my boat there will be my next big trip. It will take about a week but again I will have to break the journey to attend an IWA meeting in the midlands. I have volunteered to help host the main IWA marquee and will probably be there about three hours on each of the three days. I’ll be wearing a name badge so please drop by and say hello.

Paul Roper

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National Festival & Boat Show 2010 With approaching 500 boats booked in, and nearly 200 camping units taking advantage of the lovely riverside campsite, plus hundreds of exciting exhibitors, the 2010 National Festival & Boat Show at Beale Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend promises to be a great three day celebration of the inland waterways.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to ‘Walk on Water’ – come and try it at the National. ‘Water Zorbing’ is the new craze and puts people into a giant, transparent hamster ball! Once inside, you are launched out onto the lake – thoughtfully attached to a long piece of rope – and you really can walk on the water. This is great fun for everyone concerned, especially those watching.

The Beale Park site has a terrific lake and apart from the Water Zorbing, a full programme of activities has been arranged, including the ever popular Horsham Newfoundland Dog Team who will be demonstrating their water rescue skills each day.

The Festival offers a great day out for all the family. Children can take part in the “Knights of the Crusades” historical pageants, dressing up as “squires” and “maids”.

There are also the WOW (Wild over Waterways) activities for them including “getting afloat” with the Pangbourne Dolphins Adventure. The lovely steam launches from the Steam Boat Association will be parading and there will be demonstrations of launching and recovering an aluminium Sea Otter narrowboat.

The Mid Thames Model Boat Club will also be featured along with a display by the Model Hovercraft Association on the Saturday. Sunday will see a ‘sea battle’ staged by the Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team, with pyrotechnics and a sinking whilst Monday will see two very large models on the lake – a warship and a nuclear submarine. Youngsters of all ages will also be able to try their hand at driving a model boat – not as easy as it looks.The lake will also host the glamorous exhibition boats which are for sale, of course, and a flotilla of over forty members of the Dutch Barge Association with their lovely craft – suitably decorated with colourful bunting.

Festival organisers are delighted to confirm that the popular chef and broadcaster, Suzanne Austin, will be bringing her expertise and demonstrations to the National.

Suzanne is a passionate supporter of local and seasonal produce, has appeared on television (notably with the “Hairy Bikers”) and radio and also contributes to local magazines. Suzanne has a “passion for our land and its abundant supply of tantalisingly tasty offerings” – just some of which will be demonstrated at the Show with the audience taking part in the tasting process. With the ‘credit crunch’ still upon us, it makes sense to shop locally and use produce that is readily available and Suzanne’s demonstrations will certainly enthuse visitors to try some for themselves. Newington Nurseries, Chelsea medal winners, of Stadhampton are kindly supporting Suzanne’s appearance at the event.

7 The Festival booking fee includes all daytime and evening entertainments. Both campers and boaters receive additional value including £3 off adult entry to Beale Park’s animal attractions and 10% off Didcot Steam Railway admission plus entry to the free waterways holiday Prize Draw, courtesy of UK Boat Hire. The whole package offers great value to Festival visitors coming by boat or with a camping unit. Don’t forget – advance ticket purchasers also get the Didcot Steam Railway discount, entry to the Prize Draw as well as saving £2.50 per ticket on the gate price.

The National Festival takes place alongside the Beale Park estate, Lower Basildon, Berkshire , RG8 9NH. Booking forms can be downloaded from the Festival website or book on line, while Advance Tickets can be ordered from IWA’s on-line shop www.waterways.org.uk .

The Festival team would like to thank Waterways World, River Canal Rescue, UK Boat Hire, Mastervolt, Calor, The Swan at Streatley, New Boat Company, the Environment Agency and West Berkshire Council for their support. If other companies would like to be involved please contact us.

For further information visit our website www.waterways.org.uk and click on Events.

Gillian Bolt

Salisbury Group Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: At the May meeting one of our members, John Golledge, entertained us with a talk and old film about the circumstances leading up to the return of Sir Francis Chichester to England after his circumnavigation of the world in 1967. In those days, John worked for ITN and he spoke of the difficulties of achieving coverage and transmission of outside broadcasts to the British public. He also explained how his task was made more difficult by the breakdown, in mid channel, of the ship hired by ITN. This vessel was taking John and his film crew to await Chichester’s arrival.

Although the ship was taking on water, she had to be towed into port in difficult conditions by another vessel. All this experience was made more vivid by the fact that the film crew kept their cameras rolling and recorded the near sinking of their ship. At the same time the vital film coverage achieved had to be transmitted before the rival company, the BBC, could beat them to it!

This talk by John highlighted the difficulties that existed in outside broadcasting in those early days that don’t exist today with the advent of modern technology.

After the break, Ron & Myra Glover gave an illustrated talk about the Falkirk Wheel that they visited in August 2009. Their talk showed what was achieved and what was made possible by its construction. They showed slides of the wheel and the surrounding area

8 and we were able to see how the structure worked. Ron & Myra also gave us interesting facts and figures about its construction and the effects on the local environment. The pictures showed how the wheel re-links the Forth and Clyde Canal, approaching from the west of Scotland to the Union Canal from the east and also made possible a rise in level of 25 metres in one go. This change in height was originally achieved using 11 locks. It took a whole day to work through these locks but by using the Falkirk Wheel this can now be done in 15 minutes. The whole project, including the restoration of the two navigations, has been named the Millennium Link and was opened by the Queen in May 2002.

As usual in July we held our annual BBQ & Boules match at The Green Dragon. Although many people were away boating, 22 members braved the elements for a most enjoyable evening. Landlord Jeff produced his usual excellent spread and much to the amusement of Jacques, our French referee, us English played outside in the typically British showery weather conditions. The sunshades normally used in the pub garden proved to be excellent umbrellas. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable, if somewhat damp evening.

Programme of Events Thurs 16th Sept Keith Bennett will be talking to us about the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race that was originally started by the Scouting Association sixty two years ago.

He will be telling us about the history and the organisation that is involved at the western end of the race.

Thurs 21st Oct Gillian and Peter Bolt will be presenting us with a talk entitled “Green and Silver.” 2010 sees the centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt one of the founder members of the IWA. Tom Rolt wrote “Green and Silver” as a follow up to his book “Narrow Boat”, this describes his journey through the Waterways of Southern Ireland.

Thurs 18th Nov We welcome Paul Barnett back, on this visit he will be talking about “Lydney’s lost fleet”. On this occasion we cross to the other side of the River Severn to see the Lydney ships graveyard. From the hustle & bustle of a 1930s dock, engaged in the transhipment of Forest steam coal, through to its eventual decline in the 1960s.

Thurs 2nd Dec Waterways quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society with Questions set by last year’s winning team - Salisbury IWA. Thurs 16th Dec Christmas dinner at The Green Dragon Alderbury. Bookings, please, to Myra Glover by 9th December.

Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

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Guildford & Reading Branch News Chairman’s Report Having now been your Chairman for four months I feel I am settling into the task.

There is a great deal going on both locally and Nationally. In May I visited the Mon and Breck and had a northern trip centred on the Huddersfield Narrow. Both canals have had very expensive restorations and are very beautiful particularly with the blessing of good weather. But there is a contrast because, although isolated, the Mon and Breck is a vibrant waterway well used by boaters, fishermen, walkers and cyclists. In comparison the Huddersfield seems dead excepting the Marsden Tunnel Experience area. As a boater I found the experience of traversing Standedge Tunnel bureaucratic and time wasting. While the staff accompanying you were friendly and helpful the whole process seemed overkill. Another example of Health and Safety gone mad perhaps. Maintenance of lock gear and water levels was quite appalling.

70 odd locks are not daunting if the lock-gear works and there is water in the pounds There were few boats moored on the canal. When we made our passage we saw and crossed three boats in four days and saw nobody travelling in the same direction.

It is a great pity to spend £45million on a restoration and then fail to make the canal attractive to users. There are no doubt lessons for us in Guildford and Reading particularly thinking of the Basingstoke Canal.

I have also spent a very happy day on the Norfolk Wherry Albion as a guest of the association that runs her. Well funded, well used and well enjoyed. This brings me neatly on to Perseverance lV or as Ramlin Rose would say ” Percy Verans” . As you probably know this is the last Wey barge and is currently in the care of the Museum of London being moored at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. The Museum are giving up on the barge and the National Trust is launching an appeal to restore her and keep her in some use. This appeal is being led by John Gibson who represents the National Trust on the Wey Navigation (see page 13 for more details). Use not only brings in an income which can be channeled to ongoing maintenance but seems more healthy for boats. Let us hope they have the success of the Norfolk Wherry Trust. A Branch meeting is being held at 7.30 on Wednesday the 29th September at Dapdune Wharf when we hope as many members as possible will come along for a talk arranged by John Gibson on Wey Barges and to see how we can be helpful in the campaign to save Perseverance IV. The boat can be seen at her moorings when Dapdune Wharf is open to the public – there is free entry on Heritage Open Day (Saturday 11th September).

The trip on the Pinkerton in July was well supported. A magical evening arranged by Verna and ably crewed by Surrey and Hants volunteers. Paul Roper gave attendees an update on work by IWA. Accordingly we will be trying to put together a programme of Branch meetings in the future although as we now have the Wey

10 Barge talk in September we have postponed the idea of a Wey and Arun trip to next year. Full details of this Autumn’s Surrey and Hants Canal Society meetings are given on page 14 and the October meeting, a talk by Ron and Mary Heritage, will be of particular IWA interest. Ron, as you know, is Chairman of Oxfordshire Branch and has completed the Tom Rolt memorial trip this year. Although this is not a ‘joint meeting’ as such, we expect to have an opportunity of giving members the latest IWA National news. Our thanks to the Surrey and Hants Canal Society who always welcome IWA members to their meetings. We are also pleased to include in this Cargoes details of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust meetings at Newbury and Reading at which IWA members are again welcome. On Thursday 2nd December we shall again be taking part in the Southampton Canal Society’s ‘Inter-Society Canal Quiz’ (further details on page 34). Team Captain Ben Scott will be hoping to go one better than the Runners-up place achieved in the last two years. Current interest would give one and a half teams so more volunteers please.

As usual Ray and his helpers have attended numerous Water Festivals and rallies where they have been delighted to meet members both new and existing.

He will be at the National Rally at Beale Park on 28th to 30th August . As well as this work, Ray leads the Cargoes Editorial Team which is very much in need of more helpers to spread the ‘editing’ load and particularly in putting together the end product. Some of the work can be done on the internet so home working or even, with a laptop, boat working is feasible although face to face discussions are desirable at times. Please contact Ray or me if you think you might be able to help.

John How, who joined the Branch Committee in March, has also agreed to take on the very important role of IWA representative on the E A Thames Waterways Working Group. He is taking over from Tony Davis who has served for 33 years on the various forms of this group. Many thanks Tony.

On the Basingstoke Canal which as all who came on the Pinkerton will know is truly magical there is a mixture of good and bad news . Long term lock closure means that above Deepcut is not accessible from the Wey. It is hoped that the work will be done in time for a reopening next year particularly as the Canal Authority has major new funding as reported elsewhere in Cargoes.

However I attended a recent conservancy meeting of the Authority where it is very clear that new weed growth on the Canal is being encouraged with minimal emphasis on the canal as a navigable waterway. I will be writing to Ian Brown to express our concerns.

Gareth Jones

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Sales & Publicity Stand The Branch Stand has been out and about on more occasions than usual this summer, covering events all over the Branch area. Fortunately the weather has been kind and sufficient numbers of volunteers have emerged to enable all aspects – sales, publicity and the Lucky Locks Game – to function.

At the Beale Park Boat Show in early June, we were making a special effort this year to publicise the forthcoming National Festival (at the self-same venue) and indeed this was a prominent feature at all the subsequent events we attended. The ever-popular Reading Water Fest (organised by Reading Borough Council in conjunction with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust) took place in mid-June and was followed a fortnight later by the National Trust’s Guildford Festival Boat Gathering at which the theme for the parade of decorated boats was ‘Christmas Comes Early’. After another fortnight came the Goring Gap Boat Club’s Goring & Streatley Regatta where many people happily combined watching the competition on the river with support for the land-based activities. Then, just a week later, we had Newbury Waterways Festival, organised by the Newbury Branch of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, with its usual mix of craft stalls, children’s entertainment and stands for waterways groups and various charities. Moored adjacent to the site were over 20 craft including Nuneaton and Brighton with their cargo of coal from the Midlands. Victoria Park and the waterside were a hive of activity and it was pleasing to find that the K&A bi-centenary exhibition in the nearby West Berkshire Museum had just been opened in time for the event.

Now we have a break of a few weeks to prepare for the National – if you are likely to be there and could spare an hour or so to help on our Branch Stand, do please get in touch with me on 01483 282806 or by Email to the Cargoes Email address iwacargoes@hotmail.com.

Ray Carnell

Striking the Balance Mikron Theatre Company Touring the waterways of England on their narrowboat "Tyseley", the four versatile performers feature in their latest play which brings to life the social history of our own lifetimes as three working women take on the might of a discriminatory establishment. It is a whole lot of fun and the actors are obviously enjoying themselves as they bring the subject to life with gusto. The minimal props are ingenious and extremely accurate - the 1980's mobile phone the size of a brick is one of the clever trips down memory lane.

12 We are taken on a whirlwind tour of locations from a bread-making production line to an industrial tribunal where the witnesses are "crossly examined" - you will have to see the play for yourself to spot the malapropism which is used for the courthouse building. One can even warm to a time and motion review by a civil servant when she is called a "happy independent expert". A baker's dozen of national and local politicians are portrayed including Gemma Ryan's amusing take on Barbara Castle and Adrian Palmer's brilliant conversion of Margaret Thatcher to a pantomime dame - one of his many outstanding character parts.

The lyrics of the songs are skillfully arranged with an amazing array of unusual instruments - try singing "With the family silver sold off, And the unions all been told off “ i n the sweet melodious tones of Rachel Cartwright, accompanied by the variety of accents used by new-comer Richard Loosemore. Audiences are encouraged to sing along with the performers as the songs are helpfully reproduced in the comprehensive programme which also tells us that this talented production is achieved despite not receiving an Arts Council Grant, Mikron offer an ideal opportunity to introduce your gongoozling friends to live theatre performances continue around the country until 3 September as shown on their website, but our region is visited on Sunday 22 August at the Fox and Hounds in Fleet.

Ben Scott

Weybridge Thames-side Festival This event, in aid of the Sam Beare Hospice, takes place along the Thames-side waterfront on Saturday 4th September. It will celebrate the new visitor moorings at Weybridge installed by the Environment Agency, as well as disabled access to the ferry, and work by Elmbridge Council to improve the public open space there.

Friday evening: boaters arrive, and are welcome to visit Weybridge Mariners new clubhouse. (Ferry provided) Saturday 11am to 4pm: stalls, entertainment, food, music, free rides on boats and vintage buses. Demonstrations of sailing, canoeing, rowing by the local clubs.

Saturday 8pm: Procession of illuminated boats.

Sunday morning: boats depart to leave the moorings available for the annual visit by the Dunkirk Little Ships Volunteers to help on the day would be appreciated. We need people to crew the two trip boats, sell programmes, put up signs etc etc. Please contact Brian Roberts on 01932 855899.

James Bell

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The Wey Barge “Perseverance IV” Dapdune Wharf was the home of barge building on the River Wey in the days when there was regular commercial traffic on the river. In the skilled hands of the Edwards family, Wey barges were built and maintained at Dapdune up until the mid-1960s.

The Wey barge, Perseverance IV, is presently owned by the Museum of London but, having recently reviewed its ‘floating collection’ the Museum has concluded that the barge no longer satisfies its aims. As a consequence it approached the National Trust to help save this rare vessel and secure her long term future for the nation.

According to the Trust, this barge helps to illustrate the important role of Britain’s industrial waterways and is now one of only three vessels, of the original batch of eleven, still in existence. Reliance is one of the other original Wey barges and is now in a dry dock at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford. Perseverance IV was built in 1935, ending her working life in 1982, and has been moored, half submerged, since the 1990’s on the River Wey at Guildford.

The immediate aim is to raise £200,000 to create a maintenance fund to allow the Trust to take ownership of Perseverance from the Museum of London. This would enable the Trust to maintain Perseverance as she is until a further £300,000 can be raised for full restoration in the future.

To make a donation contact: www.justgiving.com/perseveranceIV To find out more, come to the meeting organised by Guildford & Reading Branch at Dapdune Wharf on Wednesday 29th September at 7.30pm.

Perseverance IV, partially submerged, awaits her fate at Dapdune Wharf [Photo: courtesy the National Trust]

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S&HCS Social Meetings The new talks season will start in October and will continue as usual to April 2011.The venue will be as usual at The Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, near Woking. Meetings start at 8pm on the third Wednesday of the month. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available during the interval. Non members and friends are very welcome to come along.

Wed 20th October: Ron and Mary Heritage - 'Some Highlights of their Waterways Adventures' Ron Heritage is Chairman of the Oxfordshire Branch of IWA and his programme will include the Thames Tideway, Limehouse to Gravesend on a campaign cruise escorting the IWA boat 'Jubilee'. Also the Liverpool Coal and Cotton Rally (last trip on the River Mersey before the new canal was built) plus Waterways in Scotland.

Wed 17th November: Ron and Myra Glover - 'The Ups and Downs of the Belgian Canals' Ron and Myra will be returning and will start on the River Moselle in France and continue via Maastricht in Holland into Belgium. On the Canal du Centre they rise through four lifts to the Canal de Charlerois. These lifts run parallel with the recently opened lift at Strepy Thieu. They then turn towards Brussels and descend on the Ronquiers Inclined Plane. The steel works at Charleroi are also passed through.

Wed 15th December: Patrick Moss - 'The Somersetshire Coal Canal' The Coal Canal is an almost forgotten waterway near Bath, the history of which is intertwined with the Kennet and Avon Canal (they received assent on the same day in 1794) and the Wilts and Berks Canal. The talk explores the history of the canal's twin main lines, the surviving lengths of the canal and the hopes for the future.

Wed 19th January 2011:

Liam D'Arcy Brown - 'The Grand Canal of China'

Wed 16th February 2011: Roger Squires - ' The Suez Canal - Past and Present' Wed 16th March 2011:

Roger Clay - 'The Hidden Avon'

Wed 20th April 2011: Runnalls Davis - 'Canal Architecture -An Illustrated Survey' For further information on this talks programme, please contact David Mllett on 01252 617364.

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Fox & Hounds Rally 2010 The Basingstoke Canal Boating Club’s annual rally at the Fox & Hounds pub at Crookham, Fleet takes place on Saturday 25th September Following on from the success of previous years this end-of-season get-together will once again feature a variety of stalls and participants in and around this canalside venue. At the time of writing confirmed events include the appearance of the Steamboat Association with their beautiful boats, Fleet Morris team and, courtesy of Chris at the Fox & Hounds, the barbecue is due to operate from 12 noon to 6pm.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Steve Dallen

Woking Illuminated Boat Procession Byfleet Boat Club and the Surrey & Hants Canal Society are planning an illuminated boat procession from the town wharf in Woking to Bridge Barn for Saturday 27th November.

River Thames News River Thames Alliance AGM The AGM of the River Thames Alliance was held this year in the Lake View Room of Eton College’s Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman Les Thomas. After welcoming the forty attendees, who represented twenty-seven local authorities and associations connected with the non-tidal River Thames, elections for the Management Committee were held. Existing members were all happy to remain on the committee but there were several vacancies, for which a plea was made for members to fill or propose someone. There are two vacancies for Local Authority Representatives and one for Environment and Conservation representation. Three meetings and an AGM are held annually. After four years as an active Chairman of the River Thames Alliance David Suchet has had to retire. He will be sadly missed, so the committee have to seek a new chairman.

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The main business of the meeting was to review the Progress and Achievements made in the last year. Angela Quayle, EA’s Strategic Waterways Manager, introduced the draft copy of the River Thames Alliance’s fourth Annual Report. The vision of the River Thames Alliance is ‘The healthy growth in use of the freshwater Thames for communities, wildlife, leisure and business’ and its Core Objectives are to improve and promote access, information about, the infrastructure, biodiversity, heritage and above all the use of the river. A full account of the year’s activities are in the report, which will be available on-line when it is approved. The core strategies of the Thames Waterways Plan are being pursued and the new coalition government has formed an all-party committee for the river Thames.

The RTA Learning Partnership has been very active and is extending its area of reference to include the tidal Thames. The Thames Learning Group will then consist of fifty organisations and have one web site.

The RTA Marketing Partnership, working with Tourism South East, has had a number of high profile campaigns giving much media coverage at a low cost. The Visit Thames web-site has attracted an increased number of ‘hits’ and the up-dated ‘Revealing the River Thames’ leaflet includes a competition on the back to win a holiday.

The Moorings Group stressed the need for Local Authorities to provide adequate and safe moorings. Modern technology could be introduced to simplify the collection of mooring fees.

The Thames Path Trails Office needs volunteers. The forty-seven sections of the path are regularly visited by walkers, to keep it well maintained.

The meeting finished with a Shaping the Future open discussion. It was felt that the future governance of the inland waterways should keep the River Thames under EA’s control. There is a need for the RTA to have a Planning Group. The Chiltern Hills Society has a working group to look at the historic heritage of the River Thames. The Passenger Boat Society wants to raise its profile as it is concerned about the increased numbers and safety of river passengers using the river in 2012, the Olympic year. The EA requests nominations for its 2010 Waterways Awards. There are two categories the Best Kept Lock and Customer Service – ‘Say it with a Smile’.

Simon Hughes, EA Western Area Manager, closed the meeting.

Vivien Wright

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New Moorings at Wallingford completed The long-awaited 450 feet of new public moorings at Wallingford were completed in time for the late May Bank Holiday weekend – a most welcome facility, especially for the many boaters attending the IWA “National” at Beale Park in August.

What was a broken-down shallow-water frontage to the riverside park by Wallingford Bridge has been developed into an attractive and user-friendly landing with ample mooring bollards. Oak riding piles will provide a safe haven for boats on those occasions when there is flooding. The view from Wallingford Bridge is a transformation - with boats and activity both sides of the river, the Thames at Wallingford really has “come to life”.

The new moorings are proving a popular facility for boaters [Photo: John Dalton] The moorings have been designed for flexibility in how they can be used and the present plan is that 350ft will be short-stay Visitor Moorings plus an improved mooring (with much better access) for Salters’ Steamer to operate from. When funds permit, plans allow for the provision of a pump-out, water point and electric hook-up points.

18 This was a South Oxfordshire District Council project that cost the Council in excess of £250,000 and the substantial consultation with river users that took place really has resulted in a structure that is just how we wanted it to be. Construction was awesome to watch, with 20 ft steel piles being driven deep into the riverbed; it was not until work started that the unforgiving hardness of the rock beneath the river here was discovered and more expensive (and noisier) piling methods had to be brought in.

Now – after five years’ campaigning and consultation that so many waterways interests supported – a great new riverside park facility for boaters and land visitors to the River has been achieved. You can tie-up, have a swim in the outdoor pool or relax on the riverbank. And the Waitrose store, butcher, baker, pubs, restaurants and other places to visit in this historic town are all within a few minutes walk of your boat.

This is the first new public mooring site on the Thames for many years and many of the boaters stopping there have voiced their appreciation – as are traders in Wallingford who have noticed an upturn in business from visiting boaters.

On 28th July, South Oxfordshire District Council Chairman Mike Welply officially opened the moorings. Councillors and guests – including the Mayor of Wallingford - then celebrated the occasion with a short cruise and cream tea aboard Salters’ “Reading” John Dalton

River Thames steam launch Cygnet Thames Boats Trust, (Chris Coburn, John Dalton and Richard Howard are three of the Trustees) has recently acquired the Thames Steam Launch “Cygnet” built at Chiswick in 1870 by J I Thornycroft.

Steam-boating for pleasure on the River Thames started to become popular around the 1870’s and “Cygnet” was built at a time when several Victorian engineers started to build private steam launches to fulfil this need. The design of “Cygnet” was clearly successful because six other similar launches were built by Thornycroft over a five year period.

“Cygnet” is unique in that it is the only historical small steam river launch from the 1870’s which has retained originality of build – that its last annual licence was in 1919 has a lot to do with that.. Most small surviving steam launches have been subject to major alterations over their lifetime. Under the new ownership “Cygnet” will be retained in this original condition for exhibition; the public will be able to see and examine the detail of how launches of this period were designed and constructed. One obvious feature is the apparent oddity of a rudder in front of the propeller to improve thrust.

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“Cygnet” has spent most of the past century in dry storage and has needed minimal tidying up for it to be displayed as a static museum exhibit. It attracted much interest at the Beale Park Boat Show in June and will reappear at the IWA National Festival & Boat Show in August The hull structure of riveted iron is sheathed in GRP at present, presumably some of the bottom plates have suffered corrosion. The woodwork has also aged over time but must be retained. If “Cygnet” was ever to be returned to operational condition (which is not intended) then some re-plating would be required on the hull and the 139-year-old boiler would almost certainly require either major work or replacement. The condition of the engine is unknown at present but it can be turned over by hand, so has not seized.

The purchase was made possible by private donations and matching funding from the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council’s PRISM Fund. A “Friends of Cygnet” Group will be formed and we look forward to hearing from all who are interested and/or would like to make a contribution towards the future upkeep of “Cygnet”. For more information you can visit: the Heritage Steamboat Trust website: http://www.steamboattrust.org.uk/cygnet.htm John Dalton

EA Annual Report for non-tidal Thames This is the first year that EA Thames have produced an Annual Report for the non-tidal Thames, specifically for their customers, and it makes for interesting reading. Though too long to reproduce here, it is nonetheless easy to access on www.environmentagency.gov.uk/riverthames Tony Davis

West Berkshire Waterways A special exhibition to celebrate the bi-centenary of the Kennet & Avon Canal can be seen up until 30th September 2010 at the West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS. The exhibition contains a number of items of memorabilia from the collection of the late John Gould including posters from the Protest Meetings held at Reading and Bath in 1955. The Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from10.30am to 5pm and on Sundays/Bank Holidays from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free.

RC

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Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Meetings Both the Newbury and Reading Sections of the Trust hold a series of autumn/winter monthly meetings to which non-members are always welcome.

Meetings for the remainder of 2010 are given below.

The Newbury meetings are on the last Wednesday of the month at The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf at 7.45pm prompt (doors open 30 mins before). Admission is free.

There is adequate public parking alongside the venue, at present costing £1 for the evening. The Newbury meetings, as currently known, are as follows: Wed 29th Sept: London's More Important River by Jeremy Batch.

The story of the River Lee and the Lee Navigation.

Wed 27th Oct: to be advised Wed 24th Nov: Claverton Pumping Station and the Burbage Crane Project

by George Eycott and Peter Dunn.

Further information from the Newbury Branch Secretary 01635 580356 or Email: kact.newbury@virgin.net.

The Reading meetings are held at All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Sq, Reading RG1 6NP (off the A4 Bath Road, Reading end) at 7.30 for 8pm start. A donation is requested towards the hire of hall and provision of refreshments. Reading meetings are as follows: Fri 24th Sept: ‘Claverton & Burbage crane’ – Peter Dunn Fri 29th Oct: ‘The Civil War in Reading’ – John Brearley Fri 26th Nov: Christmas ‘party’ (bring some food!) and QUIZ For further information on the Reading meetings contact John or Pam Swift on 0118 941 5540 or Email: swift.john21@gmail.com.

More details can be found on K&A Trust website: www.katrust.org.uk.

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Kennet & Avon Canal – Cruiseway Status The long campaign to upgrade to cruiseway status those parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal that were designated as ‘remainder’ waterways under the 1968 Transport Act, is set to reach a successful conclusion. Following a six week public consultation period (from 16th July) to gauge opinion, a decision to re-classify is to be made by the DEFRA Minister concerned.

South London Branch A Horse Drawn Cruise Sun 19th September, a 2 hour cruise aboard the horse-drawn boat “Iona” departing from Godalming Wharf, GU7 1JL at 2:00 pm. Fares: adults £7.50, children and seniors £6.50, per person. Cream teas, can be ordered in advance, £3.00 each. Bookings, with cheque payable to A. J. Smith, to: Alan Smith 41 Jubilee Avenue, Twickenham TW2 6JA; Tel: 020 8255 1581 or email: smith.alanj@blueyonder.co.uk

Social Calendar 2010 Unless otherwise indicated, the following South London Branch Social Events will take place at 7.30 for 8.00 pm at: The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do request a contribution towards room hire and refreshments.

Wed 8th September, a presentation about ‘The Grand Canal of China’ by Liam D’Arcy Brown Wed 6th October: a talk: ‘Highland Cruising’ by David Bowker of The Norbury & South London Transport Club.

Wed 3rd November: a presentation: ‘A Tale of Two Paddle Steamers’ by Roddy McKee Fri 10th December; our Christmas Dinner at: ‘The Goodman’s Field’, 87-91 Mansell Street, Tower Hamlets, London E1 8AN. Estimated cost £10 - £15 per person. Further details will be available later. Please register your initial interest with Alan Smith, contact address above.

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IWAKES Branch News Chairman’s Report Now that we are at last having some brighter weather, I hope that many of you are able to take advantage and get out and enjoy our waterways. There is no doubt that there are many more users on the towpaths than are actually on the water. So instead of appealing to boat people I’d like to ask those of you on the banks of the waterways if we are meeting your needs.

Our programme of talks and events takes a holiday over the summer and it would be good to hear from you as we plan future events. Since our area, Kent and East Sussex is geographically so large we try to meet in different places. Our recent meeting in Ashford was very interesting but poorly attended. Does that mean it was the wrong sort of topic, or the wrong day or do our members living in Ashford and the surrounding area want to do something completely different? Do please let us know.

As with many parts of life the waterways will no doubt have to endure a share of the forthcoming government cuts. We need to be vigilant and ensure that all the good work done in the past is not lost. Our two restoration projects continue because you give them your support, please continue to do so.

If you’re planning to visit the IWA Festival at Beale Park, do make sure you come and say hello at the IWAKES tent. We shall be very pleased to see you.

Mike Hannan

Past Events The Ashford Meeting The mid-April meeting at Ashford was attended by one member from Tenterden, one from East Grinstead, two from Headcorn, seven from the Medway towns and one guest from Ashford. We had a speaker from the Romney Marsh Countryside Project. Their remit includes the Royal Military Canal and the Romney Marsh along to Dungeness.

When the threat of invasion came in 1804 a string of Martello Towers was built along the Kentish coast, for defence. But as it was thought Napoleon’s men could sneak between these towers, Col. John Brown suggested a canal sixty feet wide at the surface and nine feet deep. The speaker suggested the navvies were hard living and drinking men, which didn’t please the good folk of the Romney Marsh.

23 The Canal was refurbished in the Second World War, with many Pill Boxes built to prevent Hitler from bringing his army across from the Continent.

It houses much wildlife such as fresh water fish, including Sticklebacks (the male builds the nest and nurtures the young), many bats, glow-worms, moorhens and the elusive water-vole. The Romney Marsh Countryside Project helps to care for the special landscape and wildlife in the area. It was established in June 1996 and conducts a range of surveys across the Marsh to understand better the plants and animals in this unique landscape.

Angela Acott

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Following a very dry spring in the southeast the volunteer groups working on the restoration of Isfield Lock, on the River Ouse, were able to begin work earlier in the season whilst enjoying good conditions on site. The Trust has acquired a two tonne dumper (illustrated below), so vital, given the amount of spoil and earth that will require moving about the site during the next phase of the restoration.

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[Photo: Courtesy SORT]

24 After the restoration of the east chamber wall and the upper and lower east wing walls, the next phase will involve the restoration of the west wall. Prior to the commencement of work it was anticipated that this task would occupy at least five years by restoring short sections each year. However hopes were raised somewhat once digging behind the first section of the wall began when it was apparent that it was in better shape than had been hoped, but the reinforcement of the first section still demanded the removal of a considerable amount of spoil.

At the time of writing the digging out of that first section is complete and the reinforced concrete structure designed to stabilise and support the wall is being built. Demolition of the inner lock wall to an identified fault line is also underway and this will be re-built prior to work moving on to the next section.

So the progress made this year is already very satisfying and the mood is upbeat.

If work continues at this pace the predicted time required to complete the entire length of the west wall could be shorter than first predicted. The ‘once daunting task’ does not look quite so daunting after all, but as everyone is aware, one never knows what lies around the corner!

Terry Owen

Thames and Medway Canal Association Angela Acott reports that before the start of Gravesham Heritage Fortnight five members met at the Old Town Hall, with its beautiful ceilings and windows, for the Opening Ceremony. On 23 May, an Open Day was held in the garden of the Canal Tavern, but the attendance was less than expected. However, there were many more for the evening walk along the Sea Wall and Canal towpath under the guidance of Dave Rouse and his band of helpers.

As previously reported, the Canal Restoration plan involves considerable effort as demonstrated by the continuing Tuesday morning work-party. The Cliff Construction’s activities continue as evidenced by the new slipway that is almost complete and the pump facility progresses; a new footpath now runs beside the Canal. Some photographs of the restoration activities can be found on page 39.

Report on Kingdom Tours Visit.

In early May a party of some fifty people arrived at the, revamped, Gravesend Canal Basin with its many boats and barges. After giving a ‘potted’ history of the area, Dave Rouse handed over to Brian Macknish who continued the visit by going to Mark Lane for a full view of the Canal. A number of features were pointed out, notably the new slipway and footpath, mentioned by Angela Acott. At the Swing Bridge, they were shown the location of the new pump. After a comprehensive visit to the sites the party rejoined the coach for their onward journey to the Sir John Falstaff for lunch and then to the Historic Dockyard for a trip on Kingswear Castle.

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Medway Navigation Environment Agency Appointment.

The Environment Agency has recently appointed Chris Wicks as Southern Region Navigation Manager; he has several other duties, including pollution control.

The IWAKES Committee met Chris on 22nd June when the discussions covered the Medway and other navigations in the Branch area, for which the EA has a duty to promote navigation and restoration.

The picture by Bernard Snell shows, from left to right, David Harman, Roy Sutton, Chris Wicks, Ken Bishop and Graham Ingram.

Canoe Trail Phase 1 (from the New Civil Engineer, 1st July 2010) “The first phase of creating a canoe trail along the River Medway has successfully overcome the barriers posed by weirs and locks with innovatively designed fish and canoe passes and is the Winner of the Institution of Civil Engineers South East Region Environmental Award.

26 Canoe Trail Phase 1 (Cont’d) Addressing biodiversity targets and encouraging increased recreational use of the river, this project demonstrates how a flexible approach and ‘can-do’ attitude produces results that are not only effective, but also timely and economical. As a result of this project the British Canoe Union has awarded the Medway with a “Gold Standard of Canoe Trail”. The project cost £250,000 and was completed in April 2010. The designer was Halcrow and the contractors were Dean & Dyball and Breheny. The Client was the Environment Agency and Hunton Engineering was the steelwork contractor”.

Future IWAKES & Other Events Sat 28th to Mon 30th August: IWA National Festival at Beale Park.

The IWAKES Stand will be there, with displays from Thames & Medway Canal Association and Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Thurs 21st October: 7:30 for 8pm: Jeremy Bratch (Limehouse Lock-keeper) tells us: “The Story of London’s Docks” at Strood Yacht Club, Knights Road, Strood.

(See Map): Thurs 18th November: 7.00 for 7:30pm: Peter Brandon (a prominent Sussex historian): talks on: “History of the Ouse Navigation” at Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath: (See Map): This is a joint IWAKES meeting with Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust.

Sat 20th November, 7:30 for 8pm: Liam D'Arcy Brown on: ‘Grand Canal of China’, at Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: (See Map): In 2006 this travel writer traversed the entire length of the Grand Canal in China, the world's longest man made waterway.

(A TMCA event to which all are welcome).

Thurs 9th December, 7:30 for 8pm, IWA and TMCA get-together with Bernard Snell presenting ‘Canada’, at Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: (See Map): Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

STROOD

GRAVESEND

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Oxfordshire Branch News Chairman’s Report You will be aware that I am writing this as we cruise along following in the path of “Cressy”; the cruise is going well. The banner and magnetic boards have attracted the public’s attention and the stand with the medallions has provided a focal point at all of the events. We have spoken to hundreds, indeed thousands of people and have given out over 2000 handouts. There has been much interest in IWA and membership forms were readily accepted, it remains to be seen whether they will be completed.

We will be returning to Banbury on the 6th August ready for the handover of the Oxfordshire Branch medallion on Saturday 7th this is the last one to be added to the stand which will then be on display at the National Festival, Beale Park over the August Bank holiday weekend.

It has been good having Tony and Christine with us to share in the work (all that talking is tiring) but also to share a pint or a cuppa too, at many of our stopover’s where we “chill out”. Be assured we have taken lots of time out for ourselves as well as doing our bit for IWA. Many of you have contacted us saying you are tracking us on the website and have shown an interest in the “blog”, some from as far away as Canada. Sorry about the problems which delayed some of the reports, I understand this is now sorted and we are back on track.

Earlier in the year, at the suggestion of Tony Baldry MP (an Oxfordshire Branch member), we approached Oxfordshire Blue Plaque Trust in respect of a historic plaque to celebrate the role Tom Rolt played in the formation of the Inland Waterways Association and the subsequent saving of the Inland Waterways system. I am very pleased to say our application has been accepted. Normally these plaques are only allowed to be placed on buildings where a person had lived or been born. However in this instance there are rather special circumstances that have been taken into account. The plaque is being placed on the Iron Gate surround at Tooley’s Boatyard, next to the Oxford Canal from where Tom Rolt set sail in ‘Cressy’ in 1939, and unveiled by Tony Baldry MP on 7th August.

After this ceremony we will be on the final leg of our cruise to the National Festival at Beale Park, hope to see you there.

Ron Heritage

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Oxford Heritage ‘Open Doors’ – 11th/12th Sept.

We will again be “opening” the waterways over this weekend, on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. As in previous years, free boat trips will be running and there will be stands where we can explain the benefits that water (and IWA) can bring. It is of interest that our activities coincide with those of the local Preservation Trust who have arranged that many of Oxford’s historic buildings will be open to the public. Last year was very successful as over 3000 people came to the Hythe Bridge Pocket Park, and almost 800 had a trip on the boats. The children spent time creating a variety of things in the WOW tent.

We need your help to enable us to repeat this again. Many of the usual volunteers are not able to help on this occasion. Just a couple of hours of your time is all that is needed. If you are able to help, please get in touch, my e-mail address: ‘Oxfordshire@waterways.org.uk’, and my mobile phone is 07896 701065.

Mary Heritage (Events and Volunteers Co-ordinator)

Banbury Canal Day – Sunday 3rd October.

This will be the 7th Banbury Canal Day organised by Banbury Town Council, open from 10.30am to 5.00pm, and we are delighted to embrace the centenary celebrations of Tom Rolt’s birth, and his many achievements; he was the cofounder of the Inland Waterways Association and saved our canals from certain decline. We hope boats and stalls will embrace the theme – with prizes for the most adventurous.

Bookings from both boaters and stall-holders is well underway so we can guarantee Banbury Canal-side will be packed with boats of all different descriptions and plenty of exciting stalls. Both Sovereign Wharf and Tooley’s Boatyard have a full day’s programme specifically with boaters in mind with boat taxis and boat trips operating all day, as well as a vintage double-decker bus transporting visitors around the site.

A six-hour programme of dance and music will take place just outside Sovereign Wharf come rain or shine – and General Foods garden will once again host a 5 hour Folk Concert. The Mill Arts Centre will be open all day for entertainment and refreshments. Add to this all the fun of the fair, a Continental market, horse & cart rides, falconry, plus a wealth of exciting food options and a Hook Norton Beer Tent ~ what more could anyone possibly want? HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! Tricia Campbell (Banbury Town Council) Footnote - Mary Heritage writes: Banbury Canal Day. A great day out. Lots to see and do. If you can help again, let me know (contact details above) otherwise see you there. Make yourself known to us.

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Forthcoming Events Wed 8th September: Gillian Bolt will give a talk on “Tom Rolt” Wed 13th October: Ian Smith, a Canalside Trader and Rope Fender Maker talks about “Experiences on Narrow Boat (NB) Gilbert” Wed 10th November: An evening of interest and music by, “The Launton Handbell Ringers” Wed 8th December: Skittles night The above events are held in the evenings, 7.30 for 8.00pm, at: The Kidlington Sports and Social Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT New members and visitors will be made most welcome.

For directions phone Ann Yeatman on: 01865 372552.

Oxfordshire Artist - Michele Field Things are very tough at present and understandably paintings are very much at the bottom of things to buy but ‘hey-ho’ I keep on going, as I love to paint and know my work has given a lot of pleasure to others. I am looking forward to participating in a number of canal events this year and hope some of you will visit me to show your support. My stands will be at the following venues: 28th - 30th August: IWA National Waterways Festival at Beale Park.

My stand will be in the Premier Marquee.

Sun 3rd October – “Banbury Canal Day”: My display will be on show in the “Beer Marquee” on Compton Road car park.

Annie's Tea Room, at Thrupp, by the Oxford Canal; a permanent display of canal prints & cards for sale. Contact Michele on: www.britishartists.co.uk/michele_field, or Tel: 01865 371188. Visitors welcome by appointment.

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Solent & Arun Branch News Andy Berncastle On the 12th June 2010 Andy lost his fight for life; during his illness he had tried to take part in as many activities as possible. He was a long-standing member of the IWA and, on moving to the area, he became Treasurer for the Solent & Arun branch, he was also associated with many other canal, bus and rail related societies.

For the past few years he also had taken on the planning of the Solent & Arun cruise programme. Putting in a great deal of effort into planning the cruises, taking advice and checking details with others, to make sure all went well on the day.

Andy would attend the cruises, trailboat rallies and the National Festival, usually in a variety of craft: he would also explore waterways at other times. Earlier this year he had managed to watch the 2010 Arun cruise from the bank; we tried to get him on the Port Creek cruise, but unfortunately it was not to be. We had all met at the White Hart at Stopham at lunchtime for a convivial get-together.

He faced his illness as positively as possible determined to carry on as normal for as long as possible. The full church at Ampfield on the 25th June showed how many people and organisations he had touched.

Our thoughts are with Hilary and family.

Mike Laishley

Port Creek cruise

Mike Laishley reports: Nick Grundy invited me to join him for the cruise in Little Gem, despite my reputation for stopping outboards! We launched at Fareham and waited for a while, Brendan was also due to launch there, but trailer problems meant that he was delayed and eventually launched in Chichester Harbour. We passed few boats on the move on our way up Fareham Lake, but many were occupied and being prepared for a trip. Despite the presence of very large vessels the trip across Portsmouth Harbour was uneventful in glorious weather.

Passing under the M275 and through Tipner Lake we reached the bridges across Port Creek at Hilsea roundabout and met up with the kayaks that had launched at Hilsea. The railway bridge at the other end was the tightest with only about 6 inches clearance to the top of Little Gem’s cabin. Leaving the kayaks to go on their way in the opposite direction we crossed a very busy Langstone Harbour to arrive at the Ship for a well-earned pint.

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Little Gem in Port Creek with the M27 in the background (in the late 60s Port Creek was partially filled in to build the road).

[Photo: Julius Mach] Julius Mach takes up the story: Two kayaks paddled by Patrick and myself joined Little Gem in this year’s Port Creek cruise. Our kayaks launched at Hilsea (a little muddy) and paddled along to Highbury and then on to Langstone Harbour. After sticking our noses into Langstone Harbour we turned around to explore the creek in the opposite direction. We soon discovered that we were not the only users on the creek. A little later IWA’s ‘official boat’ Little Gem came into sight, in a hurry to get under the railway bridge before the incoming tide took away the remaining headroom.

Paddling through the Hilsea bridges we wondered how many of the people rushing past on the roundabout knew that there was a tidal bit of water beneath them. We then came out onto Tipner Lake. Not an unpleasant bit of water if you can shut out the M27/A27 and numerous slip roads. Stood on the shore at the end of Tipner Lake are two huge US amphibious landing craft awaiting scrapping, easily viewed from the M275.

Passing under the M275 we came out into a corner of Portsmouth Harbour, it used to be full of warships, but is now full of yachts. There is a splendid view of Portchester castle across the Harbour and before we got to the Tipner firing range

33 there is one (the last?) of the Navy's tank landing craft, now sadly missing its bow doors.

We turned round here and headed back to Hilsea with just enough headroom to get back under the bridges.

Forthcoming Events Beaulieu River Cruise – Sunday 26th September High Water at Beaulieu is at about 13.45. Meet and launch at Buckler’s Hard from 11.30, or earlier if you fancy going down river first. Access is via a private road to the Marina; beware humps and check in to pay slip/harbour dues and get parking instructions in this lovely but busy spot. Cruise up to Beaulieu for picnic lunch at the quay, or sample the pub or café, or just browse among the ice creams and giftware, admiring the New Forest ponies. Return to Buckler’s Hard at leisure, but don’t run out of sea-water; it should be OK to leave Beaulieu up to 15.00 latest.

If you have any queries, and to register your intentions, please contact me on 02392325000 or mike.iwa@ntlworld.com.

Mike Laishley Southampton Canal Society Quiz We would like to field a team at the annual quiz of the Southampton Canal Society on Thursday 2nd December, and are looking for Branch members to take part. It is always a great evening with an American supper to finish, if you are interested then please contact: Mike Laishley on 023 92325000.

Chichester Canal Trust Forthcoming Events Saturday 11th September, at 10.00am for a guided walk.

Meet at Barnham Court Farm, Church Lane, Barnham for a 4 mile walk, along part of the old Portsmouth and Arundel Canal, to the river Arun at Ford where the Canal entered the river. Allow 4 hours and bring lunch. This event is free but donations would be accepted by Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society (SIAS) to further their works on the Canal.

34 Sunday 12th September, from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

The cast iron Poyntz bridge (1820) on the Chichester Canal, near the canal basin, will be open to visitors. There will be a guided, historical, walk, around the basin, starting at 2.30pm. This event is also free.

For further details on either of these events, contact Linda on 01243 576701.

Linda Wilkinson

Southampton Canal Society The Society wishes to record that its members have learnt with great sadness the passing of Andy Berncastle who was a great supporter of both Southampton Canal Society and IWA Solent & Arun Branch, and of the waterways movement in general. Our President Brian Evans and Gill Herbert represented The Society at the Thanksgiving Service for Andy.

Forthcoming Events Saturday 2nd October, 2pm to 5pm: Society’s Horse Drawn Boat Trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal from Kintbury. Cost £14 for senior citizens & children and £15 for adults. A cake, cream tea, with tea/coffee, is included.

For bookings contact: Maureen Greenham on 02380 406951 or e - mail maureen.greenham@talktalk.net.

Friday 8th October, at 7.45pm. ‘Day Star Theatre’ visits Chilworth Parish Hall presenting: “The Worst Summer Ever” Cost £8. Bookings/tickets from Angela/Alan Rose on 07831 706411 or e-mail: info@apas-engineering.com. An American Supper will follow the show.

Thursday 4th November at 7.45pm. Richard Thomas presents the “Gunpowder Plot” Thursday 2nd December at 7.45pm. The “Inter-Society Canal Quiz” followed by an American Supper. This event will be hosted by last year’s winners !WA Salisbury.

Please enter your team to Angela Rose e-mail as above.

All Society meetings are held at Chilworth Parish Hall Southampton S016 7JZ Angela Rose

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Wey & Arun Canal Trust News The Annual Sponsored Walk This year’s walk – The Poddle – took place in June in an area south and east of Guildford. About 223 walkers took part in the 12-mile walk and enjoyed views of the Canal, the river Wey and, from other vantage points en route, some more extensive vistas. The walk started and finished at Bramley Village Hall and welcome refreshments were provided at strategic halts including the lunch stop at Blackheath– the day was bright and sunny, but not too hot.

Walk organiser Jo Holcombe said “The walkers all seemed to greatly enjoy the day, and many commented favourably on the organisation by our band of enthusiastic helpers. People tend to come back year after year for a pleasant day out, and a chance to help a project which can benefit the whole community.”

The Trust reports that this year the walk will raise an estimated £11,000 that will benefit the building and restoration of the Southland Lock.

Forthcoming Events Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September from 2pm- 4pm.

On these ‘Heritage Days’ Brewhurst Mill, Loxwood, will be open and there will be gifts and teas available, as will boat trips. Please park in the Trust’s car park behind the Onslow Arms pub on the B2133, then follow the signs and a short walk, via Brewhurst Lane, to the Mill.

Small Boat Rally – Sunday 19th September, 11am – 3pm As in previous years the rally will be held at Dunsfold (Alfold Road to Three Compasses pub) for dinghies, canoes, kayaks etc. This section is not yet suitable for larger craft on account of access and depth of water. The Three Compasses will be open for lunch and facilities.

This is an opportunity for everyone to see the Dunsfold Summit and there is a possibility that entrants will be allowed to portage to Tickners Heath and sample the delights of that stretch An entry form is available from the Trust’s office and the entry fee is £5.00.

Cheques to be made payable to: “Wey & Arun Canal Trust Ltd”.

For further details on the small boat rally will be available nearer the day, please contact the Trust’s office on 01403 752403 or see www.weyandarun.co.uk.

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Wilts & Berks Canal News Abingdon Branch Reports Jubilee Junction Extension and White Horse Cut to west The Fishing Lake has been re-let to the fishing syndicate whose alternative lake has proved unsatisfactory; as they stock the lake with expensive fish, opening up to the Thames is not practicable. At present the outcome of the Thames Water Abingdon Reservoir Public Enquiry in June is the main factor affecting progress in the Abingdon area. The Inspector’s decision is expected some 6 to 9 months later.

After a ‘cat and mouse’ game with the wire fencing, a polite notice expressing advance gratitude for not breaking down the fence has borne fruit; a strategically placed strand of barbed wire may have had some influence.

‘Bee Helpful’ As has been widely reported the bee population in the UK has plummeted in recent years. This situation results from the loss of wild habitats, intensive farming and over-use of pesticides and herbicides, resulting in a loss of wild flowers but the bees need to pollinate them to produce much of the diet we need. However, Jubilee Junction is doing its bit by planting extensive wild flower and meadow grass mixtures, such as rosebay willow herb, ox-eye daisy, knapweed and thistle which attract bees; many of these plants provide valuable food sources for water voles.

East End Quiz Our Treasurer, Ruby Lamboll, once again organised the East End Quiz held on 18 June and the East Vale Branch generously donated the whole profit to the Abingdon Branch. This will go towards re-publishing the much revised Abingdon Canal Walks leaflet.

200th Year Celebrations, Heritage Weekend, 11th and 12th September.

Provisional plans are for a display stall in the market place alongside the month long exhibition in the Abingdon Museum, a display and lecture on the Wilts & Berks Canal in the Guildhall, guided walks on the old and new alignments and possibly the IWA Wild Over Water children’s activity. A very positive meeting has taken place with the Heritage Day Working Party and the Abingdon Heritage Day flyer will feature ancient and modern narrowboat activity in Abingdon.

For further information on the planned events and offers of help please contact Martin on 01235 204 115 or martinbuckland@wbct.org.uk

37 Oxfordshire Biodiversity News At the Biodiversity Link Group meeting of the Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum, of which the WBCT is a member, presentations were given in the morning followed by a field visit to the restored gravel pits at Standlake. The Oxfordshire Biodiversity News No7, contained articles on many aspects of the Canal, including reedbeds, hedgerows, habitat restoration and so on.

While canal restoration contributes to these objectives without a great deal of extra work or expense, the publicity, and possible funding opportunities, should not be underestimated.

Martin Buckland

East Vale Branch Reports Those of you who keep an eye on the web sites (both the Canal Trust and the Canal Partnership) will be aware the plans for the Melksham Link have been out for consultation - you can look at the design for the new route on the Partnership page.

At the eastern end Thames Water's plans for the reservoir between Wantage and Abingdon have been the subject of an enquiry; we await news of the result.

Locally we have just finished the Wantage Summer Festival activities, namely, the family day, talk, and walks. The weather was very kind to us and around 18 people attended each walk. I hope to run more in the autumn, but In the meantime we continue to work on our local projects, including the new ‘spillweir’ which is now in process of construction.

Meanwhile planning continues for the major event of the year, namely: The 200th anniversary of the Wilts and Berks Canal and the Winchelstowe Canal Fest at Swindon, a Family Fun Day on Sunday, 12th Sept from 11am to 4pm Boat trips including, hopefully, the Trusts new trip boat, canoe demonstrations, fishing lessons, children’s’ activities, craft stalls, charity stands, cake stalls, ice creams and refreshments.

Parking is available; to reach the site, leave the M4 at Junction 16 and at the roundabout, take the road for Wroughton (B4005, Hay Lane) then left into Wharf Road (also B4005). After a mile, turn left, back over M4 (Mill Lane), to the site.

Brian Stovold

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Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society award to Dick and Alison Snell Our congratulations to long-standing IWA Members, Dick and Alison Snell, on their being jointly awarded the Robin Higgs trophy in recognition of their support for the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society over many years.

The presentation took place at the Canal Society’s AGM in May. [Photo: Ray Carnell]

The Inland Waterways Association South East Region: Chairman Paul Roper ‘Cranborne’ Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants RG26 5LL Phone: 01189 813381 Email:paul.roper@waterways.org.uk Guildford & Reading Branch: Chairman Gareth Jones, Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking, RH5 4QQ Phone: 07850 819 071 Email: hhel@btconnect.com Kent & East Sussex Branch: Chairman Mike Hannan ‘Trumpeter’, Water Lane, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9JN Phone: 01622 890586 Email: mcfhannan@btinternet.com Oxfordshire Branch: Chairman Ron Heritage “Arbre”, Main Street, Fringford, Oxon OX27 8DP Phone: 01869 277400 Email: oxfordshire@waterways.org.uk Solent & Arun Branch: Chairman Mike Laishley 16 Park Avenue, Widley, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 5DW Phone: 023 92325000 (evenings) Email: mike.iwa@ntlworld.com Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Cecil Ives iwacargoes@hotmail.com Next issue Winter 2010 Copy date 15th October 2010.

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TMCA Restoration Photographs by: Angela Acott

Forming the foundation for gabions near Mark Lane.

New slipway at Mark Lane looking toward Gravesend.

Organised by Banbury Town Council Sponsored by

Celebrating the Centenary of Tom Rolt and his lifetime achievements Co-Founder of the Inland Waterways Association

SUPPORTED BY

Over 30 Narrowboats on Display All day dance programme Continental Market and 50 additional Stalls Demonstrations galore Beer Marquee Live Folk Music Tooley’s Boatyard Dry Dock Sovereign Wharf Boat Taxis Horse & Cart Rides A Full Day of Family Fun

Photograph taken by Sonia Rolt - Kindly Supplied by Waterways Images

For more details call 01295 250340 or visit www.banburycanalday.co.uk