Cargoes Winter V2 2017

Winter 2017

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

Mike Hannan 1942 - 2017

Mike was born on 8th September 1942. He was sent to boarding school aged seven but was determined not to go to university. His first job, for a rubber vulcanising company, was as a chemist. However, he gave it up to cycle, via Yugoslavia, to Jordan where he caught hepatitis and returned by rail. On another expedition, to Morocco, he came upon a film shoot and was employed as an extra in ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.

He worked in the fledgling computer industry, as a programmer for valve operated computers and joined the London Processing Centre which handles Lloyds of London insurance transactions; ultimately becoming Chief Executive. He remained Chairman of the LPC Pension Fund until his death. He went on to become Chairman of Great Lakes Insurance, a major company. He had a laid back, very effective, ‘oldschool’ management style.

Mike met Caroline when they both worked for the London Processing Centre.

They married 49 years ago and have son Edward, daughters Alice and Gill and several grandchildren. He revelled in family life. They kept sheep and went boating on their narrowboat based at Newbury. Other interests included astronomy and painting. He was also on the committee of the Miniature Quilts section of the Quilters' Guild and had shown his work at the national Festival of Quilts at the NEC. Mike had been introduced to this hobby by Caroline who is a keen needlewoman.

Mike joined the IWAKES Committee in March 2004 as Branch Representative for the Eastern Rother, following an appeal in the IWAKES magazine. He was elected Branch Chairman at the AGM of 22nd February 2007. He was a hugely popular and effective Chairman, garnering input and support for a wide range of Branch activities.

He telephoned all those who offered skills in their responses to a Branch questionnaire to ask to use their abilities for the Branch. His enthusiasm was infectious and he succeeded. He had a wonderful knack of making an individual’s contributions, whether it be small or large, valued.

The high-point in Mike’s decade of chairmanship was the National Trailboat Festival, held at Bodiam. On the Friday before the Festival opened Mike, under an umbrella, greeted every visiting boater despite pouring rain. Fortunately, the weather greatly improved and there was much interest in the IWAKES stall and children’s activities.

Mike’s brain tumour was diagnosed in March and he died on 31 st July. The funeral, at his local church in Frittenden, was full and the clergy gave tribute to their friend. Mike is greatly missed by many people.

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Chichester Canal News We are sad to report that Linda Wilkinson died in September 2017. As a past Chairman of the Chichester Canal, she helped to secure modern facilities for the Trust at the Chichester Canal Basin, which now boasts an excellent cafĂŠ, museum and meeting rooms. She was also a prime organiser for the Southern Canals, coordinating meetings with the local canal groups and attracting wide support from both canal enthusiasts and national figures. At her funeral it was apparent that she had been equally effective as a local councillor.

Editorial I do apologise for the late arrival of this edition which is due to some unforeseen circumstances. Please note that the copy date for the next edition is now 15th February 2018. Please also note the dates and venues for the branch AGMs below.

Cargoes Editorial Team

From the Region Chairman Another year has flown by, marked by several significant events. You will now be aware that the IWA launched the new branding at the AGM, which was held at Langley Mill at the end of September. The new logo which is the most visible aspect of this drive to refresh and renew the IWA for the future, symbolises the interaction of all aspects of the IWA and is backed by changes in the way that Essex Waterways, Waterways Recovery Group and the IWA branches will feed into a coherent approach. A regional meeting for members will be held in Reading on February 24th to discuss the new branding and exchange ideas with members from other branches. Look out for your invitation.

The ultimate transfer of the Environment Agency waterways to the Canal and River Trust is, I understand, with Defra, and I doubt that we will hear much about possible transfer dates before it is announced by that government department. The IWA is lobbying for adequate funding of E.A. waterways whilst a decision is awaited. The lack of funding on the R. Thames has been reflected in the postponement of some planned winter works due to more urgent problems.

In the meantime Philip Riley the Chairman of the Basingstoke Canal Society, writes in this edition, about the plans to transfer the management of this waterway to CRT, if a deal can be done between Surrey and Hampshire County Councils and the CRT. Enjoy the waterways in 2018.

Verna Smith [Cover Picture: Basingstoke Canal: Dogmersfield slip following major repairs. Photo Roger Cansdale]

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Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire and Guildford & Reading Branches of The Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm for 8.00pm on Wednesday 21st February 2018 at St. Nicholas’ Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0DE. The Oxfordshire Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm for 8pm on Wednesday 14th March 2017 at Begbroke Village Hall, 3 Begbroke Lane, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 1RN. The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 26th March 2018 at National Trust’s premises at Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RR. The Agenda for the Branch meetings will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws on next page:

Agenda 1

Apologies for Absence

2

Approval (following amendment if necessary) of the Minutes of the Branch AGM held the previous year

3

Matters arising from the Minutes (and not under other Agenda items)

4

Branch Chairman's Report

5

Branch Treasurer's Report and Accounts

6

Election of members of the Committee (Nomination no longer necessary.

Simply contact the Chairman to apply to join the Branch Committee or do so at the AGM)

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Any item for discussion of which the Branch Chairman has been notified in writing at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the relevant AGM.

Diary of Meetings & Events I regret that this is NOT available in this edition.

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Salisbury Group Programme of Events Thu 19th Jan: “CRT Work Parties on the K&A” by Derick Hunt.

Thu 16th Feb: “Crofton Pumping Station - The challenges ahead” by Peter Turvey Thu 16th Mar: “Boat Safety” by Andrew Phasey, Technical Officer for the AWCC. 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 email glover.3@btinternet.com or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch

Guildford AND Reading Branch

Branch Chairman Things seemed to be tootling along with no real excitement when I received an e mail from Surrey and Hampshire County Councils concerning the Basingstoke that revealed that the negotiations between CRT and the councils were still on going. The councils have now put in place a 5 year plan to substantially improve the canal and then transfer it to CRT. This is the sort of result that the canal Society and the IWA had been hoping for all along. There is likely to be a gap in that the councils are hoping the canal in 5 years will be self-sustaining but that is only likely from a substantial non-boating income of the charity type giving either lottery, corporate, in kind or individual . There is a clear way forward and members and individuals can only trust that a method will be arranged for them to contribute.

As an example of self -help we have the Wey and Arun Canal Trust who continue to work miracles. Judging from my trip in the summer the Kennet Navigation needs money spent on it and the Thames must not be allowed to deteriorate, as service levels already have.

Anyway, buoyed with Basingstoke enthusiasm, I am starting to plan next year’s activities.

Gareth Jones

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Sales & Publicity Stand It was great to see the Sales Stand at the Guildford Waterways festival in September. Ben Scott had assembled a knowledgeable team who could not only talk about the IWA and waterways in general but could put the gazebo up and assemble the Lock Game. Hopefully we will be able to take the stand to the Reading Waterfest and Newbury Waterfest in 2018 with a team of willing volunteers. If you can help out at these events please contact Verna Smith or Ben Scott.

Surrey Industrial History Group Lectures Please note the new venue: Church House, 20 Alan Turing Road, Guildford GU2 7YF, timings unchanged at 7.30pm to 9.30pm and the cost is ÂŁ5 for each individual lecture. The first three lectures in the New Year are: Tue 30th Jan: Planning and construction of HS 1 by Doug Irvine, Civil Engineer.

Tue 6th Feb: Eric Alliot, RFC, RAF from Icarus to Airbus by Michael Alliot Tue 20th Feb: Heroes and Villains Basingstoke Canal by Roger Cansdale Tue 6th Mar: SS Sheildhall, Thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund by Graham MacKenzie For further details see www.sihg.org.uk or contact the Programme Coordinator Bob Bryson, email meetings@sihg.org.uk.

Bits on the Basingstoke A dry winter and lack of significant rain during the busy summer period forced the BCA to close the Brookwood and Deepcut flights for the first time in three years.

As I write, there are many grey days but no prolonged rainfall to replenish the aquifers during the winter. The closure of the towpath at Heath Vale Bridge in Ash Vale, has caused some sustained grumbling locally but now work has begun hopefully this will cease. We are also awaiting more news about the solution and funding for the problems at Swan Cutting.

On a positive note the John Pinkerton has had another very successful season and Kitty, the new trip boat in Woking, has proved popular. Plans to improve moorings in Woking are at an advanced stage, while plans for much needed new moorings near the Farnborough Road Bridge in Aldershot have stalled due to concerns raised by Natural England. The Basingstoke Canal Authority

7 continue to plan to improve facilities for boaters along the length of the canal and are expecting to upgrade the camping facilities at Mytchett. These improvements should increase much needed revenue for the BCA. Verna Smith

Basingstoke Canal Society Chairman’s Report As reported elsewhere in this edition of Cargoes, the current owners of the Basingstoke Canal, Surrey and Hampshire County Councils, have recently announced that they intend to work with the Canal & River Trust, over the next 5 years to find a feasible way of transferring the Canal’s management and ownership to the Trust. Although the discussions with the C&RT have been known to us for some time, this is the most positive statement we have seen to date and it does appear that serious negotiations are underway. In the Society’s view, a transfer of the canal to the Trust is the only viable solution to securing the long term and sustainable future to the canal. It is very clear to us that the Counties, for perfectly understandable reasons, do not regard managing the canal as a core responsibility and, as time goes by, it is evident that they will not have the resources and the commitment to maintain it. Other options for the canal have been proposed over the years, including a transfer to a stand-alone charitable trust but it is extremely doubtful whether, given the cost of maintaining the canal and its revenue earning potential, a separate trust could be made to work; we have certainly never seen a credible proposal.

The Society has therefore welcomed the Counties’ announcement and we have said that we are very willing to work with them, and with the other members of the Canal Partnership, to achieve the desired result. In expressing our support, we have also said that all the members of the Canal Partnership including, in particular the District authority member, should be encouraged to make their full financial contributions to the canal and to re-double their efforts to enhance income flows.

More emphasis should be placed on generating additional funds. For example, the District authorities could promote visitor centres (it would be nice to see something like the Wey & Arun visitor centre at Loxwood which is, incidentally, the largest source of new members for the WACT). Benefits could also be obtained from developments along the canal under the S106/CIL planning rules and more could be done to promote events which capitalize on the waterspace and the water-side facilities.

Although a 5 year time frame has been suggested, we believe that the transfer could be achieved in a shorter period if the Partnership pulled together and supported the Counties in their endeavours. In addition to the Districts, Natural England could also play a more progressive role by placing greater emphasis on achieving a fair balance between the safeguarding of the canal’s ecology and the

8 vital need to improve financial performance in order to place the canal in the best possible position for a transfer to the Trust.

The Society is also campaigning hard to address the important issue of the repairs to Swan Cutting, North Warnborough. This has now become an old chestnut as no proper repairs have been undertaken since a temporary repair to the towpath was made some years ago. If this particular nettle cannot be grasped, we are fearful that the whole of the western end of the canal above Colt Hill could be denied to the larger boats including, in our case, the John Pinkerton which raises very large sums to support of our volunteer work party. The Society has already put forward engineering solutions for this problem using the very valuable services of the IWA’s consulting engineer, Roy Sutton. In view of the importance of this project to us, we have offered to finance part of the repair costs. The ball is now in the Counties’ court to agree on the repair scheme, deal with landowner issues and assist with some of the finance. We will continue to press very hard for this important issue to be resolved.

Sadly, as the Society has now entered its second half century, we are beginning to lose members whose vision and dedication drove the Society forward in its early days. These include Les Harris and Clive Durley. Les was a founder member of the Society and led some of the early campaigns to get the canal noticed and to convince the County Councils that they should acquire it. Clive was one of the key members of the organization established to run the John Pinkerton and his son, Nigel was a member of the dredger crew. In recent months we also said goodbye to John Humphries and Terry Harrison. John was a Vice President of the Society and a great friend of the canal. Many members will remember John’s fascinating lectures in Woking where he described the voyages of his steel-hulled cruiser, Avon Bay, which he crewed with his wife, June and the well-known canal author, Hugh McKnight, through the waterways of France and Germany. Terry Harrison was a popular local artist whose numerous paintings of the canal were widely admired. Earlier this year we saddened to hear of the death of Jan Smith who owned, with his wife Pam, Victoria M, one of the best known boats on the canal.

We owe it to all these enthusiastic and hardworking members a duty to continue with their work and to ensure that the canal finds a secure and prosperous new home.

Philip Riley See www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/jp/public-trips for dates & times of frequent scheduled 2.5 hr trips aboard the John Pinkerton II departing at 2.30pm from Colt Hill, Odiham: Adults £10, children under 18 £5 (under 1yr free), Senior Citizens £7, Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) £25.

Public and Theme cruises:Fri 20th Apr, 7.00pm, Quiz & Curry Night Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: Teams of 3-5 people, or join another team on the night, Adults £20 including curry Fri 4th May, 7.00pm, Sea Shanties & Ale Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: Haslefolk Sea Shanty Crew, Adults £25, including fish & chips

9 Wed 9th May, 3.00pm, Cream Tea Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: with piano accompaniment, approx. 2.5 hr trip, Adults £18 Sat 26th May, 1.30pm, 1½ hour return trip departing Fox & Hounds pub, Fleet: Adults £6, children under 18 £4 (under 1yr free).

Sat 26th May, 1.30pm & 3.30pm, 1½ hour return trip departing Fox & Hounds pub, Fleet Adults £6, children under 18 £4 (under 1yr free).

Sun 27th May, 1.30pm & 3.30pm, 1½ hour return trip departing Fox & Hounds pub, Fleet: Adults £6, children under 18 £4 (under 1yr free).

Wed 13th Jun, 3.00pm, Cream Tea Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: with piano accompaniment, for details see Wed 9th May Fri 8th Jun, 7.00pm Blues & Ale Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: Dan Sowerby Duo, Adults £25 including fish & chips Fri 29th Jun, 7.00pm, Wine & Food of France Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: Taste the wines and gastronomy of France, Adults £25 Sun 1st Jul, 1.30pm, 4 hour return trip from Colt Hill, Odiham: to visit the National Gardens Scheme Open Day at Old Thatch, Winchfield Adults £10, children under 18 £5 (under 1yr free), Senior Citizens £7, Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) £25 not inc. NGS admission. Moor at Stacey’s Bridge, which is a short walk from the gardens.

Fri 6th Jul, 7.00pm, Acoustic & Ale Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: Still Crazy Duo, £25 including fish & chips.

Wed 11th Jul, 3.00pm, Cream Tea Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: with piano accompaniment, for details see Wed 9th May Sat 21st Jul, 9.30am, Farnborough Air Show from the Fox and Hounds pub, Fleet: An all-day, Moor at Runways End, with excellent view of flying display, £20.

Sun 22nd Jul, 9.30am, Farnborough Air Show from the Fox and Hounds pub, Fleet: An all-day, Moor at Runways End, with excellent view of flying display, £20 Fri 17th Aug, 7.00pm, Acoustic & Ale Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: for details see Fri 6th Jul Mon 27th Aug, 11.00am & 2.30pm, 2½ hour return trip from Colt Hill, Odiham: Adults £10, children under 18 £5 (under 1yr free), Senior Citizens £7, Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) £25.

Wed 12th Sep, 3.00pm, Cream Tea Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: with piano accompaniment, for details see Wed 9th May

10 Sun 2nd Sep, 1.30pm, 4 hour return trip from Colt Hill, Odiham: for details see Sun 1st Jul Fri 7th Sep, 7.00pm, Jazz & Ale Cruise from Colt Hill, Odium: The Excel Jazzmen, Adults ÂŁ25 including fish & chips.

Fri 21st Sep, 7.00pm, Sea Shanties & Ale Cruise from Colt Hill, Odiham: for details see Fri 4th May

Chobham Meetings The meetings continue to be held as usual on the third Wednesday of the month at the Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, near Woking GU24 8AZ commencing at 8pm. Malcolm Brickwood continues as Talks Organiser and we wish him well in this role.

Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available during the interval. Raffle and retiring collection. Non-members and friends are very welcome. Please pass the word around. The programme up to Easter 2018 is shown below: Wed 17th Jan - 8.00pm: The Thames Tidal Defences by Nathan Ellis An introduction to the past, present and future of the Thames Barrier and its associated Gates, tidal Walls and Embankments.

Wed 21st Feb - 8.00pm: Exploring the Caledonian Canal by Dr. Roger Squires The talk will discuss Telford’s masterpiece. A ship canal across Scotland using the natural fault line of the Great Glen and its series of fresh water lochs.

Wed 21st Mar - 8.00pm: Whitchurch Silk Mill by Deborah Wheeler Join us for a virtual tour of a Georgian silk weaving water mill, see, hear and feel its fascinating history and beautiful fabrics.

Wed 18th Apr - 8.00pm: Canal & River Trust Engineering a 200 Year Old Infrastructure by Neil Owen The presentation will discuss the way in which Canal & River Trust are managing their Engineering Assets, including future improvement and the implication on the possible adoptions of Waterway managed by other Navigation Authorities.

Further information at http://www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk or contact Malcolm Brickwood at chobham.talks@basingstoke-canal.org.uk Mark Coxhead operates a free email reminder service. Reminder emails are sent about a week prior. To be included on the list please contact Mark Coxhead at mark@coxhead.org.uk

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Kennet & Avon Canal News

Brief notes from the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The Kennet and Avon Trustees must have breathed a sigh of relief after they were awarded a grant of £559,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the project to repair and refresh the Crofton Engine house. This will be matched by volunteer input worth £87,000, grants from private trusts worth £20,000 and donations from members and supporters worth £20, 000. As the fund raising exceeded expectations, it will be possible for the plans to move from the development phase to the delivery phase. Work will be undertaken to ensure that the fabric of the Engine House is sound. Once this is complete, a series of other projects centred on the visitor experience, attracting more volunteers and ensuring that the heritage of the site is passed on to the next generation will begin. To achieve this, interpretation material on the site will be updated and there are plans to improve facilities for people visiting this unique attraction. There are also plans to improve the 1920 Cottage Garden in a bid to attract a wider range of volunteers and improve the environment around the Engine House. Congratulations are due to all who were involved in the application process which, requires both stamina and time. Following a two year trial period, the K&A Trustees have unanimously voted to accept the gift of the Bruce Boats from their previous owners. These boats enable people with disabilities to enjoy the canal with their families and they already have attracted bookings for half of the available hiring slots in 2018.

Forthcoming Events The Reading Water Fest Team have announced the 2018 event will take place on 16th June.

The Newbury Waterways Festival will take place on Sunday, 8th July from 10.00am to 5.00pm at Victoria Park Newbury, Our annual gala of boats and activities for all the family. More details here soon or contact newbury.chairman@katrust.org.uk For further information about K&A events in Reading and Newbury see their Website at www.katrust.org

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Crofton Pumping Station

Crofton Pumping Crofton, Marlborough, WiltsStation SN8 3DW Crofton, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 3DW Tel: 01672 870300

Tel: 01672and 870300 A branch of The Kennet Avon Canal Trust A branch of The Kennet Canal Trust Registered Charityand No.Avon CC209206 Registered Charity VAT No. 357 No. 4551CC209206 36 VAT No. 357 4551 36

Crofton is closed for winter maintenance however the pay and display car for winter maintenance however payday. and Please displaynote car park atCrofton Croftonisisclosed still open between 9.00am and 5.00pmthe every park at Crofton still open between 9.00am 5.00pm every day.Access Pleasetonote that there is no is access to the site or the canaland while we are closed. the that there access the site canal while we are closed.

Access to thethe canal can is beno gained byto turning leftororthe right on leaving the car park and following canal be gained by turning left or right or onSam leaving the car park and following the road tocan either the Crofton Crossing Bridge Farmer Lock. road to either the Crofton Crossing Bridge or Sam Farmer Lock.

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Mar to Mon 2nd Apr: - 8.00pm: Easter Weekend steaming Sat 31st Sat 31st Mar to Mon 2nd Apr: - 8.00pm: Easter Weekend steaming to Mon 7th May: Early May Bank Holiday steaming Sat 5th Sat 5th to Mon 7th May: Early May Bank Holiday steaming Sat 26th to Mon 28th May: Late May Bank Holiday steaming Sat 26th to Mon 28th May: Late May Bank Holiday steaming Sat 23rd to Sun 24th Jun: Crofton steaming weekend Sat 23rd to Sun 24th Jun: Crofton steaming weekend Sat 28th to Sun 29th Jul: Crofton steaming weekend Sat 28th to Sun 29th Jul: Crofton steaming weekend Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug: August Bank Holiday steaming weekend Sat 25th to Mon 27th Aug: August Bank Holiday steaming weekend Sat 29th to Sun 30th Sep: Crofton Steam Gala 29 to Sep 30 Sat 29th to Sun 30th Sep: Crofton Steam Gala 29 to Sep 30 Sun 28th Oct: Crofton Halloween Steaming Sun 28th Oct: Crofton Halloween Steaming For more information see www.croftonbeamengines.org For more information see www.croftonbeamengines.org

Southampton Southampton Canal Canal Society Society Forthcoming Meetings Forthcoming Meetings Feb: 400 Locks and Counting by Society member Tony Fry Thu 1st Feb:a400 Locks and

by Society Tony Thu 1stTony, canal boater forCounting many years will sharemember his canal tripsFry with us.

Tony, a canal boater for many years will share his canal trips with us.

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Thu 1st Mar: R.N.L.I. by Caroline Tilley Thu 1st Mar: R.N.L.I. by Caroline Tilley Thu 1st Mar: R.N.L.I. by Caroline Tilley th Thu 5th Apr: Heroes and Villains of the Basingstoke Canal by Roger Cansdale Thu 5th Apr: Heroes and Villains of the Basingstoke Canal by Roger Cansdale Angela Rose Cansdale Thu 5 Apr: Heroes and Villains of the Basingstoke Canal by Roger Angela Rose Angela Rose Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth Southampton SO16stated 7JZ. Start 7.45pm monthly Meetings, unless specifically otherwise, areVisitors held atwelcome.

ChilworthFor Parish Hall, Chilworth Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm Visitors welcome.

For monthly Newsletter visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380Visitors 675312.

Chilworth Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm welcome.

For monthly Newsletter visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.

Newsletter visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.

Wey and Arun Canal Trust Wey Wey and and Arun Arun Canal Canal Trust Trust The Autumn meeting, held in Pulborough in October, attracted a full house of The Autumn meeting, held in Pulborough in October, attracted a full house of over 130 who were to hear about the progress on five keyhouse of Theenthusiasts Autumn meeting, heldkeen in Pulborough in October, attracted a full over 130 enthusiasts who were keen to hear about the progress on five key projects.

The need forwho this were meeting, which is held about six months after the formal over 130 enthusiasts keen to hear about the progress on five projects. The need for this meeting, which is held about six months afterkey the formal AGM, was demonstrated by the packed programme. projects.

The need for this meeting, which is held about six months after the formal AGM, was demonstrated by the packed programme. was a brief update the problems at Brewhurst lock, which is AGM, There was demonstrated by the on packed programme.

There was a brief update on the problems at Brewhurst lock, which is currently closed theupdate possible of one lock wall lock, are monitored.

There waswhile a brief on movement the problems at Brewhurst which is currently closed while the possible movement of one lock wall are monitored.

The Bramley Link is essential to join the canal to the River and Philip currently while theispossible one to lock areWey monitored.

Theclosed Bramley Link essentialmovement to join theof canal thewall River Wey and Philip Oliver The presented plans toiswork on the Birtley Reach, near Bramley, by and creating Bramley Link essential to join the canal to the River Wey Philipa Oliver presented plans to work on the Birtley Reach, near Bramley, by creating a canal-side walk and clearing theonchannel.

The Trust near was hoping to attract funding Oliver presented plans to work the Birtley Reach, Bramley, by creating a canal-side walk and clearing the channel. The Trust was hoping to attract funding from the Aviva Fund to underpin theTrust costs.

This is excellent news and canal-side walkCommunity and clearing the channel.

The was hoping to attract funding from the Aviva Community Fund to underpin the costs.

This is excellent news and hopefully will encourage even more support to link the two in news the future. from the Aviva Community Fund to underpin the costs.

Thiswaterways is excellent and hopefully will encourage even more support to link the two waterways in the future.

WRG have assisted with the construction of a slipway on the Summit hopefully willhave encourage even support to link two waterways in the level future.

WRG assisted withmore the construction of athe slipway on the Summit level and good progress has been made on the construction of a small WRG have assisted with the construction of a slipway on thewharf.

Summit level and good progress has been made on the construction of a small wharf.

Theprogress news at Gennets Lock was equally upbeat, as the construction of the and good has been made on the construction of a small wharf.

The news at Gennets Lock was equally upbeat, as the construction of the lock isThe nownews complete and awaits the fitting of the lock gates. at Gennets Lock was equally upbeat, as the construction of the lock is now complete and awaits the fitting of the lock gates. have and submitted athe planning application for a new bridge at Harsfold lock isW.A.C.T. now complete awaits fitting of the lock gates.

W.A.C.T. have submitted a planning application for a new bridge at Harsfold BridgeW.A.C.T. which could besubmitted built by volunteers. bridge would replace a causeway have a planningThe application for a new bridge at Harsfold Bridge which could be built by volunteers.

The bridge would replace a causeway which iswhich blocking access to by a two kilometreThe stretch of canal and would also form a Bridge could be built volunteers. bridge would replace a causeway which is blocking access to a two kilometre stretch of canal and would also form a useful link to the nearby which blocking accessLordings to a two complex. kilometre stretch of canal and would also form a useful is link to the nearby Lordings complex.

W.A.C.T. are to be congratulated for their award at the National Living useful W.A.C.T. link to theare nearby complex. to beLordings congratulated for their award at the National Living Waterways Award, Community and Volunteering category, forNational their work at W.A.C.T. are to be congratulated for their award at the Living Waterways Award, Community and Volunteering category, for their work at Compasses Bridge.Community and Volunteering category, for their work at Waterways Award, Compasses Bridge.

The Trust continues to provide a shining example of ’how to restore a derelict Compasses Bridge.

The Trust continues to provide a shining example of ’how to restore a derelict waterway’ and their enthusiasm, despite continuing setbacks, forward planning, and The Trust continues to provide a shining example of ’how to restore a derelict waterway’ and their enthusiasm, despite continuing setbacks, forward planning, and dedication is humbling. waterway’ and their enthusiasm, despite continuing setbacks, forward planning, and dedication is humbling. dedication is humbling.

Forthcoming Forthcoming Events Events Forthcoming Events

Public trips in 2018 run from Saturday 31st March until Sunday 28th October Public trips in 2018 run from Saturday 31st March until Sunday 28th October st th Saturdays 12.15pm Loxwood - Brewhurst Bridge - Loxwood, 35 mins Public trips in 2018 run from Saturday 31 March until Sunday 28 Saturdays 12.15pm Loxwood - Brewhurst Bridge - Loxwood, 35 mins October 13.15pm Loxwood -- Brewhurst Devil’s Hole Lock – Loxwood, 35 50 mins Saturdays 12.15pm Bridge 13.15pm Loxwood Loxwood - Devil’s Hole Lock -– Loxwood, Loxwood, 50 mins mins 14.30pm Loxwood Loxwood -- the Slipway -Lock Devil’s Hole Lock50 - Loxwood, 3.5 hrs 13.15pm Devil’s Hole – Loxwood, mins 14.30pm Loxwood - the Slipway - Devil’s Hole Lock - Loxwood, 3.5 hrs 14.30pm Loxwood - the Slipway - Devil’s Hole Lock - Loxwood, 3.5 hrs

14 Sundays

12.30pm Loxwood - Brewhurst Bridge - Loxwood, 35 mins 13.30pm Loxwood – Baldwin’s Knob Lock – Loxwood, 1.5 hrs 15.30pm Loxwood - Southland Lock – Loxwood, 1.5 hrs

Sun 11th Mar, 11.00am, 2.15pm & 4.30pm: Mothering Sunday Relaxers - Treat the one you love to a morning Coffee and Danish Pastry Cruise on the beautiful Wey and Arun Canal or perhaps a Cream Tea Cruise on one of the afternoon trips. Booking essential.

Fri 30th Mar, 11am, 12 noon and 2pm: Easter Bunny Specials - All your favourite

Easter characters will be here to entertain you. Come along and join in the fun. A chocolate gift and drink is included for each child and hot cross buns for the adults.

Booking essential.

Sun 1st Apr, 11am, 12 noon and 2pm: Easter Bunny Specials – for details see Fri 30th Mar. Booking essential.

Mon 2nd Apr, 11am, 12 noon and 2pm: Easter Bunny Specials - for details see Fri 30th Mar. Booking essential.

Sat, 21st Apr, AGM (Members only) at North Hall, Loxwood Further details and booking from the Trust Office on 01403 752403. office@weyandarun.co.uk www.weyandarun.co.uk Northern Office Phone: 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm)

IWAKES Branch News KENT AND EAST SUSSEX Branch

Come boating with IWAKES? Kent & East Sussex Branch is considering a commercial boat day-trip on some lesser-used waters in 2018. But arrangements will only be firmed up if sufficient IWAKES members (and others) express an interest. The following options are possible…

1) Newenden to Bodiam and return aboard the ‘Danny Lee’ from Bodiam Boat Station on a Wednesday afternoon between May and July. For a group of over ten the cost would be around £10 return per person for two 45-minute trips.

2) Newenden to Iden Lock and return aboard the ‘Danny Lee’ on a Saturday evening between July and August. For a group of up to twenty the cost would be around £20 return per person for a three-hour trip.

15 3) 3) Littlehampton Littlehampton to to Arundel Arundel and and Amberley Amberley on on a a twelve-passenger twelve-passenger boat. boat.

3) Littlehampton Arundel and Amberley beonaround a twelve-passenger boat.

Littlehampton to to to Amberley Littlehampton Amberley (three (three hours) hours) would would be around £15 £15 per per person person single. single.

Littlehampton to Amberley (three hours) would be(one around £15 perminutes) person single.

Littlehampton to Arundel or Arundel to Amberley hour thirty would Littlehampton to Arundel or Arundel to Amberley (one hour thirty minutes) would Littlehampton to Arundel or Arundel(There to Amberley (one hour thirty minutes) would be be around around £10 £10 per per person person single. single. (There are are stations stations at at Littlehampton, Littlehampton, Arundel Arundel be around £10 per person single. (There are stations at Littlehampton, Arundel and Amberley). and Amberley). and Amberley).

4) Sandwich Sandwich on on a a twelve-seat twelve-seat boat boat to to Plucks Plucks Gutter Gutter (with (with stop stop for for pre-booked pre-booked meal meal 4) 4) Sandwich on a Duck). twelve-seat boat to PlucksFerry Gutter (with stop for pre-booked meal at at the the Dog Dog and and Duck). Then Then on on to to Grove Grove Ferry to to change change to to another another twelve-seat twelve-seat at the Dog and Duck).

Then on toreturn Grove Ferry to change toApproximate another twelve-seat boat boat to to proceed proceed to to Fordwich.

Fordwich. The The return trip trip is is also also available. available. Approximate journey journey boat to proceed to(plus Fordwich.

The return trip cost is alsoaround available.

Approximate journey time four hours eating time) with £30 time four hours (plus eating time) with cost around £30 per per person person single single time four hours (plus eating time) with cost around £30 orper person (There single (excluding the cost of the optional meal and drink).

Weekday weekend. (excluding the cost of the optional meal and drink). Weekday or weekend. (There (excluding the cost of the optional meal and drink). Weekday or weekend. (There are are stations stations at at Sandwich Sandwich and and Fordwich).

Fordwich). are stations at Sandwich and Fordwich).

If you If you are are tempted tempted by by these these then then please please express express your your interest interest to to Roy Roy Sutton Sutton (01342 (01342 If you are tempted by these then please express your interest tooption(s) Roy Sutton (01342 317569) 317569) or or RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk.

RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk. Please Please state state which which option(s) you you prefer prefer 317569) or RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk.

Please many state which option(s) you prefer (as (as we we can can only only organize organize one one trip trip in in 2018) 2018) and and how how many passages passages you you might might book. book. (as we can only organize one trip in 2018) and how many passages you might book.

River Adur River River Adur Adur Humphrey's Humphrey's Gap Gap (Located (Located on on the the A259, A259, almost almost opposite opposite Halfords).

Halfords). The The hope hope Humphrey's Gap (Located on the A259, almost opposite Halfords).

The hope had been that this Public Hard could be reopened as a Public Slipway.

The had been that this Public Hard could be reopened as a Public Slipway. The local local MP, MP, had been that this Public Hard could beinterested reopened as a Public Slipway. the The local MP, Tim Tim Loughton, Loughton, called called a a meeting meeting for for interested parties parties to to discuss discuss the proposed proposed Tim Loughton,of called a meeting for interested parties to discuss the proposed development development of this this prime prime site site on on the the banks banks of of the the River River Adur.

Adur. The The developers, developers, development of this prime site onconsultants the banks of the River Adur. The developers, Southern Southern Housing Housing (SH), (SH), and and their their consultants (Keeble (Keeble Brown), Brown), whilst whilst sympathetic sympathetic to to Southern Housing (SH), and their consultants (Keeble Brown), whilst sympathetic to the ideal of creating a slipway, didn't believe that there would be sufficient the ideal of creating a slipway, didn't believe that there would be sufficient parking parking the ideal of creating aproposed slipway, complex. didn't believe that there would be sufficient parking available within the Tim Loughton suggested that SH might available within the proposed complex. Tim Loughton suggested that SH might available within thethe proposed complex.

Tim Loughton suggested that SH might contribute contribute towards towards the construction construction of of a a slipway slipway elsewhere elsewhere on on the the river, river, possibly possibly as as contribute towards the construction of afor slipway elsewhere on the river, possibly as an S106 payment.

The current plans the site are to include a an S106 payment. The current plans for the site are to include a davit davit for for boat boat an S106 payment.

Thebut current plans for the site areSlipways to include a davit for boat launching and recovery members of the Shoreham Group consider that launching and recovery but members of the Shoreham Slipways Group consider that launching and recovery butPort members of the Shoreham Slipways Group considerSSG that would would be be impractical. impractical. The The Port Engineer Engineer also also expressed expressed safety safety concerns. concerns. The The SSG would be impractical.

Thethe Portmoney Engineer alsobyexpressed safety concerns.

The SSG therefore suggested that saved not providing a davit could be used therefore suggested that the money saved by not providing a davit could be used therefore suggestedcontribution. that the money saved abyproposed not providing a davit could be used towards towards a a slipway slipway contribution. Similarly, Similarly, a proposed viewing viewing platform platform would would be be towardsand a slipway contribution.

Similarly, a proposed viewing platform would be difficult expensive to build, again that saving would be better used difficult and expensive to build, again that saving would be better used to to help help fund fund a a difficult and expensive to build, again that saving would be better used to help fund a slipway. slipway. slipway.

Emerald Emerald Quay Quay (Located (Located along along the the Adur Adur towards towards the the eastern eastern end end of of Shoreham Shoreham Emerald Quay (Located along the Adur towards the eastern end of Shoreham beach). beach). A A slipway slipway was was constructed constructed at at this this site site in in the the 1980's.

1980's. It It is is for for use use by by the the public public beach).

A actually slipway a was constructed at this site in managing the 1980's.agents, It is forfor usethe bysite, the public but is not public slipway because the but is not actually a public slipway because the managing agents, for the site, cover cover but is not of actually a publicrather slipway because the managing agents, purse. for the site, banks cover the the costs costs of maintenance maintenance rather than than it it being being paid paid from from the the public public purse. The The banks the costs of maintenance rather than it being paid from the public purse.

The banks of of the the Adur Adur are are being being raised raised to to help help prevent prevent flooding. flooding. The The EA EA closed closed the the slipway, slipway, of the Adur are beingand raised to help prevent alternative flooding. The EAmeant closed themembers slipway, without without consultation, consultation, and without without providing providing an an alternative which which meant that that members without consultation, and without providing an alternative whichand meant that members of the public had nowhere to launch during the boating season it unlikely of the public had nowhere to launch during the boating season and it unlikely that that the the of the publicbe had nowhere to launch during the boating season and it unlikely that the slipway slipway will will be accessible accessible until until early early 2018.

2018. Many Many attempts attempts were were made made to to get get the the EA EA slipway will be requests accessible untilunanswered early 2018. Many attempts after were made to get the EA to to meet meet but but all all requests went went unanswered and and it it was was only only after the the intervention intervention of of a a to meet but all requests went unanswered and it wasEA's only after the intervention of a local local Councillor, Councillor, Joss Joss Loader, Loader, and and contacting contacting the the EA's SE SE Area Area Manager Manager that that a a local Councillor, Joss Loader, and contacting the EA's SE Area Manager that a meeting meeting was was arranged. arranged. At At that that meeting meeting it it was was agreed agreed that that the the public public do do have have a a right right meeting was arranged. At that meeting it was agreed that the public do have a right

16 to to use use the the slipway. slipway. However, However, it it took took the the intervention intervention of of Tim Tim Loughton Loughton MP MP to to get get this this to the slipway.

However, it took the intervention of Tim Loughton MPdesign to get that this fact agreed in There concerns about slipway factuse agreed in writing. writing.

There are are concerns about the the up-and-over up-and-over slipway design that fact agreed in writing.

There are concerns about the up-and-over slipway design that has been adopted, rather than flood gates that are being provided at other, private, has been adopted, rather than flood gates that are being provided at other, private, has beenon adopted, rather floodis that are being provided at other, private, slipways the The problem aggravated because the will that slipways on the River.

River.

Thethan problem isgates aggravated because the slipway slipway will mean mean that slipways on the River.

The problem is aggravated because the slipway will mean that anyone launching or recovering will now block the entrance to the resident's parking anyone launching or recovering will now block the entrance to the resident's parking anyone launching or recovering will now block the resident's parking area the Quay It now possible even the area within within the Emerald Emerald Quay complex. complex.

It is is the nowentrance possibletothat, that, even though though the area within Quayit possible that, even though the slipway has been constructed, may replaced! slipway has the beenEmerald constructed, it complex. may have haveItto toisbe benow replaced! slipway has been constructed, it may have to be replaced!

Brendan Brendan Whelan Whelan Brendan Whelan

River River Medway Medway News News River Medway News

Teston Teston Bridge Bridge was was Teston Bridge was closed on Saturday Saturday closed on closed th Saturday August on 5th following following August 5 th following August 5 damage caused by a a car car damage caused by damage bywall. a car hitting the thecaused parapet wall. hitting parapet hitting thewas parapet wall.

The river river was closed to The closed to The river was closed to navigation for several navigation for several navigation several days while while for safety checks days safety checks days while safety checks were carried out.

Repairs were carried out. Repairs were carried out. are underway underway andRepairs the are and the are underway and the latest date for for reopening reopening latest date latest for is reopening th to road roaddate traffic is 4th to traffic 4 th to road traffic is 4 November November following following November following reported delays in reported delays in reported obtaining the The repairs obtaining the correct correct lime lime mortar. mortar.

Thedelays repairsinby

by Kent Kent Highways Highways are are costing costing obtaining the come correct lime mortar.

The Kent Highways are costing ÂŁ70,000 and just a after the bridge was reopened after a damaged ÂŁ70,000 and come just a year year after therepairs bridge by was reopened after a van van damaged ÂŁ70,000 and come just a year after the bridge was reopened after a van damaged the bridge in June 2016.

A man was convicted of drink driving and money from his his the bridge in June 2016. A man was convicted of drink driving and money from the bridge Company in June 2016.

A man convicted ofKCC drinkfor driving and money his Insurance will used to the repairs.

Calls Insurance Company will be be usedwas to compensate compensate KCC for the bridge bridge repairs.from Calls Insurance Company will be used compensate for the Calls for crossing in have growing for some time for a a new new Medway Medway crossing in the thetoarea area have been beenKCC growing forbridge some repairs. time to to relieve relieve for a new Medway crossing in the area have been growing for some time to relieve the traffic pressure on the single lane Teston Bridge and the similar medieval East the traffic pressure on the single lane Teston Bridge and the similar medieval East the trafficBridge. pressure on the single lane Teston Bridge and the similar medieval East Farleigh Farleigh Bridge.

Farleigh Bridge.

Maidstone Maidstone Riverside: Riverside: After After several several months months of of closure, closure, which which prevented prevented the the Maidstone monthstowpath of closure, which prevented the annual Gathering of July, the in town annual GatheringRiverside: of Boats Boats in inAfter July,several the roadside roadside towpath in Maidstone Maidstone town centre centre annual Gathering of Boats in July, the roadside towpath in Maidstone town centre has finally re-opened after extensive refurbishment.

This has involved removal has finally re-opened after extensive refurbishment. This has involved removal of of has after extensive refurbishment. This has involved removal of trees, laying new and trees,finally layingre-opened new paving paving and trees, laying new and the of 20 the addition addition of paving 20 new new the addition of 20will mooring rings be mooring rings which which willnew be mooring rings which will be very to very welcome welcome to visiting visiting very welcome visiting boaters.

There new boaters.

There are areto also also new boaters.

There arebins also new seats litter with seats and and litter bins with seats andplant litter some bins new with plans plans to to plant some new plans to plant some new trees later in the year.

Further trees later in the year. Further trees later in theof enhancement the town enhancement ofyear. theFurther town enhancement of the town river frontage has been river frontage has been river frontage achieved recently by EA achieved recentlyhas by the thebeen EA achieved recently by clearing the EA dredger barge dredger and and barge clearing dredger and barge clearing

17

the shrubbery from towpath on the retail side and the around the Archbishop’s palace. the shrubbery from on retail the the palace. the shrubbery from towpath towpath on the the retail side side and and the around around the Archbishop’s Archbishop’s palace.

All this long overdue riverside enhancement is very much welcomed and hopefully, All this long overdue riverside enhancement is very much welcomed and hopefully, All this riverside enhancement is more very much with thelong new overdue facilities and approach, we will see peoplewelcomed using the and Riverhopefully, Medway with new facilities and we withit the the new facilities and approach, approach, we will will see see more more people people using using the the River River Medway Medway as flows through Kent’s County town. as as it it flows flows through through Kent’s Kent’s County County town. town.

East Farleigh Lock: More East Farleigh Lock: Lock: More More goodEast newsFarleigh for the Medway.

Finally, good news for the Medway.

Finally, good almost news for the Medway.

Finally, after a year and a £3m after almost a year and a £3m after almost a year a £3mlock refurbishment, Eastand Farleigh refurbishment, East Farleigh lock refurbishment, Farleigh was opened to East navigation on lock was opened to navigation on rd was opened3to navigation on September rd by the Mayor of September 3 of September 3rd by by the the Mayor Mayor of Maidstone Councillor Malcolm Maidstone Councillor Malcolm Maidstone Greer.

The Councillor project hasMalcolm gone through Greer. project has gone Greer. The The project gone through through choppy waters afterhas a major choppy waters after a major choppy waters after a major structural fault was discovered within structural fault was discovered within structural fault was discovered a section of wall behind the left-within a section of wall behind the lefta section wallsetting behindthe theproject lefthand lockof gate, hand lock setting the project hand lock gate, gate, setting the while project back almost three months a back three months while back almost almost months while a a large sectionthree of wall was demolished large section of wall was demolished large section of wall demolished and rebuilt. Some delay was also attributed to nesting wagtails.

Newwas features at the and Some delay was attributed to nesting wagtails.

New features at and rebuilt. rebuilt. delay was also also attributed nestingsteps, wagtails. features at the the lock includeSome improved mooring systems, newtoaccess newNew rubbing timbers lock include improved mooring systems, new access steps, new rubbing timbers lock fendering include improved mooring newtoaccess new rubbing and to reduce the risksystems, of damage visitingsteps, vessels.

Wildlife willtimbers also and fendering to reduce the of damage to vessels.

Wildlife will also and fendering reduce the risk risk of installed damage alongside to visiting visiting the vessels. willclimbable also benefit.

A new to fish pass has been weir, Wildlife providing benefit.

A new fish pass has been installed alongside the weir, providing climbable benefit.for A new fish passtohas been installedmeaning alongside the weir, fish, providing slopes fish wanting travel upstream, freshwater such climbable as barbel, slopes for wanting to travel upstream, meaning freshwater fish, such as barbel, slopes perch, for fish fishdace, wanting to and travel upstream, meaning freshwater such asFoley, barbel, roach, chub pike, will be able to pass the site fish, freely.

Julie roach, perch, dace, chub and pike, will be able to pass the site freely.

Julie Foley, roach,Manager perch, dace, be able to pass thelock siteand freely.

Foley, Area at thechub EA, and said:pike, "Withwill a newly refurbished weirJulie we will be Area Manager at the EA, "With a refurbished lock and we be Area to Manager EA, said: said: a newly newly refurbished and weir weir we will will be able continueattothe maintain the"With upstream water levels forlock boaters, anglers, cyclists able to continue to maintain the upstream water levels for boaters, anglers, cyclists able to continue to maintain the upstream water levels for boaters, anglers, cyclists and walkers to enjoy, and the lock is essential for a number of commercial river and to enjoy, and the lock is for a of commercial river and walkers walkers to great enjoy,for and lockthat is essential essential forlocks a number number commercial operators.

"It’s thethe river 9 of the 10 on theofRiver Medwayriver now operators.

"It’s great for the river that 9 of the 10 locks on the River Medway operators.

"It’s great for the" river that 9 of the 10 locks on the River Medway now now have fish passes in place. have have fish fish passes passes in in place. place. "" Battle of Medway event: Medway welcomed visitors from far and wide for the Battle of of Medway Medway event: event: Medway Medway welcomed welcomed visitors visitors from from far far and and wide wide for for the the 350thBattle anniversary of the Battle of Medway celebrations.

This anniversary was 350th anniversary of the Battle of Medway celebrations.

This anniversary was 350th anniversary of the Battle ofof Medway celebrations.

This anniversary commemorated through a fortnight events including spectacular displays, onewas off commemorated through through a fortnight fortnight of of events events including including spectacular displays, one off commemorated spectacular off exhibitions and VIP visitsafrom Thursday, June 8, to Saturday, June displays, 17 with tallone ships exhibitions and and VIP VIP visits visits from from Thursday, Thursday, June June 8, 8, to to Saturday, Saturday, June June 17 17 with with tall tall ships ships exhibitions and plenty of pomp and ceremony at Chatham Historic Dockyard as Dutch royalty and plenty plenty of of pomp pomp and and ceremony ceremony at at Chatham Chatham Historic Historic Dockyard Dockyard as as Dutch royalty royalty and locals watched the start of the festivities.

The battle in June 1667 Dutch led to a huge and locals watched the start of the festivities.

The battle in June 1667 led to a huge and locals watched the start the festivities.

The battle June 1667 led to huge investment in new ships andof dockyard facilities, layinginthe foundations of aBritish investment in new ships and dockyard facilities, laying the foundations of British investment in sea newfor ships and 200 dockyard laying the foundations of British supremacy at the next years facilities, and contributing to the country’s economic supremacy at at sea sea for for the the next next 200 200 years years and and contributing contributing to to the country’s country’s economic economic supremacy success and the growth on the empire. The final event on the June 17th was a grand success and and the the growth growth on on the the empire. empire. The The final final event event on June June 17 17th th was a grand success was a grand firework display at the battle site on the River Medway aton Chatham.

Overlooked by firework display at the battle the Medway at Chatham. Overlooked by fireworkCastle display atthe theDockyard battle site siteiton on the River River by Upnor and simulated theMedway MedwayatinChatham. flames asOverlooked it would have Upnor Castle and the Dockyard it simulated the Medway in flames as it would have UpnorallCastle theago.

Dockyard it simulated the Medway in flames as it would have been thoseand years been those years ago. beenAall allvery those years map ago. of the Medway, produced by the EA, can be downloaded detailed A very detailed map of produced by the can be very detailedLock mapwebsite. of the the Medway, Medway, the EA, EA, be downloaded downloaded from Athe Allington Great forproduced walkers, by cyclists andcan boaters alike with from the Allington Lock website.

Great for walkers, cyclists and boaters alike from the Allington Lock website.

Great for walkers, cyclists and boaters alike with with much useful information. www.allingtonlock.co.uk/rivermaps.php much useful information. www.allingtonlock.co.uk/rivermaps.php muchThe useful information. www.allingtonlock.co.uk/rivermaps.php River at East Peckham has been shut by Network Rail for essential repairs The River at Peckham has been by Rail essential repairs The River at East East Peckham been shut shut

by Network Network Rail for for essential repairs and is due to open by the end of has December.

It has been advised that boats can still and is due to open by the end of December.

It has been advised that boats can still and is due to open by the end of December.

It has been advised that boats can still pass with care though no information is available for how long pass with care though no information is available for how long pass with care though no information is available for how long

18

Environment Agency Manager: Simon Cox has taken over from Phil Munslow as the EA Medway Navigation Manager. The picture shows Phil being presented with an IWA burgee and a letter of appreciation by IWA’s Medway Representative Mike Marsh.

Three craft, seized recently by the EA, were put up for sale by sealed bid.

Mike Marsh

River Stour Buoyage in the downstream part of the River has changed and new users should contact the Sandwich Harbourmaster.

There is inappropriate mooring upstream of the Harbour (i.e. where there is no navigation authority) with boats moored two and three abreast and inadequately restrained. Roy Newing and others plan an education and advice process. The boat occupants are mostly live-aboards priced off the land.

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust A summer of consolidation at Isfield Lock (left). The cut above the lock has filled with water and seems to be holding water (fingers crossed). An information board has been placed by the lock for the walkers who pass by on the public footpath, and grass cutting is ongoing. Volunteers have repaired both the ageing digger and dumper.

Another lock on the navigation, Bacon Wish Lock (right), has been purchased by a SORT member and consequently we welcomed WRG forestry for another visit to remove damaging trees. This lock still has its original bridge, albeit in a decayed state. Work has started on clearing the shrubs from the bridge structure and repairing the brickwork.

19

Thames & Medway Canal Association The Network Rail licence permitting TMCA to work on the canal between Mark Lane and Shornemeade Crossing came to an end on 31st August. Since then, despite numerous contacts between TMCA, Network Rail, SUSTRANS, Gravesham Borough Council and Adam Holloway MP, there has been little progress towards a renewal. The insurer, arranged through IWA, advised they would not be willing to cover work undertaken without a legal authority to enter the land. So work has ceased.

Network Rail have employed a contractor to design and build an access from the towpath to the TP Hut. This could potentially block the canal channel. Discussions are underway centred on the clear security benefit of a water-filled channel. The channel is indeed full, with rain through the summer and both pumps now working.

Future IWAKES and Other Events Thu 25th Jan: 7.30 for 8.00pm: ‘Sailing Barges - the Heyday’: Michael Farnham: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent. ME2 2AH: Sailing barges and barge yards on the Medway and Thames estuaries.

Wed 21st Feb: 7.30 for 8.00pm: ‘Branch Annual General Meeting’ plus quiz: St Nicholas Church Hall (Small Hall), Poplar Grove, Maidstone. ME16 0DE: Thu 22nd Mar: 7.30 for 8.00pm: 'Tidal Narrowboating' by Nick Grundy: Christchurch URC, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent. TN9 1SG: Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

Venue maps can be found at www.waterways.org.uk/kent/kent_east_sussex

Oxfordshire Branch News

OXFORDSHIRE Branch

Branch Chairman EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING They say that every cloud has a silver lining and that seemed to be proven to those of us who were attending Banbury Canal Day on 1st October 2017. Getting organised and ready for the event, which regularly attracts crowds of up to 12,000 people, had been a wonderful team effort brought about by the IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee and from around 30 supporting volunteers too.

On the day, the weather was very dark and overcast, the weather forecast had been very worrying for the previous week and we wondered if anyone would turn up for the BIG DAY. Certainly, there was no sign of sunshine and no break in the low cloud cover, certainly no silver linings to be seen from the towpath, and no crowds either. Damp and dismal is the best description, gloomy and foreboding is another expression that springs to mind too

20 .

How wrong can you be?

By 10.30 things started to brighten up a little, by 11.30 we had long queues for our four free Trip Boats and Water Taxi’s service which were the kept constantly busy all day long, finally taking about 1,000 members of the public for a FREE ride on the Oxford Canal.

We enjoyed our success, the rain never came, the wind was kind, and I think I even saw a glimpse of sunshine at one point in the early afternoon!! Although I confess that this was after a lunchtime pint (or two) of Hook Norton Bitter which I much enjoyed with friends at the bar!!

Looking back on the day now as I write this little article for Cargoes some two weeks later, I am struck not so much by that little ray of sunshine (real or imagined) but by the reality that in organising and delivering on that event, with so many supporters all Mucking In and Working Together in common purpose, that this is precisely what the IWA is, and always has been about.

By way of another example . . .

Only this morning I have received an email from Mark Davis, a residential Boat Owner in Oxford, and one of the many kind helper volunteers who travelled at his own expense from Oxford City to Banbury by train and back, in order to give of his time and his experience as crew for one of the trip / taxi boats, and to help man the IWA stall, followed by staying on after the end of the day to help with the packing and clearing up. Below is what Mark’s email said, and once you have read it you will see why I think we are still seeing silver linings for the future growth and diversity of the Oxfordshire Branch from that cloudy October day. . . . . . .

Dear Steve, Please could you put the following notice in the next issue of Cargoes?

Many Thanks – Mark Davies “WANTED: old working narrowboat for a community restoration project in Jericho, Oxford, with the intention of converting it for use as a mobile performance space at festivals and similar events. Ideally the vessel should have a history of working on the Oxford Canal, in order to be able to demonstrate the waterway’s past industrial importance while also emphasising its current relevance as a recreational and environmental resource. Anything considered, no matter what condition. Please contact: gilesshearing@yahoo.com Mark Davies, Oxford Canal, Oxford.

Another silver lining from that same Sunday that strikes me was that we managed to attract along as first time attendees, another boat crew helper in the form of an always cheerful and ever smiling Mr. Richard Stockting (and his equally cheerful and helpful partner), but who is also an experienced volunteer part time lock keeper for the Environment Agency on the upper reaches of the River Thames, where Richard works throughout the summer helping people locking through at such historic locations as St Johns Lock near Lechlade, Grafton Lock and Buscot Lock too. So next time you are cruising on that particular part of the IWA Oxfordshire Branch Inland Waterway, please stop to say hello, brew him a cuppa and say a very BIG THANK YOU too.

21 At this point I am tempted to fall into the trap of naming each and every helper volunteer, but a list of some 30 plus names who made Banbury possible would make for pretty dull reading, so I will restrict myself to saying well done everyone, thank you all so much for everything and, same time next year??

Moving on to other topics!

We all like a bit of gossip, fuss and nonsense as well as a moan, don’t we? So, on this occasion I am now wandering off into the controversial territory of the rebranding of the IWA following its announcement at the IWA Annual Conference on Saturday 30th September, a meeting which regrettably I could not attend as I was too busy with the final preparations for Banbury Canal Day, but of which I have received both positive and negative reports.

The facts as I understand them to be are that the new IWA logo/s, one colour and one black and white, that were announced / revealed at the National AGM will from 1st November become ‘live’ whilst the old logo branding will be gradually phased out. I make no negative comment myself although of course, as I have indicated above, I have already heard from quite a few ‘half empty glasses’ over recent days emanating from various quarters!!

I know there is always resistance to any change, it is only to be expected I suppose, and certainly some folks have talked to me in earnest about the cost implications to the IWA in changing everything over to the new format branding / logo.

However, from my point of view I think we must all now work hard together to promote a very positive attitude in order to be seen to fully embrace and support this change, a change that if we are smart we can use to the Branches great advantage.

As Team IWA Oxfordshire we need to look forward, to look to increased participation from, and the inclusion of, the River Thames in our patch i.e. from Goring to Lechlade as well as engage with the Wilts and Berks Canal too. This should be especially so after the great support shown for the IWA Oxfordshire Branch from John Minns of Abingdon (Wilts and Berks Member) who travelled twice to Banbury to help us out with Canal Day, likewise Richard Stockting from the River Thames – Many thanks John and Richard, do stay in touch please.

Oh Crikey! Having just checked my word count, it seems that I am already over the limit, so for now “That’s all Folks” Steve Good

South London Branch Forthcoming Events South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in 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 ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakers’ expenses, thank you. The programme for meetings is as follows: Wed 11th Jan: The Cutting Edge-The dark side of the Regent’s Canal by Lester Hillman

22 Wed 8th Feb: Working Boats by Kirk Martin Wed 15th Mar: AGM and review of past year For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@homecall.co.uk

Towpath Walks Group Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere).

This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you so, if you’d like to give this a try, please contact Roger Wilkinson.

Sun 5th Feb, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 19th Feb, 2.30pm: Walk, The Olympics, Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers, meet Bromley-by-Bow Sun 5th Mar, 2.30pm: Walk, Limehouse to Docklands, meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 19th Mar, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross Granary Square to Camden, meet King’s Cross (taxi rank) Sun 2nd Apr, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue Sun 16th Apr, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Kings Cross, Hitchcock’s Hackney, meet Kings Cross (taxi rank) Sun 30th Apr, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal: Regent’s Park & R. Tyburn to Little Venice, meet Baker St. (Baker St. North/Lord’s exit) For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £10.00, Concessions & Student rate: £8.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 07896 801930 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk For details on upcoming walks visit the calendar page on IWA’s website, or call London Walks on 020 7624 3978 or see above.

Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. Editorial Team: iwacargoes@hotmail.com Next issue Spring 2018 Copy date 15th February 2018

IWA South East Region Chairman: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE Tel: 07986 2444479 Email: verna.smith@waterways.org.uk

IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee Chairman, Basingstoke Canal & River Thames: Gareth Jones Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking RH5 4QQ Tel: 07850 819 071 Email: gareth@hillhouse.farm Secretary: Jenny Bartholomew Tel: 01306 882927 Email: jen.bartholomew@talktalk.net Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis

K & A, WACT & Planning: Verna Smith

IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee Chairman and River Rother: Vacant – contact Roy Sutton (Secretary), see below

Secretary, Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton 79, St Leonards Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EG Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk Treasurer: Les Etheridge Membership Secretary: Anne Etheridge

Social Secretary: Sue Schwieso

Waterways Reps R. Medway: Michael Marsh R. Stour: Roy Newing Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell

Dartford & Crayford: Ken Moore

R. Adur: Brendan Whelan Northfleet Harbour: Graeme Rooney Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson

Faversham & Swale: Dale Henson

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee Chairman: Steve Good 1 The Bungalows, Ham Lane, Aston, Bampton, Oxon OX18 2DE Tel: 07825 296357 E-mail steve@stevegood.info Secretary: Brian Saunders Tintern Cottage, County View, Clifton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 0QA Tel: 01869 337227 Email: brisaunders33@gmail.com Treasurer: Ann Yeatman Webmaster: Robin Williams

Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: Terry Yeatman Geoff Branner Non Committee Responsibilities

Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper

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