Newsletter of
Newsletter of Guildford & Reading,
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026
Guildford & Reading Kent & East Sussex Kent & East Sussex Oxfordshire Branches and&Oxfordshire Branches
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Index Basingstoke Canal Society John Pinkerton Focus on Accessible Boating Association
Page: 5
Byfleet Boat Club
Page: 8
Fund Britain’s Waterways
Page: 36
Guildford & Reading Branch Sales and Publicity Stand
Page: 4
Kent & East Sussex Branch – IWAKES River Adur River Medway River Stour Thames & Medway Canal Association Future Events
Page: 24
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Reading Crofton Beam Engines
Page: 9
London Region
Page: 34
Maidenhead – Friends of Maidenhead Waterways
Page: 13
National Trust - River Wey & Godalming Navigations
Page: 15
Oxfordshire Branch
Page: 32
Paddle UK
Page: 22
Puffing-a-Wey
Page: 19
River Thames
Page: 22
Surrey Care Trust
Page: 24
Tooley’s Boatyard Trust
Page: 32
Towpath Walks
Page: 34
Wey & Arun Canal Trust
Page: 20
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
Page: 33
Cover Photo Courtesy: Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. Celebrating their 75th Anniversary near the new entrance to the Wilts and Berks Canal – “Wilts & Berks Canal meets Hannah”
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IWA Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire and Guildford and Reading Branches of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM will take place on Thursday 18th February 2027, 7.15 for 7.30pm: By Zoom The Oxfordshire Branch AGM tba The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM tba The Agenda for the branch meetings will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws as follows:
Agenda 1
Apologies for Absence
2
Approval (following amendments 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
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Editorial Welcome to the Autumn edition of Cargoes. I hope you all had a good Summer and are relieved that we have, at last, had some rain. This edition is brimming with news from our loyal contributors. It is only with their articles that Cargoes exists. Many thanks to all contributors for the articles and photos you have supplied for this edition of Cargoes. I hope everyone enjoys reading them. Chris Jones, Editor
Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman Branch Report September 2026 A glorious September has followed one of the hottest boating seasons for decades. In the South-East the lack of rain is likely to affect water levels for months to come, while the damage to ageing canal structures will be felt for years. I was surprised to learn that the upper reaches of the Thames have not been as severely impacted as other navigations and that the Basingstoke Canal, with its reputation for summer closure, was one of the last canals to close. The canal online forums have been reporting increased anti -social behaviour from a few boaters. Most incidents seem to be related to the effect of excessive speed on moored craft mostly created by powered craft of all sizes. AGM: The calendar year is winding down and we are beginning to think about the branch AGM. The attendance at recent AGM’s has been disappointing and we need to know what would encourage you to attend, either in person or online. Would a different venue, time or format encourage you to attend? Please contact us as soon as possible. Happy Christmas! Photo: Courtesy Basingstoke Canal Society
Verna Smith
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Sales & Publicity Stand Unfortunately, due to illness we were unable to attend the only event we had planned for this year. The existing team of THREE members who are all well over 75 years old, are finding it very hard to keep going. If one is ill on the day, which is what happened the remaining two cannot manage. Without help from more members IWA’s presence at local events will be no more. This will be detrimental to IWA as we need the general public to know who we are and what we stand for. We are hoping to attend the Reading Water Fest and Wey River Festival during 2027. Please do let us know if you can help. Without the help of at least 1 more IWA member we will not be able to attend these or any other events. My email address is: chris.jones@waterways.org.uk.
Basingstoke Canal Society
6 It’s been a beautiful long and hot summer on the Basingstoke Canal, for visitors, volunteers, boaters and wildlife too, all affected by the very hot summer with no rainfall, but the rain and autumn have made a welcome arrival. The BCA took early action this year and took preventative action to protect the water levels. We hope that the levels will increase soon with plenty of rain to ensure navigation can resume and wildlife can return and continue to thrive along the full length of the Canal. Earlier on in the year, we launched our volunteer lockkeepers scheme an example of how our partnership has grown with the Basingstoke Canal Authority. We all appreciate that the Basingstoke Canal is a wonderful stretch of water however the 28 double locks that you must climb through to the top of Deepcut can be a challenge and this new initiative will help visitors through the 17 locks of the Brookwood and Deepcut flights. We hope that this will in turn encourage more visiting boats onto the Basingstoke Canal, something we value as a society and love to see and we’re confident that the general public does too. This year has also seen us celebrate our 60th anniversary in 3 different events, firstly in Woking, then Fleet and most recently in Odiham where we enjoyed the Odiham Raft Race. If you also haven’t had chance to take a look yet, we published a list of 60 things to do on the Basingstoke Canal to encourage people to step outside of their neighbourhood and explore a little further afield.
This November, as per previous years, we’ve partnered with Will writers Kept Assets to help our members write new Wills or review existing ones, free of charge. A gift in your will could help protect the Basingstoke Canal for many generations to come. As a charity we rely on donations from those who enjoy and
7 value the Basingstoke Canal to help us continue to our work and campaign for its sustainable future. While this offer is without obligation, it also gives the opportunity to leave a gift in your will to help preserve the Basingstoke Canal for future generations. Gifts in wills can also be very tax efficient for the beneficiaries of the will. If you do not currently have a Will then Kept Assets will write a simple Will for you free of charge. If you already have a Will then Kept Assets will review your existing Will free of charge We will have appointments available on Thursday 19th November in Fleet. To make an appointment for a no obligation meeting, please contact our friendly volunteer Gren by email (gren.gale@basingstoke-canal.org.uk) This year we also launched our Corporate membership. There is an opportunity for all sizes of company to become a member of the Society. The benefits to your Company can be seen on our website and also the way you can help the Society. The cost depends on the size of your organisation. To find out more, please do email corporate-engagement@basingstoke-canal.org.uk or visit our website. Last but not least, our 2027 calendar is now available on our website! It’s a beautiful selection of photos from all of the competition entries this year. It will also be available to purchase from our events team at events over the Christmas period, but we’d recommend securing yours sooner rather than later.
Charlotte Rodgers, Press Officer BCS
8 Boat Trips: The John Pinkerton II trip boat operates from Odiham in Hampshire, running public, themed and chartered cruises. Trips last about 3.25 hours and run through farms, woodlands and the occasional small settlement. Information for times and prices is available on our website: https://basingstoke-canal.org.uk/book-your-trip/. All bookings are done online but for help email: jpbookings@basingstoke-canal.org.uk, or call: 07506 864411 (10am – 6pm). Kitty II public boat trips are at 11am, 1pm and 2.45pm from the town wharf in Woking. Trips from Mytchett: Boat trips on board our friendly 12-seater boat Rosebud usually run at weekends and on public holidays from Easter to September. Please contact us for up to date information. Tel 01252 370073, email info@basingstokecanal.co.uk or check on Facebook or Twitter.
Focus on Accessible Boating Association The Accessible Boating Association, (ABA), is a registered charity initiated in 1985. The charity enables people who cannot use existing canal boats to enjoy cruises on the Basingstoke Canal. Two boats are available: Madam Butterfly, a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat and Dawn, a 12-person day boat. Both boats are based in Odiham at Galleon Marine’s boatyard with trips operating from Colt Hill Wharf from April to October. For more details see the website www.accessibleboating.org.uk.
Byfleet Boat Club Byfleet Boat Club hosted the Weyside Festival on 18th and 19th September. 28 boats attended plus the trip boat Tranquility (Swingbridge Community Boats) and more than 70 guests enjoyed the boaters’ evening and boaters’ BBQ. The event was a great success. Commodore Andrew Williamson praised the organising group led by Rodney Wardlaw and thanked the participating stallholders which included Tracy Shaw (Tracy's treasures), The Basingstoke Canal Society, Byfleet Heritage Society, Melanie Cambridge (Art) and Eric Bailey (Fishing gear). Events included skittles, ropes and knots and fishing tackle demonstrations as well as entertainment from local bands and singers. Mike Chamberlain
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Kennet & Avon Canal News Reading Branch Chairman’s Report 75 Years on the Water: A Landmark Celebration of the Kennet & Avon Canal The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust marked its 75th anniversary with a season of events, highlight being the Great Celebratory Cruise, a travelling tribute to the waterway, its heritage, and the communities that sustain it. From record-breaking lock flights to flotillas of Scouts, and civic receptions, the celebration captured the spirit of a canal that continues to inspire thousands. The cruise began at Great Bedwyn with a ceremonial send off by distinguished company. The High Sheriff of Wiltshire joined the first leg, lending a ceremonial flourish to the departure, as the Trust’s access-enabled boat Hannah headed west toward Bristol. On the iconic Caen Hill flight, Hannah carried 334 passengers through its 29 locks, setting a world record. Spectators and passengers alike felt the significance of the achievement. Bristol Harbour welcomed the cruise with youthful energy and maritime pageantry. A flotilla of 40 Scouts in small boats escorted Hannah into the harbour, creating a lively spectacle that delighted onlookers. The Lord Mayor of Bristol then formally saw the boat off, as she began her eastward journey. More than 50 volunteer crew members rotated through shifts to keep Hannah running smoothly during the voyage. Over 500 passengers joined the cruise, including school groups, local organisations, Trust members, seven Mayors, and three MPs. And then there was the cake. The Trust’s president famously remarked that the canal’s restoration had been “Fuelled by cake,” so the cruise embraced the tradition wholeheartedly. Seventy-five cakes — one for each year — were served with tea along the route, turning every stop into a celebration.
10 The journey was made possible by a network of friends and partners. CRT teams supported logistics and lock-keeping, while ABC Leisure provided water and pump outs, ensuring a smooth passage. The cruise concluded with a Grand Finale at Reading Water Fest, carrying an impressive delegation on its final leg: the Mayors of Newbury, Reading, and Düsseldorf; Reading’s lead councillor; MP Matt Rodda; and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire. Travelling from Fobney Lock into the town, guests enjoyed views of the green corridor, including the recently cleared passage past a fallen willow. At County Lock, trip boat Matilda Too greeted the VIPs joining Hannah for a musical rendezvous. A shanty choir on board the boat, giving guests a rousing procession around the waterway loop and onward to Reading Hannah squeezing past fallen tree Abbey Wharf. Reading Water Fest itself was a vibrant showcase of waterway heritage. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust and the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust added to the canal presence, creating a dynamic gathering of organisations. Author Andy Bowden drew crowds with his hand-stitched novel “Dirty Work”, a historic tale of the canal’s construction told from the perspective of a canal puddler. Every copy is stitched by Andy himself, with large-print versions available on request. Boat trips aboard Matilda Too and Newbury’s Jubilee ran at full capacity throughout the day, adding movement and excitement to the festival. VIP’s meeting the Author
The Risley Tea Room provided a cream tea for VIPs in the Abbey chancelry, where they were tasked with judging the canal-wide colouring competition sponsored by the London Street Brasserie. The Mayors’ Favourite Boat award went to Falcon Adam, with prizes including LTC Rolt’s “Narrowboat” and Jo Bell’s “Boater”. The day ended with the traditional Duck Race, a cheerful and chaotic finale that never fails to delight spectators of all ages.
Falcon Adam
11 After Water Fest, Hannah remained in Reading for a week, offering cruises for Trust members, care homes, Mencap groups, and other community organisations. She then headed home, stopping at the Aldermaston Tea Room for the final celebration: a barbecue with music from “Daughter of the Water” and “Dolly and the Clothes Pegs.” In a welcome development, Reading Borough Council dropped overnight mooring charges shortly after Water Fest — a positive outcome of discussions with the Trust and a step toward making Reading a more boat-friendly destination. As autumn settles in, the canal reflects a season of both beauty and strain. While the mayfly display was more modest than in previous years, Dolly and the Clothes Pegs dragonflies and damselflies made up for it, providing their usual dazzling displays. Birdwatchers reported numerous sightings over the summer, including kingfishers, great crested grebes, and a lively mix of ducks and geese. A pair of Egyptian geese famously nested in the angler sculpture’s landing net on Chocolate Island, becoming a favourite talking point. Yet the navigation itself has faced significant challenges. Damaged locks, delayed winter repairs, due to flooding, and willow dropping into the water, all required urgent attention. CRT’s operational teams worked tirelessly, but the need for increased funding and resources is clear. Blake’s Lock, under the Environment Agency’s care, remains unrepaired, causing ongoing restrictions. Water levels dropped during hot spells, and were worsened by paddles left open and gates abandoned by boaters. More seriously, a wide-beam caused extensive damage through the eastern K&A, striking boats and breaking locks. Although the boater was arrested at Burghfield, he was allowed Burghfield Lock to continue the next day, and Burghfield Lock remained out of service for weeks. Many felt uneasy that such behaviour carried so little consequence. Amid the challenges, Matilda Too enjoyed one of her best seasons yet. The new Sunday cream teas proved immensely popular, and in mid-August she welcomed her 1,000th passenger, significantly earlier than last year. The family aboard received a celebratory bottle of wine, and in a heart-warming twist, the father has since joined as a volunteer. The 75th Anniversary Celebratory Cruise and the summer that followed showcased everything that makes the Kennet & Avon Canal extraordinary: its
12 wildlife, its heritage, its volunteers, its visitors, and its enduring ability to bring people together. From record-breaking lock flights to shanty-singing flotillas, from hand-stitched novels to cream-tea cruises, from civic leaders to schoolchildren, the canal remains a living, thriving corridor of community and culture. And as autumn arrives, one thing is clear: the Kennet & Avon Canal continues to flourish because people care deeply about it. This year, that care has been visible everywhere along the cut together with the need for funding and resource. Our first monthly meeting of the 2026-7 Winter meetings was in September. The meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of every month - and the September meeting featured Andy Bowman talking about his book and the research he had undertaken. It was a fascinating presentation which generated a The KACT stall at Water Fest lively Q&A session after. This was in The Blakes Quay building in Reading next to the River Kennet. It looks like this will become our regular venue. Contact me or look on our website for details of future meetings. www.katrust.org.uk Keep well and look after each other. Graham Puddephatt Chair Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. Chair Reading Branch Kennet and Avon Canal Trust chair@katrust.org.uk “Reading…on Kennet and oh so near the Thames” - Daniel Defoe 1724
Crofton Beam Engines 2026/27 Engineering Open Days:As well as being open during the summer months for our Steaming Events and Sunday Open Days, Crofton, which is entirely run by volunteers, is open to visitors on Tuesdays and selected Saturday Winter Maintenance days from the beginning of October to the end of March each year. Entry is free to the site on Engineering Open Days. However a suggested donation of £5 per head would be welcome. There is a charge for car parking of £1.50 for 2 hours and £3.00 all day. The car park will be closed promptly at 3.00 pm. Please visit our website for dates and times at: www.katrust.org.uk Photo and information: Crofton Beam Engines
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Maidenhead Waterways Hot, hot, hot !! - It has been a summer of extremes here in the South East, with record high temperatures, barely any rain for months and river flows everywhere slowing down. With a hosepipe ban in place, lawns have dried up and turned to straw. In the circumstances, the Maidenhead waterway has fared pretty well, with water levels throughout the town centre held up by the new weir and a back pumping system in reserve if needed, to top up water levels and keep the eel and fish passes in the weir operational. The only lasting adverse impact locally has been an acceleration in weed growth in the channel. Community awards - We were delighted to be Highly Commended in the recent BBC Berkshire Make a Difference awards, for our community engagement and volunteer maintenance work on the waterway. Azolla Outbreak - We have had an outbreak of invasive Azolla in the feeder channels this year, threatening to spread downstream to the town centre. This floating water fern grows extremely quickly in warm weather, doubling in days and forming dense mats up to 30cm thick that smother other plant life and de-oxygenate the water. Specially bred Canadian weevils - which only eat Azolla - were deployed as larvae. They hatch, multiply rapidly and seek out the Azolla until it is all gone, a 100% biological solution..! Channel Maintenance - We restarted our regular channel maintenance sessions after the end of the nesting season, with targeted clearances to remove blockages that undermine the water supply and cutting back overhanging bushes that obstruct navigation. Visits from a specialist Weedcutter boat followed, to clear the excess weed encouraged by this year’s hot/dry weather. Further south our good friends the IWA Waterways Recovery Group (BITM) have returned with their chain saws, cables and tirfor winches to tackle some very large fallen willows that were blocking Bray Cut.
14 Gas works - Cadent’s long awaited works to remove a redundant gas pipe from inside our boating base underneath Chapel Arches have proved every bit as disruptive and problematic as we feared. After erecting a complex cantilever scaffolding platform for access, hanging over the bridge face, their first attempt at cutting the large diameter 200 year old cast iron pipe failed and they have had to remove the scaffolding for a rethink. They will be back..! Events - Despite disruption from Cadent’s gas works, we held two very successfully events this summer on and around the restored waterway... Paddlefest in June with Berkshire Scouts and Live and Local in August with Rotary in the Waterside Quarter. Some 90 youngsters in canoes took part in Paddlefest and we gave over 70 free boat rides in our powered service boats Yorkie and Yorkie Loupe. Free boat rides were also provided at Live and Local, with a further 151 people and a dog (..!) experiencing the restored waterway. We have extended our community engagement activities this year, with special canoe try outs and free boat ride days for a local special school, an Autism group and Chatterbox, a group supporting young adults with learning difficulties.
Canoe Club News - Our new Canoe Club, affiliated to PaddleUK, continues to thrive with over 40 members and a waiting list. New members complete their PaddleUK Discover award, led by one of our qualified coaches. The Club now has 18 kayaks/canoes and is seeking a location for a dedicated canoe store and launch platform to support its further expansion.
Richard Davenport
Chair of the Trustees Maidenhead Waterways Group
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River Wey & Godalming Navigations Summer on the Wey: Low Water, Big Efforts and Plenty to Celebrate As another busy boating season draws to a close, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a memorable summer on the Wey and Godalming Navigations. It has been wonderful to see so many people out on the water enjoying everything our special navigation has to offer. From day boats and paddleboarders to visiting cruisers and regular moorers, the river has been full of life throughout the season. Of course, managing a historic navigation is never without its challenges. Those who know the Wey well will be aware that our attention is often focused on dealing with too much water rather than too little. This summer, however, the prolonged dry weather presented an entirely different test. Maintaining navigation levels became a priority, with the team working hard to retain water wherever possible, installing summer boards and carefully managing leakage between pounds. The stretch around Weybridge proved particularly challenging. A tree lodged in an Environment Agency gate affected our ability to hold water levels, and matters were not helped when all the sluices at Thames Lock were opened by an unknown individual one evening, causing a significant loss of water from the pound. Refilling the section took longer than we would have liked due to the exceptionally dry conditions, and we are very conscious of the inconvenience this caused for boaters accessing the Thames. Despite the challenges, there was a silver lining. The dry conditions allowed excellent progress to be made on the major weir repair project at Millbrook. Our contractors have worked tirelessly to minimise disruption and deserve great credit for the patience and flexibility they have shown throughout the works. Whether pausing operations to allow boats through or taking time to answer visitors' questions, they have helped us keep the navigation open while repairs continue. We are now looking forward to the final stages of the project and restoring full access as soon as possible. A Warm Welcome at Thames Lock One of the highlights of the summer has been the opening of our new refreshment offer at Thames Lock. "Tea Room" may be a slightly ambitious description for now, but visitors can enjoy a drink, a snack and even pick up a book while passing through the lock.
16 The initiative was launched with two goals in mind. Firstly, to generate additional income for the navigation. As many readers will know, the Wey Navigations operate as a restricted fund, meaning every pound raised on the river is invested back into the river. We have been delighted by the response, with the modest venture already generating more than £300 each week towards maintaining the navigation. Secondly, we wanted to improve the welcome visitors receive when arriving on the Wey. Thames Lock is the gateway to the navigation for many boaters, and first impressions matter. We wanted to create something that enhances the experience for local residents, visitors and regular boaters alike. This was always intended as a trial year, but the positive response means we will be developing the offer further next season. If you have ideas for products, services or facilities that would improve the experience, we'd love to hear from you. Winter Lock Operations As we move into the quieter winter months, Thames Lock has now switched to winter operating hours. Passage remains available throughout the winter, but some journeys will require advance booking. I'd like to thank our boating community for their patience and support following the introduction of these arrangements earlier in the year. Key opening arrangements are: • October: 10:00am to 12:00pm daily, with return passages available by local arrangement with the lock keeper. During half-term (19th 30th October), opening hours extend to 9:30am to 5:30pm or sunset, whichever is earlier. • November: 10:00am to 12:00pm daily, with return passages available by arrangement. • December: Passage available by pre-booking at least 24 hours in advance. itself.
Full details can be found on the River Conditions page and at Thames Lock
17 Busy Times Behind the Scenes While many visitors see only the finished result, an enormous amount of work takes place behind the scenes to keep the Wey accessible. Following feedback from last year, our Lengthsperson team focused heavily on improving sightlines and ensuring visitor moorings remained accessible throughout the season. Alongside this, the teams completed a wide range of improvements and repairs across the navigation. Among the highlights: • Completion of the new staging at Addlestone moorings. • Repairs to visitor moorings downstream of Byfleet Boat Club. • Replacement piling at Bowers Lock landing stage. • Removing fallen trees/branches and bank repairs. • Major improvements to the offside bank at Thames Lock to prevent erosion beneath the rowing club. • Water safety training for volunteers. • Annual maintenance of our workboat fleet. • Rotational reed management in key locations. • Continued efforts tackling invasive pennywort. This year's principal bridge inspections also represented a significant undertaking. Although the navigation stretches for only 20 miles, we are responsible for maintaining no fewer than 56 bridges. Following the inspections, the team has been working through a programme of remedial maintenance to ensure these important structures remain safe and serviceable for years to come. A Thriving Dapdune Wharf There has been plenty happening ashore as well. Dapdune Wharf has hosted a fantastic range of events this year, from welcoming members of the Steam Boating Association to running our Summer of Play activities and Wharf Wheenies sessions that help young children discover the outdoors.
18 One particularly memorable occasion saw traditional Morris dancers arrive for a Wassailing event, bringing colour, music and plenty of character to the wharf. The team, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, also completed a new visitor path using timber repurposed from ash trees that had to be removed. The path has opened access to an area of the site that was previously inaccessible and has already become popular with visitors. You can now sit on a bespoke Wey Barge-inspired bench, crafted from timber taken from a former lock gate, while looking across at one of the last surviving Wey Barges in dry dock. It's a fitting reminder of the navigation's remarkable heritage. Looking Ahead As we enter winter, our focus will turn to several important projects: • Winter vegetation cutbacks throughout the navigation. • Replacement of the top and bottom lock gates at Papercourt Lock, beginning on 9th November, together with repairs to the cill. • Repairs at Millmead Lock, including replacement of the damaged balance beam and cill repairs, scheduled between 18th January and 1st February. • Preparing for whatever weather the coming months may bring with the anticipated Super El Nino Thank You Finally, I'd like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported the Wey and Godalming Navigations this year. Whether you're a boater, volunteer, towpath user, paddler, angler or local resident, your enthusiasm and support help make this waterway such a special place. We are proud to care for this unique navigation and look forward to welcoming you back on the river over the months ahead. Tristan Brown General Manager – Wey Navigations National Trust Thames Lock Opening times 2027: January: Pre-booked only 24hrs in advance. The office closed. February 1st – March 15th: Lock passage limited to 2hrs per day from 10.0012.00 with the ability to book a return journey outside these hours. To be agreed locally with the lock keeper at the point of passage. March 16th – Sept 30th: Full day opening. 9.30-17.30. Closed 13.00-14.00 October: Lock passage will be limited to 2 hrs per day from 10.00-12.00 with the exception of half term where it will open for an extended period November: Lock passage will be limited to 2hrs per day from 10.00-12.00 with the ability to book a return journey outside these hours. To be agreed locally with the lock keeper at the point of passage December: Pre-booked only 24hrs in advance. The office closed.
19 Puffing-A-Wey 2026 Saturday July 11th saw heatwave temperatures of 30 degrees as members of the Steam Boat Association brought their craft to Dapdune Wharf for the Puffing-AWey event.
Around 11 boats attended, including regulars Anna Jayne, Chimera, Aurelia and Zara Finn. Annabelle, Pickle and Rattler were newcomers this year. Electric launch Emerald and Regen II with its unique Stirling engine were also in attendance. In the afternoon Mark Rudall gave a talk on aspects of steam propulsion. Mike Lewis
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Wey and Arun Canal Trust WACT News Rooks Hill Bridge – a “triumph of community spirit” During August the weather was ideal for progressing the groundworks at Rooks Hill. It was a far cry from the winter and spring when it was almost impossible to get around the site for thick mud. This was replaced by a thick coating of dust! Excavators and dumpers have been hard at work taking spoil from the excavation of the canal for Phase 2 to build up the levels of the towpath and the approach ramp to the east side of the bridge. More work was completed just south of the bridge with the remaining interlocking concrete block bank wall now in place up to the southern boundary with Phase 3. Once again this operation was made much easier with dry conditions allowing the concrete truck and the block delivery truck to get down the canal bed to the work location. Brickwork continued to the bridge and the west side wing walls and parapet were completed, which then allowed the placing of the coping stones. This was not an easy operation as they are very heavy, taking three members of the team to lift and place each piece into position. It now only remains for these to be pointed in white mortar to match the colour of the stones. Hopefully, September will see us close to the end of Phase 1 work with the pond area, the west bank to the Phase 3 boundary and the brickwork to the bridge east wing walls all approaching completion. Dennis Gillen Tickner’s Heath Crossing August was another month of hot weather spent at Tickner’s Heath Crossing where groundworks continued on preparing the subbase and drainage for the temporary road. Many lorry loads of hardcore were spread and levelled. Flexible
21 drainage piping was laid in the excavated trenches on either side of the road which are steadily being backfilled. On the other side of the road, we recovered the metal steps in the cut between the canal and the footbridge. These had been in place since the construction. We also cut up into manageable sections and removed the heavy steel formwork that had been used to create the curved, concreted section of the bridge approach. Elsewhere we have completed various other tasks. We attended Pallingham Bridge where we replaced and secured the stop planks to prevent them lifting and floating away again during any winter flooding. We have also continued with the site surveys of the various culverts that are situated under the canal, including the underside of the aqueduct by the Lordings Water Wheel. Outside of the Canal Centre at Loxwood there is a wide drainage gulley that runs across the access road to the car park behind the Onslow Arms. This gulley had become silted up and needed clearing. We lifted the heavy metal gratings with the assistance of a hoist and dug out all of the accumulated debris. With the gulley completely cleared, we replaced the grating and cleaned out the adjoining inspection chamber. We are hopeful that this will help to alleviate some of the surface flooding that occurs at that spot during the wet winter weather. Dave Miller Dredger Pauline Despite the August hot weather, the team have successfully got the dredger, Pauline, ready to be launched. All we need now is some water for the canal! Some of the jobs completed include three coats of hull blacking, and the topsides and deck were repainted. Together with the previous work on the spud legs, solar power and internal storage we are hopeful that this should last several years before we need to haul her out again. There is certainly a considerable amount of dredging work scheduled for her and we cannot wait to get started. In the meantime, both spoil tubs are in need of some painting and patch welding.
22 The excavator “Teaspoon” was used to clear some of the spoil build-up on slipway which will hopefully allow an easier launch. When launching, we only have about an 1 inch clear between the slipway cradle and Pauline’s hull. So, every bit of slipway clearing is a big help.
Charlie Coxwell WACT website
River Thames News Boating on the Thames this summer has been affected by a legacy of lack of maintenance caused by funding issues, lack of rainfall and staffing issues. The water supply around Lechlade has not been a problem but further downstream water levels have caused issues especially where shoals have not been cleared. Some locks have also been on restricted opening hours due to water supply issues and in some cases staff availability. There have been regular breakdowns of lock infrastructures which have caused problems for boaters. As reported elsewhere there have been concerns about inconsiderate speeds when passing moored craft and lock usage. I guess that when the staffing budget is under strain increasing boat patrols is not possible. Verna Smith
Paddle UK Environment Agency campsites on the River Thames As previously reported the Agency closed all six camp sites at short notice in 2024 to reopen this year. So far, the planned reopening of five operated by a third party at Rushey, Eynsham, Days, Shiplake and Hurley locks, omitting Pinkhill has not materialised. The Agency has been contacted for an update and a reply is awaited. There are reports to the Agency the closures have raised issues with the increase in wild camping.
23 Latest water quality figures reinforce the need to protect the waterways, users and wildlife The Environment Agency’s latest assessment, published on 6th August, paints a deeply concerning picture of England's rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. These are places where millions of people paddle, swim, row, sail and provide habitats for wildlife. Only 14.3% of England's surface waters achieved good ecological status, while none achieved good chemical status, largely because of persistent pollutants that remain in the environment for decades. Pollution from a range of other sources continue to place enormous pressure on waterways. The Office for Environmental Protection has warned that the commitment to bring 77% of England's surface waters to good ecological condition by 2027 will be missed by a “considerable margin”. It is now investigating suspected failures by the government and the Environment Agency to comply with environmental law. Water quality varies considerably between locations and can change quickly. However, the EA’s findings should not discourage people from enjoying the water, but they reinforce why paddlers need access to reliable, up-to-date local information when deciding where and when to paddle. Westminster Hall Debate Held in September, the central theme discussed by MPs was the impact of sewage pollution on the health of waterway users. The debate followed an epetition initiated by Ash Smith, founder of Windrush Against Sewage Pollution, which attracted more than 208,000 signatures and called for a referendum on public ownership of the water industry. MPs from across the House also raised concerns for the declining public trust, sewage discharges, a lack of investment in essential infrastructure and ownership of the water companies. Earlier this summer, Paddle UK joined fellow members of the Clean Water Sports Alliance in meeting the Water Minister to underline the importance of making public health central to future water legislation. Paddle UK has since written to the MPs who contributed to the debate, providing further information about the Clean Water Sports Alliance's priorities and the action needed to protect the health of everyone who enjoys our blue space. Kevin East Voluntary Waterways & Environment Project Officer
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Kent & East Sussex Branch Obituary – Les Schwieso Les served an apprenticeship as a refrigeration engineer in Kent. He subsequently went to sea for ten years during which he passaged the Panama Canal and went around the Horn. He met and married Sue and they moved to Tehran, where Les worked for the Iranian National Blood Transfusion Service until the Revolution forced their return to the UK. Les rejoined a previous employer as a refrigeration engineer until his retirement. In this period, he and Sue were frequent narrow-boaters, travelling over almost the entire national canal system. Les was a keen fisherman and birdwatcher and he was persuaded to become coordinator for the volunteers maintaining the “Ramsar” section of the Thames and Medway Canal between Mark Lane and “Nuralite”. Les and Sue also gave a great deal of support to the IWA Kent and East Sussex Branch and Sue was their Social Events Secretary and was awarded their Richard Bird Medal in 2022.
River Adur report from Nick Owen Summer heatwaves meant that the cool waters of the Adur were no doubt a welcome relief for river users, but sadly the roasting conditions put people off from joining us on the planned walk on 18th July, so we decided to abandon it. For anyone interested in visiting the area, the Adur between Shoreham-by-Sea and Steyning is well served with footpaths, and also with history, including the ruins of Bramber castle (1073) and the pilgrimage inn St Mary’s House (1470) – plus a few pubs. We may look to reinstate the walk next year, but not in high summer. The Shoreham flood defences, filling a gap in the existing sea walls in the area of Sussex Yacht Club, are making rather slow progress. The work was originally planned to take place over the summer, but little has happened so far (erection of some barriers, and some work to clear drains so that water can escape from the shore side of the new walls – but no sign of the walls themselves). Adur District Council have been reported as saying that work will be complete by March 2027.
25 As previously reported, the wall work should also embrace the re-instatement of a public right of way at Stowes Gap. One enterprising local (who runs a Facebook group on Shoreham’s public hards) landed his dinghy there in August and exercised his right to step ashore and buy petrol for his outboard motor. Let’s hope he can still do so next year.
Stowes Gap lies between the wooden jetty and the muddy bank to its right. It is a public right of way, but also bisects Sussex Yacht Club’s yard. New flood defences must be built along all this low-lying land whilst still allowing public access.
River Medway news from Mike Marsh Environment Agency: • During the hot summer period, river levels on the Medway were very low. Lock passage restrictions at East Farleigh, Teston and Hampsted locks for vessels were introduced on a timed escorted basis. Lock canoe passes remain closed to prevent grounding. Tonbridge Lock is closed until conditions improve. Allington Lock was operating only within one hour either side of daytime high tide. At the time of writing these restrictions are still in place. • Back in August, during the two hottest days of the year, EA teamed up with Kent Police to deliver a Community Safety Event focused on raising awareness of water safety among families and young children. Working alongside Kent Police, Kent Search and Rescue, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and Maidstone Borough Council they provided interactive activities, information stalls, and giveaways in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
26 Despite temperatures reaching 34°C, the event was a great success, with attendees providing overwhelmingly positive feedback. It was a fantastic example of local organisations coming together to help spread the water safety message. • EA stepped up their operations with the local Police over the summer, checking boat, paddle board and kayak licences. On stopping one paddle boarder, who had no license registration, the person concerned videoed the whole conversation and uploaded on Tik Tok and Facebook. Far from embarrassing the EA, they have sold more paddle board registrations since, than ever before. No such thing as bad publicity it seems! The patrol with the Police also checked and monitored any anti-social behaviour on the tow paths and at the locks. More fallen trees have been removed from upstream too. These sweeps will continue throughout the summer holiday period. The Malta Inn on the River Medway at Allington closed on the 10th of September as did the Sir Thomas Wyatt pub in London Road, Maidstone. Both are owned by the Whitbread group and are being put up for sale. Owner and parent company, Whitbread, is closing and selling several restaurant sites as part of a national restructuring. As one of only two riverfront bars and restaurants in Maidstone, the venue presents a fantastic opportunity for a new operator. With its prime waterside location and significant untapped potential, there is hope that a new chapter lies ahead for this much-loved site. Back in the 1850s, assistant lock keeper John Bartlett brewed and sold beer to people passing through the lock as extra income. The water company found out and laid him off. He subsequently bought a plot of land near to the lock and built an Alehouse. At that time Gibraltar House operated as a pub. When the soldiers from Maidstone Barracks did a tour of duty in the Mediterranean, they would go to Gibraltar and then on to Malta. So that is why the pub was called “The Malta”. The square section of building with the tiled roof is the original pub - visible on the righthand side of this modern picture. For decades, it operated as a tied house for Isherwood, Foster and Stacey’s Lower Brewery in Maidstone. When that brewery closed and was taken over in 1929, the Malta became a Fremlin's pub. Whitbread acquired Fremlin's in 1967. The only remaining riverside restaurant/pub is the Thai Orchid by the County Court Building. https://www.thaiorchidmaidstone.co.uk. Well worth a visit.
27 Maidstone River Festival on 25th July was a great success. Over a hundred boats, including a sailing barge, narrowboats and many cruisers, attended. There was the traditional raft race and evening fireworks.
The fly past by the Battle of Britain memorial flight unfortunately had to be cancelled. The River Festival is a wonderful reminder of what makes Maidstone such a special place. It has that real old-fashioned community spirit, bringing together local businesses, families, organisations and visitors for a truly memorable day. Seeing so many local companies come together is very encouraging. Maidstone River Park runs along the banks of the River Medway between Teston and Aylesford, via Maidstone town centre and Allington Lock. It blends the best of town and countryside into a unique riverside destination. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the park opening. On 12th September 333 people took part in a fivekilometre fun run made possible by many volunteers who helped make this a great event despite some wet weather. Well-done all those who took part. Autumn colours are beginning to emerge at Whatman Park. Why not take a stroll through this beautiful riverside park? Just a 10-minute walk from Maidstone town centre, it's the perfect place to enjoy the changing season. Autumn fruits such as hops, haws, and berries are on display in the park. After working up an appetite, pop into the Riverside Bar & Café at Freedom Leisure Maidstone and choose from their delicious breakfast or lunch menu.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Riverside-Bar-Cafe-Maidstone/61578028767060/
28 At the end of the Medway Estuary off Sheerness the masts of the famous WW2 wreck, the SS Richard Montgomery are being removed in a £9.5 m salvage operation funded by the Department for Transport. The masts will then be displayed at the Chatham Maritime museum. The Liberty ship grounded on a sandbank in August 1944 and broke in two, sinking in the shallow estuary. Some 1200 tons of explosive ordinance still remain and the masts have been deemed a risk should they break off at some future point.
River Stour news from Malcolm Hasler This really was a summer with a difference. It was hot, very hot, and dry with drought restrictions in force, leading to low water levels on the river. No updates have been received, or any contacts made, in respect to the replacement of Grove Ferry Bridge and the planned Broad Oak Water (reservoir). I am pleased to report that the Kentish River Stour Electric Boat Trip at Grove Ferry finally occurred on Wednesday 8th July 2026 with 12 members, family and friends taking a very pleasant trip before an enjoyable lunch at Grove Ferry Inn. A potentially tragic incident occurred at the KCC Grove Ferry Picnic Site on Thursday 6th August. Two children set off on a calm, hot day in an inflatable canoe/kayak, heading downstream with the tide and river flow, towards Plucks Gutter, leaving their family and friends at Grove Ferry. When they hadn’t returned some two hours later, and could not be contacted, the alarm was raised with the emergency services, resulting in a multi- agency response. I happened to be on site with my granddaughter. Several emergency response vehicles entered the Car Park at Grove Ferry effectively closing it off. It transpired the two children had lost track of time and on deciding to return were struggling against wind and the tidal flow. The subsequent search of the river from Grove Ferry to Plucks Gutter found the missing children some distance downstream. They were assisted returning to their family; a good ending to an incident that could have had a very different outcome. The final piece of news from the River Stour involved significant structural damage being allegedly caused to the Sandwich Toll Swing Bridge by a contractor’s tanker whilst working for Southern Water. This resulted in the closure of the Swing Bridge whilst engineers assessed the damage. This affected vehicular traffic which has had to be diverted, with the closure being in place for the foreseeable future. Cyclists and pedestrians can still cross and boat movements are not affected with the right of navigation maintained. Permanent restoration and repair work is being managed by the KCC and is anticipated to start in October with the works expected to last for at least 3 months. The bridge is a Grade II listed structure.
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Thames & Medway Canal Association Events: We had a good two-day display at Gravesend Town Regatta on Gordon Promenade in June. There was plenty of interest for everyone with the historic skiff racing going on in the river together with a fun-fair and various groups on the main stage. It was well supported and generated a lot of interest in the canal but sadly no new members, but at least more people now know a bit more about the canal and our organisation. We also manned a gazebo at the Gravesend Riverside Fort event at the Fort Gardens Gravesend earlier in the summer. This was a great day with numerous re-enactments, musical acts and wartime interests, loads of guns firing, excellent costumes and a very full day appealing to the adults and not just those with children. We also had a display at the Maidstone River Festival with boat displays, a torchlight procession etc. David Acott manned the display and Bernard Snell campaigned with his narrow boat.
Cutting the verges: Last month saw our work party cutting the bank and verges from Shorne Mead crossing toward Gravesend. We have managed about one kilometre so far
and have another two kilometres to go. It is a tedious and labour-intensive task but it provides an open view of the water and allows wildlife clear access as we try to prevent the reeds from completely dominating the area.
30 Water: The water level in the Gravesend to Shorne section remains adequate. So, hopefully fish will return after the pollution incident of a couple of years ago. This cannot be said for the Nuralite section where it is almost a dry bed. We often set up a pump whilst we are working in the vicinity which makes a little difference but to almost coin a movie line – ‘we need a bigger pump’.
Equipment: During the summer months the towpath verges grow very quickly needing cutting back almost weekly. Our objective is to cut the 4km of verges and banks, clearing reeds encroaching on the towpath and also down the banks to provide clear sections down to the water. We have tried mowers of various types but although effective over small areas they often proved difficult to operate as they tended to slip down the bank or could not cut the long reeds. To hold them in line was very tiring as it often resulted in fighting with brambles. Strimming seemed to be the only option but the results were limited. We managed to scythe some sections of verge but even this had problems due to the uneven nature of the verges. This was a continual problem so some while ago we applied for a grant to purchase a tractor with an arm mounted flail mower as this seemed the only piece of machinery that we reasoned could trim the face of a hedge, mow a verge and cut a sloping bank of reeds toward the water whilst the operator remained on a safe, level and secure base. We are extremely pleased that we now have a stunning new piece of equipment. The National Grid have been very generous in providing funds enough for us to purchase the ideal piece of kit. It is narrow enough to negotiate the whole length of the towpath whilst allowing cyclists and walkers to pass without them or us ending up in the hedge or canal. It has a powerful diesel engine and a good size flail which can be elevated and angled to cut back the brambles which sometimes form an almost impenetrable hedge. Dave Parnell
Future IWAKES and Other Events Thursday 18th February 2027: 7.15 for 7.30pm: By Zoom: “Kent & East Sussex Branch Annual General Meeting” There is no need to register in advance. Instead, please <Ctrl-Click> on the following link after 7.15pm….
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82877772983?pwd=65DBM6RbcYyAoCjgjgSbxFlA5F2nOr.1
The agenda is on Page 3 of this edition of Cargoes.
31 Thursday 11th March 2027: 7.30 for 8.00pm: “Five Thames Creeks” - An illustrated talk given by Simon Judge Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH: St Pancras Cruising Club is well known for organising regular convoys of narrowboats, to travel up the tidal Thames from Limehouse to Teddington. These are especially designed for skippers that are new to the tideway. In this illustrated talk, Simon Judge will talk about the club’s trip a few years ago, when a group of experienced tideway boaters explored five of the less frequently visited Thames Creeks further down river – namely Bow, Deptford, Barking, Dartford and Crayford Creeks. To find a suitable overnight mooring (and pub) they went under the Dartford Bridge to find some moorings in Gravesend, and practiced cruising round in circles while waiting for the wind to abate. The talk is organised by the Inland Waterways Association Kent & East Sussex Branch. All IWAKES events are open to non-members and you are encouraged to bring friends. If you know of a local club or society whose members might be interested, please do tell them. Entry is free, with a raffle to cover costs. Tea and coffee are available before and after the talk and there is a licenced bar.
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Oxfordshire Branch
Tooley’s Boatyard Trust This unique, working yard has been in existence since the arrival of the Oxford Canal in the North Oxfordshire market town in 1778. Matthew Armitage has been the director of the site for the past sixteen years. His very personal account of the yard’s past is brought right up to date with a distinctive insight into how age old practices still prevail and thrive to this day. With a wealth of photographs, articles, illustrations and anecdotes about the Tooleys themselves, Matthew’s insight into this much loved jewel in Banbury’s crown will entertain and inform anyone with an interest in the history of the canals and inland waterways. All the money from the sale of this book will support the boatyard and its projects. “I’m very impressed – it’s how it was” – John Plester blacksmith’s son Go to the Forging Ahead page on Trust’s website to purchase this remarkable book. Richard Guard, Chair Editor’s Note: The Future: It is thought that Tooley’s is under threat of closure due to the current restrictions on the Oxford Canal. The Canal is currently closed due to lack of water, therefore boats that require servicing etc. can’t get there!!
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Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Are bridges like buses – wait for ages, then three come along? Well, not quite three, although the stretch mentioned here – in Wichelstowe, Swindon, was first dug out for the Millennium. The work included restoration of a stone bridge that had been demolished in WWII by our own artillery for target practice! It was restored to the original design, using stonework retrieved from the canal bed, augmented by matching local stone. Around 2006, a new road bridge – Foxham Way bridge – was built by the Council as part of a huge installation of infrastructure in what is now Wichelstowe. The development proceeded around it; Waitrose was built, then in 2015 the Hall & Woodhouse pub was built alongside the canal. This transformed the neighbourhood, and in 2016 a very attractive footbridge was installed to link the two. Now, Badgers Bridge, a new road bridge, is under construction and became a proper bridge in July. At the same time another bridge, a swing footbridge, was constructed a couple of hundred yards south along the canal line towards the M4. Called Bushy Fox bridge – both names of bridges thought to have been there originally but since lost. So it seems that we’ve been getting a new bridge every ten years, with two of them this year – all in a section of canal less than a mile long! However, the two new bridges are part of a new dig that will give us several miles of canal, some of it brand new. Elsewhere, two housing developments towards the western end of the canal are generating some controversy, as they impinge on the canal line. Hopefully,
34 discussions with the developers will lead to the kind of win-win situation we have right now in Swindon. Worse, though, is the news that the White Horse Reservoir, mentioned in the last issue, is posing a threat to the canal’s restoration. The hoped-for changes supported by OFWAT have not been taken up by Thames Water. The ensuing outcry has led to the Trust launching a Fighting Fund to enable us to counter the threat as effectively as possible. We have notified all eight of the MPs along the line – after all, making it impossible to restore one end of a 52-mile canal has repercussions all the way along it. At the time of writing, the fund has reached £11,600 out of a target of £100,000. Details are on our website here https://wbct.org.uk/white-horse-action/ Chris Barry Comms Secretary, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
London Region London Region Socials Our IWA London Region Socials have been on hold for various reasons and our plan to alternate these with webinars has not yet been possible to organise. However, we restarted these in April and hope to add more dates soon. If you would like to be added to my circulation and are not on the IWA London Region circulation please email me as follows: Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037
Towpath Walks Group The Start time for most Walks is 2.30pm (unless indicated). Normal charge: £20. Seniors (65+) and Student rate: £15. Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £15. A Walkabout card is available for adults, seniors, students and children aged 16 and over accompanied by adults. They cost £5 to buy, are valid for 6 months and holders get £5 off every other walk they take. Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5 (Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free). Prior booking is mandatory: Please contact London Walks: 020 7624 3978. Or email: london@walks.com. It is Very Important to watch the IWA website www.waterways.org.uk - or the London Walks website – www.walks.com – for any late changes to the walk.
35 Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along towpaths. This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways. It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you. Tues 16th Jun: 6pm start. Regent’s Canal: Little Venice – Camden. Meet Warwick Avenue Sat 20th Jun: Grand Union Canal: Kensal Green – Little Venice. Meet Kensal Green Tues 7th July: 6pm start: Regent’s C: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Sun 12th July: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice – Camden. Meet Warwick Avenue Sun 19th Jul: Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse. Meet Mile End Sun 2nd Aug: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross to Canal Museum Circular Tour (includes visit to Museum). Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Sun 30th Aug: Regent’s Canal: Islington – Kingsland Road. Meet Angel Sun 6th Sep: Regent’s C: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Sun 20th Sep: Four Hundred Years of the New River. Meet Manor House (Finsbury Park exit: exit 6) Sat 3rd Oct: Start 10.45am The secrets of the Northern Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Meet Stratford (Westfield / QEOP exit: by the Pret a Manger sign) Sun 18th Oct: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Sun 1st Nov: Regent’s Canal: R.Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit)
Sun 15th Nov: Grosvenor Canal and Battersea Power Station. Meet Victoria (Wilton Street exit, opposite Apollo Victoria Theatre) Sun 6th Dec: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice – Camden. Meet Warwick Avenue Sun 20th Dec: Xmas special: Mince pie boat cruise on the Regent’s Canal. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Price of the boat ticket is not included in the price of this walk. Prior Booking is Essential for this walk. Punctuality is Essential for this walk. Friday 1st Jan: Regent’s C: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Sun 17th Jan: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR)(by Santander Cycle Hire Point)
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Fund Britain’s Waterways Fund Britain’s Waterways Update, September 2026 The summer has been a busy one for the FBW team. Although some of the planned campaign cruises were disrupted by canal closures, this served to reinforce the message of the consequences of inadequate funding for our waterways. Together with the fragmentation of the waterway network resulting from low water levels, it provided an excellent opportunity to write to the new Prime Minister in support of FBW’s call for Government to commit to a comprehensive national review of future funding plans for Britain’s inland waterways. FBW / Russell Newbery Register Rally in Stalybridge, 24th - 28th June 2026 The annual Russell Newbery Register Rally was scheduled to take place on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Stalybridge from 24th to 28th June. It had been postponed from 2025 following breaches of all the main access routes to Stalybridge early that year. The 2026 Rally was planned to form part of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the reopening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal after its restoration, and also to act as a FBW Chair Hazel Owen and Sue O’Hare staging post on the main 2026 FBW
with Russell Newbery Register rally organiser Andrew Laycock but no boats in Stalybridge, 27 June (credit: Steve Whetnall
campaign cruise to Ellesmere Port and Liverpool. However, a broken balance beam on the Marple flight on the Peak Forest Canal with no scheduled date for reopening made it impossible for the boats to reach Stalybridge. As a result the Rally had to be cancelled at very short notice. Broken Balance Beam at Marple flight (credit Sue O’Hare)
37 Main FBW campaign cruise The main 2026 FBW campaign cruise was planned to culminate in Liverpool Docks, with some boats continuing through the Liverpool Canal Link to the Ribble Link and the Lancaster Canal. The boats gathered at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port in preparation to cross the tidal Mersey to Brunswick Lock and Liverpool Docks, but at short notice this became impossible owing to a fault with the lock. An alternative plan to reach Manchester through Pomona Lock also proved impossible, owing to low water levels in
The FBW flotilla at the Anderton Boat lift: credit Kev Maslin)
the Bridgewater Canal. The only remaining option was the Manchester Ship Canal to Marsh Lock and onto the River Weaver, bringing the opportunity to add FBW’s voice to the campaign for the Anderton Boat Lift to be reopened. The cruise duly took
FBW Chair Hazel Owen with Northwich MP Andrew Cooper and Mayor of Northwich Bob Cernik at the Northwich River Festival, 18 July (credit: Stephen Busby)
place on 10th July and the boats were The FBW flag reaching Liverpool Docks (Credit: Fiona Burt) welcomed at the Boat Lift and later at the Northwich River Festival. Eventually three of the boats succeeded in reaching the original destination on 16th August, crossing the Mersey in perfect conditions from Eastham Locks on the Manchester Ship Canal to the reopened Brunswick Lock into the Docks. FBW / GOBA Campaign Cruise on the Great Ouse, 13th – 19th July 2026 The “Navigating for Change” campaign cruise on the River Great Ouse to the Bedford River Festival went ahead as planned and was very warmly received. The cruise was organised by the Great Ouse Boating Association (GOBA) in association with FBW and included meetings with local MPs and councillors to highlight the issues facing the Great Ouse and the waterways more widely.
38 Waterway events Unlike the campaign cruises, FBW presence at waterway events has continued without disruption and has been a very effective way of getting the message across to a wider audience. Indeed we have been able to cover more events than originally planned, thanks to very welcome help from members and supporters. Particular highlights have included the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally on 27th /28th June, where Braunston Marina presented a generous donation to the campaign, and the Brownhills Canal Festival on 15th /16th August. At Brownhills FBW had a very successful joint stall with Kev Maslin of Chasing the Boats Photography. The next events on the timetable were the Whitchurch Canal Festival on 5th /6th September and the Strawberry Island Rally of Boats 11th -13th September.
FBW stall at the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally (credit: George Seward)
FBW stall at the Brownhills Canal Festival (Credit:
Herbert Heppel) It has been especially pleasing to see the number of recent requests for FBW banners and flags. Please do email info@fundbritainswaterways.org.uk if you could display one, or to borrow an event kit for use at indoor or outdoor events. Every banner helps to spread awareness of the campaign.
Environment Agency Q&A Session At the same time as campaigning for increased funding for navigation authorities, FBW recognises the importance of those navigation authorities being able to explain how they are making the best possible use of funds for the waterways. For this reason FBW has been holding Q&A sessions with major navigation authorities to enable detailed questions to be asked and answered. FBW recently secured an in-depth Q&A session with the Environment Agency (EA) about the waterways they manage, which will be a rare opportunity to put questions to EA. The session took place at St Pancras Cruising Club on 23rd September and a written summary will be made available to members. Sue O’Hare
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IWA Berkhamsted Head Office Staff Administration Manager (PT): Tracy Higgin Membership Assistant (PT): Rachel Bryant
ext 601 ext 600
The Inland Waterways Association South East Region Chair: Vacant
IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee Chair: Verna Smith Tel: 07305 042609 Email: verna.smith63@gmail.com Secretary: Chris Jones Tel: 07711 784374 Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis Basingstoke & R. Thames: Vacant
Email: chris.jones@waterways.org.uk K & A, WACT & Planning: Verna Smith
IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee Interim Chair: Peter Wilkinson Tel: 07505 601459 Email: peter.glen4@gmail.com Secretary, Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk Treasurer & Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson Membership Secretary: Les Etheridge R. Medway: Michael Marsh R. Stour: Malcolm Hasler Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell River Adur: Nick Owen Social Secretary, R. Rother, Dartford, Faversham, Northfleet: All Vacant
IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee Chair: Ian Lindsay Tel: 07889 070623 Email: ian.lindsay@waterways.org.uk Secretary: Vacant Treasurer: Mark Rowan Cargoes co-ordinator & Jericho: tba Email: mark.rowan@waterways.org.uk Non Committee Responsibilities Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper Next issue: Spring Copy date: 27th January 2027 Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. IWA, Hardy House, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, Bucks, HP4 1EF. Tel: 01494 783453 Company No: 612245. Charity No: 212342 www.waterways.org.uk Cargoes Editor: Chris Jones chris.jones@waterways.org.uk
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