Chester Packet May 2013

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Issue No 59

May 2013

THE INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION CHESTER & DISTRICT BRANCH

Early morning at Cow Lane Bridge, Chester.

Ann Farrell

CHESTER & MERSEYSIDE BRANCH

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OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE President Richard Drake, BEM North West Region Chairman

Alan Platt, 013527 2064; alan.platt@waterways.org..uk

Branch Chairman

Brian Phillips, 01244 300025; brian.phillips@waterways.org.uk

Secretary

Gillian Bolt, 0151 678 9300; gillianbolt:@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer

Ron Evans, 01928 788673; rjkingsley@tiscali.co.uk

Webmaster, Region Committee Representative

Mike Carter, 0151 608 6113; mike.c.carter@btinternet.com

Editor, Chester Packet

Margaret Pitney, 0151 608 6487; margaret.pitney@talktalk.net

Merseyside Liaison

Dave Smallshaw

SCARS Liaison

Colin Greenall 01744 73174; colin.greenall@btopenworld.com

0151 924 2036; flatboat@aol.com

BRANCH CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman’s Report It has felt a very long winter compounded by the cold spell arriving instead of spring. It was a relief to take a cruise up to Bugsworth Basin, true it was a battle with the wind and there were considerable pockets of snow in areas sheltered from the weak sun. However on arrival it definitely felt that the effort was worth it.

I attended the C&RT open day at the Dutton breach and was impressed by the work that was taking place to restore the canal bank. I was amazed at the depth of the sand strata running the length of the bank; this had become totally waterlogged and given way. The latest news is the canal will reopen on 5 th May, congratulations to all involved both at Dutton and Croxton Flash.

Will it happen again? Yes unfortunately a combination of 200 year structures and water make it inevitable. Water is a funny substance; it’s needed in the canals to float the boats but it has a knack of seeking out cracks and holes getting into them and making them bigger. Try picking up water and it just runs through your fingers but a litre of water weighs a kilo, a lock holds 60,000 litres or 60 tonnes in weight, that is a lot of pressure. Locks are built of brick and concrete but above

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the bank can be sand, soil and gravel which gets eroded by animals and the wash of passing boats.

There are already too many examples along our canals where the bank wall has fallen in with the water eating away at the back of the bank into the towpath with the result that C&RT have erected posts and cordoned off the area so pedestrians and cyclists do not harm themselves by falling over, although in a number of cases it has made it very difficult to get off a boat.

While funding is tight C&RT wait to repair at a later date. However it could be too late, minor becomes major.

Please enjoy the canals this summer but while out and about be aware of any problems and if you feel concern contact C&RT but also let the local branch know so it can be followed up. These days it is so easy to take a photo and email it to the relevant person, be a Good Samaritan, do not walk on by on the other side.

Brian Phillips

CANAL & RIVER TRUST NATIONAL BOAT CHECK This check has revealed that 96.1% of boats on the waterways cared for by the Trust hold up-to-date licences.

Trust staff visited over 31,000 boats on waterways in England and Wales.

Simon Salem, C&RT’s marketing director, said “It is positive news that licence evasion has remained below 5% for four consecutive years when you consider evasion was over 10% just over five years ago”.

During 2012/13 the enforcement team removed 72 boats from the network that had failed to obtain a licence or were in breach of other terms and conditions of their licence.

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REGION CHAIRMAN’S REPORT There are two general issues which I want to touch on in this article and both concern the relationship of the IWA with the Canal and River Trust.

The first is the news that Robin Evans is shortly to stand down as Chief Executive of the Canal and River Trust, and I have read an article in the March Waterways World seeing this as a portent of troubles ahead, which personally I doubt. A Press Release was issued by the IWA and this acknowledged his work in transferring the care of a large section of our waterways from BW to CRT, and the generally improved condition of the waterways in the context of the economic climate and stringent cuts. Robin Evans played a significant part in that improvement and in the transfer from BW to CRT. There will always be room for improvement in the condition of the canals and there will never be enough money to carry out everything that is wanted. What we want and what is realistic are different things and we should accept that we may look at the stars but live on the ground.

Leaving the vexed issue of remuneration aside, and it is a fact that you get what you pay for, and this is a very demanding job, what there is now is an opportunity for a new Chief Executive to be fully attuned into the new charity ideal from the outset, rather than being a convert to it from a different regime, and it is encouraging that those recruiting him have consulted with the IWA and other stakeholders, which is certainly something that would not have happened previously.

There is a negative mood among some about the progress of the CRT and the IWA’s relationship with it. We are trying hard to establish that we are different and the relationship has been likened to that of a landlord and tenant, which is a useful metaphor but like all metaphors only partially true. At the same time we will work with CRT for the good of the Waterways as they are what matters and we think it more positive to help make it work than sit on the outside criticising. We will criticise where it is called for.

There has been a most unfortunate situation in CRT’s N W region for over a year now with the then Manager being seconded to HO on special projects and now reassigned permanently to manage the Museums. I am

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glad to hear that an appointment has now been made and we wish the new incumbent well.

The second issue concerns those boaters that are sometimes referred to as ‘Continuous Moorers’ and here IWA can find itself in a position where whatever policy we take is wrong in someone’s eyes. So let me repeat what IWA’s policy is: namely that we fully support the genuine continuous cruiser who lives on his boat, travels throughout the system, or a fair part of it, and doesn’t have a home mooring. They are a valued part of the boating community, do a great deal of good in maintaining usage of frequently underused parts of the system and we thoroughly support them.

On the other hand we do agree with CRT in its current campaign to take to task and enforce the regulations and the law for those who simply abuse the licence by shuffling around a very limited section of waterway, frequently overstaying on visitor moorings and preventing their use by bona fide cruisers. In no case is IWA encouraging any sort of enforcement action by members or boaters apart from backing up any individual who sees a blatant abuse of the rules and draws it to their local waterway office’s attention for them to take action.

And finally, the snow has finally gone from my village now, and I very much regret that it prevented me attending the unveiling of the Maureen Shaw plaque in Middlewich, but spring is finally rumoured to be here and there is a surge of activity in work parties being organized throughout the region. I only wish I had the time to get involved myself.

Alan Platt FRIENDS OF THE FERRIES Across the Mersey DOCK AND RIVER CRUISE

By MV ‘Snowdrop’ On SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2013 Departs: SEACOMBE 11.00 WOODSIDE 11.10 LIVERPOOL 11.25 ADULT £24; CHILD £12

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AUDREY DRAKE It was with great sadness that we heard the news that Audrey Drake had passed away. Audrey and Richard Drake joined the IWA in 1976 with a wooden Walton narrowboat called Mabel II. They were early members of our Branch with Richard taking the Chairmanship over from our founder John Bowles in 1986. Audrey was an unforgettable person—always there when help was needed, humorous, kind and full of enthusiasm.

One day, in Richard’s absence, they arranged to be visited by some of Wincham Wharf’s staff to negotiate a paint job on Mabel. When Richard returned he found that Audrey had sold the boat to them and put in an order for a brand new boat on the spot. He nearly fell down with shock!

This was the sort of person Audrey was. Absolutely positive in her views, not afraid to take chances and never one to miss an opportunity.

She had two other passions in her life – children and animals. She trained as a nurse and spent most of her career on children’s wards – being renowned at Clatterbridge hospital in Wirral for throwing a senior consultant off her ward for ‘upsetting’ a small child. Any animal that was unattended by an owner was ‘lost’ and had to be rescued and sometimes even adopted when not claimed.

Audrey loved the boat but would never steer it; she was quite happy to do all the work on the locks. She ran a successful stall at all our rallies and was our official envelope-stuffer—for years she looked after the distribution of newsletters. When Richard became National Chairman of the IWA she travelled the country with him visiting all the branches.

Sadly she succumbed to Alzheimers disease 10 years ago which is why we have not seen her at meetings. Lovingly cared for at home by Richard and the family until the age of 92 she finally passed away in January. Her two sons Ronnie and Dave and their families still use the boat and hopefully Richard will resume his boating once the sad loss of Audrey becomes more bearable.

Margaret Pitney

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The Canal— Is it a Road or a Ditch?

The canals were built to carry goods from A to B to make a profit. They were the motorway of their day; looking at old photographs one notices a lack of trees and vegetation along the canal bank. This was so the horse and towrope were not impeded from moving the boat along; boats being fully laden needed a good depth of water, locks were kept in good repair to give swift passage, as today time was money.

Times change, canals owned by individual companies were amalgamated then nationalised and now run by a Charity. Canals are not now run for profit, there are no goods, but for the benefit of the people. Sadly although Government proclaims the importance of canals as national heritage they will not or cannot allocate sufficient funds to keep them in top condition.

So we as the waterway community have two choices, Continue to use the canals for boating, walking, fishing and cycling decrying that every year the network gets worse and nobody cares while the vegetation takes over, the paint peels off and the paddles seize up.

Continue to use the canals for boating, walking, fishing and cycling but whenever it is possible join a work party to remove vegetation, paint lock beams and grease the paddles.

True it’s not our job. We pay our taxes and our boat licences so why should we?

There are many restoration societies trying to breathe new life into derelict canals. However it would save a lot of time, money and effort if the present canals are kept in reasonable condition. Canal & River Trust can take care of the major issues but some help with the minor issues to stop them becoming a major concern helps to take the pressure off a charitable organisation. All volunteer hours are recorded and the value can be used as matched funding.

Please go to the IWA website and view the details in Bulletin of all Branch & Region work parties that are taking place. https://www.waterways.org.uk/news_campaigns/bulletins/ iwa_bulletin_mid_april_2013 The Chester & Merseyside Branch would like to join in and support the waterways within our area, perhaps adopting a stretch or a lock, but need to recruit a Team Leader to help plan and coordinate projects.

Although wishing to establish a regular program of tasks, as volunteers the committee recognises the need for flexibility so in the first instance we would welcome anyone interested to have a chat to find a suitable timetable to the benefit of both sides. In the early days of IWA the membership got involved— can the present membership emulate them?

Please contact me at brian.phillips@waterways.org.uk

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Many people have seen the term ‘Chester, one city plan’ and have wondered what exactly this plan entails. In explanation you will see below a document written by Peter Bolt of IWA and John Herson, Chairman of Chester Canal Heritage Trust

A Vision for Chester’s Waterways For centuries, people have gravitated to water for their survival and more recently their recreation. Many local authorities have undertaken waterside and waterway regeneration schemes in recent years. These schemes increase visitors, maximise marketing and economic potential and create vibrant ‘must go – must see’ areas for recreation and tourism.

Chester has a unique linked system of waterways – canal, tidal and non-tidal river - but, compared with other cities, Chester has been left behind in realising their regeneration potential. * The canal is under-used * The Dee Branch is becoming derelict and unkempt * The tidal Dee is all but deserted * The upper Dee is inaccessible to visiting craft. * The riverside walks are blighted by rampant and neglected vegetation.

Above all, Chester’s waterways are not exploited as an interlinked system. Yet, with a little imagination, the waterspace and its surroundings could be the focus for major regeneration around water-based activities as has been done elsewhere in the UK and Europe.

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The One City Plan offers Chester a golden opportunity to maximise the regeneration potential of its waterspace. The prime need is to connect the upper reaches of the Dee with the tidal Dee and the Shropshire Union Canal so that Chester becomes a worthwhile boating destination.

The first imperative is an improved and safe passage between the canal and the upstream Dee. This could be achieved by: i) building a lock adjacent to the weir on the Handbridge side of the river ii) improving facilities around the Dee lock itself iii) making the Dee Branch navigable again.

These improvements will attract more boats and this will also stimulate more land-based activity, which in turn will be the catalyst for stronger regeneration of Chester’s neglected waterside areas.

The time is now right to ‘make a difference’ by exploiting the regeneration opportunities offered by Chester’s unique and historic system of waterways. The first step could be to determine the navigation opportunities for visiting boaters.

This could then be followed by a financial and technical feasibility study of the options, possibilities and challenges involved in bringing these ideas to fruition and making the best of the waterways of Chester and West Cheshire. _________________________________________________ IIt should be noted that the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IWA. They are published as being of interest to our members and readers. The IWA is a registered charity No.212342..

The editor welcomes contributions from readers with or without photographs.

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Grand Unveiling of the Maureen Shaw Panel at Wardle Lock 23 March 2013 Over a hundred people turned up at Wardle Lock, in Middlewich, on 23 March to join in the unveiling of a commemorative panel about the life of Maureen Shaw and the working boat community. Maureen had, of course, lived in the Lock Cottage at Wardle with the result that it was often referred to as “Maureen’s Lock” and she was well known to both visiting boaters and the local community.

(Wardle Lock is on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal).

Fiona Bruce, MP, (current holder of the IWA’s Parliamentarian of the year for her support for the inland waterways) kindly opened the speeches, reminding people about the historical background and including the courageous role played by working boaters during the Second World War. This was then followed by Gillian Watson’s personal memories of Maureen during Maureen’s daughter Sharron Underwood and her latter years. Maureen’s Fiona Bruce MP daughter, Sharron Underwood, had flown in from Thailand for the occasion and with some emotion, pulled the yellow ribbon away from the cover to reveal the commemorative panel in all its glory.

Kerry Fletcher, Heritage Officer for Middlewich Town Council, brought display panels which showed aspects of the town during the times of the working boats and also gave more details of Maureen’s life story.

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When Maureen Shaw died in 2012 there was a strong feeling amongst the boating community and others that her life, and that of the working boat community, should be commemorated in some way. An appeal was launched at the Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival in the June, and by Autumn a good proportion of the £1800 needed had been donated - mostly by individuals but also by boat clubs and societies from all over the country.

Peter Bolt headed up the project, assisted by Gillian Watson – both of the Inland Waterways Association and the Trent & Mersey Canal Society and 23 March 2013 saw the culmination of nine months of effort, design work and construction.

The panel was made by Photocast, Liverpool and included two images of working boats, by Sheila Webster, the well known waterways artist from Audlem. The frame was made by Heap & Partners of Birkenhead who donated their costs. The whole unit was installed by the C&RT Small Tasks Team Volunteers, prior to the unveiling.

The aim was to ensure that boaters and other visitors to the lock would be reminded of the role that the working boats and families had played over many years and particularly Maureen’s story. She had been well known throughout the boating community and had given many talks about her early life on the boats – all from memory as, like many who worked on the boats at the time, she had never learned to read and write. Hers was an extraordinary life - which is now recorded for future generations.

Peter Bolt would like to thank all those who supported the project, both financially and practically and who came along for the unveiling – despite the bitter weather. Without their help, it would not have happened.

For further information please contact Peter Bolt, IWA Chester & District Branch on peter.bolt@waterways.org.uk

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NORTH WALES AND BORDERS WATERWAY USER FORUM THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2013; SOME

Q. A.

Northwich Marina—Any action regarding the provision of private berths?

The developer and operator of the moorings is Land and Water. Full plans have now been submitted for approval prior to work commencing.

The moorings will be completed during November this year and will be offered by the operator as private leisure moorings.

Q. A.

Any chance of increasing Visitor Moorings in Northwich town?

We are looking at the provision of additional visitor moorings in Northwich as part of the process of working with CW&C re the Barons Quay Development. Draft proposals are being developed to provide a small number of additional facilities within Northwich.. We will continue our efforts to secure the new facility. Information on progress will be circulated once it becomes available.

Q.

SUC Dee Branch—The basin is silted prohibiting passage yet Waterscape still shows passage is possible. If a lock could be constructed at Chester Weir would it not make a pleasant extension to the waterway system?

Dredging the branch is due to be undertaken shortly and to be completed by the end of the year. A steel plate will be left in place in the bottom lock. The plate level has not been adjusted as currently there is not a demand for passage. The bottom gates do not need to be in place to allow passage onto the Dee as the channel can only be navigated safely when the tide is at or above a particular level. Until there is a lock or some form of passing the weir there will not be a great demand for passage. Any works such as this would have to be sanctioned and funded by the asset owners, the Environment Agency.

A.

Q. A.

Sutton Weir—what work is being carried out ? Will a boom be restored across the entrance to the weir stream?

Necessary works are currently being undertaken on one of the sluices at Sutton. The boom will be reinstated once the works have been completed.

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Liaison Officer Report.

Liaison Meeting with Canal & River Trust As the branch area now covers Chester, Liverpool, Northwich and Warrington there are three CRT waterway managers in our area, ( CRT Regions : North West; Manchester & Pennines and North Wales & Borders). We had a very productive meeting with all the CRT regional Waterway Managers 26 March. Notes from this meeting will soon be published on the IWA North West Region web page.

Waterways in red show the new area covered by the Branch. Now the Chester & Merseyside Branch

Dee Lock Although no stoppage has been published by Canal & River Trust, transit from the River Dee to the Shropshire Union Canal (Dee Branch) is currently unavailable as the river lock currently has the gates off the quoins. There has been a request to make this passage from the Dee on 23 May and we are working with the waterways manager to ascertain how they will effect the right of navigation.

Chester Waterways Strategy We are working closely with Cheshire West & Chester, Canal & River Trust and Chester Canal Heritage Trust on developing a strategy to develop the Canal corridor and River Dee at Chester. See article by Peter Bolt in this edition of the Chester Packet.

T&M Breach The breach at Dutton, is scheduled to be fixed in May. You can keep up to date on developments at the Chester & District Web Page. ( Maintenance 2013 The Winter maintenance programme for 2013 will be available for consultation by the end of April. As soon a I get details I'll publish details and seek comment from the branch membership. Any members who want to consult on the stoppage programme should send an email to me at

mike.c.carter@btinternet.com Water Supply 2013 Water supplies to summit reservoirs is at normal levels for the time of year. This bodes well for the cruising season. However although currently there are no expected supply issues in the branch, boaters are urged to save water wherever possible by lock sharing on the wide locks in Chester area.

If members have any local information regarding Navigation or waterway issues please contact me at

mike.c.carter@btinternet.com

Mike Carter

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IWA CHESTER & MERSEYSIDE

BRANCH DINNER Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port (Next to Boat Museum) Saturday 16th November 2013 Speaker

Frank Carlyle Historian and Radio Merseyside Celebrity Giving talk on Canals & Rivers of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Chester ÂŁ25.00.

Contact: Lesley Taylor Tel: 01513426651 e-mail: lesley.taylor22@btinternet.com

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THE DUTTON BREACH In a report by Paul Brown, C&RT Senior Project Manager, it was stated that when, on 26 September 2012, the canal embankment at Dutton on the Trent & Mersey canal breached due to continuous heavy rain, the canal bed was fractured for 90 metres. The emergency plan started with 2-3000 tonnes of embankment material to deal with. The reconstruction scheme cost ÂŁ2.1 million. The breach donation fund raised ÂŁ30,000.

Enabling works started on 29 November and on 21 January the main contract works started. The work has gone really well with excellent progress leading to the opening in early May. SUTTON SWING BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT WORKS

Essential work on the bridge will commence in June 2013 and is expected to be completed by July 2014. The restriction will be under the bridge and will involve an airdraft restriction of 2.2m and 4m width. Navigation users are asked to approach the site with caution and observe any contractor instructions given at the time.

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CHESTER BRANCH WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS:

We look forward to meeting you all at our meetings at the Boat Museum (see programme on Page 24) and on our monthly Branch walks Mr J L & Mrs E Crozier Mr A Farmer Mr A G & Mrs W Benson Mr & Mrs G & C Burns Mr & Mrs J & D Miller Mr & Mrs Mitchell Mr & Mrs A & E Roberts

Frodsham Northwich Hale, Liverpool Wirral Wirral Wirral Warrington

*PLEASE NOTE FURTHER CHANGE OF VENUE* CHESTER CANAL HERITAGE TRUST

Meetings are held at the Lock Keeper pub, by Cow Lane Bridge. Free parking at Gorse Stacks and Iceland All welcome—members free, nonmembers £1.50

2013 ]Wed 4 December 2014 Wed 5 February

Wed 5 March

The Ellesmere & Chester Canal Peter Brown of the Railway & Canal Company Canal Travels of the Bowles Family Premiere of films shot by John Bowles and his family In the 1960’s and 70’s on Titania and other boats Robert Aikman—Hero or Villain?

Joseph Boughey on the life and work of Robert Aickman one of the co-founders of the IWA.

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BOAT MUSEUM SOCIETY—Diary Dates Meetings are held in the Rolt Centre at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port at 7.30 pm Advance notice - BMS meeting, 20th September.

Bill Aldridge, who has a fantastic collection of photos of all sorts of transport, will give a much recommended talk on Transport in the British Coal Gas industry.

Ken Catford, who has heard the talk says: "He had some excellent archive photos of canal boats including Clayton tar boats. His railway and early road vehicle photos were also interesting."

7.30 in the Rolt Centre at the National Waterways Museum.

I know this is a long way away - but worth putting in your diary now!

DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS NEWSLETTER IS NOW PRINTED IN FULL ON THE IWA WEBSITE? JUST CLICK ON THE ‘REGIONS AND BRANCHES’ TAB, THEN ON ‘NORTH WEST’ AND ‘CHESTER & DISTRICT’ TO SEE THIS MAGAZINE IN FULL COLOUR

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17 MATTERS MERSEYFLAT

Manchester Ship Canal Trade There has been a welcome boost for trade on the Manchester Ship Canal as a larger vessel has been acquired to cope with the demand for cargo movement.

Kellogg’s, Princes Foods and Kingsland Wines among others have exceeded the loading capacity for the coaster MV Monica which was acquired a year ago and a new ship, the MV Coastal Deniz, able to convey over 250 units (more than half as much again as the previous vessel) will run between Seaforth Container Terminal, Ellesmere Port and Irlam Container Terminal.

This brings further business to the service started in 2007 and in 2012 Peel Ports carried 15,000 containers on its services.

Leeds and Liverpool News The Farmers Arms pub, situated on the canal bank in New Lane Burscough has recently closed its doors for a month for a £350,000 refit. The new owners, with Punch Taverns, hope to bring the facilities there up to date without spoiling the internal atmosphere that has made the venue popular.

They hope to add various activities to their existing provision of a wide ranging menu and plan hog roasts and beer festivals in the coming months Ainscough’s Mill, one of Burscough's best known landmarks, will take on a new lease of life soon after years of dereliction with news that the West Lancashire Council has granted planning permission for conversion of the redundant building into residential units.

Persimmon Homes have secured planning permission and the building which featured heavily in the final commercial carrying on the canal will be saved in its original form including retention of its landmark chimney. Work on the conversion of the mill into 56 apartments and a new build of 66 new homes is expected to start very soon.

Dave Smallshaw

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BRANCH WALKS

Due to so many of our walkers disappearing on their boats for the summer months our walks do not resume until October.

This is our seventh walking season and we have had record numbers attending the walks with many coming on a regular basis, sometimes in excess of 30. Since last October we have put on six walks all followed by an optional pub lunch . Our branch covers a wide area and we try to hold walks in as many different areas as possible to give everybody the opportunity to take part.

In September a flyer will be sent out or emailed to all members containing the list of next season’s walks. These will also be published in the press and on the IWA website.

Remember all are welcome—you do not need to be an IWA members or a boater. The walks are free, they are healthy and above all they are very friendly. So why not join us?

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NEWS FROM THE SANKEY

By Colin Greenall

Halton New Mersey Gateway Crossing: On Wednesay 10 April Halton Council received the final tender submissions from the three bidders shortlisted to work wth the council on the project. These bids will be carefully analysed over the next few weeks before the contract is awarded to the successful bidder sometime in June. Once the contract is agreed work on the new bridge is likely to start late 2013 or early 2014. News is awaited from the council as to who will be awarded the contract to build and operate the new £600 million bridge that will cross the Mersey.

“Sankey Interlocks Project”: Work is continuing with this scheme in spite of the Heritage Lottery Fund people asking for a different approach to the way the bid is submitted, meaning that it needs to be more of a community led idea and not just something the local authority thinks will be good for the community.

This is likely to be a slow process, but the project team is meeting regularly to keep the scheme on track.

Warrington Towpath Refurbishment A 1.6 miles section of towpath between Fiddlers Ferry Marina and Gateworth Tip is being relayed and topped with golden gravel; this is part of the Local Sustainable Transport Scheme using some of the £3.12 million grant from the Ministry of Transport. The Scheme is to improve cross boundary footpaths in the Halton, Warrington and St. Helens area to give better access to employment opportunities. Work has begun on relaying the towpath between Fiddlers Ferry and Gateworth Tip.

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St.Helens Towpath realignment; work is now in progress on a filled in section of the canal in the town centre. The area in question was once the site of the abattoir in Parr Street by Central Railway station. It is now being developed into a car park and the old foot path which used to follow the perimeter fence has now been realigned to almost follow what was the original line of the canal towpath.

Possible New Bridge for Old Double Locks; SCARS has been in discussion with St.Helens Council regarding the design of a new footbridge which will cross over the Old Double Locks at Blackbrook. This is needed because the present foot bridge is not wide enough to be included in the Local Sustainable Transport Scheme for upgrading the canal towpath to cycleway standard.

Canal bank Collapse; There doesn’t appear to be any progress on the repair of the towpath wall collapse along the Hey Lock to Newton Brook section Flooding at Blackbrook; during the severe weather conditions which prevailed late last year an area of Blackbrook in St.Helens was flooded due the Sankey Canal overflowing its banks. The main course of this was the build up of vegetation around Blackbrook Road Bridge; this has recently been cleared by the Environment Agency so hopefully the problem has been solved for the time being.

IWA North West Region “Not an AGM” On Saturday 20th April around forty members of the Inland Waterways Association North West Region spent a very enjoyable day at the Fiddlers Ferry Sailing Club on the Sankey Canal. Alan Platt the region chairman welcomed everyone and then we were entertained by an excellent power point presentation of a review of what had happened in the region in 2012, this had been put together by Mike Carter. The region chairman then led a discussion on the latest waterway topics followed by the presentation of the Kenwin Trophy to Madeline Dean for her sterling work for the IWA over many years and the Tetlow Award to Mike Friend, who unfortunately could not be with us today, for his work with the Shropshire Union Canal After the awards it was time for lunch, this was a splendid buffet prepared by the Sailing Club catering staff, the lunch break gave people the opportunity to chat with old friends or talk to new faces. After the break Dave Smallshaw chairman of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society gave a very interesting presentation on the Sankey Canal in the area around Fiddlers Ferry and this was follow by a leisurely stroll around the area on a lovely sunny afternoon

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CANAL CLEANUP YIELDS A GOOD HAUL! Volunteers from the IWA Chester & District Branch, Sutton 1st Scouts and Cubs, the Ellesmere Port U3A group and a local dog walker – supported by the Canal & River Trust - landed a huge haul of debris and litter during their Canal Clean-up on Saturday, 16 March 2013.

The aim was to make the canal corridor from The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port up to Bridge 140 (A5117) a cleaner and more pleasant place for the many visitors to the area.

With summer nearly upon us, some will be visiting the Museum and taking a cruise on the trip boat whilst others will be travelling down to the museum on their own historic narrow boat. Other visitors will simply be local people using the canal for a leisurely stroll. Hopefully all of them will appreciate the huge improvement that the clean-up has achieved.

With over 40 bags of rubbish including soft furnishings, cushions, a very old wallet, a rusty bicycle, 4 car tyres and a 30 inch bakelite TV – the yield was very worthwhile.

Further clean-ups may be organised during the year and for more information please contact the Secretary of IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch: gillian.bolt@waterways.org.uk

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WHAT A LOT WE GOT!!

Gillian Bolt

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CHESTER & MERSEYSIDE BRANCH PROGRAMME Branch meetings are held at 7.45 pm on the second Tuesday of the month in the Tom Rolt Conference Centre at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum 8 October 2013 Two films—’Mersey Ferries’ and ‘Liverpool’s Last Tram’ will be shown by Ron Martin of Merseyside Tram Preservation Society.

12 November 2013 Trent & Mersey notices and posters: an insight into the early days of canal management.

Peter Brown, Council Member of the Railway and Canal Historical Society, Heritage & Planning Officer of IWA Shrewsbury & District & North Wales Branch SAT 16 NOVEMBER—BRANCH DINNER—See Page 14 10 December 2013 ‘From Boat Museum to National Waterways Museum’ Di Skilbeck MBE, President of the Boat Museum Society.

Followed by sherry, mince pies and a bumper raffle!

14 January 2014 ‘The Sinking of HMS Thetis’ Derek Arnold tells us about the loss of a brand new Birkenhead built submarine amid secrets, scandals, stupidity and secrecy.

11 February 2014 ‘Historic Canalside Industry in and around Chester’ Ray Buss of Chester Canal Heritage Trust