Endeavour 2013 February

Endeavour

1 to attempt (eg the fulfilment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n a serious determined effort

Northampton Branch Newsletter - February 2013

ARM ADOPTION NEARS FORMAL CONFIRMATION The adoption of the Northampton Arm by our Branch is nearing confirmation following a meeting between Branch Committee representatives and those from the Canal & River Trust (CRT) at Milton Keynes in January.

It is hoped details of the Branch’s new role will be finalised and agreed in time for a formal announcement to be made at the Boat Gathering at Becket’s Park in early May. Northampton Branch Chairman Bernard Morton reports: “We had a very encouraging and constructive meeting with CRT. The Trust is very keen to get this partnership enterprise up and running but naturally there are a number of formalities to go through before the final goahead can be given.”

Continued on page 8

NORTHAMPTON BOAT GATHERING ON THE RIVER NENE AT BECKET’S PARK EARLY SPRING BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND FRIDAY 3RD — MONDAY 6TH MAY 2013 Please see advert on page 19 and other items on pages 20 — 22 The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retention, restoration and development of Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use.

The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.

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EDITORIAL MUSINGS “Use ’em or lose ’em.” Never before can that be more true than when bewailing the closure of pubs. They are seemingly falling by the wayside, if not like a pack of collapsing cards, then with alarming regularity.

The immediate canal bankside, as well as the within-walking-distance area, have not been immune from this tendency. It has happened on our own patch in recent years although in a couple of instances the hostelries have reopened. I understand the iconic Admiral Nelson, situated midway on the Braunston Flight, has recently come close to the brink but is now happily continuing to trade as normal - or as near to normal pubs can operate in these straitened times.

You do not have to be a committed beer drinker to be saddened by the present state of affairs. So many pubs today are admirable eating establishments, some at the top end of the range which can be enjoyed solely for their culinary skills rather that just for the quality of ales on offer.

The same goes for village shops, whose trade has been drained by the everspreading tentacles of nearby supermarkets. How often have you arrived at a mooring with a village located a pleasant stroll away only to get there and find the local general store has closed its doors since your last visit?

So the message must be: use these facilities whilst they are there. Next time, the pub just round the next bend may have its shutters up, as might the shop in the village. By the same token, can I urge all waterways people, boaters or otherwise, to patronise, whenever possible, the advertisers in Endeavour. Our advertisers’ support is vital for Endeavour if it is to continue as a dedicated Branch newsletter in its present form. For just like the pub or the village shop, the advertisers rely on us as we do on them as the lessening amount of spending money goes round and round. I think you get the message…

IWA Northampton Branch web site www.waterways.org.uk/northampton Please visit it regularly to see any updates

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March

DIARY DATES

12th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch AGM at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth, followed by speaker from Canal & River Trust.

21st 8pm Friends of the Canal Museum meeting at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne. Speaker: Steve Miles —”Raymond’s Progress”.

22nd –24th IWA Milton Keynes Branch Clean-Up, Fenny Stratford to Wolverton. For details www.waterways.org.uk/miltonkeynes/ clean-ups 25th 8pm IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting at The Pavilion Community Sports Club, Worrelle Avenue, Middleton, Milton Keynes Village, MK10 9AD (accessed off Tongwell Street V11). Speaker: Michael Beech, Museum Keeper & Secretary, Foxton Inclined Plane Trust — “Restoration Progress”.

April

9th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth. Speaker: Richard Thompson — “Manchester

Ship Canal”. , Friends of the Canal Museum meeting at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne. Speaker: Tim Coghlan — “Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally, The First Ten Years”.

22nd 8pm IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting. Speaker: Robin Smithett, much published photographer — “Waterways Photography Secrets”.

28th 10am Westbridge Arm Clean-Up, see page 17 for details.

18th 8pm

May

3rd – 6th 14th 8pm

IWA Northampton Branch Boat Gathering at Becket’s Park, Northampton, see pages 19 — 22 IWA Northampton Branch meeting at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth. Speaker: Glenn Peckett —“Caledonian Capers”.

Buckingham Canal Society Work Party Dates March 7th, 10th, 21st. April 4th, 14th, 18th.

May 2nd, 12th, 16th, 30th. June 9th 13th 27th.

For further details contact Athina Beckett on 01908 661217

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Stowe Hill Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF Tel: 01327 341365 Graham Shepherd and Robert Gudgeon welcome you to Stowe Hill Workshop 

Full Repaints



Hull Blacking/Stern Gear



Inspection and Repairs



Engine Repairs and Maintenance



Complete Fit-Out and Woodwork Alterations



Plumbing Installations and Repairs



Electrical Installations and Repairs



Stockists of Morris Oils and Grease



Full range of Batteries always available (please let us know your requirements)

By road we are easily found, a few yards off the A5 at Stowe Hill towards Nether Heyford. By boat close to Bridge 26

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN, FROM SIMPLE TASKS TO COMPLETE FIT-OUTS

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Branch Chairman’s Jottings

by Bernard Morton BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER. It seems everyone attending agreed this occasion to have been a great success. The venue, for a second successive year, was the Heart of England pub at Weedon, and the pleasant staff there deserve a big pat on their collective backs for preparing and serving with great efficiency a three-course meal for what appeared to be nearly 50 very hungry souls.

We limited the number attending this year after the 2011 dinner proved somewhat overcrowded. Also we decided musical entertainment was superfluous – and judging by the noise levels achieved throughout, we much preferred the sound of our own voices!

My guess would be that it is likely we shall be returning to the Heart of England again for the 2013 dinner in November, although of course your Committee always welcomes ideas for alternative venues.

BRANCH MEETINGS/SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS. I am pleased to be able to report that attendances at these monthly occasions have improved significantly recently. The December Christmas Quiz, conducted in idiosyncratic style by Mick and Catriona Butler, was, as in previous years, very popular, and then in January we had to get more chairs out to seat all those of you who came along to listen to David Blagrove present a customary lucid, instructional and entertaining illustrated talk on the Building and Rebuilding of Blisworth Tunnel.

Our speaker organiser for these meetings is Graham Treagus. He has been doing this job for very many years and it doesn’t get any easier, so if any of you have suggestions for speakers, please get in touch with me or Graham (contact details: inside back cover).

NORTHAMPTON BOAT GATHERING. With the advance publicity given to this event in previous issues of Endeavour, there is little reason for not being aware that our 2013 Gathering is being held on the River Nene at Becket’s Park over the early Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, Friday 3rd May to Monday 6th.

Last year’s postponement and eventual cancellation of the Gathering has been well chronicled, so let’s make sure we have a bumper attendance in May. At the moment the only cloud I see on the horizon to jeopardise matters is a surplus of water – I feel that we certainly will not be suffering from a shortage.

Please note the articles and advertisement for the Gathering in this issue, which also includes an entry form. One of the articles refers to the Photographic Competition.

Please do take part in this in order to give yourselves a chance to have your pictures featured in the proposed 2014 Branch Calendar.

Continued on next page

8 NORTHAMPTON ARM ADOPTION. To my mind this is the most significant activity the Branch has undertaken for many years – possibly since the intensive campaign mounted to help achieve the rebuilding and reopening of Blisworth Tunnel in the late 70s and early 80s.

The Branch’s adoption of the Arm was made known in the last (November 2012) issue of Endeavour and since then matters have moved on apace. Meetings have been held with representatives of the Canal & River Trust (based at Milton Keynes), who included Jeff Whyatt, the Trust’s South East Senior Waterway Manager.

The Branch’s commitment is clearly demonstrated by the decision to devote money raised at this year’s Boat Gathering mainly towards the cost of equipment required when we start our activities on the Arm, such as protective clothing (gloves etc), coloured identification bibs, plus rakes, grappling hooks and so on.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER 2013. Well, let’s hope it is a decent summer. As I write these notes, the snow has gone, it’s about to rain again, the Nene is in flood and the Arm is running weir. It can’t go on, can it …? It’s almost a case of Keep Calm and Carry On! Enjoy “whatever floats your boat”.

Continued from front page

ARM ADOPTION - a dedicated sub-committee will be formed Bernard Morton adds: “Meanwhile your Branch Committee has decided the best way forward at the moment is to establish a dedicated sub-committee to lead the venture. This committee will need a chairman as well as members and therefore we are now seeking volunteers to fill these roles. Hopefully a few new faces will come forward to help us meet this exciting challenge, bearing in mind that existing Branch committee members are fully committed through their present responsibilities.

“What is not generally known as yet is the fact that the Branch is not planning to act alone in this adoption venture, although we shall be the lead body.

The plan is to approach other local voluntary groups and business organisations who are known to be interested in volunteer activities, such as Barclaycard and the University of Northampton and approaches in this respect are already being made by CRT. The overall aim therefore is to establish a community-based enterprise which will include not only YOU, our Branch members - but, in fact, anyone who wishes to get involved “Do please get in touch with me as soon as possible if you are interested in an involvement either as a member of the new sub-committee (maybe even as its chairman!) or simply in a purely practical role. I’m always at the end of the telephone or email to update you on the present situation as it evolves”.

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NOTICE OF AGM IWA Northampton Branch NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Northampton Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will be held on Tuesday, 12th March, 2013, at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, commencing at 8pm.

AGENDA: (please bring this agenda to the meeting) 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7:

Apologies for absence Minutes of previous AGM held on 13th March,2012 Matters arising Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report Statement of Committee size Election of Committee members

Under the IWA Branch bylaws effective from 12 November 2007, there is no restriction on the maximum size of the committee. Geoff Wood retires by rotation and seeks re-election.

It is no longer necessary for those who wish to stand for election to be nominated and seconded but all who wish to stand must agree to do so. Written consents from Branch members wishing to stand for election should be deposited with the Chairman, Bernard Morton, Yew Tree House, 14 Baker Street, Gayton, Northants, NN7 3EZ not less than 14 days before the date of the meeting. {signed) Bernard Morton IWA Northampton Branch The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine.

Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however, gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify articles published in the interests of clarity or space.

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NEW BRANCH MEMBERS ARE WELCOME We extend a warm welcome to the following IWA members who have joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour NEW MEMBERS Mr C & Mrs D Bradshaw, Braunston Mr T Hodgkins, Kettering Ms K Brown, Woodford Halse, Daventry Mr K Harrop, Northampton Mr K & Mrs L Parrott, Brixworth

MEMBERS WHO HAVE MOVED TO THE BRANCH Mr S & Mrs H Ayshford, Tonbridge, Kent Mr G C Taylor, Wellingborough Mr & Mrs PJ & PH Banks, Yelvertoft Mr S Lewitt, Earls Barton Ms J Thompson, Stoke Goldington

We look forward to meeting you all at Branch events

Receiving Endeavour electronically

To help keep the production costs of Endeavour within acceptable and affordable limits, your Branch Committee again requests that you consider receiving the newsletter electronically, thus saving on the most costly aspect窶馬amely, postage charges. Some of you, of course, have already signed up to accept the electronic version, which means that you see the illustrations in colour, but the numbers are still a low percentage of our total Branch membership.

We realise there will always be many of you who will prefer to remain with the printed version, but those who wish to switch, then please email Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk and he will do the necessary.

Editor

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12 BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS REVIEW December

Matters Arising Bernard Morton reported that he had met with James Clifton (C&RT) and presented cheques for £200 Branch donation and £138 proceeds from the raffle at the Branch Dinner for the viewing platform at the Iron Trunk Aqueduct near Cosgrove.

Feedback questionnaires from Branch Dinner. Only two negative responses: 1) Serving arrangements which meant part of the table had almost finished when the rest were served. 2) Menu selection limited to keep cost down; this will need a rethink. Other comments all positive.

Branch Newsletter & Website Endeavour had been distributed and was on the website; some members were unable to download from web. The next edition will also be published in pdf format straight onto the Branch’s website.

Boat Gathering Beneficiaries for Boat Gathering surplus funds were discussed and the Northampton Arm was agreed. Plaque to commemorate the Branche’s adoption of the Arm was agreed, the design to depict a single lock with numbers 1-17.

Nene Task Group Pump-out facilities at Wellingborough and Northampton Marina were near completion . They would be token-operated.

The state of three boats partly sunk opposite Carlsberg Brewery at Far Cotton, Northampton, was discussed. They appear to be on “no man’s water”; EA are not responsible for this stretch but agree the boats are an eyesore. Projected cost to remove is £20K. EA are prepared to organise/fund their removal if the Northampton Borough Council Regeneration Partnership will match fund some other project in the area.

Any Other Business Bernard Morton is in the process of setting up a preliminary meeting with CRT regarding the Branch’s adoption of the Northampton Arm. The plan is to work in conjunction with Barclaycard who, sometime ago, adopted Lock 17 and hopefully reinvigorate them as there has been little evidence of their presence recently.

13 January

Northampton Arm It was reported that a meeting had been set up with Jeff Whyatt and others from CRT on Thursday 17th January, with Bernard and Sandie Morton, Geoff Wood and Eric Young representing the Branch.

After some discussion it was agreed a sub-committee should be set up to handle matters relating to the Arm and report to the main committee.

Treasurer’s Report Current balance is £6121.69. It was agreed that this was a healthy balance and would allow significant funding in connection with the adoption of the Arm. A Branch information leaflet about the Arm should be updated and if space allows could include local businesses within easy walking distance of the waterways who may be prepared to help sponsor the leaflet.

Branch Meetings Eastern Region Chairman Alastair Chambers should be invited to attend the Branch AGM and possibly give a brief talk about the new Region.

Speakers have been confirmed until May. Branch Newsletter & Website It was decided that the newsletter will be printed and distributed by IWA Head Office commencing with the August edition, with colour on front and back pages. This will reduce costs as franking envelopes is cheaper than stamps.

Membership There are currently 486 members (310 memberships). Branch numbers are stable.

Boat Gathering Posters will be distributed around the marinas, waterside shops/ premises and popular mooring sites in the next few weeks.

A plaque design commemorating the Arm has been agreed. Entertainment has been booked for the Saturday night.

Reports from Local Societies and Canal Partnerships Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership is in discussion with CRT regarding the adoption of the canal from Blisworth Tunnel’s south portal to Bottom Lock. Braunston Canal Society has a membership of 40+ and have adopted the canal from the tunnel to junction.

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SUPPORTING THE WORK OF C&RT IN IMPROVING IRON TRUNK AQUEDUCT Our Branch has donated £338 towards a project to help improve the Iron Trunk Aqueduct, which spans the River Great Ouse within easy walking distance of Cosgrove Lock.

The project, led by the Canal & River Trust, aims to raise £3,000 to create a new viewing platform alongside the aqueduct, so visitors can enjoy the view of this newly refurbished 200-year-old structure.

The cast iron aqueduct was opened in 1811 and carries the Grand Union Canal 40 feet above the Great Ouse. It is a replacement for the previous brick built aqueduct, which collapsed on 18th February 1808.

James Clifton, Enterprise Manager from the Canal & River Trust, said: “I am delighted that the Northampton IWA has shown its support for this project and I would like personally to thank its members for their generous donation. The Iron Trunk Aqueduct is a wonderful example of Georgian engineering which we have recently refurbished by replacing dated information panels, repainting the actual aqueduct and cleaning its brick walls to remove graffiti.”

Branch Chairman Bernard Morton added: “The aqueduct is a much loved local landmark on this section of the Grand Union Canal and is a popular spot for boaters and walkers, so we are delighted we could support the viewing platform project. The canal in Northamptonshire is a really lovely place to visit and I would encourage more people to step onto the towpath and rediscover their local waterway.”

For more information on how to donate or get involved with this project please visit http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/get-involved/appeals/create-an-accessible-viewingplatform-for-the-spectacular-iron-trunk-aqueduct

Bernard Morton (left) presents the cheque to James Clifton from CRT

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Now fully open

WHILTON MARINA CHANDLERY 

Diesel  Pump-out  Well stocked chandlery  Groceries Pay us a visit, just browse and see what we have to offer Open daily 9am –6pm ALL YEAR ROUND Tel 01327 844639 E-mail: marinachandlery@gmail.com

There’s always a warm welcome at...

THE LOCKGATE CAFÉ at Whilton Marina, alongside the bottom lock Under the personal supervision of Annette and Sandra

 Hearty freshly cooked meals, including full breakfast menu and Sunday roast lunches (pre-booked)  Light snacks, sandwiches, rolls and home-made cakes  Hot and cold drinks  Children’s portions Only fresh and locally sourced produce is used in our café

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Tel 07531 490486 E-mail: lockgate@watersecape.org Also enter “Lockgate Café” into the Facebook search box to see us in action!

THE WHARF INN BUGBROOKE Cornhill Lane, Bugbrooke, NN7 3QB

by Bridge 36 on the Grand Union Canal

Tel: 01604 832585 FOOD SERVED EVERY DAY

EXTENSIVE MENU VAST RANGE OF DISHES INCLUDING

CLASSIC PUB FOOD, VEGETARIAN CHOICES AND A VARIETY OF SEAFOOD LARGE CANALSIDE BEER GARDEN

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Braunston Canal Society Chris Burton, of the newly-formed Braunston Canal Society, contributes: The on-going saga of Braunston Towpath continues but there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel. There are 2 sections – 1 - between locks 3&4 and - 2 - between locks 4&5 that are not good but may have to wait till later. The major problem is between lock 2 & lock 3 + some damage on the lock side at 3. I have today (Friday 11th Jan) had both Lee King and John Highmore of CRT up there to view the problem and my thoughts that something in excess of 20 tons of material is needed for repairs. Whilst not impossible, the work would need more labour than we can comfortably find within our own group. Having closely looked at the problem area I think CRT now acknowledges that the situation is not acceptable and does require quite major attention. The bad news for us is that it cannot be done immediately; the programmed closures for maintenance up to the end of March are already planned and staff are allocated. The good news is that we will now have a far better solution to the problem.

CRT’s intention now is to bring in a mini-digger that can clear out the rubbish between the boards with a blade and leave a firm clear surface to work to. Fill material in I tonne bags will then be placed at intervals along the path to reduce the necessity of barrowing it too far. If we agree, we can them take over and spread the stone and compress it with a wacker plate. We need to bring the finished level at least up to the top of the boards, preferably slightly domed. I still believe that might be stretching our abilities a bit but we are investigating other sources of extra labour for what is a one-off project.

CRT and ourselves are already liaising with Steve Miles at Friends of Raymond, a local charity that many of you will know. Initially it was to do some clearance work on the offside of the canal, which we are keen to see done, using their motor Nutfield. We are also hopeful that Friends of Raymond

R.NIGHTINGALE

BLACKSMITH in Tug Store at tunnel entrance, Stoke Bruerne Wrought Iron Work for Boat or Garden

For further details, either visit or ring

O1604 859726 / 07761 833049

17 could be a source of some temporary labour, such as this towpath work. If anyone is aware of any other groups or individuals who may be able to help on odd occasions, please let us know.

Sunday 13th January saw 10 willing members clearing the results of last year’s CRT tree clearance programme. The area around the stop board storage and then down the moorings was cleared of large quantities of willow that was dragged into Nick’s garden and burnt. We also cleared a large amount of mud away from lock 3 access slope and under the bridge.

Amongst those who helped was Geoff Wood from Northampton IWA. Thank you, Geoff, and it is good to see some liaison building up between the various volunteer groups, as referred to above. There may well be occasions when some additional labour would help us tackle larger tasks.

Friday 18th January saw the presentation of our Adoption Certificate at the Stop House. Members took the opportunity to speak with CRT persons attending.

We have seen an excellent start to the New Year on several levels, not least the news that the problems at the Admiral Nelson may have reached a good solution. More news later, but meanwhile we all wish Pam and Liam and family the best for 2013.

Westbridge Arm Clean-Up On Sunday 28th April, the Branch will be carrying out its annual clean-up of the Westbridge Arm in preparation for the Boat Gathering (3rd — 6th May) between 10am and 12 noon approx. Meet in the car park by Boots Pharmacy at St. James Retail Park, Northampton. Dress appropriately as you could get muddy.

Equipment will be provided.

Your chance to train as a boatmaster The Branch hears that the Bedford Community Boat group requires volunteers to train as boatmasters. Although outside our immediate patch, but within our Region, are we in a position to help? So over to you - is there anyone around who feels they have the necessary time and enthusiasm to become a skipper on the group’s boat?

The training is quite extensive. The group ask for two days a month and a three-year commitment. B&MK Water Enterprises pay the costs.

The first training session is scheduled for March 22 - 24. Anyone interested, please contact Don Allison asap on 01908 610564 or donallison@btinternet.com for further details.

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Old Stager takes...

A NOSTALGIC LOOK AT THE WESTBRIDGE ARM The annual Becket’s Park Boat Gathering originated as a campaign to promote the use of the Westbridge Arm of the river. In 1984 the Branch first started to press for the dredging of this stretch, which had become very badly silted. We loaded a cargo of coal and potatoes into a small dinghy and pulled it over the reeds where there was not enough water to float, to the Castle Inn beyond West Bridge (it used to be spelt as two words in those days). The cargo was then presented to local pensioners. Eventually the Arm was dredged but mainly to improve drainage. EA do not recognise it as a navigation now as it was not included as a Recreational Waterway in the Anglian Water Act, and because of this any boat upstream of the confluence of the Northampton Arm of the canal and the river does not need to have a current CRT or EA licence. As a result there are a number of boats permanently moored here, some abandoned and sunk and the landing stage by B&Q has been monopolised by the same boats for over two years.

Despite this, the Arm has a long history as a navigation. In Northampton’s Central Library in Abington Street, there are old insurance plans of the town which show the Arm as far as the Gas Works. Unfortunately they do not cover the rest of the Arm to West Bridge. There are various editions from 1899 to 1953.

From its junction with the main river to the Gas Works is a new channel which was constructed when the Carlsberg Brewery was built. The original Arm was longer as it started nearer South Bridge, ran parallel to the road and then curved round by St. Peter’s Way (then called Weston Street) before turning back to the Gas Works. On the right side of the Arm looking towards West Bridge were a number of arms and wharfs. The other side was open grazing. According to the 1899 plan, first on the corner with the main river was the Eagle Foundry. Next, Northampton Brewery Co (NBC) and P. Phipps & Co (another brewery). Between the Arm and the road was terraced housing, one part called Golden Horse Yard, all demolished by 1905. Next, The Phoenix Brewery (NBC?) and an arm occupied by Fellows Morton & Clayton (gone by 1928); an arm into Barrel Shed; Brick and Tile Wharf Arm (filled in by 1947); Coal Sidings Arm (filled in by 1937); and Western Wharf (probably NBC).

There were then various facilities in the Gas Works for coal and tar. Next was an open length to just beyond the railway bridges to the Corporation Wharf and the maltings.

Bradshaw’s 1904 edition mentions Watkins timber yard, the end of which I think was up past the maltings (now Frog Island Brewery) towards St. James Mill Road, now blocked by steep piling. So take part in the Westbridge Challenge and help keep the Arm in use.  Old Stager thanks Rodney Hardwick for his help in compiling this article.

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ALL ABOARD FOR THE BRANCH BOAT GATHERING IN EARLY MAY An entry form is included with this issue of Endeavour for the Branch’s Boat Gathering on the River Nene at Becket’s Park, Northampton, over the early Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May, 2013.

The Gathering will feature the regular popular attractions such as Boat Handling competitions, the Westbridge Arm Challenge and Saturday evening musical entertainment in the marquee on the Lock Island. Friday evening is earmarked for a special meet and greet get-together, including a BBQ. Sundays evening’s quiz session will kick-off with a fish/chicken and chips supper. A real ale bar will be available throughout the weekend.

As in previous years, the Environment Agency has waived the requirement for a river licence over the Gathering period. Moorings will be on a first come, first served basis and boats will be expected to breast up as required.

Final details of the weekend’s programme are still being finalised, but there will be a wide range of events including the traditional Boaters Auction and, it is hoped, a duck race downstream from the lock! It is also definite that you will be able to indulge yourselves at Cat’s Tearoom (homemade cakes a speciality) as well as making purchases at the Sales Table which, at the last Gathering, did record business.

VIPs, among them Northampton’s Mayor and Mayoress and local MPs, are being invited to attend the Gathering and they will take a trip on the St John Ambulance boat Crusader on the Sunday afternoon.

Help will be required on the Friday afternoon (possibly earlier) to erect the main marquee and other tentage on the Lock Island. Volunteers will be required for other duties during the weekend and you will be able to put your name forward to give such assistance when you register your arrival on site.

More details of the activities planned will be given in the boaters’ information packs which will be sent out on receipt of your entry form, and also on arrival.

21 Boat Gathering Chairman Michael Butler said: “As always a prime objective of the Gathering, in addition to having a good time, is to raise money, especially for waterway causes, which this year will include the funding of volunteer working parties on the Northampton Arm as part of the Branch’s activities connected with the adoption of the Arm. “Remember that the Gathering is not just for boaters (IWA members or otherwise).

It is an open event for IWA members generally who are welcome to come along with their friends at any time to join in the fun and take part in the various events, but we do ask that the friends are signed in as official guests.”

If you mislay your Gathering entry form, please give Tony Clarke a ring on 07939 977859 or 01327 857573 or email him on tony.clarke@waterways.org.uk for a replacement. You can also find the entry form on the Branch website www.waterways.org.uk/northampton

ITEMS NEEDED URGENTLY FOR THE BRANCH SALES STAND Branch Sales Table organiser Catriona Butler writes…

Our Sales Table is in urgent need of new stock, particularly for the Boat Gathering in early May when it is always a popular attraction and raises a considerable sum of money for waterway causes.

I like to think I can “shift” anything, but obviously bric-a-brac is always welcome as are books (a good seller).

If you have any items please contact me on 01604 473756 or 07952 172075 to arrange collection. Alternatively, bring your contributions along to the Branch social meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at the Walnut Tree Inn at Blisworth, particularly the March and April meetings in time for the Gathering - or at the Boat Gathering itself.

I look forward to receiving your contributions. Very many thanks.

HOSTILITIES WILL BE BREAKING OUT EARLIER AT STOKE BRUERNE This year’s annual Village at War event at Stoke Bruerne has been moved to the middle weekend of September from its customary end-of the-month slot.

So make a note in your diaries that Saturday and Sunday, 14-15 September are the dates when you need to get kitted out in your period attire. Apart from the re-enactors who attend the weekend in World War Two outfits, many members of the visiting public also dress appropriately, all adding to the authenticity of this popular event which, in 2012, broke all records for attendance and funds raised to help support The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne.

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“Waterways Throughout The Year” PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION MAY RESULT IN A BRANCH CALENDAR If you feel you have read this item before, then you probably have! It appeared TWICE in more or less a similar form in the 2012 February and May issues of Endeavour prior to the Boat Gathering which never was but it does need repeating now as our 2013 Gathering approaches.

In association with the Branch’s Boat Gathering, a PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION is being promoted with a £50 prize voucher donated by Skears Photographic, of Wellingborough Road, Northampton, going to the person securing the top picture.

The competition carries the theme “Waterways Throughout The Year”. This provides you with plenty of opportunities to sort out any prints you may like to submit as the theme covers all aspects of the waterways world, afloat as well as ashore - boats, birds, nature, the lot. The only proviso is that the pictures must have been taken in the UK, and the more local the better.

The organisers hope a sufficient number of high standard entries will be received so that the Branch is able to produce a 2014 calendar featuring the best of these photographs. Pictures used will be accredited, of course, to the photographer.

To enter, all you have to do is to deliver your prints to the Boat Gathering by 5.30pm on the Sunday evening (5th May) to be judged. You do not have to attend by boat to do this. Just bring them to the site making sure you have described (ie. location etc) the images pictured together with your name, address and contact details. If you are delivering your prints to the site and have arrived by other means rather than by boat, you are, naturally, welcome to stay on and join in the evening’s fun and entertainment. Alternatively, if you cannot make it to the Boat Gathering, please bring your prints along to the Branch’s March or April social meetings at the Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth (see page 34 for details) or mail them to Roger Hasdell at 8, High Street, Hardingstone, Northampton NN4 7BT by Monday, 29th April. Any queries, please ring Roger on 01604 767212.

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SUPPLIES We are a family run, customer friendly business based adjacent to Bridge 32 at Nether Heyford. Our service point is clear of moored boats making your stop quick and easy. We offer the following services:

 DIESEL – always competively priced  PUMP OUT – no meter clock here  BLUE TOILET FLUID  ODORLOS – organic waste tank treatment

 CALOR GAS – all sizes of bottled gas including Camping Gaz.

 SOLID FUELS – all types of smokeless fuel or coal. Plus firelighters, sticks and logs.  CHARNWOOD STOVES – all sizes of multi-fuel stoves with or without boilers  MORRIS OILS – popular grades of engine oil plus water resistant grease  FUEL SET FUEL CONDITIONER

Most Major Credit Cards Accepted.

Open: 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays

Fred Tarry Bridge Cottage Furnace Lane Nether Heyford Northampton, NN7 3JY

Telephone/Fax: 01327-341202

Northamptonshire RESTAURANT º BARS º BOAT TRIP DINE IN STYLE IN WOODWARD’S CANALSIDE RESTAURANT

Special Events Sunday 10th March Mothering Sunday Tuesday 23rd April – St. George’s Day Celebrations

01604 862428

www.boatinn.co.uk

RECYCLING REMINDER The Branch recycles ink jet cartridges and mobile phones to raise cash to help local projects.

Please bring them along to Branch meetings or ring 01604 767212 to arrange collection.

Please no Epson ink tanks.

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Christmas Market, Illuminated Boats and Carols at Stoke Illuminated boats, carols, chestnuts roasting over a hot fire, steaming mulled wine, a visit from Santa and a Christmas Market full of seasonal gifts....all added to the magical ambience at Stoke Bruerne on 8-9th December for the annual event organised by the Friends of The Canal Museum, local businesses, schools and villagers.

This year for the first time a Christmas Market at The Navigation pub proved a big attraction and Julian and his staff pushed the boat out with a series of weekend fundraising activities raising ÂŁ550 for the Friends which we are hoping the brewery, Marstons, might match fund.

Friends member Roy Sears won the best illuminated boat competition with Hoperidge, receiving a signed certificate and bottle of champagne from judges and previous multiple winners Tim and Roberta.

We are very grateful to the following who helped make the event so successful: Hoperidge on parade in the illuminated boat competition

27 The children of Stoke Bruerne, Whittlebury and Tiffield Primary Schools; Alan Andrews; Andrew Woodward and The Boat Inn; Lincoln Noel on piano; Mike Partridge (Stoke Bruerne Boat Company); Julian and Sarah Tann at The Navigation; Inland Waterways Association (market stalls); The Canal Museum; the Canal & River Trust; Bill and Liz Mann (roast chestnuts and hot soup); Tim and Roberta on Inchy; plus all volunteers.

Santa found his way to Stoke Bruerne without any difficulty

Save our Hero’s stall at the Christmas Market

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BLISWORTH CANAL PARTNERSHIP WINS CRT VOLUNTEER AWARD Local voluntary groups enjoyed a social get-together at Stoke Bruerne on the 8th December, hosted by key members of the Canal & River Trust’s volunteer support team. Volunteer Co-ordinator John Highmore thanked everybody for their enthusiasm and commitment during the year and then took members of Blisworth Canal Partnership completely by surprise by presenting them with an award recognising their “outstanding contribution to volunteering”.

Jan Andrews collected the award on behalf of Blisworth Canal PartJan Andrews receiving the award

29 nership and explained how the group has gone from strength to st rengt h s ince forming in 2009.

The annual canal festivals organised by the group now attract so me 20,000 visitors, with funds from these being used to enhance the local canal environment.

She suggested that people keep a close watch on the old, squalid brick hut by the tunnel as the group intend to transform this into a stunning field shelter / centre over the next three months. The local blacksmith is currently making some steel gates for it, designed and funded by the Partnership. Village volunteers will then paint the brickwork before Blisworth Art group create a canal vista on mounted boards. Groups from the local community and beyond have asked to use the building for projects. It will soon have a completely new lease of life.

Other projects are in the pipeline. Keep an eye on the website:www.blisworthcanalpartnership.org NB: Blisworth Canal Festival August 10th & 11th 2013. Planning is well underway. Contact blisworthcanalpartnership@hotmail.co.uk if you’d like to get involved in any way.

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And once again the rains came ...

Here are some pictures of the floods in our area!

Right: on 21st November, the River Nene ran literally through the middle of the site at Northampton Boat Club’s headquarters at Weston Mill.

Left and below: On 23rd November, moorings on the River Tove at Stoke Bruerne below Bottom Lock.

The car park is by the trees in the bottom picture.

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RICHARD GILL BSc, MABSE BOAT SAFETY TESTING

BW AND EA APPROVED

EXPERIENCED EXAMINER WITH 25 YEARS WORKING ON THE WATERWAYS

Grand Union, Oxford & Leics Canals Rivers Nene and Thames RING: 07889 10 99 39 rgbarcos70@btinternet.com

HIGH HOUSE MARINA LTD High House Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF OUR SMALL MARINA (ONLY 24 BOATS) IS A VERY FRIENDLY PLACE TO BE MOORED, HENCE OUR CLIENTS TEND TO STAY PUT Our car park is quite secure and well hidden from the road WE DO NOW AND AGAIN HAVE A VACANCY, SO WHY NOT GIVE US A CALL? Contact Phil Gardner on 01327 349519, E-mail: phil.h.gardner@btconnect.com

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ADVERTISING

All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMERCIAL RATES (suggested donations) 1/4 Page (box) £12.00 1/2 Page (box) £25.00 Full Page £40.00 Discount of 10% for 4 issues Other sizes by arrangement

(suggested donations) £1.50 for 22 words, 15p each additional word £3.50 for box around classified advertisement (nb. telephone numbers count as one word) £3.50 for photographs

BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May inclusive at THE WALNUT TREE INN, BLISWORTH at 8pm All members and non-members welcome.

Food and drink available

Next meetings: Tuesday, 12th March AGM followed by Speaker from the Canal & River Trust Tuesday, 9th April Speaker: Richard Thompson — Manchester Ship Canal Tuesday, 14th May Speaker: Glenn Peckett — Caledonian Capers The next edition of Endeavour will be published May 2013

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WHO’S WHO IN NORTHAMPTON BRANCH 2012/2013 Bernard Morton

Branch Meetings

07785 375787

Graham Treagus

E-mail: bernard.morton @waterways.org.uk

E-mail: graham.treagus @waterways.org.uk

Chairman

Branch Secretary Sandie Morton E-mail: sandie.morton @waterways.org.uk

Membership Secretary & Planning Officer Geoff Wood E-mail: geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

Deputy Chairman & Police Liaison Officer Eric Young E-mail: eric.young@waterways.org.uk

Boat Gathering Chairman Michael Butler E-mail: michael.butler@waterways.org.uk

Boat Gathering

Treasurer & Planning Officer

Sub-Committee members

Alex Madisons E-mail: alex.madisons @waterways.org.uk

Newsletter & Website Editor Tony Clarke 07939 977859 E-mail: tony.clarke @waterways.org.uk

Michael Butler (Chairman), Catriona Butler, Roger Hasdell, Alex Madisons, Bernard Morton, Sandie Morton, John Pomfret, Sam Samuells and Eric Young (also occasional members Ian Bekusch and Peter Canfield)

Non-Committee posts

Publicity Officer

Sales:

Lynda Payton

Archivist, Endeavour Advertising & Distribution

E-mail:lynda.payton @waterways.org.uk

Catriona Butler 01604 473756

Roger Hasdell 01604 767212