Endeavour - February 2021

Endeavour Northampton Branch Newsletter — February 2021

Floods at Stoke Bruerne in December Photo Kathryn Dodington

Heavy rain last October caused major damage to the Boat Horse Road which was repaired in mid December.

The Buckingham Canal Society brought their widebeam dredger Louise up from Cosgrove. They picked up 10 tonnes of type 1 road stone from Lock 19 which was placed onto the towpath.

Another similar amount of material was dredged out of the canal and all of this was moved up the Boat Horse road to repair the damage.

Brian Eales from Canal and River Trust's bank side team and volunteers from Braunston and Stoke Bruerne and elsewhere carried out the work over 2 days.

A tracked pedestrian dumper was used for this operation.

Continued on page 12

waterways.org.uk/northampton Printed by Colour Image. Phone 07821 894521 email colourimage@aol.com

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As I’m writing this it is snowing, and with all the rain that we have had during December and now in January dare we hope that there will not be problems with water shortages, for this summer’s boating?

As you can see on the front cover and on page 12 that we have had floods again in our area where the canal had risen 12-18 inches, with not being able to visit our boats lets hope that they are all okay when we return.

We are all desperate to have these restrictions lifted and for life starts to get back to normal so we can get out to start enjoying ourselves again whether by boat or just walking or cycling along the towpaths.

Many of us are now hoping that our boating holiday plans put on hold last year can eventually get into fruition.

We would love to here about your trips whether they are boating or walking holidays so why not take some notes and photos (we love photos) during your time away and write a trip report for us to include in Endeavour.

Tell us about the unusual things you see, good pubs/restaurants and places to visit.

My email details can be found on page 30.

You can read part 2 of Bernard and Sandie’s trip on the Fens on page 20.

We extend a warm welcome to the following who have joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour NEW MEMBERS Mr & Mrs A R Astell Mr M Granger Mr R & Mrs A McNally

IWA Northampton Branch has a Facebook page. It is at https://www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in discussion on what’s happening.

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DIARY DATES

DUE TO COVID19 THERE ARE NO FACE TO FACE MEETINGS. BRANCH MEETINGS WILL BE ON WEBINAR DETAILS WILL BE ON WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK TO SEE PAST MEETINGS GO TO WATERWAYS.ORG.UK/IWATV

MARCH 9TH 8PM

BRANCH AGM VIA ZOOM (SEE PAGE 10)

APRIL 13TH 7.30PM WEBINAR BY JOHN POMFRET TITLE: How many boat lifts from Gdańsk to Ostróda via the Elbląg Kanał?

NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTIES DATES During January we were given permission by CRT to complete the last two by pass channels and weir vegetation clearances and remove fly tipped rubbish at lock 17. With the ongoing lockdown situation, we are pausing our Task Parties until the situation improves. Should the need arise to carry out a task, for which permission has been given, volunteers will be contacted to see if they would like to participate.

Contact: geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk or phone 01604 453932 BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WORK PARTY DATES Every Tuesday, Every Thursday and second and last Sunday in month Contact athinabec@aol.com or phone 01908 661217/07721 319404 STOKE BRUERNE CANAL PARTNERSHIP WORK PARTY DATES No work parties until restrictions change Contact: stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk BRAUNSTON CANAL SOCIETY TASK PARTY DATES February 27th. March 11th, 27th.

Contact Clive at braunstoncanalsociety@gmail.com or phone/text Clive on 07817 435911.

Due to Covid19 please check before attending that the task/work parties have not been cancelled

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

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Branch Chairman’s Jottings

by Bernard Morton So here we are, a few weeks into 2021 and Covid 19 is still with us and responsible for us being locked down for a third time. I’m sure we had all expected by now to be hearing of much lower levels of infection and fewer deaths. Instead, we hear of new variants of Covid – an “English” variant and a “South African” variant – which appear to be more transmissible than the original version. However, it is not all gloom and doom, with a vaccine being rolled out across the UK starting with the oldest and most vulnerable – cause for hope and optimism surely? I am writing this on the day I have had my first jab, being in the over 70 category!

Sadly, there is also bad news which might have a direct effect on our inland waterways. As I write this, Storm Christoph is upon us bringing in strong winds and heavy rainfall. There are flood alerts on the River Nene and in the north of England and the Midlands. It would appear the same areas are being hit again with properties being barricaded with sandbags. Let’s hope for minimal damage to homes, businesses and our inland waterways – this is becoming an all too regular occurrence!

BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS. I mentioned in my Febr uar y’s Jottings that, for the foreseeable future, we cannot hold our monthly social meetings at The Walnut Tree due to Covid restrictions and lockdown. Instead, we have organised two webinars which I am happy to say have been highly successful, attracting 80-90 people each. In December, Neil Owen (CRT Regional Engineer South) informed us about recent and future “Innovations in CRT”. In January, John Pomfret shared his indepth knowledge of “River Waterways in NE England”.

We are planning more for February, April and May in the hope that “normal” service will resume from October. Details of dates/subjects can be found on Diary page 4 Information on how to register for the webinars will be emailed out to members a week or so beforehand or by contacting Sandie Morton using the details on page 30 If you missed these first two, I recommend that you look at IWA TV on the revamped Association website (www.waterways.org.uk/iwa-tv) where Neil Owen’s talk is featured along with several others which look very interesting. I am assured that John’s talk will be appearing here shortly too.

Having mentioned the newly revamped website, you will probably have noticed that many features you were familiar with on our Branch pages and elsewhere are no longer accessible. I apologise for this, but it is out of our control. I have been reassured that it is just a matter of time for these omissions to be rectified. Do let me know what, in particular, you are missing.

100 CLUB. Now is the time to sign up for our Br anch 100 Club if you haven ’t already done so! The closing date for new members and renewals is the end of February 2021. More details can be found on page 11 I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that, since we stopped holding our annual Boat Gathering (due

8 to lack of attendees), this is our main fund-raising activity to support the work of our Branch. Our next draw was due to be during our AGM in March. As this will have to be held on Zoom, the 100 Club draw will now take place at a task party during March, where there will be observers to ensure fair play!

BRANCH AGM: 9TH MARCH 2021. Elsewher e in this issue, you will find details of our Branch AGM which will be held on Zoom this year for obvious reasons.

We are currently a committee of only eight, with two corresponding members who are unable to attend meetings. Our normal committee size is 10+ so you can see we are understaffed. This means that we would benefit from some “new blood” to give us new ideas, inspiration and support. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month, between September and May, each year.

If you have considered joining the Committee but have been put off by having to travel to Stoke Bruerne where we normally meet, then our meetings on Zoom could suit you very well. If we eventually go back to face-to-face meetings, there is no reason why you couldn’t continue to join in via Zoom. Please give this some serious thought – your Branch needs you! You are very welcome to contact me to talk it over (details as on page 30).

Well, that’s all for now folks. Hopefully, by the time I write my Jottings for the May issue, we will be enjoying greater freedom and will be able to get out and about on our inland waterways. Until then, stay safe and take care.

SUPPORT FOR OUR ADVERTISERS Last year we gave all our advertisers a free advert as a show of support for their businesses during the Covid restrictions to trade.

Now that we are in lockdown again, the committee has decided that we should grant another free advert in this issue as a “thank you” for their support of the Branch over the years.

Hopefully, this lockdown will be over soon and when we are allowed out and about on our waterways we will need their goods and services to have survived these difficult times.

When using the businesses that advertise in Endeavour please let them know where you saw their advert.

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 aWith all the rain that we have had n 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.

The Inland Waterways Association is registered as a charity (No. 212342)

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Highlights of planning consultations April-December 2020 Despite the pandemic lockdown and its associated restrictions, activity on the local council planning registers has remained high. The Northampton IWA Committee keeps a watchful eye on any submitted in our area which might affect the main line of the GUC or the Northampton Arm. To a lesser extent, developments alongside the River Nene are also monitored.

Here is a selection of the planning applications which have been commented upon during since April 2020: Land south of The Wharf, Bugbrooke – early in 2020 an application for 60 dwellings + landscaping and infrastructure on land outside the village envelope between the village and the canal was a cause for concern. Recently the developers have resubmitted a revised plan for 52 dwellings with altered layout. The introduction of three storey dwellings immediately adjacent the towpath was considered to be somewhat controversial and there is a concern about any impact on nearby moored craft. Decision awaited.

Stoke Bruerne: an ice cr eam van in the gr ounds of The Spice r estaur ant became the subject of enforcement action and has now been removed. Numerous planning applications have been made and approved for the refurbishment of the Canal Museum and its associated cafe. The committee has commented at length about the detail but supports Canal and River Trust in its commitment to improving this important museum centrally based in a honey pot site. This work has just started on site with the hope of completing

by Easter 2021. An application for various replaced external signs and festoon lighting at the Navigation PH raised concerns about the detail of certain aspects. This was approved after being amended to take account of these concerns.

Land around Weedon Bec and Dodford: Appr oval of r eserved matter s r elating to an approved development of 44 dwellings at Dodford Wharf Farm were commented on regarding the boundary treatment along the canal edge and management arrangements for the upkeep of proposed areas of open space. Various applications for touring caravans / chalets both north and south of Weedon Bec were objected to on the grounds of intrusion into open countryside, inter alia, and have since been refused or withdrawn.

Yardley Gobion: An application for continued and extended use of land as a cycle track for personal use at Wharf Lane Stables raised concerns about the visual impact, boundary treatments and the protection of a bridleway. This remains an outstanding application. A further application for four travellers pitches including mobile homes was objected to and refused on land off the A508.

Cosgrove: no objections wer e r aised to pr oposed exter nal wor ks to the gr ounds of the Barley Mow PH. A resubmission of a proposal, amended, to site one dwelling on land off Lock Lane, Cosgrove met with objections over stability of towpath on raised adjacent land, impact on canal Conservation Area and lack of detail regarding landscaping. A decision is awaited.

Yelvertoft: A pr oposed solar far m on land off Cr ick Road Yelver toft which would be visible from Yelvertoft Marina was not objected to provided suitable landscaping was included. Decision awaited.

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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, 9th March, 2021, on-line via ZOOM at 8pm Details for signing in are given below.

AGENDA: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8:

Apologies for absence Minutes of previous AGM held on 10th March, 2020 Matters arising Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report Statement of Committee size Election of Committee members AOB

Under the IWA Branch bylaws effective from 12 November 2007, there is no restriction on the maximum size of the committee. Bernard Morton, Sandie Morton and Michael Butler retire by rotation and seek 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 Branch Secretary Sandie Morton before the commencement of the AGM business via sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk {signed) Bernard Morton, IW A Northampton Branch Chairman

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Sign in information for AGM via Zoom:Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83519435552

Meeting ID: 835 1943 5552

If you would like to join the meeting via your mobile phone, please contact Sandie Morton via sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk for further info.

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NORTHAMPTON BRANCH 100 CLUB ROLL UP

ROLL UP

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO BE IN THE DRAWS FOR 2021 CLOSING DATE 28TH FEBRUARY In 2018 we launched the Branch’s own 100 Club to raise funds for Branch activities.

It runs annually, so we are asking now for a single payment for 2021 for each share. Each member can have up to four shares or a total of 4 for couples with joint membership. Each share is £15 for the year.

Based on 100 members the prizes will be 1st £500 2nd £200 3rd £100

(These prizes will be adjusted pro-rata up or down if memberships are less or more than 100)

There will be two Draws — one at the AGM in March, the other at the Annual Dinner in November.

We will, of course, publish the winners in Endeavour and report on how the 100 Club is doing in terms of fund-raising.

Application forms are on our website www.waterways.org.uk/ northampton or contact Paul Lynam details below If you have any questions, please call me on 07817 461842 or email paul.lynam@waterways.org.uk Paul Lynam, Branch Treasurer NB As our AGM will be held via Zoom this year, our March draw will take place at a task party, as soon as possible after 9th March, where it will be witnessed by the volunteers (like the November 2020 draw).

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Stoke Bruerne Floods

The heavy rains just before Christmas caused more extensive damage and washed away the previous reinstated material and a great deal more.

Neil Owen - CRT Regional Engineer has now inspected the damage and a repair contract will be prepared.

This shows where the water also broke over the side of the roadway and cascaded down towards the tunnel portal. Photo Rob Westlake

This is about half way up the steep section of the Boat Horse Road looking towards to canal.

This is taken from the towpath by the tunnel portal, showing the damage to the grass embankment - were the water and debris cascaded down.

The water cascading down the Horse Boat Road across the towpath taking with it the repairs that had been done and depositing it in the canal

Photo Rob Westlake

Photo Rob Westlake

Photo Kathryn Dodinton

Left: The results of the flooding at the bottom of the lock flight with the water points all under water Photo Mark Sinfield

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Northampton Arm Update What a year it has been! I hope everyone is well and that we are soon out of restrictions.

Little did we know what was coming when we had our annual survey walk down the Arm in January 2020 with a dozen regular volunteers to help formulate the work plan for the forthcoming year, followed by brunch in the Super Sausage, Far Cotton.

We started working to the plan and, by the end of March, we had carried out a large winter litter pick at Briar Hill, including the area at the Towcester Road bridge, vegetation clearance at the Sanitation Station, Gayton and the by-pass channel at lock 13.

This was our last Task Party until July because of the lockdown which caused us to lose seven Task Parties as CRT put all volunteering on hold.

When we did restart, one of our first tasks was to deal with the vegetation on the off side at lock 17 as this had not been mowed since the previous October.

The Arm then suffered from a graffiti attack in July from lock 2 to lock 15 with various tags splattered on lock brickwork, bridges, fences and even the mural under the motorway. We were fortunate here because we coated the mural with an anti-graffiti coating, so what went on came off fairly easily. Some of the other graffiti was blocked out by overpainting and the remaining removed using a mild chemical or the ThermaTech high pressure/temperature system.

The ThermaTech first came to our attention in August last year and three of us went to London to see one in operation. The system produces superheated water at a temperature of up to 150 deg 0 C and a pressure up to 160 bar. The water spray is capable of softening and removing the paint often on its own. On really heavily graffitied areas a softening chemical may be used to help with the removal. We have used it on bridge 14 at Briar Hill and the flood defence wall between locks 16 and 17 with very good results. We found a temperature of 140 deg 0 C and a pressure of 50 bar worked well. The heritage people like it because at this temperature and pressure it does not damage the brickwork and mortar. At the moment we are on hold because of the pandemic.

As the summer progressed, we managed to paint five locks, revisit the Sanitation Station at Gayton and give lock 17 island another strim and mow.

In October, vegetation clearance on the lock by-pass channels and weirs was started. Out of 17 locks, there are 14 with by-pass channels and weirs. We have just completed the last one this month.

In December, CRT organised a hedge laying course over a weekend which three of our volunteers attended. They worked on the hedge adjacent to lock 6 and we had a further day at the start of January with the hedge starting to take shape. Unfortunately, this has had to stop due to lockdown and is unlikely to re-start until October because of the bird nesting season.

Because of the lockdowns, we not only had to cancel Task Parties but, sadly, have had very little input from our corporate partners. This has resulted in almost a 1000 volunteer hours being lost during 2020.

Considering the year we have had, I think the group have done very well and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers who turned out during the year in all sorts of weather.

Geoff Wood

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OUT WITH THE OLD PONTOON BOLLARDS AND IN WITH THE NEW

Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina writes:

Whilst the Spring Covid-19 lockdown and subsequent restrictions had a very negative impact on the running of Braunston Marina in 2020, they came with an unforeseen silver lining. With the marina largely empty of boaters, we were able to carry out a major programme of repairs and upgrades, with large sections of the marina simply shut down whilst those works were being carried out. The few boaters still about had their boats temporarily moved to sections of the marina not undergoing works. It meant these works could be carried out more safely, and in a fraction of the time they would normally have taken, and with very little inconvenience.

The major task undertaken was Phases 1 and 2 of a four-phase programme with Rolec Services, to replace all their electricity bollards in the marina – some of which were installed nearly 25 years ago - with their new state-of-the-art bollards. Phase 3 and 4 will be carried out in the Spring.

The new bollards are the Rolec Classis Service Pedestals, which come with aluminium composite blue outer casings, with each bollard having between two and four 16amp lockable sockets – where previously the supply to each socket was 6amp. The bollards are about eight inches taller than the old, and are capped with a four watt low energy LED illumination – the extra height giving improved and safer lighting.

The bollards carry a half-inch water tap on the reverse side to the electricity supply, which are at a much higher location than the old – so making them easier to use.

These come with a thermostatically controlled heat trace for winter operation so the taps do not freeze up.

In addition Rolec has replaced the water pipes to the pontoons with new pipe-work, lagged and heat traced for added frost protection during the winter. It means that the water supply to the bollards can now continue all year round, surviving up to 10 degrees of frost, a great improvement of the marina’s previous practice of shutting off the water supply between the beginning of November and the end of March.

What is pleasing about Rolec Services is that they design and manufacture all of their products in their four factories in Boston, Lincs, from where they are exported to marinas all round the world. As we know only too well, the quality of their products is so good that they can easily provide twenty five years of service. We only changed their existing bollards to take advantage of the many technological improvements since we first started installing them in 1995, when we were amongst the first inland waterways marina to do so, and the internet hardly existed. We have donated the old bollards to small boatyards that work with us, where no doubt they will see another 25 years of service!

When signing off the first two phases - which due to a mild autumn and almost no one about, were completed in half the time anticipated - Sales Director Martin Georgeson wrote to me saying, ‘The new bollards will certainly be servicing Braunston Marina for another 25+ years.’

As a thank you to their on-site team of two engineers, Andy Chapman and Jamie

15 Yarnold, we opened a celebratory bottle of champagne before they left on Friday the 18th December, just finishing Phase Two in time for a well-earned Christmas break.

A Christmas toast to the Rolec team on the early completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the installation of new bollards and water supply to Braunston Marina. (from left) Graham Newman General Manager and Tim Coghlan MD of Braunston Marina, and Rolec engineers Andy Chapman and Jamie Yarnold. (photo Mike Baker)

Little Eden in Canal Paradise Following the Evison family’s completion of their purchase through Braunston Marina of their new liveaboard home - the 61 foot narrowboat Lullaby - the marina was delighted to receive a ‘thank you’ picture from daughter Eden. (8)

It showed the narrowboat Poppy and the message read ‘Thank you very much for helping us find the perfect boat!’ Father Gareth was quick to point out that Poppy was the boat Eden wanted to buy for herself to live on!

The family recently sold their house, and Eden, her parents and younger sister will now be living afloat on the southern Grand Union Canal in the Milton Keynes area.

Father Gareth and daughter Eden with their new home-afloat, the 61 foot narrowboat Lullaby, which they had just bought through Braunstson Marina.

Tim Coghlan

Eden’s thank you picture.

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VISIT STOWE HILL WHARF FOR ALL Y

Proprietor Robert Gudgeon welcomes 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 NEW — Fuel Polishing Service 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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Sue Cant reflects on over 40 years of service with EA I used to think that my maternal grandmother, born in 1895, had seen an enormous number of changes during her life – Queen Victoria on the throne; two world wars; going to school in a pony and trap through to nearly every household owning a car; cinemas; aircraft; an abdication; women gaining the vote (at age 30!); when women’s options were limited to being a housewife (almost impossible for a woman of my generation to understand); emigrating to Canada; central heating; automatic washing machines; television; the computer; and man landing on the moon … to name but a few.

But my recent decision to retire from the Environment Agency has forced me to reevaluate that. I’ve now concluded that we all see huge changes during our lives, particularly technological advances, but these changes happen so organically that we just accept them and move on.

So, it was a young, fresh-faced me who joined the Norfolk and Suffolk River Board in 1979 as a temp with no intention of staying. I had finished college not knowing what I wanted to do other than to travel as frequently and as far as possible – that was what floated my boat in those days! The area of work that I was employed to do was subsequently morphed into the River Division of Anglian Water Authority who clearly saw through me and offered me a permanent post and several promotions until it was financially well worth staying. And, by then I was really beginning to enjoy myself. I found myself in a world of characters and people whose job was to walk stretches of the river every day – how I envied them! They had intimate knowledge of the waterways and some great tales to relate when they were back in the office. I absorbed as much of it as I could.

These were the days when computers were a rarity in working life and offices were still full of cigarette smoke. Everything was written down long hand, including memos and letters which were then sent down to the typing pool – seems a really inefficient system looking back and would no doubt make the younger generation in my family roll their eyes. I can remember when the first ‘personal’ computer arrived in my office. It looked like a small Ford Anglia car, was stored in a glass fronted locked room and we were told that if we wanted to learn how to use it we had to do so in our own time. It was so limited in what you could do with it, it was easier to continue to work long-hand. Clearly this new-fangled technology would never catch on!

In 1989 I transferred to the National Rivers Authority and moved over to Oundle. By this time, all the records for four Internal Drainage Boards that I was responsible for were stored on a standalone computer. My new boss was tasked with collecting said computer and transporting it to Oundle. Unfortunately he didn’t know that the hard disk should have been secured for the journey. En route the disk became damaged and I spent my first few weeks sitting alongside a techy computer programmer trying to restore the system and retrieving all the corrupted data with help from the back up disks. It wasn’t easy but we managed it – all down to the skills of my new colleague really, I only knew what the data should look like.

The National Rivers Authority was a great organisation and a few years later became part of the Environment Agency. Over the coming years I undertook a number of different roles, as well as working at Regional and National levels until joining the Waterways

19 Team in the early 2000s. Immediately, I felt like I had completed the circle and come home. I was back at the frontline, working with similar characters to those when I first joined the Norfolk and Suffolk River Board. I found myself as line manager of a team of River Inspectors whose job includes patrolling the waterways on a daily basis, using their intimate understanding of our rivers. They are characters in their own right, and who have some great tales to relate – who would have thought!

I will look back with particular fondness on my time in Waterways. I feel ridiculously proud of some of our achievements and in particular the development of Northampton Marina. I would have liked to have done more similar projects but funding is the issue and who knows how that will pan out in the future. It will be for my successor to take advantage of any opportunities. I have had the privilege of meeting and working alongside many lovely people, both inside and outside of the Environment Agency. All of this has helped to shape navigation on the River Nene.

The advent of the World Wide Web heralded the age of instant communication – an incredibly powerful tool but not without its challenges too. For many years now I could not have done my job without a personal computer, iPhone, or the support of the great many people whose knowledge of IT is much superior to mine. These, I think, have been the major changes in my working life. Businesses evolved to embrace these changes and the Environment Agency is no exception. On reflection, so many changes have taken place that it doesn’t feel like I worked for one organisation and its predecessors for nearly 42 years – it has felt like many, many different organisations but all with a common theme.

Back to my grandmother – well, she and I have now both lived during global pandemics, hers being the 1918/19 flu, although it certainly doesn’t feel like any sort of a privileged experience. However, I have flown in a plane many times whilst it was her unfulfilled life -long ambition to do so. I think I have inherited her free spirit as travelling is still high on my agenda and hopefully only temporarily curtailed by the current coronavirus situation – I must be patient. I’ve had the privilege of exploring much more of this planet than she did and to learn a great deal about it through my working life. I’ve also been able to live a very independent life thanks to the women of her generation. Some of the technological advances of the last 30 years would, I think, have blown her mind – particularly the evening when sitting at home I went online and within two hours traced and made immediate contact with a lost branch of my grandfather’s family in Canada. It took her a two week sailing and a week’s train journey across Canada when she went there. She never drove a car and frankly wasn’t very safe on a bicycle, but even in her eighties she was the most nimble person ever to get in and out of my Triumph Spitfire, my first proud purchase when I started work.

So, it’s now time for me for me to hand over the reins and I’m looking forward to some ‘me time’ to do the things I want to do. And in case you are wondering where my interest in boating comes from … years of growing up in the Norfolk Broads and sailing at school and college. Who knows, you may see me out on the river again!

All the best to every single one of you and I wish you many more years of happy boating on our beautiful waterways.

Stay safe and stay well, Sue Cant

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A FENLAND ADVENTURE Part 2 by Sandie Morton So, having arrived at Denver after crossing the tidal section from Salter’s Lode, we decided to overnight here on good EA moorings. During the night, we were troubled by the sound of the water pump triggering for no reason. What is normally a hardly noticeable sound during daytime was intensely annoying in the quiet of night. As a quick fix we turned the pump off!

The next morning found Bernie and Ian (our travelling companion) with their heads down the engine bay trying to sort the problem. After much discussion and head scratching, the leisure batteries were suspected as being the cause of the problem but, without a meter with the right current range, this couldn’t be proved. As we had bought Inca as an eight-year-old, we suspected they were the original batteries and on their last legs.

We decided to go for a trip down the relief channel to Downham Market in the hope the problem would fix itself. Having moored up on some super EA moorings, we took the dogs and walked up into the town. I had lived here through my teenage years so was keen to revisit.

Bernie had discovered that there was a Wetherspoons pub which had opened since our last visit which we decided would be a suitable place for lunch. Alas, when we got there we couldn’t go in because of the dogs and had to find an alternative for lunch.

After a pleasant afternoon exploring what had survived the lockdown (not much apart from supermarkets, newsagent and chemists), we returned to our boats and headed back to Denver for the

Boater in need of a good meal!

21 night. Our trip had done nothing to sort out the water pump problem, so we had another disturbed night.

The next day we decided to try to source new leisure batteries at Ely but, unfortunately, the chandlery (which we had used on our last trip several years ago) had closed and the marina was still closed after lockdown. After several phone calls, suitable batteries were located at Jones’ Boatyard at St. Ives. Despite some awful weather (strong winds and rain) we set off down the River Great Ouse needing to reach the Boatyard before closing time. It was not a pleasant journey, particularly after Earith Lock on the tidal section, which was very exposed to the strong winds and, not unsurprisingly, we were the only boats on the move.

Through sheer dogged determination, we managed to reach our intended destination in time. Four new leisure batteries were purchased (almost needed a mortgage!) and fitted – thank you Ian for crawling about in the engine bay. I cannot recommend Jones’ Boatyard enough. They were very friendly and welcoming and reasonably priced. And they gave us free moorings for the night – which was peaceful with no water pump problems.

We then headed to St Ives and decided to moor up on the town moorings to explore the town. I love the beautiful bridge spanning the River Great Ouse, with its small church in the middle (see photo). The town moorings were against a high wall which we thought might be an obstacle for the dogs. However, the fear of missing out on a walk saw both of them take a big leap up to the pavement. St Ives is a lovely small market town, well worth a visit and we spent a most enjoyable day there.

The next day saw us heading further up the River Great Ouse to St Neots, another pleasant market town to explore. We moored up at the marina there as the forecast was for bad weather and we wanted to stay for a few nights until summer returned.

Whilst here, we discussed whether we should push on to Bedford or not. As we had previously visited Bedford a few years ago (and not finding much to commend it) we decided to turn around and head onto the River Cam towards Cambridge to make more use of our

Bridge at St Ives with church in the middle

22 Cam Licence which we had purchased for £57 (as the Cam was not covered by our Gold Licence). I have to say the River Great Ouse was much more attractive when we were not being battered by strong winds and lashing rain! The River Cam was peaceful passing through pleasant farmland with little traffic (considering it was the middle of August) and well-spaced locks.

We had heard rumours that moorings at Cambridge were difficult to find but we timed our arrival to late morning and had no trouble mooring right by Jesus Lock, the limit to navigation for powered vessels. These moorings are opposite extensive parkland, ideal for the dogs, and an open-air swimming pool with the city centre within walking distance – or a bus ride. We had intended taking a city tour bus or walking tour to learn as much as possible about Cambridge but these had all been suspended due to Covid so we had to explore on our own. We also took the opportunity to use a local launderette to catch up on the washing pile.

After a restful couple of days, we set off back towards Ely where we found good moorings near The Cutter Inn. Having worked up a thirst, the men headed off to the Cutter, whilst Linda and I found a cocktail bar offering a lovely selection of cocktails at two for £12 – what a pleasant afternoon!

The next day was spent exploring the sights and shops of Ely. In the afternoon, we visited the Almonry Tearooms for a tasty cream tea. We sat outside enjoying a beautiful view of the cathedral whilst fighting off wasps attracted by our jam.

Whilst at Ely we got the maps out and planned our next moves. We wanted to explore the tributaries off the Rive Ouse that we hadn’t done before. The first of these was the River Little Ouse (or Brandon Creek) which terminates at Brandon – at least for boats our length. On the way, we stopped off at Little Ouse Farm Moorings to fill up with diesel, which we have always found to be a good price. The Little Ouse lives up to its name being quite narrow - but meandering and very pretty. We passed some interesting boats and boaters (see photos). At Brandon, we found an empty EA mooring for our overnight stay, just before ample space to turn the boats around. We found the Little Ouse well worth exploring but Brandon had little to commend itself.

The next day we headed back to the River Ouse and travelled downstream to the River Wissey. This was an interesting river varying in width and passing the huge sugar beet factory owned by British Sugar. They claim it is the largest, most efficient sugar processing factory in the world. The navigable stretch of the Wissey ends at Stoke Ferry where we had hoped to find some moorings. Alas, this was not to be so we headed back and came across some idyllic GOBA moorings in beautiful countryside where we moored up for the night.

Having booked our crossing from Denver to Salter’s Lode, the next morning we headed off to Denver to wait for our turn to cross the tidal section. This was uneventful though there are always an anxious few moments as you navigate into the narrow lock opening at Salter’s especially if there is a current running!

With Salter’s Lode behind us, we found ourselves retracing our route back across the Middle Levels. Ian had his boat booked in at Fox’s Boatyard for some minor work, so we stopped overnight at March. It was then onto Stanground Lock and onto the River Nene at Peterborough. On our previous trips, we had moored at Peterborough

23 city moorings, but this time we headed for Ferry Meadows which I had always wanted to visit. It is truly a beautiful area but with limited moorings – fortunately, there was space for us. There are some lovely tranquil walks through wooded areas and around lakes and it is hard to believe it is only about 3 miles from the city centre.

After a very peaceful night, we visited the café for a full English on the recommendation of Ian and Linda – it was delicious. This set us up for the journey upstream with an overnight stop at Fotheringhay. True to form, the farmer was upon us for his money before we had finished tying the boats up!

We reached Titchmarsh the next day where we said a fond farewell to Ian and Linda, nb Kooshie Number and Zoe their doggie. It took us two and half days to get back to our home moorings at High House Wharf.

It was a fabulous trip with great company over nearly six weeks. After the great spring and early summer weather, ours was, at times, quite disappointing with plenty of rain and strong winds. Still, as they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothing. My raincoat and wellies certainly saw plenty of service!

Well it floats!

If you should be thinking about doing a similar trip, I recommend that you take out membership of GOBA and Friends of the River Nene so you can take advantage of their super moorings which are kept very well. Unlike canals, suitable mooring space can be difficult to find on rivers, so these moorings are very useful.

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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 Email : rhigginbottom@btconnect.com

Northamptonshire RESTAURANT º BARS º TRIP BOAT DINE IN STYLE IN WOODWARD’S CANALSIDE RESTAURANT 01604 862428 www.boatinn.co.uk SAVE THE BRANCH MONEY! Stop receiving Endeavour by post and instead get it electronically. You will be notified by email when it’s published on-line. This will save in postage and printing costs. The printed version will be available at Branch meetings. Contact Geoff Wood at geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk and he will organise it.

Editor

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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

The Branch is collecting old printer, toner and/or inkjet cartridges for recycling. I would be most willing to take them off your hands.

Also, we can get money for old mobile phones through the same company.

This form of recycling may not generate large amounts of funds but, as they say, every little helps.

Due to Covid 19 and no meetings at the moment please email me on sandie.morton@waterways.org.uk

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BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY Because of lockdown, things have been much quieter of late for the BCS. All work parties at our two site near Buckingham, Bourton Meadow and Hyde Lane have stopped but we are hoping to start running work parties again at these two sites possibly in March.

CRT have given us permission to continue running work parties at Cosgrove in two areas. We can continue to build a towpath wall near Bridge One and dredging can continue at Cosgrove, with our work boat Louise.

Louise has been used to dredge the area where the cows graze at the start of the Buckingham Canal. The cows have broken down the bank and volunteers working in small groups have been installing Nico span netting which has been supplied by CRT. This work will continue through January and possibly into February.

We also hope to dredge along the Buckingham Arm removing the rest of the bund by Bridge One once the Nico span work has been completed When work starts up again at our Hyde Lane site we plan to install a wooden bridge over a stream running though this site. The first job here will be to clear the area around the stream and install piling and finally the bridge.

Hedge laying was carried out at this site about five years ago but stakes and binders erected then now need replacing but we are lucky as two of our volunteers have completed a hedge laying course so this should be an easy task for them.

Rather sadly we have also taken the decision to postpone our Canal Festival and Craft Fair which would have taken place over the weekend of 24th - 25th July until next year.

Like everybody we are looking forward to end of lockdown so we can continue the work of restoring the Buckingham canal again.

Athina Beckett Trustee & Work Party Leader

Louise dredging at the entrance to the Buckingham Canal

29 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.

COMMERCIAL RATES 1/4 Page (box) £12.00 +VAT 1/2 Page (box) £25.00 +VAT Full Page £40.00 +VAT Other sizes by arrangement 10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance 5% discount for 4 issues paid quarterly

CLASSIFIEDS (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

Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May inclusive

DUE TO COVID 19 ALL MEETINGS ARE WILL BE ON WEBINAR UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Details will be on our website and Facebook (See page 4 for details) The next edition of Endeavour will be published in May 2021

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Branch Chairman Bernard Morton

07785 375787/ 01604 858294 E-mail: bernard.morton @waterways.org.uk

Vice Chairman, Joint Task Party Organiser & Membership Secretary Geoff Wood

E-mail: geoff.wood @waterways.org.uk

Branch Secretary Sandie Morton 01604 858294

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

Joint Task Party Organiser Michael Butler E-mail: michael.butler @waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer Helen Westlake

E-mail: helen.westlake @waterways.org.uk

Branch Meetings

Catriona Butler E-mail: catriona butler @waterways.org.uk

Treasurer

Paul Lynam

E-mail: paul.lynam @waterways.org.uk

Newsletter & Archivist Tony Clarke

07305 893924

E-mail: tony.clarke @waterways.org.uk

Committee Member John Pomfret

E-mail: john.pomfret @waterways.org.uk

Non-Committee posts Website and Media Officers

Gail Anscombe Email: gail.anscombe@waterways.org.uk Lynda Payton Email: Lynda.payton@waterways.org.uk

Vacancies Publicity Officer and Grants Officer

The Inland Waterways Association is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country's 6,500 miles of canals and rivers .

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