Hereward Summer 2010

PETERBOROUGH BRANCH

HEREWARD SUMMER 2010

www.iwapeterborough.org.uk The IWA charity registered number 212342 The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the Peterborough Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers

A selection of the a weekend’s events with n ‘feline’ Chairma presenting the prizes!

Photos: Nigel Long

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

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s many of you will know the IWA has organised an ongoing protest about Government cuts in waterway funding, part of our campaign being a series of cruises. Some very eye-catching and well made banners were sent out from H.Q. and we set about organising our contribution.

I was a little concerned as at one point we only had three ‘definates’. However I need not have worried as come the Saturday morning a flotilla of 8 boats assembled at Ramsey 40 foot. Banners and posters were distributed and fixed and we made a splendid show. Nigel arrived to take photos and at 10-30 prompt we set off along the 40 foot toward the 16 foot. After about 45 minutes I noticed a boat following some way back, we slowed down for Nigel to take more photos and lo and behold ‘Aboat Time’ joined us to make nine boats. We attracted considerable interest from passing traffic, much blowing of horns, waving etc.

We had a lunchtime stop just as we turned on to the 16 foot, the sun was shining and it was all very festive, an assortment of dogs were exercised, some lunch was taken along with a beer or two. When we set off again I made an executive decision and ‘shuffled the pack’ so those who been leading along the 40’now played tail end Charlie along the 16 foot.

It stayed sunny and reasonably warm all the way to the gauging station which was the official end of the cruise. A number of hardy menfolk decided to wander into the thriving cosmopolitan nightlife of Three Holes for an evening of wild debauched excitement.

All you need to know is that we went to the Red Hart again.

Sunday it chucked it down. So all set off about 10-30ish.

All in all I felt we had achieved a good turn out, well decorated with IWA banners and had got our point across. It will take more than one cruise I am certain so watch this space. Our thanks to all those who turned out in support of this noble endeavour.

Alastair Chambers Richard Fairman has taken on the role of Meetings and Publicity Officer and if anyone has any ideas for topics or knows of any interesting speakers for next season’s programme please let Richard know.

Contact details on page 16.

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ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ROUND-UP

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by Nigel Long

will first update you on several of the issues raised by me in the last edition.

Strategic Priorities for Water Related Projects in East of England The problem with this Plan was, you may remember, that the Middle Level system had not been included amongst the list of Strategic Waters even though the Ouse and Nene did appear in that list. Our complaints on this front resulted in a meeting held at the MLC Offices at March at the end of April. Present were Nigel Tomlinson, Principal Recreation Officer for the EA Anglia Region, Professor Ravenscoft from Brighton University, Iain Smith, Clerk of the MLC and myself. It was readily agreed that the Middle Level should have been included amongst the list of Strategic Waters and that the references to it in the Plan needed to be amplified in a number of areas. The Plan is to be redrafted and will be sent to Iain Smith and myself for further comment in due course. In short, this is an area in which positive progress has been made.

Welches Dam and The Old Bedford Here, things are not so positive. The latest information is that the Navigation Department of the EA is not due to approach the EA Business committee for permission to proceed with the repair of Welches Dam lock until late June at the earliest. You will remember that on the last approach to that committee in October 2009 permission was not granted and Navigation was told to do some further research. There is no way of knowing whether Navigation will fair better on its next approach and consequently whether work on the lock will be authorised. IWA HQ has been kept fully informed of the situation in relation to this lock and is monitoring the position closely.

As to the Old Bedford/ Old Bedford Sluice, it has now been agreed that the Sluice will be available for use over the long weekend of 17th to 20th September. The details of the opening are still being worked out but we have been promised that all 4 elements which are a pre-condition of making a successful cruise through the Sluice and along the Old Bedford to Welches Dam and return will be in place for that weekend. Those elements are, a) the dredging of the approach channel, b) the operation of the Sluice itself, c) the dredging of the Old Bedford inland of the Sluice so far as this is necessary and d) the cutting of weed with particular attention being given to the weed under the pylons.

It is the intention of the branch to hold an official cruise during the period of 17th – 20th September. The exact dates for the event have still to be resolved but will be communicated in due course. In the meantime please make a note of these dates in your diaries. As a special effort is to be made by the EA to facilitate this cruise we hope that a large number of you will make the effort to join us, especially all those who have wanted to undertake this cruise in the past but been put off by the prevailing condition of the route.

At the meeting of the EA Regional Navigation Group held on 5th May a number of issues were raised which were either new or about which we had not heard for some time.

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EA Transport and Works Order You may well have forgotten about this but the TWO, which has been awaited literally for years, finally came into force on 6th April. The Order as issued looks considerably different from the version as originally submitted to DEFRA. In essence all practical provisions relating to the creation of a charging scheme and the application of charging and registration to “adjacent waters” have been removed. What it does authorise is the imposition on all craft on EA waters of the BSS and third party insurance requirements.

The detail of how the TWO will be implemented has still to be worked out.

Charging Harmonisation The EA has for many years sought to create a scheme which would implement common charging provisions for boats using any of its waterways. The process continues to move forward and a paper was discussed at the RNG meeting. It is, I am afraid, the case that there was little agreement amongst members. My understanding is that there has been a similar reaction in other committees in which it has been discussed. I will not bore you with the detail of the local discussion for it seems to me that there must now be a doubt whether the dream of harmonisation can be achieved: only time will tell!

Charging on the Cam The Cams Conservators are looking for an increase in revenue. As you may be aware the Conservators do receive an income from the EA in respect of EA registered boats using their waters. The Conservators are seeking from the EA a bigger share of the cake. The Conservators are also indicating that they will be seeking further monies from boaters. It could become very expensive to navigate the Cam. At present there are negotiations between the EA and the Conservators but you may expect to hear more of this as the year progresses.

The Middle Level Aqueduct Iain Smith reported to the RNG meeting that contractors had found that the brickwork around the aqueduct was in a bad condition and that some of the beams supporting the trough and the bottom plates of the trough needed repair/ replacement. The result was that a scheme which was scheduled to cost £90,000 would now cost about £250,000.

The only good news was that although there might be navigation restrictions in the area of the aqueduct it was not intended that there should be any closure of the navigation while the work was carried out.

E-MAIL ADDRESS UPDATE

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any of you who have provided the IWA with your email address will have received from the Branch over the last two months a couple of emails providing urgent local news.

Hereward is, as you know, published quarterly and there are often developments which occur just after a publication date which have to wait for three months until the next edition or which by the time of that edition are history and no longer relevant. The Number 10 Petition was a good example of something which happened just after a publication date: it was impossible for us to notify all branch members of it in a timely manner.

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ÂŁ7.95

That is the problem which the Branch is seeking to tackle with its Branch News Emails. They will not necessarily be sent out monthly. Rather, they will be despatched when there is some development which it is important that we notify to you as a matter of urgency.

The mechanics are that we draw up the email but for convenience it is despatched to you by Headquarters. At present HQ has email addresses for about half of the branch members: from anecdotal evidence we suspect that some of those addresses are not upto-date.

This brings me to the point of this note. If you wish to receive our Branch News Emails then the IWA has to know your up-to-date email address. If you would like to participate please send your email address NOT to the branch but to the National Membership Officer,Tracy Higgin, at tracy.higgin@waterways.org.uk A simple email should do the trick!

Nigel Middle Level Plaques A J Butler of London NB The Sharp End and Mr A J Wilkinson Bill Fen Marina NB Acacia have received Middle Level Plaques for their journeys through the Fens waterway system.

We hope you will please support our advertisers in return for the valuable support they give to the Branch in making this publication possible.

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EDITOR’S NOTES

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ow that we know the outcome of the recent General Election there will be tremendous pressure on funding and cuts and are being threatened far and wide. The waterways will doubtless share in the pain in some way or other.

Much is being said about the single Waterways Conservancy which was one of the key aims of one of the original IWA founders, Robert Aickman in the campaigning years of the early 1950’s. It will be interesting if, over 50 years later that aim comes to pass.

Speaking of the IWA founders, this year marks the centenary of the birth of the other founder, Tom Rolt and a series of events are taking place across the country in celebration. I first encountered LTC Rolt in my youth when my interest in railways led me to read Red for Danger, his best selling book about train crashes. Although rather a morbid subject I found it a fascinating read and still have the well thumbed paperback on my shelf. After my interest in canals and boating developed I read Rolt’s autobiography Landscapes trilogy and found we seemed to have a lot in common and shared similar views on life in general. Like me Rolt served an engineering apprenticeship during which he developed a keen appreciation of the skills and dedication of the workforce in the often derided and under-invested field of heavy mechanical engineering. The company at which he was undergoing his training went bust and he was left to move around to seek alternative employment. Still sounds familiar today doesn’t it! continued on page10...............

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BRANCH WINTER MEETINGS

April Meeting

Our speaker for the final meeting of the season was Peter Carter, making a return visit to continue his tales of Eel catching and life in the Fens in general. He recounted that the great abbeys of Eastern England, including Peterborough, Ramsey and Ely were funded using eels as currency. The eels were delivered to the bishops by punt. In addition to currency, and the obvious use as a food, eel skins were used for making clothing, footwear, gaiters and jewellery.

Peter showed slides of a re-enacted journey he had made by punt from Well Creek to Ely via the Great Ouse to deliver a basket of eels to the present Bishop of Ely. The 22 mile journey, undertaken for charity, took five days and received good press and TV coverage. It was hard work as much of the punting was against the tide.

Peter told of the many engagements he has had with the media including some famous TV personalities and was less than complimentary about some! When it comes to meeting high profile personalities non are higher than the Queen and Peter made a lasting impression on HM when she chatted with him about his work at an impromptu meeting at a country pursuits event. British Eel stocks are currently in decline with most London supplies now coming from New Zealand.

Peter has diversified into catching Chinese Mitten Crabs using traditional pots and is due to open a museum in Upwell this summer. He stressed it will be an inter-active affair particularly aimed at families. Thanks to Peter for another jolly good evening!

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Rolt became disillusioned with canals and left Cressy to throw his enthusiasm into the salvation and restoration of the Tallyllyn Railway in Wales. The saga of this phase in his life is recounted in his book Railway Adventure. Preserved railways are also one of my passions so again we have much in common. In my college days I travelled into Manchester with a good friend and workmate in his 1932 MG Midget and I have to admit that is the closest I have got to sharing one of Rolt’s other interests, vintage sports car racing. I feel I would have liked Tom Rolt if we had ever met and will make an effort this Summer to attend some of the centenary events.

Have a good season in whatever way you enjoy the waterways.

Philip Richard Benyon MP for Newbury (on the K& A) was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Defra on 14 May 2010. Mr Benyon served as a Shadow Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Wildlife. He is a riparian landowner and farmer on the Kennet and a former soldier and founder of the charity Help for Heroes. He is a vice president of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and a keen angling supporter.

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NENE DEVELOPMENTS—NORTHAMPTON MARINA

by Sue Cant

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am delighted to be able to tell you that as one of the longest, harshest winters for decades was drawing to an end, work to construct Northampton Marina commenced at the end of February 2010, with the trimming and removal of rotten and dangerous trees around the lake. Over 120 tonnes of wood have been removed from site and chipped. The chippings will be air dried and sold to biomass power stations.

This has opened up a view of the river from Victoria Promenade that local inhabitants of Northampton tell me has not been seen for the last 25 years. It hints tantalisingly at the view yet to come when the marina is up and running in 2011.

At the time of writing (beginning of May 2010) the lake has been gravity drained through filter channels so as not to disturb the very fine silt contained within the lake.

Nearly 500 fish have been removed and relocated to the main river. The dredged silt and material from the two islands is being transported a mile downstream by barge, where it is being used to strengthen river defences.

In a few weeks time the lake will be re-flooded and work will start to create the moorings. Northampton Marina will offer a combination of 80 long stay and short stay moorings, six of which will be for residential use, and will also provide a permanent mooring for the St John Ambulance trip boat. The moorings will be built on floating pontoons and each boat will have access to water, electricity, and wifi from pedestals located on the walkways. Moorings will also be available for the operators of commercial leisure boats, such as hire boats and water taxis.

The facilities building will utilise renewable energy sources, have BREEM rating, provide toilets, washrooms, laundry, elsan disposal, waste disposal and recycling facilities. It will also allow the full time marina manager a panoramic view of the marina at all times. CCTV cameras will also pan and zoom into the site.

A chauffeur driven electric powered buggy will transport boaters between a drop off point at Northampton Lock, where temporary parking provision will be made, and their boat. Long stay parking is available at the local car parks and secure on-site bicycle storage will be provided.

Whilst the general public will not have direct access into the marina, a ‘viewing area’ with seating will be created at the end of the lake near to the old boathouse. Boaters will gain pedestrian entry to the marina by a swipe card or similar electronic system.

The creation of Northampton Marina is one of the first steps in making Northampton a more exciting destination for current and future residents as well as visitors and the boating community. Putting Northampton on the map as a waterways destination is important to the town’s regeneration – the River Nene is a valuable natural asset. Already the project is acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of the river corridor in Northampton.

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Planning permission has recently been granted for a floating restaurant at Midsummer Meadows that aims to open in 2011, and later phases of the Becket’s Park project aim to deliver new landscaping, lighting, cafes and restaurants, providing a busy, exciting link between the town centre and the waterside.

Final landscaping of Northampton Marina will be soft and verdant. Certain areas around the marina pool will be replanted with native species of trees and shrubs, and water margins will be planted with native species, to encourage biodiversity and wildlife. The marina is scheduled for completion in March 2011, which as I am sure you all know is the 250th anniversary of the River Nene becoming navigable from the Wash to Northampton and 40 years since the IWA National Festival was last hosted by Northampton. Recent discussions with the IWA National Festival Committee have again made us hopeful that these significant dates, the creation of Northampton Marina and wider waterside regeneration of Northampton will encourage the National Festival back to Northampton in 2011.

You can follow the progress of Northampton Marina construction works on our Visit Nene website www.visitnene.co.uk.

Northampton Marina Mooring enquires: Please contact Steve Lyon Tel: 01733 464065 Email: steve.lyon@environment-agency.gov.uk

BILL FEN ‘DO’

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et again the May Bank Holiday arrived and with it our by now fabled Bill Fen Do (or Bar-B-Q & Boules) kindly hosted by Jon & Lyn Shotbolt. The format is well established, prodigious amounts of alcohol, excellent entertainment, games and food.

Why mess with a winning formula!

Sadly the weather forecast was on the dubious side of awful and perhaps the general economic climate, allied to an entirely unwarranted outbreak of temperance did result in significantly lower numbers this year. Although everyone did have a good time and the weather was much better than predicted (never forget, these are the people who promised last years barbecue summer!!!) the takings were seriously down on recent years. As I write this Michael’s best projection is a smidgen under £700. OK by no means a disaster, but along way short of our usual revenue.

As ever your committee worked incredibly hard over the three days, as did a number of ever willing volunteers, including this year the Waterman’s Club. Without Jeff and Lorraine there would have been no food on the Saturday evening. They were responsible for a significant contribution to the takings. Ray and Jane, Bernard and Bron, Kevin and Helen, Chris and Julie and Jane also made mighty contributions. If I have missed anyone please accept my apologies.

A new feature this year was a lady doing face painting, I am far too mature, adult and sensible to indulge in such fripperies but a number of otherwise grown up adult people 12

did. To our very great admiration she then offered a donation to us; however as her husband campaigns tirelessly for MacMillan Nurses (and many of us have experience of just how wonderful they are) we re-donated it back to this very worthy cause. I have a vague recollection that she said she had gained a booking at the ANRC Rally at March this year.

We ran all the usual competitions, rain and gloom interrupted the Boules, but the final on Sunday saw Jeff & Alan win the trophy. Len and Donna beat Carole and Alexander to win the Croquet and the Skittles was eventually won by John Mundy.

All in all another superb weekend, everyone seemed to have a good time and the face paint does wash off eventually!

EASTER CRUISE 2010

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his year’s Easter Cruise had a dual purpose, the usual one of having a jolly good time and the additional aim of highlighting the appalling state of Horseways channel and Welches Dam. To generate some good publicity I contacted all the local papers plus both BBC & ITV Regional TV. Good Friday was a bit cold and grey and the forecast wasn’t too brilliant, but undaunted two boats left Fox’s for Three Holes where we found Rodgy Dodgy. As we were contemplating going for a pint Olive Emily arrived, making four in all. The branch is actively looking at moorings along by the gauging station. After a visit to the ‘Red Hart’ off we set, it was cold and grey and it didn’t take too much persuading to stop at the ‘Golden Lion’.

Saturday morning we set off for Horseways channel. Because the MLC had been expecting heavy rain and were also working on the Aqueduct the level was unusually low. Caddy, Hillpenny and Rodgy Dodgy all ran aground before Horseways Bridge, most embarrassing, especially as this was the point at which a photographer appears.

He took several pictures and left. As he left so a reporter from BBC Look East arrived.

After a lengthy chat he decided that there was a worthwhile story to be had. At which point Olive Emily started reversing up the channel toward the lock. We all followed on foot. It was a struggle at times but Olive Emily made it all the way, indeed we were able to open the lock and rope her in, all filmed by the BBC. I did a short interview highlighting the neglect by the EA who charge us a lot of money and compared their waterway to the channel maintained by the MLC who charge no licence fee at all. The piece made the news on Easter Monday and caused something of a stir. Thanks are due to all those who turned out and especially to Olive Emily for dedication above and beyond.

After a lengthy period of prop clearing we had a cold but uneventful run down to Ramsey 40 foot where we thawed out in the ‘George’. Sunday saw a gentle cruise to Floods Ferry, we had Sunday Lunch then returned in the evening for a jolly. Remi organised a quiz and some games, I think Carole won the Bingo!!

All in all a good time was had by all and we may yet garner some benefit from the publicity.

Alastair 13

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THE CAMBRIDGE BACKS - by John Revell

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was pleased to learn that owners of narrow boats and cruisers can request permission to navigate the Cambridge Backs during the winter (October 1st to March 31st). This follows discussions a few years ago between IWA Cambridge Branch and the River Cam Conservancy.

After consulting the River Cam Conservancy I fixed up a date in early March to use Jesus lock. Then the floods occurred so I booked a passage a few weeks later when the rivers were back to normal.

This part of the River Cam is short but steeped in history with exceptional views of the colleges and their grounds and other fine buildings and bridges (two of which are very low). We started on a Monday morning at 9.30am and met no other craft until we reached the head of navigation at Mill Pond. This is just below Bishop’s Mill Weir and about 250 yards above Silver Street bridge. The punt operators were just starting and we followed the first punt down stream at a safe distance on our return journey.

Under the terms of the River Cam bye-laws use of Jesus Lock is by appointment only. This enables the river manager to advise the punt operators in advance and to advise potential motorised users of any events taking place such as the annual Cam Canoe and Kayak Marathon or of unsuitable river conditions. The Cam Conservators web site (www.camconservators.org.uk) provides essential information on bridge heights as well as information on temporary moorings between Baits Bite Lock and Jesus Lock. There are no visitor moorings of any kind above Jesus Lock and landing and mooring is strictly prohibited. And remember that boating by powered craft on the Backs is not permitted at all between 1st April and 30th September.

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Email: gregbassam@gbwatersports.co.uk 15

INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION Peterborough Branch

COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN: Alastair Chambers 52 Hereward Way, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8QB Tel: 01778 344438 e-mail: alastair.boater@virgin.net DEPUTY CHAIRMAN & SALES OFFICER: Graham Baughn PO Box 15, 10 Marina Drive, March, Cambs PE15 0AU Tel: 07793 469602 e-mail: w.baughn@tesco.net SECRETARY: Nigel Long 7 Georgian Court, Peterborough PE3 6AF Tel: 01733 553782 e-mail: nhlong@supanet.com TREASURER: Michael Slaughter 45 Elstone, Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5JZ Tel: 01733 390598 e-mail: m.slaughter45@ntlworld.com MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Carole Chambers 52 Hereward Way, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8QB Tel: 01778 344438 e-mail: alastair.boater@virgin.net EDITOR: Philip Halstead, 20 Cane Avenue, Peterborough PE2 9QT Tel: 01733 348500 e-mail: pp@halstead5.orangehome.co.uk John Dudley, 1 Bellmans Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1TY Tel: 01733 202581 Roger Mungham Boatmans Cottage, Workhouse Lane, Upwell, Wisbech PE14 9ET Tel: 01945 773002 e-mail: rogerboatmans@talktalk.net David Biggs, Evelines, 85 High Street, Chatteris PE16 6MP Tel: 01354 696956 e mail: evelines85@hotmail.co.uk Roger Sexton, 2 Shaw Drive, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 9TB Tel: 01354 652329 David Venn, Bruffs Lodge, High Street, Nordelph, Downham Market PE38 0BL Tel: 01366 324102 e-mail:davidgvenn@tiscali.co.uk Richard Fairman, The Old Railway House, Cowbit, Spalding, Lincs PE12 0XD Tel: 01406 380575

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Photos: John Revell

Boating the Cambridge Backs John Revell gives details of his unusual narrowboat trip on page 14.

Photo: Editor

The new marina takes shape at Northampton—Sue Cant gives details on page 11.