Winter 2021
Newsletter of Guildford & Reading Kent & East Sussex and Oxfordshire Branches
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Index Basingstoke Canal Society
Page: 6
John Pinkerton Focus on Accessible Boating Association
Page 9 Page 9
Byfleet Boat Club
Page: 10
British Canoeing
Page: 40
Guildford & Reading Branch
Page: 5
Sales and Publicity Stand
Kent & Sussex Branch – IWAKES
Page: 24
Royal Military Canal River Medway Thames & Medway Canal Association River Stour River Adur Sussex Ouse Restorations Trust Faversham & Northfleet Future Events
Page: 35
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
Page: 12
Newbury Reading Crofton Beam Engines
London Region
Page: 38
Maidenhead
Page: 18
Mikron Theatre Group
Page: 40
Oxfordshire Branch Banbury Canal Partnership Tooley’s Boatyard Trust
Page: 32 Page: 32 Page: 34
Region Chair Report
Page: 3
River Thames
Page: 23
River Wey & Godalming Navigations
Page: 15
National Trust
Salisbury Group
Page: 5
Southampton Canal Society
Page: 19
South London Branch
Page: 38
Towpath Walks
Page: 39
Wey & Arun Canal Trust
Page: 19
Future Events
Page: 27
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Future Events
Page: 35
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Editorial Welcome to the Winter edition of Cargoes and welcome too to Kevin West from British Canoeing and the new General Manager of the National Trust – Tristan Brown – who are both new contributors to Cargoes. While welcoming new contributors I am sorry to learn the Salisbury group is disbanding due to lack of new members and the age of existing members. This is a problem being experienced by many organisations and we need to find ways to encourage younger members of the public to join our varying groups. Perversely British Canoeing recently held a “Floating Pennywort Bash” on the River Wey with 80 attendees! Perhaps there are lessons to be learnt from them? Elsewhere you can read about the problems with new water points on the River Thames; the success of Basingstoke Raft Race, Reading Water Fest and the Wey River Festival to name a few. Enjoy! Chris Jones – Editor Photo: Byfleet CC Illuminated Boats at Wey River Festival Please remember restrictions may still in place. Events mentioned may be cancelled at short notice.
From the Region Chair I wonder what is on your Christmas wish list for 2022? I am hoping that funding for the waterways allows the relevant authorities to plan for proactive maintenance not just crisis management. It is never possible to defer repairs to infrastructure indefinitely because water has a way of causing expensive damage all too quickly as the weir in Guildford demonstrated a few years ago. But where is the money to come from? Funding via government agencies or local authorities is likely to be curtailed despite the waterways being cited as having a positive effect on mental health. So a backlog of maintenance that has accrued over the pandemic period needs funding if the infrastructure is to remain fit for purpose. The IWA AGM was held remotely again this year and was well attended. Three new trustees were welcomed and two new vice national chairs were voted in at the first meeting of the trustees, making three in all. Hopefully they can support Paul Rodgers and Phil Hornsey as the IWA evolves into a charity for the century. The Restoration Conference organised by IWA and CRT provided an interesting mix of information and opinion from both speakers and delegates. The sustainable boating group suggested that the correlation between water depth and engine efficiency may be more significant than previously thought. See IWA website for any updates. Cover Photo Courtesy:
Anthony Bell, Wey and Arun Canal Trust
4 It turned out to be an excellent year for boatyards, paddle sports retailers and boat hire. This influx of inexperienced boaters coupled with a lack of knowledge has led to some heated discussions on the water and on the bank. British Canoeing, which governs paddle boarding, has seen a marked increase in membership. It would appear that there is a direct correlation between increased income from licence fees and the efforts of the navigation authorities to enforce this. Some commercial operators on the Thames are puzzled that the Environment Agency has not seen a better uptake of licences from new owners. Enjoy Christmas and see you in 2022. Verna Smith Region Chair
Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire and Guildford and Reading Branches of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm for 8pm on Thursday 24th February 2022 at Christ Church United Reform Church, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SG The Oxfordshire Branch AGM: Details to be announced soon. The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 28th March 2022. Further details to follow. The Agenda for the branch meetings will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws as follows:
Agenda 1
Apologies for Absence
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Approval (following amendments if necessary) of the Minutes of the Branch AGM held the previous year
3
Matters arising from the Minutes (and not under other Agenda items)
4
Branch Chairman’s Report
5
Branch Treasurer’s Report and Accounts
6
Election of members of the Committee (Nomination no longer necessary). Simply contact the Chairman to apply to join the Branch Committee or do so at the AGM
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Any item for discussion of which the Branch Chairman has been notified in writing at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the relevant AGM
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Salisbury Group Our Salisbury Correspondent, Myra Glover writes: It is with regret that the Salisbury group of the IWA has had to make the difficult decision to close. The main reasons for this are the lack and age of members, the difficulty in finding affordable speakers together with the effect that Covid 19 has had on member’s health and attendance. We hope to arrange some social gatherings in the future so that members are able stay in touch with each other. Myra Glover
Guildford & Reading Branch Branch Chairman We held our most recent Branch meeting at The Anchor, Pyrford. After months of meeting in car parks or by Zoom it was great to be inside and meet in person – and we enjoyed the lunch afterwards! If you would like to join us for our meetings, please contact me. It is pleasing to hear that all our waterways are seeing increased canal and river use with passenger numbers on boat trips up and the hire of boats increasing. The Wey River Festival was a success as was Reading Water Fest and the Basingstoke Raft Race. This was despite limited advertising. The River Wey has a new Walnut Tree bridge in Guildford and the towpath should be open again by the time this goes to print. The Committee are very pleased to hear National Trust has a new General Manager, Tristan Brown, we wish him well in his new position and look forward to having a long and successful relationship with him and NT. Verna Smith (acting Chair)
Sales & Publicity Stand The Sales Team had a very successful stand at the Wey River Festival in September and our thanks go to all those members who helped. We have been looking at which events we can attend in 2022 and further details on those will follow. Please contact us if you can help, our email address is chris.jones@waterways.org.uk The Sales Team
Future Events Sat: 27th Nov: Papercourt Lock, River Wey: Floating Pennywort Removal Please see advert on Page 46 Mon 28th March 2022: G&R AGM. Time and place to be advised.
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Basingstoke Canal Society All-new “green” canal boat to replace diesel-powered Kitty Fundraising is a constant of Society life and our team has embarked on another large project to replace our aging canal boat, Kitty, which runs trips along the waterway from Woking. Kitty is very much a community resource. Thousands of visitors enjoy the beauty of our fine canal environment through our volunteer-run public trips each year. In addition, she also provides trips for local schoolchildren, care homes, hospitals, heritage open days and people with disabilities. Kitty has also had a long association with the children of Chernobyl, taking those on recuperative breaks in the UK on trips each year. But, at 45 years old, Kitty is near the end of her life and we are working hard to raise money for her replacement - in the form of an environmentally-sound, all-electric canal boat. Kitty was named after the last horse to tow boats along the canal, so it is fitting that Kitty II will be as environmentally friendly as her namesake! As well as making Kitty II non-polluting, we also plan to install several charging points on the canal in Woking which will represent our first step towards making the canal fully electric for all users. Newly designed, Kitty II will allow easier wheelchair access and provide enough space for an on-board toilet. She will be produced by a UK based boatbuilder. Together with installing the charging network, we have a fundraising target of £200,000. The society is contributing £70,000 of its own to kickstart the effort and aim to raise the remaining £130,000 from sources including grants, individual and corporate donations and an art auction scheduled for late February at The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking. We are also working to launch a crowdfunding site to support the project and hope to have news of its launch soon.
7 Digital archive will make Basingstoke Canal artefacts available in online museum Like many long-standing, volunteer-run organisations, the society has found itself in a position of having a lot of information being held by different people in different places and at risk of being lost if anything were to happen to these hard copy resources. As a result, we have been working for some time on converting and saving these items to a digital format. Volunteer Don Cooper, who is leading the project, said: “We A photo from the Basingstoke Canal Society have an extensive collection of archive: Barge horse Charlie at Lock 3 in nearly 12,000 items, including Woodham in 1915. The stables shown have photos, maps and documents with now been extended and form a part of the additional parts of the collection at the Surrey History Museum and the Winchester Public Records Office”. “We must pay tribute to the incredible effort and dedication of our outgoing archivist David Tonkinson, who has carried out outstanding work to digitise over 70% of our collection over a period of 10 years! We are now working to complete this project and would welcome new volunteers who would like to support the society, particularly with this ongoing task to maintain our archives.” The society plans to make its archive available to a wider audience through its website, creating an online museum populated with the digitised documents for anyone to see. Work on the website has already started with an early scoping phase to see what technology will work best to display the archive properly. “We will do this through creating a section on our website, like an online museum, and populate it with the digitised versions of our documents for anyone to see. This will then allow us to carry out some housekeeping on the physical material.” Odiham Raft Race Returns Following an absence of a year due to the pandemic, we were pleased to support and welcome back our fundraising Odiham Raft Race in September. Held at Colt Hill, Odiham, this popular event sees the teams battling for first place across a 1.6 km course aboard homemade rafts.
8 The race always attracts a crowd of spectators who enjoy the thrills and spills of the race - won by the Badder Belles in a time of 26.52 minutes - as well as this year’s demonstration by the Basingstoke & Deane Canoe Club and the new Tug-oWar competition, won by the Boatyard Buoys. A number of stands and a steady supply of refreshments were enjoyed by all with the society receiving a very welcome boost to its coffers at the end of the day! Calendar competition captures the best of the Basingstoke Canal Our canal calendar photo competition closed at the end of September. Thirteen winning images were chosen and now feature in the pages of our Basingstoke Canal Calendar 2022. Run on Facebook, our competition invited local photographers to capture beautiful views of the canal, its wildlife and human users. The calendar has been produced and is now available to buy from our online shop, alongside Christmas cards which also feature seasonal scenes of the Basingstoke Canal. Last year’s calendar raised £1,500 for the society and we have our fingers crossed for the same this year, if not more! The calendar, priced £8, is a colour, A4 landscape format, while the Christmas cards are available in packs of 10 priced £4, with a discounted price of £10 for three packs. All are available from our website: https://basingstokecanal.org.uk/shop/. First look at canal information boards We now have initial designs for the information boards which will be installed at points of interest along the canal. The society raised £20,000 to fund 15 information boards along the 32-mile waterway which will tell visitors about the route, history and wildlife of the canal. The content of the boards will relate to each location and is being put together by the society’s Neil Taylor. Each one will be reviewed by the society and the Basingstoke Canal Authority, who manage the canal on behalf of its owners, Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
9 All of the oak frames for the boards have already been produced and, once the designs and information and been finalised and approved, the boards themselves will be prepared by Greenhouse Graphics, in Basingstoke. The company has a philosophy of sustainability and a commitment to using sustainable resources, minimising their carbon output and waste production. This feels right for the Basingstoke Canal Society which has identified securing an environmentally sustainable future for the canal and protecting the natural environment as key objectives in our work. Lisa Taylor
Trips aboard the John Pinkerton II and Kitty Boat Trips Boat trips for this year finished at the end of October and both John Pinkerton 11 and Kitty will be out of service as we undertake our annual winter maintenance. We will accept requests for dates in 2022, though all bookings will be subject to current Covid-19 restrictions, which may reduce our passenger numbers from the nominal maximum of 50. Charter trips booked so far are those shown in the list of Scheduled Trips & Events. If you would like to charter on a day without a trip shown, please contact us at https://basingstoke-canal.org.uk or phone the Booking Team on 01256 765889 (10am - 8pm). Cruising in the peaceful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal is a great way to relax. You can charter the whole boat for exclusive use by family, friends or work colleagues Trips from Mytchett: Boat trips on board our friendly 12-seater boat Rosebud usually run at weekends and on public holidays from Easter to September. Please contact us for up to date information. Tel 01252 370073, email info@basingstokecanal.co.uk or check on Facebook or Twitter.
Focus on Accessible Boating Association The Accessible Boating Association, (Accessible Boating or ABA), is a registered charity initiated in 1985 by Mildred Stocks, then Chairman of Hart District Council, who wanted to enable people who couldn’t use existing canal boats to enjoy cruises on the Basingstoke Canal. Two boats are available: Madam Butterfly is a comfortable 7-berth cruising boat and Dawn is a 12-person day boat Both boats are based in Odiham at Galleon Marine’s boatyard with trips operating from Colt Hill Wharf from April to October. For more details see the website www.accessibleboating.org.uk. New volunteers are always welcome; speak to one of our volunteers or contact our Chairman, John Ranson at chairman@accessibleboating.org.uk
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Byfleet Boat Club There was a fantastic turnout at the Wey Festival and Byfleet Boat Club was very well represented in the illuminated parade. The Boat Hire season has been very successful including the cleaning of boats and oars after each usage and the introduction of payment by card. We were pleased to welcome back many local residents who were very keen to get back to boating after lockdown. (See picture: members of the public queuing for boat hire) We have just had a great Hire Boat laying up day and managed to get all the boats out of the water, cleaned inside and out and put away in the shed in about 2.5 hours. It was just as well as the rain came shortly afterwards. We are now looking forward to our own illuminated parade which will take place on November 27th Commodore BBC The Wey Fish Pass and Wetland Delivery (FWD) The project has run for three years, replacing historic weirs and adding adjacent fish passes which will open up over 100 km of river to fish between the Thames at Weybridge and the Wey at Tilford. It is scheduled for completion next month. This project: • has completed replacement of all but one of the six historic 1930s River Wey Improvement Scheme flood weirs • includes 4 to 5 fish passes • helps protect 388 homes from flooding • opens up 47 km of the river to the Thames for fish and eels for the first time in centuries. Total cost of all the improvements is £13 million. The Walsham Fish Pass shown with the channel route shown below is a naturalised/hybrid brush channel. Construction began last year. The channel will
11 be 170 m long and replicate a natural stream. It will be planted with a variety of plants and the bed will be lined with gravel to provide valuable habitat where fish can lay their eggs. An outlet section with fish brushes and walls will slow the water down so that fish can migrate. The base structures have now been completed and landscaping is in progress. (Ed: Info taken from Environment agency website) IWA members moored at Walsham say that it is good to know that the formerly peaceful car park and access road will soon be free of “Mackley” vehicles. At the start we were told that the site would be reinstated to its former wild state but it seems a shame to rip up perfectly good roadways which might be useful in future. The work has involved a large number of yellow vests worn by generally good humoured people of many nationalities and some very large “toys” they can play with. A lot of tea seems to be drunk in the portacabins. We wish them luck as they move on (soon we hope!) It is ironic that the EA is spending £13 million on getting fish to move upriver but ignoring the fact that the river is being choked with pennywort for want of funds spent on river maintenance. Water points As noted in the last edition River Thames taps have been modified to accommodate the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Some members have reported waits of up to 4 hours to access a water point, resulting in boaters using alternative solutions. As open taps are not subject to the backflow hose restrictions it is perfectly legal to fill containers with water and transport them to your boat to fill your water tank as illustrated below. BCC Ed: The risk of someone dying having ingested contaminated river water backflowing into the water main via a 6 metre hosepipe carelessly left in the river, versus the risk of someone dying from a heart attack caused by lugging 20 litre water containers to their boat has yet to be determined! Michael Chamberlain
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Kennet & Avon Canal News Newbury Branch We are starting to see the leaves turn and the waterway here in Newbury is quieter. We have been operating with reduced capacity all season due to Covid 19, but even so it has been great to see our passengers coming back. We also managed to run our Halloween creepy cruises during the school half term with reduced capacity, but still very popular. There is a short but well needed break for all our crew before we get to the popular Santa season and all the fun and games that take place aboard the Iceboat Jubilee. There will be Christmas songs, a visit from Santa who comes on board with his sack full of specially selected presents, and of course mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.
Forthcoming Events. The Iceboat Jubilee will be setting sail for Greenham Land to find Santa from Saturday 18th through to Thursday 23rd Sunday December. Departing at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm on all the above dates. Advance booking is essential. For information or to book, please call our main office on 01380 721279 during office hours, Monday to Friday or email bookings@katrust.org.uk . All tickets are £9 and include a gift for children and refreshment for adults. Tickets are not available on the day. There are no concessions. Sarah Foley
Reading Branch Chairman’s Report
Hello again, We are starting to prepare for the cold weather and the dark evenings. The swallows have disappeared south and we are seeing less of the local wildlife. We saw a barn owl recently and we have both green and greater spotted woodpeckers around here. On our trip to return Matilda back to Oxfordshire Narrowboats we saw several Kingfishers, initially on the Kennet and later on The Thames and Oxford Canal. They are such a spectacular sight. Before returning Matilda we organized several clean up sessions on the Kennet around central Reading. We were picking out bottles, cans and general floating debris. The idea was suggested by Ella and Aidan Morphet who helped with the first session. The aluminium cans we save for Andy James one of our members who collects, squashes and takes them as scrap metal to raise funds for the Trust. The positive comments from locals and local press were well received.
13 As an exercise it was not only a good way for retrieving rubbish that would otherwise probably find its way to the sea, but also a great training exercise for communication between the helm and crew, directing and controlling the boat. Great practice and something that might become important if we have an emergency. Mid October saw us returning Matilda back home to Lower Hayford. The volunteer Ella and Aiden Morphet with their collected “goodies! crew had to be rationed such was the enthusiasm to be part of Matilda’s last venture. We are now building a business case and looking for a suitable boat to continue the water trips in Reading…hopefully sorted for the start of next season. On a more depressing note we are still seeing the regular Sustrans cavalcade of Motor Bikes and Quad Bikes. I attended a meeting to discuss the issue and what could be done. This was with Reading Borough Council and CRT. Unfortunately, although slated to attend Thames Valley Police were noticeable by their absence! So, the bikes continue to break the law and endanger life unimpeded and unrestrained. We have received an invitation from Thames Water to be part of their project to refurbish the old pumping station buildings alongside Fobney Lock to develop it into a community space. This sounds like a really positive and exciting opportunity. On the Waterway front, having seen the rapid repair of Southcote Lock a short time Mathilda on the Oxford Canal at Cherwell Lock ago, this month we have seen a large breech just west of Burghfield Lock. This is a substantial breech resulting in a virtually empty pound between Burghfield and Garston locks. The breach has also impacted Holy Brook, a small water course that is supplied with water from the Kennet. CRT are trying to put a temporary bank repair in place so that a working Flat with crane can affect a more permanent bank repair. The permanent fix is hoped to be in place by Christmas. CRT don’t stop there…we have seen the CRT chaps moving the new top gates for Fobney Lock and talking to the team leader they have Burghfield and Tyle Mill top gates to replace over this winter break. There is concern from our point of view that many of the lock gates are in need of repair due
14 to many of them having been placed new when the locks were restored in the late 1980’s when the navigation was reopened. Following the successful Reading Water Fest 2021 event we are now starting the planning for Water Fest 2022. This will be a two-day event on June 3rd and 4th. It should be a great event, it being the 60th anniversary of the Kennet and Avon Trust. We have invited (and had acceptance – all being well) for Lancing, a traditional narrowboat that used to work as a trip boat for the KACT in the 70’s and 80’s, to attend. If anyone has photos and stories about Lancing from that time, we would love to hear from you. We have also invited the NB Barnstead which is undergoing restoration, but it is hoped to be ready for an appearance. Barnstead was the star of the film “The Bargee” starring many of the comedy greats of the day (Harry H Corbett, Ronnie Barker, Eric Sykes, Derek Nimmo and Richard Briars). It was written by Galton and Simpson and is a film of its time but includes some great CRT Prepping Fobney Lock for repair waterway footage. We also have the boat based Ceramic artist coming again, hopefully to make some tiles that can be incorporated into the area along the waterway. It is hoped that the local schools will be involved to provide decoration to the tiles. We are hoping to contact folk from the Devizes to Westminster race to involve them in this year’s event in recognition of the important part they played in keeping the K&A as a navigable waterway. We will again have a floating stage, a great success this year and are looking to hold a water-based poetry “Slam” We have continued to hold our Reading Branch Meetings. September had Marianne McNamara from Mikron Theatre Company describing her life touring on Tyseley around the British waterways. October, we had Mia Ridler from ARK (Action for the River Kennet) to tell us about the work done to assist the eels as they move up (and down) stream from Thames to Kennet. Both meetings were well attended on Zoom and as an experiment we had some face-to-face attendance at the “Bel and Dragon” as part of the meeting. This seemed to work well but with the virus statistics rising again locally it was agreed that the next two meetings will again be Zoom only. Our next meeting will include a presentation from Elaine our chief Archivist about the Kennet and Avon. Next year’s meetings are planned to include presentations from NB Lancing’s new owner, a presentation about Southcote mill and pumping station, a discussion / demo of narrowboat art and the restoration of NB Barnstead. So, we are looking forward to an exciting new year…next year. Keep well and look after each other. Graham Puddephatt chair.reading@katrust.org.uk
15 The Eastern End K&A Volunteers (an independent Community Waterway Adoption group) is authorised by CRT to carry out maintenance work on certain parts of the K&A on the 2nd Wednesday and last Saturday of each month. If you would like to join a Working Party, email Mick Savill for dates and details and to check the next one will be taking place. (micksavill@icloud.com) Branch contact is: John Swift who can be reached on 0118 941 5540 or 07533 886 917 and by email: swift.john21@gmail.com. Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses). Further details can be found on the Website at www.katrust.org.uk
Crofton Beam Engines Future Events Thank you to all our visitors and supporters for a wonderful 2021 season. We are now closed to the public until 2022. During the winter our volunteer team will be working hard to prepare for opening again. If we are to steam again in 2022, we need to carry out work on the boiler this winter, which will cost around £30,000. Once this is completed, we would not expect any further major work for around ten years. So please help us raise the funds to meet these costs. Thank you. What has happened? The boiler at Crofton is inspected annually to make sure that it is safe to operate. A full survey was undertaken in May 2021 to identify all the work likely to be needed to enable the boiler to continue in operation for the next ten years. The recommended work includes: Replacing wasted rivets, mainly at the back end of the boiler; Restoring the rear furnace to tubeplate flanging, requiring cleaning and welding; Removal of the Galloway tubes, which have wasted and are not needed for safe operation of the boiler, and replacing the sparge tube (which ensures that the boiler feed water is distributed evenly along the full length of the boiler; Carrying out a full hydraulic test on completion, to be witnessed by our insurance surveyor. The work will be undertaken by H A McEwen, who have carried out work on the boiler previously and are the leading UK contractor for work on heritage boilers.
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River Wey & Godalming Navigations A Note from The New General Manager I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new General Manager for the Wey and Godalming Navigations. It has been a busy time learning not only about the ethos and core beliefs of the National Trust but also getting the opportunity to explore the navigation and see the historical and environmental importance of such an amazing waterway. I have come from a background working in marine conservation and managing citizen science-based programmes around the world, where over the years I have been lucky enough to see and experience some truly incredible places. However, with starting a family and the resultant restrictions that were imposed on us all throughout lockdown, I found myself starting to look closer to home and exploring areas that I had previously overlooked. Having been based in Surrey and Hampshire for the last 10 years, when I saw the opportunity to join the team here at Dapdune Wharf come up I jumped at the opportunity. As I write this, I am only a few months into my time with the National Trust and so there is still so much to learn but each day that I spend here my appreciation for the Wharf and Waterway builds and I have enjoyed meeting and hearing peoples’ connections to the area. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome and I look forward to seeing you all along the river. Tristan Brown – Wey Navigations General Manager An Update for 2021: Towpath works have taken place at New Haw and West Byfleet and spot dredging at Sutton Place and Godalming Wharf. Several Gates were “lifted out” (by boats) over the summer; normally reseating them is straightforward. The top gates St Catherine’s and Triggs are due for replacement this winter. Worsfold will later be taken out for replanking and sheet piling opposite Guildford Rowing club is also planned. Hugo van Maasakkers, Assistant General Manager
17 Wey River Festival 2021 Saturday 18th September saw the Wey River Festival at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford. The weather was fine and the Festival was well attended, with an atmosphere of freedom following the months of lockdown. Visiting boats lined the towpath above and below the Wharf. Most local waterways societies were represented, for example the Basingstoke Canal Society, the Wey and Arun Canal Trust and the Woking Sea Rangers. The River Wey Trust, a charity formed by local authorities on the southern branch of the Wey exhibited its Virtual Reality Sandbox. Originally made for hydrological studies, this enables the visitor to mould a landscape in sand, and a high-tech projector illuminates it with coloured contours and river flows. The National Trust had stands with information and book sales, and provided a range of childrens’ sporting activities on the "Island". Our Guildford and Reading Branch stand featured information, book sales and the lock game and we are grateful to Ben and his helpers for their hard work on the stand. Several other local organisations were present, including the Surrey Bat Group, Bee Friends, Surrey Wildlife and the Surrey Association of Woodturners who gave demonstrations of their craft. There was a wide range of refreshments and the National Trust’s tea room was open for seated refreshments. The National Trust’s trip boats, Dapdune Belle and Sir Richard Weston, were operating throughout the day. Afternoon music was provided by the Alder Valley Brass Band. To finish the day, just as it got dark, there was an Illuminated Boat Pageant led by the Croydon Steel Orchestra. Decorated with fairy lights the boats moved steadily from Millmead to Dapdune and the bridges and towpath were thronged with appreciative spectators. Photos: Matthew Lewis Mike Lewis
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Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group With the final linking part of the York Stream arm of Maidenhead’s waterway now complete, through navigation for small craft is possible from Town Moor to the recently constructed Green Lane weir. The works at Chapel Arches North also now allow full aquatic connectivity through Maidenhead town centre for the first time, allowing the wildlife to fully establish. To celebrate this key milestone, Friends of Maidenhead Waterways (FoMW) joined forces with Rotary to run a Waterways family fun day centred around the restored waterway on Saturday 25th September. Residents and visitors flocked to the event, as some 55 canoes and paddle boards emerged to music in a parade through the reopened arches of the c1825 main bridge at the start of the event, followed by a Flamingo chase (..!!), free trial paddle board lessons from Paddleboard Maidenhead and canoe races organised by Canoe and Kayak Tours. Berkshire Scouts and Taplow Sea Cadets both joined in the fun, rotating their crews so more could join in, while Ellington Morris dancers danced on the bridge over the waterway.
19 Stalls above Chapel Arches and next to the Library included the Civic Society, Heritage Centre, Berkshire Scouts, Wild Maidenhead, Rotary and FoMW, while balloons and bunting added to the party atmosphere and Berkshire Fire had a tender and stall on display. A Hook a Duck stall ran in the (turned off) fountain at Maudsley Gardens as music filled the waterside amphitheatre, with mezzo soprano Joanna Henwood headlining. Local MP Theresa May and Ruby Lane (Diana Dors’ granddaughter) together unveiled the latest artwork (an alligator statue..!!) at Chapel Arches North, followed by welcome speeches from Mrs May and the Royal Borough’s Leader Cllr Johnson from the Library bridge. FoMW chair Richard Davenport said: “We had a fantastic day on and by the restored waterway, with activity and entertainment to suit all tastes. The Mayor Cllr Story was there and enjoying the day so much he had to have a boat ride, which we were happy to offer aboard our service boat Marmalade. Thanks are due to our event sponsors the Louis Baylis Trust, Shanly Homes, Areli and Countryside, whose generosity allowed us to run this as a free event for everyone to enjoy.” A short Youtube video of the day can be seen at https://youtu.be/ghgsB4jq8R0 Richard Davenport FoMW Chair
Southampton Canal Society At our last meeting we had 14 members with 3 members phoning to apologise that they were unable to attend. As this was our first in person meeting for a long time it was an informal get together with tea and snacks. Our speakers for our November meeting are Ron and Myra Glover and Dave who have kindly agreed to give us a presentation on their Irish Waterways adventures. Alan Rose Chair
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Future Events Details on further meetings and speakers will be available on our website and in our monthly Newsletter. Please visit our website for up to date information. Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm, Visitors welcome. For monthly Newsletter visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.
Wey and Arun Canal Trust WACT News Ash dieback hits trees along the Wey & Arun Canal As most readers will be aware, native ash trees in Britain have been devastated by ash dieback disease, and those growing along the canal are no exception. It is forecast that the disease, caused by a fungus imported from Asia, will kill about 80% of ash trees across the UK, and both young and mature trees are affected. Dying and dead trees can pose a risk to the public and canal users as their branches become brittle and trunks pappy, making them unstable, so the Wey & Arun Canal Trust brought in an arboricultural expert to survey the Loxwood stretch to identify those trees suffering from ash dieback and create a plan for their safe removal. Independent arboricultural consultant Mark Welby inspected the canal from Barnsill Bridge to Gennets Bridge and has
21 provided the Trust with a comprehensive guide to the condition of trees in that area. As a result all ash trees that appear to be in decline as a result of ash dieback have been identified for removal over a three-year period. Those that appear to be healthy will be left in the hope some may have a degree of resistance as a small percentage of ash trees will be tolerant to the disease. A tree felling licence has been obtained from the Forestry Commission and over the coming winter months Trust volunteers and contractors will be out along the towpath. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum, but please bear with us while we carry out these necessary works. Earlier this year more than 100 native saplings were planted along the canal thanks to a donation from the Woodland Trust. Ash dieback symptoms: Leaves develop dark patches in the summer. They then wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early. Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer. Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often diamondshaped and dark brown. Inner bark looks brownish-grey under the lesions. New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk. This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress in trees. (Source: Woodland Trust) Plan ahead for Christmas The ever-popular Santa Trips are due to take place during December. Bookings for all trips are via the website at www.weyandarun.co.uk and tickets are expected to sell fast. The Trust’s 2022 calendar is also on sale, priced at £8, with all proceeds going to maintaining the canal and funding future restoration projects. This year’s features the winners of the photographic competition, which attracted hundreds of entrants, making selection a challenge given the high quality of photos submitted. Calendars can be purchased from our Canal Centre or via the Trust’s website. Ribbon cut on Canal Trust’s latest project in Surrey
Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, officially opened the Wey & Arun Canal’s Trust’s new information point at Shalford on Saturday (September 18th), declaring the building “a tremendous result” . The Surrey County Councillor for Shalford cut the ribbon on the
22 wheelchair-accessible information centre, boardwalk and viewing platform, which has been constructed by volunteers and contractors over the course of the past year within Hunt Nature Park. The cedar centre sits on concrete pillars and has been specially designed to cope with flooding that can occur in the nature reserve, with the path and viewing platform made from sustainable and toxin-free industrial recycled plastic. Mr Furniss paid tribute to the Trust volunteers who had not only helped construct the information point but were working along the length of the 23-mile canal to bring it back to life for the benefit of the public. He said: “A huge thank you to all volunteers for their hard work in not only constructing this centre but in restoring the link between the Wey and the Arun. Last year has been difficult for everyone, but the hard work done by members, volunteers and chairman Sally Schupke has been fantastic because it allows all of us, members of the public, to enjoy their hard work. The towpaths in particular were a lifesaver when we were allowed out for our daily exercise last year.” The centre will play a key role in informing the public about the canal’s history and the Trust’s restoration achievements, as well as plans for Bramley and the northern end of the canal. It is hoped to offer guided walks from the information point as well as educational visits for schools. The project was helped by a legacy from long-time supporter David Hodgkinson, who sadly died in July 2020. He was a civil engineer by training and was Chairman of Inland Waterways Association’s Kent & East Sussex branch until he emigrated to Florida in 2005. A plaque has been installed at the site in his memory and his widow Fran and son Andrew were present to witness the centre’s opening. Gill Davies
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Future Events Please check our website for up to date details of all our events and boat trips. Further details and booking from the Trust Office on 01403 752403. office@weyandarun.co.uk www.weyandarun.co.uk Northern Office Phone: 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm) For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk
River Thames News The results of the Environment Agency [EA] national consultation on license fees came down firmly against charging by boat area but produced mixed views on license increases, largely dependent on region. What was most surprising was the lack of responses[apathy] from many of the boat owners on the Thames, given the proposed increases. This, despite strenuous efforts by the boat clubs to encourage their members to respond. British Rowing objected to the proposed increases in fees for small events because their profit margins are so small. The water point backflow issues has led to EA setting up a small working group led by Peter Collins to look at alternative solutions, and a bespoke design is currently being tested at two locks. The need for more robust devices is due to the poor water quality in the Thames which is an unfortunate situation given that the EA is the regulatory authority for water quality. The bi-annual user group meeting was held online in October. It was unfortunate that it was not possible for any of the National Navigation EA staff to attend given the level of disquiet being expressed about a range of issues by User Group members. It was also a lost opportunity for EA to promote a dynamic approach to solving the problems that have arisen due to Covid restrictions and safety concerns. A budget for the next year was presented but due to the historic non-alignment of the license year and the accounting year, it is virtually impossible to interpret the figure in a meaningful way. There is not enough money to clear the backlog of outstanding, maintenance issues this year and I am unaware of any fiveor ten-year plan for the river maintenance. There was a debate about enforcement of license fees and mooring fees, including enforcing paddle boards’ licenses. In a more recent dialogue, the issue of jet skis has been debated. While still uncommon on the non-tidal river, they have been seen at random locations, not always using the river responsibly. Most recently accelerating up a set of boat rollers next to a lock. No doubt water blades will be the next issue. Photo Courtesy: IWA Website
Verna Smith
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Kent & East Sussex Branch IWAKES Chairman’s Piece In October the branch enjoyed another splendid talk from Colin Browne at Strood Yacht Club on the work of the RNLI. The commitment and bravery of the volunteers who crew the lifeboats never ceases to amaze me and the branch was pleased to be able to support them. Twenty months had passed since we were last able to meet face to face and it was good to be able to meet up again. The world has changed a lot over the last two years and your committee is considering how we should hold committee and social meetings. Zoom has become part of “normal” life since the start of the pandemic and has been used for all our recent committee meetings. We will be issuing a questionnaire to ask members for their views next year. The branch covers Kent, East Sussex and a small part of West Sussex. A large area and journeys from one end to the other can require a round trip of up to 200 miles. Clearly no one area is suitable for all members, and we have historically tended to hold meetings in areas where we know we achieve a good attendance to ensure the costs can be covered. This has meant that most meetings have been in Kent but a wider coverage would clearly be better. Electronic meetings, face to face meetings and possibly a hybrid type of meeting are all options to consider. So please look out for the survey next year and let us know your thoughts. If you have suggestions that we could incorporate into our survey, please let me know using les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk. We would welcome your ideas and views. Les Etheridge
Royal Military Canal notes from Peter Wilkinson The canal, extending for 28 miles, borders the Romney Marsh from Cliff End in East Sussex to Seabrook, Hythe in Kent. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century as a line of coastal defence and was accompanied by the Royal Military Road on the inland side. A long-distance waymarked path extends along the entire route mainly following the course of the military road. Due to the various ownerships and present day uses of the adjoining land the route is not maintained throughout as suitable for cycling. The canal is now part of the extensive channels which both drain the marshes and supply water for agriculture and is managed by the Environment Agency. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a SSSI. In addition to the historical and archaeological interest the route and the surrounding marshland is a valuable wetland habitat. Several websites offer information about the canal and its surroundings. Here is a selection that I have found most interesting from a walking perspective.
25 https://theromneymarsh.net/royal-military-canal The very comprehensive information here is provided by Peter Faulkner who is a local resident and enthusiast for the Romney Marsh as a place to visit. There are many pages of interest to both residents and visitors. http://www.rmcp.co.uk/the-royal-military-canal This rather dated site is the work of a partnership sponsored by local authorities and others who cooperate in the conservation and management of an area which spans authority boundaries. They offer for sale a pack of ten walking guides which are very colourful and informative. The routes are round trips which follow the canal path in one direction. It costs £4.95. https://explorekent.org/activities/royal-military-canal This Kent County Council led initiative offers downloadable maps of the canal in sections. https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Royal+Military+C anal+Path The long-distance walkers’ association is here promoting the amenity of the canal as an easy walkable continuous route with reference to its heritage and military history. This site also offers an interactive (scalable) map. https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1899-description Here is the work of a walking enthusiast, Lou Johnson. He provides a text description of the entire walk in some detail together with selected photographs. https://thehiker.co.uk/hiking/royal-military-canal-walk Another personal site where the writer recalls first-hand experience. It has a brief description of the entire route and 33 attractive photographs to tempt visitors. https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community/parks-and-open-spaces/theroyal-military-canal I refer to Folkestone and Hythe District Council as they are responsible for the five easternmost miles of the canal to West Hythe. This section has a path on both sides and is managed under their parks and open spaces initiative. In the town of Hythe, during the summer, there is an electric powered trip boat together with rowing boats and canoes for hire.
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River Medway news from Mike Marsh The Environment Agency has a new website promoting and explaining its work on the River Medway. Details of boaters’ facilities, tide times and Notices to Mariners are all posted on the site. There is also an introduction to the EA Medway Navigation Team and details of how to register your boat for use on the river. https://therivermedway.co.uk/ The Kingfisher Medway Trust has a new boat. It has electric propulsion and delivery is expected to be in late October; ready for the new season in 2022. The boat is purpose built for adults and children who suffer from mental and physical disabilities, and their carers. It caters for up to 12 passengers. The current vessel is available for sale and some interest has already been shown for its purchase. It is berthed at Twyford Marina. Bookings for Kingfisher in 2022 can be made via Jane Rogers at: enquires@kingfishermedwaytrust.org,uk or call 07821 008365. Dredging work by Land and Water, the EA Contractors, continues in the shallow areas of the river with the spoil going to Rainham Marshes for nesting habitats for birds. DEFRA has made more money available to EA next year for capital works on navigations, with £8m allocated to the River Medway and Rye Harbour. This means, for example, that lock gates can be replaced rather being repaired. Other benefits will be seen in improved moorings and investments in the Campsites and Café. Good news indeed. Find out about what a Medway lock-keeper does in a typical day. Maybe even think about applying to the EA to be one. Take a look at what Terry gets up to and I am sure we can all appreciate what a superb job he and the team do in managing the locks, helping boaters and the general public. https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2021/09/03/a-day-in-the-life-of-amedway-lock-keeper/ An access track and crane pad have been installed at Teston Country Park in preparation for next year’s work programme on the sluice gantry. The gantry and sluices are being removed altogether having been assessed as not being required for water level management. Emergency work on East Farleigh Lock Sluice furniture remains underway. A nesting feral pigeon has forced a temporary halt on Gate 1 but work on the other two gates continues.
27 On September 11th a StandUp Paddleboards (SUP) 10k race took place on the river from Allington to Maidstone town Centre and back. Safety boats were in attendance for this and the race was organised by Kent SUP Racing. https://www.kentsupracing.co.uk/ There are now several outlets on the River for SUP hire and instruction. All craft must be licenced by the EA for use on the River Medway.
Thames & Medway Canal Association TMCA held another successful AGM at our Mark Lane site where our past Chairman David Rouse agreed to become our official Historian. It didn’t rain which was a bonus as we gathered afterward for a BBQ and social chat. The work party has been very productive along the Nuralite section with another bench. It gives those who use them a wide view of the Thames and marshes. Bat boxes have also been installed and the canal level is kept up with clean water evident by all the fish that can be seen. The pathway now has a small wild flower area which has developed over the summer. Shorne Parish Council donated some new hand tools; surplus to their requirements and useful for us. Although our Open Day was cancelled the ‘Rat Race’ in August was an interesting event as runners and walkers travelled from London to Canterbury, passing along the towpath. Dave Parnell
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River Stour news from Malcolm Hasler Oh, what interesting times we all live in, and what a quiet and cool August we all had, resulting in much lower activity on the river as summer passed us by in the blink of an eye. When the sun did appear, and the wind dropped, advantage had to be taken of every opportunity to cruise down to Red House, Plucks Gutter or Sandwich with some even venturing as far as Ramsgate. Gatherings were held at The Boat House (as previously reported) and were well attended by all who knew Roy Newing and wanted to celebrate his life and share his dreams. In addition, at Grove Ferry Boat Club, the official opening of the new Tony Mackenzie Moorings was held. Tony had been Rear Commodore of the Club for some 17 years before passing away recently. The event was well attended and it was good to see Tony’s wife and two sons there. Over the summer I met Ian Broughton who is the new Harbour Master of the Sandwich Port and Haven which covers the stretch of the Kentish River Stour from Pegwell Bay, where the river joins the sea, and continues upstream as far as Poulders Sluice which is slightly upstream from Highway Marine. The Sandwich Port and Haven is governed by the Sandwich Port and Haven Commissioners, a body of local people who have been appointed for their knowledge and expertise in river related subjects. The post of Harbour Master is funded from “Conservation Fees” (Harbour Dues) collected from boats using the river within the area of Ian’s jurisdiction. Much of Ian’s duties involve the maintenance of the 17 buoys marking the approach to and entrance into the River Stour estuary and liaising with Trinity House when they need repositioning. A guidance chart is available on the website www.sandwichphc.uk . Ian can be contacted at ianbroughton12@googlemail.com . The Kentish Stour is no longer navigable by larger commercial traffic but leisure craft navigate the narrowing stretches and avoid the areas that are inevitably silting up. Because of this, conservation of the river has become of prime importance as reed growth encroaches. Ian Broughton gives high priority to
29 negotiating with the Environment Agency and, along with the IWA, continues to seek their support, guidance, expertise and resources in assisting with reed cutting, tree trimming and pruning and the inevitable removal of fallen and wind-blown trees. In winter 2020-2021 £50,000 was spent pollarding and trimming trees by the Environment Agency on the unmanaged river, for which they are thanked. Moorings are becoming harder to find for leisure boats as boating becomes more popular and casual/annual moorings disappear and become “Live Aboard” moorings for larger craft. Sandwich has become the fifth Heritage Harbour in the country, attracting heritage vessels to the Quay and Harbour along with increased tourist numbers. At the end of the Quay you can find the Medieval Trust who are carrying out and demonstrating boat building techniques from medieval times.
River Adur news from Brendan Whelan Firstly, a reminder that attempts are being made to restrict access to the River Adur at Stowes Gap, in Shoreham by sea. West Sussex County Council state this slipway must remain open for launching small boats, etc. Adur District Council’s stated aims are that all such river access points must be retained and actually enhanced during any redevelopment. However, attempts to reduce or even eliminate practical access were initiated during the Covid lockdown which, obviously, made accessing information and meeting people rather tricky. IWA and the Shoreham Slipways Group have tried, without success, to gather information on the legal processes adopted and query whether there was any consultation. IWA members living in the area were recently contacted by email (complying with the Data Protection Regulations). (Please ensure that the IWA has your current email address!). The Chairman of IWAKES wrote to the Interim Chief Executive of Adur District Council to register his concerns and request information. Other individuals and groups are encouraged to raise the matter with those in power. For further information and details of how to add your support please visit www.shorehamslipways.com .
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Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Recent activity by SORT has completed the transfer of our storage compound from lock-side to tucked away in the nearby woodland so the necessary ugliness of a storage area wouldn't impinge on photos of the restored lock. This transfer took some time as we had to move all our tools, spares, pumps, etc, etc from the old area to the new. A significant amount of stuff we hadn't used in years, and weren’t likely to, was either collected for recycling or sent to the dump. That left us to take-down and rebuild the scaffold shelter to offer our venerable digger and dumper some protection from the elements.
On 18th August we saw something we hadn’t seen before: two swans mooching around in the lower cut at Isfield Lock. They seemed very content and paid no attention to us after they had a big spit at Seamus, a golden Labrador who comes with one of our volunteers and considers the cut his personal playground to chase sticks thrown in for him. Seamus had to use the upper cut only on this day. We haven't seen the swans again so perhaps they were on holiday! The coming weeks will involve completing the landscaping where the old container and storage area had been for many years and completing the run of rustic cleft chestnut fencing alongside the lock. David Evans
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Faversham & Northfleet Harbour IWA’s Kent and East Sussex Branch is responsible for an unusually wide variety of waterways under various managements. To maintain contact with events on these waterways we appoint volunteer IWA members who are able to visit them and become involved, where appropriate, with the bodies that manage or are restoring them. These ‘Waterway Representatives’ become IWAKES Committee members but are under no obligation to attend Committee meetings. They receive Committee correspondence to stay aware of IWA’s more general issues and how they might affect ‘their’ navigation. The Representative’s role is very much what each would wish to make of it. ‘Light touch’ is the rule. Two waterways in the Branch area presently do not have ‘Representatives’. Faversham Creek (and the Swale) has no ‘navigation body’ but does have development and preservation issues. Northfleet Harbour is being restored by the Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust. If you might consider becoming IWAKES’ Representative for either of these waterways then please contact Les Etheridge at les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk .
Future IWAKES and Other Events Wednesday 15th December 2021: 7.30 for 8.00pm Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend. DA12 2BS “Puffing a’Wey” by Mark Rudall, a stalwart of the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain. Get-together with Thames & Medway Canal Association, with tea, coffee, nibbles and licenced bar. Thursday 24th February 2022: 7.30 for 8.00pm Christ Church United Reformed Church, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SG: “IWAKES Annual General Meeting” followed by a quiz. Thursday 7th April 2022: 7.30 for 8.00pm Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood. ME2 2AH “Crossing the Wash” by Simon Judge, an extreme narrowboater. Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings. Entry is free with a raffle to cover costs. Venue maps are on the IWAKES webpages. All IWAKES events are open to non-members. So, please bring friends. Similarly, if you know a local club or society that might be interested then please do tell them. Please check https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/branches/iwa-kenteast-sussex-branch/events before committing to travel to the venue. Those not on the internet should call Roy Sutton on 01342 317569 to check the event is still proceeding (and to register to be called back in case of subsequent cancellation).
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Oxfordshire Branch Branch Chairman I along with many members logged into the National IWA AGM which took place virtually, a format that I personally thought worked very well and the slight loss of the benefits of meeting people socially either side of an in-person meeting was outweighed by not having to travel all day to attend. The Banbury Canal Day, at which we planned to have a branch presence was unfortunately postponed until 2022, although this time due to the redevelopment works in the centre of Banbury rather than Covid. We will endeavour to have a presence at the event when it happens next year. It has been a quiet few months recently from a branch point of view although anecdotally still quite busy on the waterways in our branch area, I hope that you have been able to enjoy them. Robin organised a virtual branch committee meeting recently for which I am very grateful and Roger continues to monitor planning applications in the branch area that impact waterways although I would re-iterate my previous appeal for a few more people to join the branch committee to enable us to have the capacity to put on more branch events and attend more local shows and meetings where it would be so valuable to get out to the general public and potential new members the newly reinvigorated message of IWA as a campaigning organisation. We will commence planning our branch AGM soon and communicate the date once its fixed, on which note as this boating season ends for most people lets’ look forward to the next. Photo: IWA Website Ian Lindsay
Banbury Canal Partnership Following on from the previous issue of &DUJRHV we moved back-up the Canal to Banbury. We had a tradition or painting Banbury lock a week or two before Banbury Canal Day, but as with so many other things this was stopped because of Covid. Unfortunately, Banbury Canal Day was also cancelled this year. However being in the centre of Banbury the lock gets a lot of use both from boats passing through and pedestrians passing over. There is the usual gate planks to
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Top of Banbury Town top lock looking north showing paint erosion after 3 years
Work well underway in cutting back and thinning along what is essentially a straight length of river
Finished repaint looking south towards brick accessible bridge
All done. We had allowed for weaving in some of the tall saplings horizontally to give some support at the top of the bank
34 the top of the lock and a purpose built brick bridge, incorporating a wheelchair ramp at the tail. It is amazing that the gate planks are used more than the brick bridge as it saves a couple of minutes walk! We decided with CRT that the lock could do with a spruce up and this we duly did. The next job was for us return to Nell Bridge, but this time the length between Nell Bridge lock and Aynho lock, clearing the overgrown shrubbery along the towpath. This length although part of the canal is actually the River Cherwell and does at times suffer from floods making the length impassable. The work consisted of cutting back to the original fence line, including the overhanging tree branches and removal of the many years growth of brambles etc. Our AGM comes between writing this account and the publication of &DUJRHV. We are expecting some major changes at Banbury Canal Partnership but more of that next time. If you want a day out in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside come and join us. You might just enjoy it so much you become a regular Please contact myself or Chairman Colin Garnham-Edge if you would like to be put on our emailing list. Remember we have an email contact address: bcpontheoxford@gmail.com We also have a Facebook page Brian Saunders BCP Cargoes representative
Tooley’s Boatyard Trust Here at Tooley’s, while Matt and his team have been working incredibly hard keeping the customers satisfied, the Trust’s team of volunteers have been running regular Saturday boat trips in our purpose-built boat the Dancing Duck. Particularly popular with families, these have helped us make our beloved historic boatyard much better known to more people. We’ll be starting them again next year, after Easter, so if you're interested, watch our website https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk/boat-trips/ for details. We also have an opportunity to purchase all the tools and artefacts left by the Tooley family, rescued by a far-sighted individual, and currently on loan to us. The collection includes a historic Pelapone engine which once supplied power to the boatyard - long before the National Grid! We have negotiated a sensible price of £2,000 for the over 100 items to enable us to display them in perpetuity and to demonstrate the methods and skills passed down through generations.
35 We now need to raise this amount, so if you can help with a donation, however small, it would go towards a great cause!
A historic Pelapone engine
John Madden Chair Tooley’s Boatyard Trust
Wilts & Berks Canal Since the last issue, the flurry of activity on the M4 crossing by Swindon and the acquisition of a boat with dredging capability at Royal Wootton Bassett has led the Trust to make linking the two communities a top priority. Much behind the scenes work is needed – and under way. Also in the Swindon area, our Planning team is busy in numerous places including the New Eastern Villages, where a large development crosses the canal’s line for several Kilometres so many meetings and much negotiation are needed.
36 Much activity has taken place along the whole line of the Wilts & Berks since Covid restrictions have made our lives easier. Beginning at the western end, reed clearance at Pewsham has been completed – and in nicer weather! Chippenham Town Council presented a Civic Award to us in recognition of our restoration at Pewsham Locks, which has inspired local residents to get involved. As part of this we received a grant of £15,000 from the Wiltshire Community Fund towards restoration of the dry dock there, plus a grant of £9,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a welfare unit on the site. The volunteers now have a place to take their breaks out of the rain! Nearby, work parties at Green Lane Farm and Pudding Brook have been clearing vegetation including trees from the towpath & canal bed. Meanwhile, September’s Melksham Food & River Festival was a huge success for the Trust, with some 20 volunteers and both the Trust’s smaller boats – The Mary Archard and Damselfly – running trips; they raised over £1,100 for the Trust over the weekend! We were also assisted by Bentley the Bear, who proved a great attraction as he has elsewhere earlier in the year! Meanwhile behind the scenes, meetings & negotiations on the long-awaited Melksham Link continue, inching towards a planning application At the eastern end, work parties remain active, clearing the towpaths around Wantage & East Challow Our volunteers continue to work on the Trust’s pub, the Peterborough Arms, refurbishing the remaining upstairs rooms as letting rooms. The pub survived
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lockdown and reopened as soon as possible after and is developing quite a reputation locally for its good food & real ales. The Trust as a whole has continued the restructuring and rebuilding of capacity begun during lockdown. Most of our meetings are still held via Google Meet, enabling us to share documents and gather people together who live many miles apart. Key posts (all volunteers) are being filled progressively in anticipation of the hoped-for increase of activity now we are overcoming the M4 barrier. Chris Barry Comms Secretary, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
38 Future Events SANTA 2021
We are planning to run Santa trips this year, even if the canal remains blockaded further along. We have established that we can still do a shorter version, based on the “Dragonfly Experiences” we have been doing so far. Trips will run every weekend from Saturday Nov 27th until Sunday 19th December and possibly during the last week in December depending on demand and the school holidays. Trip times are 10.15, 11.00, 11.45, 1.15, 2.00 and 2.45. Fares will be £12 for children, £6 for adults. For those not familiar with what we do, Dragonfly goes to find Santa; he gets on the boat and gives each child their own personal present; Santa knows who’s been before, too! Bookings opened on Monday October 4th - to book, please email 2santa@wbct.org.uk or ring 07401 220076 PLEASE BOOK USING EITHER OF THESE, NOT VIA THE WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE.
London Region Future webinars and meetings: These have been on hold pending decisions about in-person meetings and venues and whilst awaiting further details on the postponement of the CRT consultation document on Managing Boats on London’s Busy Waterways. In the meantime I am pleased to advertise the following webinar: Mon 22nd Nov, 7.30: Capital Assets – the Canal & River Trust’s London waterways: A presentation from Ros Daniels, London & South East Director and Matthew Symonds, National Boating Manager on the work of the Canal & River Trust to maintain and manage the London waterways for the benefit of boaters, and everyone who uses this precious asset. The presentation will include updates on the Trust’s ongoing maintenance and repairs programme, the Trust’s work to support boaters and work being done to deliver the London Mooring Strategy and manage the growth in boat numbers. From January 2022 monthly in person meetings will be held at a venue to be advised, details of which will appear on the website in December. https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events Our webinars will continue online on the 4th Monday of each month starting again on January 24th. Details of future talks will be sent out in advance by email to all region members. If head office does not have an email address for you and you would like to be kept informed of these talks please let me have your contact details. Meanwhile, details of all forthcoming IWA webinars and recordings of previous ones may be found using the following link: www.waterways.org.uk/tv Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037
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Canalway Cavalcade 2022 Sat 30th April – Mon 2nd May 2nd 2022.
Obituary CAPTAIN GRAHAM NUNN RIP 8th June 1955 – 6th June 2021
It is with great sadness I write to let you all know Graham Nunn died of cancer on Sunday 6th June after only being diagnosed in April. He was only 65 and just coming up to retirement. Graham was well-known at IWA Canalway Cavalcade for over 30 years. A Church Army captain and children’s missioner, he brought a great deal of fun into his activities with children throughout the weekend, notably at the famous Teddy Bears’ Picnic on the Sunday afternoon. The boat he and his team had at the event was always open for anyone who needed a chat or some space away from all the activity. Countless people of all ages have benefited from conversations they have had with Graham and his team. On Sunday morning he led the multidenominational service for the festival, a time for reflection which was much valued by all who attended. His magic tricks might creep into his talks to illustrate a point and bring some laughter but at the heart of everything he did was his deep faith. May he now be free of pain and at peace. Photos: Christine Smith Libby Bradshaw IWA Canalway Cavalcade
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South London Branch We are delighted that now the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the committee has decided to return to having in-person social meetings. Our first meeting was on Wednesday 10th November and our speaker was IWA Heritage Officer: Derek Humphries with his presentation on “The Lost Wharves of our London Port” A large selection of second hand and pre-loved books were available to buy, and refreshments and homemade cake were available to purchase during the break,
Future Events Wed 8th Dec, 7.30pm: Branch Christmas Celebration, Join us for our Christmas Celebration with mulled punch and festive snacks . During the evening members will have the opportunity to show slides and photos of Boating adventures. South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon, CR0 5LP. Admission to talks and presentations is free to members and non-members, but we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakers’ expenses, thank you. For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson. Tel: 07803 904803 or email: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk
Towpath Walks Group The Start time for all Walks is 2.30p.m. Normal charge: £15. Concessionary and Student rate: £10. Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £10. Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5. (Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free). Prior booking is mandatory: Please contact London Walks: 020 7624 3978 Or email them at: london@walks.com. It is Very Important to watch the IWA website - www.waterways.org.uk - or the London Walks website – www.walks.com to see if any late changes to the walk have had to be made. Towpath Walks Group are looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regent’s Canal (and elsewhere). This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, we’ll brief you. Sun 17th Oct, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by taxi queue) Sun 7th Nov, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit)
41 Sun 21st Nov, 2.30pm: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 5th Dec, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by taxi queue) 2022 Sun 9th Jan, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – St. Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (meet by taxi queue) Sun 16th Jan, 2.30: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Sun 6th Feb, 2.30pm: Grand Union Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Green. Meet Warwick Avenue Sun 20th Feb, 2.30pm: Limehouse – Thames – Docklands. Meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point) Sun 6th Mar, 2.30pm: Grand Surrey Canal, Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Greenland Dock. Meet Surrey Quays Sun 20th Mar, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square – Camden. Meet King’s Cross (meet by taxi queue) Sun 3rd Apr, 2.30pm: Regent’s Canal: R. Tyburn – Little Venice. Meet Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Sun 17th Apr, 2.30pm: Grand Union Canal: Little Venice & Paddington Green. Meet Warwick Avenue.
Mikron Theatre Group
Small Scale on a Big Scale: Award winning Mikron was founded in 1972, Anywhere for Everyone by Canal, River and Road: We tour on our narrowboat, Tyseley, in the summer and by road in spring and autumn, to every conceivable type of venue, reaching audiences that other companies cannot. We’re currently booking our 2022 season, our 50th year of touring! If you’d like to be the first to hear the news, you can join our email our newsletter here. We can’t wait to see you at a show. www.mikron.org.uk
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British Canoeing A phenomenon in the past 18 months has been the upsurge of paddlers on the waterways particularly the increased numbers using Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP’s). It has been a surprising development coinciding with the pandemic, periods of lockdown measures and the waterways “discovered” by some as a recreational resource. The good weather has also been a factor and British Canoeing has benefited from an increase in membership. Providing advice for equipment paddling and best practice on the waterways for all newcomers to paddlesport, not just members, has been especially challenging with Covid restrictions in place. Canoe clubs and activity centres were mostly closed, and much information has been posted on the Go Paddling web site hosted by British Canoeing. There has also been liaising with navigation authorities to message paddlers on safety advice and navigation rules advice that will continue into 2022. Floating Pennyworth Action Group Coming out of the lockdown period in recent months has enabled the start-up of a campaign to deal with Floating Pennywort (FP). This fast-growing invasive non-native aquatic plant reduces bio-diversity in the water environment, fouls waterway infrastructure and obstructs navigation. It is also a safety hazard capable of entrapping livestock, wildlife, trash, and can contribute to flood risk. Such is the problem DEFRA has funded the Environment Agency to form the Floating Pennywort Action Group (FPAG) pilot study to identify locations of the plant and where practical remove it
Before After
43 with the assistance of volunteers. The study in the Thames catchment between Reading and Teddington is provisionally for up to 12 months and then reviewed as a precursor for a possible national roll out. British Canoeing has been supporting the EA by actively encouraging all paddlers to respect the environment and reduce the possibility of spreading aquatic invasive species as has the Angling Trust. DEFRA funding has enabled the Agency to work in closer partnership with both organisations to finance each employing a project officer. They have a remit to arrange FP removal events with the memberships and engage with other local organisations who are interested in assisting. These now include Scouts, local resident groups, Thames 21, Lower Thames & Mole Partnerships, Surrey Wildlife Trust and the National Trust. Progress so far has seen a positive start up to the pilot with sections of the catchment surveyed for FP and support from volunteers. The Abbey River is badly affected and has not been obvious elsewhere on the River Thames that continues to be monitored. FP on the rivers Mole and Wey is extensive and seen by the Agency as a major threat for spreading to the Thames requiring early attention. Commencing in July, two small scale events on the River Mole at Molesey were held to work up the methodology, risk assessments for removal work and bio-security measures at future events. In September, the River Wey was tackled between Papercourt Lock and Newark Bridge. Promoted to clubs the event attracted 80 volunteers assisted by National Trust staff and their volunteers to remove FP by the lower lock entrance and 250 m of the water course. It is estimated some 400 hundred hours of labour was made available with volunteers working in teams on the water and bankside. FP is placed to the back of the tow path away from the bank to rot down. A return visit to the River Mole near West Molesey in October removed FP from a 150 m section of the river by Island Barn Reservoir. Removal work on both rivers and monitoring re growth is planned to continue in 2022 to control the spread. Fish passes and bypass channels Boaters and paddlers on the Wey Navigation may have seen the works at Walsham Weir for a fish pass and bypass channel nearing completion and nearly ready to go into water. The work is part of a £12 million publicly funded project for these structures in the Wey catchment. Fish pass and bypass channels as at Walsham can be designed for conjunctive canoe/fish passage as a multiple benefit with several examples on the River Medway that can be adopted elsewhere. On this occasion at Walsham the Environment Agency (EA) was not receptive to a design for combining a socio-economic recreational gain for paddlesport with a project to improve connectivity in the water environment. Other fish passes are proposed on the Wey Navigation at Broadoak Weir, Old Buck’s Weir, Burpham, and possibly at Byfleet Mill on the River Wey linked to the Sanway Flood Risk Alleviation project. On the River Thames fish pass and bypass channels are planned at Teddington, Sunbury, Chertsey and Mapledurham that are of interest to canoeing with the potential for joint use. In Suffolk British Canoeing has liaised with EA Fisheries and partners for a conjunctive fish pass newly installed at Brandon on the River Little Ouse that is a positive development. From other discussions with the EA National Fish Pass Group on applications for conjunctive/multiple benefit fish passes it is hoped will lead to a common approach
44 from more inter-Agency working between Fisheries teams and other functions in the EA.
Future Event Sat 27th Nov: Papercourt Lock, River Wey: Removal of Floating Pennywort. Please support this event which is being supported by many organisations including IWA. Please see advert on Page 46.
Addlestone Canoe Club
Boaters on the Wey Navigation in the past few months have seen the build of the club’s new premises and Community Facility. Now completed, the building was officially opened on 6th November by Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Elaine Gill and special guest Liam Heath, Olympic Champion. The New Clubhouse, built by Ascot Build & Design Ltd, is a much needed purpose-built building with a gym and fitness room, increased boat storage and larger club room, which will benefit all those wishing to take part in paddle sports. This new build enables the club to expand the range of activities we can offer to the community, including Stand Up Paddleboarding and a summer camp for young people. Kevin East British Canoeing Waterways and Environment Project Officer
The Inland Waterways Association Chesham Staff Phil Hornsey Chief Executive Officer
extn 609
Tracy Higgin Administration Manager Day-to-day running of the Head Office at Chesham.
extn 601
Rachel Bryant Membership
extn 600
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The Inland Waterways Association IWA South East Region Chair: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE Tel: 07986 244479 Email: verna.smith63@gmail.com
IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee Acting Chair: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE Tel: 07986 244479 Email: verna.smith63@gmail.com Secretary: Chris Jones Tel: 07711 784374 Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis Basingstoke & R. Thames: Vacant
Email: chris.jones@waterways.org.uk K & A, WACT & Planning: Verna Smith
IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee Chair: Les Etheridge Tel: 07768 132703
Email: les.etheridge@waterways.org.uk
Secretary, Sussex Ouse & &DUJRHV Contact: Roy Sutton 79, St Leonards Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EG Tel: 01342 317569 Email: RoyDavidSutton@Yahoo.co.uk Treasurer & Royal Military Canal: Peter Wilkinson Membership Secretary: Les Etheridge Social Secretary: Sue Schwieso :DWHUZD\V 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV R. Medway: Michael Marsh R. Stour: Malcolm Hasler Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell Dartford & Crayford: Brian Franklin
R. Adur: Brendan Whelan Northfleet Harbour: Vacant R. Rother: Malcolm Jones Faversham & Swale: Vacant
IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee Chair: Ian Lindsay Tel: 07889 070623 Email: ian.lindsay@waterways.org.uk Secretary: Robin Williams Tel: 07490 454260 Email: robin.williams@waterways.org.uk Treasurer: Roger Badger Webmaster: Robin Williams
&DUJRHV co-ordinator & Jericho: tba 1RQ &RPPLWWHH 5HVSRQVLELOLWLHV
Thames RUG 3: Sue & David Cooper Next issue: Spring Copy date: 29th January 2022 Opinions expressed in &DUJRHV are not necessarily those of IWA. IWA, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453 Company No: 612245. Charity No: 212342 www.waterways.org.uk &DUJRHV Editor: Chris Jones chris.jones@waterways.org.uk
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