Cargoes Winter 2012

Winter 2012 Winter 2012

Newsletter of Guildford & Readingof Newsletter Kent & East Sussex Guildford & Reading and Oxfordshire Branches Kent & East Sussex and Oxfordshire Branches

Festival stalwarts recognised at National AGM A number of prominent figures from IWA Festivals scene were honoured at this year’s National AGM held in Chelmsford at the end of September. Jerry Sanders received the John Heap Salver in recognition of his long service and unstinting work as Commercial Director.

Pat Perry-Barton, for many years an active member of Guildford & Reading Branch, who held a number of Offices on the Branch Committee, was among this year’s recipients of Richard Bird Medals.

Festival stalwarts after being presented with Richard Bird medals by IWA National Chairman Clive Henderson (left to right) Pat Perry-Barton, Dave & Sandy Jones and Reece & Di Jones [Photo: Ray Carnell]

Narrow Boat Trust visit the Wey The Narrow Boat Trust’s pair Nuneaton and Brighton travelled along the Wey recently delivering coal to The Locker, Supply & Maintenance Co. Ltd (TLC) at Parvis Wharf (see cover photo) and to the Godalming Packet Boat Company at Godalming Wharf where Jenny Roberts, who operates the horse drawn boat Iona from there, is a regular customer. The Trust’s boats were on their Autumn Coal Delivery run, having come down the Oxford Canal on to the Thames and along the Kennet & Avon Canal. On leaving the Wey they return north via the River Thames and Grand Union Canal.

[Cover Photo: Ray Oakhill]

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Editorial As we approach the end of another year, we can reflect on the significant waterways events of 2012 with the news perhaps dominated by the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the launch of the Canal and River Trust. But there have also been significant changes involving waterways personnel in the Region. Les Etheridge (of IWAKES) has become IWA’s Chairman following the retirement of Clive Henderson. We have also seen the retirement of Ian Brown from the BCA and his replacement, Fiona Shipp, take charge. On the K&A, Rob Dean is taking over as Chairman from Mike Rodd at the beginning of the New Year whilst, at the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, John Laverick has stood down from the Chairmanship due to ill health. Many thanks are due to those relinquishing office and good wishes for success go to those taking on these new duties. We are, of course, sorry to have witnessed the demise of Solent & Arun Branch despite the valiant efforts of Mike Laishley and his small team to keep the ship afloat. We are reassured that IWA activities in the former S&A area will be maintained - Brendan Whelan (now with IWAKES) is continuing with activities on the Adur whilst further west G&R Branch hope that the joint meeting with Southampton Canal Society on 7th March will provide an opportunity for ex-S&A members to meet some members of the G&R Committee thus going some way to making up for the absence of an AGM in their area. G&R will continue to maintain support for the Wey & Arun Canal, now wholly in the Branch area.

As to Cargoes, we must sound a warning note over the future of Region/Branch Newsletters, despite the fact that it is generally accepted such publications do fulfil a useful purpose. Currently these are funded by a Per Capita allocation from Member’s subscriptions, which we think most would agree is as it should be.

However there are indications that IWA needs to make financial economies and so the Per Capita funding has been called into question in spite of continuing increases in subscription rates which have hitherto ensured comparative Per Capita increases. In fact we are not just facing a Per Capita freeze, for Regional Newsletters we are to suffer a reduction of 6p per membership per edition (66p down to 60p) for publications next year, together with a threat of further reductions in future years when it is abundantly clear that costs will increase. How to balance the books is going to be a headache for the Region - at present we are only just breaking even on our Cargoes budget and that’s with the editorial team giving freely of their own time and effort. Representations are being made in response to a Consultative paper from IWA’s Finance Committee and Trustees – watch this space!

Finally we would like to wish all our readers the compliments of the season.

Cargoes Editorial Team

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From the Region Chairman IWA AGM The IWA AGM took place on the last Saturday in September. As usual it was preceded by an informal meeting giving members the opportunity to question IWA management including the chairmen of national committees. I had to field a number of questions as Navcom chairman, principally about the thorny issue of overstaying on visitor moorings. You will have noticed that IWA has turned up the heat on the issue of noncompliance by some continuous cruisers. Progress is being made but the issue is likely to be with us in some form or other for many years. This informal session included a number of presentations including one from Alison Smedley, the new Branch support officer, on how she is getting on assisting Branches with practical work on local waterways. Another by Jo Gilbertson outlined what IWA stands for which features in our publicity and recruitment material.

The formal AGM followed its usual format with the final “State of the Nation� presentation by Clive Henderson who, after four years in post, was not seeking reelection. Clive has steered the IWA through four years of very major change on the waterway scene. His position as an observer on the BW Board was not universally appreciated by the membership but it was a useful source of intelligence as IWA led the successful campaign to increase the government funding settlement that enabled the formation of the CRT which is a major step towards realising the long held IWA vision of a National Waterways Conservancy embracing all leisure waterways. Clive will be a hard act to follow. Les Etheridge, the national treasurer, has been ratified by trustees as the new National Chairman and I wish him well for the challenging task ahead.

Other IWA News The trustees gave their endorsement some time ago to the idea of a National Festival for 2013. It has taken some time to find a suitable location but it has now been decided that there will be a National at Cassiobury Park on the south Grand Union near Watford 19th - 21st July. Newbury, in our region, had been a strong contender but it proved too difficult to negotiate.

With a new National Chairman in the driving seat the trustees are looking hard at our strategy for taking IWA forward. There are a number of threads to this which will receive more publicity in due course. However two important features are firstly the recognition that we need to do more to differentiate us from other organisations, in particular the CRT; and secondly a desire to increase the profile of what we do for boating. On this latter point our charitable aims are to support all those who use and enjoy the waterways and nothing will change here but we do a lot for navigation and boating and it’s important that we do not hide our light under a bushel.

CRT I attended the CRT annual meeting in Birmingham late September. Very few hard facts were presented this time but the presentations from Tony Hales and Robin Evans were ones of optimism for the future. There was more than a hint that even during the three lean years of government funding the position is not as bad as

5 previously indicated - perhaps a negotiating ploy. Of course the Trent and Mersey breach had just happened, which is likely to soak up £1.5m of the £2m contingency.

Vince Moran, Operations Director of CRT, presented at the recent IWA Trustee meeting producing more detail on how the money is likely to be spent. Having spent a lot in dealing with the maintenance and backlog for principal assets (bridges, tunnels, embankments etc.) Vince expects more money to be spent where we will notice it: dredging, lock gates and marginal vegetation control.

Meanwhile CRT is getting on with fundraising big time. They have employed an agency to stop people on the towpath to encourage them to be “friends of the CRT”. Although boaters are not supposed to be the main target of this activity the Chuggers (charity muggers) have, in some instances, been over-zealous in attempting to recruit boaters as regular donors. I will leave you to make your own minds up as to whether boaters already pay enough to CRT! Paul Roper

S T O P P R E S S …………………

European Union Amendment Threatens UK Boating As we go to print we learn of a further EU inspired threat to our inland waterways boating. What was looking like an innocuous directive to harmonise standards between boat designers in the EU and to standardise and simplify safety arrangements has developed into a potentially huge issue for boaters throughout the EU but particularly in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

An amendment by a Dutch MEP at the tenth draft stage has introduced a request that a further directive be developed because: "There is no harmonisation or level playing field with regard to water craft licences or technical checks, and tax evasion can still take place through the use of agricultural diesel. Therefore the Commission should consider submitting proposals to harmonise water craft licences at Union level, to encourage regular technical checks and to prevent tax evasion by discouraging the use of agricultural diesel."

This amendment if unchallenged would have major implications for all UK boaters as it introduces the idea of compulsory driving-type licences for boaters, the potential for more and wide ranging compulsory checks on boats and yet again threatens the supply of red diesel which could lead to problems maintaining waterside fuel supplies in extreme cases. All of this could limit access to boating, prevent current boaters going boating or using their boat and add to the general cost of boating.

Full details can be found on the website at https://www.waterways.org.uk/news_campaigns/campaign_news/european_union_ amendment_threatens_uk_boating IWA is calling on members to write to their MEPs to express concern on this issue – we urge you all to heed the call.

Cargoes Editorial Team

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Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the Kent & East Sussex, Oxfordshire, and Guildford & Reading Branches of The Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: The Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM will take place at 8.00 for 8.15pm on Wednesday 27th February 2013 at St. Nicholas’ Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0DE The Oxfordshire Branch AGM will take place at 7.30 for 8pm on Wednesday 13th March 2013 at the Social Club at Kidlington Football Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 1AT. The Guildford & Reading Branch AGM will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 18th March 2013 at Heathervale Baptist Church, Heathervale Road, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NW. 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 2. Approval (following amendment 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) 7. 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

Diary of Meetings & Events Thu 15th Nov, 7:30pm, Salisbury Group: Narrow Boating on Tidal Waters by Nick Grundy (see page 9) Thu 15th Nov, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, IWAKES: A presentation on the trials and tribulations faced in restoring the Suffolk Stour by John Morris, a Director of the River Stour Trust. SORT & IWAKES joint meeting (see page 28)

7 th

Tue 20 Nov, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): ‘Xmas Party’ with Noggin & Natter and Mike Rodd (see page 17) Wed 21st Nov, 8:00pm, S&HCS: ' History of Dragon Boat Racing' by Murray Jones & ' The Jubilee Thames River Pageant 2012' by Kathryn Dodington (see page 14) Wed 28th Nov, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): Narrowboating at the Speed of Life by Cheryl Holliday (see page 18) Thu 6th Dec, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: “Paddle Steamer Medway Queen – Heroine of Dunkirk”. TMCA and IWAKES pre-Christmas get-together (see page 28) Thu 6th Dec, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Annual Intersociety Waterways Quiz followed by an American Supper (see page 33) Wed 12th Dec, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Skittles Night - booking with Ann Yeatman is required (see page 33) Thu 13th Dec, 7:30pm, Salisbury Group: Christmas dinner

(see page 10)

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Wed 19 Dec, 8:00pm, S&HCS: Passage to Astrakhan by Dr. Roger Squires BEM (see page 14) Thu 3rd Jan, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Members Waterways Photographic Evening and Competition (see page 33) Wed 9th Jan, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Waterways Quiz with Richard Fairhurst, Waterways Journalist & writer (see page 33) Tue 15th Jan, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): ‘Pirates’ by Ian Black

(see page 17)

Thu 17th Jan, 7:30pm, Salisbury Group: To be confirmed

(see page 10)

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Fri 18 Jan, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, South London Branch: New Year Dinner.

Details to be confirmed (see page 37) Wed 23rd Jan, 8:00pm, S&HCS: 'Thames from Oxford to Windsor' by Peter Halman (see page 14) Thu 24th Jan, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: “Implementing the Medway Plan” by Phil Munslow (see page 28) Wed 30th Jan, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): ‘The Bruce Trust’ by Rebecca Bruce (see page 18) Thu 7th Feb, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: To be confirmed

(see page 33)

Wed 13th Feb, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Nautical Knots – A practical evening by Peter Darch (see page 33) Wed 13th Feb, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, South London Branch: Canal Cruising US Style by Alan and Christine Smith (see page 37)

8 Tue 19th Feb, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): ‘Old Industries of the River Kennet’ by David Cliffe (see page 17) Thu 21st Feb, 7:30pm, Salisbury Group: To be confirmed

(see page 10)

Wed 27th Feb, 8:00pm for 8:15pm, IWAKES: AGM and “Shared Ownership of Boats” by Alan & Christine Smith (see pages 6 & 28) Wed 27th Feb, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): To be confirmed

(see page 18)

Wed 27th Feb, 8:00pm, S&HCS: 'Down the Rhine and Up the Neckar' by Ron and Myra Glover (see page 14) Thu 7th Mar, 7:45pm, Southampton Canal Society: The Canal & River Trust by John Dodwell, a CRT Trustee (see page 33) Wed 13th Mar, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch:AGM (see pages 6 & 33) Wed 13th Mar, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, South London Branch: AGM followed by a talk by the new National Chairman by Les Etheridge (see page 37) Mon 18th Mar, 7:30pm, Guildford & Reading Branch: AGM

(see pages 6 & 10)

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Tue 19 Mar, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): Branch AGM (Speaker to be advised) (see page 17) Wed 20th Mar, 8:00pm, S&HCS: 'The Ribble Link and the Lancaster Canal' by David Saady (see page 15) Thu 21st Mar, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: “The Basingstoke Canal” by Gareth Jones (see page 29) Thu 21st Mar, 7:30pm, Salisbury Group: To be confirmed

(see page 10)

Wed 27th Mar, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): ‘The History of Canals and Traditional Narrowboat Painting including a demonstration’ by John Ross (see page 18)

Wed 10th Apr, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Working Boats and Boat people remembered by Roger Wickson (see page 33) Wed 10th Apr, 7:30pm for 8:00pm, South London Branch: Passage to Astrakhan

by Roger Squires (see page 37) Tue 16th Apr, 7:45pm, K&A (Reading): Joint meeting with IWA G & R Branch (Speaker to be advised) (see page 17) Wed 24th Apr, 7:45pm, K&A (Newbury): Branch AGM th

(see page 18)

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Sat 25 to Mon 27 May, IWA: National Trailboat Festival, Bodiam (see page 29) Fri 19th to Sun 21st Jul, IWA: National Festival at Cassiobury Park on the south Grand Union near Watford (see page 4)

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Salisbury Group Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: After our summer break, we invited Derrick Hunt to update us on the restoration and progress of The Somersetshire Coal Canal (SCC).

The Somersetshire Coal Canal Society was formed in 1991 with the aim of preserving and conserving the canal. However, in 2008 the constitution was changed to progress onto restoration and this won the confidence of landowners and local councils.

The canal was opened in 1805 in order to carry coal from the coalfields in North Somerset to the Kennet and Avon Canal at Dundas to supply the markets of Southern England. Prior to this, coal had to be transported from south Wales to Bristol by ship before being distributed in the area. The SCC is a narrow canal and we were shown pictures of the once broad lock at Dundas (junction with the K&A Canal) that was later narrowed to prevent wide boats from the K&A taking the trade.

In 1858 this was one of the most profitable canals in the country, but by 1892 the trade was dying and the canal was closed in 1898. It was finally abandoned in 1904 when it was sold to The Great Western Railway.

The canal had to pass over hilly ground and initially was designed to operate using three caissons rather than conventional locks At the time a caisson lock, designed

by Robert Weldon, was undergoing trials on the Shropshire Union Canal. It had the advantage of saving water, reducing the number of locks from twenty-two to three and speeding up the journey. One caisson lock was built at Combe Hay but proved to be unstable. Two others were planned but were not completed. As a result an inclined plane was constructed as a temporary measure whilst 22 locks were built.

Today some of these locks have been cleared and excavated and much of the stone is now exposed.

Derrick emphasized that the SCCS has prevented the remains of the canal from disappearing and the society’s long-term aspiration is to restore the whole canal.

Programme of Events Thu 15th Nov

“Narrow Boating on Tidal Waters” by Nick Grundy Nick will be giving an account of his travels in his 70-foot narrow boat “Beatty” cruising some of the great tidal rivers of the waterways system. This includes the Severn Estuary, the Trent and Yorkshire Ouse, the Thames through London and the Mersey Estuary

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Waterways quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society

Thu 13th Dec

Christmas dinner The cost of our Christmas meal is £17.50 for 3 courses and £14 for 2 courses.

Responses to Myra Glover by Friday 7th December.

Thu 17th Jan

To be confirmed

Thu 21st Feb

To be confirmed

Thu 21st Mar

To be confirmed

Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch News Chairman’s Report First a very warm welcome to the new members from the former Solent and Arun Branch who are joining us in Guildford and Reading Branch. Perhaps we can think of a more inclusive name by our AGM to be held on 18th March (see formal Notice on page 6 and please note change of venue). I am delighted that councillor Linda Kemeny, chair of the Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee (JMC), has agreed to be our guest speaker. Most importantly the Branch need to give every support to Kathryn Dodington's Xmas Basingstoke Canal 4-day cruise to Brookwood starting from Woodham Jct. on 27th December - boat owners bring your boats, encourage your friends to bring boats, if not on a boat, come and support boaters from the towpath. Kathryn is commodore of the Byfleet Boat Club which is on the Wey near the junction with the Basingstoke. Kathryn will I am sure provide a great cruise and a warm welcome before and after at the boat club. Further details on IWA’s website. Kathryn has her own blog to chart the lead up to and the cruise.

She can be contacted on 07768 770070 or at kathryn.dodington@gmail.com. All in all a marvellous opportunity to show the canal owners that we do want proper navigation restored. There is further good news on the Basingstoke which is the subject of a separate report (see page 13).

Secondly may we congratulate Les Etheridge (of IWAKES) on becoming IWA National Chairman. His predecessor, Clive Henderson, steered us through to C&RT and took a full part in the wonderful parade of narrow boats in the Jubilee Pageant. As I have discovered on Finance Committee, Les will provide a thoughtful and considered style of leadership which we will certainly need in the difficult next few years.

11 It has been a turbulent year with much to enjoy. Starting with drought we have ended with excess water and breaches which will test C&RT finances. In previous Cargoes we have reported on our joint meeting with the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust at Reading and the cruise on Kingswear Castle jointly with South London Branch. Elsewhere are reports on the Thames sailing barge cruise (see below and a boat trip on the Wey and Arun Canal (see below). What a fantastic effort from members of the W&ACT which we will try to support in any way we can. The Jubilee event was a terrific example of what, the British Broadcasting Corporation excepted, can be done when people put their mind to it. The Olympics were another notable achievement and I am looking forward next year to seeing just what has happened on the Lea navigations - hardly backwaters now.

We shall be rounding off this year by taking part in the Southampton Canal Society quiz on December 6th when we will be trying to regain the crown we lost last year.

Finally we hope to put together other events for the New Year. For instance there is the Southampton Canal Society meeting on March 7th, a joint meeting at which John Dodwell is the guest speaker and in April we plan to repeat our joint meeting with the K&A Trust in Reading. This year’s Thames barge cruise was sufficiently successful that one for next year is being requested - it will be helpful if this time we can avoid a clash with the National IWA AGM! More details in future Cargoes and on the website where there will always be a full list of events masterminded by our new webmaster and committee member Tim Fry. Well volunteered Tim. Gareth Jones

Wey & Arun Cruise

A sunny Saturday in September saw members and friends join a Wey & Arun Canal Trust cruise aboard their electric trip boat Wiggonholt. A full quota of around 50 passengers experienced the tranquillity of this quiet means of propulsion as we glided along the waterway which at times seemed barely wide enough for us to proceed as the reed beds closed in on both sides – someone said that it was reminiscent of African Queen territory! Disembarking at Drungewick Lock, whilst the boat negotiated the winding hole below, provided an opportunity to stretch one’s legs before the return journey. This was the classic three hour cruise but shorter ones are available, including trips upstream to Devils Hole Lock. Full details are on the Trust’s website at www.weyandarun.co.uk.

Ray Carnell

Thames Barge Trip aboard SB Pudge This year we were going on SB Pudge for a two night cruise in the Blackwater, Essex. There were 9 IWA members signed up plus 3 from the Thames sailing barge trust who would join us on the Friday night. We arrived on the Friday morning. Putting our provisions and kit on board took slightly longer than budgeted so we went immediately to lunch at the Jolly Sailor at Heybridge Basin next to the sea lock at the entrance to the IWA run Chelmer and Blackwater navigation. Lunch was a rather good but leisurely affair such that we missed our trip on the navigation.

12 We did manage to uplift our spirits by visiting the 7th century church of St. Peter-onthe-Wall founded by St. Cedd. This Saint had arrived from Lindisfarne and was a hermit. The church is under the care of Bradwell parish who still conduct services at St Peters. Bradwell also has a Magnox nuclear power station in the course of being decommissioned.

Arriving back on Pudge we had super and were joined by 3rd hand Mick Nolan, Skipper Geoff Harris and mate John. Next came the 3 trust members who it transpires run a steam roller in Clacton named after a paddle steamer the Clacton Queen. Henceforth they became the Clacton Queens. High tide was just before midnight and just before the off as we left the mud at our berth at Hythe quay Maldon. We motored down on the tide to beyond Heybridge where we anchored till morning. With a brisk westerly we made sail in the morning, enjoying breakfast then lunch. We were punching the tide but the favourable wind meant we made good progress. We were also blessed with sun. Lunch followed, and then as the tide turned we made our way up the Colne to anchor off Brightlingsea in the early afternoon. We prepared the dinghy to take us for a run ashore. The outboard failed to start despite the exertions of Mick but as no one volunteered to row, the trip ashore was abandoned in favour of dinner. Mick made up for his failure with the outboard with his squeeze box with which he accompanied Geoff in an after dinner session of shanties and folk songs. The cabin had been well heated by lighting the stove and a very spirited and festive night ensued.

Late to bed and early to rise we saw the sun up as we hoisted sail to catch the last of the tide out of the Colne and the first of the flood up the Blackwater. While the tide was fair the wind remained from the west but we tacked up stream while enjoying a hearty breakfast. There were many craft enjoying the wind as summer became autumn. We continued under sail until Heybridge where there was little room to tack and even the motor found it difficult to push us into the wind as the tide started to slacken. Anyway we made it safely back to Hythe Quay and a late lunch.

After a swift clean up and pack, off we went back to Surrey and Hampshire. A most enjoyable weekend. The Clacton Queens were great companions and skipper, mate, and 3rd hand made the best of wind, weather and tide.

Gareth Jones

Sales and Publicity Stand

Our final outside event of 2012 was the Fox & Hounds Rally at Fleet on the first weekend of October – see report on page 15. So another season of travels around the Branch has come to an end, during which we have been to events on the Wey, Basingstoke, Thames and Kennet & Avon. Once again many thanks are due to our regular band of helpers who have turned out in all weathers to assist behind the Sales Counter or with the Lucky Locks Game, as well as helping with the ‘setting up’ and ‘taking down’ when it is certainly the case that ‘many hands make light work’. Volunteers are always welcome and we expect in the next Cargoes to be able to give details of a number of events that we hope to attend in 2013. So please watch this space!

Ray Carnell

Bits on the Basingstoke

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Navigation is starting to happen on the Basingstoke, Surrey section. After the false start of the Easter cruise, led as always by Kathryn Dodington, nothing much happened from the Wey to Deepcut section. The trial cruise though successful was not followed through and while SCC and HCC maintained the canal was open for navigation to Brookwood it never seemed like that when a call was put in to the BCA. Kathryn's Xmas cruise (see details in my Chairman’s Report on page 10) is a chance for a fresh start and will, we hope, show the BCA and the owners that navigation is key and is supported by boaters and from the towpath. This is our chance and it would be appreciated if it has the maximum support. Details on IWA’s website at www.waterways.org.uk and Kathryn Dodington's blog. At the recent JMC a proposal to give boaters access to the Woodham flight on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays each week, with an overall restriction on boat numbers, was accepted.

The Hampshire section while isolated has had a happy year with more than ample water. The works were completed at the start of the cruising season and while there has been some weed it has not been a grave problem.

The Canal Society has now ordered a new trip boat to replace the John Pinkerton.

The boat is being built by Lambon Boats near Droitwich and it is scheduled for delivery in Feb/Mar 2013. The new boat will provide improved accommodation for passengers and a safer operating environment for the crew.

Ian Brown has retired which is a further chance for a fresh start. His replacement who started on 22nd October is Fiona Shipp who is from the north and has a country park background. While neither the Surrey and Hants Canal Society nor IWA was involved in the appointment we are grateful that the owners have taken on board our points on training and visiting other inland waterways to observe best practice.

Above all we would like to see the "can do" value maximising attitude of John Gibson of the Wey Navigation become the practice of the Basingstoke Canal and its stakeholders.

While progress is slow we are delighted that the work at Brookwood has now started and Deepcut is being put in water for the first time for several years. We are also delighted that the water supply problems are being addressed by the Water Strategy Group led by our own John How. This is a fundamental review which we hope will in due course provide the canal with a solution to its perennial water shortages in high hot summer. This will build on the work done in back pumping at Woodham and St. John's. At the recent meeting of the Basingstoke Canal JMC, John gave an impressive presentation of the progress being made by his group which now included involvement of final year students at Southampton University under Dr Derek Clarke. John is bringing his considerable professionalism to bear on this long standing issue and JMC members voiced their appreciation of the Group’s efforts. It is not a problem solved but there is light.

Finally, we do need to make progress on the heritage lottery bid and making the partnership between owners, volunteers and other stakeholders real. This has led to success on other waterways and real local economic benefit. The Scottish

14 millennium canals are that country's third most popular tourist destination with huge regional economic benefits. Tony Hale, chairman of CRT, reports a 5 fold return on investment. The Basingstoke has tremendous potential. Can it be unlocked?

Gareth Jones

S&HCS Social Meetings For the first meeting of the new season members were entertained by Robin Higgs, the Canal Society’s former Chairman and current Vice President, with a selection of slides from his trip a few years ago along the waterways of Eastern France aboard the converted Dutch Barge Geesje. His account of leisurely cruising along the Canal de L’Est and River Saone with gastronomic excursions en route illustrated the many attractions of these French waterways.

The season of monthly meetings continues on the third Wednesday (fourth Wednesday in January and February 2013) of the month at the Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, near Woking, GU24 8AZ, commencing at 8pm. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available during the interval.

Non-members and friends are very welcome to come along. The future programme is as follows: Wed 21st Nov

Murray Jones - ' History of Dragon Boat Racing' (First Half) Kathryn Dodington - ' The Jubilee Thames River Pageant 2012' (Second Half) Murray is an international official of the Dragon Boat Racing Association and will describe the fascinating history of this unique sport and its competitions.

Kathryn (a Canal Society committee member) will talk about her participation in her narrow boat 'Leo No.2' in the Jubilee Thames River Pageant this year.

Wed 19th Dec

Dr Roger Squires BEM - 'Passage to Astrakhan' Roger returns to tell us about a 4702km cruise he made along the Russian waterways from the Baltic to the Caspian Sea and then on to the Black Sea .The epic three week voyage along the Baltic-Volga Canal, the River Volga and the Volga-Black Sea Canal took him through the heart of rural Russia, stopping at some formerly 'closed' towns en route.

(Always a popular raconteur, Roger recently received the Cyril Styring Trophy, IWA’s most prestigious award, in recognition of his long service to the Association in various capacities)

Wed 23rd Jan

Peter Halman ' Thames from Oxford to Windsor' The River Thames has many stories from the past to the present to be told and Peter will be visiting us to share his knowledge of the history of this beautiful waterway through the centuries.

Wed 27th Feb

Ron and Myra Glover - 'Down the Rhine and Up the Neckar' Having explored the waterways of western Europe, Ron and Myra decided to venture further east. One barrier they had to cross was the mighty River Rhine and for their boat 'Elsa' this

15 meant "going with the flow". For this reason they joined the Rhine near the top in France and travelled downstream venturing into the rivers joining on the German side. The first is the Neckar.

Wed 20th Mar

David Saady - 'The Ribble Link and the Lancaster Canal' David will be visiting us to describe the history of the Ribble Link and the Lancaster Canal and recount his cruise along the waterways, including the seven mile crossing, one of the riskiest water crossings for narrow boats in the country,

Further information from David Millett on 01252 617364 or email d.millett7@ntlworld.com

Fox & Hounds Rally

This year’s rally, organised by the Basingstoke Canal Boating Club, took place in early October and, although later in the year, enjoyed weather that was a distinct improvement on last year’s wet conditions. A number of craft took part, including, as always, wellpresented boats from the Steamboat Association. Public trips along the canal were provided aboard Accessible Boating’s boat Dawn. On land there were the Stands of BCBC, Surrey & Hants

Best Presented Boat Winners Freddie & Peter Dawson aboard Athai

Canal Society and IWA, with entertainment from local Sides of Morris Dancers. In the boating competition the Award for the Best Presented Boat went, for the second year running, to Peter & Freddie Dawson with Athai (for Athai it was a third year of success having won with her previous owners Dick and Allison Snell in 2010). Best Presented Steamboat was won by Trevor & Best Presented Steamboat Lizzzeee Gina Jenkins with Lizzzeee, whilst [Photos: Ray Carnell] the prize for Furthest Travelled Boat went to Richard & Evelyn Mitchell on Lady Selsey (46 miles). Judging was by Caroline Dale, with Graham the licensees of the Fox & Hounds.

Ray Carnell

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River Thames News Our Branch Thames Representative, John How, gives observations following a meeting of River Thames Waterways Working Group (WWG) on 14th September 2012: Future of Navigation (FoN project) This project is probably the most important for EA Navigation, to establish both what assets are included within ‘navigation’ and establish how these will be managed in 2015. One option will be the transfer to Canal & River Trust, if appropriate for both parties. Progress is adequate, but it is questionable if all investigations will be possible within the 2014 timescale, for decisions to be made in 2015.

It is proposed that the next WWG meeting (Jan 2013) will be a full review of FoN and the establishment of a sub-group to review the details.

Enforcement The new approach to licence enforcement is working well, this should result in no un-licenced boats. The highest evasion rate was at marinas (around 20%).

Supportive marinas had helped flag ‘hot spots’.

Major Events Both the Port of London Authority (PLA) and EA Navigations have been congratulated on their efficient organisation and management for the Olympics.

Management Papers on a variety of topics are available; these have been circulated to WWG members and reviewed at the meeting. Generally all were accepted with some minor revisions. Topics included; Quarter one and Annual Reports  Terms of Reference for WWG  National Navigational Charges  Commercial Developments  Volunteers  Winter schedule for Repairs & Lock Closures

Kennet & Avon Canal News K&A Canal Trust appoint new Chairman The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (KACT) recently announced the appointment of a new Chairman of its Trust Council. Rob Dean, an existing Trustee, has been chosen by the Council to take over from Mike Rodd from 1st January 2013.

Rob has been actively involved with the KACT for more than five years, first as Treasurer then Chairman of the Newbury Branch of the KACT, and he has successfully directed the annual Newbury Waterways Festival. This year he led the

17 launch of the KACT trip boat Jubilee in the town. With 35 years' experience in the diplomatic service, Rob, who was awarded a CMG in the 2012 New Year's Honours List, was chosen to succeed Mike Rodd due to his wideranging skill set, drive and capacity to lead the organisation into the future. He says: "I am extremely honoured to be asked to chair the KACT Trust Council and I am looking forward to building on the excellent work by Mike to ensure that the Trust continues to protect, enhance and promote the Kennet and Avon during these difficult economic times."

Mike says, "I feel this is an appropriate point at which to hand over the leadership of the KACT. I know that Rob, with his passion for, and commitment to, the Kennet and Avon will do an excellent job, and will bring a number of exciting ideas to the organisation."

Mike is to concentrate on leading innovative fund-raising activities and public awareness initiatives for the KACT in conjunction with the organisation's President, David Bruce. He will also continue his long-standing commitment as Boatmaster running frequent trip boats for the KACT. [To read the announcement in full see Trust’s website www.katrust.org.uk]

Canal Trust Meetings Both the Reading and Newbury Sections of the Trust hold a series of monthly meetings to which non-members are always welcome.

The Reading meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month from Sep to Apr (excluding Dec) at The Grange Church Hall, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD (just off the A4 Bath Road). Meetings are as follows:Tue 20th Nov:

Xmas Party Noggin & Natter & Mike Rodd will be with us. Tea, coffee & juices + Audrey’s Christmas cake (no alcohol in our church hall venue) - as usual, please bring some snack food to share.

Tue 15th Jan:

‘Pirates’ - Ian Black

Tue 19th Feb:

‘Old Industries of the River Kennet’ - David Cliffe

Tue 19th Mar:

K&A Reading Branch AGM (+ speaker to be advised)

Tue 16th Apr:

Joint meeting with IWA Guildford & Reading Branch speaker to be advised

Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses).

More details can be found on K&A Trust website: www.katrust.org

18 The Newbury meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month (other than December) at The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf at 7.45pm prompt (doors open 30mins before). Admission is free. There is adequate public parking alongside the venue. Meetings are as follows:Wed 28th Nov:

Narrowboating at the Speed of Life by Cheryl Holliday.

Cheryl is the author of 'Dreams Really Do Come True', a memoir of the challenges of her life and adventures afloat.

Wed 30th Jan:

The Bruce Trust by Rebecca Bruce, the Trust Administrator.

The Bruce Trust provides canal boat holidays for disabled, disadvanged or elderly people - Rebecca will talk about all that goes with running it, including taking the boat Diana to the Paralympics.

Wed 27th Feb:

To be confirmed

Wed 27th Mar:

The History of Canals and Traditional Narrow Boat Painting, including a demonstration by John Ross. John has spent many years decorating his ‘mini narrow boat’ Elizabeth Rose, a converted sailing dinghy, incorporating all the features and traditional painting of a Narrow Boat.

Elizabeth Rose was the winner of the best dressed boat award at the 2012 Newbury Waterways Festival.

John with Elizabeth Rose at this year’s Newbury Waterways Festival

Wed 24th Apr:

Branch AGM.

Further information from the Trust Administrator 01380 721279 or Branch Secretary 01635 580356, Email: kact.newbury@btinternet.com

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IWAKES Branch News From the Branch Chairman I am pleased to be able to welcome those Members who are transferring from the Solent and Arun Branch. I hope you will find the Kent and East Sussex Branch a stimulating group to join. We have a very exciting time ahead of us. In May next year we are hosting IWA’s National Trail Boat Rally on the River Rother. This promises to be an ideal opportunity to raise our profile within the local community.

Throughout the year we have a full programme of social events that we aim to hold in different parts of our area, making it easier to meet all our Members. In addition we have two on-going restoration projects, to which we shall now add slipways on the Adur.

I am also particularly pleased to welcome Brendan Whelan who will be joining our Committee and will have particular responsibility as our Adur Representative.

On behalf of our Branch, “Welcome”. I look forward to meeting you at some future events.

Mike Hannan

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust Isfield Lock It’s been a good summer for S.O.R.T. But we are not talking about the weather but the progress made down at Isfield Lock in 2012. The dry spring had allowed the volunteers to push on and achieve the original restoration target, namely repairing the large fault and hole in the fore bay, something that was standing in the way of the continued restoration of the chamber’s west wall. So by June they found themselves ahead of schedule and the decision was taken to begin further demolition of the west wall and lower training wall. The last two years had seen two sections of the west wall completed.

Four months later the volunteers, under the enthusiastic guidance of Ted Lintott, had not only prepared that section for rebuild but rebuilt it, back-filled the adjacent bank and installed the coping stones. Come late September it was time to close

20 down the site for winter. The work achieved this year leaves just the middle section of the west wall to be restored. The entire existing wall in this section will need to be demolished and the design of the new wall will not be finalised until the foundation is exposed.

Iron Gate Lock The remains of Iron Gate Lock, several miles upstream from Isfield, lies at the southern end of the Sheffield Park Estate on the River Ouse, owned by the National Trust. As previously reported the lock has become, over the last year, the subject of some activity by S.O.R.T. with tree and scrub clearance taking place over the winter months. Some exploratory work has also been carried out within the chamber and reclamation stockpiling of bricks has begun. But future plans for continued restoration at Iron Gate are in the balance and will be subject to discussions to be held with the National Trust and other interested parties.

(See also report by Bernard Snell on the Branch visit to this lock on 28th Sep.) Terry Owen Visits to Sutton Hall (Isfield) and Iron Gate Locks

On a very fine afternoon in mid-August, Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust held an Open Day and barbeque at Sutton Hall (formerly Isfield) Lock. Whilst we were there at least twenty people passed through; most stopping for a drink and a hot dog .We were taken for a tour of the nearby features, including the weir and ox-bow off the river. The lock is far out in the Sussex countryside and the rebuilding work is progressing well.

Angela Acott

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The Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust in association with National Trust organised a guided tour to one of the derelict locks on the river on 28th September. Led by Ted Lintott and Terry Owen the group walked the mile or so across recently acquired National Trust land to Iron Gate Lock. Members are currently recovering coping stones and heavy industrial brick as the first stage to possible restoration at a later date. At the bottom of the picture the upper sill can just be made out amidst the undergrowth, tree roots in the lock walls are going to be one of the problems.

Bernard Snell

Thames & Medway Canal Association We are still suffering the frustrations of getting the electricity supply to the pump finalised and are informed that “the agreements are ready for signing�! Adam Holloway MP is still pushing away in our corner, thankfully. We have been working on the weir to make it as watertight as possible and it is, at present, holding a lot of water.

It has created a good weir pond.

22 Since the Autumn edition, we have been keeping our profile as high as possible at events and illustrated talks. St Mary’s Church in the Marsh at Higham was a successful day, meeting a lot of Higham residents who were interested in restoring their end of the canal to benefit the village. On the same day, we had another contingent at the RSPB Open Day at Northward Hill Reserve, which extended our human resources. We were sponsored at the Ploughing Match at Higham by the organisers, from which we will benefit financially and reflects the awareness and popularity of our restoration efforts locally. (See Angela’s article) Gravesend’s biggest asset is the Thames River frontage. Paddle Steamer Waverley and Thames barge Cambria frequently use the pontoon at the end of Town Pier.

Waverley was greeted by Gravesend Borough Band performing at the pontoon.

Having taken on more passengers, she departed up river to the sound of people cheering and onlookers waving from the pier in true cruise liner style!

Brian Macknish RSPB Thames and Medway Canal Association members fly the flag at Northward Hill Nature Reserve at Cooling Rochester on Sunday 9th September at the RSPB Wildlife Autumn Fair. Good weather brought the crowds out to this popular yearly event and a busy day ensued for those manning the stand.

Bernard Snell

23 Gravesend and Rochester Agricultural Association Ploughing Match On 22nd September TMCA took their display stand to the 162nd Gravesend and Rochester Agricultural Association Ploughing Match, at Lillechurch Farm near Cliff.

The weather was the best we had had for a long time, and we had a marvellous site, in the middle of everything. The Agricultural Association was established on 9th April 1834 at the Falcon Tavern, Gravesend, for the encouragement of servants and labourers. The founding members were mostly local landowners and members of the church. President was Lord Darnley of Cobham Hall and the first Chairman was William Smith-Masters of Camer Park. There was ploughing with horses and tractors, also with two beautiful steam ploughs - sponsored by Rochester Bridge Wardens Trust. There were cake making competitions, flower arrangements and things for the kids, including colouring at our own stall, plus tug of war. Bolebroke organised a thoroughly enjoyable day, with plenty of interested people, and with at least one new member.

Angela Acott Rochester Bridge Trust On the evening of 4th October a small selection of TMCA and IWA members met at the Gravesend Sailing Club for a talk by Sue Threader, Chief Executive of The Rochester Bridge Trust. It was a most interesting evening. There have been three bridges at Rochester prior to the present ones; the Roman bridge, the Medieval bridge and the Victorian bridge. The Roman bridge crossed the River Medway on the line of Watling Street, the main Roman Road running from London to Richborough. Built soon after the Roman conquest under Claudius in 43 AD it had nine stone pillars, with a timber roadway on top. Archaeological evidence of the foundations was found during construction work in the 19th century. Nobody before the Romans had the technology to do this system of bridge building.

The Roman bridge eventually collapsed, due to ice and a flood. Sir John de Cobham, a wealthy landowner, along with his friend Sir Robert Knowles, set about contructing a new bridge in 1387. Finished in 1391, it was 560ft. long and 14ft. wide and the bridge piers rested on protective platforms known as starlings. The road surface was paved with ragstone. This bridge lasted nearly 500 years, being constantly repaired and improved and was eventually replaced in 1856 with a Victorian cast iron bridge that had a short life of only 50 years before it started to show the strain. After many collisions the structure had to be replaced.

24 Increased traffic led to chronic congestion in Rochester High St during the 1950s. In 1957 Bridge Engineer J Kenneth Anderson proposed to build a second roadway bridge on the piers of the disused railway bridge. Construction began in 1967 and the new bridge was opened to traffic by HRH the Princess Margaret on 15th April 1970. The Bridge trust has contributed to many of the other bridges on the Medway and also funds many worthwhile charities. All in all everybody seemed to enjoy the talk and left knowing more than when they arrived at the Sailing Club.

Angela Acott

River Medway News Voyageur Canoe Adventures

One of the Medway River Alliance members is Ed Bassett who runs and an adventure company aimed at providing challenging trips for disabled and disadvantaged people.

Ed is an experienced adventure leader spending many years in the Army leading expeditions all over the world including the Arctic, Canada and Finland.

Not quite rapids in the wilderness of Canada but I did experience what it’s like to paddle Ed’s 30 ft. Voyageur canoe in September when 12 guys from a church group I run, paddled up the Medway from Allington Lock to East Farleigh and back. A great day with excellent weather. Voyageur canoes were used by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th & 19th centuries to transport furs and goods between trading posts. The voyageurs would paddle up to 14 hours a day on trips, no mean feat when their diet was not very substantial - we had a pub lunch!

Teston Lock The Environment Agency has given notice that it will be carrying out capital works to refurbish the lock chamber at Teston Lock. The works beginning on 15th October 2012 and are planned to be completed by 28th March 2013. Due to the nature of these works there will be no lock passage throughout this works period. EA have apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works. Further information can be obtained from Allington Lock on 01622 752864 Boat Registrations The poor weather this year during spring and the early part of the summer has affected the number of visitors on the Medway and reduced the level of boat use by some annual customers. As of July 2012 the number of powered boat registrations on the Medway is down 14% on last year. The registration numbers for Medway are likely to have been affected by two other factors, the introduction of Boat Safety Scheme certification, and the issue of no longer being able to require registration in marinas because of the Inland Waterways Order. Arguably it is these two factors and mostly the latter that have had an impact on the registrations this year.

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Invasive species The latest invasive species to be spotted is a Carpet Sea Squirt (Didemnum vexillum) – Found under a boat at Cuxton marina on the Medway. First recorded in a Welsh marina in 2008, this native of the Pacific Ocean, is now present in Kent at Herne Bay. Capable of forming very large colonies, it literally 'carpets' the hard structures upon which it grows. Its fast growth threatens our fishing industry, shellfish growers and our marine habitats. Go to http://www.msep.org.uk/invasivespecies-in-the-water.php to find out more about invasive species in our rivers and estuary’s and what you should do if you find them.

Medway River Alliance This Alliance continues to forward its aim to develop ideas and projects to benefit the enjoyment and development of the river for all users. More details and a progress update in the next issue of Cargoes.

Mike Marsh

River Adur The River Adur moved from West to East Sussex!

As part of the recent Branch reorganisation responsibility for the River Adur has moved from the former Solent and Arun Branch to IWAKES. The Environment Agency groups the Sussex Ouse and the Adur in the same catchment area and therefore moving the responsibility for the Adur to IWAKES is a logical move.

Brendan Whelan, Chairman of the Shoreham Slipways Group and former Secretary of the Solent and Arun (S&A) Branch, will be the IWAKES representative for the Adur.

The River Adur has a long history of navigation dating back to Roman times.

Shoreham by Sea, at the mouth of the Adur, has a small but flourishing port handling timber, grain, steel, fuel plus fishing, particularly for shellfish. Further up the River was navigable in the 11th and 12th centuries to Bramber and Steyning.

Around 12 miles inland, near Henfield, the river splits into the eastern arm (that rises at Ditchling Common) and western arm (that rises near Slinfold). In the early 1800's the river was made fully navigable with various locks added to north of Henfield. The Baybridge Canal was added to the western arm, extending the navigation to West Grinstead. Coming too late in the canal construction era and not being in an industrial area it wasn't a success. For those interested in lock dimensions they were 75ft. (22.9m) by 12.5ft. (3.8m).

The town of Shoreham had many public slipways and hards. (A “hard” being a place where boats could be loaded and unloaded but not, originally, intended for launching.) Over the years, most of these have fallen into disuse or been built on or blocked. The late Alan White, the founder of the S&A Branch) started over 30 years ago to press the local council to improve the access to the river. Matters came to a head in 1999 when the council decided to render the town’s main slipway, at Ropetackle, useless by removing the adjacent car park. The S&A Branch helped to form the Shoreham Slipways Group (SSG) which campaigns for one or more practical slipways on the Adur. There is now considerable support for slipways from Adur District Council, many local and county councillors and the port authority. The support from the EA has been mixed but the SSG has escalated the matter and

26 now hopes to move forward in a more positive manner. Last December, with the support of IWA, the SSG was awarded Planning Permission for a slipway but there are still many hurdles to overcome before it can be constructed.

Brendan Whelan

Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust (NHRT) plans to restore the culverted River (Ebs)Fleet and re-open the historic Northfleet Harbour, which was cut off from the Thames by a 1970's tidal flood wall. The harbour once serviced Aspdin's original portland cement kiln (and subsequently many more). Its origins go back to Roman times and its recently excavated main slipway is thought to be Georgian but parts may date back to the Elizabethan times or earlier.

IWA supports this project (not least as it would provide a harbour of refuge for craft on the Thames) and would like to be kept in touch as it progresses. We would like one of our members to be appointed as IWAKES Representative to the Trust, to attend most of the NHRT meetings and act as a communicator, providing support and information. The Representative would also be an IWAKES Committee member (but need not attend IWAKES Committee meetings unless to air an issue).

Are you an interested local resident? Or are you interested by the project and willing to travel to meetings? Mike Hannan (contact details inside back page) would like to hear from you.

Kentish Stour The Environment Agency has applied to Dover District Council for planning permission for flood defence works along fourteen kilometres of the lower tidal reaches and through Sandwich (Application Number DOV/12/00656). Most of the proposal is formed of embankments or similar ‘soft’ defences, does not affect navigation and is worthy of support. However, flood defences already exist through the centre of Sandwich (some founded on the remains of old craft) and the available land is limited. EA initially proposed that new hard defences be formed 0.5m riverward of the existing defences. However, the planning application shows new hard defences, formed 1.5m (5ft) riverward of the existing river wall; significantly reducing what is already a very narrow channel. The changes were made without informing affected landowners and without the agreement of the Harbourmaster. Roy Newing, IWAKES’ Representative for the Stour, is making representations against the narrowing of the navigation.

River Cray The River Cray is a tributary of the River Darent, which is in turn a tributary of the Thames. It rises in Priory Gardens in Orpington, Kent (although under the London Borough of Bromley) where rainwater permeates the chalk and forms a pond at the boundary between the chalk and impermeable clay. Then it flows northwards past the industrial and residential area of St. Mary Cray, through St Paul’s Cray, where there was once a paper mill, through Footscray, and enters the park land of

27 Footscray meadows. Here it flows under the Five Arches bridge built in 1781 as part of Capability Brown’s design for the meadows. Then on past Loring Hall, once the home of Lord Castlereagh, who committed suicide there in 1822. It continues through North Cray and Bexley, where there is a restored Gothic bathhouse; part of the Vale Mascal estate. It is then joined by the river Shuttle and continues through parkland of Hall Place, built in 1540 for John Champneys. It then turns east through Crayford and Barnes Cray before joining the River Darent.

The River Cray is mentioned in the Doomsday book of 1086AD. It was instrumental in industrial development, powering fourteen watermills, including four flour mills.

There was brick making at Crayford, tiles at Bexley, tanneries, barge building and chemical manufacture. The arms industry became the biggest source of employment in the area. Here was developed the famous Maxim gun. The Vickers Armstrong factory was founded here, making planes, motor cars and parts for the bouncing bomb used by the dam-busters. Dace are amongst the most common fish in the Cray, with Pike and Eels.

Ken Bishop

Bodiam for Boaters National Trailboat Festival 25th to 27th May 2013 IWAKES, in conjunction with The National Trust, are running the 2013 trailboat festival at Bodiam Castle on the River Rother at Bodiam, East Sussex. The River Rother is a beautiful river running through mainly unspoiled countryside in Kent and Sussex and is sadly little used for navigation although there are some boats moored on the river. We hope the festival will promote an increase in navigation and also publicise IWA to the many visitors who come to the fantastic National Trust Bodiam Castle.

The event will be quite different to other recent trailboat rallies in that there will be no stalls other than an IWA marquee including displays from our local restoration schemes. Visitors will have the chance to explore Bodiam Castle, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/, and the Rother Valley. A trip boat the Dannie Lee runs on the river and provides trips between Bodiam and Newenden. Trail-boaters will be slipping their boats into the river at Scots Float in Rye next to the tidal lock and they have 12.5 miles of non-tidal river to cruise up to Bodiam.

During the weekend trips will be made available for boaters to various local attractions and discounts are being negotiated for some local attractions including the Kent & East Sussex Railway, which has a station just up the road from the castle. Subject to availability we hope to be able to make some of the trips available to IWA members and more details will be available in due course. On the Saturday evening there will be a display of illuminated boats and we are hoping that this will be part of a Bodiam village event. We hope members and non-members will enjoy a great day out in beautiful surroundings and that we will be able to publicise the important work that IWA carries out.

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Future IWAKES and Other Events Thu 15th Nov: 7.00pm for 7.30pm Upper Room, Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DM (near the Railway Station and 200 yards from Clair Hall) John Morris, a Director of the River Stour Trust, will give a presentation on the trials and tribulations they face in restoring the Suffolk Stour, a similar project to the Sussex Ouse. SORT and IWAKES joint meeting.

Thu 6th Dec: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: “Paddle Steamer Medway Queen – Heroine of Dunkirk” TMCA and IWAKES preChristmas get-together

Thu 24th Jan: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Strood Yacht Club, Knights Road, Strood: “Implementing the Medway Plan”: Phil Munslow will describe the works undertaken (and still being undertaken) by Environment Agency on the Medway over the past ten years.

Wed 27th Feb: 8:00pm for 8:15pm IWAKES AGM at St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone.

Alan & Christine Smith will then speak on “Shared Ownership of Boats”.

29 st

Thu 21 Mar: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Grove Ferry Boat Club, Grove Ferry Road, Upstreet, nr Canterbury: CT3 4BP “The Basingstoke Canal�: Gareth Jones, Chairman, G&R Branch.

Fri 24th to Mon 27th May National Trailboat Rally: Bodiam (www.waterways.org.uk/bodiam2013) Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

Thames Barge Cambria at the pontoon at Gravesend Pier (see article on page 22) [Photo: Angela Acott]

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Oxfordshire Branch News Chairman’s Report What an exciting summer it was on the water. If you were fortunate in being there, I trust that you had a good time too. The Branch has enjoyed two excellent meetings of the new season (see reports on pages 31 & 32).

Work has started on construction of the 250 berth marina at Cropredy.

Vale of White Horse District Council gave planning permission for the change of use for Brandy Island, Buscot under the new planning framework (reported in the Autumn edition). This has irritated the National Trust despite their having approved the new system.

The Branch submitted comments on Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan (reported in the Autumn edition), giving support for the place given to the canal. We suggested that the plan should give greater recognition to the opportunities for the enhancement of the canal and for the role of the canal as an open space.

The weather for both days of “Oxford Open Doors” in mid-September was very good. The Branch, for a fourth year, provided crews for the trip boats giving free rides. This was again much appreciated by Oxford Preservation Trust and the

about 700 visitors who had a ride. Many thanks are given to the members who worked so hard over this weekend. The Branch will not be able to do so again unless a rather greater number volunteer to help.

31 Banbury Canal Day was a glorious sunny day but all appreciated it being rather cooler than last year. The trip boats were again popular. A huge thank you is due to Sovereign Wharf for running the landing stage for two of the three trips. The association (the Oxfordshire Branch and some members of other Branches) just managed to provide enough crews for the day. Everyone enjoyed themselves. It will be difficult to crew next year unless there are some additional volunteers.

In March I will have served the three allotted years on the Branch committee. I will not be [Photo: Robin Williams] seeking re-election. I have much enjoyed making a contribution to the association and the Branch, especially on planning issues, but cannot cope with the work load.

Chris Wardley

Past Events Branch meeting Wednesday September 12th 2012 “Birmingham and Black Country Canals” Speaker: Phil Clayton, Birmingham Canal Navigations Society Past Chairman of the BCNS Phil Clayton described the industrial history of the Black Country waterways around Wolverhampton and Dudley and the Birmingham canal network, illustrating his talk with vivid slides of different scenes as far back as the 19th century, through to the present day.

The engineers responsible for designing and building the bridges, aqueducts, tunnels, locks, wharves and the canal cuts included Thomas Telford, James Brindley and John Smeaton.

Industry in this area was largely coal mining, lime and steel production; hence the necessity for a good transport system to take these and other manufactured goods to the place of use. Contrary to popular understanding, the advent of the railway system did not cause the demise of canal transport in this area; the two systems worked together. It was the improvement in road transport after the First World War that led to the decline and ultimate abandonment of commercial waterway traffic by the 1960s.

Boats were originally horse drawn and stables provided along the routes, one of which survives at Tipton and is now an outdoor recreation centre. One of the biggest carriers was Fellowes, Morton and Clayton. The term “Josher” describing one design of boat, was taken from the name of Joshua Fellows of this company.

These boats often pulled several open topped day boats with a rudder that could be attached either end, which were known as “Joeys”. Carriers paid for their passage

32 at toll houses which were sometimes on a long thin island in the middle of the cut; these islands survive today. One is in Gas Street Birmingham near the ICC. Lord Dudley funded the building of the Dudley tunnel for the mining and transport of lime that had been mined out of the hillside. Boats had to be “legged” through and in 1853 41,000 boats were taken in this way, an amazing feat.

Fittingly the headquarters of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Trust is in the restored Titford Pumphouse at Oldbury on these waterways.

This was an informative, entertaining talk by a very knowledgeable and amusing speaker- thank you Phil.

Sue Wardley, Programme Secretary Branch meeting Wednesday October 10th 2012 “The Cutty Sark” Speaker: Martin Woodgett Fundraiser for the Cutty Sark Trust Martin had a number of surprises for us, the first being the playing of Wagner’s Flying Dutchman Overture to herald his talk and the second the fact that his great grandfather Richard Woodgett was the captain of this iconic Clipper merchant ship from 1885 until 1895. In addition Martin’s grandfather, who he remembers well, became first mate.

Cutty Sark was built in 1869 in Glasgow for the London ship owner “White Hat” Willis as a rival to Thermopylae which belonged to the White Star Line and was built the previous year. Cutty Sark was built to a very high standard and in terms of speed, beauty and design she was a marvellous example of British inventiveness at which the rest of the world gasped in admiration. These ships were used in the China tea trade and each year large sums changed hands in bets on the first ship to be back in England with the new season’s crop.

Cutty Sark was named after a shift or petticoat described in Robert Burns poem Tam O’Shanter, worn by a beautiful witch called Nannie, who chases after a drunken farmer called Tam but manages only to catch the tail of his horse as he jumps over a stream. (Witches cannot cross moving water!) This witch is the figurehead on the prow of Cutty Sark and her left arm is outstretched, holding the tail of the horse.

The Suez Canal opened the same year as Cutty Sark was launched and this, combined with the advent of steam ships, gradually led to the decline of the Clipper trade and the ship finished her commercial days in the Portugese coastal trade until 1922. She was spotted deteriorating in Falmouth harbour by a retired naval commander Captain Wilfred Dowman, whose second wife, a Courtauld heiress financed her purchase and restoration. Cutty Sark was used as a Thames Nautical training ship during World War II and the Cutty Sark Preservation Society (later known as the Cutty Sark Trust) was founded with the Duke of Edinburgh as President, leading to the opening of the ship for public exhibition by the Queen in 1957.

Cutty Sark is the best preserved and only surviving merchant ship of this type and after the fire in 2007 she has been restored again. She is now back on view to the public at her home in Greenwich, a continuing memorial to the fortitude and heroism of the sailors in the convoys of merchant ships during the second world war.

Martin gave us a wealth of information about life on board a merchant ship in the 19th century, details of its design and construction, cargoes carried and routes which were governed by the prevailing, especially Trade winds and currents.

Sue Wardley, Programme Secretary

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Forthcoming Events You are invited to join us on the following dates: Wed 12th Dec

Skittles Night Please note - booking with Ann Yeatman is required (contact details below)

Wed 9th Jan

Waterways Quiz Richard Fairhurst, Waterways Journalist & Writer

Wed 13th Feb

Nautical Knots – A practical evening with Peter Darch

Wed 13th Mar

AGM

th

Wed 10 Apr

Working Boats and Boat people remembered Roger Wickson - Grandson of Lilian Wickson, the last landlady of the lockside pub The Three Pigeons which closed in the 1950s.

Unless otherwise stated the above events are held on Wednesday evenings in the Social Club at Kidlington Football Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT. 7.30 pm for 8.00pm. New members and visitors most welcome.

For more details or directions phone Ann Yeatman – tel: 01865 372552.

Southampton Canal Society Forthcoming Events Thu 6th Dec

Annual Intersociety Waterways Quiz, as last year’s winners SCS will be setting the questions and hosting the evening, followed by an American Supper. Supporting teams are IWA Guildford & Reading, IWA Salisbury and SCS. Ex Solent & Arun members are welcome to come along.

Thu 3rd Jan

Members Waterways Photographic Evening and Competition.

A chance to show off your favourite pictures.

Thu 7th Feb

Still to be confirmed

Thu 7th Mar

We welcome John Dodwell, a Trustee of the Canal & River Trust, he will update us on the Trust, plus give us the opportunity for Questions and Answers. On this occasion SCS members will be joined by local IWA members for a 'joint' meeting which we hope will be well supported. Please email alanjrose@btinternet.com if you wish to come along and any questions which you may wish to ask John.

Meetings are held at the Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton, SO16 7JZ at 7.45 pm. For Monthly newsletters visit www.sotoncs.org.uk Angela Rose

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Small Boat Rally on the summit pound On a bright and breezy Saturday morning at the end of October around a dozen assorted craft took part in the Trust’s Small Boats Rally, the keenness of the crews being matched only by that of a biting northerly wind. Launching near the causeway over the canal at the Compasses, the boats were able to travel along the canal through Farnhurst Bridge and onwards to the A281 road crossing at Fast Boats returning through Farnhurst Bridge on the W&ACT cruise

Bridge. Close by the start they passed the moorings of the John Smallpeice, the small trip boat with which the Trust successfully began public cruises on this section of the canal early in September following extensive work by various volunteer working parties.

Regular use of this section of the canal marks another milestone in the Trust’s achievements and their aim to build on the successful operations already well established at Loxwood.

Assorted craft at the Small Boats Cruise landing stage

[Photos: Ray Carnell] Ray Carnell

Santa’s sleigh is to take to the canal Santa is pleased to announce that he has found some space in his diary in the run up to his busy Christmas period this year so that he can cruise the Wey & Arun Canal for some special boat trips starting from the Canal Centre by the Onslow Arms in Loxwood, West Sussex, RH14 0RD. Boys and girls hoping to meet Santa in person will have their chance on the trip to tell him what they’d like for Christmas as well as receive an early gift from him.

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New guide to exploring the Wey & Arun Canal The WACT recently published a new guidebook Visiting the Wey & Arun Canal that aims to make it easier for visitors to use the canal for leisure activities and to find out more about the canal’s history and its route. The 72-page guide includes colour photographs, as well as maps and details of how to access parts of the canal by road and by public transport.

Sally Schupke, chairman of the Trust said “This marvellous little book is an absolute must for anybody wishing to visit the Wey & Arun Canal. They will have the opportunity to see where original canal structures still stand, newly restored areas, and explore its path through Surrey and Sussex countryside”.

The new guidebook is priced at £5 and is available at the Loxwood Canal Centre (telephone 01403 753999, email canalcentre@weyandarun.co.uk) or by mail order (plus £1.50 P&P) from the WACT office, The Granary, Flitchfold Farm, Loxwood, RH14 0RH (01403 752403).

Opening of Gunpowder Store at Shalford There was a lot of public interest in the opening of the Gunpowder Store at Shalford as part of the Heritage Weekend in September. The good weather encouraged many for the guided walk to Bramley such that there were sufficient numbers for there to be two groups, conducted by W&ACT members.

Crowds gather at the Gunpowder Store prior to the walk to Bramley [Photo: Ray Carnell]

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Small Boat Rally on the summit pound On a bright and breezy Saturday morning at the end of October around a dozen assorted craft took part in the Trust’s Small Boats Rally, the keenness of the crews being matched only by that of a biting northerly wind. Launching near the causeway over the canal at the Compasses, the boats were able to travel along the canal through Farnhurst Bridge and onwards to the A281 road crossing at Fast Boats returning through Farnhurst Bridge on the W&ACT cruise

Bridge. Close by the start they passed the moorings of the John Smallpeice, the small trip boat with which the Trust successfully began public cruises on this section of the canal early in September following extensive work by various volunteer working parties.

Regular use of this section of the canal marks another milestone in the Trust’s achievements and their aim to build on the successful operations already well established at Loxwood.

Assorted craft at the Small Boats Cruise landing stage

[Photos: Ray Carnell] Ray Carnell

Santa’s sleigh is to take to the canal Santa is pleased to announce that he has found some space in his diary in the run up to his busy Christmas period this year so that he can cruise the Wey & Arun Canal for some special boat trips starting from the Canal Centre by the Onslow Arms in Loxwood, West Sussex, RH14 0RD. Boys and girls hoping to meet Santa in person will have their chance on the trip to tell him what they’d like for Christmas as well as receive an early gift from him.

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The trip also includes refreshments, with mulled wine and mince pies for the adults and biscuits and soft forwine children.

The special trip alsoChristmas includes refreshments, withdrinks mulled and mince pies for the adults and special Christmas biscuits and soft drinks for children.

The Santa Cruises will depart from Loxwood at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm on th th st nd Sunday 9th,Cruises Saturday , Sunday , Friday , Saturday and Sunday 23rd The Santa will15depart from 16 Loxwood at21 11am, 12noon,222pm and 3pm on th th th st nd December.

Tickets, costing £9 per person, should be booked in advance at the Sunday 9 , Saturday 15 , Sunday 16 , Friday 21 , Saturday 22 and Sunday 23rd Wey & ArunTickets, Canal Trust’s onperson, 01403 752403 or booked office@weyandarun.co.uk.

December. costingoffice £9 per should be in advance at the Bookings areCanal also being taken public trips onorBoxing Day (at 11.00am, Wey & Arun Trust’s officeforonthe 01403 752403 office@weyandarun.co.uk.

12noon, New Daytrips (at 12noon, 1pm and tickets Bookings2pm are and also 3pm) beingand taken forYear’s the public on Boxing Day (at2pm), 11.00am, which cost £5.00 adults £2.50 forDay children.

12noon, 2pm andfor 3pm) andand New Year’s (at 12noon, 1pm and 2pm), tickets [For information see and www.weyandarun.co.uk whichfurther cost £5.00 for adults £2.50 for children. or contact the Trust’s office as above].

[For further information see www.weyandarun.co.uk or contact the Trust’s office as above].

South London Branch Meetings South London Branch Meetings South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month

at 7:30London for 8:00Branch pm in The Primary The Reformed Church Hall,month South Meetings areRoom, held on theUnited second Wednesday of each Addiscombe Grove, CR0 5LP. to Reformed the talks and presentations is at 7:30 for 8:00 pm inCroydon The Primary Room,Admission The United Church Hall, free to all, members or non-members, we do request contribution Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP.although Admission to the talksaand presentations is towards room hire and programme for meetings is as follows: free to all, members or refreshments. non-members, The although we do request a contribution towards th room hire and refreshments. The programme for meetings is as follows: Fri 18 Jan: New Year Dinner. Details to be confirmed Fri 18th th Jan: New Year Dinner. Details to be confirmed Wed 13 Feb: Canal Cruising US Style by Alan and Christine Smith Wed 13th Feb: Canal Cruising US Style by Alan and Christine Smith Wed 13th Mar: AGM followed by a talk by the new National Chairman Les Etheridge Wed 13th Mar: AGM followed by a talk by the new National Chairman Les Passage Wed 10th Apr: Etheridgeto Astrakhan by Roger Squires Passage to Astrakhan by Roger Squires Wed 10th Apr: For more information about South London's Social Calendar, please contact For more information about South London's Social Calendar, please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581 or email: smith.alanj@blueyonder.co.uk Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581 or email: smith.alanj@blueyonder.co.uk

Location of South London Meetings in Croydon Location of South London Meetings in Croydon

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Wilts & Berks Canal News A busy time for all concerned on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

First a few words about our Chairman. Following a heart attack and surgery John Laverick has decided to stand down as Chairman and as a trustee of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. He is recovering well from the operation and we wish him a speedy and full recovery. John has worked tirelessly to promote the Trust and he will be greatly missed. In the meantime Kath Hatton, our Vice-Chairman, is covering the role.

The Trust held their AGM on the 20th October over at Bourton near Swindon. From there it was possible to visit Steppingstones Bridge, our superb rebuilt Arch bridge near Shrivenham. We are in the process of gaining a lease over a large section of the canal here but permission has been given for towpath work and the West Vale Branch whose patch this is have welcomed various groups of volunteers from local businesses spending a day getting active and putting something into the community. Back to the AGM. Around 120 people attended continuing the trend of recent years. We had a talk from the Wiltshire County Ecologist which was very interesting and this nicely filled a pause in the AGM agenda. There was an opportunity after the AGM for our popular Open Forum, a chance to air various issues, questions etc. These were fielded by Chris Coyle our Company Secretary, Kath Hatton and Ken Oliver Wiltshire Unitary Authority Canal Project officer.

The Canal Trust is delighted to have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary service, the equivalent of an MBE. and we are wearing our badges proudly. On the 21st September the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire presented Kath Hatton on behalf of the Trust with the actual certificate and then together with the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon took a ride on our trip boat Dragonfly.

Around Wantage and Grove we have a plethora of planning applications in process.

The good thing is that developers have started contacting us! We have been promised funds for studies from one developer and other financial contributions from others. This should help us work out engineering solutions to the various road crossings and infill around here.

In Wantage itself the Trust acquired the historic (and very small) Sack House over the Summer and have started work on bringing it up to a state where we can open it up as a (small) museum covering the history of the canal wharf.

As ever for more information take a look at the Trust website www.wbct.org.uk Brian Stovold, Trust Director and Chairman of East Vale Branch

Narrow boat Tranquil Daze at Abingdon [Photo: Ray & Caroline Sheppard]

The Inland Waterways Association South East Region: Chairman Paul Roper Cranborne, Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants RG26 5LL Phone: 01189 813381 Email: paul.roper@waterways.org.uk Guildford & Reading Branch: Chairman Gareth Jones, Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking, RH5 4QQ Phone: 07850 819071 Email: hhel@btconnect.com Kent & East Sussex Branch: Chairman Mike Hannan Trumpeter, Water Lane, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9JN Phone: 01622 890586 Email: mcfhannan@btinternet.com Oxfordshire Branch: Chairman Chris Wardley The Mount, High Street, Adderbury, Banbury, Oxon OX17 3LU Phone: 01295 810610 Email: oxfordshire@waterways.org.uk Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA. Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Tim Fry iwacargoes@hotmail.com Next issue Spring 2013 Copy date 15th January 2013

Waterways at Christmas

This year’s selection of IWA Christmas Cards again includes pictures by well-known waterways artists in the Region. From Garth Allan we have 'NB Raymond' (shown above - Code X017) whilst Michele Field's picture is called 'Upper Heyford on the Oxford Canal in Winter’ (Code X014).

If you haven’t yet got your Christmas Cards there is still time – you can see the complete range at (www.iwashop.com) and then place your order. Don’t forget there is also an attractive 2013 Calendar available price £3.60.