Newsletter of the IWA Lee & Stort Branch Spring 2019
Well, the outcome of the AGM in March, is that we now have a new Chairman! After 15 years of reclining in ‘The Chair’, Craig has finally relinquished his seat, leaving it nicely polished for Mike Newman. Craig – the Red bit!
Mike – the Blue bit!
It has been an absolute privilege to lead the Branch and whilst I stand down from being Chairman, I will remain on the committee and focus on the running of the Ware Boat Festival. So back in 2002, I took over the role from Bob Dunkley. ‘I
wish to thank Bob Dunkley for handing over the Branch in such a healthy state’. (from Craig’s 1st contribution as chairman, in the June 2002 Newsletter.) I am only the second person to be chairman of the branch, and back then we were very much the new kid on the block. The Branch was formed out of the old Lea & Stort Rivers Society in 1998. The committee and membership being passionate about the Rivers Lee and Stort meant that we had exciting times ahead. ‘It is
very good and unexpected news that the Lee navigation will benefit from the massive regeneration projects in the area of the Bow Back Rivers’.
First and foremost, I want to thank Craig Haslam for everything he has done as Branch Chairman over the past 15 years;
as so often happens, Craig stepped up to the plate when the Branch was in something of a crisis, and has held it steady over all those years, despite having a highly demanding, full-time career throughout that time. In particular, Craig had built up the Ware Boat festival as the highlight of our year and, I’m delighted to say, has agreed to stay on as Chair of the festival sub-committee, and host of the notorious Ware Boat Festival Quiz Night. I am Mike Newman, and now I have the privilege (??) of becoming Branch Chairman. In terms of bona fides for the role, my wife and I have owned the narrowboat, ‘Annie & Walt’ for the past 10 years, which is currently based at Stanstead Lock, and have lived locally (by chance mid-way between the Rivers Lee and Stort) for nearly 35 years. We joined IWA shortly after acquiring the boat and, through joining in the fun and games at Ware Boat Festivals, somehow both became involved in its organisation; my wife, Lorraine, arranges the Sunday morning riverside service, and I joined the Branch committee. The beginning of the branch was not without issues, with a few internal politics dominating the agenda of many a meeting. However, things did settle down, so we could focus on the important matters of protecting and promoting our waterways for all. ‘I intend to continue working with British Waterways and other
authorities, to ensure that our rivers remain navigable, with appropriate facilities for boaters and other river users’.
Our annual festival would alternate between Bishop’s Stortford and Ware with a campaign theme being adopted that we could rally behind. The crane at the head of the Stort, an important piece of waterway architecture, was in danger of being lost when a new development was being proposed. We not only kept the crane, had it restored, located it in pride of place, but also got it protected with the local council. The Common Wharf in Ware was in danger of being lost as a public mooring. The IWA Branch,
having worked with British Waterways and Ware Town Council to clean it up then faced it being taken over by a ‘squatter’. We lobbied the authorities and were successful in returning the wharf to public use. We have also installed new benches at Feakes and Hertford Locks, had mooring timbers installed in Ware, dangerous winding gear on the Stort altered and bridge plaques erected across our two rivers. These are some of the successes that I am proud of that we as a Branch have achieved over the last 15 years. I am also proud of the Ware Boat Festival that has gone from strength to strength over the years, with an average of 60-70 boats gathering during the first weekend every July. It is a great opportunity to promote the IWA on all we do, not just for boaters, but for the wider public who use the waterways for many reasons. It is also a great fun weekend where friends with a common interest come together and celebrate the inland waterways. So in that regard, things will not change with the transfer of Chairmanship. However, it will not have escaped the notice of any of our local members that the waterways around us have changed markedly over the past 10 years or so, with the huge increase in numbers of boats and the consequent high occupancy of recognised mooring sites. Gone are the days when you could set out with the guarantee of an overnight stop at any of the designated Visitor Moorings nearby the local towns and that – I fear – is causing many boaters to rethink whether they should keep their boat in the area, or even, whether to keep their boat at all. I’m very conscious, through the Association of Lee & Stort Cruising Clubs, that many local boat clubs are struggling for membership and that congestion is the most-quoted reason for dwindling numbers. So for that reason, one of my priorities is to work with other Branches in the London Region under Paul Strudwick’s leadership, to press for workable controls on what could soon and easily become a wholly untenable situation. Paul should be applauded for his hard work in producing the IWA London Region’s ‘Vision for London’ which is in the process of being distributed to stakeholders in the various authorities, and which could, and should, be addressing the issues
brought about by this overwhelming increase in numbers of boats on the inland waterways of the South East. It is unlikely to produce an instant result, but we now have a consistent and thought-through set of policies to keep plugging away with. If you haven’t already done so, I would encourage you all to read the document online at: www.waterways.org.uk/branches_regions/london/pdfs/vision_for_london . Enough doom and gloom! We had our first trip out on the boat yesterday which successfully blew the cobwebs away and reminded us of just how fortunate we are to have the Lee and Stort available to us. So as each of you does the same over the next weeks and months, I’ll offer you my best hopes and wishes for a thoroughly enjoyable boating season. As with every organization, it is the people within it who make it worthwhile and the IWA Lee and Stort Branch is no exception. Over the last 15 years, the committee members have always shown exceptional support to me and the Branch, as have our members. Our people are our strength and it is they who have enabled us to achieve so much during my time in the chair. I am purposefully not going to mention any individuals in danger of missing someone out. I wish Mike all the very best for his 15 years as Chairman, I have no doubt he will do an amazing job in leading the Branch in the future.
With Best regards, Mike Newman, Chairman, IWA Lee & Stort.
So from me, a genuine heartfelt Thank You to you all ! Former Chairman, Craig Haslam.
From the Region Spring is here and the waterways are once again alive with the sounds of birds, and boats moving along them. I hope you are able to get out and join us at some of the waterway events around London this year. Of course the success of these will depend on the weather so let’s hope for some good, not too hot, and with just enough rain to keep the canals and rivers navigable. Over recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of boats on London’s waterways and greater demands on the waterways corridor for leisure and commuting purposes. This is putting increasing stress on the infrastructure of London’s historic waterway system and leading to conflicts of interest between stakeholders. We believe there is a need for action to protect everyone’s enjoyment of this important asset and maintain it for future generations. London Region has, to help its campaign for a vibrant inland waterway system in London, produced its ‘Vision for London’. It sets out what our ambition is for waterways, that meet the highest ecological standards for both habitat and pollution, and that are free of rubbish. It highlights various areas of concern, from the threat of non-native plants and animals, to the need to reduce the amount of plastic entering the London Canals and River Navigations. It suggests ways, we think, that the waterways could be managed so that every boater who wishes to have a permanent mooring can find and afford one, and where all boaters can find suitable overnight moorings, while travelling around the waterways. Please have a look at it on our website at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/branches_regions/london/pdfs/vision_for_london
Over the last few decades, much of London’s waterways heritage has been lost. To support branches in protecting the remaining heritage we have appointed a Region Heritage officer who will produce and maintain a list of remaining heritage objects (for
example original lock furniture – hooks, bollards and capstans) across London Region. But he can’t do this on his own! He will need your help going out and about to identify where things are , and reporting back. We will be writing to you soon to tell you more about how you can help. Finally, can I remind you that IWA’s premier event, in London, Canalway Cavalcade, is over the weekend of the 4 th - 6th May 2019. Why not just join us for a day? It is easy to come by train, the nearest tube station is Paddington. Alternatively a lot of the parking restrictions are lifted in the area over the weekend. It is a really great family day out. As always, we are looking for new volunteers to help us run Cavalcade. If you fancy dipping your toe into the water of volunteering, please contact the team via the online volunteer form which is on the IWA Cavalcade page of the IWA website, or email them at: cavalcade.volunteer@waterways.org.uk Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Person Deputy National Chairman
During my Civic Year as Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford - and narrow boater - I am delighted to report significant progress has been made in progressing the ‘Waterside Stortford’ project in partnership with CRT, Environment Agency, The Wildlife Trusts, East Herts District Council & The Museum Stortford Waterside Stortford is a path and countryside trail along a stretch of the River Stort and Stort Navigation which passes through the historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford. To the south the river - canalised in 1789 - is navigable to London with a towpath throughout. The more rural northern section, passes through open spaces and meadows, and Castle Park, which includes Waytemore Castle, built in around 1066 by the Normans. You can read more about the project at: www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk ‘What to Do’ ‘Waterside Stortford’, and open the links.
Soon to have interpretation & information boards erected you can walk or cycle along Waterside Stortford and enjoy beautiful countryside. At 3.5 miles long, (5.6km), the trail winds its way through tranquil canal side scenes, the historic market town with its Maltings and heritage architecture, and the gentle valley of an historic chalk stream. Served by the daily running 510 bus (every 30 minutes) you can easily make a return journey. The main facilities are in Bishop’s Stortford at the mid-point of the trail. During 2019, CRT has undertaken a number of volunteer days in partnership with residents motivated by Simon Baker from the band Uncle Funk, the Canoe Club, and volunteers from IWA & Tidy-Up Bishop’s Stortford, to tidy the towpath and bank sides of litter. CRT has also engaged contractors to clear vegetation along the banks to improve navigation but there is still a little more to do. CRT will be replacing lock signage with their new livery in the coming months & replacing the long missing lock name sign at Tedmanbury Lock, near Hallingbury Marina. I was personally involved with CRT in cutting reeds in the winding hole between Wetherespoons, & Skew Restaurant, and my sincere thanks go to Sandile Mthiyane from CRT for the organizing, and Wetherspoons for the coffee & bacon butties. Naturally we would like to do more, including cutting back vegetation round our town crane, but I get particularly frustrated by those who drop litter, throw supermarket trolleys in the river, and recently, a washing machine, just above the Gas Pipe Bridge. CRT has agreed to remove these, next time the work boat is in town. My personal thanks go to everyone who continues to support these initiatives in Bishop’s Stortford, & those agencies that organize & facilitate the various events.
Best wishes & happy boating. Cllr George Cutting.
CANAL & RIVER TRUST ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO SHORT-TERM LICENCES March 2019 Following the national licensing consultation last year, the Canal & River Trust is announcing changes to the short-term licences the charity offers to visiting boaters. Nearly eight out of ten of those who shared their views on short-term licences felt it was fair to withdraw one-day licences but retain one week, one month, and thirty-day flexible ‘explorer’ licences, and price these proportionately to reflect the greater administrative costs. The Trust will continue to offer short term licences for visitors and those who have boats off the water and will remove the daily licence. Provision will be made for discounts for legitimate cruising clubs who host events that require one day licences. The revised prices are available via the Trust’s Useful Downloads, application forms and licence fees webpage. Jon Horsfall, head of customer services, at Canal & River Trust, said: “Short-term licences are valuable to visiting boaters and those who keep their boats out of the water. We want to continue to offer this service so every boater has the chance to discover our wonderful waterways. This needs to be balanced with the cost savings we need to find as a charity, to ensure our resources are best spent looking after the canals and rivers in our care. “We’ve listened to the boaters who responded to our national licensing consultation and we believe that our new short-term licence structure offers both flexibility and good value for those who choose to explore the 2,000 miles of waterway we look after.”
Notes of PLA Harbour Master’s Recreational Navigation Group (PHRNG)... … October 2018
PLA are concerned that a high proportion of the recreational users are entering the tideway without any form of pre passage planning. Without at least, a brief passage plan many are getting into difficulties that could have been avoided. To help you why not watch a short film on the PLA website, you may even recognise the narrow boat. (failing to plan is planning to fail) http://www.pla.co.uk/Leisure/Cruising-through-central-London Not complying with isophase lights - do users from upriver understand what an isophase light is? The information is on the PLA website. PLA are currently sourcing signs like those at Thames Barrier, and will trial this during Tideway* project. They have aspirations to change the lights to green and red, which would make life easier for river users. Red crosses, amber crosses and green, are being trialled, where amber corresponds to current white isophase system. Events: *Tideway Event - dealing with a large scale event on river. They are proposing an event which will coincide with the Annual Barrier closure day, with vessel racing between Putney and Greenwich. PLA have concerns, as this would be an exceptionally large river closure. Noted that the Barrier can only be legally closed for maintenance on one day each year, hence closing the barrier for events is not possible. PLA suggest starting the event on a small scale this year to discover the problems and expand it next year, rather than be too ambitious and facing the danger of future events being disallowed. (Currently 1800 boats!!) Concerns were raised that British Waterways Marinas are proposing to change Lime House Marina Basin. Five different versions of planning applications have already been put forward. A question was raised to ask if moorings at Limehouse are available for general use. It is deemed not sensible, as Class V’s pass by here often and create wash. Current proposals have been rejected and PLA will monitor any further applications. Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum/London & Thames Water Safety Team PLA are aligned with Met Police, RNLI, London Fire Brigade, MCA and London Ambulance Services, to reduce drownings on Thames. There are thirty suicides per year; some are accidental due to drink etc.
PLA are taking forward public lifesaving equipment, exploring what measures can be taken to make it less easy for an individual to jump from a bridge. There are good examples where these issues have been tackled – using netting underneath a bridge etc. PLA are working in conjunction with the NHS and Marine Policing Service so that individuals can access mental health services more efficiently. LFB are now incorporating water safety. (LFB has, of course, a fire boat.)
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You will notice we are still currently in need of a Branch Secretary. It’s a very interesting role, getting the inside gen on all things Branch-related. Just right for someone wondering what to do with all the spare time on their hands. Everyone who is interested, please contact Mike Newman (back page). CANAL & RIVER TRUST’S DREDGING PLANS FOR 2019-20 The Canal & River Trust is spending £8 million on dredging in the financial year 2019-20 to help keep the waterways navigable for boaters. The comprehensive programme covers locations identified by boaters, as well as the places that need dredging every year. The Trust will be carrying out dredging work on the following canals over the next year: Oxford Canal (various locations between Enslow and Wolvercote); Grand Union Canal (various locations between Bull’s Bridge and Boston Manor); Upper & Lower Peak Forest Canal (River Tame to Whaley Bridge); Macclesfield Canal (at various lengths); Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (Sebastopol to Usk Road); Coventry Canal (Coventry Basin to
Hawkesbury); Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Diglis to Lea End Lane); Llangollen Canal (spot dredging); and Chesterfield Canal (River Trent to Babworth). Annual maintenance dredging will take place on the River Weaver (including Hunts Lock), the Ribble Link, the River Severn and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, and throughout the Yorkshire and North East region. The Trust will also be clearing the River Thames approach to West India Dock, the River Mersey approach to Canning Half Tide Dock, and lock approaches on the River Trent. This year the Trust will also be supporting feeder improvement works at priority locations across the network to maintain water feed – more important than ever given the dry weather over the past few years. Alongside this, the charity will take on jobs that arise throughout the year and investigate sites for work in the future. Jon Horsfall, head of customer service support at Canal & River Trust, said: “Any boater will tell you how important dredging is, and we agree. It’s a never-ending task, and a necessary one, as we as work to keep the waterways navigable and stop them becoming silted up. We listen to boaters’ feedback and we target our dredging accordingly: if we get lots of reports of a problem spot, it will go onto our priority list. This year we’ll be tackling plenty of places that boaters have told us could do with a little extra attention. We’ll also be focusing on supporting our charity-wide water saving work by using dredging to help clear feeder channels in key spots. “Please do share your knowledge and experience with us. Together we can make sure we target our resources to make the biggest difference we can to your cruising, so you can relax and enjoy your time on the water.” Boaters can get in touch with the Trust by filling out a webform, calling 0303 040 4040, tweeting @CRTcontactus, or getting involved in a regional user forum.
Committee Members Chairman Mike Newman m: 07887 540 398 e: mike.newman2@btinternet.com Secretary, Membership Secretary Position Currently Vacant
Treasurer Carole Beeton m: 07905 701 948 e: robandcarole@msn.com
Joint Events Officers Banny Banyard Terry Stembridge m: 07860 669 279 m: 07709 205 498 e: banny.banyard@btinternet.com e: terrystembridge32@hotmail.com Magazine Editor Monica Hawes Bob Langley m: 07943 169 800 h: 01707 646 876 e: monicaforboats@hotmail.com e:robert@bobbunty.plus.com Craig Haslam George Cutting m: 07956 848 025 m: 07721 654 410 e: craighaslam5@gmail.com e: georgecutting@btinternet.com
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this newsletter, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy, or an official announcement unless otherwise stated. IWA accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter. The IWA is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England n o 612245. Registered charity no 212342. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783 453. Web: www.waterways.org.uk