Meridian Cuttings - Autumn 2023

Lee & Stort

The Newsletter of South London, North & East London and Lee & Stort Branches Issue 31 Autumn 2023

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Paddle steamer Waverley moored at Whitstable Photo Libby Bradshaw Lee & Stort Report

Front Cover

The Waterways Ombudsman

Page 4

Musings of Banny Bantock

Page 5

South London Branch Boat Trip on the Wey & Arun Canal

Page 6/7

London Walks Programme

Page 8

IWA Membership Discounts

Page 9

London Region Charman’s Report

Page 10/11

North & East London Chairman’s Report

Page 12/13

South London Chairman’s Report

Page 14 - 16

London Region Socials

Page 17

Fund Britain’s Waterways Update

Page 18

Ware Boat Festival

Page 19/20

South London Socials

Page 21

Meeting Location Maps

Page 22

Branch Committee Members and Contact Details

Page 23

Page 3

Waterway Recovery Group on the Cotswold Canals Photo Tim Lewis Back Cover

In our last issue Banny Banyard jokingly referred to RMT flags at Cavalcade. A lady from the union contacted me to point out that the ‘M’ in RMT referred to Maritime and that the union had many members involved in waterway activities. I offered to publish something in this issue, if provided, but regret I have lost the lady’s contact details. If you read this, please get in contact. Editor

Some Other Flags at Cavalcade Photo Tim Lewis

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For over 40 years until 2016 there was a weekly broadcast on US public radio of a program(me) called ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ hosted by Garrison Keillor. Each one included a segment called ‘News from Lake Wobegon’ – a fictional, small rural town in central Minnesota. The monologue would always begin: "Well, it's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, my hometown, out there on the edge of the prairie" and would close with "That's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average". I don’t know if any recordings are available as podcasts or whatever, but - if they are - I would recommend listening.

So what has this to do with IWA’s Lee & Stort Branch? Well, From my own collection-Ed. it’s been a quiet week…

The highlight of our year is always the Ware Boat Festival run, in July, alongside the town-wide Ware Festival. Thanks in particular to Craig Haslam (who chairs our sub-committee which organises this each year) but to the rest of our committee as well, by following our well-tried pattern of events, the Boat Festival ran smoothly and was well-attended. Craig’s write-up of the event is elsewhere in this edition.

The Environment Agency plan to replace the gate and improve the operating equipment at Stanstead Sluice, as the existing are now reaching the end of their working life after 45 years service. They will replace the existing single sluice gate with two smaller gates.

The existing sluice is a barrier to the free passage of fish and eels migrating up the river. As part of this project, new fish and eel passes will be constructed to enable the free passage of fish and eels around the sluice.More information can be found on-line at:https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/hnl/stanstead-sluice-replacementproject-information-p/ Otherwise, that’s the news from…

With best regards Mike Newman Chairman, Lee & Stort Branch Inland Waterways Association

Ware Lock and Mill, Stanstead Sluice is to the right of the lock Photo Chris Bushill

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The Ombudsman scheme deals with complaints about the Canal & River Trust and the Avon Navigation Trust, referred to the Ombudsman after completion of the Trusts’ own complaints process. The service is free of charge to complainants. The ombudsman cannot consider complaints about other waterways, such as those operated by the Environment Agency, or any marinas or moorings other than those owned by the Trust.

The Waterways Ombudsman and the Waterways Ombudsman Committee have, recently, issued their Annual Reports for 2022/23. This is the fourth annual report of the Ombudsman, Sarah Daniel. The report is available online at: woc-annual-report2022-23.pdf (waterways-ombudsman.org) The report tells us that during the year, the Ombudsman received 41 enquiries about the Canal & River Trust, none about the Avon Navigation Trust. The majority of contacts, 32, had not completed the internal complaints process and were referred back to the Trust. In addition, she received 13 enquiries about bodies outside jurisdiction and signposted them to the correct dispute resolution scheme. Five new investigations were opened, eight investigations were closed.

Of the 8 investigated complaints, one was upheld, one was upheld in part, six were not upheld. 3 of the Ombudsman’s final decisions were accepted by the complainant and the Trust completed the required remedies.

Unusually this year 7 of the 8 investigations were from householders living next to the canal and only one was from a boater. The report includes summaries of all completed investigations.

The Ombudsman can be contacted by telephone, post, email, or by submitting an enquiry via the website. Please note that the Ombudsman works part-time, and may not always be able to respond quickly. All correspondence to and from the Chair goes via the Ombudsman email, enquiries@waterways-ombudsman.org for auditing purposes.

You can contact the Ombudsman by Telephoning on 01925 263970 Emailing to enquiries@waterways-ombudsman.org Or by writing to: The Waterways Ombudsman, PO Box 1340, Warrington, WA4 9TT

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Two Sheds (may he rest in peace) was not as well-endowed as Three Burgees Tara Rose? As you may know, Tara Rose occupies slot number two, above the Horse Bridge, at every Cavalcade of any note, and has for more than two decades. Back then, as a mere youngster, but not quite a freshly emergent, from Sam Springer's Market Harborough boatyard.

But now, she has been granted Historic Boat Status by the National Historic Boat Register. She is, with her three Burgees, registered #3776 and the only Sam Springer on the register(?). Badger is famed for being "The oldest Springer in town", but Pouge O’Deise claims on Facebook that there were never ever any Springer wooden tops?

Why three burgees? Two boat club Burgees at the stern, with the red one, of course flown to port. At the bow, a sacrificial IWA burgee of the new design.

Why sacrificial? Reasons are twofold: �� as a long-standing committee member, I felt redesigning a well-loved logo was just a waste of money, if sword is good enough for a national newspaper, why not IWA? �� Secondly it is to preserve the new burgee of the original design for use on important occasions.

Fingers crossed that Cavalcade 2024 will lead to her being shewn some respect by the parochial Lea & Stort commentators during the Historic Boat Parade but I counsel against holding your breath (unless you relish going blue in the face).

Bio Muck Spreader Jnr. Aka Banny Bantock PS Maybe one day I’ll understand what he’s on about (ED)

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The Wey and Arun Canal Trust (WACT) offered the South London Branch a free 90 minute trip on the Wey and Arun Canal, because we made a donation to the Trust.

WACT have three trip boats which offer public trips and charters to raise funds for restoring the Canal. The boats depart from the Canal Centre, behind the `Onslow Arms’ Loxwood, West Sussex when there is sufficient water in the Canal. The boats are operated by volunteer skipper and crew. You can find more information on the boat trips at www.weyarun.org.uk/trips One of the WACT trip boats `Wiggonholt’ is a wide beam electric boat, which seats 48.

On 10th May 2023, 18 members and friends from the South London Branch boarded Wiggonholt for a lovely afternoon cruise on the canal from Loxwood to Southland lock.

A map of the Canal is below.

Map courtesy of https://weyarun.org.uk/backdrop/content/detailed-maps-canal 6

Once we boarded `Wiggonholt’ at Loxwood wharf, we had a briefing by the skipper, who informed us we would be cruising under Loxwood bridge (which now takes the canal under the High Street) through Loxwood Lock, Devils Hole Lock, and on to Southland Lock. Although Southland Lock has been restored, the rest of the canal is not navigable, so the skipper turned Wiggonholt just before Southland Lock and we returned to Loxwood wharf.

Once we returned to Loxwood wharf, we thanked our crew, and then had an opportunity to visit the canal centre. Several of us finished off our trip by having a drink and meal in Onslow Arms, especially as it’s the only canal side pub on the Wey and Arun Canal.

Lesley Pryde-Coales, Publicity Officer; IWA South London Branch

Shea Richardson (Social Secretary) & Ian Sesnan on board Wiggonholt

Wiggonholt and Skipper Ian Pryde & Shea on Wiggonholt

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Date

Route

5 Nov Sunday 19 Nov Sunday 3 Dec Sunday 17 Dec Sunday 1 Jan Monday 7 Jan Sunday 21 Jan Sunday 4 Feb Sunday 18 Feb Sunday 3 Mar Sunday 17 Mar Sunday 31 Mar Sunday 7 April Sunday 21 Apr Sunday 5 May Sunday

Start (Tube Stn.)

Royal Victoria Dock – East India Dock

Royal Victoria DLR (IFS Cloud/Seagull Lane exit) Regent’s Canal : River Tyburn – Little Venice Baker St (Baker St North/Lords exit) Grosvenor Canal and Battersea Power Station Victoria (Wilton Street exit, opp. Apollo Victoria Theatre) Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square King’s Cross (meet by Taxi – St Pancras Queue by Pret a Manger) Regent’s Canal: Little Venice - Camden Warwick Avenue Regent’s Canal: Islington - Kingsland Road Angel Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square- King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Camden Queue by Pret a Manger) Regent’s Canal: Mile End – Limehouse Mile End Grosvenor Canal and Battersea Power Station Victoria (Wilton Street exit, opp. Apollo Victoria Theatre) Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Granary Square- King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Camden Queue by Pret a Manger) Limehouse - Thames - Docklands Westferry DLR (by Cycle Hire Point) Regent’s Canal: Little Venice - Camden Warwick Avenue Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - Hitchcock’s King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Hackney Queue by Pret a Manger) Royal Victoria Dock - East India Dock Royal Victoria DLR (IFS Cloud/Seagull Lane exit) Regent’s Canal: River Tyburn - Little Venice Baker St. (Baker St. North/ Lords exit)

Start time for all Walks is 2.30 p.m.

Normal charge: £15 Concessionary and Student rate: £10 Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £10 Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5 (Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free) Prior booking is strongly recommended: Please contact London Walks: 020 7624 3978 Or email them at: london@walks.com It is a good idea to watch the IWA website (waterways.org.uk) or the London Walks website (walks.com) to see if any late changes to the walk have had to be made.

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IWA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS Valid 01.09.2023

Enjoy the Waterways Through Hire Boats and Leisure ABC Boat Hire - 15% discount on holidays (Direct Bookings Only) All Leisure Boating - 15% discount on holidays (Direct Bookings Only) CanalCruising.co.uk - 10% discount Canal Boat Magazine - 5 issues for £5.00 City Centre Cruises - 10% discount for Sunday lunch cruises Frangipani SUP Ltd - 10% discount Jenny Wren - 10% discount off cruises Roam & Roost Holidays – discount when booking direct online Wyvern Shipping Co. Ltd - 20% discount on published prices Eating Out Kings Lock Tearooms, Aylestone - 10% discount off food The Clifford Arms Pub, Great Haywood - 10% discount off food The Bounty Pub, Bourne End - 10% discount off food Better Value on Boats and Equipment Boatshed Grand Union - 10% discount on brokerage Calcutt Boats - 5% online discount Channelglaze Ltd. - 10% discount on double glazing Cotswold Outdoor - 10% discount IceGripper - 20% discount on ICETrekker Diamond Grip Kings Lock Chandlery - 5% discount (exclusions apply) Midland Chandlers - 5% discount in-store only RoadPro - 5% discount Willowbridge Marina - 10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard Services Birmingham & Midland Marine Services - 10% discount on group bookings Forge Studio - 10% discount Harbour Clean - 10% discount Lee Sanitation - 10% on orders over £100 Paper Wizard - 15% discount River Canal Rescue - up to 15% discount Wavetrain Marine - 5% discount on selected training For more information, including how to access the offers, visit https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-give/join/become-a-member/iwamembership-discounts

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Have you signed the “Fund British Waterways” Petition? If not please go to our website https://waterways.org.uk/fund-britains-waterways where you will find a link to the petition. This is important as we need to demonstrate to government that people care about the waterways. If you have already signed, please encourage your friends and family to sign as well. Thank you. By the way, if you are confused by the two campaigns on funding the waterways we are running the difference is this; the “Protect our Waterways”, campaign is IWA’s campaign, whilst the “Fund British Waterways” campaign, is being run by a collection of waterway and other interests joining together under a single banner. Both campaigns are intended to put pressure on the government, for better funding of the waterways. At the last count, the “Fund British Waterways” had over 90 organisations signed up!

This year at the AGM, I was once again appointed as a Trustee of the Association. I am hoping that this will allow me to better represent you, the members, at the highest level of the Association, as well as furthering my commitment to widening the membership of the Association so that we are recognised as being a broad “church” representing not only the boating and heritage interests, but all other users such as walkers and casual visitors.

“all other users such as walkers and casual visitors.”

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You may have noticed that we have had five Chief Executive Officers (CEO) since our long-term CEO, Neil Edwards, retired. Phil Hornsey became CEO during the final year of the pandemic, and after just over a year he left to accept a new opportunity.

Trustees then took the decision to appoint an interim CEO, while a longer-term appointment was finalised. Jonathan Smith, one of our members, stepped into that role until David Pearce was appointed. David Pearce left during his probationary period and Sarah Niblock was asked to take up the role on a part time basis. Sarah resigned, telling us the 3-day per week contract was not enough to deal with all that needed to be done, and her other professional commitments would not allow her to do any more. The board of Trustees, now recognises that they have been too ambitious in asking one person to undertake the role of CEO on a part time basis. Mike Wills, one of the trustees, is leading a small working group to review the immediate priorities of the Association and to make recommendations to the Trustees on the way forward, by the end of the year.

Finally, with the threat to the waterways from government cuts, the Association needs your help. If you have any skills, that you feel could help us in our campaigns and would like to get involved please contact your branch chair, myself, or visit the volunteering page on our website.

Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Person, The Inland Waterways Association

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This edition of our Branch magazine comes at a time of concern about the future of our Waterways in the face of reduced Government funding. As part of the Fund Our Waterways campaign and following successful events in Birmingham and Gloucester there will be a protest cruise to Westminster taking place on 14th November 2023. There are already 20 boats booked on and more are expected.

The cruise will depart from West India Dock for the Palace of Westminster to arrive circa 1420. If you're unable to join us on the water, there's also a developing plan to show support on Westminster Bridge at the appropriate 2007 Protest cruise Photo Tim Lewis time.

Your Branch continues to monitor proposed changes to the waterways covered by the branch. On the Town Planning side we review all planning applications that impact on the waterway. The economic situation means that there are fewer proposals than normal, the exception being around the River Lea Navigation and the Bow Back Rivers where applications have been submitted to fill the remaining sites of this once derelict industrial area. Proposals include the replacement of the relatively new footbridge over the Eastern end of the Hertford Union Canal.

Permission has also been granted by Camden Council for the proposed ferris wheel alongside the basin at Camden Market. Due to its height, final approval has to be given by the London Mayor. The proposals also involve access to the Dead Dog canal basin underneath the Interchange Building.

A matter of concern raised its head recently when I noticed a work boat filled with litter bins passing through St Pancras Lock. It would appear that these bins have been removed from the Regents Canal hoping that people will take their rubbish home rather than place in already overflowing bins!

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The Angel Canal Festival took place in early September. Members may recall that, after two years of running the event, CRT announced that it would not take place this year. This so concerned previous organisers that, at five months notice, a successful event was organised and put on.

Congratulations to Sasha Keir and the volunteers from St Pancras Cruising Club for their hard work in making the event a success.

Photo left shows dignitaries at the festival.

From L to R Emily Thornberry, Local MP: Richard Parry, CEO CRT: Sasha Keir, Festival Organiser: Martin Klute, Local Councillor

I congratulate Paul Strudwick as being elected as a Trustee at the recent IWA AGM. All the work described above is carried out by a small number of Branch members and I would ask that if anyone feels that they can contribute to the work of the Branch that they contact me to discuss.

Tim Lewis, North and East London Chair

Another View of the Angel Festival

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I am writing this from Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer where I have joined a group from Chiltern Branch in a trip from Tower Pier to Whitstable via Gravesend and Southend and back. We had an hour ashore at Whitstable where I visited the lifeboat station and also met members of Southend Lifeboat station who were collecting on board Waverley from Southend to Whitstable and back.

Next year sees the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI and we will be supporting events at Tower Bridge opens for Waverley coming up river stations on the tidal Thames.

3.10.23 Photo Libby Bradshaw Our branch covers the tidal Thames from Teddington down to the old GLC boundary

by Purfleet so the beginning and end of this journey covered a stretch within our branch. These waters are managed by the Port of London Authority whose Thames 2050 Vision concentrates on three areas: the Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames. Trading Thames is working towards Net zero emissions and improving infrastructure for road and rail links; Destination Thames is concentrating on accessibility of the river for sport and leisure for everyone, ‘a place to live, visit, play and enjoy’; Natural Thames is working towards clean air, water and land, increasing diversity and recreational use.

Your Tidal Thames Catchment Partnership, of which I am a member for IWA, was set up in 2012 by Thames21 and the Thames Estuary partnership. The vision is as follows: “We envisage a tidal Thames that is more accessible, greener and more connected to the wider London landscape and to the global ocean. A river that benefits people, businesses and wildlife”. Partners, apart from IWA, include government agencies, local authorities, Thames Water, the PLA, local community groups and businesses. A list of current and future projects by partner groups has been put together and was last reviewed in June. We are due to meet in November to develop an action plan on joint priorities.

Battersea Beach Clean which is funded by Thames21 with support from Wandsworth Council continues to have clean-ups of non-organic litter and non-biodegradable items below the slipway by St Mary’s Church, Battersea Church Road. These include monitoring items such as the number of plastic bottles in line with Thames21 objectives. South London Branch has offered to contribute publicity materials for these days. There are two remaining clean-up days this year: Saturday 4th November, 11.30am - 1.30pm and Saturday 16th December, 10.15am - 12.15pm. To offer to help please email batterseabeachclean@gmail.com 14

The government’s announcement of cuts to the waterways earlier this year has led to the formation of ‘Fund Britain's Waterways’ (FBW), a collaboration of 95 different organisations with over 44,000 people signing the petition. Further information and an opportunity to sign the petition may be found on the IWA website using the following link: https://waterways.org.uk/fund-britains-waterways Campaign Cruises have so far taken place in Birmingham and Gloucester and on November 14th we will be on the River Thames cruising to the Palace of Westminster.

So far there are 18 boats taking part including narrowboats, wide beam boats and commercial vessels. There will also be an opportunity to support the campaign from Westminster Bridge. Further information will be sent out as it emerges.

Branch members enjoyed a trip on the Wey and Arun canal in May, a report on which can be found elsewhere in this edition of Meridian Cuttings. In June we had a talk from Steve Haywood and Moira Haynes on their new book entitled ‘101 Wonders of the Waterways: A guide to the sights and secrets of Britain's Canals and Rivers’ which was greatly enjoyed. We then had the usual break from socials for the summer.

The Angel Canal Festival was on Sunday 3rdPanacea September. We took the branch stand with the Waterways Game and various second hand waterway books and publications.

This year we were in Graham Street Gardens instead of along the towpath but just inside the gate which was beneficial. Many thanks to all who helped on that day, especially Bob Hansen and his family. I was also manning the RNLI stand which we had next door and I am grateful to those who helped with that as well

Bob Hansen's family manning the South London Branch stand at Angel Canal Festival Continued Overleaf 15

We are due to start our social meetings again in October with a talk ‘Boots not Boats’

by Kirk Martin on walking the canals rather than boating. In September I had a week on the Clyde Puffer, VIC 32, on the Caledonian Canal with nine others from St Pancras Cruising Club. I will be giving a talk at the November meeting about the history of VIC 32, and our adventures along the Caledonian Canal. In December we will have our usual Christmas social with mulled punch and mince pies – please bring your waterway stories and pictures from this year to share, Finally, we have set a date for our annual January dinner at Fratelli Caprini restaurant, Waterloo on Friday January 19th at 7pm for 7.30pm. We are currently negotiating menu prices but it would be helpful to have an idea of numbers so please let Lesley know if you are interested at lesley.pryde-coales@waterways.org.uk – you don’t have to commit to coming at this point but she will be able to keep you informed.

Wishing you all well and I hope to meet up with some of you over the coming weeks.

Libby

Clyde Puffer on Loch Ness Photo Libby Bradshaw

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Our Region Socials have been held this year on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT. On Tuesday 20th June we had a talk, The Pirate Castle – Overcoming Modern Challenges and Building for the Future, from Tim Molloy, General Manager of the Pirate Castle. As he said, ‘the Pirate Castle has been a Camden institution and an integral part of our community since 1966. Covid, the cost of living crisis and huge societal change have thrown numerous unexpected challenges in our way but we continue to grow and survive. How have we succeeded in such difficult times?’

Tim reported on the many successes at the Castle since we tried to get back to ‘normal’.

For further information on Pirate Castle, its activities and how you can participate or contribute either as a volunteer or with a donation please visit: https://www.thepiratecastle.org/

Photo by Tim Lewis.

We had our Summer Break in July/August and were unfortunately unable to have the PLA presentation in September. Below are our autumn dates for your diaries – the full programme will be on the IWA website and will be circulated to all members of IWA London Region.

Tuesday 21st November – a talk on the Waterway Recovery Group by Tim Lewis Tuesday 19th December – a revival of the Christmas Quiz and Auction with mulled punch and mince pies. Contributions to the auction gratefully received. They don’t need to be nautical!

If you would like to be added to my circulation and are not on the IWA London Region circulation please email me as below: Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037 17

Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) continues to bring all those interested in our inland waterways together and is attracting wide public support for its campaign to safeguard the future of Britain’s unique network of inland waterways. This is to remind all members of the key messages FBW is working to convey and to alert you to next month’s Westminster Campaign Cruise on 14th November which is still open for boat registration.

Now with almost 100 organisations as members FBW is not only seeking an increase in future funding of the waterways managed by the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency but also assurance that there will be adequate investment to safely maintain the network, including those waterways managed by smaller navigation authorities. FBW’s key message is that Britain’s inland waterways are a highly valued national asset for all and must be safeguarded for future generations to come. As you know, they are enjoyed by millions of people each year and their associated businesses provide crucial employment for communities up and down the land. However, without sustainable funding arrangements all is being put at risk. Therefore, please continue to use every possible means, including social media channels, to help raise awareness of #FundBritainsWaterways and encourage people to sign FBW’s public petition which is set to soon exceed 50,000 signatures.

Maintaining FBW’s momentum in the run up to the next General Election is essential.

It is why we will continue to plan further events for the Spring following next month’s Westminster Campaign Cruise which will build on the recent success of campaign cruises in Birmingham and Gloucester. The November Westminster Campaign Cruise will involve a good variety of boats including narrow boats and working boats. The flotilla will make its way along the Thames from West India Dock to Westminster Bridge for around midday on Tuesday 14th November subject to weather conditions. The boats are expected to hold position for a short time off the Palace of Westminster before returning to West India Dock where all mooring fees have been waived for this campaign cruise.

Boats can still register up to 24th October to join the cruise and there are also some spaces left for competent crew.

If you are unable to participate on the water but would like to show your support by joining others on Westminster Bridge that day please contact Frances Phasey on Tel 07734 038 297 who can sign you up to the supporters WhatsApp group. In this way you will be kept fully up to date on the progress of the boats and their expected time of arrival at Westminster. For more details, including on registration and itinerary, please view FBW’s website page: www.fundbritainswaterways.org.uk 18

The weather during the summer weekends was a bit patchy to say the least, but we were blessed with warm sunshine and dry conditions that helped make the Ware Boat Festival 2023 a great success.

60 boats headed to the lovely Hertfordshire town of Ware on the River Lee for what we all think was our 20th gathering, having only missed out on the two years during the pandemic. We had a good cross section of narrowboats, wide-beams and cruisers who all took up their allocated moorings with relative ease because of the efficiency of our amazing harbour master, our branch chairman, Mike Newman.

Friday evening saw the return of the traditional boaters BBQ with the local parish Vicar and Mayor of Ware attending to bless the festival and sound the starting pistol for this year’s event. We fed around 125 people who were entertained by some rousing music that even led to some outbursts of dancing and singing on the towpath. We are not short of characters within our patch, that’s for sure.

This year’s theme, as set by our amazing friends in Ware Town Council and the festival organising committee was “Thank you for the music”. This gave 20 of our boats plenty of scope to decorate their vessels in that theme. They would go on to take part in the parade of decorated boats on the Saturday afternoon that has become a highlight of the Ware weekend. We had quite a range of music represented in the parade from Madness to Abba, from Elvis to the Beach Boys, from Village People to Sinatra, it really was a spectacle to behold. The River Lee was once again brought alive with sound and colour, with the patrons of the Saracens Head having the difficult task of independently judging the winner. The late afternoon saw 6 boats enter the boat handling competition, always difficult to set in quite a small part of the river, but nevertheless, our boaters were not dissuaded and performed superbly for the many gongoozlers who watched on.

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The Saturday evening saw the gathering of about 200 of us at the Ware Drill Hall for a quiz night with a difference. Sticking with the music theme, each of the 12 teams had to perform a musical number and dress up in the costumes of their artiste. We saw some great acts from Bay City Rollers, Queen, The Blues Brothers, The Beatles and many more.

Everyone joined in and had a fabulous evening where the winners of the boat parade, boat handling and quiz were announced.

The Sunday saw a Sunday Service and coffee morning that gave us all a chance to relax and unwind after a busy few days.

The IWA Lee and Short Branch use the annual Ware Boat Festival to highlight our rivers and inland waterways with the local community, highlighting our local concerns, not least about an overcrowded waterway, pollution in the water courses, pressures on funding to maintain our amazing waterway assets and this year we put the focus raising this awareness to local people whilst enjoying our marvellous Ware Boat Festival. My thanks to the committee and many volunteers for making the 2023 festival the success that it was. Here’s to 2024!!

Craig Haslam IWA Lee & Short Branch Ware Festival Chairman

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The following South London Branch social meetings take place at 7.30 p.m in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall (URCH) Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP Wednesday 11th October at 7.30pm - A presentation by Kirk Martin on walking on lost Canals - Boots not Boats.

Wednesday 8th November at 7.30pm A presentation by Libby Bradshaw entitled - Puffing along the Caledonian Canal.

Libby spent a week on board the historic 80 year old Clyde Puffer, VIC 32, cruising the Caledonian Canal in September 2023.

Wednesday 13th December at 7.30pm - Social meeting at URCH. Our annual Christmas Celebration with Hot Mulled Punch and festive snacks.

Friday 19th January 2024 - Branch Annual Dinner, Caprini Restaurant We will be holding our annual dinner on Friday 19th January 2024 at 7pm for 7.30pm at the Caprini restaurant at 77 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UD. Menus and prices are currently being discussed and will be sent to all expressing an interest when finalised.

All are welcome, including non IWA members. Please contact Lesley to express interest at lesley.pryde-coales@waterways.org.uk Wednesday 14th February 2024 at 7.30pm - Social meeting at URCH. All are welcome at our meetings, IWA members & friends/non- members. There is no admission charge for talks, film shows or presentations but we do ask for a donation of £3 per person to offset room hire charges and expenses. There is free parking adjacent to the hall and good transport links via East Croydon train & tram station.

See page 22 of the magazine for map of location.

For more information please contact the Social Secretary: Shea Richardson Tel: 07803 904803 or e-mail: shea.richardson@waterways.org.uk For updates and information on our social meetings, please check https://www.waterways.org.uk/southlondon/south_london

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IWA South London Branch, United Reformed Church, Croydon

London Canal Museum, New Wharf Road, N1 9RT 22

Role

North & East London

Chairman

Tim Lewis Tel: 02085300425 / 07802518094 tim.lewis@waterways.org.uk

Secretary Treasurer

South London Libby Bradshaw Tel: 07956 655037 libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk

Tim Lewis Ian Israel Tel: 020 84461823 ian.israel@waterways.org.uk

Vacancy Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk Shea Richardson, Tel: 02086770196 / 07803904803 shea.richardson@homecall.co.uk Judith Hunter Tel: 07773532384 judith.a.hunter@btinternet.com

Social Secretary

Vacancy

Minutes Secretary

Chris Bushill

Newsletter Editor

Chris Bushill Tel: 02082457063 chris.bushill@hotmail.com

Membership Secretary

Liz Rayner lizrayner48@gmail.com

Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk

Publicity Officer

Vacancy

Lesley Pryde-Coales Tel: 07787 372408 lesley.pryde-coales@waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer

Rod Gray rodgray125@aol.com

London Walks Representative

Roger Wilkinson –Tel: 02036129624 roger.wilkinson@waterways.org.uk

Corresponding Member Ex-Officio as Region Chairman

Simon Dyer Tel: 07857 978111 simondyer@outlook.com

Derek Humphries derek.humphries@waterways.org.uk Paul Strudwick Tel: 01248535342 / 07885240291 paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk

South London Representatives Planning & Conservation Committee: Wandle Valley developments

Eric Garland, Simon Dyer, Shea Richardson

Lee and Stort Chairman Mike Newman Tel. 07887 540398 mike.newman@waterways.org.uk

If you feel you could help with any of the vacancies or would be interested in joining us as an ordinary member we would love to hear from you 23

The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 612245 Registered as a charity no. 212342 Registered Office: 16B Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2PX Tel: 01494 783 453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk The Inland Waterways Association is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country' s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers.