The Newsletter of South London, North & East London and Lee & Stort Branches Issue 35 Spring 2026
Regents Canal City Road Lock Gate Replacement 7th November 2025 Editorial
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London Walks Programme
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Restoring Dollis Brook
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London Region Chair’s Report
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Viking Longship on the Thames
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South London Chairman’s Report
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Fund Britain’s Waterways
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Long Term Funding Plea
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London Region Socials
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Pirate Castle
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Canalway Cavalcade
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WRG on the BBC
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Doantions Please
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North & East London Chairman’s Report
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Lee & Stort Chairman’s Report
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Branch AGM Details
24,25
Canal Museum Location Map
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Committee Member Details
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London WRG on the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal
From the Editor
Front Cover
The fact that I was an English atheist climbing an Irish holy mountain had, of course, no relevance to the fact that I fell and seriously injured my shoulder. This is my excuse for not producing an autumn edition of this newsletter. Though prepped and ready for a shoulder replacement in October, I changed my mind, got dressed and walked out of the hospital. A decision I do not regret. Although still painful, I have sufficient strength and movement to not only produce this newsletter but to work with Thames 21 helping to restore the Dollis Brook to a natural river. See article on p5. Picture taken before my fall (I was nearly back down when it happened). Was the view worth it? Well I’m thinking of going up again. View is of Tully More Bay from halfway up Croagh Patrick, Westport, County Mayo, Ireland.
Back Cover
Canalway Cavalcade and IWA's 80th As many of you will be aware, 2026 is a landmark year for IWA as we celebrate our 80th anniversary, with Canalway Cavalcade 2026 forming a key focal point of the year’s celebrations. See p18 to register your interest.
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Thames 21 bringing the Dollis Brook back to life!
Date
Route Start (Tube Sta) Regent’s Canal: Little Venice – 1 Feb Sun Warwick Avenue Camden Regent’s Canal: King’s X Canal King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue 15 Feb Sun Museum Circular Tour sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) (includes visit to Museum) The secrets of the Northern Stratford (Westfield / QEOP exit: by 28 Feb Sat Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park the Pret a Manger sign) Regent’s Canal: Mile End 1 Mar Sun Mile End Limehouse Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue 15 Mar Sun Granary Square – St. Pancras sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Regent’s Canal: King’s X Canal King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue 5 Apr Sun Museum Circular Tour sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) (includes visit to Museum) Limehouse – Thames – Westferry DLR (by Cycle Hire 19 Apr Sun Docklands Point) Regent’s Canal: R.Tyburn – 3 May Sun Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) Little Venice Regent’s C: King’s Cross King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue 10 May Sun Granary Square – St. Pancras sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) Four Hundred Years of the Manor House (Finsbury Park exit: 17 May Sun New River exit 6) Regent’s Canal: Mile End 24 May Sun Limehouse Mile End 27 May Wed Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross - King’s Cross (meet by Taxi Queue 6pm start Granary Square – St. Pancras sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger)
Dollis Brook rises at two points near Barnet Gate then flows through private land under Hendon Wood Lane. Its course is eastwards through Totteridge Fields and then through fields and open spaces to King George V Playing Fields in Totteridge. The brook passes through Wyatts Farm Open Space and Brook Farm Open Space to Totteridge Lane near Totteridge and Whetstone Underground station, and then continues south through Woodside Park (where it merges with Folly Brook) and West Finchley, before passing under the Dollis Brook Viaduct which carries the Northern line between Finchley Central and Mill Hill East stations. The Brook then passes under Dollis Road and through Windsor Open Space. Near Bridge Lane in Hendon it merges with Mutton Brook to form the River Brent. Eight volunteer events have been arranged throughout the winter season to restore the Dollis Brook in Woodside Park to its former glory. Activities include removing toeboards which constrain the river thereby reconnecting the brook to its floodplain, deflector installation and invasive vegetation management. Thames 21 rewilding projects improve river bank access, increase biodiversity and beautify waterways. They help clean rivers and reduce urban flooding by creating rainscapes and reedbeds. Details can be found on the Thames 21 website https://www.thames21.org.uk/event/dollis-brook-revival-5/ Photos below show your editor and other volunteers removing toeboards.
Start time for all Walks is 2.30 p.m except the walk on 27th May start at 6pm. Rates:
Normal charge: £20 Seniors (65+) and Students rate: £15 Children aged 16 and over, accompanied by parents: £15 Children aged 8 – 15, accompanied by parents: £5 (Children under 8, accompanied by parents, go for free)
Walkabout Card: These cards are available for adults, seniors, students and children aged 16 and over accompanied by parents. They cost £5 to buy and then give £5 off every other walk taken. The cards are valid for 6 months. Prior booking is strongly recommended: Please contact London Walks: 020 76243978. Or email - london@walks.com. It is possible to check 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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Sue O’Hare, one of our national Vice Chairs has stepped down, as the Chair of “Fund Britain’s Waterways” and has been replaced by Hazel Owen, the Chair of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs. IWA is still supporting the “Fund Britain’s Waterways” campaign’s aims and objectives and their activities across the country. Again, this year they will be holding a dispersal cruise from Little Venice, after Canalway Cavalcade. It will be on the Thames tideway to Woolwich, in company with a flotilla of historic narrowboats. The aim will be to celebrate all the boats built by Harland & Wolff, as 2026 is the 90th anniversary of the fleet built in 1936, at their Woolwich works. It will be one of the first occasions this number of boats has returned to the place they were built, and a momentous opportunity to celebrate the longevity and quality of the original building work and the dedication of the owners to maintaining and restoring them Whilst on the subject of celebrations, this year IWA celebrates its 80th birthday. Look out for the events being planned to celebrate reaching the milestone.
London Region Chairman’s Report Firstly, can I wish you a belated happy New Year. Hopefully with all the rain we have had this winter we shouldn’t have too many weather-related restrictions when out on the waterways this year. However, the number of long-term restrictions across the network is increasing at an alarming rate. IWA is monitoring the situation and putting as much pressure on politicians and navigation authorities as we can. IWA's Risk Index, which maps risks across the inland waterways network from climate change and funding shortfalls, identified indefinite closures as a critical threat to the connected system. The implications extend beyond navigation. A fragmented waterway network Paul Strudwick means: • Lost economic opportunities for waterside businesses and tourism • Reduced public access to green/blue spaces for recreation and wellbeing • Irreversible damage to historic infrastructure and cultural heritage If you haven’t signed up already to our regular Bulletin please do so via our website. It is a good way to keep yourself informed on what is happening and how you can help us fight for a sustainable waterways network for our children and grandchildren.
One of the lesser-known activities of the London Region is IWA’s Towpath Walks Society. The society lead by Roger Wilkinson, conducts a regular series of guided walks along London’s canals. The walks last just over two hours and take place on two Sunday afternoons a month. See p4 for the programme of walks. The group donate all their profits to London IWA branches and the Region. Without their generous support the Region would be unable to support as many waterway activities as it does. They always need more guides for the walks, if you are interested in helping them why not drop Roger Wilkinson a line? His e-mail is rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk Paul Strudwick London Region Chair Person and Trustee Photo: https://www.theyard.info/yards/london/narrowboats.asp
I have now been your Region Chairperson for 15 years! Region Chairs are appointed for periods of 3 years so this year I come up for re-election. The appointment is made by the Associations Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Region Committee. The Region Committee is made up mainly of the Branch Chairs. Whilst I am still reasonably fit and prepared to continue for another term, if they will have me, I can’t go on for ever and you, the members of the region, need to start thinking about what you want from the London Region of the Association when I step down. I’ve been looking at all the “Chairman’s Notes” I have written over the last 15 years, in the first one I wrote I said: - The money on offer from the government for the Canal and River Trust is well below that needed for a sustainable future. Whilst there might be some wriggle from BW that will allow the trust to use its assets more profitably; the threat to the waterways caused by the economic situation is real and on-going. Unfortunately, the Canal and River Trust have not been able to find ways of filling the funding gap since then. 6
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Viking Longship Sails up the Thames Roger Wilkinson Reports Last August, bystanders beside the Thames saw a sight which the Saxons dreaded a thousand years ago – a Viking longship making its way up the Thames. This boat, called the “Saga Farmann”, is a careful replica, using correct materials and historically correct construction methods, of a trading longship unearthed at Vestfold (southwest of Oslo) and dating from 998 A.D. It is 68 ft. (20.7 mtrs) long, slightly smaller than the famous Gokstad longship, with a beam of 17 ft. (5.2 mtrs), and a (with cargo) weight of 25 tonnes. It is capable of 10 – 12 knots under sail. The hull was built using an ancient Nordic clinker technique with thin overlapping oak planks. For manoeuvring in port, they have allowed themselves the anachronism of four small electrically driven propellers. The minimum crew is six, though on sea crossings there are usually twelve to fourteen people. The crew were always wearing historically correct traditional dress whenever I saw the boat, though more modern dress has been in use at sea. Cooking arrangements are a bit like a barbeque, on the open deck. In their day, the Vikings traded to Istanbul (Constantinople) and even served as bodyguards for the Emperor in Constantinople. Inspired by this, the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation has recently navigated this longship on three long voyages which have taken it to Istanbul and back. Only once (because it wouldn’t fit in a few French locks) were the crew forced to move it across land, on the back of a lorry, for about twenty-five miles. They remark that the Vikings sometimes moved their boats across land, using wooden sleighs. On the first voyage, it travelled from Tonsberg in Norway, along the Rhine and Danube to Istanbul. For the second voyage, it sailed from Istanbul to Civitavecchia, near Rome. The latest voyage has taken it from Civitavecchia, via Marseille and Paris, to London. After sailing up the Thames, the “Saga Farmann” moored in St. Katherine’s Dock for three months and took part in the Classic Boat Festival in September. 8
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Branch Sales and Publicity Stand We have continued to take our branch stand to Waterway events with the Waterway Game and a large selection of pre-loved books. These events enable us to raise funds so we can give donations to restoration and community projects, such as the Llangollen breach mentioned above. In 2026 there are the following events known so far which we will attend if we can get enough people to run the stand: Weekend 2nd – 4th May Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice Saturday 20th June Brentford Canal Festival Sunday 14th June Culverley Green Summer Fete (near Catford) Sunday 6th September Angel Canal Festival River Thames Our navigable waterway is the Tidal River Thames and we continue to follow plans in the Port of London Authority’s Thames Vision 2050. Details on these priorities may be found in the full document on the PLA website: https://pla.co.uk/thamesvision-2050 PLA hold an annual meeting with stakeholders. We also attended the Thames Leisure Group last year and ‘Your Tidal Thames Catchment Partnership’ which meets twice a year. The next upper district public meeting will be held at the Thames Rowing Club, Putney on Monday 23 March 2026 at 6pm. If you wish to attend please register at https://pla.co.uk/public-meetings Clean-ups on the river continue to be a vital part of this work many of which are organised by Thames21. We have supported Battersea Beach Clean events which take place on Saturdays at different times, dependent on tides at the slipway by St Mary’s Church, SW11 3NA. Dates for this year’s clean-ups have not been decided due to the organiser having recent surgery. We will circulate these to members when known. Lifeboats on the Thames – Progress on the new Wandsworth Riverside Lifeboat station is going well and the building alterations are progressing. We hope to be open by the summer and there will be a visitor centre, shop and other facilities as well as those for the crews. I would expect our visit to be in August or September.
South London Chairman’s Report I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year break. We have just had our first event of 2026 with our branch dinner at 4 Fratelli Caprini, Waterloo on 23rd January. An excellent meal and we also raised £60 in the raffle. The breach at Whitchurch on the Llangollen canal has shocked us all and the branch committee has agreed to send £750 to the Canal & River Trust special appeal for this. Branch Socials Last summer I mentioned we had decided to hold our East Croydon socials on alternate months due to the recent lower attendance and not wishing speakers to have low numbers. In June we held a discussion at and about the venue and the future of branch socials. It was decided to cease the meetings at East Croydon for the time being and look at some possible outings for branch members instead which might hold more appeal. The first of these was held at the London Museum of Steam and Water, more widely known as the Kew Bridge Engines Trust. We were a small group and visited on a weekend when the engines were in steam, Sunday 23rd November. On these weekends the engines are fired up throughout the day, some at specific times so it is as well to check in planning a visit. Richard Albanese, shown in the picture, is the Project Manager and supports a team of volunteers maintaining and firing up the engines. When a group of us went on the Clyde Puffer, VIC 32, in September 2023 he was chief engineer. https:// waterandsteam.org.uk/ Other outings we are planning include a trip on the River Thames, a visit to the new Lifeboat station at Wandsworth Riverside Pier, due to open in the summer, and a visit to Crossness Pumping Station when in steam (Sundays only). Dates for these will be circulated to the membership once they are decided. Expressions of interest would be useful so please contact me at libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk or on 07956 655037. 10
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Cruises on the Thames There are two cruising dates coming up on the tidal River Thames, firstly the Fund Britain’s Waterways cruises in May (see p13) and secondly the SPCC tideway cruises in June, details of which are below. St Pancras Cruising Club (SPCC) Tideway Cruise Each year SPCC organises a tideway cruise weekend which gives people the opportunity to take their boats on the tideway accompanied by boaters and crew members who have done this before. This year the cruises are on Saturday 6th June and Sunday 7th June. Tuesday evening, 5th June – Safety Briefing & supper at the Cruising Association Bar, Limehouse
The Campaign continues in 2026. THAMES TIDEWAY CAMPAIGN CRUISES WEDNESDAY 6TH & THURSDAY 7TH MAY 2026
This year, as well as campaigning, and viewing the Capital from the river, a fleet of historic narrowboats will cruise the tidal Thames in company. Cathy Haysom, of Jules Fuels, Southern Division, writes: “We are planning to take as many historic narrowboats as possible out onto the Thames tideway to Woolwich to celebrate all the Harland and Wolff (H&W) built boats, as it’ll be the 90th anniversary of the 1936 built boats. We will overnight in the King George V dock adjacent to the old H&W works. It will be one of the first occasions this number of boats has returned to the place they were built, and a momentous opportunity to celebrate the longevity and quality of the build work, and dedication of the owners in maintaining and restoring them, that has enabled the boats to make this trip.” In support of the campaign, there are two cruises in planning immediately following Canalway Cavalcade. Subject to prevailing and forecast weather conditions, the cruises will take place on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th May. Favourable daylight tides allow for the two cruises as follows: Cruise 1 Wednesday 6th May The Thames Barrier to Margaretness with overnight moorings in Royal Docks. A cruise downstream on an ebbing tide from Limehouse Basin through the Thames Barrier to Margaretness.
Wednesday 6th June Leaving Limehouse at 08.00 travelling downstream past the Thames Barrier to Barking and back upstream to Brentford about 17.30 or Teddington at about 18.30 or Leaving Limehouse at 14.00 heading upstream and joining cruise 1 for the rest of the journey. Thursday 7th June Depart Teddington at 0530 or Brentford at 0700, for a downriver transit on the ebb tide, back to Limehouse. Expressions of Interest please contact Simon Judge at: tideway@stpancrascc.co.uk I hope members will be able to join us at some of the above events and visits and look forward to seeing you. Libby
Cruise 2 Thursday 7th May Dispersal Cruise. A cruise upstream on a rising tide from Royal Docks to either Limehouse, Brentford or Teddington, as crews decide. Expressions of interest please contact Frances & Andrew Phasey at theoldmainline@fastmail.fm
Upstream Tideway Cruise 2025 Photo Libby Bradshaw
Please visit the FBW website for the latest news at: Fund Britain's Waterways - The Inland Waterways Association. Please also consider signing the petition at: Petition · Fund Britain's Waterways - United Kingdom · Change.org. Do share with your friends. 2024 Fund Britains Waterways Cruise Outside Parliament Photo Tim Lewis 12
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IWA Calls for Long Term Funding Plan
London Region Socials Combined with North & East London Branch
IWA welcomes the £6.5m Government grant for Canal & River Trust infrastructure but warns it's a one-off payment, not systemic reform. Also warns that 3,000 miles of canals and rivers managed by Environment Agency and other navigation authorities are left without additional investment
Our IWA London Region Socials have been on hold for various reasons and our plan to alternate these with webinars has not yet been possible to organise. However, we plan to restart these soon. The first of these will be on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in April at London Canal Museum, 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT.
IWA has welcomed the announcement of £6.5m Government investment in Canal & River Trust waterways, while warning this one-off capital grant is not the systemic funding reform Britain's canals and rivers urgently need.
Tuesday 21st April 2026 7.30pm
North & East London Branch AGM
This additional investment will fund essential resilience work on specific infrastructure across the Canal & River Trust's 2,000-mile network, supporting communities, businesses and wildlife that depend on secure waterways.
8.00pm
Talk ‘Exploring Fenland Waterways’ by Simon Judge
We have tea, coffee and soft drinks available beforehand, from about 7pm, and in the break. Some of us usually go to a local pub for a drink afterwards and all are welcome to join us.
However, the funding is targeted at discrete projects (e.g reservoirs) rather than addressing the broader maintenance backlog. It provides no support for the 3,000 miles of Britain's navigable waterways not managed by the Canal & River Trust, many of which (particularly those managed by the Environment Agency) face critical infrastructure challenges due to chronic underfunding.
If you would like to be added to my circulation and are not on the IWA London Region circulation please email me as follows: Libby Bradshaw libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk 07956 655037
Mike Wills, Chair of the Inland Waterways Association, said: SOUTH LONDON BRANCH SOCIALS
"IWA welcomes any additional funding for our waterways, and this investment reflects the aims we've been campaigning for. Our ‘Risk Index’ shows that climate change poses one of the biggest threats to canal and river infrastructure, so investment specifically targeting resilience to extreme weather is a priority.
We currently have our socials at East Croydon on hold and are concentrating on visits instead. We have visited the Museum of Steam and Water and are planning future visits to the new Lifeboat station at Wandsworth Riverside Pier when it opens in the summer, Crossness Pumping station when in steam and a trip on the River Thames – see my chairman’s report on page 10
Last year's disastrous breaches demonstrated the costs of fixing problems after they happen. But our Risk Index also shows that much more is needed. This is a one-off capital grant for specific projects, not the first instalment of ongoing investment, nor part of a comprehensive review of long-term funding requirements. It does nothing to change the Government's overall funding approach to waterways, and it does nothing for the 3,000 miles of Britain's canals and rivers managed by the Environment Agency and other navigation authorities.
On Wednesday 8th April we will be holding our AGM with refreshments and an update on all that is happening on the River Thames and our branch area including an update on our new Lifeboat station at Wandsworth. Venue is not yet certain but will be circulated when confirmed. We plan to bring some of our pre-loved books to sell.
We need the Government to develop a long-term funding plan that addresses the needs of all 5,000 miles of Britain's navigable waterways. Piecemeal project grants won't build the resilient network the country needs." IWA is calling on the Government to: � Conduct a comprehensive review of funding requirements across all Britain's waterways � Develop a funding strategy that covers maintenance and climate resilience Extend support beyond Canal & River Trust waterways to the entire 5,000-mile network 14
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The Pirate Castle’s 60th Anniversary Providing Community and Canal Adventures in Camden Town Since 1966 This year, The Pirate Castle, our long-standing community boating charity based on the Regent’s Canal in Camden Town, celebrates its 60th anniversary — an amazing six decades of opening up London’s waterways to adventure, learning and community participation. Founded in 1966 as a small rowing club for children, The Pirate Castle has grown into one of central London’s most well-known and beloved not-for-profit organisations. Over the years, we have transformed from our humble beginnings into a thriving hub of inclusive outdoor activities — from kayaking and canoeing sessions to canal boat cruises and training initiatives for youth, adults, and people with disabilities. The charity’s mission has remained constant throughout its 60-year history: to make healthy, active living on the water accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Our iconic castle-style headquarters at Gilbey’s Wharf in Camden Town remains a vibrant and welcoming base for community activities, school holiday schemes, volunteer training, and subsidised paddlesport sessions that reach thousands each year. Annual participation figures have grown steadily over the years and last year we welcomed nearly 4,000 people of all ages and abilities through our doors. We work closely with many local schools, youth groups, and community organisations to bring low-cost or subsidised outdoor experiences to children and families across the borough of Camden and many other places beyond. To mark this important anniversary, The Pirate Castle has planned a series of special events and community activities throughout 2026, including anniversary paddles, open days, and fundraising efforts, all aimed at supporting our ongoing projects into the future. We feel this milestone is a fantastic opportunity, not only to reflect on our proud heritage, but also to highlight the ongoing importance of accessible waterways, with wellbeing and community connection for all. Local supporters and Pirate alumni from across London are being invited to join in the celebrations, share stories from the charity’s history, and help us ensure the legacy of The Pirate Castle continues for many years to come. We hope we will be able to welcome you somewhere along the way.
Some Images from the Pirate Castle
Saturday June 20th – Open Day with free activities Saturday September 19th – ‘Walk like a Pirate’ – probably from Hackney Wick to Camden Further information may be found at https://thepiratecastle.org/ The Pirate Castle 16
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The Following Awards will be Made at the Weekend
IWA Canalway Cavalcade
The Marcus Boudier Trophy: For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed pageant.
Around the Cut in 80 Years
The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy: For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group.
We regret that we didn’t publish our usual report from the 2025 event which, despite difficulties for many boaters getting there, was a great success. However, IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns to London’s Little Venice on Saturday 2nd May 2026 for the full early May Bank Holiday weekend. Each year we celebrate the best of life on the waterways in London and its community at Cavalcade and this year we hope will be better than ever.
The Cruise Electric Trophy: For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s procession. The Graham Capelin Award: For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday pageant or illuminated boats.
Canalway Cavalcade is IWA’s premier fund-raising event of the year, and is organised for the Association by Inland Waterways Enterprises Ltd, IWA’s whollyowned subsidiary trading company.
The Westminster Trophy: Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition.
Boat bookings are now open.
The Roger Squires Trophy: Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s 10 years as their Commodore. It is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition.
Please contact Mike Moore on mike.moore@waterways.org.uk or 07545 546865 for boat booking enquiries.
The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy: Open to boaters and non-boaters. Awarded to the couple in the best “Boaters’ Sunday Best” costume.
Also please contact cavalcade.trade@waterways.org.uk for trader enquiries. There’s something for everyone at IWA Canalway Cavalcade; a vibrant canal festival in the heart of London’s waterways. Whether visiting by boat or on foot, it’s a splendid day out for you and your family. Soak up the atmosphere surrounded by colourful craft of all shapes and sizes, alongside a multitude of unique stalls, an onsite bar, and delicious foods for all appetites.
The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy: Goes to the Best Boat at IWA Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event. It is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and IWA Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime. The Idle Women Shield: Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School. The shield will be awarded to the best female entrant in the Boat Handling Competition.
Each year we celebrate the best of life on the waterways and its community. With eclectic live music around the site, special boating activities like the legendary illuminated procession, and kids’ entertainment for all ages. You’ll also find amazing art from local schools on display, and plenty of opportunities to get involved, at IWA Canalway Cavalcade. We are currently looking for volunteers for the event – could you be one? Get in touch with us for more information at: cavalcade.volunteer@waterways.org.uk Volunteer Form at https://forms.office.com/e/8uKxQiKx5W Event Opening Times:
Saturday and Sunday 10.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. and Monday 10.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.
Illuminated boat procession, from 9.00 p.m. Sunday evening Please note that the festival site is within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, details of which can be found on the TFL website. 18
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WRG on the BBC
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On 7th January, the inspiring work of Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) reached a national audience when it was featured on BBC Morning Live. Each year, IWA and WRG run canal restoration camps across the country, bringing volunteers together for hands-on working holidays that make a real difference. Through this work, volunteers help to restore and protect Britain’s 5,000 miles of inland waterways - a unique national asset that benefits communities, wildlife and wellbeing. These camps are about more than restoration alone. They offer opportunities to learn new practical skills, spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, and enjoy a rewarding week as part of a team.
Every donation propels IWA action
BBC Morning Live went behind the scenes to show what volunteering at a WRG camp is really like. The feature focused on a camp run in partnership with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust at Rooks Hill, on the Birtley section of the canal in Surrey, and was filmed during the Summer.
Support threatened waterways and drive IWA campaigns forward.
Support from our members makes this vital work possible. IWA is the only national charity that campaigns for the whole of Britain’s inland waterways, and by joining IWA, you help ensure WRG can continue restoring waterways and creating rewarding volunteer experiences across the country.
Keep routes open, protect vital infrastructure, and secure the future of our canals and rivers.
You can watch the full BBC Morning Live segment on BBC iPlayer (from 1:01) or via our YouTube channel.
80 Years of keeping our waterways alive help us shape the next 20! Scan the QR code to donate
waterways.org.uk/donate Or call our Head Office on 01494 783453 We can also accept cheques along with your Member number. Inland Waterways Association, Hardy House, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 1EF. The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Company registration number 612245. Charity registration number 212342. Registered office: Unit 16B, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham, HP5 2PX.
2019 WRG Work Party on the Wey and Arun Canal 20
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2026 sees the 80th Anniversary of the formation of the IWA, expect many celebrations at Canalway Cavalcade. Cavalcade only happens due to the work of volunteers, please consider helping, details are on the event web site.
North & East London Chairman’s Report
The branch has made a donation towards the exciting project to restore the historic side ponds on the Hanwell flight of locks on the Grand Union Canal main line in West London. We thank the organisers of the Towpath Walks society whose donations to the Branch enable us to make such donations. If any member is aware of a waterway based organisation that would appreciate funding please let us know.
It has been a fairly quiet time on the Branch waterways this winter, stoppages at City Road and Actons Lock on the Regents Canal for lock gate replacement happened ahead of the Xmas holidays. The City Road works were very welcome as the lock had been slow to work for a while. We have been fortunate that our Branch waterways do not suffer from major unplanned stoppages but a series of embankment failures around the country including the dramatic failure at Whitchurch on the Llangollen Canal have sharply brought into focus the funding crisis facing our waterways. We would encourage members to write to their MP highlighting this. The IWA web site and magazine provide much information and examples that can be used to put our point forward.
Lastly but not leastly, I would like to thank our committee members for all the hard work carried out by the Branch. We would encourage anyone who would be interested in helping with our work to get in contact to find out where we could use your skills to ensure that our waterways have a future.
Hopefully 2026 will not see the water shortages that closed many of the country’s canals last year. We don’t seem to suffer water shortages in the South but many of our members with boats in the North have had their boating seriously impaired by this combined with the canal failures. My boating this year was mainly on canals that stayed open but the early closing of lock flights on the Grand Union Canal certainly frustrated our trip back South.
Tim Lewis North & East London Chairman
Lee & Stort Chairman’s Report It seems there is enough evidence around (although President Trump might disagree) that global warming is at the root of the fact that we seem to have an excess of water over winter months and a dearth of water during the summer months. With about a third of the inland waterways system unusable towards the end of last year that makes planning for any boating activity fraught with risk. Fortunately, here in the south, we are less prone to extremes of water level (because of all that chalk beneath us which acts like a giant sponge) so perhaps we can plan with a bit more confidence than our midland and northern colleagues. So we are planning for another Ware Boat Festival and already receiving applications. My thanks to Verena Leonardini and Neil Edwards in HQ for helping set up a proper online application and payment system:
The Branch continues to monitor waterside planning applications. The previously mentioned application at Bow Wharf on the Hertford Union Canal has been refused, however the large Bransbury estate development adjacent to the Regents Canal at the Western end of Islington tunnel eventually got its permission. The major student accommodation development of the Travis Perkins site at Paddington was eventually approved after the GLA Mayors office approved it, despite it being rejected by Westminster Council. However, reports have suggested that the developer has pulled out of the project.
https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/ware-boat-festival
Angel Canal Festival took place in September and was very successful, plans are already in place for a 2026 event.
secure within the IWA environment, rather than the ‘unofficial’ page used previously. Applications to attend always warmly welcomed! Otherwise, I’m please report that we continue to nurture a mutually beneficial relationship with C&RT staff in the area, most of which have changed over the past year and are under the direction of our new area manager, Howard Clark. Thanks to my vice-chair, George Cutting, in particular, for developing that relationship.
The London Canal Museum had a very successful 2025 with over 21,000 visitors of which 5,000 included a boat trip with visit. The museums Bantam tug has returned from extensive works including an engine rebuild. A new pontoon has been installed ahead of the planned acquisition Canal Museum Bantam Tug Photo Tim Lewis of a historic narrowboat.
We are hoping for the usual strong representation of boats from Lee & Stort Branch at this year’s Canalway Cavalcade – always assuming, of course, that we can get through Dobbs Weir lock and then Acton’s lock and then the Maida Hill tunnel… Assuming we can, then we look forward to meeting up with colleagues from the Region. With best regards Mike Newman Chairman, Lee & Stort Branch 22
BRANCH COMMITTEE ELECTIONS AGM London Branches of The Inland Waterways Association will take place as follows:
To facilitate elections at the AGMs, nominations for election to a Branch or Region Committee must be received by the relevant Branch or Region Secretary before or at the AGM (see above). All candidates and their proposers must be paid-up members of the relevant Branch and the candidate must indicate his/her willingness to stand.
North & East London 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 21st April The Canal Museum New Wharf Road N1 9RT
All elected members of a Branch Committee who have held office for a term of three years have to retire, as does any member co-opted during the committee meetings since the last AGM. Members in either category are eligible for re-election, provided that they are duly nominated as detailed above. A nomination form is printed below.
South London 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday 8th April
The particulars for each Committee are as follows: AGENDA
Deadline for Nominations
1. Apologies for absence 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2025 AGM plus Matters Arising 3. Report from the Chairman 4. Presentation of Accounts 5. Questions submitted to the Chair in Advance 6. Election to fill posts on the Committee 7. Questions from the floor
North & East London
South London
21st April
8th April
Current No of elected members
6
Members completing 3 years in post
Ian Israel Rod Gray
Members co-opted since last AGM
The formal AGM will be followed by another activity as per the branch’s social programme
5
Lesley Pryde-Coales Shea Richardson
0
0
New blood needed. Please consider joining our committees to have your say on the future of London’s waterways. A volunteer willing to take up the role of N&E London Secretary would be most welcome.
Contact Details
Note: Please note that under the new Bye-laws all Committees may vary in size according to the numbers elected. We look forward to receiving further nominations for Committee Membership.
North & East London
Chairman
Secretary
South London
Libby Bradshaw Tim Lewis e-mail e-mail libbybradshaw@wat timlewis@waterways erways.org.uk .org.uk
Committee Name:
South London* Print Name
Tim Lewis Simon Dyer e-mail e-mail . timlewis@waterways simondyer@outlook. .org.uk com
North & East London* Signature
*delete whichever does not apply Date
Candidate Proposer Seconder
24
25
Branch Committee Members Role
North & East London
South London
Chairman
Tim Lewis Tel: 02085300425 / 07802518094 tim.lewis@waterways.org.uk
Libby Bradshaw Tel: 07956 655037 libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk
Secretary
Tim Lewis
Simon Dyer Tel: 07857 978111 simondyer@outlook.com
Treasurer
Ian Israel Tel: 020 84461823 ian.israel@waterways.org.uk
Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk
Social Secretary
Vacancy
Shea Richardson, Tel: 02086770196 / 07803904803 shea.richardson@homecall.co.uk
Minutes Secretary
Chris Bushill
Vacancy
Newsletter Editor
London Canal Museum Meeting Place
Chris Bushill Tel: 02082457063/ 07854791444 chrisbushill@hotmail.com
Membership Secretary
Liz Rayner lizrayner48@gmail.com
Dorothy Robbie Tel: 02088576367 dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk
Publicity Officer
Vacancy
Lesley Pryde-Coales lesley.pryde@waterways.org.uk
Planning Officer
Rod Gray rodgray125@aol.com
Simon Dyer Tel: 07857 978111 simondyer@outlook.com
London Walks Representative
Roger Wilkinson Tel: 02036129624 roger.wilkinson@waterways.org.uk
Ex-Officio as Region Chairman
Paul Strudwick Tel: 01248535342 / 07885240291
South London Representatives Planning & Conservation, Wandle Valley developments South London Corresponding Members
Eric Garland, Simon Dyer, Shea Richardson Ian.Sesnan Tel: 07971 528207 Ian.Sesnan@waterways.org.uk Derek Humphries derek.humphries@waterways.org.uk
Lee and Stort Chairman London Canal Museum, New Wharf Road, N1 9RT
Mike Newman Tel. 07887 540398 mike.newman@waterways.org.uk
26
27
Waterways Recovery Group in Action London WRG, on the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal
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:Hardy House, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 1EF 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.