The Packet Boat

Chester & Merseyside Branch

Autumn 2019

Saltersford Lock ~ Salt Towns September Rally

1 Chester & Merseyside Branch Chairman’s Report A Quiet Summer for the Branch

By Jim Forkin, Branch Chairman The heading says it all. It has been a quiet summer with only brief bouts of sunshine amongst the rain showers and windy conditions. The same can be said about the branch activities this summer as there has not been much activity to talk about.

Personally I was invited to go on a “networking” cruise aboard the Daniel Adamson on May 17th where I met many interesting people (See separate article) and was able to continue the planning of the Waterways Restoration Showcase with the Danny team.

As commented on above, our next planned large event is the Waterways Restoration Showcase where more publicity has gone to the waterways magazines for the event which is to be held aboard the Daniel Adamson whilst moored outside the Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool over the weekend of 21st & 22nd September. As you read this the event will have taken place and hopefully was a success. I will be appraising it in the next edition of Packet Boat.

Whilst this edition of Packet Boat has dropped through your letterbox you will also notice the inclusion of the Branch Social Programme which takes place in the cafe, at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port. It would be nice to see some new faces there and everyone is made welcome with catering facilities available and a fun raffle during the evening. There is free car parking very close by and easy access, as we now meet on the ground floor.

Wavetrain Marine 5% discount on selected 1 day RYA SRC VHF Licence I hope to see you there, please come along and say “Hello” Jim Forkin Branch Chairman.

2 Editors Musings:

A Wonderful week on the Weaver

This had been a very quiet boating season for us until we got to September, when we were booked in to the Salt Towns Rally on the River Weaver. We arrived at Anderton Marina on Thursday the 12th September and, managed to launch the boat without too much trouble - photo below.

We then made our way to the top of the Anderton Boat lift and managed to book into a 10.00 am slot to descend on to the Weaver the following morning. Having spent a quiet night, we joined another boat and were soon down and able to set off up River towards Northwich where we made a brief stop to top up supplies. We joined another boat to move on through the locks, to the Marina at Winsford - photo above.

There were several boats already moored so we chose a sunny spot, which enabled us to recharge our solar panels. With our flags up to advertise our presence, we debated whether we would like to go and see the Mikron Theatre group that evening? Oh yes please, we’ve not seen them for ages.

It was a bit of a climb up the hill to the Winsford Academy where we enjoyed a performance of four talented actors who took us through the history of the Redcoats at Butlins Holiday camps. Walking back to the boat downhill was much easier until we got a bit lost on the traffic island, with cars flying passed us in the dark. At one point Derek was stopped by a police van, who asked him if there was a problem! Eventually we found the marina and got safely back on the boat.

The next day was another glorious sunny one and we joined several others for Boules, not sure who won but we all had a good time. That evening we all went across to the Red Lion Pub where Graham Wallace from the Runcorn Locks Restoration Society presented his vision for restoring the link to the Manchester ship canal.

(Continued

on page 3)

3 Sunday morning was a bit wet when we set off for Northwich, but It did not dampen the spirits of the flotilla and we all found moorings quite easily. A meal had been arranged for the evening and we all met up at the Tandori restaurant just around the corner for an excellent evening. Again it was raining when we made our way back to the boats, but at least it wasn’t far to walk.

Monday morning all the boats made their way via Saltersford and Dutton Locks to Weston Point on a sunny but breezy day. We then returned through Dutton Lock to Acton Bridge and another meal out, this time at the Leigh Arms.

Tuesday we went through Saltersford Lock and back to the Anderton Lift, managing to book in on the last assent of the day. We had booked into the tour of the lift in the afternoon, so joined the group in visitors centre reception to meet our guide. We were given a tour of the working area by our informative guide who escorted us around. The view from the top is amazing and was well worth the climb.

Finally it was our turn to take Olive upon the lift but there was a problem with one of the bottom gates which wouldn’t rise properly and click into place. An engineer came and quickly sorted it out, so we were able to make it back to the Trent & Mersey canal. After a welcome shower in the facilities block we moored and met with the rest of the group in the Stanley Arms for yet another meal out.

Wednesday was our last full day and we moved along the canal to the Salt Museum, where we joined the local guide for a tour of the Salt Works. He was very informative and I learned a lot about the workings of the Salt Industry.

I was also able to photograph the replacement pump being craned it place, which they hope to have working soon. This Museum is on the site of the last working Salt Works and is the only one left in this area. A lot of the original structures are still in place so we were able to see original salt pans and the buildings in which they were housed.

We spent the final evening in the Salt Barge Inn, another good evening and an excellent final meal out. Thursday morning we sailed back to Anderton, pulled the boat out up the steep slope of the slipway and returned home. It was an eventful week and we had lots of fun and made new friends. The River Weaver is very scenic and well worth a visit. The only downside is that there are not many facilities on the river. There are water points along the way but the only Elson emptying station we came across is by Northwich Town Bridge, which does restrict smaller boats from staying longer.

Jeanne Smith.

‘Olive’

4

Boats gathering at Winsford Marina basin

Players taking part in the boaters’ Boules competition

Sharing one of the big ship locks on the River Weaver

New housing frame for the museum restored brine pump

View of the River Weaver from the top of the Anderton Lift

Enjoying the Indian meal out at the Relish Tandori, Northwich

5

The Millennium Ribble Link For 200 years the Lancaster Canal, built by 1799, was cut off from the national canal network. The original plan to connect its southern end at Preston to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was abandoned, due to the high cost of building an aqueduct over the River Ribble at Preston. You can still see the short arm below the Johnson's Hillock locks near Chorley where it would have joined the L&LCanal.

However, in 2002, the Millennium Ribble Link at last joined the Lancaster Canal to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, not at Chorley but at Tarleton. The Link was the first new navigation to be built in England since the Manchester Ship Canal in the 19th century. Boats leaving the Rufford Branch of the L&L at Tarleton Lock travel downstream on the River Douglas and then upstream on the River Ribble. Both rivers are tidal and passages can only be made around high tide. Canal and River Trust (CRT) operates the Link on dates when there is a high tide around the middle of the day. Passages must be booked and operate in one direction only each day. The final part of the journey is up the Savick Brook which runs into the Ribble just short of Preston and has a sea lock and 8 further locks before the Lancaster Canal is reached.

I first sailed the Link in 2004. At that time I doubted my boat “could travel comfortably at a minimum of 6mph in still waters” (the current CRT advice)’ however she managed. This year I revisited the Link with the same boat ‘Ena May’, but a larger engine. This certainly made the first part of the journey down the Douglas with the tide coming in fast, a little easier. And, having been the last of 9 boats out of Tarleton Lock, I did manage to catch up most of the others by the time we reached the Ribble and even overtake a couple! Nine boats doing the trip is unusual (normally there are 6 at most) but the previous day’s crossing had been cancelled due to high winds.

The Savick Brook is a real contrast to the open, wide rivers – narrow, shallow and twisted. A challenge for long boats, but relatively easy for a 40’ one. First you go over the ‘sea lock’. This can only be ‘opened’ for an hour either side of high tide. If you miss this window you are diverted to Preston Dock which has a lock which operates over a larger range of tides. This happened to ‘Ena May’, and a couple of other boats, on her first trip in 2004.

It is no hardship – nice mooring and facilities in the marina and a passage back to the Savick Brook the next day.

6 The locks on the brook are double and you work your way up the first five. The last 3 locks form a staircase. You have to reverse into these due to lack of room – after a tight turn to starboard in the brook you then find the locks behind you! The same CRT crew that started you off on the trip from Tarleton and saw you through the sea lock, also work you through the staircase.

Now 40 miles of lock-free cruising on the beautiful Lancaster Canal await you – but that’s another story . . . .

Ann Farrell

Tarleton Lock and the River Douglas

Travelling upstream on the Ribble Link

Reversing into the staircase at the top of the Savick Brook'

Christmas card design by Ann Farrell

7 st

Liverpool Restoration Showcase Event 21 /22

nd

September 2019

The S.S .Daniel Adamson restored historic steam ship was offered to us as a showcase venue to host waterways restoration projects from our Northwest Region; this extends from Lancaster, Merseyside and Chester, to Shrewsbury, Newport and across the border into North Wales. Several restoration Societies took up the offer and came along to set up their wares aboard the promenade deck of the Daniel Adamson, which was moored in the Albert dock complex on Liverpool’s waterfront right outside the Maritime Museum for the event.

The Societies set up their stalls early on the Saturday morning ready for an 11.00am start of proceedings. They were the Montgomery Canal, the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal, Runcorn Locks Restoration, Lancaster Canal, River Weaver and the Sankey Canal. Each of these societies brought display boards for the public to look at and volunteer staff were there to chat with them and answer questions. Our own IWA Chester & Merseyside stand was also present on the promenade deck and there was a welcoming IWA branded gazebo on the dockside.

The Daniel Adamson had their own stall setting out information and articles for sale.

The general public were also invited to take a look around the restored ship, including their opulent art deco lounge which hosted presentations from some of the societies present. Saturday morning arrived bright clear & sunny and we were soon getting the public on board to look around the ship and ask questions about the various canal restoration projects. By the end of the day near 500 people had been on board and everyone seemed very pleased. Unfortunately Sundays’ weather was not kind (it rained most of the day) so only managed about 100 members of the public but both Julie Sharman (Canal & River Trust CEO) and Daniel Greenhalgh (CRT Director, Northwest) both enjoyed a tour of the societies and the Danny during the day.

Whilst static in the Albert Dock the Danny was also utilised as a wedding venue the previous weekend and this weekend’s event proved to the Danny management that the ship can be used as a small exhibition centre on the promenade deck and we’re sure that it will become a feature of their portfolio. Usually the Danny can be found on the River Weaver where various cruises have been very well supported throughout the summer with another full season is now being planned for 2020.

Jim Forkin. .

Left: Branch chairman Jim Forkin, Bernie Jones, and Julie Sharman.

8

The Daniel Adamson in Albert Dock

Montgomery Canal Restoration Stand

Shrewsbury & Newport Restoration Stand

Liverpool street entertainers

Sankey Canal Restoration Stand

Chester & Merseyside display stand

9 Photos Sankey Canal, taken while planning new Waterways Walks Photos of of walks

Sankey Brook flows into the Mersey. Also the original junction for the Sankey Canal.

Fixed footbridge over Bewsey Lock; originally it was a track swing bridge over the lock

Flowing along Sankey Valley Park, Warrington

The remains of Hulme Lock near Winwick Quay

Old maintenance workshops and stables at Winwick Quay

Bradley Lock at the start of another section of the canal still in water near Earlestown

10 Photos of Sankey Canal, taken while planning new Waterways Walks

Loading basin for soda barges, at Mucky Mountain, Earlestown.

The old double lock, north of St Helens; first in the country

Carr Mill Dam; main supply reservoir for the Sankey Canal.

Isolated short pound in St Helens, approaching Parr Street Car Park

St Helens, this is the re-named Vera Page Park pound

The Range store at end of the canal, the final half mile having now been built over

11 Northwich River Festival 2019 This year the festival was held over the weekend of 13th/ 14th July, thousands of people watched Dragon Boat racing, Raft racing, and the Grand Finale Duck race on the river Weaver.

Now in its third year, the event has become a firm favourite in the town's calendar, and saw the return of crowd-pleasing and eye-catching boats taking part in the Mighty River Weaver Dragon Boat Challenge, with the boats ‘racing’ between Town Bridge and The Odeon cinema.

Sunday's watery activities drew to a close with the Famous "Ducks on The Dane" Duck Race, as thousands of plastic ducks were released into the River Dane near the Memorial Court. The winners were the first ducks to reach the end of the course at the junction of the rivers Dane and Weaver next to Waitrose car park.

Mid Cheshire SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarders) were again in attendance on both days, showcasing the work they undertake to help keep the waterways free of rubbish and, for those that like to take things a bit more leisurely, Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust provided trips aboard its wheelchairaccessible vessel; "Over The Rainbow".

Top left: Start of the river Dane duck race. Top right: Dragon boat race at Town Bridge. Bottom Left & right: Raft race by the marina.

12

News from around the region There are new milestones appearing along the Sankey canal, this one was installed in July, Milestone “12 Mile to Ferry Lock”, and was sponsored by IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch (see Picture).

St Helens Council have now stated that they are not keen on attaching any kind of sponsorship plaque to the milestones due to the risk of damage from outside forces, but they have said that if an interpretation board were to be located nearby sponsorships could be included on them. SCARS are now working on the design of new Interpretation Panels to be located along the canal.

‘12 Mile to Ferry Lock’ located in the centre of St Helens

Editor’s Note We are always looking for news items to publish in the Chester Packet, so if you would like us to promote an item of interest please send it to me for the next edition which will be published in the New Year.

Meanwhile enjoy the rest of the season and we look forward to meeting up at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum on the 8th October where you will be able to buy Xmas cards and calendars from our sales stall.

It should be noted that the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IWA. They are published as being of interest to our members and readers. The IWA is a registered charity No 212342

13 Forthcoming Events

Forthcoming Events

The October walk will take place on Thursday 10th October, and we will be meeting at the Walton Arms near Warrington at 10.15 am.

Full details will be sent to members from head office by email a few days beforehand.

IWA Chester & Mersey Branch Programme of Meetings 2019-2020 All meetings will start at 7.45 pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

They will be held at the Cafe, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, CH65 4FW There is no charge, but tickets will be on sale for our fun raffle.

Our sales and shop will be available for Christmas Cards, Publications & other Goods.

8 October 2019 - Corey Estenson of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Mansion Researcher at Tatton Park, Weaver Hall, and Lion Salt Works (Northwich). She will talk on the construction phase of the Manchester Ship Canal (1887 -1894) and how the owner of Tatton Hall, Wilbraham, 3rd Baron Egerton, came to be the Chairman of the Manchester Ship Canal for the entire period of construction. She will also have vintage postcards, illustrated with watercolour drawings by one of the Engineers that worked on the Ship Canal, which will be given out free at the end (thanks to Weaver Hall for supplying them!)

12 November 2019 - Graham Wallace on the Restoration of the Runcorn Locks.

This long abandoned flight from the Bridgewater canal down to the Manchester Ship Canal is being revived with the redevelopment of Runcorn old town. With major new boat moving structures proposed: an inclined plane, boat lift and marina.

10 December 2019 - our Christmas party with mince pies, sherry and our bumper raffle; also: - Dan Cross of the steam tug Daniel Adamson will talk on the restoration of this famous Mersey boat and its current sailing programme on the Mersey, river Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal.

14 IWA Membership Benefits CanalCruising.co.uk -

10% discount on holidays

Canal Boat Magazine -

5 issues for £5.00

City Centre Cruises -

10% discount for Sunday lunch cruises in Manchester

Frangipani SUP Ltd -

10% discount on adult beginner 'Stand Up & Paddle' lessons

Jenny Wren-

10% discount off cruises

Wyvern Shipping Co. Ltd-

20% discount on published prices

Eating Out To take advantage of eating out offers you just need to produce a valid IWA membership card.

Kings Lock Tearooms-

10% discount on food

The Clifford Arms Pub -

10% discount on food

The Three Locks Pub -

10% discount on food

The Bounty Pub

10% discount on 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 ICE Trekkers Diamond Grip

Kings Lock Chandlery -

5% discount (exclusions apply)

Midland Chandlers -

5% discount ***

RoadPro -

5% discount

Willowbridge Marina -

10% discount on chandlery purchases and services in the yard

Services 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 1 day RYA SRC VHF Licence Course

Enjoy the Waterways Through Hire Boats and Leisure ABC Boat Hire -

15% discount on holidays (Direct Bookings Only) ***

.

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

President.

Ron Evans

Branch Chairman

Jim Forkin jim.forkin@team.waterways.org.uk

Minute Secretary

Ann Farrell ann.farrell@waterways.org.uk

H. 01270 650054 M. 07803 928929

Treasurer, Social Sec & Assist Planning Jim Mole jim.mole@waterways.org.uk Officer H. 01606 40955 M. 07580 162355 Publicity Officer

Jim Forkin

Editor Packet Boat

Jeanne Smith jeanne.smith@waterways.org.uk H. 01244 382058 M. 07746 955931

Planning & Navigation Officer

Geoff Gittus geoff.gittus@waterways.org.uk

Membership Secretary

Lesley Taylor lesley.taylor@waterways.org.uk

Merseyside Liaison

Vacancy

Scars Liaison

Colin Greenall colin.greenall@waterways.org.uk

H. 0151 605 1094 M. 07808 859751

H. 0151 342 6651

H. 01744 731746

M. 07944 101162

Chester Liaison

John Herson

Bridgewater Canal Liaison

Ian & Vera Short ian.short@waterways.org.uk

Comm. Member

john.herson@waterways.org.uk

vera.short@waterways.org.uk

Margaret Pitney margaret.pitney@waterways.org.uk H. 0151 608 6487

Committee Members Vacancies