IWA North Riding Branch, Northern Navigation News, Spring 2013

The

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Northern Navigation News

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Newsletter of the North Riding Branch of the Inland Waterways Association

Boaters enjoy hospitality at the “Mason’s Arms” in Fishergate

Issue 8 - Spring 2013

The Inland Waterways Association Selby Boat Centre & Boroughbridge Marina are pr oud sponsors of Nor thern Na viga tion News proud Northern Naviga vigation

NORTHERN NAVIGATION NEWS SPRING 2013 LOOKING FORWARD The North Riding Branch (IWA) is looking forward to a season’s activities on the waterways in our branch area, after last year’s ‘washout.’ As the Editor, I am very mindful that the last issue of NNN was almost all about York and the narrow corridor of rivers and canals between Goole in the East and Ripon in the West, and very little about where most of our membership now lives.

Our committee meetings and social events have been mostly York based.

Apart from the joint event that we held with East Yorkshire Branch (IWA) in Scarborough last October. It is hoped that we will gain at least 13 members from the North East part of the Cumbria Branch. So, a most warm welcome to all the new members and existing IWA members who will be joining the North Riding Branch (IWA) in the near future.

EVENT AT THE RIVER TEES WATERWAY CENTRE We are planning an event at The River Tees Waterway Centre of which our illustrious Treasurer, John Reeve is a Trustee. We also plan to hold another social event with speakers at the Westborough Unitarian Chapel in Scarborough, as we did last October. (See John Reeve’s article about the River Tees Waterway Centre below, and details of the waterway event on Teeside).

OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 4th MAY 2013 – CASTLE MILLS LOCK, YORK We will, however, be starting the Season in the time honoured way with an Open Day at Castle Mills Lock, York on Saturday 4th May 2013 from 10.00am. Again, it is planned to have a couple of boats cruising along the River Foss for the day. The event will be run in co-operation with the River Foss Society.

GOOD RELATIONS Meanwhile, relations between the new Canal and River Trust (CRT) the IWA, and other boating organisations, are currently good in both the North East and the North West, unlike in the South East. The NE Partnership Board (CRT) has agreed to reinstate the User Group Meetings, and there will be

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a report in the next NNN. The meeting is due to be held on Wednesday 3rd April 2013 at Fearns Wharf, Leeds, starting at 18.30. Contact Louise Linley (Louise.Linley@canalrivertrust.org.uk) if you would like to attend future UGMs. A CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH There is a constructive move towards joint events run by the CRT and the IWA. The Thwaites Mill event at the end of June 2013 is a great example. The proposed new insurance arrangement will not cover any boating or restoration works; however, there does not need to be a CRT presence for the event to be covered. I am mindful that, as the Head Lock Keeper at Castle Mills Lock, York, I can only recruit current IWA members as lock keepers. To be able to recruit more local people would be a real boon. We currently have seven members, who have trained with us as lock keepers, and a further five members with Competent Crew Certificates, so as to cover us for the occasions on which we run cruising craft on the Rivers Foss, or the Ouse for the day. To be able to increase the pool of people that we can draw from, so as to train them as lock keepers, would be good for promoting the waterways in and around York.

(See also article by Alison Smedley of the IWA below, who is visiting York on Thursday 16th May 2013, and will be at the Minster Inn, Marygate, York from 7.30pm to talk about how Branches can become more active.)

HIGH SPEED RAIL 2 Does the proposed route of HSR2 impact on your area? Maps are available on line on https://www.gov.uk/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-route-plan-and-profilemaps. Please contact Tony Martin (Editor) on tonymartin451@yahoo.co.uk if you are going to be affected by the proposed route of HSR2, whether it is where you live or where you currently have your boat moored. The IWA wants there to be as little disturbance to the waterways as possible. There, are, however, restoration projects that have already received millions of pounds of public money, which will be adversely affected, such as between Birmingham and Leeds. Joined up thinking is badly needed.

I was talking to a friend recently, who was once a signalman in Leeds, and who comes from a railway family. Chris’s contention is that, if the proposed money was spent on upgrading the existing rail network now, it would be able to accommodate the high speed trains, and we would not have to wait until 2033.

A VERY BIG THANKYOU TO ANDREA LETTICE 4

If you were wondering what has happened to the Stickleback CafĂŠ, which had its umbrellas by the Museum Gardens on Marygate Landing, and the

The “Stickleback” pulls away from the bank (Photo: Carl Spencer) ‘kitchen boat’ moored alongside? It is coming back at Easter with a new lady in charge, Alice. So, a big ‘hello’ to Alice and a very big ‘thankyou’ to Andrea Lettice, who ran the café during 2011/12. The owner Steve Blackman has another project on the go, which is a floating ice cream ‘van’, which will be moored down by Rowntrees Park. It is strongly rumoured that the Arts Barge will be coming to York later in 2013. So there is a lot to look forward to during 2013.

IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN We have been busy signposting the limited facilities in York for visiting boaters.

The toilets and sluice at Museum Gardens are now clearly labled ‘Boaters’ Toilets’ and ‘Boaters’ Sluice’. There is also a clear notice on the brick block at Castle Mills Lock, giving the contact details as to the operation of the lock by the North Riding Branch of the IWA.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING On Friday 15th March 2013 at St Olaves Church Hall, Marygate, York the 2013 AGM of the North Riding Branch (IWA) was held. Peter Scott, the

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Regional Chair (Yorkshire and NE Region (IWA)) and Elaine Scott Chair (West Riding Branch (IWA)) attended. Peter is also on the CRT Partnership Board (NE). He said that the IWA had supported the founding of the Canal and River Trust and that it was a positive move. The IWA was involved in the All Party Committee on the Waterways in the House of Commons. Although Jo Gilbertson had left the IWA Headquarters we were still providing the Secretaryship of the Committee. John Shaw, an ex-MP, had taken over as Secretary under the IWA banner.

Michael Cadoux (Chair NRB) presented his Chairman’s Report (see below) and the Financial Report, as John Reeve, the Treasurer, was not able to attend.

The current finances were healthy again, as we had gained some funding from Region towards the cost of the Competent Crew training, which was undertaken during 2012 through the Pocklington Canal Society and the Sobriety Project, Goole (£125.00) and had raised £280.00 towards the cost of producing Northern Navigation News for 2013/14 in sponsorship and advertising.

The existing Committee Members were re-elected for another year: Michael Cadoux, Keith Chapman, Peter Hopwood, Adrian Lovett, Tony Martin, John Reeve and Roy Shiletto.

The following officers were appointed for 2013: Michael Cadoux (Chair), Tony Martin (Secretary), John Reeve (Treasurer) and Keith Chapman (Press)..

There are still several vacancies on the NRB Committee, so, if you are interested, please contact Tony Martin on tonymartin451@yahoo.co.uk before the next meeting on Thursday 16th May 2913 expressing an interest in being a co-optee.

DIARY OPEN DAY Saturday 4th May 2013 at Castle Mills Lock, York from 10..00am. With boats cruising along the River Foss and an information gazebo on the central island. See The Press for the latest details.

Thursday 16th May 2013 from mid-day, Alison Smedley from the IWA HQ in Chesham will be visiting York and will be at Castle Mills Lock (initially in the Mason’s Arms) and talking to North Riding Branch members at the Minster Inn, Marygate, York from 7.00am. Alison will be talking about how branches can become more active and co-operate with each other and the newly formed CRT (see Alison Smedley’s article below).

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“Navy Dancer”at Castle Mills Lock (Photo: Keith Chapman)

BRANCH OUTING As in recent years, North Riding Branch has joined with East Yorshire Branch for an Autumn outing. In 2013 it is proposed to go north & visit the Tees Navigation at Stockton on Tees. The day can include a trip from Stockton the 11 miles to Yarm on the Tees Princess. It is also an opportunity to visit the Tees Barrage & the "white water" cannoe course. Also a visit & introduction can be arranged at the River Tees Water Sports Centre. If you are interested please contact John Reeve @ john.reeve@waterways.org.uk or phone 01642 580350 THWAITES MILL, LEEDS On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June 2013, West Riding Branch in cooperation with the CRT is running the successful event on the Aire and Calder Canal at Thwaites Mill. It is planned that there will be a free boat service from Fearne’s Wharf in the centre of Leeds (by the CRT (NE) offices). We plan to have the NRB (IWA) gazebo at this event. Telephone Elaine Scott on 0114230-1870 – e.mail: Elaine@homescott.freeserve.co.uk

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This was a very successful event last year with some significant craft and barges moored along the Aire and Calder working mill, a steam crane and lots of other attractions. In 2013 there will be more marquees and stalls than before.

If you would like to help with the NRB (IWA) gazebo for the weekend, please contact Tony Martin on 07588-236-597 or e-mail him on tonymartin451@yahoo.co.uk.

STOP PRESS: PRIVATISATION OF SEARCH AND RESCUE IN UK As of going to print, it has been announced by the UK Government that RAF Sea King helicopter (Photo: Marcus Roos) from 2015, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy would no longer be operating the Search and Rescue Services in the UK. The main driver for this decision is that the Sea King helicopter will have reached the end of its life in 2016. The contract is for 10 years and is worth £1.6 billion.

There will be 10 Sikorski SD 92’s, some of which will be based at Humberside airports. There will also be 10 Westland helicopters. Both these types will be spread over 10 locations throughout the UK. Bristow already operates a regular helicopter service form Aberdeen to the North Sea oil rigs, and has a rescue capacity. What needs closely monitoring, however, is that Bristow are beginning to operate the rescue service in the Western Isles and the Shetlands.

As a footnote: back in the mid-1970s my old, late, school friend, Geoff Maryon-Davis was working on the design of the cockpit layout of the Seaking helicopter for the Ministry of Defence.

If you have a view on this change to the management of the UK’s Search and Rescue Services, please e-mail me on tonymartin451@yahoo.co.uk.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT The main feature of the past year locally has been flooding, affecting not only the Ouse as usual but even the Ripon Canal. York Council indicated

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they have proposals for extra and better moorings in York, but all quiet lately so another bit of IWA lobbying soon won't come amiss. We had the past Lord Mayor David Horton aboard for a cruise on the Foss last May at our annual Open Day as pictured in The Press.

The branch now has more members with Community Boat training - though I hope I don't actually have to use my fishing-out-man-overboard skills! IWA North East region has given ÂŁ125 as part of the cost of training for the three members; CBT training is required for taking members of the public aboard at IWA events. New Lord Mayor Keith Hyman came to the branch committee meeting in January to present the CBT certificates.

Nationally, "British Waterways", as some of us oldies will always think of it, has converted from a government agency under DEFRA, to the "River and Canal Trust" (CRT) charity, in some ways modelled on the National Trust but also with statutory responsibilities. Some members have wondered why we now need two waterways charities; I like IWA new national chairman Les Etheridge's remark comparing the situation to that of a landlord (CRT) and a tenant's association (IWA). IWA has 3 out of the 4 boater members on CRT's governing council, including immediate past president Clive Henderson.

Despite adverse comment, that was the result of a free vote of all BWregistered boaters - so everyone had their chance.

IWA nationally now has a co-operation agreement with CRT, though obviously we're still independent per above. Recently I attended a workshop at CRT in Leeds about their new model for work groups, which gives IWA and others flexibility in organising activities - so beware, you may be asked to take part!

Michael Cadoux

TEES RIVER USERS’ TRUST AND ITS WATER SPORTS CENTRE Tees River Users Trust (TRUT) was incorporated some 13 years ago. That was on the initiative of the soon to be disbanded Tees Development Corporation (TDC). Its function was to represent users of that part of the impounded river between the barrage and Stockton town centre. That includes a wide, straight, thousand metre stretch suitable for competitive sport.

Membership of the TRUT is not open to individuals but consists of local organisations and key national water related associations. The IWA is a Founder Member of TRUT. Each member can nominate a director to sit

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River Foss Society formed on 23 July 1973 to protect and promote enjoyment of the river from Pond Head (Oulston) to Blue Bridge in York where it joins the River Ouse Please contact the Secretary for the 40th Anniversary Celebration Programme available now and updated by additional information in the current Newsletter and on the website.

At least one walk and one other event are organised each month until October.

Secretary – Tel no 01904 760871, E mail: m.burton599@btinternet.com Membership – Tel no 01904 768071, E mail: chrisandpete@haxby147.fsnet.co.uk

www.riverfosssociety.co.uk Please note that all views expressed in “Northern Navigation News” are those of the authors and may not represent those of the Inland Waterways Association.

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on the company board. John Reeve, former Region Chairman and Stockton resident, has been the IWA director from “day one”.

Once the Trust had been established, work was put in hand to provide a water sports centre as a focus of river sport and recreation. Fortunately a plot had been allocated by TDC, so fundraising was commenced. Sport England proved to be the main funder, but this was augmented by local contributions. The modernistic centre has now been in operation for 11 years. It was officially opened by then Waterways Minister Richard Claybourne.

The Tees Water Sports Centre

The centre has a massive riverside-level boathouse atop of which is a gym, ladies and gents locker room/ showers, a large activity room with a small kitchen and a nice bar lounge. It has full access and facilities for sports people with mobility difficulties.

The centre is the base of the large Tees Rowing Club, Teesside University Rowing Club, a Dragon-boat Club, Racing Canoes, a Canoe Polo Club & Tees Wheely-boat Club which provides river cruises to disabled people.

The centre is a base for the British rowing elite squads in the North East.

National coaches train both senior and junior athletes throughout the year.

The centre’s own rowers have been successful in 2012. Centre member Kat Copeland received an Olympic Rowing gold medal and has been awarded the MBE as well as being the joint NE BBC Sports Personality for 2012. One of the juniors has been selected as a potential UK rower in the Rio Olympics.

The centre hosts several water based events each year. There is a mix of local, regional, national & occasional international events.

While the Trust does not have individual people as members, the Centre does have a membership base. If one’s club is admitted to Centre Membership, all its individual members are eligible for Centre Membership and the use of

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the facilities. However, the Centre has to be “self- funding”. To achieve that, there is an annual membership subscription. Also, there are storage charges for boats stored in the boathouse. Other income is from bar profit and the hire of upper floor rooms when not allocated to centre members or activities. The centre has an employed Manager and a Supervisor.

While the governance of the Centre is by the Trust, the river reach named “Tees Upstream River”, which extends fore 13 miles, is managed by the Canal & River Trust. They have a local waterway team, based at the barrage, but management is from Leeds.

If any IWA Member living in the Tyne Tees area wishes to visit the Centre please feel free to contact me at reeve1@synergybroadband.co.uk. While John is content to continue as IWA Director, he is in his mid-70s. In the not so distant future IWA will be looking for a replacement Director of TRUT.

Linton Lock House Linton Lock House has reopened after the floods, refitted and with a new look and new management.

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Children welcome. Contact Wendy on 01347 848844 lintonlockmarina.co.uk 14

Guy, his wife and son have purchased Ambience Café Bar in September 2011 as their first business.

They live in York centre and have a real love for the city.

Guy has worked at some of Yorkshire’s best restaurants as well as overseas and felt that at 29 years old he was ready to use the experience which he had gained to create an exciting new menu and revamped cafe.

Guy and his family feel proud to be part of the Gillygate community and to be able to offer another great place to eat on this wonderful, historical street.

Guy is passionate about using and supporting local suppliers where ever possible and cooking with fresh ingredients. We feel very lucky to have a county where there is so much fantastic produce to use! There is a specials board which changes regularly with seasonal dishes. There are delicious homemade cakes and fluffy scones. Ambience is open as a café Mon-Sat during day time Bistro Thursday and Friday nights and on Sunday we serve roast and we also cater for private parties.

Contact Ambience Cafe Bar 40 Gillygate, York, YO31 7EQ T: 01904 652500 E: info@ambiencecafebar.com www.ambiencecafebar.com

Winter Opening Hours Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Thursday-Friday 6.30pm-8.30pm Sunday 10am-4pm Summer Opening Hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Thursday-Friday 6.30pm-8.30pm Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm

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