Ouse News, Summer 2016

The Inland Waterways Association

Ouse News - Summer 2016 The Great Ouse Branch Newsletter covering the Great Ouse and tributaries Contents: Branch Committee

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Chairman’s Corner

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Letter to the Editor p5

Reach Fair - It has taken a few years, but they seem to have ‘got the hang of this now’!!

Photo: Carole Alderton

Campaigning for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the Inland Waterways.

Hartford Marina

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Book Review

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John Bunyan Boat

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Bedford/Milton Keynes Link

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River Cam Update

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ECDC Mooring

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Reach Weekend

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OuseFest

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Branch News

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River News from EA p22 The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the Great Ouse Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers.

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Great Ouse Branch Committee: Committee members may be contacted by email: e.g. an.other@waterways.org.uk Chairman: Keith Alderton Tel : 01366 727236 Secretary: John Hodgson Tel : 01234 344884 Treasurer: Enid Hodgson Tel : 01234 344884 Ouse News Editor: Carole Alderton Tel : 01366 727236 Sales Officer: David Anderson Tel : 01480 477227

Membership Officer: Peter Webb Tel 01353 658581 Volunteer Co-ordinator: Gail Mead Tel 01359 232603 Member: Stephen Foote Tel 01763 838936 Member: Derek Bradley Tel 01353 661601 We are a small, friendly group and would welcome another committee member to help us organise meetings and events. Please contact the editor.

(Authorised to examine all private boats and in addition, residential boats provided they are fitted with a gas bubble tester) Additional contact : Ely Boat Chandlers 01353 663095

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Chairman’s Corner I must admit that it has been rather quiet over the past few months, with nothing very exciting happening on our rivers that I am aware of. No doubt the cold spring has kept everybody’s enthusiasm for waterways activities in check for a while. We did, however, manage to get away for a very enjoyable ten day trip with Meg and Stephen Foote down the GU from Blisworth to Marsworth Junction and back in May. We were lucky to have largely sunny weather although the persistent cold North East wind seemed to be waiting for us around every other bend in the canal. At least we were able to light-up the trusty solid fuel stove when we needed to thaw out!

We were also fortunate to have chilly but bright weather for our activities at Reach Fair over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (see the report on page 18). Our thanks must go to the Environment Agency for clearing Reach Lode and to GOBA for improving the moorings at the head of navigation since we were last there. It is important that boaters continue to cruise the Cambridgeshire Lodes in order to demonstrate to the navigation authority that they still form a much valued part of our local waterways network. It must be remembered that although it is now only a small village, Reach was once a major inland port with six or seven small basins at the back of large merchants’ houses. The Lodes themselves are thought to be of Roman origin. The story goes that in medieval times ‘Reach was a city with nine churches when Cambridge was only a village’. A fair has been held there every year since the 10th century, making it one of the oldest in the country. There is now a move to extend the Reach Conservation Area to cover the Hythe Peninsular (where we hold our gatherings) as it is in this area that the remains of the old port are believed to be situated. We fully support this initiative.

Ouse News Page 4 From the presentations made to the branch by the Cam Conservators and the Environment Agency in February and March this year, has come a request from both organisations for members to carry out voluntary projects in their respective areas.

The EA’s plans are still at an early stage and could possibly involve such work as providing crew members for their patrol boats, thus allowing them to double-up their efforts.

The Cam Conservators have floated the idea of us helping to paint and tidy up the area surrounding Bates Bite Lock. Committee members have recently held a meeting with the Camcon River Manager, Jed Ramsey, and Emma Matthars from IWA head office to progress the idea and an initial work party was arranged for the 9th and 10th July. Gail Mead has kindly agreed to be Volunteer Co-ordinator and the point of contact for all interested parties. We have long complained that we have not been allowed to carry out voluntary work in our area – now is the time to stand up and be counted! So please come along and make a contribution at subsequent events. All adults are welcome and any necessary protective clothing will Keith Alderton be supplied, together with lunch and hot drinks.

It is with regret that we report the death of John Young John was an early member - joining in October 1971. He proved to be a very active committee member and helped to organise the IWA National Rally in Ely in 1973. He was also chairman of the ‘Save our Lodes’ campaign during the late 1970s. John was a senior departmental member of staff at the Welding Institute.

Ouse News Page 5 Letters to the editor: The story of Jester the last ice wherry continues. Previous owners Pippa and Miles write : ‘Our albums are in storage and not accessible right now but we found a box of random snaps and attach a photo of ‘Jester’ on the beach at Hoo on the Medway. We had cut away the rotted stem and were ready to fit a new stem post.’ ________________________________________________________________________ PRESS RELEASE-JUDGES RULE-HARTFORD MARINA HOMES ARE NOT ‘VESSELS’Issued on behalf of Respondents - Boaters at Hartford Marina

On April 15th 2016, almost a year to the day since Peterborough Crown Court quashed the Hartford Two’s convictions under Article 2 of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010, the Divisional Court of the Queen’s Bench Division sitting in London affirmed the correctness of the judgement of the Crown Court.

In delivering the lead judgment of the Court, Lord Justice Lindblom said that the Crown Court had been “right to find” that the “floating houses” at Hartford were “homes on water” rather than vessels capable of navigation: and in concurring judgments Mr Justice Teare and Mr Justice Holroyd both found themselves “unable to accept” that the homes at Hartford could be vessels. Mr Justice Holroyd added that to his mind, “a vessel …… must be navigable” and that these floating houses are most emphatically not that.

The Environment Agency does not have a right of appeal against this decision but has to request permission to do so. Given the strength of the judgment, which is likely to feature in the official Law Reports, and the fact it affirms decisions of the higher Courts of respectable antiquity, it is thought unlikely they will obtain such permission.

The full Approved Judgment is here:http://www.hartfordmarinaca.org/ Environment_Agency_v_Gibbs_and_Parker_judgment_15

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Book Review

by Anthony Marris

‘Waterways Past & Present’ Derek Pratt has compiled a second edition of his hard back book, Waterways Past & Present. This time it is paperback and in e-book formats.

Derek has taken the opportunity of updating the photographs and text to present an up-to-date illustration of the inland waterways today. He has divided the book into two parts, the first being a very brief summary of the major canals together, usefully, with coverage of the principal rivers and canals away from the central hub. Part two is devoted to particular topics which have caught his interest, be they history, civil engineering, restoration or even waterside inns.

Ouse News Page 7 Derek Pratt contrasts the waterways as they were some 50 or so years ago and today. This is a useful time lapse as the photographs are sufficiently recent for the reader to recognise many of the features whilst also showing the changes which have occurred. With a recent picture of the Napton locks taken from Napton Hill in our family, I was particularly intrigued by a photograph Derek publishes of the same view taken in 1974 which showed how recreational boating had already taken hold – the difference being that the boats were then GRP cruisers which are now already a minority on the canal network.

At first I couldn’t quite work out quite what sort of book this was – was it a coffee table book to leaf through or was it a more detailed analysis in photographs, with text, the history of the waterways and their present use?

In the end I came to the conclusion that it served both kind of reader well.

With its carefully crafted photographs, it is easy to dip in and out of, yet at the same time there is detail in the author’s text which an enthusiast would find interesting and in some cases novel.

Waterways Past & Present – a unique portrait of Britain’s waterways heritage

by Derek Pratt, published by Bloomsbury Group August 2015

News & Views Do you have an article, comment or photo you would like to share? We would be very pleased to receive it!

Contact the editor at: carole.alderton@waterways.org.uk

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Volunteers wanted for the John Bunyan - Bedford’s Community Boat The John Bunyan, Bedford’s community boat, was floated to enable people to enjoy the wonderful river environment in Bedford and to build support to get the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park created. Crewed by volunteers we are looking to expand our team both on land and on the boat. We ask volunteers to do 2-4 sessions (of between 4 and 6 hours) a month and full training is given.

We are in particular need of Boatmasters (qualified to a minimum of Tier 2 for Category A waters) who are available during the summer months (July and August) and experienced helms. Land crew roles we are recruiting for are to support our Sales, Finance, and Rostering teams.

If you’re interested in any of these roles, or want to find out more about the John Bunyan and the Waterway Park project see <http:// www.johnbunyanboat.org/> or contact volunteering@johnbunyanboat.org

Ouse News Page 9 John Bunyan Boat takes to the water for the new cruising season With the arrival of spring, the John Bunyan Community Boat takes to the river again for its fourth season on Bedfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful River Great Ouse.

Since its launch in July 2013 the boat has carried over 15,000 people on private and public cruises.

The 2016 programme started on Sunday 1st May cruising from Priory Marina, calling in at Sovereigns Quay (next to the Star Rowing Club) and cruising up to Kempston. On Thursday afternoons the cruises run from Sovereigns Quay towards Cardington Lock. Other regular public cruises include a three hour cruise to The Anchor, Great Barford for lunch, a cruise from the Town Centre to The Barns Hotel for Afternoon Tea, a Saturday evening Fish & Chip Supper Cruise, the very popular Sunset Cruise and Afternoon Tea Cruises run in conjunction with The Bedford Swan Hotel.

The highly acclaimed Thursday evening Jazz Cruises continue on a monthly basis featuring top jazz musicians.

The John Bunyan boat is run by a team of well-trained volunteers in support of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park Trust and is licensed by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. It carries up to 50 passengers and is disabled-friendly, having a wheel chair access lift and toilet. The boat is also available for private charter hire for local groups, parties, wedding cruises, school parties.

Full details can be found on the website: www.johnbunyanboat.org.

Tickets for the public cruises can be purchased on line, and at The Travel & Tourist Office at Bedford Bus Station, or the Corn Exchange Box Office, No. 13 St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square or by phoning 01946 817456

Ouse News Page 10 Dynamic New Strategy for the Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterway Park The consortium spearheading the ambitious 200-year old plans for a new waterway park linking Bedford town centre and Campbell Park in Milton Keynes has launched a dynamic new strategy for the project in order to promote it as part of the key infrastructure required to promote growth in the Oxford/Milton Keynes/Cambridge growth corridor.

Building the proposed Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park will transform the region, bringing not only economic, environmental and social benefits, but also improved flood prevention and waterway management. Now is the time for top level commitment to create the project.

Provision of the “missing link” in the nation’s waterways network will provide a vital route linking the River Severn to the Wash. The 24km waterway park between the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes and the River Great Ouse at Bedford will boost tourism and economic growth as well as facilitating the movement of water to help manage flood risk and at times transfer water to areas where it is most needed.

In seeking to promote the benefits of the project local charity, the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park Trust, is supported by the wider B&MK Waterway Consortium, which includes the local authorities of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes; SEMLEP (South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership); Canal and Rivers Trust (C&RT); Environment Agency, the Forest of Marston Vale and Milton Keynes Parks Trust. Jointly they have commissioned a new brochure which summarises the new strategy for the Waterway Park. It highlights the route between Bedford and Milton Keynes and emphasises the positive impact the project would have on the area. At the same time the Trust has approved a 3 year Business Plan which sets out the tasks it is aiming to undertake to help make the Waterway Park a reality. The brochure and the business plan was launched at the B&MK Waterway Partnership Conference in Milton Keynes on 26th May and posted on the Trust’s website.

Ouse News Page 11 Jane Hamilton, Chair of the Trust, commented: “We have set ourselves some big challenges in order to strengthen our case to partners at local, regional and national level that ours is a project which can have a positive and transformational impact on the region. With the recent increased emphasis given

by Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, to infrastructure and economic growth across the west-to-east Oxford/Milton Keynes/Cambridge corridor we believe that now is the time to demonstrate that the project is a must. The new brochure will help take that message to a much wider audience “I urge everyone interested in what we are doing to look at our business plan and note the targets we have set ourselves. We need support in funding and if people think there are tasks where they can help, then they should get in touch. We need you!”

Hilary Chipping (Deputy Chief Executive at SEMLEP), said: “The Chancellor has asked Lord Adonis and the National Infrastructure Commission to develop a plan for unlocking growth, housing and jobs in the Oxford/MK/ Cambridge corridor. The Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park Consortium believes this project can make a significant contribution to growth in the area” Nick Webb, Chief Executive of The Forest of Marston Vale Trust said: “We’re proud to be an active member of the Consortium and to be playing our part in supporting this ambitious project. The Waterway Park will be a major asset for the area, helping to deliver the vision of environmentally-led regeneration, which is at the heart of transforming the area through creating the Forest of Marston Vale. The Waterway Park will provide a ‘spine’ of greenspace, paths and cycle-ways, as well as a new waterway, all running through the heart of the growing Forest of Marston Vale – together they’ll create a thriving, attractive place to live, work and play.”

Press release received from the Bedford to Milton Keynes http://www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk/ Waterway Park Trust

Ouse News Page 12 River Cam Update from Jed Ramsey, River Manager We’ve had some cracking days on the river so far this year. Since we’ve settled into our new office at Clayhithe (and no longer in the tin shed hidden in the yard) I’ve been able to see a good number of boats passing through.

Our visitor mooring is also seeing good use which is pleasing – we’ll be doing some repairs on the visitor mooring later this year to keep it in tip-top shape.

River Crew As you can see in the picture overleaf we’ve had a busy time out on the river keeping the navigation looking its best. We’ve been working on bank repairs alongside the A14 bridge; trying to improve the seal at Baits Bite Lock (this is proving quite a challenge!); recovering the odd abandoned boat or two and, of course, trimming up and down the towpath. We’ve also recently taken on an apprentice on a three-year programme which includes a full training programme and one day a week in East Anglia College.

New Season Registration This year we are remaining the same with our fees for visiting boats (i.e. you can get a Cam visitor licence for 3% of your annual licence if you buy it with your EA licence, or 5% if bought later on). Our powered licence fees have reduced slightly to bring them in line with the EA. For anyone still waiting for their paper form from us, we are running a little behind with the registration process but we are open to online applications. If you’d like a paper form do drop us a line and we’ll put one in the post to you.

I often also get asked about the efforts we make to ensure everyone is registered on the Cam. To give you a feel for this – there are 240 (or so) powered boats on the Cam of which 220 register each year with full insurance and valid boat safety certificate.

Ouse News Page 13 There are 20 that fail to do so; of these I normally manage to help 6-8 of them to get their insurance and safety in place through some prodding by our bailiff.

The remaining 12 or so end in court. We’ve just been to court last week with the first batch of prosecutions and will be back there in June. It’s the last option for us as it would be better for everyone to register, but unfortunately in some cases we’re left with no choice but to prosecute.

Patrol Boat I’m currently in the market for a patrol boat for the Conservancy. We’ve got a small budget of about £10k available and I hope to find something not too dissimilar to the patrol boats used by the EA. If you know of anything that could be suitable please do drop me a line.

Diary Dates Upcoming events and works on the Cam. Please see our online calendar for full details of times and locations. Please note that for all events the river is still navigable and where possible we try to publish contact numbers of event organisers to help arrange passage. We also try to limit events to one day per weekend so that the Cam is always fully open for part of the weekend.

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CONSERVATORS OF THE RIVER CAM Navigation authority for the River Cam, between Cambridge and Bottisham Lock

Visiting the Cam We would very much like to welcome you to the Cam this year. We’ve been working with the Environment Agency to improve the licensing situation for visiting boats.

Currently all boats with an EA licence need to add a ‘Cam Premium’ to their licence to visit Cambridge. This is 3% of your annual licence fee (if bought at the time of your annual renewal) or 5% if bought as a later addon. We also offer the 3% fee for Gold Licence holders.

Prices are typically around £18-£32 for most GOBA members and will allow multiple visits up to 90 days in total throughout the year.

There is no longer a block licence in place for GOBA members so please remember to get your visitor licence or ‘Cam Premium’ in place.

You can obtain your licence online via our website with a simple form to fill in and pay with Paypal or a credit / debit card.

Jed Ramsay River Manager www.camconservancy.org Follow us on twitter: @camconservancy Find us facebook: facebook.com/camconservancy

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Ouse News Page 16 ECDC Mooring On 16th March 2016 a Stakeholder meeting was held at The Council Chamber, East Cambs District Council (ECDC) to review the Ely mooring policy and disclose the results of its latest questionnaire. The meeting was attended

by ECDC councillors and officials, representatives from IWA, GOBA, RYA and other local groups. The Environment Agency (EA) were going to attend but nobody turned up.

After a welcome by Cllr Richard Hobbs, Lewis Bage from the council gave us a review of the first 6 months of the mooring enforcement scheme, then a breakdown of the answers he had received from the questionnaire.

At the date of the meeting he told us that since 6th September 22 mooring charge notices had been issued to 6 boats (one boat had 15 issued!). There had been 4 appeals - 3 accepted and 1 rejected. At the time of the meeting 3 cases were in progress of going through the courts.

The questionnaire had had 16 responses and Lewis summarised the answers provided. In general the majority were in favour of the new mooring arrangements. If a summary of the meeting had been sent to me then more detail could have been provided.

Due to council spending cuts ECDC are not continuing the ÂŁ4000 payments to EA for the moorings from A142 Road Bridge to first Rail Bridge (or for their half share of the pumpout) so the council had hoped that EA would be present at the meeting to explain what was going to happen.

In the meantime it appears that these moorings will NOT be visitor moorings, but will be leased moorings administered by Bridge Boatyard. Personnel changes at EA have hampered the paperwork so things could alter!

Shame about the mooring in Ely. First we lost the mooring just north of the rail bridge and now the length between Bridge Boatyard and the road bridgethis is about 30% of the length we had 20 years ago.

Peter Webb

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Ouse News Page 18 Reach Weekend - Report by Peter Webb The annual branch gathering was held as usual over the first May Bank Holiday weekend. We only had 3 boats mooring at Reach on the Saturday. The local pub, The Dykes End, had had a fire in its kitchen so the evening meal was rebooked at the Black Horse, Swaffham Bulbeck. A couple of cars taxied the boaters to the meal and finally 17 members had an excellent evening; good food and good company.

Reach Lode Sunday morning was dull, giving an opportunity for dog walking and geocaching. By lunch time the sun was out but with a good breeze, so out came the BBQs and picnic chairs and tables. Although still only 6 of us, it was decided by all that we attempted the quiz. Jean & I were joint winners - BUT we had set the quiz back in 2014/15, even so we only got 22 out of the 28 questions correct!

Some boaters went to the village church for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Songs of Praiseâ&#x20AC;? service.

Later we all returned to the village hall for another quiz run by the locals.

Our team of 6, plus a dog, came a very creditable 4th out of almost a dozen teams.

Monday was an early rise for me as the branch sales gazebos and equipment arrived just after 8 am at our pitch for the Reach Fair. Another breezy but generally sunny day. More boats arrived during the day so at one point 8 boats were present. Interesting day on the stand - visiting children were very keen using the water pump on the model canal, some stock items were sold and although several people were interested we did not recruit any new members. Spots of rain came down about 3:30 pm, so the crowds departed gradually and we were able to pack up. By 5 pm the site was almost empty - this was good as less than hour later the heavens opened!

Ouse News Page 19 It is disappointing that the same core of people help with the sales stand, most having done it for many years; it would be nice to see new people help. It’s great fun helping the public understand the IWA. ‘I’ll show you how to work the lock’

‘Should we let the children have a go? We didn’t buy it just for the committee after all!’

OuseFest Returns OuseFest is a fortnight of events from July 18th-31st celebrating the Ouse Washes landscape, heritage and communities, with over 100 events happening from St Ives to Downham Market. OuseFest is part of the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership scheme, a larger project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to promote the area. For those out and about by boat over the fortnight, there are plenty of events where you could moor up nearby and join in.

Boaters might particularly enjoy the Environment Agency’s tours of the Denver Complex. Given by site superintendent Dan Pollard, on Mon 18th, Tues 19th & Mon 25th. these tours are a chance to find out how the vital infrastructures at Denver Complex protect the fens from flooding and regulate water levels for navigation. Book by calling 01366 382013.

Ouse News Page 20 On Thursday 21st July at 7pm in Chatteris Library there will be a talk about the Manea Colony and the Fenland Ark, the Floating Church of the fens which operated in the 1900s to serve isolated communities. Places are limited - call 0345 045 5225.

Or for those fascinated by the history of Fenland pumping engines, three of these will be open to the public on 24th July as part of our Wind Steam and Diesel Trail. Prickwillow Museum will be running their engines and holding a Family Fun day from 11am-4:30pm, with kids activities and refreshments, Stretham Old Engine will be running from 1:30-5pm, and the Wind Pump at Wicken Fen will be open from 10am-5pm as usual.

In Ely, enjoy a specially selected programme of evocative Fenland films on Sunday 24th July from 4:30pm at the Babylon Gallery (book by calling ADEC 01353 616991), or on 31st July explore Cawdle Fen on foot with the Fenland Ramblers (meet outside the Maltings at 11am). More information at www.fenlandramblers.org.uk.

On July 23rd in St Ives there will be free craft activities for children on Holt Island from 10am to 3pm. In the Corn Exchange there will be a display of Riverport history and the evening will see The Merrie Wives of St Ives play performed on the Quay! Find out more at www.stivesoldriverport.co.uk Downham Market is putting on an Arts Trail over the fortnight. On Tuesday 19th between 10am-1pm come and try your hand at fenland crafts from rag rugging to basket making in Downham Market Library (this event is also running in Ely on Sat 30th July between 1-4pm at Ely Museum).

At the Jenynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arms on 24th July between 4-5pm, enjoy a family play with music and song by the Lavender Hill Mob set in 1702, telling the story of travellers lost in a Fenland fog who stumble across an isolated inn. Tickets are free. On the 28th July from 7-9pm the Ship Inn on Brandon Creek will host a lively talk about Fenland folklore and legend. Places are free but limited so book yours by calling Sara Marshall on 01353 865028.

Full programme of events at www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

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Branch News Winter Meetings

are at 8 pm on Thursday evenings at the Cole’s Road Community Centre, Milton (North Cambridge) CB24 6BL. Members & Visitors welcome.

T HURSAY 27 TH O CTOBER

2016

Our October meeting will be a talk

by John Dodwell about the formation of the Canal & River Trust and potential takeover of the Environment Agency navigations.

John is a C&RT Trustee and former IWA General Secretary.

T HURSDAY 24 TH N OV

2016

‘Sluices & Staunches’ - an illustrated talk by Ivan Cane.

T HURSDAY 23 RD F EBRUARY

2017

‘Boating Across the Wash’ - an illustrated talk by Simon Judge.

T HURSDAY 23 RD M ARCH

2017

This will be our branch AGM, together with an update from the River Managers of the Environment Agency.

We welcome the following new members to the branch. We hope you will introduce yourselves to us when coming to an event or meeting: Dr Frances Ward & Dr Peter Powell, Bury St. Edmunds Nick & Georgina Mead, Caxton, Cambridge Members who have moved to the branch: Diane Cook, Cambridge

Ouse News Page 22 River News from the Environment Agency - Paul Separovic In the previous issue I mentioned that the planned winter works programme on the River Great Ouse had largely still yet to be undertaken. I am pleased to say that the majority of the planned winter works have now all been completed and, as promised, I have provided some photos and an update on some of the key works carried out. At the time of writing there are still a few odds and ends from the 2015/16 winter works programme that have spilt over into this season but the majority of planned preventive maintenance and capital works are now completed.

There are still some works planned on the Relief Channel downstream landing stage and visitor moorings where some of the floatation tanks on these floating platforms have deteriorated and taken on some water causing portions of the deck to list. These floatation units will be replaced as part of the ongoing works. In the interim your attention will be drawn more to the new temporary control measures we are putting in place to ensure your safety whilst out using the waterway. We have reviewed the temporary measure we use between identifying an issue and a fix being applied. This has involved utilising more heavy duty fencing and clearer more prominent signage.

Whilst this has already had the impact of drawing more attention and generating more feedback about items awaiting repair, I am reassured that people are noticing and being able to steer clear of defects and better able to stay safe whilst out on the river.

For those of you who have already ventured out onto the water this season I hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll notice the areas of priority bushing works that have been undertaken in conjunction with our Field Operation colleagues. Many parts of the river system received attention to varying degrees, with highest priority given to those areas we had received most reports about and where it was deemed vegetation overhang was significantly impeding navigation.

Needless to say we are still collating intelligence and information on other developing hot spots so that this can form future winter tree cutting / bushing programmes with our Field Operations teams. More detail including images can be found on our twitter feed: @PaulSeparovic or in our twitter snippets.

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Ouse News Page 24 St Neots Lock You will be pleased to hear that business as usual has now resumed at St Neots Lock with the site returning back to full public operation; although I know there will be some of you who appreciated a helping hand through this site. There are currently no restrictions or closures currently in place at this location. During the emergency closure restriction period since last July we assisted over 1200 boats through the lock. As part of the road to recovery and the re-opening back to normal we had to remove the gear box from the guillotine gate and send it off for investigations. The images show the box in the workshop in various stages of being stripped down whilst away up in Yorkshire.

Investigations concluded that there was no issue with the gear box on the gate and that the original issue of the gate travelling was as a result of the balancing set up with the gate. This has now been addressed by removing additional fittings such as the eel pass and triangular capping off of the top of the gate where alternatives will, in time, be found.

The gate now shows no signs of travelling at any stage in its operation so the issue has been fully resolved on site, although further investigations continue into the gate design with the consultants and contractors who installed the newer gate design back in 2012. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a mid-week two day closure planned in late June to undertake a final inspection to check that everything is as it should be with the gate below the waterline; also coinciding with gate works at St Ives Lock at the same time to ensure they remain fully serviceable and to minimise the risks of any further disruption.

Ouse News Page 25 Cardington Lock Drain Down The images show Cardington Lock during a drain down inspection carried out this spring.

These inspections are carried out on a rolling programme and ideally we would like to undertake one every decade per lock structure. This very much depends on the levels of capital funding waterways receive which in turn is influenced largely by levels of grant funding from central government.

These works largely follow the principal of planned preventative maintenance and allow us to investigate causes for concern and attempt to address these whilst the lock pen is empty. These works are usually planned in to be done over a two week period but can, on occasions, be extended further depending on what is found and what work can be achieved at that time.

Other factors such as bad weather and high flows can also delay these types of inspection.

Whilst Cardington lock was drained we took the opportunity to investigate the cause of the stiff mitre or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; door operation that we had received numerous items of feedback about. In the end around 20mm was shaved off of the pintel pins (these sit in cups at the bottom of the lock door posts and effectively form the hinge). This has allowed much more free movement in the lock doors.

Ouse News Page 26 Upware Access Track Improvements During the winter period we close off the Upware access track to our moorings to prevent damage and rutting to the bank along Burwell Lode.

However, some severe rutting had also occurred between the highway along the access track onto the bank. Whilst traffic was quiet we were able to undertake repairs and have vastly improved the access track. We also re-profiled the gradient to direct water away from neighbouring properties, across the track and towards the lode. This work has improved the appearance of the area as well as access to the moorings, the flood bank and extensive Rights of Way Network in the area.

Castle Mill Lock Downstream Shoal Reprofiling Following the winter high flows and issues with the sluice gates at Castle Mill we have had to revisit the area adjacent to the downstream landing stage and carry out shoal reprofiling of the gravel bar that forms in the area. This had shifted in the high flows and encroached back into the navigation channel. As the photo shows we utilised a former Environment Agency piece of kit called the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Smalleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; via our contractors to redistribute the gravel that forms the shoal. They shifted approximately 800 cubic metres of gravel over the two week period and re-established a minimum 12 metre wide navigation channel to an average 1.4 metre depth. At the same time we also drove in some poles to attach some new in stream signage and string a line of channel marker buoys to better guide boats into and away from the lock past the landing stage.

Ouse News Page 27 Now that the channel is once again clear and navigable we are looking at medium to long term solutions to try and reduce the amount of gravel that keeps forming in the cleared channel. This includes working with colleagues to try and resolve the recurring issues with the sluice gates, as this contributes to the problem, and other methods such as piling or installing some baffles to slow flow and force the gravels out of suspension in the water causing the gravels to drop out before they reach the navigation side of the channel. This is being done in conjunction with ecology colleagues as the gravel bar forms a beneficial and unique fish spawning habitat that is seldom found elsewhere on the river at the scale it is found at Castle Mill.

Guillotine Gate High Level Access Improvements A number of lock sites referred to in the previous edition have had high level access improvements carried out to their guillotine gates.

Although the types of improvements won’t affect how the lock is operated and you won’t directly notice any difference in how the lock works, they are a vital health and safety piece of work under the lifting equipment or LOLER regulations that ensure our staff operator safety when they are accessing the top of the gates to undertake maintenance, inspections and repairs. These works will also make it easier to access the guillotine gates to carry out regular maintenance activities and inspections, so this also has indirect benefits to you as users of the locks. This is especially welcomed by a number of our engineers who are approaching retirement and found the previous access at the top of the ladder, and then having to scale some additional guard fencing, increasingly challenging! A secure ladder anchoring point and nice new gate is much easier to negotiate especially on those chilly windy days! There are a few final snags and alterations that contractors will be addressing on sites over the summer. This won’t affect lock operation, but you may notice them on site if you’re passing through this season, so you should now be a little wiser as to their presence and what they are up to.

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