Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch Newsletter Summer 2020
Front cover : Grindley Brook Bottom Lock by your Editor!
THE BRANCH COMMITTEE
President
Michael Limbrey 01691 654081
michael.limbrey@waterways.org.uk
Chairman
Michael Haig 07801 415573
michael.haig@waterways.org.uk
Secretary
VACANT
shrewsandnwales@waterways.org.uk
Membership Sec.
Dawn Aylwin 01691 830403
dawn.aylwin@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer & Welsh Liaison Officer
Alan Platt
alan.platt@waterways.org.uk
Webmaster
Alan Wilding
alan.wilding@waterways.org.uk
Publicity
VACANT
shrewsandnwales@waterways.org.uk
Newsletter Editor
Andrew Smith
andrew.smith@waterways.org.uk
Committee Members
Susan Wilding John Heald Graham Russell
susan.wilding@waterways.org.uk john.heald@waterways.org.uk graham.russell@waterways.org.uk
NW Region Chairman
Sir Robert Atkins robert.atkins@waterways.org.uk 01995 602225 or 07770 254444
Heritage & Planning
Peter Brown
iwa@peterquita.co.uk
Branch Web pages www.waterways.org.uk/shrewsbury www.facebook.com/pages/IWA-Shrewsbury-Branch/388651831206061 If you would prefer to communicate with the branch in the traditional way, please write to the chairman c/o IWA Chesham address at foot of page Shroppie Fly Paper is the newsletter of the Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch of The Inland Waterways Association (IWA). IWA is a membership charity that works to protect and restore the country's 6,500 miles of canals and rivers. For further information contact any committee member. Copy for Shroppie Fly Paper is very welcome, preferably by email. Photographs may be in any common computer format or as prints. Please supply a stamped addressed envelope if you require photographs to be returned. ‘Letters to the Editor’ intended for publication are invited, as are comments for the Editor’s private guidance. Copy and letters submitted for publication may be edited. The Inland Waterways Association may not agree with the opinions expressed in this branch newsletter but encourages publicity as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as official policy unless stated otherwise. The Association accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter. Any reproduction must be acknowledged. 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: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783 453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk
THE EDITOR'S CUT... Preparing this issue of the Shroppie Fly Paper has been an interesting experience. After being concerned about not having enough material, I have actually had to hold over several articles for the Winter issue! Grateful thanks to all the contributors. With leisure boating being restricted for a good portion of the time since the Spring issue, this edition has rather more of an emphasis on non-boating activities alongside our waterways such as walking, wildlife and businesses.
In April / May the IWA was campaigning on behalf of the many businesses who depend on the waterways and were struggling to access support. We regularly receive support from local waterways businesses in the form of sponsorship for our branch calendar. We are not producing a branch calendar this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic but have taken the opportunity in this issue to highlight, through advertorial content, some of the many waterways businesses in our area. We would encourage all IWA members to support these businesses who are so much part of our local waterways. My wife and I have just returned from a two-week trip on the Llangollen and Montgomery canals during which we certainly enjoyed coffee and cake at Canal Central, dinner at the Queens Head and Sunday lunch at the Navigation Inn. We also got some essential supplies from the chandleries at Nantwich Canal Centre and Wrenbury Wharf. It was good to see how organized each of the organisations was relating to social distancing and other Covid-19 precautions. It was great to finally get to our boat. In Wales, the 5 mile travel restriction was only lifted the week before we were due to go way and overnight stays were only allowed from the day before we left so it was a close-run thing! They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and that was certainly true for us. After a 4 month absence, being back on the canal was a delight and we are already looking forward to our next visit even if it is only to touch up tired paintwork... We took lots of pictures on our trip including the one on the front cover. Please remember that we are always looking for nice waterways related pictures to include in the magazine. Now that lockdown is easing, let’s get snapping.
Andrew Smith
Next copy date: Sunday, Nov 1, 2020 1
IWA SHREWSBURY DISTRICT & NORTH WALES BRANCH DIARY 2020/21 After all the cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is good to see some new dates appearing in the diary for next year. Obviously those will be subject to conditions at the time and it will be well worth checking before travelling to any events. To reduce travelling and cost many of the branch business meetings now take place online. If you would like to join us online, please contact our Chairman at: michael.haig@waterways.org.uk Date(s)
Event
See page
Aug 17, 2020
Branch Committee Meeting (online)
Oct 12. 2020
Branch Committee Meeting (online)
Nov 1, 2020
Shroppie Fly Paper Winter edition copy deadline
Dec 1, 2020
Brain of Monty Quiz closing date
25
May 8, 2021
Montgomery Canal Triathlon
24
July 16-18, 2021
Gnosall C-Fest
17
Summer 2021
Rebuild Schoolhouse Bridge
27
1
HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR COPY OF SHROPPIE FLY PAPER?
This magazine is available in a range of different forms:
Hard copy printed magazine
Downloadable electronic PDF file
Electronic version accessed on-line through Issuu.com
Distribution of Shroppie Fly Paper in all forms is handled by IWA headquarters staff. So, if you would like to change the way that you receive this magazine, please email membership@waterways.org.uk.
FROM THE STEERER
I’m writing this on the last weekend in June, looking out over a popular length of the Trent & Mersey Canal (alright, I admit, it’s not quite in our branch area, but it does afford a daily insight into what is – or isn’t – happening on this part of the Four Counties Ring.) As you would rightly expect, April and May saw virtually no boat movements save (perhaps) for the occasional continuous cruiser on an ‘essential’ mission, either to or from the nearby services facility or to find a less-populated length of towpath to moor against. For populated the towpath has most certainly been, especially over the eight weeks or so of almost solid sunshine we enjoyed, which brought out the walkers, runners and cyclists in their droves. But especially in this last week, we’re getting a noticeable uptick in boat movements each day, and frankly it’s a relief to see. I hope that, very shortly, we will be seeing also the return of significant numbers of holiday hire boats to the canals. With reports in the press of UK holiday accommodation quickly becoming sold out, there’s a great opportunity for our long-suffering hire boat operators to make at least something back this summer.
While much of the country seemed to be in a state of suspended animation, your branch at least has tried to keep itself occupied. In the absence of any physical events, we tried our hand at a virtual one and were delighted to host a Zoom webinar featuring Steve Wood, chairman of the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, delivering an informative and entertaining talk titled “Bringing Life back to the Uttoxeter Canal”. I hope that some of our readers were among the sixty people who attended and gave us such positive feedback. If you were unlucky enough to miss it, you can still catch it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b047bA1GG5g
The recording cuts out the boring bit of my introduction(!) and dives straight into Steve’s talk, though we do get to have a question and answer session at the end. If you’ve seen this or any other of IWA’s webinars and have any comments or suggestions, I’d be delighted to read them and, where appropriate, forward them on so we can make these online events even more satisfying. I certainly enjoyed that evening and hope we can do some more – lockdown or no lockdown – since it seems to me to be a great way of extending our reach, and making our events accessible to all our members who normally wouldn’t be able to travel long distances to a physical location. I’d love to know if you agree.
In other news, we were delighted to be contacted at the beginning of June by Craig Williams MP (Montgomeryshire), asking for a briefing ahead of his adjournment debate in the House of Commons – Michael Limbrey and I were happy to oblige (see p28 for Alan Platt’s article about the debate).
3
And we haven’t been neglecting our waterways. It was disappointing that the agreement with CRT to extend the opening times at Frankton Locks had to be put on hold during the activity pause caused by COVID-19. Hopefully as more boats return and as more volunteer lock keepers return, the opening times can be eased back up from two to four hours daily. We are hoping we have made progress in our long-running campaign on tunnel safety for unpowered craft on the upper Llangollen Canal and specifically at Chirk Tunnel. We have a site visit in August along with representatives from CRT West Midlands and canoeing organisations. A boat transit of the two tunnels in both directions is planned. Lastly, some readers may be aware that a couple of months ago, the boaters’ refuse facility at Barbridge Junction disappeared. Apparently it had to be removed due to the canal bridge being no longer able to carry the waste removal vehicles. We have been pushing to find an alternative solution to help boaters transiting between the Llangollen and Trent & Mersey canals and have been exploring sites on the Middlewich Branch and, in conjunction with our colleagues in Chester & Merseyside Branch, in Middlewich itself. We have a remote meeting scheduled in July with CRT North West to review the options. I would like to sign off my column for this issue by simply hoping that you are all emerging from the surreal experience of these last few months fit and well. It is far from ‘problem over’ for our local waterways businesses, but if we can get out on boats or on the towpaths in the remaining summer and autumn months and support them, they may yet be able to salvage an otherwise disastrous year. Michael Haig
SHROPPIE FLY PAPER BACK ISSUES ONLINE!
Did you know that you can access back issues of this magazine at issuu.com? The link to find issues back to 2009 is https://issuu.com/waterwaysassoc/stacks/ ff499dbd5f2941bba5e738cf88c600d6 But if that’s too much to type in, try this shortened version! https://bit.ly/2Pn5arf
4
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
We are delighted to welcome the following people who have either transferred to the Branch, renewed their membership, or joined as new members since the Autumn/Winter edition and hope to meet you all at one of the events advertised in this magazine.
Prof Cox from Hope Bowdler, Church Stretton Mr Fletcher from Marbury Mr Green from Pentrefoelas Mr & Mrs Grundy from Audlem Mr Heald from Ellerton, Newport Mr & Mrs Hodge from Rhos-on-Sea Mrs Jeffries from Alton, Hants Mr & Mrs Metcalfe from Froncysyllte Ms Morgan from Yardington, Whitchurch Mr & Mrs Roberts from Ford, Shrewsbury Mr Seale from West Kirby, Wirrel Mr & Mrs Slack from Welshpool
Yes, the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that I have included members mentioned in the Spring electronic version of this magazine. This is because not everyone has access to computers so might have missed their name in print. The Branch is still looking for volunteers to help Roy Stokes and Hugh Appleton at the Shrewsbury Christmas Card Shop at St Mary's Church . Just two days in November working alongside Roy or Hugh selling cards and calendars. Would you be willing to help them? Please get in touch.
Mary Murgatroyd
I am sad to report that Mary died at the Corbrook Park Nursing Home in Audlem on Monday 27th April. I understand that there will be a memorial service for her later in the year. If you are interested in attending please get in touch and I will let you know the details when they are known. I first met Mary when I joined the Branch in 2002 and took over as Mary & John Murgatroyd Secretary from her husband John who then became Branch Chairman. Although Mary did not join the committee she supported John by typing up his notes and letters; she also took a keen interest in all Branch activities joining in with walks, talks and fund raising events. In fact they were both members of the Branch bowling team and with Mary's skill with the bowls we occasionally won the cup!
5
I understand that both Mary and John produced some of the early Branch Newsletters without the aid of a word processor - so typed out on stencils by Mary and then reproduced; a mammoth task! In the past, whenever we cruised down the Middlewich Arm to the Folk and Boat Festival we usually moored alongside Mary and John's Bungalow and always received a welcome. After John died, Mary still came walking down the towpath to join us for coffee on our boat; that is before she moved to the nursing home. Our condolences go to Mary's daughter and her family.
Dawn Aylwin
WHITCHURCH CANAL FESTIVAL Sat 22nd / Sunday 23rd August
Unfortunately the Whitchurch Canal Festival which was due to take place in August has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic plus the difficulties of having social distancing at the site of the Festival. The website is available at: http://whitchurchwaterway.uk/canal-festival
NANTWICH TOWPATH CRACKS UPDATE
In the last issue, we mentioned an article in the Nantwich News about CRT monitoring of cracks in the towpath at the Nantwich embankment. Branch committee member Graham Russell has contacted CRT for an update about the monitoring results. He was informed that 139 measuring studs were installed last October between the stop gates at either end of the embankment— mostly in sets of three. A survey in May confirmed that all but three studs had movements of less than 5mm which is acceptable and can be explained by temperature change etc. Three studs opposite Nantwich services showed a displacement of around 20mm. CRT will be checking for any trends when the studs are next checked in August.
6
As I write this in the second week of July the sun has re-appeared. Overnight stays have just restarted, so several of our customers have taken their boats out cruising. The engineers are busy, the boat storage yard customers are happily working on their boats, the Brokerage market is very strong for all types of boat, the caravan site is fully booked and the cafĂŠ has a steady flow of custom. So everything seems thankfully perfectly normal? But much has changed over the last 3-4 months, with at it peak 27 of our 30 staff on furlough, and customers unable to visit their own boats. The furlough scheme has been a real help and our customers have respected restrictions; both have helped us to quickly get the show back on the road. The main difference customers will notice today from pre covid, is that everything now has to be prebooked online. This means brokerage viewing are by appointment only, the Chandlery is operating as call and collect, the cafĂŠ is pre-booked tables only or take away, we even have an online mooring booking facility. All the above are proving popular with customers and staff alike and will I believe remain the way we operate for the foreseeable future. I hope everyone has a safe and unrestricted summer season cruising, and should you require any assistance please get in touch. Robert Parton Owner of Aqueduct Marina (15o berth marina and boatyard) www.aqueductmarina.co.uk
7
NAVIGATION INN, MAESBURY, DURING LOCKDOWN Stuck at home and unable to celebrate my birthday with a meal out at our favourite watering hole we resorted to looking for an alternative and, believe it or not, the Navvy, which happens to be our favourite local pub, started serving takeaways. So beer battered haddock chips and peas with delicious homemade tartare sauce was the order of the day. The batter was crisp and light, the fish succulent and flaky and the sauce with chunky bits of red onion was delicious; in fact I've tried analysing it to make at home. We ordered and paid for the meal by phone, arranged a time and collected it by the back stairs where a table had been set up maintaining social distancing.
Apart from fish and chips there is a range of other dishes including sausage, homemade burgers, scampi, chicken goujons all with chips, curry and meatballs. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. Recently the pub has also offered Sunday lunch which includes a choice of sweets - sticky toffee pudding or cheesecake. I'm hoping that brownies, my favourite pud, which was usually on their main menu, will soon be included! Brent and Mark celebrated 16 years at The Navvy on Sunday 7th June and said "we arrived in 2004 for 3 years! There have been some tough times - this year definitely included! We would normally hold a BBQ or similar, but that will have to wait until later in the year". During the weekend they offered customers a voucher for a free pint, glass of wine or soft drink for each takeaway main course ordered. No we couldn't use the offer immediately and will have to wait until later in the year when pubs are allowed to reopen. During their celebratory weekend they also advertised "Have a drink on us and help Hope House Hospice" by donating 15% of the takings from their takeaways because they said "This is a difficult time for everyone and many charities are suffering greatly". Lockdown is beginning to ease and fingers crossed that by the time the Shroppie Fly Paper is published and circulated, pubs will be allowed to open their doors and we can all enjoy a pint or glass of wine with a meal. I'm looking forward to being able to cruise down the Monty, moor by the pub and step inside for a meal and drink. In the meantime if you know of a canal side pub near you which is offering a service please get in touch with the editor.
8
POSTSCRIPT Since writing, the copy date for this magazine was extended and the glorious 4th July has been and gone along with some of the restrictions in England. Pubs are now allowed to open and the Navigation Inn has welcomed back customers but with limited hours (check their website for details). The internal layout has changed to limit numbers in line with safety regulations and the garden area has been tripled to allow maximum space for outside dining and drinking; hopefully the weather will improve! Further along the canal at Llanymynech, the pubs to the east of the Bridge on the A483 are allowed to open but across the road the Dolphin has to remain closed because it is in Wales. A crazy situation which might have changed again by the time you read this.
Dawn Aylwin
OUR NEW ONLINE PRESENCE NEEDS YOUR PICTURES PLEASE Even before the current Covid-19 emergency emphasised the enormous value of online communications, our Association was working to improve its huge website. The results of that major re-design are going to go live in August 2020.
A recent webinar for branch editors demonstrated the improvements and ease of finding information using an interactive map of the waterways. We were told most traffic to the site comes via mobile phone or tablet and easy access to information via this means has been incorporated. It is also hoped that the new design will turn more of the many casual visits into real returns in terms of new membership, funding and campaign successes. Their planned ‘user engagement’ through an ‘awe, awareness, action framework‘ means that there’s an immediate way in which everyone can be involved is by providing photographs to help create the ‘awe’. The need is for good quality, high res images of local waterways and branch activities - at least 2000px width/height or 1MB+, preferably uncropped. My waterways email is: alan.wilding@waterways.org.uk Alan Wilding Branch Web Editor
9
NORTH WEST REGION’S FAVOURITES Each year, the four branches that make up IWA’s North West Region – Chester & Merseyside, Lancashire & Cumbria, Manchester and us – are invited to put forward nominations for recipients of our two regional awards: the Tetlow Memorial Cup and the Kenwin Trophy. This year, your branch put forward a nomination for each award, and both were judged well-deserved winners!
Our nomination for the Tetlow Memorial Cup, for outstanding service to the waterways by a non-IWA person or group, was Peter Jones for his work in promoting the Llangollen Canal and boosting tourism in North Wales. Peter has recently retired after almost two decades running his eponymous trip boat business Jones the Boats, offering excursions from Trevor across the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. During this time, he became one of the best-known figures on our local waterways and has done more than most to introduce countless visitors to the wonders and delights of this stretch of the upper Llangollen Canal (a figure of 25,000 passengers a year has been quoted by Waterways World). Following the aqueduct’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peter also found himself promoting the canal on TV programmes as diverse as Countryfile and Flog It! and has played a leading role in establishing the World Heritage Site as a well-known tourist destination. Branch chairman Michael Haig, on behalf of the North West Region, presented the cup to Peter at a small ceremony at Ellesmere Wharf on June 26. A short video of the presentation is available on our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ iwa.shrewsbury
10
The other award is the Kenwin Trophy, for services to IWA. Our nomination for this required a certain amount of subterfuge, since we wanted to put forward (without his knowledge) our very own branch treasurer, Alan Platt. Since Alan joined IWA in the 1980s and became affiliated to the Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch just after the millennium, he has been a branch stalwart and a key figure within IWA nationally. Since 2003 he has been our Welsh Liaison Officer and from 2004 was our representative on the “IWA Committee for Wales”. Alan was elected branch chairman in April 2005 for a three-year term, and has been our branch treasurer since April 2015. He became North West Region chairman and a trustee in June 2009 and remained so until September 2015, when he took on the role of region secretary (until Oct 2019, when he asked to stand down, as our current region chairman will regretfully attest). While region chairman he was also deputy national chairman from 2014 until 2017. During the travel and activity restrictions of the last few months Alan has been locked away in his North Wales fastness, so we had to ask his postie to present him with his trophy. Our sincere congratulations got to both worthy recipients of these awards.
As Alan Platt, the recipient of the Kenwin trophy is ‘shielded’ under the current regulations, the trophy came via Royal Mail and the only presentation possible was conducted by Alan’s dog Lola as pictured. The award was sprung on Alan at the recent Zoom region meeting, where he was taken by surprise so had no opportunity to decline as he doesn’t really believe we should get pots for enjoying ourselves.
11
NANTWICH AREA NEWS Thanks to committee member Graham Russell for this round-up of news relating to the Nantwich area.
Towpath Vegetation
Since CRT’s regional reorganisation, very good relations have been established with Liam Cooper, the North West’s Boating & Customer Support Manger. On many occasions this has resulted in quick solutions to issues. As an example, in early June Liam was sent an email and photo reporting fallen tree boughs on the Llangollen near Burland, which were hindering pedestrians. The result was an immediate reply and assurance of remedial action asap.
Dog Waste Bins
The hard surfaced Nantwich embankment is an extremely popular towpath for dog walking, but used to have a lack of waste bins south of the aqueduct. As a result of lobbying, two years ago CRT installed two bins at the Marsh Lane towpath entrance near bridge 91. Since then there have been occasional issues with their contractors not emptying the bins at the agreed weekly intervals. Following the late May Bank Holiday, one of the bins had been filled with domestic waste, with the other overflowing and even more rubbish on the ground - very unsightly. A quick call and photos to Liam Cooper resulted in the bins being emptied within 48hrs.
12
Motorcycling On Towpath
Currently there is a local problem on the Nantwich Embankment with fishermen (not noticed any fisherladies!) accessing their pitch by motorcycling along the towpath and then partly blocking it with their vehicles. This is contrary to CRT’s Bylaw 31(1) Towpaths - No person, unless authorised by the Board or otherwise legally entitled so to do shall: (a) Ride or drive any animal or vehicle over any towing path (b) Obstruct any towing path or interfere with the authorised use Additionally CRT’s Bylaw 55 states No person shall leave or place upon any canal any vehicle (i) so as to cause an obstruction or hindrance to the Board or any person using the canal. A request was made to CRT’s National Fisheries & Angling Manager for the bylaws to be enforced. The reply advised that the police should be phoned and the issue was passed to CRT’s Customer Support Administrator team in Wigan for further comment. CSA’s response to the issue was a somewhat disturbing surprise - “Canal & River Trust do not have any enforcement powers and if you see more examples of this anti-social behaviour please contact the Police”. Recently local residents have erected unauthorised oversized ‘No motorcycling’ signs on towpath totem posts. To avoid further unofficial signs being erected, for any other issue, these are being removed by CRT. Liam Cooper has agreed that, following an audit for suitable totem post locations, CRT will provide correctly sized and authorised ‘No Motorcycling’ signage. Whether this official signage will stop those that are determined enough to ignore CRT’s bylaws remains to be seen - presuming of course they know that the regulations actually exist!
Graham Russell
13
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
Well, we will certainly remember 2020 - often for less than pleasant reasons but one positive was the delight of checking the flowers growing along the towpath. Ever since my mother found that she could only persuade me to go walking with her by proposing expeditions to see how many different flowers we could find and identify, I have been an amateur botanist. On retirement, I enrolled in botany classes and became slightly more knowledgeable - I now knew most of the terms in my flower books and how to set about identification in a little more organised fashion. I have been lucky to retire to Llanymynech, a village so rich in flora, and one of my joys has been walking along the canal towpath identifying the flowers. Many growing in the canal will be familiar to you: the beautiful yellow irises which make such a display in early summer and the reed maces (once called bullrushes). There are two sorts: the common reed mace has a fat clump of seeds and then tapers off in a narrow long point;
Common reed mace
the lesser reed mace has one clump then another, smaller clump above it. Lesser reed mace
The strong scent of the meadowsweet adds to the pleasure of the towpath walk. Down nearer to the water you may find occasional water mint and water forget -me-nots (very similar to the common dry land varieties).
14
White frogbit covers the water surface with its small white flowers near Carreghofa and just under the water grows the spiky water soldier choking the canal in that area. Further on, where the canal is interrupted by the dropped bridge near the Vyrnwy, the water sometimes turns deep pink as it is covered by minute water ferns called azolla. A stranger told me she thought it was a road surface until she got out of her car to look closely! White frogbit
Here and there you may come across the tall spike and tiny red flowers of water figwort and one of my favourites, the neat white clusters of gypsywort.
Hemlock water dropwort
Of course much of the water on the canal side is dominated by a mixture of tall green plants best identified from a Gypsywort boat. Between Llanymynech and Carreghofa, there are large clumps of greater tussock grass. Hemlock water dropwort is common but very poisonous, as its name suggests, and it was one of the first waterside plants I learnt to identify as my mother was worried I might make use of one of its hollow stems as a pea shooter!
15
One of my favourites is branched bur reed with its little round seed capsules zig-zagging up its stem like the spiked bombs you see exploding in cartoons. The commonest plants are the sweetgrass and water reeds along the canal.
Branched bur reed
Flowering rush
My favourite of all the canal flowers is flowering rush found in the Carreghofa length opposite the Wern. It flowers in July-August but the numbers vary from year to year as it does not like to be disturbed when the workmen occasionally clear the canal.
Greater tussock grass
Of course the flowers are not confined to the water and some prefer to keep their feet drier. There is a fine bank of brambles where the Heritage Area field abuts the canal. As you walk back towards the village of Llanymynech, you pass the B.T. yard before the bridge. In the spring, you may see a flush of small pink flowers covering the gravel, this is red hemp-nettle which arrived with the gravel from the sea coast many years ago. It is, I was told, the only colony of it in Shropshire.
16
Near the bridge are some clumps of yellow corydalis, a garden escape and some bright red Valerian flowers.
Yellow corydalis
Buttercups and storksbill are common along the towpath with occasional examples of hedge woundwort. Earlier in the year, primroses could be found and near Carreghofa viaduct there are bluebells which indicate that before the canal was cut this was a woodland area.
Red Valerian
Paddy Martin
GNOSALL C-FEST 2021 (16/18 JULY)
We have been notified by the organisers that this year’s Gnosall C-Fest has had to be called off. They have pencilled in a date for 2021 when they hope that the event will return “bigger and better than ever”. Full information available at their website www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk
17
POUNDING THE TOWPATHS DURING THE PANDEMIC During the early days of lockdown, we drove from our home in Shrewsbury to Rednal, parked up and walked along the Montgomery Canal towpath towards Frankton. It was a pleasant walk, good sunny weather, and a few other walkers to exchange the time of day with. We didn’t progress far because we hadn’t done a long walk for a while and so took it easy but felt it did us good. Then the ban on driving to exercise was imposed and our walks all had to start and end at home which meant no canals nearby.
Aston Locks
Once the ban was lifted and with the sun shining and picnic lunches in our bag, off we drove to Queen’s Head and walked past the three Aston locks and around the latest nature reserve. Wildflowers were in abundance everywhere, birds were singing and occasionally there was also happy chatter from other walkers but, of course, no boats. So, we decided it was safe to sit on a lock gate, without fear of interruption, for our lunch. This was our first visit to the nature reserve (‘twixt Locks 2 and 3) since its official start of construction a couple years ago. It was a great surprise to find such a large lake. On the way back to the car we spotted a notice about a planning application and investigated later to discover that various additions are proposed including a dragonfly sculpture on one of the high banks with opportunities for young visitors to crawl under and ‘look’ through the dragonfly’s eye.
Frankton
The following week we chose to visit the Lower Frankton Junction of the Llangollen with the Montgomery and walked past the locks where the weedy planting troughs had sadly become victims of the lockdown. At the Weston Arm junction, we were surprised to see a man in a very small yellow kayak repeatedly flipping over and righting himself. The only witness, prior to our arrival, being his video camera on a tripod on the towpath. Back up at the locks, a magnificent rose bush was in full flower at what used to be a boatman’s pub with its own arched entrance steps from the canal pound. We were pleased to find that the plaque, which IWA fixed to a lock wall some years ago to commemorate the conversion of Cressy in 1929, was still there – there had been some doubts about the type of fixings to use.
18
Rednal
On another very hot day we returned to Rednal with the intention of reaching the Perry aqueduct and Graham Palmer lock. After questioning a couple who had canoed from Frankton, we found out it would have proved too far in the un-seasonal heat. We ate our picnic in the shade, sitting on the concrete surrounds to the stop plank slots. We passed two canal mileposts with plaques, one being inscribed to IWA’s John and Christine Baylis and fondly remembering the 20 years they spent on WRG’s restoration of Frankton and Aston locks. The other being in memory of Mary (Suzy) Ackerman. Both need re-painting– any offers?
Shrewsbury Canal
A few weeks later, and with more sunny weather, we went local to home and visited Berwick Wharf, north of Shrewsbury where restoration clearance of the abandoned Shrewsbury Canal has been undertaken by Shrewsbury & Newport Canal Trust. Although nettles were in abundance, the huge amount of tree clearance achieved was amazing. We were able to walk along the newly cleared, and reinforced, towpath from the Atcham/Uffington road to the south east portal of the Berwick Tunnel. Bird song was deafening from the tree lined cutting and, with water in the channel, the canal almost looked as if it could have been back in use. One day!
Grindley Brook
On a dull, showery day we drove to Grindley Brook, had our lunch in the car alongside the A41 and then walked up the staircase locks, and along the canal for a short distance. Back at the staircase, we wandered down to the single lock. Alan had just remarked that a boat in the staircase would make a good photograph as the sun had emerged when, lo and behold, a boat appeared. The chatty couple told us
19
they live aboard Red, Red Wine for seven months every year but, even being classed as permanent cruisers, they’d had to endure a 3-month stay-put. Fortunately. they were at Tixall Wide on the Staffs & Worcs, within sight of Shugborough Hall, and were able to spin the boat around to get supplies. When lockdown was eased, they’d been overjoyed at their release to an empty navigation. We gave them a hand through the locks and then waved them goodbye as they made their happy way towards Chirk. Otherwise, with the shop and café shut, it was all very quiet, just a family having a snack on a seat, a few dog-walkers and us so no problem about social distancing.
Chirk
A drive from Shrewsbury towards the (closed) Welsh border found us at Chirk Bank. Our walk took us over the Chirk aqueduct as far as the basin and tunnel entrance.( Oh dear! We’d strayed into Wales). A lone fisherman had the basin to himself as a train from Wales rattled over the viaduct. We were intrigued by the Welcome to Wales (Croeso y Cymru) and Welcome to England signs being sited at opposite ends of the aqueduct. Is the aqueduct some kind of no-man’sland?
So, where to next? Maybe, the elusive Perry aqueduct on the Monty between Frankton and Rednal. Perhaps ‘abroad’, as we’re now allowed to cross the border into Wales! Meantime, we’re grateful to the canals for providing us with an alternative to the still-closed gymnasium and swimming pool and grateful too that our favourite riverside restaurant in Shrewsbury, appropriately called The Riverbank, is open once again and we can sit and eat there as the Sabrina trip boat glides past, behind the willow trees. Susan and Alan Wilding
20
CHESHIRE CAT NARROWBOAT HOLIDAYS We are a small family run business with seven holiday boats and a 10 seater dayboat. The company has been run by Mark and Linda Edwards since 2009, and is based at Overwater Marina, Audlem, on the Shropshire Union Canal.
The boats range in size from a cosy 38ft trad 2-berth with a woodburning stove, up to a 65ft cruiser stern 8 berth with two shower rooms. They all come fully equipped with everything you will need for a perfect holiday. Favourite routes from the Audlem base include Llangollen and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Four Counties and Cheshire Rings, Anderton and the River Weaver, and Chester. The holiday prices include diesel, and pets are welcome aboard at no extra charge. Tuition is provided to newcomers, including a lockside demonstration. Take a look at the website www.cheshirecatnarrowboats.co.uk or give us a ring on 07867 790195
MARK EDWARDS MABBSE Boat Safety Scheme Examiner Gas Safe registered engineer.
All classes of vessel examined, including non-private. Landlords' Gas Safety Certificates for hire and hotel boats, shared-ownership boats, domestic properties, caravans, motorhomes and horseboxes. Repairs and alterations to LPG gas systems carried out. 07970 384047
21
MONTGOMERY CANAL RESTORATION UPDATE SUMMER 2020
It would be nice to be able to report that the works during the first half of 2020 had resulted in substantial progress on construction of the Pryces to Crickheath Phase 2 channel. Alas you know what put a stop to all that. It was disappointing, to put it mildly, that we managed only one work party this year before the plug was pulled. The Society took the inevitable decision to suspend work parties on 17th March. This wiped out a run of planned fortnightly work parties though April, May and June which were intended to recover some of the time lost during last year’s ‘curfew’ caused by the newt exclusion work. Far better news is that CRT has given us permission to restart work from the end of July. We have successfully argued that SUCS is undertaking the work as a third party organisation which is Principal Contractor under the CDM Regulations. The upshot of this is that we have produced our own self supervising contractor’s documentation for restart rather than adhere to the guidance for CRT volunteers. And the good news does not end there! The Pryces to Crickheath work is funded by an HLF grant. It has been agreed that monies already paid to CRT by the HLF which was originally to fund outreach (education, guided walks, talks etc.), and which now cannot be delivered because of the virus, can be used for capital works. So in the next month or so the funds will be used to pay for contractors to install an additional culvert at Crickheath and rebuild a section of bank.
Installing a drain sum with channel bed treatment in the distance
Much of the work on any construction project takes place off site. For this reason, despite the shutdown of the site, there is still a lot of progress to report on Phase 2. The long process of ground investigation, laboratory studies, design proposals and numerous consultations was finished in January, and a geotechnics report, which describes the ground conditions, and the final design for the Phase 2 channel issued. The design has the twin aims of addressing the ground conditions and being realisable by a volunteer workforce.
22
The geotechnics report makes it clear that majority of Phase 2 has a deep bed of peat underneath it, and other areas have equally unpleasant water bearing gravels, running sands and loams. As can be seen from a walk along the towpath in this area, heavy structures such as the banks have subsided into the peat over the years. The design challenge for the consulting engineers was to produce a channel construction that will not subside when the restored canal is in use. Because of the variety of ground conditions the design includes bespoke bank constructions for the many and various ground types. The upshot of this is the channel/bank configurations vary markedly along the length of Phase 2 due to both the different bank constructions and the need to fit these into the available land.
Computer image of Phase 2 channel (Courtesy Arcadis and CRT)
The computer generated image of the channel (the viewpoint is from Lloyd’s Animal Feeds towards Crickheath) shows this variation which will require considerable attention to detail to build accurately. Note that the design includes a constant width navigable channel. The first stage of actual construction is to make the bed of the channel strong enough to take the weight of the excavators and dumpers. This is done by mixing cement into the peat and covering it with geogrid and imported stone. This work had started before our latest enforced break. The banks will be constructed of layers of compacted earth and imported stone held together by geogrid. The latter is a very strong fabric mesh which when placed horizontally prevents the bank spreading under load. In areas of particularly poor ground the banks will initially be constructed to a height which takes account of the predicted subsidence over the next 25 years. In some places this will be in excess of two metres above the existing towpath level. The banks will then be loaded for six months using water filled containers (IBCs in the
23
jargon) stacked on the top of the bank. These are visible on the computer generated image. The loads have been calculated to cause the equivalent of 25 years of subsidence in six months and which will be irreversible. We will be responsible for on-site testing of the soil which will form the banks, and for monitoring of the rate of settlement of the loaded banks. After the banks have settled within prescribed limits the loads will be removed. Only at this The start of channel shaping at Crickheath point will the channel be shaped and lined in a manner similar to that used in the previous phase of the work. As can be appreciated the work that we are about to undertake is a very complex bit of engineering. It is most emphatically not just lining an existing channel. Work of this nature is not usually done by volunteers. However we are confident that with the well thought out design, the right materials and equipment and support from CRT and the designers, the talents of our workforce will see us through. We look forward to this challenge! David Carter SUCS Project Manager
FRIENDS OF THE MONTGOMERY CANAL TRIATHLON 2021
It was with great regret, that along with many other events, we made the decision to postpone the Montgomery Canal Triathlon this year due to the current and ongoing circumstances. Clearly this was the right thing to do but since we were already, at that stage, almost fully booked, we had a lot of work to do contacting triathletes to advise them of the decision and to give them options regarding their payments. Some requested a refund, a great number opted to forward their fees to the 2021 event and several very kindly donated their fees to the restoration fund. This means that somewhere in the region of £1000 will be handed over to the restoration appeal. Although less than we have been able to donate in the past, it is nevertheless an impressive amount for an event that didn’t happen. So if you are one of those people, thank you so much. Every penny counts and we are very grateful. So, looking forwards, the 2021 Montgomery Canal Triathlon is now set for Saturday May 8th. Hopefully, everyone will be back in circulation by then, the sun will shine and we will have another successful, fun day. Make a date in your diary. Chris Palin www.themontgomerycanal.org.uk
24
BRAIN OF MONTY QUIZ 2020 Spring cleaning finished, cupboards and bookcases sorted, work boxes tidier than they have ever been and the shed with everything in its place? So now you must be looking for something to do. The Brain of Monty quiz is the perfect solution with clues (from the 2018 quiz) like West Bank of the Seine and Adored and followed around by Nigel and Nellie you can have hours of fun! Apart from the prestige of winning the coveted title of 'Brain of Monty 2020' for which you will need perfect vision, you could also win the £25 prize, all for just £1. Why not give it a go and join the elite group of 'Brain of Monty' enthusiasts? The proceeds will go towards the restoration of the two miles of the Montgomery Canal from Crickheath to Llanymynech as part of the Restore The Montgomery Canal! appeal. The winner will be announced in December on www.restorethemontgomerycanal.uk PLEASE PLEASE HELP US Are you willing to sell copies of the quiz now that you are allowed to meet with a few friends and family? It would be fantastic if every member of the Branch could buy/sell just 5 copies. If you are willing please send: SAE (A5 16 x 23cm) plus £1 for a single copy or SAE (as above) plus £5 and sell the other copies to family and friends or SAE plus £1 and a donation to help the canal restoration From past experience £1 coins travel easily through the post, suitably wrapped. However notes and cheques are far safer. Cheques should be made payable to: Restore the Montgomery Canal and sent to: Brain of Monty Quiz, Wyndcliff, Pen-y-Garreg Lane, Pant, Oswestry, SY10 8JS Yes we really do need your help to reach the target of selling 1000 copies especially as all the canal events have been cancelled so far this year. Just think of what your contribution will do for the restoration project. A big thank you to everyone who responded to the request in the Spring edition of this magazine; your support it much appreciated. Closing date for entries is 1st December 2020 Dawn Aylwin
25
PLANNING A CRUISE?
The information below from CRT may be useful if you are planning a cruise in or near our branch area.
Frankton Locks
New 2020 Season Opening Times: 9 am - 12 noon daily Before you commence your booking, please check that your craft is within the maximum dimensions which can be found at https:// canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/ original/30536-frankton-locks-maximum-dimensions.pdf Please note that a return passage must be booked a maximum of 14 days after you have entered on to the Montgomery Canal. You can book any day in advance but no later than 10.00 am on the day of your passage. Please arrive at the locks anytime between 9am and 12 noon. There will no passage outside of the opening times. If you have any questions, then please call on 0303 040 4040
Harecastle Tunnel
This may not be in our branch area but is used frequently by boaters doing the Four Counties Ring, much of which IS in our area. Passage through the tunnel is available via a booking system only. Your boat must have a working front light and horn or you will not be allowed to enter the tunnel. Unfortunately, CRT are not able to safely lend these items out at the moment. The booking slots for passage through the tunnel will be available for seven days a week, from 8 am until 2 pm. All passages must be pre-booked by email EventsNorthStaffs@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Anderton Boat Lift
Again, not in our area but a popular destination. From Saturday Aug 1, the Lift will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, with longer operating times over the weekend period. On the week days, there will be 4 passages in each direction per day (total capacity 8 narrowboats in each direction). On the weekends, there will be 7 passages in each direction per day (total capacity 14 narrowboats in each direction). More details on the CRT website https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-tovisit/anderton-boat-lift-visitor-centre/boating-through-anderton-boat-lift
26
27
THE MONTY MAKES A MARK AT WESTMINSTER
An adjournment debate, as I understand it, is a delightfully British institution whereby at the close of business in the House of Commons an MP can raise a matter of interest which receives a response from the appropriate minister. There is no vote and rarely any debate as such and it appears to be a way for an MP to raise a matter of concern and interest to him or her and basically to place it on record. It is useful therefore as a means of increasing the profile of an issue, and to be welcomed by members of the public who are active or interested in that cause. It is heartening therefore to report that there was an adjournment debate on the ‘Restoration of Canals’ raised by Craig Williams, the new MP for Montgomeryshire in which he was specifically interested in the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.
Branch Chairman Michael Haig (centre) with MPs Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) and Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire) at IWA Parliamentary Reception Jan 2020
We are lucky in having local MPs who have always been interested in the Monty, which is covered by two constituencies. The English section has been championed by Owen Paterson who has been MP for North Shropshire since 1997, and the Welsh section from Llanymynech down to Newtown falls within the Montgomeryshire constituency, noted for being the only Welsh constituency never to have elected a Labour MP. It used to be staunchly Liberal with the somewhat exotic Lembit Opik, who did indeed support the canal restoration, representing it from 1997, until Glyn Davies unseated him in 2010, since when it has been Conservative, with Glyn retiring at the 2019 election to be replaced by Craig Williams.
28
Craig has interested himself in the Monty, and is one of the Deputy Chairs of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways. When an MP wins the chance to present an adjournment debate, it is logical that he will have a number of competing local issues to consider, and their respective pressure groups to keep happy, so we are indeed lucky to have him pick us when his name came out of the proverbial hat for the adjournment debate on June 4th. The full report of the debate can be found at https:// www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2020-0604a.1104.0&s=Inland+Waterways#g1104.2, and the following is a brief precis; despite the fairly general title Craig’s speech starts by summarising progress on the restoration of the Montgomery to date. He summarises the history of the canal and refers to the Canal & River Trust, the Prince of Wales and the Variety Club before extolling the benefits of canals in general to the tourism industry. He highlights the effects of the coronavirus lockdown to canal related businesses, and the potential for growth in tourism that restoration will provide to his constituency. He touches on the wellbeing and both natural and built environmental benefits that the restoration will provide. The IWA gets a namecheck as does the Schoolhouse Bridge project and he asks for government support. He then widens the topic to a expound the potential benefit to the country and the returns from investing in canal restoration both financially and in terms of mental health and other benefits, and suggests that the way forward is to work with C&RT and the IWA to achieve these. The response was from Rebecca Pow, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for DEFRA who grew up near the K&A so is aware of the benefits restoration can bring. She referred to the Llanymynech lime kilns and has a horticultural background so waxed enthusiastically over floating water plantain before summarizing the status and role of C&RT. She emphasized the health benefit of canals, especially in the current pandemic, and appreciates the effect of this on waterside businesses. She welcomes the start of easing of lockdown restrictions in early June and anticipates further relaxations in the future. In summary she concluded by saying that she and Craig were ‘singing from the same hymn sheet.’. In short a modest but useful contribution towards raising the profile of restoration of the Monty specifically and the canals generally, and it’s nice to know that he is continuing the tradition of having Montgomeryshire MPs firmly on the right side. Alan Platt
29
Huge database of customers looking to buy Free moorings while for sale at our marina Open 7 days / week
WANT TO SELL? CASH SALE Instant funds in your bank account Venetian Marina Cholmondeston Nantwich Cheshire CW5 6DD
BROKERAGE FROM 4% + VAT
PART EXCHANGE
(Minimum charge applies)
Part exchange your boat with one from our marina
More information on our website Tel: 01270 528251 sales@venetianmarina.co.uk www.venetianmarina.co.uk/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA #REALISEYOURDREAM