Two inclined planes are in use, the Arzviller on the Marne au Rhin, opened in 1960, to replace seventeen locks and the amazing Ronquier inclined plain on the Canal Charleroi a Brussels opened in 1962 where boats travel 1,432 metres in a large tank on 236 wheels. Finally the famous lifts on the Canal du Centre in Belgium. Four hydraulic lifts built between 1885 and 1918. (They are like four Anderton lifts one after another.) Even though they are still in use, close to them is the highest boatlift in the world, Strepy Thieu, opened in 2002, which only takes 7 minutes to raise 73.5 metres. It is only by travelling through all these fascinating structures in Europe that one realizes what could have occurred in England had canals not been phased out in favour of railways. "We were so fortunate that our summer event was held on the first day of summer weather. Twenty of us enjoyed the balmy evening playing boules and sampling the excellent BBQ cooked by Jeff, landlord of the Green Dragon. Competition was fierce and Jacques, our French referee, was seen to be measuring to the nearest millimetre to judge the winning team."
Situations Vacant: Patrick Moss, who stood as chairman of IWA’s South West Region, was unable to take up the post for health reasons. Under IWA’s rules for the appointment, nominations for this post are invited to serve the remaining term of office, until the 2015 AGM, and should be submitted to the chief executive at head office by no later than Wednesday 2nd January. If you are interested in this post you will find more details at the top of page 31 in the winter 2012 edition of Waterways. The South West Region also needs a Secretary for its Committee. If you are interested in getting involved then this job could be for you. Any queries should be addressed to Peter Kelly (details on page 2 of this copy of Sou’Wester)
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