The Inland Waterways Association
Ouse News - Summer 2013 The Great Ouse Branch Newsletter covering the Great Ouse and tributaries
Contents: Branch Committee p3 Chairman’s Corner p4 Book Review
p6
River Cam News
p8
River News from EA p9 Diamond Jubilee
p12
Branch News
p16
The Frieston Green p20 Ely Moorings
p21
Reach Supper
The Ship Inn
p22
Saturday, 4th May, 2013
Denver Visit
p23
Campaigning for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the Inland Waterways.
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.
Ouse News Page 2
Ouse News Page 3
Branch Committee Chairman: Keith Alderton Holly Cottage, 57 Globe Street Methwold Thetford, IP26 4PQ Tel. 01366 727236 e-mail:keithalderton@sky.com Secretary: John Hodgson 9 Beaufort Way, Brickhill Bedford, MK41 7XQ Tel 01234 344884 e-mail: jhodgson@rivouse.fsnet.co.uk Treasurer: Enid Hodgson 9 Beaufort Way, Brickhill Bedford, MK41 7XQ Tel 01234 344884 e-mail: jhodgson@rivouse.fsnet.co.uk Ouse News Editor: Carole Alderton Holly Cottage, 57 Globe Street Methwold Thetford, IP26 4PQ Tel. 01366 727236 e-mail: carolealderton@sky.com Sales Officer: David Anderson 21 Cambridge Street St Neots PE19 1JL Tel 01480 477227 e-mail:david.anderson@uwclub.net
Membership Officer: Peter Webb 35 Norfolk Road Ely, CB6 3EJ Tel 01353 658581 e-mail: peter.c.webb@tesco.net Member: Stephen Foote 14 High Street, Chrishall Royston, SG8 8RP Tel 01763 838936 e-mail: g4foh@tambourine.org.uk Member: Derek Bradley 24 Witchford Road Ely, CB6 3DP Tel 01353 661601 e-mail: bradleyd@waitrose.com
Ouse News Page 4 Chairman’s Corner Well, I suppose you can say that spring finally arrived, although we are still experiencing alternating periods of rain and gale force winds and waiting for summer to really get going! At least the gods were kind to us over the May Day bank holiday, rewarding us with the rare experience of a really hot day at Reach Fair. Regrettably, only four boats were able to get there this year and so it was not worthwhile holding the traditional quiz. However a good time was still had by all and we managed to attract a lot of members of the public to our stand at the fair and were able to inform them about the inland waterways and the role played by the IWA. At long last, it looks as though we have finally managed to reinstate our branch boundaries pretty well in line with the position established prior to classification by post code. Peterborough Branch have kindly agreed to concede postal districts PE30, PE31, PE32, PE33, PE35, PE36, PE37, PE19, PE27 and PE29. In practice, this means that we once again cover the entire length of the navigable River Great Ouse and tributaries apart from a small section at Earith and from Ten Mile Bank to Downham Market. It makes sense for Peterborough to retain the latter as this postal district also encompasses part of the New and Old Bedford Rivers and the Salters Lode end of Well Creek on the Middle Level. New members living in the postal districts listed will be allocated to the Great Ouse Branch, although all members continue to have the right to belong to the branch of their choice. There has been a great deal of press coverage of late regarding the proposed new boat house and accommodation facilities for Cambridge University Rowing Club to be sited on the River Great Ouse just downstream of Ely. The new development will replace the existing leased boathouse in Cathedral Marina and the temporary facilities currently used by the ladies’ club. The planned location is considered by the club to be ideal as it is at one end of the long (some say exceedingly boring!) straight between Ely and Littleport.
Ouse News Page 5 A number of local boating organisations have expressed concern that the rowers will try to introduce the same restrictions on the movement of powerboats that are enforced on the River Cam during the rowing season. As usual, the vociferous Ely conservation mafia have joined the fray and once again claimed that the presence of people and boats will somehow kill off all the otters on the river! Our view is that boaters of all kind are to be welcomed on the river, as long as they respect the navigation rights of other users. With effective marshalling, the holding of rowing regattas on navigable waterways should not cause undue restrictions on the movement of other craft. I hope that you all have an enjoyable boating season and look forward to seeing you at our next general meeting in October. Keith Alderton
Traditional English Pub Sunday Roasts, Homecooked Food, Real Ales, Quiz Night Tuesday, Large Beer Garden with Play Area, Pool Table
Axe & Compass High Street, Hemingford Abbots, Huntingdon, PE28 9AH 01480 463605 Facebook: The Axe & Compass, Hemingford Abbots Twitter: @axeandcompass Only a short walk from the moorings at Hemingford Grey or Houghton
Ouse News Page 6
Book Review
by Stephen Foote
Steam Narrowboat ‘President’ – the first hundred years Readers may remember the presentation given by Richard Thomas at a Branch meeting a couple of years ago about the historic steam narrowboat ‘President’. This little book, compiled by Neil Ratcliffe and based mostly on Richard’s researches as the official archivist of ‘Friends of President’, does exactly what is says on the cover – it chronicles the fascinating history of this unique steam-powered narrowboat, the sole survivor of the ‘Fellowes, Morton and Clayton’ fleet of steamers. The first part of the book covers ‘President’s history as a working boat; the years of steam from 1909, her conversion to diesel power with a ‘Bolinder’ single-cylinder semi-diesel engine in 1925, the change to an ArmstrongSiddley 2-cylinder diesel in 1962 and finally to her ignominious end as a working boat on the river Weaver where she was abandoned and left to sink. Richard Thomas has extracted an enormous amount of fascinating detail about these early years of ‘President’ from all manner of sources. The detail is made all the more remarkable – to me at least – when one remembers that during that period, ‘President’ was nothing special; just one of a large fleet of cargo craft operating on the canal and river system. The second part of the book begins with ‘President’s first restoration, by Malcolm Braine and Nicholas Bostock who purchased the sunken remains from British Waterways in 1973 for £1500. The descriptions of the vast amount of work required to restore ‘President’ are full of engineering detail; my engineering knowledge is pretty limited and on several occasions I found myself thumbing anxiously through the dictionary to find the meanings of some of the technical terms. However, I now have a much better understanding of traditional boat-building techniques and steam engine construction and operation!
Ouse News Page 7 Finally the book relates the period from 1982 when ‘President’ was purchased at auction jointly by West Midlands County Council and the Science Museum of London. In 1986 the County Council’s share passed to the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, who in 1991 passed ownership to the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, custodians to this day. The details of ‘President’s various travels during this period are fully documented and illustrated (as is the whole book) by numerous photographs. Readers may recall the appalling conditions leading up to the National Waterways Festival in St.Ives in 2007 which prevented ‘President’ from attending; however she managed to get to the area in 2008 – this trip is fully documented, again accompanied by fine photos. During this time, ‘President’ was subject to further extensive renovations, including a new engine, new boiler and serious repairs to the hull. All these activities are fully described and certainly illustrate how much work and effort is required – all by volunteers - to maintain an old boat such as ‘President’ in safe operational condition. All in all, a must for anyone interested in the history of navigable waterways, working boats, steam propulsion, boat restoration – the list goes on and on. Just marvellous! Publisher: The Black Country Living Museum Trust, 2009: ISBN 9780-9562031-0-6
News & Views Do you have an article, comment or photo you would like to share? We would be very pleased to receive it! Please email the editor: carolealderton@sky.com
Ouse News Page 8
River Cam News It has been reported that Bidwells has carried out a review of the assets owned by the Cam Conservators with a view to identifying properties suitable for either disposal or to be rented out. It has been suggested that Conservators’ House in Clayhithe and Jesus Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Cambridge fall into this category, with the latter considered to be suitable for conversion into a restaurant. Bidwells also suggested that the Conservators consolidate their operations at their depot at Clayhithe, thus releasing Baits Bite Lock Keeper’s House for alternative use. Derelict cottages at Clayhithe could also be turned into holiday cottages. All of this would seem to be a sensible way for the Conservators to release capital to fund their current shortfall, although a further suggestion that more residential moorings should be provided along the Cam would not be popular amongst other river users unless they were confined to specific residential marinas with the owners being charged market rates. The Cam Conservators have announced that they have made a new licensing agreement with Canoe England for their members to have access to the river without having to purchase an individual unpowered craft licence. This brings the arrangements on the River Cam in-line with those in force on navigations controlled by the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust. The Cam Conservators’ river bailiff Adrian Hoyes has asked to be provided with a stab proof vest due to the increased hostility being displayed towards staff while patrolling the riverbank. He has been subjected to increased aggravation while carrying out his duties checking boat registrations, tackling illegal mooring and monitoring bylaws. There have been reported cases of tension between rowers, power boaters, houseboat owners and wildlife enthusiasts as well as the much publicised ‘punt wars’ between punt operators. It all sounds a long way from those dreamy spires! Keith Alderton
Ouse News Page 9 River news from Nathan Arnold, Environment Agency: Boaters using the River Cam will notice that we are continuing our landing stage refurbishment programme. The upstream landing stage surface at Bottisham lock has been replaced with the now familiar non-slip mesh decking.
Access bridge refurbished Boaters who regularly cruise the Lodes will be very familiar with Cock Up bridge, an access bridge that the EA lowers to get heavy machinery onto the opposite bank to maintain our waterways and flood defences. During the winter we completely refurbished the bridge and installed new decking, the beams have been strengthened and new hand rail fitted. This work will now hopefully make it relatively maintenance free for the next 25 years. Bridge maintenance work continues Boaters using the river this summer are reminded to take care when approaching bridges that are undergoing maintenance works. Please take notice of any safety signage that may be in place to warn you or inform boaters of temporary arrangements that may be in place. For further information please visit our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure for the latest information regarding bridges and any other navigation notices issued.
Ouse News Page 10 St Ives lock In response to boaters’ feedback we have installed a simple new arrangement at St Ives lock to help with the operation of the balance beams. The fixing detail shown in the photograph will help keep the doors in either the open or closed position. We would like to hear your comments about this device. So please do speak to a river inspector or one of the lock keepers the next time you see them. New landing stages installed The landing stages at Brownshill lock and Hermitage lock on the tidal section of the river have been replaced. The new landing stages are designed to have a lifespan in excess of 50 years with galvanised frames and steel piles. This will help to reduce the cost of maintaining them. Non-slip mesh decking and ramps, rather than the ladders at Brownshill lock, have been installed to help reduce risks to boaters. The ramps are topped with reinforced glassfibre plastic mesh impregnated with silicon.
Brownshill lock
Hermitage lock
Shoals following long periods of high river flows Last year was a remarkably wet time when the river spent long sustained periods in flood. The result of this is that a large quantity of sediment has travelled from fields into the river and caused many shoals to form in the channels and also on the downstream side of several locks and sluices.
Ouse News Page 11 We have been working hard to identify all of the new shoals and mark them with buoys. We have also put maps in navigation notice boards and if necessary issued emergency restriction notices to inform river users of the shoals. We are working on a programme of works to deal with the worst of them using our floating machinery over the coming weeks. If you notice a particularly shallow spot on your travels please report it to one of our lock keepers or a river inspector. Wise up to fire and carbon monoxide risks Boat owners across the Anglian Region are being urged to make vital safety checks to their vessels to ensure they are safe from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. As the summer boating season gets underway customers should check their boats before taking to the water for the first time in months Across the UK there are on average, three boat fires every week. In recent months, three suspected carbon monoxide incidents on pleasure boats have seen a mother and her daughter die, and a further eight people hospitalised. Nathan Arnold, Environment Agency Waterways Team Leader Manager, explained: “Many people do not appreciate the risks associated with boats and their domestic equipment and installations. Even a moderate sized boat can carry diesel or petrol, bottled gas and have both 12v and 240v electrical systems – the way these are handled or the condition of the systems are crucial to stopping fire breaking out. “This is an important time of year with boats going back onto our waters in the warmer weather. We want users to enjoy the scenery, tranquillity and boating camaraderie, but above all we want them to stay safe. The Environment Agency has been working with the Boat Safety Scheme and various Fire and Rescue Services around the country to alert customers to the risks and offer advice to stay safe. “We want to drive home the message that carbon monoxide is a lethal toxin and can be produced by any carbon fuel burning, including from engines, heaters, stoves, fixed and portable gas appliances, generators and even charcoal barbecues”. For further information please read the ‘10 tips to keep you alive’ at www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe
Ouse News Page 12
Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Julian Garratt
I was very privileged to be chosen to take part in the pageant with my Steam Launch and having been asked to write articles about the experience, I realised that the following piece that my friend Jeff Dickinson wrote for our club magazine (Steam Boat Association) would give a much better description and flavour of the event than I ever could. I built Ursula in 20 months launching her in 2002. The hull is based on a steam launch from c1900 and the engine is an original built in Colchester c1890. She is 27’ long with two berths, a head (loo) and small galley. Steaming on the Thames - paying our respects to Her Majesty ‘Despite the BBC not making the most of the event (!) Daphne and I were privileged to join Julian and his crew on his steamboat ‘Ursula’ in the Royal Pageant over the Jubilee weekend. After Julian had spent countless hours preparing the boat and dealing with the mountain of paperwork to enable us to take part, things really started to happen at 5am on the preceding Thursday when we took the boat on her trailer down the M11to Gallions Point Marina (just at the end of the runway for London City Airport) to prepare her for a trip up river, through the Thames Barrier and on to West India Dock (near Canary Wharf). The photo below shows ‘Ursula’ safely in the river and Julian preparing the boiler for our trip.
Ouse News Page 13 ‘We were soon steaming up river through the Barrier, past the Millennium Dome and awaiting our turn through the lock into the West India Dock, our mooring until Saturday. Next came an official scrutineering to ensure that the boat had passed the essential criteria and to enable the crew to get a wristband that would allow us to take part. When asked ‘What coal are you using?’ - Julian answered ‘Best Soft Welsh Steam Coal’. It seems this was acceptable (they were worried that we might be using some smoky coal from overseas!). ‘On Saturday Dave and Penny Harper assisted Julian and partner Soon Ok to move the boat up river near Hammersmith Bridge. (This was also a great experience as there were many people on the banks waving and cheering as the convoy proceeded up river.) ‘On Sunday morning our crew assembled near Hammersmith Bridge to take a water taxi out to ‘Ursula’ and await the final scrutineering that would award Julian with his Pageant Pennant, the photo below shows a delighted Julian having passed all the hurdles to take part in the pageant.
Ouse News Page 14 ‘After watching the rowing boats go past to take their place at the head of the procession we started preparations for our 2.30pm departure. In the procession we were detailed to keep station with 3 other steamboats - as shown in the photo below.
‘The atmosphere was fantastic - every time that Julian blew the whistle the crowds on the river banks and bridges raised a cheer -we all just had to wave back to them. Every available space on the river banks and balconies overlooking the river was packed with people. ‘We managed a few seconds of fame as we passed under Waterloo Bridge when we were caught on the BBC TV coverage. With another blow of the whistle we all waved again. ‘By this time the rain was starting to dampen things and the river banks and bridges were not so packed with onlookers. Westminster Bridge was well packed - this time with police to avert an anti-royalist demonstration. We steamed through the bascules of Tower Bridge (raised specially in our honour!) and over on our port side we could just see the Royal Party - of course we ‘dipped our ensign’ in salute, along with some of the other boats.
Ouse News Page 15 ‘The main part of the event was now over - all we had to do was find our way back to West India Dock with everyone else! ‘Life jackets were mandatory for all crew and advisable for passengers. Closing the Thames Barrier had substantially reduced the current on the river; just as well given the number of boats travelling in close formation. After steaming past Greenwich we had to continue down river, almost to the Barrier, before turning to port on our approach to the lock for the West India Dock. Although it is an enormous lock by our usual standards, it still took over an hour holding station on the river before our turn arrived. We could then head for an overnight mooring. By now it was well past 8pm and thoughts were turning to our journey home (Julian and Soon Ok would be staying on the boat overnight).
‘Come Monday morning Daphne and I travelled back to the West India Dock to assist with the steam back to Gallions Point Marina. At least it had stopped raining as we headed down river through the Thames Barrier. Before long we were lining up for the lock into the marina and heading for our mooring near the slipway. Many thanks to Julian for a most memorable weekend.’
Ouse News Page 16
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 HURSDAY 24 TH O CTOBER
2013
Our October meeting will be an illustrated talk by Roy Chandler, on the ‘The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation’.
T HURSDAY 28 TH N OVEMBER
2013
Our November meeting will be a ‘fish & chip supper’ together with a waterways themed quiz.
T HURSDAY 27 TH F EBRUARY
We welcome the following new members to the branch. We hope you will introduce yourselves to us when coming to an event or Mr I Burton-Palmer, Ely, Cambridgeshire Members who have moved to branch: Mr R & Mrs S Avern, Ely Cambridgeshire
2014
To be advised.
T HURSDAY 27 TH M ARCH
2014
Our March meeting will be our AGM and update from the river managers of the Environment Agency. We are a small, friendly group and would welcome another committee member to help us organise meetings and events. Please contact the editor.
Your branch committee is busy putting together the winter programme and would welcome any suggestions. So, if you have any ideas, requests, contacts, etc. please: email the editor: carolealderton@sky.com
Ouse News Page 17
(Authorised to examine all private boats and in addition, residential boats provided they are fitted with a gas bubble tester) Additional contact no: Ely Boat Chandlers - 01353 663095
Why not come along to our next meeting on Thursday 24th October 2013. We have an illustrated talk by Roy Chandler, Director & Chairman of Essex Waterways: ‘The Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation’ A14 West A10 to Ely A10 to Cambridge
Tesco To Milton
A14 East Tennis Courts Entrance Community Centre
Details of more meetings are on Page 16 and the map below should help you to find the exact location in Milton! (If you have a problem finding us please phone Stephen Foote on 07774 613557)
Ouse News Page 18
Ouse News Page 19
Ouse News Page 20
The ‘Frieston Green’ I have never owned a boat, but I once hired one from Banhams in the 1970s. In those days they were based near the Elizabeth Bridge, but now their yard has been converted to a private marina surrounded by flats. When I arrived at the yard they told me ‘Unfortunately Mr Adams we have got a problem; your boat is in St.Ives but don’t worry, we will take you there by taxi’. My face dropped and I said ‘My mother is meeting me by Baits Bite Lock, two people are joining me at Horningsea, some more at Clayhithe and yet another at Ely’. ‘All right, we will put you on Frieston Green’. I was glad about the new arrangements as this was a diesel powered boat and a petrol boat had caught fire the previous week. My friends came aboard at Horningsea and we went on to Waterbeach where the others joined us for the evening. Too much Abbott Ale had given me a hangover the next morning and so I asked Andrew to start the engine. He said that he had hesitated to do so but I was glad that he did as it was the best hangover cure that I have ever had. I think that it was the excitement of getting under way that cured it! We proceeded to the Lodes, first going to Wicken Fen, then on to Reach in the afternoon and finishing up at Burwell for the night where we went to the Greene King pub, the ‘Anchor’. Unfortunately my friends could not stay longer than the weekend and so I set off for Ely where I met Jim Jones, whose father used to run the ‘Cutter’. There I met another lad who I asked to accompany me for the rest of the week, unfortunately to no avail. The next day I set off for the Old West, arriving at the ‘Twenty Pence Inn’ at Cottenham by lunch time. I tied up at Earith for the night and went on to St.Ives the next day. I tried to go further but ran aground. I thought that I had had enough and decided to return to Earith for the night. I managed to get afloat again by jumping over the side, pushing the boat into deeper water and then quickly scrambling aboard.
Ouse News Page 21 With hindsight, this was a very dangerous manoeuvre as I cannot swim. Life jackets were not even provided and certainly not de rigeur. On the other hand, if I had stayed where I was I would probably have waited a long time. This was before the days of mobile phones and who would I have called anyway? The next day (Friday) I had to hurry, as I had to be back by 10.30 a.m. Saturday. I stopped at the ‘Fish & Duck’ despite being told by someone that they did not welcome boats. I do not know where they got that idea from! The landlady warned me about logs in the water although I may have hit one later. I did also manage to visit the ‘Lazy Otter’. Looking back, I could have done with some more crew, but a Scottish lady on another boat said that I had managed very well. However, I am glad that they had lock keepers in those days. At Earith they had a lady lock keeper which, unlike today, was considered to be very unusual at the time. Robin Adams
Ely Moorings Now that East Cambs District Council has finally gained control of the whole of Ely waterside (apart from the sections that are privately owned/leased) they are at last beginning to enforce the 48-hour regulations. In February, a boat owner was fined for mooring his boat on the River Ouse for four months without permission. He was fined £500, plus £300 costs and a victim surcharge of £50 for breaching bylaws. His defence that ‘he could not move his boat as it had no engine’ was not accepted by the magistrate. Keith Alderton
Ouse News Page 22 The Ship Inn As you may have already seen, ‘The Ship Inn’ - Brandon Creek, at the confluence of The Great and Little Ouse is now under the new management of father and son Keith & Mark Thomas. Their narrowboat Cygnus is moored outside and they are looking forward to cruising on rivers for the first time after several years on the Oxford Canal. Their new venture has posed many challenges over the winter months from grounded customers’ boats – some moored overnight and were forced to stay another 2 nights before they could cruise back to their moorings, to gale force winds making cruising impossible. They would like to see clubs using their facilities during the current season and will be happy to discuss requirements, such as use of the restaurant, BBQs and they can lay on music.
Little Ouse Moorings Peaceful alongside moorings in a rural setting ~ FACILITIES & SERVICES ~
Diesel ~ Gas ~ Water Elsan Disposal
Gated Car Parking ~ FULLY SERVICED DRY DOCK~ Narrowboat Painting & Decoration Hull Blacking ~ Welding ~ Surveys On the junction with the Great Ouse and Little Ouse at Brandon Creek,Nr Littleport, PE38 0PR
Telephone: 07713 465791 www.littleousemoorings.co.uk
Ouse News Advertising • Do you want to contact boating enthusiasts? • Circulation 350 within 30 miles of Cambridge • Adverts cost £30 (+ VAT) per half page for a year • Three editions a year • Contact The Editor (carolealderton @sky.com)
Ouse News Page 23 Denver Visit On a bright sunny morning on 13th April , 32 members and friends of the IWA visited the Environment Agency Denver Complex. Dan Pollard, Superintendent of the Complex welcomed us. Dan has worked at Denver for 8 years, he lives on site and so is on duty for a lot of the time. If he has to get up in the night he checks the water level gauges that are fitted in his kitchen! The first port of call for our visit was the lock, which happened to coincide with a narrowboat locking out and a cruiser coming in. Dan talked of the history of this structure and how it has changed over the years including the large barge lock known as “Big Eye”. From here we walked round to the Head Sluice, or A.G.Wright Sluice, that lets water out into the Relief Channel and down to Tail Sluice at Kings Lynn. This arrangement can pass approximately 150 million litres of water per second when fully open. By now the clouds had built up and a brisk wind was blowing!
Next port of call was the” Hands Off Channel”, this is a much smaller channel with an automatic level control at the top end and metered volume adjustable sluices at the outflow end.The purpose of this is to ensure there is always a minimum flow of water down the Relief Channel to keep the water fresh. In parallel with this is a normal lock to allow boats to navigate the Relief Channel.
Ouse News Page 24 By the exit of the lock there is yet another channel coming in with its own sluice, called the Impounding Sluice. This is the Cut Off Channel and collects flood waters from higher up the Wissey, Brandon Creek and Lark to bring them direct to the Relief Channel without them having to flow through the non-tidal Ouse. This channel serves a second purpose exporting water to Suffolk and Essex Water via a large pipeline that connects in halfway along its length. There is a final sluice, the Diversion Sluice; again quite small, that connects between the Ely Ouse and the Cut Off Channel just above the Impounding Sluice. This can feed water into the Cut Off Channel when water is required by Suffolk and Essex Water, but there is no flow coming in from the heads of the rivers under the Impounding Sluice from the Relief Channel. After almost two hours we thanked Dan for an excellent tour and then most of us visited the ‘Jenyns Arms’ pub for refreshments.
Peter & Jean Webb 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 Rd, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Phone 01494 783453