JANUARY 2014
ISSUE NO. 60
THE NEWSLETTER OF CHESTER & MERSEYSIDE BRANCH
Volunteers painting the locks gates on the Dee Branch of the SUC
Chester Packet
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January 2014
BRANCH CHAIRMAN’S REPORT December 2013
The Waterways are semi closed as the stoppage season starts therefore unofficially announcing that winter is here. I visited Beeston Iron & Stone locks on the C&RT Open Day and accompanied Richard Parry on the site tour which provided a chance to sound out his views and express some of my own. After last year’s breach at Dutton this year’s closure is on the Shropshire Union near Stoak village where a culvert has collapsed. So far it is not as serious as Dutton and is currently being assessed to decide the best way to repair it. Nevertheless it is not a planned stoppage and requires additional funds and manpower to put right. Plans are being made for next year’s Branch Festival to be held at Tower Wharf. I am please to say that IWA nationally has recognised our commitment to restoring the Dee Lock and the importance of the Chester to Ellesmere Port Canal Corridor by announcing that it will be the official IWA Campaign Festival. Boat entry forms are available on the website so get in early to avoid disappointment. I attended the Rescom Meeting held in Runcorn at the Bridgewater Motor Boat Club to hear about the proposal to excavate one of the locks on the flight down to the Manchester Ship Canal. With work starting on the new Runcorn Gateway Bridge next year this is a good time to start involving local people and establishing funding opportunities so when the existing road over the top lock is no longer required the work can commence. The opening of the lock flight would benefit not only the Runcorn Canal but would provide an additional entrance onto the River Weaver creating a new cruising ring. I spend almost as much time on the boat in the winter as in the summer as it’s a totally different experience, although colder and less chance of cruising due to being iced in, it presents different colours in the landscape and incredible star filled skies that remind you how lucky we are to have this network of canals and rivers in our area. However you enjoy this time of the year I wish you a Happy New Year.
Brian Phillips.
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE President Richard Drake, BEM North West Region Chairman
Alan Platt, 013527 2064 alan.platt@waterways.org.uk
Branch Chairman
Brian Phillips, 01244 300025. brian.phillips@waterways.org.uk
Secretary
Gillian Bolt, 0151 678 9300; gillianbolt:@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer
Ron Evans, 01928 788673; rjkingsley@tiscali.co.uk
Webmaster, Region Committee Representative
Mike Carter, 0151 645 9316; mike.carter@waterways.org
Editor, The Packet Boat
Margaret Pitney, 0151 608 6487; margaret.pitney@talktalk.net
Merseyside Liaison
Dave Smallshaw 0151 924 2036; flatboat@aol.com
SCARS Liaison
Colin Greenall 01744 73174; colin.greenall@btopenworld.com
The Branch Committee welcomes new members and at present has vacancies for two positions. If you would like to become involved, why not come along to one of the monthly meetings (with no commitment)? For details of the venue etc. contact the Secretary by telephone or email.
Chester Packet
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January 2014
REGION CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Since the last newsletter a lot has happened on the national stage. It is now a full year plus since the old British Waterways evolved into the Canal & River Trust, and I sense a feeling that the honeymoon period is now over. C&RT has been compared to a super-tanker that takes a fair distance and long time to change direction. If we look at the situation then and now, I think it fair to say that a lot has changed; there is far more consultation than previously. Cuts to EA’s navigation budget shows that, if the old BW had survived, then we would be looking at major cost cutting and a serious deterioration of the waterways. As some may know, I also sit on the N Wales & Border CRT Partnership, and we have published our first strategic long range plan for consultation and feedback. Some may see this as long on generalities but short on specifics, but I can assure you that this member of the committee at least is going to pay a lot of attention to the feedback, and I am very pleased to say that both local branches have engaged vigorously in this process . C&RT is now a charity, but it is fair to say it is a very different type of charity to the IWA. Its primary concern is effectively to manage and operate the waterways, so its activities and policies are largely dictated by the reality of that role. It also, depending on your point of view, suffers or benefits from not being a membership body. Which brings me to the IWA, where it has not been a quiet 6 months either. Those of you who decided not to come to the National AGM in September missed a lively set of questions on various matters, and the membership deciding that it wouldn’t increase the membership fees this year. A distinguished trustee remarked to me afterwards that it did show we were alive. It has also been decided that after the serious loss suffered at Watford, the National Festival under the existing model has had its day. As I write the proposed substantial presence at the Stratford Riverfest is under discussion with the organizers, but not yet clear. As a result the National Campaign Rally in Chester next June takes on a greater significance within the IWA. I am sure there will be more about this event elsewhere in the magazine, but I am also delighted to see that the campaign for the reopening of the Dee branch and access to the river and above the weir seems to be gathering pace and the Rally will no doubt help the cause significantly. In conclusion, and to counteract the impression that I belong to the ‘Bah Humbug’ brigade, from the size of my heating bill, it must be nearly Christmas time; have a good one! Alan Platt
C&RT OPEN DAY AT BEESTON LOCKS Branch members and members of the public donned their protective hats and hi-viz jackets and ventured along the temporary bridge and down into the lock chamber at Beeston last month A very successful day was held by C&RT with over 200 people coming along to both the iron and stone locks to view the internal workings of the locks and stand at the bottom of the chamber to see the work going on. A clear explanation was given by the engineers with many questions being asked, particularly by the children.
Chester Packet
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January 2014
WORK PARTY ON THE DEE BRANCH
With over 20 volunteers turning out on a very sunny, September day, a huge amount of work was carried out along the previously neglected Dee Branch. Young scouts from the 1st Willaston group enthusiastically painted the railings around the Dee lock, collected litter and also removed loads of weeds from the paved areas around the Wharf square area.
Other volunteers, including IWA members, Chester Canal Heritage Trust, C&RT and local community groups cleared a huge amount of vegetation from the area opposite to the apartments. As a result a very attractive flight of steps - which had been hidden from view by brambles and weeds - is now available for use again. Other volunteers also "prepped" and painted the lock beams in the traditional grey and white Shropshire Union colours.
C&RT is currently dredging the branch so with our hard work as well - she will be well on the way to a 'full recovery' before we stage our "IWA National Campaign Festival 2014" at Tower Wharf over the weekend of 6 - 8 June 2014.
I
IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch would like to thank all those who turned out on the day to help us and encourage you to watch the website for future work party dates. The intention is to hold work parties in the Dee Branch area on the first Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Saturday, 2 November, was earmarked for bulb planting. For more information about the next work party please contact Mike Carter, on mike.carter@waterways.org.uk
Chester Packet
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January 2014
CRT SPRING USER FORUM The last Canal & River Trust User Forum was held on 10 October at Dodington Lodge Hotel, Whitchurch. The following are extracts from questions and answers which were dealt with concerning our Branch area. Q: A:
Anderton Lift—caisson centre mooring bollards/rings. Any progress? There is a project underway to install an infra-red sensor onto the caissons to ensure craft are not able to drift away from their mooring position without being detected. We will be investigating further the possibility of additional points within the caissons during our winter works where, if it is agreed, we do need additional facilities.
Q: A:
Can diesel be provided on the Weaver at the new marina? It is not practical or technically feasible to provide a diesel facility at the marina.
Q:
Are there any plans for improving the very bad state of the T&M Canal in the area of Saltersford-Preston Brook? We are not aware of any improvement plans or details for work in the area at the moment although we will ask the length inspectors next time they are in the area to report back any issues that they may find. We are pricing work to address the reed growth and overhanging vegetation and expect to see a programme over the next few years to tackle this.
A;
Q: A:
Barnton Cut Visitor Moorings and Acton Bridge disposal site. Any progress? No significant progress in the creation of the new moorings at Acton disposal site. Our volunteer co-ordinator had looked at putting a project together using volunteer assistance but there is a requirement
Photo – Waterway Images
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FESTIVAL 6th – 8th JUNE 2014
Arrangements are now taking place for our forthcoming National Campaign Festival at Tower Wharf, Chester during the weekend of the 6th -8th June 2014. We already have over 100 Boats expressing an interest to attend so don’t delay get your Application Form in soon – available on IWA web site or contact me on www.lesley.taylor@waterways.org.uk. This promises to be an exciting weekend with lots of entertainment, music and stands, selling all sorts of products from food, craft stalls and numerous Canal Societies where you will be able to find out first hand how different projects are progressing throughout the area. The Branch has been awarded the status of Campaign Festival to highlight the restoration of Dee Locks which takes boaters on to the River Dee and eventually, it is hoped, that a River Lock can be built adjacent to the Dee Weir, giving visiting boats access to the River Dee up to Farndon. Looking forward to seeing you all at Chester. Lesley Taylor (Tel: 0151 342 6651) Rally Secretary
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January 2014
RIVER MERSEY CONVOY Mike Carter tells us of the 4th annual River Mersey convoy organised by the Branch With a good weather forecast, what a great prospect as we set off from Ellesmere Port on the Ship Canal bound for Eastham. We shared the lock with the general cargo vessel 'River Pride' bound for Dundee. Her Celtic captain was very chatty admiring all the narrowboats and congratulating each skipper in turn. “I see you keep a tidy boat sir, a very welcome sight� Then at 09.50 the massive lock gates opened revealing the Mersey on a flood tide with big ships and wide vista. On leaving Eastham lock the river here is over 2 miles wide and today with the sun shining we had a shimmering panorama from bow to stern. After the restricted horizons we are used to on the canals this is a daunting yet exhilarating experience.
Off we go, punching the tide, making fair headway past Eastham Country Park and waving to the puzzled Wirral onlookers who don't expect to see such odd looking craft glittering in the sunshine. We keep close together and I can see everyone starting to relax and enjoy the day. The unpredictable and potentially treacherous river Mersey has made us welcome.
The usual course to Liverpool is to follow the Wirral coast along Eastham channel then turn right at Bromborough buoy, crossing the river here to arrive at Dingle, just upstream of Brunswick lock. However, before we get to Bromboro, Mersey VTS announces incoming traffic bound for Eastham, so a decision is made to cross the River early to avoid getting the convoy strung out on the wrong side of the channel. The weather is excellent and the tide is starting to slack so we can safely go mid river and take a direct line to Brunswick Lock. Having radioed ahead and also having developed a good repartee with the Brunswick lock keeper we get priority at the lock and 8 boats sail straight in leaving myself and Lord Tolouse bobbing up and down waiting for the next lock. After an entertaining 20 minutes it's our turn and we move into the lock, sharing with yachts and motor cruisers of all shapes and sizes, my boat seems such an oddity in this company. A motor launch comes alongside and we chat ...“give my regards to Jim Mole” calls the skipper, “tell him I'll see him at Middlewich next week”... suddenly I don't feel such a strange duck after all.
Eastham Channel
/Continued overleaf
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January 2014
Making good headway against the tide
I would like to thank all convoy skippers and particularly my excellent volunteer crew for their fortitude and co-operation :Peter Thorpe (Dream of Avalon)
Vic Moses (Lyndsey Jane)
Dave Newall (Dreamsong)
John McCall (Tess No.1)
Bryan Pollard (Eden Keel)
Ray Moore (Carmel Marie))
John McCall (Tess no1)
William Bates (Jemsab)
Nigel Bowden (Goosander)
Chrys Rampley (Sowena)
Mike Carter (Black Pearl)
Roger Chesher (Turnothworld)
Paul White, Garry & Helen Rae, Peter & Tim (JP Marine)
Mike Carter
Mersey Report Sankey Canal & Rail Trails Plans have now been released by both Halton & St Helens Councils to turn the track bed of the old St Helens & Runcorn Gap Railway into a footpath and cycle way. The ailway merged with the Canal company in 1833 and continued (with the canal) to export fuel from the coalfields to Runcorn Gap initially and then to Garston at a later date. The footpath, when completed will complement the towpath footpath and lead to a long circular leisure route for local residents.
Woolston New Cut A new sign has been put up close to the Dog and Partridge Pub on Manchester Road, Warrington advertising the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail, giving directions to the trail next to the canal. This follows a local bid made in September for £2,000 to Warrington Borough Council for new signage.
Royal Iris Mersey Ferries has given the MV Royal Iris a £500,000 overhaul in a bid to extend the ship’s life and cut future maintenance costs. The 54-year-old ferry will leave Cammell Lairds after 15 days of intensive hull repairs. The ferry will have new and improved self-polishing, anti-fouling paint which means dry-docking will only take place every two years instead of an annual inspection. After the ferry leaves Laird’s she will undergo a further six to eight weeks of refurbishment at the Duke Street berth in Birkenhead, and will re-enter service in January. The two Warsila diesel engines installed in 2000 and three generators will be stripped down for their 24,000 hours (around 100,000 nautical miles) servicing and have an 836-litre oil change. Externally, 110 sq metres of hardwood decks will be renewed with iroko timber planks, and 280 litres of paint applied to the hull and 40 litres on the superstructure.
Towpath Teams CRT backed local volunteer teams continue to work on the Netherton, Bootle and Bankhall sections of the L&L Canal and on a recent walk by the Railway and Canal Histrorical Society favourable comment was heard on the general tidiness of the area. I have submitted a short article for inclusion in the next edition of the Packet in the hope that we may get some of the membership interested . Dave Smallshaw 03.12.2013
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January 2014
BOAT MUSEUM SOCIETY—Diary Dates Meetings are held in the Rolt Centre at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port at 7.30 pm
Fri 17 January ‘Forgotten Arctic Pioneers’
Ken Catford
Fri 21 February BMS AGM followed by report on past progress and looking to the future Fri 21 March
‘Robert Aickman—his contribution to waterways history’ Joseph Boughey
Fri 18 April
A varied programme of short talks
Sun 20 April
‘The Spey Story’
Fri 16 May
‘Industrial Villages of Cheshire’ Elizabeth Davy
Tom Kitching
CHESTER CANAL HERITAGE TRUST Meetings are held at the Lock Keeper pub, by Cow Lane Bridge. Free parking at Gorse Stacks and Iceland All welcome— members free, non-members £1.50
Wed 5 Feb ‘Canal Travels of the Bowles Family’ Premier of films shot by John Bowles Wed 5 Mar ‘Robert Aickman—Hero or Villain?’ Joseph Boughey
NEW MEMBERS IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch welcomes the following new members:Mr S Calver Mr D Sheldon Mr R Winrow and family
Chelmsford Wirral Ellesmere Port
We look forward to meeting you at our monthly meetings at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum (see programme on page 24) and on our monthly Branch walks
THIS NEWSLETTER IS NOW PRINTED IN FULL ON THE IWA WEBSITE JUST CLICK ON THE ‘REGIONS AND BRANCHES’ TAB, THEN ON ‘NORTH WEST’ AND ‘CHESTER & MERSEYSIDE’ TO SEE THIS MAGAZINE AND THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE BRANCH
Chester Packet
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January 2014
RUNCORN LOCKS RESTORATION SOCIETY— LATEST NEWS It is now several years since this Society was formed with the purpose of reopening the old line of locks from the Waterloo pub (Top Lock) to the Manchester Ship Canal, thus creating a new Cheshire Ring. These locks were filled in many years ago but the line still exists. The Society has the support of Halton Borough Council and the IWA. With the construction of the new River Mersey crossing soon to be started there are high hopes that the restoration of the locks will be able to commence in three or four years’ time. Interpretation boards have now been installed by Halton Borough Council. This is an encouraging step forward into what at first seemed an ‘impossible dream’. There is obviously still a long way to go but from small beginnings . . . .? New members of the Society are very welcome. If you would like to become a member contact Graeme Bridge, on email— nb.desiderata@gmail.com
TAYLOR’S YARD BLACKSMITH’S FORGE The refurbishment of the historic Taylors Boatyard at Chester Tower Wharf is progressing well with J.P Marine working alongside Chester Canal Heritage Trust and Canal & River Trust. This unique site is now a working boatyard and Yvette and Peter at J.P. Marine have been progressing the restoration works alongside a busy customer schedule.
This heritage restoration project includes renovating the old blacksmiths forge and bringing this back to life. IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch continue to support this restoration by donating £1,000 towards the replacement of the metal window frames.
These funds have been reserved for this project for some time and we have been eagerly awaiting the completion of building works to restore the building frontage and lintels so that the window frames can me mounted in the original openings.
Any IWA members who would like a detailed tour of Taylors Boatyard at Chester can contact Mike Carter ( mike.carter@waterways.org )
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January 2014
BRANCH WALKS
It is hard to believe that we have reached the tenth anniversary of our Branch walks. During that time we have held nearly 70 walks from starting points all over the Branch area and on most occasions had an average attendance of 20 walkers (the maximum being 32). This means that we have enjoyed almost the same number of excellent pub lunches! This feature of our Branch activities was the brainchild of our former Chairman, Ron Evans, who has poured over his maps and devised most of the walks himself - no easy task when each walk will always start and finish at a pub and include a waterway en route whilst remaining in or near our Branch boundaries. Our Branch area is extensive so we try to vary the location of the walks so that members will usually find one not too far from where they live. For those who have not ventured out with us yet, why not give it a try? Everyone is welcome to join us, members and nonmembers alike. We never exceed 4½ miles, most of the walks are fairly level—we even take well-behaved dogs. All of the walks take us through lovely areas which you might otherwise never see. Have a look at the current programme overleaf and just turn up—or give Ron a ring if you need more details (01928 788673). You will be most welcome. Margaret Pitney
BRANCH WALKS
All walks take place on the 4th Thursday of the month commencing at 10.15 am and are open to IWA members and non-members alike. Each walk starts and finishes at a pub. Anyone requiring lunch at the pub at the end of the walk can book his or her meal just before we set out on the walk. Halfway through each walk we stop for welcome ‘bring your own’ refreshments’. January 23rd – Parkgate Starting at the Old Quay pub at the end of The Parade, this walk follows the estuary of the River Dee before turning inland for the return leg which gives splendid views towards the Welsh hills. The walk is about 4.4 miles long with one uphill stretch. OS Explorer 266. Map reference 281 778. February 27th – Higher Walton The Walton Arms Hotel (WA4 6TG) is on the A56 at Higher Walton, about 2.5 miles south south west of Warrington town centre. Initially this walk of approximately 3.7 miles follows the towing path of the Bridgewater Canal before turning onto higher ground to follow the Delamere Way which it leaves to pass Appleton Reservoir before returning to the canal. OS Explorer 276 Map reference 597 851. March 27th – Tiverton Starting at the Shady Oak, Bates Mill Lane, Tiverton, Tarporley CW6 9UE, this walk of about 4 miles covers the footpaths. lanes and Sandstone Trail on both sides of the Shropshire Union Canal. A feature of the walk is the view it gives of the towering crag on which sits Beeston Castle. OS Explorer 267 Map reference 533 602. April 24th – Marston The Salt Barge, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich CW9 6ES. Changes in the seasons permitting, this walk will take us through the bluebells in bloom in the woods in Marbury Country Park, along the edge of Budworth Mere and onto the towing path of the Trent and Mersey Canal in a walk of about 4.6 miles. OS Explorer 267. Map reference 672 755. May 22nd – Bunbury From the Nag’s Head, Vicarage Lane, Bunbury, Tarporley CW6 9PB this walk uses footpaths, lanes and the towing path of the Shropshire Union Canal and is about 4.5 miles long. OS Landranger 117 Map reference 565 578.
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January 2014
IWA Chester & Merseyside branch members support local waterways heritage projects.
Narrow Boat Ferret IWA Chester & Merseyside branch members were delighted to donate £800 towards the repair work which will be carried out at the Heritage Boatyard by Boat Museum Society volunteers and trainees on a Heritage Lottery Fund scheme "Keeping History Afloat" . (The Heritage Boatyard, is a working yard and skills and training centre run in partnership with Canal & River Trust, Boat Museum Society and National Historic Ships.) The historic working boat “Ferret” has been a star performer at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, enabling youngsters in particular to experience what life might have been like in the tiny boatman’s cabin. Built in 1926 by Yarwoods of Northwich for carriers Fellows, Morton & Clayton, she regularly carried cargoes to Runcorn and Ellesmere Port before she was sold in 1964 to the Clark family (Inland Waterway Association members) who based the boat at Preston Brook and then Barbridge. During the mid 60s, they fitted a cabin and installed the vintage Bolinder engine, with its highly prized hit and miss exhaust note. The mid 70s saw the boatman’s cabin professionally restored by Taylor’s Boatyard in Chester which served the Clarks well for many years of extensive cruising on the canal system, winning several awards at National waterways festivals. In 1983, Ferret was sold to Nottingham Industrial Museum, paired with the butty Ilkeston, then in 1998 when this museum closed, was again rescued and brought, along with Ilkeston, to the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port.
Since arrival at the Museum, considerable maintenance work has been undertaken by the Waterways Trust and Boat Museum Society volunteers, working with the London Canal Museum, who have been sponsoring both Ferret & Ilkeston.
L to R: Mike Turpin, Boat Museum Soc.; Dave Linney, Heritage Boatyard Supervisor; John Inch, National Waterways Museum Manager; Mike Carter, IWA Chester & Merseyside
Mike Turpin, Boat Museum Society said “ We are pleased to see this support now widening to include our local IWA branch which is very appropriate in view of the local connections of Ferret and its ‘rescue’ by the Clark family, well known IWA members, who are still involved and currently helping us with on-going research.” Any IWA members who would like a detailed tour of the Heritage Boatyard at The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port can contact Mike Carter ( mike.carter@waterways.org )
It should be noted that the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the IWA. They are published as being of interest to our members and readers. The IWA is a registered charity No.212342. The editor welcomes contributions from readers with or without photographs.
Chester Packet
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January 2014
News from The Sankey Round the Boroughs; by Colin Greenall St.Helens SCARS Work Parties Sunday 8th September; five SCARS volunteers and a member of the St.Helens Ranger service set to and cleared trees and undergrowth from the canal overflow at Newton brook.
Sunday 13th October; SCARS volunteers clear excess vegetation from the canal bank at the top of Old Double Locks, Blackbrook. Sunday 10th November; More action on the Blackbrook Branch Heritage Weekend; SCARS lead two guided walks along the canal in St.Helens Town centre.
Warrington Cross Boundary Sustainable Transport Plan There has been more upgrading work taking place on the towpath between Newton Brook and Watery Lane and Fiddlers Ferry Marina and Johnson’s Lane Crossing. Fiddlers Ferry Bridge collapse A lorry carrying sand and rubble falls through Marsh House Bridge at Fiddlers ferry. Sankey Valley Park Money acquired to be spent on Sankey Valley Park, tree clearance, new signage, car park improvements etc. this work will take place between Liverpool Road and Bewsey Lock beginning in 2014. Shared Heritage Project As part of the “Interlocks Project” Penketh High School have been awarded a grant of £7800.00 from the HLF Shared Heritage Fund to produce a DVD of the canal and to show the benefits that a restored section of canal would bring to the area. SCARS members are working closely with pupils and media team to draw up a production plan and proceed with filming. They are also in the process of building a new website for SCARS which it is hoped will be up and running early in the new year.
New Bridge at Fiddlers Ferry A new temporary bridge as now been installed at Marsh House Crossing to replace the one recently damage when a lorry fell through the old bridge. It is planned to eventually fit a lift bridge at this location when funding is available.
Halton Interocks Project”; more meetings have taken place to discuss funding and the action that needs to take place with regards to the collapsed bridge at Fiddlers Ferry. SCARS members have been actively consulting members of the public at various events this summer obtaining comments and support for the project these will be useful when grants are being applied for. A meeting with the “Merseylink” team was held to discuss the effect the New Mersey Gateway Crossing will have on the Sankey at the point where crosses the canal and the towpath diversion that is required during construction.
Events SCARS Sales and Exhibition Stand
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September; - Vintage Vehicle Rally at Victoria Park, Widnes After disappointment last year when this event had to be cancelled because wet weather conditions this year’s 13th North West Vintage Rally proved to be one of the best with beautiful sunshine all weekend and lots of stalls and attractions for the visitors to enjoy some of whom had travelled many miles to attend,. Our stand proved to be very popular and we achieved record sale figures as well as consulting with people and gaining more comments and support for our aims to re-open the section of canal between Fiddlers ferry Marina and Spike Island. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have given up their time to help out on the sales stand this year, it has been much appreciated,. Thank You!
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January 2014
BRANCH PROGRAMME JANUARY - MAY 2014
Branch meetings,are held at 7.45 pm on the second Tuesday of the month in the Tom Rolt Conference Centre at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum 14 January 2014 ‘The Sinking of HMS Thetis’ Derek Arnold tells us about the loss of a brand new Birkenhead-built submarine amid secrets, scandals, stupidity and secrecy. 11 February 2014 ‘Historic Canalside Industry in and around Chester’ Ray Buss of Chester Canal Heritage Trust 11 March 2014 Annual General Meeting followed by ‘Reflections upon the Canal du Midi’ by Gillian Bolt, with interruptions by Peter! 8 April 2014 ‘Cruising the Antarctic’ Captain Derrick Kemp 13 May 2014 ‘Working Boats and Boat People Remembered’ Roger tells us of his past connections with working boats and boaters, coal carrying and taking dozens of boys on camping boats. Roger Wickson former Headmaster of Kings School, Chester.
A Branch walk is held on the 4th Thursday of the month (except December) from October to May. Details of these can be obtained by ringing Ron Evans on 01928 788673 All are welcome.