Journal of the Inland Waterways Association’ s Milton Keynes Branch
WCT FACES HURDLES BEFORE RESTORATION RE-STARTS
CRT PAUSES TREE MAINTENANCE AFTER ACCIDENT
CONCERN AT RISE OF LONG-TERM STOPPAGES
WCT FACES HURDLES BEFORE RESTORATION RE-STARTS CRT PAUSES TREE MAINTENANCE AFTER ACCIDENT CONCERN AT RISE OF LONG-TERM STOPPAGES
CRT BOAT LICENCING COMMISSION REPORT
CRT BOAT LICENCING COMMISSION REPORT
WRG CHRISTMAS WORK PARTY AT BCS
WRG CHRISTMAS WORK PARTY AT BCS
FINANCE AGREED FOR MON & BREC
FINANCE AGREED FOR MON & BREC
B&MKWT ELECTS NEW CHAIR BRANCH AGM NOTICE
B&MKWT ELECTS NEW CHAIR BRANCH AGM NOTICE
November’s Storm Claudia brought down a large tree opposite the Globe Inn, Linslade, blocking the canal, towpath and car park entrance. CRT’s contractors attended promptly to clear it, but an underwater obstruction remained. Following an accident elsewhere, CRT has halted tree maintenance work pending an investigation see Page 4. Photo: Geoff Gauntlett.
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Welcome to January 2026 Towpath Telegraph
This edition brings some sad news of the passing of good friends who will be much missed see Page 6 - 7. In contrast, IWA can celebrate some good news see Pages 10 and 11. This edition will hopefully reach you in time for some Christmas reading, and well in time for you to submit resolutions or consider standing for election at February’s AGM. Enjoy!
Chairman
’
Chairman’s Column
IWA concerned at rise of long-term stoppages
B&MKWT elects new Chair
Sad loss of good friends
Christmas WRG work party at BCS again
Diary
Workshops at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
IWA webinars and recorded talks
IWA Milton Keynes Branch Annual General Meeting
Financial settlement secures future of Mon & Brec
CRT Commission report on Boat Licencing published
More hurdles before Wendover restoration can re-start
Tree maintenance curtailed by CRT following accident
s Column
Hello everybody. We who knew them will have been greatly saddened by the passing of Wendy Evans and Jonathan Brown within three weeks of each other in October. Branch members turned out in force to celebrate their lives. Very recently comes news of the death of Ken Stone, former Branch Treasurer, whom I never knew as he served the Branch long before I came on the scene. We will all have our own memories of each of them personally, and of the contributions they made to the Branch. See Pages 6 - 7.
Some of you will be aware that we have recently faced the possibility of having to re-locate the Branch’s social activities. We have been based at the Bletchley Conservative Club for six years or so. This Club has recently, like many similar operations, faced financial burdens putting its future in jeopardy. Its membership recently held an AGM, changed its name (away from any political inference) and is now operating on the same site under new management. With their support, we shall continue to use the facility for our regular meetings. I look forward to seeing you at the Bletchley Social Club.
Recently, CRT has been commenting about the restrictions being imposed in its vegetation clearance programmes, overshadowed now by the pause on both contracted and volunteer vegetation work as reported on Page 14. Of course most of this is the result of severe financial pressures being brought to bear. The contracted programme means that the CRT teams will in the main concentrate on major remedial work. This will cover the canal channel itself, structures relating to its integrity, safety and fitness for purpose. Vegetation will take a back seat unless any of these aspects are threatened. IWA is becoming increasingly concerned at the consequent fragmentation of the network see opposite.
Strangely, unless there is a conspiracy growing, I have been approached during the last few months by many friends, all with the same question: Do I miss my narrowboat. I think it is now four years since I sold Rock Partridge (no local sightings as I believe she was due to move to East Anglia), and I confess to the odd twinge of longing, when the weather conditions are right and so forth. Easily fixed, by way of going out and hiring a boat for a trip. Indeed my rugby club crew, such as now is, is making noises for another jaunt – South of France again, Friesland or Shannon & Erne – even the Rideau canal in Canada (Ottawa) has been mooted.
Chairman’s Column continued.
I am also resurrecting thoughts of a UK coastal/river trip. Many years ago, about 1965, I travelled on PS Waverley, when she used to regularly operate from Cardiff/Penarth to Weston-Super-Mare. Now she is back on a regular annual round Britain itinerary and I would like to think we might organise a Branch trip – a long day I acknowledge – based round Bristol and the Severn, the Solent area and/or the Thames estuary. Do look at the Waverley website – a variety of trips is usually on offer – all day or part-day, from different ports of course.
The 2026 outline schedule will be published online by Christmas, and booking opens in February. Please see https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/ - Ed.
2026 will see the 50th anniversary of the MK Branch. September's TPT (Page 15) recalled some of its achievements over the period. Whilst a Waverley trip would be a smart celebration, I do hope we can mount something special in the MK area itself. Time flies by, and any suggestions are now eagerly awaited.
From myself and the Branch Committee I extend the season’s greetings and sincere best wishes for 2026.
Tim Armstrong, Chairman.
IWA concerned at rise of long-term stoppages
IWA’s Risk Index currently identifies thirteen indefinite stoppages across the inland waterways network.
An increasingly disconnected network means missed business opportunities, reduced navigation, and long-term detriment to both the resilience and viability of the system. A concerningly high number of existing stoppages appear to have no clear plan to reopen, raising the risk that sections of the network may be permanently lost.
For these reasons IWA has formally contacted each navigation authority responsible for indefinite stoppages to request a realistic and current assessment of their status.
IWA Bulletin, December 2025.
Beautiful pub with beer garden, located right by the canal in Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes.
Food served daily (except Tuesday), lunchtimes and evenings. Real ale available.
Check out our social media pages for more information.
Web site: https://redlionfenny.co.uk Facebook: TheRedLionFennyLock
PS Waverley berths at Ilfracombe.
Photo: Les Franklin.
B&MKWT elects new Chair
At the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust's 2025 AGM on 14 October, it was announced that Hilary Chipping was to take over as Chair from Simon Clewlow. Simon will concentrate on his role as Project Lead for the Waterway Project.
During her role as Chief Executive of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), the potential value of the waterway was recognised. She is a canal enthusiast, having spent many family holidays on the waterways.
Hilary intends to ensure that the Trust takes advantage of the opportunities on its doorstep, particularly the prospect of the Universal Theme Park, East West Rail, and two potential new towns in Tempsford and Milton Keynes. She is determined to harness the increasing interest in the project from local authority leaders and MPs, and wishes to raise awareness in local councillors, schools and environmental groups.
The Trust, working with MK Canals, Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council, MK Community Foundation, Canal and River Trust, IWA and HC GB Ltd, have recently installed at Wolverton Park the new accessible boarding point and charging bollard to increase the range of Electra cruises.
In partnership with MK Canals, Electra ran 14 Heritage Open Day events, celebrating MK's waterway heritage. “Talk-and-Glide” short cruises, from Fenny Stratford, Campbell Wharf and Wolverton Park, offered trips with a history-themed talk. A new event, staged in partnership with Milton Keynes Council, combined a cruise on
Installing the new charging point and bollard. Photo: B&MKWT.
Electra, a visit to Bradwell Windmill and a railway walk. Over 140 people enjoyed a free experience with the Grand Union’s history as the theme.
As of early November, the Electra team expected to meet its goal of 3,000 guests enjoying a trip on the boat this season. The volunteers will take a break from cruising from midDecember to mid-April, but they will be busy with maintenance, training and publicity. For 2026 the team is looking for people to join the bookings team and for cabin hosts. Find out more at https://www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/volunteering/
In 2026, Electra will take part again in The Parks Trust Walking Festival in May, and in Heritage Open Days in September. Attendances at the Cosgrove Canal Festival (July) and the Fenny Festival (August) are planned. All the favourite food cruises will run again: cream teas, fish & chips, coffee & cake, ploughman’s lunches, continental breakfasts. New cruises will include regular trips from Electra's new base in Wolverton Park as well as from Fenny Stratford. There will be Heritage and “Walk & Glide” cruises with walk leaders. Charter cruises will again be available for private functions - please email bookings.electra@bmkwaterway.org Bookings go live online from 16 January, for cruises starting in April - see https://www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/programme/ Online Gift
B&MKWT news continued.
Cards are available, for recipients to use on any public Electra cruise in the coming twelve months. Simply select the amount you want to give and add your personal message.
Under the terms of its licence from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the John Bunyan must have an ‘out of water’ survey every three years. Having been emptied of furniture and galley stock, the boat was cruised from its home mooring at Priory Marina, Bedford, to Westview Marina, Earith, where it was lifted out on 6 October for this purpose.
The boat's maintenance team took the opportunity to carry out some maintenance and repair work. The hull was blacked, the propeller refurbished and new bearings were installed.
The John Bunyan was lifted back into the water on 24 October, and returned to Priory Marina the following day. Maintenance work will continue over the winter, readying the boat for refresher training for the 2026 season in March.
From B&MKWT news releases and
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Canal art and signwriting
BMK News. December 2025. John Bunyan ashore. Photo: B&MKWT.
Sad loss of good friends
WENDY EVANS, 1935 - 2025
On 6 October, the Branch was well represented at the funeral of Wendy Evans, who died on 9 September.
Warm and often humorous tributes were paid to Wendy by her husband Rodney, her three sons Rob, Jamie and Stuart, and her grandson Dan. Although not born in Yorkshire, Wendy was brought up there, and always thought of herself as a Yorkshire lass. She trained as a chef in Leeds, while indulging her interests in sports and outdoor activities. Her three sons by her first husband, Roy, inherited her interest in sports.
Wendy and Rodney met in the early 1990s while washing up at a church event. After Wendy had passed muster on a canal hireboat holiday, they married in 1993 and bought their canalside home at Fenny Stratford. They owned two boats together, Alchera, then Scythia.
Advancing years brought hip and knee surgery for Wendy, prompting the sale of Scythia in 2020. She took up cross-stitching, making gifts for family and friends, and also writing poetry. Branch members will best remember Wendy for masterminding the entertainments at our Christmas socials for several years. In this, as well as with her large family, Wendy sought always to encourage all to make the best use of their talents.
JONATHAN BROWN, 1945 - 2025
After a very long illness, Jonathan Brown died on 27 October. Over one hundred people attended on 19 November to celebrate his life.
The youngest of four brothers, Jonathan was born near Hull. He loved animals; there were even goats in the garden. He was sent to boarding school but hated it, and tried to get expelled by smoking and other bad behaviour – but failed. However, he enjoyed sport, and was a very good swimmer and rugby player.
Jonathan went to college to learn hospitality, and while training in London he met many celebrities. His highlight was taking care of Brigitte Bardot at the hotel where he was working.
After two marriages, Jonathan moved to Buckingham, where he saw a Buckingham Canal Society advertisement for volunteers. He contacted Athina, and as a result began working at the Society’s work parties. He also served as Equipment Manager. They set up home together in Milton Keynes, where Jonathan often did jobs to help their neighbours.
In addition to their work for Buckingham Canal Society, Jonathan and Athina became Rangers for The Parks Trust, both winning long service awards. They also did much work together for IWA Milton Keynes Branch including upkeep of the Wolverton Train Mural and assisting on Branch stalls at local Festivals.
With their boat Brown Trout, Jonathan won awards more than once in illuminated boat competitions. During their last month-long trip together, Jonathan won the Ray Dunford Trophy at the 2022 IWA Festival of Water at Burton on Trent.
Sad loss of good friends
KEN STONE, 1926? - 2025
We are saddened at the death, aged 99 0n 29 November, of Ken Stone, who in the 1980s served as Treasurer, both for the Branch and for the 1985 IWA National Rally at Milton Keynes. Always good company, Ken relished life’s absurdities.
After his first wife Claire died, Ken married Sue, and they had a long life together in Linslade. Funeral arrangement details are awaited as this edition goes to publication.
We send our sincere condolences to Rodney, Athina, Sue and their families.
Christmas WRG work party at BCS again
Waterway Recovery Group will be joining Buckingham Canal Society again this Christmas, working at our Cosgrove site, arriving on 27 December and staying until 31 December. This will be the third time they have held their Christmas Camp on the Buckingham Canal. Work will include clearing overhanging trees from the towpath, working on the canal bed from the narrows up to the oil pipeline, plus other tasks.
BCS is set to acquire a new workboat called Wendover from CRT in the spring. The boat will enhance our capabilities for piling and other restoration tasks. Maintenance plans for the existing boats (Diana, Louise etc) are being expanded to ensure their readiness for future work.
Discussions are taking place to finalise CRT approval for a dredging task at Lionhearts Cruising club in Milton Keynes. It is hoped to start the work in February 2026.
action.
A meeting was held on 21 November to discuss the Affinity Water/CRT Water Transfer Scheme which aims to move up to 115 million litres per day from the Midlands southwards towards London and northern Home Counties. BCS is working in partnership with Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust and MK Canals on this project. Terry Cavender has also had meetings with two local MPs, Chris Curtis (MK North) and Callum Anderson (Buckingham and Bletchley).
Work continues at our Bourton Meadow site, where one of our volunteers has just completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award after spending a year working with us on site. At present we have others working at Bourton Meadow also taking their DofE, and even the daughter of one of our volunteers wanting to start her DofE work with us in the New Year.
As last year, we have received plenty of assistance from outside companies joining us for a day’s volunteering. This year we had thirty companies working alongside our own volunteers, which is a record number. Athina Beckett, Buckingham Canal Society.
Workboat in
Photo: Terry Cavender.
The Committee has worked hard at putting together our season of social meetings please support them if you can. Non-members are always welcome. A donation on entry gives you a chance at the raffle. We hope to see you there! Our own events are in bold type; other events are in regular type. Note: our venue, formerly Bletchley Conservative Club, is now known as Bletchley Social Club Ltd.
From V7 Saxon Street, near Bletchley Station, at Princes Way Roundabout (near Lidl store), turn off into Princes Way.
After 50 yards, turn right into Albert St, then bear left at mini-roundabout. At end of Albert St, turn left into Queensway. Take first left into Oxford St, then first right into Cawkwell Way, then first right into Bedford St. The entrance to the Conservative Club car park is immediately on the left, at the end of a brick wall. The meeting room is on the ground floor, with level access from the car park.
Social Club Ltd 105 Queensway Bletchley MK2 2DN
Note: Cawkwell Way, although two-way, is narrow in parts. This route uses as little of it as possible. On leaving the car park, Bedford Street is one-way, so please turn left and then into Queensway.
Also shown is the pedestrian route (10 minutes) from Bletchley Station.
Tuesday 13 January 2026 2.30pm
Thursday 15 January 7.45pm
IWA Northampton Branch meeting: How the Canal and River Trust is funded, with Stuart Mills, CRT’s chief investment officer, responsible for the Trust’s principal commercial income, including the property portfolio, joint ventures, utilities, commercial water, moorings businesses, and business boating. £2 entry donation requested. The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB.
IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: Waterway view painting demonstration by Graham Pellow, former Chairman, Leighton Buzzard Art Society. Not “roses & castles”, but a view of a real place by a talented and genial artist. Not to be missed!
Bletchley Social Club Ltd, 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN
Friday 30 January 7pm
Thursday 19 February 7.45pm
What can we learn from bird ringing?
An evening with a local bird ringer. Discover more about the birds that live in and visit our area. £3.00, booking essential. Howe Park Wood Education Centre, MK4 3GG
Full details of this and other Parks Trust events, see: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/
IWA Milton Keynes Branch AGM (Agenda on Page 10), followed by a Visit to the Moselle, with James Griffin. Bletchley Social Club Ltd, 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN
Princes Way Roundabout
Brunel
Bletchley
Bletchley
Lidl
continued.
Tuesday 10 March 2pm
IWA Northampton Branch meeting: The Hidden World of Canal Architecture, with Roger Butler. A colourful tour of the waterway network’ s artistic, architectural and engineering heritage, from sweeping aqueducts to tiny bollards; from historic narrowboats to ‘Roses and Castles’, from grand World Heritage sites to quirky listed buildings. The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB.
Thursday 19 March 7.45pm
10-11 April
Thursday 16 April 7.45pm
IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: A talk by Terrie HowieMoore of Red Phoenix. Terrie has a PhD in story telling and will regale us with stories related to rivers and canals. Red Phoenix Storytelling promotes traditional oral storytelling, telling folk and wonder tales, histories, mysteries, myths and legends.
Bletchley Social Club Ltd, 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN
IWA Milton Keynes Branch Canal Clean-up, subject to Canal & River Trust approval. Arrangements to be announced.
IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: topic TBA.
Bletchley Social Club Ltd, 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN
Workshops at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
A series of workshops for adults to learn a variety of mostly waterway-related art and craft skills. Booking is essential for all workshops, which are held at the Learning Centre, Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne NN12 7SB. Materials are supplied, but bring a packed lunch. Choose from:
Saturday 24 January: Canal Roses Painting Workshop, with Vicky Moore. Learn about traditional colour palette, flower styles, brush types and practise strokes. £35.00.
Saturday 21 February: Bookbinding Workshop, with an experienced bookbinder. You will make one or two folded books and at least one sewn book. £35.00.
Saturday 28 February: Signwriting Workshop, with Colin Dundas. Learn some basic signwriting techniques, and produce a sign painted with a word or two of your own choice. £60.00.
Saturday 21 March: Canal Crochet Workshop, with Vicky Moore. Learn simple crochet stitches, then progress to making canal art roses and leaves to create a panel for a bag or wall hanging. £35.00.
Saturday 18 April: Wire Wrapped Jewellery Workshop, with Jo Cross. You need a good grip with your hands. Learn different wrapping techniques and the use of the tools, If you have a particular stone or piece of glass that you would like to bring to wrap, Jo can advise on techniques. £65.00.
Full details and booking at: https://canalrivertrust.digitickets.co.uk
IWA webinars and recorded talks
Many IWA Branches are still offering their “in person” meetings as Zoom webinars. For up-to-date details of most IWA events, please visit the main IWA events page at: https://www.waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events
See also IWA’s Youtube channel, with videos on various topics and recordings of past meetings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ROBJ6rpm_41BSmu-Glf2Q
Joining a webinar “live” is easy, using a desktop computer, tablet or smart phone.
* Go to the events calendar via the link above. The webinars are listed in date order; each has a "Book now" link, which takes you to more details about the meeting. Click“Register now”.
* Fill in the online form that appears, and click the "Register" button. You can do this well in advance of the start time. You should receive an email with a simple“Click here to join” link.
* The webinar opens in your browser. For “live” webinars with audience participation, make sure that your camera and microphone are connected.
If you are unable to join a meeting “live”, you can usually see previous webinars and video presentations at one of the addresses in this panel.
IWA Milton Keynes Branch Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Milton Keynes Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will take place on Thursday 19 February 2026, at 7.45pm at Bletchley Social Club (formerly Bletchley Conservative Club), 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN.
Agenda (please have this Notice handy):
1: Apologies for absence;
2: Approval of minutes of AGM held on 20 February 2025;
3: Matters arising;
4: Chairman's report;
5: Secretary's report;
6: Treasurer's report, and accounts for year ending 31 December 2025;
7: Members’ resolutions (any resolutions should be sent to the Chairman six weeks prior to the AGM, i.e. by 8 January 2026);
8: Election of Committee members.
After the formal business, there will be an opportunity for members' questions on IWA issues topics at the discretion of the Chairman.
Under the IWA Branch Byelaws, last amended 11 June 2011, there is no restriction on the maximum size of the Committee. Tim Armstrong, elected 2023, retires by rotation and seeks re-election. Marie Draper, elected 2023, will decide before the AGM whether to stand for election again.
Any corrections to the above will be announced at the meeting. Candidates for election or re-election must be members of the Association. It is no longer necessary for those who wish to be elected to be nominated and seconded, but all who wish to stand must agree to do so.
After an interval, James Griffin will give a talk on the Moselle.
(Signed:) Diane Witts, Branch Secretary.
Financial settlement secures future of Mon & Brec
On 4 December, the Welsh Government announced a financial settlement to resolve the water abstraction crisis that put the future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in doubt. They will underwrite up to £400,000 annually for the next five years. The Canal & River Trust will contribute up to £100,000 annually.
IWA has led the way as a key member of the Preserve & Protect the Mon & Brec Canal (PPMB) coalition. A small but vocal IWA contingent helped organise the Senedd Rally in July and attended outside the Senedd building, with reporters attending to cover the story. The Senedd Petitions Committee debate saw overwhelming cross-party support for action. Thanks are due to IWA's South West & South Wales Region for all the work to secure this outcome, and Paul Thomas especially.
IWA does not have full details of the agreement yet, but it does mean that CRT can now focus on maintaining and improving the canal, not just simply keeping water in it.
Read the IWA press release here: https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news
The Welsh Government's announcement is at: https://www.gov.wales/future-historic-monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal-secured
From IWA Bulletin, December 2025.
CRT Commission report on Boat Licensing published
The independent Commission set up by the Canal & River Trust to review the legal framework around boat licensing published its report on 19 November. IWA welcomes the endorsement by the Commission on the Future of Boat Licensing of four of the five main points put forward in its submission: a simpler licensing framework, the encouragement of more cruising across the whole network, the discontinuation of the term ‘continuous cruising’, and more thought to be given to the wider issues of residential boating.
Some of the other major recommendations by the Commission are also welcome, including clearer and simpler definitions, appropriate strengthening of enforcement powers, and the need to improve the reputation of the Trust among boaters.
The point made by IWA which was not included in the recommendations was the desirability that the review should cover licensing for all navigation authorities, as a step towards a joint system. It is understandable that the Commission did not feel able to address this in its review, but Canal & River Trust waterways nonetheless form a part of the overall network, and a consistent approach across all navigation authorities would be very beneficial.
The Commission has made recommendations for further consideration, but specific ways forward have been left to CRT to consider and consult on. There is much work still to be done to get to implementation, especially if legislative changes prove to be needed.
The Commission was established by CRT at the start of 2025 to review the legal framework around boat licensing, and to explore its continuing appropriateness in view of the changes in use of the network over the last 30 years. The Commission was tasked with reporting to the CRT Board of Trustees, who will decide whether and how to take the recommendations forward.
The Commission ran a survey of boaters and other stakeholders in March and April 2025, covering both user experiences of the boat licensing system and any desired changes. IWA submitted a response to the survey and representatives of IWA’s Navigation Committee discussed the submission in a meeting with the Commission members in May.
Although slightly delayed from the timescale originally set out, IWA welcomes the prompt publication as soon as the report had been submitted to CRT’s Board of Trustees, in advance of their consideration of it.
From IWA Bulletin, December 2025.
Excellent Boats on a Beautiful Canal
Our base at Linslade is within weekend reach of the Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne, or the Chiltern Hills and Aylesbury. Choice of exciting one- or two-week cruises including the Thames. 17 luxury boats, 2 to 8 berth.
Members of IWA, APCO, BMF, B&MK Waterway Trust, Wendover Arm Trust, Buckingham Canal Society, Aylesbury Canal Society
More hurdles before Wendover restoration can re-start
In his Chairman's column in the Winter 2025 edition of Wendover Canal News, Trust Chairman Clive Johnson reports that on 18 September The Trust signed a Licence Agreement (LA) with the Canal & River Trust. However, there are some more hurdles to jump before restoration work can re-start.
First, the work party compound at Little Tring has to be brought to current industrial standards. A steel security fence must be erected, and proper welfare facilities must be provided for volunteers. Secondly, some “remediation” work has to be done on points which CRT have agreed with the Environment Agency. These include removal of small amounts of material from the work site, involving materials testing, completion of formal processes and acceptance by all parties. Next, a list of minor jobs have to be completed across the work site between Bridge 4 and the winding hole. Then, after further substantial planning and paperwork, it should be possible for work to fully re-start.
CRT's Restoration Delivery Plan (RDP), due to start on 1 April or soon after, will supersede this Licence Agreement. It seems that processes under the RDP will be similar to the Licence Agreement. Clive reports that CRT's Sean McGinley is proposing to employ a CRT engineer solely to work with groups like WCT, the cost of which will have to be recovered from those groups. This may be unpalatable, but that is the current reality. It also seems that WCT is among the first, if not the first, to get as far as the Licence Agreement.
May 2005: Phase 1 is re-opened. How long before it is re-re -opened? Photo: Les Franklin.
The Phase 1 restored section from the stop-lock to the winding hole is still closed, and a permanentlooking dam has been placed across it, with fences either side. Reopening this is believed not to be anywhere on CRT’s 3-year-plan of work, apparently because they have heard few if any complaints. Clive recommends that as many users as possible contact CRT to complain about this inconvenience by emailing enquiries.londonsoutheast@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Planning and funding for an upgrade of part of the Halton to Aston Clinton towpath is underway; the Trust hopes to publish details in its next newsletter.
The work on Wilstone reservoir is still in progress. A large amount of surplus “Type 1” small stone is expected to be made available at no cost, with free delivery to restoration groups on condition that it is used on CRT land, and the Trust plans to accept some of this.
The Aylesbury Arm has been closed for months due to lack of water, but the Wendover Canal annual reed clearance is already under way to ensure delivery of water to Tring summit. Wendover Canal news continued.
The Trust has launched its 2026 calendar. Trust Chairman Clive Johnson hopes that sales will raise much needed funds for the maintenance and restoration of the canal.
The A4-size wall-hung calendar features 14 beautiful images showcasing the Wendover Canal in all of its seasonal beauty along with some of the inhabitants and visitors.
There is extra space for notes/birthdays/ anniversaries, etc. The calendar is shipped in a protective card envelope.
Price is £7.50 plus £2.30 packing and 2nd-class postage. To order, please go to https://square.link/u/mr3kvWcd
ROVING NARROWBOAT
WOBBLY FOOD AND DRINK FOR WALKERS AND BOATERS ON THE GRAND UNION CANAL
Softserve ice cream and cold drinks. Tea, coffee, bacon sandwiches, and bacon, Brie and caramelised onion bagels. Cheeses, chutneys and fudge. Visit us at: facebook.com/narrowboatwobbly Track us at: tinyurl.com/narrowboatwobbly
Tree maintenance curtailed by CRT following accident
During a recent tree felling operation, a Canal & River Trust volunteer sustained serious injuries when falling backwards and striking their head on steel piling. As a result, on 23 October, the Trust implemented a "safety stand-down" in relation to all internally-delivered tree maintenance work.
All Trust colleagues and volunteers have been instructed to stop tree maintenance activities until further notice. This pause will remain in place while a fact-finding investigation is carried out.
Partner organisations have been asked to also temporarily pause any tree maintenance works until further notice. This will allow the Trust to complete an investigation and issue appropriate guidance for future activities. For any other chainsaw works, full compliance with the Health & Safety Executive’s Guidance on Chainsaws at Work is requested.
Can tree trimming continue during Branch Clean-ups?
James Griffin.
If partner organisations are unsure whether this pause applies to their activities, or if clarification is needed, they are asked to contact their usual Canal & River Trust point of contact or, if they do not have a named contact, to email volunteer@canalrivertrust.org.uk
CRT will provide a further update once its fact-finding investigation has concluded.
James Griffin commented that this is very serious for the waterways, but hoped that this would not affect tree-cutting activities on the Branch Clean-ups, as the Wyvern staff who carry out this work are covered by Wyvern Shipping Co’s insurance.
Insurance considerations aside, we should recognise that the Branch must adhere to best practice, which must be enshrined in risk assessment documentation. Ed.
Photo:
The Editor’s Page
I am not a habitual reader of The Big Issue, but my brother forwarded an article from its 8 November edition that describes the work of Forces Veterans Afloat, a charity that adapts donated narrowboats to loan as homes for veterans of recent conflicts who are homeless or struggling with civilian life.
One veteran who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found it impossible to cope with life ashore, but the slower pace of waterway life and the camaraderie of fellow boaters was transformative for him. From being unable to cope with even making eye contact, he performed a five-week stint of comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe
First, three cheers for those who donate their boats for this cause. The article does not detail the arrangements entered into with the boat owners, but such generosity is inspiring. Second, the story points to the healing powers of the waterway environment and way of life, to the potential for health benefits for everyone, and also to the fact that we are very poor at interpreting these benefits as figures on a balance sheet. Does a credit appear anywhere in the Canal & River Trust’s figures? Its former Chief Executive Richard Parry was passionate about this and the many other ways in which the network benefits society, and fully supported the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’ s case for the wide benefits of the Waterway Park - see TPT September 2024, Page 13.
What price your stroll along the towpath?
Les Franklin.
The benefits to that veteran would be no surprise to those who conducted a study carried out in 2022 by King’s College London, Nomad Projects and J & L Gibbons in partnership with CRT. It found that the combination of blue and green space with wildlife has a greater impact on wellbeing than spending time in an environment characterised by only green space. The researchers used Urban Mind, a smartphone-based app, to collect real time data about participants’ location and mental wellbeing. This first-of-its-kind study showed positive associations between visits to canals and rivers and mental wellbeing, as well as positive feelings of safety and social inclusion compared with all other types of environments such as indoors, an urban environment, or green spaces.
In the East Midlands, CRT's Waterways Wellbeing programme includes "social prescribing" in which doctors and other health professional can refer patients for activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding, wellbeing walks, gardening and bushcraft sessions. Does CRT receive fees for providing these facilities?
How could the Trust reap a financial benefit from your therapeutic stroll along the towpath? Local authority subsidy on a mileage basis has been mooted as one possibility. I'm sure Richard Parry’s successor Campbell Robb and his colleagues are working on this.
With all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Les Franklin, Editor.
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Getting in touch with MK Branch
February brings the Branch AGM and, as always, it’s your chance to put your hand up and offer to help run the Branch. The Committee will welcome you with open arms, and there is a wealth of experience to help you into a role.
Chairman: TIM ARMSTRONG tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk
Trade Representative: JAMES GRIFFIN james@canalholidays.co.uk
Committee member: MARIE DRAPER marie239@btinternet.com
Committee member: WESLEY HARRISON wesley.harrison@waterways.org.uk
Vice-Chairman VACANT
Social Secretary: VACANT
Clean-up Supervisor: VACANT
ADVERTISEMENTS are welcomed to assist Branch funds. Charges are as below and aresubject to VAT. Payment must be made before copydatetoensureinsertion. Please contact the Editorforfurtherdetails.
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Webmaster and Social Media: EMMA CASWELL (non-Committee) emma.caswell@waterways.org.uk
Planning Officer: PETER CASWELL (non-Committee) peter.caswell@waterways.org.uk
Editor and Publicity: LES FRANKLIN (non-Committee) les.franklin@waterways.org.uk
Fenny Lock Adoption Scheme: MIKE HARPER (non-Committee) Contact via Diane Witts
NEW MEMBERS should receive a welcome contact from our Membership Secretary Pete Bickers. We very much hope to see you at our Branch meetings and other events please introduce yourselves to one of our Committee members (those wearing IWA badges).
Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses can change, but these were correct on 7 November 2025. IWA homepage:
MK Branch pages: MK Branch Facebook page: Canal and River Trust: Bedford-MK Waterway Trust: Buckingham Canal Society: Wendover Canal Trust: Friends of the Canal Museum:
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The Inland Waterways Association or of the Milton Keynes Branch. They are however publishedas being of interest to members and readers.
