Inland Waterways Association’ s Milton Keynes Branch
During April’s Canal Clean-up, the hopper, towed by Wyvern hire boat Mallard, is seen at Millennium Bridge (71B). Branch members were joined by volunteers from The Parks Trust, Buckingham Canal Society and the Electra Community Boat team. The haul amounted to around 7 tonnes, as compared with typical 12-tonne hauls in past years. Report on Pages 4 - 5.
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Welcome to May 2026 Towpath Telegraph
Although we are having a dry Spring, the wet winter will hopefully have ensured adequate water supplies for the time being. The reopening of the Aylesbury Arm in January after seven months’ closure will have come as a relief to its users (see Page 15). Best wishes for a good summer on the cut, and we hope you enjoy this edition.
Chairman’s Column
The Editor’s Corner
Branch Canal Clean-up collects seven tonnes
Tony Collins, 1936 - 2025
Mikron Theatre Company tour 2026
Diary
Workshops at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
IWA webinars and recorded talks
Grand Union Water Transfer Scheme
How B&MK Waterway can benefit Universal scheme
Buckingham Canal Society news
Misty Morning, Old Linslade
IWA: CRT has “badly mismanaged” Wendover situation
Herrick plaque refurbished
Getting in touch with MK Branch
Chairman’s Column
Hello All, I feel I am still a newcomer! I am reminded that this year IWA celebrates 80 years of unstinting work on the preservation and restoration of our canal network. We will all know the pioneering work by Tom Rolt and company and the achievements that followed. Milton Keynes Branch itself has reason to celebrate, as 2026 is also the year in which it reaches its 50th anniversary, with its own reasons to be proud of achievements along the way.
Heading these is the Branch’s record on carrying out successful canal Clean-ups. These were held on the Grand Union Canal essentially within Milton Keynes city, although occasional forays south towards Slapton near our boundary were held - occasional, as the amount of detritus recovered was minimal with this stretch being mostly rural.
Until about ten years ago, these events were held twice each year but latterly, for all sorts of reasons, this has reduced to once a year. The Covid pandemic saw an enforced break in activities. But April saw us back again (we also missed 2025 for other reasons), and we were surprised to find, despite the gap year, a reduction in the amount of rubbish both in the canal and along the towpath hedgerows. See Pages 4 and 5.
We are always grateful to the Branch members who give their support, and also the many others who join us to assist: members of the Parks Trust, small community groups, individuals with a love of the canal and all it stands for, and also local employers who see the Clean-ups as an opportunity for their employees to contribute to community development, support and wellbeing through their own community support programmes. James Griffin’s support and sponsorship of the Clean-ups is much appreciated too; his aims, in seeking the best possible experience for his hirers, coincide with our own.
We do know that local Parishes in MK have been encouraged to set up their own work parties and this is proving successful with an element of pride becoming evident. We will maybe one day see a parishes competition for the best stretch of immaculate towpath!
It is all hugely valuable work, in so many ways. But sadly it is under threat, mainly due to the changes in how society itself inter-relates to help each other and is permitted so to do, with bureaucratic necessities often intervening. We are all aware that we live in ever-more
Chairman’s Column continued.
litigious times; preliminary assessments of all sorts of risks abound and increase in magnitude and complexity. Society, whilst encouraged and cajoled to be more relaxed and to utilise its leisure time beneficially, wants to just turn up “on the day”, but without all the seemingly endless preliminaries. The demographic of the Branch membership demonstrates the perceptions of the younger adults in today’s society. I do not begin to see how we can reverse this trend. Maybe what we need is a form of “Safety-Lite” to simplify the procedure where it can be determined that overall risk levels are low.
The Branch’s 50th anniversary and the IWA’s 80th anniversary are noteworthy milestones. As well as celebrating the history of the waterways, we must also use them to promote and reinforce the opportunities that the canals and rivers provide to us all.
Enjoy the summer months ahead.
The Editor’s Corner
If Tim Armstrong feels like a newcomer (opposite), I feel like the Vicar of Bray! As I mentioned in my September 2025 Editorial, I joined the Branch in 1980, four years after it was formed. I have seen twelve Branch Chairmen come and go, and have had two spells in the Chair myself.
The picture shows a letter, held by Diane our Secretary, written by the first Branch Secretary. Mr C Holmes, advising IWA Head Office and the Eastern Region that MK Branch had been formed. My guess is that the letter was confirmation of informal discussions rather than the fait accompli it seems to be.
Tim Armstrong.
The same Editorial mentioned some of the Branch's achievements over the years, as recorded in a document I prepared some time ago, based upon a talk given in 2012. We intend to update this and post it on the Branch web pages soon for you to see. Les Franklin.
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. Boat Builders - Repairs - Dry dock - Blacking - Repaints
Members of IWA, APCO, BMF, B&MK Waterway Trust, Wendover Arm Trust, Buckingham Canal Society, Aylesbury Canal Society
Branch Canal Clean up collects seven tonnes
On 10 - 11 April, IWA Milton Keynes Branch staged its annual Canal Clean-up over the ten miles through Milton Keynes from Fenny Stratford to Cosgrove. Branch members were joined by volunteers from The Parks Trust, Buckingham Canal Society and the Electra Community Boat. The event was sponsored by hire boat operators Wyvern Shipping Co Ltd. Canal & River Trust lent its usual pre- and postevent support, but was unable to field staff or volunteers at the event itself.
Wyvern Shipping also provided a tug, hire-boat Mallard, to tow the hopper, from which volunteers dragged the canal with grappling hooks to retrieve sunken items. The hopper also received bags of rubbish collected by volunteers walking the towpath. Wilstone, the recently acquired Buckingham Canal Society workboat that was to collect any rubbish from the far side of the canal was unfortunately disabled by an underwater obstruction on the first morning, but there was little to collect. Much appreciated refreshments at each break were provided by Diane and Andy Witts aboard Diandy, the tea boat that led the convoy.
The usual mix of discarded items were found, including several supermarket trolleys, six tyres, four electric hire scooters, three bicycles, an outboard motor, a plastic barrel, a motor bike frame, two folding chairs, traffic cones, a damaged and abandoned dinghy, timber and domestic rubbish. Four sunken boats were seen during the Clean-up. Some silting of parts of the route was noticed.
At Cosgrove, the rubbish was unloaded on Monday 13th from Refreshment break. Photo: Pete Bickers
the workboats by contractors Smith Recycling Ltd for disposal. Although the total load was probably about 7 tonnes, it filled two 16-tonne grab lorries due to its bulk.
Branch Chairman Tim Armstrong said, "Although our numbers were small - around 18 on the first day, 12 on the second - there was enough rubbish to keep the volunteers happily
The hopper crew, left to right: Mike, Brian, Gerry, Keith, Shaun and Darren. Photo: James Griffin.
Branch Canal Clean-up continued.
occupied without being overworked. My thanks go to everyone who took part, whether organising, litter picking. working on boats or providing refreshments."
Mallard ascends Cosgrove Lock with the hopper.
Photo: Gerry Waters.
Our first Clean-up is believed to have taken place in 1977 (see front cover), a year after the Branch was formed. Subsequently, one-day Cleanups were staged irregularly at "spot" locations in Milton Keynes, until 1997, when they were expanded to become highly organised two- or threeday yearly or (for a while) twice-yearly events. The Clean -ups help to keep the city's stretch of the Grand Union Canal safe and attractive for all users afloat and ashore. Although total hauls are now less than they were, it is sad that some people still treat the canal and its surroundings as a convenient rubbish dump. Les Franklin.
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Tony Collins, 1936 – 2025
Tony Collins, former Chairman of IWA Milton Keynes Branch and Chairman of Buckingham Canal Society, died on 27 December aged 89. This news was received just after January’s TPT had been published.
Family and friends, joined by many others via live stream, celebrated his life on 19 January at the Wealden Crematorium, Horam, Sussex. Memories of Tony’s life were recalled by Diana (read by the celebrant Rev Peter Clarke), his daughter Tina and son Peter, and granddaughters Katie and Helen.
Tony pictured on his retirement as Branch Chairman.
Photo: Les Franklin.
Tony was born at Patcham, near Brighton, to parents George and Kitty, who ran a garage where Tony helped as a child. He left school at 15 to work in the garage. The family moved to Holmwood, near Dorking, in the early 1950s. While on Christmas leave from National Service in the Army, Tony stopped at the White Hart, Beere Green, where he met Diana. They were married in 1957 at Redhill. He spent his working life in the motor trade.
Early married holidays had been taken at Butlins holiday camps and destinations abroad, but a holiday on the Grand Union Canal hooked Tony. After he retired, a Sea Otter narrowboat was bought and named Westmead, and the search was on for a home with an end-ofgarden mooring. They settled on a house at Pennyland, to which they moved in 2000.
By the beginning of 2001, Tony had been co-opted on to IWA MK Branch Committee. He served as Vice Chairman from 2002, and as Branch Chairman from 2008 – 2010. He was a relaxed but effective leader, taking an active part in Clean-ups and Lock Ransoms, and putting forward the Branch view during the IWA restructure in 2009.
Tony was Chairman of the Buckingham Canal Society from 2003 to 2005 and was a very successful and popular one who was very keen to promote the restoration of the Buckingham Canal. Working with British Waterways he was excellent at persuading them that restoration was a good idea, as they had been a little reluctant beforehand.
He could be seen at the BCS annual Canal Festival at Cosgrove aboard Westmead, again always keen to promote the restoration of the canal. He volunteered with the BCS on practical tasks at Cosgrove, Bourton Meadow and Hyde Lane Nature Reserve, and also took part in several campaigns to support the whole canal system.
Advancing years prompted a move back to Sussex in 2010. Westmead was sold in 2013.
His family recalled many instances of Tony’s willingness to help with practicalities such as mortgages, insurance, passing exams and – especially - learning to drive. He always had time to listen, to play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and to laugh at himself. On a family narrowboat holiday late at night when the time came for Tony to leave the family’s hired boat to return to his own, he forgot that the boat had been winded, and almost stepped off into the cut. He was stopped just in time, and returned chuckling to his boat.
Athina Beckett and Les Franklin.
Mikron Theatre Company tour 2026
Mikron Theatre Company takes to the water again this summer aboard its narrowboat Tyseley, with two new shows. Full information at: https://mikron.org.uk/
Wensleydale Whey (WW)
The monks from the Abbey are desperately seeking a living soul to resurrect their traditional Wensleydale cheese. Enter a world of ghosts, grievances, and glorious cheese. The show delves into the rich history of cheese, from its humble beginnings to its place on the most sophisticated platters, featuring characters who are whey out there.
Top of the Wold (ToW)
Join the East Riding Mobile Library in a celebration of community, culture, caravans, and peas. Discover a place where connection to the land is ingrained, and the sea reminds us that we stand on the cliff-edge of a much bigger story. If the story of a county is written in a book, the library is the spine that shows you where to look.
Fri 26 June, 7pm, The Red Lion, London Rd, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD ToW
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
Here is a selection of events nearby over the summer. Please also see elsewhere the summary of workshops at the Canal Museum (opposite), and the list of local Mikron Theatre performances (Page 7). We look forward to seeing you at the Fenny Canal Festival, and for the start of our new socials season in September. Our own events are in bold type; those organised by others are in regular type.
6 - 10 May
15 - 17 May 10am - 5pm
Milton Keynes Walking Festival. Something for everyone: topics include botanical folklore, walk & glide events with the Electra Community Boat, guided walks at various sites, night hikes, and covering photography, literature, bat watching and more.
Batchworth Boat Rally. A boaters’ gathering reflecting the diversity of the boating community, raising money for waterways charities. Boat handling displays, live music, floating traders, refreshments, boat trips and dancing.
Crick Boat Show. Historic, trade and new narrowboats, music festival, real ale and cider festival, masterclasses, seminars, boat handling sessions, free boat trips, children's activities. Crick Marina, Northants, NN6 7SQ https://www.crickboatshow.com/
Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair. Trade and historic boats, crafts, cakes, refreshments.
On canal towpath and at Cosgrove Village Hall. www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk/blog/2026/02/13/cosgrove-canal-festival-and-craft-fair-2026/
Linslade Canal Festival. Trade and historic boats, traditional crafts and demonstrations, live music and entertainment, family activities, food and drink. Admission free.
Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade. https://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/council_events/linslade-canal-festival/
1-2 August 10.30am - 4.30pm
Sunday 16 August 10am - 5pm
Fenny Stratford Canal Festival. Historic boats, floating market, stalls and displays, refreshments, info point. Help welcomed for setting-up and clearing contact Diane Witts. Admission free. No on-site parking - please park considerately elsewhere in Fenny Stratford. Pedestrian access from Watling Street at what3words ///final.wrong.stone
RCTA Floating Market, Berkhamsted. A mix of talented canal traders, crafters and makers. Browse for gifts not available on the high street. Between the Crystal Palace and the Boat Inn Bridge 141 and Lock 54, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2EZ https://www.rcta.org.uk/
12 - 13 September
Canal and Rail Festival. Celebrating Wolverton's great railway and canal stories. Trading boats, boat trips, have-a-go sports, talks, walks, Scarecrow Festival . Supported by WGTC, RCTA, HC-GB Ltd. Part of Heritage Open Days 2026. Wolverton Park, Milton Keynes.
Diary continued.
Thursday17September 7.45pm
IWAMiltonKeynesBranchmeeting. Topic to be announced. Bletchley Social Club, 105 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2DN
Workshops at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
The Canal Museum is the venue for a variety of craft-based one-day workshops throughout the summer. Booking is essential for most workshops. Suitable for ages 16 and over. Choose from these topics:
Thursdays 7, 21 May, 4, 18 June, 10am - 12 noon. Craft and Chatter.
Bring your own craft project, or materials available to get you started. No need to book. Just drop by. Sunday 10 May, 10am - 4pm. Lino printing workshop.
In this beginner session, you're guided through the basics of creating a simple design, safely carving your lino, rolling on the ink, to that magical moment when you lift the paper to see your print.
Saturday 16 May, 10am - 4pm. Signwriting Workshop.
Colin Dundas will introduce you to some basic signwriting techniques and brush strokes. You'll go away with a sign painted with a word or two of your own choice. All materials and tools provided.
Sunday 24 May, 10am - 4pm. Needle Felt Sheep workshop.
Learn to needle-felt your own sheep and leave with a charming little sheep full of personality. All equipment and materials provided.
Learn how to photograph the canal, boats and locks with expert help from a retired commercial photographer. There will be ample opportunity to take your own photographs and ask questions. Suitable for all levels of experience from enthusiasts to casual snappers with smartphones. Reasonable mobility is required for the guided walk.
Learn from an experienced bookbinder. You will make one or two folded books and at least one sewn book with sewn or glued-on cover. All equipment and materials provided.
Learn how to use simple tools to scratch your design into the surface, ink it up, and reveal your art work. Take home your own packet of six etched notelets.
Sarah Pamphilion introduces the traditional craft of rag rugging. Upcycle old t-shirts and fabrics into rag rugs, cushions, bags, flowers, wreaths and works of art. All materials and tools provided.
To book a place at any of these workshops, phone 01604 346096.
More info at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/canal-events-canal-festivals
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.
Grand Union Water Transfer Scheme
The Phase 2 public consultation for the scheme launched on 11 February and closed on 2 April. The first public consultation in Autumn 2024 introduced the scheme being developed by Canal & River Trust, Severn-Trent and Affinity Water to transfer recycled water from a plant at Minworth, north-east of Birmingham, via the canal system to a reservoir at Chaul End near Luton.
Among the key concerns that emerged were the proposals to carry out extensive bank raising, especially in long pounds, to allow the creation of significant surface gradients to sustain peak water flow, leading in turn to the need to raise or rebuild some bridges or other overhead structures to maintain headroom, the siting and appearance of processing plants, and the erosion of the historic character of the network. Many of these concerns were addressed in the Phase 2 consultation, but new concerns arise. For full information, please visit https://guctransfer.co.uk/ The following is a brief summary of some key points.
An important new proposal is to split long pounds in two, with new automated "transfer locks", rather like stop-locks. These would be open (both sets of gates) for much of the time, but would automatically close during periods of peak flow, with traffic light control. The transfer water is pumped past them. Boat traffic would use them like conventional locks. This would avoid much, but not all, of the bank and bridge raising previously proposed. The illustration of a transfer lock in the consultation documents shows sector gates rather than traditional mitre gates, but it was stated that the gate type is yet to be decided.
Top: A long pound at present, with little or no water gradient. Water is contained within existing banks.
Centre: During peak flow, water may overtop banks and leave insufficient headroom at bridges, especially at upstream end of pound.
Bottom: Transfer lock splits pound in two, minimising need to raise banks or bridges.
Regarding abstraction of the water from the canal, the southern option (near Slapton) has been abandoned in favour of a plant located in the angle between the canal and the A4146, opposite Willowbridge Marina, referred to as the Galley Water Treatment Works (WTW).
Local proposals include:
* use of the former dry dock at Stoke Bruerne as gravity bypass inlet at the Stoke flight;
* gravity bypass at Cosgrove Lock incorporating an inlet on the Buckingham Arm, with a new access bridge over the Arm;
* possible need to alter the Iron Trunk Aqueduct (scheduled monument) to carry higher water levels, although a transfer lock at Oakridge Park or Great Linford could avoid this;
* probable need to alter or reconstruct Peartree Bridge (88) for adequate headroom;
* the pipeline from the Galley WTW is proposed to run towards the A5, and follow this to
Grand
near Hockliffe, then pass Stanbridge and Eaton Bray. Routes from here through Dunstable, though shorter, have not been progressed due to engineering challenges and development density. Instead, a southern route through the Chilterns National Landscape is proposed.
Next steps: Responses will be summarised in a Consultation Report, which will include how the feedback has been taken into consideration, and any changes made since the Phase Two Public Consultation. This Report will form part of the Development Consent Order application which will be submitted to the Secretary of State. Further ‘targeted consultation’ may be carried out if an element of the scheme materially changes, if a new, significant element emerges which has not previously been consulted on, or if new land, the owners of which have not previously been contacted, would be affected.
IWA published its response to the Scheme on 1 April. It acknowledged that carefully designed water transfers can help mitigate climate change impacts by keeping canals navigable, supporting ecosystems, and preserving heritage. However it has called for more technical evidence on several aspects:
* A more transparent demonstration of the scheme’s engineering, with clear evidence of how flows will be managed to maintain navigation, and sustain water supplies across the wider network to London, Oxford, Northampton, Warwick, Leicester, and Shardlow.
* Comprehensive design criteria - From discussion with CRT, it emerged that such documents have been prepared but were not included in the public consultation. Only the visual appearance of structures was addressed.
* Bypasses and weirs - Similarly, there is no quantitative information to allow interested parties to understand how bypass and weir design might affect water levels, navigation and
Union Water Transfer Scheme continued. drainage. This information was available but was not published in the consultation.
* Bank raising and dredging – IWA suggests that this might be reduced through a programme of enhanced dredging allowing the Minimum Operating Level in the canals to be reduced. CRT has stated that an underlying principle before design began was that existing canal maintenance regimes would not be altered, so this option has not been studied. IWA believes this decision was premature and that the option deserves further attention.
Affinity Water and CRT have acknowledged that few of their technical studies were included in the consultation. IWA has called on the scheme leaders to publish more of the studies undertaken. While these can be highly technical, they should be made accessible. There is an opportunity for further discussion and feedback before commencement of the Development Consent Order process, which IWA welcomes.
Branch Facebook post, I March, Consultation graphic, and IWA news release, April 2026.
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.
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In January, the Universal Theme Park, planned to open in 2031, was granted a Special Development Order (SDO) triggering the planning process. Early site work has already begun. The Trust is promoting the opportunities for the Waterway to offer sustainable access to the site, a source of non-potable water and a complementary visitor attraction in this area. East West Rail is also developing modified plans to cater for visitors arriving by rail.
Trustees continue to meet with partners including the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership and East West Rail. At a recent meeting with Milton Keynes City Council, the Trust combined with MK Canals and the Buckingham Canal Society to make the case for water transfer using existing and future canals.
Jane Wolfson stepped down from her operational role with the Electra team at the end of March, but she will still be available to provide business advice when needed. The Trust is most grateful for Jane’s significant contribution over many years.
Some new cruises have been added to Electra's offering for 2026, including from its new mooring at Wolverton Park. Aqueduct Cream Tea, Chill-out, and Fish & Chip Supper Cruises will run from mid-May, going north to Cosgrove Lock and south to New Bradwell. Walk & Glide tours with Electra feature in the Walking Festival (7-10 May, see Page 8).
A new 3-hour Leisurely Light Lunch Cruise goes through Wolverton, New Bradwell and Great Linford, and a stretch of canal transformed by the arrival of the city almost 60 years ago. The cruise starts at Wolverton Park but you are met at the end point in Campbell Park, where there is free long-term parking.
John Bunyan received winter maintenance at Earith, and tickets went on sale at the end of February, Minor changes have been made to the timings of some cruises, giving guests longer to enjoy their fish and chips on the lunch and supper cruises. A new ‘Explore Bedford’ cruise is being planned, offering a visit to one of the museums in the town.
On 24 January, sixty BMKWT volunteers attended a conference at the Forest Centre, Marston Vale. They heard presentations about the two Community Boats John Bunyan and Electra, and future plans for the Waterway Park. The Trust is always seeking new volunteers. Please email volunteering@johnbunyanboat.org or visit: https://www.bmkwaterway.org/electra/volunteering/ https://www.bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat/volunteering/
From B&MK News, Marcj 2026.
Electra crosses the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. Photo: B&MKWT.
BCS work parties attract DoE participants—and parents!
Our Sunday work parties have suddenly become very popular, particularly for people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme. This has proved to be a good way for us to recruit new volunteers. Anyone under 16 taking part in this scheme must come with a parent or carer. This means we get an extra volunteer, sometimes two if both parents come!
We continue to run work parties each week at Cosgrove. The volunteers have been carrying out a variety of tasks including boat maintenance and planting over a hundred saplings. We have a "new to us" workboat, Wilstone, purchased from Canal & River Trust. Wilstone sadly suffered during the Clean-up - see Page 4 Ed.
At Bourton Meadow, where we run our Conservation and Green Gym groups, volunteers continue to carry out environmental tasks, keeping this site attractive for walkers.
Terry Cavender and other Trustees have become involved in the discussions taking place about the GU Water Transfer Scheme (see Pages 10-11).
Athina Beckett, Buckingham Canal Society.
on the Buckingham Arm!
Buckingham Canal Society was delighted to welcome the Hanslope and Castlethorpe Dreadnought Beaver Scouts to the canal. During the session, the Beavers explored the empty canal bed and learned how the canal once served as a vital trade artery for coal and limestone before falling into disrepair in the mid-1900s.
This partnership allows the Society to connect the next generation with their local waterways, while giving them the chance to get involved with restoration efforts to help make the canal the go-to place for paddle sports, nature trails, and outdoor learning. IWA Bulletin, April 2026.
Misty Morning, Old Linslade
At our 15 January meeting, we welcomed artist Graham Pellow of Leighton Buzzard Art Society who, despite some challenges at our venue, painted this splendid picture of a misty canal scene inspired by a photograph taken near Old Linslade.
In acrylics on canvas, the painting is 15 1/2 inches square in a light hardwood frame.
Graham presented the picture to the Branch, and it will either be raffled or auctioned at this year's Fenny Stratford Canal Festival in August. Graham has expressed interest in attending the Festival himself to do some "en plein air" (outdoor painting) demonstrations.
CRT has “
badly
mismanaged” the Wendover situation, says IWA
IWA has previously expressed concerns about Canal & River Trust's Restoration Development Plan, which proposes that restoration groups pay CRT to cover its costs for a senior engineer monitoring their projects. This has led to uncertainty and restoration schemes being delayed or even halted, along with reported inconsistencies between CRT regions.
Vegetation gaining a hold on a restored section of the
In its April Bulletin, IWA singles out CRT's dealings with Wendover Canal Trust over the past two years for particular criticism. Usefully, the article first gives some history.
The Wendover Arm was first constructed as a feeder for the GU main line but was soon made navigable. In 1904, leakage forced closure beyond the Stop Lock at Tringford. In the 1980s, the South Bucks Section of IWA’s Hertfordshire Branch (now Chiltern Branch) began to campaign for full restoration, and some initial clearance work parties were held. An early success was a navigable culvert under the A41 Aston Clinton bypass. In 1989, Wendover Arm Trust was formed to campaign for full restoration. In 2005 Little Tring Bridge was restored, with the canal re-opened through to a new basin beyond the bridge.
Wendover Arm Trust then began restoring the dry section from Little Tring Bridge to Drayton Beauchamp, to specifications agreed by British Waterways (now CRT), with a fabric liner and brick blocks, including rebuilding of wooden footbridges and other structures in brick, with sections being tested for leaks, etc, as works progressed. A section of canal that had been infilled with household rubbish in the 1920s was excavated and most of the material, now deemed hazardous, was removed by contractors, funded by a substantial grant from Hertfordshire County Council. All this work was nearing completion, sections of canal rewatered and Wendover Arm Trust had expected to complete restoration and reopening of this section to the A41 bypass by about now.
About two years ago, local CRT management cited some Health & Safety and environmental concerns and asked Wendover Arm Trust to cease work. Since then, there has been a dialogue between the Trust and CRT, with long delays by CRT, apparently because of “lack of resources”. All the restored sections have been drained down and now have a layer of vegetation growing across the restored lining. CRT has insisted that Wendover Arm Trust (now trading as Wendover Canal Trust), sign an onerous detailed licence agreement before restoration works can commence. Wendover Canal Trust signed this agreement in September 2025, but CRT has yet to agree to WCT recommencing work. Meantime, a leak in the section reopened in 2005 was identified following notification by an adjacent landowner. A report commissioned by CRT concluded the leak would cost £300k to fix, although the
Wendover Arm, Photo: IWA.
Wendover Arm continued.
report has not been made available. CRT’s response has been that fixing the leak is low priority, and so it has installed a rather permanent looking earth dam at the stop lock, drained the canal and erected what looks to be permanent wooden and mesh fencing around both sides of the drained canal for its entire section. CRT says it has no intention of even reviewing the matter until at least 2027.
Having closed and drained the previously restored section of canal, CRT sought to stop any boats longer than 40 foot from using any part of the Wendover Arm Canal – as stated in a notice that was erected at Bulbourne Junction. This prohibition was lifted when IWA complained about it; navigation is now possible to the stop lock.
Whilst accepting that there had been some shortcomings by Wendover Canal Trust, which the Trust was keen to rectify, IWA believes that CRT has badly mismanaged the situation and failed to take the necessary leadership to ensure full and timely repairs and restoration. Rather, CRT has just put barriers in place, both physically and psychologically, thus demotivating local volunteers and supporters. CRT’s response is that it has insufficient resources to do all that it wants, and the Wendover Arm is not a priority. There is much damage to repair of CRT’s own making. Frustrated and disappointed by the situation, IWA has raised the matter with CRT’s senior management in hopes that the situation will be addressed in a more positive and productive manner.
Condensed from IWA news release, April 2026.
In his column in the Spring 2026 edition of Wendover Canal News, Trust Chairman Clive Johnson reminds us that the Aylesbury Arm, which of course is fed from the Tring Summit, was closed from 16 June last year to 28 January through lack of water, pointing to the importance of the water supply from the Wendover Arm. He also reports that CRT has taken back management of the proposed improvements to the towpath from Halton to Aston Clinton, when WCT had understood that it could manage this work.
Meanwhile, WCT volunteers have been carrying out remediation works at its Little Tring work site, including security fencing, surfacing and building a platform to receive spoil pending transport off site and prevent it from contaminating surrounding ground.
CRT has since robustly defended its position to Waterways World, saying that it does not recognise WCT’s version of events see Waterways World, June 2026. Ed.
Herrick plaque refurbished
The memorial plaque to former Branch members John and Olive Herrick, installed at Leighton Lock in 2017 with the permission of Canal & River Trust, has received a fresh coat of paint. The cast iron plaque, with its engineeringbrick surround, has stood up to the weather well for nearly nine years.
The grass surrounding the plaque has been trimmed, the woodwork of the adjacent seat oiled, and the paving around the seat cleared of weed growth.
Getting in touch with MK Branch
At February’s AGM, Marie Draper stepped down from the Committee for a while. Our thanks and best wishes to her. The Committee is always ready to hear your views and comments.
Chairman: TIM ARMSTRONG tim.armstrong@waterways.org.uk
Trade Representative: JAMES GRIFFIN james@canalholidays.co.uk
Committee member: WESLEY HARRISON wesley.harrison@waterways.org.uk
Vice-Chairman VACANT
Social Secretary: VACANT
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Clean-up Supervisor: VACANT
Education Officer: VACANT
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 31 March 2026. IWA homepage: MK Branch pages: MK Branch Facebook page: Canal and River Trust: Bedford-MK Waterway Trust: Buckingham Canal Society: MK Canals: 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.
