Towpath Telegraph

September 2022

TOWPATH TELEGRAPH Journal of the Inland Waterways Association’s Milton Keynes Branch

Fenny Canal Festival Leighton towpath work progress Raymond and Nutfield at Linslade Latest from BCS, BMKWT and WCT As well as the huge variety of merchandise on sale at the Fenny Stratford Canal Festival on 6 - 7 August, the trading boats themselves were a most attractive feature of the event. Whether unconverted historic boats, conversions or purpose-built vessels, all contributed to the scene. See full report on Pages 4-5.

Photo: Les Franklin.

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453 Web: https://www.waterways.org.uk A non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no.212342.

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Welcome to September 2022 Towpath Telegraph As this edition is being finalised for publication, the first rain for many weeks is falling on TPT’s editorial offices.

It has been a glorious summer to be out and about and, of course, it meant an easy time for ourselves, traders and the public at our Fenny Stratford Canal Festival.

When the autumn does set in, we look forward to seeing you at our new season of meetings at Bletchley Conservative Club (see Pages 8—9). Meanwhile, enjoy this edition.

Chairman’s Column CRT changes to boat licence fees New members The sun shines on Fenny Stratford Canal Festival Buckingham Canal Society revives Cosgrove Festival John Bunyan volunteers receive Queen’s Award Diary IWA webinars and recorded talks Raymond and Nutfield at Linslade Canal Festival IWA Annual General Meeting 2022 Alan Stewart semi-retires Leighton Buzzard towpath work almost complete IWA web site improvements Wendover Arm: work continues on narrows Barry Martin, 1938-2022 IWA Christmas cards include MK scene Volunteer with The Parks Trust The Editor’s Page Getting in touch with MK Branch

2-3 3 3 4-5 6 7 8-9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 16

Chairman’s Column Hello All. I do hope that you have all been able to enjoy the summer weather and were able to venture out along our waterways, to which we all devote our time and efforts, all greatly appreciated.

Elsewhere (Pages 3 - 4) you will read of the Fenny Stratford Canal Festival, held a few weeks ago on the Grand Union towpath in Fenny. This was the second year that the Branch has staged the event, and I must acknowledge the huge input from a cast of stalwart Branch members who helped in various ways to make the event a success, once again under the control of Diane Witts, who masterminded the event. Our Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Smith, visited us on the Sunday, and was kind enough to listen to some waterway concerns addressed to him on his day off.

It was very gratifying to receive many positive comments, the size and informality of the event being the main talking points. Also gratifying was that we so nearly matched the revenue from last year’s Festival, with a generous response from all our traders and visitors, considering the current trading climate compared to last year.

As is so very evident, the current economic climate is becoming very Page 2

IWA’s Interim CEO Jonathan Smith (centre), with Tim Armstrong and Diane Witts. Photo: Les Franklin.

Chairman’s Column—continued. manifest, with inflation now at 10%, naturally enough giving rise to action by the Unions who see their members' incomes being rapidly eroded in real terms. Having emerged from Brexit, and then Covid Lockdowns and restrictions hot on its heels, it was to be hoped that there would be a chance to re-finance the country and mitigate the current position.

I am in danger of becoming political; I had better change tack - but not totally. The Canal & River Trust is affected by economic stress (see news release below) just as much as the rest of the country. Canals and rivers are perceived as a necessity for drainage, irrigation etc, and (by some) as a social benefit only for the few who can go afloat. But there is a greater and growing realisation that our waterways can and do offer so much more to us all. CRT needs every encouragement to become ever more pro-active in the upkeep of its assets.

I fear tough decisions will be needed, to match tough times ahead. We have endured a succession of events, each giving our economy a battering; worse still that they all seem to be following at close quarters. May I hope that we will all feel able to continue to support our waterways and the wonderful and diverse benefits that they provide for us all. We and our country will be all the poorer if they fall into decline; we must not let that happen.

I look forward to seeing you when we resume our social meetings in September.

Tim Armstrong, Branch Chairman.

CRT changes to boat licence fees The Inland Waterways Association understands the extraordinary economic climate that is affecting Canal & River Trust, and appreciates the reasoning of a second increase (4%) within one year. IWA welcomes the confirmation that the Trust will support boaters struggling to pay their licence fees on a case-by-case basis.

However, IWA regrets that this second increase has been carried out without any consultation of users. IWA notes that CRT has only now decided to focus spending on only navigation and legal requirements.

IWA is well aware of the pressures and costs of running a navigation (IWA operates the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation through its subsidiary Essex Waterways Ltd). Through IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group, IWA is experienced in repairs to, and maintenance of, waterway heritage infrastructure. IWA believes CRT could make better use of volunteers across its whole network to carry out preventive maintenance and repair work.

IWA’s Chair Les Etheridge commented: “These are extraordinary times, and it is understandable that CRT needs to take every action possible to support its waterways. It is regrettable that planned maintenance will be deferred. IWA and Waterway Recovery Group have demonstrated to CRT that volunteers can carry out serious repairs and maintenance, and believe CRT has not taken full advantage of volunteers to support navigation”.

New members

IWA news release, August 2022.

Under the GDPR legislation (May 2018), we only publish the names or localities of IWA members joining the Branch if they have given consent. We are always pleased to welcome new members; you should receive a welcome contact from our Membership Secretary Pete Bickers. As Branch activities return to normal, we very much hope to see you at our Branch meetings and other events—whether in person or online. Please introduce yourselves to one of our Committee members (those wearing IWA badges).

Page 3

The sun shines on Fenny Stratford Canal Festival Twelve trading boats and fourteen land-based stalls, as well as the Milton Keynes Community Boat Electra, drew the crowds to the canal towpath south of Watling Street, where the Fenny Stratford Canal Festival took place on 6 - 7 August. The event was organised chiefly by IWA Milton Keynes Branch for the second year running, and has become an important fund-raiser for the Branch.

Two of the attractive trading boats attending the Festival.

The IWA stall included sales of IWA merchandise, a raffle, and our usual publicity and information point. The big waterway map forming the back of the gazebo was a very useful talking point, sparking many comments and reminiscences from passers-by. Alongside us, the Buckingham Canal Society offered their "retro recycling centre", Society merchandise, and beautiful rag rugs. Other stalls and traders had, it seemed, every conceivable item on offer, including clothing, jewellery, fancy goods, food and drink.

Each day, Electra provided 50-minute trips to Water Eaton and back: three trips on Saturday, five on Sunday. All places were sold out on both days. On Sunday, another electric boat arrived James Griffin's radio-controlled model narrowboat, complete with authentic engine noise. A tug-of-war between it and Electra was suggested, but James was afraid that Electra's wash might sink it!

Also on Sunday we were pleased to have a visit from Jonathan Smith, IWA's interim Chief Executive Officer, who congratulated the Branch upon a successful event.

Page 4

Menaced by James Griffin’s model narrowboat, Electra sets off for her first trip on Sunday.

Fenny Stratford Canal Festival—continued It was pleasant to welcome some formerly active Branch members. Roy Cleverly, Rodney and Wendy Evans, and Dave and Annie Roberts all stopped by to chat.

Accommodating the trading boats was hindered somewhat because some stretches of the towpath are quite eroded behind the piling or overgrown in front of it (see bottom picture), meaning uncertain footing at the water's edge.

Patterns of light, shade, colour and texture enliven the scene at the trade boat moorings. Photo: Brian Graves.

The Festival seen from aboard Electra, showing the condition of parts of the water’s edge. Photo: Les Franklin.

A big thank you to Diane Witts and all Branch members who took part in organising the event or turned up to help on the day, and to the traders who attended. Special thanks are due to Lorraine Andrews and Penny Holloway for much behind-the-scenes work liaising with the traders.

We are grateful also to Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council for a grant which helped defray essential expenses.

An early calculation of the profit from the event gives a figure of over £900.

Les Franklin.

The Red Lion at Fenny Stratford

A friendly, warm and inviting canalside pub, offering a selection of great wines, speciality gins, beers and ales. There is a tasty lunchtime and evening menu, all very reasonably priced. Why not stop by for our amazing Sunday Roast, but remember to book so as not to be disappointed. Karen, Nicky and their team will be sure to make your visit a pleasurable experience.

11 Lock View Lane, Fenny Stratford, MK1 1BY 01908 372317 https://www.redlionbletchley.co.uk karentheredlion@gmail.com

Page 5

Buckingham Canal Society revives Cosgrove Festival Our main focus for July has been the return of our annual Canal Festival held at Cosgrove Lock with a Craft Fair in Cosgrove Village Hall on 23 - 24 July - our first since the Covid pandemic. With good weather on both days the festival proved to be a great success with over five hundred people joining us each day and about twenty trading boats along the Grand Union canal.

CRT Chief Executive Richard Parry was expected to pay us a visit, but unfortunately had to withdraw because of Covid, but Julie Sharman, CRT Chief Operating Officer, did attend, and was shown round the festival site and the work being carried out on the Buckingham Arm. The Society is continuing to run work parties at three sites along the Buckingham Canal: Bourton Meadow, Hyde Lane Nature Reserve. and Cosgrove.

At Cosgrove we have been helped by students from Milton Keynes College, An animated scene on the towpath at the Coswho have been working at our Heritage grove Festival. Photo: Alan Mynard.

Landing Stage site which is being restored. This was used by a local miller to transfer his grain to waiting narrowboats. Eighty -five percent of this project has now been completed. We have also had help from several corporate groups including Santander, BT, HSBC, Audi, Arriva, and several groups from Network Rail.

Other projects include two volunteers attending a CRT chainsaw course, and an "Art on the Canal" session at Bourton Meadow on 29 July, organised by our Community Engagement Officer Becky Hall. We also took our stall to the Linslade Canal Festival on 30 July.

All Milton Keynes IWA members are welcome to visit and see the work being carried along the canal, or help with the volunteering.

Athina Beckett, Buckingham Canal Society.

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. 35 luxury boats, 2 to 8 berth.

Boat Builders - Repairs - Dry dock - Blacking - Repaints Waterside holiday cottage

The WYVERN SHIPPING Co Ltd

Rothschild Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2TF Tel: 01525 372355 Fax: 01525 852308 https://www.canalholidays.co.uk james@canalholidays.co.uk Members of IWA, APCO, BMF, B&MK Waterway Trust, Wendover Arm Trust, Buckingham Canal Society, Aylesbury Canal Society

Page 6

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John Bunyan volunteers receive Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service In one of his last acts for the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust before his death on 22 June, Graham Mabbutt congratulated John Bunyan volunteers on their efforts over recent years that led to their receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award, announced on 2 June, will be presented by Helen Nellis, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, later this year. Then two representatives from the John Bunyan will be invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in summer 2023.

Graham was a key member of the Trust and a tireless champion for the John Bunyan boat since its inception. He will be greatly missed by all his friends and col- Graham Mabbutt at the announcement of the leagues who have been honoured to know Queen’s award, just days before his death.

Photo: BMK Waterway Trust. and work alongside him.

The landing stage at Kempston Mill is now in use, and is proving popular with canoeists, paddle boarders, boaters, anglers and picnickers. The nearby Mill Bridge has been repaired and is now back in use, but eventually a new bridge with headroom sufficient for the John Bunyan and other vessels will be needed. The Trust is supporting Bedford Borough Council in a bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund towards the cost of a new bridge.

With help from Bedford Borough Council and other Consortium members, the Trust is monitoring construction projects at Fields Road and Green Lane, in order to ensure that the waterway is not compromised in terms of levels or the plan location of the new developments. In addition, the Trust is drawing up a list of projects along the whole route with which it might get involved, given the resources and additional expertise.

On 14 June, the Trust's 2022 Annual General Meeting was held "face-to-face" after two years via Zoom. Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford, summarised what Bedford Borough Council is doing towards delivery of the Waterway. He announced the launch of the Bedford Local Plan 2040 consultation (this closed on 29 July). John Best reported on the achievements of the two Community Boats over the last year.

In May, Electra ran cruises for Giffard Park Primary School, which had received a Milton Keynes Community Foundation grant to enable them to offer a trip to all Year 4 pupils (8 9 years). Five separate one hour trips were run, with activities planned to support curriculum work on local history, the local environment, wildlife, electricity and creative writing.

On 17 - 18 September, Electra will run cruises to and from Great Linford Manor Park as part of Heritage Open Days weekend activities with The Parks Trust.

Information from BMKWT newsletter, July 2022.

Page 7

Diary The Committee welcomes members back to Bletchley Conservative Club (see map and directions below) on 15 September for the first of our 2022-23 season of meetings. We hope to see you there! Our own meetings and other events are in bold type, and selected events organised by others are in regular type.

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From V7 Saxon Street, Princes near Bletchley Station, at Way RoundPrinces Way Roundabout Lidl about store (near Lidl store), turn off into Princes Way. Princes Way After 50 yards, turn right into Albert Street, then bear left at miniW ay Bletchley roundabout. ll e w way kFollow Albert Street to ens t) Caw P Que (eas end, and turn left into Queensway. (west) nsway Take 1st left into Oxford Quee Bletchley Brunel Street. d Conservative Club Roa Roundabout m Take 1st right into ha 105 Queensway king c u B Cawkwell Way. Bletchley 34 B40 Take 1st right into MK2 2DN Bedford Street.

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.

Please note that Cawkwell Way, although two-way, is narrow in parts. The route given uses as little of it as possible. Also shown is the pedestrian route (10 minutes) from Bletchley Station.

On leaving the car park, Bedford Street is one-way, so please turn left and then into Queensway.

Guided walk at Linford Manor Park, organised by The Parks Trust.

Discover the history of the Park from its beginnings to the recent restoration. For more info and to book your free place, please visit: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/walk-talk-discover-greatlinford-manor-park-2022-09-09

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting.

An evening of waterway videos, with David Tucker.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105-111 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Friday 16 September 2pm - 3.30pm

Heritage Open Day: The Old Lane and the New Marina, organised by The Parks Trust. This walk takes in the old Lane from Woolstone through Campbell Park via the new Marina. Also, hear how a loaf of bread was made from harvest to baking in 24 hours! For more info and to book your free place, please visit: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/heritage-open-days-the-oldlane-and-the-new-marina-2022-09-16

Wednesday 28 September 8pm

IWA Chiltern Branch meeting: "Operation Dynamo": Dunkirk’s Little Ships, talk by Ian Gilbert.

Batchworth Canal Centre, 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1JD

October: date to be announced

Branch Canal Clean-up. Subject to Committee decision and CRT approval. Details will be announced if event goes ahead.

Page 8

Diary—continued Wednesday 5 October 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Stars in the Park, with The Parks Trust and UK Astronomy. Taster session at Campbell Park Pavilion to learn about our solar system. £5 per person. Light refreshments provided. To book your place, please visit: https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/stars-in-the-park-wednesday5th-october-2022-10-05

Thursday 20 October 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: The Panama Canal, with well-known speaker Richard Thomas.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Thurs 17 November 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: John Pomfret takes us on a voyage along the River Danube, including the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Thurs 15 December 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch Christmas Social: Booked ticket event; details to be announced.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Thurs 19 January 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch meeting: Speaker: Kay Andrews; topic to be confirmed.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

Thurs 16 February 7.45pm

IWA Milton Keynes Branch AGM (agenda in January TPT) and Early English Canals: an overview of Roman and AngloSaxon canals, with Annie Roberts.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway, MK2 2DN

IWA webinars and recorded talks Although many IWA Branches are now holding “in person” meetings once again, some are still offering these meetings as Zoom webinars too. 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 Please also check the following links, where additional events, and recordings of past talks and meetings are available, sometimes at quite short notice: https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa-tv IWA-TV: Most future live stream events are posted here, also on-demand videos recorded from recent meetings or webinars. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ROBJ6rpm_41BSmu-Glf2Q IWA’s Youtube channel carries videos of past meetings - there is some overlap with IWA TV. Joining a webinar “live” is easy, using a desktop computer, tablet or smart phone. * Go to one of the links above. The webinars are listed in date order; each has a "Book now" link, which takes you to more details about the meeting. Click the “Register now” button. * 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 see all previous webinars and video presentations at one of the addresses in this panel.

Page 9

Raymond and Nutfield at Linslade Canal Festival

The historic narrowboat pair Raymond and Nutfield attended the Linslade Canal Festival on 30 July, when their immaculate paintwork drew many admiring glances. Having taken the picture above, I was invited aboard Raymond, and learned a little of the pair’s history.

Commissioned by the Samuel Barlow Coal Company and launched in 1958, Raymond was the last unpowered wooden working narrowboat to be built at Braunston. Throughout her working life, she* was captained by Arthur Bray, with his wife Rose and stepson Ernie Kendall. In 1962, she was sold to Michael Streat, who founded Blue Line Canal Carriers Ltd. Her best-known job was the “Jam ’Ole run”, carrying coal from Atherstone to the Kearley & Tonge jam factory at Southall. In 1968, Raymond was partnered with Nutfield.

The Jam ’Ole run, the last regular long-distance contract, ended in 1970, but the Brays continued to live aboard Raymond until 1981, when they sold her to Jim and Doris Collins.

By 1990, Raymond was in a dangerous state. An anonymous donor purchased her, commissioned repairs and, after several adventures including sinking, she came into the care of the Friends of Raymond in 1996. Extensive restoration has continued since then.

Raymond was re-united with Nutfield for the “Jam ’Ole Re-enactment” in 2002. Nutfield was later purchased by the Friends of Raymond, and also needed much work done. A large Northwich motor boat, Nutfield was built by W J Yarwood for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company in 1936.

The pair is based at Braunston Marina, who provide free moorings and other support, but maintenance and running costs are high. For more information on how to support the pair’s upkeep, please visit https://friendsofraymond.org.uk/ * Although Raymond has a masculine name, she is a big and beautiful boat, and in my book that qualifies her for feminine gender—Ed.

Photo; Les Franklin. Information from boat visit and Friends of Raymond handout.

Page 10

IWA Annual General Meeting 2022 IWA’s 63rd Annual General meeting will be held on Saturday 24 September at 11.30am at The Guildhall, Bore St, Lichfield, WS13 6LU. The AGM agenda, minutes of the 2021 meeting and Annual Report & Financial Statements are available via the address below. As well as attending in person, members will be able to attend all sessions remotely via Zoom. Details of this option will be available in September.

The Guildhall will be open from 10.00am, with refreshments available. At 10.30am, there will be a presentation on Waterways for Today – IWA’s comprehensive vision for the waterways. IWA National Awards will be presented before the AGM starts at 11.30am.

Following the AGM there will be an open session where the CEO and trustees will provide an update on campaigns, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. A free lunch will be provided at 1pm, which must be booked in advance (bookings by 22 September, please) via link from the web address below). After lunch, an optional 2-hour guided walk will be led by members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

The Guildhall is in the centre of Lichfield. Lichfield Bus Station is a 4 minute walk away.

Lichfield City Rail Station is a 7 minute walk away. Lichfield Trent Valley Rail Station is about a mile away (20 minute walk or regular bus service to the bus station). The nearest long stay car park is on The Friary, Outer North Side, WS13 6QE, less than 10 minutes walk away. Streethay and Huddlesford Junction on the Coventry Canal are about 2 miles away.

For up-to-date information, please visit: https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/agm-2022

Alan Stewart semi-retires Since 2011, TPT has carried Alan Stewart's advertisement as an Authorised Boat Safety Scheme Examiner. As Alan approaches 80 years of age, he is scaling back his own business, but continues to work on an "as required" basis for BSS examiners Jonathan Charles Marine, run by his daughter and son-in-law, Lorna and Charles Colledge.

Alan entertained MK Branch members in 2017 with tales of his life afloat - mostly upon salt waters. We thank Alan for his support to the Branch over the years, and wish him all the best in his role at Jonathan Charles Marine.

Jonathan Charles Marine

07375 138182

A small family-run business offering Boat Safety Scheme examinations.

Rest easy in the knowledge that your boat was examined by trained professionals and meets the requirements of the Boat Safety Scheme.

We carry out examinations on private boats, residential* boats and hire* boats. * If fitted with a bubble tester.

We cover Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Bedfordshire areas, but please call as we are happy to travel.

W: https://www.jonathancharlesmarine.com/

E: jonathancharlesmarine@outlook.com Page 11

Leighton Buzzard towpath work almost complete The £500,000 towpath improvement project in Leighton Buzzard, being undertaken by Canal & River Trust in partnership with Sustrans, began on 6 June and was expected to be completed by 23 August.

The stretch of towpath involved, from Bridge 114 (Leighton Road) to Bridge 115A (Mentmore Gardens Railway Walk), was re-opened temporarily on 30 July for the Linslade Canal Festival. At the Leighton Road end during the closure, the contractors, Kier, have retained access to the sanitary station and water point.

Access to the water point at Bridge 114 was retained during the closure. Photo: Les Franklin.

Just north of Bridge 115A, new piling has been inserted in order to raise the towpath where it was previously being eroded by overflow into the adjacent River Ouzel.

The project also includes improvements to a 2.1km section running north from Lock 27 (Leighton Lock) to Bridge 110 (Sandhole Bridge) in Old Linslade.

The works in this section have not required the towpath to be closed.

Together with previous work carried out in 2015 between Leighton The closure seen from Bridge 115A, with new piling Road and Leighton Lock, the new in the distance. Photo: Les Franklin. work will result in a 4.1km continuous stretch of improved towpath through Leighton Buzzard.

Information from CRT press release, August 2022.

IWA web site improvements Much effort has recently gone into IWA's web site, with the aim of improving navigability, replacing outdated information and adding many new pages. Former IWA Chief Executive Neil Edwards is co-ordinating this effort as a volunteer.

Among other changes, the homepage - https://www.waterways.org.uk - has been updated to emphasise IWA's role as the only national charity that campaigns locally and nationally for all the country’s canals and river navigations, and a new “How to find” link has been added to the “About us” drop-down menu.

From IWA Officers’ Briefing, August 2022.

Page 12

Wendover Arm: work continues on narrows Progress has continued on the narrows adjacent to the winding hole at the present head of navigation. Following excavation, a reinforced concrete base has been laid, and the narrows proper will be formed upon this with brick and block walls. After this the areas behind the walls forming the narrows will be backfilled. Much of this work was expected to take place during a The narrows takes shape, with the present winding Waterway Recovery Group camp hole in the background. Photo: WCT. in late July.

Restoration work is now being overseen by Mikk Bradley, following the resignation of Chris Bent. Mikk has chosen to be known as Site Manager. He is also employed by IWA's Restoration Hub, advising on restorations around the country.

Following the discovery of the water loss somewhere between Bridge 4a and 4, cracks and voids were found at the junction of the apron and vertical brickwork at the Whitehouses installation. It is not clear whether this is the cause of the leakage, but the voids have been filled and heritage brickwork repairs made in consultation with CRT. Leakage tests are continuing.

East of Bridge 4, the backfill to the canal banks and bed have been finished off, and an area of poorly laid concrete block rebuilt. The next section of Bentomat has been commenced.

Trial holes were excavated in the tip area to determine the position of the coal tar lining. It was found that the boundary fence had been erected in the wrong position. Discussions with the adjacent landowner concluded that WCT would remove the fence, erect a temporary fence to allow ash removal from the tip and then erect a permanent fence on the new boundary line.

Another WRG Family Canal Camp will be held at Whitehouses on 28-30 October. Suitable for families with children aged 6-14, activities will help enhance waterways for wildlife, and children will find out what it is like to ‘live like a Navvy’! Overnight accommodation will be provided at Green Park Activity Centre, Aston Clinton. Charge £15 per person. For more information and booking details, please visit: https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/ events/wendover-canal-family-camp Information on this page from Wendover Canal News, Summer 2022.

Barry Martin, 1938-2022

Trust members were saddened at the death on 22 May, aged 83, of Barry Martin, a founder member of the Trust. In the early 1980s, with likeminded others, Barry founded the Wendover Arm Group, which became the Trust in 1989.

Much initial work fell to Barry and his wife Beryl, who covered many posts including Membership Secretary, Newsletter Editor and Treasurer. The pair were heavily involved in running the annual Wendover Canal Festival at New Mill, which raised thousands of pounds for the restoration.

Barry created the popular Festival plaque, with a unique design each year.

Barry was proud to be made a Vice-President of the Trust in recognition of his great contributions to its work.

Page 13

IWA 2022 Christmas cards include MK scene It's not too early to think about getting in your stock of Christmas cards! Just in, and available at IWA's online shop, this year's range of new cards includes a view of Bridge 75, on our stretch of the Grand Union, photographed by Roger Agnew.

This is on the isolated loop of the canal that passes Stanton Low Leisure Park.

Also in the range are views of the BCN, Trent & Mersey and Shropshire Union.

Printed on high quality card, the new cards are supplied in packs of ten per design with envelopes, at £3.99 each.

Also available are cards from previous years, at £3.50 per pack of ten.

IWA's 2023 Calendar makes a nice gift. This is available in two versions: an A4 format calendar (opening out to A3 size approximately) at £8.50, or one featuring detachable postcard scenes at £5.99.

See these and other gift ideas at https://waterways.org.uk/support/shop

Volunteer with The Parks Trust The Parks Trust has a range of practical tasks that volunteers can get involved in.

It's a great way to get outdoors, help the environment, keep active and meet new people. As IWA MK Branch members know, The Parks Trust's volunteers routinely offer much-appreciated help with our Canal Clean-ups.

The Trust also offers a programme of monthly Community Litter Picks, visiting a different park each month. It also supports a volunteer-led litter pick at Broughton and Brooklands on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Several keen groups help carry out litter picks in the Trust’s parks, but these Community Litter Picks allow those not belonging to an organised group to participate too.

Some of the tasks that the Trust offers are only suitable for adults, and children should not attend these sessions. Children attending other sessions such as litter picks must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times. The Trust also asks that you do not bring dogs along to these sessions (with the exception of service dogs). Tools and equipment are provided. Each session is led by a member of staff. Please come dressed appropriately and wearing sturdy footwear.

The battle against litter costs the Trust hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to keep its spaces in Milton Keynes clean and safe. For more information, please visit: https://www.theparkstrust.com/get-involved/volunteering/community-volunteering-tasks/ Page 14

The Editor’s Page On the BBC's Look East regional news programme, there has been some coverage of customer complaints at Anglian Water's failure to repair burst water mains quickly, while at the same time exhorting consumers to economise on water use.

A few days later, on 12 August, a drought was officially declared for much of the country, and there have been forecasts of lower-than-average rainfall over the coming winter.

In a similar vein, we hear of closures in the northern parts of the CRT network due to water shortages, and it may be only a matter of time before we come in for some restrictions on our stretch of the Grand Union in addition to boaters being reminded to exercise the usual courtesies of sharing locks, closing gates and paddles etc.

Cruising south to the Wendover Arm recently, Tony Clarke of Northampton Branch took this picture of the top gates A recent picture of Seabrook Top Lock, top gates. of Seabrook Top Lock Photo: Tony Clarke.

(36) which, he says, have been leaking for over a year. Leakage was so great that Tony had difficulty opening the bottom gates with top paddles closed.

A search of the CRT web site in mid-August revealed nothing about any formal restrictions locally as yet, and a request at that time for information on the local water supply situation had not been replied to as this edition closed for publication.

However, a CRT press release dated 9 August states that the Trust has entered into fouryear contracts with two civil engineering firms to carry out essential maintenance work on major assets, with options to extend to ten years. J N Bentley will cover the northern system; Kier will cover the southern. Other contractors are due to be appointed for less complex works. Malcolm Horne, Chief Infrastructure and Programmes Officer, CRT, said: "We are . . . striving to ensure that the network is as resilient as possible to more extreme weather in the face of a changing climate, investing in reservoirs and other key assets to strengthen infrastructure for the benefit of canal users and neighbouring communities".

Well said, but as with Anglian Water, any formal restrictions that may be imposed must be backed up by timely action to stop the water wastage that is obvious to boaters cruising the network, thereby forestalling complaints from customers and ensuring their co-operation in saving water.

Les Franklin, Editor.

Page 15

Getting in touch with MK Branch The Committee looks forward to seeing you at our events and meetings over the coming season.

As can be seen, several Committee roles remain vacant, and offers of help to run the Branch will always be welcomed. Please talk to any Committee member if you can off your help.

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Chairman:

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Get the latest waterway news at these web sites. Addresses can change, but these were correct on 24 July 2022.

IWA homepage: https://www.waterways.org.uk MK Branch pages: https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/branches/iwa-milton-keynes-branch MK Branch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/iwamiltonkeynesbranch/ Canal and River Trust: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk Bedford-MK Waterway Trust: https://www.bmkwaterway.org Buckingham Canal Society: https://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk Wendover Canal Trust: https://wendovercanal.org.uk Friends of the Canal Museum: https://www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Leighton Buzzard Canal Soc: https://www.facebook.com/LeightonBuzzardCanalSociety

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 published as being of interest to members and readers.