IWA Birmingham Branch Newsletter - Worcester Bar - Autumn 2014

Edition No: 5 Autumn 2014

The Newsletter of the Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch, Inland Waterways Association

Chairman’s Inspiration Contents Social Evening Review

2

Raffles

3

Quick Crossword

4

On a Lighter Note…..

4

Stourport Lock Bridge

5

BCNS Explorer Cruise

5

No. 46, Gas Street

6

Navigation Restriction

6

New Members

7

Work Parties

7

Winter Programme 2014/2015 8

This Summer has produced waterway interest for me in a number of rather ‘off-beat’ ways – canoeing down the Wye, seeing the locks in Cardiff Bay barrage, ‘winding-hole’ spotting on the Llangollen, coracling on both the Thames and the Caldon Canal, seeing tall ships and lifeboats at Saul, and in between trying to keep up with a number of ‘issues’ that kept cropping up from IWA’s other branches or NavCom. The winding hole issue is going to be reviewed soon – so if you have seen any ‘short’ or ‘interesting’ turning places on your travels, please report them. If you’ve lost the ‘report form’ circulated earlier, don’t worry, an email will do. I’ll forward it if you want to send it to me. The one’s I’ve seen as ‘interesting’ include evidence for the curved corner requirement – much chewing from boats bumping into sharp bits of concrete, different shapes and sizes due to land available, and some shortened due to collapse. It would be good to recommend a ‘minimum’ size and shape, not to mention a few more in remote places, to facilitate impromptu turnings rather than cruise for miles looking for somewhere to turn.

The Saul Pageant was successful in my opinion – a small rally, with plenty of interest, friendly and with a restoration as a focus – the ‘Cotswold Canals’ were well illustrated, well represented, and we all support the many initiatives which IWA are involved with on this route, and we wish them well.

I was pleased to see many familiar faces there, including from our Committee and membership, and neighbouring Branch members. The restrictions in Gloucester Docks were a worry, but in the end, I think everyone got through who was determined! No doubt you will hear more of the short notice, the dredging, the film .....

Chris has produced an interesting programme of talks for our winter social meetings – do come along and meet other Branch members and friends. It is also a means of up-dating on recent discussions e.g. on the Lapal canal, HS2, the moorings debate, stoppages, and other issues.

Hoping you’ve all had a good Summer – it’s now nearly Autumn. Take care if you are on a boat in the cooler months, and hope to see you at Coombeswood or a working party somewhere soon.

David S, Chairman

Page 2

Social Evening Review

Meetings at Coombeswood last winter were well attended with an unsurprisingly high turnout to hear Richard Parry speak. A synopsis of some of the speakers topics follows.

co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&fieldkeywords=%27The+Emperor%27s+River

February; Liam D’Arcy Brown, “Grand Canal of China”

April; Les Etheridge, IWA National Chairman, “Taking the IWA Forward”

Liam presented this talk at Hawne basin in the company of a film crew from China who were producing a programme for Chinese television about what we, the British people, think about the Grand Canal so we were being filmed while we watched a film!

A smaller turnout on Easter Monday heard Les talk about his boating background, his fear of water and how his interest led to him becoming involved with the IWA, an involvement which has gradually taken over his life.

Liam’s background is in linguistics and he has spent some time in China travelling the length of the Canal & then has written a book about it.

The Chinese think of the Great Wall & the Grand Canal as a pair, the wall being male & the Canal female. The Canal runs 1115 miles from Bejing to Hangzhou. The oldest part built in 483BC the rest built by 610AD. It runs north/south across rivers that run east/west, thus unifying the country.

Emperor Yong ordered all men 15-50 years old to work on the canal in 604AD. If they refused, they were executed.

The main use of the canal was to transport rice to the capital where it was used to pay the rulers of China. From 1450 to 1902, mandarins managed the canal & 50,000 people worked to maintain & run it. Transport of grain switched to the roads in 1902 but in 1949 Chairman Mao refurbished the canal to carry coal & later petrol, diesel & oil.

The canal is a minimum of 100 metres wide & a maximum of 1 Kilometre and was all dug by hand when re-engineered in the 1950’s. Barge ‘trains’ of 12 barges sitting very low in the water are drawn by a tug up to the summit at Nanwong but is no longer navigable north of that. There are only 2 locks & no aqueducts or tunnels for 400 miles & rising only 138 feet & is not lined. There are no towpaths.

The Chinese are now turning it into a general tourist attraction with an equivalent to our Grade 1 status. In cities, some stretches have been cosmetically enhanced with modern apartments, balustrades etc. and also a museum. However, it is not used for leisure boating.

Liam’s book is entitled ‘The Emperor’s River’ and is available from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.

He expounded on his guiding principle – “What is good for the inland waterways?” and how he is trying to get the Trustees to think and work strategically to ensure that the IWA is seen to 1. protect inland waterways; 2. be an active & responsible organisation which makes things happen; 3. improve the way in which we get the IWA message across.

He referred to the Environment Agency and how cutbacks to it’s budget reduced it’s ability to maintain the rivers, mentioning that navigation is not a prime EA function, thus increasing the risk of losing waterways through lack of maintenance.

Having had a very positive meeting with the Waterways Minster in February, he understands that the proposed C&RT – EA merger is still on but not in the current financial climate. Given the potential liabilities of taking on the EA responsibilities, he suggested that it may be less fiscally risky for C&RT to operate the rivers on behalf of the EA. Les noted that there are several MPs and exministers who are IWA members easing access via them to the levers of power.

Moving on to mitigation of the impact of HS2, Les reminded the meeting that the IWA has no corporate view on the pro’s & con’s of the project and went on to say that the IWA has been instrumental in ensuring good contacts with other organisations, e.g. C&RT, EA, Middle Level Commissioners & local authorities have been developed and maintained.

Speaking specifically about the Fradley area, adjacent to Woodend and Shadehouse locks where

Page 3

four crossings have initially been proposed, he said that work commissioned by the IWA has formed the basis of a united response, illustrating how the proposals can be reduced to one crossing, saving many millions of pounds.

He keeps in regular contact with navigation authorities, not only CRT and EA but also those in East Anglia and others such as the Basingstoke.

The IWA is a campaigning organisation, low visibility but crucial and although some say it is not interested in boaters, it is, he emphasised, not only for boaters.

WRG and restoration are a significant part of the IWA which, given the organisation’s technical knowledge and skills, needs to be seen as a leader in restoration.

The numbers of Branch working parties has risen from 25, by 7 Branches in 2011 to 118, by 22 Branches in 2013 and is on course to be significantly higher in 2014. Much of this is due to the efforts of Alison Smedley who since 2012 has worked to help change the attitude of CRT and Stephanie Preston who came into post in 2013.

Looking ahead, Les would like a vision statement saying “A widely appreciated and well maintained network of inland waterways available for the benefit of all.” to be a reality.

itself. Their boat was over there for 4 years, 2009 - 2012 inclusive, and they went over to use it about 5 times a year for 3 weeks at a time.

We were shown many photos of the French rivers & canals & the boats on them & it was interesting to note the contrast with UK waterways & boats mostly geared up to commercial haulage use. Locks are deeper, wider & had sophisticated traffic light, radar & automated emptying/filling mechanisms.

Only official moorings may be used and as they were more spaced out than UK moorings, planning ahead was essential.

The conclusions are that the French canal system is deteriorating due to commercial traffic dropping since the seventies much as our system did in the fifties/sixties & leisure boating by the French people has not yet become popular, however, a few canals are being restored so there is hope for the future.

Chris spoke in great detail & enthusiasm and the talk was well received by those present.

Jacky Osborne

Winter Social Programme

He finished by saying that whilst the job is not unlike trying to herd cats, it is hugely rewarding.

Raffles

After being warmly thanked, he and his wife set off to drive to their home in Kent.

As usual we will be holding a raffle during each social evening at Hawne Basin.

May, Chris Clegg, ‘Taking a Narrowboat to France’

The money raised from these goes into Branch coffers and is used, following approval by your comittee, to help fund waterway related activities such as restoration or replacement equipment for the WRG’ies.

On a warm evening in May , we were taken on an adventure with Chris & Judy Clegg when they took their narrowboat to France. Chris explained the vast amount of work they undertook to ensure the success of their journey, having decided to use their own boat rather than hire or use an hotel boat.

They prepared by taking cruising qualifications & licences, getting equipped with VHF which is compulsory on some rivers, & brushing up their French!

They transported their boat over to France by lorry as it certainly wasn’t equipped to cross the channel

Donations of prizes are very much appreciated and if you are able to do so, should be brought with you to the meeting.

Thank-you.

Quick Crossword

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Across 1 You can see the sun here every day on the Llangollen Canal.

4 This is done in the rain. Or in the chapel.

8 Backwards in Ulster? (1,1) 10 One French negative prefix United Nations. (1,1) 11 A happy shopping centre, built on the site of 41 and 26 across.

14 Keen, but not quite Beckham.

15 An accountant with an American accent. (1,1,1) 16 A peer of the realm, almost on time.

17 (& 28) You will find a fox and an anchor on this angry lawn.

19 This can be done with eggs and tables.

21 The best time to get a suntan?

23 You will find a great one of these on the Trent & Mersey, where the Sow meets the Trent.

24 This lout just changes one letter when he retires.

26 See 41 across.

28 See 17 across.

32 A car to sit on?

34 A SOCO in the USA? (1,1,1) 35 A hideout in Yemen?

36 Intelligence at the other end from Gloucester?

37 A CSI in the UK? (1,1,1,1) 39 Not quite men, and not quite marking a safe channel, either!

41 (& 26) Pub at Wombourne, used to be a steelworks.

42 14 pounds. Home of Phyllis May, Terry, Monica and Jim. And now Jess too.

Down 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 12 13 17 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 33 35 38 40

The hall has gone, but here on the Staffs & Worcs you can still find an obelisk, a gatehouse and a wide.

The opposite of amity.

Competed – with the sixth Edward?

Sounds like you’ll be ready for Christmas!

A kind of waterway – once a kind of revenue too.

A village at the junction of the A5 and the A449, with an ABC Boat Hire base.

One letter away from a sort of typing error.

The AA of the waterways? (1,1,1) The owner does this.

Thai beer refreshes the parts of Everton that other beers can’t reach.

Eating iron with a bowl and a handle.

Palindrome, religious leader and cooker.

Accountant with an English accent. (1,1,1) A band popular in the desert?

Failure, disaster, catastrophe, debacle, shambles or farce.

Quite likely! (4,2) A college for the ruling classes?

The RAC of the waterways? (1,1,1) Spot the electronic snooper.

A German one?

Archaic second person singular.

Boas struggle to stop anti-social behaviour.

Golden alternative?

Archaic second person plural.

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Compiled by John Butler.

Solution on page 7.

On a Lighter Note…..

Understanding Engineers #1 Two engineering students were biking across a university campus when one said, “Where did you get such a great bike?”

The second engineer replied, “Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, “Take what you want.”

The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, “Good choice: The clothes probably wouldn’t have fit you anyway.” ******* A magician worked on a cruise ship and, having a different audience each cruise did the same tricks over and over again. The captain’s parrot saw the shows and learned how the tricks were done. Once he understood, he started shouting in the middle of the show, “Look, it’s not the same hat!” or, “Look, he’s hiding the flowers under the table!” Or “Hey, why are all the cards the ace of spades?” One night on the Pacific, the ship sank and almost all on board were lost. The magician found himself sharing a lifeboat with, as fate would have it ... the parrot.

For days they stared at each other with hatred, but did not utter a word until the parrot could not hold back any longer and said...

“OK, I give up. Where’s the blooming ship?”

Stourport Lock Bridge

Page 5

Readers may recall that on 4th June, 2011, a thirteen year old boy attempting to cycle across a cast iron access bridge over the lower two lock staircase fell into the lock and drowned.

As a consequence, BW, (now CRT), decided to install handrails to all similar bridges and as a rapid response, used scaffold poles as a temporary measure. This was done without consultation and in some instances created a hazard for boaters by intruding into the air draft at the entry/exit to/from locks. This was noted by IWA BBC&W Branch members who made representations and suggestions, which lead to BW emending the designs and producing more suitable solutions.

At the scene of the accident, it has been a rather different story, with the scaffolding remaining in place until a design acceptable to all interested parties can be agreed. Given the heritage of the site there are a number of interested parties involved.

The most recent proposal, (see illustration), was for tubular rails and supports to be augmented by glass panel inserts across the gap. It was pointed out that glass panels would not be in keeping with the area.

Concern was also expressed that such panels would suffer the same fate as those tried on the Caldon Canal, which were vandalised very soon after installation, leaving broken glass littering the vicinity.

The IWA BBC&W Branch has submitted comments on the proposal which has been withdrawn. It looks as though the final design will not be too dis-similar to the handrails at Falling Sands.

Bob Fox.

BCNS Explorer Cruise

Having been a frequent visitor to Birmingham by boat and visited several of the “easier” parts of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN), I was keen to explore a little further. The opportunity presented itself in May this year and some sixteen boats took part.

We were able to leave our moorings when we were ready in the morning, some were off at 0630, others not until after 10.00 and make our way to the evening mooring spot, exploring arms and extensions as we went. BCNS lock-wheelers were able to help us through the various lock flights and by working together with other crews, progress was relatively easy and gentle. Sure, most of us visited the weed-hatch a few times, but usually not for too long!

Over the course of a week, our moorings varied from the centre of Walsall, where the fleet filled the basin and Tipton Green, to the relative isolation of Pelsall Common and Moorcroft Junction. Those of us who wished made detours along the Tame Valley Canal, up the Anglesey Branch to Chasewater and to the end of the Cannock Extension Canal.

There was ample opportunity to stop and shop, cruising times being between 3 and 6 hours and at the end of each day, once all boats were present, the crews gathered together for a little bit of liquid socialising in, thanks to some local knowledge, some quirky pubs with a good range of refreshments; and the weather enabled us to have a barbeque and raffle. The cruise finished at Titford Pump House.

Whilst we motored through plenty of current and former industrial sites most of the scenery was surprisingly rural; who would have expected to meet a fox on the offside at 11.00 am in Goscote? Local residents showed an interest in what we were doing and at no time did any of us feel concerned for our safety.

This is an ideal way of seeing the less popular parts of the BCN and several of us left threatening to participate again next year.

Bob Fox

Page 6

No. 46, Gas Street

Some readers will be aware of the toll taken by the recession on some of the businesses boardering Gas Street Basin and it’s locality. It is pleasing to see that one building, a former canal company office, may be brought back into use after Birmingham City Council granted applicant Le Bistrot Pierre, planning permission and listed building consent for the development of Waterside House, 46, Gas Street. The company plans to develop the building as a restaurant. It currently has twelve restaurants across England and Wales providing French cuisine.

The grade ll listed premises, formerly used as offices, has stood empty for some time and is beginning to deteriorate. The site falls within the area covered by the City Centre Canal Corridor Framework. No 46 Gas Street was built for the Birmingham Canal Company as its Head Office. An inscription on a cast iron plaque on the brick garden wall confirms this.

A gas works is recorded as having been built around 1818 on a site opposite the canal basin and the origin of Gas Street appears to date from this time. The position of the works near to the canal network is indicative of the transport infrastructure at that time, and allowed easy access for delivery of raw materials in the form of coal.

A canal spur from Gas Street basin, running across Gas Street, to the works site appears on a map of the mid 19th century.

This allowed narrowboats to unload directly to the works area, with a bridge in Gas Street over the new canal arm. The building at 46 Gas Street was also built around this time, and accommodates the vaulted tunnel within its lower ground floor structure. This still exists today but is currently closed off from view.

The proposal is to re-open the archway to the canal arm which was blocked up in the 1970’s. Preliminary investigations show that the original brick structural arch remains behind a modern render skin and 4 inch brickwork. The intention is to utilise the vaulted tunnel as additional kitchen accommodation visible through an external glazed screen to the canal towpath. The history of the arch can then be revealed and interpreted in a manner suggested by the Canals and River Trust.

Whilst this particular area may not be everbody’s favourite mooring, for peaceful it is not, to see an empty building being brought back into use is a reason for celebration. We await the results with interest!

Bob Fox.

Navigation Restriction In Stourport Basin

A failure of the balance beam on the upper gate of the topmost narrow lock on 26th August resulted in closure of the flight. The beam was rotten and had exceeded it’s planned life-span.

Alternative arrangements were made for assisted passage through the two broad locks whilst a new beam was made.

On Friday 5th September, as the picture shows, a replacement had been manufacured and fitted. The flight reopened in the early afternoon.

And we have another beam to paint!

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New Members

Mr A Spall & Family Mr D Payne Mr L Kirby Mr & Mrs K & R Hay Mr I Gray & Family Mr G Newbury & Family Mr M Vernon Mr R & M Saunders & Worrall Mr & Mrs C & D Harris Mr G Clarke Mr V Fairclough Mr J & Mrs A Collins Mr R Hinchley & Mrs V Hoban Mr K Sherman Mrs B Bissell Mr T Smith Mr M Ramsey Mr A Edwards Mr R Chance Mr A Lune & Family Mr G & Mrs H Wilson & Family Mr S Ayres & Miss U Britton Mr D B Hoare Rev B Ingram Mr N Parkes Ms A Bond Mrs P Jacobs & Family Miss T Freeborn & Family Mr G Bowen

Stourport on Severn Evesham Walsall Worcester Willenhall Worcester Redditch Evesham Redditch Birmingham Redditch Evesham Birmingham Stourbridge Broadway Evesham Stourport on Severn Droitwich Wolverhampton Redditch

Work Parties

Every month, at 10.00am on the second Wednesday, Branch members and other willing volunteers have gathered to undertake a number of “house-keeping” jobs along the Staffs & Worcs canal.

Painting the balance beams and associated metalwork at Falling Sands, Caldwell and Wolverley locks, litter-picking, plucking Himalayan Balsam and sowing grass seed to stabilise banks have formed the major part of our work.

With protective clothing, life-jackets and hot drinks supplied, six or seven people have gathered for an hour or two, or more and made a significant and positive difference to these areas.

At Caldwell lock, the work-party was joined by a member who had cycled from Wolverhampton to spend a few hours. There’s dedication for you!

Evesham Birmingham Birmingham Malvern Droitwich Solihull Stourport on Severn Birmingham Halesowen

Unwanted Canal Books & Maps?

If you have any publications relating to our canals which are in reasonable or better condition and you no longer want, would you kindly donate them to us so that they may be used for branch fund-raising activities. All offerings welcome.

Welcome to the IWA Birmingham Black Country & Worcester Branch. We look forward to meeting you at our social evenings or on our working parties. If you would like to help please contact any committee member to discuss.

Bob Fox Editor

Crossword Solution.

T R E V I N I X M E A V I D L T L A Y G H O A F A I S E A T I S H S O C O R O U

N D O R T R R Y C P C R O H A Y W N G R E C S A R P Y

C R Y U H I L A E S S P O O D O E N I A N E S B S T O

O D D S O N I N L A N D

N G A I R L E A Y C A K I E N G Y S E

IWA Meetings at Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin, Hereward Rise, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8AW Starting at 7.15 for 7.30pm.

Winter Programme 2014/2015 Date 20.10.14

Subject Shrewsbury & Newport.

Canal Restoration.

Speaker Brian Nelson, Vice Chairman Shrewsbury & Newport Canal Trust.

17.11.14

Leominster Canal.

Mike Woodgate & Martin Hudson.

15.12.14

Christmas Supper & Slides.

19.1.15

Stratford Canal 50th Anniversary of Restoration.

16.2.15

Derby & Sandiacre Canal Restoration.

Clive Henderson.

Chris Madge, Chairman Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society.

16.3.15

AGM

20.4.15

Idle Women - Wartime Canal Workers.

Vince Williams.

18.5.15

Worcestershire Carriers before the Railways.

Richard Churchley.

Contact:

Chris Osborn

01299 832 593 e-mail jcosborn@btinternet.com

Visitors are very welcome to come to any of these meetings.

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BBC&W Branch Officers & Committee: Chair: David Struckett dstruckett@aol.com Michael Payne Vice Chairman Planning Officer (Birmingham) michael@payne.name.

John Taplin Vice Chairman, Planning Officer (Worcs) johnwtaplin@btinternet.com Secretary: Becky Smith-Keary rsk63@yahoo.co.uk Treasurer: Chris Neal cptjneal@yahoo.co.uk Members: Freddie Cooke Planning Officer (Walsall, Wolverhampton & South Staffs) freddiecooke@googlemail.com Dave Pearson dave@daveapearson.com Bob Fox Planning Officer (Sandwell & Dudley), Newsletter Editor bob@bobfox.demon.co.uk Michael Smith-Keary Membership Secretary: sk63@btinternet.com Chris Osborn Meetings organiser jcosborn@btinternet.com

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Views expressed in Worcester Bar are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch or the Inland Waterways Association.

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