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Issue 219, January 2024

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2024 YEAR PLANNER

BUILDING SOCIETY BOSS JOINS WORK PARTY

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Winter’s here

STARTING YOUNG WITH SAFE ANCHOR TRUST

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Winter on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with a timely reminder from the Canal & River Trust to keep safe on or beside the canals and rivers when the weather turns icy. See story on page 15. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Champions of greener boating sought for new award scheme

HISTORIC BOATS WILL HEAD TO BRAUNSTON

THE Inland Waterways Association and Towpath Talk have joined forces to launch an exciting new award scheme recognising the pioneers of sustainable boating.

Entries or nominations will be sought from individuals and organisations or businesses making the most valuable contribution in the previous calendar year. There will be two categories, one for individuals or groups representing charitable or community organisations and one for waterway-related businesses.

The awards will be made jointly by

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the IWA and Towpath Talk and will be known as The IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Award. Chairman of IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group Bowman Bradley explained: “The IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group has been championing sustainable boating since early 2020, covering both propulsion and sources of domestic energy on boats.

“Towpath Talk has been highly supportive of what we have been doing and we are delighted to be partnering with the newspaper to give others the opportunity to showcase the contributions

they are making towards moving leisure boating in the direction of net zero.”

Details of how to submit entries/ nominations will be published in Towpath Talk and IWA’s house magazine Waterways starting in the March edition.

Towpath Talk editor Janet Richardson said: “The impact of climate change on the environment and our daily lives is increasingly in the headlines and over the past year we have been highlighting sustainable boating in our pages.

“This will be a continuing theme during the coming months with more

features in the pipeline and we welcome any news items about how you or your business or organisation are making the move towards net zero.”

The closing date for entries/ nominations will be July 1, 2024, after which these will be publicised. The award will be judged by a panel comprising representatives of the IWA, Towpath Talk and the waterways community.

The winners will be announced at a presentation event later in the year.

• Continued on page 2

Mail changes

Matchday drama

Lock open days

THE Canal & River Trust is changing licence communications sent to boaters in 2024 to provide more clarity and advice around cruising expectations and to highlight help for those who are struggling. From June an advisory letter will be sent with every renewed licence instead of just with new licence applications and midpoint reminders about cruising patterns will cease. The trust will also be reducing the number of letters sent to boats on restricted licences, incorporating the information into its existing processes.

A PASSENGER boat taking West Ham football fans along the River Thames to a match against Fulham got stuck under Hammersmith Bridge. The Port of London Authority, which is investigating the incident, said there were no reports of injuries and the boat, MV Emerald of London, only suffered minor damage. Hammersmith Bridge remains closed to motor traffic after it was fully closed in 2020 following the identification of microfractures in the 136-year-old structure but pedestrians are still allowed to use the bridge.

OPEN days are being held by the Canal & River Trust on the Kennet & Avon and Shropshire Union canals and a London reservoir. Lock 75, Dun Mill Lock at Hungerford will open from 11am-3pm on Saturday, January 20 with a chance to see lock repairs. There will also be free history and ecology walks. Visitors will gain free entry to explore the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, from 11am-3pm on Sunday, January 21. Brent Reservoir will open from 10am4pm on Saturday, February 3.

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2 WELCOME/NEWS

January 2024

WELCOME WITH COP28 drawing to a conclusion as I write, it is perhaps timely that we are starting the new year with an emphasis on sustainable boating.

As you will have seen on the front page, we have joined forces with the IWA to launch a new award scheme to recognise the efforts of individuals and groups or businesses which have made the most valuable contribution during the previous calendar year.

On this page, I report on the recent All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways meeting which focused on how the inland waterways industry can work towards achieving net zero and on page 3, we report on the launch of a new electric boating event taking place at Brinklow Marina in May. And it doesn’t stop there – in two features on the Greener Boating page 44, Phil Pickin delves into the ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) report on the technologies needed to reduce carbon emissions from recreational boats. He also asks whether hydrogen is a viable option for the waterways.

It’s the time of year for more indoor events and Phil also reports on the inaugural Accessible Waterways Day in Birmingham, see page 4 and the British Marine Inland Boating conference at Worcester, turn to the Business News on page 41.

Colin Wareing drops in at a monthly food and art market in and around a listed canal transshipment warehouse to raise funds for the Whaley Bridge canal group, see page 5, where we also report on the completion of towpath works at Loughborough. And on the following page there is a report on the reopening of the upgraded towpath at Market Harborough.

And there is lots more to whet the appetite this month even if we are in the middle of the stoppage season.

Wishing all our readers and advertisers a very happy new year.

Janet

Editor Janet Richardson jrichardson@mortons.co.uk Deputy editor: Dan Clare tteditorial@mortons.co.uk Publisher Tim Hartley Group advertising manager Sue Keily Advertising sales team leader Tania Shaw – 01507 529489 tshaw@mortons.co.uk Editorial design Chris Abrams Production editor Pauline Hawkins Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Contact us Customer services 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: MondayFriday 8.30am-5pm help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk News & editorial Tel: 01507 529466/01507 529451 editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk Published by Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 523456. Tel: 01507 529301 Printed by Mortons Print Ltd Tel. 01507 523456 Next issue – January 25, 2024

Powering the move towards net zero

By Janet Richardson

POLITICIANS were brought up to speed on how the UK inland waterways industry can work towards achieving net zero on leisure craft at a recent meeting in Westminster.

Hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways (APPWG), its chairman Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, welcomed speakers Bowman Bradley, chairman of the IWA/RYA/ Cruising Association Joint Working Group and Simon Lawford, technical sales and renewable fuels manager of Crown Oil. Boaters, representatives from boating organisations and other interested parties attended virtually via Zoom and were given the opportunity to ask questions following the presentations.

Bowman started his presentation by explaining that there are around 80,000 powered leisure boats in the UK which need energy for propulsion and domestic use such as hot water, cooking and space heating.

Diesel is currently the main fuel for propulsion although there is occasional use of electrical power provided by alternators, stand-alone generators and PV (photovoltaic) cells. Water is heated by electricity, waste engine heat or heat pump; cooking with fossil fuels, mainly LPG and space heating using fossil fuels as well as those used for hot water.

“There were some electrically powered boats about when I first started looking at this in 2020; now if you go to shows like Crick, most of the boatbuilders will offer you electric propulsion,” Bowman commented.

On the subject of hydrogen fuel cells, he posed the question: “The technology is there but where do you get the hydrogen from?”

Referring to roof-mounted hydrogen fuel cell generators, a member of the online audience added that boats with these would not go through some of the bridges he knew.

Bowman went on to say that this initiative is being driven by three leading leisure boating organisations.

“Boaters are already very aware of the environment around them and recognise that new technology will eventually allow us a transition to net zero sources but leisure vessels tend to be well maintained and last for many decades.” Many of these boats would still be around in 2050.

“Our objective is to rapidly decarbonise the UK leisure boating sector… and ensure that the fuels used are both sustainable and affordable.”

Conditions:Editorial is accepted subject to availability of space,and editorial policy on content and insertion cannot be guaranteed.The publisher retains the right to edit material submitted. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy through accurate and clear copy, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.

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Although electrically powered boats are increasingly being built and those using diesel as fuel will reduce in number, over the long term very few existing boats would be converted to electric drive which is expensive and quite a big job.

Successful trials

Bowman went on to discuss the use of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) which he said is accredited for modern boat engines. IWA had recently held successful trials for its use in traditional boat engines, heaters and cookers. It is cleaner with lower particulates than mineral diesel.

Government-managed subsidy RTFC (Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates) in respect of HVO only apply to fuel used for propulsion of inland waterway craft and domestic use is excluded.

Most leisure boats only have one fuel tank and there are different tax and duties applied to mineral diesel when they refuel (the 60/40 split) and this also applies to HVO which is expensive and complex to market so boaters can’t and won’t buy it.

“Our immediate objective is to persuade the various government departments involved to adopt policies that will make HVO affordable and available to leisure boaters, recognising the supply of HVO is limited,” Bowman stressed. Policy is to use it only where there is no alternative energy source but it is now recognised as a suitable fuel for off-grid homes.

He concluded with a plea by the Cruising Association, RYA and IWA on behalf of leisure boaters to help achieve net zero.

Simon Lawford said Crown Oil has been importing HVO since 2019 and was one of the first. The oil comes from Europe, the US and the Far East as it is not currently produced in the UK. They supply the construction and road transport markets, the inland waterways having proved quite a difficult one although there is no problem getting it out to the rural areas.

He explained that HVO is manufactured from 100% renewable and sustainable waste derived from raw materials accepted by RTFO (Renewable Transport Fund Obligation) and certified by ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification).

Pointing out that palm oil is no longer used, Simon added that HVO is pure paraffin – a synthetic version of the fossil fuel dug out of the ground producing no smoke and much less particulate matter

Electric propulsion requires significant investment in charging points. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN – and is both biogenic and compatible with marine (wet) environments.

He went on to outline the legislation that they have to navigate in respect of the supply of biofuels for which there is no incentive at this time.

Question time

The lack of infrastructure for electric charging was one of the subjects raised in the question-and-answer session that followed the two presentations, one boater pointing out that there was nothing along the Rochdale Canal between Hebden Bridge and Manchester.

Bowman said he was confident that the technology will come along but agreed that, like the roads, there is not enough infrastructure and it will take a long time to get it.

Narrowboater Vanessa Thomas asked why the UK couldn’t make its own HVO and recycle weeds such as pennywort.

Simon replied that there is no technical reason why any biomass can’t be used but it would take a lot of pennywort for not a lot of HVO; it would have to be pooled with other vegetation.

Answering a question about the use of solar power for propulsion, Bowman replied that while it could make a very good contribution and some people

claim they have enough power, he suspected that this was in the summer months. He agreed with Michael Fabricant’s observation about the similarity to hybrid cars of electric boats with small diesel-powered generators.

Eion Harris of the Canal & River Trust said that electric propulsion would require significant investment in infrastructure, questioning how this could be done in the current economic climate. He also asked if there were any standards emerging.

Bowman replied that IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group has been drafting standards and has asked the Canal & River Trust for its support.

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust chairman Mark Holliss asked how the price of HVO compares with regular diesel to which Simon replied that it is about 34p per litre more expensive and Peter Walker suggested that HVO is a transition fuel while the fleet can be electrified.

Tracey Clarke of the Accessible Waterways Association, also a roving trader and continuous cruiser, asked if it was too simplistic to abolish the 60%/40% split for red diesel between propulsion and domestic use and apply one charge.

Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South, asked what discussions had been held with government on these issues.

Bowman replied that they had received a response from the Department for Transport but recognised that it was a multi-departmental matter and was planning to open a dialogue at a meeting in the afternoon.

Ross Wombwell of the RYA added that they should be made aware of the ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) report.

Michael Fabricant closed the meeting by thanking all who had attended, in person and online.

The Joint Working Group is encouraging all boaters to write to their MPs drawing attention to this problem and asking them to lobby government to adopt policies that will make HVO affordable and available to leisure boaters, thus allowing an immediate and very significant reduction in the carbon footprint of UK leisure craft.

Champions of greener boating sought for new award scheme • Continued from page 1

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The Sustainable Boating Group is a small group of IWA members, experienced boaters, owning a wide range of leisure craft, who are passionate about ensuring that leisure boating is sustainable into the future. It published its Vision Paper in November 2020 and IWA’s Guide to Greener Boating in

2022 as well as a range of articles for inland waterways publications and presentations at Crick Boat Show and to other interested parties.

For further information and to download IWA’s Guide to Greener Boating visit www.waterways.org. uk/campaigns/sustainable-boating

A roof-mounted hydrogen fuel cell generator. PHOTO: HYDROGEN AFLOAT

NEWS 3

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

A frosty finale - but ending the year with a warm glow

Hedge layers Jenny, Margaret, Imogen and Dave in action.

“FROSTBITE! – thankfully not,” said Tom Fulda, Shropshire Union Canal Society restoration project manager at Crickheath South on the Montgomery Canal.

“But winter certainly arrived for the December work party with heavy frost and cloudless skies on the Friday

and Saturday followed by snow and mist on Sunday. Nevertheless, there is much to report,” he continued. “The last work party of this year featured traditional winter activities and much to set us up for a flying start next year.”

Hedge laying and bonfires are perennially

popular activities over the winter months. This season, a length of hedge along the towpath will be laid. This was last worked on by volunteers eight years ago and was ready for re-laying and rejuvenating – 23 metres were completed, producing a very tidy result with some planting

of new whips as gap fillers.

One group of volunteers spent a couple of days at Redwith, by Bridge 83, refurbishing the newt habitat originally developed in 2012 by relining one of the ponds that had leaked.

The solar-powered pump providing a water supply to the ponds was relocated to a more convenient location.

Back at Crickheath, more than 75m of new mixed hedging was planted which concluded the last task funded by a grant from National Grid Electricity Distribution Community Matters Fund.

The opportunity was taken to also fill a few gaps in previous years’ plantings.

In readiness for channel profiling and lining works to start in the new year, a temporary haul road was constructed on the offside

High Sheriff Mandy Thorn with restoration project manager Tom Fulda bank. This will aid delivery of materials along the site.

Thanks are due here to Tudor Griffiths who provided the material at cost.

On Saturday, there was a surprise visit from the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn, who was given a guided tour of the current

works. She commented on the high number of volunteers restoring the canal: “What an incredible bunch of people doing absolutely wonderful things.”

The year 2023 started with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canal & River Trust for a

pilot scheme to inform and finalise the design for this project: Crickheath Bridge to Schoolhouse Bridge. The exploratory activities have been worked upon all year culminating with the water tests in October.

Having now been assessed and evaluated by CRT, the specification is nearly concluded: the areas requiring waterproofing have been confirmed, where towpath is on embankment, the waterproofing method agreed – lining and blocking – and a solution devised for soft banks to increase the net biodiversity gain beyond that already achieved by restoration.

Tom concluded by saying 2023 finished on a high note: “We are all set up to start restoring the northern half of the channel (360m) in the new year.”

RCR breaks the mould

RIVER Canal Rescue has won the Leading Innovation category at this year’s Breaking the Mould Awards, run

by Keele University.

Tutors nominated RCR director Jay Forman for the award, recognising his research and development work into hydrogen boat systems, the environmental bilge filter, Bilgeaway, and mapping, route-planning and

Jay Forman with his award. PHOTO: RCR

membership app WaterNav. They were also impressed by Jay’s management of the launch of River Coastal Rescue in Perth, Australia.

He said: “The award came as a complete surprise and shows just how much we have going on behind the scenes. The hydrogen, high temperature and butane fuel cell project is temporarily on hold while we focus on the Australia operation, but I’ll continue to progress other projects and am keen to look into artificial intelligence in our sector and emerging markets.”

Jay was invited to spend six months at Keele in early 2022, to help grow what tutors described as a ‘innovation-led’ business and develop an over-arching strategy to progress RCR’s many projects.

It soon became apparent, however, that Jay’s growth plans and strategies were well on track.

In addition to working with Keele University on high-level management strategies, Jay collaborates with Birmingham University on his hydrogen fuel project and Stafford University for IT development.

Jay concluded: “While our 24/7 breakdown and emergency assistance service remains at the heart of our business, it’s important to innovate and see how else we can support the boating community.”

Snow covers the canal.

Redwith: multiple liners used to provide a lasting solution for newt ponds.

SUCS is always looking for new volunteers and members. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should see shropshireunion.org.uk/work-partyschedule for details of dates and contacts.

Switching on to the silent revolution A NEW event is being launched in May for anyone interested in electric narrowboats.

Electrika 2024 will take place on May 3 and 4 at Aquavista’s Brinklow Waterside & Marina on the North Oxford Canal near Rugby and is the brainchild of electric narrowboat builder Ortomarine.

Its aim is to gather existing owners, potential owners, equipment manufacturers, boat builders and hire boat

companies, with the goal of sharing information and experiences, to encourage successful adoption of electric propulsion on inland waterways.

Ortomarine is working in collaboration with Aquavista to organise this innovative event dedicated solely to electric narrowboats. Friday, May 3 will be the B2B ‘trade’ day, while Saturday, May 4 will be open to any members of the public, who prebook (register online) their interest

in attending. The event will close on Saturday evening with music, drinks and food.

Over the last few years, a near-silent revolution has been taking place as a new generation of electric propelled, hybrid narrowboats have been launched and cruised on UK waterways. Adoption has been slowly gathering momentum, but finding good information is difficult, even at national boat shows.

Electrika aims to provide

a meeting point for early adopters, manufacturers and potential new owners to share information and real-life experience of this technology.

Visitors can access a number of electric narrowboats, attend talks from various owners and operators of these vessels, meet equipment manufacturers and take a short boat trip to experience ‘silent cruising’.

For more information and to reserve a ticket, please visit https://electrika.uk

4 NEWS

January 2024

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Accessible Waterways Day hailed a success

The inaugural Towards Accessible Waterways Day, jointly organised by the Accessible Waterways Association CIC (AWA) and the Canal & River Trust (CRT), was hailed as a resounding success by both organisers and attendees alike. Phil Pickin reports…

THE Towards Accessible Waterways Day was aimed at anyone who identifies as having a disability or who cares about the accessibility of our inland waterways and their surrounding environments.

It was held on the International Day of People with Disabilities and was designed to highlight what is already happening to make the inland waterways more accessible to all. It also provided an opportunity for open discussion with all those who attended to discuss the ways forward.

The event was held in the fully accessible and brand-new Trefoil House, built for the Girl Guides, the central Birmingham location, one that proved popular with attendees.

Cold weather and rail strikes meant a small number were unable to attend, but those who did enjoyed the presentations and participated in very active discussions.

Tracey Clarke, founder of the AWA, introduced the day with Matthew Symonds (national boating manager and acting customer services manager) from CRT, who highlighted

Rob Oliver addresses the attendees.

that the AWA was formed initially to administer the Boaters’ Blue Card.

However, since then, it has become obvious to the members that there is far more work to be done to make the inland waterways more accessible.

Much to be done

The AWA is working closely with CRT, but aims to involve other waterways authorities. It was, therefore, unfortunate that the rail strikes stopped the delegate from the Environment Agency attending.

Tracey went on to say that with the AWA still in its infancy, organisers are looking for more people to get actively involved. They say that as a result of the event, a number of people have already expressed interest in helping with the group’s activities.

Speakers at the event included Paralympic kayaker Rob Oliver, who spoke about his experience of and gratitude for the use of the canals around Birmingham during Covid lockdown times, when training facilities were closed. He outlined how he used the canals to train for the Tokyo Paralympics 2021, where he won a bronze medal.

Through that time, he said, he became very fond of the inland waterways system and preferred them to the ‘clinical’ training facilities because they combined his training with enjoyment of the wonderful and varied surroundings.

Rob opened a Q&A session in which he learned about others’ experiences of accessing the canal system. This highlighted a shared frustration with some of the barriers to those with accessibility needs, which were also the subject of the later talk by Dick Vincent (national towpath advisor for CR T) and Matthew Symonds, who talked about their plans for towpath improvements.

They referred to a recent site visit with the AWA to discuss what had been done in Loughborough and the problems with motorcycle barriers on the Erewash Canal.

Commitment

CRT reiterated its intent to remove all such barriers wherever possible as it

Tracey Clarke and Matthew Symonds opening the day.

The inaugural Towards Accessible Waterways Day was a resounding success. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE AWA

A word from

Discussions around the prototype Accessible Mooring Bollard. was generally felt that they had outlived their usefulness. It would seem that these barriers posed more of a problem to genuine users of the towpath than those they were supposed to stop. In areas where these barriers have already been removed or fixed open, there had been no noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour.

CRT also introduced a prototype of an accessible mooring bollard. This has been created in response to discussions on the Disabled Boaters’ Forum over the last few months. While it is acknowledged that there is no ‘one size fits all’, this prototype bollard addresses most of the issues many boaters with mobility issues face.

The subject of accessible moorings was raised, and CRT admitted that it did not have records of where most of the current locations were, but there was a commitment to introduce a significant number over the next few years and that this was included in the new towpath policy. It was accepted that usage of these would be difficult to monitor, but it was hoped that the general boating community would respect them. There was a further discussion about suitable locations for them and the facilities that surround them (e.g., local shops, access to and from the canal, etc). CRT is open to suggestions of places to trial them.

Liz Humphries gave some insight into having her own bespoke boat built to accommodate her increasing health and mobility difficulties.

Her presentation outlined what she and her husband have done to produce a liveaboard despite facing challenging physical difficulties.

Rekha Vijayshankar, from Marie Curie, was unable to join the meeting in person; however, there was a presentation about the services that Marie Curie can offer for end-of-life care – especially for those living a somewhat nomadic life on the canals, either with or without a partner.

Organisers said that Rekha tackled the topic with “wonderful sensitivity and delivered it with a delightful and, sometimes gently humorous, manner.”

Finally, the Rev Richard Alford spoke about the ways in which the waterways chaplains are able and very willing to befriend, advise and assist any boater in need.

Although they are Christian based, they only offer to share their faith if asked – their main work is solely based on providing support to those who need it. Over the years, they have built up a good reputation around the network and are often the first port of call for anyone in distress of any kind.

Dick Vincent introducing the prototye Accessible Mooring Bollard.

Many of the presentations are available on the Accessible Waterways website at www. awa-uk.org.uk, together with more information on joining the association.

Waterways chaplain Richard Alford and Ali Cannon from Bruce Boats enjoying a one-to-one conversation during the day.

NEWS 5

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Monthly market raises funds for canal group Report & photos: Colin Wareing

A FUNDRAISING food and art market took place in and around the Grade II listed canal transshipment warehouse at Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire.

These markets are held every month to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Whaley Bridge canal group.

The group is working to conserve Whaley Bridge basin, the warehouse and the canal towpath up to Bridge

32 of the Peak Forest Canal. The day was cold but bright which gave people plenty of opportunity to have a good wander round the stalls both outside and inside the warehouse, where a giant paper and wire model of a Chinook helicopter hung from the roof.

Helicopters were used in August 2019 to drop big bags of stones on the face of the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir to stabilise it while all the water was pumped out. Repairs are still ongoing.

For dates of the forthcoming markets please have a look at the group’s website at https:// whaleybridgecanal.org/

This trader was enjoying a bit of sun despite being inside.

The paper and wire model of a Chinook helicopter carrying bags of aggregates.

Despite the cold plenty of folks were also having a good wander around the stalls outside.

New gates craned in but snow stops open day THE Canal & River Trust has craned giant new oak lock gates into Meadow Lane Lock in Nottingham.

Members of the public had been due to have an opportunity to go behind the scenes to see the works at an open day on December 3 but heavy snow forced its cancellation and the possibility of this being rearranged on another date is being looked at.

The trust is replacing a set of worn-out lock gates, repairing historic brickwork as well as carrying out other conservation works as part of a major programme of winter repairs along its 2000 miles of historic canals across England and Wales.

Linny Beaumont, CRT regional director, said: “The Nottingham & Beeston Canal dates back to the first days of the Industrial Revolution, and is still

used and navigated by boats as it has been for hundreds of years.”

More than £250,000 has been raised to carry out the works at Meadow Lane Lock, which will run over the winter months when fewer boats are using the canal network. The trust’s specialist carpenters have handcrafted the lock gates, part of the trust’s work to protect the historic lock and

help ensure that the Nottingham & Beeston Canal is kept open and safe for boats and people on the towpath to enjoy.

Meadow Lane Lock is at the junction of the Nottingham & Beeston Canal and the River Trent. The canal was built as a waterway bypass, enabling boats to avoid an unnavigable section of the river before rejoining the Trent at Beeston Lock.

One of the new oak gates being craned into Meadow Lane Lock. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Towpath improvements benefit walkers, cyclists and boaters GOVERNMENT funding has enabled towpath improvements in Loughborough, Leicestershire to make it better for walkers, cyclists and visiting boaters.

Working in partnership with Loughborough Town Deal, the Canal & River Trust received an £885,000 grant towards the project to improve a popular 2km stretch of the River Soar towpath running between Moor Lane Bridge and Belton Lane.

Describing its completion as another important milestone, LTD chairman Dr Nik Kotecha said: “The improvements to the historic canal in Loughborough will be enjoyed by local communities and visitors to the area for many years to come and will form part of the Town Deal’s legacy.”

The revamped puddle-free path provides a green, traffic-free

route through the town, enabling people to spend relaxing time by water on the popular route to work, university and the shops. To mark the official reopening of the path members of the Town Deal Board and representatives of the trust gathered on December 1 to walk a section.

The towpath has been widened and resurfaced, making it suitable for year-round use by walkers, cyclists and those with buggies.

Access points on to the path have also been improved, making the route more welcoming and connecting with other local walkways. As well as widening and resurfacing the towpath, the project has installed 24 additional moorings for visiting boats and strengthened a 100m stretch of canal bank between Moor Lane and Little Moor Lane.

The scheme is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is supporting after securing £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. In total, the projects are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town.

BANISH T

Celebrating the reopening of the revamped towpath are, from left: Richard Erwin-Jones, Canal & River Trust; Chris Grace, Charnwood Borough Council’s head of economic development and regeneration; David Pagett-Wright, Loughborough Town Deal board member; Jane Hunt, MP for Loughborough and Town Deal board member; Dr Nik Kotecha, chairman of the Loughborough Town Deal board; Coun Jennifer Tillotson, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres and Town Deal board member; Lez Cope Newman, Town Deal board member and Alan Leather, Canal & River Trust. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

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January 2024

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Building society chairman joins canal work party

VOLUNTEERS from Leeds Building Society swapped suits for PPE and laptops for saws and spades when they turned out in force to spend a day along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

The group of 16, including the society’s chairman Iain Cornish, were accompanied by colleagues from Canal & River Trust who also shared their skills and knowledge about carpentry and gardening and told the volunteers about the heritage and nature they could see along the canal.

As well as fixing fencing on Lock 1, a listed structure and one of the most well-used lock bridges in Leeds, they also cleared vegetation and planted bulbs at Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park, situated between the canal and the River Aire.

Steve Smith, CRT regional operations manager, Yorkshire & North East, with Leeds Building Society chairman Iain Cornish.

PHOTOS: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Mr Cornish said: “We are pleased to have made a positive impact on the local environment through the hard work of the team. Volunteering is a great opportunity to get outside and

Fixing fencing at Lock 1.

spend time with colleagues across the business, and it is great to see people enjoying the experience and caring for the canal and river that flows past our offices.”

In just a few hours, the volunteers had made a visible difference, improving the environment along the waterfront, just metres from their canalside offices in Leeds city centre.

Becca Dent, CRT business and corporate engagement partner, said: “Through its corporate volunteering, Leeds Building Society very much supports our essential work to #KeepCanalsAlive.

“The substantial sum of money donated has enabled us to buy wood to repair fencing.

Colleagues regularly volunteer with the trust and they have also adopted a mile-long section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.”

Volunteer Frankie Stacey said: “It’s great to get out of the office and chat to people from different teams across the business while doing things you’d never usually get the opportunity to do. It is rewarding to feel like you’re really making a difference.”

Lindsey Mountain added: “This is the third time I’ve signed

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eams for 2019 are revealed k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath Top Team award which has been k Top Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

r The r. will take place in the new year. off a winning team receives the hire day boat carrying up to 10 people, generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. The runner-up will receive a £100 voucher to spend at Midland four Chandlers at Braunston and all donation finalists will receive a £100 towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

alk.

Tal tth T publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the from told reporters thatt shots, coming moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

at around 8pm to Lendal Bridge on the River Ouse said officers on December 4. North Yorkshire Police f two men for attended “after concerns were raised with their touch in their 60s who had been out of bodies. Fire .” Upon arrival officers found the family.”

The deaths and ambulance services both attended. although did were being treated as ‘unexplained’ a post-mortem not appear to be suspicious and The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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up to do volunteering on the canal. It’s a great team event and is great for well-being, getting to know colleagues, and having an impact on the environment outside our place of work.”

Forks at the ready – volunteers from Leeds Building Society preparing to clear vegetation and plant bulbs.

If your business is interested in getting involved with supporting Canal & River Trust in Yorkshire, please contact becca.dent@ canalrivertrust.org.uk or for more information visit Corporate partnerships | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Market Harborough towpath reopened A SECTION of historic canal towpath in Market Harborough has reopened after the Canal & River Trust completed the latest phase of improvements.

These will make it easier for people to access the health and well-being benefits of spending time at the Grand Union Canal.

The trust, working in partnership with Sustrans and Harborough District Council, has improved a 2km length of the canal towpath in the town. This stretch will support active local travel and forms part of the National Cy c l e Ne t w o rk Route 6, which runs from London to the Peak District.

To mark the completion of the project Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough, visited the town to see the improved canal path.

He said: “It is great to see this stretch of towpath transformed, making it usable all year round. When I was last there just a few months ago, it was extremely muddy and uneven underfoot.

Now it is fully accessible, meaning more people can enjoy the canal.

“It also provides an attractive pedestrian route from Wellington Place to Union Wharf.

It just shows what can

Clare Maltby of Sustrans, Neil O’Brien MP and Alan Leather, Canal & River Trust, on the improved towpath. be achieved by all working together.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in delivering this wonderful scheme.”

The towpath has been widened and is now puddle free and will be finished with a stone chip layer to give it a natural feel sympathetic to the canal surroundings.

Works have also seen a busy mooring for visiting boats enhanced and water points improved.

The new path will be suitable for use all year round, including for those with wheelchairs or buggies and those

accessing the water for boating.

Funding for the £1 million project has come from the Department for Transport through Sustrans’ Paths For Everyone programme as well as a Section 106 contribution from the Wellington Place housing development through Harborough District Council.

The final stone chip surface will be laid on the section of path between Union Wharf and Peter Callis Way in the spring once the weather improves.

Alongside the path works the project also

The new towpath alongside the Grand Union Canal. PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST

includes a programme of traditional hedgelaying to enhance habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.

The hedge-laying will quickly form a thick bushy barrier that will provide an important wildlife corridor and source of food for birds, dormice and other small mammals.

Alan Leather, CRT partnerships and funding manager, said: “As a charity we work with the community and raise the funds needed to keep our historic canals alive. This project is a fantastic example of making the canal welcoming and attractive, so that it is here for boaters, for visitors and local people, and to provide vital habitats for some of our best-loved species.”

Clare Maltby, Sustrans’ England director Midlands and East, added: “As custodians of the National Cycle Network, Sustrans owns just a small portion of the land it sits on, so we are working closely in partnership with organisations like the Canal & River Trust.

Schemes like this one in Market Harborough demonstrate the many benefits that investment in active travel can bring, and it’s vital that it continues.”

NEWS 7

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Wilts & Berks volunteers earn top trust award

A PRESTIGIOUS award has been presented to a team of dedicated volunteers after they contributed almost 9800 hours towards the restoration of a former waterway.

The Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has received the charity’s annual Tony Davy Award, named in memory of its former chairman.

It recognises the group which provided the most support over the previous year, through work parties, fundraising events, public talks and other activities.

The Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch provided 9799 hours, with an estimated value of almost £170,000.

Paying tribute to his colleagues, branch chairman Dave Maloney said: “We’re always amazed by the commitment of our volunteers who work throughout the year to bring this wonderful waterway back to life.

“From digging, bricklaying, grasscutting and engineering, to quiz nights, boat rides and other public events, everyone plays their part, and every hour is sincerely appreciated.”

Over the last year, teams have been making huge progress around Pewsham Locks, which once lifted narrowboats on their journey between Melksham and Chippenham. Volunteers have been restoring the former dry dock and laying the foundations for the rebuilding of the carpenter’s workshop,

both of which are expected to be completed next year.

They have also been working on a new wildflower meadow and wildlife habitat at Double Bridge, including a programme of tree planting and hedgelaying, as well as improving the towpath alongside the stretch which has already been restored.

Other teams have been continuing to clear the Green Lane Farm section towards Calne and refurbishing the charity’s own pub, The Peterborough Arms, at Dauntsey Lock.

Dave said: “There are so many ways in which people can get involved, and every contribution brings us another step closer to a fully restored canal.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from civil engineers, project managers, bricklayers and mechanics and we’d welcome more help with our events committee and fundraising. We also have plenty of opportunities for local companies to take part in corporate work parties which encourage team-building and provide evidence of community engagement. There’s something for everyone.”

The Tony Davy Memorial Cup, for the individual who donated the most hours, was presented to engineering director Jonathan Coates who provided 1101 hours of support.

The trust’s aim is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham,

Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon. Several sections have already been rebuilt. Visit www.wbct. org.uk; and to support the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch, email dave.maloney@wbct.org.uk

More hours

Other awards presented at the charity’s annual meeting included the Tony Davy Award for the branch which saw the biggest increase in hours volunteered, presented to West Vale for 4605 hours – an increase of 3900 over the previous year.

Branch chairman Dave Maloney, third from right, with work party volunteers in the dry dock being restored at Pewsham Locks. PHOTO: JUSTIN GUY

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8 NEWS

January 2024

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WRG volunteers return to Beggarlee extension work The Friends of Cromford Canal received planning permission to extend the Cromford Canal to Stoney Lane, Brinsley in Nottinghamshire and have now started the second pre-work stage for the Beggarlee extension. John Guyler reports…

WATERWAY Recovery Group volunteers returned to work on the Cromford Canal’s Beggarlee extension in November with the aim of completing the 900mm chamber, the pipe headwalls and the gully run-off to the Erewash.

But, with the weather in the previous weeks as wet as it was, only the top chamber cover and one of the pipe headwalls were in place by the end of the weekend.

Their previous visit concentrated on the 900mm headwall chamber. Three of the original walls (back and two sides) of the headwall structure were used to make the chamber, these walls having been constructed in 1981 when the A610 road was built.

A new fourth wall, at the front, had been constructed by the WRG volunteers; a pipe had already been fixed into place joining the original pipe in the headwall and this protruded through the new chamber wall. Benching out was finished, this is at the exit of the pipe and is a form in the concrete which follows the contour of the pipe to be fixed; this supports the attached pipe.

The gully from the chamber was dug out by digger, gravel was laid and the level of flow established. The pipes were then lowered and laid on the gravel by the digger and with a great deal of effort

by FCC and WRG workers, fitted to the other pipes previously put in place, progressing along to meet the pipework from the 600mm chamber, which had been laid several months previously.

That was as much as could be done by the WRG due to a delay caused by the non-delivery of the precast top slab of the 900mm inspection chamber and the two precast pipe headwalls.

The all-weather path upgrade between Wendover and Halton.

PHOTO: PETER ELWIN/WCT

Top-plate being placed on the 900mm headwall.

The FCC volunteers were going to put the final 600mm pipe precast headwall in place on the day after WRG left, but as always something about ‘the best laid plans of mice and men’ came into play.

The 22-ton 360-digger wouldn’t start, so it went back to the hire base without completing the task.

At the time of writing, everything is on hold until the spring, when it is hoped that the WRG may be back and be able to start the next stage, which as yet is undecided.

There are two potential projects being planned but both are in need of paperwork consent from various bodies.

Also, there is another problem with regulatory bodies and it seems to apply to councils which the FCC has to work with. When a scheme is reapplied for the next stage, all the people who dealt with the initial applications have moved on to other departments, so new connections have to be established.

Councillors from Broxtowe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire, paid a site visit in September, while WRG volunteers were working, to be shown progress at Beggarlee by FCC chairman David Martin and other FCC trustees.

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WRG volunteers building the front wall of the chamber.

PHOTOS: FRIENDS OF CROMFORD CANAL

The feedback from the visit was very positive.

A video filmed by a liveaboard boater moored in the Great Northern Basin, just after the very stormy spell, showed the pipes were coping with the high volume of water very well. It is a source of wonder how the old gullies would have coped with the vast amount of water coming through the system.

Langley Mill in Derbyshire is the start of the Cromford Canal, where it joins the Erewash Canal at the Great Northern Basin. The building of the A610 road destroyed the original line of the Cromford, but luckily there was a railway bridge built which allowed a mineral railway to pass below the road, which is now to be used for the canal extension.

Site manager required

From just £19

Pipe being put into place.

THE Wendover Canal Trust (WCT) has announced that work on the upgrade of the 1.7 mile (2.7km) canal towpath between Wendover and Halton is now complete.

This high-specification upgrade was supervised by the Canal & River Trust and the work was carried out by its contractors Kier plc and The Rothen Group. The result is an all-weather, 1.5m-wide path, with bank reinforcing, a strong membrane, a solid 100mm foundation and a 50mm surface of Centrack which is limestone based, highly durable, widely used and particularly suited to this rural environment.

The improvement will enable people of all ages and abilities to use the towpath, so that families, schoolchildren, walkers, runners, cyclists and those with reduced mobility will all be able to use the path whatever the weather or time of year.

This project has been made possible through funding from the HS2 Chiltern AONB Review Group (with the substantial support of Chilterns Conservation Board), Wendover Parish Council, Wendover Community Board, Lionel Abel-Smith Trust and Halton Parish Council.

Over the coming months, Wendover Canal Trust will be replacing the railings at the beginning of the canal at Wharf Road and erecting signage along the entire route from Wendover to Halton; this is largely being funded by the EKFB joint venture (Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall).

The upgrading of the towpath will be celebrated with an event in the spring, more information on which will follow. The funding bids for this project have been led by the Wendover Canal Trust.

£1.2m scheme gives easier access to all

Future projects

The headwall being put into position.

TOWPATH

Wendover to Halton upgrade now open

With the building of the Beggarlee extension now under way, the FCC needs a site manager, someone who has experience in civil engineering, managing contractors and keeping the job on track. If anyone has the experience, is interested and wants to discuss terms and conditions, please contact David Martin, email: chairman@cromfordcanal.org

A HALF-mile stretch of towpath and canal bank along the historic Kennet & Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf has been upgraded by the Canal & River Trust charity, making it easier for boats to moor and improving access for walkers, cyclists and those with wheelchairs or buggies.

The £1.2 million project was funded by the Department for Transport as part of the walking, wheeling and cycling charity Sustrans’ Paths for Everyone programme. It has improved the canal from Aldermaston Wharf heading eastwards to Sulhamstead at Ufton Lane, creating a safer and more enjoyable section of route for everyone.

Mark Evans, Canal & River Trust regional director, said: “These improvements have made it easier for us all to explore this section of the canal and enjoy the benefits that being by water can bring for our physical and mental health.

“Improving the canal

A cyclist on the upgraded towpath approaching Towney, Lock 97 on the Kennet & Avon Canal. for both people and wildlife is so important.

It also increases the resilience of such an old canal against the extreme weather events that are becoming more commonplace, and is part of the mammoth effort of our volunteers, partners and supporters

to help keep canals alive.”

Bank protection works have made it easier for boats to moor and have created habitats for endangered water voles, while an improved towpath surface with increased width means the popular route will be suitable for users all year.

To find out more about the work of the Canal & River Trust and how you can support, either through volunteering or donating, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk

The upgraded footpath at Padworth Lock. PHOTOS: CRT

CHARACTER 9

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Characters of the Cut Mark Ellis Bowes – narrowboat Ellis

By Alice Elgie

IT WAS 2007 when Mark Ellis Bowes first had an epiphany about how to release himself from the rat race and an employer who was running him into the ground.

Embarking on a first boating holiday as crew for his partner Andy’s retired parents, a seed was planted that there might be another way.

He told me: “The people we met on the canal that freezing Easter week were so welcoming and helpful, accepting us as a gay couple without any awkwardness. It was a way of life that appealed and all of a sudden the whole idea of slogging my guts out working in a traditional sense until retirement and then moving aboard seemed way too far off.”

But, as with any spark of a dream, there then followed a time of consideration about how to make it happen sooner rather than later and this is when thoughts began to take shape about a hotel boat. Mark continued: “I genuinely thought I’d invented the idea of a hotel boat, not knowing they’d been around for years!” Once the idea was hatched it then took the couple nine years to save up before they made it on to the water.

Their chosen narrowboat was a 57ft four-berth, semi-trad lined sailaway named Ellis, designed from scratch by Mark with two separate sleeping areas as far away from each other as possible to create greater privacy. “It took me from November 2016 to June 2017, while also working full time, to get the boat completed and we finally moved aboard full time in August 2017.”

Mark at the tiller of narrowboat Ellis with one of his guests.

Narrowboat Ellis isn’t technically a hotel boat though, but instead more a ‘liveaboard experience’.

Mark elaborated a little more: “I see it as a way for folks who don’t want to hire a boat themselves but are also not looking for the full ‘hotel’ experience.

“For me, it’s about sharing the adventure of new routes and punters need to be on board with the fact I’m

not sophisticated or well organised so sometimes it’s a bit chaotic as we explore together!”

Flying solo

Mark now runs this venture alone since splitting with Andy: “We went our separate ways at the end of July 2019 with three months of bookings left to go.

“It was a terrifying prospect having to

Narrowboat Ellis.

PHOTOS: MARK ELLIS BOWES

A guest relaxes on board Ellis.

Guests enjoying dinner alfresco.

‘fly solo’, never having single-handed for more than a few hours before!”

This baptism of fire was exacerbated

by Mark’s auxiliary alternator packing up, along with damage to his skeg.

However, the owner of Pennine Cruisers in Skipton came to his rescue: “He sorted out the skeg with only a handshake as payment!” A lovely reminder of how folks and businesses can be very supportive of boaters in peril.

Mark’s vision for offering people the chance to go on a boating holiday as equals certainly seems to be working well. His 2024 cruising schedule is filling up fast, despite he himself admitting his style might not be for everyone: “Think of me as the Basil Fawlty of hotel boats!

“I’m not very good at being subordinate so folks have to ‘get’ me or it won’t work for them. I even have a T-shirt that says: ‘Remember this is a liveaboard experience, not a hotel boat!’”

It seems lots of people do get him though as he’s taken all kinds of folk on trips along the canals, rating Australians, Canadians and Americans as having the best spirit for adventure. However it’s not just the people he meets that make it, as Mark also cites simplicity, community, freedom, diversity and acceptance as other reasons he’s fallen in love with life on the waterways.

“I also like being in control of my own environment and being responsible for my own shelter and provisioning and I love the fact that wherever I go I bump into people I’ve met before and even if we don’t know each other’s names, we can still have a drink, chat and share stories about our adventures time and time again.”

Life seems a far cry from the rat race.

Instead of a boss grinding him down, Mark now says he doesn’t really see life on narrowboat Ellis as a business at all: “It’s just a way of life, and a way to finance my life without having to do things I don’t want to. So long as I earn enough in the summer months to get through the winter, that’s all I need.”

Well, what more can a person ask for!

Giving something back to the community

Ranger Maureen Readle is one of the many helping hands devoting their time to caring for the local canal network. Sally Clifford finds out more…

CRUISING on the canal network for 12 years, Maureen and John Readle were keen to give something back.

Maureen explained they were among the owners of a syndicate boat. “For 12 years we had lots of holidays on the canal all over the network, and when we retired we wanted to give back to the community in some way.”

The former teacher says it was her husband, who worked in engineering, who discovered the Upper Calder Valley Towpath Taskforce, one of a number of volunteer groups run by the Canal & River Trust, which looks after nine miles of the Rochdale Canal from Mytholmroyd to Walsden.

“We thought it was an ideal fit for us because we have benefited in other parts of the network, whether it be a voluntary lock keeper or somebody has improved the towpath or cut the trees, we wanted to do the same for other boaters. We like being outside and that this is local,” said Maureen.

Living in Todmorden, close to Lock 15 on the Rochdale Canal, which stretches 32 miles crossing the Pennines from Manchester to Sowerby Bridge, the couple were perfectly placed and became volunteers with the

Matt Crowley from the Canal & River Trust runs volunteer groups including the Upper Calder Valley Towpath Taskforce.

Eyes and ears

Ranger Maureen Readle, who also volunteers with the Upper Calder Valley Towpath Taskforce.

Upper Calder Valley Towpath Taskforce in 2017.

“It’s also one of the things we can do together, a shared interest,” said Maureen, who was busy filling a bag with leaves she had gathered from the canal, close to Lock 19 in Todmorden town centre when we met.

Encouraged through their voluntary work, the couple became rangers, adopting a stretch of the Rochdale Canal in 2018/19.

“We adopted the stretch from Lock 15 into Todmorden because we often walk in to go shopping so we always have our ranger hat on,” said Maureen.

She explained the role involves being the eyes and ears of the canal, checking and reporting any issues that need attention.

“I think because we were using the towpath we were aware of it and it seemed a really useful thing to do; something, again, that benefited what we were doing – volunteering.

“But I have to say as volunteers we benefit as well because there is a lot about mental health at the moment and it is nice to be active, which is very important, and it is a nice group. We go home really exhausted but feel we have done a good job.”

Website: www.narrowboatellis.com Follow Mark: @markellisbowes #Legsellis Alice Elgie is a writer and also creator of the online community and podcast Slow Into The Seasons where she muses on living a slower, simpler, more mindful life. slowintotheseasons.substack.com

She added that the Canal & River Trust is very good at training, referring to the online courses they have completed on subjects such as water safety with the charity.

Joining Maureen in her voluntary duties on a damp and dull November morning are Diana Monahan, Andrew Shephard and Christopher Woodward, who are busy tidying up nearby veg beds and foliage under the guidance of Matt Crowley, volunteer leader with the Canal & River Trust.

He said: “We do a lot of cosmetic work and the reason is we want to encourage more people to come and use the canal and walk on the towpath.”

The former teacher joined the Canal & River Trust two years ago. “I wanted a job outside in nature and try to make a positive impact to the environment I grew up in,” added Matt.

His role is running the volunteering groups to carry out tasks to suit the operational requirements.

This can involve litter clearing from land and water and repairing towpaths, among others.

Some of the roles are seasonal – clearing leaves from the canal is an important winter task while lock painting can be left until the warmer weather along with hedge planting and weeding gardens.

Maureen Readle clearing leaves from Lock 19 on the Rochdale Canal in Todmorden town centre.

Helping hands, from left: Andrew Shephard, Maureen Readle, Diana Monahan and Christopher Woodward from the Upper Calder Valley Towpath Taskforce with Matt Crowley from the Canal & River Trust. PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD

But, as the volunteers prove, caring for the canal is a yearround commitment and, according to Matt, it is their support that helps to keep the canal network running. “Without people like Maureen and John they would not run.”

He acknowledges the benefits volunteering can bring to the volunteers, and those who use the canal network too. “We want to make life better by water.”

To find out more about volunteering with the Canal & River Trust visit Towpath Taskforce | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

10 NEWS

January 2024

Starting young…

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

When it comes to volunteering Marc Kennedy is keeping it in the family, as Sally Clifford found out.

MARC Kennedy has come a long way from ‘sweeping up’.

Doing odd jobs around Shepley Bridge Marina kept the then seven-year-old occupied while accompanying his mum, Sue, during her voluntary skipper duties for Safe Anchor Trust, the charity based at this pretty canalside location on the Calder & Hebble Navigation in Mirfield.

Fifteen years later Marc is now believed to be the youngest Royal Yachting Association inland waterways instructor in the country – a qualification he has earned through hard work and dedication.

Spending time at the marina, Marc soon learned the ropes.

Working alongside others, watching and learning, he developed his knowledge and the skills he is now putting into practice as one of the youngest of the charity’s 140 volunteers.

As well as sweeping up, as he got older he also helped with the locks on boat trips. “And I found I got quite good at it,” Marc recalled.

Through the years he was able to pass on the skills he had learned to others who wanted to get involved with the charity.

This led to him undertaking his helmsman qualification – but he had to wait until he was 18 to do so. The 22-year-old, from Dewsbury, is now one of the

Marc Kennedy, who volunteers with the Safe Anchor Trust charity and is understood to be the youngest RYA instructor in the country. charity’s qualified instructors who give their time voluntarily to help run the boat trips which the charity provides as part of its service to the community.

“It can be quite relaxing. It’s nice to be outside talking to people,” said Marc, who enjoys the social side as much as the sailing.

Talking about the benefits of volunteering, Marc believes it has helped with his job at a local engineering firm, and his studies, and he encourages other young

people to get involved. “It is really rewarding,” he said.

Marc’s proud mum Sue talks about her introduction to the charity which led to her son’s involvement too.

“I came to an open day with a friend. I was recruited as a skipper, I’m still a skipper, and I’ve been here since Marc was six or seven,” said Sue, who relishes her role. She said being outside in the fresh air, the people and the camaraderie are among the benefits of being involved.

Sue wasn’t surprised Marc undertook his helmsman qualification. “He has just grown up with it. Boats are like his playground,” she added proudly.

Bright future

Kevin Thorburn, volunteer and member of the Safe Anchor Trust’s operations team, added that Marc is a credit to the charity.

“I remember him when he was 12 or 13 years old and he was a good boater then.”

Kevin also spoke proudly of Marc’s helmsman qualification.

“It is a tremendous credit and compliment to Marc and his ability and dedication. It is also a huge credit that a 22-yearold who works full time is still prepared to give up some of his time for the benefit of others.”

He added: “It is also an accolade for the Safe AnchorTrust

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that the charity is encouraging its younger volunteers. I think that reflects very positively on the Safe Anchor Trust. Our training works and Marc is the future.”

According to the Royal Yachting Association 344 people under 25 hold an Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate; 24 inland waterways instructors were under 25 when they passed and only one inland waterways instructor is under 25.

Rachel Andrews, chief instructor, motor cruising and power at the Royal Yachting Association, said it was “vitally important that young people connect with the waterways”.

She added: “Within the RYA Training network there are a number of organisations which are recognised and deliver training to young people and we hope that they go on to grow a love for the river and canal network to ensure a bright future for these precious waterways.

“Getting afloat can be a life-changing experience for anyone, but young people benefit enormously from it.

Learning to helm a boat on the inland waterways provides so many opportunities to grow in confidence, from mastering a

Marc Kennedy with his mum, Sue, who introduced him to the Safe Anchor Trust charity through her voluntary work there. new skill and interacting with the public – there’s always an audience at a lock and you can’t travel far without greeting walkers or other boaters.

“Helms learn to manage the boat by communicating with crew to help with lookout or directing into a mooring. Most find that calm and tranquil

For more information about the Safe Anchor Trust charity, or to get involved, visit https://safeanchor.org.uk

Marc with fellow volunteers on the Safe Anchor Lady trip boat. PHOTOS: SALLY CLIFFORD

Swansea Canal lit up for 225th anniversary celebrations MORE than 300 people from across the Swansea Valley turned out on November 18 to mark the 225th anniversary celebrations of the Swansea Canal with a special Lighting Up the Canal lantern parade at Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach.

The procession saw more than 100 lanterns made by the public light up the canal after they’d spent time working with Vivian Rhule and other artists from the area at a series of free workshops to create their designs.

Pembrokeshirebased community arts company spacetocreate also designed life-size animal lanterns of a horse, swan and otter to feature in the event.

Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in

Members of Glandŵr Cymru and Swansea Canal Society enjoying the celebrations.

Wales, and Swansea Canal Society had been working with the local community towards a winter finale of celebrations for the anniversary year.

David Morgan, development manager for Wales at Glandŵr Cymru, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come out to their local canal to take part in the event.

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pace of travelling on the inland waterways has a positive effect on their well-being too.”

A beautiful swan lantern lights up the canal as part of the celebrations.

PHOTOS: ELEANOR GREENWOOD

It was brilliant to see the canal lit up and being celebrated in this way to mark its 225th anniversary. It is a good example of the impact our canals have on the communities they run through and why it’s so important that we act now to keep canals alive for future generations.”

The one-off spectacle was one of several celebrations marking the anniversary which have been made possible throughout the year thanks to funding support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales.

Once a valuable transport route that provided water and power for trade and industry, the Swansea Canal ran for 16 miles and was built to serve collieries, iron works and copper works

in the Tawe Valley.

Today it’s a walking and cycling route with five miles currently fully navigable by b o a t s.

Glandŵr Cymru works with the Swansea Canal Society whose members are striving towards the full restoration of the remaining sections of the canal.

Throughout 2023 Glandŵr Cymru and the Swansea Canal Society have celebrated the anniversar y with various events including an exhibition show casing the canal at the National Waterfront Museum Swansea, a canoe paddle challenge on the canal, a film project with local primary schools and heritage talks at locations along the former line of the canal from Abercraf to Swansea.

NEWS 11

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Repairs complete at historic Ashby Canal bridge

RESTORATION works have been completed on a historic canal bridge as part of an ongoing effort to protect and preserve the heritage of the Ashby Canal.

The project, carried out by the Canal & River Trust at Wellsborough Bridge near Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, has seen extensive repairs made to historic brickwork, improving the look of the traditional humpback bridge and repairing damaged sections.

CRT partnerships and funding manager Alan Leather said: “The Ashby Canal bridges are such an important part of the local heritage and character, so we’re really pleased to

be working with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to make these vital repairs.”

Skilled teams raked out crumbling mortar, repointed with traditional lime mortar and replaced damaged bricks and stonework.

The project is part of a wider scheme that has seen a series of bridges in the Ashby Canal Conservation Area restored by the trust, in partnership with the borough council.

Around £30,000 has been invested in the restoration of Wellsborough Bridge with £10,000 funding coming from the council’s Environmental Improvement Programme and the remainder being raised by the trust.

Two years ago similar restoration works were carried out on nearby Dakins Bridge, where brickwork was repaired and sheet piling installed to strengthen the canal bank.

This project came to fruition as the Government announced a substantial cut in future grant funding for the nation’s historic waterways from 2027.

Alan added: “It brings the future of these historic and much-loved assets into sharp focus.

“We’re calling on people to lobby their local MP and support our campaign to Keep Canals Alive so that we can continue to protect and preserve the special places for future generations.”

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At the restored Wellsborough Bridge are, from left: Alan Leather, CRT partnerships and funding manager; Coun Stuart Bray, leader, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Richard Erwin-Jones, CRT enterprise manager. PHOTO: CRT

BACS to the future on trip boat Birdswood

By Les Heath

PASSENGERS on Birdswood, the trip boat operated by the Friends of Cromford Canal, now enjoy a more fulfilling experience thanks to modern technology.

Volunteer Keith Bailey has created the Birdswood Automatic Commentary System (BACS for short) involving pre-recorded information.

The commentary, played through the boat’s PA system,

is triggered by Birdswood’s GPS location on the cruise.

Executive secretary Richard Handley said: “This means that at exactly the same spots along the canal the same commentary is delivered to passengers.”

The system was devised and constructed by Keith following a number of comments from passengers about the content, quality, accuracy and length of the commentaries delivered by different crew members.

The boat’s pre-recorded

commentary was provided by one of Birdswood’s masters Bob Staveley, a former broadcaster, and the system has now been copied on the Derby trip boat.

The Friends have now launched a campaign to make even more improvements to Birdswood to allow passengers with limited mobility and/ or hearing to have a better cruise experience.

Fundraising has begun to pay for anti-slip treads and an upgraded PA system with a hearing loop facility.

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12 IWA ROUND-UP

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH IWA’S AMY TILLSON

Schoolboys have a brush with history as they paint canalside infrastructure

ON THE scorching-hot final day of the summer term 2023, 40 pupils from Berkhamsted Boys School in Hertfordshire set to work painting infrastructure along the Grand Union Canal, next to the school’s Castle Campus in the town.

The day, organised through the Inland Waterways Association working in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust, formed part of the annual House Service Day, time set aside from normal lessons to make a difference for good in the local community.

After a health and safety briefing led by Jack Prothero from CRT, the boys were introduced to the history of the Grand Union Canal and work of the CRT and IWA by Chiltern Branch member and geography teacher, Paul Greenhalgh. Under the supervision of school and CRT staff, the boys divided into small groups, before walking to five sites along a mile-long stretch of the nearby canal.

In the space of just a few hours, the aesthetic of the towpath environment was transformed, as the boys

demonstrated leadership and worked collaboratively to paint mooring bollards, railings and paddle gear.

One Year 8, who worked on painting the Castle Street footbridge (141), commented on how satisfying it was to renew a piece of infrastructure used by hundreds of people in the school community and wider public each day.

It is hoped the students’ efforts have been appreciated by waterways users throughout the summer season; they look forward to new projects to work on in the coming year!

The newly painted Castle Street footbridge railings.

Painting the railings over the lock gates. PHOTOS: PAUL GREENHALGH

Berkhamsted Boys School pupils busy alongside the canal.

Home plans at canal junction refused by council LAND opposite the historic junction of the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Great Haywood has been saved from being developed for housing.

A planning application to Stafford Borough Council for 27 homes directly opposite the junction, on land that

has been a meadow since the canals were built 250 years ago, has been refused.

At this iconic junction where the two canals join, the historic Junction Bridge is not only a listed building but also a scheduled Ancient Monument. The proposed development would have irreparably damaged the views and the setting of this

unique part of the canals’ conservation areas.

The Inland Waterways Association’s Lichfield Branch had strongly objected to the plans on heritage grounds. These included “substantial and irreversible change to the setting of the historic canal junction ‘Haywood Junction’ which incorporates three

PLEASE contact the branch to register an interest if you would like to attend one of these work parties. It is advisable to wear stout shoes and old clothing and take a waterproof. You may want to take a packed lunch and refreshments. with Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society at their regular work site, Prestolee Road, Little Lever, Bolton, BL3 1AD. Contact: Barry McGuinness 07875 999825.

EAST January 7 and 16 IWA Northampton Branch: Work

parties are usually held one weekday

and one Sunday a month, along the Arm, 10am-2pm. The tasks usually include vegetation clearance, weeding, litter picking and painting at locks. Contact: Geoff Wood at geoff. wood@waterways.org.uk for details.

Tuesdays IWA Milton Keynes Branch: Regular

work party at Fenny Lock on the Grand Union Canal. 9.30am-1.30pm. Work can include vegetation clearance,

Volunteers get to work on offside vegetation IWA’s Lichfield Branch volunteers have been busy cutting back the protruding offside vegetation on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Having begun at Fradley Junction in October, they are currently working their way north to Great Haywood, and will then head down the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

Since its inception in 2017 as a joint venture with the Canal & River Trust, IWA’s intrepid team have worked each winter addressing what is often one of the major sources of complaints from boaters.

Volunteer co-ordinator and branch vice-chairman Neil Barnett said: “It’s hard going at times, particularly in adverse weather, and progress can be painfully slow. We have to cease the operation as soon as the wildlife nesting season begins – usually in early March – meaning that in the past we’ve run out of time and had to finish the operation before reaching some of the more problematic parts of the canal further ahead.”

Added to that is the fact that the vegetation cutting of the various stretches of canal have fallen so far behind. Neil continued: “Ideally each stretch should be addressed every three years, but in reality it’s five or six years between each cut, which obviously adds to the time it takes us to deal with it.

conservation areas, two listed buildings, and a scheduled ancient monument with serious harm to the numerous heritage assets in this extremely sensitive and heritage dense location.”

IWA has welcomed the refusal decision which it hopes gives no grounds for an appeal.

Get involved – work party dates

NORTH January 20-21 IWA Manchester Branch: Working

Volunteers at work with Fazeley.

gardening, litter picking and painting.

Work parties are dependent on weather being agreeable. Contact: Pat Durham on 07510 195918; email pat.durham@waterways.org.uk WEST Tuesdays & Saturdays IWA West Country Branch (Taunton & Bridgwater): Work parties in the

Somerset area, 10am-1pm. Contact: Mike Slade at mike.slade@waterways. org.uk; 07977 263840.

Tackling offside vegetation from the workboat. PHOTOS: NEIL BARNETT

“So this winter, in order to cover a greater distance and therefore deal with many more of the particularly problematic locations, we are having to just concentrate on the places which predominantly cause issues with navigation.”

Sightlines

These are places such as approaches to bridges and locks and narrow sections of canal increasing the width on bends and the sightlines on the approaches to them, opposite popular moorings, low hanging branches etc. Sometimes the occasional protruding branches may be left if there is room for one boat to hold back and give way to an oncoming boat.

“It’s not ideal of course,” explained Neil. “But needs must in order to get the job done. We also take into account what the actual vegetation is. For example just a 10m section of hawthorn, blackthorn or brambles can take as long as two hours to address, so we will only deal with these if they particularly impede navigation.”

Heading the day-to-day operation is lead volunteer Jeff Steele, whose main responsibility is to ensure that all the safety criteria is strictly adhered to, as well co-ordinating the volunteers to ensure that there is enough cover for each day with the necessary skills and qualifications to operate the tools and machinery.

Neil is always looking for more volunteers, so please get in touch with him if you are interested in joining the team, at lichfield@ waterways.org.uk He added: “There’s no need for any initial commitment, just come along and watch us in action and see if it might be something for you.

It’s great exercise, plenty of fresh air, lots of banter and camaraderie and a chance to mess about in a boat, so what’s not to like?

“We work hard but we keep within our physical limitations. Most of us are in our ‘advancing years’ so are always mindful of not overdoing it, and most of us do just one day a week.”

Save the date for BCN Clean-up

EVER wondered what’s lurking beneath the waters of the Birmingham Canal Navigations?

The Birmingham Canal Clean-up weekend on March 16-17, 2024, is a great opportunity to have fun and meet new people while clearing shopping trolleys, tyres, bicycles and even more exciting treasures from the canal!

It is hoped this annual effort on the BCN will help keep the less well-used parts of the BCN & Black Country Network from getting choked up with rubbish and becoming impassable for boats.

The work area this year is on the Wyrley & Essington Canal.

Volunteers will be based at Minerva Wharf,

Wolverhampton, during the day. WRG volunteers are supported each year by volunteers from the Inland Waterways Association, Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, Canal & River Trust, Friends of Tipton Cut and local residents.

Bookings for the weekend and single days will open in January.

13

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

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14 FREIGHT

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

High and Lowe: an inland waterways melody – Part 1 Jonathan Mosse’s monthly look at freight developments on the inland waterways.

FOR almost 30 years, David Lowe has been a member of the Commercial Boat Operators Association (CBOA) and its predecessor, the Commercial Narrowboat Owners Association. For the past 10 years he has been its chairman, resigning at the annual meeting last October.

Over a career running into almost seven decades, David has been involved in a fascinating spread of occupations of which barge owner has been but one.

Quiz him about his earliest involvement with the inland waterways and before long he’s talking about choirs, organs and railways, so by no means an easy man to pin down!

A quick dip into a Yorkshire Post article from 2021 not only points firmly at his geographical roots but also pulls up tantalising hints of a totally other life,

travels widely to keep these mighty organs in fine fettle.

Youthful exposure to waterways and railways, becoming “a starstruck teenager pressed into club service some 60 years ago” meant that “he had seen some sights”, as he remembered with a chuckle, “but none to beat the majesty of this phenomenal machine” – the Wurlitzer still centre stage in the conversation!

Canal holidays

A youthful David helming an early Apollo trip. before railways and waterways began to define his adult years. Here we find mention of ‘a lifelong fascination that took him to Hollywood and beyond, and then back to Bradford where his career as an organist began’.

We go on to learn that ‘from those early days he came to the Wurlitzer at the Gaumont Cinema (in Oldham) gazing at his name in lights before a crowd of

David’s first tripboat, Apollo. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

thousands, and the city’s ice rink. Then it was on to a broadcast career in London, global tours and, in the 1980s, catering to wealthy Americans who would fly him out to Hollywood or Tennessee for a private set’.

Quite a contrast to the seven-yearold chorister, singing in the St Peter’s Church choir in Shipley, where his love for choral music and a passion for the mighty cinema organs was steadily fostered! “It was an education,” David is quoted as saying. “To be a teenager, playing the clubs on Sunday lunchtime, there were times I didn’t know where to look. It led to enough money to come back to Bradford. My first paid engagement was in this very hall in about 1965.”

The hall in question is the Victoria Hall in Saltaire and final resting place for the Wurlitzer he first played in Oldham which is now owned by the Cinema Organ Society, of which David is a member. While playing is still very much in his diverse repertoire of skills, his focus today is on tuning and he still

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Regular childhood visits to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Saltaire meant that, by his early teens, he had managed to persuade his parents to indulge in a series of canal holidays, largely hiring from British Waterways and Dalescraft

David Lowe and the Wurlitzer organ now in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Cruisers. In 1962 converted ships’ lifeboats were the norm and David observed that they habitually leaked from both the top and the bottom!

In fact his mother, the more adventurous of his two parents, had been on a canal trip with the Shipley Mothers’ Union back in 1957. This was aboard Fellowship, a converted working boat and David attributes his early interest in canal boats to the enthusiastic reports he was regaled with on his mother’s return.

In the early 70s David was greatly involved with the IWA, campaigning and promoting the waterways, having become owner of Apollo, a 34-seat Norton Canes narrowboat, converted

by Malcolm Braine. This was pressed into service as both waterbus and trip boat. Although Apollo was based at Shipley, on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, it travelled all over the waterways of the North East to extend its customer base as widely as possible.

In 1973 David purchased his first cargo vessel – the short boat, Wye – initially on the coal run to the power station at Trafford Park. Next were 30-ton loads of coal loaded at Doncaster for Skipton and, to this day, her skipper admits to being totally amazed by his inexperience and boldness in undertaking these trips!

He is, however, rightly proud of the fact he and Wye were for many years immortalised in the picture on the pub sign of the The Olde Barbridge Inn, near Nantwich.

Steel and concrete pipes followed coal aboard Wye, carried from Leeds to Liverpool and a second trip boat – Spitfire – joined Apollo.

How railways, and a 20-year career in signalling, crept into the picture is, however, a tale for next month!

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NEWS 15

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Brighter days ahead for Sankey-St Helens Canal

Keep safe on towpaths this winter!

THE UK’s largest waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, is urging people to stay safe along its 2000-mile network of canals and rivers this winter.

The nation’s waterways are beautiful places to spend time, especially when it’s frosty and snowy. While canals and rivers look great on Instagram, the risk of slipping, tripping or falling into the cold water can increase during winter.

Towpaths are wet and icy, snowfall can conceal objects like boat mooring rings and ropes which can be tripped over, and people are easily distracted while using their mobile phones, or are tipsy from festive celebrations.

Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Canals and rivers look beautiful in the frost and snow and it’s no wonder people want to head to the towpath for a mood-boosting wintry walk or to grab that perfect festive shot for socials. But with cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours, it’s so important to remind ourselves to take care when walking, running or cycling by water.

“When it’s very cold it’s all too easy to slip on ice or wet ground and fall in. Even if you’re a regular towpath visitor and know the area well, with one wrong step you could end up in freezing cold water.

“So, our message is to take

Volunteers have responded to the threats faced by the historic SankeySt Helens Canal by forming the Save Spike Island and Widnes Canal Restoration Group.

THE newly formed restoration group has already built clay dams designed to contain salt water ingress from high tides on the Mersey into a canal bed currently low on water after the closure of Fiddlers Ferry Power Station and thereby preventing damage to wildlife needing freshwater for survival.

The power station, which is now closed and awaiting demolition, had previously pumped cooling water that it had extracted from the River Mersey and then returned to keep this southern section of the canal full of fresh water. It used canal water for cooling with some extremely large pumping engines; however, these were taken out of commission before adequate replacements were put in place.

To add to the problem, leaks were found at the Widnes

end of the canal which would have drained what water there was at the Warrington end on this long level pound, hence a second clay dam was needed to protect the remaining water in the canal.

However, Halton Borough Council has now appointed contractors to clear the vegetation around the leaks and seal them, starting early this year.

Warrington Borough Council will continue to pump water into its section of the canal when necessary, and in the long term a lease has been taken on the former power station pumping house, and more suitable pumps will be installed when essential services including electricity and pipework are completed.

In the meantime, volunteers from the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCRS) have used the

Water levels are almost back to normal at Spike Island, Widnes. autumn months to continue tree clearance and balsam-bashing work parties.

St Helens progress

Officials at SCRS have been very busy at the other end of the canal in St Helens where they are now regularly invited by local authorities, rotary societies and scouting organisations to attend press, walking and educational events.

SCRS chairman Colin Greenall said: “The future does now look brighter for the canal, and we can only thank the local volunteers and the authorities for their tremendous efforts to secure and retain this

important component of Britain’s industrial past.”

The St Helens council sees the development of the redundant canal as a means to help with town centre rejuvenation and SCRS has been included in the consultations about how to both landscape and develop the Foundry Wharf site.

In addition, SCRS has been asked by council officials to develop a strategy document on what the society wants to do with the canal in the next five years so that the council can determine in what ways the society can contribute.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Gargrave – stunning appeal but can be dangerous in winter. care near the edge of the water, especially festive drinkers celebrating in waterside bars and pubs. Go with someone or tell someone where you are going.

“While frozen canals look beautiful, no one should ever attempt to walk on or test the thickness of the ice. Dog walkers are advised to keep dogs on leads during a freeze in case they run on to ice, and they should never follow their pet on to a frozen canal.”

Top safety tips if you fall into the water this winter:

• The shock of falling into cold water will cause you to gasp.

Float on your back while you get your breathing under control. Use your hands to help you if you need to and it’s okay if your legs sink a bit.

Then call for help.

• If you can’t stand up, continue to float on your back until help arrives.

Top safety tips if you find someone in the water:

• Stay on the towpath – DO NOT enter the water to help them.

• Call the emergency services straight away.

• Tell the person to float on their back. It will help them control their breathing while the cold shock passes.

• Once their breathing has calmed, and if they can, shout to them to swim to you.

• Lie with your whole body on the towpath, try to reach them with a scarf or a long stick.

• If they can’t swim to you, tell them to keep floating and try to find something to help them stay afloat, like a football or an empty bottle.

For more information on how floating can save your life when you are in difficulty in the water, visit the RNLI’s #FloatToLive campaign www.rnli.org/safety/float Families should keep young children within sight and explain the importance of staying away from the edge. The trust offers free water safety assemblies to primary schools, either in person or online. To book an assembly, or for more information about teaching children how to stay safe near water, go to www.canalrivertrust.org. uk/explorers/water-safety

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16 MUSEUM FOCUS, HERITAGE

January 2024

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Find a haven of fascinating industrial history on the Regent’s Canal

Nicola Lisle discovers how canals and ice cream are linked at the London Canal Museum in the latest in her museum series.

NESTLED on a quiet stretch of the Regent’s Canal, overlooking the early 19th century Battlebridge Basin, the London Canal Museum is a gem among canal museums.

It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital’s busy thoroughfares and immerse yourself in the history of London’s canals and rivers.

The museum was officially opened

by HRH the Princess Royal on March 9, 1992 and is housed in a former ice warehouse, built around 1863 for the ice cream maker Carlo Gatti, whose imported natural ice from Norway was delivered to this building by canal barges via the docks at Limehouse.

Gatti’s rags-to-riches story is told in one of the ground floor exhibitions.

The Swiss-born entrepreneur grew up in poverty in Ticino, came to London in 1847 and by the turn of the century had become the city’s most successful ice merchant. On display is a model of a yellow horse-drawn ice cart from the 1890s and an ice cream tricycle – both once familiar sights around London – as well as ice cream making equipment and other artefacts.

Towards the rear of the museum is one of two ice wells, once used to store ice. The other well is below the front of the building. Both are 34ft wide and originally more than 40ft deep.

Dominating the ground floor is the narrowboat Coronis, built in 1935

by Harland and Wolff as a butty for the motorboat Corona. These boats worked the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company and typically carried cargoes of timber, steel, fruit and grain.

Step into the cargo area of Coronis and through to the reconstructed cabin, where you can see the cramped conditions in which

Looking down at Coronis from the raised platform.

The life-size model of a boatman and his family. PHOTOS: The horse model on the first floor.

The rear entrance to the London Canal Museum.

NICOLA LISLE BY KIND PERMISSION OF LONDON CANAL MUSEUM

families lived. A cupboard door by the range folds down to form a table, while another folds out to form a single bed.

This looks cosy enough, but with the curtain drawn, and the door adjoining the cargo area closed, it would be decidedly claustrophobic! Note the rag rug, the lace curtains, the decorative plates and brightly coloured paintwork – all helping to make the tiny home as cheerful as possible.

Don’t miss the brightly coloured cans on the roof, decorated in the famous Roses and Castles design.

You get a better view of Coronis from the raised platform towards the rear of the museum. Here you can also see lifesize models of a boatman and his family in traditional dress.

Elsewhere on the ground floor you can see examples of weighing, lifting and life-saving equipment, take a peek into an old toll office, and enjoy the displays of Measham pottery and lace and ribbon plates – the latter particularly popular with boating families for adding colour and light to cabin walls.

An unusual inclusion is a Wickham diesel tractor, still in working order and dating from 1960, when tractor power was used to tow barges on the London canals.

A door at the rear of the ground floor takes you outside to Battlebridge Basin, where the 1950s tug Bantam IV has been moored since being donated to the museum in 1994. Built in 1949-50 by E C Jones & Sons of Brentford, Bantam IV was one of around 90 tugs designed to push barges rather than pull, and she spent most of her working life in the gravel pits of Kent and on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

The first floor, originally the stable for the ice factory’s cart horses, now features a life-size model of a horse

in a recreated 1906 stable, accompanied by a display of horse care equipment and the story of horses on the canals.

This floor is a canal historian’s paradise – here you can read the story of London’s canals, from their heyday to their decline and revival, the cargoes they carried – including famous brands such as Lyon’s tea, Nestlé’s milk, Heinz baked beans and Bournville chocolate – the role played by canals in 19th century innovation and living and working on the waterways.

Model boats, an interactive model of a lock and archive film footage complement the displays, and there are information files to flip through.

Temporary exhibitions are housed

Inside Coronis – the cargo area with living accommodation.

Tug Bantam IV moored in Battlebridge Basin.

on the first floor – Wildlife on London’s Canals was showing at the time of writing – and online exhibitions feature on the website. Boat trips run throughout the summer and on other special occasions.

London Canal Museum New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT www.canalmuseum.org.uk Open Tu e s d a y - S u n d a y, 10am-4.30pm Admission charge.

Gift shop with large range of books and other canal souvenirs.

Getting there: Short walk from St Pancras International Station and King’s Cross mainline and underground stations; also on numerous bus routes.

Talking the tjalk – a Dutch design Words & photos: Kevin Thomas

WHILE walking along the towpath a few seasons ago, I came across an interesting, old and rather weather-worn boat.

Despite my total ignorance of most hull types, it seemed to be a Dutch barge of some sort. I also clearly remembered having seen and photographed the same vessel’s unusually large tiller and rudder the previous year.

Intrigued by her lines and wanting to find out more about her, I was fortunate to find the owner sitting in the open hatchway. He willingly came out on to the deck, sat down near the tiller and quite happily began to share a bit of the boat’s history. He also informed me I most certainly wasn’t

the first person to stop and ask him about his boat.

Apparently, the vessel’s design is known as a tjalk in Dutch, from the West Frisian tsjalk. The name derives from the historical old Dutch for a sailing barge with a round bow, leeboards and a gaff-rigged mast.

Collectively, they’re also referred to by the Dutch as ‘plattbodems’ (leaning on my knowledge of the Afrikaans language it seemingly translates to flat bottoms). Apparently, there are at least a dozen different types, including the pleit, poon, kaag, kraak, mutte, otterschipp and others.

Tjalks in particular were the main means of water transportation in the Netherlands, and were used to transport a wide variety of cargo. The Fries tjalk, like

The tjalk moored on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Caen Hill Marina.

this one, was mainly used for passenger transportation across the Zuiderzee.

Clog shape

The Dutch ‘clog shape’ design and shape allow for spacious and roomy conversions. And the wide beam and flat bottom that run the full width, almost to the bow and stern, afford excellent displacement.

Although tjalks were originally sail boats, over time diesel engines were added. However, when under sail they’re known for their phenomenal stability, and even in a stiff breeze there’s only a slight variation in boat angle.

Despite the advantage in stability their extreme buoyancy means they have to be well ballasted to avoid too much ‘skating’.

The large tiller and rudder are distinctive features.

To counteract this, they were originally fitted with leeboards either side to avert leeward slippage when under sail. Interestingly too, the skating phenomenon has only been found in tjalks since their conversion for recreational use. When under load as cargo vessels skating wasn’t an issue.

This 52ft boat was first built in about 1907 and in the 1930s went back into the Frisian boatyard for a makeover, which included the removal of her masts and sails. At a later stage too, she was fitted with a 50hp BMC Commodore marine engine.

She was also converted to a liveaboard barge.

Her name is T-‘Swarte Schaep; the T indicating she is Frisian and not from another geographical area in Holland.

The large rudder and rounded stern make for a nice reflection in the water.

WHAT’S ON 17

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

BoatLife opens 2024 season with a splash

The site of a previous WRG canal camp on the Lancaster Canal.

PHOTO: IWA

Canal camp on the Lancaster Canal

THE northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal will be the venue for a Waterway Recovery Group canal camp from February 10-17.

Lancaster Canal Trust aims to reopen the northern 14 miles of the canal, abandoned and blocked by the M6 motorway and other new roads built in the 1960s.

After completing its First Furlong project to rewater 200m of dry canal

from Stainton towards Kendal, the trust is now planning to work on the next 360m. In order to do so the next clay lining needs to be uncovered, temporarily flooded and tested for leaks.

Work for the canal camp volunteers will include clearance of small trees and vegetation from the dry bed of the canal at Stainton and clearance of tree

branches overhanging the towpath. Then excavator clearance of 50-250mm of soil to uncover the clay lining of the canal, biodiversity work including installation of bird boxes and other habitat items, and fencing work.

For further information contact 01494 783453; email: enquiries@wrg.org. uk or visit www. waterways.org.uk

THE first major boating event on the calendar – BoatLife – opens its doors at the NEC in Birmingham from February 15-18.

Entering its third year, it has become established as a targeted community event that kicks off the boating season with a mix of boats and products under one roof.

Richard Dove, director at BoatLife Events, said: “We are delighted with the interest for the third BoatLife show, which has certainly been embraced by the UK boating community.”

Industry support for this early season show continues to be significant, with BoatLife delighted to welcome headline sponsor Suzuki as well as partners Elite Dynamics and SBS Trailers to name but a few.

The inland waterways zone will be expecting a host of brands. Whether visitors are looking to maximise recreational fun, explore a liveaboard lifestyle, are considering a purchase or looking for a water-based break, this is the spot to find it all!

Top brands such as Tingdene, ABC Leisure Group and Midland Chandlers are among those who will be exhibiting. Adam Lind from Floating Home and David Johns from Cruising the Cut will also be flying the flag in this sector.

Set to fuel the boating adventure, the line-up of powerboats and RIBs is set to feature more than 100 models, all catering to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles. Within this BoatLife sector there will also be a number of UK debuts and

launches announced that are not to be missed!

There will be a great line-up of angling ambassadors at the show, with meet and greet as well as stage talks planned.

Themed days

A huge belief for the organisers of BoatLife is that the chance to get out on the water should be accessible to all, and the vibrant watersports sector is often a place from which passion grows; activity pool zone, sponsored by GJW Direct, will offer kayak and paddleboard demonstrations

by Rockley Watersports professionals and the visitor have-a-go sessions return, with options to try new

TTackle ackle the t e Thames th Tha es tideway t de ay in 2024 0 BOATERS who have not previously tackled the Thames tideway will be particularly welcome on another of St Pancras Cruising Club’s regular trips on the weekend of June 28-30, 2024.

This will start with a briefing session at Limehouse on the Friday evening. As well as the core voyage from Limehouse to Teddington,

the optional extras will include a voyage through the Thames Barrier, and a downstream transit from Teddington to Limehouse.

To register your interest please email cruising@stpancrascc.co.uk as soon as possible, or contact Simon on 07939 238464, and the club will send you further details.

January 1 IWA Lichfield: New Year’s Day Walk.

Huddlesford and the Coventry Canal.

An easy four-mile walk on level ground. Meet at 10.30am for a 10.45am start in the car park of The Plough Inn, Huddlesford Lane, Whittington, Staffs WS13 8PY. Non-members welcome.

IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s Canal: Little Venice – Camden. Meet Warwick Avenue tube station at 2pm.

Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15 £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com January 4 Birmingham Canal Navigations Society: Crossing the Severn Estuary

with Neil Barnett. Titford Pump House, Engine Street, Oldbury B69 4NL, 7.30pm.

Heading along the Thames tideway with Canary Wharf behind.

PHOTOS: ST PANCRAS CRUISING CLUB

Saturday brings Discovery Day, perfect for newcomers to discover boating, and finally, Sunday champions Sustainability Day, with a spotlight on eco-friendly practices and responsible boating.

The much-loved inland pub again provides a perfect meet-up spot to enjoy live music with a drink. With even more competitions, exclusive show deals, children’s activities and lots of interactive fun, the 2024 show will offer something for everyone to enjoy.

BoatLife is also delighted to announce that it will be supporting the Fire Fighters Charity as the chosen cause. www.boatlifeevents.com

The inland waterways sector overlooked by the popular pub. PHOTO SUPPLIED

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY Approaching the Thames Barrier.

activities and promote the fun of watersports.

Supporting these areas will of course be a number of relevant equipment suppliers, manufacturers and green tech businesses.

The likes of Torqeedo, Beta Marine and Seadek will rub shoulders with Ship Shape Bedding, Navico Group and Sleipner on the NEC Floor.

The 2024 event will see the introduction of four unique themed days to redefine the boat show journey.

Innovation Day on Thursday highlights cutting-edge technology and pioneering trends, while Friday is Wellness Day, offering a focus on relaxation and wellbeing activities.

January 7 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s

Canal: Islington – Kingsland Road.

If you want your event listed in our free monthly What’s On section email your entry to editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk or use the events form at www. towpathtalk.co.uk/events Please check with organisers whether the event is going ahead before setting out on your journey.

Meet Angel tube station at 2.30pm.

Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15 £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com January 9 IWA Northampton Branch: Hosted

by Bernard Morton – bring along your waterways videos or historic footage, 2.30pm. The meetings are held in the upstairs conference room at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne NN12 7SB. All are welcome, not just IWA members.

There is a car park, and refreshments are available. A £2 donation towards expenses would be appreciated.

January 15 Friends of the Cromford Canal: A brief

history of coal mining in Nottinghamshire

by David Amos. Ironville Church Hall NG16 5NN, 7.30pm. Admission £2.50, tea, coffee, bar and raffle. Non-members always welcome.

January 17 IWA Lichfield Branch: CAMRA, 50

years of success and now addressing new challenges by Nik Antona (national chairman). Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane, off Walsall Road, Lichfield WS13 8AL, 7.30pm for 7.45pm start. Non-members welcome.

January 18 IWA Milton Keynes Branch: Challenging

the myths and misconceptions of the history of canal folk art by Kay Andrews.

Bletchley Conservative Club, 105 Queensway MK2 2DN, 7.45pm.

January 21 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s

Canal: King’s Cross – Granary Square – St Pancras. Meet King’s Cross (by Taxi Queue sign, next to outdoor Pret a Manger) at 2.30pm. Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15 £5; under 8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com

18 BRAUNSTON PREVIEW

January 2024

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Delivering winter fuel Tim Coghlan, patron of the Narrow Boat Trust, reflects on its recent autumn coal run.

IN A sense, winter comes early to Braunston Marina – long before the departure of our feathered summer visitors, the swallows and house martins.

And this is due to the enormous amount of preparation needed beforehand for the Narrow Boat Trust’s annual autumn coal run. To some it would seem a mission impossible, amazingly using a pair of 1930s ex-working narrowboats, the motor Nuneaton and the buttyboat Brighton.

Prior to departure, these ancient leviathans need to be shipshape in order to withstand two months of the rigour of carrying 25 tonnes of smokeless fuel along hundreds of miles of canals and rivers. And at the heart of it all was the Nuneaton’s Lister HRW diesel engine which had to be totally reliable. The engine was built in the mid-60s, and at nearly 60 years of age it was older than some of the younger members of the 22 crew who came on board for various legs of this year’s trip.

Encouragingly the crews included six women, one of whom, Frankie Morini, was part of the Canal & River Trust emergency canal maintenance team – though her day job skills were never needed to be

called on! She joined the final leg from Oxford to Braunston, with the South Oxford proving surprisingly trouble free, despite its reputation.

For more than 50 years, the winter runs have just kept going, allowing liveaboard boaters and lock keepers to keep warm, and more importantly preserving the working boatmen’s skills for future generations. It is a remarkable achievement.

This year’s run came together early on the morning of September 7; at 7.30am to be precise. It was a bright and sunny day when the K G Smith & Son fuel lorry arrived on the wharf, which has been used for loading and unloading coal since 1787.

The lorry was carrying various types of bags of smokeless fuels, stacked ready to be unloaded straight into the holds of the waiting pair of narrowboats, in preplanned positions for later unloading and with it keeping the trim of the boats after they had done so.

Unloaded straight from the truck, the bags were passed to the chain of six members of the NBT, who loaded them into the boats. All six of them, including one tough female, Tracey Little, would later join the boats for various legs of the run.

Nelson Lock in 1968 – 55 years earlier, with two of the last working boats coming down the Braunston Flight, and not looking too dissimilar to the NBT pair going up – proof indeed that the NBT is living history!

Nearly there! Tracey Little and her partner Howard Williams, chairman of the Narrow Boat Trust, completing the loading of 25 tonnes of smokeless fuel. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN In prior years, those bags had arrived on prepacked pallets, which had to be unloaded by forklift truck away from the quayside, and then moved next to the boats, to be broken up and then manhandled into the boats. But this new arrangement of packing the bags loosely in the required order straight into the lorry at K G Smith’s depot

dispensed with the pallets, thereby changing all of this.

It also considerably speeded up the loading time on the wharfside and caught me unaware. I had wanted to watch and photograph the proceedings, but by the time I arrived at 9am, it was nearly all over. Only the last bags of the 25 tonnes were still to be loaded – an astonishing achievement for only an hour and a half’s work. I had to grab my camera and run, to record the final bags going on board – appropriately done by Tracey Little and her partner, NBT chairman Howard Williams. The boats were then moved out breasted-up on to the mainline, ready for departure down the Grand Union Canal the following afternoon with a new crew of three.

Rare sight

Today it is something of a rarity to see a pair of loaded boats ascending the Braunston Flight, whereas 60 or more years before it was a common sight. Then the fleets of Willow Wren and Blue Line still took coal from the Midlands down to the London area until the regular trade ceased in

PHOTO: MIKE WEBB

Nuneaton & Brighton entering Lock 5 on the Braunston Flight, with the Top Lock now in sight beyond.

PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

October 1970. So I was keen to relish the experience of seeing Nuneaton & Brighton recreating this, especially as the boats were immaculately turned out with all the pride of those former fleets.

The sunny weather too was ideal for taking photographs of the boats in the flight. I also took a hand at a spot of lock wheeling to help speed the boats along, with both sides of the locks being used, and only two people otherwise working them, freeing up one to go ahead and prepare the next lock.

I left the boats at Braunston Top Lock, agreeing to join the team at the New Inn adjoining

Buckby Top Lock. Before saying my farewell, I had generously offered to buy the crew dinner – my recommendation of the pub’s excellent gammon, egg and chips later being taken up by all.

The boats had been moored for the night immediately below that Top Lock, when on the following morning the run would begin in earnest.

In the now well-established Narrow Boat Trust routine the boats would work ‘from dawn till dusk’ – the crew getting up early to be under way by 8am, having washed and dressed and then breakfasted in the modern butty galley in the extension to

Reflections on a good team effort: Nuneaton and Brighton now loaded and ready for their autumn coal run. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

BRAUNSTON PREVIEW 19

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Solid fuels for sale: Nuneaton & Brighton moored on the Upper Thames at Lechlade on October 9, just over a month after leaving Braunston Marina.

PHOTO: NICK LAKE

boatmen, the boats always had to be on the move – either going along, or up or down in the locks.

The only stopping was to unload the smokeless fuel to order – to liveaboards, canalside shops and Thames lock keepers, and then to retrim the boats accordingly.

First leg

Sunrise on October 10 on the Thames at Lechlade.

Nuneaton & Brighton had winded the night before and were ready to start their home run. PHOTO: NICK LAKE the cabin on Brighton. Hasty morning ablutions would be taken discreetly behind the nearest hedge. Nick Lake, who in all spent 10 days variously on the boats, recalls: “We did very little washing, but nobody smelt!”

It was then non-stop going until 6.30pm and, if necessary and the weather was tolerable, till much later. Cooking for the evening meal was usually under way well before tying up; there was no shortage of volunteer cooks. Lunch, tea breaks and all else were taken ‘on the hoof’.

Of his 10 nights on board, Nick

only twice had supper in a pub, though if, when moored up, a pub was conveniently close, he and others were not averse to calling in later for a nightcap.

The boats between them could sleep four, with two beds in each of two cabins, and two tents with camp beds that had been discreetly constructed in the bow, under the forward cloths.

Unless you were an ‘item’, there was no sharing the cabin, where once the working boatmen’s family would share three and more to that cabin.

In the tradition of the working

The first leg was seven days down to Brentford, followed by six days on the Thames and the River Wey to Godalming. By September 21, the boats had returned to Walton-on-Thames, where K G Smith’s local depot supplied a further 12 tonnes of smokeless fuel. The boat loads had to be watched as they were now going up the shallow Kennet & Avon Canal to Newbury.

From there it was back to Reading, with further drops on the Thames up to Oxford. There was a crew change here for the next big push, up to the head of navigation on the Thames at Lechlade, with the final drop on October 10 at Buscot Lock.

Now it was homeward bound for Braunston, down the Thames to Oxford, and then up the Oxford Canal, arriving back at Braunston on October 18, with that final crew of four – including the unsmelly Nick Lake – still on speaking terms!

There was a small stock of

Back in Braunston: members of the coal-carrying team, including Frankie Morini.

PHOTO: HOWARD WILLIAMS

Low bridge: Colin Wilks negotiating Osney Bridge on the River Thames at Oxford. The extra-low headroom was due to the recent heavy rains. Amazingly both boats cleared the bridge without lowering anything – just! PHOTO: NICK LAKE smokeless fuel unsold, which Braunston Marina bought at cost to burn in the stove in the marina shop. In the recent cold snap, it was put to good use.

There was boat maintenance to do in Braunston, including a full survey of Brighton on October 26 in the marina’s large dry dock.

The survey revealed the need for works to be carried out to the hull before next season, but also a rust patch on the hull which needed urgent repairing, which the marina’s Candlebridge

Fabrications team was able to patch over there and then.

Due to a very generous legacy, Nuneaton’s hull had received major repairs in the last five years. But, as revealed by the survey, Brighton’s hull needed extensive works before it was fit for travelling loaded – it was still safe to travel empty following that patch-job, and could return to its home mooring at Alvecote Marina.

Departure was scheduled for November 9, with Nick and Howard Williams taking the

Negotiating Somerton Deep Lock – the deepest lock on the Oxford Canal.

PHOTO: NICK LAKE

empty pair back double-handed.

An NBT volunteer joined them on the Atherstone Flight, but otherwise they took the boats back on their own.

Hopefully if things go according to plan, the repairs to the Brighton will be completed in good time for the next Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally.

People who are interested in joining the Narrow Boat Trust will be able to visit the boats between the parades, and maybe even be invited to have a ride in the hold of one of them.

A fine and increasingly rare sight: cruising above the Claydon Flight, with Frankie Morini of the Canal & River Trust steering Nuneaton and Colin Wilks on Brighton under tow. PHOTO: KEV MASLIN

Waiting for Nelson Lock to fill. Colin Wilks on the first leg from Braunston Marina, talking to canal visitors on the Braunston Flight. PHOTO: TIM COGHLAN

20

January 2024 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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22 MARINAS & MOORINGS

January 2024

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Use code TOWPATH23 for an extra entry! *Opportunity to win a free mooring within Roydon Marina's extension. Offer available to existing moorers upon renewal and any new customer that registers for an annual mooring. Simply fill in the form to register your interest by 31/03/24. The winner will be announced by the 30th April 2024.

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Widebeams & narrowboats Visit roydonmarinavillage.co.uk Competitive rates 01279 792777 | marina@roydonmarinavillage.co.uk | roydonmarinavillage.co.uk | Roydon, Essex CM19 5EJ

MARINAS & MOORINGS 23

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Blisworth Marina A marina that offers you a choice

A family owned marina set in rural Worcestershire, but minutes away from the M5, gives all boaters great travel opportunities.

The 238 berth marina is located on the Droitwich Canals, ideally situated for great cruising albeit for a short break or long holidays. It is within easy walking distance of the Spa Town of Droitwich.

Cruising mooring - Go cruising for 3 months and get 20% discount Pay for 2 years and get a discount of 10% on 2nd year Widebeam berths available

For Boat Sales please visit our website Blisworth Arm NN7 3FG www.blisworthmarina.co.uk info@blisworthmarina.co.uk 01604 879827

This marina offers you ■ Security for you and your boat ■ Full length jetties, in a non flood environment ■ First class facilities, including luxury shower block and launderette ■ Shop and Chandlery

■ Elsan, Pumpout, Diesel, Water ■ Boat Blacking options available ■ Hardstanding, Service Area, and Cranage Pad facilities ■ Calor Gas Stockist ■ Caravan Motorhome CL site

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Pillings Lock Marina WINTER MOORINGS AVAILABLE Boat Brokerage Workshop & Slipway Licensed Restaurant

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24 MARINAS & MOORINGS

January 2024

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Hill Farm Marina

Winter moorings available

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The View Restaurant is now fully open www.theview-eat.co.uk • Enjoy private access to a traditional 200 acre beef and sheep farm • Dogs run free in designated areas.

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Fenny Marina Finding peace away from home

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moorings@fennymarina.co.uk | Fenny Marina Ltd Station Fields Southam CV47 2XD

Tel 01295 770461 ✔ Wi-Fi ✔ Electric & Water ✔ Shower & Toilet ✔ Totally Secure ✔ CCTV ✔ Elsan & 24-hr Pump-out ✔ Diesel, Gas, Coal, Logs, & Kindling ✔ Rural Location ✔ Rubbish & Recycling ✔ Courtesy Lighting ✔ Chandlery ✔ 15 Min drive from M40

MARINAS & MOORINGS 25

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www.fradleymarina.co.uk |

fradleymarina | 07941 167 087

Set in beautiful countryside at the junction of the River Severn & the River Avon in Gloucestershire. Flood protected moorings, water and electric at berths, fuel, pump-out, and staff on hand 7 days a week. Gantry crane and work area for blacking.

MOORINGS AND BOAT SALES For viewings and information please call 01684 293737 or email: sales@tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

WWW.TEWKESBURY-MARINA.CO.UK Follow Us

www.goolemarina.co.uk Email: info@goolemarina.co.uk Tel: 01405 763985 Goole Marina, The Timber Pond, Dutch Riverside, Goole, DN14 5TB

Services: Facilities:

•Water/ Electricity •Bottled Calor Gas supplier •Pump out •Laundry room •Heated toilets, Shower room with under floor heating •Licensed bar with outside seating area •Postal address for live aboards •Chandlery •Diesel

Goole Marina is located in a basin connecting to the Aire and Calder Canal and close to the commercial port of Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The marina provides an ideal base for cruising the waterways of Yorkshire as well as giving easy access to the Humber Estuary and the North Sea. We have a marina basin to accommodate 150 boats of various lengths & widths.

We can accommodate all types of craft from Cruisers to Narrowboat and Barges.

All types of moorings, garden moorings to floating pontoons, which can be accessed 24hrs a day.

•Dry Dock •Slipway •Welding •Blacking •Shot Blasting •Engine Servicing •Solar Panel •LPG Gas Safe work •Joinery Services •New Boats •Boat Brokerage •Electrical Work •Painting

Our new Marina Café, Coffee Dock, is now open to the public.

Open Monday – Saturday 9am until 3pm.

Everyone welcome!

26 MARINAS & MOORINGS

Touring Park

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Glamping Wagons

Sherborne Street, Birmingham B16 8DE 0121 455 6163 / 0121 454 5367 www.sherbornewharf.co.uk or email@sherbornewharf.com

Our boat yard facilities are located canal side, on the main line outside the Distillery

Moorings in the heart of the city Mooring in the centre of Birmingham City

We are in a unique position on the Birmingham Canal Navigations and have berths available close to the city centre serving all types of boaters for overnight, short term and long term moorings.

QUIET AND SECURE MOORINGS BOAT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

GAS, DIESEL AND PUMP OUT

Boat engine service £225.00 Single day empty and refill £250.00 V bottom boat extra charge (at the time of booking you must inform us if your Boat is V-Bottom £100.00 Extra days in the dock if already booked in for blacking or service will be charged at £70 per day Blacking consists of jet washing the hull of the boat down and making sure area is clean and dry, should we find anything of concern we will contact you to inform you. We can offer various blacking products please call us and speak to us.

Anodes are £150 per pair and fitting/welding is £60.00 per pair if purchased from us.

All other works are charged at £60.00 per hour

Blacking is charged per foot length of the boat 40 FEET 45 FEET 50 FEET 55 FEET 60 FEET 65 FEET 70 FEET 75 FEET

£600 £675 £750 £825 £900 £975 £1,050 £1,125

CONTACT US ON 0121 455 6163 FOR ANY ENQUIRES

MARINAS & MOORINGS 27

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

BARGE WORLD OPENING 2024

Location of new Barge and Widebeam moorings

• High Leisure Mooring (5 nights per week) • On Berth Pump-Out and Water Facilities • Electricity • Private Parking • Laundry and Washroom Block • Wi-Fi • CCTV • Security Access

EAST MIDLANDS BOAT SERVICES - WILLOW MOORINGS WINTER MOORINGS AVAILABLE!

Moorings Available for cruisers and narrowboats at £4.50 per foot, per month.

Residential moorings available at £325.00 per month.

Powered slipway for boats up to 40 foot and a second slipway for small boats. Slipway can be hired for DIY work or we offer services for Antifouling, Painting and General Servicing. We also have a Boat Safety Examiner on site.

Located on the A6, adjacent to The Otter Public House.

In the tranquil setting of Shepperton Marina, superbly placed for both upper and lower Thames cruising, Barge World offers a dedicated, fully serviced area within the Marina solely for Barges and Widebeams.

01509 672385 www.eastmidlandsboatservices.co.uk Kegworth, DE74 2EY

HAREFIELD MARINA HAREFIELD MA ARINA

Reservations now being taken

Bridge 180, Grand Union Canal, Harefield UB9 6PD Tel: 01895 822036 muskmarine@hotmail.com www.harefieldmarina.co.uk

Call us to find out more 01932 243722

Facilities include:- Chandlery - Pump out - Slipway - Boat sales/ (up to 65ft) brokerage - Covered wet dock - Engine inboard/ - Water and electric outboard repairs points - gas and coal - Diesel

Whether you are thinking of exploring Barge ownership or selling or buying a pre-owned Barge please visit:

www.bargeworld.co.uk

200 secure, non residential rural moorings in secluded countryside setting 5 mins from M25/M40.

One days cruising from the Thames.

Northampton Marina The ideal location for exploring East Anglia’s Waterways

Call us on 01604 604344 or 07867 580129 to arrange a visit or to make an enquiry.

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm www.visitanglianwaterways.org www.northamptonmarina.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Northampton Marina

Nestled alongside Becket’s Park, Northampton Marina has a secluded, countryside feel whilst being within easy walking distance of the train station and town centre with its many shops, bars, restaurants and theatres.

Located at the junction of the River Nene and the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, it is ideally placed for exploring both Anglian Waterways and the wider canal network.

Offering boaters a friendly stay with access to a great choice of cruising routes.

Our award-winning facilities building is open to all marina customers, including washrooms, laundry, pump-out and Elsan disposal point. All of our berths have access to water and electricity. Our landscaped grounds provide a relaxing recreation area with BBQs and picnic tables.

We offer permanent, visitor and winter moorings.

You can also purchase your Anglian Waterways boat licences and navigation keys from our full time Site Officer.

Why not make Northampton Marina the base for your next boating adventure?

28 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

S

TR

E

January 2024

AY E TH

WHARF

Coventry Canal

Lichfield

LT

D

Your One Stop Shop for all your boating needs Steelwork | Stretching | Chandlery | Timber Work | Shot Blasting asting Mechanics | Boat Safety | Electrics | Paintwork | Gas Safe | Cranage C

Highest Quality work at a Traditional Working boatyard

7

DAY CALL OUT

Bottom Blacking | Full DIY service available 3 day slip, undercover plus 3000 psi hot wash £317.00 + VAT Telephone 01543 414808/07824 848444 office@streethaywharf.co.uk www.streethaywharf.co.uk

J.D. BOAT SERVICES GAILEY LTD

The W har f, W at l i ng St , G a i l ey , St af f s ST1 9 5 PR 01902 791811 en q@ j d b o at s . co . u k www. j dboat s . c o. uk

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

L R I N A arine E T m S

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS

UPVC TANKS

Water & effluent tanks, battery boxes, shower trays

ANY SHAPE & SIZE MANUFACTURED

Call today for a free no obligation quote

Engine Service – Fixed Price £185.00 inc VAT Call 01299 877222 for details

SPECIAL ISI NG IN BO AT RESTO RATIO N & REP AI R Cabi n Ref i t s W o odwor k Pa i n t wo r k St eel wor k

En g i n e s El ec tr i c s Sol ar Panel s Hy b r i d Pr o pu l s i o n HARDST AND ING DI Y F ACIL IT I ES STO RAG E

NORBURY WHARF Limited

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Telephone: (01785) 284292 E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

One stop shop for all your boating needs

DRY DOCKING AND BLACKING from £20.00 per foot.

Now taking bookings for Summer 2024 onwards

Liveaboards are welcomed

- Easy access to the boat is provided by our specially constructed bridge which reaches out to either the bow or stern of your boat. Free 240V hook-up is provided while the boat is out of the water.

TURN TO

PAGE 56 T

O VIEW RANGE OF OUR BOAT FOR SALE S

❖ LIVEABOARDS WELCOME ❖ DOGS AND CATS NO PROBLEM ❖ FREE ELECTRICITY WHILST ON THE DOCK

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

DISTRIBUTORS & STOCKISTS FOR MAJOR BRANDS FULL BOAT YARD SERVICES

DIESEL, GAS, SOLID FUEL & PUMPOUTS ENGINE REPAIR, SERVICING, REPLACEMENT ALL MARINE ENGINEERING SERVICES INTERNAL REFITS, IMPROVEMENTS, REPAIR ELECTRICS, WATER, GAS, HEATING INSTALLATIONS

DIESEL TREATMENT PRODUCT

FOR YOUR CHANDLERY NEEDS

OIL, FUEL, AIR FILTERS & BELTS ENGINE SPARES, ANTIFREEZE & COOLANTS BATTERIES, INVERTERS, ELECTRICAL SPARES FULL RANGE OF DECK & CABIN FITTINGS ALL SPARES & CONSUMABLES

HANKOOK BATTERIES

ELSAN PRODUCTS

ENGINE LANE, STOURPORT, WORCS DY13 9EP 01299 877222 enquiries@starlinenarrowboats.co.uk Open: Mon/Fri (8.30am to 4.30pm) Emergency breakdown: 01299 877222 - 7 days a week

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 29

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Discover Our Idyllic Retreat & Enjoy Summer With an abundance of wildlife, peace, tranquillity and our experienced team on hand, you can relax and enjoy your own little piece of heaven.

Secure your berth on the Llangollen Canal, the most beautiful canal in the country!

Call 01270 524571 or email sales@swanleybridgemarina.com Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybridgemarina.com

TRAVELSAT

07914 401 036  smhicks@btinternet.com www.travelsat.me.uk MOBILE 3G/4G/5G Wi-Fi SYSTEM

SATELLITE PACKAGES

The powerful antenna has been designed specifically for Boats and Motorhomes, optimised to work in rural and remote locations. excludes data SIM card

WI-FI ON THE MOVE INTERNET CONNECTION ON THE MOVE

PACKAGE 1

SATELLITE DISH £150 MAGNETIC MOUNT £25 TWIN LNB £20 ROAM Automatic Satellite Dish ROAM X

ROAM 5G THE FLEX

VU Cube £875 VU Cube (Sky Q) £950 Roof Fixing Kit £50 Available in White & Grey

SATELLITE FINDERS SAT FINDER KIT

£50

HORIZON SAT FINDER

£350

Find the right satellite in seconds

£375 £370 £570 £900 £570

PACKAGE 2

£589

• Manual Satellite Dish • Freesat HD Box with own TV • Sat Finder Kit • Manual Satellite Dish • 18” TV/DVD/SAT • Sat Finder Kit

The Problem...

Poor 3G/4G/5G and Wi-Fi signal on your travels?

PACKAGE 3

(Plus fitting at your location)

£689

• Manual Satellite Dish • 24” TV/DVD/SAT • Sat Finder Kit

The Solution...

SATELLITE RECEIVERS

PACKAGE 4

• Fully Auto Satellite Dish • Freesat HD Box • With own TV • Fully Auto Satellite Dish • 21” TV/DVD/SAT

Imagine a fast, secure and reliable internet connection in your boat or motor home just like at home.

FREESAT HD £175 FREESAT HD PVR+ £250

PACKAGE 5

£1414

AVTEX TVs

LCD/DVD/SAT 18”TV/DVD/SAT 21”TV/DVD/SAT 24”TV/DVD/SAT 32”TV/SAT

£1100

£389 £439 £489 £439

FITTING SERVICE AT YOUR LOCATION

Three year warranty 12 & 240 VOLT POWER LEADS SUPPLIED

New Avtex Connect Smart TV’s p.o.a

Countrywide

To include cable and connectors, plus a demonstration showing you how to set up your new system

A powerful mobile 3G/4G/5G antenna and router (Cat7) for your Wi-Fi needs.

“

5G READY PACKAGE The new 5G ready package includes the latest 5G antenna paired with an upgradable 4G sim slot router (Cat 7).

Up to 20% higher gain for 4G, you are not only better connected but ready to receive 5G signals by upgrading your router. This offers you the best possible connectivity in weak signal areas. Many 4G masts output long range and short range signals to provide coverage.

A Cat 4 router can only connect to one or the other. A Cat 7 router can connect to both simultaneously and combine them to deliver up to twice the download speed. If the area is congested (too many users) this can make a real difference in the overall capacity.

”

30 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

HiQ

MARINE SERVICES UK LTD

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Based in Nottingham, offering quality services across the Midlands

Have you checked your Webasto before winter?

We are authorised service agents, taking bookings now.

With over 50yrs experience we provide quality workmanship at sensible prices.

• Engine and gearbox servicing and repairs • Stern gear servicing and repairs • Electrical system design, installation and repairs for both 12 and 240V, including batteries and inverters • Solar panel system design, installation and repairs • Diesel heating system installation and repairs • Bow thruster repairs • Installation of the latest SMART technologies • Free estimates • Prices per job not per hour Tel 07741 650559 Email enquiries@hiqmarine.co.uk www.HiQmarine.co.uk

£76.95

NARROWBOAT AND WIDEBEA M WINDOWS

smlmarinepaints.co.uk

01285 862 132

PREMIUM PRODUCTS FORMULATED BY EXPERTS FOR THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION & FINISH

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 31

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

REALDIESELS LISTER-PETTER DIESEL ENGINES AND SPARE PARTS SPECIALIST

UK’s Largest stock of Lister-Petter engines and gearboxes.

Unrivalled knowledge, experience and after sales support.

Having your tired old engine or gearbox repaired?

In the long run our options are likely more cost effective: Reconditioned service exchange or recondition your existing unit; Factory low hours and good used units also supplied.

All engines and gearboxes are supplied fully tested and with warranty. If yours is past it’s best, call or email us to find out more.

The new low-energy design hull allows for full solar electric power with an extended range or serial hybrid option.

+44 (0)121 377 6029 mail@realdiesels.co.uk www.realdiesels.co.uk

Lloyd's Register Rules-based design provides a choice of alloys, Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Mild Steel with the confidence of the highest standards.

Woodworks Boat Fitting Bespoke boats to any stage of completion • Repair and alteration service Wheelhouses and dogboxes

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.boat-fitting.co.uk

CALL TODAY 01908 686 796

PHOTOS - VIDEOS - INFORMATION

Ask for George or email info@avalonmarine.co.uk

Unit 72, Road B, Boughton Ind. Est. New Ollerton, Notts. NG22 9LD 01623 860 553 email: info@boat-fitting.co.uk Proprietor: Andrew C. Hooke B.A. (Hons)

moorings • boat sales chandlery • marina services

at www.eveshammarina.co.uk

Belisama - Cruiser

£48,950

• 57’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • 2002 A 2002, 57ft, cruiser style narrowboat with reverse layout, Galley through to open plan saloon with TV to port, multifuel stove in mid ships with storage behind, through to walk through bathroom with pump out toilet, through to bedroom with small fixed double.

UP TO 6

MONTHS FREE MOORING

Monty - Semi Traditional £69,950 • 57’ x 6’10” • 2 Berth • 2008

A much loved and well maintained 2008, 57ft semi traditional boat, built by Equinox and professionally fitted out, Brief layout is Galley to the fore, saloon, bathroom, engine room and then bedroom, Bsc 2026 and last blacked 2022, A mooring is available if required.

on selected Stock Boats

Subject to terms and conditions

Contact Marc or visit www.eveshammarina.co.uk today!

Evesham Marina Kings Road • Evesham • WR11 3XZ info@eveshammarina.co.uk

01386 768500

32 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

January 2024

EXPOST THE SECURE MAILBOX PROVIDER

An Expost mailbox will give you a Real street address, with up to five different named users, you can have your mail forwarded to a collection point or have it scanned so you can view on our secure scan viewer. As well as having a fixed postal address for your own private correspondence, it can also be used for business.

£20 discount when you enter canal in the promo box when you join.

Web: www.expost.uk Tel: 0333 7890011 Email: support@expost.uk

F.O.C. no obligation measure & sample viewing at your boats. Centrally located for your convenience.

PLEASE NOTE:

01827 313334

info@elitefurnishings.co.uk

Our standard curtain lining includes a Teflon finish for added protection from moisture and soiling

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 33

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Your needs . . .

Seagoing

Saildrives

Inland Waterways

Marine Generating Sets

Spares & Support

36 years of customer centred focus, listening to needs and delivering long term value solutions.

Specialists in customer advice and support at all points of a products life.

Superb after-sales service via our network of approved engine installers and spares stockists.

D I E S E L

14 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with mechanical or hydraulic gearboxes. Full hydraulic drive option available.

Super silent acoustic housings, 3.5 or 5.0 kVA travel power and bow thruster options available.

REDUCE CO2 BY 90%! Compatible for continuous use with HVO fuel.*

43 to 98 HP Greenline keel cooled diesel propulsion engines with single or twin 48v hybrid electric drive motor/generator(s).

H Y B R I D

*If other FAME bio fuels are used or mixed we strongly advise use of our alternative fuel kit option. Available for new or retro fit-able to existing engines.

NEW Beta 14 E-Drive, 14kW constant electrical propulsion power.

Fully integratable with 48v battery management inverter charger systems.

Fully integratable with BetaGen/BetaSet generators.

E L E C T R I C

5 year self-service warranty, recreational use only terms & conditions apply.

. . . our tailored solutions

www.betamarine.co.uk

delivering reliability and peace of mind

Tel: +44 (0)1452 723492 Email: sales@betamarine.co.uk

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34 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

January 2024

Hempsted Historic Dry Dock 50% OFF UP TO

DRY DOCK SPACES E AVAILABL !

W O N CALL

ANODES W ALL HULL BL ITH & ANTIFOUL ACKING ING. FOR A QUOT CALL ATION TODAY

• Hull Blacking & Antifouling • Fabrication & Repairs • Painting & Sign Writing • Electrical • Plumbing and Gas • Paint and Boat Care • Inboard & Outboard Servicing • Fenders and Ropes • Engine Spares & Repairs

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

ON BOAT HAVEN OTHERT Facilities include:

Moorings, Slipway Hull Blacking & Maintenance Workshop, Brokerage Gas / Diesel / Coal / Pumpout Engine Repairs & Servicing

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Closed Sunday Visit us and see the largest Indoor working dry dock and well stocked Chandlery on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal You’ll find us just 1 mile along the canal from Gloucester Docks or at

338 BRISTOL ROAD, GLOUCESTER GL2 5DH

01452 415430

Mobile: 07581 459309

Email: info@othertonboathaven.co.uk Otherton Boat Haven Ltd, Otherton, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5NX

Email: office@hhdd.co.uk www.hempsteddrydock.co.uk

WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU CAN COUNT ON EBERSPACHER TO KEEP YOU WARM

DIESEL HEATING FOR BOATS Servicing Spare parts Technical Help System Design

HYDRONIC HS3 D4E HEATER This latest heater is now in stock. 4.3kW output and only 1.3kW at low, ideal for narrowboats.

Kits from £1695.00

LEADING UK SUPPLIER OF EBERSPACHER HEATERS & SPARE PARTS

HYDRONIC D4WSC EXCHANGE SERVICE For only £535.00 receive one of our factory reconditioned units when you send us your old, non functioning D4WSC or D5WSC*.

*Service exchange T&Cs apply

CALLSTART APP

Control your heater through your phone

Easy installation. Simple on/off.

Run time settings. iPhone & Android SMS notification. £159.00 SIM not included.

Espar Ltd T 01752 491900 web@espar.co.uk www.eberspacherdirect.com www.espar.co.uk

PRODUCTS & SERVICES 35

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Kate Boats

One stop shop for your boat!

The same skills that keep our hire boat fleet running reliably and looking good can be available for your boat.

• Blacking • Welding • General engineering • Engine servicing • Engine replacement • Painting from touch up to a complete repaint • Electrical repairs and installations • Gas safe engineer on site • Heating repairs and replacement • Internal repairs and refit • BSS and hull surveys organised

Happy New Year from all at Kate Boats

Bookings for all aspects of work now being taken for 2024

www.kateboats.com 01926 492968

1

South Oxford Canal Between Bridge 136 & 137 Close to Banbury

Fenny Marina

2

Finding peace away from home...

Station Fields, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2XD T: 01295 770461

Blisworth Arm, Blisworth, Northampton NN7 3FG Telephone: 01604 879827 www.blisworthmarina.co.uk E-mail: info@blisworthmarina.co.uk

OverWater

Image supplied by The Inland

E: moorings@fennymarina.co.uk W: thefennymarina.co.uk 3

4

Waterways Association

3

Marina Audlem, Cheshire Beautiifull • Peaceffull • Friiend dly At the heart of the Shropshire Union

01270 812677 Voted Marina of Distinction

www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Audlem, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AY

4

A small, friendly marina in a tranquil, private offline basin with 21 miles of lock free cruising 230V electric supply, water points and wi-fi on site, with local amenities within walking distance

07401 297 253

mooring@crickwharf.co.uk

www.crickwharf.co.uk NN6 7XT

TO PROMOTE YOUR MARINA ON THIS PAGE CALL TANIA ON 01507 529489

2

1

36 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

FULLY SERVICED CRUISING AND RESIDENTIAL MOORINGS AND FULL BOATYARD SERVICES • Iver (Slough Arm) and Northolt (Paddington arm) • Secure sites with private parking • Delivery of gas, solid fuel and diesel direct to your boat • Electricity, water, elsan and pump out • Showers and laundry • Chandlery • Mechanical, electrical, and carpentry work undertaken • Craning, grit blasting and blacking • Two part epoxy hull treatment • Fuel polishing service

sales@high-line.co.uk 01753 651496 www.high-line.co.uk THE BOATYARD MANSION LANE, IVER, SL0 9RG

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

NARROWBOATS AND WIDEBEAMS FOR SALE IN WEST LONDON FOR SELLERS • Free moorings • Sales location with established footfall • Open 6 days / week • Trade Plates for unlicensed craft • Pre sales preparation and repairs FOR BUYERS • Free guidance and advice • Comprehensive handover • Secure clients bank account • ABYA qualified brokerage staff • Industry standard documentation PRIVATE BUYER’S SERVICE • If you are buying privately, we can offer the following services: • Advice on all aspects of purchase • Provision of documentation • Secure Clients bank account • Bespoke service – as much or as little as you want, priced accordingly

kb@vcmarine.co.uk 01753 652502 / 07860 480079 www.vcmarine.co.uk

INSURANCE & FINANCE 37

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Over 10,000 claims paid to 100% owner satisfaction

Get a quote in 20 seconds On cover in 2 minutes Low on-line premiums Get the App - craftinsure.com/app

craftinsure.com 03452 607888 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

from from from from from from from

£72.00 £85.00 £99.00 £107.00 £115.00 £155.00 £235.00

Lowest rates for qualifying owners www.newtoncrum.com

01424 718800

64 years of excellence, providing better boat insurance.

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority # 307035

TOWPATH

TALK

Narrowboat insurance made easy

£40,000 £50,000 £60,000 £70,000 £80,000 £100,000 £150,000

Janet, Tania, Sue and all the team at Towpath Talk would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you for your continued support.

38 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Portland Basin and Droylsden Marinas. www.portlandbasinmarina.co.uk 0161 330 3133

Wishing all boat-share owners, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.bcbm.co.uk 01270 811500

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from all at...

Fenny Marina

Finding peace away from home...

01295 770461

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all at

www.abnb.co.uk

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR From all at Braunston Boats Ltd

www.braunstonboats.com 01788 891079

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team at Overwater 01270 812677 www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Seasons Greetings from all at Anglian Waterways and Northampton Marina

www.northamptonmarina.co.uk 01604 604344

Seasons greetings to everyone from at all

Goole Marina & The Coffee Dock 01405 763985

A Merry Christmas nd Happy an New Year to all of our customers and frie ends from every yone at Strensh ham Mill Mooriings & Boa at Sales Mill Lane e, Strensham m, Wo orcester.

Tel 07767 261490

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year From Everyone At…

www.channelglaze.com 0121 706 5777

Christmas Greetings to all our TOWPATH readers

Janet and Tania wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year

Merry Chriistmas and a Happy y New Year

from Ra ay and d all the e team at Ray Bowern n Boat Transport.

07860 729522

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Wishing customers old & new a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

TALK

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at

January 2024

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Richard Sue and Hayden at

INE ENGINE M AR

METHLEY BRIDGE CHANDLERY 01977 735400

We wish all our moorers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.yelvertoft-marina.com Office@yelvertoft-marina.com 01788 822292

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Lakeland Leisure Estates

SE ERVICES (M MID ANDS)) SERVICES (MIDLANDS)

www.mes-midlands.co.uk 01926 356200

01539 821381

Jason and Clare

would like to thank all past, present and future customers.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024.

OODWIN GP GO P L AST I C S

All of us at Bywater Hotelboat Cruises wish all our guests and friends a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! www.bywaterhotelboats.co.uk 07380 941042

Wesley Marine Windows Ltd

ww ww w.wesleywi w. windows.co o.uk

Wis shing alll off our customers, past, present and future a veryy Merrry Christmas and a Happy New Year 01636 704363

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 39

January 2024

TOWPATH

TALK

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2024 from Janet & Tania

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from everyone at Stoke on Trent Boats.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at

www.aqueductmarina.co.uk 01270 525040

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

01782 813831

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our customers

www.midlandchandlers.co.uk 02476 390111

Wish hing you all Merrry Christmass and d a prosperrous 2024 from

Industrial Plastics Supplies Limited

www.versatile-flooriing.co.uk Tel: 0113 257 9000

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our future and existing customers from

www.kinvercanopies.co.uk Tel: 01384 394469

All Wills and Trusts Ltd Legal Services Merry Christmas Heree Here

ttoo help help

All Wills and Trustts Ltd T: 01283 566133 E: wills@allwillsandtrusts.co.uk wills@allwillsandtrustss.cco.uuk E: www. allwills anndtrusts.cco.ukk

Wishing all our customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024 from all at

www.bronteboats.co.uk 01706 815103

Sue & Phill at

Wharf House Narrowboats

would like to wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year phillabbott@wharfhouse.co.uk 01788 899041

Christmas Greetings Knowle Hall to all our Wharf readers

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2024

Jean & Steve wish all our customers and friends a great Christmas and New Year.

Stretford Marine Services

www.stretfordmarine.com

Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all customers and friends of John, Gez, and Tristan at

North Kilworth Wharf www.northkilworthwharf.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR From all at Alvecote Marina

www.alvecotemarina.co.uk 01827 898585

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for 2024

www.canalshop.co.uk 01604 931039

Have your very best Christmas, from Sylvia & Kathryn

www.daisyboats.co.uk 07977 683282

Seasons greeti tings i

to old customers and new alike.

We hope you have a healtthy and prosperous New Yea ar.

From all of the family at Oakw kwood w Mariina

MERRY CHRISTMAS To all our members and a happy NEW YEAR for 2024

Why not join us and protect the Live – Aboard lifestyle of living afloat for the future

www.rboa.org.uk 0330 057 7180

wishing all the readership festive greetings from Richi and the team at

www.midlandmarine.co.uk

01902 544329

40 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at

www.smlmarinepaints.co.uk 01285 862 132

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Denham Yacht Station

01895 239811 www.denham-marina.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team at Great Haywood Boat Sales Ltd

January 2024

Happy Christmas to customers old and new from all at

www.pdipaints.co.uk 01782 812240

Sue and Amelia wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year www.iiequii.com 07767 262477

Seasons Greetings to all of our customers.

Wishing health and happiness to all in 2024

www.ortomarine.co.uk 01299 489424

TOWPATH

TALK

Janet and Tania wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year

Tim and Hazel of

Cratch Covers & Canopies woulld like to wish all their customers a ver y Mer r y Christmas and a Happy y New w Year.

ww ww w cccanopies.co.uk w.c 0771 17 772996

Happy Christmas from the team at

BASIC BOAT LIABILITY CO.

www.basic-boat.com 03333 219 430

Christmas Greetings to all our readers Seasons Greetings from Jacqueline Dorrington and the team at Otherton Boat Haven 07581 459309

Season's greetings to everyone from all at

Red Hill Marina 01509 672770

Season’s Greetings to all Moorers old and new from the team at

info@saltfordmarina.co.uk www.saltfordmarina.co.uk

01225 872226

‘Happy Holidays’ from our hire boat base in Braunston.

Braunston, Northants 01788 890784 www.unioncanalcarriers.co.uk

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

On behalf of everyone at

“Hempsted Dry Dock”

we wish you all a very safe and enjoyable Festive Period and we thank you for your support throughout 2023. office@hhdd.co.uk 01452 415430

Wishing all our customers both past and present a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FARNCOMBE BOAT HOUSE 01483 421306 www.farncombeboats.co.uk

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from all the team at Tewkesbury Marina.

www.bestcoltd.co.uk Tel: 0151 630 5111

+44 (0)1684 293737 www.tewkesbury-marina.co.uk

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Wishing all our customers new & old a merry y Christmas & a Happy New Yearr!

ASH BOATS LTD

Rober ts Bespoke Canvas

www.ashboats.co.uk 07771 510154

07956 98 80535

BUSINESS NEWS 41

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Holidays & Leisure

P42-43 Greener boating

P44

Inland boating industry delegates discuss a wide range of issues Report & photo: Phil Pickin

A WIDE range of topics were covered at British Marine’s well-attended Inland Boating Autumn Conference in Worcester.

The county’s famous cricket ground played host to delegates who discussed topics ranging from hydrogen-powered narrowboats to the ongoing concerns over the future funding of the waterways.

British Marine president Paul Gullett welcomed delegates to the conference and annual meeting and went on to outline the importance of the marine sector to the economy of the UK. He also introduced a number of speakers, including British Marine’s Ed Tuite and Simon Vayro from HPi Verification Services Ltd, who sparked what turned out to be a lively debate on the issue of declarations of boat conformity and the impact this can have on brokerages and boat builders.

What was evident during the discussion was the serious potential impact this issue could have on a brokerage or a boat builder who, through no fault of their own, sold or is found to have supplied a boat with incorrect documentation.

Ed Tuite was quick to point out that the organisation’s position and advice on this issue has remained the same over the past few years, but this seemed to do little to assuage the fears of a number of those who attended.

What did seem to gain agreement was the need to inform the boat-buying public as to what documentation is required when selling a boat, be that a boat from a recognised builder or a sailaway hull that has been completed themselves. This was also an issue highlighted by Aqueduct Marine’s managing director and British Marine’s president-elect Robert Parton in December’s issue of Towpath Talk.

Ed also discussed the highly detailed and important ICOMIA report recently published which looks into the need and the ways in which the leisure marine sector can decarbonise, see report on page 44.

The report, which runs to hundreds of pages, was published a short time before the meeting, so this provided delegates with a first opportunity to find out what the outcome of the study provided.

The information it contains is very detailed, with a number of delegates feeling there were shortcomings within it. Despite this, the overall opinion seemed to be that there isn’t a single solution. A mixture of solutions is needed, including the use of electricity, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and other non-fossil fuel replacements.

Climate impact

A number of issues were covered by Matthew Symonds and Gareth Stevens from the Canal & River Trust, including the impact of the reduction in the Defra grant and the impact our changing climate is having on the work they are doing.

Matthew outlined how the expected lower water levels, in most cases, failed to materialise due to a 200% increase in rainfall in July.

Unsurprisingly, this also reduced lockages with, it is assumed, the number of holidays and days out on the system reducing.

A climate change effect that is often

overlooked, but one that frequently causes issues within the boating community, is that of vegetation.

Warmer weather encourages growth it would seem, something that also encourages complaints by many boaters.

Funding issues are not just an issue for CRT, a fact pointed out by EA’s Julian Kennard, who detailed the funding issues it has to contend with.

Although the sums of money involved are significantly smaller than those of CRT, the reductions (some of which are around 50%) are significant.

As Julian pointed out, EA also struggles with restrictions in income generation opportunities due to it being a government body.

He went on to tell the meeting that the agency is looking at ways to reduce spending (by moving away from paper licence applications) and to increase income wherever possible; however, these opportunities are limited.

With a number of the issues discussed being linked to climate change, Adam Gillett’s presentation on the ongoing development and testing of a 100% hydrogen-powered narrowboat by Barrus was apt.

Paul Gullett, British Marine president, opens this year’s Inland Boating Autumn Conference.

He provided some interesting and startling facts and figures on the project and the concept.

Barrus has built and has been testing a narrowboat powered by hydrogen using a prototype fuel cell.

This work is still ongoing, but the results are, it would seem, already providing some staggering statistics, not least of which is the eye-watering costs involved.

Buyers find ideal narrowboats AQUEDUCT Marina’s recent brokerage event was deemed a resounding success, as numerous vessels were sold during the open days.

The staff at this Cheshire-based marina were elated with the sizable turnout of visitors and the impressive number of boats that received offers. Consequently, the team is searching for additional boats to replenish stock.

Gareth Thomas, Aqueduct Marina’s broker, explained: “Our open days for the narrowboats for sale on our brokerage was a great success. There was a fantastic turnout with a number of boats under offer.

“We plan to run more of these events throughout the coming

Advanced training for ABC marina managers

ABC Leisure marina managers at their recent training course in Gloucester. PHOTO: ABC LEISURE

Adam was keen to point out that the project is something of a test bed to try out the technology, but it would seem that anyone interested in converting their existing boat would need to find something in the region of £130k to install a similar system. This figure is just a starting point with the running costs being equally high.

This project is one we hope to cover in a future issue of Towpath Talk.

year. Don’t miss our events in 2024, where you can find your dream narrowboat with us.”

For more details about forthcoming open days and boats for sale, visit www. aqueductmarina.co.uk

THE ABC Leisure Group has provided the British Marine Advanced Marina Management Course for its managers from across the UK. Manj Mahey, head of training for British Marine, said: “British Marine is delighted to deliver the Advanced Marina Managers (AMM) course to ABC Leisure. It represents a first on two accounts; the first AMM in the UK this year and the first AMM delivered solely to one organisation.

“I’m passionate about training and raising of standards within the industry through training and qualifications and it’s amazing to see ABC Leisure share this passion.”

British Marine regularly offers this course, but this is the first time it has provided the course with all delegates from the same organisation.

This five-day course has been designed as a pathway towards Certified Marina Manager (CMM) and Certified Marina Professional (CMP) Certification. Further details about the course can be found here: www.britishmarine. co.uk/Events-and-Courses/Training-Courses/ Advanced-Marina-Management-Course

42 HOLIDAYS & LEISURE

January 2024

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Winter works

By Nigel Stevens, Shire Cruisers, part of the Drifters consortium of independent self-drive hire boat companies set up to promote enjoyment of canal holidays.

01606 833668 Middlewich, Cheshire

Puffer Steamboat Holidays Cruise the sea lochs and canals of Sccotlan nd’ss Wesst Coast in an oriigin nal steam powered Clyyde Pu uffe fffer.

Tel: 07780 936407 Visit: savethepuffer.co.uk

AS DRIFTERS members get on with repainting and refitting all their boats ready for 2024, so the Canal & River Trust is working hard on its own winter maintenance projects – 138 of them, costing more than £50 million.

Half of this work involves repairs to reservoirs, to ensure that water can be supplied to summit canals next summer.

A summit canal has the special magic that you can cross the watershed from one river basin to another, because

water is caught by a dam high above the canal, ready to feed down for lockages.

Some reservoirs are close to the canal, but most are a long way away. Often in stunning locations, they are worth a long walk.

Many of the other structures which the trust works on in the winter can’t normally be seen because they are below water level – fixing leaks and maintaining locks, culverts and banks.

But you have the chance to see some of these amazing

below-water engineering feats by attending one of the trust’s open days, held at a variety of sites across the country.

For example, you could step down to the bottom of a lock. Knowledgeable, approachable staff and volunteers will be there to explain.

You can see the extraordinary breadth of craftsmanship which the trust produces.

Most canals are now around 250 years old.

They have lasted far longer than their builders could have imagined, but they are fragile and need constant care.

All boaters, including Drifters members, pay a lot of money every year, with licence fees for every boat and rents for boatyards.

Boaters are by far the biggest group of paying customers.

The canals of course provide essential benefits to millions of non-boaters, as well as to nature conservation, and the trust has many sources of income. But there is never enough, so it

Lock gates being fitted – one of 138 winter works projects. PHOTO SUPPLIED

is concerning that the Government – which ultimately owns the waterways on behalf of the people – is planning to reduce its financial contribution.

With support from many other groups, the trust is working to persuade the Government that it should contribute more.

The trust’s aim, shared by so many, is to build a sustainable long-term future so that the canals can be loved and enjoyed by generations to come.

Oakwood Marina 01606 331961 glamping@oakwoodmarina.co.uk g l www.oakwoodmarina.co.uk G+

We have 25 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, why not come and get away from it all by spending time in one of our beautifully furnished bell tents, or camping with your own tent or campervan.

The Wilder family, who own the place, have an attitude to the campsite that befits their surname. Grazed by cows in some parts and cut just once or twice a year for hay, the meadows are otherwise left long and wild in summer. A few footpaths have been conscientiously mown in between pitches to help guide you around the fields and over to another lake attached to the canal that’s a wildlife hotspot and a good place to watch for herons.

THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE/PROMOTIONAL FEATURE 43

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Celebrating a busy year with some Christmas cheer

Jenny Steer of the Dolphin Inn pulls a pint of Navigation Pale Ale watched by restoration project manager Tom Fulda, left, and SUCS chairman David Carter. PHOTO: SUCS PUBLICITY SHROPSHIRE Union Canal Society (SUCS) volunteers have been toasting the festive season with a specially brewed pint of beer.

After working hard all year to restore the Montgomery Canal, they took a night off to enjoy a get-together at the Dolphin Inn in Llanymynech and were treated to a drop

of Navigation Pale Ale. David Carter, chairman of SUCS, said: “It’s been a great year on the canal as back in June we saw the opening of the recently restored section to Crickheath, unlocking nearly two miles of canal – a major milestone in closing the Shropshire Gap.”

The ‘Shropshire Gap’ is the colloquial term for the unrestored section of the Montgomery Canal between Crickheath and Llanymynech which is currently being worked on by volunteers.

The Leigh Arms • Moor at Bridge 208 on the Trent & Mersey Canal • Real Ales served • Children’s play area • Traditional British and Authentic European Dishes

David continued: “There’s also been the construction of Schoolhouse Bridge, and we’ve been awarded several grants which have been much publicised and there may be more to come. But tonight, we’re here enjoying a pint of Navigation Pale Ale, another good news story.

“The team at Monty’s brewery, based near Montgomery, were so impressed with the work going on that they specially brewed Navigation IPA as a tribute and to help the project, with a percentage of every pint consumed going into the kitty.

Here’s to closing the Shropshire Gap and a happy Christmas to everyone!”

If you feel it’s something you’d like to get involved with – there are many disciplines required – then contact www. shropshireunion. org.uk

Dog Friendly Pub & Tearoom Serving real home cooked food & good drinks.

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The Leigh Arms, Warrington Road, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4QT. Tel 01606 853327

Serving Real Ales and Home Cooked food all day 14 Guest Rooms suitable for one night or more and ideal for visiting friends and relatives

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Fox Narrowboats

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On our Narrowboat holidays, you can relax on board in the cosy living space and discover the beautiful Fenland countryside. Visit Peterborough, Ely, St Ives, Huntingdon or Cambridge.

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A stress-free way to register your boat

Register your boat on the national database. PHOTO SUPPLIED THE National Boat Register is a unique idea born out of an encounter at the canalside, says its founder Anthony Little.

He explained: “My wife Cameron and I were searching for a boat that met our needs and were led to a boat for sale at the side of the canal. Upon our arrival our suspicions were immediately raised by the seller’s general lack of knowledge about the boat or its history.

“First the boat was his then later in conversation it seemed it was his friend’s. The boat had no licence and nothing else to satisfy us into handing over thousands of pounds. We liked the boat but with no proof of ownership we

had to walk away. We did think to ourselves ‘if only we had named documented proof of ownership it would have put our minds at ease’. Thus we set about our business.”

At the website www. nationalboatregister.co.uk you can, for a one-off fee, register your boat with a national database; you will be sent a brass engraved registration plate and a registration document with all your details on.

There is also a ‘new owners section’ to help with the transfer of ownership if you sell your boat. This will go a long way into helping to secure your boat, record its provenance and

hopefully help with insurance.

Anthony added: “Our goals are simple – to help secure your boat, record its provenance and work to get insurances etc at better prices for you.”

Registration, including a brass engraved registration plate and registration document, costs £78. Re-registration, including registration document, £62.

Contact details: Phone: 02477 923702/07925 767402 Email: admin@nationalboatregister. co.uk Website: www.nationalboatregister.co.uk

44 GREENER BOATING

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Reducing emissions from recreational boats Words & photos: Phil Pickin

THE marine industry recently held its annual get-together at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam.

ICOMIA, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, published a significant report, said to be the first of its kind, outlining the technologies needed to support the reduction of carbon emissions from recreational boats.

The report, which has taken two years to produce, outlines what many people will recognise as being the solution to decarbonisation in all walks of life, in that the problem needs to be approached from a number of directions.

It is hoped it will provide guidance not only for the recreational marine industry but also for governments.

The research behind the report looks at the environmental impacts of marine propulsion systems for boats under 24 metres. It investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft to compare the impact of lifetime GHG (global greenhouse gas) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range and infrastructure implications.

Propulsion technologies investigated included battery electric (electricpowered boats and watercraft), hybrid electric (internal combustion engines using liquid fuel and electric), hydrogen

The shape of things to come, a Vetus e-drive electric motor. (internal combustion engines or fuel cell), internal combustion engines with sustainable marine fuels (sustainably produced liquid substitute for conventional fossil fuel) and internal combustion engines with gasoline or diesel. What becomes apparent within the report is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to the problem and that the future will see a mix of solutions, something that has long been advocated by experts in the field.

Sustainable fuels

According to ICOMIA, the report outlines that sustainable liquid marine fuels, such as renewable drop-in fuels,

A Propel D1 electric motor. are expected to be the most suitable source of energy to decarbonise recreational boats by 2035 – by as much as 90% – without compromising the distance a boat can travel or its performance.

Of the approximately 30 million recreational boats in use worldwide, with an average total lifecycle of 40 to 50 years and global annual sales making up about 2% of the size of the current market, there is great potential for increased decarbonisation with immediate, widespread adoption of sustainable marine fuels.

ICOMIA goes on to highlight that hydrogen is an emerging technology and

another potential source for reducing carbon emissions from boats, as long as its production process is optimised.

Hydrogen, if produced via electrolysis with zero fossil fuel electricity, can reduce carbon emissions for certain craft categories.

We are seeing more electric boats on the waterways, and the report says that ‘electric propulsion is part of the strategy to decarbonise’. However, it is not universally suitable for all types of recreational craft and use cases. Electriconly propulsion may have a higher GHG contribution from raw materials and manufacturing than conventional propulsion systems.

A point frequently made when discussing electric cars, it goes on to state that watercraft types with lower usage are unlikely to find that battery electric systems yield a reduction in GHG compared to the baseline internal combustion engine.

This study considers both battery lifetime in years and recharging cycles – “This could impact watercraft that have a long lifespan but are not frequently utilised as it may require several battery replacements throughout its lifetime.”

Hybrid systems

Another category increasingly popular on the canal system is that of hybrid propulsion systems, which use both

electric and internal combustion engines powered by liquid fuels. The report authors feel that these offer the potential for reducing carbon emissions from boats in certain scenarios, namely boats used for longer periods of time and for greater distances.

In conclusion, the ICOMIA report suggests the industry takes the following steps to decarbonise: * The adoption of a technologyneutral decarbonisation approach for marine environments. * An acceleration of the development and distribution of sustainable marine fuels and consumer education campaigns that support the adoption of these new fuels. * Consumer safety and government entities partnering with the recreational marine industry to establish marine electric technology standards and consumer safety protocols. * An expansion of R&D tax credits and investments to improve electric battery density and hydrogen research that can be applied to the marine environment. * Continued research to evaluate existing and emerging technologies and how to best apply them to the unique marine environment.

It will be interesting to see if these recommendations are implemented within the UK’s waterways sector over the coming years.

Liveaboard boater develops hydrogen fuel cell generator With greener boating being under the spotlight more than it ever has been before, Phil Pickin asks the question: is hydrogen a viable option for the waterways?

IF YOU attended any of the waterways events during the past 12 months, you may have seen the Hydrogen Afloat stand displaying its somewhat unusuallooking boat-top enclosure for its hydrogen fuel cell generator.

The company behind this unique (for the waterways) method of generating domestic electricity is Hydrogen Afloat Ltd, founded two years ago by Nick Swift, a liveaboard boater for around 15 years. A professional engineer by trade, Nick has worked in the rail industry for 30 years.

Nick’s engineering background was put to good use when he began looking for an alternative to running either his boat’s engine or his portable generator to charge his domestic battery bank. The issue isn’t unique to Nick, but the solution is.

With an eye to reducing their carbon footprint along with the noise and particulate emissions produced when running either engine, Nick integrated BOC’s Hymera fuel cell into his HyArk product.

The result is a unit that produces up to 200 watts of DC power at either 12 or 24 volts, with the only emission being water vapour.

HyArk can be used in manual or automatic modes to charge up

Greener production

Hydrogen Afloat’s Hymera 200 unit on display at Crick. PHOTO: PHIL PICKIN the boat’s existing battery bank and draw its fuel supply from two cylinders mounted in the boat roof enclosure.

The choice for the rooftop location is due to the need to provide gas safety, but it also makes installation easier. The resulting unit sits quietly on the roof and only needs a new gas bottle fitted every 3-4 weeks.

This usage will be dependent on the time of year, power demands and the power provided by solar or any engine generation.

HyArk, so called because it is mounted on a boat and hydrogen atoms go in two by two, is quiet in operation and, it is felt, taps into the desire by many in the boating community to live life with a lower carbon footprint.

Anyone who has a passing interest in hydrogen’s use as a low-carbon fuel source will have heard the comments regarding ‘green hydrogen’, with detractors citing the fact that hydrogen is often produced using fossil fuel burning methods. As a result of the current way in which the majority of commercially available hydrogen is produced, it is described as grey hydrogen.

But Nick was quick to point out that things are likely to change with more greener hydrogen production methods coming on stream in the future. The hope is also that these new players in the market will also reduce the price.

Hydrogen fuel cell use is a developing market partly driven by some in the automotive industry who see the use of hydrogen, which can refuel a car in a similar way to an LPG-fuelled car, as a viable alternative to petrol. These developments could also see fuel cells with higher outputs that could work well with the 100% electric boats of the future.

In the more immediate future, the first marina on the canal system to be equipped to offer hydrogen for sale to the boating community will be Aqueduct

Will we be seeing more units like the HyArk in future on the waterways? PHOTO: HYDROGEN AFLOAT LTD Marina on the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire. The marina will soon be equipped to supply hydrogen to the boating community.

Although the management of the marina admits that the demand will be negligible to begin with, the hope is that with more boats becoming equipped with units like those made

by Hydrogen Afloat, demand will grow.

Rooftop unit

When you talk about hydrogen, Nick admits that people are both intrigued and, in some cases, a little concerned. The HyArk unit fitted on the roof of his boat has apparently sparked many conversations with both boaters and walkers on the towpath.

When it comes to safety, hydrogen only produces water as a waste

Hydrogen Afloat’s HyArk unit sits no higher than the flowers in the pots on the boat’s roof.

PHOTO: HYDROGEN AFLOAT LTD

product, and the HyArk unit has been inspected and passed as safe by BSS and local fire officers, who were happy with it.

Another question is HyArk’s position on the roof and the possible inconvenience when navigating low bridges. Nick doesn’t feel this is a major

issue, as many boaters will have planters, bikes, bags of logs, etc, on the roof, which they have to move when they pass under some bridges. HyArk can easily be moved should the need arise in much the same way.

The big question has to be, how much do these units cost to buy and run? The cost of a HyArk unit is £6995, and a refill of hydrogen from BOC is currently £59, including VAT. There is also a monthly rental for the cylinders of £15 each, including VAT. Despite the unit being designed for two cylinders, it can be used with just one, which will help to reduce the monthly rental cost. Nick is quick to point out that if you assess the cost of a generator, it is about six times more expensive per kWh. However, the company is working with partners to set up an alternative and cheaper gas supply arrangement, as this has to be the biggest issue to overcome.

The hope is to have these new arrangements in place in 2024.

Early adopters of all new technology tend to pay higher prices when products enter the marketplace, but, in the case of HyArk, the decision to opt to charge your batteries in this way will depend on the value you put on reducing noise levels, reducing your carbon emissions, and, ultimately, playing your part in reducing the impact of climate change.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

45

46 BUILDERS

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48 BUILDERS

January 2024

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Also Fully Electric Sailaways with market leading technology managed and warranted systems for peace of mind Narrow, Widebeam and Dutch Barge available We have secure widebeam moorings with parking in the HEART OF SHEFFIELD CITY, 5 mins walk to Sheffield train station & city centre

For more information, please call J Wilson on 07815 904721 or L Wilson on 07815 900670 www.jonathanwilsonboats.com

LOUIS AND JOSHUA BOATS 57’ Jonathan wilson hull traditional bow and stern to include, 1 set of side doors, front and rear doors, Sliding hatch, stern tube, 4 anodes, 2k epoxy primer.

All hull variations and extras available on request.

Basic • Vetus 40HP engine or equivalent with starter battery • Primed with Jotun Epoxy 2K primer • 5 chrome mushroom vents • 5 Caldwell single glaze windows with 4 Portholes Total = £42,737 plus VAT Basic Plus – includes all above • Fully battened • 30ml of spray foam • 3 ton of ballast • 25ml hardwood insulated floor Total = £47,307 plus VAT

Savvy Sailor – includes all above

• Sides and roof lined with accents of American white oak or equivalent • Front and rear bulkheads • Bathroom and bedroom walls to customer spec • Solid oak doors • Porthole and window solid oak reveals Total = £60,307 Plus VAT Captain Suite – includes all above • Full electric to include Victron inverter or equivalent, water pumps, down lights, under gunnel lights, USB ports, double socket fronts and light switches

• 12v and 240v distribution panel • 4 x 110a leisure batteries • 300W solar panel system with a smart Victron MPPT controller ( 2 panels) • Full plumbing system to include, 4 radiators.

• 5kw diesel heater • 55L twin coil colarifier with 240v immersion heater • 600L stainless steel water tank Total = £75,957 Plus VAT OPTIONAL EXTRAS • 2k spray applied paint work, 1 colour £6,000 plus VAT 2 colour £8,000 plus VAT 3 colour £10,000 plus VAT • Semi traditional stern £2,000 plus VAT • Square back £2,598 plus VAT • Bow thruster £2,750 plus VAT • Cruiser stern £1,298 plus VAT

Fullfits from £133,000 + VAT Stanilands Marina Lock Hill Thorne DN8 5EP 07725 979108 07815 904721

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

BEAUTIFUL BOATS BUILT TO LAST Established in 1974, Colecraft have gained the experience and expertise to ensure that the boat we build for you will last for years to come.

All our boats are custom designed and built to individual requirements.

BUILDERS / BROKERAGE 49

Your Boat • Our Expertise Over 28 years of experience selling individually inspected, well presented boats from your own mooring anywhere in the UK, or from our base at North Kilworth Marina, LE17 6HY

Boats are built to order to any stage of completion – from a bare hull or superstructure to luxuriously fitted and finished.

We build narrowbeam and widebeam boats for private and trade customers and are possibly the largest supplier of steel shells to other boat builders/fitters.

Our latest trip boats include Crusader Comunity (Widebeam with Hybrid propulsion - full MCA certification), Electra (Narrowbeam with electric propulsion - 12 passengers) and Kingfisher Mark (Widebeam with electric propulsion 12 passengers).

Our welders are coded to meet MCA requirements.

Standard fee of 6% + VAT with a loyalty discount for returning customers

01788 822 115 • admin@abnb.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers From Hull only to fully fitted narrow & wide beam boats built to your own design 57ft cruisers fully fitted from £125,500 Aintree Beetle range starting from £43,000 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE

WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM www.aintreeboats.co.uk 0151 523 9000 | info@aintreeboats.co.uk Units 14-16, Brookfield Trading Estate, Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AS

50 BROKERAGE

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

Alvecote Marina Narrowcraft Boat Sales – Dry Dock - Repairs

The No.1 choice for hull blacking -Taking full boat painting bookings for 2024

BOATYARD SERVICES

• Engine and Heating Servicing • Breakdown Callout and Repairs • Gas, Electrical and Plumbing Specialists • BSC’s & Safety Examination Work • Engine Sales and Installation • Traditional boat painting • Specialists in Historic engines and craft • Boat Brokerage

MOORINGS

• Marina Moorings • Long and short term Moorings • Coal, Gas, Diesel & Pumpouts

DRY DOCK

• Bottom Blacking • Anode Replacement • Cabin Painting • Welding • Surveys

GREAT DEALS ON EBERSPACHER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT

BOAT OF THE MONTH

SHUGLEY

£54,950

TRANQUILLITY

£34,950

SARAH JANE

£64,950

LOCKDOWN

£64,950

57ft, 1991, North West Narrowboats. A reluctant sale of a very well cared for craft, one owner from new. Mitsubishi engine, solar panels, central heating, recent hull survey. 10/6/4 steel spec.

CLAVINOVA

42ft Trad 4 berth, 1981 by Colecraft. Excellent condition, Hull shotblast and 2 pack epoxy, BSS expires: 11/2025. 1 owner from new very reluctant sale!

£64,950

60ft, 2+2 berth, just Arrived, a wonderful solid boat built by ourselves in 2007,original owner from new, New BSC until Nov 2027.

57ft, 2003 Liverpool Boats Trad, stylishly refitted 2023. Isuzu Marine engine, Victron energy inverter.

New just arrived, 65ft semi-trad, 2007 built by Liverpool Boats, immaculate internal with new bathroom and kitchen, Isuzu 42 engine, last blacked 2020. BSC March 2024.

VISIT US AT Alvecote Marina, Robeys Lane, Alvecote, Tamworth B78 1AS Tel 01827 898585 narrowcraft@alvecotemarina.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 08.30 - 17.30. Sundays & Mondays by appointment

For latest info and offers, follow us on twitter @AlvecoteMarina ON THE COVENTRY CANAL - ONLY 5 MINS FROM J10 M42 BY ROAD

www.AlvecoteMarina.co.uk

BROKERAGE 51

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

ASH BOATS LTD

For all enquiries please ring Stephen Harral 07771 510154.

Ref 1504

VENDELLA £52,500 50ft trad style by John White with a David Moores fit out.

Very high quality woodwork – a combination of ash and oak. Well crafted and with cupboards and shelves everywhere. Aft bedroom, forward living area. Very good condition.

Ref 1505

ROSE O’LEIGH £27,950 47ft trad style, with large, open living area, shower/wc and storage cupboards aft. Extended by 15ft in 2015 with a new Vetus 4cyl engine. Basic, functional boat ideal for the simple life afloat.

Solar charging, Squirrel stove heating. Well priced.

W NE TING LIS

Ref 1508

Ref 1502

CANAL BROKERAGE IN CHESHIRE.

www.ashboats.co.uk

BRISTOL FASHION £56,950 50ft Dutch style narrowbeam.

Fully refitted (from bare shell) in 2017. Lovely bright interior with shower forward, bedroom, aft living area of lounge, dining area and galley. Solar, inverter, solid fuel stove, gorgeous wood floor – all new 6 years’ ago. Good survey from 2021 available.

MELLOR 16 £125,000 NEW BUILD 57 ft cruiser style narrowboat completed Sept ’23 and now available for immediate delivery with all certification/ warranties etc. Aft living area, forward bedroom. Lovely contemporary interior.

steve@ashboats.co.uk

Ref 1507

RADAR £66,950 Lovely 58ft cruiser style, Bridgewater Boatbuilders in 2007 with lovely alterations by Nantwich Canal Centre. Beta 43, bow thruster, solar panels, washing machine, Victron 3.0kw inverter, aft canopy. Oak and ash woodwork. Very good condition.

Own mooring.

Ref 1506

PEARL GRACE £27,950 A unique 32ft narrowboat with wheel steering forward (In the cabin) and tiller steering on aft deck, plenty of windows and designed as a weekender with sleeping potential aft and a makeup bed forward. Wc/shower and cooking facilities. Hardly used.

MANDOLIN WIND £69,950 Built to a high standard by Cherilton Boats in 2012 with Stunning steelwork by XR&D; Recent full exterior repaint. 60ft Semi-trad, narrowboat, Aft Galley (granite work tops), pullman dinette, lounge, shower room (with pump-out), Forward bedroom. Lovely woodwork, high spec – washing machine, bow thruster, Mastervolt, battery management. Lovely condition.

Ref 1503

NEW CONCEPT PREMIUM 577 £139,500 57ft cruiser style narrowboat, due for Completion with a high spec and lovely quality. Reverse layout with bedroom forward, Aft galley, central living. Still some scope for buyer input (exterior colour/ extras etc). Bow thruster, Victron electronics, solar panels, very stylish interior. Can be viewed by Appointment. (Pictures of similar boat).

Ref 1494

Ref 1488

BOURNE 54 £78,500 54ft Peerless built trad with a Bourne Boatbuilders full refit just completed. New interior with bedroom aft, lounge forward.

All new appliances, New exterior paintwork. Stunning woodwork.

New appearance.

Expert advice and guidance when buying and selling your Narrowboat At Swanley Brokerage we take pride in our professional approach and unrivalled reputation in selling narrowboats for our clients.

Our friendly and experienced Brokerage team ensure our clients sail smoothly through the buying and selling process.

If you would like to find out more about what we can offer please call 01270 524855 or email sales@swanleybrokerage.co.uk Swanley Bridge Marina, Springe Lane, Swanley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8NR - www.swanleybrokerage.co.uk

52 BROKERAGE

January 2024

ALICE MAY

£27,000

MONTPELLIER

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

£48,000

CED U D RE Alice May - 1984 51ft - Arkwright Hull and owner fitout. Powered by a BMC 1.5 with a PRM160VR2 Gearbox. Boat Safety Until April 2023

FIRWOOD

£50,000

2006 49ft – Napton Narrowboats hull and fitout.

Powered by a Shire 1952 with a PRM260 Gearbox. Boat safety until May 2026.

MERDEKA

£58,000 2005 57ft – John White hull and Triton Boat Fitters fitout.

Powered by a Vetus M417K with a TMC 60-2R Gearbox.

2001 50ft – Colecraft hull and fitout. Powered by an Beta 1505 Cylinder with a PRM150 Gearbox.

JACK FROST

£43,000

ED C U RED

RED DAWN

£58,000

2004 45ft - M+P Steelcraft hull with first owner fitout.

Boat Safety Until August 2026.

Marine Engines Specialists in servicing, rebuilding and spare parts for BMC. Our respected quality re-manufactured BMC 1.5 and and 1.8s marinised for keel cooling from £2820 If it’s BMC we have what you need Call us now!

A range of high quality re-built gearboxes are also available.

2003 55ft – Severn Valley Boat Centre Hull and Fitout.

Powered by a Yanmar Shire with a PRM150 Gearbox.Boat safety until April 2027.

T: 01926 813757 E: boats@calcuttboats.com www.calcuttboatsshop.com Tomlow Road, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire.

CV47 8HX

ORDER ONLINE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.calcuttboatsshop.com Open 24/7 for all your BMC and Hurricane spare parts and all your other chandlery needs online.

Reliable central heating and hot water for boats of any size

www.dieselheating.com

BROKERAGE 53

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

View all our boats! lakelandleisureboatsales.co.uk OZYMANDIAS | £75,000

FRANKY M | £24,995

60X12.6FT WIDEBEAM | SHAKESPEARE MARINA

43X10FT WIDEBEAM | ROYDON MARINA VILLAGE

32FT CRUISER | GREAT HAYWOOD MARINA

READY STEADY SLOW | £51,950

CANTERBURY TALES | £175,000

NOAH’S AUK | £65,000

57FT CRUISER STERN | SHAKESPEARE MARINA

68X12FT WIDEBEAM | SAUL JUNCTION MARINA

57FT SEMI TRAD | TATTENHALL MARINA

NEW - COLLINGWOOD EUROCRUISER | £176,950

POUSTINIA | £29,995

WOODY | £35,000

60FT WIDEBEAM | TATTENHALL MARINA

31FT CRUISER STERN | SAUL JUNCTION MARINA

RE D U

CE D

RE

D

U CE D

THE KRAKEN | £ 120,000

40FT CRUISER STERN | SAUL JUNCTION MARINA

Buy a selected boat, get a free mooring!

Scan here for offer details:

We have boat sales offices in 9 locations, 5 inland marinas and 1 coastal marina

Please note, this offer is valid only on selected Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales stock boats. This offer is subject to mooring availability and is non-transferable.

Completion of sale must be by 31st December 2023. A free mooring of up to 12 months will be offered for selected boats sold, at a Lakeland Leisure Marina, subject to availability.

9

BOAT SALES OFFICES

07534 655702

07354 902086

07585 956804

07748 036638

07513 708099

SHAKESPEARE: 07354 902085 | CAEN HILL: 07354 902085 | DEGANWY (COASTAL BOATS): 07935 010167

54 BROKERAGE

January 2024

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

David Mawby Ltd NOTTINGHAM LANE, OLD DALBY, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE14 3LX

T: 07721 382619 E: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com W: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Quality River and Canal Motor Cruisers are available to view by appointment at our Leicestershire indoor showroom. Over 20 years experience and 2,500 boats sold.

ATLANTA 24

£17,995 VIKING 22

Length 24ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1990, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, toilet, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, CREAM LEATHERETTE UPHOLSTERY WITH BLUE PIPING, RECENT NEW CANOPY, powered by a Honda 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles

£28,995

Length 22ft, Beam 7ft8ins, Built 2007, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, shower, cassette toilet, warm air heating, fridge, 12 and 240 volts electrics, NEW CANOPY, powered by a Honda 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available,

New Viking Cruisers

Show Boats Now Available to view at our indoor showroom.

Prices From £39,995.

Including Outboard Engine PLEASE CALL FOR LATEST OFFERS

VIKING 20

£22,995 VIKING 23

Length 20ft, Beam 7ft4ins, Built 2003, 4 Berths, cooker, fridge, cassette toilet, shower, hot and cold water system, 12 and 240 volts electrics, recent new canopy, powered by a Tohatsu 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2027, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull polished and new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, FREE DELIVERY within 250 miles or local mooring available,

£19,995

Length 23ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1995, 4 Berths, cooker, toilet, fridge, shower, hot and cold water system, WARM AIR HEATING, 12 and 240 volts electrics, NEW CREAM LEATHERETTE CUSHION COVERS WITH BLUE PIPING, NEW CABIN AND COCKPIT SIDE LININGS AND FLOOR CARPETS, powered by Honda 15Hp 4 stroke outboard engine, Bsc 2028, all original gelcoat (not painted), hull and superstructure fully polished, new antifouling, includes new mooring ropes, clean fenders, etc, free delivery within 250 miles or local mooring available, SUPERB BOAT IN SUPERB CONDITION

As the Viking Motor Cruisers Premier Agent we are delighted to announce the arrival of the NEW VIKING 26 WIDE BEAM GOLDEN CROWN EDITION to celebrate 50 years of Viking Motor Cruisers. With new easy access lift out cockpit sides, new open plan cabin layout, 2 tone cockpit upholstery and warm air heating as standard, along with the usual fittings including cooker with hob, grill & oven, fridge, hot and cold water system, shower, cassette toilet, 12 & 240 volts electrics, 6 berths, and a 30Hp 4 stroke outboard engine.

Priced at £64,995.

Book your viewing now on 07721 382619.

WINTER OFFER UP TO £2000 OFF ANY NEW VIKING STOCK BOAT WITH 5 AVAILABLE TO VIEW.

David Mawby Narrowboat Sales are open by appointment at Shardlow Marina, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire, DE72 2GL

SUENOS

£47,995

Length 44ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2008 by East West Marine with a cruiser stern, powered by a Barrus Shanks 35Hp inboard diesel.

From the bow is the open plan living area with solid fuel stove and sofa bed, next is the galley with 4 ring gas hob, grill and oven, stainless steel sink, fridge and granite worktops, the wash room is next with a large shower, sink unit and pump-out toilet, the bedroom is to the rear of the boat and has a fixed double with a central heating radiator and wardrobe. Includes Webasto Central heating, combi inverter charger, 12 and 240 volts electrics, pram canopy, 3 x solar panels and a Bsc to May 2025.

FUTUREST

£49,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 1998 by Ian Davis as a traditional boat with a boatman’s cabin and powered by a Russell Newbury 18Hp traditional engine in engine room. Current Bsc. The hull is constructed with a 12 mm base plate. The boatman’s cabin has a single berths, an Epping solid fuel stove, pull down table & storage cupboards. Moving forward is the engine room with side hatches both sides, next is the washroom with a shower, porta potti toilet and sink, followed by a the galley with a Belfast sink, shoreline fridge, full size gas cooker and side hatch. Moving towards the bow of the boat is the main living area with a Morso solid fuel stove with back boiler giving heat to the radiators, free standing sofa bed, corner storage cabinets and under gunwell storage with fold up table and chairs.The boat includes a front cratch cover, colarifier, washing machine,and Tv.

LITTLE TROJAN

£29,995 SALLY CASS POO

Length 32ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2003 by Sea Otter Boats, 1 owner from new, powered by a Nanni 21Hp 3 Cylinder Diesel engine, Less than 160 hours from new. Rear cabin comprises of a galley with a full size gas cooker, shoreline fridge, worktop with sink and drainer, cupboards with TV mounted above, dining area which converts to a small double bed, and controls for the Webasto heating. The front cabin has a double bed, along with the toilet and shower compartment, with a cassette toilet, shower and sink. A new canopy is on order for the boat. The craft is fitted with diesel heating along with 12 and 240 volts electrics and a battery charger. The BSC is valid to 2027.

£54,995

Length 57ft, Beam 6ft10ins, Built 2004 by Dave Clarke with a Trad Stern, fit out by Bridgecraft, powered by a Thornycroft diesel engine, Standard layout with bedroom at stern with a fixed double bed, next it the large bathroom with shower, pump-out toilet and sink, the galley in next with units both sides and a side hatch, followed by the main living area, the boat is heated via an Alde boiler with radiators thoughout the boat. There is also 12 and 240 volt electrics and immersion heater. The Bsc is to May 2026.

This is a very clean and tidy vessel.

Narrowboats URGENTLY required for brokerage or outright purchase.

(Free valuation, free storage, fast payout on completion, competitive rates, terms apply) Please contact David on 07721 382619

Website: www.davidmawbyboats.co.uk

Email: davidmawbyboats@gmail.com

BROKERAGE 55

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

OPEN 7 DAYS A OF WEEK LARGE CHOICE

NEWLY LISTED WIDEBEAMS WIDEBEAMS NARROWBOATS DUTCH BARGES

AVAILABLE FROM £100,000

NEW LISTING - AVAILABLE NOW!

VIKING CANAL BOATS 70' X 12' 06'' 'Cloudbusting' | £184,500 | thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

WIDEBEAMS

NOTTINGHAM BOAT CO. 70' X 12'

COLLINGWOOD 60' X 10'

COLECRAFT 70' WIDEBEAM

'The Jupiter' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Tenacious’ thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Sunflower' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£169,950

£129,950

£149,950

£114,950

JONATHAN WILSON/FERNWOOD

CANAL CRAFT NARROWBOAT

G J REEVES SEMI TRAD 70'

thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Georgina C' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Gladiator' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

'Itchen To Go’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£119,950

£82,500

£55,950

£76,950

SEA OTTER 31' NARROWBOAT

PETER NICHOLLS STEELBOATS 55'

SEA OTTER 46' NARROWBOAT

NARROWBOAT 60' RERRY BABCOCK

'Baddlesmere’ pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Water Woodstock' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Wey Otter' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

‘Yin Tang' pyrfordboatsales@tingdene.net

£41,950

£54,950

£64,950

£59,950

AQUALINE METROFLOAT 60' X 11' ‘One Life' thamesboatsales@tingdene.net

NARROWBOATS

JONATHAN WILSON/FINESSE BOATS NARROWBOAT

NEW AND USED BOATS AVAILABLE FROM 10 UK LOCATIONS BERTHING AT ANY TINGDENE MARINA GUARANTEED* WITH ALL CRAFT SOLD!

SPECIALIST WIDE BEAM AND NARROWBOAT SALES OFFICES Walton Marina | 01932 221689 Hartford Marina | 01480 274707 Pyrford Marina | 01932 343275 Upton Marina | 01684 593111 Stourport Marina | 01299 827082 Thames and Kennet Marina | 01189 477770 *subject to availability

Tel: 01933 551622 boatsales@tingdene.net www.tingdeneboating.com

56 BROKERAGE

January 2024

NORBURY WHARF Limiitedd

www.towpathtalk.co.uk

New stock arriving shortly

Traditional boatyard, with traditional values

REF 10539 - Queen Maeve 46 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. £28,950.00

REF 10541 - Teiwaz 60 foot tug style narrow boat. £44,950.00

REF 10542 - Sapphire 50 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £34,950.00

REF 10544 - Calluna 34 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £33,500.00

REF 10547 - Blue Diamond 60 foot traditional stern narrow boat. £49,950.00

REF 10548 - Cead Mile Failte.

50 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED. £35,950.00.

REF 10551 - Highland Mist.

REF 10552 - Brummie Jem. 56 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED. £34,950.00. 65 foot tug style narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED. £49,950.00.

ARRIVING SOON 69 foot cruiser stern narrow boat. £TBC

REF 10553 - Golden Lark.

56 foot semi traditional stern narrow boat. JUST ARRIVED. £41,950.00.

Please visit our website for a full list of boats currently For Sale

The Wharf, NORBURY JUNCTION Staffordshire ST20 0PN Tel: (01785) 284292 • E-mail: info@norburywharfltd.co.uk

www.norburywharfltd.co.uk

BROKERAGE 57

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR BROKERAGE OR PURCHASED OUTRIGHT MY JOY 33ft Atlanta centre cockpit cruiser built by Viking. Propulsion provided by a Honda 30hp

Outboard petrol engine with the assistance of a bow thruster. Hot water and central heating provided by a Malaga. Electrics comprising of a 12v, 240v landline, Inverter, 1 starter, 3 leisure batteries and a solar panel.

The galley offers a Smev cooker & hob along with a fridge, and dinette seating. We can find 2 bathrooms, both with a shower, one with a Pump Out and one with a cassette toilet. 6 berths is arranged over a fixed double bed in the aft cabin, convertible dinette, and convertible seating in the fore cabin. The centre cockpit features timber wood flooring along with a canopy cover. BSC May 2025. Blacked 2022.

£24,950

MAYBEL 58ft Trad built by Heron Boat Builders in 2004. Isuzu 42hp engine with a BSC 55kgf

Bow thruster. Electrics 12v, 240v landline, Sterling Pure Sine Wave Inverter, 1 starter, 3 leisure, 1 bow thruster batteries, Sterling Power battery charger. Galley - Country Leisure Midi Prima, Country Leisure Argent 4 burner hob, Shoreline fridge and a Bush microwave. 4 berths - fixed double bed and a sofa bed. Maybel has 2 bathrooms, the main housing a Thetford toilet, Shower and vanity basin and a 2nd with a cassette toilet and a vanity basin. Configured to offer a wealth of storage and the potential for a work/office space. 2 Side Hatches. BSC 2027. Blacked 2022.

£79,950

LE GRAND BLEU A 60ft by 11ft Widebeam Cruiser built by Liverpool Boats in 2008, featuring

an Isuzu 55hp engine and a Vetus gearbox. It includes systems such as a Calorifier and Webasto for hot water, a Multi Fuel Stove, and a Victron Phoenix Smart Inverter. Additionally, it has a Belling oven, a Waeco fridge with built-in freezer, and a fixed double bed in the stern. The bathroom features a fullsize shower and a separate Porta Pottie toilet. The boat has a BSC until Feb 2025 and was blacked with 8 anodes in Feb 2021. Le Grand Bleu is a stylish water home in need of some cosmetic finishing.

£89,950 L’ANCHOIS 60ft by 12ft Widebeam Cruiser. Built by Collingwood in 2016. She has everything needed for continuous cruising or shore-based living. Canaline 52hp engine and a PRM 150 gearbox. Electricals 12v, 240v landline,Victron Multiplus 3000 inverter, 1 starter & 4 leisure batteries along with 4 x 250w solar panels with Outback Flexmax power system. Open and spacious galley offering a cooker, Shoreline fridge with freezer compartment and a double Belfast sink. Through the saloon onto the bathroom where we find a compost toilet, bath with shower over, vanity basin and Hoover washing machine. 3 Berths, 2 Cabins.

Master bedroom custom king size bed with underbed storage. Second bedroom custom-built single bunk.

L’Anchois has been beautifully crafted, if you are looking to begin a life on the water without having to compromise on space and home comforts then enquire about L’Anchois today!

£129,950

NOW OPERATING FROM 10 MARINAS NATIONWIDE BOAT SALES LTD

Email: enquiries@nationwideboatsales.co.uk www.nationwideboatsales.co.uk Tel: 01889 881960

Staniland Marina, Lock Hill, Thorne, Doncaster DN8 5EP

Tel: 01405 816992 www.stanilandmarina.co.uk On the Stainforth & Keady Canal, convenient for all waterways in the north

Staniland Marina Boats For Sale Narrow/Widebeams Collingwood 60 x 13 Widebeam 2020 – Stunning top end fit out, won’t be around for long. Register your interest with us. £159,995 New Staniland Boats 2023 57’ Narrowboat – Vetus 42hp, Bowthruster, 4 berths in 2 cabins, Oak/Birch fitout, spacious saloon, large Corian galley with all appliances fitted. Walk-thru bathroom, full size shower, master king cabin. £159,995

SOLD

Springer Narrowboats, 27’ Narrowboat.

Recent Beta 20hp. 4 berth in 1 cabin, usual comforts £12,995

Cruisers

SOLD

Doral 250SE Sports Cruiser. Mercruiser V8 250hp. 6 berths in 3 cabins. Modern sports cruiser with spacious cockpit & cabin. 240v, Hob, Microwave, Fridge, new canopy, recent antifoul. £29,995 Brand New 2023 Sea Hunter Viper – Tohatsu 30hp, fully loaded. Upholstery, tonneau, radar arch, lighting, ideal fishing boat £15,995 Fletcher Zingaro 30 Sports Cruiser. 2 x Volvo AQ151 138hp.

New canopy ’22, Well presented. Lying Boroughbridge. £15,495 Salter Bros 30 Broads Cruiser – 32hp BMC, 4 berths in 2 cabins, typical spacious broads cruiser with galley, saloon & heads. £19,995 Seamaster 27 – 32hp BMC, 4 berths in 2 cabins, good value starter cruiser. £8,495

58 BROKERAGE

January 2024

Tel: (01788) 891373 Fax: (01788) 891436

Braunston Marina Ltd The Wharf Braunston Nr. Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 7JH

On the Internet: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk Email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk

REDUCED CHISWICK

FOR SALE £69,990

71ft 6” /21.82m Trad Style, Hull by Harland and Wolf –1937, F/O 2006, 2/4 Berth.

AUTUMN

£43,500

50ft/15.24m Tug Style 1995, Hull by Colecraft, Fit Out by Owner, 2/4 Berth

REDUCED VICTORIA

FOR SALE £45,000

52’(15.85M) – Semi Trad 1996 – Hull by Michael Cull F/O by Lockhart boats, 2 berth, Trad engine midships.

REDUCED ON REFLECTION

GAIA

£44,950

42ft /12.80m Trad Style 1998, Hull & Fit Out by Venetian, 2/4 Berth

REDUCED £59,950

60ft /19.29m Semi Trad Style 2007, Hull & F/O by Aq qualine, 2/4 Berth

WIBBLY WOBBLY

FOR SALE £119,950

60ft /18.3m Semi Trad Style 2014, Hull Tyler Wilson, F/O by Milburn Boats, Reverse Layyout & Hyybrid Enggine, 2/4 Berth,

£59,950

57ft /17.37, Trad Style 2007, Hull & F/O by Northwich Boats, 2/4 Berth

LION STAR

THISTLE DDU

£34,950

46.2ft /14.08m Cruiser Style 1987,Hull & Fit Out by Rug gbyy Boat Builders, 2/4 Berth

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE SILENE

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£55,000

61ft 6”/18.74m Traditional Style 1985, Hull by Malcolm Braine, Fit Out byy Chris Lloyyd/Braine, 2/6 Berth

NAMASTE

£47,000

50ft /15.24m Cruiser Style 2001, Hull & F/O by Calcutt, 2/5 Berth Reverse Layyout

THERE ARE MANY GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER LETTING US SELL YOUR BOAT.....

Here are just two:  

We have a proven record for high and quick turnover of boat sales founded on our famous and prominent location An excellent and efficient purchasing procedure for our buyers backed up by our comprehensive boatyard facilities and services, and attentive, caring staff.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

BOATS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE THIS SEASON

• Moorings • Narrowboat Sales • Steelwork by Arrangement • Chandlery • Pump Out • Laundrette • Diesel • Calor Gas • Dry & Wet Docks • Blacking • DIY Facilities • Engine Repairs & Servicing • Painting & Signwriting • Rope Fenders • Refits & Alterations

59

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

BALLAST

BOOKS

CANOPIES

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

CANALIA

GRAPHICS

BOAT BUILDER

COURSES

CANOPIES GRIT BLASTING

BOAT PAINTERS

HEATING

DOUBLE GLAZING

BOATS WANTED

INSURANCE

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January 2024 www.towpathtalk.co.uk

INSURANCE

MOORINGS

SERVICE & REPAIRS

INSURANCE

MAPS SERVICES

MOBILE MARINE ENGINEER

LED LIGHTING

MOORINGS

MAIL FORWARDING

SERVICES

61

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SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

TRANSPORT BY ROAD

TRANSPORT BY ROAD WINDOWS

62 READER ADVERTS/NEWS

January 2024

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READER ADVERTS RCR warning as Selling your boat is FREE for private readers of Towpath Talk For Sale

DUTCH BARGE large residential, very spacious liveaboard, or a weekend retreat, at Gravesend Embankment (residential) Marina near a very nice park on the banks of the Thames; and near the town with shops etc, has a log burner, diesel fired central heating, electric heating, main bedroom has a large king-size bed, 2nd bedroom can be a bedroom or a study or workshop, £79,950 Tel. 07803 938805.

FAIRLINE VIXEN 20ft cruiser, fitted with a brand new Tohatsu MFSISE EPTS outboard, self-start remote steering, complete with twin axle trailer, offers near £8000, can be viewed at Kingfisher Wharf, East Bridgford Tel. 07713 897251

MARIE LOUISE is a lovely go anywhere 60ft cruiser stern narrowboat owned from new, reverse layout with dinette, c/ heating, inverter, stove, cassette toilet and cross bed, £69,950 Tel. 07960 768724.

THISTLE 40FT NARROWBOAT ready to move in, living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, kitted out with everything you need, lovely outside deck area too, £38,500 Tel. 07702 991273.

NAUTI BUOY is a lovely 60ft semi trad narrowboat and owned from new, very well looked after and a boat to be proud of, entering the pram covered stern into the very popular reverse layout boat with the galley first, well appointed with fridge/ freezer, freestanding cooker, granite work surfaces and plenty of storage, small dinette, 2 easy chairs and fitted TV, multi fuel stove and Webasto central heating to 2 designer radiators and towel radiator, great narrowboat for the liveaboard or extended cruising, £99,950 Tel. 07960 768724.

WINDERMERE CHAR rowing boat, totally restored, all new ribs, seats floorboards on purpose built trailer, photos of restoration, Four oars, bilge pump, flag etc, used on Norfolk Broads, immaculate, stored in Ipswich, £7000 ono Tel. 07778 281065.

Parts For Sale MORSO 1410 spares (used), top and bottom boors, baffle plate, grate, ash can, brick set, operating tool, £215 Tel. 07837 091523. Banbury.

OUTBOARD Tension spring, new still packed stainless steel, £8. Honda Morse single lever control box plus one push pull control cable, all can be used on other outboards. Honda Electric start outboard impeller used but very good condition, Freeman boat parts various, £5 Tel. 01932 707165. Surrey. Email. raphilips@ ntlworld.com

FREEMAN WATERMOTA some new impellers still boxed, Crossflow 6 blade type £20 each Tel. 01932 707165. Email. raphillips@ntlworld.com POWER MASTER Pure Sine Wave Inverter PM 3000L in full working order, replaced with new charger/ inverter, £150 buyer collects Leicester. Tel. 07850 369450.

SABB 2H diesel engine with gearbox, full nut and bolt rebuild with new gaskets and parts including starter motor and alternator. Also Sabb model G diesel engine with full nut and bolt re-build with new gaskets and parts and new manifold also starter motor, both engines include s/gear. Also for sale national 2 DM diesel engine full strip down and rebuilt including new bearings, pistons and RN conversions trunk and support for new PRM gearbox Tel. 01254 202341.

STUART TURNER marine engine 4HP with reverse gear and raised hand start on works, fitted base drip tray with locating positions for securing a boat hull, this engine has never been installed and comes complete with full stern gear and brass exhaust and copper piping and fittings, would be lovely in a launch or cruiser.

Also Stuart Turner 3HP engine type 5LY on timber supports hand start from flywheel end, both engines are magnificent with the brass work, contact for further details Tel. 01254 202341.

TAPS chrome, push down and release taps, brand new unused, £4 each. Freeman 23 chrome hand rail brackets very good condition, both tyres fits all Freemans can fit other boats, £5 each. Tel. 01932 707165. Email. raphilips@ntlworld.com

Miscellaneous

MORSO SQUIRREL 1410 multifuel stove, Morso Offset insulated flue & chimney, perfect working condition, £600 Tel. 07947 744066.

storms sink boats AS STORMS continue to batter the UK, River Canal Rescue (RCR) is reporting an increase in the number of call-outs to recover submerged vessels.

In October, Storm Babet alone was responsible for 13 boats succumbing to rapidly rising water levels on the Caldon, Chesterfield, Leeds & Liverpool and Leicester Canals, the Rivers Great Ouse, Soar, Trent and Weaver, and in Leicester Marina.

RCR expects persistent heavy rainfall and storms to increase the number of vessels experiencing issues and says continually rising water levels will result in more divers needed to recover them.

“Boats either couldn’t cope with the deluge of rain, were unable to rise in line with increasing water levels due to too-tight ropes, or in the case of one call-out, sunk after trying to turn in strong currents, ended up listing and catching a tree stump where water overwhelmed the vents,” commented managing director, Stephanie Horton.

“A number were swept down river when flood waters and flow increased, depositing them, semisubmerged and miles from their home location.”

RCR says in a seven-week period, starting the beginning of October, 35 vessels fell victim to storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi. “With our winters predicted to become even wetter, it’s important to prepare for stormy weather and check your insurance is adequate,” Stephanie continued.

More than 40% of the rescues RCR has attended have had claims denied for differing reasons, including some where salvage is not included in the cover.

Be prepared

Stephanie added: “While not all situations can be avoided, owners should check their mooring ropes are loose enough to cope with sudden changes in water levels, and if a mooring is at risk of flooding, run a rope to locations that can still be accessed even in a flood situation.

“To stop a vessel drifting on to land when water levels rise, position a scaffold pole or poles, or a boarding plank, between the boat and the river/canal side edge and fix it into position. This acts as a mooring post, preventing flood waters from floating the boat on to land.”

Alongside weather-related emergencies, RCR reports badly worn deck boards and leaking stern glands are key contributors to water ingress.

Stephanie explained: “Engine bays covered by marine-ply deck boards are supported by a C-shaped

Water ingress due to a storm.

PHOTO: RCR

steel channel with drain holes to collect any seeping rainwater. If the drain holes block with debris, leaves and dirt etc, water flows over the channel sides into the engine bay.

Over time, the wooden deck boards decay, creating a wider gap between them, and so the downward spiral continues; more debris falls into the channel holes and more water flows into the engine bay. Prevent this by replacing worn deck boards and clearing drainage holes.

“If a stern gland leaks when the vessel is stationary, it can potentially flood the engine area. As this collar of rubber or brass forms a barrier where the propeller shaft exits the hull, it must be well greased with tight packing. The grease should act as a seal while not in use and you can tighten it by adjusting the nut on the stern tube.

“If greasing and tightening the adjust bolts fails to slow the leak, the packing may need replacing.

Address this fast; a quick build-up of water will cause the vessel to sink – even if you have a bilge pump, it will soon be overwhelmed.

“When the propeller shaft is turning, a stern gland should only leak a few drops a minute – it’s difficult to be precise, as the amount is dependent on the gland’s age and type. However, water must circulate through the stern gland to keep it cool as the shaft turns. If you’re unsure what adjustment to make, check the stern gland temperature; if it’s too hot, the packing’s too tight.

“Water spilling into the engine bay will cause the vessel to sit lower in the water, which in turn puts shower, sink or air outlets nearer to the water level, often with devastating results.”

ON IRISH WATERS WITH ALISON ALDERTON 63

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

Waterways Ireland launches ambitious 10-year plan The navigational authority for the inland waterways, Waterways Ireland (WI), has launched its 10-year plan, which seeks to deliver on the enhancement, restoration and conservation of Ireland’s waterways, greenways and blueways.

COVERING 1100km of canals, rivers and lakes as well as more than 600km of cycleways and trails by waterscapes, WI plays a significant role in creating value for the public good – by providing increased economic, social and environmental benefits.

This ambitious 10-year plan provides a strategic vision for reimagining historic waterways, greenways and blueways to make them more sustainable and accessible while offering enhanced recreational opportunities for users, including watersports, angling, cycling, walking, boating and more. More than a million people live within 10km of a waterway, meaning there is great potential for more people to enjoy these recreational opportunities.

The long-term vision will

be supported by an initial investment of around €200 million in funding over the first three years of a 10-year cycle.

This investment will facilitate a number of ambitious plans that will restore, enhance and further develop the network of waterways, green and blueways across the island of Ireland while creating attractive visitor experiences on canals, rivers and walking and cycling trails for locals and visitors alike.

One of the key investment anddevelopmentopportunities is the redevelopment of Dublin Docklands and the canals running directly through the capital city, designed to bring these areas to a standard seen in other European capitals. This will mean the public can enjoy both the waterside facilities and amenities, as well as broader water-based activities

in central urban locations.

Outside of Dublin, one of the largest engineering feats ever undertaken by the organisation is the development of the Ulster Canal – a 14km distance that will see the creation of a new canal and a new marina within Clones, Co Monaghan.

The project, which is currently in phase two and expected to reach completion in 2028, will receive €120 million in capital funding and create 100 indirect jobs as part of the project.

Sustainability is a central element of this plan, ensuring the future viability of these amenities for local communities and recreational users for years to come while preserving natural habitats for wildlife, flora and fauna.

The 10-year plan provides a directional pathway that looks to enhance and upgrade these

Living Seawalls from the heart of the Shannon RIVER Shannon-based company Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS), known worldwide for the manufacture and fitting of quality marina solutions, has recently signed an agreement with Living Seawalls to be its production partner and supplier in the UK and Ireland.

As part of a flagship programme with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science in collaboration with Reef Design Laboratory, Living Seawalls designs and produces innovative modular panels which mimic foreshore and intertidal habitats to revive increasingly ‘urbanised’ oceans. The three-dimensional tile-like concrete panels attach in a mosaic pattern, adding texture, shape and form to flat seawalls and other ocean-facing structures which otherwise would lack the complexity required for a biodiverse marine environment.

The Living Seawalls programme is supported by sustainable development consultanc y, Arup, through its partnership

Living Seawalls are inhabited by living organisms.

PHOTO: INLAND AND COASTAL MARINE SYSTEMS

with The Earthshot Prize. James Turley, associate director at Arup, commented: “Through Arup’s collaboration with Living Seawalls, we have helped demonstrate how its products can assist in regenerating biodiversity in our oceans in a sustainable way.

“Coastal infrastructure is often crucial, yet its construction can impact and encroach upon the intertidal zone.

Living Seawalls is part of the solution and I am delighted that by using our industry connections we were able to introduce Living Seawalls to ICMS. I look forward to the partnership flourishing and seeing many more Living Seawalls habitat

Banagher on the River Shannon, home of ICMS. PHOTO: ALISON ALDERTON

panels around our coasts.”

The novel tile format allows any combination of the six modular designs of ridges, honeycomb, kelp holdfast, swimthrough, rockpool and large rockpool to be fitted directly to a newly constructed sea wall or to be retrofitted to an existing structure. Where the existing structure already has a bio-diverse population of marine life, the Living Seawalls tiles can be offset by 100mm thereby negating the removal of existing growth and allowing an extra protective environment for young fish and crustaceans.

ICMS w ill be manufacturing the Living Seawalls concrete habitat panels at its facility in Banagher, Ireland, using waste material from its floating concrete breakwater and pontoon manufacturing process.

To find out more visit: www.inland andcoastal.com

Living Seawalls in an urban setting. PHOTO:

INLAND AND COASTAL MARINE SYSTEMS

Cycling the Royal Canal Greenway at Enfield, Co Meath.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FÁILTE IRELAND

Minister Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister for Heritage, with John McDonagh, CEO of Waterways Ireland, launching the WI 10-year plan. PHOTO SUPPLIED amenities for the public good in a manner that is harmonious with the surrounding environments, and supports ecological integrity while promoting biodiversity and eco-friendly practices.

The waterways under the organisation’s remit include the Lower Bann Navigation, Erne System, Shannon-Erne

Wa t e r w a y , Shannon Navigation, Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow Navigation and Ulster Canal. WI is the largest north-south body, established in 1999 as part of the Good Friday Agreement.

Headquartered in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, WI employs more than 375 people across the island of Ireland.

Pigeon House Harbour proposed as Dublin houseboat community THE Dublin branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) has submitted a proposal to Malcolm Noonan, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to set up houseboat berths on the River Liffey and develop a new residential marina on Pigeon House Harbour.

Reg McCabe, IWAI Dublin branch public relations officer, told Towpath Talk reporter Alison Alderton: “The inclusion of houseboats in the Dublin City Development Plan is a very significant first that could be adopted elsewhere. There is a need for further engagement with both Dublin County Council and WI in relation to guidelines and criteria for selecting suitable locations.

Pigeon House Harbour is just one of many possibilities including Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock.”

Pigeon House Harbour was originally used back in the late 18th century for ships arriving at Dublin Port. The name Pigeon House derives from John Pidgeon who resided in a caretaker’s lodge built there in 1760 from where he provided refreshments for labourers building the Great South Wall and the growing number of travellers arriving in Dublin Port.

Following conversion to military barracks and later a power station that closed in 1976, the Pigeon House Harbour area fell into decline. In recent years, Dublin City Council has sought expressions of interest in redeveloping the Pigeon House site but it remains in a state of advanced dereliction.

The Dublin City Development Plan which sets out how the city will develop to meet the needs of all residents, workers and visitors,

Pigeon House Harbour, River Liffey. PHOTOS COURTESY IWAI DUBLIN commits to work with Waterways Ireland (WI) to identify appropriate locations for houseboat serviced moorings and facilities. Pigeon House Harbour,

Royal Canal Greenway continues winning streak THE Royal Canal Greenway, Ireland’s longest greenway, can add yet another title to its growing list of accolades after being awarded first place in the Excellence Award category at the 11th European Greenways Awards.

In the awards, which took place recently in Rome, the Royal Canal Greenway competed against routes such as The Trabocchi Coast Greenway in Italy and The European Bridge, a cross-border Polish-German greenway, to be named as the leading greenway in Europe.

Established in 2003, the European Greenways Awards are biennial awards that assess Europe’s leading greenways, those that stand out for their excellence and demonstration of best practice.

Developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with the four local authorities of Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford, the 130km Royal Canal Greenway is a mostly flat, off-road route following a former towpath for horsedrawn barges, featuring 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts and links Dublin with the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, at the tranquil harbour village of Cloondara, Co Longford.

Some of the other successes for the Royal Canal Greenway include European Cycle Route of the Year 2022 by leading Dutch Walking and Cycling Fair Fiets en Wandelbeurs and the All-Ireland Community & Council Award for the Best Tourism Initiative 2021.

identified by IWAI Dublin, appears to fit the required criteria and has the possibility to provide berthing for a substantial number of craft.

Members of IWAI Dublin entering Pigeon House Harbour.

64 GREAT OUTDOORS/PETS

January 2024

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Green Flag award for Waterside Stortford

THE Stort Navigation has been celebrating the recent award of Green Flag status thanks to community efforts in Bishop’s Stortford.

Waterside Stortford is a riverside and countryside trail passing through the historic Hertfordshire market town.

It is an initiative created by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council with local organisations and other bodies including the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, East Herts District Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

The 3.5-mile trail features 21 information boards along its length which takes about three hours to walk in its entirety. But you can cycle or stroll through part of the walk at your leisure enjoying relaxing views of the water, nature and wildlife. The navigation is the canalised section of the River Stort.

Waterside Stortford winds through the valley of a chalk stream through to the historic maltings at Bishop’s Stortford and the canal scenes of the Stort Navigation. From Bat Willow

Hurst southbound to Grange Paddocks, the trail is partly unpaved with field boundaries but those with buggies or wheelchairs can start the trail from Grance Paddocks heading towards the town centre and on to Twyford Mill or vice versa.

Check out the what-do/ waterside-stortford page at www. bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk

Luna, an ever-alert little bundle of high-octane energy.

Pets on the cut A terrier for all seasons Words & photos: Kevin Thomas

IT MAKES no difference whether it’s raining, shining or snowing, Drew Cooksley and his terrier Luna can invariably be found somewhere along the towpath leading away from Caen Hill Marina towards Devizes.

Luna is an extremely lively and intelligent mixed-breed terrier. She’s two years old now, and thus far is clearly enjoying every minute of her young canine life.

I’ve been meaning to chat to Drew and Luna for some months, however, other issues were forever popping up and I just never got around to it. Finally, and for the second time in as many days, I caught up with Drew and Luna out on the towpath.

We then sat down at a Foxhangers Boat Hire table for a quick chat about life, and dogs. The weather was slightly inclement and leaning towards becoming colder, so Luna was well wrapped up in her doggie jacket, although it didn’t seem to impede her playful spirit in any way at all.

Drew is a dyed-in-the-wool Bristolian who describes himself using the cliched saying, as a multiskilled Jack of all trades but master of none. He bought his liveaboard, Amber Myth, three years ago and since buying the boat, his first, has based himself in Caen Hill Marina.

Luna isn’t Drew’s first dog and he

Local supporters and kayakers celebrate the Green Flag award.

The tranquil Stort Navigation.

IMAGES: BISHOP’S STORTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

tells me he has owned dogs since as far back as he can remember; at one time he had nine. Seeing the two of them interacting together it’s clearly apparent Drew and Luna have a special relationship. Excitable she may be, but when told to sit, she immediately complies.

When Luna was younger, she caused a number of us to hold our breath in expectation of her taking an icy plunge. It was winter 2022 and the canal was frozen over. If all was quiet along the towpath, Drew used to periodically let Luna off her leash for a short round of puppy play.

On this particular morning she immediately rushed off across the iced-over canal surface as fast as her little legs could carry her, before snatching up twigs and anything else she could find lying on top of the ice.

Unfortunately, I never thought to take a photo, perhaps because we were all standing with bated breath anticipating the lively little pup would go through the ice! Her lightweight body and the speed she was moving at no doubt contributed to that not happening.

It makes me happy whenever I see Drew and Luna out walking in the early mornings, and even before most folk have woken up. The bond they share is truly symbolic of the relationship we humans have with our dogs, a noble relationship, one of trust and love between human and canine. Long may it last.

More of the volunteers who have helped the Stort Navigation achieve this award.

TOWPATH

TALK

Boats moored at the approach to South Mill Lock.

A play on birds Ken Norman continues his series of frivolous bird cartoons which he

creates while relaxing on board his narrowboat Daedalus.

GUARANTEE DELIVERY From just £19

TEL: 01507 529529 QUOTING: TPT04

There is clearly a special bond between Drew and Luna.

SCOTTISH WATERS with Cicely Oliver 65

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

A Pearl-powered adventure The Kelpies are often floodlit at night to mark special occasions or organisations, in this case, the NHS during the pandemic in 2020.

PHOTO: THE HELIX

Kelpies’ 10th birthday at Helix Park THE 30m-high steel sculptures, the Kelpies, were created in 2013 by Andy Scott and stand between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Queen Elizabeth II Canal extension in Helix Park, the large area of parkland between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

On Saturday, April 27, 2024 , there will be a day of free events held throughout the park, including street theatre, storytellers and artists culminating in a family-friendly ceilidh (with instructors and dancers to help you jig along) and pipe band demonstrations.

Special guests will include Clydesdale horses, marking their significant

The Kelpies in Helix Park.

PHOTO: CICELY OLIVER

contribution to Scotland’s industrial heritage and being the inspiration for Andy Scott’s sculptures. An evening concert will take place under the watchful eyes of the Kelpies, featuring live music from Callum Beattie, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and more.

While the day event is free, tickets for the evening event must be purchased in advance. If you can’t wait until April, you can take a Kelpies Tour with the opportunity to experience a Kelpie from the inside. More information from: www.thehelix.co.uk

Paddling challenge returns to the Lowland Canals THE Glasgow to Edinburgh Challenge, run by the Scottish Canoe Association (SCA), returned to the Lowland Canals in October. Starting from Glasgow, competitors are required to navigate both the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals to complete the two-day challenge.

Day one (Saturday, October 14) saw competitors start from Speirs Wharf in Glasgow, on the Forth & Clyde Canal,

finishing at the Falkirk Wheel, a distance of around 23.5 miles. Craft had to be carried around Locks 20-17, between Banknock and Bonnybridge. Paddlers selected their own start times between 9am and noon, ensuring that they arrived at the Wheel between 2.30pm and 5pm.

On the following day, there was a staggered start at prescribed times on the Union Canal, east of locks 1 and 2.

Tug Rosebank comes to the aid of puffer VIC 32 PLANNED works on the Crinan Canal are moving forward in the third year of the lock gate replacement programme with the installation of new gates at Crinan Sea Lock.

To fit in with this major operation, and boat lift-outs at Cairnbaan Wharf, VIC 32, the Clyde puffer, moved from its usual home in Crinan basin for seven weeks’ mooring on a temporary pontoon at Cairnbaan, only moving to this year’s winter quarters towards the end of November.

A pufffer wiith no pufff (stteam)) needed a hand and Scottish Canals came to the rescue. Scottish Canals’ Bantam tug Rosebank was secured to the puffer’s bow and VIC 32 was pushed stern-first the short distance to the old stone puffer quay at Cairnbaan.

The sun shone and the sky was blue, enabling this fantastic photo.

The Puffer Preservation Trust, the charity that cares for VIC 32, extends grateful thanks to Scottish Canals for continuing to work with the trust in such a positive way.

Elsewhere on Scotland’s canals, the Falkirk Wheel is being given an extra special service this year, with upgrades to the control system, including new water level sensor technology, and improved energy effi fficiiency and d saffetty systtems. Lockk 5 gates, at Bainsford Bridge on the Forth & Clyde Canal, will also be replaced.

The Caledonian Canal will close to through traffic this year from January 5 to March 25, although some sections of the canal may be navigable during this time.

Scottish Canals’ tug Rosebank and puffer VIC 32 at Cairnbaan.

PHOTO: PUFFER PRESERVATION TRUST

Competitors paddled the 31 miles to the finish line just before Leamington Lift Bridge at Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh.

Total times for both days ranged from just over seven hours to 13 hours and 15 minutes, across the different classes, with a few course records set along the way.

The challenge is held each year, and you can find out more about it and how to get started with paddling at canoescotland.org Scottish Canals publishes a Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail, a complete guide to paddling from Pinkston Watersports Centre in Glasgow, across central Scotland to Lochrin Basin on the Union. There’s a map of the route, a safety guide and lots of useful information.

If you fancy heading north to the Caledonian Canal, there is also the Glen Canoe Trail, encompassing the entire 60 miles of the canal from Banavie to Inverness. The total distance and transiting the lochs that form long sections of the canal mean that this trail is more challenging and needs careful planning. Details of both trails can be found at scottishcanals.co.uk

Competitors in the annual Glasgow to Edinburgh Challenge.

PHOTO: BRIAN CHAPMAN

Jamie and John on the Union Canal. Across the 100km paddle, they have negotiated locks, the Falkirk Wheel and the aqueducts.

THE dynamic duo of brothers Jamie Bartlett-Bundy and John Bartlett completed their Paddle4Pearl challenge on the Lowland Canals in October, despite horrendous weather and exceptionally heavy rain trying to steer them off course.

This challenge was set to raise funds for research into childhood cancer after Rachel and Jamie Bartlett-Bundy sadly lost their 10-year-old daughter, Pearl, to Ewings’ sarcoma in 2017. They’ve been fundraising ever since to find kinder and more effective treatments.

In September each year, from their home village of Hassocks in West Sussex, the couple head the fundraising challenge Hassocks Goes Gold, this year raising more than £13,000, bringing the total funds raised to £102,000.

Jamie and John set out to paddleboard both the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals, covering the 100km between Bowling Harbour (10 miles west of Glasgow) and Lochrin Basin, the terminus of the Union. The challenging trip took three days, while the pair were battered by torrential rain that saw widespread flooding and cancelled trains.

Rachel said this year’s big event was a crazy adventure that went really well and explained: “September is always an exhausting but very exciting month of Gold in Hassocks, and the

Scottish paddleboarding adventure has been a wonderful finale. Although the reason behind our fundraising is the worst tragedy for our family it’s really important to us that we do it by creating events that are fun that the whole village can get behind.”

To date, the #PearlPower fund, overseen by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) has raised enough to fund two new research projects. Both will focus on aggressive types of childhood cancer with terribly poor outcomes. As well as the Hassocks Goes Gold Facebook page, you can find out more about the fundraising on the CCLG page specialnamedfunds. cclg.org.uk/pearlpower.

John and Jamie at the end of their epic adventure.

PHOTO: RACHEL BARTLETT-BUNDY

Nick proves to be a Ray of hope as he scoops SCA award THE winner of the Scottish Ca n o e Association’s (SCA) Community Engagement Award 2023, announced in November, was Nick Ray, nominated for his inspiring journey.

Solo paddler Nick launched himself into a year-long kayak around Scotland’s coast, cutting across central Scotland on the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals and taking a trip on the Falkirk Wheel en route.

Nick started his journey in August 2022 on his 59th birthday, completing his trip in August 2023 as he celebrated his 60th. An advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, he gained a huge following while regularly posting on social media about his adventures and has been an inspiration to many as he explored the coast and candidly shared his experiences.

Nick was one of nine award winners at the SCE Recognition Awards 2023. The annual awards are

Nick Ray (right) and Calum McNicol, SCA development manager. PHOTO: CALUM MCNICOL made for different criteria ranging from club and coach of the year, through to volunteering, o u t s t a n d i n g service to the sport and community e n ga g e m e nt, celebrating individuals and/or clubs making a positive impact in the wider community, whether paddlesportrelated or not.

Nick responded with thanks from his kayak as he paddled along the coastline of Mull. He said that it was a huge honour to be recognised by his ‘paddling peers’. The idea behind his journey was to prove that there

is life to be lived beyond clinical depression. He shared his message of never giving up hope and that things will always get better: one of his takeaways from the journey was the analogy of tides and weather, which are constantly changing.

He also advised his followers to ‘never stop being curious’.

Two of the standout joys of his journey were wondering what he’d find around the next headland and exploring the West Coast lochs.

Nick continues to post about paddling and life after his long trip. You can find him on social or visit lifeafloat.co.uk

66 DAYS OUT

January 2024

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in all its glory ry. y

Days Out –

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

A beautiful feat of engineering.

Words & images: Coolcanals: Phillippa Greenwood & Martine O’Callaghan

This series picks locations for great days out near some very special canal highlights – anything from the perfect spot for gongoozling (watching boating activities) to an idyllic towpath stroll past extraordinary waterways heritage sightseeing, or perhaps a short boat trip and even a bit of souvenir shopping. The canals are full of heritage and engineering wonders and are also a calm haven for a wide diversity of wildlife and birds. You’ll also see boats on the move and breathe the balm of water in rustling green surroundings.

THE Llangollen Canal was built before engines ruled the world and, more than 200 years ago, horses pulled boats across the canal in the sky.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was built by William Jessop and Thomas Telford to carry the canal over the River Dee and, ever since it opened in 1805, narrowboats without wings have flown over the river in a cast iron trough held up by 18 stone pillars.

Each pillar is fixed by an unnerving concoction of lime and ox blood and the trough’s ironwork is sealed by a mad potion of Welsh flannel and lead dunked in boiling sugar. Luckily, not everyone who visits knows this as 127ft of fresh air holds white-faced boaters and walkers above the Dee Valley.

Sheer drops menace vertiginous and non-vertiginous alike and wide-eyed people share jokes of fear with strangers as they hip bump together on the snakethin path. Boats embark on a ‘no going back’ vertical bungee ride in the sky.

Their thrill is sheer drops and a cloudteasing journey spanning 1007ft.

Railings at the aqueduct’s entrances are grooved from the ropes of giant horses that once trod trustingly over a ridiculously brave manmade structure.

The story of the unpronounceable aqueduct is more than a history of who built it and why: it is the drama it has created and continues to create. Even for those too trapped by the rigour of fear to venture across, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the ultimate must-see of Britain’s canals.

Telford Inn at the Trevor Basin.

Pontcysyllte Transport Trust plaque.

A fabulous day out for all at Trevor Basin.

World Heritage Site info boards.

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ANGLING 67

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

The Towpath Angler

Our monthly look at the angling scene AS I write my final article in 2023 I have been trying to think of the more memorable things that happened during the year.

Of course within the Canal & River Trust family pretty much everything has been focused around future funding. It is true to say that considerable work has been done so far but, I suspect, the surface has hardly been scratched as yet.

Understandably there is a reluctance to reduce or even discontinue any strands of the business but, it must be said, there seems to be an inevitability that some such measures will be necessary. Some very difficult, even painful, decisions may have to be taken along the way and these could impact everyone no matter what element of the trust’s business we see ourselves in.

With my fisheries and angling hat on I am absolutely delighted that the incredible Let’s Fish programme has once again led the field in terms of introducing young people to the waterways, quite rightly receiving plaudits from all over and especially from the trust’s canal club customers who are so vital to the very fabric of the organisation.

I know for a fact that some of the volunteer coaches are, effectively, working full time for the trust not just on standard coaching days but also, and very importantly, working with school groups of all denominations. In particular I know there has been a lot of resource put into working with groups of youngsters from schools for children with learning difficulties.

A narrowboat takes a sedate journey across the aqueduct.

Towpath policy

An idyllic scene on the water.

FACT FILE Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was completed in 1805 and is considered one of Telford’s greatest engineering achievements. The aqueduct and 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal stretching from Horseshoe Falls beyond Llangollen to Chirk Aqueduct were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

Pontcysyllte UNESCO World Heritage Site

www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk whc.unesco.org/en/list Trevor Basin & Visitor Centre

During the Industrial Revolution, Trevor Basin was a busy wharf with tramways linked to iron foundries, chemical works, brick and tile works and the nearby coal mines. It is today busy with holiday and trip boats as there is a holiday boat base here, and usually plenty of boating activity to watch. There is also a visitor centre with information about Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and its construction.

Location

Trevor Basin, near Llangollen OS Grid ref: SJ270421 Canal: Llangollen Canal How to get there By train

Nearest train station is Chirk National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 By bus

Traveline Cymru 0871 200 2233 By car

Canal & River Trust car parking (charge) On foot

The long-distance National Trail, Offa’s Dyke Path, joins the Llangollen for a short stretch from Chirk, with walkers able to choose between walking across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or (for the less brave) walking down the road to the floor of the valley and back up the other side

By boat

Nearest boat hire: • Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays, Trevor Basin www.anglowelsh.co.uk • Black Prince Narrowboat Holidays, Chirk Marina www.black-prince. com • Crest Narrowboats, Chirk Marina www.crestnarrowboats.co.uk

Of course I was really pleased that my proposal for a Towpath Advisory Group was approved at council in March. Grateful too that the group has already finalised Version 1 of the Policy Document and this will be subject to ongoing monitoring and reviews.

This policy will embrace towpath quality and vegetation management as well as towpath behaviour. I was especially keen to have this specifically mentioned as I am all too aware of how bad behaviour spoils the experience not just for anglers but other users too.

When I asked angling club customers for their views the behaviour of certain users was certainly flagged as a key problem.

On the downside I remain very disappointed that the trust has made no noticeable progress on the implementation of the mooring rules to allow 5m clearance between craft. So many customer clubs are paying some serious rentals for fishing rights they cannot enjoy.

Sadly the health and safety aspect in terms of fire risk on boats moored end to end is all too often overlooked.

David Kent

I also feel there has been little done to improve access to the towpath although this is an issue which now will be dealt with by the towpath group.

Invasive species

Last week saw the winter meeting of the Fisheries and Angling Advisory Group. There was a full agenda with a lot of discussion about Let’s Fish and invasive non-native species.

Once again the message was quite clear that, in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act, there should never be any illegal stocking of INNS and that, if any species in that category were caught they should not be returned. It is acknowledged that the views on this are sometimes very polarised but the point is the law should be obeyed.

Well, we are racing into winter. Snow and frost last weekend restricted fishing across a wide area. I know of one match scheduled for a local canal which was abandoned after all anglers failed to break the ice. Thankfully people are, generally, much more aware of the dangers of stepping out on to the ice to break open an area to fish than perhaps they once were.

I heard last night of a match on the Trent & Mersey on Saturday which seemingly was the proverbial grueller with only three anglers catching one small fish each. The rivers have risen again so anglers seem to be giving them a miss.

Some friends fished a little ‘knock-up’ on a local commercial fishery on Saturday and after breaking through some cat ice they had a reasonable day with the winner getting 13lb but everyone caught something.

As we are in winter mode it is time for minimal (or no) feed and small hookbaits. As is usually the case, baits such as maggots and punched bread often outfish everything else. Patience is definitely a virtue at this time of year as bites will be at a premium. The secret is to convert these bites into fish in the net. Despite this, sessions at this time of year can be really rewarding so, if the weather permits, give it a go.

If you do manage to get out, make sure you stay safe as the banks are heavily waterlogged and possibly frozen too. Wear plenty of layers and, as a priority, take a flask.

Tight lines.

Boat trips

• Anglo Welsh Aqueduct Trip Boat, Trevor Basin www.anglowelsh.co.uk • ‘Thomas Telford’, Llangollen Wharf www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk Moorings

There are plenty of visitor moorings available along the Llangollen Canal Local Tourist info

•Llangollen Tourist Info www.llangollen.org.uk Canal & River Trust

Use the Canal & River Trust website to find specific local information www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Would-be anglers braving the winter weather at a Let’s Fish event.

PHOTO: JANET RICHARDSON

68 WET WEB/NEWS

January 2024

The Wet Web

By Helen Gazeley

AN EARLY Christmas present arrived for the Tiverton Canal Company last month.

For the first time in its 49-year history, the company and its horse-drawn trip boat Tivertonian scooped an award in the Small Visitor Attraction category of the Devon Tourism Awards, winning the Bronze accolade.

Owners Philip and Jacquie Brind were bowled over. “There are literally thousands of fantastic

small attractions across Devon,” said Philip, “and we know this category is highly sought after.”

Judging was carried out by an independent panel of past winners, industry leaders and experts in their field. Judging criteria included looking at the website and social media as well as the entry form.

Independent mystery shoppers were sent out to shortlisted businesses.

The enterprise goes to show what can be done by individuals with imagination. Coun Les Cruwys is chairman of the canal’s joint advisory committee.

“When the late Bill Authors suggested restoring the canal to something like its original glory, many were doubtful if the cost would be worth it,” he recalled.

“But his forethought has seen the derelict area

turned into a fantastic country park. The arrival of the horse-drawn barges doubled the public interest.” Philip also sees this as a win for Tiverton – the park and canal are the town’s main pull for visitors – and for staff at the Grand Western Canal and Country Park.

“This award for our tourist attraction would also not have been possible if it wasn’t for canal manager Mark Baker, as well as rangers Craig Saunderson, Jo Roberts and the volunteers that help make up the ranger service,” said Philip. “We very much see this award as a win for them too, as they work so hard to keep the canal working, which is so vital for us to be able to run the horse-drawn barge successfully.”

It’s a lovely moment for the award to have arrived.

“Stand by for big celebrations in 2024,” said Philip.

“We now have a great deal to celebrate in our 50th year!”

More awards

Tiverton Canal Co (www.tivertoncanal.co.uk) isn’t alone in gaining recognition in recent months. If you’re cruising on the Lancaster Canal, and would like to meet friends and family with dogs, then you could consider stopping off at Tewitfield Marina, near Carnforth (www.tewitfieldmarina.co.uk).

With short-term moorings available and a collection of self-catering holiday apartments and stone-built cottages overlooking the marina and canal, it’s one of three finalists for the Dog-Friendly

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category in this year’s Lancashire Tourism Awards – winners will be announced at the award ceremony in February.

And across the sea, Ireland’s waterways are well worth exploring. Before you go – or for some armchair travelling – you can discover their history, wildlife and people in Waterways Through Time, which won Bronze in the highly competitive Best Podcast category at the 20th Irish Digital Awards in September (bit.ly/3GrrIAe).

Over two series, historian Turtle Bunbury talks to lock keepers, marine archaeologist Dr Connie Kelleher about underwater discoveries and looks at the Norman domination of the waterways, among a host of other subjects: https://archive. waterwaysireland.org/collections/8/-podcastwaterways-through-time-season-one.

Perhaps it will inspire a visit to Royal Canal Greenway, the flat, off-road 130km route along the 225-year-old canal. In November, it added to the awards it’s garnered since the official opening in 2021 with first prize in the 11th European Greenway Awards (bit.ly/3TbyYbd).

Held every two years, this recognises non-motorised routes that enhance the environment, improve the quality of life in surrounding areas, and can be accessed by all.

You can download a guide to the greenway on Waterways Ireland’s website (www. waterwaysireland.org/greenways/royal-canal).

Tim Brind and Lauren Brinsden-Miles, horsemen for Tiverton Canal Co, accept the award at the Devon Tourism Awards on behalf of Philip and Jacquie Brind.

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COLIN WAREING Lancashire in January 2019. PHOTO:

eams for 2019 are revealed k’s TTop TTeams T k’s Towpath Talk a s, we bid farewell awn AS A new decade dawn t th to 2019 with the results of our Towpath Top Team award which has been k Top Talk r r. running throughout the year.

With four teams shortlisted for the final with vote it was a veryy close-run contest t volunteers ty the Grantham Canal Society taking the title by a short head.

Such was the support also for from Crusader Community Boating first Blisworth that we are awarding our a rd – something Community Boat awa f the we had alreadyy been planning for r r. coming year. of Commended are the Friends the River Nene and the Waterways Chaplaincy’s Martin and Fiona Buck.

Award presentations to our finalists

r The r. will take place in the new year. off a winning team receives the hire day boat carrying up to 10 people, generously sponsored by ABC Leisure Group Ltd. The runner-up will receive a £100 voucher to spend at Midland four Chandlers at Braunston and all donation finalists will receive a £100 towards their volunteering organisation the from Mortons Media Group Ltd,

alk.

Tal tth T publisher of Towpath Our thanks go to the readers who rose of to the challenge of finding a group a gone that extra ave unsung heroes who have f their local stretch off towpath, mile for a association or ays canal or river, waterways a our judging ave community boat – and gave the panel a difficult job of shortlisting four finalists.

• Continued on page 2

found on a boat moored Ouse bodies t achievemen f nd 100-dayCommunity of two men were fou probe Action Network (UCAN) THE bodies Boats gunshot were called UPPERMILL Y k city centre. Emergency services after starting in Yor investigating damage to narrowboats POLICE are Officers were after gunshots were fired in Cambridge. a December 5, at around 10.15pm, ay, called on Thursday, f m shots fro after nearbyy residents reported hearing near boats on the what was believed to be an air rifle the window of one River Cam. Photographs off holes in a since been published. One resident ave of the boats have Chesterton the told reporters thatt shots, coming from moored at Browns side of the river, were fired at boats five about for on Field, Fen Ditton, and this went no injuries were minutes. Cambridgeshire Police said reported and enquiries were continuing.

achieved its 100-day volunteering milestone 2300 hours of out in 2015. This included more than who, according voluntary work achieved by local people to, crafting to UCAN, “care about, and are committed environment”. and maintaining our beautiful local and for the positive Thanks were given to all supporters, work parties will feedback from the community. The next 8 and 20. The usual be on January 4 and 23, and February on Moorgate meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge Killan on 01457 Street but this can change. Contact Peter 878361 or peterkillan@hotmail.com

at around 8pm to Lendal Bridge on the River Ouse said officers on December 4. North Yorkshire Police f two men for attended “after concerns were raised with their touch in their 60s who had been out of bodies. Fire .” Upon arrival officers found the family.”

The deaths and ambulance services both attended. although did were being treated as ‘unexplained’ a post-mortem not appear to be suspicious and The men had not examination was due to take place. alk went to press.

Tal tth T been identified when Towpath

11/12/2019 10:17:16

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A tourist trip on the Grand Western Canal with the Tiverton Canal Co. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

EA warning to renew registration after Thames boater is fined A LIVEABOARD boater has been fined after failing to register his boat for use on the River Thames.

Peter Bristow admitted breaching the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay costs of £250 by Oxford Magistrates’ Court on December 1.

He was also ordered to pay his outstanding boat registration fee of £378.72 for January 1 to December 31, 2023.

Environment Agency officers discovered Mr Bristow had no valid registration for his narrowboat Ladybird moored in meadows opposite Wilsham Road, Abingdon, during routine checks in July 2023. He was handed a warning notice requiring him to comply with the law within 14 days.

After he did not pay, officers revisited in August and he was given a letter explaining that he would be prosecuted if he

Ladybird photographed on day of patrol.

PHOTO: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

did not register within seven days. Mr Bristow did not do this, so the Environment Agency’s legal team notified the court and a summons was issued.

Colin Chiverton,

environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Although the fine itself was minimal due to circumstances, Mr Bristow is still responsible for full payment of court costs as well as the original fee.

“Renewal invitation letters for 2024 registrations have gone out to everyone that registered their boat this year. If you have a boat on the Thames, now is the time to renew; from January our enforcement teams will be patrolling the river checking for valid registrations.

“In 2024 once a summons has been issued, we won’t stop court proceedings, even if the boat owner pays their registration fee.”

Similar to excise duty for road vehicles, boat registration fees allow the Environment Agency to manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England, keeping them open and safe for thousands of boaters.

TALKBACK 69

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024 Your chance to write to us on any towpath topic: Towpath Talk, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk

Three boats on a Fenland journey Mike Daines and John Revell describe their autumn cruise to Monk’s Lode – a historic waterway at the natural end of navigation.

AT THE end of October three narrowboats, Lion, Strait ’n Narrow and Olive Emily, all based on the Middle Level, spent time exploring the waterways beyond Lodes End Lock.

They met no other moving boats beyond the lock and just a handful of fisherman; despite its closeness to Peterborough this area feels very remote.

Many will know that this is the lowest place on our interconnected waterways in Britain yet from here you can reach the highest point at Standedge Tunnel (643ft/196m) above sea level, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, a voyage which one of the boats had undertaken earlier in the year.

Getting to Lodes End Lock from Nordelph and March was straightforward.

Passage through the lock – a drop of just a foot – was equally straightforward and we reached the end of navigation at Holme in good time to spend an excellent evening in the Admiral Wells, which claims to be the lowest pub in Britain.

The wide turning (winding) point at Holme comes after a narrow stretch but the turning point itself is obvious and easy. Private and hire boats up to 60ft long from Fox’s marina in March turn here.

Shallow vessels known as fen lighters used to collect and drop off people and goods at the now closed transshipment

area and Holme railway station. Next morning we set off to explore the rarely visited Monk’s Lode which starts at the junction with New Dyke adjacent to the splendid new 24-hour rural mooring provided recently by MLC (Middle Level Commissioners).

On the way we saw kingfishers, red kites, buzzards, kestrel, merlin and a large herd of Chinese water deer.

We knew that there was no turning point after the junction with Monk’s Lode so we adopted a simple system of breasting up together two boats with ropes fore and aft with one boat facing one way and the other facing the other.

This worked well and after 90 minutes we reached the natural end of navigation near the main line railway.

The turning space at Ramsey basin.

Olive Emily and Lion breasting up together in Monk’s Lode.

Boats turning at Holme winding point.

We were all impressed with MLC’s work to clean out and deepen the last mile or so – we measured a depth of between 4-5ft.

The return journey was easy and after a brief stop for photographs at Conington Fen Bridge we returned to the junction and MLC’s rural mooring before heading off to the extensive new moorings at Ramsey basin for the evening.

Return journey

When we reached Lodes End Lock on the return journey we passed through ‘on the level’ which happens by design from time to time to enable drainage operations.

All we had to do was open and close both sets of gates, refit the chain on the top gates loosely and securely and lock the enclosure. MLC were pumping hard – our trip was between Storms Babet and Ciaran – and the river was low at Ramsey basin. We turned the shorter boat that afternoon and the longer 55ft boat early the next morning when the river had risen to more normal levels.

We enjoyed a meal at the Jolly Sailor in Great Whyte, a warm and friendly historic

Journey’s end. pub. The food and drink were great and it has many rooms so some people were glued to the TV screen watching the Rugby World Cup final while others were able to completely ignore it.

Returning to March the next morning was again easy and enjoyable. Fishermen were lined up in good humour for about a mile in Benwick waiting for the start of a fishing competition. We met just one moving

narrowboat, one cruiser and one small fishing day boat in four hours’ boating.

The third boat which needed to get through Marmont Priory Lock before the planned closure for maintenance met a group of paddleboarders in wet suits heading along Well Creek towards Outwell. It’s great to see people enjoying the Middle Level in lots of different ways out of season.

Extensive work by MLC has enabled a clear navigable passage the full length of the lode.

Lion going through on the level. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

70 LAST WORD

January 2024

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Where did that word come from?

John Souter continues his series exploring the origins of commonly used boating terms.

HERE are more examples of words whose origins may hopefully inform you and, in some cases perhaps, even surprise you.

Guillotine gate

In nautical terms this is a vertically rising lock or stop gate usually found at one end of a lock opposite a pair of V-gates at the other end. They are commonly found on rivers such as the River Nene and River Great Ouse and are often, but not always, electrically operated.

The use of the word comes

from the French device the guillotine, named in recognition of the French physician Joseph Ignace Guillotine (1738-1814) whose idea it was to propose to the French National Assembly that capital punishment by beheading would be more quickly, cleanly and humanely done by using a machine with a sharp blade rather than the traditional executioner’s axe.

The first machine was subsequently built in 1791, and was first used in 1792, although interestingly such equipment had actually been in use since the Middle Ages!

so a ‘gun’ wale was the upper edge of the side of the ship where guns were carried or positioned i.e. a platform on the side deck to support mounted guns.

The origin is likely to derive from the mid-15C Middle English

‘gonne walle’ meaning ‘gun wall’, or ‘gonnilde’ meaning ‘cannon’, and ‘wale’ meaning ‘plank’.

Haling way

This is the name given to the path along which a horse, or

Helm

Gunwale (also gunnel)

This refers to the top of the side of a ship or boat, or the top edge of a hull where it joins the cabin sides.

A ‘wale’ was a strake or ridge/ plank on the side of a vessel and

very often men, would bow haul a boat, and is a term most often found in use in the north-east of England and East Anglia, e.g. on the River Cam. It is the equivalent of the word towpath used with reference to the canal system.

The word ‘haling’ is thought to come from the Old French word ‘haler’ meaning ‘to pull, haul’. The meaning of the word haul with regard to the distance over which something must be pulled is believed to date from the 1870s.

A guillotine gate at White Mills Lock on the River Nene.

The ellum used to steer butty Raymond. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON

The tiller handle or steering wheel used for steering a boat or ship, as in the phrase ‘you have the helm No 1’. In a more traditional sense and as used by working boat people the word helm became corrupted or mispronounced from the word ‘elum’ or ‘ellum’.

THERE is a very necessary human need to lift our spirits at this time of the year.

I hope that you enjoy, or have enjoyed, whatever midwinter celebrations you have decided to join in.

The days are starting to get longer but very few of us will have noticed yet; it is still dark when we go out and when we come in.

guarantee that it will be cold and, in these islands, probably wet.

I looked back at what I wrote at this time last year and was not really surprised to find that not much has changed. We are still rebounding from the ‘lack of funding’ crisis, but now we know what is ahead as the Government has announced its decision.

More funding is required from other sources just to keep up with inflation. NABO and more than 100 other organisations in FundBritain’sWaterways (FBW) believe that as a national asset and resource the waterways should receive central government funding.

I recently spent a day in London at the ExCeL centre with the FBW campaign stand, talking with people from industries that service and supply businesses on the waterways.

Very few had realised how these would be affected if canals are forced to close. It is a relatively small part of the economy, approximately 1% of Gross Domestic Product, but nevertheless

Jetty

In the nautical sense this has come to mean a landing pier, stage or dock often built out from the shoreline and into the water and is sometimes used in conjunction with walls etc protecting a harbour. The principal difference between a jetty and a pontoon is that a jetty is fixed to the ground whereas a pontoon floats on the water and can rise and fall with the water level.

The word seems to derive from the early-15C Old French word ‘jettee’ meaning ‘a projecting part of a building’. The notion is of a structure ‘thrown out’ past its surroundings, e.g. in a building where the top floor overhangs the ground floor.

Standing on the boat’s gunwale or ‘gunnel’.

Lifting the spirits as winter sets in of the lag between writing NABO general secretary Peter andBecause publication it is actually hard to Braybrook comments on some know exactly what the weather is like or what the current topical subjects are when you are reading this. But I can more topical issues.

The word derives from the late-13C Old English ‘helma’ meaning ‘rudder’ or ‘control’.

a very important part. The invisible benefits of good mental health and well-being, the feel-good factor and active leisure opportunities, should not be underestimated.

Seasonal reminders

Back to wintry stuff. We have had our first flurries of snow and the first cold morning with ice on the canal.

Our cruising club magazine carried a two-page spread on winterising one’s boat. If one isn’t living aboard it is a very important thing to remember to do. I should have taken the hint.

I must admit it was a very close thing for me this year as the frost hit just two days after I had drained the water heater and opened the taps. I haven’t yet had the winter engine service completed, that can wait. I do know there is antifreeze in the coolant. We do not live on board so cannot depend on the warmth of daily living to keep things in order. I do have very fond memories of those times. They were not all easy days.

We had to cope with getting two boys to school on muddy towpaths, continual coal dust and ash, lifting heavy bags of coal etc plus the water and toilet emptying run every 10 days:

Tuesday one week and Thursday the next. The back of the boat, where the shower room is and the boys slept, was never as warm as the front near the stove.

With only a small fridge we shopped pretty much every day. There were tragedies: the casserole, left on the stove while we went to work, once cracked, leaving stew oozing down the hot surfaces to the base tray. I should have used a trivet. Fortunately it didn't catch alight.

In the evenings we filled the boat with the fragrance of scented candles and we all huddled together around a small DVD player to watch Shrek and Back to the Future. Dinner was always followed by a game of Uno or Yahtzee. I remember waking to that strange feeling of stillness as ice had locked us in and the boat didn’t move as it usually did when we got out of bed.

Happy days.

Cruising patterns

So I know the rigours and troubles of living aboard in the winter and the difficulties it can bring. It is now estimated that there are more than 12,000 people living aboard their boats.

This is not an insignificant community.

Our social media groups are filling with stories and queries concerning restricted licences and whether ice and inclement weather can be a reason for continuous cruising boaters not to move.

Unfortunately with so few of the navigation authority staff being boat owners or even boaters we are finding some unsympathetic responses to requests for overstays or restricted cruising patterns.

There is still no definitive interpretation of ‘bona fide for navigation’ so we are left to depend on reasonable understanding of what is feasible in the winter conditions. It is more readily accepted that on rivers as levels rise and flows increase it is unsafe to navigate and unreasonable to expect movement when strong stream warnings are in place. Safety first.

After our annual meeting, NABO has had a change of chairman and a new member on the council to freshen our discussions. What will not change is our determination to ensure that the interests of boat owners are held in high regard by the navigation authorities and that their voice is heard. We have a lot of experience to share and a passion that drives everything we do.

www.towpathtalk.co.uk January 2024

71

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January 2024

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