Cargoes Spring 2011

Spring 2011

Newsletter ofGuildford & Reading

Kent & East SussexOxfordshire and

Solent & Arun Branches

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Peter Redway It is with great sadness that we report the death on 7th February of Peter Redway, MBE, Chairman of the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society and long time member of IWA. He was a tower of strength in his practical support for the Basingstoke Canal and will be sorely missed. A fuller tribute will appear in the next Edition of Cargoes. In the meantime we extend our sympathy to Marguerite and family.

Editorial

As we start this New Year we can anticipate interesting times ahead for our waterways with a number of challenges to be faced. As ever, the voice of IWA will doubtless be an important factor with added weight from, hopefully, an expanding and active membership. Shortly we shall be starting the round of Region and Branch AGMs for which the formal Notices and Agenda were set out in the Winter 2010 Edition of Cargoes. We would encourage as many members as possible to attend to air their concerns and make their views known. New Committee Members are always welcome and as advance nomination is no longer necessary it is possible to be nominated and elected on the night. We would mention one particular post for which a candidate is sought and this is for a new secretary for the Region (full details of the duties are given on page 4). When Philip Riley took on the job in 2009, he made clear that he was accepting it only on a temporary basis and he now considers that ‘temporary’ period has elapsed. So, at the Region AGM at Arundel on 29th March, it is hoped that a volunteer for the post will be elected to the Committee as the potential new Secretary. Along with this Edition of Cargoes you will find some Raffle Tickets for the Grand IWA draw which is being organised in connection with Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (see Back Cover for further details). This is one of IWA’s major annual events and we hope that members will give it their support. Editorial Team [Cover photo: TB Pudge Courtesy Thames Sailing Barge Trust] David Gibson, of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, will be talking about the Thames Sailing Barges at the Guildford & Reading Branch AGM on 21st March - see page 7

Peter Redway It is with great sadness that we report the death on 7th February of Peter Redway, MBE, Chairman of the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society and long time member of IWA. He was a tower of strength in his practical support for the Basingstoke Canal and will be sorely missed. A fuller tribute will appear in the next Edition of Cargoes. In the meantime we extend our sympathy to Marguerite and family.

Editorial

As we start this New Year we can anticipate interesting times ahead for our waterways with a number of challenges to be faced. As ever, the voice of IWA will doubtless be an important factor with added weight from, hopefully, an expanding and active membership. Shortly we shall be starting the round of Region and Branch AGMs for which the formal Notices and Agenda were set out in the Winter 2010 Edition of Cargoes. We would encourage as many members as possible to attend to air their concerns and make their views known. New Committee Members are always welcome and as advance nomination is no longer necessary it is possible to be nominated and elected on the night. We would mention one particular post for which a candidate is sought and this is for a new secretary for the Region (full details of the duties are given on page 4). When Philip Riley took on the job in 2009, he made clear that he was accepting it only on a temporary basis and he now considers that ‘temporary’ period has elapsed. So, at the Region AGM at Arundel on 29th March, it is hoped that a volunteer for the post will be elected to the Committee as the potential new Secretary. Along with this Edition of Cargoes you will find some Raffle Tickets for the Grand IWA draw which is being organised in connection with Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (see Back Cover for further details). This is one of IWA’s major annual events and we hope that members will give it their support. Editorial Team [Cover photo: TB Pudge Courtesy Thames Sailing Barge Trust] David Gibson, of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust, will be talking about the Thames Sailing Barges at the Guildford & Reading Branch AGM on 21st March - see page 7

prospective

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From the Region Chairman

Well now its 2011 and we have just lived through the coldest December on record. This certainly put paid to any Winter trips out on the boat which for me was a frustration as I had a new engine fitted in late Autumn and have only managed to test it out on the cut once. My boat is moored in the Midlands and given the plethora of meetings I attend there I have used it as overnight accommodation on several occasions and I found it took many hours to get it to a habitable state using every conceivable means of heating! As I write this it’s a bright sunny day and we are set for milder weather but I expect the cut will freeze over again before winter is through. Since I last wrote there have been a number of announcements on the New Waterways Charity (NWC - this is a temporary title that BW is adopting pending deciding upon the final name). Whilst I remain convinced that a move for BW into a charity is the “least worst option”, IWA support is conditional on a suitable long term funding settlement and appropriate governance arrangements. Although we were braced for difficult funding times for the waterways the indicative near term results are far from encouraging leading us to question the government’s commitment to the flagship waterways “Big Society” initiative. Clive Henderson will shortly be making this point to the Minister. Early indications came in the autumn when the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) revealed that Defra (the sponsoring department for the waterways) had received the second poorest settlement across the government departments amounting to a 30% cut across the four year period. BW had been assuming, and planning for, a 20% cut across the same period but the scale of the Defra cut meant that pessimism was building. We had to wait until just before Christmas to find out the BW settlement - this is an indicative cut of 24% across 3 years but what was a great surprise to both BW and IWA was that 19% of this is to be cut from the 2011/12 grant in aid. Before we all panic it’s timely to remind you that BW have other sources of income including the property portfolio (now safe following IWA lobbying) and of course boater fees, which will regrettably increase, reducing the overall impact of the cuts. I have just met BW in their London HQ to try and understand the implications given that already planned efficiency measures will not produce the level of saving required in year 1. I suspect that there will be deferral of non-vital work from 2011/12 in the expectation that the efficiency programme will generate the required headroom downstream. There is still all to play for with the longer term funding. Seven shadow trustees will soon be appointed to the NWC and they will have the critical task of negotiating with Defra for a funding contract that is expected to run for 10 -15 years. These trustees will have to get up to speed very quickly but three of them will be drawn from existing BW non-executive directors who should hit the ground running. I know much more on this than I can possibly record here but I can offer one point of reassurance - if these trustees are not happy with the settlement then they are unlikely to sign up to it, putting the flagship project at risk and potentially embarrassing ministers. This is a powerful negotiating position. IWA is of course preparing to exert its influence.

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Region Chairman (Cont’d) Of course all this is about BW. EA are facing similar cuts across the CSR period albeit not so heavily front loaded. The negotiation on whether to include EA navigations has reached a critical stage and the direction ministers wish to take may be known by the time you read this. Defra, EA and BW all agree it’s both feasible and desirable but the sticking point is over how much money to transfer. I believe the decision is on a knife edge but IWA remains convinced that EA inclusion will be to the ultimate benefit of all the waterways. BW has published the first draft of the NWC charity objectives - these are available on both the BW and IWA websites. I believe they are very good, covering what we would want from the new body, putting navigation at the top of the list but also including the conservation of build heritage, protection of the natural environment, promoting restoration and educating the public. IWA is giving thought to how it should configure itself in the new waterway management environment. At a trustee strategy day we concluded that the role of IWA would be to continue as a separate charity whose primary role would be to continue to lobby for all waterways in England and Wales whilst also acting as a “critical friend” of the NWC. There will no doubt be more discussion of this at the branch officer’s workshop at Stoke on 22nd January. Watch this space! Finally, we are approaching the AGM season and details of the four Branch AGMs in SE Region are included in this issue. A number of Branches are looking for extra committee members, or just for people to help out, so if you are interested please contact them or better still turn up to the AGM and offer support. I will be at all four and will be prepared to answer any questions you might have on IWA, navigation, restoration or just waterways in general. I hope to see some of you there. Paul Roper

Vacancy for Region Secretary The following is an extract from the January 2011 IWA Bulletin advertising the post of Secretary for IWA South East Region and setting out the duties involved:- to prepare agendas and collate reports for meetings, take minutes at the committee meetings, liaise with the chairman and committee members regarding arrangements for meetings, committee papers etc, arrange and take minutes at the AGM, submit minutes, committee details, etc, to IWA Head Office.

It is hoped this vacancy will be filled following the Region AGM at Arundel on Tuesday 29th March (AGM details are on page 35). In the meantime further information can be obtained from the Region Chairman (contact details on page 39) inside back cover)

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Salisbury Group

Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: For our October meeting Peter & Gillian Bolt visited us to describe their experience of Irish boating life. Tom Rolt wrote the book “Green & Silver” describing his voyages in 1946 through some of the inland waterways of Ireland. Having read his book, Peter & Gillian decided to venture onto the Irish Waterways to explore some of the areas visited by Tom Rolt.. The comparison between the two eras was particularly interesting. After Gillian had commented on their own travels Peter read sections of Tom Rolt’s book so fascinating comparisons could be made. Peter was able to mimic the Irish accent when telling amusing stories of Irish boating life and some of the characters they had met. They were made particularly welcome by members of the IWAI (Inland Waterways Association of Ireland) and were overwhelmed by their hospitality and helpfulness, even to the extent of being taken on a midnight cruise using only GPS for navigating in the dark which included accurate passage under bridge arches which could not be seen with the naked eye until the last minute. They also found that a canal is not always the usual narrow stretch of water meandering through the countryside, but in the case of the Shannon Erne Canal it included a passage cutting across broad lakes with many islands where the navigable section involved carefully following channel marker posts without which they could easily have gone aground. This description of the Irish Waterways certainly made our members aware of the beautiful scenery and a different style of boating that is to be found in Ireland. In November Paul Barnett made a return visit to us in Salisbury. To begin his talk Paul updated us with the recent happenings at Purton since his last visit to us in 2008. With modern “Time Team” technology five more hulks have been found. He was pleased to inform us that “Harriet” has now been designated as an ancient monument. Previously there was no known land owner of the site so now BW have accepted responsibility and are working to protect these ancient vessels. Thirty-six craft have now been formally recorded. Paul then told us about the lesser-known ships graveyard on the opposite side of the Severn Estuary. His talk was entitled “Lydney’s Lost Fleet” and he went on to talk about the Lydney Harbour which was once busy with craft shipping Forest of Dean steam coal to other parts of Britain. The harbour is now used as a base for pleasure craft. We were shown slides of the remains of the gridiron once used for the maintenance of commercial vessels. Paul then continued to show us many pictures of trading vessels that were once used for carrying the cargoes out of the Lydney dock and we were shown the remains of some of these craft where they lay on the foreshore submerged and rotting.

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As winners of the quiz at Southampton Canal Society in December 2009, we were responsible for organizing the 2010 quiz. We were all prepared, only for it to be cancelled at the last minute due to the snowy and icy conditions. The reorganized quiz will now be held on April 7th this year. Fortunately the weather had improved for our annual Christmas meal when 25 of us were able to enjoy good food and the ambience at The Green Dragon. A full programme for 2011 has now been arranged and details are given below.

Programme of Events Thurs 17th Feb Mike Lee is the Hon Engineer of the Kennet & Avon Trust and he is talking to us about the concept and construction of the K&A Canal and how it came into existence, including the decline and restoration of the Caen Hill flight. For many years Mike has been involved with the twinning of the K&A Canal with the Canal du Nivernais in France and has been able to use his engineering skills to assist Les Amis du Canal du Nivernais in solving their engineering problems. Thurs 17th March Why Archives? Many of us will have visited the K&A trust museum at Devizes but have we ever given any thought to what goes on behind the scenes? Elaine Kirby is an archive administrator at the museum and will be explaining the job of an archivist with particular reference to the K&A history. We will see old photographs and documents relating to this canal. Thurs 7th April Waterways quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society. Questions set by last year’s winning team – Salisbury IWA. This is the quiz that was cancelled in December 2010 due to bad weather. Thurs 19th May Narrow boaters, Mike & Lynn Bassett, visited Nova Scotia and investigated the navigations of this area adjoining Canada. They used the opportunity to find out about the Shubenacadie Canal, the St. Peter’s Canal and the Canso Canal. In this illustrated talk they will be telling us about the reasons for developing routes that were used by the local Indians. These navigations were used to carry supplies during the American Civil War and heavy equipment to the then active gold fields. Thurs 21st July Boules & BBQ at the Green Dragon. 7.00pm Thurs 20th Oct “Tom Rolt Celebration Cruise”. Ron & Mary Heritage will be returning to us to tell us about their re-enactment of Tom Rolt’s “Cressy Cruise” (October 16th is the 21st Birthday of the Salisbury Group of IWA and so we will be celebrating this event at the October 20th meeting).

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Thurs 17th Nov Secret Canals of Britain. Stuart Fisher, editor of Canoeist Magazine and author of the book “Canals of Britain” gives a canoeist’s eye view of the canal system with particular emphasis on the canals that cannot be reached by narrow boat. Thurs 1st Dec Waterways quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society and set by the winners of the quiz held on 7th April. Thurs 15th Dec Christmas dinner at The Green Dragon Alderbury. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841

Guildford & Reading Branch News

Chairman’s Report

After a freezing December which reminded many of the winter of 1963 we should look forward to 2011 with some optimism. Hopefully boater members will not have too much damage to clear. A December casualty was the Southampton Canal Society’s quiz night which has now been rescheduled for 7th April. The first meeting we have to look forward to is our AGM at the Byfleet Boat Club on Monday 21st March at 7.30pm. There will be a full report on Branch activities and we will be letting you know our views on where the Branch is intending to make donations. The three leading candidates are Inglesham Lock, Perseverance lV and a Wey and Arun project preferably one in our area. The good news on Perseverance is that the project is now in the hands of the National Trust. The appeal is being relaunched and donations can be made through www.justgiving.com/perseveranceIV. Plans are for our donation to be handed to John Gibson in a small ceremony, the details of which will be on the Branch page of IWA’s website. Also at the AGM we will have a talk on Thames Barges by David Gibson and an update on the social programme. Verna Smith is trying to organise a skittles evening for April, details to follow at the AGM and on the website. Provisionally a Thames Barge Charter is booked for Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October from Maldon on the Blackwater or Ipswich. There will be an opportunity to inspect IWA’s Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. This is open to the Branch and the Region. Also a further trip on the John Pinkerton and the deferred trip on the Wey and Arun - more to follow with perhaps a debate on details at the AGM.

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G&R Chairman’s Report (Cont’d) It is encouraging to read reports of strong action being taken against boaters failing to pay licence fees on the Thames (see page 19). The licence fee is a vital part of the revenue of a navigable waterway. In this context the Basingstoke Canal Authority might like to take this lead as their revenues fall so short of the need. It is a delight to see the Wey and the Basingstoke featured in February’s Waterways World. The Branch continues to be very active in matters concerning the Basingstoke and the Thames. The latter is a major issue in the debate on the formation of the Waterways conservancy, will the Environment Agency waterways be in or out? On the Basingstoke, as well as the normal attendance at meetings involving the management, we have input to two major planning applications. There is a separate section on the Basingstoke in this Cargoes (see pages 9 to 14) but it is increasingly clear that re-establishing navigation will require significant volunteer input whether by WRG or the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society. My personal boating plans for 2011 are indeed blossoming. As well as Leeds and Liverpool and the Rochdale, a return to the Mon and Brek, a trip by sailing to Holland and some Dutch and Belgian Canals and finally a musical themed trip to the Danube in the late Autumn. I will have much to report. I attended the Surrey and Hants meeting at Chobham in October when there was a talk by Ron and Mary Heritage - truly inspirational.

Gareth Jones

Sales & Publicity Stand The Branch Sales and Publicity Stand, together with the ever-popular Lucky Locks Game, will be on the road again at Easter with our usual attendance at the Woking Canal Festival on the Basingstoke Canal at Bridge Barn on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Following this we expect to be at Reading Waterfest on Saturday 18th June and at Guildford Festival Boat Gathering on Saturday 2nd July. As in previous years, we will be joining with Middlesex Branch at the Beale Park Boat Show from Friday 10th June to Sunday 12th June (inclusive) where we shall have on sale a wide selection of waterways books, maps etc supplied from IWA Sales at Head Office. At the above events extra pairs of hands would always be welcome, so if you might be able to help or would like to know more, please contact me on 01483 282806 or Email [email protected].

Ray Carnell

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Bits on the Basingstoke

Latest news

The good news is that a lot is happening, the bad news is that the canal is not likely to be navigable through until 2012. The capital investment programme by the two councils is still in place. There were 27 applications to do the work and the BCA are on schedule to make an appointment by April with work starting in May. The revenue budget will be cut by 13% with, it is hoped, volunteer effort making up with shortfall. Please step forward. The S&HCS have done a terrific job as have WRG. We must keep it up. This is the “big society “. Dredging is an issue, as are leaking embankments and water supply. The Crookham Swing Bridge is difficult and will need new bearings. Jointly IWA and the S&HCS have written an access paper proposing the use of volunteers to facilitate passage. It was both interesting and encouraging that at the stakeholder meeting this was supported by Ramblers and Cyclists who it appears want to see the canal used as a navigation just as much as boaters . There is a programme of lock gate replacement and weed extraction. Elsewhere we have noted the work on planning consultation. IWA together with S&HCS are working very hard to make this canal as accessible as it is beautiful. It is set we hope to feature more in the plans of Woking and at Deepcut . Gareth Jones

Two Major Planning Applications along the Canal

The Guildford & Reading Branch have supported views expressed by the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society (S&HCS), concerning two major developments being proposed adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal. These developments are located at Deepcut and at the Brewery Road car park site in Woking. The Deepcut proposal is a ‘Consultation’ process (commenced 2008) to identify how best to develop and integrate 1200 new homes on former MOD land with the existing village and canal. Details can be viewed on http://www.surreyheath.gov.uk, under Deepcut Consultation. Because the canal is seen as a benefit to this development, we are seeking added value from the project to enhance the Frimley lock area and dry dock and support the Council’s view that this will become the third ‘gateway’ to the development. In addition we are requesting added facilities to provide water storage and/or back pumping for this section of the canal. The Woking – Brewery Road is a planning application from WWF (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund), for the construction of a new headquarters building over the existing car park. Again we are asking for the developer to fund enhancements to the

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canal in this area, to provide facilities for boat owners; improved access from a new pedestrian foot-bridge and improved public facilities alongside the canal. The planning details are at http://www.woking.gov.uk/planning, via ‘public access’ to PLAN/2010/1161. Future comments for these proposals will be included in Cargoes as appropriate. Any comments email John at [email protected]. John How

Illuminated Boat Procession Some 10 boats took part in the procession from the town wharf in Woking to Bridge Barn on the last Saturday in November. Despite freezing temperatures, Byfleet Boat Club battled their way through ice and weed to provide the ‘best ever’ spectacle. The mayor and mayoress of Woking travelled on the lead boat with Ian Smith, club commodore, and his wife Betty to the Bridge Barn P.H., where they presented the prizes. Verna Smith

S&HCS Social Meetings The Canal Society’s monthly social meetings at Chobham have continued with a variety of entertaining and informative talks. Ron and Myra Glover returned in November to tell us about their journeys along the canals on the borders of France, Holland and Belgium, mentioning in particular the various lifts and the inclined plane at Ronquieres all of which again demonstrated the scale and capacity of the continental waterways. In December we heard about the Somersetshire Coal Canal and plans for the future with their Society’s subtle change of emphasis from ‘preservation’ to ‘restoration’. The New Year started with the eagerly anticipated illustrated talk by Liam D’Arcy-Brown on ‘The Grand Canal of China’ given to a packed house. Many attending already knew of how he had enthralled audiences across the country and indeed in the Spring 2010 Edition of Cargoes (on pages 24 -25) we gave an in depth preview of his talk. An account of the canal’s long history and its place as a modern waterway (plus a reference to the odd word written in Chinese) made for a highly entertaining evening. A further description of his talk can be found on page 22 of this edition of Cargoes. For those who would like to know more about Liam’s travels in China, he has written a book The Emperor’s River published by Eye Books at £7.99.

RC

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Future programme The programme of talks continues on the third Wednesday of each month at the Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham. Meetings start at 8pm and coffee/tea and biscuits will be available during the interval. Non-members and friends are very welcome to come along. Future meetings are as follows: Wed 16th February: Roger Squires - ' The Suez Canal - Past and Present' Roger recently cruised through the Suez Canal on a northbound daylight convoy. He will share this experience with us and will start the evening by telling us about the history of the various earlier links between the Med and the Red Sea. He will highlight the various enlargement works undertaken on the current canal since it was nationalised by Egypt. Wed 16th March: Roger Clay - 'The Hidden Avon' Roger from the Stratford and Warwick Trust will talk about the stretch of the River Avon above Stratford-upon-Avon up to Warwick with a description of the proposed restoration scheme. There will be some slides of the existing navigation as well. Wed 20th April: John Ross - 'Roses and Castles - Canal Boat Decoration' John Ross, one of our Trust Directors, who built and decorated 'Elizabeth Rose', his Mirror dinghy with the Rosie and Jim theme, is a fully accredited journeyman in decorative painting with the Waterways Craft Guild. He will be discussing the history of canal art and will demonstrate the painting of Roses and Castles. He will also bring along an exhibition of canal ware. Wed 18th May: Pablo Haworth ‘The Making of the Forth Bridge at Walton-on-Thames' Pablo Haworth, a longstanding Society volunteer, will be coming along to talk about the history of the bridge at Walton-on-Thames which was designed in 1933 but built in 1953. The designer was Archie Hamilton, a New Zealander and Pablo will describe what led up to its design and how it was put together. For further information on this talks programme, please contact David Millett on 01252 617364.

Woking Canal Festival

Once again the Woking Canal Festival will be held at the Bridge Barn over the Easter weekend, namely Saturday 23rd April and Sunday 24th April. This family-friendly event will feature the usual attractions with live entertainment, stalls etc. We always need extra help, so all offers would be warmly welcomed by Verna Smith who is on 01252 517622.

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Mikron on the Basingstoke

On Sunday 3rd July at 7.30pm at the usual venue Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road, Church Crookham, Fleet, the Mikron show will be “Hell And High Water" In the turbulent times of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester’s demand for coal was insatiable and there was an urgent need to get it there quickly and cheaply. Mikron’s new show for 2011 takes us back to 1761, when three men had a vision and hundreds of others toiled to make it a reality. Over rivers, under rock, through “Hell and High Water”, they proved that determination can literally move mountains. Further details in the Summer Edition of Cargoes.

Petition supporting increased funding for the Canal The following is an extract of an Email from Kevin Daley drawn to our notice by a member in the Surrey Heath area: ‘Many of you will be aware of the Basingstoke Canal, perhaps you will also have enjoyed some of amenities it provides “Walking, Cycling, Boating (Canoeing, Pleasure Trips such as dining on board one of the specially fitted out narrow boats, Taking your own boat and cruising at your leisure), Sightseeing, etc” Some of you will also have noticed a decline in the condition of the canal and its environment. This decline is the result of insufficient funding being received by the Basingstoke Canal Authority. The Canal is the responsibility of both Surrey County Council and Hampshire County Council with the Riparian Councils (Local Councils through whose area the canal runs) being required to contribute funds according to a formula worked out by the Joint Management Committee (JMC) which agrees policy for the canal. This funding contributes to the maintenance of the canal and its environment. It is estimated that the Canal benefits the local economies by up to £5,000,000 p.a. Currently and in the past Surrey Heath have failed to meet their share of this funding thus contributing to difficulty the BCA has in maintaining the canal as it would wish. I have raised an electronic petition on the Surrey Heath Website urging the council to meet the level of funding requested of them by the Basingstoke Canal Authority’ The petition is as follows :- ‘We the undersigned urge Surrey Heath Borough Council to fully meet the funding requirements requested by the Basingstoke Canal Authority ………… For many years

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SHBC have failed to meet their funding requirements, this has contributed to a degradation of the canal environment………...’ To read the petition in full and to sign it please go to the SHBC petition web page at http://petitions.surreyheath.gov.uk/BasingstokeCanal/ [You must live, work or study within the Surrey Heath area in order to sign – Ed] Philip Riley, vice-chairman of the Canal Society and also on the JMC says “This is an admirable initiative, and I urge members and others to sign the petition.”

Gatepost

The following is a letter to Cargoes from Tim Dodwell who, as many will recall, is a veteran campaigner for the Basingstoke Canal

Brockenhurst 12 January 2011

Dear Ray, Basingstoke Canal How negative can you get? Gareth Jones remarks in the last issue of Cargoes are enough to put anyone off even trying to navigate that part of the canal that is open. Fortunately not everyone is so easily deterred, and it’s a shame that the cruise of 15 boats from the Byfleet Boat Club to the St John’s Rally last July, postponed for the ‘almost moribund’ BCA to replace the top gates at Lock 8, did not get a mention. The Surrey and Hants Canal Society Newsletter reported that they ‘battled’ their way through for a successful event– ‘helping to show that significant amounts of the Basingstoke Canal are still navigable’. Later in the year, and following clearance work by the Canal Society, the 10 boats that took part in the Woking Illuminated Boats Procession at the end of November had no problems apart from some leaves and a bicycle dumped in Sheerwater Lock. It may be a little inconvenient to have to give 48 hours notice of your wish to use the working locks in Surrey, but there is a need to maintain water levels for the houseboats and to ensure that the locks are not left leaking, not to mention that boats are properly licensed. This would seem ample justification for keeping padlocks on Lock 1 at the present time to ensure proper supervision.

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Gatepost (Cont'd) Although the delay in reopening the Deepcut Flight is very disappointing, the BCA website states that the bottom part of the canal is open for navigation. It needs more and regular use to prove the demand for full navigability. I would challenge every boat-owning member of the IWA, and particularly of the Guildford and Reading Branch, who passes Woodham Junction or keeps a boat nearby, to make at least one trip up the canal next summer – and not just when a rally is being held. Let’s see the canal in use, and not just moan about the problems. That is what campaigning for a partly navigable waterway should be all about – ‘Use it, or lose it!’ – and let’s get rid of that bad national reputation by not being put off, by demonstrating what can be done and by reporting it to encourage more visitors. Yours sincerely, Tim Dodwell

[Thanks, Tim, for your views on the Basingstoke Canal and how it is perceived. Comments, especially from those such as yourself with a long association with the Canal, are always welcome particularly when they provide a contrasting view of the situation. Your letter came as a timely reminder about the need for positive action to help allay the negative perceptions about the Canal which undoubtedly exist. Some comfort can perhaps now be taken from the fact that representatives of the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society, Basingstoke Canal Boating Club, Byfleet Boat Club and IWA have joined together to produce a paper on the subject of Canal Access and Boater’s Perceptions. This paper was presented at a recent Basingstoke Canal ‘Stakeholders’ meeting and received a positive response from all concerned. Further details are awaited on how the proposals in the paper are to be implemented but in the meantime the slogan ‘Use it, or lose it’ seems wholly apposite. Ed.]

Basingstoke Canal Bulletin Last Autumn the S&HCS launched their new monthly E Bulletin as a supplement to their quarterly Newsletter Basingstoke Canal News. This is intended to provide a more immediate link to members. Its purpose is to attract as wide an audience as possible and it is therefore available to anyone who asks for it, including non-members of the Society. To subscribe, you should go to the Society’s website (http://www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/) and fill in the subscription form on the right hand side of the screen. The bulletin will usually be published around mid-month.

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Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group

Moving forward on all fronts

Our MWRG correspondent, Richard Davenport, writes:

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group (MWRG) had a busy 2010 and has moved forward on various fronts – with some immediate improvements as well as real progress on its long term restoration plans for the waterways that run through Maidenhead town centre.

In May MWRG placed a call off contract with environmental consultants Golder Associates, to undertake a full Environmental Impact Assessment for the project, following a Scoping Opinion issued by the council. All of the Tasks required under the contract have since been fully funded and authorised and the work programme is nearly complete. Ecological surveys were undertaken during the seasonal windows for Birds, Bats, Water Voles, Reptiles and Invertebrates, supplementing the Tree, Bat and River Corridor surveys previously undertaken. The overall Ecological Impact Assessment (including mitigation proposals) is currently being pulled together by Golder to support the planning application we hope to be in a position to submit in the Spring. Another crucial area of work has been Flood Risk, where the EA’s basic models have been refined and updated by Golder and the necessary scenarios (1:25, 1: 100 etc) modelled to demonstrate the impacts of the scheme at each stage. The EA still has to accept the results, but we are confident they show the necessary ‘no increase’ in flood risk. On the contrary we anticipate the channel enlargement and clearance work planned should improve flood risk to some degree. Other studies currently being undertaken to support the planning application include Water Resources, Geology and Minerals, Archaeology, Noise, Air Quality and Landscaping.

The late summer saw MWRG organize three clearance weekends along the Bray Cut, which connects the town centre waterway with the main River Thames by Bray Marina. 15-20 volunteers and professionals worked each day to cut back overgrown trees and remove underwater obstructions, ensuring a minimum 5 metre wide safe passage for use today by canoes and other small boats. Funded by a small grant from the Waterways Trust, a professional chain saw team worked from the water, whilst volunteers on the bank and in support boats gathered up and disposed of the cuttings by chipping (for mulch) and/or burning, as agreed with the EA and council officers. A huge amount of accumulated debris was removed from the channels and both the council and streamside property owners were very complimentary about the work done.

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Our annual canoe cavalcade in September benefited from the earlier clearance work when 30 canoeists and rowers enjoyed the paddle down the lower waterway to the Thames. The canoeists of all ages launched at Green Lane and paddled the 3.5Km down to the Thames through this very attractive but largely hidden waterway. Unlike the town centre sections of the waterway that we aim to restore and enlarge, the lower Bray Cut is typically over 0.5 metres deep and with a few exceptions nearly 15 metres wide.

Annual canoe cavalcade [Photo: MWRG]

The first (Baseline Stage) of the planned restoration works will deepen the town centre York Stream and Moor Cut channels to create The Ring, with a weir at Green Lane raising the water levels to fill both channels. Boat rollers at the weir will allow small craft to reach and circulate around the town centre from Bray Cut, but no road bridge changes will be made at this stage, so headroom will initially be limited to 1.4m. A lock will be added at a later stage when the size and number of boats able to access the area merits this.

On the policy front, the final consultation on the 20 Year Area Action Plan (AAP) for Maidenhead Town Centre closed in November, with the Waterways included as one of five key projects. A total of 98 organisation and individuals responded to the consultation and the overwhelming view of consultees was supportive of the AAP and the Waterway. A dedicated Waterway Framework policy has already been adopted to protect the route against incompatible development. This sets standards for waterside development on matters such as buffer zones, active frontages and accessibility. The Framework also requires that any new or rebuilt crossings over the waterway must provide for a minimum 2.1m of headroom, opening up the possibility of larger craft being able to use the waterway in the long term. The AAP has been approved by the council and now goes to a government inspector before coming fully into force. Having been through successive consultations and iterations along the way, the AAP already carries considerable weight in planning decisions so the waterways planning application will be considered in this context once submitted.

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River Thames News

Tony Davis retirement The EA Thames Waterway Working Group meeting in November marked the end of an era with the retirement of Tony Davis as IWA representative after service of some 33 years on the TWWG and its predecessor organisations. At the meeting, Simon Hughes, EA Regional Environment and Performance Manager, thanked Tony for his contribution over the years and presented him with a book ‘Searching the Thames’. After thanking the meeting, Tony introduced John How as his successor and new IWA representative. The following is from IWA’s Press Release issued on Tony’s retirement:

“Tony Davis, a member of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) for 42 years and IWA’s representative on the Environment Agency’s (EA) Thames Waterways Working Group (TWWG) and its predecessor committees for the last 33 years has announced that he is to stand down from formally representing the IWA at the end of the year. Tony said: ‘It has been a privilege to serve IWA for so long and in my time IWA’s contribution to campaigning, working together with other Thames representative organisations, has seen many improvements to the Thames. I especially value the contribution to the TWWG, collaborating with others who value the Thames as much as IWA. Over a period of years, some of the developments that I prize are the EA re-engineering of lock consoles to allow out-of-hours use (final one completed this year); trials to determine the speed limit on the river; reciprocal licences with British Waterways resulting in the Gold Licence; better licence purchase arrangements and conditions for visiting boats; and input to the Customer Charter and the Thames Waterway Plan. More recently I was proud of IWA’s role – again alongside others – in successfully campaigning for the EA to reverse its decision to sell Lock Keepers’ cottages. Furthermore, this year, after 4 years of campaigning, given my personal involvement, I was delighted to see the new and improved moorings open at Weybridge; and colleagues in IWA made a significant contribution in lobbying for the new moorings at Wallingford, which also opened this year.’

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Tony Davis retirement (Cont’d)

Clive Henderson commented: ‘We are lucky to have people like Tony in IWA. It is their determination and continued resolve to protect and improve their local waterways – in Tony’s case the Thames – that ensures good waterways for all to enjoy. I value his contribution over many years and wish him well in enjoying the fruits of his labours.’ He concluded by saying: ‘The Thames is a major component of the waterways network and a vital corridor between so many other navigations. The lower reaches of the Thames are well patronised, and the future for even better network links is looking very promising. Changes in navigation authority management currently being put forward by Government provide a 'once in a generation' opportunity to simplify the multitude of different navigation management arrangements in this area. IWA is also pleased that the upper reaches of the Thames have become more popular, especially with visiting boaters. The new moorings at Wallingford are important as they give boaters a place to easily moor and spend their money to support the local economy. IWA is supporting further extension of the boating network with its fundraising appeal to restore and re-commission Inglesham Lock on the Thames and Severn Canal at its junction with the Thames near Lechlade. This will reopen the gateway to the Cotswold Canals restoration. In time, a restored Wilts and Berks Canal will also add to the cruising routes available from and to the Thames, and good progress is being made with the restoration of the Wey and Arun Canal. When completed, this will re-open a non-tidal route from the Thames to the English Channel. IWA has recently provided the Trust with two grants to help fund development work. IWA is and always has been a keen supporter of the Thames. Over 10% of our membership is in the Thames corridor. We reflect that support in our annual National Festival. It has been on the Thames 4 times in the last 13 years. We will be back again soon.”

From a Guildford & Reading Branch perspective we would add that Tony’s Thames activities have been but a part of a much wider role for IWA over the many years of his membership in which he was ably supported by his wife, Doreen. When he retired from the Branch Committee in 2001 we were reminded that he had been responsible for setting up the then Guildford Branch in 1974 and subsequently served as a Committee member, Secretary and Chairman. During his time on the Committee the vast majority of Branch events had their origins in an idea from Tony. One of his many waterways interests was in preserving the right of

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navigation, particularly on the backwaters of the Thames and the Wey, which were the subject of well documented and illustrated articles in Waterways World. His achievements for IWA were marked by his being awarded the Cyril Styring Trophy in 2001. Subsequently he was appointed as IWA’s first Honorary Consultant Planner. Hopefully Tony, with his wealth of knowledge on a variety of waterways matters, will still be available to give his opinions and advice, as he has done recently on planning issues involving the Basingstoke Canal. RC Licence Evaders Prosecuted Our Branch Thames Representative, John How, reports:

Recently the EA issued a Press Release highlighting the convictions by magistrates of five boaters caught using their vessels on the River Thames without valid licences.

Two of the cases were heard at Staines Magistrates’ Court and three at Kingston Magistrates’ Court. All the offences were contrary to the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010 and the Transport and Works Act 1992. In total the boaters concerned suffered financial penalties amounting to £4,344.

Andrew Graham, an Environment Agency Waterways Operations Manager, said: “The income we raise from boat registration is very important for the community and the environment. It contributes directly to improving and maintaining waterway structures such as locks and lay-bys, as well as providing facilities like visitor moorings, water points, rubbish and sewage disposal and electric boat charging hook-ups. It is vital that we continue to invest in our waterways to create and maintain a good quality environment that people can enjoy for years to come.”

The full text of the Press Release is available at ‘www.environment-agency.gov.uk, under Media Centre; News issued 13th Jan 2011'.

[Hopefully other waterway authorities will take note and the clampdown on licence dodgers will not be confined to the Thames. Ed]

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Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

Both the Newbury and Reading Sections of the Trust hold a series of autumn/winter monthly meetings to which non-members are always welcome (see also K&A website: www.katrust.org.uk). The programmes of meetings continue as below. The Newbury meetings are on the last Wednesday of the month at The Stone Building, Newbury Wharf, RG14 5AS, at 7.45pm prompt (doors open 30 mins before). Admission is free. There is adequate public parking alongside the venue. Newbury meetings are as follows: Wed 23rd Feb: Crossing Germany West to East by Ron & Myra Glover of IWA Salisbury Group Wed 30th March: The Bow Back Rivers Project plus K&A Update by Mark Stephens BW K&A Manager Wed 27th April: Branch AGM followed by a discussion - The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust: The Way Ahead Further information from the Newbury Branch Secretary 01635 580356 or Email: [email protected].

The Reading meetings are held at All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square, Reading RG1 6NP (off the A4 Bath Road, Reading end) at 7.30 for 8pm start. A donation is requested towards the hire of hall and provision of refreshments. Reading meetings are as follows: Fri 25th Feb: ‘Malta’ – Ian Clay & Peter Drew-Clifton Fri 25th March: AGM and speaker - new Chairman of the Trust, Dr. Mike Rodd Fri 29th April: 'Ontario Canals' - David Copley, Reading Branch Chairman. Fri 27th May: ‘Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group’ – John Morgan For further information on the Reading meetings contact John or Pam Swift on 0118 941 5540 or Email: [email protected]. Other Reading Branch events: 12th and 13th March - RESCUE – Rivers & Environmental Spaces Clean Up Event at County Lock 10am - Volunteers needed - Contact David Copley - 0118 959 8247 for details Sat 18th June - Reading Water Fest. Boat entry details also from David Copley.

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IWAKES Branch News

Past Events

Angela Acott reports on three meetings last Autumn:

London Docklands by Jeremy Bratch Between 50 and 60 people gathered at Strood Sailing Club in late October for a talk by Jeremy Bratch about London Docklands.What this gentleman did not know about the docks that grew off the Thames you could write on the back of a postage stamp. All his knowledge was accompanied by excellent and interesting graphics.

After Boudica's rebellion London became the capital of England. Stratford and the Olympic site we owe to King Alfred for damming the Upper Lee (and burning the cakes).

In 1490 the first dry dock was built in Portsmouth. After the Mary Rose was built there in 1509 she had to come to Woolwich to have her guns installed.

In 1547 Chatham Docks came into being. In 1590 the first guillotine lock was built on the River Exe, and a Pound lock was constructed near Hertford. A breach of the Thames in 1659 caused the Isle of Dogs to come into being.

In 1661 Sheerness Docks were started, Rowland Great Wet Dock came into being and many many more followed. You would be reading this till tea time if I listed them all. Thomas Telford built St Katherines Dock and 11,000 persons were made homeless to construct it. Millwall docks came about in 1868. 1880 saw Royal Albert Dock and in 1913 the South East King George V Dock appeared. At one time there were so many docks London could have fallen into them.

Wartime Spud Pontoons Mulberry Harbours and Phoenix Breakwaters were constructed in many of the docks before being floated out to sea.

After 1968 many of the docks began to be filled in. 1989 saw a new Limehouse Lock being opened (where our speaker is lock keeper). At Heron Quay a new canal has opened and some old docks have been used for marinas or boating activities.

I could have given you many more dates and facts but I would have filled the Newsletter up. Those of you who missed THIS treat can catch up with another when Jeremy visits the Gravesend Sailing Club on March 16th at 8pm with ‘Invaders, Explorers and Shipbuilders' which includes our own canal the Thames & Medway.

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The Grand Canal of China by Liam D’Arcy-Brown On 20th November approximately 40 members and friends gathered at the Gravesend Sailing Club to hear Liam D'Arcy Brown tell us about his time in China. In 1989 he studied Mandarin and Chinese History. In 2006 he left his wife at home with her proper job and travelled to China to become the first westerner in over 200 years to travel the entire length of the Grand Canal of China. The Grand canal is the longest in the world and the oldest, being 2050 years old. Emperor Sway was its builder, also building the Great Wall in his country. Built to carry rice to the capital quicker (rice being the staple diet of its citizens) the Director General of grain transport was responsible for maintaining the waterway in the 15th century. The Grand Canal passes many of the largest cities which have been booming since the 1970s.It now carries fuel, petrol, coal and many construction materials. The journey could be from Hangzhon to Beijing. Liam showed us some of the branches off the main canal with many pretty arch bridges just like you see on your Willow patterned plates. Now very much tourist spots, for newly rich travellers. Some sections of the Canal are VERY wide, could be 500 metres. Most was manmade by hand. Some goes through interconnecting lakes. Junks on the River have been used since before Christ. Now traffic is mostly wide barges upon which live whole families, as on our narrow boats in times gone by. The Chinese fish for winkles by dredging the bottom of the canal but Liam recommended NOT to eat them unless you wanted an upset tummy. In 1940/70 the whole Canal was reconfigured including all the locks, some of which are 200m long by 25m wide. The Chinese are now paying more attention to their Heritage and many features are being restored, including a 53 arched bridge from 800AD now an important national treasure. Also other beautiful Rainbow bridges and Pagodas. The canal when built was 1115 miles long. Now 600 remain. All the current navigable section was built by hand. If you wish to find out more track down Liam’s book- ‘The Emperors River: Travels to the heart of a resurgent China’. Suffice to say everybody present enjoyed the talk immensely and it was finished off by nibbles of a Chinese flavour, supplied by kindness of the Sailing Club. As Liam travels round the country giving his talk try to catch it if you can.

The Rideau Canal by Bernard Snell A joint Christmas Meeting was held between IWA and TMCA at Gravesend Sailing Club on 9th December. Bernard Snell gave us a talk about his trip on the Rideau Canal with Joyce and another Wilderness Boat owning couple who hired a pair of boats for a. fortnight on the canal. Though the boats the pair hired had all mod cons Bernard referred to them as floating sheds. John By, a south London man, built the canal under instructions from Wellington in 1826. John By's father had been a lighterman and John joined him on the boats at 14. At 17 he joined the Royal Household through his mother who worked at the Palace. How he got to be building canals in Canada we do not know. But during that time there were no means of travel other than walking or canoe. The waterway is 125 miles long with 42 massive locks and major engineering works and took 5 years to complete. By had some trouble with landowners unwilling to sell their land like restorers of canals today. The Rideau canal, very much like the Caledonian in Scotland, is a series of lakes joined by man made canals. There are many interesting features like block houses and some of the scenery is outstanding. But they got caught in the tail end of hurricane Gustave. Bernard gave us the whole works, bangs and crashes and moving pictures. Also of another storm on the outskirts of Ottawa, which is an impressive city with a massive lock flight. Everything about the canal is HUGE. John By died in obscurity and is buried in the village of Frant near Tunbridge Wells but has recently been recognised as a hero in Canada and honoured. After Christmas nibbles, very much enjoyed by all, Bernard continued with a walk along the Thames and Medway Canal, in 'all types of weather'. We saw the Vista looking wonderful in the snow and the sight of the new pump yet to be connected. Plus US enjoying our elevenses beside the canal. We admired Trevor's seat and saw where deer had been chewing some bushes and many wild flowers that most of us had overlooked.

Thames & Medway Canal Association Report As we start the year 2011 in Dickens country we are filled with 'great expectations'. The pump mechanism and power is to be installed during January and all the water backed up behind the weir will find its way into the canal. At present it is running into

23by nibbles of a Chinese flavour, supplied by kindness of the Sailing Club. As Liam travels round the country giving his talk try to catch it if you can.

The Rideau Canal by Bernard Snell A joint Christmas Meeting was held between IWA and TMCA at Gravesend Sailing Club on 9th December. Bernard Snell gave us a talk about his trip on the Rideau Canal with Joyce and another Wilderness Boat owning couple who hired a pair of boats for a. fortnight on the canal. Though the boats the pair hired had all mod cons Bernard referred to them as floating sheds. John By, a south London man, built the canal under instructions from Wellington in 1826. John By's father had been a lighterman and John joined him on the boats at 14. At 17 he joined the Royal Household through his mother who worked at the Palace. How he got to be building canals in Canada we do not know. But during that time there were no means of travel other than walking or canoe. The waterway is 125 miles long with 42 massive locks and major engineering works and took 5 years to complete. By had some trouble with landowners unwilling to sell their land like restorers of canals today. The Rideau canal, very much like the Caledonian in Scotland, is a series of lakes joined by man made canals. There are many interesting features like block houses and some of the scenery is outstanding. But they got caught in the tail end of hurricane Gustave. Bernard gave us the whole works, bangs and crashes and moving pictures. Also of another storm on the outskirts of Ottawa, which is an impressive city with a massive lock flight. Everything about the canal is HUGE. John By died in obscurity and is buried in the village of Frant near Tunbridge Wells but has recently been recognised as a hero in Canada and honoured. After Christmas nibbles, very much enjoyed by all, Bernard continued with a walk along the Thames and Medway Canal, in 'all types of weather'. We saw the Vista looking wonderful in the snow and the sight of the new pump yet to be connected. Plus US enjoying our elevenses beside the canal. We admired Trevor's seat and saw where deer had been chewing some bushes and many wild flowers that most of us had overlooked.

Thames & Medway Canal Association Report As we start the year 2011 in Dickens country we are filled with 'great expectations'. The pump mechanism and power is to be installed during January and all the water backed up behind the weir will find its way into the canal. At present it is running into the Thames through the tide valve. The towpath/footpath/SCR No1 is being returned to its original width by clearing the surface of soil deposits and vegetation. It will then be resurfaced and make less hazards for walking and cycling. TMCA Report (Cont’d) At a 'Full of Life' event in the Civic Centre Gravesend we had poll position in the foyer and had the opportunity to lobby councillors etc as they went about their business or passed us for coffee in the cafe. We also attended a Community Forum at Dartford headed up by Martin Hall Director, Greening the Gateway Kent and Medway. We gave a twenty-minute talk about how the canal fits in with the RSPB, marshes and countryside for the benefit of residents. Our static display appeared in Meopham Library for three weeks. We were also present at the Victorian Christmas Fayre in The Old Town Hall, High Street, Gravesend a very enjoyable and successful event. We visited Marling Cross Library Homework Club with things for the youngsters to do.

Display team with youngsters at Marling Cross Library [Photo: Angela Acott]

Also the stall has been to two Model Railway Shows. One at Chatham, where we had a good position by the entrance, and one at St Josephs school, Gravesend where we had a visit from the current Mayor. Two Tuesday morning clean ups were cancelled due to snow but are up and running again; mostly scrub bashing as we cannot work much at Mark Lane until the

24the Thames through the tide valve. The towpath/footpath/SCR No1 is being returned to its original width by clearing the surface of soil deposits and vegetation. It will then be resurfaced and make less hazards for walking and cycling. TMCA Report (Cont’d) At a 'Full of Life' event in the Civic Centre Gravesend we had poll position in the foyer and had the opportunity to lobby councillors etc as they went about their business or passed us for coffee in the cafe. We also attended a Community Forum at Dartford headed up by Martin Hall Director, Greening the Gateway Kent and Medway. We gave a twenty-minute talk about how the canal fits in with the RSPB, marshes and countryside for the benefit of residents. Our static display appeared in Meopham Library for three weeks. We were also present at the Victorian Christmas Fayre in The Old Town Hall, High Street, Gravesend a very enjoyable and successful event. We visited Marling Cross Library Homework Club with things for the youngsters to do.



contractors have finished working there. We still get plenty of comments about our good work from walkers and cyclists. We are only awaiting the electric to be connected to the pump before continuing further.

Brian Macknish and Angela Acott

Intake overflow [Photo: Brian Macknish] English Heritage recognises

the Thames and Medway Canal at Gravesend As readers may have seen reported in the Spring Edition of IWA ‘Waterways’, English Heritage has recognised the Thames and Medway Canal with a ‘Grade II’ listing of the Gravesend Canal Basin, by the Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt. The listing recognises the Canal Basin, the Swing Bridge, the existing parts of the original 19th century walls as well as the two locks, one of which was recently rediscovered under a disused car park. All of which have a historic and rarity value in the South East. In last November’s Press Release from The Thames and Medway Canal Association, their Chairman , Brian Macknish, said “I am delighted and applaud any action that helps protect our waterway heritage from inappropriate developments. The listing of this fantastic piece of heritage, brings us a step closer to realising a long term ambition of reopening the stretch of

the Thames through the tide valve. The towpath/footpath/SCR No1 is being returned to its original width by clearing the surface of soil deposits and vegetation. It will then be resurfaced and make less hazards for walking and cycling. TMCA Report (Cont’d) At a 'Full of Life' event in the Civic Centre Gravesend we had poll position in the foyer and had the opportunity to lobby councillors etc as they went about their business or passed us for coffee in the cafe. We also attended a Community Forum at Dartford headed up by Martin Hall Director, Greening the Gateway Kent and Medway. We gave a twenty-minute talk about how the canal fits in with the RSPB, marshes and countryside for the benefit of residents. Our static display appeared in Meopham Library for three weeks. We were also present at the Victorian Christmas Fayre in The Old Town Hall, High Street, Gravesend a very enjoyable and successful event. We visited Marling Cross Library Homework Club with things for the youngsters to do.



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the Thames and Medway Canal at Gravesend As readers may have seen reported in the Spring Edition of IWA ‘Waterways’, English Heritage has recognised the Thames and Medway Canal with a ‘Grade II’ listing of the Gravesend Canal Basin, by the Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt. The listing recognises the Canal Basin, the Swing Bridge, the existing parts of the original 19th century walls as well as the two locks, one of which was recently rediscovered under a disused car park. All of which have a historic and rarity value in the South East. In last November’s Press Release from The Thames and Medway Canal Association, their Chairman , Brian Macknish, said “I am delighted and applaud any action that helps protect our waterway heritage from inappropriate developments. The listing of this fantastic piece of heritage, brings us a step closer to realising a long term ambition of reopening the stretch of canal between the canal basin and Mark Lane (700yds) making more than 3 miles of navigation accessible from the River Thames.”

Canal Basin moorings [Photo: Courtesy TMCA]

Back-numbers of Canal Boat Magazine Back-copies of ‘Canal Boat’ magazine from Sept 1996 to Dec 2010 are available from Mike Hannan (01622 890 586). Buyer collects. Donation to IWA appreciated.

Future IWAKES and Other Events

Thurs 24th February: 7:30 for 8pm: IWAKES AGM followed by Canal locations quiz from Les & Sue Schwieso: St Nicholas Church Hall, Poplar Road, Maidstone: (See Map opposite): Sunday 6th March: 9:30am: Joint IWAKES and Thames & Medway Canal Association Working Party: Meet at Mark Lane (See Map on page 28): Please bring boots, gloves and packed lunch. Tea, coffee and safety equipment will be provided. Wed 16th March: 7:30 for 8pm: ‘Invaders, Explorers and Shipbuilders’: Jeremy Bratch will tell (amongst other things) why the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered at Greenwich Yacht Club: Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: (See Map on page 28): (This is a TMCA event to which all are welcome): Wed 6th April: 7:30 for 8pm: The Tom Rolt ‘Cressy’ Cruise: Ron & Mary Heritage: Grove Ferry Boat Club, Grove Ferry Road, Upstreet, near Canterbury: CT3 4BP: (See Map on page 28): Wed 13th April: 7:30 for 8pm: TMCA AGM: Followed by Angela Acott’s illustrated talk ‘Gravesend to Scotland and return’: Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: (See Map on page 28):

canal between the canal basin and Mark Lane (700yds) making more than 3 miles of navigation accessible from the River Thames.”








the Thames and Medway Canal at Gravesend As readers may have seen reported in the Spring Edition of IWA ‘Waterways’, English Heritage has recognised the Thames and Medway Canal with a ‘Grade II’ listing of the Gravesend Canal Basin, by the Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt. The listing recognises the Canal Basin, the Swing Bridge, the existing parts of the original 19th century walls as well as the two locks, one of which was recently rediscovered under a disused car park. All of which have a historic and rarity value in the South East. In last November’s Press Release from The Thames and Medway Canal Association, their Chairman , Brian Macknish, said “I am delighted and applaud any action that helps protect our waterway heritage from inappropriate developments. The listing of this fantastic piece of heritage, brings us a step closer to realising a long term ambition of reopening the stretch of

26





Thurs 24th February: 7:30 for 8pm: IWAKES AGM followed by Canal locations quiz from Les & Sue Schwieso: St Nicholas Church Hall, Poplar Road, Maidstone: (See Map opposite): Sunday 6th March: 9:30am: Joint IWAKES and Thames & Medway Canal Association Working Party: Meet at Mark Lane (See Map on page 28): Please bring boots, gloves and packed lunch. Tea, coffee and safety equipment will be provided. Wed 16th March: 7:30 for 8pm: ‘Invaders, Explorers and Shipbuilders’: Jeremy Bratch will tell (amongst other things) why the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered at Greenwich Yacht Club: Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: (See Map on page 28): (This is a TMCA event to which all are welcome): Wed 6th April: 7:30 for 8pm: The Tom Rolt ‘Cressy’ Cruise: Ron & Mary Heritage: Grove Ferry Boat Club, Grove Ferry Road, Upstreet, near Canterbury: CT3 4BP: (See Map on page 28): Wed 13th April: 7:30 for 8pm: TMCA AGM: Followed by Angela Acott’s illustrated talk ‘Gravesend to Scotland and return’: Gravesend Sailing Club, The Promenade, Gravesend: (See Map on page 28): Mondays 9th & 23rd May: 7:00pm to approx 8:30pm: TMCA Guided walk starting from and returning to the Ship & Lobster (end of Mark Lane): Following the riverbank and towpath: Sunday 15th May: Thames & Medway Canal Association Open Day. The Canal Tavern, Canal Basin, Canal Road, Gravesend.: (See Map on page 28): Wed 22nd June: Evening meal and boat trip on the Rother: Meet at riverside pub. Order meal. Take a one hour boat trip with glass of wine. Return to eat: All in price £25: Cheques made payable to ‘IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch’ should be sent to Graham Ingram, 5 Pilgrims Close, Pilgrims Retreat, Hogbarn Lane, Harrietsham, Kent. ME17 1NZ. (01622 858076). . Thurs 17th November: 7 for 7:30pm: Linda Wilkinson is our speaker from the Chichester Ship Canal Trust: in the Upper Room, Haywards Heath Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN (near the railway station, about 200yds up from the Clair Hall). This is a joint meeting with Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust. Details of meetings with links to Maps of locations can also be found on the website at www.waterways.org.uk/regions_branches/south_east/kent_east_sussex Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings. M A P O F M A I D S T O N E






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St NicholasChurch Hall,Maidstone

Mondays 9th & 23rd May: 7:00pm to approx 8:30pm: TMCA Guided walk starting from and returning to the Ship & Lobster (end of Mark Lane): Following the riverbank and towpath: Sunday 15th May: Thames & Medway Canal Association Open Day. The Canal Tavern, Canal Basin, Canal Road, Gravesend.: (See Map on page 28): Wed 22nd June: Evening meal and boat trip on the Rother: Meet at riverside pub. Order meal. Take a one hour boat trip with glass of wine. Return to eat: All in price £25: Cheques made payable to ‘IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch’ should be sent to Graham Ingram, 5 Pilgrims Close, Pilgrims Retreat, Hogbarn Lane, Harrietsham, Kent. ME17 1NZ. (01622 858076). . Thurs 17th November: 7 for 7:30pm: Linda Wilkinson is our speaker from the Chichester Ship Canal Trust: in the Upper Room, Haywards Heath Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN (near the railway station, about 200yds up from the Clair Hall). This is a joint meeting with Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust. Details of meetings with links to Maps of locations can also be found on the website at www.waterways.org.uk/regions_branches/south_east/kent_east_sussex Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings. M A P O F M A I D S T O N E

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GRAVESEND

GRoVE FERRy BoAt CluB, upStREEt

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Oxfordshire Branch News

Chairman’s Report

January 2011. A Happy and Healthy New Year to you all. This will be my last report to you as Chairman of Oxfordshire Branch, as I am not seeking re-election to the committee at the AGM in March. I have served as a member, and indeed as chairman, for 6 years and feel it is time for others to take over. While I have not lost my interest in IWA or our waterways, I feel it is time for someone with new ideas, enthusiasm and drive to take up the role. I have enjoyed my time in this post and hope that you think I have successfully fulfilled the duties expected of me. I guess at this time one inevitably looks back over achievements. We now have a much higher profile with local and County Councils, British Waterways, the Environment Agency, local groups and various government departments. This is largely due to the work of other members of the committee, our representatives and volunteers. Members who represent the branch on various committees e.g. R.Thames groups or help with the community events which we are involved with. When I took over from John Tucker, 6 years ago, Jericho Boatyard was about to be sold off by BW for re-development. The site was quickly snapped up, but after two failed planning attempts the site remains empty and is now in the hands of receivers. Jericho Boatyard Trust along with Jericho Community Association has high hopes for it. They have engaged architects who have come up with some very inspiring designs. These were displayed recently for comment by all interested parties. It remains now for this group to negotiate with the liquidators in order to purchase the site. We hope to have further information in the very near future. There were a lot of concerns about the lower end of the Oxford Canal. Boaters and walkers were avoiding it partly because of concerns over the “undesirable element” who mustered in the area. This issue has largely been resolved by a group of people including councillors, BW, the police and others. Hythe Bridge Pocket Park is now an open space, with security cameras, which makes a welcoming access to this area. Work to remove foliage and to restore the towing path has also been undertaken. The area opposite Jericho (College Cruisers and the Boatyard) has been cleared and new 48 hour mooring formed. A sani station was also erected for use by the local residential boaters and others. This is the area we now use for the Waterside part of the Oxford “Open Doors” event held annually in the City. Oxfordshire Chairman’s Report (Cont’d)

The formation of the Oxford City Canal Partnership (OCCP) has been largely responsible for the aforementioned improvements. The group has a wide ranging membership who together have been able to “push things along”. They have involved the Universities and Colleges in much of the research and subsequent reports and they have come up with some great ideas and initiatives for future developments. The restoration of Oxford Terminal Basin remains one of their top aims and, although this is unlikely to happen soon, it most definitely remains “on the agenda”. Oxford City, when planning for the redevelopment of Oxford’s West End, have the restoration of the terminal basin as the preferred option for that site. Moving upstream to the southern area of Banbury, the Connect 2 project which includes a new bridge and upgrade of the towing path is moving on, albeit very slowly due mainly to the slowdown in the nearby development where some of the funding was coming from. BW undertook work on the bank and towing path below the lock which has provided new and better mooring. There have been disappointments. Foliage and grass cutting, while still a problem in some areas, has improved. However large sections of the towing path, particularly in the upper section of the canal, leave much to be desired. Sadly the scheme for improvements has been abandoned. The plan for the small Marina near Kidlington was turned down by Cherwell DC. While BW and EA have made progress in licence evasion there are still problems with boats overstaying in many areas. Local residents tell us that many of these simply swop places with each other when they know Patrol officers are visiting. The new Licence regulation for boats on the R. Thames has caused consternation with some. I note that BW has had further cuts in their grant from DEFRA which is not good news.

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There were a lot of concerns about the lower end of the Oxford Canal. Boaters and walkers were avoiding it partly because of concerns over the “undesirable element” who mustered in the area. This issue has largely been resolved by a group of people including councillors, BW, the police and others. Hythe Bridge Pocket Park is now an open space, with security cameras, which makes a welcoming access to this area. Work to remove foliage and to restore the towing path has also been undertaken. The area opposite Jericho (College Cruisers and the Boatyard) has been cleared and new 48 hour mooring formed. A sani station was also erected for use by the local residential boaters and others. This is the area we now use for the Waterside part of the Oxford “Open Doors” event held annually in the City. Oxfordshire Chairman’s Report (Cont’d)

The formation of the Oxford City Canal Partnership (OCCP) has been largely responsible for the aforementioned improvements. The group has a wide ranging membership who together have been able to “push things along”. They have involved the Universities and Colleges in much of the research and subsequent reports and they have come up with some great ideas and initiatives for future developments. The restoration of Oxford Terminal Basin remains one of their top aims and, although this is unlikely to happen soon, it most definitely remains “on the agenda”. Oxford City, when planning for the redevelopment of Oxford’s West End, have the restoration of the terminal basin as the preferred option for that site. Moving upstream to the southern area of Banbury, the Connect 2 project which includes a new bridge and upgrade of the towing path is moving on, albeit very slowly due mainly to the slowdown in the nearby development where some of the funding was coming from. BW undertook work on the bank and towing path below the lock which has provided new and better mooring. There have been disappointments. Foliage and grass cutting, while still a problem in some areas, has improved. However large sections of the towing path, particularly in the upper section of the canal, leave much to be desired. Sadly the scheme for improvements has been abandoned. The plan for the small Marina near Kidlington was turned down by Cherwell DC. While BW and EA have made progress in licence evasion there are still problems with boats overstaying in many areas. Local residents tell us that many of these simply swop places with each other when they know Patrol officers are visiting. The new Licence regulation for boats on the R. Thames has caused consternation with some. I note that BW has had further cuts in their grant from DEFRA which is not good news. And so the battle goes on. However I will not leave on a negative note - that is not my way. I firmly believe the Inland Waterways have a future. There are too many people who gain pleasure from our canals and rivers and the infrastructure around them, to allow anything to put their future at risk. Shortly now we will have more information about the new structure for the management of the waterways. We can only hope that this proves to be the answer to an ongoing problem and wish for a positive future for this, our National Heritage. It would be good to meet you at the AGM and to know that the new Chairman, whoever that may be, will continue to have your support in the future

Ron Heritage

Social Events Report Launton Handbell Ringers: An evening of Entertainment and Music At the meeting on Wednesday 10th November, we were entertained to an evening of melodies from different parts of the world, many familiar but some new to our ears, played by a team of nine members of the Launton Handbell Ringers. The tunes were interspersed with lively and amusing anecdotes, information and history of the craft by members of the group. Launton Handbell Ringers own a historic set of handbells. They own 80 of the 250 strong collection of Frederick Sharp who lived in Launton, hence the name of the group. The remainder of the collection is in The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. The oldest bell was cast at a foundry in Oldbourne, Wiltshire in 1696 during the reign of William the third. The smallest bell weighs 2oz and the heaviest 10lb. Apart from the heaviest bell, the ringers all hold 2 bells in each hand and stand in a semicircle about 10 feet away from the individually notated one large sheet of music - quite a feat for them even to see the music let alone interpret and then play it! The resonance produced by the bells was amazing and the harmonies and rhythms lyrical; a spellbinding experience. Melodies varied from the traditional such as Oranges and Lemons, The Sky Boat Song, Cockles and Mussels and Marie’s Wedding to The Mango Orchard from Jamaica with its Caribbean rhythms and on to the Elizabethan love song The Frog’s Galliard. The last tune, Highland Cathedral during which the heavier bells were played to represent the movement and rhythm of oars through water, brought us back to our waterways roots. This was an evening which nobody wanted to end and was a wonderful start to the Christmas season for us all. The calming sound of the Launton Handbells will ring in our ears for some time – especially those who bought their CD’s- and we will long remember the enthusiasm, humour and skill of this dedicated team of ringers.

And so the battle goes on. However I will not leave on a negative note - that is not my way. I firmly believe the Inland Waterways have a future. There are too many people who gain pleasure from our canals and rivers and the infrastructure around them, to allow anything to put their future at risk. Shortly now we will have more information about the new structure for the management of the waterways. We can only hope that this proves to be the answer to an ongoing problem and wish for a positive future for this, our National Heritage. It would be good to meet you at the AGM and to know that the new Chairman, whoever that may be, will continue to have your support in the future

Ron Heritage



Ron Heritage


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Ron Heritage


Sue Wardley

Ron and Mary Heritage - Re-enactment of Tom Rolt’s “Cressy” cruise At the meeting on 12th January Branch Chairman Ron Heritage and his wife Mary described their Re-enactment of Tom Rolt’s “Cressy” cruise. They undertook this cruise on their narrow boat “Heron” as Oxfordshire Branch’s contribution to the IWA Tom Rolt Centenary celebrations 2010 and to help promote the “Save our System” campaign by the IWA. This campaign was necessary as, at this time, the inland waterways were under threat due to the recession, with government funding being reduced to the Environment Agency and British Waterways including the proposed sale of their estates, including lock keepers cottages. Mary explained that, while they followed the route of the cruise from Banbury to Chester (Tom Rolt’s birthplace) it was not their intention to stop everywhere and do everything that Tom and his first wife Angela did. Many of these places are long gone. Ron and Mary put in a huge amount of effort in the planning and re-enacting of the “Cressy” Cruise, thereby raising public

Social Events Report (Cont’d) awareness of the importance to us all of the facilities for walkers, joggers, fishermen, cyclists and those on the water. Tom Rolt was a professional engineer with a passion for Victorian transport of all kinds, particularly the neglected canal network. His other passions were vintage cars and steam railways. One of Tom Rolt’s first books, “Narrow Boat” chronicled his tour of the inland waterways with his first wife Angela on the restored Shropshire Union narrow boat “Cressy”. As the result of the strong public interest in the waterways created by Tom’s book, which has been reprinted many times and continues to sell today, the Inland Waterways Association, was set up in 1946 with Tom as a founder member, to campaign for the restoration and preservation of Britain’s declining canal network. 2010 was the centenary anniversary of the birth of Tom Rolt. Ron and Mary’s cruise on “Heron” provided a huge amount of publicity for the “Save our System” campaign at their frequent stops to join in the many events organised by branch members and others along the route. On display were medallions presented by the various branches, mayors and civil dignitaries showing the state of the waterway locally before and after restoration. Other boats joined “Heron” at different points, and “Jupiter”, owned and crewed by Tony and Christine Crawford accompanied Ron and Mary for the whole expedition, which was an enormous support. Tom Rolt’s second wife, Sonia age 92 joined the party at several events on the route and the whole journey was monitored and chronicled on a dedicated website by pupils at North Oxfordshire Academy. Ron and Mary gave us a very interesting, well presented and humorous talk which described their findings as they followed Tom’s journey 70 years on, starting on April 24th from Banbury and arriving in Chester on 19th June for a civic banquet in honour of Tom Rolt and then their return to Banbury on 7th August.

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Sue Wardley



Sue Wardley

Forthcoming Events You are invited to join us on the following dates: Wed 9th March: Annual General Meeting . Wed 13th April: Ray Orth – “The Wendover Arm Trust”

The story of the restoration of this arm of the Grand Union Canal, closed in 1904 10th/11th Sept: Oxford Waterside ‘Open Doors’ Event (see separate article for details) Wed 14th Sept: Stephen & Verna Wass A talk about Morris Dancers, in particular the story of a local

girl who worked on the canal Sunday 2nd Oct: Banbury Canal Day (see separate article for details) Wed 12th Oct: Paul Barnett, Chairman Friends of Purton The Purton Hulks, River Severn, Gloucestershire. Wed 9th Nov: Liz Payne Chairman The Cotswold Canals Trust

Working to restore the Cotswold Waterways Wed 14th Dec: Skittles night Unless otherwise stated the above events are held in the Social Club at Kidlington Football Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT 7.30pm for 8.00pm. New members and visitors most welcome. For more details or directions phone Ann Yeatman - tel: 01865 372552.

Branch Community events in 2011 The following two events are scheduled for 2011: National Heritage Weekend. Oxford “open doors”on 10th/11th September and Banbury Canal Day on 2nd October.

Sue Wardley






Sue Wardley






Sue Wardley



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Sue Wardley





Branch Community events in 2011 The following two events are scheduled for 2011: National Heritage Weekend. Oxford “open doors”on 10th/11th September and Banbury Canal Day on 2nd October. Heritage Weekend. The Oxford City Canal Partnership, a group mentioned in the Chairman’s Report, have once again asked us to head up the Waterside part of this event. This will be our third year and we are hoping to make it an even more attractive event than before. Oxford Preservation Trust organise the overall event which, based on their information, attracted almost 50,000 visitors in 2010. Around 3000 of these were attracted to the waterway. For those who may not have heard about the National Heritage weekend it is a time when, throughout the country, buildings of historic interest not normally accessible to the public “open their doors” to visitors. All of these attractions throughout the City are free. Waterways in Oxford have a long history and many know little of this. So we “open” them. We run boat trips, provide waterways type children’s crafts, have exhibitions explain the history and look to future developments. I am sure you can imagine this does take quite of bit or arranging! If you are able to assist us by offering an hour or two of your time over that weekend in particular, I would be very pleased to hear from you. We take over all the 48 hour mooring on the lower end of the canal that weekend so if you want to bring your boat let me know. Community events (Cont’d)

We also need people who can help bring the trip boats from Thrupp to Oxford (and return them) prior to and following the event. If you want to know more or can help please ring 01869 277400. Banbury Canal Day This has now become a well-established annual event. The event encompasses the whole town but focuses around the canal side. With lots of visiting boats, stalls, folk music, canoe races and other activities it is a colourful and lively event which attracts many people. Because we have been involved with this now for 6/7 years and it is only a one day event, preparation and organising is much easier than for Oxford. I am however always looking for help “on the day” so book it in your diary. If you think you may be able to spare an hour or two give me a ring so that I can keep in touch as I progress with the arrangements. If you wish to bring your boat you will need to book it in through Banbury Town Council, the overall organisers. Booking usually starts about March/April. Forms can be found on their website or ring the council offices. I too will not be seeking re-election at the AGM. However I look forward to working with the committee, and you, throughout the coming months.

Mary Heritage Events and Volunteers coordinator

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Heritage Weekend. The Oxford City Canal Partnership, a group mentioned in the Chairman’s Report, have once again asked us to head up the Waterside part of this event. This will be our third year and we are hoping to make it an even more attractive event than before. Oxford Preservation Trust organise the overall event which, based on their information, attracted almost 50,000 visitors in 2010. Around 3000 of these were attracted to the waterway. For those who may not have heard about the National Heritage weekend it is a time when, throughout the country, buildings of historic interest not normally accessible to the public “open their doors” to visitors. All of these attractions throughout the City are free. Waterways in Oxford have a long history and many know little of this. So we “open” them. We run boat trips, provide waterways type children’s crafts, have exhibitions explain the history and look to future developments. I am sure you can imagine this does take quite of bit or arranging! If you are able to assist us by offering an hour or two of your time over that weekend in particular, I would be very pleased to hear from you. We take over all the 48 hour mooring on the lower end of the canal that weekend so if you want to bring your boat let me know. Community events (Cont’d)

We also need people who can help bring the trip boats from Thrupp to Oxford (and return them) prior to and following the event. If you want to know more or can help please ring 01869 277400. Banbury Canal Day This has now become a well-established annual event. The event encompasses the whole town but focuses around the canal side. With lots of visiting boats, stalls, folk music, canoe races and other activities it is a colourful and lively event which attracts many people. Because we have been involved with this now for 6/7 years and it is only a one day event, preparation and organising is much easier than for Oxford. I am however always looking for help “on the day” so book it in your diary. If you think you may be able to spare an hour or two give me a ring so that I can keep in touch as I progress with the arrangements. If you wish to bring your boat you will need to book it in through Banbury Town Council, the overall organisers. Booking usually starts about March/April. Forms can be found on their website or ring the council offices. I too will not be seeking re-election at the AGM. However I look forward to working with the committee, and you, throughout the coming months.

Mary Heritage Events and Volunteers coordinator

Solent & Arun Branch News

Chairman’s Report Welcome to the first Cargoes of 2011, elsewhere you will find details of our AGM and the dates of our planned cruises for the year. This year should see further progress on the two restoration schemes in the east of our branch on the Chichester and the Wey & Arun Canals, I personally belong to both societies and would urge anyone in their areas to join up. If you can’t commit any time to the scheme and can only be an armchair supporter, membership numbers count for a great deal in the corridors of power. In the west of the area the Itchen project continues to progress with the work to conserve the remains of the Itchen Navigation, and works to improve the towpath which is one of the most popular walks in Southern England. In recent months the work has been concentrated around the Hockley area, and there should also be further clearance work in Mansbridge area, where we held some working parties a couple of years ago. In the recent snows we had to postpone a committee meeting twice and also the Annual Canal Quiz at the Southampton Canal Society was postponed, this will now be held on the 7th April so if you want to join our team please get in touch.

Tuesday 29th March is the date of the Solent & Arun AGM together with the South East Region AGM. The AGMs will be followed by a talk by Jon Guest of BW on waterways in London. The venue is the Norfolk Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PA starting at 7.30pm. As always we will try to keep the formal part as brief as possible to give our guest speaker as much time as possible. Tea and coffee will be available

Mike Laishley

Alan White

On January 8th, one of the Solent & Arun Branch’s founding members Alan White passed away. He was at the forefront of the foundation of the Branch at the initial meetings in Winchester and Chichester. In 1977 he became the chairman, a post he

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Solent & Arun Branch News

Chairman’s Report Welcome to the first Cargoes of 2011, elsewhere you will find details of our AGM and the dates of our planned cruises for the year. This year should see further progress on the two restoration schemes in the east of our branch on the Chichester and the Wey & Arun Canals, I personally belong to both societies and would urge anyone in their areas to join up. If you can’t commit any time to the scheme and can only be an armchair supporter, membership numbers count for a great deal in the corridors of power. In the west of the area the Itchen project continues to progress with the work to conserve the remains of the Itchen Navigation, and works to improve the towpath which is one of the most popular walks in Southern England. In recent months the work has been concentrated around the Hockley area, and there should also be further clearance work in Mansbridge area, where we held some working parties a couple of years ago. In the recent snows we had to postpone a committee meeting twice and also the Annual Canal Quiz at the Southampton Canal Society was postponed, this will now be held on the 7th April so if you want to join our team please get in touch.

Tuesday 29th March is the date of the Solent & Arun AGM together with the South East Region AGM. The AGMs will be followed by a talk by Jon Guest of BW on waterways in London. The venue is the Norfolk Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PA starting at 7.30pm. As always we will try to keep the formal part as brief as possible to give our guest speaker as much time as possible. Tea and coffee will be available

Mike Laishley

Alan White

On January 8th, one of the Solent & Arun Branch’s founding members Alan White passed away. He was at the forefront of the foundation of the Branch at the initial meetings in Winchester and Chichester. In 1977 he became the chairman, a post he held for many years. Always keen to promote the River Arun he helped instigate the River Arun cruise, in those days a sponsored event to raise funds as boats on the upper reaches were rare. Following his retirement as Chairman he took on the role of branch campaigner. In that capacity he wrote many a well thought out and carefully worded letter to those in authority, whilst keeping an eye on those of us who followed as Chairman! Despite his enthusiasm for seeing the rivers cruised, he was not keen on small boats and would normally take on the role of shore support to ensure that he remained on the bank. In the early years he and his brother Anton would film the branch activities, which would result in a professional record of the day to be enjoyed at future meetings. He could also be found manning the branch sales stand, whilst also selling his own plants which generally sold better. In 2003 he retired from the branch completely, to concentrate on his love of gardening. A great character well liked and respected by all involved in the local waterways.

ML Mike Laishley

Small Boat Cruises

Our own version of “Carry on Cruising” Each year, the Solent and Arun branch arranges a number of cruises on smaller tidal waterways. This year we have our annual trip to demonstrate the right of navigation on the river Arun, a campaigning cruise on the river Adur and our popular cruise on the Hamble. The aim of the trips is to provide an insight into some interesting places and to enjoy being on the water. They are suitable for small boats up to around 14 feet long and canoes. Launching and recovery is easier because boat crews cooperate with each other and advice is available from those participants familiar with the particular waterway. So why not put the following dates in your diary NOW !!! Sunday 15th May. For our River Arun cruise, launching will be at Pulborough late morning. The aim is to reach the point where the Wey and Arun reached the river Arun and then on to Pallingham Quay, the highest navigable point for boats on the Arun. If time permits, we will stop for a drink at the White Hart, Stopham Bridge. The trip will be run in conjunction with the Wey and Arun Canal Trust.

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held for many years. Always keen to promote the River Arun he helped instigate the River Arun cruise, in those days a sponsored event to raise funds as boats on the upper reaches were rare. Following his retirement as Chairman he took on the role of branch campaigner. In that capacity he wrote many a well thought out and carefully worded letter to those in authority, whilst keeping an eye on those of us who followed as Chairman! Despite his enthusiasm for seeing the rivers cruised, he was not keen on small boats and would normally take on the role of shore support to ensure that he remained on the bank. In the early years he and his brother Anton would film the branch activities, which would result in a professional record of the day to be enjoyed at future meetings. He could also be found manning the branch sales stand, whilst also selling his own plants which generally sold better. In 2003 he retired from the branch completely, to concentrate on his love of gardening. A great character well liked and respected by all involved in the local waterways.

ML Mike Laishley

Small Boat Cruises

Our own version of “Carry on Cruising” Each year, the Solent and Arun branch arranges a number of cruises on smaller tidal waterways. This year we have our annual trip to demonstrate the right of navigation on the river Arun, a campaigning cruise on the river Adur and our popular cruise on the Hamble. The aim of the trips is to provide an insight into some interesting places and to enjoy being on the water. They are suitable for small boats up to around 14 feet long and canoes. Launching and recovery is easier because boat crews cooperate with each other and advice is available from those participants familiar with the particular waterway. So why not put the following dates in your diary NOW !!! Sunday 15th May. For our River Arun cruise, launching will be at Pulborough late morning. The aim is to reach the point where the Wey and Arun reached the river Arun and then on to Pallingham Quay, the highest navigable point for boats on the Arun. If time permits, we will stop for a drink at the White Hart, Stopham Bridge. The trip will be run in conjunction with the Wey and Arun Canal Trust. Sunday 17th July. The river Adur has a long history of navigation and even today small boats can, on a suitable tide, travel over 12 miles inland. In 2000, a major development at Ropetackle, in Shoreham by Sea, made the most important slipway on the Adur impractical. Even before that time the IWA Branch, lead by the late Alan White, had sought to improve open access to the river. The aim of this cruise is to publicise the lack of basic boating facilities. Following launching and exploring the river/harbour in Shoreham, the boats and canoes will travel five miles inland to The Kings Head, in Upper Beeding, before returning to Shoreham. Sunday 18th September. We will launch at one of the slipways on the Hamble and travel upstream through the picturesque and almost deserted upper parts of the river. We will enter a narrow creek and travel to the highest navigable point which, very conveniently, is adjacent the Horse and Jockey at Curbridge. As there will be a double tide we will re-trace our steps and follow the river to Botley Quay. We will then return to the slipways. Full details of the last two cruises will be provided in future issues of Cargoes but if you have any question then please contact Brendan Whelan by email at [email protected] or 'phone on 01903 816012.

Southampton Canal Society

For the first time ever, the December “Inter-Society” Waterways Quiz had to be postponed due to snow and icy conditions. Signs of climate change! We have re-arranged the Quiz to Thursday 7th April (see below).

Thurs 3rd March “Horsham to Littlehampton in 100 years” with Tony Pratt, Includes a short update on the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s progress.

Thurs 7th April Inter-Society Waterways Quiz, followed by an American Supper. Always an enjoyable evening, all welcome.

Thurs 28th April Roger Squires presents “The Suez Canal”

Meetings are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton SO16 7JZ at 7.45pm. For Monthly newsletters see www.sotoncs.org.uk.

Angela Rose

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Sunday 17th July. The river Adur has a long history of navigation and even today small boats can, on a suitable tide, travel over 12 miles inland. In 2000, a major development at Ropetackle, in Shoreham by Sea, made the most important slipway on the Adur impractical. Even before that time the IWA Branch, lead by the late Alan White, had sought to improve open access to the river. The aim of this cruise is to publicise the lack of basic boating facilities. Following launching and exploring the river/harbour in Shoreham, the boats and canoes will travel five miles inland to The Kings Head, in Upper Beeding, before returning to Shoreham. Sunday 18th September. We will launch at one of the slipways on the Hamble and travel upstream through the picturesque and almost deserted upper parts of the river. We will enter a narrow creek and travel to the highest navigable point which, very conveniently, is adjacent the Horse and Jockey at Curbridge. As there will be a double tide we will re-trace our steps and follow the river to Botley Quay. We will then return to the slipways. Full details of the last two cruises will be provided in future issues of Cargoes but if you have any question then please contact Brendan Whelan by email at [email protected] or 'phone on 01903 816012.

Southampton Canal Society

For the first time ever, the December “Inter-Society” Waterways Quiz had to be postponed due to snow and icy conditions. Signs of climate change! We have re-arranged the Quiz to Thursday 7th April (see below).

Thurs 3rd March “Horsham to Littlehampton in 100 years” with Tony Pratt, Includes a short update on the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s progress.

Thurs 7th April Inter-Society Waterways Quiz, followed by an American Supper. Always an enjoyable evening, all welcome.

Thurs 28th April Roger Squires presents “The Suez Canal”

Meetings are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton SO16 7JZ at 7.45pm. For Monthly newsletters see www.sotoncs.org.uk.

Angela Rose

South London Branch Meetings South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30 for 8.00 pm at The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do request a contribution towards room hire and refreshments. The programme for future meetings is as follows: Wed 9th March: AGM followed by Alan Snowdon’s film about Venice Wed 13th April: ‘Not Such Idle Women’ by Mike Constable Wed 11th May: ‘Barging Through East Germany’ by Robin Higgs Wed 8th June: ‘The Somersetshire Coal Canal’ by Patrick Moss There are no meetings at Croydon during July and August For more information about South London’s Social Calendar, please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581 or email [email protected]

Nancy Larcombe We were saddened to learn of the death last October of the well-known and much travelled waterways artist Nancy Larcombe. Nancy’s drawings and paintings captured many waterways scenes both locally and farther afield. It is due to her efforts that we have such a vivid record of the life and times of Captain Steve White, one of the last River Wey Bargemasters, in the book ‘Captain White’s River Life’ that was published jointly by Nancy and Steve in 1985. This contained many of Nancy’s sketches of scenes on the River Wey and we were privileged that Ulick Palmer (IWA’s River Wey Representative at the time) was asked to write the Foreword to that publication. Nancy’s support for the Guildford Water Festivals (organised by the Guildford & Reading Branch from 1985 to 1989) was much valued and

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South London Branch Meetings South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30 for 8.00 pm at The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do request a contribution towards room hire and refreshments. The programme for future meetings is as follows: Wed 9th March: AGM followed by Alan Snowdon’s film about Venice Wed 13th April: ‘Not Such Idle Women’ by Mike Constable Wed 11th May: ‘Barging Through East Germany’ by Robin Higgs Wed 8th June: ‘The Somersetshire Coal Canal’ by Patrick Moss There are no meetings at Croydon during July and August For more information about South London’s Social Calendar, please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581 or email [email protected]

Nancy Larcombe We were saddened to learn of the death last October of the well-known and much travelled waterways artist Nancy Larcombe. Nancy’s drawings and paintings captured many waterways scenes both locally and farther afield. It is due to her efforts that we have such a vivid record of the life and times of Captain Steve White, one of the last River Wey Bargemasters, in the book ‘Captain White’s River Life’ that was published jointly by Nancy and Steve in 1985. This contained many of Nancy’s sketches of scenes on the River Wey and we were privileged that Ulick Palmer (IWA’s River Wey Representative at the time) was asked to write the Foreword to that publication. Nancy’s support for the Guildford Water Festivals (organised by the Guildford & Reading Branch from 1985 to 1989) was much valued and appreciated. In the year in which the Festival was celebrating the life of Lewis Carroll she painted her own impression of Alice. Towed Haul with Nancy’s painting of Alice

[Photo: Ray Carnell]

Her tales of the waterways extended far beyond our local area as she travelled around the country’s canals aboard her Narrowboat Nancy Bell towing her floating art gallery Towed Haul. Indeed the tales of her travels were serialised in Canal & Riverboat along with her sketches to illustrate the text. She told Nancy Bell’s story in a book entitled A Boat’s Life. Her painting of Walsham Gates featured on one of IWA’s Christmas Cards. When, in 2004, the proposals (at that time) were to develop the Brewery Road Woking site as the new SCC County Hall, Nancy was on hand to provide us with her impression of how the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society’s proposals for moorings might be incorporated alongside the planned development.

Nancy with paintings [Photo: Alison Snell] When Nancy sold her boat she generously donated to the Branch Sales Stand many of the books she kept on board – a number of these will be found on the Branch Stand in the coming season together with prints (approx A3 size) of Nancy’s sketch of Harmsworth’s barge ‘Josephine’ at Moons Timber Wharf in the centre of Guildford in the 1930s (copied from one of Steve White’s collection of river Wey pictures). RC

appreciated. In the year in which the Festival was celebrating the life of Lewis Carroll she painted her own impression of Alice. Towed Haul with Nancy’s painting of Alice




















When Nancy sold her boat she generously donated to the Branch Sales Stand many of the books she kept on board – a number of these will be found on the Branch Stand in the coming season together with copies (prints approx A3 in size) of Nancy’s sketch of Harmsworth’s barge ‘Josephine’ at Millmead (illustrated above). RC

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The Inland Waterways Association

South East Region: Chairman Paul Roper ‘Cranborne’ Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants RG26 5LL

Phone: 01189 813381 Email:[email protected] Guildford & Reading Branch: Chairman Gareth Jones, Hill House Farm,

Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking, RH5 4QQ Phone: 07850 819 071 Email: [email protected]

Kent & East Sussex Branch: Chairman Mike Hannan ‘Trumpeter’, Water Lane, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9JN

Phone: 01622 890586 Email: [email protected] Oxfordshire Branch: Chairman Ron Heritage

“Arbre”, Main Street, Fringford, Oxon OX27 8DP Phone: 01869 277400 Email: [email protected]

Solent & Arun Branch: Chairman Mike Laishley 16 Park Avenue, Widley, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 5DW

Phone: 023 92325000 (evenings) Email: [email protected]

Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA.

Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Cecil Ives [email protected]

Next issue Summer 2011 Copy date 15th April 2011.

canalway cavalcade 2011

canalway cavalcade 2011

Little Venice, London W2Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May 2011

Come and join in the fun at Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice, near Paddington - a unique community and waterways festival in the heart of London. There’ll be the colourful spectacle of over a hundred boats gathered

in The Pool, working and traditional boats in procession, trade shows, bands, a variety of kids’ activities, a real ale bar, all kinds of tasty snacks and food and

plenty more to enjoy.

Admission is Free Saturday 10:00 till 18:00 Sunday 10:00 till 18:00 then music at 20:30 followed by a procession of illuminated boats Monday 10:00 till 17:00

For more information:

Trade Show: 0844 800 6552 or email [email protected] & boat entries: 020 8642 8104Press & Publicity: 020 8255 1581 or email [email protected]

Ad for Cargoes BW.indd 1 1/31/2011 1:08:52 PM

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Cargoes Spring 2011