Chiltern Branch Newsletter - Grapevine Autumn 2010

www.chilternbranchiwa.org.uk www.waterways.org.uk

Chiltern Branch Newsletter

Autumn 2010

Waterways ‘National Trust’ by 2012

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e It was only last year that British Waterways unveiled its glossy proposals to transform itself into a third sector organi-sation by 2020. Yet now it seems that the transition to a ‘Civil Society Body’ can be achieved by April 2012. No doubt the original schedule was overly cautious, but with early endorsement of the idea by the new government, the way was open to move ahead more quickly. The announcement on the 14th October confirmed the policy to take British Water-ways out of direct state control and the move has been gener-ally welcomed by the IWA and other interested parties. As BW’s Chairman, Tony Hales, acknowledges, there is much work to be done if the transition arrangements are to be put in place and plans are already being developed for national and local boards to manage the waterways. It is understood that the new ‘Trust’ will retain links to commercial operations such as marinas and that the key property portfolio will be locked in. However, some significant hurdles remain to be overcome if the change is to become a reality. In particular, legislation is required to permit the transition to take place and a contract for long term funding needs to be established with DEFRA. Waterways north of the border will depend on suitable ar-rangements being made with the Scottish government. Cur-rently it seems that the Environment Agency’s navigations will not be included as the issues are more complex and fund-ing arrangements are less clear. So our waterways are heading for the biggest shake up since nationalisation in 1948. It is a step in the right direction to-wards a ‘National Waterways Conservancy’ as Robert Aikman proposed during IWA’s pioneering years.

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Chairman's Ramblings

CHILTERN GRAPEVINE

As you can see, Hilary & I are back. We had a wonderful time during our travels around the world. It was a real treat to experience life journeying through Africa and then travel on to enjoy the sights of places such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. While most of our travel was by air, bus, train, car, or even bicycle, we did get on to the water on numerous occasions. In fact we had over 50 waterborne trips ranging from short ferry river crossings of a few minutes to a three day cruise down Lake Malawi, and from leisurely trips in dug out canoes to exhilarating rides in jet boats. So we did keep our toes in the water while we were away. And that doesn’t include our caravan tour around Denmark and Germany during the summer, with more ferries, boat trips and a Rhine cruise to boot. So after the enjoyment of three summers on the trot (Did it snow here while were away?) we are now slowly readjusting to life in one spot. There have been some changes; I was mightily impressed by the progress on the Wendover Arm, while many things remain just as they were. Perhaps the biggest change has been to the future of BW itself. When I left they were planning to reinvent themselves by 2020 and now it’s going to be done and dusted by April 2012! For our canal boating activities, we had to watch on the sidelines as Ownerships went into receivership. Fortunately, the ownership of our share in NB Adderbury was unaffected, but it was sad to see

such an innovative and successful approach to canal cruising being wound up. We had to leave it to our fellow owners to pick up the pieces and seek out a new management company. Nevertheless, just two weeks after we ‘settled’ back home, we were able to find our canal legs again with an enjoyable couple of weeks on the Shroppie and the Llangollen. While rambling on, I must say a big ‘Thank you’ to Mel Errington, who did such an excellent job in chairing the Branch while I was away. It was a difficult period with the passing of dear Mary Lillford and the issues surrounding the closure of Herts Branch. I have heard nothing but praise for his efforts and I am sorry that he has had to resign from the committee pending his move to Hampshire. I am sure that you will join me in wishing Mel and Julie every happiness in their new home. I must also give a mention to our esteemed Treasurer, Ron Probert. Over the summer he found that he could no longer swim the equivalent of the English Channel and sought medical advice. As a consequence he found himself undergoing surgery for a double bypass and a new heart valve. I'm pleased to say that he’s making a good recovery and will soon have his hands around the Branch finances once again. Peter Winter

Chiltern Branch Committee: Mel Errington has resigned from the committee pending his move to Hampshire. Peter Winter has resumed as Chairman on return from a year travelling. New members: Chiltern Branch is pleased to welcome the following new members: Rev V Malone, London Mr A & Mrs P Murray & Family, Bushey. Email register: If you wish to receive reminders and advance information about Branch activities, then please provide details to our Webmaster, Keith Haddon at [email protected]. London Region Chairman James Kennerley has resigned due to ill-health. Roger Squires is fulfilling the role. Chelmsford Branch has requested a move from Eastern Region to London Region. Planning Applications Marsworth: Revised plans for a residential development of the BW yard have been submitted following objections to the original plans. Berkhamsted: A further application has been made for the redevelopment of the Castle Wharf site. Aylesbury Canal Society Contrary to various reports, there is still no final agreement for the Society’s move from the Canal Basin to Circus Field. Perhaps in 2011…?

British Waterways A South East Area User Group was held in Tring on 20th October. Jeff Whyatt’s presentation and open discussion covered updates on the move to Trust status and the following items: General Works: the programme for 2010/11 was outlined which includes access improvements, bank protection, minor bridge works and towpath improvement. Dredging in Berkhamsted has already been completed. Facilities improvements are planned for new bin site installations (inc Marsworth), toilet upgrades (inc Batchworth and Watford), various water point and elsan upgrades. Tree Management: attention is focussed on removal of high risk trees and branches particularly on the offside. The winter cutting boat is working its way north up the Grand Union and Tring cutting is designated as a primary target. License Evasion: The crackdown on license evaders that was launched two years ago has paid dividends. Defaulters in the South East have been reduced from 12.3 % in 2007 to 4.4% now. Nationally there has been a drop from 10.4% to 5.9% over the same period. Moorings: While license evasion will remain a key focus, it is expected that more attention will be devoted to tackling the problems arising from overstaying moorers. Mooring arrangements at 24 key locations including Marsworth are also being

AUTUMN 2010 ISS UE Page 3

News

If you get the opportunity to take a walk from Drayton Beauchamp towards the Grand Union you will be astonished at the work which has been completed. I joined the work party at the end of 2007 just as they watered the experimen-tal section. Stage 1 took a further 2½ years to complete and was rewatered this June. This is an amazing sight, the canal turned from a raw building site and after

just a few months the banks have sprouted greenery and wildlife has taken ownership. We have even seen a large carp swimming, but everyone thinks this was introduced to the water by a human touch. Stage 1 was 321m long and in-cludes one mooring bay. Stage 2 is now under restoration and will include a mooring bay which requires many hours of manpower and numerous deliveries of ready mix. The concrete capping over the British Waterways pipe, which at present carries the flow

through the dry section is well on the way to being completed. The banks are in the process of rough profiling, these are then left to settle for a year before the Bentomat waterproof matting and blocks can be put in place. This length will be up to bridge 4A, where an earth bund will be built as a dam for the water. This is estimated to be completed in 2013. The restoration team is well supported and now operates for a full week every month. So the restoration is moving at a fast pace, although more volunteers are always welcome. We also need funds as the costs of materials and plant hire are ever increasing. Come along if you are looking for an interesting walk and you will see how WAT is spending the donations provided by IWA Chiltern Branch. If you choose the first week of the month you will see all the various working processes in ac-tion. The canal has even got three benches which have been donated, so you can have rest along the way.

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Wendover Arm Restoration

CHILTERN GRAPEVINE

Jenny Brice provides an update about progress on the Arm

Stage 1 in water

Stage 2 Pipe Capping

The Wendover Arm Trust was founded 21 years ago and to celebrate this event, it was decided to have a dinner for members and partners before the AGM. The caterers were or-ganised by Margaret Leishman and proved to be an excellent choice. There was a choice of 3 main courses (some had all 3) and two sweets. The quantities were gener-ous so it was possible to return for seconds. The dinner was at-tended by 57 members with a further 8 joining later just for the cake cutting and AGM. A short speech to celebrate the occasion was made by Trust President David Fletcher who pointed out that it was rele-vant that WAT had got a mention in the

Guardian on the previous day. The arti-cle included praise for the great efforts

of the volunteers in fundraising and resto-ration on the canal. The evening followed with the ceremonial cutting of the anniver-sary cake by David Fletcher and Jeff Whyatt, BW South East Area Manager The cake was kindly donated by the British Waterways. During the evening a draw was made for the lucky dinner ticket, prize a bottle of wine.

Club 100 winners were drawn by Mary Fletcher and a raffle was organised by Bert and Val Matraves. Coffee and tea was served with the celebration cake. The formal AGM was completed during the event.


Trust Comes of Age

David Fletcher & Jeff Whyatt

2011 Festival It was with much relief that the Wendover Arm Trust was able to an-nounce that arrangements have been confirmed for the Festival to be held at Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead in 2011. This follows on from the disappointment of having to cancel this year’s fundraiser after the landowners in Tring refused permission. So make a note in your diary for 28 to 30 May 2011 and start collect-ing for John’s Jumble.

Ken Graves Ken, a longtime member of IWA Chil-tern Branch and stalwart restoration vol-unteer on the Wendover Arm died sud-denly in July. He was one of the original volunteers on the Arm and contributed to the manufacture of formwork, prepara-tion of detailed drawings, hedging and many other activities. He was consider-ate and helpful and always had a yarn to tell. Ken was highly regarded by all and will be fondly remembered.

It was Thursday and I was looking forward to my weekend trip, when at about 6pm there was a bang plus lightning. I had not thought it was going to rain, but oh well, it is more water for the boats to move on. Our IWA trip weekend covered lots to do in the three days; The Basingstoke Canal, The Wey and Arun Canal and a visit to Portsmouth. On Friday the weather was a bit damp, but I had to get to Old Amersham for the second pick up. It was not long before the coach came and we were off to High Wycombe and then on our trip.

We headed for Colt Wharf Odiham for our 3 hour boat trip with the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society. The boat was named “John Pinkerton” and the trip was from the Basingstoke Canal to Blacksmith’s bridge and return. Our guide was Roger Cansdale who gave us

the talk date wise about the canal. It was soon time to turn back for lunch. We moored up and had fish, chips with mushy peas. Everyone seemed to enjoy this. The weather was not so good, but everyone made the best of the time. We returned to the coach to follow our guide Roger to Ash Lock. There’s still lots to do to make this much better, but they had good plans in colour for us to see how they would like it. So much money needed, plus years of work. We then saw the part of the canal which had been started on. This was not far from Fleet and Aldershot and near army

buildings. The road was nearby plus trains passing by, quite a few of them. Back to the coach and on our way to the Hilton Avis Park Hotel Walberton near Arundel. The weather was better, so it was through nice villages, towns and fields to the hotel. Soon it was time to get ready for a drink before taking our tables for the meal, which was very good. Coffee was served in another

room where we could have a good chat, and our first day was over. Up on Saturday to see what the weather was like - great, sun out. Breakfast looked as though it went down well. Soon it was time to be off. The outside of the hotel did look lovely, and the

Another Excellent Weekend Away

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Barbara Hodgkinson tells us about the trip to the Basingstoke, Wey & Arun and Portsmouth

Boarding at Odiham on the Basingstoke Canal

grounds were beautiful. You could enjoy golf plus other things - at a price. No time for us to stay though, we were on our way to the Wey and Arun Canal at Pulborough and Haybarn. The site was by a farm yard. Quite a roll about road to get to it, but the sun came out and we had a pleasant walk. A chat about how it was getting restored, our guide once again said lots of money was wanted. I will say it had a fine bridge, lots of land with horses, great to see them enjoying a run around. Walking along the green bank there were lots of plants, but you couldn’t see water or if it was a canal, all had to be cut down. We had time to take in the view from the bridge and wonderful it looked. A private plane was in the sky, it looked lovely with the sun on it. Better still another plane was up and it was a stunt plane. I love looking at these in Amersham, seeing the planes go round and round. This did the same, a good show he put on. Still good things come to an end, so back to the coach which Ray had got near to us and we were soon on our way with a few interesting places to look at. Into the Onslow Arms for coffee, this was an added extra but very welcome. Our boat for the day was not far away, at the side of the pub which had a large car park so Ray got the coach in. Our boat was called “Zachariah Keppel”, so once we had our wine, beer and food loaded

we were all off along the Wey and Arun Canal. The boat for this trip was comfortable and warm. The canal was much wider here with much to look at. Soon it was time for our lunch of Shepherd’s Pie, wine and coffee, which all went down well. The time went quickly and we were soon back at the Onslow Arms. We had a better look at the place. They should do a good trade. It had all going for it; garden, car park, boat plus a bus stop on both sides of the road. The others went on a walk but I decided to stay in the coach, they all liked it. We had an enjoyable trip returning to the hotel. It was time to get ready for our meal, once again it was nice to have a chat.

Lots of party people in, so we stayed in the dining room for our coffee. Then we all joined in with the other parties. Everyone was happy and the staff were good which helped people to enjoy themselves. On Sunday the weather was dull but dry.

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Inspecting Haybarn Swingbridge on the Wey &

Breakfast once again good and then our bags were on the coach by 9.15am. The hotel was nice it had been a school set in 89 acres with a long drive and a lodge at the entrance. We were on our way to Portsmouth Dockyard to look at the Victory; a quick look at our ticket confirmed the time as 11am tour. Lots to look at on the ship, it was very dark and I remembered it was the same when I visited as a child. I missed my footing on the stairs and fell, so I now know how Nelson felt on the floor. The staff, my friend and first aid came to help me. Most kind, but I now have a black and blue knee. I think they should have a gold plate “Lady Barbara fell here 26/9/10”. I still continued to have a good look round and enjoyed the rest of the day. At 2pm we went on the harbour cruise, the boat was quite full and it was very windy. There were lots of warships, but you did want your sea legs when standing up. This trip was the best of the day, seeing a warship on the move with three tugs pulling it. Most of the IWA members were sorry when it was time to get off. Then it was a cup of coffee and time to check what to do next. Just time to do some shopping; luckily I don’t have to buy presents these days, but I do like to have a look round. There was quite a few of us in the shop passing the time before the coach left at 4-30pm.

Soon we were on our way back home again, busy traffic, wet and dark. We went Reading, M4 and soon back at High Wycombe our first stop. They all looked happy after their trip. Next it was time for me and Colin to get off at Amersham station, we had a lot of luggage plus wine. Ray was kind and waited for Colin to get a taxi so it was quick for me to get home and Colin to retrieve his car. Once in the house, heating on and then time to see if Fernando Alonso had won the Singapore Grand Prix. Yes, but quite a few crashes in the race. Our holiday was great with lots to do, and friends to make. The weather wasn’t so great but it did not stop us doing all we planned. Nice food, wine, hotel and boat trips. Thanks to Ray our lovely coach driver, Brian and Velma Kirton and Colin for organising another memorable IWA trip. Photographs kindly supplied by John Ellis

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Trip Report (continued)

Gundeck cleared for action on HMS Victory

One of the key aspects of British Water-ways transition to a charitable trust is the involvement of volunteers. In fact, John Brice and Peter Winter suggested to Chief Executive Robin Evans that BW should make more use of volunteers at a meeting way back in 2007. We also ad-vocated that BW might get companies involved using an approach similar to the ‘adopt a highway’ scheme in the USA. This is also now being pursued with some success. So it is good to see that some of our input is making an im-pact. In the South East area, BW is keen to

recruit volunteers to be the local eyes, ears and mouths on the waterways. Vol-unteers will be working alongside full-time BW staff and receive all the neces-sary training, clothing and equipment as well as reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Duties might in-volve talking to visitors, leading guided walks, reporting problems, operating locks and checking on visitor moorings. There are openings for Waterway Rang-ers, Lock Rangers and Mooring Rangers. If you are interested, contact Karen Fish-wick at [email protected]


Want to be a Volunteer BW Ranger?

What sort of Grapevine? The Chiltern Grapevine has been going for nearly ten years and has evolved over time, but it would be a real help to re-ceive some feedback on what you, the branch members, want of your newslet-ter. Does the branch need to publish a news-letter and if so what format should be used? Do you like this booklet format or would

you prefer stapled sheets as issued in the summer? Is the typeface readable or should it be larger? Would you like to receive an electronic version rather than a copy in the post? What sort of content should be included? All comments and feedback would be appreciated. Call Peter Winter on 01494 819065 or 07722 184117 or send an email to [email protected].

For many years the printing of the Chil-tern Programme has been sponsored by Brian and Velma Kirton of Kingdom Tours. Now Brian and Velma have re-tired and we wish them well for the fu-ture. So we are in need of a new sponsor. The

Programme goes to all Branch members and is also widely distributed to libraries and Tourist Offices in our area, so it offers a good opportunity for targeted publicity. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact a committee member.

Programme Sponsor Needed

For this year’s Christmas Party we are planning once again to offer a hot and cold buffet that has been so well-received for the last couple of years. No one is likely to go hungry based on the excellent repasts that have been provided in previous years and this year’s menu includes:

Lasagne Chilli con Carne with Rice

Kilted Sausages (wrapped in bacon) Samosas

Pancake Rolls Sliced Ham

Potato Salad Coleslaw

Mixed Green Salad Plateau mix Cheese & Grapes

Crusty Bread & Butter

By request this year we’ll be starting the party earlier at 7.00pm so that the buffet can be served before we all die of starvation. The cost of the buffet has been held at £10.00 per person which represents really outstanding value. There will also be a welcoming glass of mulled wine and Barbara’s mince pies. Tickets do need to be purchased in advance. A form is enclosed with this issue of Grapevine, so that you can make your reservation, which should be sent to Ron Probert, Cintra, 32 Austen Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8NW. If you want to skip the buffet then do come along from 8.00pm onwards, when you can join in the usual programme of quizzes, raffles and other entertainments, while enjoying a good old chinwag with your fellow members.

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2010 Christmas Party

CHILTERN GRAPEVINE

Following the demise of Herts Branch, the Chiltern Branch has expanded by more than 125 memberships to a current total of over 325. So we are now quite a big Branch, yet we only have five committee members. That isn’t enough to do a good job in serving your needs and safeguarding the waterways in our area. If you can spare a few hours a month, please think about joining the committee or signing up as a volunteer to help out at Branch events. We need to fill at least the following posts.

Help Wanted

Newsletter Editor IWA Chiltern Branch seeks an editor for the Chiltern Grapevine newsletter, which is published three times each year. The roles of creating the text copy and com-piling the document for publication could be shared .

Planning Officer We now need to keep an eye on develop-ments over a major sector of the Grand Union as well as the Aylesbury and Wendover Arms. Membership Secretary To ensure that we maintain good links with our members.

18th November 2010 The Lowland Canals of Scotland Richard Thomas Many will be familiar with the Falkirk Wheel but few will have cruised or vis-ited Scotland’s Canals. Richard will give us an appreciation of these waterways. Richard Thomas (a well known water-ways historian) will, by way of an illus-trated presentation, make us aware of the pleasures awaiting North of the border. 9th December 2010 Chiltern Branch Christmas Party A traditional evening of games, good company, some festive fare and a tinc-ture or two. See opposite. 7.00pm start. 20th January 2011 Two Narrow Boats through Amsterdam Angela & Patrick Marks We have two evenings of continental boating this season, this is the first. An-gela & Patrick will describe their adven-tures exploring the waterways of the Capital City of the Netherlands.

17th February 2011 Cruising the Charente Jane Cumberlidge Our second continental presentation takes us to the River Charente in France. French waterways are becoming ever more popular with we Brits. Jane and her husband have sampled the delights of this less well known waterway. They promise to entertain us with an evening of illustrated reminiscences. 17th March 2011 Annual General Meeting of the Chiltern Branch The AGM will be followed by a Plough-man’s Supper and social evening. 14th April 2011 The East London Canals Jeremy Batch Jeremy is Lock Keeper at Limehouse Lock where the Regent’s Canal and the Lee Navigation meet the Thames. He is also a boater, going narrowboating and motor boating on the inland waterways, and a sailor, mainly in the Thames Estu-

Evening meetings of the Chiltern Branch com-mence at 8.00pm and are held at the Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club, Ash Grove, Weedon Lane, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 5QU. Tel 01494 725161. Directions are: From the north: • Follow A416 through Chesham, past 2 garages

opposite each other, over a small roundabout and up the hill towards Amersham.

• At next roundabout (1½ miles) turn right at into Copperkins Lane.

• Take 2nd left (½ mile) into Weedon Lane. Take first right (¼ mile) into Ash Grove. The club is

at the end of this road (100yds). From the south: • Take A416 from Amersham to Chesham and

over roundabout (Boot and Slipper pub on cor-ner).

• Turn left at the next small roundabout (¼ mile) into Copperkins Lane.

• Take 2nd left (½ mile) into Weedon Lane. Take first right (¼ mile) into Ash Grove. The club is at the end of this road (100yds).

When arriving at the club, it is best to use the sec-ond entrance on the right after you have passed the


Forthcoming Meetings

Your Committee

The IWA may not agree with the opinions expressed in this Newsletter but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless stated, otherwise the IWA accepts no liability for any

The IWA is a registered charity (No. 212342) whose work is supported by mem-ber's subscriptions. The IWA campaigns for development of Britain's waterways for use by all.

www.waterways.org.uk www.chilternbranchiwa.org.uk

Chairman & Newsletter Editor Peter Winter

01494 819065 07722 184117

[email protected] [email protected]

Secretary Liz Norris

01438 238187 [email protected] [email protected]

Treasurer Ron Probert


Programme Secretary Colin Bird

01932 248178 [email protected]

Fundraising & Waterway Events John Brice


Grapevine is printed by Colour Image Printers, Loudwater, High Wycombe. Tel 01494 529999

Advertising Rates Single Three Issue Issues • Full Page A5 £40 £100 • Half Page A5 £25 £65 • 1/4 Page A5 £15 £40 Members small ads £1 for12 words. Extra words 10p. Send Ads with pay-ment to the editor.

This is your Branch and Grapevine is your newsletter. We would like to hear your views about what’s happening on the waterways and on what the Branch is doing. We also welcome any suggestions for new activities.

We’d particularly like to hear more stories from you about your boating e x p e r i e n c e s . W h a t e v e r y o u r contributions are in terms of articles, letters, photographs etc.

Please send them to:

Peter Winter Tel: 01494 819065 Mob: 07722 184117

The Backdoor

Many thanks to John Pattle, who stood in at the last minute on 14 Octo-ber to give a fine presentation on the Restoration of the BCN Tug Boat Pa-cific, after the original speaker had to

Documents

Chiltern Branch Newsletter - Grapevine Autumn 2010