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Meridian

Cuttings

Meridian

CuttingsIssue No. 008 Autumn 2014

The newsletter of the North & East and South London branches of The Inland Waterways Association

Campaigning for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development

of the Inland Waterways

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Page

A view from the Chairs 3

IWA with London Walks 6

London Region with North & East LondonSocials 7

South London Socials 8

Angel Festival 10

Friends of Regent’s Canal 11

London Region Clean-up 12

Welcome new members! 12

Page

Up the Creek without a Paddle 13

Letter from Richard Parry, C&RT 16

Olympic Park Waterways InauguralCruise 18

Robert Aickman Centenary 20

Slough Canal Festival 21

Chichester Canal Cruise Booking Form 22

Who’s Who on the Committees 23

How to get to the Branch Socials 24

Contents

Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Meridian Cuttings. Alan and I recently returned from boating round the South Pennine Ring. Just in terms of numbers of locks this was definitely not for the faint-hearted or novice boater and, with the absence of other boats approaching the summit from the Manchester side, we felt like pioneers!

Libby isn’t afraid of the odd boating challenge either and we were delighted to join her and Roger Squires in the Olympic Park Waterways’ convoy in May. Read about this inaugural cruise, and their other escapades to Gravesend and Dartford Creek, on pages 18 and 13.

For those who prefer a little less wash, Alan has chartered trip boat ‘Richmond’ on the Chichester Canal on Saturday 4th October. We hope you can join us - full details are on page 8, with a booking form on page 22.

Hopefully it’ll also stay dry for Roger Wilkinson’s IWA with London Walks programme on page 6. Please note Roger W has recently moved and his telephone number has changed - we hope he’ll be very happy in his new abode. I’ve also included a letter from Richard Parry, Chief Executive of C&RT, about the outcomes and consultations planned from the open meetings, on page 16. Don’t forget The Angel and Slough Festivals on 7th and 13/14th September, there’s more information on pages 10 and 21. There are also some interesting facts on page 20 about our IWA founder, Robert Aickman, the centenary of whose birth we are celebrating this year.

Boating or otherwise, enjoy the rest of the summer and we look forward to seeing you at the next social at Croydon on 10th September (see page 8)!

Christine Smith, Publicity Officer & Newsletter Editor

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A View from the ChairFrom London Region Chairman,

Paul StrudwickI’m writing this on my boat, The Rosery, on our way back from a trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Bristol. This has been the longest continuous trip we have done and has been very enjoyable. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and I will be home for August.

My post, along with those of Region Chairmen for South East Region and Eastern Region, came up for election this year. Mine was the only nomination for London Region, which either means I am doing a fantastic job and you are all happy with me or apathy has once again won the day!

When I was first elected as Region chairman, three years ago, I said there were two priorities:

• to increase our membership base• and to sort out the problem of boats without a home mooring overstaying on visitor

moorings

In August, the Canal and River Trust (CRT) are introducing new arrangements for visitor moorings in central London.** These do not fully meet our demands but are a step forward. The one area where they fall short of our demands is by saying for how long a boat must be away from a location before it can use that mooring again. CRT seems to have a serious problem with the concept of non-return times! The National Association of Boat Owners claims that CRT does not have the legal power to impose these. I suspect they could be right! However, that does not mean it is illegal for them to do so just that. The legislation does not say “they can”. It would be up to a court to decide on the basis of case law, if there is any. CRT seems to be reluctant to go down that route. Maybe it is time for us to reconsider our approach. I noticed that in the Bath area, CRT is now saying on the visitor moorings, “7 Days Free mooring in any Calendar month and £25 a day after that”. The Environment Agency has adopted a similar approach on the Thames. Perhaps we should look for something similar for London. I would appreciate your thoughts.

The second priority was to try and increase membership. In my opinion, the only way we will be able to increase our membership, is to be able to demonstrate that we are an active, vibrant organisation out on the towpath. To that end, we hope to run a major “Big Dig” this autumn on the Regent’s Canal [Note from Ed: see page 12]. It would be nice to think we could still get 1000 people out, as we have done in the past - but I doubt if we can! Please keep an eye out for a further announcement and come and join us and prove me wrong!

Have a good summer

Paul

Follow me on Twitter paul@greenboater

** Note from Ed: See C&RT’s press release of 23.07.14 at: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/changes-to-central-london-visitor-moorings

Cover Photo: NB Persephone, participating in the inaugural Olympic Waterways cruise. See the article on page 18.

Photo by Roger Squires

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North & East London Reportfrom Roger Squires

At this time of year many of us turn to the water to enjoy the benefits it offers. Our Chairman, Tim Lewis, has gone off for a few months on an extended tour of the waterways. His ‘blog’ regularly reports his progress and is supplemented with very good pictures. A few members are walkers, and some of these, through London Walks, organise guided walks regularly along London’s waterways. Some of these walks are themed and, as one would expect, World War One serves as the focus for some of this Summer’s programme. These especially look at the way in which the War effort was supplemented by the many innovative firms that operated in the Lee Valley. Jim Lewis, one of our supporters, has written extensively on the Lee Valley. He has recently produced a new book which provides the background to the major development in the Lee Valley that assisted the war effort.

Sadly, at our AGM , our longstanding Committee members, Jenny and Alex Nunes, felt it necessary to stand down. Alex’s health has recently taken a turn for the worse and they both simply felt unable to continue. We were fortunate that Sally Naylor was willing to take on the roles of Membership Secretary and Social Secretary that they held. However Sally herself has given notice that next year she and her husband Eric will be moving ‘up north’. This means that come the next AGM we will be looking for ‘new blood’ to rejuvenate the committee and fill these necessary roles.

I am pleased to report that, at long last, we have found a replacement for our Branch Planning Officer. He is Rod Gray. Some will recall his predecessor, Colin Edwards, left for France over three years ago, so Rod has a lot of new contacts to make. If you feel you can assist him, by telling him of any new planning proposals by our waterways, your inputs will be welcome.

The Angel Festival , this year is on 7th September. We hope you will all try to get to this event. Normally we have a Branch stand. Unfortunately, none of the usual organising team are free on that date. So this year the Branch will not have its usual stand. However, the IWA will be represented by South London Branch. We hope members will support their efforts.

CRT recently have been consulting on ‘Visitor Moorings.’ Many will know there has been a vast influx of craft mooring on the London Towpaths. The owners are simply looking to get a foot on the housing ladder. However, the available space is finite. This has meant that existing visitor moorings have become blocked and, because of this, London is no longer a welcoming place for visiting boats. Visitors to London simply cannot find anywhere to moor overnight! CRT recognise this growing problem and are seeking to find an amicable solution so that space along the waterways can again become available for all.

Can I end this piece with a plea for more Branch members to come forward to join the committee. ‘More hands make for a lighter work load’. Without your active support , we simply will not be able to actively promote London’s waterways and keep them in a fit state for all to enjoy.

Roger Squires, North & East London Branch Secretary

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From South London Branch Chairman,Libby Bradshaw

As I write this the sun is shining, the temperature is over 30 degrees and I am off on a 3 day mini cruise to Honfleur at the end of the week. Everyone is looking a healthy colour and I hear reports of some good boating and other holidays. I hope you are all enjoying the summer weather and have had a chance to take time off work and/or other commitments to get out and about.

Many branch members were involved in helping at Canalway Cavalcade at the beginning of May which brought out crowds of over 32,000 people. Christine Smith and I are both on the organising team as Publicity Manager and Events Manager respectively. South London manned the south towpath information stand and we had our Wild over Waterways (WoW) activities in the Rembrandt Gardens information tent. Our mini WoW kit had its first outing with helpers from South London and Middlesex branches and others. Duck headdresses were popular to make together with brass rubbing, colouring Buckby cans and learning more about canals. Our thanks go to Shea Richardson and to all who helped. If anybody who has experience working with children would like to help with WoW please let Shea or me know. It would be good to build up a team for this.

Also in May, thirty four boats took part in the inaugural cruise of Olympic park waterways. This was on Saturday 10th May, led by St Pancras cruising club. I invited South London committee members and branch stand helpers to take part on my boat Panacea, some of whom also came on the trip down Bow Creek the following day.

Panacea also took part on 7th-8th June in a further trip down the tidal Thames to the overnight pier moorings at Gravesend. We were joined by Roger Squires on the Saturday afternoon who led us in an eventful trip up Dartford creek! This included going back to Gravesend under the QEII bridge at sunset! A report on these is on page13.

Thanks to Alan Smith for organising our social events the details of which are on page 8.

We continue to monitor Planning and Navigation Matters or, in the case of a recent visit I did, non-navigation matters! I visited some of the boaters at Nine Elms Pier to see for myself the difficulties they are having in leaving their mooring for navigation and for essential repairs and out of water hull surveys. Several boat manoeuvres are needed in order to move at all (10 in some cases) and with the tidal window this is almost impossible to achieve. The inclusion of some non-moving ‘houseboats’ on the pier now makes it impossible for some boats to get out at all. There is clearly a safety issue to be taken up.

In my last message I reported the committee changes that took place at the AGM and since then I am pleased to say Allan Scott has agreed to join us as Minutes Secretary. Peter Gregory has let us know that he wishes to stand down as Treasurer at the next AGM in March 2015 and so we will be needing someone to take his place. Any offers would be much appreciated! We are still looking for a branch sales officer but two members, George and Sandy Goodwin, are now kindly storing the stand and kit in their garage which is a great help.

Thank you to George and Sandy, to all Committee and other helpers who help keep our branch going.

Libby BradshawSouth London Branch Chairman

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IWA with London Walks ProgrammeStart time for all walks is 2.30 p.m. except*

Normal charge: £9 Concessionary and Student rate: £7

Contact: Roger Wilkinson: 07896 801930 (Note new telephone number!)

roger.wilkinson@waterways.org.uk

Date Route Start (Tube Stn.)

17th August World War I, Enfield Lock, R. Lee, Ponder’s End Enfield Lock Railway Station 7th September King’s Cross to Camden King’s Cross(taxi rank)21st September The Olympics, Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers Bromley–by-Bow5th October Kings Cross to Hitchcock’s Hackney Kings Cross(taxi rank)19th October Little Venice to Camden Warwick Avenue2nd November Mile End to Limehouse Mile End16th November Islington to Hoxton Angel07 December The Olympics, Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers Bromley-by-Bow

*01 January 2015 Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross, Granary Square, St. Pancras King’s Cross station (taxi rank) at 2pm*

Roger Wilkinson

NB Panacea, with Libby as lookout, in flotilla down Bow Creek towards the O2 Photo: C. Smith

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London Region Socials (combined with North & East London )

We continue to have our social meetings at PaddingtonCentral on the third Tuesday in the month. Our April Social was billed as: ‘Regional Round-up – a chance to hear from all the branches in our region about the work going on in our area’. This is a round-up we do every year to enable members of different branches to share what is happening across the region. Unfortunately, for various reasons, only three out of the six branches presented whilst a fourth sent in some pictures and information. The highlight of the evening was Tim Lewis’s presentation on the Olympic park. This included some very recent pictures of the part of the park that has now been opened together with comparative pictures of the waterways and the area before and after the developments.

Our May meeting had to be cancelled but we met again in June for a very interesting and entertaining talk on the Manchester Ship Canal from Richard Thomas.

Forthcoming Socials Time: 19:00 for 19:30

Venue: PaddingtonCentral Management Suite, 1A Sheldon Square, Paddington

Contact for details: Libby Bradshaw Tel: 020 8874 2787 or 07956 655037 or email libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk

We have a break in July and August and start again on Tuesday 16th September:

16th September Old Father Thames – by David Hilling 21st October TBC18th November Restoration round-up. A journey through some of the restoration projects London WRG have been working on during the past year – by Tim Lewis16th December Christmas Quiz and auction

Libby Bradshaw

The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342.

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 1WATel: 01494 783453 www.waterways.org.uk

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The Inland Waterways Association or of the London Region or its branches. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers. The IWA accepts no liability for any matter within this magazine, including adverts.

Editor: Christine L Smith, 41 Jubilee Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 6JA. Tel: 020 8255 1581 or Mob: 07774 890 750.

Email: christine.smith@waterways.org.uk

Published by the IWA, N & E and South London Branches at: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453

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South London SocialsIn April we had the incomparable Richard Thomas tell us about “A day in the Life of a Thames Tug”, an amusing but fact-filled account of a journey down river with a Cory’s tug picking up our rubbish at the various depots en route to the dumping ground, a more complex operation than you might think, dependent on the tides. This was a fascinating talk, well-researched as we have come to expect from this speaker, for which there was a good turnout.

May’s talk was also about the Thames and was by Steve Rushbrook, PLA Assistant Harbour Master for the Upper River. His responsibilities are extremely varied and again his delivery was entertaining. I particularly liked his description of scullers as people who didn’t look where they were going. He answered our many questions with good humour and was appreciative of a knowledgeable audience.

Our good friend Roger Squires gave us one of his excellent talks in June on the subject of waterways of Southern France and was a mine of information as usual.

After the usual summer break we shall resume in September. The programme is outlined opposite. As always we urge you to attend these meetings as they cost money to put on and, with the shortage of volunteers to man events, the branch is not raising funds in the way it did in the past.

Our annual boat trip will take place on Saturday 4th October when we have chartered “Richmond” for a 2 hour round trip from the canal basin at Chichester starting at 2:30 p.m. The cost will be £10 and a cream tea is available for an additional £6. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available on board at £1.50 each.

HOW TO GET TO CHICHESTER CANAL CENTRE:

Canal Basin Canal Wharf Chichester

West Sussex PO19 8DT

TELEPHONE: 01243 771363

ON FOOT:

By foot from the City Centre walk down South Street and cross the level crossing – the Canal Basin is only one minute south of the Bus & Rail Stations. The entrance to the Canal Basin is on Canal Wharf between the Waterside pub and the Canal Basin.

BY CAR:

If you are coming by car, there are several public car parks close by. There is restricted parking in Canal Wharf Road. There is limited free parking at the Canal Basin adjacent to the Canal Centre that is reserved for visitors to the canal. Otherwise the nearest car parks are the Westgate Centre (259 spaces) or Basin Road (115 spaces).

For more information about Chichester Council Parking please visit: http://www.chichester.gov.uk/

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DISABLED ACCESS:

There is a ramp from the Basin pedestrian area to the boat pontoon and the boat has a lift to lower passengers or wheelchairs to cabin level. The toilet facilities on board Richmond are not accessible by wheelchair. Only a limited number of wheelchairs can be accommodated: up to three on Richmond. Please check in advance with the Canal Centre Bookings Manager to ensure that individual requirements can be met.

Please send your booking form (on page 22) to Alan Smith by 4th September, together with a cheque for the full amount.

Social Calendar 2014Unless otherwise indicated, the following South London Branch Social Events

will take place at 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. at:

The Primary RoomThe United Reformed Church Hall

Addiscombe GroveCroydon CR0 5LP

There is good parking adjacent to the hall and excellent transport links via East Croydon train and tram stations

All are welcome, IWA members or non members

There is no admission charge for talks, film shows or presentations but we do ask that you donate a minimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges

and speakers’ expenses, thank you There are no social meetings at Croydon during July & August

Wednesday 10th September ‘Thames Eyots & Aits’ by Miranda Vickers

Saturday 4th October Boat Trip on the Chichester Canal - see opposite page

Wednesday 8th October ‘London’s Lost Rivers’ by Tom Bolton

Wednesday 12th November ‘Canals of Brittany’ by Graham Deavin

Wednesday 10th December Bring your own slides ‘Boating Adventures No. 3’ with Christmas Cheer and Mince pies

For more information about South London’s Social Calendar please contact Alan Smith, tel: 020 8255 1581; mobile 07787 077179 or email alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

Alan Smith

For updates and information on all IWA events and branches please go to: www.waterways.org.uk

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FRIENDS OF REGENT’S CANALThe minutes of our recent public meeting are now available on our website. The main discussion topic was air quality and there were guest speakers from Islington Council and King’s College London. To see the minutes and copies of the presentations please visit this page:-

http://friendsofregentscanal.org/meetings/minutes-2014-05-28.html

Our next public meeting is likely to take place in September. The agenda will include a discussion on anti-social behaviour on the canal and towpath. This might cover aggressive cycling, careless jogging, amplified music, obstructions, littering, vandalism and any other causes of complaints that we receive. We can look at ways of reporting and suppressing incidents and one of our objectives should be to lure back the many walkers who are currently deterred from enjoying the canal. If you would like to contribute to this discussion then please send an e-mail to friendsregentscanal@gmail.com.

Our next major event will be the Angel Canal Festival on 7th September and once again we will have a stall near the basin. If you would like to help with any displays for the stall or if you have any leaflets to hand out then please get in contact with us.

In the meantime I am hoping that canal supporters will take the opportunity to hold ad-hoc social events and meetings at coffee houses and other facilities that are designed to serve our needs. If anybody wants to arrange anything then we can promote events via our Twitter account.

Ian ShacklockChair, Friends of Regent’s Canal

Please visit our website - www.friendsofregentscanal.organd visit/follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Fo_RegentsCanaland visit/join our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofregentscanal

Carpenters Road LockCarpenters Road Lock flood prevention works have been completed and the site was opened to the public for viewing as part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 5th April 2014.

You will note from the picture that the old radial gates have been removed and, initially, one will be refurbished. As soon as more funding becomes available, the aim will be to replace both radial gates with replicas together with the opening mechanism. Currently CRT are looking for potential funders for this project.

Roger Squires

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London Region Clean-upA London Region Clean-up is planned for Saturday 22nd November and all IWA London Region Branches and London WRG are invited. The event will, of course, also be open to any other volunteers who wish to attend. It is hoped the work party will be located on the Regent’s Canal between Commercial Road and Johnson’s Lock, which CRT plans to de-water this Autumn. In conjunction with this, the local CRT volunteer team has proposed that volunteers attending the IWA region event could make the most of the de-watering and clear debris from the canal bed.

This would be a brilliant task and is what we hope to do but please be aware the location and work may change. This is because access to carry out this canal-bed work relies on the timings of major works, which can change. If, for whatever reason, this task cannot go ahead Debbie Vidler (CRT London Volunteer Co-ordinator) has suggested a location on the Paddington Arm which would benefit from the attentions of a large number of volunteers. Either way, Debbie has said she will confirm the task as we get a little closer to the Autumn. We hope you will come along and if you have any questions please contact me.

Stefanie PrestonBranch Campaign Assistant

IWA Chesham

Tel: 01494 783 453 Ext 610 or email stefanie.preston@waterways.org.uk

Welcome to all our new members!Ms J R Attar LONDONMr R Philp LONDONMr P Rodgers & Miss A Faul LONDONMr D & Mrs K Perrott UPMINSTERMr A Morris & Family LONDONMr M Culley CROYDONMr D P Watts LONDONMs M Chambers LONDONMr D Marriott LEIPZIGMr A Agar SURREYMr R & Mrs J Palmer LONDONMr A Clarke LONDONMr K J Setford LONDONMrs S Cuningham LONDONMr P O’Neill AUSTRALIAMr R & Mrs L Lewis NORFOLKMrs C Pascall LONDON

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RETURNING TO THE NEW GRAVESEND MOORINGS, 7-8 JUNE 2014 AND AN ADVENTURE UP DARTFORD CREEK!

Following last year’s highly successful trip to the new Gravesend Pier moorings a further group made a return trip over the first weekend in June. This was again organised by St Pancras Cruising Club, led by Andrew Phasey on Doris Katia. Other boats that returned were my boat Panacea, Cherie, Flora Dora and Lady Helenor. We were joined by Red Admiral, Bleasdale, Deryn Du and Predator 3.

Following the usual briefing and supper at the Cruising Association on the Friday evening, together with a presentation from Roger Squires on the Dartford and Crayford Navigation, we set off on Saturday morning through Bow Locks. A few hitches with the lock gates saw a slight delay in the later lockings but we all caught up with each other down river. The heavens opened as we reached creek mouth and rain continued for much of the journey downstream. However we arrived safely at Gravesend pier without incident.

Roger had offered to lead a cruise up Dartford creek on the Saturday afternoon and four boats decided to take part - Panacea, Bleasdale, Predator 3 and Deryn Du. This proved to be an eventful trip with probably not the best choice of tides. Water levels were a challenge and it was not until we got to the very top of the tide that the first boat was finally able to turn. Roger’s article overleaf describes our adventures! I am grateful to all those, especially from Predator 3, who helped with the untangling of the rope caught by Panacea.

Up the Creek without a paddle!

Mooring at Gravesend

Panacea’s followers

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Whilst the other five boat crews enjoyed a meal in the local pub the Dartford contingent were still out on the river, returning via the pleasure of a sunset over the QE2 bridge to the moorings as the light finally failed. Many of us were grateful the local Wetherspoons still served food up till 11pm as we were still able to get a meal!

We had a ‘bouncy’ night on the tide, more so than last year, so sleep was restricted – one skipper described it as trying to sleep in a washing machine! However, there were good spirits all round and we set off up river on the Sunday afternoon tide. Later than expected at Limehouse we abandoned any idea of going up the locks and repaired to the Grapes. It was good to meet the crews of the boats who joined us and thanks to Andrew and Roger for another memorable trip..

Libby Bradshaw

Libby Bradshaw’s boat Panacea led a contingent of four narrowboats up river from Gravesend on 7th June to make a ‘challenge’ cruise along the Dartford and Crayford Navigations. The sun shone and the morning rain had disappeared. The cruise up-stream was uneventful. None of the large passing freighters caused the flotilla any problems. However , the bright sunlight reflecting from the water made the entry to the Creek tricky. Luckily, Roger Squires, who was acting as pilot, knew the way in and that first obstacle was safely overcome.

Although the mud banks loomed large on either side of the channel, a careful course between them ensured all the boats made good progress. That was until disaster struck. Without warning Panacea’s engine cut out. On close inspection down the weed hatch what can only be described as a ‘huge’ ship’s rope appeared. It was completely wrapped around the prop and the prop shaft. Various knives and saws initially failed to budge it. Reinforcements were called and two additional ‘cutters’ came across from the second boat in the flotilla which, by then, had ground to a halt. The next problem was that, with extra ‘cutters’ combined with the bow on the mud, the extra weight at the stern caused the water to lap over the top of the weed hatch. A hasty redistribution of weight and easing the bow off the mud bank , solved that problem and the ‘cutting’ continued. After about an hour of sawing and cutting, the final sections of the rope were removed. Then came the task of pumping out the surplus water that had got into the bilge and checking that the oil in the engine was not contaminated. Fortunately all was well and the flotilla could continue the cruise up the creek.

A new building site, on the west of the creek after Dartford Bypass bridge, caused the next problem. A works pontoon, with scaffold poles sticking out, narrowed the channel. Debris from the piling works had also blocked the channel bed at this point. In consequence, only

Bleasdale waiting at the top for enough water to turn

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two of the four craft could get through past it and up towards Dartford Town Lock. The first craft, a 40 footer, tried to turn at the ‘usual’ turning point but the expansion of the reed beds here simply did not leave enough room. The boat had to wait another 15 minutes, for the tide to rise sufficiently, for it to get round. [Clearly, unless those reed beds are cut back, that will be a limiting factor for the length of future craft venturing up to this point.] By this point, with time against us, the other craft had to start reversing down the creek to the known reliable turning points. This all took valuable time. Thus when we reached Crayford

Creek mouth, our time had run out. It was with heavy hearts that the flotilla set off down the now water-filled creek to head for the Dartford Creek Barrier and the open river beyond. Just as we turned out of the creek a huge freighter passed down river with minimal wash. Our little row of narrow boats swung in behind it for our journey back to Gravesend Pier.

The sun was beginning to go down as we passed under the QE II Bridge. At Broadness Point the River Control told us of a huge tanker with two tugs that was coming up stream. We had to give them a wide berth. Another huge ship was waiting to come out of Tilbury Dock lock when we passed but fortunately the River Control asked it to wait until we were past. It was dark when we got back to Gravesend Pier, some two hours later than planned, but all arrived back safe and sound.

The moral of the escapade was that, because of lack of regular use, the two creeks will soon become un-navigable , with the narrowing of the channel due to the spread of the reed beds. A clear case of ‘use them or lose them’.

Roger SquiresAll photos by Roger Squires

The pontoon obstacle

Sunset at the QEII Bridge

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CRT’s London Waterways Manager, Jon Guest, aboard NB Doris Katia, during the Olympic Waterways inaugural cruise in May. See the article and more pictures overleaf. Photo: C Smith

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St Pancras Cruising Club, in conjunction with the North & East London Branch of IWA, ran an inaugural cruise around the Olympic Park waterway on Saturday 10th May 2014. As the waterways currently are within a ‘construction site’ [the Stadium is being rebuilt for West Ham Football Club] strict security requirements were imposed by the London Legacy Development Corporation who run the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Apart from these construction works, the waterways still are split by Crossrail construction works on City Mill River and the ‘un-restored’ Carpenters Road Lock. This meant that the cruise had to be organised in two parts. SPCC Commodore, Andrew Phasey, devised a strategic plan for two flotillas separately, but simultaneously, to negotiate the two sections, crossing over seamlessly, to enable both groups to complete their transits of all the available waterways.

At the appointed hour, the LLDC security staff temporarily removed the two booms that currently block access, and the two flotillas entered their respective sections of the waterways. Fortunately the rain held off and all were able to enjoy the Olympic backdrops to the full.

The LLDC have indicated that, until all the works are completed, the waterways will not be on open access. However, they have indicated that similar organised group events will be considered in the immediate future.

Olympic Park Waterway Inaugural Cruise

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SPCC and the IWA would like to record their thanks to CRT and the LLDC for their help in enabling the cruise to take place and to add their special thanks to Lenny Marino, the City Mill Lock keeper, for enabling through transit to take place.

Article and photographs by Roger Squires

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Robert Fordyce Aickman Born: June 27 1914, London

• In the 1920s he often walked with his parents by the Grand Junction Canal in Cassiobury Park, Watford.• In the 1930s he walked from along the towpath from Stratford upon Avon to Mary Arden’s House at

Wilmcote and discovered the GWR owned derelict canal.• He was married to Edith Ray Gregorson from 1941 to 1957. • In 1944 he read L. T. C. Rolt’s ‘Narrow Boat’.• Early in 1945 he wrote to Rolt suggesting they form a society to campaign for the waterways.• In 1946 he, along with Tom and Angela Rolt and others, set up The Inland Waterways Association to

preserve the canals and river navigations of Britain. Elizabeth Jane Howard the famous novelist was employed by IWA as Aickman’s secretary and a romantic involvement developed.

• On the 8th March 1947 at Newbury he made his first speech of the campaign to restore navigation to the Kennet & Avon Canal.

• 1948 saw the IWA cruise on the former ship’s lifeboat Ailsa Craig that included the last passage through Standedge Tunnel in the twentieth century.

• In 1949 Aickman persuaded Peter Scott to take his narrowboat Beatrice on a lecture tour/campaign cruise from Slimbridge to Liverpool and on to the Manchester Ship Canal.

• In 1950 Elizabeth Jane Howard’s first full-length novel ‘The Beautiful Visit’, dedicated to Aickman, was published.

• In the 1950s, he was the prime spirit in the organisation of a national boat rally and festival at Market Harborough, the idea being first proposed by Tom Rolt.

• In 1951 Aickman, along with Elizabeth Jane Howard, published his first ghost stories entitled ‘We are the Dark’.

• In 1953 Aickman circulated a paper called ‘Our Case’ to all MPs urging the need for a National Waterways Conservancy.

• In 1955 his book ‘The Story of our Inland Waterways’ was published• In 1957 he attended an IWA Rally in Coventry to support the campaign to keep the last 4½ miles of the

Coventry Canal into the city open.• In 1958 the then unincorporated IWA was converted to a company limited by guarantee, with Aickman as a

founding director.• Aickman published eleven more volumes of horror stories as well as two fantasy novels and two volumes of

autobiography.• In 1962 his book ‘Know Your Waterways – Holidays on the Inland Waterways’ was published • In 1964 he edited the first eight volumes of ‘The Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories’. • On 11th July 1964 he joined the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on the narrowboat Linda at the

reopening of the Southern Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.• In February 1966, Aickman resigned as a director and trustee of IWA.• In 1966 he wrote ‘The Attempted Rescue’ an autobiographical work, in which he described his father as “the

oddest man I have ever known”.• On 1st June 1974 he accompanied HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at the ceremonial reopening of

the Upper Avon Navigation. • In 1975, Aickman received the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Story for ‘Pages from a Young Girl’s

Journal’.• Died: February 26, 1981, London• 1986 saw the publication of ‘The River Runs Uphill’ an autobiography about his fight to save the waterways.• The IWA is campaiging to get a Blue Plaque on 11 Gower Street [the first IWA Offices] to mark the event.

Roger Squires

Robert Aickman Centenary

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SOUTH LONDON BRANCHCHICHESTER CANAL CRUISE

SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER AT 2:30 P.MTickets will not be issued in advance

To ensure punctual departure please arrive at Chichester Canal Basin by 2:00 pm and report to Alan

Please send your booking form, with a cheque in full settlement made payable to Alan Smith to:

IWA SL CHICHESTER CRUISE BOOKINGS41 Jubilee Avenue

Twickenham TW2 6JA

By 4th September

For more information phone: 07787 077179 or email: alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

CHICHESTER CANAL CRUISE BOOKING FORM

NAME: .......................................................................

ADDRESS: .................................................................

...................................................................................

EMAIL: .......................................................................

PHONE: ................................................

MOBILE: ...............................................

Number of places at £10 each:

Number of cream teas at £6 each:

I enclose my cheque for: .......................

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Role North & East London South London

Chairman

Tim Lewis5 Herongate RoadWanstead, London E12 5EJTel: 020 8530 0425 / 07802 518094Email: tim.lewis@waterways.org.uk

Libby BradshawGround Floor Flat, 61 West Side,Wandsworth Common, London SW18 2EDTel: 020 8874 2787Email: libby.bradshaw@waterways.org.uk

Deputy/Acting Chairman Vacancy Vacancy

Secretary

Roger Squires46 Elephant LaneRotherhithe, London SE16 4JDTel: 020 7232 0987Email: roger.squires@waterways.org.uk

Lesley Pryde2 Hepworth RoadStreatham, London SW16 5DQTel: 020 8679 9866 / 07787 372408Email: southlondon@waterways.org.uk

Minutes Secretary Vacancy

Allan Scott4 Thorncroft Road, Sutton SM1 1RLTel: 020 8642 8104 / 07985 728844Email: allan.scott@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer

Ian Israel32 Walfield Avenue, London N20 0PRTel: 020 8446 1823Email: ian.israel@waterways.org.uk

Peter Gregory20 Ashley Gardens, Orpington BR6 9NHTel: 07932 149959Email: peter.gregory@waterways.org.uk

Social Secretary

Sally Naylor21 Pitchford Street, Stratford, E15 4RZTel: 020 8519 7481 Email: snaylor@ymail.com

Alan Smith41 Jubilee Avenue, Twickenham TW2 6JATel: 020 8255 1581Email: alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

Publicity Officer & Newsletter

Editor

Christine Smith41 Jubilee Avenue, Twickenham TW2 6JA

Tel: 020 8255 1581 / 07774 890 750; Email: christine.smith@waterways.org.uk

Membership Secretary

Sally Naylor21 Pitchford Street, Stratford, E15 4RZTel: 020 8519 7481 Email: snaylor@ymail.com

Dorothy Robbie23 Porcupine Close, Mottingham, London SE9 3AETel: 020 8857 6367Email: dorothy.robbie@waterways.org.uk

Sales Officer Vacancy

Events Officer Vacancy

Planning Officer Rod GrayEmail: rodgray125@aol.com

Work Party Officer Vacancy

Committee Members

Roger Wilkinson - London Walks Representative2 Lytton Close, N2 0RHTel: 020 8458 9476 Email: roger.wilkinson@waterways.org.uk

Shea Richardson,7 Barrow Road, Streatham, London SW16 5PETel: 020 8677 0196 / 07803 904 803Email: shea.richardson@homecall.co.uk

Ex-Officio as Region Chairman

Paul Strudwick40 Fifth Avenue, Chelmsford CM1 4HD

Tel: 01245 358342 / 07885 240291; Email: paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk

South London Representatives

Planning & Navigation Committee:Wandle Valley developments:Deptford Creek developments:

Eric GarlandLibby BradshawEric Garland

Committee Members

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How to get to the London Region (combined with North & East London) Social Meetings:

How to get to South London’s Social Meetings: