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The journal of the Milton Keynes Branch of the Inland Waterways Association
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May 2012
Journal of the IWA’s Milton Keynes Branch
contact any of theBranch Committee members listed onPage 16;contact IWA Head Office, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham,HP5 1WA, telephone 01494 783453;visit the IWAweb site at: www.waterways.org.uk
The IWA ( campaigns for therestoration, conservation and sensitive development of thewaterways, and for their fullest commercial and recreational useconsistent with safeguarding their historic and natural environment.If you are not a member and would like to find out more:
registered charity no. 212342)The Inland
AssociationWaterways
TOWPATHTELEGRAPH
Startopsend Reservoir, Grand Union Canal South. Main picture taken by the Editor on 18 April from thesame viewpoint as Tony Collins’October picture (inset) as published in January’s TPT. As can be seen,the reservoir’s level has recovered only slightly over the winter. Read Waterway Manager Jeff Whyatt’sappraisal of the local water supply position on Page 10.
Page 2
Welcome to May 2012 Towpath Telegraph . . .
Chairman’s Column
The process of turning BritishWaterways into a Charitygrinds on. By the time thenext edition of TPT appears,it may all be over, and BWwill be consigned to history -in England and Wales at least.
Meanwhile, the Diary pagesin this edition are packed withideas for spending summerdays on or near the cut -provided that all the recentrain ends up where it’sdesperately needed - in thereservoirs!
We hope you enjoy thisedition.
Month February June Total for 12 months
Year mm inches mm inches mm inches
1962 11.4 0.4 0.1 0.0 471.8 18.61976 14.4 0.6 8.3 0.3 498.3 19.62006 25.2 1.0 18.9 0.7 521.7 20.52007 50.1 2.0 59.0 2.3 598.7 23.62008 12.8 0.5 34.6 1.4 610.6 24.02009 47.9 1.9 40.8 1.6 527.6 20.82010 70.6 2.8 25.4 1.0 481.5 19.02011 28.2 1.1 53.0 2.1 347.2 13.72012 8.6 0.3 --- --- --- ---
The records for past years show dry months being compensated by very wet months, but that is not thecurrent trend - in 2011 Cambridge only received 57% of the rainfall it had in 2008.
So it is good to see BW and the water utility companies being pro-active in taking measures to conservewater now rather than later in the year when all the reservoirs are dried up. All boaters will have to plantrips very carefully to take account of lock opening times, particularly hirers who are only boating for
I expect most of you can recall the drought of 1976 when the slogan "Save water - bath with afriend" was prominent. A Minister for Drought - Denis Howell - was appointed andnicknamed "Minister for Rain". In June 1976 only 0.3mm had fallen, but days after hisappointment widespread flooding occurred, and Howell was named Minister for Floods.Have a look at this table:
Approximate Rainfall (figures from the Met Office for Cambridge)
Chairman's columnRegion news£500 grant from Police“Throw-away” citizens of MK beginning to learn?Wendover Festival cancelledNew membersBuckingham Canal Society newsBranch “adopts” Fenny LockIron Trunk spruced up for its bi-centenary
Save the Branch money - read TPT on-lineCanal & River Trust appoints Heritage CommitteeBedford-Milton Keynes Waterway newsThe Editor’s PageCanal & River Trust now registered as a Charity
Diary PagesWater supply: “a long way to go before . . . easing restrictions”British Waterways reduces licence evasion
Getting in touch with MK Branch
2 - 333456667
8 - 910 - 11
11121314151516
£500 grantfrom Police
REGIONNEWS
GOING SPARE
Chairman’s Column - continued.
Page 3
a limited time. Of course all boaters will be showing good etiquette atlocks, sharing them, waiting for a fellow-traveller to lock with, or for aboat to come in the opposite direction to save turning a lock around. JeffWhyatt’s latest update on the water reserves can be found on Page 10.
Another splendid effort during the clean up! It was good to see so manyvolunteers, particularly the Scouts who now attend regularly. We hadgood coverage on Three Counties Radio; an interview with David Kingwas played several times during Friday and Saturday. The usual amountof rubbish was collected. Thanks to Wyvern Shipping for their continuedsponsorship, to BW for supplying protective equipment and a dredgerwith crew (for the really big stuff), and of course to all those who gave uptheir weekend to help. See Page 4 for a more detailed report.
I usually agree with much that Steve Haywood says in hiscolumn, but not on his current topic (May edition). He is "unhappy" thatfor the four places available to represent boaters, three of those electedwere IWA Trustees. I would remind him that without the IWA therewould be no canals, and hence no need for CRT. So Steve, my opinion isthat it is fitting that these places went to representatives who serve theIWAand the general interest of boaters.
On 30 April, huge postal price increases take effect. If we continue tosend out as many Towpath Telegraph copies by post as we do at presentthis will severely affect Branch finances - and hence how much we areable to pass on to waterway good causes. I therefore urge everyone whois able to receive their TPT electronically to do so. The electronic TPTcomes in glorious colour, and to dangle an extra carrot, I will put thenames of all those who switch to electronic TPT from now until the end ofAugust 2012 into a hat. I will present the first drawn out with a bottle ofwine at the September meeting. For full details, please see Page 12.
Our major fund raising event of the year - the Lock Ransom - scheduledfor 25 to 27 May - is looking uncertain at present, as we do not haveenough volunteers to man all the locks and provide cover for breaks etc.If I have not already contacted you personally regarding volunteering forthis event and you were not at the April Branch meeting, please contactme or any other Committee member to let us know if you can help. Therewill be the usual ‘BringYour Own’barbecue on Saturday evening.
Wherever you may be taking a holiday or a break - afloat or on land - Iwish you all well and a safe outward and return journey. I look forward toseeing as many of you as possible at the recommencement of oureducation/social evenings in September.
Peter Caswell, Branch Chairman.
Canal Boat
Last year, former BranchChairman Tony Collins ap-plied on our behalf to ThamesValley Police for a grant fromthe Police Properties Actfund, which is derived fromthe sale of unclaimed itemsincluding stolen property. InJanuary, we heard that a £500grant had been approved. AtApril's Committee meeting,several suggestions weremade for its use; a finaldecision will be made subjectto the grant provisions.Thanks to Tony for securingthis grant forus.
Trustees have approved thatNorthampton Branch movefrom East Midlands Regionto Eastern Region, followinga request by the branch andrepresentations from neigh-bouring branches. Trusteeshave also agreed that thename of Cambridge Branchbe changed to Great OuseBranch to reflect the widearea, from Kings Lynn toBedford, that the branchcovers. Both these changestake effect immediately.
Peter Caswell has a spareVirgis CH-11958 air filter,used on 28 to 50HP Betaengines (but not all). Fitstype of can with wing nut.New, supplied by Beta,available in exchange fordonation to Branch. Pleasecontact Peter if interested.
Page 4
“Throw-away” citizens of MK beginning to learn?On 23-25 March, theBranch once again did itsbit to counter the "throw-away" habits of thoseMilton Keynes citizenswho still see the canal asa dump for their rubbish.
Among the items recovered were supermarket trolleys, bicycles, motorbikes, road signs, and trafficcones, tools and implements including a ladder, lawnmower, plastic hose, buckets, spades and awheelbarrow, building sundries including scaffold poles, plywood, tarpaulins, and wire fencing, anddomestic items such as TVs, chairs, wheelie-bins, and a sledge, all amounting to over 10 tons. This isslightly less than on past clean-ups, so perhaps the anti-social dumpers are beginning to learn at last.
Supported by British Waterways and sponsored by Wyvern Shipping Co, the Clean-up involved some40 people over the three days, including local residents, members of the Leighton Buzzard and LinsladeScout Troops and Swimming Club, as well as Branch members. Once again, BW provided a 70fthopper, a 40ft pan, and a dredger and crew. The young participants enjoyed themselves hugely, and allreceived Certificates of Achievement signed by Branch Chairman Peter Caswell, Wyvern ShippingDirector James Griffin, and BWWaterway Manager Jeff Whyatt, Thanks to all who took part.
Our next Clean-up takes place on 20-21 October, working southwards from Fenny Stratford to Grove.
Above: the BW hopper and dredger. Left: a break atWolverton Park. Photos: Vernon Draper.
Our base at Linslade is within weekend reach of theWaterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne, or the Chiltern Hillsand Aylesbury. Choice of exciting one or two week cruises
including the Thames. 28 luxury boats, 2-8 berth.
Boat builders. Repairs. Dry dock.Waterside holiday cottage.
Rothschild Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds, LU7 2TFTel: 01525 372355 Fax: 01525 852308
[email protected]:Web site: www.canalholidays.co.uk
Members of IWA, Blue Riband, BMF and B&MK Waterway Trust
Page 5
The Wendover Arm Trust has regretfully decided to cancel this year’s Canal Festival, whichwas due to take place at Boxmoor on 3 -5 June. Competing events on the Jubilee weekend arediverting trade and craft providers, and the continuing water shortage has led to slow boatbookings. The Trust hopes to stage the Festival as usual in 2013.
“Please buy as many tickets as you wish, and sell them to partners, sons,daughters, grannies, whoever! All proceeds go towards our restoration,and the Draw will take place at the ‘Walk an Arm’s Length’ event on 2September (see below). All we need back are the stubs (each with nameand contact number) together with the money. Good Luck!”
email your name,address and quantity required to:Alternatively, send a cheque (payable to Wendover Arm Trust) togetherwith a note of your name and phone number, to Bob Wheal at 467Bideford Green, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2TZ. He will fill inthe ticket stubs for you and enter them in the Draw.
taking place on Sunday 2 September, by walking yourself(with or without seeking sponsorship), or by sponsoring a walker. Andhere we’ve made it really easy for you, because your own - your own- Les Franklin is taking part!
You can register as awalker or donate . Here’s what to do:
about “Walk an arm’s Length”, go to:
click “Register”, or to find out about raisingsponsorship yourself, click “Raising Sponsorship”.
please contact him direct (see Page 16), oryou can donate online at his own Mydonate page:
In a year when Wendover Arm Trust will lack its usual major source ofincome, we hope that Branch members and waterway friends will helpthe Trust by supporting one of these fundraising efforts.
On-line TPT subscribers: to obtain Draw tickets,
Second: support the Trust’s sponsored walk “Walk an Arm’sLength”,
now
* For general information
* To register as a walker,
* To sponsor Les Franklin,
veryYes, Sheila will drag me from my computer
into the sunlight (or downpour), and get me to the start line for the 6 3/4-mile walk - and she’s agreed to walk too. - Ed.
But here are two other ways to help the Trust. First: support their annual Grand Draw. BobWheal, Fundraising Director, writes: “In previous years we’ve sold over 2,500 tickets, with a small butconsistent proportion going to IWAMK Branch members. With most of the prizes donated, that means ahealthy contribution to Trust restoration funds, and there are 10 lucky winners benefitting as well!
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lesfranklin1
http://wendoverarmwalk.org.uk/
WENDOVER FESTIVAL CANCELLED- but here’s how you can support the Trust this year . . .
Restoration . . .In January, work con-centrated on bank clearanceat Whitehouses, where abulge in the towpath bank hasbeen removed. This wasthought to have been built toprotect the bank from thedischarge from the old pump-ing station, but turned out tocontain rubble from demol-ition that took place after thepumping station closed. Dur-ing this clearance, a GrandJunction boundary markerwas discovered, and a formerwell was located.
During the February workingparty, a path was clearedthrough the wood betweenWhitehouses and Bridge 4,for future water controlaccess and as a nature trail.The ground was levelledbehind the mooring wall atBridge 4, and the security ofthe diesel store was improvedfollowing break-in attempts.Essex WRG visited, andworked on removal of newgrowth on the banks betweenLittle Tring and Bridge 4.
Wendover Arm News, Spring 2012.
Page 6
Following their whirlwindromance that began at theSimpson Road bus stop, RoyCleverly (Branch Committeemember and former BranchC h a i r m a n ) a n d E v i t aHolloway were married on 17March at Bletchley RegistryOffice, with a receptionafterwards at the Swan Hotel,Fenny Stratford. We sendbest wishes to Roy and Evitafor every happiness.Photo: Rodney Evans.
Discussions have taken place with British Waterways regarding theBranch taking on some routine maintenance tasks at Fenny Lock and itssurroundings, under BW's Adoption Scheme. Tasks would includepainting around the lock and adjacent fencing, litter collecting, andtidiness of the boaters’ facilities, Pump House and surroundings. TheCommittee sees this as a further chance for both existing and potentialnew members of all ages to get involved. If you (or someone you know)would like to help, please contact Rodney Evans (see Page 16).
Roy and Evita
The following members haverecently joined MK Branch.We hope to see you at ourmeetings or other activities -please introduce yourselves to aCommittee member.Mr M & Mrs J Annan,
Bletchley, MKMr A J & Mrs J M Bambridge,
KempstonMr M & Mrs P Boyden,
Heath and ReachMr P & Mrs K Brooks, HitchinMr A Dawe, Bletchley, MKMr M & Mrs J M Dovey,
Bradwell Common, MKMr & Mrs M Kennedy, FlitwickMr M Evans, Grand Union
Diesel Services, OlneyMr A Harries, DunstableMr P Savage & Miss H Gallen,
Simpson, MKMr P Wilkinson, Bletchley, MK
New members
BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY NEWSOne of our Committee members attended a Planning meeting atAylesbury Vale District Council and was delighted to discoverthat their Planning Office is very keen to have the canal includedin the current plans being drawn up, and discussions are takingplace to secure the line of the canal. Stop Press: The Society'splanning application to re-water the Bourton Meadow site at theBuckingham end has beenapproved. - Ed.We had a very productive meeting with Jeff Whyatt of BritishWaterways. The re-watering of the canal at Cosgrove must wait until weare out of the drought conditions, but they are very keen for us to go aheadwith building earth bunds at 100-metre intervals ready for the re-watering. Permission has also been given for an ex-builder volunteer tore-build a flood sluice facing wall at the end of the canal near theA5.
At present there is a small fence blocking the towpath which means allequipment has to be carried over it, but BW has given permission for us toinstall a gate. This will make life easier for both volunteers and walkers.
After one more work party our volunteers will have completed the workat Cosgrove, and will move to the Nature Reserve where most of the workwill be to install the set of lock gates from the Northampton Arm werecently received from BW. Other tasks include removing the excess ofreeds that are growing in the canal bed. We plan to spend most of thesummer working at this site with occasional diversions to our other twosites at Bourton Meadow and Little Hill Farm.
April was an important month for us, as our open day took place onSunday 22 April at Cosgrove Village Hall. Residents of Cosgrove andthe surrounding villages were invited to come and discuss our plans torestore the canal. This event was held at BW’s suggestion, and allowedus to explain our future restoration plans to the local people.
Our annual festival at Cosgrove takes place over the weekend of 21 - 22July, and we hope to make it a bigger and better event than last year!
Athina Beckett.Branch “adopts” Fenny Lock
Page 7
Iron Trunk spruced up for its bi-centenaryOn a sunny Sunday 26 February, a low-key but enjoyable event was staged to celebrate thework being done on the Iron Trunk Aqueduct at Wolverton. Well-wishers and passers-bygathered below the aqueduct to hear James Clifton of British Waterways tell something ofhow it came to be built and of its subsequent history.
James told how the route had first beenopened using temporary flights of locksdown to the River Ouse, while the firstaqueduct - of brick, designed by WilliamJessop - was being built. This was short-lived, collapsing in 1808. The present cast-iron aqueduct, designed by local engineerBenjamin Bevan, was completed in 1811 ata cost of £3,667. It has been dewatered onlytwice in its history: first in 1921, and then in1986. On that occasion, one of the originalelm bungs (used to let water out of thetrough) was found to be leaking. One of theworkers was prevailed upon to sacrifice awelly-boot to provide a strip of rubber tomake an effective seal. That bit of welly isstill there!
James summarised progress on the refurbishment work. The brick abutments had been cleaned andvegetation cleared. The aqueduct was being re-painted according to the original colour scheme asrevealed by paint samples taken from the structure. This was being done by abseilers, as the river - liableto sudden flooding - makes it impractical to use either cherry-pickers or scaffolding. (The painting workshould be complete by the time you read this.) Future work includes the creation of a vista towards theaqueduct from Old Wolverton by removing selected trees, removal of the redundant gas pipe adjacent tothe aqueduct, and possible cosmetic refurbishment of the diesel-driven pump that used to lift water fromthe river to the canal. James thanked all those who had contributed funding or volunteer effort towardsthe refurbishment (MK Branch donated £300).
Story and picture: Les Franklin.
A warm welcome from Gregg, Angelaand the team at Grove Lock.
Pop in for a drink of one of our outstanding caskconditioned ales or wines from around the world, orperhaps stay a little longer and enjoy some of our
excellent home-cooked food.
We look forward to seeing you soon.Grove Lock: Grove, nr Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0QU
Tel: 01525 380940. Email: [email protected]
All canal-based events below were checked on 15 April as going ahead, but the continuingcritical water supply situation may lead to events being cancelled - please check before settingout. Our own events are in ; selected events held by others are in regular type. Formore information on our own events, please contact Rodney Evans unless other Committeemembers are named (contact details on back page). For other events, contact details or othersources of information are given where known.
bold type
Page 8
Diary Page
4 - 7 May Northampton Branch Annual Boat Gathering, Beckett's Park,Northampton. Boat handling, entertainment, barbecue, real ale.
Details: Eric Young, 01624 862988 or
Saturday 19 May Where the Working Boats Went - an evening of music and drama,with “Life and Times” about the waterways past and present.St Andrew's Parish Church, Langford, Beds. Tickets £8(incl. refreshments) from Jim Dickson (01462 700355).
19 - 20 May Rickmansworth Festival, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, GU.Boats, music, entertainment, amusements.
2 - 5 June Crick Boat Show & Waterway Festival, Crick Marina,GU Leicester Line. Diamond Jubilee event, free boat trips,children's entertainment, trade stands, seminars.Adults £12, children £7, conc. £10. Ticket hotline 01283 742972.
25 - 27 May Branch Lock Ransom, Three Locks, Soulbury.If you can offer help for this, please contact Peter Caswell.10% discount on meals at the Grand Union for boaters -please contact James Griffin for details;Sat evening: Bring-your-own barbecue, weather permitting;Sun: Finish time depending on boat traffic.
Boat Safety CertificationAlan Stewart
Lloyds Academy Diploma in Small Craft SurveyingEx-Merchant Marine Engineer
Visit my website: www.boat-safetyexaminer.co.uk
Contact me by phone on 01234 767156 or mobile 07976 900113Alternatively e-mail me at: [email protected]
Authorised Boat Safety Scheme Examiner
www.rwt.org.uk
www.crickboatshow.com
Diary Page - continued.
Page 9
Sunday 3 June Diamond Jubilee River Pageant, River Thames, London. A day-longprogramme of Jubilee-themed entertainment. River Pageant takesplace during afternoon.
3 - 5 June Wendover Festival CANCELLED - see Page 5 and below.
7 - 14 June Local performances by the Mikron Theatre Company. This year’sshows: (CYKAS) - story of the Luddites whostrove to preserve their jobs in the face of the new machines thatthreatened them; and (LTP) - the gardeners ofThistledale Allotments band together to save their patch.Thurs 7: Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, 7.30pm (LTP)Fri 8: Black Horse, Gt Linford, 7.30 (LTP)Sat 9: The Well at Willen, 7.30 (CYKAS)Sun 10: Inter-Action, Peartree Bridge, MK, 2pm (LTP)Wed 13: Anglers’ Retreat, Startopsend, 7.30 (LTP)Thurs 14: Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, 7.30 (KYKAS)
8 - 10 June Stoke Bruerne Gala Weekend. Canal Museum. Boat trips, tradestands, crafts, live music, heritage walks, blacksmith demonstrations.
23 - 24 June Braunston Historic Boat Gathering, Braunston Marina, GU.
21-22 July Buckingham Canal Society Annual Festival at Cosgrove Lock -Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4 Historic boats, entertainments, refreshments, stalls. See poster at:
11 - 12 August Blisworth Canal Festival. Walks, talks, and other attractions.
Sun 2 September Walk an Arm's Length - support the Wendover Arm Trust by walk-ing the 6 ¾ mile Arm from Wendover to Bulbourne. Free parkingat Wendover or Tring, free shuttle bus, refreshments along the route.General info at:
Can you keep a Secret
Losing the Plot
Saturday 28 July Linslade Canal Festival, Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, GU.Branch will attend if sufficient help is offered. If you canhelp, please contact any Committee member (see Page 16).
Monday 24 September MK Branch meeting: The River Lea or Lee, from Source8pm to Olympics, with Richard Thomas, renowned IWA speaker.
MK Village Pavilion, Worelle Avenue, Middleton, MK.
www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org
www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk
http://www.braunstonmarina.co.uk/Events/Events.aspx
www.blisworthcanalfestival.co.uk
http://www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk/CosgrovePoster2012.pdf
www.wendoverarmwalk.org.uk
Page 10
WATER SUPPLY: “a long way to go before reservoirholdings allow any significant easing of restrictions!”
LOCAL RESTRIC-TIONS IN BRIEF
On 25 April, the following update was issued by Jeff Whyatt, Waterway Manager, GrandUnion South. There are no changes to the restrictions that have been in place over the last fewweeks. The one exception is an additional opening weekend for the NorthamptonArm on 1 - 6June (see below, left). These restrictions are in force until the next update, due to be publishedaround 21May, when wemust assume that they will be extended.
Reservoirs: The recent rainfall has been welcomed and has had a positive effect. In the Oxford/GrandUnion area (everything north of Stoke Bruerne in SE), 8% of holding was added in one week alone (16 -22 April). The Leicester line group of reservoirs is at 49% holding overall (vs 73% last year); SouthOxford group holds 69% (vs 84% last year); Braunston group is at 77% capacity (vs 69% last year).
For the Grand Union South reservoirs, there has been no net uplift due tolosses and a recent weekend opening of the Aylesbury Arm. Currentholding is 61% (vs 89% last year).
With further rainfall occurring this week (23 - 29 April) the situation iscertainly turning a little more positive -
Overall lockage volumes have been significantlyreduced. A huge thank you to those boaters who have given carefulthought to their journeys and certainly boated less over the last fewweeks. Last spring, the weather was extremely good, but comparing thelast two weeks with the ‘like for like’ two-week period last year, we findthat for the Oxford / Grand Union area, lockage is 40% down on last year.For Grand Union South, lockage overall is 70% down on last year, withTring summit lockage 67% down.
Most of the winter additionalinvestment schemes are now nearing completion. We know these havemade and will make a big difference. For example:* Feeder clearance at four reservoir locations is maximising flows intoreservoirs;* Backpumping into reservoirs – Wormleighton reservoir is now full;Welford has recovered to 30% and we are still pumping here;* Acceleration of permanent equipment at Braunston to backpump andaid water transfer;* Investment in monitoring/backpump automation on Grand UnionSouth ‘Northern engines is improving water transfer between MiltonKeynes and Tring summit;* Dredging of selected areas on Radford-Calcutt section, to be completed
but there is a long way to gobefore our reservoir holdings allow any significant easing ofrestrictions!
Lockage volumes:
Positive effect from water schemes:
NorthamptonArm:
Stoke Bruerne:
AylesburyArm:
Tring Summit:
Locks 1 - 17: Full closure,except -3 - 6 May: 10am- 3pm;1 - 6 June: booked passagesonly. Email requests toe n q u i r i e s . s o u t h e a s t @bri t i shwa terway s .co .ukwith required date and time ofpassage, and entry point.
Locks 16 - 20: open 10am -3pm daily.Last entry to flight: 2pm. Noovernight mooring in flight.
Full closure at Lock 1. Willopen to traffic at specifiedweekends to be agreed withAyesbury Canal Society.
Locks 39 - 45 and 46: open10am - 3pm daily.Last entry to flight at Lock 46(Cowroast): 3pm.Last entry to (Marsworth 7)flight at Locks 39 and 45:1.30pm.Mooring overnight only onsummit, where levels arebeing held 300mm belownormal.
Willowbridge Marina01908 643242 [email protected] www.willowbridgemarina.co.uk
Willowbridge Marina is a working boatyard specialising inlifting boats in and out of the water, as well as on and offtransport. We are a family-run business, working hard toprovide services to canal boat owners and users in the MiltonKeynes area.
We offer the following services:- Well-stocked Chandlery, including stainless steel fastenings
and Calor Gas fittings;- Red Diesel;- All boat services, including coal, LPG and pump-out;- All mooring services, including limited linear moorings,
wireless internet and power, toilets, showers, laundry andextensive storage ashore.
We offer a 10% discount on chandlery purchasesand services in the yard to IWA members.
Page 11
WATER - continued.British Waterways reduces licence evasionAccording to the latest check for 2012, licence evasion across BWcanals and rivers in England and Wales is at a record low, with96.6% of boats holding up-to-date licences.
The check, conducted in March 2012, shows that every region hasimproved its evasion rate by at least 1%; the rates for the Midlands andSouth are down by 2.4% and 2.3% respectively. In 2007, the evasion ratewas over 10%, but since March 2010 it has been consistently below 5%.
The next national boat check, due in March 2013, is likely to be the last totake place over a two-week period. Instead, monthly data collecting andenforcement processes will be used to identify licence evaders.
North 5.2% 4.2% -1.0%Midlands 5.1% 2.7% -2.4%Wales & West 5.0% 3.6% -1.4%South East 3.0% 1.9% -1.1%South (London and K&A) 7.2% 4.9% -2.3%TOTAL 4.9% 3.4% -1.5%
Evasion Mar 11 Mar 12 Change
IWA web site, April 2012.
over the next few weeks,plus efficiency improve-ments in backpumps here;* We are also undertakingfive gate relines in theCalcutt/Napton area -completion is due by 3 May.
The next update will coverearly June to early July. Iexpect to send this duringthe week commencing 21May. Where appropriate,any amendments will alsoappear on Waterscape then.
Many thanks for all yourcontinued support duringthis challenging watersituation we are in.
Jeff Whyatt.Editor’s comment: Page 15.
Page 12
With the rise in postage rates that came in on 30 April (up 14p for 2nd Class), costs for gettingTPT to you are going to increase sharply. Pete Bickers has bought a stock of stamps at the oldrate, but when these are used up it is going to cost us £400 - £450 per year in postage! Printingcurrently costs us just under £300 per year. These expenses are partly offset by our capitationallowance from Head Office and donations from our advertisers, but anything we can do tolimit our costs is worthwhile. That’s why we are asking those of you with internet access toseriously consider receiving TPT electronically. The on-line version is in full colour, andwhat’s more Peter Caswell is offering an extra incentive - see his Chairman’s Column!
To get TPT from (linkbelow) you need Acrobat Reader to view and to print, butthere is no sign-up process.
Click on the edition you want to view or print.
If you haven't viewed the online edition yet, why not try itout now! Further guidance on each of the above options isavailable on request from the Editor. If you don't haveAcrobat Reader installed (it’s free, by the way), go to:
To switch to receiving TPT on-line, please email PeteBickers (see Page 16) with your name, postal address and
Vernon Draper's standalone site
IWA membership number. He'll remove you from the postal list. From then on, you’ll receive emailreminders when new editions are available for download, and information such as AGM notices asrequired by IWAByelaws. Thank you to those Branch members who have already switched!
In June, the IWA's Trustees are due to consider a proposal for a new membership category for thoseprepared to receive all IWA communications electronically, with a modest discount on the membershipfee. This may take some time to bring in, but there is nothing to stop you switching before that happens.Many other IWApublications such as Waterways are also available on-line.
Incidentally, another new membership category is already being introduced. The new Juniormembership, for those under 18, is expected to be at a very attractive rate, payable by Direct Debit only,and all communications electronic.
You have two choices for getting TPT electronically:
The page on the (link below) presents TPT in an on-screen viewer that is fine if you arecontent to read on-screen.
Click on the edition you want to view. It is possible to print off TPT from this viewer, but you need to gothrough a sign-up process and you needAcrobat Reader installed on your PC.
IWAcentral site
http://www.waterways.org.uk/branches_regions/eastern/Milton_Keynes/tpt
http://mkiwa.users.btopenworld.com/towpath_telegraph.htm
Save the Branch money - read TPT on-line
http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/How TPT looks on the IWA central siteviewer - sorry we can’t show it in colourin the printed edition!
Page 13
MILTON KEYNES MARINA tel: 01908 672672
For Moorings Availability and Prices, visit us at www.mkmarina.co.uk
Modern full-service marina in the heart of Milton Keynes
Brokerage Onsite facilitiesRelax10 15 year&New and usedboats for sale
Chandlery andfull servicesBrokerageWorkshop, slipwaySecure carparkingPub with all daycarveryIndian and Chinesetakeaway
15 miles oflock free cruising
Leasehold mooringsavailableat discounts
The Canal & River Trust has confirmed appointments to a new committee that will help toprotect the heritage of the waterways. The committee of nine people, chaired by formerChairman of English Heritage Sir Neil Cossons, will provide valuable advice and support onheritage and conservation issues.
The other committee members are: Alan Baxter, Consulting Engineer to St Paul’s Cathedral andmember of the LondonAdvisory Committee of English Heritage; Peter Brown, a member of the Councilof the Canal & River Trust (nominated by the Railway & Canal Historical Society); Nigel Crowe, Headof Heritage for the Canal & River Trust; Edward Holland, a Senior Projects Advisor at The Prince'sRegeneration Trust; Stephen Hughes, Director of Projects, Royal Commission on the Ancient &Historical Monuments of Wales; Jane Kennedy, narrowboat owner and architect to the cathedrals of Ely,Newcastle and Christ Church, Oxford; Laurence Newman, Chairman of the Museums Partnership ofthe Canal and River Trust and a member of the Trust’s Council; and John Yates, architect, historic boatspecialist, Chairman of the Boat Museum Trust and Vice-chairman of the Boat Museum Society.
The committee will play an important role in influencing the heritage policies and procedures of theTrust and shaping innovative approaches to managing the heritage of the waterways. Its members willbring a wide range of individual specialisms that can be called upon when required.
The committee will meet for the first time at the end of May, and at least twice yearly from then.Membership of the committee, which is unpaid, will last for a term of three years with an option tocontinue beyond that should members wish to do so. The committee will replace the former BWAFHeritage subgroup.
Canal & River Trust appoints Heritage Committee
News release, Waterscape web site, April 2012.
Page 14
From B&MKWT newsletter, April 2012.
BEDFORD-MILTON KEYNES WATERWAY NEWSJust over 200 years ago Samuel Whitbread, MP for Bedford, was the driving force behind theplan to create a waterway linking the Grand Junction Canal (now the Grand Union) with theGreat Ouse at Bedford. In April, Sir Samuel Whitbread, his great-great-great grandson, wasnamed as the first Patron of theTrust. Sir Samuel is former Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
then Grand Junction Canal was proposed at a cost of over £100,000. Inspite of the support of the Duke of Bedford and Samuel Whitbread, therewas some doubt as to whether the amount of traffic could justify theexpense, and the canal never materialised. At that time, income wouldhave come from the transport of corn to Birmingham and Manchester,with the ‘back carriage’ bringing coal, iron and manufactured goods.Today, canals depend on leisure, sport and recreation, and home-buyersare often keen to acquire waterside properties. I very much hope that theBedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust will be able to complete whatmy ancestor supported but failed to bring to fruition. It is indeed a veryexciting project which I am glad to support.”
Sir Samuel commented: “Two hundred years ago, a fourteen-mile long canal linking Bedford with the
B&MK Trust Director John Best has been appointed as Chair of the South-EastRegion Partnership. He will also sit on the Canal &River Trust’s NationalCouncil and will represent local groups interested in waterways includingboaters, other waterway users and businesses. He is a former Chief Executiveof Milton Keynes Council. He was formerly secretary of the Lee ValleyAssociation which promoted community activity on and around the waterway.
In January, a Planning application by Persimmon Homes for over 600 housesand local facilities at Fields Road, Wootton, on the Waterway route, was ap-proved by Bedford Borough Council. The key outcome was a requirement that:
* Persimmon Homes must transfer the Waterway land to the BoroughCouncil including funding for the management of the land as open space.* Persimmon Homes is required to offer to install the cycleway/towpathparallel to the waterway cut when the development reaches a certainstage (or make a financial contribution to the Council instead).* The Council will be responsible for making the full waterway cut.* The contractors for the A6/A428 link of the Bedford Western Bypasswill be required to make the full waterway cut and use the clay/soil as fillfor the road works - this should happen in 2013.
The Council also secured significant provision for expanding the Forestof Marston Vale, through which the Waterway will pass. Contractual andtiming issues remain to be resolved, but this Planning decision opens upthe possibility that this site (together with the Marston Vale InnovationPark site) can provide most of the clay fill for the A6/A428 Link. Thiswould be through excavation of a series of linear ponds along the line ofthe Waterway.
Bring & Buy?The Committee has discussedthe idea of a Bring and Buytable to raise Branch funds -other Branches have tried thiswith some success. We thinkthat it needs a volunteer to runit, and that there should besafeguards against theaccumulation of unsaleableitems, including, perhaps,that unsold items are removedat the end of the meeting bythose who offered them. Ifyou would like to take this on,or have ideas about it, pleasecontact Peter Caswell.
The Editor’s Page
C&RT nowregisteredas a Charity
Page 15
As can be seen from our front cover pictures, the Grand Union South reservoirs are still waybelow normal. When Tony Collins took his picture (inset, front cover) in October, total GUSouth holdings stood at 35% of maximum. Jeff Whyatt reports that holdings now stand at61% (as compared with 89% this time last year). We might have seen a greater apparentrecovery but for continuing losses and the recent weekend opening of theAylesburyArm.
It’s clear that closures and restrictions have the desired effect, concentrating demand and ensuring bestuse of the limited water supplies, and that BW has no option but to maintain them for the time being. Itwas raining as Peter Caswell wrote his Chairman’s Column, and it’s still raining as I write this. Jeff haswelcomed this recent rainfall, but we need a lot more of it yet!
The water supply position was not the only thing that prompted theWendover Arm Trust to cancel this year’s Festival, but it was acontributing factor. They will lose tens of thousands of pounds of incomethat they need to keep the restoration work going. I hope that all memberswill support the Trust in their other fundraising efforts this year - see Page5. Please use the Grand Draw tickets enclosed with this edition, orconsider supporting me for my participation in the “Walk an Arm’sLength” event in September. If you do decide to sponsor me, would youconsider giving what you might have spent on a day out at the Festival?
The Canal & River Trust’s web site atcarries the strapline “Keeping people, nature & history connected”. Inthis spirit, volunteers are already involved, both in the higher echelonsand at the grass-roots. Volunteer lock-keepers are being recruited, andour own Branch has undertaken to do some maintenance work at FennyLock. We hope that Branch members and others will make the most ofthis opportunity to make a difference on our patch.
If you don’t fancy this, there are the usual chances to help the Branch thissummer. We’re looking for help at our annual Lock Ransom weekend on25 - 27 May, and we will attend the Linslade Canal Festival if sufficienthelp is offered. See the Diary on Pages 8 and 9.
What’s more, we’re still looking for two stalwarts to take on the roles ofBranch Secretary and Education Officer. If you want to consider eitherrole, talk to any Committee member, or see the “job descriptions” at:
Under "Eastern Region", click - Milton Keynes Branch, or- Milton Keynes Branch. Anyone who is up for either
of these jobs will be welcomed - especially by our Chairman - and there isplenty of experience on hand to help you. Please do think about it.Meanwhile, have a great summer!
Les Franklin, Editor.
SecretaryEducation Officer
The Charity Commission hasconfirmed the registration ofthe Canal & River Trust underregistration number 1146792.
The news means that thefledgling Trust, which al-ready has a Board of Trustees,a governing Council and aRoyal Patron (HRH ThePrince of Wales), is nowlegally permitted and willsoon be ready to raisecharitable income to supportits objectives.
For more information aboutthe Canal & River Trust,including its charitableobjects, you can now visit:
This site now includes copiesof the minutes of meetings ofits trustees, agenda papers,the Trust's new Articles ofAssociation and a copy of itsregistration application to theCharity Commission.
IWA HO Bulletin, April 2012.
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
https://www.waterways.org.uk/support_us/volunteer/vacancies/branch_volunteers
http://www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/
The Branch Committee is still working without a Vice-Chairman or Secretary. If you feel you could take on eitherrole, please contact any Committee member. Meanwhile we welcomeyour waterway news, views and comments.
Page 16
CHAIRMAN: PETER CASWELLEmail:
VICE-CHAIRMAN: VACANT
SECRETARY: VACANT
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: PETE BICKERSEmail:
TREASURER: DAVE ROBERTS
SOCIAL/ PUBLICITY, & B-MKWT REPORTER: RODNEY EVANSEmail:
BUCKINGHAM C.S. REPRESENTATIVE: ATHINA BECKETTEmail:
TRADE REPRESENTATIVE: JAMES GRIFFINEmail:
MARIE DRAPEREmail:
ROY CLEVERLYEmail:
DAVID KINGEmail:
PHILIP STRANGEWAYEmail:
EDITOR: LES FRANKLINEmail:
PLANNING (non-C’tee): TONY BIRCHContactvia LesFranklin.
INSURANCE / RISK ASSESSMENTS (non-C’tee): MICHAEL WEINBERGContactvia David King.
WEBMASTER (non-C’tee): VERNON DRAPEREmail:
Getting in touch with MK Branch
IWAhomepage:MK Branch central site: at above address, under “IWALocal”, select Milton KeynesMK Branch standalonesite:BW: (corporate); (leisure)The Waterways Trust:Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Trust:Buckingham Canal Society:WendoverArmTrustFriends of the Canal Museum:
Get the latest waterway news atthese web sites (addresses changefrequently, but these were correct
on 15.4.2012): www.britishwaterways.co.uk
www.wendoverarmtrust.co.ukwww.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk
www.buckinghamcanal.org.ukwww.b-mkwaterway.co.uk
www.waterways.org.uk
http://mkiwa.users.btopenworld.com
www.thewaterwaystrust.org.ukwww.waterscape.com
DISCLAIMER: The viewsexpressed in this publicationare not necessarily those of theInland Waterways Associationor of the Milton KeynesBranch. They are howeverpublished as being of interest toour members and readers.
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