From the East Midlands Region of the Aegre 156 - February 2020 Page 1
Aegre is published Š 2020 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association for members of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branches.
Chairman
David Pullen, 16 Church Street, Scothern, Lincoln LN2 2UA. Tel: 01673 862278
Vice-Chairman
Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End, Goxhill DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138
Leicestershire Branch Chairman
Andrew Shephard, 41 Roman Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4BB. E: andrewshephard1946@gmail.com
Lincolnshire Branch Chairman
Dave Carnell (as above)
Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman
Graham Jeffery, Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW E: graham.jeffery@hotmail.co.uk
Member & WRG
John Baylis, 215 Clipstone Rd West, Forest Town, Mansfield NG19 0HJ Tel: 01623 621208
Secretary and Editor for Aegre: Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth LN11 0GQ E-mail: aegre@waterways.org.uk Printing: Colour Image Loudwater. Despatch: Branch Volunteers. Picture credits: Front cover, Visitor moorings at Birstall, Leicester, in flood, from Andrew Shephard. Others; see page 28.
Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA. Registered as a Charity No: 212342. Tel: 01494 783453. Website:
http://www.waterways.org.uk The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the East Midlands Region. They are published as being of interest to our members and other readers. The inclusion of any advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the IWA East Midlands Region or any of its Branches. Dates and times of events should be checked before travelling.
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Winter in Fenland - Photo Allen Lee
Aegre
No. 156 February 2020
Contents Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam From the Region Chair Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor An interview by Martin Ludgate News from Leicestershire Lincolnshire Happenings Bike routes via Haverholme Lock? Lincolnshire Branch Report for 2019. News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Cranfleet Cut Visitor Moorings Journals Received Moira Canal Festival Shipbuilders of Louth From the RBOA Around the Societies and Trusts Annual General Meetings Picture Credits Footnote - a reminder of 2007 floods
4 5 6 8 9 11 12 14 16 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 28
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Canal Societies and Trusts in the EM Region
Ancholme Rivers Trust
Gail Copson, 21 Maple Close, Brigg, North Lincs. DN20 9JE. Tel: 07769 950589.
Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society
Chris Madge, c/o 62 Broadway, Duffield, Derby DE56 4BU Tel: 07827 946444 www.derbycanal.org.uk
Erewash Canal P & D Association
Norman Cornwell, 38 Millfield Road, Kimberley, Notts. NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 8544155 Mobile 07854 451183 www.erewashcanalpreservationanddevelopmentassoc.org.uk
Foxton Inclined Plane Trust
Friends of Charnwood Forest Canal
Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk
Mike Handford, 1 Sheepy Close, Hinckley, LE10 1JL Tel: 01455 611508 mahandford@gmail.com
Friends of the Cromford Canal
Judy Berry, 5 Hambling Close, Nottingham NG6 7DX Tel: 0115 854 9852. www.cromfordcanal.org
Grantham Canal Society
Mike Stone, 7, Crow Park Drive, Burton Joyce, Nottingham NG14 5AS; Tel: 0115 931 3375 www.granthamcanal.com
Louth Navigation Trust
Paula Hunt, Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead, Louth LN11 0DA Tel: 01507 605496 www.louthcanal.org.uk
Melton & Oakham Waterways Society
Michael Clowes, tel: 01509 414140, e-mail: lindandmick@btinternet.com www.meltonwaterways.co.uk
Old Union Canals Society
Jean Bourne, 2 Nithsdale Crescent, Market Harborough, LE16 9HA tel: 01858 461483
Sleaford Navigation Trust
Steve Hayes, 10 Chelmer Close, N. Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8TH Tel: 01522 689460 www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk
Trent and Mersey Canal Society
Margaret English, 10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0BL. Tel: 01606 834471 www.tamcs.org.uk
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The Editor’s Flotsam and Jetsam Many readers will have seen the announcement of a new Chair for IWA, and we welcome Paul Rodgers to the post. There was a short report in the Waterways journal giving a brief profile, but not everyone will be aware that about the same time the Deputy Editor of Canal Boat magazine, Martin Ludgate, had a more extended interview with Paul, and we are very happy to include a summary of his report in this edition of Aegre, obviously with the permission of Martin and Canal Boat. Over the past few months it has seemed impossible to find a television channel without a “canal” based programme. A slow journey eastward from Bath sticks in the mind, but most of them have had a touch of the impossible about them. I mean a crew of two (charming) people apparently off by themselves, or even a singlehanded guy, but accompanied by “own drone”, and never seen climbing a long lock ladder to open or close a lock gate. At least the one I’m thinking of here addressed the problems of the weed hatch and pumping out narrow boat features apparently missing in some of the other programmes. So it seems as though general viewers will get a somewhat rose-tinted impression of anything more than a day trip in a
narrow boat. Some of the wild life programmes come with a short postscript showing the production team at work. Maybe we need a similar short documentary piece for the canal programmes. It is again impossible to write this piece without referring once again to the flooding problems affecting many areas. Just one point here others may have more local comments. I am always keen to see the ends of stories as well as their beginnings. Most journalists very seldom seem to be interested, always preferring to latch on to the next new sensation. Back when the breach at Wainfleet caused a lot of damage to homes and land, there was a report that Norfolk County Council were to be asked to produce an independent assessment of the causes and possible future preventive measures, by November (2019). As of now I have seen nothing. Unusually, we have included the Lincolnshire Branch formal annual report in this issue as well as their usual summary for Aegre. We hope that this will assist members attending their AGM to review important topics, and if necessary make comments or ask questions, prior to the meeting. Best wishes, Peter
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From the Region Chair Congratulations to Graham Jeffrey and the small nucleus of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch committee on the success of their new venue at The Clock Warehouse, Shardlow. It really is an excellent spot right at the heart of our glorious inland waterway network. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of attending one of the branch meetings by boat sometime in 2020. Tis the season of Branch AGM’s. We have brought Aegre forward to February from the previously traditional March edition, and pushed some branch AGMs back a little so that the AGM notices and agendas in Aegre are more immediate, (rather than including them in the November 2019 edition). Let’s see how this works, and we will review it at Region committee in March. Elsewhere Lincolnshire and Peterborough branches continue to push forward with the Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor partnership
and we recently gave an updated presentation to IWA Trustees. (see separate item on the latest developments). There has been a change of guard at IWA national level with Paul Rodgers as new National Chairman. There are also three new Deputy National Chairs; Chris Howes, Dave Chapman and Rick Barnes. In this way the load is shared and a wide variety of skills, backgrounds and experience are available across the country. Leicestershire branch members hope to have the opportunity to meet Paul at their AGM on 13 February and Lincolnshire members will be able to meet Chris Howes at their AGM on March 23. The ongoing deluge of rain, particularly across the north midlands, has seen the East Midlands river navigations closed more times than in most people’s living memories. Since September the Soar, Trent and Witham & Fossdyke navigations have all
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been in flood and closed more often than they have been open. Breaches of flood defences on the Witham catchment have occurred with devastating effect for the land owners. It is beginning to look like a careless mistake in flood management now that Boston navigation lock (@Grand Sluice) is no longer used as a flood discharge structure. Only the three gravity sluices at Grand Sluice are now used to discharge flood water into the Haven. Come on CRT and EA, get your act together! The navigation lock, used in free flow during low tide, nearly doubles the available channel discharge capacity, but has not been maintained as a flood relief structure. I’m sure there will be repercussions in due course! More joined up thinking in future - hopefully? However, in respect of integrated planning, I was pleased to attend a presentation in Boston about a proposed Boston Alternative Energy Plant. This will be sited in the tidal Haven downstream of Port of Boston (POB) and will import
about 1.5M tonnes of waste a year for gasification (not incineration), to drive steam turbines to generate 80MW (enough for over 200,000 households). About 600 inbound shipping movements of up to 3000 tonnes each will bring in RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel, i.e. mainly paper and cardboard). The ash from the gasification process, which is similar to charcoal production, will be shipped back out to use in building insulation products. Navigation of the tidal passage off the Wash up to Boston will become much busier! We pointed out that Port of Boston traffic, inbound and outbound, currently dominates this navigation and that more than doubling the traffic will mean that POB, as Port Authority will have to ensure safe and equable transit for not only their own shipping but also to the new plant. Interesting times indeed! David Pullen East Midlands Region Chairman January 2020.
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Boston to Peterborough (B2P) Wetland Corridor Aligning B2P with the Water Resources East (WRE) major infrastructure development is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to achieve the Fens Waterways Link (FWL) vision of a mainly nontidal navigation on the east side of England. The WRE project is now in a five year timeline which is required by government legislation to confirm public water supply in the Anglian region for the next 25 years. The next key stage is to develop a multi-sector concept design by July 2021. The final 25 year solution has to be ready to start construction (“shovel ready”) in 2025 with completion by 2030. In essence the outline proposal is to connect the main rivers and drains in South Lincolnshire with a series of reservoirs and water transfer connections in order to provide a drought-resilient solution to cope with climate change and growth in the Anglian region. IWA is partly funding an updated cost and benefits report on the missing 14 miles of the B2P Wetland Corridor between Black Sluice Navigation and the River
Glen; between the Glen and the Welland near Spalding; and between Peakirk (River Welland) and Peterborough (River Nene). Route options include the Folly River, Car Dyke and Cat’s Water Drain. The work will update a FWL study completed by WS Atkins in 2003 and will help to inform and support the case to incorporate the B2P Wetland Corridor into an integrated project by Water Resources East (WRE). The benefits of open water transfer and storage, in terms of public access, natural capital and amenity is a particular part of the brief for the updated and revisited study. The multi-sector approach has the potential to be an exemplar of integrated development with a wide range of benefits across society, (aka “Natural Capital” - an internet search will explain this in detail!). The Lincolnshire Branch AGM on 23 March is an opportunity to discuss the B2P project in more detail with partnership members.
David Pullen January 2020
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An interview by Martin Ludgate 100 year view- and pick the right route forward for the waterways.
A TIME TO CHANGE. We are privileged to give a summary of an interview with Paul Rodgers by Martin Ludgate, of “Canal Boat” magazine, with kind permission. Ed. Paul says “I am quite changeminded”. Paul is still in paid employment and for time reasons has appointed three deputy chairmen, Rick Barnes, Chris Howes and Dave Chapman. Paul admits he is reliant on their intimate knowledge of the waterways, the Association and the continuity they can provide with the past. That continuity with the past provides one of four key themes he sees as crucial to set IWA apart from other waterway bodies. The first is IWA’s internal heritage, bringing a wealth of experience, an incredible capability, and a proven track record. The second is diversity of interests, with boating seen as central, but also with a place for everyone in the Association. The third is independence, giving it a level of objectivity and flexibility. The fourth is perspective: while other organisations focus on the immediate, he feels that IWA can take a 20 or 30 year view - or even
Paul is very clear that IWA isn't trying to establish “an all-important self-aggrandisement body”. Quite the reverse: he believes “there is too much for any one organisation to do by itself” and that there’s very much a need for the more tightly-focused specialist organisations alongside IWA. But note that is alongside IWA and not in competition or opposition. Paul believes in a collaborative approach – finding common ground with other bodies, whether they are canal trusts, other national organisations, environmental bodies, businesses, or navigation authorities such as CRT. There may be sensitivities between them, but he feels that “that`s as far as it should get”. There should be mutual respect, rather than tensions, opposition or protectionism between them. He feels that even within the IWA there are too many “fiefdoms” when there could be mutual respect for different interests. But the need to collaborate is paramount to meet the challenges in the future. In the medium term, there is a question of funding, following the end of the current CRT contract in
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2027. He foresees IWA and CRT “aligning” in the run-up to the start of negotiations in 2022. Whatever one`s views of CRT, “the reality is that funding is necessary” and IWA can provide some independent scrutiny to show the Government that it isn`t just CRT asking for more cash. In the longer term he sees environmental issues as the biggest single world issue - the multiple impacts on the canals, in terms of water supplies, creation of sustainable structures, diesel and solid fuel issues. Is electrifying the waterways really practical? Speaking of the longer time scales brings us to the creation of new waterways – like the Boston to Peterborough Link or the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterwaygetting other groups on board to create canal corridors - you can have nature, cycling groups and utility companies supporting you, without impacting the primary use of the canal. To achieve this Paul believes the IWA does need to change. However he feels that this will be in a way that stays in tune with its roots, quoting a stated aim from the very early days of being ‘an Association to campaign for the regeneration of the waterways”.
Association: that means participation, connection and community. Could there be more of this? Campaign: IWA does not currently have a campaigns committee. Paul admits he’s “not a committee for committees sake” man, but feels that it needs more. Some of the activism of the 1950s and 1960s has been lost. He believes too much “starting from scratch” is going on. Could branch liaison between distant branches help when similar issues arise? Regeneration: In the past it was about restoring derelict canals. Now it should also be about looking for future uses for waterwayssuch as the often-proposed drinking water transfer that might just help some routes such as the Cotswolds Canals be reopened. Waterways: the final keyword might not need much explanation but Paul mentions the importance of towpaths and also the gradual progression from saving canals to re-opening them and ultimately creating new ones. Paul believes that while the changes he`s talking about “will take some organising”, the future of the IWA can still be built on its founding principles. In summary he says that he hopes his chairmanship will be “marked by a period of change”. Because he adds ”we need to get on the right course for the next 50 years.”
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News from Leicestershire The November social gathering was on Thursday 14th November, at our new venue. Our guest speaker was Michael Golds from the Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association, ably assisted by his wife Carol. A very interesting slide presentation, enjoyed by all.
We will have a meeting on the second Thursday of March. No speaker booked at the moment, so we’ll send out an update nearer the time.
Our next meeting is the AGM on Thursday 13th of February 2020 at the new venue, Birstall Co-op Sports & Social Club, Birstall Road, Birstall, LE4 4DE. We have asked the new IWA National Chairman Paul Rodgers to join us, but so far he has not confirmed, so fingers crossed.
This has been a very wet winter so far, and the Soar has been ‘in flood’ more frequently than we can remember. Let’s hope CRT find a way of keeping the surplus water somewhere safe so as not to have to close the Leicester Line this year due to water shortage.
The Memory Lane Wharf development project is proceeding, but due to legal / lease complications, the work is now likely to start on site around the middle of the year. The annual Christmas Party in December was also very good, with The completed scheme will provide a water point, Elsan and ruba splendid buffet, mulled wine, a small quiz, raffle and a sing-along bish disposal facilities, and permanent residential moorings to some Christmassy numbers for eight boats. accompanied by a few ukuleles.
Andrew Shephard Chairman, Leicestershire Branch.
River Soar in flood at Birstall,Leicester. Photo Andrew Shephard.
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Lincolnshire Happenings The Branch area suffered flooding of properties and agricultural land in the River Ancholme valley, where properties alongside the Old River in Brigg were flooded as well as a pumping station. The waters over-topped the defences in Lincoln on Brayford Wharf North, also major floods occurred along the River Witham at Barlings Eau, Billinghay Skirth and Timberland Delph, where thousands of acres of land were under water for some weeks. What the implications of all the silt deposits left behind will have on navigation and structures is yet to be determined? Early indications are that the improved water levels obtained by dredging in Brayford Pool last year have suffered with much silt being deposited near the moorings. Amongst waterway structures, work on Stamp End Lock in Lincoln has for the third year been removed from CRT winter works schedule. This was intended to improve the reliability of the guillotine operations and has again been put back a further year to 2021. Louth Navigation Trust and Keddington Lock. Due to EA concerns on the impact on fishing
the works may be delayed until a February start date. The total received towards the cost of the works now stands at £15,533 pounds. A Charities Trust “sponsor me” https://sponsoreme.co.uk/paulah unt/keddingtonlock.aspx fund has been set up, and a donation from CAF has been received.
This year sees the 250th Anniversary of the opening of the canal in 1770 and also the Louth flood in 1920. Awards for All Funding has been received towards a variety of events throughout the year, including some at the River Head Theatre; Louth Museum; Canoe Club events and the Model Boat Association. Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board are assisting in examining ways to increase the River Head water levels for these water based events. Volunteers continue to carry out improvements to the footpath alongside the canal head. A monolith plinth is being sculptured to house an interpretation board at Ticklepenny lock. Research on the ownership of land for creation of a canoe trail continues, while the Multi-User Path is one of the priority economic developments for the District Council.
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Sleaford Navigation Trust. Water levels continue to be high but the coir roll bank protection in Sleaford and the winding hole appear to effective. The Trust has been contacted by IWA Chesham to seek approval for using the construction of the winding hole and fish refuge as a case study of co-operation with the EA. This was agreed. NKDC Partnership. Following a request from NKDC officers a meeting has been arranged with the Cotswold Canal Trust to discuss the benefits of `partnership working` with local authorities. The officers are also to attend an IWA Restoration Hub/ HLF meeting at Hatton. A proposal for the committee to consider was the installation of a seating area at Coggleford Lock. This would be a decking area over the mill race and lock island and a boat mooring, the intention being to attract more visitors to the area. This would be temporary with the understanding it would be removed when the lock was restored. Following a discussion it was agreed that this should proceed providing the correct permissions were obtained. A young volunteer of the Trust, Tomasz Dickson, received the John Muir Environment Award for his work towards environmental improvement. Sleaford Navigation Trust will be holding a Boat Gathering in South Kyme during the Late May Day weekend, 22nd 25th May, 2020. This is to celebrate the completion of the Destination South Kyme project. This has included the installation of two landing stages in the village, courtesy of Kesteven’s LEADER funding, plus a new winding hole upstream of the village. For further details and to express an interest in attending, please contact Sue Sowerby at gathering@sleafordnavigation.co.uk Dave Carnell
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Bike routes via Haverholme Lock? North Kesteven District Council officials have been in talks with Sleaford Navigation Trust about future plans to create a cycle route from Sleaford to Chapel Hill.
colnshire Local Plan requires high quality walking and cycling networks linking to the new sustainable urban extensions to towns being built.
Councillors were told that one of the projects in North Kesteven’s cycling strategy is to link Sleaford up to the existing Water Rail Way cycle and pedestrian route along the River Witham by building a new route following the banks of the River Slea.
In addition the Trust is working with the Council on the restoration of Haverholme Lock. The Council, who own the lock, have acknowledged that it is in a very poor state and have asked for Trust help.
This scheme will be dependent on securing external funding – potentially from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A council spokesman said officials are talking to Sleaford Navigation Trust to determine “what is possible or could be provided” and also to see what the likely options and costs would be.
A site meeting with IWA Engineer, Mikk Bradley, took place to look at the feasibility of WRG carrying out work to install a weir crest. Mikk had supplied detailed plans and costings and suggested that construction could be completed within five, or fewer, WRG camps in 2021. Details of this meeting had been discussed with
He added: “We are meeting with a local authority in the south of the country later in the month to see how they have delivered a similar project and how they went about it. There is no cost or timescale at present.” Leader of the council, Coun Richard Wright, said the Central Lin-
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NKDC and received a favourable response. A further discussion took place regarding the possible collapse of the lock chamber wall. EA engineers considered this would not cause an immediate flood risk but they would require it to be monitored frequently. Steve Hayes says “We are now fairly advanced in the planning for the by-wash and are working with the EA towards an Environmental Permit. They have already seen the basic and detailed designs and
flow calculations by IWA Engineers Roy Sutton and John Heather, and they are happy with them. We are looking at getting the ecology report carried out in May with a view to getting everything else sorted out for approval by the end of the year. If WRG can visit in 2021 to carry out the work on the by-wash, we can divert the flow around the bywash and turn our attention to the lock chamber. Pictures of Haverholme Lock from Steve Hayes
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Lincolnshire Branch Report for 2019. During the year we have experienced many aspects of differing weather, mainly that of excess rainfall causing homes, properties and many acres of land to be under several feet of water. The impact of this in the River Witham valley caused flood banks to overtop or breach, with Stamp End and Bardney Locks being inundated. The floods carry large quantities of silt which settles out near lock structures and in areas like the recently dredged Brayford Pool. The effect on navigation is yet to be quantified. The Boston 2 Peterborough waterways corridor partnership (B2P) continues to make steady progress in collating relevant existing studies and awarding contracts to produce up-to-date facts and figures. The IWA has contributed towards some of these costs and is represented on the South Lincs Water Partnership by David Pullen. The Lincolnshire County Council has recognized the IWA`s long history and experience on waterway matters and has invited a member to sit on their Flooding Panel. The Branch has assisted the Louth Navigation Trust by donating £1,000 towards the refurbishment of the damaged Keddington lock. After many months of trying to establish who was responsible for the works, the Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board of Directors voted unanimously for their `in house` workforce to carry out the works at an estimated cost of £20,000 to £25,000. Several partners of the Louth Regeneration Partnership have made contributions to this, including the Lincolnshire County Council, while the EA have waived their fees for the necessary permits. Sleaford Navigation Trust have enjoyed a successful year, installing moorings in South Kyme village; the creation of a winding hole; a fish refuge; and installation of coir roll bank protection. Working in partnership with the District Council and Waterways Recovery Group, plans are being discussed to build a new weir
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crest at Haverholme Lock, prior to the eventual rebuilding of the lock chamber. Grantham Canal Society have, on completion of rebuilding Lock 15, moved to Lock 14, the second part of the HLF funding. To enable inspection works to determine the extent of work required on Lock 14, the Branch donated ÂŁ1,000 towards these costs. We objected to a Planning Application to install an electric generation turbine in the old lock chamber in Newark, this on safety grounds due to the pull of the flow for craft slowing to enter the large lock. After many meetings this application was withdrawn. What of the future for IWA. ~A time for change.~ The new Chairman, Paul Rodgers, has outlined his aims to bring the Association up to date. (See page 9). We look forward to the new approach. Branch Membership stands at 171 memberships and 181 members, slightly down on previous years despite campaigning at events with the new gazebos. The Branch Treasurer advises that the account stood at ÂŁ657.35 (provisional - subject to final 2019 year end statement from IWA Chesham). Your Branch committee is in need of new blood. Those currently in office have for many years provided valuable and much appreciated support but the time has come for new ideas and input. Please help us to continue the work within the Branch area. Anyone who wishes to make their views or comments known, on any point mentioned here, is invited to e-mail lincolnshire@waterways.org.uk Dave and Penny Carnell
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News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire The somewhat limited news from this Branch is that we are now part way through our winter “Social Programme” of talks, on the third Wednesday of each month, from October 2019, to April 2020, at The Clock Warehouse, Shardlow.
The Waterway Recovery Group, preceded by our Christmas buffet supplied by our hosts at The Clock Warehouse. In January we heard from George Rogers who described the challenges, and successes, of restoration work on the Cromford Canal.
Back in June 2019 we asked Notts & Derby members, via an on-line questionnaire from Head Office, just what they were looking for from their Branch.
As you read this, in February, we are turning our attention to what we could (and maybe should!) be doing in the summer months, following the last of our Social Meetings, in April.
The two main responses were: a more easily accessible venue for our Social Meetings, and more waterways-related talks. So I’ve responded to these points by switching our meetings to The Clock Warehouse, Shardlow – right on the border between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, with good communications for most of us. And secondly, we’ve put on (so far!) a programme of talks that have attracted 25-30 members to our new, iconic, venue. In October David Pullen showed videos describing the development of our canals. In November Steve Wood gave a talk on Restoring the Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals. In December Mike Palmer’s talk covered the wide-ranging work of
So far, I’ve not managed to attract sufficient members to form a Branch Committee, although we have formed an informal group of enthusiastic members that may yet become our Branch Committee. My message to you, our members is: come and join us, make your views known and, maybe, get involved. Either come along to one (or more!) of our three remaining meetings at The Clock Warehouse, or email me at: nottsandderbys@ waterways.org.uk. If you are not on email, nor have access to the IWA website, you can drop me a line at my home address: Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW.
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Cranfleet Cut Visitor Moorings
There has been good progress with getting permissions for additional mooring rings as reported in the previous Aegre, and all being well CRT are now hoping to undertake the installation of the mooring rings before April 2020. If/when final approval is given they will confirm dates. Therefore could anyone with an interest in being part of the volunteer work party (1 or 2 days over a weekend) please email robert.aspey@derby.g ov.uk. I can then give CRT an indication of numbers (no names will be supplied). Robert Aspey IWA Branch Moorings Officer & RBOA Upper Trent Area Rep
Journals Received We are very pleased to acknowledge copies of journals from various canal and river societies and trusts. They include “The Portal” from Friends of the Cromford Canal; “The Packet” from the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society; “The Cuckoo”, from the Chesterfield Canal Trust; “Sleaford Navigation Trust” journal; the “Melton and Oakham Newsletter”; “The Wharfinger” from Louth Navigation Trust; “The Bridge” from Grantham Canal Society; “Grand Trunk” from the Trent and Mersey Canal Society, and the “Easterling” from our Eastern neighbours the EAWA. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of one of these journals should contact the relevant address given on page 4. For “The Cuckoo” contact the editor at 22 Works Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield S43 2PF.
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Moira Canal Festival 16th 17th May 2020 At the Heart of the National Forest Ashby Canal Trust is holding the 20th Moira Canal Festival at the historic Moira Furnace, on the banks of the restored Ashby Canal. Geoff Pursglove has been helping to organise the event since it began. “This year,” he said, “we are pleased to welcome the D-Day Darlings, Britain's Got Talent finalists in 2018, who will recreate all the old wartime songs. This will be to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the festival, and also our contribution to May’s VE day events”. A Battle of Britain fly-past will help the atmosphere, and there will be boats, Morris dancing, falconry displays, children's entertainment, historic vehicles, a wide range of stalls and exhibits, an entertainment marquee, bar and refreshments. There will also be the annual Moira Canal Festival Duck Race! It is a trail boat festival, on the isolated, restored length of the Ashby Canal at Moira, so if any members have a trailable boat (there are two good slipways), they would be very welcome. Further information www.moiracanalfestival.co.uk General enquiries: moiracanalfestival@outlook.com, Trade enquiries: moiracanal@mail.com Or write: Geoff Pursglove, Waterworks House, Quarry Lane, Swadlincote, DE12 7DD Venue: Moira Canal Festival, Furnace Lane, Moira, DE12 6AT
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Shipbuilders of Louth
A brief look at the people who built and operated ships at the Riverhead in Louth from the late 18th century to the end of the 19th century Published by Louth Navigation Trust
THE SHIPBUILDERS OF LOUTH AN ESSAY BY STUART M SIZER
Louth Navigation Trust are publishing a new book that complements the 2006 book “People and Boats” A History of Louth Canal by co–authors Stuart Sizer and Josephine Clark. In “The Shipbuilders of Louth” Stuart uses very detailed historical information supplied by the descendants of the Nell family, who from about 1828 had a large business empire which included granaries; drying kiln; bone steam mill; flour mill; stables and
offices. Many pictures, drawings and maps, and details of the ship builders and the variety of craft built make this A4 59 page publication an interesting must-have for waterway enthusiasts. Priced at £6.50 and available later this year from the Louth Navigation Trust tel; 01507 605496, e-mail secretary@louthcanal.org.uk or the Louth Museum in Broadbank, Louth. The front cover is shown above.
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From the RBOA The 55th Annual General Meeting of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA) was held at The Clifford Arms, Great Haywood, Staffs. on 23rd November 2019. Members and committee enjoyed constructive discussions about the future and positioning of the Association. It was provisionally agreed to start the process for turning the RBOA into a Charitable Institution, so as to benefit both our members and the greater boating public by developing a better funded body to promote the Association’s remit of its "Cradle to Grave" philosophy. The change would also increase the Association's horizons for supporters to embrace all people who live afloat, be it on a weekend or on a full time basis, and who aspire to this healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Charles Foster continues as RBOA Chairman, with Keith Grantham taking on the role of General Secretary from Beryl McDowall, who will continue as Publicity Officer and Editor of the Association's bi-monthly magazine “Soundings”. Rex Walden remains as Vice Chairman, Dave Milne as Treasurer and Alan Wildman as Development Officer for the Middle Levels and Broads. The desirability of a new Facebook site was discussed, and a new RBOA Facebook Group has just been launched, called "Living Afloat with the RBOA".
Photo Jane Pollard
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Around the Societies and Trusts Chesterfield Canal Trust Supporters’ Group Meeting John Jackson will be giving an illustrated talk about 25 years of selling coal from the narrow boat Roach on the Midlands canals. Tuesday 25th February, Red Lion, 54A Church Street, Brimington, Chesterfield, S43 1JG. 8 p.m. The AGM will be held at the Hollingwood Hotel, S24 2LG on 25th March at 7.30pm. A quiet time? As far as the public face of the Trust is concerned, this is a relatively quiet time. After running over 200 Santa Special cruises, our trip-boats will not be running any public trips until April, though they are available for charters, subject to their winter maintenance schedules and several canal stoppages. Our Work Party and Shop will be operating as usual, and the behind-the-scenes work will be going on as always. This includes our Accounts team, planning for our Festival at the end of June and our Walking Festival in September, our archivists, maintenance volunteers and gardeners. Although all this is hugely important, the steady progress towards 2027 being achieved by our Development Manager, his assistants, the Restoration Committee and Restoration Group are the reason we exist, and that work never lets up. Cromford Canal. Their social meetings at Ironville Church Hall, Casson Street, NG16 5NN normally continue on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. Admission is £2.50 and there is a bar, tea, coffee, and raffle. On February 17th Mike Kelley will talk about his book “The Fall of Saxon England”, and the AGM will be held on the 20th April. The historic narrow-boat Birdswood was lifted out of the water in November for the biennial clean-up, painting and
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formal inspection by the MCA. Work parties continue in the winter, weather permitting, including clearing undergrowth around Stella the stegosaurus. The planning and permissions process for the Beggarlee extension proceeds slowly and laboriously, but now looks as though almost all hurdles have been jumped. The Discovery Days in October were successful - more so on the Sunday when the weather was better. The Derby and Sandiacre Trust Working parties continue as usual at Draycott and Borrowash. Members’ meetings resumed this month with a talk from Robert Mee on the Erewash Valley Trail, at the Coach and Horses in Draycott on the 28th. Further meetings are planned to continue at 7.30 pm at the Coach and Horses on Tuesday the 25th February. Eddy Case reports that there is water in Spondon, the dig-out has started with the first stage now underway. This is only a small part of the promised section, but it is the first one back into water! At the cottages they have reduced the number of people working on site over the autumn and winter period. The team have finished all the floors and are now putting the final touches in to get the windows fitted in the next few weeks. All the mains are on site and the drains are in situ and several loads have been removed from site so that the team will be able to concentrate on the final layout and decoration of the cottages. They also expect the response to the planning applications for the cafÊ and indeed the canal itself towards the end of Jan/early Feb.
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Erewash CP&DA Sandiacre Lock Cottage is open on Sundays Feb. 16th, March 15th, April 19th and so on throughout the year from 13:30 to 16:30. In addition on Bank Holidays usually 10:30 to 15:30. Admission
is free. Due to the historic nature of the cottages, access for disabled people is limited. For more details and information contact Glyn Stenson: 07809 251441 or e-mail: glynstenson@hotmail.com. Grantham Canal Society There are volunteering opportunities every weekday at Lock 14, or Fridays and Saturdays with a work party elsewhere. If you can spare some time drop in for a chat and a cuppa around 8:30 on a Friday or Saturday morning. Alternatively e-mail volunteer@granthamcanal.org.
Melton and Oakham Waterways Society have had a major problem with the sinking of their work boat Mole during very heavy rain back in September. With major efforts by
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volunteers she was re-floated in October. (Picture from Mick Clowes). Old Union Canals Society hold their monthly meetings in Great Bowden village hall (LE16 7EU) on the last Friday of the month at 7.30pm. For information call Mary Matts on 07813 599323. Sleaford Navigation Trust is reported in the Lincolnshire section. The work parties continue, usually on the second Sunday of the month. Call Mel Sowerby on 01522 856810 for details. Trent and Mersey.
Development work by the Joule’s Brewery company on the long-disused Crown Wharf site in Stone just north of Wyatt's Canal Cruising Co.'s docks and boatyard, is well in hand with the steel work of the new pub and theatre being finished and the cladding and roofing expected to be completed now. The large site will incorporate a large "Taphouse" pub and a multi-function 140-seat theatre plus a Heritage Centre for Stone Town Council and will be of substantial benefit to the town and become a much liked canal-side attraction to boaters. Their social programme, if you are near enough, is at The Red Bull Public House, Congleton Road South, Stoke-onTrent, ST7 3AJ and the programme will continue this year on Friday 21st February with “Women and Children living and working on canal boats” by Bill Walker. Bill will take us through the significant changes experienced by women and children when they had to leave their cottages and live on the boats instead. On Friday 21st March there will be a speaker from CRT. For more information contact Gillian Watson on 01606 835 606 .
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Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meetings of the constituent Branches of the East Midlands Region of the Inland Waterways Association will be held as follows: AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting 3. Matters arising. 4. Report of the Chairman. 5. Report of the Treasurer and presentation of accounts. 6. Election of Committee members. 7. Resolutions 8. Any other business. Leicestershire Branch: at 7.30 pm on Thursday 13th February 2020 at the Co-op Social Club, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE. Lincolnshire Branch: at 7.30 pm on Monday 23rd March 2020 at Lincoln Boat Club, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln LN1 1YW. The Club is located adjacent to the Barge Restaurant and the Sea Cadets’ HQ. Nearest public car parking is in Lucy Tower Street, about 250 yards E. Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch: at 7.45 pm on Wednesday 18th March 2020 at The Clock Warehouse, Shardlow DE72 2GL. Nominations for election to the committees must be in writing, signed by the proposer and the seconder and containing the consent of the nominee. They should reach the relevant Branch Secretary not less than 14 days before that meeting.
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Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance this edition of Aegre: Andrew Shephard; Michelle Hill, Eddie Case, Archie Roberts, Dave Carnell; David Collin; Mike Snaith; Rod Auton; Mel and Sue Sowerby; David Pullen; Jane Pollard; Mick Clowes; Allen Lee of Unsplash; Malcolm Fielding, and as noted for specific articles.
Footnote - a reminder of 2007 floods
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