AEGRE July 2007
N o . 11 7
Wet and successful at Grantham
The journal of the East Midlands Region of
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Aegre is published Š 2007 by the East Midlands Region Committee of the Inland Waterways Association. Chairman WRG
John Baylis, 215 Clipstone Road West, Forest Town, Mansfield NG19 0HJ Tel: 01623 621208
Vice-Chairman & Treasurer
Dave Carnell, Conifer Cottage, North End, Goxhill DN19 7JX Tel: 01469 530138
Leicestershire Branch Chairman
Carol McDonald, c/o 68 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JG Tel: ? 0116 282 5245
Lincolnshire Branch Chairman Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Chairman South Yorkshire & Dukeries Branch Chairman Secretary
Dave Carnell. Contact address as above.
Region Planning Officer
Nancy Johnson, 37 Eastmoor, Cotgrave, NG12 3NU Tel: 0115 989 9612. Mavis Paul, 116 Sandygate Road, Crosspool, Sheffield S10 5RZ Tel: 0114 268 3927 Graeme Wade, 9 Swan Drive, Sturton-by-Stow, Lincoln LN1 2EA Tel: 01427 787727. Mike Snaith, Hawthorne Cottage, 70 Main Street, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7EU.
Members
David Johnson, 37 Eastmoor, Cotgrave, Nottingham NG12 3NU Tel: 0115 989 9612. Ian McDonald, c/o 68 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JG Tel: ? 0116 282 5245 Malcolm Fielding, 1 Vicarage Way, Arksey, Doncaster DN5 0TG Tel: 01302 873127
Editor for Aegre:
Peter Hill, 7 Lock Keeper’s Way, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0GQ Tel: 01507 602713. email: aegre@humbhony.demon.co.uk
Collation & despatch
N&D Branch Members.
Printing
Mintas Printas, Hyson Green
Picture credits:
See page 22. Cover picture: Grantham on Water - busy traffic in the lock above the Rutland Arms.
Inland Waterways Association: Registered Office, 3 Norfolk Road, Rickmansworth WD3 1LT. Registered as a Charity No: 212342. Tel: 01923 711114. Fax: 01923 897000 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.
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AEGRE July 2007
Contents
No. 117
Page 2
Colophon
4
The editor’s Bow Button
6
Round the Region with the Chairman
8
News from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Branch
10
WRG camps in our region
11
News from Lincolnshire Branch
13
Grantham Festival report
16
Boston Tidal Barrier
18
Festival Awards
19
The Adsetts Project
22
Picture Credits
23
News from Leicestershire Branch
25
River Witham and the Great Northern Railway
27
Wanderings of Atropos
28 29 29 30 31 32
News from South Yorkshire and the Dukeries Journals received Mikron Theatre Picture puzzle - just for fun 12 Canal Societies and Trusts in the Region Regional Diary Dates
Next issue planned to be published in early November 2007. Contributions to the editor by the end of September 2007 please. The space on the right is for local contact information. Page 3
The Editor’s Bow Button Sitting down to write this - rather later than I had intended - an interesting programme had just finished on BBC Radio 4. Describing the architecture and scenery of the Stratford-onAvon Canal, one of the local experts talked about the way the canal had been saved from formal abandonment at the last critical moment because some people had paddled canoes down, and could prove it by showing that they had paid the due tolls. Nowadays, after some ups and downs, this canal is a popular part of many boat journeys and no-one would think of abandoning it (well, almost no-one!). Two other things, initially unrelated, also came to mind. One was last year, near Brecon, when we witnessed an unfortunate shouting match between a narrow boat crew (a hired boat, and they were probably nervous) and some novice canoeists who had got in their way. The third thing was the query, mentioned in this column last time, about the form and frequency of IWA publications, both national and regional. In order to get some idea of what others did in this respect I read quite a lot of current journals from the RYA, the BCU and various other water-related organisations. Notable was a common concern about encouraging usage of our waterways by all kinds of users and the need to resist thoughtless and sometimes ill-drafted legislation. Later in this edition of Aegre there is a report on some of the work done by the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership. While this organisation does not of course make legislation, it does two things very well. It fosters co-operation between all waterway users, and has for example encouraged training for novice anglers and training for novice canoeists, as well as things like slipways for trail boats and portage points for smaller boats. Secondly it understands existing legislation, and in particular funding sources, very well, and has plans ready to submit in application for unexpected short term funds as well as longer term exercises such as the Boston Barrier. My argument here of course is for the productivity of co-operation and the possibility of help from others, and recognition that there may well be friends in unexpected places. Unhelpful attitudes are normally nothing to do with a mode of transport or a particular mode of usage of a waterway (for example) - they arise from people. Probably obvious, but not always remembered in an emotional moment of temporary frustration. Page 4
In an entirely different area, and in spite of all the words of wisdom from the RNLI and the Coastguard, I have always believed in the Englishman's right to set out to sail to Australia in an ill-equipped walnut shell if he so wishes, without a filing cabinet full of licences and regulations of various kinds. But I was inspired by David Pickup's account of his journey in France to think about it myself. Having a healthy fear of the "petit fonctionnaire", and although we do not currently have a sea-worthy boat, it seemed a good idea to try and get the International Certificate of Competence he mentioned. Now I may have mentioned before that we have lived and boated in various places, and while in The Netherlands I collected what they called a "Vaarbewijs"; quite an impressive looking piece of paper issued by the "Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat" saying that I was competent to skipper craft up to 20m long, as well as craft over 20m for recreational purposes on inland waters. So I thought this might help to get an international document recognised in France and the rest of Europe. Guess what? No. The RYA doesn't recognise a Dutch document, and the Dutch won't give me an ICC because I don't live there. Hurrah for European co-operation. Good luck, wherever you may be out on the water this summer, and in whatever kind of craft. Peter
Keeping the Grantham watered Work on Knipton Feeder
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REGION CHAIRMAN’S NOTES In my last Region Chairman’s Notes I mentioned the impending changes in the IWA Branch and Region organization. At that time I was expecting that the consultation and discussion might be for the National Annual General meeting in September. With additional work on the Save Our Waterways Campaign, work on a revised accounting system and the accounts for last year and preparation for the World Canals Conference in Liverpool, Head Office staff and council members were kept fairly busy. We decided at the last Council meeting that rather than try and rush any re-arrangement for this year we would have a less hurried consultation for the AGM in September 2008. Some non-controversial changes have been made, and the IWA Byelaws have been simplified but not yet approved. The consultation on continued Region and Branch publications, rather than just concentrating on a national magazine or an internet publication, came out in favour of a local paper publication so we look like continuing Aegre at least for some time in the future; your contributions or suggestions would be welcome. I mentioned the World Canals Conference which was held in Liverpool on June 12-15th. This was the first time that a volunteer organization has run the WCC and I think that Jude Moore and Roger Squires did an excellent job of organization and getting speakers. Our national chairman, John Fletcher, was the very laid-back chairman at the plenary sessions. Peel Holdings, who are now the owners of Liverpool Commercial Docks as well as the Manchester Ship Canal and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster, were the main sponsors, whilst the Morrison Construction Group (one of British Waterways Omnibus contractors) sponsored the conference dinner. The entertainment at the dinner was by the “Caldon Canal Stompers” who are well known from many boat rallies in the north midlands. There were a few canal representatives from the East Midlands, and although most of the speakers were from the north west, Dr.Anthony Streeten, Director of English Heritage East Midlands spoke on “Managing change on historic waterfronts” and Bob Watson from the Sobriety Project at Goole & the Community Page 6
Boats Association spoke on “Community Boats and diversity and education”. There were also coach visits arranged on three days to restoration projects in the Manchester and Liverpool area. One particular item of interest was work on the new canal connection between the north and south docks in front of the “Three Graces” buildings; their construction in the 1900s filled in Georges Dock, which severed the north-south connection. Now that BW have taken over the historic south docks, the new link will allow an inland connection to the Stanley Locks Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, without going tidal from the commercial Langton Dock to the historic Albert Dock. Moored at the back of Albert Dock were about 60 narrow boats which had come by the tidal route for the Mersey River Festival, some helpers at the conference living on their boats. This year may well have been the last tidal convoy, as from the end of 2008 the link should be open. I will shortly be off to the Fens for the IWA National Waterways Festival so I hope to see some of you there or on the way. John Baylis
The Sales and Promotions Committee plans to organise a seminar on Saturday 3rd November at Dorridge near Solihull. The venue is easily accessible from the M42 and M40 and has the additional benefit of being near a railway station. The Committee's previous seminars have included such topics as editing a newsletter, using the Wild over Waterways pack and working with the media. Before the committee makes firm plans it would welcome suggestions for topics that branch and region officers might find useful. Those suggested so far include: roles of officers within the branches and regions, promoting the Association at local level, replying to planning applications and risk assessments. Elizabeth Payne (contact at HQ on page 2) would welcome comments as to whether branch and region officers would attend the above and for other suggestions. Page 7
News from Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch From Nancy Johnson I hope that by now you have all made a start to the boating season. We have just managed to take off the covers and inspect the ravages of winter. We intend to spend most of August doing the Caldon, Coventry and Ashby Canals, and with this in mind I have been given the job of preparing and cleaning the boat (nothing changes). Back in February our branch had a very well-attended AGM followed by a fascinating 8mm film of the Grantham Canal of 30/40 years ago, together with an interesting commentary on the events. This was presented by Percy Draper, a long- time member of the Grantham Camera Club. At the AGM we also received a cheque for £1000 from Mike Snaith through his work with the Exxon Mobil Volunteer Involvement Programme. We then presented this same amount to Judy Flack, Chair of the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society. This money was due to be spent on restoring the Borrowash Bottom Lock. Unfortunately it seems that it may now have to be spent on making the area safe to prevent further vandalism. Judy has had a very successful year and achieved a great deal towards the aims of the Society, so much so that our committee also presented her with the “Champion/Webster Cup” for the person considered to have contributed most to the restoration of our waterways in the previous year. Sunday March 4th saw our branch committee joining members at Leicester in a protest against the Government cuts to funding of British Waterways. We congregated at the waterside in Castle Gardens and then went on a march to the Clock Tower in the town centre. Both Sir Peter Soulsbury MP and David Taylor MP gave a short speech and in spite of the constant rain we attracted quite a crowd and the attention of the TV news. At our social meeting in March we were privileged to have the company of Mike Lucas of the Mikron Theatre who gave us a witty account of life on the canals and the problems of theatre production. Saturday April 7th the Branch Committee were seen “living it up” at the Pie and Pea Supper, held in the Lock Cottage at Sandiacre on the Erewash Canal. Page 8
This is a pleasant evening organised by Carole Golds with real ale, locally made pies and a chance to exchange stories with like-minded people.
We have intended taking a trip on the Manchester Ship Canal for years and this year, in May we joined Sheila Smith and a crowd of enthusiasts and booked a two day trip taking in the sights of Liverpool, the regenerated Salford Quays and a boat trip on the canal. The trip was all that we anticipated - a good hotel, a commentary on the boat trip which told us of the history, heritage and present day details of the wharves and factories. If you get a chance please take advantage, it’s worth it. The IWA National Trail Boat Festival was held at Woolsthorpe on the Grantham Canal during the holiday weekend of May 26th to 28th . (See the other article later). The members of our committee were there with the branch display stand spreading the word and chatting to old friends. The first day was fine and sunny with several thousand people enjoying boat trips and seeing the sites. Unfortunately the weather on the Sunday and Monday was atrocious and put a bit of a damper on proceedings, however a good time was had by all and we managed to get out of the car park. I notice in the City Council’s magazine “Impact” that British Waterways recruited a group of students from Nottingham University to help with the clean up around Castle Marina and Sainsbury’s on the Nottingham Canal. We were invited but were unable to help due to work commitments. Also about 50 volunteers took part in a mass clean up cum litter pick and tidy up operation in Colwick Park next to the River Trent. Another great effort was undertaken by 60 children from four city schools who took part in a litter-pick with a difference. The fearless kids took to the water in rafted up canoe type boats on the Grantham Canal to help tackle litter that had built up in places inaccessible from dry land ( I just wonder who did the risk assessment for that one). The Council are currently consulting on the amended plans for the Trent Basin development. Mike Snaith, our planning officer and I have spent a lot of time on planning matters of late. We often seem to take two steps forward and one step back and even then the finished development is not always as envisaged. I’m sure it would be different if it were our money to spend. Page 9
Please don’t forget that we still need new committee members. You do not have to wait for the AGM to volunteer as there are no annual increments for the job. Don’t forget the Nottingham Riverside Festival for the best illuminated / decorated boat on 4th & 5th Aug. And looking forward to seeing you all at our next social at the Arena in West Bridgford on 19th October.
WRG camps in our region. Do you fancy a bit of mud-plugging or tree-bashing with a good objective? The WRG are having several camps in our region this year, and support would be greatly appreciated. Here are the dates, and no doubt John or any of our Region Committee would be pleased to advise on how best to help, or check www.wrg.org.uk, or write to the WRG at the same address as the IWA main office, see page 2.
28 July to 4 August - Killamarsh on the Chesterfield 4 August to 11 August - Grantham 4 August to 11 August - Sleaford or Chesterfield 11 August to 18 August - Sleaford or Chesterfield again.
JUST FOR FUN PUZZLE SPOT 12 Having given the crossword a rest for the time being, it has been replaced by a photographic challenge on page 30 - well known locations with a distorted image. I started with a couple of readily recognised sites; but here are two more difficult to identify. I hope you enjoy this feature, good luck. Answers next time, on this page. Malcolm Fielding Page 10
News from the Lincolnshire Branch From Dave Carnell Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership held a very successful workshop on June 4th in Woodhall Spa, attended by about 200 interested people from around the county. There were presentations by John Adams of EA and Mary Powell, project manager for the Partnership, followed by general and group discussion and the preparation of "wishlists". The Lincolnshire Partnership arrangement is perhaps unusual nationally, and certainly successful in gathering grant monies, in that it involves not only the more obvious waterway interests such as BW and EA but angling, waterside businesses, local authorities and port and wild-life interests. As well as, this year, an historic buildings group. The overall aim in the South Lincolnshire area is to provide inland waterway access connecting all the rivers flowing into the Wash, avoiding the necessity for canal and river boats to make a passage across that "interesting" tidal bight, or venture near the "Roaring Middle". This major plan now moves forward with the Boston Lock Link. Contracts for design of lock works at the outfall of the South Forty Foot, using an existing flood discharge arch to the east of the pump house, have been let. Subsoil investigations are in progress and construction is to commence by the end of this year, for completion by the end of 2008. Visitor moorings are to be provided in the Haven and South Forty Foot. The ÂŁ8 million cost of this project is now secured. A further stage in the overall scheme is the Boston Tidal Barrier. Funding for this is being sought, with some confidence because part of the scheme is protection for the town against tidal surges including raising the banks seaward of the proposed barrier by about a metre. Design work is on-going. The barrier will be positioned about a hundred metres upstream of Boston Dock entrance. It will normally maintain a level equal to that of the R.Witham upstream of Grand Sluice, so that what is at present a dirty muddy ditch at low tide will become a desirable waterside area.. (Gas Street Basin in Birmingham was mentioned as a good example). Present restrictions on locking through Grand Sluice will be eased, but it will remain in place to form a barrier between fresh and salt water. Grand Sluice will remain operated by BW, and South Forty Foot Lock will be EA controlled, with close liaison with ABP Boston Docks to advise on any large shipping movements that might affect movement of leisure boaters. The limitation on boats moored during winter months near Grand Page 11
Sluice is being discussed by EA internally. (How will the barrier work? See our panel on page 16/17). Extra flood protection will be provided for Boston Docks area and the Haven downstream of the Barrier. Alterations to the dock entrance lock will be a combined project with ABP, allowing larger vessels possibly up to 7000 tons to use the dock. A starting date of 2008/09 is envisaged with completion 2011/12. To date the development funding is still available from Defra. Last time we reported on the new bridge over the Welland at Four Mile Bar. Now another bridge courtesy of the Mid Lincs Local Access Forum. This one, over the River Bain, just upstream of Dogdyke (Editor's note: about TF211560) replaces a pedestrian bridge removed by the EA`s predecessors the NRA to carry out bank protection works about 15 years ago. Made of aluminium, it is under the usual approach flight path of RAF Coningsby and ideal for photography of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight when they are landing. Picture courtesy of Ben Bennett.
Other brief news includes a proposal for a new marina at Cherry Willingham, just below Lincoln; a "Park and Sail" scheme to provide a water bus service for visitors to Lincoln, who would park their cars at Burton Waters and use the waterway into Brayford; planned further linear moorings at Lincoln to be ready by autumn this year; and the slipway at Surfleet, also planned for completion in late 2007. Page 12
Grantham Trail-boat Festival
from Peter Stone Firstly, very many thanks for all the contributions to our 'character building' weekend - which we reckon was remarkably successful, given the weather conditions. The team has been in demand, since the Monday evening of the Festival, for information for all the media. All vessels, apart from the two pontoons, have now left the Canal. The WRG slipway team was busy at Denton until late and the Blisworth Trip Boat was craned out early the following morning. We continued to do business right until the last minute. Not only did the Blisworth boat run two full revenueearning trips to the A1 on Monday, we also had a last-minute request from Belvoir Castle and ran a further 1-hour trip at 5.30pm! Despite the appalling weather conditions on the Sunday and Monday, ‘Grantham on Water’ achieved its aims and was an undoubted success. The previously declared aims were to raise awareness of the ‘forgotten’ Grantham Canal – with the East Midlands public as well as the waterway fraternity; and to celebrate the recent restoration of 4½ miles of canal to navigation. Both of these were clearly achieved: a lot of people had a lot of fun in boats and by the water’s edge. The third aim was to encourage ‘the powers that be’ to support the re-opening of a further five miles, through to Redmile. Here it is really too early to say. We also wanted to increase the involvement of local communities with the Canal. This was plainly achieved, and was demonstrated by the large number of people walking and cycling, on the Canal towpath, out to Woolsthorpe from Grantham – especially on the Saturday. As an example, 30 pupils from each of St. Hugh’s College, Grantham; Huntingtower, Grantham and Harlaxton Prmary Schools, spent the pre-Festival Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively at Woolsthorpe – learning how canals and locks work; learning the basics of angling; studying clay modelling with a community artist; taking a trip on the Canal, and enjoying a picnic.
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All the very varied catering at the Festival – and the London Routemaster buses – were provided by local farmers and their teams, and were the cause of much favourable comment. These were early proof of the Canal’s restoration contributing to local regeneration. The Festival was opened by the Mayor of Grantham (who, accompanied by the Mayoress, toured the entire event) and visited by the Duke & Duchess of Rutland and their children, all of whom enjoyed trips on the Canal. Due to the open Festival site, attendance numbers are uncertain – but are “guesstimated” at 3,000 on Saturday, 500 on Sunday and 1,000 on Monday, indicating what might have been achieved, given three days of fair weather. Over thirty boats – steam, diesel, electric and oar powered, of all shapes and sizes and from as far afield as Central Scotland and Devon – took part in the Festival. Over 800 Passenger Boat trips were taken, over a one-week period – by visitors aged 0 to 90. 650 boat trips were sold over the 3 days of the Bank Holiday weekend alone, despite the weather.
Work on wet trackways, not waterways, at Grantham
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The Inland Waterways Association’s involvement was led by National Chairman John Fletcher and a team from the Waterway Recovery Group, who were accommodated throughout the week in Woolsthorpe Village Hall Festival Chairman John Brydon said: “Grantham on Water was an undoubted success, despite very tricky circumstances. Saturday’s attendance and tremendous atmosphere showed that there’s enormous community support for the Grantham Canal and its restoration … and the fact that we kept going over the following two days showed the commitment of our volunteers and exhibitors and the stoicism of the British public! It was great to see so many boats on the canal and Woolsthorpe locks in use once again and we received excellent feedback from everyone who came. My special thanks go to the volunteers of the Grantham Canal Restoration Society and the Waterway Recovery Group, for their sterling efforts, in very difficult circumstances – and to our principal sponsors: ‘Awards for All’, Welland Community Pot, South Kesteven District Council, Grantham Estates, Grantham Forward, Belvoir Castle and the Rutland Arms. Time and time again, we were stopped by visitors who had been keen to make the journey, to tell us how much they approved of the recent EMDA [East Midlands Development Agency] - funded restoration of the A1 to Denton section of the Canal and how determined they were that it should be available and well used for a wide range of rural pastimes. We feel we have a strong public mandate to press-on with restoration of the Grantham Canal through to Redmile”
Contacts: John Brydon – 01949 851711 / 07831 629196, Peter Stone – 0115 9232046.
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(2)
(1)
The Boston Tidal Barrier How will it work? Imagine a big steel door set in the channel and hinged horizontally at the bed level. If set in the lowest position, it is more or less level with the river bed, and the situation is as at present for water flow. (Diagram 1). There may be some alteration in silting, but this is being modelled at the moment to make sure that there are no ill effects. If the door is set in the highest or vertical position, the top will be level with the new raised flood protection banks. In the middle position, the top is about the same level as the present Witham upstream of Grand Sluice. Now picture the tide going out. At the right moment the barrier is raised to the middle
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(3)
level and holds back the water giving a navigable depth (and a pleasanter environment) for the haven area above it. (Diagram 2). Boats can move about from the Witham to the South Forty Foot and vice versa without fear of being swept out down to the Wash. As the tide comes in again and makes a level, the barrier is lowered to allow movements in and out between the Haven and the Wash. (Diagram 3). In case of a tidal surge, 1953 style, the barrier can be fully raised to protect the town and land, while if there is heavy rainfall on land the barrier can be lowered at low tide to allow the fresh water a free flow out. At any rate that seems to be the present plan, subject to the further investigations and tests. Diagram courtesy of EA.
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TRAIL BOAT FESTIVAL AWARDS. At this years Grantham on Water 2007 event the judges were Chris Hayes, chairman of the Northern Canals Association and Lincolnshire IWA Branch chairman Dave Carnell. The Pewsey Wharf Boat Club Trophy – awarded to the ”Best Built” pleasure craft attending the Festival: “Vivaldi” Dr and Mrs Sleeman of Oxford. The John Heap Rose Bowl - awarded to the skipper of the craft which, in the opinion of the judges, had completed the most enterprising and meritorious cruising in the previous 12 months: “Bobbles” Mr J.Parker of Lakenheath. The John Ogley Cup – awarded to the owner of the boat that had made the longest trailed road journey to the festival using the shortest practical route from the normal home to the festival site: “Roseann” Bridge 19 – 40. Union Canal Scotland. The Grace Bell for the best Story Board: “Vivaldi” Dr and Mrs Sleeman of Oxford. Due to the very wet weather and restricted water area available the Oxford and South Bucks Branch Rose Bowl and the BW Trail-Boat Rally Cup were not competed for. Page 18
THE ADSETTS CANAL PROJECT Nearly twenty years ago, two British Waterways working boats were brought to Sheffield and were to help kick start a project that would start as a little idea and grow into one of the most successful and unique projects devoted to the needs of people with learning disabilities in the country. Since 1987 a team of two staff has supervised ten people with learning disabilities, using the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal as a base. This is their story, told by Malcolm Fielding. In mid-1987 it was decided by the powers that be that the Social Services Day Centre in Sheffield should no longer carry out work-type tasks. This meant that overnight many of the people who attended the units where I worked and who were accustomed to simple tasks were left with nothing to do. Where I worked we decided that although we had no choice but to accept the situation we would find a way round this edict. We would adopt a length of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal and carry out simple environmental tasks along its length. In the climate of the time (rate capping, budget cuts etc,) this had to be carried out at a minimum cost or better still at no cost. The Government’s Community Programmes were running at that time and they already had a scheme running on the canal. Obviously we did not want to interfere with their work. We made contact with the Sheffield Planning Department, who supported us from day one; they were also looking after the Community Programme in tandem with British Waterways. We were then asked to help bring two boats to Sheffield from Stanley Ferry and Castleford respectively to work on the Community Programme. The boats Tipton and Naburn were being leased for a year.
After Naburn had her gearbox repaired she and Tipton were employed on the Community Programme until the government abruptly ended the programme virtually overnight. The boats were now redundant and had time left on their respective leases. Because I had been involved in fetching them to Sheffield the keys were handed to me with the message, “Here are the keys to your boats, goodbye!” Now we had two boats and a project just getting off the ground. It was decided that we could not reasonably look after Page 19
both boats so Tipton was returned to British Waterways at Goole, whilst Naburn was found a mooring in Sheffield Basin. It should be remembered that at the time the basin was semi-derelict and not a safe place for an isolated boat to be left. Many times we had problems with vandals and many times I had telephone calls to come and secure the boat as it had had its mooring ropes slashed. We got over this problem by substituting hardened chains and locks for ropes. We were to undertake environmental tasks along the waterway, but our main objective was to give our users practical work-type experiences they would not be able to get in or out of the units. In achieving this we said from the outset that we would not do any jobs that should be carried out by British Waterways staff. We have stuck strictly to this criterion throughout and this has been accepted by all. Our first task was to try and complete a section of the towpath with brick setts near Staniforth Road that had had to be left unfinished by the Community Programme people. This task was a fight between ourselves and the vandals, as all the setts we laid ended up in the canal. It was going to turn into a battle of who was the strongest. In the end we won because I think the vandals just got fed up and left our work alone. You can imagine it must have been soul-destroying for our people but I think underneath they enjoyed the fight. Our next task was to prune many of the dog roses unwisely planted by the Community Programme people on the recommendation of the planning department. A totally wrong choice if they were going to be left unattended over the years. In two years they grew anything up to ten foot in length, overhanging the towpath at eye level with barbs as long as your little finger. We had two years work just pruning them and getting rid of the debris. Naburn must have looked like a massive floating bush sometimes. All the offcuts were taken to Tinsley and were put through a wood chipping machine and spread on the green areas along the entrance road to the marina. Over a number of years we built up very good relationships with many canal users. Gaining people’s acceptance was something we needed to do if we were to be taken seriously. I think this happened when we were asked Page 20
by British Waterways to go to Rotherham to remove as much weed as possible from the canal. This job was accomplished without problems over a number of weeks. Adjacent to Cadmen Street bridge there was some scrub land that quite frankly was an eyesore and could do with some TLC. We made the flagstones and obtained a small supply of stone, and BW supplied us with bricks. Sheffield Planning provided the top soil and away we went. This job was the largest we had undertaken and it would take us about a year to complete. We had to repair underwater walling, lay flagstones, make a small planting area and set it. Several other tasks were undertaken including clearing overgrown shrubbery, clearing the towpath, rebuilding some walls and the usual litter picking. During this time the redevelopment of Sheffield Basin was being planned and eventually the work started. This meant that Naburn would have to be found new moorings. It was decided that the best idea would be to move it to the new moorings in number two pound of the Tinsley Marina. Naburn was the first boat to moor there and it should be said that at times I thought that it would be the only boat that would use the moorings. It must have been nearly a year before we had the company of another boat. Although the marina had been widely advertised no one seemed to want to take up moorings there. Later a sanitary station was built on-site; this was the impetus needed to fill the moorings and within a short space of time they were full. There had been several changes of waterway management during this time and I must say, to their credit, all the managers gave us their full support. We were fully accepted and are now thought of as part of the marina scene. We now had toilet and washing facilities at both ends of our working area but no undercover accommodation other than the boat and this was inadequate for twelve people, as it was a working Narrow Boat with a cargo bay and no large cabin. We therefore approached BW with a proposition to place some sort of cabin on-site to give us extra cover if needed. At this time The Waterways Trust had just started up and were offering small grants for waterways related projects. We decided to apply and were successful. Again we had to work very closely with BW to obtain a site at Tinsley. Eventually it was decided that working together, combining our grant Page 21
with monies from BW, we should jointly purchase a new portable cabin. As we were using grant monies we had to gain The Waterways Trust permission to use it in this way; needless to say they were very happy to accommodate us. In 2003 the cabin was delivered and installed at Tinsley. The cabin has two rooms; we use one and BW uses the other as a marina office. The Project has now been recognised nationally as a beacon of good practice and quality providing services to people with a learning disability. It has received awards from the Tidy Britain Group, the former Sheffield Development Corporation and most recently the Sheffield City Council Quality Service award (to the retired co-ordinator) and the Employee Learning Award to the three staff who now run the project. We have appeared on Yorkshire Television’s Calendar Programme; been interviewed on local radio; and have had several mentions in the local press. Over the years perhaps sixty people have benefited from this project and the canal’s environs have been improved by their work. Naburn conforms to the latest safety standards and its crew are all British Waterways trained and hold Deckhand and Helmsmen certification, the only non-BW trained and examined personnel in the country to do so. I have now retired and the Project has a new co-ordinator, Dave Scott, whom I feel will take it on to further success. The users are now involved in gaining NVQ qualifications in environmental studies. I feel we have achieved a great deal since we started all those years ago after a simple comment made in passing. Malcolm Fielding
Picture Credits We are most grateful to all of the following, who have contributed photographs or other illustrations to enhance Aegre: Ben Bennett; John Adams amd the Environment Agency at Peterborough,Tony Pitman; John Lower; Peter Stone; John Baylis; Ian McDonald; Dave Carnell; Brian Dominic; Beryl McDowall; Nancy Johnson and Google / Infoterra / Bluesky. Page 22
News from Leicestershire Branch From Carol McDonald Leicester Riverside Festival 2007 was held on the weekend 2nd/3rd June, just one week after the awful weather that wrecked the Crick Boat Show. All week in the run-up to the event the forecast didn’t look good, though there was the possibility of Saturday being fine. Fortunately the Soar levels subsided from the raised levels brought about by the deluges of the Bank Holiday weekend, and then Friday, when it was supposed to be showers, down poured the sun, as it did on Saturday and Sunday, only deluging boaters cruising home after about 8pm. So, our prayers were answered, and with the sun, so came the crowds. The towpath was full from around 11 each day, even though the event didn’t start until 12. There were only 26 boats booked in, but they lined The Mile Straight for around 1000 feet and with their flags and bunting up they looked a great sight. There was a decorated boat competition with the theme of Transport, and voting was done by the public as they walked along looking at the boats. At 5.30 those decorated boats that wished to do so formed a parade of boats which was watched by an appreciative crowd. John Evans had a slight problem with this, as in his clever design he had forgotten that navigation was required. He had immobilised his tiller, and only one side of the boat was decorated, but his ingenuity was not to be defeated and he commandeered one of the trip boats to breast up and move him down the straight. The photograph (courtesy of John MacDonald) shows just why he won the event. He obviously had a good range of scrap timber to work with and had used up some simple material, but the crowning glory on Element was the oil drum with smoking diesel/sawdust mix that created his steam train. Lily Pad was second with a display of various forms of transport, including a collection of Lego vehicles by grandson Sam, and Brass Page 23
Buckle was third with another very clever design of sleigh-riding to the North Pole. In all 14 boats trimmed up and received votes. The prize ceremony was at 1pm on Sunday with awards given by the local ward councillor and the local director of Riverside Housing who sponsored the event. Boaters had enjoyed a lovely evening together on Saturday around the Hot Picnic, where the picnic warmer looked awfully like a half oil drum full of hot charcoal. The sensibilities of the City Council would have been offended if we had had a barbecue! This year we were able to enjoy this without our being blasted out by over-amplified music from the piazza, as the City Council had decided to organise the amplification. This year we enjoyed sounds of a folk group followed by a rock group if we wished. The music on the piazza, which was about 50 yards from our picnic area, continued until 9pm - we carried on longer.
The prize awarded
On the road alongside the straight, part was closed to traffic from Saturday morning until Sunday evening, and there was a very good range of stands and food stalls. No burger vans, though an organic burger stand here, alongside a vegetarian curry stand and a Caribbean food stand were those that took my eye. Sales were so good they nearly ran out of food. Certainly those we sampled were delicious and reasonably priced. Over from the road, behind the piazza, Bede Park had a good range of things to see, do and enjoy, including a real ale tent where David Stevenson reported they were down to just 5 beers at 1pm on Sunday. Certainly those I tried were very tasty! Several of the stands and stalls hosted events for WOW. This was the first year we had tried this out and it was a good learning process. Some 120 children signed up for their passport. They all seemed to enjoy it, and it was a good excuse to get their parents to sign up to the funding protest petition. The three trip boats were very busy over both days, starting before the official start time Page 24
and carrying on past the supposed finish time. On Sunday just down from our site one of the local Rotary Clubs organised a Dragon Boat race to raise funds for Prostaid, a charity working to tackle prostate cancer. At the planning stage we were concerned that this would drown our event and hinder the boat trips, but our fears were unfounded and I gather the 20 teams had a good day, casting several enthusiastic paddlers into the water and breaking off a dragon head in another incident. The event should have raised a very significant sum for the charity and gave observers a great spectacle. I guess there were over 10,000 there over the two days. Personally I thought it was lovely to see so many people sitting down in the park at 7.30, over two and a half hours after the close of park events. I was wandering to the beer tent at the time so perhaps that was part of the reason, though most of the drinks I saw being sipped were funny colours from a bottle. I expect the Sainsburys alongside the site also had a great weekend. So, all in all, a wonderful weekend. The small band of IWA members that ran our bit were shattered by the end of it, and in my case the run up to Debdale was lovely, but I could really have done with powered locks. I ached all over before I started back, I’m not sure what hurts most now. So fellow boaters and friends, provisionally book the first weekend of June 2008, the one after the potentially soggy Bank Holiday weekend. Come and see what we achieve in Leicester.
River Witham and the Great Northern Railway Dear Editor, Thank you very much for the interesting articles on the River Witham and Great Northern Railway in the March 2007 "Aegre". Could I just correct a couple of points regarding the railway in Lincoln? The railway station in Lincoln built by the GNR is the Central Station on St. Mary's Street. This station (also built by Potts & Betts in mock Tudor style) is very much in use today. St. Marks Station, referred to in the article, was actually the first station in Lincoln, being the terminus of the Midland Railway from Nottingham. This station was closed in 1985, when all services were diverted to run to Central Station, following the opening of a connecting spur at Page 25
Boultham. The old station buildings at St Marks still exist, having been incorporated into a new shopping precinct. (They were never part of a bus station.) There are two excellent books on this subject which you may well be aware of: "The Lincolnshire Loop Line (GNR) and the River Witham" by A. J. Ludlam, and "The Railway History of Lincoln" by J.G. Ruddock and R. E. Pearson. There were also a few more 'oddities' related to the railway and waterways in Lincoln: The first is the railway swing bridge that existed where the main line crossed the Upper River Witham just upstream of Brayford Pool. The original bridge (complete with opening mechanism) still existed here, although fixed in position, until fairly recently. I believe the bridge has now been rebuilt. Alongside this there existed a wooden lifting bridge which carried a railway siding across the river. This siding served one of the grain warehouses (now all demolished) on Brayford Wharf East. A further lift bridge was built next to this to give access for road vehicles to Holmes railway yard and the south side of Brayford. There was also at one time a further railway drawbridge carrying a private siding over the Fossdyke near the Pool. I would be interested if any of your readers has any information or photographs of the navigational use of the Upper Witham, i.e. upstream of Brayford. I can remember that a short arm from the river existed which ran alongside the old Great Central goods warehouse, which was presumably used as a railway / waterway interchange. This arm is now filled in. There are also the remains of a vertically-lifting bridge about half a mile upstream, which, I believe, carried part of the old Ruston works internal railway system. I cannot see any evidence on site of navigation further upstream than this. I am interested to know where the limit of navigation was and what businesses used the waterway. (I did read somewhere that the stone used to construct Somerton Castle, about 10 miles south of Lincoln, was carried to site by means of the river. This was in the 13th century, though!). Thanks for an interesting magazine - long may it continue. Regards Richard Taylor, 23 Lacey Green, Balderton, Newark, Notts NG24 3NJ
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Wanderings of Atropos From Adrian and Gillian Padfield In response to your editorial comment about places outside the EM region, here’s something about where we are at present and where we’ve been. I’ve been writing ‘The Wanderings of Atropos’ for the Aylesbury Canal Society Newsletter for several years so I have a lot more if needed! Atropos is a 46ft steel narrow-boat built for us by Peter Nicholls at Napton in 1996. Ten years ago we spent the winter at Tinsley under the watchful eye of Dave while I did a few jobs. Our philosophy is not to stay anywhere for very long so we’ve ‘circumnavigated’ England wintering at Sowerby Bridge, Apperley (Leeds), Middlewich, Sherborne Wharf, Kingswood Junction, Somerset Coal Canal, Aylesbury and Ely. After spending the winter of 05/06 in Stoke we went on the Caldon, just got through Froghall tunnel and stayed one night in the basin below the first lock on the Uttoxeter. After that we had the boat At Houghton painted at Furness Vale and set off to cruise some other canals not open when we started. These included Bugsworth Basin (The Navigation Inn has good food) and the Huddersfield; after booking a passage through Standedge Tunnel. The 42 locks from Marsden to Apsley Basin were very hard work but there’s only one place (Slaithwaite) to stop on the way. Free train journeys from Sheffield to Leeds (guess our age?) meant we spent a little time there before cruising across to Tarleton to take the Ribble Link to the Lancaster Canal. We’re at Hest Bank on a ‘permanent’ mooring now, just north of Lancaster overlooking Morecambe Bay. We’ve been to Tewitfield, the northernmost point, having previously (about 6/7 years ago) visited Ripon. When we come back to the Leeds & Liverpool in April, we intend to go to the Anderton Lift and spend a little time on the Weaver.
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News from South Yorkshire and Dukeries Branch From Mavis Paul Well, once again we had a very successful Canal Clean-up. There was a good turn out from Abbeydale Rotary Club, and also British Waterways. There was a whole page on the clean-up in the Sheffield Telegraph, which some of you may have seen. We have partially set a date for the autumn clean-up and it will be either the 14th or 21st October 2007. I am sorry that I can’t give you a definite date, but I don’t believe there will be another Aegre before November. (Editor’s note: correct). If you could ring me on 0114 2683927 nearer the time if you would like to join us, I can give you the exact date.
venue in the area where you live that would be suitable please let the committee know. The meetings for the rest of the year are:17th October Quiz 5th December Xmas Social at which pie & peas will be available. Please ring me if you want to attend this. Both of these meetings will be at Strawberry Island Boat club.
One area of concern in the branch is the increasing vandalism at Tinsley. The latest happening involved the Trip Boat Princess Mary that was used to hold the reception for the 1991 rally held in Sheffield. With the area of our branch being Although the boat was sitting on the bottom in one of the pounds at so wide spread the committee is looking into the feasibility of hold- the top of the Sheffield flight of ing social events at different loca- locks, her top sides have been completely destroyed. The branch tions around the South Yorkshire are trying to arrange a meeting & Dukeries Branch area. We are with British Waterways and the thinking of the first one being in the Worksop/Chesterfield Area in Police to see how this can be stamped out. September probably in a public house or similar venue. We can’t give any dates as yet, as this is still Hope to see you at one of our in the early stages of planning, but meetings, Mavis Paul we will do a mail shot of people in the area. If anyone can think of a Page 28
Journals received. We have received copies of these journals from our colleagues in the various societies, partnerships, and trusts. Many thanks to all concerned. Anyone wishing to subscribe to any of these could contact the appropriate address, given on page 31. The LWP Newsletter is free, call 01522 550615. Navigation, from our neighbours in West Midlands Region. The Cuckoo, from Chesterfield Canal Trust. The Packet, from Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society. The Portal, from the Friends of the Cromford Canal. Grantham Canal News, from the Grantham Canal Partnership. LWP newsletter from Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership. The Wharfinger, from Louth Navigation Trust.
Mikron Theatre The Lacemakers Sun 26th August 7.30pm Clock Warehouse, London Wharf, Shardlow Food available tel: 01332 792844 Show Sponsors: John & Sheila Cooke and John Maynard Leawood Pump, Cromford Canal in steam August 4-5th and 26-27th. October 6-7th and 20-21 Entry free but donations welcome. Page 29
For an explanation see page 10. Page 30
Canal Societies in the EM Region Barnsley, Dearne & Dove Canal Trust Chesterfield Canal Trust Ltd Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust Derby & Sandiacre Canal Society Erewash Canal P & D Association Foxton Inclined Plane Trust Friends of the Cromford Canal Grantham Canal Restoration Society Louth Navigation Trust Melton & Oakham Waterways Society Old Union Canals Society Sleaford Navigation Trust Trent and Mersey Canal Society
Judy Andrews, 39 Hill St., Elsecar, Barnsley S74 8EN Tel: 01226 743383. www.bddct.org.uk Keith Ayling, 16 Pinchfield Lane, Wickersley, Rotherham S66 1FD Tel: 01709 700223 www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk C/o Jeffery Jones Partnership, 43 St Peter’s Churchyard, Derby DE1 1NN Tel: 01332 576037 Lesley Reaney, 318 Osmaston Park Road, Allenton, Derby DE24 8FB Tel: 01332 601699 www.derbycanal.org.uk Howard Smith, 1 Millfield, Kimberley, Nottingham NG16 2LJ Tel: 0115 9384129 Foxton Canal Museum, Middle Lock, Gumley Road, Market Harborough LE16 7RA Tel: 0116 2792657 www.fipt.org.uk Mike Kelley, 50 Beech Avenue, Alfreton, Derby DE55 7EW Tel: 01773 833425 www.cromfordcanal.org.uk Chris Tizzard (may have changed), Tel: 0115 953 1153 www.granthamcanal.com John Stanbridge, Navigation Warehouse, Riverhead, Louth LN11 0DA Tel: 01507 610539 www.louthcanal.org.uk Richard Booth, Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0AH Tel: 01664 563563 http://beehive.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/default.asp?W CI=SiteHome&ID=6595 36 The Ridings, Desborough, Kettering NN14 2LP Tel: 07010 705103. www.fipt.org.uk/Local.htm Steve Hayes, 10 Chelmer Close, N Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8TH Tel: 01522 689460 www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk 1 Pinfold Cottages, Back Lane, Little Haywood, Stafford ST 18 0UL. Tel: 01889 882770 www.trentandmersey.btinternet.co.uk
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Regional Diary Dates 2007 All members of any branch, visitors, and non-members are all welcome to attend South Yorkshire and the Dukeries Branch Usual Venue Strawberry Island Boat Club, Milethorn Lane, off Wheatley Hall Rd., Doncaster. For details call Mavis on 0114 268 3927 Oct. 14th or 21st
Autumn clean-up (check date with Mavis).
Oct. 17th.
Quiz
Dec. 5th
Christmas social, with pie & peas.
Leicestershire Branch Usual Venue Oadby Tennis Club, close to Leicester Racecourse at 7:30pm. Oct. 11th Nov. 8th Dec. 15th
Speaker - hopefully Sonia Rolt Speaker. Christmas meal. Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Branch Usual Venue Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford at 7.45 p.m. Aug. 4/5th Oct. 19th Nov. 16th Dec. 21st
Riverside Festival, Nottingham. Social meeting, details later. Mick Golds on the Lancaster, Ribble Link and Weaver. Christmas Social, plus a talk by John Wilkinson.
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