Sou'Wester 200 - September to December 2025

Sou'Wester

Causes for celebration, see pages 10 & 11

SeptemberDecember, 2025

Issue 200

IWA South West and South Wales Region

South West and South Wales Region Committees

South West & South Wales Region Committee

Chair: Hannah Rigley* Members: Baz Juniper

Hon. Secretary: Paul Thomas* Roger Morgan*

Sou'Wester Editor: Sandy Wright* Joe Taplin*

Navigation Committee

Representative: Paul Thomas*

Avon & Wiltshire Branch Committee

Branch currently inactive. If you are interested in any committee positions for this branch, please contact Hannah Rigley

Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch Committee

Chairman: Roger Morgan*

Hon. Secretary: Tony Higgins*

If you are interested in any other committee positions for this branch, please contact Roger Morgan or Tony Higgins.

South Wales Branch Committee

Chair: Joe Taplin*

Following a short period in abeyance after the Branch AGM in May 2025, Joe Taplin was confirmed as Chair by IWA Trustees. Remaining positions are to be confirmed shortly.

West Country Branch Committee

Vice Chair: Mike Slade* Members: Maurice Pinner

Hon. Secretary: Vacant Pat Robinson

Hon. Treasurer: Mike Aldridge

Volunteer Co-ordinator: Mike Slade*

*Contact details for these appear inside the back cover.

Region Chair

Welcome to Sou'Wester no. 200 - and what a momentous issue! A huge thank you to everyone involved in contributing to this bumper issue, especially our Editor Sandy Wright. What an incredible trip down memory lane and a cause for celebration! I wonder if those involved in the origins of our IWA Region and in the first edition of Sou'Wester ever thought it would still be going, in a similar way, almost 65 years on.

I have really enjoyed reading about the similarities (and thankfully, some differences!) between the issues and want to echo the words of Charlotte Jones, Cotswold Canals Trust, on page 30: "Thank you to Sou'Wester for allowing us to share our news, milestones and stories over the last 200 editions. Here's to many more issues celebrating our waterways, the community and the people bringing it back to life."

Our South Wales Branch has seen changes since its AGM in May. After 10 years in the role, Tony Pugh stepped down as Chair, being replaced by Joe Taplin. My thanks go to Tony for his invaluable contributions and knowledge that have helped support the waterways of South Wales.

You can read about Joe's background on page 33, and I’d like to formally welcome him as our new South Wales Branch Chair. I look forward to working with him (and his new team - if you're interested in joining Joe on the Committee or in another voluntary role, do get in touch with him).

The Branch is off to a strong start, given the successful progress of the Mon & Brec water abstraction campaign, see page 11. A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the rally at the Senedd in July. As Joe says on page 34, there is still plenty of work ahead to secure the canal’s future. But now is a real opportunity to harness the fantastic team behind the campaign and the support of the local community and relevant organisations. You will, of course, hear more in future Sou’Westers!

Hannah Rigley

EDITORIAL

As the Editor of Sou’wester, I am entrusted with its archive of back issues. While I admit I haven’t read them all, I have enjoyed dipping into a selection to help me prepare this 200th edition.

Issue 1 was special, of course, so on the next few pages I’ve drawn together some excerpts from it to take you back in time. I’ve added a few remarks on Sou’wester’s evolution, plus an explanation of how I’ve tried to take issue 200 forwards in time, too!

In the run up to this landmark issue, I’d been hoping it would give the opportunity to wallow in a little nostalgia, so I was delighted to receive two articles reminiscing about boating experiences (pages 25 and 40), plus a special look back from the Cotswold Canals Trust (page 28).

However, really, Sou’wester is all about sharing news. And with a special increase in the number of pages for this edition, it’s great to include almost 15 pages full of updates from around the Region.

One story that particularly caught my eye was the potentially positive step towards renewal of the A379 bridges over the Exeter Ship Canal (page 19).

Twice, I have booked a Stuart Line cruise along the full length of the canal from Exeter to Exmouth, but twice it has been curtailed because one or other of the moveable bridges failed at short notice. I’m frustrated as I had been looking forward to stopping traffic on the busy dual carriageway while we sailed through! Maybe third time lucky next year?

Despite having 40 pages, I’ve had to leave a few items through until issue 201. In particular, Mike Potts’ regular canal quiz, but he’ll be returning with a brand new subject (tunnels) next time.

It’s been a pleasure bringing together this celebratory edition. I hope you enjoy it.

Sandy Wright

SOU'WESTER: THEN AND NOW

Sandy Wright

The very first issue of Sou'Wester was published in February 1961 for members of the newly formed IWA South Western Branch.

Concerned that the demise of the former West of England Branch left “our lovely corner of England without any organisation in opposition to the closure policies of the British (Transport) Waterways”, Don Collinson and Fred Blampied agreed to form the new Branch following talks with IWA Vice President Robert Aickman, Chairman Capt. Lionel Munk and Midlands Branch Chairman David Hutchings.

Fred took on the role of Branch Chairman while Don was both Secretary and Treasurer. Other committee members were Dick Lord (who became Sou'Wester Editor by issue 2), Ann Hull and John Benn. Robert Shopland joined the committee within a few weeks.

In issue 1, Fred’s column set the scene: “The task which lies ahead is of great magnitude. The threat made only a few years ago to abandon no less than 771 miles of our waterways, has at least been held off. Without the IWA the fate of these waterways and indeed the whole canal network, would no doubt have been very forlorn by this date.

“The threat of closure and destruction still looms, however, and all who take part in the struggle to save our waterways and seek their restoration to full and proper use will, I am sure, feel the effort most worthwhile.

“Proportionately, canal mileage in our area is not large, but it includes some very important waterways...” Fred went on to outline several that featured in a ‘Canalogy’ section later in the newsletter (see next page), but added: “The Severn waterways bustle, at times, with traffic that the road and rail sections of the 5

Fred Blampied, joint founder of the IWA South Western Branch

British Transport Commission cannot handle. That other Class A waterway, the River Avon section of the Kennet & Avon Navigation, still, fortunately, maintains some commercial traffic up to Bath.”

First Branch meeting

Issue 1 carried a report of the inaugural Branch meeting in June 1960, at the YWCA, Bristol. It was well attended, with members travelling from as far afield as Salisbury, Taunton, Cirencester, Stroud, Clevedon and Bath.

Robert Aickman, IWA Vice President (Photos of Fred and Robert from IWA archive)

Canalogy

Guest speaker Robert Aickman commented that the Branch’s opening was timely as several waterways in its area were: “illegally closed and threatened”. He was said to have made a forceful speech and stressed that IWA’s interest in waterways was not only pleasure craft but also commercial traffic. He outlined the sorry position of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, describing it as one of his favourites, and suggested that the Branch’s main campaign should be its reopening to full navigation.

Early Sou'Westers featured a Canalogy section, providing updates on various waterways within the Branch. The following are edited excerpts of these entries from issue 1.

Bude

Following separate visits, Fred Blampied and Mr E A Cox both found the 1.5 mile barge canal in good order, with a fine sea lock, inner and outer basins. The trading ketch Emily Barrett, owned by member Peter Herbert, was moored in the outer basin - the first coaster to berth there for more than 10 years.

Stroudwater

This unhappy waterway, only abandoned in 1954, still retains a short section in use as moorings from the junction with the Gloucester & Berkeley to Walk Bridge, Whitminster. Here, a fixed low bridge bisects the

canal, cutting off a further mile of good, wide and deep canal to the Bristol main road. This lovely stretch now has several causeways thrown across it by local farmers and, further towards Stroud, the canal has been filled in by a local mill.

Gloucester & Berkeley

The tragedy of the sinking of the tanker barges Wastdale and Arkendale in October 1960, with the destruction of the Severn Bridge, overshadows news of this commercial canal and its twin port system of Gloucester and Sharpness. This disaster underlines the earlier scheme to extend the canal to Sheperdine and our Branch’s proposal to extend it as far as the Port of Avonmouth to replace the hazardous, tidal passage of the Severn Estuary.

Lydney

This mile long canal is entered from the Severn by tidal gates to a basin and inner lock. Trade in coal from the Forest of Dean collieries appears to have ceased but trade in timber to the plywood factory is still busy.

Kennet & Avon

Part of this canal (through Somerset and Wiltshire) lies in our Branch area and its future will be of particular interest to our members. Indeed, its fate is of national importance.

The K&A Canal Association, with whom we are closely linked, has been in existence for some 10 years. It has fought hard and successfully against abandonment proposals and obtained a ‘period of truce’, extended to 1963.

The Inland Waterways Redevelopment Committee* inspected the canal in May 1960 and the K&A Association has almost completed its proposals for a redevelopment scheme for submission to the Committee.

Numerous customers are discouraged from using the waterway by weed, prohibition on the use of locks and other difficulties. About six miles and six locks are in regular use from Reading westwards, as are another length

* Ed: Committee established in 1959 to advise on the future of the inland waterways, particularly those not deemed economically viable for commercial transport; tasked with considering various redevelopment options including closure, partial retention and recreational use.

and a number of locks east and west of Newbury. The 15 mile lock-free pound east of Devizes is another possibility for boating. Regular passenger services operate from both Newbury and Reading.

Any member with a boat or canoe should make the effort to get afloat, doing a worthwhile service in keeping things active en route.

Brecon & Abergavenny

The canal has been restored as a through navigation between Pontypool and Brecon. The six locks are in full working order. Considerable dredging is being carried out and old swing bridges are being replaced.

The canal is land locked; the connection with the Severn Estuary by way of the Monmouthshire Canal between Pontypool and Newport being abandoned. In fact, it is possible to navigate some few miles of the Monmouthshire from Pontypool to the head of the locks leading down to Newport.

Boats can be hired from our member I R Todd and the canal is eminently suited for trailboat cruising and canoeing.

Bridgwater & Taunton

This fine, broad waterway, illegally closed since the swing bridges were fixed by the War Department during the war, is in the front line again. Navigation is threatened by the Somerset Water Board’s wish to deepen and widen it in a £3million floodwater scheme. This, though admirable in its single sense, illustrates the failure of the many differing water authorities, each blindly following their own particular narrow channel, and the devil take the rest. One more example of the need for a single, allpurpose National Waterways Conservancy.

The canal was recently inspected by the Inland Waterways Redevelopment Committee and this Branch was given a bare three weeks to prepare a scheme for its retention and redevelopment. Having little knowledge of the canal, our committee decided that the only way to make a correct and factual report was to examine it at first hand, taking survey notes and photographing all locks, bridges and items of interest en route.

Therefore Fred, Robert and Don visited Taunton, meeting Mr Clements, ex Chairman of the West of England Branch, who gave valuable assistance

and helped launch Don’s dinghy at Firepool Lock. Seven miles were covered, to Higher Lock. The following weekend Fred, his wife, Don and Commander Peter Kelly completed the remaining section to Bridgwater Dock. The canal was in excellent repair apart from work required to locks. The report was completed on schedule, but timing was so tight that Don had to hand it over at the station in Taunton where the Redevelopment Committee was meeting. Admiral Parham, Chairman of the Committee, was most impressed by the report and the initiative shown in seeing it arrive on time.

Grand Western

The surviving section of this canal, which earns its keep from the sale of water lilies, is now threatened with final oblivion by British Waterways. However, Tiverton Corporation have appealed to the Council for the Preservation of Rural England for support in resisting its final abandonment. The Branch has informed both these parties of full support and help within our range.

Sou'Wester evolution

Flicking back through the archive of Sou'Westers, I was able to trace the Branch and Region evolution in our area. The South Western Branch ran from 1961 to 1974 when it became the South Western Region, with four subsidiary Branches: Avon & Wilts, Gloucester, South Wales & Border Counties and West Country. Further tweaks to Branch names brought us to our current arrangement. The Region became more accurately named South West and South Wales in 2017.

One of the most readily noticeable evolutions of Sou'Wester has been the use of illustrations - from a complete lack of them in the early days, apart from a small logo on the front cover, to the full colour photos throughout each issue these days.

The very first Sou'Wester

During the 1970s and ’80s editors used both black & white photos and line drawings. Indeed, it appears we had some very able artists among the contributors, with at least five supplying drawings for the cover.

It wasn’t until 2014 that colour first appeared - rather late by publishing standards. But now, for this special edition, I’m attempting to bring Sou'Wester bang up to date with a front cover illustration generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI)!

It’s new to me, but in a conversation about finding a celebratory fireworks illustration to enhance the cover, my computer geek son-in-law suggested ChatGPT, a free AI system. He showed me how to instruct it to create copyright-free illustrations and I was inspired!

One of the front covers that featured line drawings. This one of Bathampton was by Janette Keen.

My aim was to celebrate not only Sou’Wester’s 200th edition but also the success of campaigning to secure the Mon & Brec water supply, as suggested by our new South Wales Branch Chair Joe Taplin (page 33). A photo sprang to mind - one that had been provided by Paul Thomas, our Region Secretary, with his article (opposite) about the Mon & Brec success.

It was an IWA publicity photo from the campaign rally at the Welsh Senedd, showing Paul with two figures from the canal’s history - a boatwoman and the canal’s engineer Thomas Dadford, ably represented by Isobel Brown and local historian Jeremy Bosanquet. I thought it made a statement about IWA’s role in protecting the heritage of our waterways, as well as marking the successful rally.

With my photo chosen, it was time to experiment! I instructed AI to combine the photo with a fireworks background and 200th edition banner. With some more tinkering, I was happy with the result. I hope you like it. I can’t see me using AI again for Sou'Wester any time soon. But who knows what the future will bring?

A WATERSHED

MOMENT FOR THE MON & BREC

Paul Thomas, IWA South West & South Wales Region Secretary

Our campaign on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal’s water abstraction issues has continued with growing momentum.

In early April 2025, Canal & River Trust (CRT) began purchasing water from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) to supplement the amount it is legally permitted to extract from the River Usk. This water is pumped across Wales to Brecon to keep water levels at normal operating height. It costs CRT up to £50,000 per week, and it’s the only canal in England and Wales where CRT pays for water.

A Senedd petition, launched by a county councillor whose ward includes the canal, raised over 14,000 signatures, which meant that it could be debated in the Senedd Plenary by all 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs).

In advance of the debate, three members of the Senedd Petitions Committee visited Goytre Wharf to meet affected parties including local councillors, boat hire representatives, Brecon Beacons Tourism, CRT and several boaters. I have been working as part of the Preserve & Protect the Mon & Brec Canal (PPMB) group and was invited to speak with the MSs.

Following this, the Petitions Committee recommended a debate in the Senedd on July 9. Until then, the Welsh Government - including Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary responsible - had dismissed the matter as a “commercial decision” between CRT and DCWW.

To mark the day of the debate, PPMB, with strong support from IWA, organised a rally outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Around 70 supporters gathered, including IWA’s National Chair Mike Wills and Campaigns & Public Affairs Director Charlie Norman. Many MSs came out to speak with the crowd, including Huw Irranca-Davies.

In the Senedd chamber, the canal received passionate cross-party support and, in a significant shift, Huw Irranca-Davies announced plans to meet with all stakeholders "imminently”.

Just a week later, on July 17, the Welsh Government pledged £5 million to secure DCWW water supplies and launched a ‘Task and Finish’ group to explore technical and funding solutions. Its report is due by the autumn. While the issue remains unresolved, we are hopeful that a long-term, sustainable solution is within reach.

ACCESS IMPROVED FOR BARGE WORKSHOP

Peter Daniel, Bude Canal & Harbour Society

A new access ramp has been constructed at the Barge Workshop alongside the Bude Canal at Helebridge. The Workshop contains many artefacts from the canal and local industries, including the only surviving tub boat. It is owned by Bude Stratton Town Council and opens on Sunday afternoons between July and September, staffed by volunteers from Bude Canal & Harbour Society. The ramp was funded by the Council and IWA’s West Country Branch.

The new ramp - ably demonstrated by a four legged friend!

LANGPORT PRAISE FOR WRG

The first Waterway Recovery Group Canal Camp of 2025 took place alongside the River Parrett in Langport over the Easter weekend.

The town’s river regeneration project, completed in 2020, is so popular with visitors that its riverside paths had already worn down.

WRG was asked to upgrade the network of paths that run alongside a half-mile section of river from Bow Bridge to Huish Bridge, including Cocklemoor, an open meadow between town and river.

WRG working on the main path through Cocklemoor; River Parrett to the left. (Photo: Sandy Wright)

Ten WRG volunteers attended the ten day camp. They widened and relaid the paths using a combination of original and new materials. Unfortunately, they ran out of time to complete a section at the Bow Bridge end, but that has since been completed by Langport Town Council.

Town Clerk Gerard Tucker, who helped organise the camp, said: “We estimate the paths are used by approximately 240,000 people per year, which means they are subject to a lot of wear and tear. WRG had helped us previously - removing silt from a slipway and clearing trees - so we asked IWA whether they could help again. Locals are full of praise for the outstanding work WRG undertook on our behalf.”

WRG Team Leader David Evans said: “The team enjoyed their time in Langport very much. Working in the centre of town is an unusual location for us. It was amazing to see so many people enjoying Cocklemoor and the River Parrett. The many compliments we received from walkers were much appreciated, as were the excellent cakes and biscuits we received daily!”

BUSY TIME FOR SOMERSETSHIRE COAL CANAL

Tracy Craven, Somersetshire Coal Canal Society

Our Society holds volunteer work parties every Sunday at the Paulson end of the canal and we’ve been trying to restore the abutment walls of Terminus Bridge there for a couple of years. To help push this along we hit on the idea of a Big Work Party.

With April 13 chosen as the date, we put out a call for help on social media, invited everyone we knew and asked local businesses. The idea proved really popular, with 23 volunteers turning up, including a professional stonemason, builders, architects and caterers.

With so many raring to go, we split into different groups. Some tidied the dry dock area while others worked on the bridge walls. We made such fantastic progress on the walls that we're now considering another one-off session to get it finished.

Metal Miner

Many people don’t realise there are coal mines in Somerset. That has prompted the Somerset Miners Trust to try and raise awareness by installing a series

of metal statues of miners in locations near former coal mines. They also chose to site one near the loading point on the Coal Canal.

In April, the Trust’s Chair Bryn Hawkins officially handed over a metal miner to the Somersetshire Coal Canal and its landowners, Brian Gould and his son Josh.

Bench is back

We were really pleased when offers of help came in to provide a replacement bench for the one that had been vandalised last year at the dry dock near Paulton Basin. Local councillor Liz Hardman donated the wood and Midsomer Norton Men's Shed kindly built the bench. We’ve installed it near the site of the original one and are confident it will be appreciated and used by many in the years to come.

NEATH & TENNANT UPDATE

Margaret Gwalter, Deputy Chair, Neath & Tennant Canal Trust

Our Trust celebrated its 50th anniversary in September last year. We had initially formed as the Neath & Tennant Canals Preservation Society, but changed our name in 2006 in anticipation of a commitment by the canals’ owners and the local authority to further regenerate the canals. Some two decades later, sadly, the emphasis has reverted to one of preservation.

Tennant Canal at Neath Abbey. (Photo: Paul Thomas)

Consequently, much of our activity has been behind the scenes, lobbying alongside the IWA for the future of the Neath and Tennant canals and Aberdulais Aqueduct in particular.

Following publication of a number of consultation documents relating to heritage, in which the rhetoric has been at odds with the reality, we were

pleased to support - with reservations - the application by Neath Port Talbot Council (NPTC) for National Lottery Heritage Funding for a feasibility study on the future of the canals.

Once the study was under way earlier this year, our Trust was invited to attend the initial and concluding stakeholder feedback sessions and was pleased with the positive recommendations to regenerate the canals. The feasibility study’s findings will be published shortly, and are eagerly awaited.

Fortunately, the perceived bias relating to a public consultation exercise undertaken by NPTC alongside the feasibility study – which generated a formal complaint by us – did not appear to impact the study’s findings that were presented at the concluding stakeholder session.

Considerable time has been lost since the Preservation Society completed the acclaimed restoration of the northern section of the Neath Canal in the 1980s and ‘90s; it may be some time before our aspirations to regenerate the canals are realised with a commitment from all stakeholders.

The most pressing requirement is the urgent repair/restoration of the Aberdulais Aqueduct, while arguably the most challenging will be the need to resolve issues relating to the private ownership of both canals.

MALSWICK PROGRESS

Roger Morgan, Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust

The spell of dry, sunny weather during spring and early summer enabled our Malswick team to make good progress.

Malswick, just south of Newent, is some eight miles from the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal’s junction with the River Severn at Over. A significant length of the canal has been dug out, mostly to the correct depth, and the winding hole near the site hut has been finished.

Drone footage on the YouTube channel Court Above the Cut shows the progress. It’s well worth a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=wsEFfz-zGHw

However, there is still much to do. The extent of the mudstone layer that has been causing leaks needs to be identified. Once done, clay can be used

to seal the banks. Filling most of the canal to the correct depth is planned once it is clear there are no leaks. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact malswick@h-g-canal.org.uk

RIDD INCLINE RESTORATION

Tony Nicholls, Secretary, Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society

The Society’s team of volunteers has been working hard over recent months on a major restoration project at Ridd. The former inclined plane site comprised upper and lower docking basins linked by a 66 metre long, 1 in 6 ramp cut into the valley side. It raised the canal some 45ft from sea level to source level.

Above: scraping out the canal bed. Below: regrading the incline; Tarka Trail to the left. (Photos courtesy RCNDWS)

In early May a day’s work by a machinery contractor transformed the site. Firstly, he scraped the canal bed south of the wheel pit back to what we think was its original level; and secondly, he reprofiled the incline itself. It now has a uniform gradient from the top, where it abuts the Tarka Trail (a popular footpath and cycleway), to the bottom at the boundary with Ridd Lane. Previously, only about one third of the incline was visible. Now, it has been restored pretty much to its original dimensions.

Since then, our team carefully excavated above the wheel pit to try to locate the position of the upper docking bays. A site inspection by Chris Hassall, who has extensive knowledge of previous excavations here, helped us do this with a reasonable degree of certainty and we’ve exposed the foundations of the central pier. These are fragmentary but the outline is clearly visible. We intend to cast a concrete base and rebuild the pier with stone, using old photos as a guide to the original height.

A couple of work parties cleared overgrown vegetation around the stable block and lower section of the site in time for one of our guided walks on June 15. We were very pleased to welcome 30 walkers, who were impressed with what we’d done.

This work has been transformational and will give the public a much better appreciation of the canal’s setting in the landscape and the way the incline operated.

NATIONAL GRID APPRENTICES’ WORK PARTY WEEK

More than 140 volunteers from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) descended on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal in June.

The work party, organised with Canal & River Trust, saw engineering apprentices from across the company use their construction skills to refurbish bridges, resurface footpaths, repaint lock gates, install steps and build a new access ramp.

One of the most striking upgrades was a full repaint of the Sun sculpture at

The project involved staff from NGED’s Taunton and Tipton training

Lead Training Engineer, said: “Every year we ask our new apprentices to take part in a project to support the community, and this was our biggest undertaking yet.”

Georgina Wood, CRT Regional Operations Manager, added: “Our charity relies heavily on the special commitment of volunteers; the work the apprentices have completed will make a positive difference to our continued work to care for the canal.”

National Grid volunteers get stuck in at Higher Maunsel Lock.

EXETER SHIP CANAL BRIDGES

Ray Alexander

For some years now Devon County Council has been working on a scheme to potentially replace the two adjoining moveable bridges that take the A379 Bridge Road across the Exeter Ship Canal.

The A379 swing bridge in the foreground, with superstructure of the lift bridge visible behind.

(Photo: Sandy Wright)

The road is a dual carriageway, with northbound traffic using the 1970s aluminium lift bridge while southbound traffic uses the 1930s steel swing bridge. Both are becoming life expired.

Our West Country Branch, together with the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal, have supported their replacement and lobbied the council for the road surface to be raised by a few feet. The canal towpaths are very popular with

cyclists and pedestrians, being part of the coastal cycle path, but all have to cross the dual carriageway because the bridges have very limited headroom beneath. Over 200 cyclists an hour cross the dual carriageway at busy times.

As well as yielding a significant safety gain for cyclists and pedestrians, raising the headroom would permit small leisure craft to pass under the new bridges, providing increased boating opportunities on the canal.

On July 8, the Department for Transport published a long list of planned road and rail investments over the next 10 years at a total cost of £92.8bn. It includes local road schemes on which the Department will be working with local authorities over the months ahead to determine their viability and affordability. One of those listed is ‘major structural renewals’ on the A379 Bridge Road so we wait with anticipation to discover how this will be taken forward.

STORM BERT REPAIRS STARTED

Rob Harris, Stover Canal Tust

After months of discussion and preparation, work has begun on repairing the Stover Canal breach, which severed the towpath along the lower section of the canal.

The floodwater resulting from Storm Bert in November 2024 was so severe that the adjacent railway embankment was swept away, allowing water to flow over the canal into an old clay pit used by Sibelco to dump waste clay. The water filled the pit, rendering it unusable.

Discussions have been ongoing, involving Sibelco, the landowners, Network Rail, the Environment Agency and both Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council.

Pumping began soon after the event, and once water in the pit reduced to a suitable level, agreement was reached for work to start on reinstating the affected edge of the pit, which will also reinstate the towpath. Contractors brought in by Sibelco started work in early July.

Network Rail removed the stretch of disused railway line that was hanging across the gap in the embankment, but it has not committed to reinstating the embankment, citing budget constraints.

We hope that our volunteers will be allowed into the area to make the towpath safe for the public in time for our planned open event in September (see What’s On, page 37).

CWMCARN AQUEDUCT REPAIRS UNLIKELY

Paul Thomas, IWA South West & South Wales Region Secretary

Due to public concern over the closure of Cwmcarn Aqueduct, we have been in touch with Caerphilly County Borough Council which owns and manages about 3.5 miles of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal north of Bridge 10 (Harry Roberts Bridge).

Originally, the canal extended to Crumlin, but the non-navigable Crumlin Arm now terminates at Cwmcarn Aqueduct. This section is normally in water.

The aqueduct, a scheduled ancient monument, was relined in 2016/17. However, more recently it started leaking, so council engineers installed a bund and drained the canal at this point.

The bund across Cwmcarn Aqueduct, with the drained canal beyond. (Photo: Dan Rees)

The Council applied for a Brilliant Basics Fund grant to cover the repair cost, but this was unsuccessful and it looks like the canal will remain drained until other funds become available.

Cwmcarn Aqueduct was rebuilt following a flooding disaster 150 years ago. On the evening of July 14, 1875, the earth dam of Cwmcarn Reservoir gave way. The water funnelled down the valley towards the village of Pontywaun, demolishing cottages, a flannel factory and the aqueduct in its path. Families were killed and injured; 9 out of 10 factory occupants were swept away, with only an apprentice surviving by clinging on to machinery. A memorial bench near the site commemorates the disaster.

NEW TWO-TIER LANDING STAGE

Mark Baker, Grand Western Canal Country Park Manager

Users of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards will benefit from a new two-tier landing stage on the Grand Western Canal near Holbrook Bridge, Sampford Peverell.

The previous landing stage, built in the mid 2000s to complement the nearby slipway, was no longer serviceable. Rather than replacing like for like, we agreed to build a two-tier one, featuring a deck at towpath height for powered boats and a lower deck convenient for paddlers.

The adjacent Minnows Touring Caravan Park generously contributed over £500 towards the timber. Construction of the new structure included lining the bank with a geotextile product and installing safety rails.

Canal Ranger Craig Saunderson and Minnows

Touring Park Owner Julie Evans at the new landing stage beside Holbrook Bridge. (Photo: Devon County Council)

Decking boards from the old landing stage are still in reasonable condition, so we plan to reuse them during sessions with local schools, for students to make bird boxes sited along the canal.

POSITIVE PLANNING NEWS FROM WILTS & BERKS

Oasis

The last issue of Sou'Wester carried news of planning applications for two large housing developments that would put restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal in jeopardy. Neither plan allowed space for the canal to be reestablished through its site in the future, which was the main objection cited in submissions by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and IWA.

While a decision on the Berryfields site near Melksham remains outstanding, it’s good to report that the application for a 700-home development on the Oasis site was rejected by Swindon Borough Council for reasons including the canal.

SESRO

The Trust and IWA also made submissions, last year, to a consultation regarding Thames Water’s proposed Abingdon reservoir, otherwise known as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO).

SESRO’s design team has considered all comments raised, and feedback regarding the canal has been positive. Its Spring 2025 newsletter reported: “We’ve heard from communities how much the potential restoration of the historic Wilts & Berks Canal is valued locally and we’re working on designs that can support it within the proposed reservoir site. We’re intending to provide a channel running along the proposed canal alignment within the reservoir site, to help make room for the future restoration of the canal. We’re continuing to work with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust on this.”

DUCHESS SURVIVES VANDAL ATTACK

Langport’s community boat The Duchess of Cocklemoor was struck by vandals in mid July and left to sink as her bilge pumps had been tampered with. A sorry sight greeted the Duchess team the following day, but news spread swiftly through the community, inspiring numerous offers of practical help and donations.

The boat was raised from the mud within a couple of days and investigations found that the main damage was to the electronics –crucial for an electric powered boat. But with more than £6,000 raised, the team was soon able to replace the batteries, controls and other equipment.

Ian Macnab, custodian of the Duchess, was pleased to report

that her unique electric motor survived, thanks to advice from its designer Cedric Lynch.

Ian was keen to add: “This has become an overwhelmingly positive story. The kindness and love shown for our community boat has been amazing. Although we managed to get the boat afloat and running very quickly, the funding will allow us to get the Duchess properly back together for the good and wellbeing of our community.”

Back in business: one of the first trips on the refloated and repaired Duchess of Cocklemoor. (Photos courtesy Ian Macnab)

REGENERATION OF BRIDGWATER DOCKS

Ray Alexander

Following a delay of more than 12 months, the project to regenerate Bridgwater Docks has been reactivated, with a new Somerset Council team in place, supported by resources from the consultancy WSP. The deadline for spending the £5.2m grant funding has been extended by the Government to March 2027.

IWA attended an early engagement meeting on June 19, at which both stakeholders and potential advisers were present. We have had a follow up site meeting with WSP on water-related issues and supplied a list of potential ‘design and build’ contractors for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across Newtown Lock - likely a swing or lift bridge.

We have also supplied WSP with several documents relating to the Docks and submitted a number of in-principle comments to the Council’s project team. Other site meetings with WSP have been suggested for the proposed cycle path at the Docks, heritage issues including the Bascule Bridge, locks and other infrastructure, and how the Docks should be used in the future, including facilities for residential boaters.

IWA’s team comprises myself, Mike Slade, Howard Worth (Hon. Engineer) and Hugh Pearman (Chair, IWA Heritage Advisory Committee).

FLOATING ECOSYSTEMS

In a separate project at Bridgwater Docks, three floating island ecosystems were installed in the outer basin in June. The idea is to create a habitat for birds, fish and pollinators, while improving water quality and softening the look of the dock basin. They are part of the Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project, funded by the town’s Tidal Barrier scheme and organised by the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT). Installation work was carried out by King’s Trust volunteers and WWT. (Photo: Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project)

Features

BRINGING BOATS BACK TO THE GRAND WESTERN IN DEVON

Jane and Adam Pilgrim

In 1996 the World Canals Conference was held in Birmingham. This was 50 years after the formation of the IWA and by way of celebration a giant jigsaw of the UK waterways map was created. Each IWA Branch had a piece showing their area, with the idea of carrying it on as many of their local waterways as possible. All the pieces were

Preparing to tow our jigsaw piece on Tony Rymell’s dinghy.

scheduled to come together for display at the conference.

Official opening of the Dudley Weatherly Bridge, 2002. (Photos are from Jane and Adam’s archive. Some photographers unknown; apologies for lack of credits).

Having recently become the proud owners of our Wilderness Trailboat Sloe, we were tasked by Tony Rymell, then Chairman of IWA West Country, to join a group carrying our piece of the jigsaw along the Grand Western Canal. At the time, powered craft were not allowed on the Grand Western, but we negotiated a special permit from the Canal Ranger. We also had to negotiate with the Grand Western Horseboat Company who had certain, exclusive rights to the canal’s use. Thankfully, they agreed and we became firm friends with a mutual aim of bringing life back to ‘our’ canal.

The flotilla duly set off and, with a number of setbacks such as weed and lack of depth, only three boats reached Waytown Tunnel, just short of the end of the canal. We decided to go through, towing the jigsaw piece on Tony’s small dinghy. On the other side we were treated to tea and cake at the Wharf House before reaching our final destination, Lowdwells Lock.

It later transpired that the Canal Ranger had not expected us to go past the wharf at Burlescombe. She quickly installed a notice saying ‘No powered craft past this point’.

We had been members of the Grand Western Canal Trust from its inception and, in due course became Chairman and Treasurer respectively. During this time we managed to persuade the local angling club that having boats on the canal need not be the disaster they anticipated and we began to work together.

We wanted to do more to bring people to the canal. We got together with Ray and Pat Brind from the Horseboat Company and set up the Canal Awareness Group. Several years of annual fun days at Sampford Peverell followed, with boating friends from the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal trailing their boats down. Trailer storage was in our garden, and launching was by kind permission of the Horseboat Company, at the old slipway in Tiverton basin.

We also did illuminated cruises with the horseboat, boat trips, an art exhibition and other events. Local people loved seeing boats on the canal.

Then came the idea of building a footbridge at Tiverton Road car park, to save people walking over the busy road bridge to reach the towpath. Adam got together with Malcolm Trump, a draughtsman for Stoneman Engineering and chairman of the local angling club. They came up with the design for the Dudley Weatherly lift bridge. Funds were raised and the bridge was built.

At the bridge’s opening in 2002, the council’s Local Services Officer asked, ‘What next?’ To us as trailboaters the answer was obvious: a proper, public slipway.

Local dignitaries attended a Wilderness Trailboats gathering at Tiverton, 2004. (Photo: Peter Huish)

Funding was found, including a donation from the Wilderness Boat Owners’ Club, and IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group helped build the slipway at Boehill Bridge. The Canal Awareness Group, together with the new Canal Manager, negotiated trailer storage and a water supply for boats at the nearby Minnows caravan site. November 2003 saw the slipway officially opened; launching was demonstrated to the assembled dignitaries by Sloe.

In May 2004, 18 Wilderness Trailboats from all over the country responded to our invitation for a weekend of cruising and celebration. The Grand Western was now, officially, a canal where boats were welcome.

In 2008 and 2014 we held the IWA National Trailboat Festival on the Grand Western Canal. Boating had well and truly arrived.

COTSWOLD CANALS: A LOOK BACK ALONGSIDE SOU'WESTER

Charlotte Jones, Cotswold Canals Trust

In 1961, when the first issue of Sou'Wester came out, the Cotswold Canals were silent. 1954 had seen closure of the final section of the Stroudwater Navigation, and by the early 1960s, nature had begun to reclaim what was once a vital route for trade and transport. Towpaths were overgrown, locks lay crumbling, and the waterways themselves were barely recognisable.

It wasn’t until 1972 that the Stroudwater Canal Societynow the Cotswold Canals Trust - was formed. A small but passionate group of volunteers, driven by a shared belief that the canals could, and should, be saved.

The photographs here from 1961 (or thereabouts) offer a reminder of how far we’ve come. They capture a time

Capel’s Mill, 1960 above and 2025 below.

when the vision of restoration seemed farfetched, and yet today that dream is being realisedlock by lock, bridge by bridge. Restoration projects such as those at Capel’s Mill and Stanton’s Bridge illustrate the extraordinary progress made.

Capel’s Mill, once lost beneath the Stroud bypass and a rubbish tip, was reopened to the public in May 2013. A new 330-metre stretch of canal was constructed, combining concrete and clay lined sections to navigate under the railway viaduct - an incredible engineering achievement and environmental success story.

At Stanton’s Bridge, the original brickwork has been lovingly preserved and partially rebuilt. The towpaths have been restored by dedicated volunteers, and the canal is now regularly dredged to support a rich biodiversity.

And the work continues

Today, we’re in the midst of one of the UK’s most ambitious waterway restoration projects. As part of our Phase 1B work, we are restoring the canal from Eastington to Saul Junction - an exciting new link that will reconnect the Stroudwater Navigation to the national inland waterways network.

We are proud of how far we’ve come - and excited for what’s still to be achieved. If you’d like to know more please see our website

www.cotswoldcanals.org or social media accounts. You can view our archives at www.stroudwaterhistory.org.uk

Thank you to Sou'Wester for allowing us to share our news, milestones and stories over the last 200 editions. Here's to many more issues celebrating our waterways, the community and the people bringing it back to life.

FIRST FORAYS ON SMALL FRY II

Adrian Padfield

My wife Gillian and I hired a canal boat soon after we married in 1965, then we bought our first boat Small Fry II in 1971. It had a twin cylinder 17hp Mercury outboard, having been used previously on tidal rivers. I had the idea of entering for an IWA Silver Sword award, so kept a diary of our early cruises, from which the following entries are taken.

1971

April 8th (First trip, Easter weekend). To Redline Boats, Goytre on the Brecon & Abergavenny Canal (also known as the Mon & Brec). Into water fairly easily about 6.30pm (50p launching fee). Loaded up and went south to get water (none at Goytre). Moored at Saron Bridge, 74.

April 9th. After not a very good night, set off north-west. Wet and windy morning but settled down; sun later. Engine jammed by thick plastic bag, once. Arrived at first lock by midafternoon (18 miles) and started to try to open it with an adjustable wrench! Lent a lock ‘handle’ (windlass) by Ian Jones (author of the canal guide we had) and proceeded through locks. Moored for the

Small Fry II on the Ouse at Giddins Boatyard, Hemingford Grey. We were attending the IWA National Rally in Ely, August 1973.

night at Graiglas Bridge (recently collapsed). Beer at the Travellers Rest.

circa late 1960s, photo taken from BWB guide.

April 10th. Set off and quickly reached Talybont Drawbridge – modern and worked by lock handle. Obviously never lubricated and required about 20 minutes strong winding to raise it sufficiently to pass our boat. Within a short distance: old, perfectly counterbalanced lift bridges that work at a pull. Local politics? On across the pleasant Usk aqueduct (Brynich) and through a lock towards Brecon where we were attacked by a nesting swan; it came flying down the water at us, crashing into the stern of the boat. Gillian retreated into the cabin and I fended it off with a boathook. Moored, had lunch and returned, meeting Ian Jones at Talybont Bridge. Through the locks and moored for the night at Llangattock between bridges 115 and 114.

April 11th. Sun shining. We got petrol near bridge 102. Carried on past Goytre Wharf and south to bridge 58 or 59? Then turned back to Goytre. Assisted in getting boat out onto trailer; probably easier to pull out using the car in future. Loaded up and away home in time for supper.

May 30th (Sunday). An old friend, Jack, his son and I took Small Fry II to Goytre by noon. Boat in the water and loaded by the time Gillian, Maureen (Jack’s wife) and her daughters arrived. Drizzling but by 1pm the sun came out and we stopped for lunch beside a meadow. Carried on towards Brecon but didn’t reach the first lock before deciding to turn round (an engine plug had fouled up and needed cleaning). Returned to Goytre and got the boat out by pushing the trailer under it in the water below the slipway, then roping to the car’s tow hitch and pulling it out.

June 13th (Sunday). Towed Small Fry II to Pewsey Wharf by 10.30am. Into the Kennet & Avon and loaded by the time Margaret, Jack and their three girls arrived. Started westwards towards Devizes encountering very

thick weed through which we were barely able to force a passage. We also had to pass under a seemingly immovable swing bridge which our little boat just cleared. Got to Honey Street for a pub lunch. After that we turned back for Pewsey but went on beyond to the next bridge which was blocked by weed and a broken sluice gate. An arduous and not very successful jaunt but our mood was lightened by the very strong cider at the pub!

1975

One of our final cruises on Small Fry II was in April 1975. We had moved to Sheffield and took part in a cruise organised by Retford & Worksop Boat Club. The destination was Bawtry on the River Idle, via the Chesterfield Canal and River Trent.

The club laid on a barbecue at Bawtry, the official head of navigation and formerly an inland port, but with our shallow draught boat we ventured further upriver. Despite running aground a few times and having to get in the water to ease her round some of the bends, we managed to cruise about another five miles, eventually reaching Mattersey, where the low headroom of New Bridge finally stopped us. I had our cruising log with us and happened across a retired Royal Navy Captain who kindly signed it!

Log sheet for Mattersey on the River Idle, signed by Captain Hamilton.

Branch Reports

SOUTH WALES BRANCH / CANGEN DE CYMRU REPORT

Joe Taplin, Branch Chair

Welcome to my first report as Chair of IWA’s South Wales Branch. While I’m keen to offer my take on the positive news from the Mon & Brec, maybe first I should introduce myself.

I’ve always loved being by the water. There’s something deeply therapeutic about it. Before I was even a week old, I was aboard my parents’ 40ft yacht in the Solent. As a child, I learned to sail a dinghy and spent countless hours paddling sea kayaks with the Sea Scouts. In my twenties, I swapped Southampton for South Wales and took up surfing.

Now, in my early forties, I live with my wife, son and daughter beside the Mon & Brec Canal. We revel in peaceful weekends exploring the beautiful Welsh countryside in our cabin cruiser. It’s a joy to bring up our children around the water.

My passion for volunteering and improving our waterways also runs deep. Over the years, I’ve dedicated thousands of hours to driving community waterways projects and events. I’m pleased now to bring my experience to my role with IWA.

I recognise our waterways face significant threats, shaped by environmental changes as well as shifting political currents.

I’m grateful for every opportunity to raise awareness and draw on a network of contacts to help safeguard, maintain and secure the future of these precious places. After all, if we don’t look after our waterways, who will?

Mon & Brec Moment Worth Celebrating

As the article by our Region Secretary Paul Thomas reports (page 11), something remarkable has happened on the Mon & Brec Canal.

Earlier this year, it became clear that the canal was in trouble because limits were placed on how much water CRT can draw into it from the River Usk. Unsurprisingly, concern grew fast.

But now, after countless hours of persistence, campaigning and public support, we’ve reached a true turning point. The Welsh Government has committed £5 million in capital funding to secure the canal’s water supply. And that is worth celebrating.

To everyone who wrote letters, signed petitions, came to meetings or simply raised awareness, thank you. You’ve helped shift government policy, unlock major funding and give this canal a real shot at long-term survival.

This is far from the end of the road. There’s still plenty of work ahead to secure the canal’s future. Success now depends on several key efforts running in parallel:

• Welsh Government following through to help Welsh Water provide a sustainable supply

• CRT committing to long-term investment and maintenance (with some overdue clean-up work too)

• ongoing backing from local authorities and trusts, recognising the canal’s role in local heritage, tourism and community wellbeing.

These are complex matters involving technical planning, budget battles, policy wrangling and plenty of patience. Let’s keep going.

But maybe also take a little time to celebrate with a visit to the canal? Go for a walk, cycle, paddle, cast a line, take some photos or even hire a boat.

For current information on South Wales waterway activities have a look at the following websites or contact them using the following details.

Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust mbact.org.uk

Fourteen Locks Canal Centre mbact.org.uk/fourteen-lockscanal-centre

Torfaen Canal Volunteers

Contact: Hugh Woodford 01663 862481 heatherhugh@hotmail.com

Cardiff Bay Harbour Authority cardiffharbour.com

Neath & Tennant Canals Trust neath-tennant-canals.org.uk

Tennant Canal Association tennantcanal.wales Ty Banc Canal Group (Neath Canal) facebook.com/TyBancCG/

Swansea Canal Society swanseacanalsociety.com

Swansea Marina swanseamarina.org.uk

IWA GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND HEREFORDSHIRE BRANCH

Roger Morgan, Branch Chairman

I’m afraid there is no activity to report from the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch Committee.

Our Annual General Meeting is provisionally set for Saturday, November 29 at 11am. The venue is to be announced closer to the time. As usual, the agenda and draft minutes of the 2024 AGM will be sent to Branch members 28 days before the meeting.

IWA WEST COUNTRY BRANCH

Mike Slade, Branch Vice Chairman

Apart from our regular volunteer work party activity in Bridgwater and Langport, there is little to report from the West Country Branch Committee since the last issue of Sou'Wester. This has been mainly due to health reasons and availability of committee members.

However, as you will see from articles throughout this issue, there is still plenty going

on in our Branch area.

One bright spot for me was the long-awaited repainting of the Sun model at Higher Maunsel Lock on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Its paint had faded badly over the years, so it’s good to see it shine once more. (See page 18).

I hope to bring you more news from the committee in the next issue.

Volunteers repaint the sun at Higher Maunsel Lock. (Photo:NGED)

Notices

FORMAL NOTICE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND HEREFORDSHIRE BRANCH AGM

To be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11am. Venue and further details to be confirmed to Branch members nearer the time.

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence/Introduction

2. Minutes of previous AGM and any matters arising

3. Report of Chair

4. Treasurer’s report and accounts

5. Election of Committee

6. Any other business (previously notified to the Chair before the meeting).

Immediately after the AGM, the new Committee will meet to appoint its officers.

What’s On

VENTIFORD BASIN OPEN DAY, September 7

Ventiford Basin, a popular feature on the Stover Canal, will be filled with water for a special one-day display organised by the Stover Canal Trust. The Trust is allowed a certain allocation of water per year from the adjacent brook and, with a power supply now connected to the area, they will be pumping that water across to bring the Basin to life. Volunteers will be on-hand to answer queries. Refreshments available.

Ventiford Basin, Teigngrace.

For more information: robertharris@hotmail.co.uk

BUDE CANAL MINIBUS TOUR

October 4

A free minibus tour of the Bude Canal, organised by Bude Canal & Harbour Society to celebrate the bicentenary of the canal’s opening.

Visits to key locations along the canal’s route. For more information, and to book your place, contact Secretary peter.daniel51@btinternet.com Treasurer apgannon59@btinternet.com

Rodd’s Bridge, Bude Canal. (Photos: Sandy Wright)

HEREFORDSHIRE & GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST

WINTER FAYRE

November 8

The Trust’s annual Winter Fayre gives an opportunity for some early Christmas shopping. Quality art and craft gifts, homemade refreshments and a luxury hamper prize draw. 9.30am – 3pm, Newent Memorial Hall, GL18 1PT

Waterways in the IWA South West and South Wales Region

Avon and Wilts Branch

Rivers Avon & Severn: Tidal navigation that is the responsibility of the Bristol Haven Conservancy, downstream of the second Severn crossing

Avon Navigation: Hanham to Avonmouth, including River Avon and Bristol Docks

Kennet & Avon Canal: Hanham Lock to Froxfield Bridge

North Wilts Canal

Somersetshire Coal Canal

Wilts & Berks Canal: Kennet & Avon Canal to county boundary 1m west of Shrivenham

Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Branch

Coombe Hill Canal Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Leominster Canal

Lydney Canal

River Severn: from Mythe Bridge, Tewkesbury to a point on the tidal navigation which is the seaward extent of responsibility of the Gloucester Harbour Trustees, downstream of the Second Severn Crossing

Stroudwater Navigation Thames & Severn Canal

River Wye: Hay-on-Wye to Severn Estuary

South Wales Branch

Brecon & Abergavenny Canal Glamorganshire and Aberdare Canals

Monmouthshire Canal Neath & Tennant Canals

Swansea Canal River Usk River Wye: Hay-on-Wye to source

West Country Branch

Bridgwater & Taunton Canal Bude Canal

Chard Canal Exeter Ship Canal

Grand Western Canal Liskeard & Looe Canal

North Somerset Waterways River Parrett

Rolle Canal Stover Canal

Tavistock Canal River Tone

Contacts

Tony Higgins

anthony.higgins@waterways.org.uk

Roger Morgan roger.morgan@waterways.org.uk

Joe Taplin

joe.taplin@waterways.org.uk

Hannah Rigley hannah.rigley@waterways.org.uk

Mike Slade mdslade8@gmail.com

Paul Thomas paul.thomas@waterways.org.uk

Sandy Wright sandy.wright@waterways.org.uk

BRANCH WEBSITES

Branch websites can be found via www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/branches

Next Issue of Sou'Wester

The next issue of Sou'Wester is due out in January 2026. Please send all copy to the Editor at sandy.wright@waterways.org.uk by Monday, December 1, 2025

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of IWA. The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is a non-profit distribution company limited by guarantee. Registered Office: Unit 16B, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2PX. Tel. 01494 783453. Registered in England, no. 612245. Registered as a Charity, no. 212343. www.waterways.org.uk