Cargoes Summer 2013

Newsletter of Guildford & Reading Kent & East Sussex

Summer 2013 and Oxfordshire BranchesSummer 2013

Newsletter ofGuildford & Reading

Kent & East Sussex and Oxfordshire Branches

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Margurite Redway

We are saddened to report that Margurite Redway died on 23rd April after a short illness. When Margurite won a national magazine competition back in the 1970s it provided funds that were used to help with lock restoration at St. Johns on the Basingstoke Canal which spearheaded the restoration of the Woking section.

As her late husband Peter’s involvement with the canal grew over the years, Margurite was always there supporting and encouraging and tolerating its impact on family life. After Peter’s death in 2011, she maintained her interest in the Canal and could often be seen at the Canal Society’s Social meetings at Chobham. It was fitting that in January this year Margurite unveiled the Redway Lock Memorial Plaque at Lock 11 – it will now provide a lasting tribute to the achievements of Peter and Margurite.

We extend our sympathy to Ian, Kevin and family.

Editorial

First and foremost, we welcome those members who, following this year’s round of AGMs, have volunteered their services at Branch level (whether newly appointed or retaining an existing portfolio) - their support is vital in maintaining the grass roots element of IWA. A list of contacts can be found on page 9.

As we go to print, brightening skies are heralding the arrival of summer when much will be happening on the waterways both in our Region and not far beyond. IWA’s Trailboat Festival at Bodiam over the late May Bank Holiday weekend (25th to 27th May) is a National IWA event taking place in our Region which we hope members will support (details are on page 29 and the Back Cover of this edition of Cargoes). More information about events around the Region this summer are to be found in each Branch area section of this edition of Cargoes and in the diary of events. Do please support these and other waterways events around the area.

Finally, we would like to thank all those who took the trouble to respond, either individually or collectively, to our last Editorial in which we set out some suggestions for addressing the problem of funding for Cargoes. Some ideas, such as using a smaller size of font, omitting the Diary of Meetings & Events or abandoning colour covers, did not find favour at all, others are being given further thought whilst some are being introduced in this Edition – if you spot the changes we hope you approve. We can assure you that steps are being taken to address the situation. Cargoes Editorial Team

Margurite (centre) unveiling the Redway Lock Memorial Plaque Photo: Martin Leech

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From the Region Chairman Welcome To the Boating Season!

As you read this the boating season should have got off to a fine start but as I write this there is still an unseasonable easterly wind with low temperatures. Recalling last Easter with its very hot temperatures (many will say it was the best of the summer) I decided upon a very early two and a half week cruise. I set off the week before Easter and found over half a foot of snow near my marina near Daventry. I began to question the wisdom of such an early cruise but the weather prediction indicated an improving situation mid-week - how wrong they were. The next mistake was to approach Birmingham via a little used back water of Perry Barr locks and the Tame Valley canal. No-one appeared to have been this way for some time and in the middle of the flight we found the long pound almost dry. We had to open the paddles on each of the seven locks up to the summit and wait well over an hour for a navigable depth. A call to CRT revealed that the snow was playing havoc with their remote sensing of levels and they were unaware of the problem. The next day we found the canal iced in and had to crunch through this on tick over all along the Tame Valley and by the time we reached Ryders Green locks there was still five inches of snow around the locks. The mainline into Birmingham was clear and we spent two nights there, however by the time we departed for the Stourbridge Canal the ice had returned. It was at its worst on Easter Sunday where we waited until noon before descending the Stourton four and even by 1.30pm at Kinver we were still crunching ice. The rest of the cruise was less eventful albeit bitingly cold. For the first time I traversed the Droitwich Canal which opened two years ago after a 40 year campaign in which IWA played a major role in the earlier years. It was a real gem and the moorings in Droitwich were excellent. The journey home was via Tardebigge, Lapworth, Hatton, Napton and Braunston. On a positive note CRT volunteer lock keepers were in evidence and we found them very useful on Hatton where there was no-one to share with but Lester, the volunteer, walked ahead setting the locks and opening top gates. A similar experience was found at Braunston and we understand that Lapworth will soon benefit from a similar volunteer presence. Congratulations also go to IWA Warwickshire branch, who have cleared some of the offside paths on the Hatton flight, bringing back into use a long lost walkway facilitating easier crew access to the flight. Was this ordeal worth it? Absolutely! Would I do it again? I might look at the weather forecast with a more critical eye next time.

I wish you all a successful summer and hope you enjoy our wonderful waterways whether from a boat, a bike or on foot.

Waterway Funding

For the second part of my report I want to touch upon the hoary old topic of waterway funding. You will all be aware that the Chancellor has announced further austerity for most government departments with only a few exempt. __________________________________________________________________ [Cover Photo: Boats on the Basingstoke Easter Cruise gather at Potters on the return journey – see report on Pages 14 & 15]

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The details are yet to be announced but you can be sure that Defra will suffer a cut. In the days of British Waterways we could have expected a cut in the government grant. Not so now. The funding settlement for CRT is secure and indeed the level of funding is set to increase as additional funding kicks in. The settlement for CRT, whilst not overly generous, was better than any could have expected. CRT management will be working hard to secure alternative sources of funding because who knows what will happen at the end of the 15 year deal. However the grant for Environment Agency waters was not so generous and I suspect could be further cut, given the new austerity measures. I know that the transfer of the Thames to CRT (the government’s preferred solution and strongly supported by IWA) is not universally popular. To the doubters I ask where will the additional funding come from to offset the reduced government grant? We know that government doesn’t want to own or run waterways and in an ideal world it doesn’t really want to fund them. The Environment Agency is not in a good position to explore new sources of funding for its navigations. If the transfer to CRT does not take place then I fear the reduced government grant will have to be offset by increased costs to boaters. To the doubters of the CRT merger I ask how much more are you prepared to pay for your cruising license?

Paul Roper

Diary of Meetings & Events Sat 4th to Mon 6th May, IWA: Canalway Cavalcade (see page 35) Sun 5th May, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Kensal Green Cemetery - Grand Union - Little Venice, starts Kensal Green (see page 34) Sun 12th May, 3.15pm, G & R Branch: Wey & Arun Cruise (see page 12) Mon 13th May, 7.00pm, IWAKES: Discover Gravesham accompanied walk by TMCA (see page 29) Wed 15th May, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Natural Thames by Wendy Yorke and Dick Mayon-White (see page 34) Thu 16th May, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Narrow Boats to Norway by Clive & Jill Field (see page 10) Sat 18th May, 2.00pm, BCS: AGM (see page 16) Sat 18th/Sun 19th May, Rickmansworth Waterways Trust: Rickmansworth Festival (see page 35) Sun 19th May, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Mile End – Limehouse, starts Mile End (see page 34) Sat 25th to Mon 27th May, IWAKES: National Trailboat Festival, Bodiam

(see page 29) Mon 27th May, 7.00pm, IWAKES: Discover Gravesham accompanied walk by TMCA (see page 29)

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Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Jun, IWAKES: St Pancras Cruising Club visit to Gravesend (see page 29)

Sun 2nd Jun, 10.00am to 5.00pm, Chichester Canal Trust: Dragon Boat Racing at the Canal Basin (see page 17) Sun 2nd Jun, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Islington - Mile End, starts Angel (see page 35) Tue 4th Jun, 7.00pm, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust: Circular guided canal walk

(see page 33) Thu 6th Jun, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: “Nick Grundy” (see page 22) Fri 7th to Sun 9th Jun: Beale Park Boat Show (see page 13) Sun 9th Jun, Wey & Arun Canal Trust: The 41st Annual Poddle (see page 37) Tue 11th Jun, 7.00pm, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust: Circular guided canal walk

(see page 33) Wed 12th Jun, 7.30pm for 8,00pm, South London Branch: Regents Canal ‘Regency Roulette’ by Lester Hillman (see page 34) Sat 15th Jun, 11.00am to 5.00pm Reading Water Fest (see page 19) Sat 15th Jun, 2.00pm, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust: Guided canal walk

(see page 33) Sun 16th Jun, 10.00am to 4.00pm, Chichester Canal Trust: Poyntz bridge open

(see page 17) Sun 16th Jun, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, The Olympics, Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers, starts Bromley–by-Bow (see page 35) Tue 18th Jun, 7.30pm, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust: Guided Tour of the Wilts & Berks Canal. (see page 33) Thu 20th Jun 7.00pm, Chichester Canal Trust: Talk on the history of the old Portsmouth and Arundel canal (see page 17) Sat 22nd Jun, 12.00pm, Wey & Arun Canal Trust: Pulborough to Pallingham Boat Rally (see page 38) Sun 23rd Jun, 10.00am-5.00pm, K&A: Newbury Waterways Festival (see page 19) Sun 23rd Jun, 10.00am, Chichester Canal Trust: A linear guided walk along part of the old Portsmouth and Arundel Navigation (see page 17) Tue 25th Jun, 7.00pm, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust: Canal walk and exploration

(see page 33) Sun 30th Jun, 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Chichester Canal Trust: Teddy bears picnic

(see page 17)

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Thu 4th Jul, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: AGM (see page 22) Fri 5th to Sun 7th Jul, Lee & Stort Branch: Ware Boat Festival (see page 35) Sat 6th Jul, National Trust: Guildford Festival Boat Gathering (see page 13) Sun 7th Jul, 10.00am, Chichester Canal Trust: A linear GUIDED WALK from Salterns Lock to the basin in Chichester (see page 18) Sun 7th Jul, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Little Venice – Camden, starts Warwick Avenue (see page 35) Mon 8th Jul, 7.45pm, London Canal Museum: Mikron, BTV (see page 36) Tue 9th Jul, 7.45pm, London Canal Museum: Mikron, DSTM (see page 36) Thu 18th Jul, 7:00pm, Salisbury Group: Boules & BBQ (see page 11) Fri 19th to Sun 21st Jul, IWA: National Festival at Cassiobury Park on the south Grand Union near Watford (see page 29) Sun 21st Jul, 7.30pm, Rowbarge, Woolhampton: Mikron, DSTM (see page 16) Sun 28th Jul, 1.00pm, BCS, Fleet Football Club: Mikron, DSTM (see page 16) Sun 28th Jul, 7.30pm, Donnington Parish Hall, Chichester: Mikron, DSTM

(see page 18) Thu 1st Aug, 7.30pm, Rowbarge, Woolhampton: Mikron, BTV (see page 36) Fri 2nd Aug, 7.30pm, Caversham Court, Reading: Mikron, BTV (see page 36) Sun 4th Aug, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Mile End – Limehouse, starts Mile End (see page 35) Fri 9th Aug, 7.30pm, Boat Inn, Thrupp: Mikron, DSTM (see page 36) Sat 10th/Sun 11th Aug: Olympic Park Event (see page 35) Thu 15th to Sun 18th Aug, G & R Branch: TB Pudge trip (see page 12) Sun 18th Aug, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regents Canal, Kings Cross – Granary Building - Hitchcock’s Hackney, starts Kings Cross (taxi rank)

(see page 35) Sun 1st Sep: Angel Canal Festival (see page 35) Sat 7th/Sun 8th Sep, Middlesex Branch: Slough Canal Festival (see page 36) Wed 11th Sep, 7.30pm for 8:00pm, South London Branch: TBC (see page 34) Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sep, Oxfordshire Branch: Oxford Open Doors (see page 32)

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Sat 14th Sep, 10.00am, Chichester Canal Trust: A linear guided walk from Barnham Court Farm to Hunston (see page 18) Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sep: Mayor’s Thames River Festival (see page 36)

Sun 15th Sep, 10.00am to 4.00pm, Chichester Canal Trust: Poyntz Bridge open (see page 18)

Sun 15th Sep, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross - Granary Building – Camden, starts King’s Cross (taxi rank) (see page 35)

Thu 19th Sep, 7.30pm, G & R Branch: Trip on John Pinkerton ll (see page 12) Sat 21st Sep, BCBC: Fox & Hounds Rally (see page 13)

Sun 29th Sep, South London Branch: Afternoon cruise on the River Great Ouse (see page 34)

Sun 6th Oct, Oxfordshire Branch: Banbury Canal Day (see page 32)

Sun 6th Oct, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Four Hundred Years of the New River, starts Manor House (Finsbury Park exit) (see page 35)

Wed 9th Oct, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Scottish Lowland Canals by David Bowker (see page 34) Sat 12th Oct, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: ‘Under Billowing Sails – The romance and reality of tall ships’ by Wilf Lower (see page 29)

Wed 16th Oct, 7.30pm, Oxfordshire Branch: Autumn Events (see page 32) Thu 17th Oct, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: The Bedford and Milton Keynes Canal by Paul Leech (see page 11)

Sun 20th Oct, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Grand Union Canal: Uxbridge - Cowley – Little Britain, starts Uxbridge (High Street exit) (see page 35)

Sun 3rd Nov, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Regent’s Pk & R. Tyburn – Camden, starts Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit) (see page 35)

Wed 13th Nov, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Aileen Butler’s Magic Lantern Show (see page 34)

Thu 14th Nov, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, SORT/IWAKES Joint meeting: “The Wey Navigation, an historic & pictorial journey” by Alan Williams (see page 30) Thu 21st Nov, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Changes on the Kennet and Avon by Elaine Kirby (see page 11)

Thu 5th Dec, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: “My journey to Liverpool and first year as IWA Chairman” by Les Etheridge - Christmas get-together (see page 30)

Thu 5th Dec, 7.30pm, Southampton Canal Society: Waterways Quiz (see page 11)

Thu 12th Dec, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Christmas dinner (see page 11)

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IWA South East Region

Chairman: Paul Roper ‘Cranborne’, Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants RG26 5LL

Tel: 01189 813381 Email: [email protected]

IWA Guildford & Reading Branch Committee

Chairman and Basingstoke Canal: Gareth Jones Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking RH5 4QQ

Tel: 07850 819 071 Email: [email protected]

Secretary & Wey & Arun Canal: Verna Smith 63 Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5NE


Cargoes, Sales Stand & Pub: Ray Carnell Acting Treasurer & R. Wey: Mike Lewis

Planning & K & A: Jenny Bartholomew Website & Cargoes: Tim Fry

IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch Committee

Chairman and River Rother: Mike Hannan Trumpeter, Water Lane, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9JN


Secretary and Sussex Ouse & Cargoes Contact: Roy Sutton 79, St Leonards Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EG Tel: 01342 317569 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Les Etheridge Membership Secretary: Anne Etheridge

Social Secretary: Sue Schwieso

Waterways Reps

R. Medway: Mike Marsh R Stour: Roy Newing Thames & Medway: Bernard Snell

R Adur: Brendan Whelan Northfleet Harbour: Graeme Rooney Royal Military: John Rick

IWA Oxfordshire Branch Committee

Chairman: Ron Heritage “Arbre”, Main Street, Fringford, Oxon OX27 8DP


Secretary: Brian Saunders Tintern Cottage, County View, Clifton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 0QA


Treasurer: Ann Yeatman Peter Darch

Cargoes co-ordinator: Terry Yeatman

Non Committee Responsibilities

Planning Officer: Chris Wardley Web Maintenance Officer: Robin Williams Thames Representatives: RUG 1 & 2 – Bob Timms RUG 3 – Sue & David Cooper Events/Volunteers organiser: Mary Heritage

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Salisbury Group Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes: At the February meeting Peter Boyce gave us a fascinating account covering the restoration of the wooden narrow boat “Lucy” a butty originally launched at Braunston in 1952.

Peter introduced us to three wooden narrow boats. James Loader, 1946, a tug used for carrying coal. Clent, built at Rickmansworth in 1948 and Lucy.

Peter explained that it is important to restore them as they are the last of their kind, both historically and as a living record.

Lucy was bought for £1 in 2009 in a very poor state. We saw how she had to be wrapped in a plastic nappy in order to be craned out on a metal frame to be transported to his yard. Peter virtually dismantled Lucy, carefully cataloguing each part. Many pieces have had to be replaced, in places using the advantage of modern materials such as stainless steel screws which won’t rust like the original iron ones. Some modern methods were utilised such as using wallpaper steamers to bend the planks into shape, easier and safer than the traditional steaming box!

At the end we saw a short film entitled “The Plank” demonstrating how the enormous planks of wood were steamed, bent and attached to form the hull.

Peter had a large number of items on display. These included old, rotten pieces of wood from Lucy and new cut pieces ready to install. Also on show were traditional tools including some that were actually used to build Lucy in 1952.

At the March meeting we welcomed back Paul Barnett for the third instalment of his hulks trilogy. To begin with, Paul reminded us how in 1999 he wandered into Purton’s graveyard of ships and has now discovered 86 vessels at this site. Found on the opposite side of the River Severn we were again reminded about the history of the 1930s working dock at Lydney.

Tonight’s story took us down the River Severn from the round house of the old Severn and Wye Railway Bridge to Sharpness. On this journey we were shown the last resting places of various vessels that were beached in order to prevent erosion of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal which runs very close to the River Severn.

Paul showed us pictures of vessels in their final resting places often obscured by vegetation and years of silt. What is so fascinating is that Paul is able to recognise the remains of many of the craft and with his thorough research is able to show photographs of the vessels during their working lives. Included were fascinating pictures of Sharpness Docks in its heyday full of craft plying their trade. It is interesting to hear how, in his research, Paul was able to interview people who were involved with these working vessels before they were retired.

Programme of Events Thu 16th May: “Narrow Boats to Norway”. Clive & Jill Field will give us an illustrated talk about the exploits of four narrow boats and their crews who ventured

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to Tilbury docks under their own power before being taken to Sweden on a cross North Sea ferry, where they explored the Gota Canal and the connecting lakes. They will tell us of their experiences whilst taking in the Scandinavian scenic delights and getting to know a country very different from England. Thu 18th Jul: Boules & BBQ at the Green Dragon. 7.00pm Thu 17th Oct: “The Bedford and Milton Keynes Canal” by Paul Leech Thu 21st Nov: “Changes on the Kennet and Avon” by Elaine Kirby an archivist for the K&A Trust. Thu 5th Dec: Waterways quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society. Thu 12th Dec: Christmas dinner at The Green Dragon Alderbury. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 email [email protected] or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch News

Chairman’s Report

Let’s hope as you read this the rain has stopped and the sun has started to shine. Despite the economic and meteorological gloom there is much good to report on the boating and restoration fronts. The sky has certainly lightened over the Basingstoke as you will read elsewhere. We also have an active summer programme of aquatic and joint meetings.

The AGM on the 18th of March was attended by around 30 members. It has now become an AGM for Guildford and Reading plus most of the old Solent and Arun Branches. We will have to give thought to a new name. It was timely, given what has happened on the Basingstoke, that Linda Kemeny was our guest speaker. Many thanks to her for an insight into the workings of local government. A large part of the reason for the Basingstoke returning to full navigation is the vital behind the scenes work done by Linda as Chair of the JMC for the last two years. Let us hope that her opposite number in Hampshire Keith Chapman, if re-elected in May, carries on the good work when the chair passes to Hampshire for the next two years. Both County Councils have committed £2 million each to additional capital works. Paul Roper gave an update on National issues but after last year’s CRT news there was little major to report. Mike gave his usual tour of finances, boosted since the year end, with our share of Solent and Arun’s funds. We are donating £500 to the Wey and Arun’s Surrey link and £2,500 to John How’s telemetry project on the Basingstoke. John gave a most interesting report on progress which is all

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the more meaningful with an open navigation. While John is happy to carry on with water on the Basingstoke and his work on the Thames he is giving branch committee work a miss. He has done three years and we thank him for all he has done and no doubt will do. The rest of the committee was re-elected en bloc. At a subsequent committee meeting everyone agreed to retain their existing portfolios namely. Verna Smith - Secretary, Wey and Arun and the former Solent and Arun Waterways, Ray Carnell - Cargoes and Events, Mike Lewis - Acting Treasurer and Wey Navigation, Jenny Bartholomew - Planning and the Kennet and Avon, Tim Fry - Cargoes editorial team and Webmaster and myself - Chairman and the Basingstoke plus liaison with John How on Basingstoke water and the Thames. The committee does need more help particularly Ray with events and all of us with the social programme. We are now very underrepresented in the former Solent and Arun territory. Linda Wilkinson has “volunteered” to keep an eye on things but is reluctant to join the committee.

Our outdoor events are first a cruise on the Wey and Arun where we meet at 3:15pm at Loxwood on May 12th. Please book with Verna. In August we have a 4 day trip up the tidal Thames on TB Pudge. This is the 15th to the 18th and will be only the second time this century that Pudge has been in sight of Tower Bridge. It will be a fascinating trip details and booking with me please. PLA requirements on all vessels are now very strict a legacy of the Bow Bells Marchioness disaster. Then we have the newly commissioned John Pinkerton ll at 7.30pm on the 19th September. An evening cruise with fish and chips washed down with tinctures from the Pinkerton bar. Booking is with Verna. Lastly the Milton Keynes and Bedford link have a new trip boat at Bedford. They gave a fascinating talk on this ambitious project to link the Grand Union with the Ouse at Bedford. The South London Branch is organizing a trip and it could do with your support. Details in the South London piece on page 34.

My plans for the summer are now well advanced. By the time you read this I will hope to have completed the Regents canal Tidal Thames link plus a visit to the Bow and Lee Rivers. I have my VHF licence. In early June I will visit the Basingstoke and in July a week on Dutch waterways where mobile phones are the norm for boat to shore communication. In early August I’m off to the Scillies in a wooden boat, a Bristol Channel Cutter built and sailed by the legendary Luke Powell.

CRT seems to have made a good beginning with their charity fundraising. Their bid for HLF funding on the Bow Rivers was turned down largely because of the HLF budget and they have been encouraged to re-apply. They have a number of smaller projects which have succeeded with HLF and the People’s Lottery is to contribute £100,000 a year for the next 10 years. They have signed up over 2,500 friends. The charity route must be the way forward for the EA and other waterways. The economic benefits mean that local authorities can and should make a contribution. With the pressure on National finances it is hard to see Central Government providing more than the privileges and self help of charities and their volunteer support. Again an interesting example of the way forward is WRG’s efforts on the Oxford canal. CRT, increasingly appreciating the quality that can be achieved by volunteers, is making real progress on blending volunteers and their paid workforce. The role of IWA will continue to be vital. Les Etheridge’s views are worth a read on the IWA website or in the last Cargoes. We do need to

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recruit new members and you will see forms at Guildford Boat House, Farncombe Boat House, Pyrford Marina and the BCA. To help defray the cost of Cargoes we intend, in future, to carrying some advertising. For boat hirers I would remind readers that Guildford Boat House offer a 20% discount to IWA members. Other offers are on the IWA website. There is cause for optimism. Have a good summer and do support waterways events and continue to support IWA. Gareth Jones

Sales and Publicity Stand

Once again there was no traditional Easter start to our season of outside events – which was perhaps fortunate in view of the cold weather over that Bank Holiday weekend. Our first event will in fact be in early June at the Beale Park Boat Show from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th where, as usual, our Stand will be run in conjunction with Middlesex Branch and we shall have a stock of books, maps etc. from IWA’s Sales Office supplemented by some of our own Branch items, including Painted Canalware. This will be closely followed by Reading Water Fest on Saturday 15th June and Newbury Waterways Festival on Sunday 23rd June (The Kennet & Avon Trust are involved in organising both of these events and further details can be found on page 19). Guildford Festival Boat Gathering will be back this year – on Saturday 6th July on Millmead Island where we shall be taking our place alongside various craft stands and displays by the National Trust. Finally we have the Basingstoke Canal Boating Club’s Fox & Hounds Rally at Fleet on Saturday 21st September (more details in the next Cargoes).

From our Stand we not only promote IWA but provide information about other waterways organisations in our area. We also sell donated books, maps, guides etc. and run a “Lucky Locks” game, all to raise money to enable the Branch to support local waterways projects. We are always seeking members to help on the Stand, which is rewarding and can be fun. If you think you might be able to help, please contact me on 01483 282806 or email: [email protected]

Ray Carnell

Bits on the Basingstoke

The last six months have seen a very major effort made by the Basingstoke Canal Authority and officers from Hampshire and Surrey County Councils to reopen the canal throughout to navigation. This has been successful and culminated in the Easter cruise of over thirty boats, including many IWA members, (see report on pages 14 & 15). The cruise was however curtailed because on the preceding Monday there was a slip on both sides of the cutting near Dogmersfield. This affected first the towpath, then the navigation which was closed to boats if not vital water. This has cut off the terminus of the canal which is the base of the John Pinkerton trip boat and Galleon Marine. However with the new “can do” attitude it is being urgently addressed by Hampshire County Council engineers. A pipe has been laid to ensure the water supply continues. There is a footpath to the Barley Mow and the rest of the canal. Reinstatement of the navigation is likely to take

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several months. [The statement of the latest position is contained in the Hampshire County Council Press Release on page 15.]

We are sorry that Kathryn Dodington, Commodore of Byfleet Boat Club, who organized this Easter’s cruise and the smaller cruise to Brookwood over the Christmas holiday, is moving from her canal-side home at Brookwood to Stoke Bruerne. She has, however, assured us that the Basingstoke will not be far from her mind.

Some boats booked on the Easter cruise were not able to make it due to red boards on the Thames. They assure me they will be back in September. We must try and save some water for them. John How continues to address the water issues and judging by the fall in some pounds as the Easter cruise progressed it will be a requirement if maximum use is to be made of the canal in the summer months. We do now have authorization for additional back-pumping at Woodham. Telemetry will help and we have volunteered a contribution from Branch funds. Unfortunately I could not fit a boat hire schedule to the cruise timetable but my plans are now firm for a trip with two other boats, leaving the Farncombe and Guildford boat houses on Friday May 31st to go up the Woodham and St John’s locks on the Sunday and Brookwood and Deepcut on the Monday. We then return on the following Friday and Saturday. This is on the current BCA schedule but is rather leisurely. The schedule was agreed largely to suit existing boats on or near the Basingstoke. It is clearly less attractive for those further away or those who wish to hire for only a week. Both hire companies will do a Friday to a week Monday. The Dogmersfield closure does change things a little and as things are seen to work we will be pressing for more of the promised flexibility to encourage greater usage and more revenue to the canal authority. Do watch our and the BCA website progress and for the scheduled opening times on the canal.

Navigation certainly for 2013 is to be on a managed basis primarily as a water conservation measure. There will be those who will snipe both at the increases in licence fees, mooring charges and navigation restrictions. This is a start and users of the navigation must expect to make a contribution notwithstanding the difficulties of the last few years. If the economics don’t make sense there will again be lack of maintenance and probable closure. The further capital funding committed by Hampshire and Surrey can go some way to addressing these issues but boaters must play their part too. Many thanks to the councillors and public servants who have made this happen. It has been a huge effort in both personnel and finance. Restoration should give a major economic boost to the area as has been demonstrated and reported for other restorations. Such economic reports will in future be available to IWA members on the IWA website. While continued political support could depend on the public’s verdict at the May elections, appreciation can be shown by using the canal and by joining the growing volunteer force of the BCA. Gareth Jones

Basingstoke Canal Easter Cruise

The event got underway as scheduled with some thirty boats taking part, slightly smaller than expected owing to red boards on the Thames, which prevented some intended participant boats from getting any nearer to the canal than

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Brentford. After overnight stops at Bridge Barn and Brookwood Country Park, and on a chilly Easter Saturday morning, the leading pair of boats, Barley Twist (Terry and Chris Simmons) and Hazell Nut (Rodney and Valerie Wardlaw), entered five years of uncharted waters to ascend the Deepcut Flight. They made good progress though with warnings of the problems lying ahead in the shape of a fallen tree across the canal above Lock 28 and, more seriously, a very recent landslip at Dogmersfield. Undaunted, they pressed on to reach the top of Deepcut in early afternoon. After a short pause to toast their achievement, they continued on their way, the fallen tree a few hundred yards above the top lock having already been tackled with bow-saws by the crew of Athai (Freddie and Peter Dawson) who had come to the rescue by bringing their boat to the scene from their home mooring in Ash. With additional help from walkers on the towpath, the obstruction was removed, so it was full-steam ahead to the Saturday night’s stop at Mytchett. Following this first pair, another thirteen craft came up Deepcut on the Saturday and reached Mytchett whilst a further seven boats ascended Deepcut on Easter Sunday. As the boats moved westwards they were met with enthusiastic crowds on the bridge at Ash Vale and later a number of passers-by on the towpath at Fleet stopped to express their pleasure at seeing boats on the waterway once again.

The return to Woking was relatively uneventful despite a broken boat that was towed all the way back.

Despite the disappointment at not being able to cruise all the way to Odiham, due to the Dogmersfield obstruction, there was a real sense of achievement with so many craft having got so far and proved that the canal could be navigated through to the summit pound once again. But none of this could have been achieved without the organising skills and perseverance of Kathryn Dodington (Commodore of Byfleet Boat Club) with support from Club members and local Canal Society and IWA members, the positive attitude of the two County Councils with the Canal’s JMC under the enthusiastic Chairmanship of Linda Kemeny and, last but not least, the endeavours of the BCA and their team of Rangers. Let’s hope this event will herald a resurgence in popularity for the Basingstoke and provide assurance for its future. Ray Carnell

Press Release from Hampshire County Council

Hampshire County Council was made aware of the landslip along the banks of the Basingstoke Canal at Dogmersfield (between Fleet and Odiham) on March 25 thanks to a canal volunteer. That section of the canal is now closed to all boating, and the tow path closed to pedestrians and other users. The decision to close the canal navigation and tow path has been taken on health and safety grounds in case the land slips further. The land is currently unstable, the towpath has been damaged by the landslip, and is unsafe. It is too early to say whether the land has stopped slipping.

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An initial engineering inspection has been undertaken by specialist geo-technical teams but an in depth investigation will be required to try to establish the cause of the slip and to help identify what work must be undertaken to make both the canal and towpath safe for the public to use again.

All unstable trees have already been removed and in the interim regular inspections will be undertaken by canal staff with the situation being monitored daily. Note:

Hampshire County Council is requesting the patience and co-operation of canal users and the general public in terms if respecting the closures posted on site which are there to protect against the dangers of entering a currently unstable and potentially dangerous stretch of the canal. Hampshire County Council realises this landslip will cause inconvenience and is doing all it can to deal with the situation.

Louise Payne, Press Officer

Future Events Sat 18th May, 2.00pm: The Thirty Sixth Annual General Meeting of the Surrey & Hampshire Canal Society will be held in the Deepcut Village Centre, Swordsman’s Road, Deepcut GU16 6TB. The guest speaker will be Mike Rodd.

Mikron on the Basingstoke

This year's visit of the Mikron Theatre Company to the Basingstoke Canal will be at Fleet Football Club, Calthorpe Park, Crookham Road, Fleet on Sunday 28th July at 1.00pm. The show is called "Don’t Shoot the Messenger" and more details of this season’s Mikron productions can be found on page 36.

Come along by car or on foot to the Fleet Football Club (the same venue as last year) and enjoy another Mikron masterpiece. The Society always looks forward to their annual visit and a good attendance will help them financially. Make a diary note now so you do not miss the show. Bar available.

For further information contact David Millett on 01252 617364 or email: [email protected] or Roger Cansdale on 01252 678608.

Chichester Canal News Our new shop is proving to be a huge asset, especially in the cold and wet

weather as customers are able to sit in the dry and warm, something that has not been possible before. Good for sales!!

We are awaiting the results of the last grant that we applied for, back last year, so that we can begin on the refurbishment of our old stables building in order to turn it into a visitor/education centre. Keeping fingers crossed all could be up and running by the autumn.

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Old Stables in dire need of TLC

Forthcoming Events Sun 2nd Jun 10.00am to 5.00pm: Dragon Boat Racing at the Canal Basin. Organised by Chichester Priory Rotary club and Cancerwise. All details for entering on; www.chichesterdragonboats.org.uk Sun 16th Jun 10.00am - 4.00pm: Poyntz bridge. Situated approx. 200 yds south of the canal basin, Chichester. Possibly the only, working, single span 1820 cast iron swing bridge in the UK. Plus a display of photos and artefacts. At 2.00pm there will be a guided walk around the canal basin led by Alan Green, illustrating the past history around this canal feature. In conjunction with Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society. Thu 20th Jun 7.00pm: Talk on the history of the old Portsmouth and Arundel canal and an update on the restoration of the Chichester Canal, from Chichester to the harbour. Above the shop, at the canal basin, Chichester. Tickets £3 on the door. Sun 23rd Jun 10.00am: A linear guided walk along part of the old Portsmouth and Arundel Navigation, from Barnham Court Farm, Church Lane, Barnham (follow the signs from the Murrell Arms) to Ford. Approx. a 3 mile walk to see the many engineering remains of the canal. Parking available at the start. In conjunction with Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society. Sun 30th Jun 2.00pm – 4.00pm: Teddy bears picnic. Suitable for children, who are accompanied by a teddy bear and an adult. Tea and entertainment will be

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available for everyone. Tickets essential, £7 adults £5 children available from 01243 373382 Sun 7th Jul 10.00am: A linear guided walk from Salterns Lock, by Chichester Marina, along the towpath to the basin in Chichester, seeing the engineering remains and points of interest along the way. Approx. 4miles. Parking available in the public car park at the Marina. In conjunction with SIAS. Sun 28th Jul 7.30pm: Mikron Theatre production of Don’t Shoot the Messenger! At Donnington Parish Hall, Stockbridge Road, Chichester. Further details on page 36. Tickets £7.50 from 01243 576701 or on the door. Sat 14th Sep 10.00am: A linear guided walk from Barnham Court Farm, Church Lane, Barnham (follow directions from the Murrell Arms) to Hunston. Approx. 6 miles. Bring a packed lunch. See the engineering remains along the old Portsmouth and Arundel Navigation. Sun 15th Sep 10.00am - 4.00pm: Poyntz Bridge. All details as for 16th June. All enquiries about the events please contact Linda Wilkinson on 01243 576701 or e-mail [email protected]

Kennet & Avon Canal News

Life and Times of the Miller at Mapledurham

At the joint meeting of IWA Guildford & Reading Branch and the K&A Trust

(Reading Branch) at Southcote in Mid-April, we welcomed Mildred and Ron Cookson. Mildred, for many years the Miller at Mapledurham Mill (the last

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surviving watermill on the Thames), gave us an interesting account of the Mill’s history and the miller’s work. We heard that the Mill had narrowly escaped destruction by fire in the 1950s and how, following its use for the filming of The Eagle has Landed, it was brought back into use as a working watermill.

Ron, Chairman of Trustees, then told us about the Mills Archive Trust, based in Reading, which is preserving memories of the heritage of windmills and watermills. Further details can be found at www.millsarchivetrust.org.

Ray Carnell

K&A Canal Summer Events

Reading Water Fest, Sat 15th June, 11am – 5pm Hundreds of thousands have been enjoying the sights and sounds of canal

based activities at Reading’s unique Water Fest event over past twenty four years in one of the most historic and charming parts of Reading organised jointly by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and Reading Borough Council.

Traditional music and dance will keep you entertained in Forbury Gardens as well as a host of children’s activities including free face painting and balloon modelling.

Chestnut Walk, home to The Oscar Wilde Memorial Walk is also the event’s craft avenue where there will be a range of hand crafted items such as jewellery, greetings cards, prints, jams, toys and canal ware on the towpath and admire the beautifully painted narrow-boats, new and old to admire. Take a relaxing journey on one of the regular trips on Kennet Cruises narrowboat, running throughout the day. Also keep your eye out for a very special water feature! As you reach Riverside Walk, many local charity and community group stalls line the banks of the river, raising funds and awareness for their organisations. On the Water there is so much to see. The beautifully painted boats moored along the length of the site will also take part in three special parades throughout the day. They will then be judged in the best dressed boat competition. Newbury Waterways Festival, Sun 23rd June, 10am – 5pm

Once again this Festival will be taking place at Victoria Park, Newbury. The date is Sunday 23rd June – a month earlier than in previous years – when it will link in with Reading Water Fest the previous weekend to provide a focus on the East End of the K&A Canal. This year’s theme is to be ‘Midsummer Madness’. There will be the usual Boat Gathering (see below for details of how to take part), boat trips and many other displays and attractions for the public who, on past showing, can be expected to support the event in large numbers. Boating is better at the East End

This June, the Reading & Newbury branches of the

K&A Canal Trust invite you to head down to the fashionable East End of the Kennet & Avon to participate in not one but two great water festivals on the River Kennet.

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Reading Water Fest – Saturday 15th June Situated on the Forbury Loop of the River Kennet, under the shadow of the

Abbey ruins, the boat display will form part of a festival stretching all the way to Forbury Gardens.

Moorings in the loop are reserved from 13-16 June. There will be a prize for the best decorated boat and the opportunity to take part in a boat procession around the loop at 12 noon or 2pm. A chance to show off your boat to the public. And for those with the power, there will be a boat tug of war!

With live music, and other free entertainment, it will be a great day for all. So bring your boat to the heart of it! All this for just £10. Newbury Waterways Festival – Sunday 23rd June

At Victoria Park right in the centre of Newbury, the flotilla of boats will transform the wharf and form the very centre of a weekend of midsummer madness on the wharf and in the Park. Live entertainment starts with a Boaters Party on Saturday night and the big public festival on Sunday will bring thousands of visitors to enjoy the spectacle of decorated boats – there’s a prize for the best boat presenting the midsummer madness theme. Overnight security will be provided on Friday and Saturday. All for £20 including 2 tickets for the Boaters Party.

All boats will receive our special Eastender 2013 plaque. How about spending time enjoying the delights of the Kennet and attending both Festivals? Just £25 for 2 weekends of fun. For entry forms contact Julie Dean, 12 Downlands Way, South Wonston, Winchester SO21 3HS on 01962 883939 Email: [email protected]

Look forward to seeing you The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

River Thames News Our Branch Thames Representative, John How, gives observations following a meeting of Thames Navigation Users Forum (TNUF, formerly WWG) in March. Future of Navigation (FoN project)

This project is still the most important for EA Navigation, to establish how all of the EA waterways in Anglian, Midlands and South East regions will be operated post 2015 and how to reduce the reliance on Government funding. One option is the transfer to Canal & River Trust, if appropriate for both parties, but a number of ‘users’ have concerns that the quality of service on the River Thames would suffer under CRT control.

Although this project has been running for nine months, only now is a secure shared data room being established, together with controls over sensitive data. Work is still to be completed for an asset inventory; condition assessments; legal & surveying work. However communications with staff has been initiated.

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It is proposed that TNUF establish a sub-group to contribute to the project and review the details. Income Development

There are two main areas being progressed for income development to replace some of the Government funding, namely ‘Enforcement’ and ‘Business Development’, both are progressing well.

The last 6 months of ‘Enforcement’ has focused on ensuring boats have licences, which will result in increased income. The next area to be investigated under ‘enforcement’ are the river structures for boat moorings, which do not have licences, these are referred to as ‘accommodations’.

Business development is also progressing well with refreshment kiosks under construction at three locks (Molesey; Goring and Penton Hook), and lock site advertising is being investigated.

Customer Charter 2013-14 Draft Q3 Report

This has been updated and is now approved to be found on http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/130919.aspx

Management/Operational Updates

Papers and verbal updates on a variety of topics were reviewed and found acceptable. Topics included;-

* Waterways investment programme 12/13 and 13/14 * Draft of Q3 Performance Report against the Customer Charter * Volunteers * Business Plan

Southampton Canal Society Our March Meeting with John Dodwell, trustee of CRT, was well supported

by visitors and fellow IWA Guildford & Reading Members. A copy of John’s talk is available at http://www.sotoncs.org.uk/archive/pdf/CRTJohnDodwell.pdf. The Question & Answer session flowed well. To round off the evening John brought along a selection of slides, which he himself had not seen for years. 1956 on the Basingstoke, 1965 on the Leeds and Liverpool and various restoration projects up to the 70’s. John encouraged the audience to recognise places, family and acquaintances. A full report of this meeting can be found in our April Newsletter at http://www.sotoncs.org.uk/archive/pdf/APR_13.pdf

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Forthcoming Meetings Thu 6th Jun: “Nick Grundy” The months of preparation for the Queens Jubilee

Pageant, the trip down on N.B. Beatty and the final ”Historic” day on the Thames in June 2012.

Thu 4th Jul: AGM followed by Cheese and Wine. Meetings held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm. For Monthly Newsletters visit www.sotoncs.org.uk

Angela Rose

IWAKES Branch News

Past Events The River Medway Plan – A talk by Phil Munslow

On a thankfully dry evening in January we gathered at Strood Yacht Club for Phil Munslow, Environment Agency Operations Manager for the River Medway, to tell us about the River Medway Waterway Plan. EA are the navigation authority from above Allington Lock to the Leigh Barrier with ten locks and weirs. The River was suffering from a lack of funding until 2007 since when they have received substantial grants, mostly from Defra. Many things River Medway Users Association was crying out for have been achieved. A new slipway has been constructed at Allington Lock, plus super new toilets and needed car park. Allington is now the EA Gateway to the Medway, and they are justifiably proud of the area.

Nearly all the locks and weirs on the River have been renewed or substantially repaired. EA are fitting fish passes at many locks; also passes for canoes and lots of smart new lock landings and extensions - some to replace works done over 100 years ago. Teston will become another showcase lock, when it is rebuilt, with fish pass installed. A new toilet block and showers have been fitted at Yalding. Tonbridge has been much upgraded, with complete landscaping and walkways where EA has worked closely with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Dredging is also needed but, because of the expense of hiring the equipment, they will probably share with another authority.

EA is likely to transfer to the Canal and River Trust, subject to affordability and acceptance of CRT but EA are not taking their foot off the gas and have lots of plans in the pipeline. They get on well with the Medway Users Association and want everybody on board for their plans. If they are all as genuine and friendly as Phil Munslow no problems can be seen.

Angela Acott

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IWAKES AGM Sixteen members attended IWAKES’ AGM in Maidstone at the end of

February. Les Etheridge, IWA Chairman, welcomed Paul Roper, SE Region Chairman, to the meeting then read out a report from Mike Hannan, Branch Chairman in his absence (what a lot of chairmen). Les thanked Bernard and Joyce Snell for all their hard work towards the Trailboat Rally coming up at the end of May. The report also thanked Les and his wife Ann, for the many hours they have spent organising said Rally with Bernard and a few others. Les also thanked the National Trust for their input to the event, on the riverbank at Bodiam Castle.

The AGM concluded with a talk concerning "Shared Ownership of Boats" by Alan and Christine Smith. They had a shared boat for three years and found it very satisfactory; eventually buying their own boat last year. They thought themselves very lucky with their fellow owners who were friendly and practical, but admitted it could go the other way. Alan and Christine thoroughly enjoyed the experience and could recommend sharing but you must be flexible and friendly.

Angela Acott The Basingstoke Canal – A talk by Gareth Jones

Towards the end of March seventeen members met at Grove Ferry Boat Club to hear Gareth Jones, the Chairman of Guildford and Reading Branch, talk about the Basingstoke Canal. It came across how much he loved the canal, and how much he would like to see it fully reopened. The canal has a very chequered history. William Jessop designed it as an agricultural canal. It went bankrupt several times and was never a commercial success, though some locals made money from it, giving boat trips, and hiring rowing boats on it. The last boat ran to Basingstoke on Feb 18th 1910. In 1923 Alex Harmsworth bought it and ran an operation on it for many years with the canal getting into a worse and worse state. After he died it was bought by Joan Marshall at auction. IWA thought she was bidding on their behalf, but it turned out not to be the case. She ran it for many years, running trip boats etc. Eventually it was bought by Surrey and Hampshire County Councils who have tried to look after it the best they can, with much input by WRG and other voluntary groups. It is now practically re-opened and at Easter a large collection of boaters will navigate the whole canal. We wish them all the luck in the world, because this IS a beautiful canal; running as it does through some spectacular scenery, and Gareth would love to see it more highly used. Once again we would like to thank the Grove Ferry Boat Club, because they always treat us so warmly and well.

Angela Acott

Dartford & Crayford Navigation The Darent was formerly navigable to Welcome Mill, close to Dartford railway station, and the tidal Cray was formerly navigable to the basin at Vitbe Mill next to the A206. The Commissioners of the Dartford and Crayford Navigation, who built Dartford Lock, controlled both navigations. However, containers ended the lighterage trade in the1970’s and the Commissioners wound up. The lock is presently ownerless and gateless. SEEDA (South East England Development Agency) bought much of the former industrial land north of the lock with plans to regenerate the area, possibly including restoration of the lock. However, the

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recession brought an end to that and closure of Glaxo Smith Kline has added to the dereliction. Considerable sums were invested three years ago into towpath improvements that have certainly made the area safer. A few years ago IWAKES, with Essex WRG and Thames21 cleared overhanging and fallen trees to restore access to the Vitbe Basin on the Cray. There is no ‘body’ dedicated to the improvement or restoration of the creeks and lock. However, we would like one of our members to be appointed as IWAKES Representative for Dartford and Crayford Creek to keep an eye on local planning decisions and the development of the area, communicating information to the rest of the IWAKES Committee. The Representative would be an IWAKES Committee member (but need not attend IWAKES Committee meetings unless to air an issue). If you are an interested local resident Mike Hannan (contact details on page 38) would like to hear from you.

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust We had been spoiled by having had a dry winter the year before so this

(very) wet winter meant we could not get that much done. However, our hardy band of navvies still turned up to enjoy the wet and the mud during the non-working season!

Good work has also been done away from the mud in developing our relationships with EA, MORPH (Middle Ouse Restoration of Physical Habitat) and the National Trust. MORPH is aiming to restore a number of ox-bows and discussions with them are developing mutually acceptable ways forward in respect of Isfield Lock and Iron Gate Lock in the NT’s Sheffield Park. Back to the mud….. Iron Gate Lock We’ve only been able to make a couple of site visits but important first steps were agreed between SORT and Andy Jesson, Sheffield Park’s head gardener. Summer 2013 will probably be for making the lock chamber dry and accessible by digging an

access ramp and using the dug-out clay to form bunds at both ends of the cut. Roy Sutton has drawn the plan and, hopefully, the diggers will be in soon.

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The other visit was just before Christmas, perhaps during the wettest period of all. As you’ll see from the before and after photos, the lock was hardly visible again. In Feb 2012 it was because there just wasn’t much to see. On 21 Dec, even if the lock had been nearly rebuilt, it would have been under water! Isfield (Sutton Hall) Lock

We got there most weeks. One important completed job was clearing out the west side ground paddle culvert. A mucky, difficult job but someone had to do it and Dan and Ken wouldn’t let anyone else get near, lucky for the rest of us. They seemed to enjoy it. Takes all sorts!

Between 1809 and 1855 the

navigation served a paper mill at Isfield Lock, for which there was a wharf wall at the top of the lock. The mill was demolished around 1860. Like everything else this wharf wall needs extensive restoration so we started some exploratory excavations.

The wharf wall is about 12 metres long and two probable culverts have been found. We think one served the mill but at some point it has had its circular opening bricked-up. The other, with a rectangular opening, seems to have had a wooden lining and may have served a hydraulic ram which pumped water up to Sutton Hall from the late 1800s. Digging and historical research continues! 2013

This year will see us mainly at Isfield Lock restoring the wharf wall and the area in front of the top cill – repairing the immediate approach to the cill and installing the necessary grooves, base, etc. for the stop-planks. We need to do this because we are hopeful that in 2014 MORPH will reinstate an ox-bow just up from the lock which will mean the cut will be dug out and flooded, in which case we’ll need to have the stop-planks in place to allow us to keep working on the rest of the lock.

We will, of course, keep our eyes on Iron Gate Lock and provide assistance and expertise to the NT when required.

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If there’s time in 2013 we’ll continue with rebuilding the last section of the Isfield Lock chamber’s west wall and rebuilding / restoring the ground paddles.

Dave Evans

Thames & Medway Canal Association Thames & Medway Canal

As well as welcoming visitors and new volunteers for the Tuesday Working Parties (the Thames & Medway Canal Association team will always meet and greet you on a Tuesday morning and show you what we are up to) we are also in need of pro-active members to participate in a number of (non-physical) tasks to promote the restoration of the canal locally and nationally. If you are about to retire, between jobs or are in need of an interest, please get in touch with Brian Macknish (01732 823725).

Plastic drums being collected from the Thames & Medway Canal (where they were dumped)

and being towed to collection point. At present there are lots of things happening in the area. The movement to

restore Northfleet Harbour, trying to save features of Rosherville Gardens, Paramount Picture's interest to develop Swanscombe Peninsular into a Disney style theme park and the Edinburgh House development for Gravesend, all of these should help to put the spotlight on improving north east Gravesend and, with it, on the Thames and Medway Canal too.

There have been several visits to complete the pump installation but each time communications have been inadequate. However, it was finally switched on and left running on 21st March, hopefully with enough rain having recently fallen for it to be left running for the next month to fill the canal.

River Medway News Lock Closures

From January to March 2013 a number of the River Medway locks have been closed for up to a week for inspection and clearance operations, the exception being Teston Lock which is undergoing major refurbishment. The planned opening date of 28th March has now been put back to 26th April.

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Whilst refurbishing Teston Lock, the contractors found parts of the lock

structure had deteriorated more than anticipated. The anchor points and surrounding concrete that support the lock gates were in very poor condition and required further work to repair them and make them safe. Planned work has also been delayed due to high rainfall and river flow levels. Galliford Try International (GTI), the contractors, are working as fast as they can to ensure the lock can be opened by the EA on the 26th April 2013. Baltic Wharf Maidstone, Planning application

A planning application has been submitted to Maidstone Borough Council for alterations and a change of use for the existing Power Hub building on the south side of the Medway in St Peters Street, Maidstone. This is for a mix of café and restaurant outlets, food stores, office and leisure use with car parking facilities. It will also provide provision of pedestrian and vehicular access and a new riverside walkway. The new walkway will join up the town centre wharf by the retail outlets to the entrance to Whatman Park where the boat slipway is located. Raglan House will be demolished along with parts of the Powerhub building. Fallen trees

Recent bad weather and high winds caused a section of river between East Farleigh Lock and Tovil to be closed for 2 days while two large fallen trees blocking the river were removed by the Environment Agency. Medway River Alliance (MRA)

The first 2013 meeting of the Medway River Alliance took place on Tuesday 19th March at EA House in Addington The Alliance brings together a wide range of groups and organisations under the chair of the EA to promote and encourage wider use of the River Medway, develop ideas to enhance and maintain the river and a recreational facility for all. Maidstone and Tonbridge & Malling Councils are represented together with the MRUA (Medway River Users Association), canoe and rowing clubs, commercial operators and Environmental groups as well as Kent County Council. The IWA are represented by Roy Sutton and Mike Marsh.

Mike Marsh

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River Adur The Shoreham Slipways Group

The Shoreham Slipways Group, an IWA corporate member, has been awarded £6,250 to cover the costs of a study into the geohydromorphic effects of three possible slipways on the river Adur i.e. how the structures will affect the river flow, erosion and siltation. This information will confirm whether each slipway will be practical and meet approval from the Environment Agency. When the study is completed, the SSG will decide which of the sites to pursue. This isn't an easy decision as there are many factors including land ownership, other groups using the water, the construction costs, environmental impact, habitat compensation and, very importantly, the likely economic benefit to the Shoreham and the surrounding area. The grant was awarded by the Adur County Local Committee (CLCs) and this is the second such payment awarded to the SSG. (CLCs allow local people to air their concerns to their County Councillors and each committee has some funding to cover local needs.) The Regeneration of Shoreham Harbour

Shoreham Harbour Regeneration is working on a joint project to regenerate Shoreham Harbour and surrounding areas over the next 10-15 years. The Western Harbour Arm extends along the River Adur from Shoreham-by-Sea town centre to the harbour mouth and is an important element within the overall regeneration area. Shoreham Harbour is a unique location and the partnership is keen to make the

most of the opportunities it offers. The aim is to make the most of the waterside location by developing housing, commercial units and leisure facilities. The regeneration plans are at an early stage and we would like to engage with boat users and marine enthusiasts so that we can include the features and facilities people want to create an attractive and vibrant waterfront. More details about the Shoreham Harbour project and recent Development Briefs can be found on the website ( www . adur-worthing.gov.uk/shoreham-harbour-regeneration ) or please contact [email protected]

Brendan Whelan

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Picture from earlier IWA National Trailboat Festival at Bodiam Castle in the 1970’s

Future IWAKES and Other Events Mon 13th May: 7.00pm: Accompanied walk organised by TMCA as part of ‘Discover Gravesham’ - Meet at Ship & Lobster, Mark Lane, Gravesend. Sat 25th to Mon 27th May: National Trailboat Festival: Bodiam The displays will be open:- Sat 10am to 5pm: Sun 10am to 5pm: Mon 10am to 4pm Saturday evening Castle open until 8pm; Illuminated boats with barbeque food available 8pm to 10pm. Pedestrian entry to the festival is free. Normal National Trust rates apply for parking and castle entry (except free on Saturday evening) https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa/calendar/event/view?id=419 More detailed description see Cargoes Spring 2013 page 32. Mon 27th May: 7.00pm: Accompanied walk organised by TMCA as part of ‘Discover Gravesham’ - Meet at Ship & Lobster, Mark Lane, Gravesend. Sat 1st & Sun 2nd Jun: St Pancras Cruising Club visit to Gravesend: There will be (at least) eighteen narrowboats moored at Gravesend Town Pier (new pontoon). En route some of these boats will visit Dartford Lock and Crayford Basin. Fri 19th to Sun 21st Jul: IWA National Festival at Watford. The IWAKES stand will be there with displays from the Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust. https://www.waterways.org.uk/iwa/calendar/event/view?id=534 Sat 12th Oct: 7:30pm for 8:00pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, Gravesend: ‘Under Billowing Sails – The romance and reality of tall ships’ by Wilf Lower: This is a TMCA event to which all are welcome.

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Thu 14th Nov: 7:00pm for 7:30pm: SORT/IWAKES Joint meeting: The Upper Room, Perrymount Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DM (near the railway station and 200 yds from Clair Hall): Alan Williams, a National Trust Volunteer based at Dapdune Wharf: “The Wey Navigation, an historic & pictorial journey”.

Thu 5th Dec: 7:30pm for 8pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend: TMCA/IWAKES joint event: “My journey to Liverpool and first year as IWA Chairman”: Les Etheridge: Christmas get-together plus raffle and nibbles. Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.

Oxfordshire Branch News

Chairman’s Report Those of you who read the Spring Cargoes will no doubt have noticed Chris

Wardley, the retiring Chairman’s concern about the future of the branch. I am happy to say those fears have not come to fruition although it was a

narrow miss! At the AGM we were able to appoint 4 people to serve on the committee.

Rules are a minimum of three is required however none of these wished to be Chairman and they approached me. Having done the job before for a period 6 years and knowing what is involved, I agreed to be co-opted onto the committee for one year. During that period we will need to find someone to fulfil the role.

Much of the work required by any organisation to ensure it runs smoothly can be carried out by people other than committee members. There are a few of these tasks still to be agreed. If you are in a position to help we would like to hear from you.

I would take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chairman, Chris Wardley who worked tirelessly to cover the role for the past 2 years while struggling with ill health. Hope you feel better! Thanks Chris.

We, along with many other branches have to consider what to do to draw our membership together. The area covered by Oxfordshire Branch is vast. From Henley and Reading on the Thames, to Claydon on the South Oxford Canal. The interest of our members is wide and varying. Somehow we need to find ways of making the branch work or this time next year we will be “in the same boat” once again. The monthly meetings with speakers, which have been a feature of the branch over past years, are no longer financially viable. Attendance is poor & members are voting with their feet. However this has provided a meeting place for our members and not holding these regular meetings leaves a big gap. Help us to decide what to do instead. I have looked at post codes of our membership. There are pockets of people in places like Kidlington, Abingdon and Reading. Members of the committee and others would like to meet you. Can you collect a few people together locally (a pub would be fine) and I, or someone from the committee would

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be delighted to come and meet you to share your views and ideas. Alternatively take the opportunity to come and meet us at the two events which my wife Mary organises. My contact details are the same as shown on page 38. Please help the committee to keep the branch alive and active. Ron Heritage

Lottery Grant for Oxford Canal

Recently the Heritage Lottery Fund announced a grant of £65,000 to a consortium of organisations, including IWA, to improve engagement with the people of Oxford in the city’s canal. Oxford City Canal Partnership is a consortium, including Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, IWA, Oxford Civic Society, Oxford City Council and Jericho Living Heritage Trust. The purpose for which the award has been granted is to bring to the attention of the public the history of the canal and the benefits it can bring to the public today. There will be interpretation panels and places where people can link in with phones and listen to the information. The Heritage Trust will handle the grant and employ a project officer to oversee the work - once that appointment is made things will start to move.

IWA has been working through the City Canal Partnership to promote restoration of the former Canal Basin in the City, which was sold by the original Oxford Canal Company in 1937 to Lord Nuffield, who filled it in and built a college; the area is now used as a car park and awaiting redevelopment. The Branch also plays a significant part in the annual Oxford Open Doors event with a canalside publicity stand, children’s activities and boat trips – this year’s event is on 14th and 15th September and helpers are needed (see page 32).

There will be more information about the project at the Open Doors event as the group who are heading it up will be having a stand in Pocket Park. Further information about the Lottery Grant is available on the Jericho Living Heritage Trust website at http://www.jlht.org/

Past Events Wed 13th Feb: Nautical Knots by Peter Darch, branch member and knots wizard

Despite snowy conditions seventeen members and guests came to hear Peter give us much interesting information about the origins of nautical knots, so called from the use they had on sailing ships. He gave the purpose of each type of knot he demonstrated and the derivation of their names. Examples of this were “reef” knot used to tie up the ropes around the sails when reducing the sail area (reefing) and “bowline”, a knot most of us use but perhaps don’t think about its original use to attach the bow of the ship to a bollard on shore. We then tried to achieve a correct result which produced great hilarity for some of the more complicated knots! This was a very relaxed and sociable evening – thank you Peter. Sue Wardley, Programme Secretary

April's meeting took place and those present discussed several idea's as to

what format the members would like the evenings to be. It was recognized that good speakers do draw people but can be expensive so alternatives need to be

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considered. As a result it was decided not to hold all the regular monthly meetings at the Sports Club in Kidlington but to space these out, search for alternative venues and hold other events such as walks. With this in mind it has been agreed to hold the first meeting of the winter season on October 16th and to invite members along with the volunteers from both the Autumn events i.e. Oxford Open Doors and Banbury Canal Day and to have pictures of the events available so that the fun can be recalled and shared.

Why not join us and see what we have been getting up to! Mary Heritage

Forthcoming Events Sat 14th & Sun 15th Sep, National Heritage Weekend - Oxford Open doors.

The whole of Oxford City is involved in this event with many buildings and places of interest to visit. This will be the 5th year IWA have taken part and “opened up” the City’s Historic Waterways.

We will, as usual be on the lower end of the Oxford Canal at Hythe Bridge i.e. opposite the Worcester Street car park. We will be running 3 boat trips, have a stand to publicise the work of the IWA and arrange various activities for the children. This means we require skippers (minimum of Helmsman’s Licence required), crews, waterside assistants, lock keepers and helpers for the children’ activities. There will be other stands too so lots of interest for the visitors who come in their hundreds.

We do not expect people to work for long hours and nearer the time will draw up rotas using shifts of 2-3 hours or so..

If you are able to spare a few hours to help, would like to bring your boat and stay for the weekend, just let me know so that I can organise the moorings (email [email protected] or ring 01869 277400) Sun 6th Oct, Banbury Canal Day

This is the 10th year for this event – so Banbury Town Council are hoping to make it a very special one.

We will once again be acting as Harbour Masters, advertising IWA of course and probably having a stand to try and raise some funds. The boat trips are always a big attraction so this year we will be running four trip boats. Skippers, crews, people at the waterside to keep the queues in order and ensure their safety in addition to lift bridge and lock keepers means lots of pairs of hands are required. I am very grateful to those who have already answered my plea for help but could do with just a few more. So if you can spare some time please let me know. This year once again Kate Saffin is planning her “Theatre in the Dock” at Tooleys Boat Yard which, although I was not there to see myself, I understand was very good.

Mary Heritage

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Wilts & Berks Canal Towpath Challenge is now set to raise over £4,000.

At Easter a four day (March 29th to April 1st) sponsored walk took place along the route of the Wilts & Berks Canal. The walkers followed the canal line using, where necessary, the proposed new diversions but also much of the original line, including some sections where landowners granted special permission. The weather was dry but very cold, fortunately the support team were stationed at strategic points with tea and coffee. The walkers where able to view historic sites, restored sections and the new Wichelstowe development. [From the WBCT Website – www.wbct.org.uk ]

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust have just commissioned a more detailed

engineering study through Grove/Wantage supported (i.e. partly financed) by section106 agreement monies from 2 recently granted residential planning permissions alongside the historic line of the canal. Brian Roberts. Effect of Weather Conditions

We have spent the winter and early spring dealing with completely soggy conditions and this has hampered our local work parties. As the sun has recently started making appearances and the temperature has reached double figures it might be possible to get some work done.

Brian Stovold

Future Events In June we have the Wantage Summer Festival and the usual programme of guided walks using the canal. The full programme is below but can be found on the Wilts & Berks Website. Tue, 4th Jun 7.00pm: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, circular guided canal walk. Tue, 11th Jun 7.00pm: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, circular guided canal walk. Sat, 15th Jun 2.00pm: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, guided canal walk. Tue, 18th Jun 7.30pm: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, Guided Tour of the Wilts &

Berks Canal. Tue, 25th Jun 7.00pm: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, canal walk and exploration. If further information is required, please contact Brian Stovold on 07946 524928.

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South London Branch Meetings

South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do request a contribution towards room hire and refreshments. The programme for meetings is as follows: Wed 15th May: Natural Thames by Wendy Yorke and Dick Mayon-White of The Thames Rivers Restoration Trust

Wed 12th Jun: Regent’s Canal ’Regency Roulette’ by Lester Hillman There are no social meetings at Croydon during July and August Wed 11th Sep: Speaker to be confirmed Sun 29th Sep: Cruise on the River Great Ouse. A boat trip has been arranged on the River Great Ouse starting in Bedford adjoining the Market Square Car park, (easily accessible from Bedford station) at 14:00 for 2-2.5 hours, cruising upstream to Kempston and back. Prices are:- Adult £8, senior £6, Child £4.40, Family £21.60. There is a cream tea option which they will let me have details about in due course. The Community Boat is a new venture run by Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterways Enterprises Ltd. to raise funds for the new canal linking Bedford to the Grand Union Canal. To register your interest in participating in this trip, please email or telephone Alan Smith on 07774 890 750. Wed 9th Oct: Scottish Lowland Canals by David Bowker Wed 13th Nov: Aileen Butler’s Magic Lantern Show For more information about South London’s Social Calendar, please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581, mobile 07774 890 750 or email [email protected]

Towpath Walks Group - London Walks This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways - which most outsiders don’t realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to the IWA. Sun 5th May, 2.30pm: Walk, Kensal Green Cemetery - Grand Union - Little Venice, starts Kensal Green Sun 19th May, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Mile End – Limehouse, starts Mile End

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Sun 2nd Jun, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Islington - Mile End, starts Angel Sun 16th Jun, 2.30pm: Walk, The Olympics, Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers, starts Bromley–by-Bow Sun 7th Jul, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Little Venice – Camden, starts Warwick Avenue Sun 4th Aug, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Mile End – Limehouse, starts Mile End Sun 18th Aug, 2.30pm: Walk, Regents Canal, Kings Cross – Granary Building - Hitchcock’s Hackney, starts Kings Cross (taxi rank) Sun 15th Sep, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross - Granary Building – Camden, starts King’s Cross (taxi rank) Sun 6th Oct, 2.30pm: Walk, Four Hundred Years of the New River, starts Manor House (Finsbury Park exit) Sun 20th Oct, 2.30pm: Walk, Grand Union Canal: Uxbridge - Cowley – Little Britain, starts Uxbridge (High Street exit) Sun 3rd Nov, 2.30pm: Walk, Regent’s Canal, Regent’s Park & R. Tyburn – Camden, starts Baker St (Baker St north/Lords exit)

For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £9.00, Concessions & Student rate: £7.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 020 8458 9476 or email: [email protected]

Festival of London Waterways 2013 is also being designated as a ‘Summer of Celebrations of London’s Waterways’ with Canalway Cavalcade being followed by a series of events around the London area including IWA’s National Festival at Watford 19th - 21st July.

Sat 4th to Mon 6th May, IWA: Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, Maida Vale Sat 18th/Sun 19th May, Rickmansworth Waterways Trust: Rickmansworth Festival, Batchworth Lock, Grand Union Canal Fri 5th/Sun 7th Jul, Lee & Stort Branch: Ware Boat Festival, River Lee, Ware Sat 10th/Sun 11th Aug: Olympic Park Event, Details to be agreed and announced Sun 1st Sep: Angel Canal Festival, City Road Lock, Regent’s Canal, Islington

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Sat 7th/Sun 8th Sep, Middlesex Branch: Slough Canal Festival Sat 14th/Sun 15th Sep: Mayor’s Thames River Festival To find out more visit www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/festival_of_london_waterways

The Mikron Theatre Company This year sees Mikron making their 42nd.national waterways tour with two new productions as detailed below. Beyond the Veil Hives... Honey... Homicide (BTV)

DCI Mark Starkey thinks he’s got a quiet patch in sleepy Thistledale, but all that is about to change dramatically when there’s a sudden, unnatural death on the local allotment…

The grisly discovery down by the beehives is only the beginning for Detective Starkey. To unmask the murderer he must first uncover an altogether less savoury side of life in Thistledale; the bitter grudges, thwarted passions and murky pasts.

And then there are the bees. The life of the honeybee might be described as one of great sweetness and harmony, punctuated by sudden, desperate, acts of violence. The same could be said for Thistledale.

Detective Starkey soon realises that the more he knows about bees, the closer he gets to the killer! Don't Shoot The Messenger! Adventures in the Post (DSTM)

When a gun-toting hoodlum holds up a sleepy village Post office he gets more than he bargains for as postmasters Mr. and Mrs. Pertwee embark on some restorative justice - enlightening the reprobate about the institution he’s been messing with.

But can a comical journey through five centuries of postal history really rehabilitate the rascally rogue? And what of the Pertwees retribution - grossly disproportionate or an act of ultimate public service?

Part skit, part elegy, discover the answer to these and more by travelling with us on a thrilling, head-spinning, mail-coach, night-train ride of your life only - Don’t Shoot The Messenger! For further details see the Mikron Website at www.mikron.org.uk

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Southern Canals Association March Meeting Delegates from canal societies south of Birmingham assembled on a snowy

morning in Swindon to hear about the progress on the Wilts and Berks from Ken Oliver who is the countryside officer with responsibility for the canal. Ken gave a very professional presentation outlining the history, the challenges for the future and the current initiatives, which includes the restoration of the towpath along the entire length.

The meeting adjourned to see the stretch of newly restored canal adjacent to the M4, which includes a new lock and aqueduct.

Ken spoke of the challenges posed by the changes to planning and the need to safeguard future revenue streams when dealing with developers.

Following an excellent lunch Les Etheridge, IWA Chairman, spoke of IWA’s role in a new era. He outlined the relationship with CRT and spoke of IWA’s role as a ‘critical friend’ and also of the need to do what is the right for waterways. Les Etheridge also volunteered the IWA as a repository for cost benefit studies on the waterways, which can then be accessed by both societies and those seeking evidence of the value of waterways. It is recognised that the primarily economic studies are a key argument in restoration and waterway preservation.

John Dodwell, who is a CRT Trustee, spoke of the role of CRT and the co-operation with IWA using the re-construction of two historic bridges by WRG as an example. He also outlined the role of volunteers, fund raising initiatives and acting as consultants for technical waterways projects. CRT is now advising HS2 on planning issue and developer levies - a key skill of CRT.

Vaughan Welch [Rescom] reminded delegates that workboat drivers were subject to MCA regulation, even if operating on non-CRT waters.

Ed Gittings, IWA planning advisor, gave an update on planning which highlighted the difference between current local plans and future ones. This is an area where IWA needs to continue to be vigilant. Verna Smith

Wey and Arun Canal Trust

The 41st Annual Poddle

This year’s walk is on Sunday, 9th June. The route will start and finish at the Brinsbury Campus of Chichester College, which is beside the A29 about 2 miles south of Billingshurst. The route for the walk runs through some of the farmland used by Brinsbury and thence to Hill Farm from which there are very fine views of both the North and South Downs, also a quarry which supplied stone for building some of the canal’s locks etc. The walk continues down to the ancient Stopham Bridge and into Stopham Village, and thence to the Fittleworth Scout & Guide HQ for lunch. A distance of about 7¼ miles.

After lunch the walk continues through Little Bognor and Riverhill to Bedham after which the Wey-South Path is joined and followed towards Lee Farm Bridge.

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Thereafter the route follows the towpath to Haybarn Swing Bridge and thence back to Brinsbury on tracks and a country lane, altogether a further 7½ miles. There will be an option to walk as far as the lunch stop and be transported to the finish.

The Poddle Co-ordinators’ are Joanne and Kevin Holcombe 01483 418195. If you would like to join the walk and raise money towards the restoration,

please telephone 01403 752403, email [email protected] or download a sponsorship form from the Trust’s website www.weyandarun.co.uk.

Pulborough to Pallingham Boat Rally

The annual boat rally from Pulborough to Pallingham will take place on Saturday 22nd June, starting from Pulborough Slipway at 12 noon. The aim is to reach Pallingham Quay (at the start of the Wey & Arun Canal) and preserve the right for future navigation so that when restoration of the Canal is complete, there will be no legal hold ups in enabling boats to use the River Arun.

For further details and an entry form, please contact the organiser John Taylor-Cram on 02392 250463 email: [email protected] or the Trust’s Office 01403 752403.

The Inland Waterways Association

South East Region: Chairman Paul Roper Cranborne, Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hants RG26 5LL

Phone: 01189 813381 Email: [email protected] Guildford & Reading Branch: Chairman Gareth Jones, Hill House Farm,

Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking, RH5 4QQ Phone: 07850 819071 Email: [email protected]

Kent & East Sussex Branch: Chairman Mike Hannan Trumpeter, Water Lane, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9JN

Phone: 01622 890586 Email: [email protected] Oxfordshire Branch: Chairman Ron Heritage “Arbre”, Main Street, Fringford, Oxon OX27 8DP

Phone: 01869 277400 Email: [email protected]

Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA.

Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Tim Fry [email protected]

Next issue Autumn 2013 Copy date 15th July 2013

W&ACT - Gun’s Mouth Cruise and AGM The morning of the AGM saw an array of small boats navigating the stretch of the old canal to its junction with the Wey. In addition the Trust organised trips on two of the Wey’s Day Hire Boats – Norseman (from Farncombe Boat House) and Kath (a new arrival on the Wey being operated from Guildford Boat House - we understand that W&ACT will benefit by a £10 donation for each booking of Kath where mention is made of this and the advertising of the new Day Boat through the Trust).

The Trust’s AGM took place at Shalford on 27th April when Chairman Sally Schupke welcomed almost 200 members in the Village Hall packed to overflowing. Sally opened by thanking those who had organised the morning trips enjoyed by many members. She also acknowledged the work of the NWPG, WRG (BITM) and WRG Forestry in clearance work on Gun’s Mouth Island, also progress with plans for the Bramley Link (Project manager, Philip Oliver), plans for the replacement of Compasses Bridge (Tony Ford) and rebuilding of Gennets Bridge Lock (Eric Walker). The Shalford Office (Managed by David Daniels) was giving welcome relief to the Loxwood Centre which was able to concentrate on Boat Bookings. Poddle Coordinators, Joanne & Kevin Holcombe, had decided this would be their last year and the Trustees wished to record thanks to them for making it such a success over the years. On fundraising, it was clear that more needed to be done in order to maintain the sections of the Canal that had already been restored. Jim Phillips (Treasurer) reviewed the Trust’s Finances and Mike Anderson (Hon.Treasurer of WAEL) reported a good year for the Trading Company

Sally then introduced Robin Higgs who, on behalf of IWA (Guildford & Reading Branch), presented Philip Oliver with a cheque for £500 as a donation towards the work on the Bramley Link and the Gun’s Mouth junction with the Wey.

A view of the canal culvert under the A281 [Photo: Verna Smith]

Members also had a cruise aboard Kath [Photo: Ray Carnell]

Robin Higgs (lt) passing the IWA cheque to Philip Oliver [Photo: Geoff Thomas]

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Cargoes Summer 2013

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