The magazine for members and friends working to restore the Cotswold Canals

THETROWNo. 165 SUMMER 2014 95p

Cotswold Canals Trustwww.cotswoldcanals.com

Volunteers’ sitewww.cct.teamconnect.org.uk

ENews Registrationwww.cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk

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Bell House, Wallbridge Lock,Stroud, Glos, GL5 3JS

TRUST Justine HopkinsADMINISTRATORS Sarah Fesel

Front Cover: Trip Boat Endeavour at Ebley (DJ)Why not take a ride - see p. 29

The Cotswold Canals Trustis a member of

is published by the Cotswold Canals Trust.The magazine takes itsname from the historicSevern sailing vessels

COMPILATION & LAYOUT

David Jowett 01453 755535canaldave@gmail.com

11 Upper Leazes, Stroud,Glos., GL5 1LA

DESIGN & PRINT LIAISONSharon Kemmett of

The Design Co-operative01453 751778

Printed by AST 02920 497901

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIESPeter Perry

perryboxy@aol.comTEL: 01376 346705 FAX: 01376 348550

137 Notley Road, Braintree,Essex, CM7 1HF

PLEASE MENTION THE TROWWHEN RESPONDING TO ADS

THE VIEWS & OPINIONSHEREIN DO NOT NECESSARILY

REPRESENT THOSE OF THECOTSWOLD CANALS TRUST

VICE PRESIDENTS Neil Carmichael MP

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP Chris Coburn MBE

David DrewDr David Fletcher CBE

Peter GadsdenProfessor Mark Horton

Rt Hon Sir Richard Needham

DEVELOPMENT ADVISERSNeville Nelder

Mike Guest

THE COTSWOLD CANALSTRUST IS A REGISTEREDCHARITY - ITS AIMS ARE:To promote for the benefit

of the community, the re-opening of the

Cotswold Canals

To promote the restorationof the two waterways

to give a balance between the needs of navigation,development, recreation,

heritage, landscape conservation, wildlife and

natural habitats.

To promote the use of all the towpath as

The Thames & Severn Way.

To achieve restoration of the Cotswold Canals as a navigable route from Saul

Junction to the River Thames

REG. CHARITY No 269721Reg Co: The Cotswold CanalsTrust Registered in England

No. 1207787 RegisteredOffice: Island House, MoorRoad, Chesham, HP5 1NZ

THE TROW

01453 752568 mail@cotswoldcanals.com

COPY DATE

5 JAN5 APR5 JUL5 OCT

Published by

1 Mar1 Jun1 Sep1 Dec

Some sections of theThames & Severn Canalare in private ownership

with no public access

P

H

A

S

E

3

1

A

Gloucester/Sharpness Canal

River Severn

A38

NewtownEastington

Dudbridge

M5

STONEHOUSE

STROUD

CIRENCESTER

LECHLADE

Whitminster

Bowbridge

ThruppBrimscombe

Ryeford

Chalford

Frampton Mansell

Daneway

Sapperton

Coates

Kemble

Ebley

Ewen

Siddington

South Cerney

Cerney Wick

Saul Junction

SappertonTunnel

Latton

Eisey

Marston Meysey

Kempsford

Inglesham

RH

RH

RH

RH

RiverThames

A46

A423

A429

A419

RH

RoundHouse

CRICKLADE

NorthWiltsCanal

CotswoldWaterPark

1

B

2

N

Cirencester Arm

STROUDWATER

T

H

A

M

E

S

&

S

E

V

E

R

N

=

Brims-combePort

ToGloucester& Beyond

GoldenValley

ToLondon

HISTORIC ROUTE

RH

= Canal Route & mile marker

Bond’s Mill

Capel’s Mill

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From the Chairman

Jack Telling

As always, our Chief Executive’s Reportchronicles much restoration activity but inthe space available it is not possible for himto give a great deal of detail and in particularthe scale of a project and the number ofvolunteers involved.

I would like to focus on one project thathappened in March, the installation of aconcrete path adjacent to Dudbridge LowerLock to replace the towpath scoured out bythe winter floods.

The project involved site preparation, thelaying of reinforcing steel and shuttering,and the pouring, raking and tamping of 50tonnes of concrete. Paul Weller a member ofthe Stroud District Council (SDC) CanalProject Team planned and supervised theproject and was assisted by 70 volunteersdrawn from the Cotswold Canals Trust’s(CCT’s) Western Depot and SDC’sCommunity Volunteers. This is an excellentexample of large scale volunteer input intothe restoration led by a professional.

I would remind readers that the CCT websitewww.cotswoldcanals.com has a sectiondevoted to ‘Latest News’. It is continuouslyup-dated by our Webmaster Clive Field andthe Reports cover all aspects of CCTactivities. To obtain a fuller understanding ofthe scale and range of our activities I wouldurge you, if you do not do so already, to logon to the site.

Once again our thanks are due to the IWAWaterway Recovery Group. At the end ofJanuary, 30 volunteers spent a weekendscrub bashing near Ruck’s Bridge and theForestry Team has removed trees at LowerWallbridge Lock as a first step towards theinstallation of a fish pass and bywash. TheTeam has also been engaged in treemaintenance between Ryeford Lock andRyeford Bridge.

Dividing sections ready for concrete (MG) !

The first concrete pour (MG) !

Brick quadrant on the Lower Lock (MG) "

Concrete towpath under the bridge (MG) "

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The Canal & River Trust (CRT) has recentlydecided to establish ‘Visitor WelcomeStations’ at various canal side locations.Saul Visitor Centre has been chosen for oneof these which will give an opportunity forCCT and CRT volunteers to work together toenhance visitor experience and in particularto explain the importance of inlandwaterways in contributing to the quality oflife. It is hoped that sufficient additionalvolunteers will be recruited to enable theCentre to open seven days a week.

Congratulations to Sam Freeman, a localsculptor, for winning the Search for aSculptor competition. You can read more onpage 21. The Sculpture competition is a verygood example of the type of activity whichmust increasingly be promoted if our bid tothe Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is to besuccessful. I must make it clear that HLF isnot in the business of granting large sums ofmoney simply to restore canals tonavigation. A restoration can, however, bethe means by which the whole communityand the wider environment benefits from

various outcomes. There are 14 of these ofwhich only two are concerned with theconstruction and future management of thecanal. The other 12 are concerned withtraining, education, heritage interpretation,the environment, wildlife, recreation andhealth & wellbeing.

Many people believe that canal restorationvolunteers are essentially concerned withconstruction and maintenance. This mayhave been true in the past. We now needvolunteers skilled and experienced in a largerange of activities. If you feel that you canhelp with the ‘softer’ aspects of restorationplease step forward!

A number of events have been planned forthe next few months. These include ameeting of the Stroudwater Sessions atFromebridge Mill GL2 2PD on Tuesday 13thMay at 7.30 pm when Paul Rutter, CCT’sBiodiversity Director, will speak on Weavingthe Fabric for a Green Canal. This will befollowed on Tuesday 9th September by awaterways based Quiz Evening when I have

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been asked to be the genial Quiz Master. OnSaturday 21st June at 2.30 pm Val Kirby isarranging a Canal Concert at St. Cyr’sChurch, Stonehouse (see p.16). Your supportfor these events will be greatly appreciated.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA)Events Team has announced that it will beorganising an August Bank HolidayWaterways Pageant at Saul Junction(Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August).CCT support will include advice based onlessons learnt at the Saul Canal Festivals,and a special Waterway Pageant edition ofThe Trow. For further information (postedon 14th March) please log onto the ‘News’section of the CCT website.

A reminder that in some areas along thecanal route, elections will be held onThursday 22nd May to elect local councillors.In the Stroud District one third of the Councilis up for re-election - i.e. 18 seats. CCTmembers living in the Stroud District areurged to contact candidates to; a) emphasisethe importance of the restoration of theCotswold Canals and the Phase 1B project(Eastington to Saul Junction) in particular;b) elicit support.

For those interested in purchasing outdoorclothing I am pleased to report anarrangement with Cotswold Outdoor whichgives CCT members 15% off the full retailprice of their products. This is available bothin store and online.

Please visit www.cotswoldoutdoor.com forfurther details. As always there are someconditions attached.

If you are interested in purchasing, in thefirst instance please e-mail CCT Head Officemail@cotswoldcanals.com requesting aLetter of Introduction which will be sent toyou by return. This will include a CotswoldCanals Trust Affiliation Code which you willneed to take advantage of this offer.

Cotswold Outdoors has a number of storeswithin the UK including, one adjacent to theThames & Severn Canal and opposite theGateway Centre at Spine Road, SouthCerney, Nr Cirencester GL7 5TL.

Sharon Eastwood

I must end on a very sad note and paytribute to Sharon Eastwood, a former TrustAdministrator, who died suddenly on Monday31st March. The previous day Sharon andher partner Martyn were flying home from aholiday in Portugal when she had a massiveheart attack. On landing at East MidlandsAirport she was taken by ambulance toQueen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham butdespite all the efforts of the medical staff shedied on Monday afternoon.

Sharon was appointed Administrator in May2010 and played a significant role inensuring a smooth transition from ourCirencester Office to Bell House in July ofthat year. She resigned in November 2012to devote more time to her horses aboutwhich she was passionate. During herrelatively brief time at Bell House shedeveloped systems to cope with a heavyworkload resulting from the Trust’s everincreasing activities and was always cheerfuland helpful. She had a genuine interest ininland waterways in general and theCotswold Canals in particular and herenthusiasm encouraged her partner Martynto volunteer for the construction andmaintenance side of our activities.

I last met Sharon at the Dudbridge Locksopen day last year. She looked fit and welland had clearly not lost any of herenthusiasm for the restoration. I would liketo extend to Martyn and Sharon’s family ourdeepest sympathy for their tragic loss.

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PHASE 1A

Stonehouse to Bowbridge

The two Dudbridge Locks have been re-opened for use by boats and this milestonewas celebrated in March by a BBQ event forvolunteers (both CCT and others) and thethrough passage of the tug Goliath, WookeyHole, Endeavour and Annette. Wookey Holeproceeded through Chestnut Lane swingbridge but found the canal too shallow to getas far as the unrestored Lodgemore SwingBridge.

Although the canal is now in working order,there are a number of residual issues atDudbridge that need resolving including somethat were exposed as a result of the earlierfloods.

Stroud District Council (SDC) has nowreceived tenders for the work at WallbridgeLower Lock and the lengths of canal aboveand below it. Work by McCarthy & Stone tobuild a retirement home on the land abovethe lock has started and this will include alarge retaining wall which will allow thecreation of the space on the off-side neededto restore the lock.

Discussions are just starting on the proposeddesign of the canal above Wallbridge UpperLock where several landslips haveencroached into the canal bed. SDC expectthis work to take place after the summer.

Volunteers have been busy including layingconcrete adjacent to Dudbridge Lower Lockto make sure the towpath does not getwashed away in times of flood. WRG Forestryhave also started working on the trees atRyeford in the length where the canal andriver run parallel. Their return is expectedafter the bird nesting season.

CCT volunteers are often out on Wookey Holeor the other work boats carrying out various

Restoration Updateby Chief Executive Ken Burgin

! The CCT/SVCC flotilla ready to go (MG)

! First boats into Dudbridge Lower Lock (KB)

" In Dudbridge Top Lock (KB)

" Emerging from Dudbridge Top Lock (KB)

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Work continues on the off-side (MG) !

Tea break at Upper Lock Dudbridge (MG) !

CCT dreder on its mooring at Ebley (KB) "

Wookey Hole approaching Dudbridge (KB) "

tasks. The CCT dredger has been relaunchedon Phase 1A after its sojourn over the easternside of the canal and following upgrades andrefurbishment. The Trust has a DredgingWorking Group which is exploring costeffective ways of disposing of and ideallyrecycling dredgings.

There is now a continuous length of aboutthree miles of navigable canal accessible fromthe Strachans Close slipway but there is still alot to do to make it all boater friendly. Forexample, there are a lot of missing boatlanding stages and as yet no supply of drinkingwater. Hopefully many of the shortfalls will beaddressed over the course of the year but forthe time being, the canal has to be used withadditional care. Potential users of the canalshould visit the Stroud Valleys Canal Companyweb site www.stroudvalleyscanal.co.uk formore information.

Of course, the easy and carefree way to get onthe water is to take a trip on Endeavour whichoperates from Ebley.

RESTORING THE COTSWOLD CANALS SAUL JUNCTION TO STONEHOUSE

(PHASE 1B)

CCT'S TEAM IS LOOKING FOR A FUND-RAISER

The CCT is the lead partner in thenext phase of restoring the

Cotswold Canals, from Saul Junction to Stonehouse.

We're working on a new bid forfunds to the Heritage Lottery Fund.This is an exciting, huge and veryexpensive project, and we need to

look for other sources of funding aswell as the HLF.

If you have experience in fund-raising and would like to help,

we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Val Kirby, the team leader, on

01453 853862, or 07969 789938, or email valgkirby@gmail.com

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Bowbridge to Brimscombe

Work has now started on Bowbridge Lock.The canal above it has been drained byraising one of the paddles installed in the mid1970s. This revealed that the towpath, whichhas been known for its leaks for many years,was probably built on timber footings. Thistimber is long gone leaving the wall hangingin mid air with a big gap under it. The goodnews is that the head walls of the lock are ingood condition.

SDC has appointed a contractor to build awall to retain the adjacent Vet’s car parkwhich is parallel with the lock chamber. Thiswork is now under way but the constrainedspace will mean that there will not be roomfor a normal balance beam on the offsidebottom gate. Instead, some form ofmechanism will be installed. Anyone whohas passed through the Rochdale Canal willhave come across quite a variety of these.

There are currently five Waterway RecoveryGroup camps scheduled to work on this lockand Ham Mill this year in addition toweekend visits. Local working parties willoperate at other times under the overallleadership of Jon Pontefract working for SDC.

We really need a first class effort here. Thesetwo locks need to be fully working by the endof next year to complement Griffin’s Mill Lockwhich is almost ready for its new gates.

Other jobs that will need doing in this sectioninclude extensive dredging and the buildingof a new water feed at Gough's Orchard tosupply these locks and Wallbridge UpperLock.

! Drained canal at Bowbridge (MG)

! Retaining wall underway at Bowbridge (MG)

" WRG at Bowbridge 13 April 2014 (DJ)

" The canal at Bowbridge was drained to reveal the state of the wall below the towpath (KB)

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Map of Phase 1B from Saul to The Ocean !

Walk Bridge is the first obstruction (DJ) "

Likely route of the canal under the M5 (MG) "

PHASE 1B

The main effort over the last few months hasbeen in working towards a bid for Phase 1B.This has involved shifting paper andinformation rather than mud but hasdeveloped into a substantial volunteerresourced activity involving people withengineering and/or project managementskills together with various groups outside ofCCT who are keen to get involved.

There is a main bid team, chaired by ValKirby with various individuals and groupsfeeding into the process. The GloucestershireWildlife Trust (GWT) is heavily involved andthere are some shared aspirations whichcould draw in external funding and make thecanal restoration technically morestraightforward.

On the technical side, a substantial grouphas been formed to look at the previousdesign work and costings before progressingsome of the larger and more challengingaspects of the project. This is driven by aclear steer from the Heritage Lottery Fundthat they want to see “cost certainty” - andso do we. In order to get it, we are seekingfirm fixed based pricing on the mainelements of the project by working withthose best positioned to deliver the work onthe ground. This includes the Ocean RailwayBridge with Network Rail, Walk Bridge andthe A38 with Gloucestershire County Council(GCC) and Amey, their new highwayspartner. We are looking for a contractor whois prepared to work with us to establish themost cost effective way to get under the M5.

Within the technical team, others are lookingat the various gas, water, electricity cables,communications cables and the oil pipelinethat cross the route of the canal. Ron Kerbyand the Western Depot are starting to look atthe huge volunteer task of building themissing mile which also includes two brandnew locks.

The whole focus of the bid process is toidentify and hit as many of the HLF targetoutcomes as possible. On top of this, the bidalso needs to be inspirational if we are tosucceed in securing the substantial funding

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! Newtown Lock (DJ)

! Bond’s Mill Bridge (DJ)

" Ocean Rail Crossing (DJ)

" Weed harvester during trials (KB)

we need when in competition with a vastarray of other projects from all over thecountry. We aim to show how restoring thecanal will be a key part of improving localprosperity and opening the door to thingsthat will benefit the whole community. Wesee the canal as the central thread in a wideenvironmental corridor, including the RiverFrome. We also want the whole communityto have better access, more information andmore opportunities to get involved in thecanal. The existing volunteer programmewill expand, and so will opportunities forpeople to find out about the canal’s heritage.

Challenges remain – one is that we need toidentify substantial matched funding.Another is that Phase 1A is not yet finished -several significant projects won’t even startuntil 2015, which presents a major obstacle.

In terms of physical work, maintenancecontinues on Phase 1B, mainly at Eastington,and new paddle gear is being installed atNewtown Lock. Completion of the latter willallow navigation once again between PikeLock and Bonds Mill Bridge. It should alsoallow the new weed cutting boat purchasedby SVCC and operated by CCT to be tried outin anger on the water vegetation that isbadly encroaching the navigation channel inplaces before it moves to Phase 1A to carryout similar work there.

WE NEED YOU AT WEYMOOR BRIDGE

Volunteers with bricklayingexpertise, in addition to traditional

navvying experience, are beingsought so that a resource plan forthe three-days-a-week project can

be developed. We also needsomeone prepared to take on the

role of Site Manager for theduration of the project.

If you are interested in helping inany of there roles, please contact

project manager, Ron Dowlingron.dowling@freeuk.com

07751 587823 or 01285 841373.

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Digging out for the invert (MG) !

Preparing for the former (MG) !

Looking east to west (MG) "

Cowground Bridge is similar and restored (MG) "

PHASE 2

The rebuilding of Weymoor Bridge at Lattonis making rapid progress in spite of someawful weather earlier in the year and anumber of technical challenges.

For example, it has been discovered that thisbridge, and presumably others, was not builtwith an invert (a usually curved base underthe canal between the abutments). As weare expecting this bridge to carry fullhighways loads, an invert is having to beinstalled retrospectively and that means theadditional work involved in removing thetowpath and rebuilding it.

The bricks that will be used in the new archwill also need to be of a very highspecification. Some of the original structurehas been bashed about – presumably at thetime the A419 Latton Bypass was built. It canall be fixed but it is more work and someadditional expense.

The form work to support the arch whilst it isunder construction will be procured soon andshould be reusable on other T&S Canalbridges which either need to be repaired orrebuilt. As part of this process, a number ofsurviving bridges have been measuredrevealing quite complex constraints betweenheadroom and boat width.

All but the western three miles of the T&SCanal was built to accommodate boats of awidth of 12ft. The headroom offered overthis width is constrained by the arch to beabout 7ft but 8ft is available over 10ft ofwidth. There may be other constraintsimposed by the tunnel and particularly bythe bridge below Golden Valley Lock soplease think very carefully if buying a boatwith the expectation of being able to passright through the Cotswold Canals one day.

WRG are planning to make significantinroads into the restoration of IngleshamLock this summer and have advance plans todam off the entrance to the lock and bridgeso that the water can be pumped out. Threeweeks of work camps are planned during Julyand August and it will be good to see somesubstantial progress at this important site.

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and finally....

I reported last time that moves were afoot touse the office block on the end of the oldBensons factory at Brimscombe Port for useby the canal project. This has indeed nowhappened thanks to a great deal of work byMartin Gray and other volunteers.

Water and power have been restored,cooking facilities refurbished, two meetingrooms created, several offices kitted out andsubstantial areas made available foraccommodating visiting WRG and othergroups. There remain some areas of theupper floor where leaks in the roof mean thatthey cannot be used yet.

There is a satisfactory irony that the buildingthat replaced the original headquarters

Water Transfer

There is not a lot to report on progress withwater transfer this time. The potentialCotswold Canals Severn – Thames watertransfer will receive more attention as one ofseveral options being evaluated for thedevelopment of future water resources forthe south east. The outcome will form partof the WRMP19 plan in five years time - thiswas the outcome we were hoping forfollowing the consultations last year.

PHASE 3

Paul Rutter, the Trust's Biodiversity Trustee, isleading working parties in the Coates area. Ifyou live in the Cirencester, or even if youdon't, please consider getting involved in thisimportant work.

Cowground Bridge has been completed andlooks so much better with its parapets back inplace.

Other working parties take place on otherparts of Phase 3 from time to time andsubject to sufficient Team Leaders andvolunteers coming forward, there is scope todo a lot more in the way of preventativemaintenance and improvements.

OFFICE FURNITURE REQUIRED

CCT volunteers are refurbishing theold Bensons Factory offices atBrimscombe Industrial Estate.

This will provide accommodation forvisiting Waterways Recovery Group

Volunteers and offices for planning Phase 1B.

We have received a donation of officefurniture (via Jo Moody) from ‘The

Environmental DimensionPartnership’ and are now trying to

source 6 office desks/workstations &operator chairs to complete our work.

If you can help or know of a companythat is willing to donate surplusdesks and chairs please contact;

Martin Gray email: mrgslg52@aol.com

The official notice for the Annual GeneralMeeting will appear in the next Trow, but putthis date in your diary now. The AGM will beheld on Saturday 25th October 2014 atLechlade Memorial Hall starting at 10:30am.

AGM Date Set

building of the T&S Canal company may itselfbecome the centre of operations for thePhase 1B restoration team before it too getsknocked down when the Port is redevelopedand the canal put back through. Rather thanreferring to the building as “Brimscombe PortIndustrial Estate Unit 1” we are using“T&SHQ” as its new name.

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Early this year, the Veolia Environmental Trustawarded a grant of £100,000 to StroudDistrict Council to restore 320m of canalbetween Wallbridge Lower Lock andLodgemore Bridge close to Stroud centre.

Oliver Blackburn of Veolia EnvironmentalTrust explained, "The grant was awarded atour quarterly Board meeting on 20 January2014, when 77 grants totalling almost £2.5mwere awarded to community andenvironmental projects across the UK. Weaward grants through the LandfillCommunities Fund and the grant total is arecord amount for us since we were set up in1997. It represents our commitment tohelping as many compliant projects aspossible, in turn improving the quality of lifefor tens of thousands of people of all ages andbackgrounds, as well as the environment. Wewill now work with Stroud District Council tofinalise the details of their project, including

Veolia Grantby Clive Field

www.veoliatrust.org

its start date, and get it up and running assoon as possible."

Cllr Simon Pickering, chair of the council’sEnvironment Committee said: “This grant isexcellent news and we are grateful to TheVeolia Environmental Trust for supporting theCotswold Canals project. It means we canpush forward and complete a missing link inrestoration.”

Paul Taylor, Executive Director of The VeoliaEnvironmental Trust added “This is a fantasticstart to 2014, both for us and the projects wehave awarded grants to. This exciting schemewill bring benefits for residents, visitors andwildlife, and I look forward to seeing it startand take shape.”

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An unmissable mid-summer concert

STROUDWATER MUSIC

Choral music inspired by canals

Saturday 21st June 2014

6:15pm Songs on the canal-side,Ocean Bridge, Stonehouse

7:00pm The concert continues inSt Cyr’s Church, Stonehouse, GL10 2QP

Tickets £9.00

obtainable from the Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre, Wallbridge, Stroud

or from The Cappella Singers - phone 01453 759634or website www.cappellasingers.co.uk

supported by the Cotswold Canals Trust andSt Cyr’s Church Parochial Church Council

New Waterways Eventat Saul JunctionOrganised by the IWA

A new event on August Bank Holiday

This new IWA event is based at the popularlocation where the Gloucester & SharpnessCanal meets the Stroudwater Navigation.

There’s free entry to the site though asuggested minimum donation of £2 perperson is suggested.

For the boaters there will be water basedactivities such as boat handling, best boat inbloom, illuminated boat displays and a boatjumble on Monday. Take a boat trip too.

There will be a trade site as well as a real alebar with evening entertainment and cateringfor boaters and campers.

Promoting Restoration

The event will celebrate the restoration ofthe Cotswold Canals and the forthcoming bidfor Phase 1B to the Heritage Lottery Fund.During the Pageant, IWA’s WaterwaysRecovery Group will be working with the CCTaround 10 miles away at Ham Mill andBowbridge Locks near Stroud. Members ofthe public are invited to come along to seeWRG in action!

Book Early!

Boat, Camping and Trade Entry Forms areavailable from the website on the oppositepage as are further details and updates.

Opening Times

Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00Monday: 10:00 - 16:00

plus evening bar & catering for boaters andcampers.

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Thames & Severn Wayby Jack Telling

Nearly 25 years ago, in 1990 to be precise,the Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) publishedthe first edition of Around the CotswoldCanals, a book featuring 10 circular walks.The book was researched and written byRichard Attwood, who served on TrustCouncil for many years, and compiled byDavid Jowett who was Editor of The Trow atthe time (and still is today!).

In the Introduction to the first editionRichard coined the phrase Thames & SevernWay to highlight the fact that the towpaths ofthe Stroudwater Navigation and theThames & Severn Canal form thebasis of a 37 mile long distancefootpath which link two ofBritain’s greatest rivers.

Richard acknowledged thatalthough much of thetowpath is public right of wayit would be necessary to usenearby footpaths or countrylanes to bypass stretches whichare in private ownership. Thatremains the case today.

In 2008 Dave Marshall, representing StroudDistrict Council (SDC), impressed on theCotswold Canals Project Board the importanceof highlighting the significance of the footpathwith the aim of it being recognised as anintegral part of the national long distancefootpath network and an important milestonein full restoration of the Canals.

The Partnership Board agreed and settled onthe name Thames & Severn Way (T&S Way),based partly on earlier CCT aspirations andpartly on the fact that the name does what itsays on the tin! The waymark logo wasdesigned by SDC’s designer and approved bythe Partnership Board and both the Westernand Eastern Consultative Committees.Subsequently a narrowboat was added to thelogo making the canal connection moreobvious in those unrestored sections of thecanal which are currently dry.

Since 2008 various map makers have beeninterested in incorporating the T&S Way intotheir publications but Harper Collins hasrecently published their new 2014 edition ofNicholson’s Severn, Avon & BirminghamWaterways Guide which contains a 24 pagesection illustrating many aspects of theStroudwater Navigation and Thames &Severn Canal. Most importantly it clearlyplots an embryo T & S Way from Framilodeon the River Severn to Inglesham on theRiver Thames. It also gives details of nearbytowns and villages, places of interest,numerous pubs and restaurants along theroute and notes for walkers and cyclists.

Jonathan Mosse (on behalf of Harper Collins)researched and wrote this section of the

Guide with the assistance of CCT’sDavid Jowett and Clive Field.

The T&S Way follows thetowpath when possible butwhen deviations becomenecessary, because there isno public right of access,public footpaths and quietminor roads are utilised. As

restoration proceeds theroute will be modified to

include new sections of thereinstated towpath.

Just before Christmas, Dave Marshall askedme if the CCT would be responsible forwaymarking the route from Brimscombe Portto Inglesham (SDC would waymark fromFramilode to Brimscombe). I agreed andwas duly presented with a bag of plasticwaymarks, from a stock of 500 ordered bySDC, bearing the T&S Way logo. On arrivinghome I discussed the project with my wifePam who suggested that we should waymarkthe route ourselves with the intention that Ibenefit from the physical exercise to reducemy waistline which she claimed hadexpanded over the Christmas period!

So on a cold but untypically dry day inJanuary we set out from Brimscombe Portarmed with waymarks, nails, hammer andglue gun. Our aim was to waymark three orfour miles at a time and we used two cars sothat a return journey on foot was notnecessary. Wherever possible we fixed the

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waymarks to existing posts or poles (some ofwhich were obscured by ivy, brambles etc.which required pruning). We must thankDudley Greenslade for helping us to removethe most dense vegetation.

On the first day we reached Chalford andsubsequently progressed along the GoldenValley to Daneway and then to Sappertonvillage. We then followed the line ofSapperton Tunnel to the Tunnel House pub(Coates Portal) and then the route toInglesham via Thames Head (source of theThames), Ewen, Cirencester, Latton,Cricklade and Whelford. Right of access tothe canal east of Thames Head is limited andwe followed the deviations printed in theWaterways Guide.

Whilst progressing eastwards fromBrimscombe Port we felt we could alsomanage waymarking the route fromFramilode to Brimscombe via Eastington,Stonehouse, Stroud and Bowbridge. Afterconsulting Jon Pontefract and Paul Weller(members of the SDC Canal RestorationProject Team), who were expecting towaymark this section, it was agreed thatthey would concentrate their energies andtalents on their major role of organisingvolunteers to restore and maintain canal

structures including the four locks east ofBowbridge Bridge.

At the time of writing, waymarking is almostcomplete and will be by the time this editionof The Trow is published.

It must be made clear that the end-to-endroute of the T&S Way, as currently plotted andwaymarked, does not always follow the originaltowpath. This is particularly so to the east ofSapperton Tunnel where parts of theabandoned Thames & Severn Canal runthrough private land with no public access.Please do not stray off the designated pathsand bridleways as to do so will jeopardisefuture restoration. The aim is to keep as closeto the line of navigation as is practical and asrestoration proceeds the route will be modified.

It should also be noted that whilst the entirewaymarked path is available to pedestrians,access for cyclists is limited at present. It isnot possible to cycle along the path fromFramilode to Eastington (Pike Bridge) andthere are limited opportunities to the east ofSapperton Tunnel. From Pike Bridgeeastwards, however, it is possible to cyclecontinuously along the path to Daneway.Many sections, particularly in the vicinity ofPhase 1A of the restoration, are in good or

Marking the Way at one of the easier locations - Jack and Pam Telling at Ryeford (DJ) !

20

excellent condition and are also suitable forwheelchairs. Beyond Brimscombe Port,however, cyclists should be of the moreintrepid variety!

Those contemplating walking the T&S Way cando so without reference to maps as the routeis clearly waymarked. Maps and Walk Books,however, do provide additional information andenhance the experience. The spiral bound 200page 2014 version of the Nicholson’s SevernAvon & Birmingham Waterways Guide is nowavailable from the CCT (see page 33). Inaddition to the section on the StroudwaterNavigation and Thames & Severn Canal it alsoincludes detailed maps and a wealth ofinformation on eight navigations including theGloucester & Sharpness Canal and River Severn.

Another very useful publication is a TowpathMap of the Stroudwater Canal & Thames &Severn Canal from Framilode to Sapperton.This was published by Stroud District Councilwith an emphasis on Heritage and is now intoits 3rd edition. The Map was designed, drawnand reproduced by Nick Darien-Jones onbehalf of Nicholas J. Jones Graphics. It is

expected that a companion map (Sappertonto Inglesham) will be published soon.

CCT has also published 2 books of circularwalks Around the Cotswold Canals – Volumes1 & 2 which include most, if not all, sectionsof the T&S Way.

The above publications are on sale at theCCT Visitor Centres at Saul Junction andWallbridge or can be purchased on line byvisiting www.cotswoldcanals.com

We found that walking any stretch of theCotswold Canals from Framilode to Lechladeprovides havens of peace and quiet withmany sites of heritage interest andopportunities to view an abundance ofwildlife, plants and trees. It was noticeablethat the most abundant waterfowl inhabitedthe restored section of the canal. Even oncold and damp days in January and Februarywe met many walkers, joggers and cyclistsmany of whom stopped to ask us what wewere doing and expressed great interest inand support for the concept of the T&S Way.There is no doubt that the notion of thecanal and its towpath providing a linearcorridor linking communities and providingvarious healthy leisure opportunities is themost important reason for eventuallyrestoring fully the Cotswold Canals.

Pam and I found walking the entire 37 milelength of the T&S Way very interesting andexhilarating and hope that many others willfollow in our footsteps. As for my waistlineI have to report little change. I am certainlyfitter but it was difficult to avoid all thenumerous pubs on the route!

21

Sculptor Foundby Clive Field

A Rodborough sculptorhas been commissionedto design and create asignature sculpture tobe sited alongside thenewly restored canal atCapel’s Mill.

Sam Freeman, lecturespart-time at Stroud &South Gloucestershire

College. He was chosen from 28 sculptorsacross Gloucestershire who entered Searchfor a Sculptor. His work will be installed in aprominent position at Capel’s Mill, widelyregarded as Stroud's new waterside park.

The entries were judged by a panelcomprising local artists, Pangolin Editionsand representatives of the Cotswold CanalsTrust and Stroud District Council.

Sam will have the unique chance to workwith craftsmen from Pangolin Editions todesign and produce the piece of art.Pangolin is the world famous sculptureproduction facility based in Chalford. Thesculpture will be made from recycled metaland other materials left over from thecompany’s production processes.

Claude Koenig of Pangolin Editions said “Itwas very exciting to be presented with fourcompletely different and inventive uses forthe contents of our scrap bin by theshortlisted sculptors. As a result, making achoice proved a difficult task but we aredelighted with the panel’s decision and lookforward to working with Sam to enable himto realise his concept.”

The finished sculpture will be unveiled to thepublic at the end of May, to coincide withStroud Arts Festival. Until then, Sam isremaining tight-lipped about his ideas. “I putsome ideas to the judges,” he said, “but I’msure that as I work with Pangolin, things willchange. The end result could be verydifferent; we’ll just have to wait and see!”

22

Volunteering with theCotswold Canals Trust- an Eastern Focusby Polly Fothergill

As reported by the Chairman and ChiefExecutive, a huge amount of work has beenundertaken in recent months by ourwonderful volunteers for which we are allmost grateful and appreciative.

As spring arrives and we look forward to thesummer months, work parties and boat tripsattract and enthuse our local communities.

Boat Trips at Lechlade

This year CCT is seeking volunteer boat crewand bankside assistants to help operate ourregular weekend trips and charters atLechlade. You will also act as an enthusiasticsupporter and ambassador for the CotswoldCanals Trust. This is a fascinating role for

anyone who has a keen interest in therestoration of the Cotswold Canals andenjoys leisurely boating. You will find outfirst-hand how to operate our traditionalThames Launch style boat Inglesham, on thebeautiful upper reaches of the River Thamesat Lechlade.

You will be fully trained in safe boatingprocedures and you will be suitably equippedfor the role undertaken. You may be recentlyretired, working part-time and/or startingout on a new career and wishing to enhanceyour CV, or you may just want to have a goat boating. You will generally be expected tooffer an average of two days per month.

A volunteer should ideally have access to areliable computer, a working email addressand be contactable by telephone / mobile.This is to help us organise suitable rosters.You will soon learn the ropes, so do notworry yourself unnecessarily about that.

Volunteers are able to do some or all of thefollowing depending on experience:

• Chat to / inform customers and sell tickets on the bankside

• Accompany passengers on boat trips, helping them on and off the boat safely

• Steer the boat• Captain / Skipper the boat for the day

Crewing one of the Cotswold Canals Trusttrip boats is a fun and community-based wayto assist with the Cotswold CanalsRestoration.

No formal qualifications are required to start.All you need are:

• Clean and smart appearance • Friendly and approachable personality• Common sense• Interest in canals and boating • Preparedness to adopt safety training

procedures

Boat Skippers will be given formal trainingand certificates:

• RYA Helmsman and/or• IWA Certificate of Boat Management (CoBM)

23

Summit Workparties

We are also looking to further strengthen ourvolunteer base in the Cirencester area.Recently our Biodiversity Director led acouple of very successful work parties alongthe towpath at Coates, close to the TunnelHouse Inn. We aim to enhance the towpathappearance, stability and vegetation makingthis a most pleasant walk to the Roundhouse(where we are also tidying the garden) andonwards to the Thames Source footpath.CCT hopes in the longer term to be able tore-establish boat trips at this beautifullocation. CCT would really appreciate newvolunteers to join us at this spot.

Woodworking and DIY skillssought for our Eastern DepotTwo or more people with some woodworkingskills or sound DIY experience are also beingsought. The CCT has recently beenrefurbishing farm buildings near Crickladeand this depot now has an excellentassortment of woodworking machinery. Thisis a real opportunity for a woodworkenthusiast to have access to a safelyequipped workshop. We have recently beenmaking benches, jack posts (for fixing lockgear to) and small garden items.

We also run a logging operation, cuttingdown trees when clearing the canal bed,logging and delivery.

More and more opportunities are beingopened up as the restoration plan continues,so if you don’t match the above exactly, don’tbe afraid to contact us for an initial chat andthen see where your practical energies mightbe put to best use.

If you are interested in any of the aboveopportunities, please register yourself on ourCONNECT volunteer system via the websitewww.cotswoldcanals.com and tick the boxes:

• “Trip boat at Lechlade”• “Workparties” and/or • “Maintenance Activities East”

or contact me, Polly, for assistance or a chat01242 672134 pmfothergill@sky.com

24

CCT Display Systemby Clive Field

The wall mounted slatboard display systeminstalled at the Saul Visitor Centre & CanalShop during its 2008 refit has made a bigdifference in presenting information to visitorsabout the restoration. The flexibility and impactof the system has also had a very positiveeffect on the display and sales of stock.

Professional advice pays off

Chris Handscombe, professional shop fitterand CCT member designed the Saul VisitorCentre fit out. The display was laterenhanced by the installation of a videodisplay screen supplied by AllSeeTechnologies of Birmingham. The Saul fitout, including the video display screen, waslater replicated in the new Wallbridge VisitorCentre in time for its opening four years ago.

Next step – going mobile

The CCT portable Modular Display Systemwas a concept born of the successful andimpressive Visitor Centre system. Membersof the Cotswold Canals Trust Presentation &Promotions Team designed, built and partfinanced the new Modular Display Systemwhich is now regularly used at events andexhibitions.

Flexible format

The identical lightweight PVC and aluminiumpanels each measure 2ft x 3ft. This makesthem easy to transport and handle. Thepanels are joined together using aningenious Velcro hinging system to constructa variety of shapes to suit the occasion.Branding boards, hooks, shelves and acrylicpicture holders all fit securely onto thepanels.

Research & development

Wallbridge Visitor Centre volunteer BettyShadbolt took the Modular Display Systemout on some early research & developmenttests to her local Women’s Institute events.

! Early days at Wallbridge (CF)

! Mobile system - sales mode in Stroud (DJ)

" The new mobile video display screen (CF)

" At Stroud Leisure Centre (MG)

25

Betty used the system to displayphotographs and maps describing therestoration. She was keen that the modulardisplay system should also benefit from avideo display screen.

To this end she and her W.I. colleaguesraised sufficient funds from their sales ofcrafts to present the Trust with a cheque tomake the purchase.

AllSee Technologies came up with a suitablysized screen. Wallbridge volunteer AndyBerry then came up with the means by whichto fix that screen securely to the ModularDisplay.

Thanks to committed & creative team workthe Cotswold Canals Trust now has aportable Modular Display System to take therestoration message out to events andexhibitions all along the line of the waterway. That same commitment led to the ModularDisplay System having its own slim-line, highdefinition video screen with which to displayNick Bird’s popular ‘End to End PhotoJourney’.

Next step

Let the CCT Administration Team know if youhave an event or venue where therestoration message can be shared. ThePresentations & Promotions Team will thenarrange the appropriate display for theoccasion.

Andy Berry at Stroud Volunteer Day (CF) !

Key to photographs

Thank you to the following who haveprovided photographs for this magazine

Nick Bird Ken Burgin (KB) Clive Field (CF)

Mike Gallagher (MG)David Jowett (DJ)

26

Membership 7,573Membership Secretary Des Pinnock

Jeffrey Bartlett, STROUD, Glos

Philip Taubenheim, Leonard Stanley, Glos

Graham Woodruff, PEWSEY, Wilts

Susan Fletcher, Bishops Cleeve, Glos

Jennifer Payne, MALMESBURY, Wilts

Edward Walker & Sabina Webber, STROUD

Michael & John Breeze, STROUD, Glos

Andrea & Craig Inge, DURSLEY, Glos

Keith & Min Browne, STROUD, Glos

Bill Griffiths, STROUD, Glos

Robert Brown, Tuffley, GLOUCESTER

John Rosser, North Woodchester, STROUD

Richard & Mimi Alderman, BROXBOURNE, Herts

Christine Lovell, Portishead, BRISTOL

Mark McCormack & Clare Harris, STROUD

Corona Thornhill, STONEHOUSE, Glos

Jayne & Ian Kirkham, DURSLEY, Glos

Colin & Sue Johnson, Quedgeley, Glos

Alice Thomson & Marcus Spencer, STROUD

Angela Parker, STROUD, Glos

Michael Bolton, BRIGHTON,

David Hall & Nikki Ashworth, STROUD, Glos

Robert & Lynne Tuttle, CIRENCESTER, Glos

Jonathan Edwards & Catherine Oadley, STROUD

Brian Bailey, Frampton-on-Severn, Glos

George Spence, LEDBURY, Herefordshire

Susie & Philip Richardson, DURSLEY, Glos

Patrick, Isabelle & Thomas Gregory, LONDON,

Melody Morgan-Busher, Walford, ROSS-ON-

WYE, Herefordshire

Julian & Kay Peacey, STROUD, Glos

Ron & Tricia Bull, Bishopsworth, BRISTOL

Valerie Ward, CHELTENHAM, Glos

Gary Canning, STROUD, Glos

David & Wendy Fowles, STROUD, Glos

Mr N.R. Aker, Painswick, STROUD, Glos

Robin & Eve Kerley, South Woodchester, Glos

John F. Shearer, LECHLADE, Glos

Paul Hale, GLOUCESTER,

Chris Smyth, Knutsford, Cheshire

William & Sarah Powell, Kemble, Glos

Sasan Panahinejad, UCKFIELD, E. Sussex

Mike Lovell, STROUD, Glos

Thomas & Katalin LeCornue, STROUD, Glos

Ian Stewart, SLOUGH, Bucks

Christine & Samuel Jones, Abbeymead, Glos

Linda & Anthony Millin, STONEHOUSE, Glos

Andrew T.W. Sindle, Hammersmith, LONDON

S. Peter Daniels, CHELTENHAM, Glos

Peter & Jenny Wilcox, GLOUCESTER,

Christopher & Shiao-Ling Cave Jones

Marian & David Carroll, Longlevens, Glos

Michael J. Halpin, CIRENCESTER, Glos

W. Robin & Celia. M Harris, STONEHOUSE

David Frost & Carly Jackman, STROUD, Glos

Brian & Angela King, STROUD, Glos

Martin & Gillian Bryan, Churchdown, Glos

James & Avril Swainsbury, CIRENCESTER

Jonathan Green, BIRMINGHAM,

Scott Thompson, LONDON,

Vivienne Spafford-Jones & John Bean,

WITNEY, Oxon

John & Claire Fivash, Rodborough, STROUD

Jon Elliott & Sarah Poole, STONEHOUSE, Glos

Paul Smith, STROUD, Glos

Cheryl Cox & Glyn Jones, STROUD, Glos

Adrian & Sharron Pratt, CIRECESTER, Glos

Keith French, Whitminster, GLOUCESTER

Alastair F. Johnston-Todd, Quenington, Glos

Graeme Motts, Yate, BRISTOL

Jane Bethell, Nailsworth, STROUD, Glos

Sonia & Jon Taylor, STROUD, Glos

Damon & Diane Blandford, GLOUCESTER,

Trevor & Gina Marks, STROUD, Glos

Anna & Graham Dore, BOURNEMOUTH,

Debbie & Paul Anderson, ASHFORD, Kent

Philip & Marilyn Daniels, Charlton Kings,

CHELTENHAM, Glos

Luke Bailey, St Briavels, LYDNEY, Glos

Graham Newbury & Jane Smith, WORCESTER,

Peter & Deborah Smith, STROUD, Glos

Nancy Lister, Minchinhampton, STROUD, Glos

Andrea & Leigh Upton, STROUD, Glos

Raphael & Claire Koenig, STROUD, Glos

Sian Parry & Gordon Cassidy, BRISTOL,

Peter Jenner, STROUD, Glos

Linda Webster, STROUD, Glos

Charles & Patricia Garven, The Shallows,

Saltford, BRISTOL

Andrew Morgan, STROUD, Glos

7573 members is another record for ourTrust. A warm welcome to all those whohave joined our Trust since the previousedition of The Trow.

To all those new members, could I make aspecial plea to stay with us - we have muchmore to do.

In a recent edition of the magazineWaterways World I noticed the figure formembership of the Inland WaterwaysAssociation was 16,000. Could this figure beour new target!?

27

General Donations

Anon (Various)In Memory of Mr Charles Alister MullerMr P WheelerCollection-Sharpness Dock ClubDonation - Dudbridge Locks/Hydro Open DayTarmacMrs P A ThomasMiss D WilmottThe Verdon-Smith Family Charitable TrustMr R BurginSome draw ticket buyers also sent donationsSarah WatsonTimothy Gwynne-EvansSusan Howes-In Memory of Ray WarwickBook Sale at AGMModel Railway Exhibition Stall Rachel Jarman-HabBEM ElectricalsChristopher GibsonTheo Stenning Talk - Tetbury Probus One ClubTalk to Sindlesham Masonic CentreR DarbyTalk-Stonehouse Diabetic Society-EPAnthony JakemanBetty & John Shadbolt - Craft SalesLesley & Christopher BennettTalk-Stow & District Civic SocietyProceeds Western Depot Christmas RaffleLuciano MagalottiIn Memory of Mr Raymond WarwickR H Cooke

Thanks to Our Donorsfrom the last six months

CAF AnonBruce Hall - TalkCollecting Tins - Eastern End-Liz PayneTalk - Stroud Womans Probus ClubIn Memory of William Dennis WorrallDavid Stewart-CAFClive Field Walk & Talk - Mr & Mrs BollandJill Field Talk to Ffestiniog Railway SocietyBarrie Stanton Talk to Dorridge Probus ClubMike Guest Talk to Painswick Probus ClubPeter Best (Weymoor Bridge)Theo Stenning Talk-BIATSAlan MerryweatherMr William Ridler-Book of Angling Licences &

Kelly's Directory (1909) for our ArchiveHSBC in the Community/

David Jowett Matched GivingC DowdeswellMrs E HenryIWA Oxford Branch-Talk by Peter PayneWilts & Berks Canal Trust

Wootton Basset Branch-Talk by E PayneKennet & Avon Canal Trust Newbury Branch-

Talk by E PayneEvesham Ladies Probus-Talk by E PayneWilts & Berks Canal Trust Swindon Branch-

Talk by E PayneCotswold Bowls Club Stroud-Talk by E PayneDonation Andrew SindleDonation Bruce HallDonation ref Article by J Thomas

(Dacorum Canal World)Mrs Helen MarshStroud Tangent Club TalkCrudwell Primary School-Walk & Talk -

Clive & Jill FieldDougfield PlumbersCity Electrical FactorsMr J Harris-Donation (Christmas Raffle Prize)Mrs Barbara HolmesDonation - Mr Peter ShawHardwicke WI - Talk by Charles DennyStroud Community Land Trust

(towards Dudbridge Opening)CAFAnonIn memory of Cyril Nicholas BarryEdge Village Hall Talk-Jill & Clive FieldSaul Marina Donation BoxMinnie Dealy (New Zealand)In memory of Ken Chaplin -

Wallbridge Visitor Centre VolunteerMiss L E Brandon - Wedding Gift for herbrother Steve Brandon who is gettingmarried to Jane Vear on Sat 12th April

Bowbridge Lock Appeal

P SmithB & V NewmanH WeideliM McCleeryA EversAnonThe Princess Anne’s Charities TrustR J Paget

28

300 Clubby John Carter

Three Hundred Club is the Trust's lottery heldevery January, April, July and October. OnlyTrust members may participate and they canjoin at any time during the year. Annualsubscription is £15 per stake and a membermay hold up to 4 stakes. Full details are onthe Three Hundred Club page on the website.

The Winter Draw was held in the Trust'sVisitor Centre at Wallbridge Lock, Stroud onTuesday 28th January. The draw was madeby long-time Trust member Andy Berry. Heis a volunteer at the Centre, ably answeringenquiries from visitors. He also turns hishand to the many jobs that need doing tokeep the Centre and travelling displaysystem in tip top condition. The prize fund

was £1050, continuing the £1000+ levelachieved in every draw last year. First prizeof £630 was won by Mrs H Marsh ofCheltenham with stake number (774).Second prize of £315 was won by Mr R Mannof Stroud (871). Third prize of £105 was wonby Mr F Laurenson of Gloucester (351).

The Spring Draw was held on Tuesday 8thApril 2014 at the Trust’s monthly Noggin andNatter at The Ale House in Stroud. The drawwas made by Dave Marshall, Stroud Council'sCanal Partnership Manager. He is also one ofthe Trust's Team Leaders.

The prize fund was £1049. The first prize of£629 was won by Mrs Hardwick ofNorthampton with stake number (656). Thesecond prize of £315 was won by MrMerryweather of Cirencester (458). The thirdprize of £105 was won by Mr Jordan ofNorthampton (211).

" Andy Berry (CF) John Carter (left) & Dave Marshall (MG) "

29

Things to Do This Summer -

Trip Boat Perseverance at Saul

Trip Boat Endeavour at Ebley

Trip Boat Inglesham at Lechlade

Visitor Centre, Saul

Visitor Centre, Wallbridge, Stroud

see www.cotswoldcanals.com

at Saul Junction GL2 7LA

Skippered Charters Monday to Saturday all year - call 07960 821642

Public Trips Sundays April - September 12 Noon to 4:30pm No need to book - just turn upAdults £4 Child (under 16) £2

at Ebley Wharf, near Stroud GL5 4UB

Skippered Charters Sunday to Friday all year- call 07960 821642

Public Trips Sats Apr - Sept 12 Noon to 4:30pmNo need to book - just turn upAdults £4 Child (under 16) £2

from Riverside Park Lechlade

Skippered Charters April to September- call 07787 485294

Public Trips Weekends & BH Apr - Sept 11am - to 5:00pmNo need to book - just turn upAdults £4 Child (under 16) £2

Canalside at Saul Junction GL2 7LA 07854 026504

Open throughout the year. Summer opening hours: Sat: 12:30 - 5pm Sun: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Information and updates on the Cotswold CanalsBooks, maps, gifts, ice-creams, refreshmentsTake a trip or charter from here on Perseverance.

Wallbridge, Stroud, GL5 3JS 07582 286636

Open throughout the year. Core opening hours:Mon - Fri - 10am to 1pm Sat - 10am to 4pmand at any time that the Green Flag is Flying!

Information and updates on the Cotswold Canals.Books, maps, gifts, ice-creams. Cafe bar next door.

30

Sadly at the end of January members of theCotswold Canals Trust at the East End heardof the death of Colin Haigh.

Colin was a charismatic and charming manwith a great sense of humour. He was afounder member of the boat operation atLechlade. He helped to set up the firstInglesham boat and advised in the purchaseof the present Inglesham in 2003. He clearedriverbanks for moorings and sank holes formooring posts and as a carpentry hobbyisthe designed and made the Riverside Parklanding stage for the boat. For many yearshe also steered the boat while his wife Annwas in charge of the bankside gazebo.

Above all Colin will be remembered as agreat narrator. He was a talented raconteurand his knowledgeable, humorous andinformative talks, as he boated along theriver, will be long remembered by passengersand crew alike.

Colin was a Yorkshire man who had adistinguished military career in the RAF. Hewas commissioned in 1963 and retired in1998. A very wise man with a cool head heplanned the intricate flight refuellingschedule which enabled the Vulcan bomberto bomb the runway at Port Stanley at thebeginning of the Falklands campaign. For thishe was awarded the MBE.

Over the years Colin served in a variety ofRAF stations but particularly enjoyed his timeat Dartmouth Naval College where he taughtnavigation and sailing to the cadets. His finalposting was at RAF Whelford where he wasdeeply involved with the family, friends andveterans of the Whelford USAF and RAF. Hewas also curator of the WWII museum

Living in Bibury, Colin was a really activemember of the parish. He was a choristerand church warden. He helped in theplanning of a lottery grant for the Bibury

children’s playground and was an activemember of the Royal British Legion.Throughout his life he was a great sports carenthusiast and drove his frog eyed sprite,hood down in all weathers while at the sametime he owned a Vitesse and a TR2.

In spite of the huge amount of work Colin didfor his own village his enthusiasm for theCotswold Canals Trust never flagged. From2003 to 2006 he was a member of the TrustCouncil and became the Chairman at theEast End. He continued to work on the boat,steering, narrating, recruiting new membersand being a constant source ofencouragement and advice until ill healthmeant that this was no longer possible.

Colin will be sorely missed.

Squadron Leader Colin Haigh MBE 1943-2014Obituary by Michael Cawsey & Wendy Read

31

On 19th March we had our first Wildlife Walkat Saul, and it proved to be one of the bestsupported to date, with 13 people on thewalk despite the surprisingly chilly, strongsoutherly wind.

We set off in a very leisurely manner,following the Stroudwater Canal eastwardsfrom its junction with the Gloucester &Sharpness Canal, and immediately spottedbirds we hadn’t seen previously. The firstwas a Little Egret, sitting obligingly in anearby field, and then a pair of MandarinDucks beside the canal.

Our route took us along the towpath to WalkBridge, and then heading further east toWhitminster Bridge. Here there is a weir,usually a good spot for wildlife, and sureenough, we had good views of Heron andGrey Wagtail. We continued the 'canal'theme and eventually arrived at Stonepits

Wildlife Walkby Martin Wright

Bridge where we saw a Raven and anothernew bird, a Skylark.

Rather than taking the circular route viaHighfield House, we retraced our steps, butnot before the discovery of the day. Footprints seen beside the River Frome werealmost certainly left by an Otter. Perhaps it ‘sworth making a return visit one evening.

Finally, a walk through WhitminsterChurchyard, which was a great place tolinger, particularly as the sun had come out.Celandines and primroses in flower andChiffchaffs singing were further signs ofSpring in the air.

Birds seen: Little Egret, Great Tit, Heron,Blue Tit, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard,Crow, Mandarin Duck, Raven, Mute Swan,Jackdaw, Moorhen, Collared Dove, Coot,Wood Pigeon, Herring Gull, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Dunnock, Greenfinch, GreenWoodpecker, Chaffinch, Pheasant, Robin,Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Fieldfareand Skylark.

32

New CCT Book

This new book tells how a 2.17 mile longtunnel was hewn by hand from the rock andclay of the Cotswolds between 1783 and1789. Author Graham Hobbs, a retiredprimary school teacher, was assisted on thisthree year project by the pupils of SappertonC of E Primary School. The enthusiasm ofGraham and his young researchers leaps outof the pages.

The author’s notes state that the book ‘aimsto lead the reader through the story almostas if you were there.’ This aim is certainlyachieved. Many previously unpublishedpictures and documents add to theexperience.

The geology of the Cotswolds and thesurveying techniques & equipment of the1700s are just some of the mattersexplained. Contemporary press reports andhand written documents have beenreproduced together with some revelationsabout the interesting disparity between localmarriages and births recorded during the sixyears it took to complete the tunnel!

An added benefit for the Sapperton Schoolpupils was a visit to the printers StroudPrintto see the results of their teamwork.

Stroudwater Sessions

You may just receive this Trow in time to seeCCT’s Paul Rutter talk on Tuesday 13th May.He will talk about his environmental work forthe Trust at Fromebridge Mill on the A38 atWhitminster with a 7:30 start. The nextmeeting on 9th September will feature a quizat a venue to be confirmed. Details of futuremeetings follow in the next Trow.

Noggin & Natter - Now Monthly!

The Noggin & Natter will now be heldmonthly on 6th May, 10th June, 8 July, 12August. These are informal social get-togethers where you may hear others shareexperiences of their work for the CCT. Venueis the Ale House, Stroud in the Farmer’sMarket quarter. Come and go as you pleasebetween 7:30 - 11:00pm

Eastern End Group Meetings

These take place every third Wednesday ofthe month (except December). This is asocial gathering, often featuring guestspeakers at The Trout, Lechlade close to StJohn’s Lock. More details from Peter Payne01367 253352 PeterStJohnsLock@aol.com

LOG SALESDeliveries available from both

Western & Eastern Maintenance Depots

For further information or to place an order:

www.cotswoldcanals.comFollow the Log Sales link

Email logs@well-springs.co.uk

Phone 01452 505322

What’s OnMidweek Evenings

Sapperton Canal Tunnelby Graham Hobbs for the CCT,

Burcombe Publishing 52ppISBN No. 978-0-951422-5-3

£6.95 incl p&p

33

Buy From Our Shops

Please call in at our Visitor Centres to see ourwhole range at Stroud or Saul. Whilst youare there, catch up on restoration news.

Online Purchases

To buy online, go to the CCT’s websitewww.cotswoldcanals.com and click on theShop option.

By Post (UK only)

To make purchases by post, please write to:Cotswold Canals Trust, Bell House,Wallbridge, Stroud, Glos., GL5 3JS. Pleasemake sure that you give your name andaddress and a contact phone number. Pleasestate exactly which items you would like andthe quantities you require.

Please send a cheque for the total includingP&P made payable to CCT (Trading) Ltd.

If you have any queries, please call 07582286636 or 01453 752568

New Canals Guide

Waterways Guide - Severn, Avon & Birminghampublished by Collins Nicholson 200pp

ISBN No. 978-0-0075389-8-0£18.99 incl p&p

The 2014 Nicholson Waterways Guide nowincludes the Cotswold Canals which havebeen deemed worthy of no less than 24pages in the 2014 edition.

Jonathan Mosse, the researcher and author,commenced his research for the newCotswold Canals section of the guide with alate afternoon visit to the Cotswold CanalsTrust Visitor Centre at Wallbridge in thesummer of 2013.

He explained that he first visited SappertonTunnel and the nearby source of the RiverThames as a schoolboy on a school trip.Jonathan's teacher clearly inspired youngmaster Mosse to retain and develop aninterest in waterways!

Time spent on reconnaissance and researchis rarely wasted. Jonathan returned regularlyfor lengthy discussions at the Visitor Centrebetween a series of extended research walkstaking in the entire 36 miles of the actual andfuture route of the entire waterway.

An extra nod in our direction is that the frontcover of the 2014 guide shows Splatt Bridgeat Frampton on Severn on the Gloucester –Sharpness Canal.

Directors Contacts DatesMAY

W/E 24/26 Crick Boat Show (CCT)

JUNETue 10 Noggin & Natter in Stroud - see p 32Wed 18 Eastern End Meeting - see p 32Sat 21 Stroudwater Music - see p 16W/E 28/29 Braunston Historic Boat Show (CCT)

JULYTue 8 Noggin & Natter in Stroud - see p 32Wed 16 Eastern End Meeting - see p 32

AUGUSTTue 12 Noggin & Natter in Stroud - see p 32Wed 20 Eastern End Meeting - see p 32W/E 22/25 IWA Waterways Pageant (CCT) - p 16

SEPTEMBERTue 2 Noggin & Natter in Stroud - see p 32Tue 9 Stroudwater Sessions - see p 32Wed 17 Eastern End Meeting - see p 32

(CCT) - Cotswold Canals Trust present at event

For regular news including Dates for your Diary,please sign up for E News

www.cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk

CHIEF EXECUTIVEKEN BURGIN

01453 827414ken.burgin@pikelock.co.uk

Membership Secretary/Change of AddressDES PINNOCK ISO 01452 856233

1 Dunstan Glen, Churchdown, Glos, GL3 2PY DesPinnock@aol.com

The Trow Editor DAVID JOWETT 01453 755535

11 Upper Leazes, Stroud, GL5 1LAcanaldave@gmail.com

E-Newsletter EditorDAVID PAGETT 01452 505322

david@well-springs.co.ukwww.cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk

Press & PublicityMIKE GALLAGHER 07940 130611

gallagher_mick@hotmail.com

Trading Company ChairmanSaul & Stroud Visitor Centres Manager

Website ManagerCLIVE FIELD

01242 529972/07798 551288Clive@southernroad.com

Skype: clive_field

Visitor Centre, Wallbridge Lock, Stroud07582 286636

Heritage Centre, Saul Junction07854 026504

Inglesham Trip Boat Ops ManagerRON READ 01367 252352ron.read@btinternet.com

Inglesham Trip Boat Charters ManagerPLEASE CALL 07787 485294

enquiries@lechladetripboat.co.uk

Saul/Ebley Trip Boat Ops ManagerROB BURGON 07860 329477

persy@live.co.uk

Saul Trip Boat ChartersJUSTINE HOPKINS/SARAH FESEL

(CCT Office) 01453 752568mail@cotswoldcanals.com

Press CuttingsJILL MERIOTT-WHITE 01453 872999

5 Millpond End, N. Woodchester,Stroud, Glos, GL5 5PB

CHAIRMANCompany Secretary

JACK TELLING 01453 825709/07852 540249

JWTelling@aol.com

Vice ChairmanChief Operating Officer

JIM WHITE01453 873733/07946 536302

dimlite@hotmail.co.uk

Treasurer TRUDY AYRE

01453 764039/07800 803142trudy@ayrehome.freeserve.co.uk

Funding DirectorJOHN ALLAN

07798 684092john.allan@cotswoldwireless.co.uk

Technical Director - StructuresKEN BAILEY 01453 511248KBailey76954@gmail.com

Assistant Membership Secretary300 Club Manager

JOHN CARTER0117 957 5450

johncarter.jrc@gmail.com

Volunteer Engagement DirectorPOLLY FOTHERGILL

01242 672134/07968 726192pmfothergill@sky.com

Construction DirectorMIKE HYND

01452 713913/07805 405580mikehynd@ermec.ltd.uk

Phase 1B FundingVAL KIRBY

01453 753762valgkirby@gmail.com

Trustee / Project ManagerROBIN PAYNE 01453 890256

robinp2l@yahoo.co.uk

Projext Finance ControllerADRIAN PEATMAN

01453 542000adrianpeatman777@btinternet.com

Maintenance Operations DirectorSTEVE PICKOVER

07905 596006stevepickover@hotmail.co.uk

Biodiversity DirectorPAUL RUTTER01452 812005

paulb.rutter@tiscali.co.uk

Work Party ContactsVolunteer Website:

www.cct.teamconnect.org.uk

Construction Action Group MeetingsMIKE HYND 01452 713913

Monthly alternating between Bell HouseWallbridge and Down Ampney Village Hall

Eastern Depot 01793 752686ccteasterndepot@gmail.com

Manager NORMAN BOYES 01367 250241

Western Depot 01453 822119cctwesterndepot@gmail.com

Manager RON KERBY 01453 836018/07710 872295 r.t.k@btinternet.com

“Summit” Work near TunnelPAUL RUTTER 01452 812005

paulb.rutter@tiscali.co.uk

Siddington/South Cerney/“Gang of Four” Work Parties

JOHN MAXTED 01285 861011/07756 974406maxtedj@aol.com

Stroud to Chalford Work PartiesSTEVE PICKOVER - details under Directors

Cotswold Canals Partnership Volunteer Co-ordinator

JON PONTEFRACT 01666 577031/07986 351412

jonponte@tesco.net