The Magazine of the Lichfield atherton Canals estoration · PDF filethe grant and disburse the...

The Magazine of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue No. 83 - Spring 2015

Tom Fanning, CEO of Midland Expressway Limited, receives a certificate of honorary life membership of the Trust from our President, Eric Wood,

after handing over a cheque for £50,000 as a contribution to the construction of the Crane Brook Culvert (8th April 2015)

Streethay Wharf Ltd.Lichfield

Heart of the Coventry Canal

tel:01543 414808 mobile:0782 4848444fax:01543 414770

www.streethaywharf.co.uk

7-DAY CALL OUT SERVICEGEN SETS FITTED

DIESEL AND SOLID FUEL STOVES FITTEDBOTTOM BLACKING

REPAINTING AND SIGNWRITINGNEW BOATS FULL & PART FIT-OUT SUPPLIED

ALL MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL WORKFULL CHANDLERY

STRETCHING AND REBOTTOMINGGAS SAFE. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

ALL STEEL WORK AND TANKS

Support the boat yard on the “Lichfield Ring”

Boat Transport, England, Europe Cranage ArrangedSite Surveys Complete Service for DIY Repairs

Boat Hire Boat Fitting Diesel Pump Out Mooring Boat Sales Laundry

Trent & Mersey Canal

V.A.T No. 133609427

Streethay Wharf Ltd.

For once I am almost overwhelmed by suitable material with which to impress the membership. In a long-haul project such as ours we have spent much of our time managing disappointment and focussing attention on relatively modest achievements. So far, 2015 has seen a radical reversal of this experience and we have had to make the transformation to managing good news and raising expectations. In my last Chairman’s column I carefully avoided arousing too much excitement as the indications grew that our Social Investment Business Group grant would enable us to embark on the major project at what we now call Summerhill. For those not familiar with all the geography of the Lichfield Canal this is the section from the Boat Inn on the A461 to a point west of the aqueduct over M6 Toll. Our major concern as we went to press last time was that there was very little time to meet the terms of the grant and disburse the money before the end of March. Thanks to our brilliant team, spearheaded by Bob Williams and Peter Buck this was done and a major transformation has taken place. Also, the contract has been let for the reinstatement of the Crane Brook Culvert which was demolished as part of the building process of M6 Toll. You will see the details in the pages which follow.

On Friday 6th March I was honoured to take part in the ceremony of “cutting the first sod” for the project of rebuilding the culvert. This was performed by our Patron, Michael Fabricant MP, in company with Mike Wilcox Chairman of Lichfield District Council, Cllr. Terry Finn for Lichfield City Council, representatives from Brownhills and directors of the Trust (see photo below).

Chairman’s Column

3Cut Both Ways Spring 2015

We were also able to inspect the fantastic clearance work carried out by Trust volunteers as well as contractors which has opened up the entire profile of the canal from the Boat to the aqueduct. The SIB grant had enabled the Trust to buy this vital section of canal track from a local farmer who has recently been most supportive. Also vital to our success has been the co-operation of WCL, the quarrying company which owns the area close to the aqueduct and culvert which has been generous with its support and allowing access through its property. All this will enable the Heritage Towpath Trail to be opened up to public access in the very near future.

We have also been grateful to Midland Expressway Ltd, operators of M6 Toll, which has honoured a promise made in 2002 to make a substantial donation towards the reinstatement of the Crane Brook Culvert. In an on-site ceremony on 8th April the CEO of the company, Tom Fanning, handed over a cheque for £50,000 (cover photo) to our President, Eric Wood. In return I presented Tom Fanning with a certificate of honorary life membership of the Trust to keep in touch with our progress in his imminent retirement. This was an outcome which few of us might have anticipated in the long negotiations for the installation of our aqueduct across the Toll Motorway. Progress can now be made in modifying the aqueduct for safe public access.

Earlier on 6th March I was delighted to sign the memorandum of understanding between Lichfield District Council, Lichfield City Council and The Trust. It was signed for LDC by Chairman, Mike Wilcox and for the City by Cllr Terry Finn. This has taken several years to come to fruition and formalises the co-operative working which has gone on for many years between to three bodies. In time, this will be extended to other relevant organisations. In many ways it marks the “coming of age” for the work of the canal trust in Lichfield and shown that its work and ambitions are recognised at the highest level.

Meanwhile, discussions with HS2 concerning the proposed works at Huddlesford which the building of the new railway will make necessary have progressed. Detailed designs have now been agreed for the diversion of the Lichfield Canal and we are hopeful that the construction will be included in the HS2 build programme. There must still be a cautious attitude in place as the building of the railway has not yet been formally agreed and the burdens of cost have yet to be discussed.

Our volunteers continued to work at Tamworth Road, now returning after the winter diversion to Summerhill. The intention remains to put most of Pound 27 into water during the coming summer months. We always have to remember that the more we extend our activities the greater become the requirements of routine maintenance. With the approach of summer the management of vegetation bears down on our team.

Elsewhere, we have been considering the extension of the Lichfield Bypass between Birmingham Road and Lichfield Road. Staffordshire Highways are working with Network Rail and others to carry the road under the Lichfield to Birmingham Railway. As we have long known, this presents a major challenge to the Trust. Just as when

Chairman’s Column


we installed the aqueduct we had to incorporate our work into the overall works programme so it will be with this railway crossing. If the canal culvert under the railway is not installed at the same time that road goes through, the costs of doing this later will be vastly increased and the difficulty in getting agreement from Network Rail will also multiply. We had hoped that canal and road could use a single portal under the railway but this has not proved possible. This means that a substantial cost will fall to the Trust. The work will start, we are told, in about two year’s time which leaves a very small window for major fund-raising. This is one of the big challenges ahead before we become too euphoric about all the things which have gone well recently.

So, we move into Summer in good heart with plenty of encouraging news to be presented at our AGM. However, in the mood of Churchill on VE Day 1945, we can allow ourselves only a brief moment of rejoicing. We have been able to finance several major projects but there is so much more yet to be done. We must always keep in mind that the cost of completion of the Lichfield Canal restoration is still estimated to be in the region of £40m. Despite our achievements so far, that one figure must still be the focus of our minds in the years ahead.

Chairman’s Column

Brian Kingshott(chairman)

(Michael Wilcox, Leader of Lichfield District Council, with Brian Kingshott, Chairman of LHCRT and Cllr. Terry Finn, Lichfield City Council join in

signing a Memorandum of Understanding forming a Partnership to support rebuilding the canal through Lichfield (6th March 2015).


We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st January to 31st March 2015.

Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Marketing

Suchet, Restoration and Land Appeals

Feet of Clay Fund

Mr S Bil 45.00Mr D M Harrison 100.00Ms C A Freeman 1,000.00Mr J A Carr (with sub.) 50.00Morris Ground Golfing Soc’y (with sub.) 50.00Mr S J Szulc (with sub.) 34.00Mr A V H Gulvin (with sub.) 60.00Late Mrs Edna May Morris legacy 2,894.68Mr C E Ricketts (with sub.) 44.00Miss A C Salter (with sub.) 40.00IWA National Raffle share 410.00Mr G E Ward (with sub.) 106.00Mr & Mrs B R Humphreys (with sub.) 50.00Mr O F G Butler (with sub.) 40.00Mr S H Sampson 200.00Mr D M Hoblyn 100.00Mr J W Cook 50.00Easyfundraising 61.65Mrs M Humphreys 30.00Cross Keys, Penkridge, coin collection 50.28Mr R T Willis (private talk fees) 145.00Late Mrs Edna Attwood legacy 500.00Mr J E Wood & Mr J C Morris 35.20Rev A J G Cooper 25.00Mr M J Baldry 50.00Longwood Boat Club 150.00Mr A J Fisher (with sub.) 30.00

Donations to the Trust


Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st January to 31st March 2015.

Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Marketing

Suchet, Restoration and Land Appeals

Feet of Clay Fund

Mr & Mrs D Gray 90.00Mr David Stanistreet 120.00Mr Eric Wood; donated goods 59.00Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 300.00Mr David Dixon (returned expenses) 40.50Mr B Kingshott (returned expenses) 400.00Mr R O Williams (returned expenses) 60.08Regular donors to appeals and aggregated amounts up to £20.00. 738.10 555.75 162.50

Membership rates are:Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6;

Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Small Business £100, Large Corporate £200; Life Membership £200,

Family Life Membership £300 (includes children up to age 18).To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page).

We are very grateful to the following :-

Jack Moody Ltd, Essington.

Barnes Skips, Lichfield for waste disposal.

Executors of the estate of the late L B Houghton.

“Oddfellows in the Boat” on Walsall Road, Lichfield.

WCL Cranebrook Quarries Ltd

“More Space” for their donated Champagne


Membership Matters

SubscriptionsMay I appeal to all those members who do not pay their annual subscription by bank standing order to pay promptly by cheque or via the website when they receive their reminder at the beginning of the appropriate month?

Members’ subscriptions are vital to the continued work of the Trust and prompt receipt helps enormously with cash-flow.

Incidentally, Trust rules state that any member whose annual subscription is more than nine months overdue should have their membership terminated. Although this has been fairly liberally interpreted in past years, it needs to be enforced if our membership records are to be properly kept. We do not wish to lose any of our members, but we must be sure that our records are correct if, for example, we are asked to quote membership totals when dealing with government departments or other official bodies.

In short–we need you. Please stay with the Trust and please pay when you receive your reminder.

My details are: Godfrey Eland, 18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 6DD

[email protected]

Many thanks and kind regards, Godfrey Eland, Membership Secretary

Towpath TimesThose members of the Trust for whom we hold a valid email address will have received the first issue of our new monthly newsletter – “Towpath Times” – which was emailed to around 600 members on 21st. March. Our sincere thanks to the many who have replied with comments, suggestions, and general messages of encouragement.

If you have not received a copy, we either do not have your email address or we have out of date or incorrect details. To receive a copy of the first and future issues please send an email with the heading “Towpath” to [email protected] (no message necessary).

Please note, all issues will be sent as “blind copies” so that no other member will see your email address.

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each

Copies of issues 1 to 82 are available from Bob Williams

Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, WS7 0JP

Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd.


We regret to announce the loss of the following members:-

Mr L B Houghton, Colchester, died in 2014.Mr D Queenborough, Shirley, Solihull, died in 2014Mrs Edna Attwood, Shenstone, died January 2015.Mr C E Ricketts, Lichfield, died 23rd March 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT

Owing to the ever increasing cost of postage, the Trust Council has decided to discontinue sending “ Courtesy Reminders “ to those members who pay by Bankers Order. Consequently, it would be more economical for the Trust if those who pay by cheque could change to a Bankers Order, using the form available on our website, or call 01543 671427 to have one sent to you.

Membership Total:- 1849 (Comprising 357 Adult, 868 Family, 169 Life, 412 Retired, 12 Business, 31 Other.

*********************************************************************************************

Mr S Godfrey, BurntwoodMs R Hodgkiss, LichfieldMr D Dunkley, CannockMrs A Parkes, TamworthMr D Queenborough, Shirley, SolihullMr C Humphries, LeedsMr R Stait, NuneatonMr C Cummings, Kirkby in Ashfield

New Members 1st January to 31st March 2015*********************************************************************************************

Membership Matters

Mr S Woods, Heath Hayes, CannockMr A Hollyhead, BrownhillsMr W Tolmie, BurntwoodMr R P Wheeler, Hednesford, CannockMs D Ashley, Aldridge, WalsallMr & Mrs J R Satchel, LichfieldMr M Dempsey, LichfieldMrs T D Kingston, Lichfield

Our VisionTo reinstate the historic Lichfield Canal and Hatherton Canal

for the benefit of the community.The natural wildlife corridor from Huddlesford to Hatherton will provide

a valuable amenity for walkers, cyclists, boaters and visitors to use and will bring prosperity to the area.

This project will also provide an opportunity for young people to learn about our history, our heritage and our environment.


Our 500 Club gives members a chance to win prizes of up to £400 every three months! 50% of the 500 Club income will be retained for capital expenditure essential for restoration of our two canals… and 50% paid in prizes to its members.

Renewals have been coming in steadily and there have been several new subscribers since the last draw. 240 subscriptions were eligible for the March draw which is the highest number since the “500 Club” started in 2007. The more subscriptions we have, the more money we raise for the Capital Fund and for prize money. So please spread the word; you don’t have to be a member of LHCRT, anyone can join.

The Trust would like to thank all the subscribers for their continuing support.

The winners of the March 2015 draw are:First prize £ 187.20 No 1 Mr Michael Smith, Lichfield, StaffsSecond prize £ 122.40 No 124 Ben & Jean Spencer, Queensland, AustraliaThird prize £ 50.40 No 102 Rose Freeman, London

So please spread the word.

If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher the prizes. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

So please spread the word. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.

The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be:

1st Prize £400 approximatley 26% income2nd Prize £250 approximatley 17% income3rd Prize £100 approximatley 7% income


Notice is hereby given that the 25th. Annual General Meeting of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd. will be held at Park View Centre, Chester Road North, Brownhills, Walsall WS8 7JB on Friday 5th. June 2015 at 7.15 pm.

AGENDA

1. Apologies.2. Minutes of the 24th. Annual General Meeting 6th June 2014.3. Matters Arising.4. Directors’ Report.5. Treasurer’s Report and Presentation of Accounts

for the year ended 31st. December 2014.6. Chairman’s Report.7. Election of Directors: (a) Directors retiring by rotation and eligible to stand for re-election: Brian Kingshott, Peter Buck, Geoff Crook Vaughan Welch (IWA nominee). (b) Any other nominations received.8. Appointment of Accounts Examiner: Dains - Chartered Accountants.9. Any Other Business.10. Close of formal business.11. Guest Speaker. David Penny, Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust

After the AGM, tea and biscuits will be served with an opportunity to view displays and sales material.

Note 1: A member entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint a proxy. A Form of Proxy can be obtained from the Company Secretary (Dora Hancock), to whom they should be returned at least 48 hours before the time appointed for the meeting.

Note 2: A summary of the 2014 Annual Accounts, subject to approval, is included in this magazine. Any member wanting a copy of the full accounts in advance of the meeting should contact the Treasurer, Bob Williams.

Note 3: Non-members are welcome to attend but cannot vote at the AGM.

Annual General Meeting


Apart from our brief expedition into Darnford Park a couple of years ago, and regular maintenance at Fosseway, Darnford Heath and Muckley Common, the main focus of our efforts for many years has been the section beside Tamworth Road, from Cricket Lane, past Locks 25 and 26 and down to the dead end by the A51 / A38 road bridge. How good, then, to be able to report work on a major new site in a different area. The breaking news from the last issue of this magazine has now become a reality and the half-mile stretch of canal between “The Boat” pub and the toll road is now back in our hands. The pictures in the last issue, good as they are, can’t really convey just how hard a task lay ahead as we made a start on clearing our way through in early January. Obviously I must mention the work carried out by contractors; some tasks can’t be done without specialised and expensive machinery and a degree of expertise which we don’t have, so we’re very glad of their professional contribution. However, my main point in these reports has always been to praise and highlight the outstanding work of our wonderful gang of volunteers, and in this new project, as ever, they’ve achieved remarkable results through a couple of months of hard, sustained effort. At the turn of the year it was a two hour battle to reach the toll road, through brambles, scrub, fallen trees, the lot, but now it’s a pleasant and accessible 15 minute walk along a recognisable canal channel. There’s a very long way to go before the restoration is complete, but we hope to have a properly surfaced footpath from Barracks Lane, on the outskirts of Brownhills, to “The Boat” within a year. As Summerhill, as the new site is known, and Tamworth Road are some distance apart, and as our equipment is based at the latter, the trust has invested in 2 new ( used!), larger machines, a dumper and an excavator which will be based at Summerhill for the duration of the project, after which we will hopefully have other plans to employ them.

So, after 2 months of frenetic activity, made a lot easier by regular pub lunches in the very welcoming “Boat”, we returned home to Tamworth Road to continue where we left off. There are 2 distinct areas here, but only one aim; to get Pound 27 in water this year. We’ve already done a lot of remedial work on Lock 26, but Bob Houghton’s patient record-keeping suggests that there’s more needed to make the structure watertight; some pressure grouting seems to be the likely solution. Immediately below the lock we’ve been concreting a couple of sections every week, as well as underpinning the towpath and wing-walls which were, like everything else, built directly on sand. There are plans for the Trust to hold a Trailboat Festival in a couple of years’ time and essential to that is a slipway, which is currently under construction and is one of the reasons that we’re extending our concreting farther downstream than originally planned. The next major obstacle remains the “Big Pipe”, the storm drain which runs through the length of Pound 27 to the weir corner. Although it will ultimately deliver our water supply via Pound 26, we need to remove it before we can line the Pound 27; removing it is less of a problem than getting permission to do so, as a number of agencies are involved. On the subject of lining, we can, weather and manpower permitting, press ahead with laying the clay in the winding hole area, an operation we had to abandon through the wet winter months and because of our

Lichfield Canal Work Report


work at Summerhill. We’ve already made good progress and have another couple of loads stockpiled. All this work is seen and appreciated by an ever-increasing stream of walkers and cyclists along “the yellow-brick road”, the name given to the Heritage Towpath Trail by Grim Reaper George. We’ve salvaged loads of daffodils which would have been lost in the work at Summerhill and planted them in the coppice at the end of the path, where they’ll be a lovely sight next spring.

A lot to do then, but 3 months to look back on with great satisfaction. As always,my heartfelt thanks to the lads and lasses who have been hugely supportive, hard working, enthusiastic and good company. Really encouraging has been the addition to our ranks of a number of younger volunteers, notably the two Harry’s (Ayto and Wem) who have brought a new sense of keenness and energy to our activities. It’s also reduced our average age f rom around 70 to nearer 60!

On a personal note; personal circumstances mean that I won’t be able to devote quite so much of my time to the Trust as I have in the last couple of years, although when I’m here I’ll continue to give my best. No-one’s indispensable and the work will continue perfectly well in my absence. Roger and Hugh have agreed to take on extra responsibilities; I know they, like me, will have great support from the whole gang. It has been and will, I hope, continue to be a great pleasure and privilege for me to hold this post. I couldn’t wish for better workmates and friends.

Terry Brown (Lichfield Site Manager)

Harry Wem (left) and Harry Ayto

Samanta Valauga (left) and Cara McDonald (NCS program volunteers)




Following the receipt of the letter of award for the SIB grant on Christmas Eve the Trust set about buying the ~900 meters of Derelict Canal which is now complete and owned by the Trust in close to 7 weeks!!. The next stage was to get access to the land to clear 60 years of overgrowth which the Trust volunteers have set about with the usual enthusiasm and reduced the time to walk to the aqueduct from 3 hours of hack and slashing through undergrowth and brambles to a pleasant 15 minute walk, albeit

w i t h s t o u t shoes. The next s tage is to rebuild the culver t removed du r ing the construction of the M6 Toll Motorway, the culver t i s o n s i t e ready for our contractor to install in the next few weeks. We

are negotiating the details of access across the M6 Toll over the Aqueduct with MEL and are about to place an order with a contractor for the temporary access ramps at either end of the Aqueduct.

We have placed orders for materials for the upgrade, by our volunteers over the coming weeks, of the derelict towpath to bring this up to the quality of the Heritage Towpath Trail based on our recently completed work at Borrowcop Locks Canal Park in Lichfield. In the first two months of this project we have expended ~1000 volunteer hours.

It is very difficult to predict a timescale for all the works we have to complete in this area, but we intend to phase the works to ensure our supporters are able to access and visit this truly beautiful section of the Lichfield Canal throughout the restoration work, initially as a another part of the Heritage Towpath Trail, but moving on to restoration of the Lichfield Canal into water as our ultimate goal.

The Trust has bought 800 small trees for planting this spring, which include Hawthorn, Hazel and 100 Common Oaks all as recommended by our Environmental Consultant. The Green Team have pulled out all the stops to plant over 100 metres of new boundary hedge so far to the Lichfield Canal and Heritage Towpath Trail. Well done to our small team! Come and join them if you can.

Peter Buck (Engineering)

Summerhill Section, looking towards Walsall Road, with the workparty relaxing during their well earned lunch break.


Young “Navvies”

Hello, my name’s Harry Ayto and for about 8 weeks I’ve been working as a volunteer for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals restoration. When I first started we were working at ‘The Boat’ section where the work mainly involved chopping down trees and burning them on huge bonfires. Straightaway I found the volunteering really fun and each week I would come back with rosy cheeks and a massive sense of achievement. More recently we have moved on to the Tamworth Road section which is quite a lot more developed than ‘The Boat’ section. Here, the work consists of laying concrete, driving diggers and much more.

I enjoy the work so much that I decided to make a Lego model of the section we are currently working on. It shows the digger and the dump truck moving earth away and some newly laid concrete the volunteers have put down. Also visible is the towpath, lock and the main pipes that carry the water.

So all in all, I think volunteering at the canal has given me a lot of valuable skills which I can talk about when applying for universities and jobs. However, more importantly it’s simply fun- I volunteer with a friend (Harry Wem), meet new people and do work I would have never done before. What’s more how many 14 year olds can say they’ve driven a digger, laid concrete down and built giant fires?

Harry Ayto, trainee “Navvie”

Harry’s model of Lock 26 and Pound 27 ..........

......... and how it looks in real life.


Crane Brook, looking towards the aqueduct

Photo Gallery


Eric & Doreen’s Whittington Coffee Morning attracts a variety of visitors.

Summerhill Section, heading towards the Sand Wharf, in its working days.

Photo Gallery


AS AT 31 Dec 2014 31 Dec 2013£ £ £ £

F I X E D A S S E T S Freehold house at Ogley (depreciated @ 2%pa) OC 236,570 242,340 Freehold properties elsewhere (not depreciated) 99,686 99,686 Plant & Machinery (over £1,000 per item, depreciated) 5,670 1,602 Investment in subsidiary company shares 1,000 342,926 1,000 344,628C U R R E N T A S S E T SDebtors Net assets available from subsidiary company 1,590 2,218 Net Group VAT receivable / payable 0 0 S.I.B. "Summerhill" part project grant due in 2015 35,000 36,590 0 2,218Bank balances:Restricted funds: Lichfield Canal, Tamworth Road separate match funding 1,716 1,630 Brick Appeal funds, net of expenditure 40 195 Land Fund (donated), net of expenditure LF 37,309 3,404 Restoration Fund (donated), net of expenditure RF 2,058 4,654 - Page legacy for lock paddle gear (Oct.2004) 2,756 2,756

- LDC grant towards Heritage Towpath Trail fittings 1,000 - Lloyds Bank grant towards Heritage Towpath Trail 2,000

David Suchet Thirty Pounds Appeal, net of expenditure 3,181 3,211 "Feet of Clay" Appeal, net of expenditure (2013 Jubilee) [RF] 28,257 5,885 500 Club prize reserve 266 78,583 257 21,992Designated funds: Land Fund (Trust allocation), net of expenditure LF 0 15,000 Restoration Fund (Trust allocation), net of expenditure RF 0 5,000 500 Club Capital Fund 1,410 1,386 Restoration budget balance 0 1,410 0 21,386Unrestricted funds: Trust funds for general purposes 7 1,622

Total funds in deposit a/c 80,000 45,000 Unity Trust Bank, Trust current a/c 2,452 2,242 Lloyds Bank Trust current a/c 1,738 285 Funds in hand or in course of collection 0 4,190 0 2,527

Total Trust operating funds 84,190 47,527 Unity Trust Bank, Marketing current a/c and in hand 477 448

Total assets before liabilities 464,183 394,821L I A B I L I T I E S:Creditors: S.I.B. "Summerhill" part grant advance invoice payable (35,000)Loan reduction falling due within one year The Charity Bank Ltd; Mortgage loan on Ogley Cottage OC (7,530) (7,128)Loan outstanding after one year The Charity Bank Ltd; Mortgage loan on Ogley Cottage OC (204,337) (211,867) (211,867) (218,995)T O T A L N E T R E S O U R C E S 217,316 175,826R E S E R V E S:Income & Expenditure Account 217,316 175,826NOTES:Ogley Cottage rent deposit lodged with Deposit Protection Service £635 £625Notional value of labour on Tamworth Road project work this year £118,160Estimated value of ALL volunteer time this year for insurance (inc. above) £322,074

31 December 2014

LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LIMITED DRAFT BALANCE SHEETDraft Balance Sheet as at 31st. December 2014


for the period from 1 January 2014 to 2014 2013

I N C O M E £ £ £ £ Subscriptions from members (excl. Marketing below) M 9,740 9,871Donations M net Trust + Mrktg 6,543 net Trust + Mrktg 6,481 Received with subscriptions 4,522 4,242 Land Fund (incl. Gift Aid tax) 18,905 3,535 Restoration Fund (incl. Gift Aid tax) 15,104 569 Other (excl. Marketing collections below) 11,493 50,024 6,087 14,433Income generated by Marketing and Retail Trading Trust & Public events 4,739 17,753 Membership subscriptions via website, shows, etc. M 1,470 1,018 Brick Appeal 180 140 500 Club Capital Fund (net of prizes paid out) 1,442 1,742 Grand Prize Draw 4,794 6,150 Donations, Sponsorship, Advertisements 3,673 4,027 Net profit from Retail Trading subsidiary company P 1,589 17,887 2,218 33,048Rent, tax, interest, etc. P net profit 12,619 net profit 22,006

Ogley Cottage rent O 7,510 7,300 Gift Aid tax reclaim (other than specific Funds) 5,075 4,621 Bank credit interest 151 71 Wayleave for electricity line pole at Darnford 12 12,748 12 12,004SUB-TOTAL REGULAR INCOME 90,399 69,356Specific Appeal, Grants and Settlements David Suchet Thirty Pound Appeal (incl. Gift Aid tax) 969 1,230 "Feet of Clay" (2013 25th Anniversary Fund, inc.GA) 31,903 28,760 LDC £1k; SCC £2k grants (2014 Land sale to L.C.Club) 3,000 4,000 Lloyds Bank Foundation grant 2,000 0 SIB "Summerhill" grant advance against invoice 35,000 72,872 33,990 Repayment of loans for 2012 advance work in Darnford Park (9,000)TOTAL INCOME in 163,271 94,346E X P E N D I T U R ERestoration costs Lichfield Canal; Darnford Park - (see Project below) 120 0 Tamworth Road - P.27 Towpath (2014 LDC grant) 11,816 5,900 Tamworth Road - P.27 Moody inlet structural costs 19,778 Hatherton Canal 57 56 Volunteer welfare 1,065 820 Tools, Plant, Machinery, Training 3,186 (36,022) 3,079 (9,855)Administrative costs Professional fees and costs 8,314 2,213 Ogley Cottage costs (incl. Insurance) O 2,543 (C-I ratio 33.9%) 856 (11.7%) Membership and magazine administration M 4,667 (C-I ratio 41.6%) 4,408 (40.5%) Direct cost of Marketing activity (ex 500 Club prizes) P 5,268 (C-I ratio 29.5%) 11,042 (33.4%) Direct cost of Funding Appeals 0 0 General administration 3,735 3,343 Insurance premium (via IWA) 2,001 1,962 IWA membership subscription 54 (26,582) 54 (23,878)Project costs Lichfield Canal, P.27 clay bed (2013 part LDC £20,000 grant) 4,530 14,100 Lichfield Canal, S.I.B. "Summerhill" grant project 35,000 (39,530) 4,068 (18,168)Finance charge Interest paid on Charity Bank loan (12,945) (13,359)NET FUNDS MOVEMENT ON TRUST ACTIVITIES out (115,079) 48,192 (65,260) 29,086 less Depreciation of property and plant (6,702) (8,787)SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR 41,490 20,299Retained Surplus brought forward 175,826 155,527Retained Surplus carried forward 217,316 175,826

31 December 2014

(This page does not form part of the formal accounts, only a summary of the totals)

DRAFT INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTLICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LIMITED

Draft Income & Expenditure Account for the period from 1st. January 2014 to 31st. December 2014


Over the last few months the Trust has been raising its profile on social media. We have created a new Facebook page; our Facebook group goes from strength to strength and we are also on Twitter and Instagram. Some of you may already be amongst the 1.4 billion people across the world who use Facebook each month. For those of you who wonder what all the fuss is about I will try to clarify some of the mystery and dispel some misconceptions.

Here’s a simple guide to Facebook. Simply put, it’s a free social networking website that makes it easy for you to share photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends and family. There’s a lot to Facebook but there are four main things you need to know:

Personal profilesThis is your own profile where you can post things about yourself; comments, photos or videos. If you become a “friend” with someone else, then you’ll be able to see their profile too and their comments, photos and videos. As a general rule, if you’re set up right, you’ll only be letting your friends see your profile, so you’re in control of your profile.

PagesPages are for organisations, companies or public figures and they’re a bit like a shop window or a mini website. A page can have text updates, photos, videos and events – you can also send private message to the page. Anyone can see a page (even if you haven’t got a Facebook account) and anyone can comment or like the page’s updates. But the way to make sure you don’t miss anything is to “like” the page, that way you’ l l receive an update whenever there’s an update on the page.

Facing up to social media with Facebook

This is the Facebook page, you don’t need a Facebook account to see it but you won’t be able to

comment unless you do have an account.

Facebook Icon


GroupsA group is a place within Facebook for discussion and sharing photos. You have to join a group to be able to chat and you can’t see groups unless you’ve got a Facebook account.

News feedThis is your personal list of updates from anyone you are friends with, any pages that you’ve “liked” and any groups you’re a member of. Facebook does something clever and pulls all the updates from all of these into one place so you can see them easily. From here you can “like” (give the thumbs up) or comment on any update.

Still not convinced?A lot of people worry about Facebook – particularly about giving their personal details. Well the good news is there’s no need to worry. When you join, the only information you need to give is your email address, name and date of birth. You can fill in lots more information about yourself but that’s optional. Any information you do give, can be locked down using your privacy settings so that no-one can see it.

Why do I like Facebook?I went to school in Hertfordshire, university in Lancashire and now live in Lichfield so I’ve lost touch with a lot of my friends. Facebook has put me back in touch with them and I can now “chat” to them, share photos and feel like we’ve never been apart.

I love the fact that I can keep up to date with news from the pages I follow – from details of where my favourite bands are playing, the latest cake creation from cake decorators and special offers at shops.

Finally I really enjoy being a member of the LHCRT Facebook group. We chat about what the volunteers are up to, post photos of the work so far and discuss the future plans. We’ve got over 140 members of the group so far, so if you’re already on Facebook please come and join us and if you’re not on Facebook yet – remember us when you do join.

Facing up to social media with Facebook

This is the Facebook group, you’ll need a Facebook account

to read all the posts

Where can you find LHCRT on Facebook?The easiest way to find LHCRT on Facebook, and other social media, is to visit www.lhcrt.org.uk/media.htm where you’ll find all the links–don’t forget to click the “like” or “follow” buttons.

Instagram Logo

Twitter LogoChristine Howles (Social Media)



With design work on the diversion of the Lichfield Canal at Huddlesford caused by the intrusion of HS2 it is reassuring to know that our own engineers are working closely with those from the new railway. The detailed work on the proposals is impressive and the re-routing will be viable. We shall await the final details with much interest and have every hope that the new channel will be built by HS2 Ltd as part of their overall design.

This problem, of canals interacting with railways is not new. In West Sussex, just south of Chichester, the Selsey Manhood Tramway had to cross the Chichester Canal. The railway (or Tramway as it was named for technical reasons) was part of the ramshackle empire of Colonel Fred Stevens who owned several companies including the recently restored Welsh Highland Railway. He operated on tiny financial margins and avoided heavy expenditure wherever he could. The Selsey Tramway was a classic example.

He installed a lift bridge not unlike the L&H one at Darnford Lane

He was also innovative with his rolling stock. Although he used standard steam locomotives he was also an early pioneer of the diesel multiple unit!

If things really get tough with HS2 maybe

Another Way?

Photos by Afterbrunel (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

there is an alternative!


From Here and There

Would you like to receive a colour copy of Cut Both Ways in an electronic PDF format?

Please email the editor ([email protected]) and request a copy.

Green TeamInevitably, it is the big engineering operations which attract the interest and publicity but the “green” aspects of Trust operations tend to be almost taken for granted. At Tamworth Road, the evidence of the dedicated work of the green team can be seen, especially on Pound 27, close to the A38. Sections of the “big pipe” have been upended and buried to strengthen the bank. Inside these sections are bamboo plants which will grow to act as sound “bunds” against road noise. Everywhere around the site are daffodils and other plants, especially on the embankment leading to A51. These operations not only enhance the appearance of our work but also confirm the commitment to being “green”. Recently at Summerhill, a huge number of tree saplings have been planted as compensation for the removal of the many trees which had grown up in the dry canal bed over half a century.

PublicityThe Trust works hard to keep its operations in the public eye. Obviously, this is easier when there is plenty to report, as there has been in recent weeks. Tom Reid is our press officer and misses no opportunity to get material in the papers, especially the Lichfield Mercury. Paul Marshall operates the Trust website and you will always find up-to-date information there. It is always worth a visit if only to see what has been done over the years and the events which are coming up (www.LHCRT.org.uk).

ChurchbridgeInevitably, the main focus in recent months has been the Lichfield Canal but the Hatherton is always under review. Drivers along the A5 will have noticed major works at Churchbridge in recent months and these have been well clear of the canal route. However, we are keeping the operations by the gas contractors under close review.

Annual General MeetingThis is well advertised elsewhere in this magazine and we do urge members to attend and participate. We always invite someone from another canal restoration project to talk to us. This year it is the turn of the “Hereford and Gloucester Canal Trust” and their Chairman, David Penny. Much has been achieved, especially at Over, and their approach is very different from the usual model which we largely follow. We look forward to a challenging second half of our AGM.


All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary,Mrs D Hancock, 2 Elias Close, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TX


John Bryan (Commercial Manager)

Marketing and Promotion

You are cordially invited to join us for the first ever guided tour of the Summerhill section of the Lichfield Canal and afterwards for a meal of your own choice at the Boat Inn PH in the company of friends and colleagues and remember you do not have to be affiliated to a canal group to join us for this event.

The SUMMERHILL section of the Lichfield Canal was purchased by the Trust just 10 weeks ago and already brambles and gorse have been removed from the towpath and the bed of the canal to reveal the original line and contours of the one kilometre length of previously abandoned canal. Most of this work has been undertaken by the Trust’s own volunteer team.

Learn more about the development plans for this section of the canal, inspect the major construction works of the new Crane Brook culvert, view the existing aqueduct as it crosses the M6 Toll road and learn how the Trust plans to bring it into early use as part of the Lichfield Canal Heritage Towpath Trail.

When - Wednesday 15th July 2015.

Where - The Boat Inn PH, situated on the A461 Walsall Road (WS14 0BU) between Muckley corner and Shire Oak cross roads.

Times - Meet at 6.15pm for a prompt start at 6.30pm. The restaurant is booked for 8.00pm.

Please book your restaurant place early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited to 30. Closing date for booking the tour and restaurant is Friday 26th June (first come first served).

Walk Route And ConditionsDistance one way is 1km (1094yds). Underfoot conditions are dry but not suitable for wheel chairs or prams, surface undulations possible, no stiles to cross, no hills or descents, no seating (yet). Stout footwear is recommended

WeatherIf it is raining access to the walk would still take place due to the good drainage properties of the land, although please bring a change of footwear before entering the restaurant post visit.

Costs and ChargesThe restaurant is open to the public throughout the week and so a block of seats have been reserved. A buffet will be provided but if you wish to choose from the menu you can but you will be charged for this option. All drinks and beverages available from the bar at current prices.

For more information see web site www.lhcrt.org.uk


Money Matters

Social Investment Business Group [SIB]

Community Asset and Services Grant ProgrammeMuch is said in this issue about the usefulness of the grant award of £336,000 towards the Summerhill Project total of £356,000. It had been a demanding 7 month programme at the outset in mid - 2014 but near impossible when approval reduced that to only 7 weeks to satisfy the criteria by March! But the fact is we did it, much to everyone’s amazement with the full grant finally reaching our bank on 30th March.

Reports and pictures show how much was done in that time to engage contractors and purchase supplies for a continuing work programme, reaching forward with extensive volunteer input. We are very grateful to the SIB management for the understanding way they handled our project against such tight deadlines and unusual, if not unique circumstances to bring about an additional and sustainable benefit to the local community.

Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd [WREN]

Biodiversity Action Fund Land Purchasing ProgrammeWith high hopes for another huge boost for land acquisition, we were disappointed in February to have our application for £80,000 declined due to being heavily oversubscribed. In another sense, with all that SIB commitment it was almost a relief although the project periods would have been manageable.

The Inland Waterways Association [IWA]The IWA Restoration Committee has approved a grant of £2,250 towards new signage to be placed in prominent locations which will help to identify the route of the Lichfield Canal.

Wildlife Trusts – Our Environment Our FutureOur Expression of Interest reported last time did not get a response.

Lichfield District Council small grants schemeFunding of £500 has been granted towards the Trust’s “Living Memories of the Lichfield Canal” project which entails research and recording oral histories of people’s involvement and recollections for local schools and community groups.

Big Lottery Fund New Funding ProgrammesNew concepts are regularly proposed where we plan to engage more personally with the Lottery to be able to focus on our strengths in being “trusted to make great things happen”. There could be £4bn available to potentially 72,000 projects across the UK over the next five years. Drawing on our many successes over the years, we could make really great things happen with that.

Bob Williams, Director (Finance)


Marketing and Promotion

Forthcoming EventsSo let’s look forward to some of this year’s events which we will be attending:-

Early May Meet The Auctioneers (Provisional)23rd. - 25th. May Crick Boat Show. 25th. May Lichfield Greenhill Bower, Beacon Park, Lichfield.5th. June Annual General Meeting, Brownhills.28th. June Brownhills Canal Festival (Provisional)

27th., 28th. June Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally and Canal Festival, Northamptonshire.

4th., 5th. July Cars in the Park, Lichfield. (Provisional)

15th. July Lichfield Canal Walk at Summerhill

August Make Mine Music! New Event (Details to be announced)

23rd. August Lupin Farm Gathering Of Vintage & Classic Cars 10.00 - 4.00 pm

5th. September Whittington Country Fair

13th. September Lichfield 10K Road Race

19th., 20th. September Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

FRIDAY 20th. November

Show time at Whittington Village Hall featuring ‘Dandy’ known for their ‘Black Country show’ appearances. Supper incl. Bar, table layout night club style. Booking essential

John Bryan (Commercial Manager)

Grand Prize Draw – 2015We invite sponsors to support this valuable annual fund-raising activity with cash or prizes for tickets to go on sale from May to November. Please email offers to [email protected] or phone 01543 671427.

Please be aware that the date of the November show has been moved to one day earlier. The show staring ‘Dandy’ the black country comedian and entertainment duo (from Norton Canes) will be our main feature of what will be a splendid night of good humour and joy.

We would welcome any assistance you give us at these events to promote the Trust and help to raise more funds for this year’s restoration programme.


Canal Transport ServicesBoat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

Traditional narrow boats and tugs built to your specification, fromone of the oldest & most respected boat builders in the business.

We have our own fully heated paint shop, dry dock and grit blasting facility as well as all the usual

boat yard trades at your disposal.

Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370

TUKTAWA B&BUplands Close, Cannock Wood, Staffordshire. WS15 4RH

Tel - 01543 684805 - 07790 984013Web – www.Tuktawa.co.uk Email [email protected]£24.50 pppn – Includes breakfast - available 6.30 – 9.00am

10 minutes from Rugeley/Cannock/Lichfield Town/Bus Station/Train StationSee us on Tripadvisor

1998 DATA PROTECTION ACTThe Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd will hold your details for marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act. If you do not wish to receive updates from the Trust or any third party with whom we co-operate then please advise the Trust through Director Bob Williams on 01543 671427.


T: 01543 444888 W: robertsandgwilt.co.uk8 Barlow Drive, Fradley, Staffordshire. WS13 8TL

The complete property maintenance company

Commercial and domestic FREE QUOTES

Business Connect

Typical monthly breakfast meeting of the successful Business Connect group hosted by Lichfield Rugby Club.

If you would like to become a Business Member

and display your card here contact

Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427 or

[email protected]


Friendly helpful advice from our experienced and knowledgeable team of boaters www.abnb.co.uk • [email protected] • Crick base NN6 7XT

Open 9.30 to 5.30 every day Tel: 01788 822 115 or 01788 822 508

Browse our website for our listings with full details on all boats,

also lots of useful information

Unrivalled 4-page detailed colour brochure with photos and layout drawingw

ww

.ab

nb

.co

.uk Selling individually vetted, well presented

boats from own moorings or from our Crick base

Cut Both Ways 15 01.indd 1 5/1/15 16:12:36The views expressed in Cut Both Ways do not necessarily represent those of

the Trust or the Editor. They are however published as being of interest to our readership.

REVISED TARIFF FOR ADVERTS IN “Cut Both Ways”

1/8 page £26

1/4 inside page £44

1/2 inside page £81

Full inside page £125

Business Members

Annual subscription £100 with 1/8 page trade advert

full inside cover £136 (reserved for continuing use.)

full outside back cover £211 (reserved for continuing use.)

These prices cover twelve months in four quarterly editions and are subject to VAT at standard rate. Special artwork can be provided on request.

NOTES: Single edition advert @ 50% annual rate. Two edition advert @ 75% annual rate.


LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LIMITED.Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA

The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429).Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from Ogley Junction to Huddlesford Junction (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING LIMITED.Company No 3686837 - Chairman: John Bryan; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams

web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk

DIRECTORSChairman

Brian Kingshott01547 530457 - Tel/Fax07831 572642 - [email protected]

Vice-Chairman & Land OfficerDavid Dixon

01543 258512 – Home07807 258957 – Mobile

[email protected]

FinanceBob Williams

01543 67142707973 293834 - Mobile

[email protected]

SecretaryDora Hancock

[email protected]

Environment & Fundraising FundingDora Hancock

01543 264158 - Home

IWA NomineeVaughan Welch

0121 477 9782 – Home07971 202406 – Mobile

[email protected]

EnvironmentMike Battisson01543 300090

07984 437284 - [email protected]

CommerceJohn Bryan

01543 [email protected]

Health & SafetyBob Mullarkey

01543 251408 – Home01543 426811 – Work

07973 719215 – [email protected]

Engineering(& Lichfield Cruising Club rep)

Peter Buck01543 268041 - Home07966 123239 - Mobile

[email protected]

Lichfield Sites ManagerTerry Brown

01889 576574 - Home07855 810568 – Mobile

[email protected]

Other OfficersMagazine Editor

Stefan Szulc01543 677156

[email protected]@lhcrt.org.uk

WebsitePaul Marshall01543 410646

[email protected]

Publicity OfficerTom Reid

01543 319754 - Home07840 300178 - Mobile

[email protected]

Hatherton Work PartyDenis Cooper

01543 374370 – Work

MembershipGodfrey Eland

[email protected] COULD THIS BE YOU?

PRESIDENT Eric Wood VICE-PRESIDENT David Suchet CBE.PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP.


Making the Right Choice

Chase Grammar SchoolOpen Day Saturday 6th June 2015

Independent Co Educational School from Nursery to A Level Scholarships and Bursaries Available

Contact the School Secretary to make an appointment to visit the school www.chasegrammar.com, tel 01543 501 800, Convent Close, Cannock, WS11 0UR


Braunston Marinaare proud to BACK

the campaign to save theLichfield & Hatherton Canals.keep digging the ground from under their feet!

Braunston MarinaThe Wharf, Braunston, Nr Daventry,

Northamptonshire. NN11 7JHTelephone: 01788 891373

Fax: 01788 891436web site: www.braunstonmarina.co.ukemail: [email protected]

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