Boat Sales - Mortons Media Group Ltd

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Narrowboat
Sales Ltd.
See our main
advert on
page 38
The UK’s No 1 newspaper for all waterway users
Issue 22, July 2007
GARDINER DITCHED
IN DEFRA RESHUFFLE
In this issue...
All change at Defra and no place in the new team for the previous waterways minister
5
A compelling case for funding
Accident will not derail
IWA Festival
The World Canal
Conference
7
10
11
Free-Ads
34
Readers’ letters
40
A few days later Mr Benn’s
department handed out the various
Defra portfolios and the all-important
waterways brief has been given to
Jonathan Shaw, MP for Chatham and
Aylesford, who officially became
Under Secretary of State for
Waterways on Friday 6 July. It would
appear that there is no place for Barry
Gardiner within the new Defra team,
and indeed as we went to press the
ex-waterways minister appears to
have completely dropped off the
ministerial radar.
The IWA, who have stood shoulder
to shoulder with the Save our
Waterways campaigners in their bid
to get fairer funding for our inland
waterways, swiftly issued this
statement through the office of their
national chairman John Fletcher.
“The Inland Waterways Association
welcomes the almost complete
change in the ministerial posts at
Defra, and hope that this will create
an opportunity to resolve many of the
problems which have arisen in the
last 15 months.
“A new page has been turned in
what has mostly been a very
productive chapter of relationships
with government over several years
and which led to the benefits for all
from the waterways, which became
strikingly obvious, particularly at
what I may term the ‘peri-millenium’
period. We look forward to working
with Jonathan Shaw and the
navigation authorities to work out
how a sustainable and productive
future for the inland waterways can
be achieved”.
Strained
On the other hand, British
Waterways, perhaps understandably
given the past strained relationship
with the department and its civil
servants, issued only a brief
comment. A spokesperson said:
“We’re pleased to welcome Mr Shaw
to the waterways and look forward to
helping him understand the value of
the network across a wide range of
government policies.”
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41
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What waterway users think
45
programme because of government
cuts, regardless of who is the minister
responsible. We at SoW intend to keep
watching developments closely. Let us
hope that we have now got a team at
Defra who will punch their weight
within government on the behalf of all
user groups, the community in
general and the over 300 MPs who lent
their support to the campaign.”
by Keith Langston
Funding
Hilary Benn MP, the new Secretary of
State for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (left) and Jonathan
Shaw, MP for Chatham and
Aylesford, the new Under Secretary
of State for Waterways.
Off the record, many waterways
insiders are quick to point out that
they are looking forward to what will
hopefully be a new era of
understanding and co-operation.
Many watchers have observed that
changes in civil service personnel at
Defra in the spring seemed to herald
a big improvement in day-to-day
relationships. That is news which
augers well for the future.
For the Save our Waterways
campaigners, Will Chapman had this
to say: “Any appointment which helps
improve relationships between the
navigation authorities, the user
groups and central government can
only be good.
“What we need now is to move the
funding debate on, as we must not
lose sight of the fact that BW is still
operating a reduced maintenance
Although Barry Gardiner has gone
from Defra, the allegations he made
against British Waterways are still the
subject of focus for the EFRA Select
Committee
on
BW
funding.
Reportedly, the committee has not
received in full the ‘paper trail’ it
asked for in order to investigate the
then minister’s claims (see past story
TPT). The allegations were thought by
many at the time to be important
enough to justify either the sacking of
the minister (Gardiner) if he was
proved wrong or a change at the top
in BW if they were proven correct! It is
hoped that the EFRA committee
insists on still getting at the facts,
whoever holds the waterways
portfolio.
Hilary Benn has been an MP since
1999; the son of one of Britain’s most
famous senior statesmen, he
represents Leeds Central. In the Blair
government, Mr Benn served as the
Secretary of State for International
Development.
Jonathan Shaw has been in
government since 1997. After
completing a course in social care and
working as a care assistant for adults
with learning disabilities, Jonathan
qualified as a social worker in 1990.
After attending local state schools,
his first job was as a fruit picker on
Kent farms. Jonathan was born in
Aylesford in 1966 and is married with
two school age children. The family
live in Snodland.
Boaters caught up in terror alert
Narrowboat owners have been given notice to quit their moorings on the
Canalside Road stretch of the Beeston Canal in Nottinghamshire by the
end of April next year. British Waterways plan to convert the 15 moorings
to 14-day stay only. One of the owners, June Gostling, aboard Zeppelin
reflects on the bleak prospect ahead. Turn to page 2 for the full story.
IN light of the recent terrorist threats in the UK, British Waterways West
Midlands have been requested to place a ban on boats mooring under
‘spaghetti junction’ by West Midlands Police.
The request came to prevent mooring below Junction 6 of the M6 as the
national threat level was raised from severe to critical on 29 June.
As Towpath Talk went to press, the restriction was still in place.
Dudley caverns
HILARY Benn MP became the new
Secretary
of
State
for
Environment, Food & Rural
Affairs on 28 June 2007 as Gordon
Brown assumed the role of Prime
Minister, and then set about
creating his own team of
ministers.
TI297278L
2 TOWPATH TALK 12 July 2007, issue 22
welcome
IT would be difficult to get through this column
this month without sounding like an editor who
comments on nothing but the weather. But
there must be many outdoor festivals and
rallies, not just confined to our own event
scene, who have had to cancel due to our
predictable weather (rain) – such as the Saul
Festival.
The total financial consequences for all these
cancellations put together must be staggering.
Likewise, boating activity has been seriously
curtailed with numerous stoppages for safety
reasons spoiling the enjoyment of boater and
holidaymaker alike.
It’s enough to make you want to turn to
drink… but the Transport Minister Stephen
Ladyman has just announced he will be
pressing ahead with the introduction of an
alcohol limit for non-professional mariners.
This means from next year a boater steering a
vessel greater than 7m in length and/or capable
of a maximum speed of more than seven knots
will be subject to the same drink-drive limits as
a motorist doing 70mph on the motorway. The
rules will only apply apparently while a boat is
underway and affect anyone who is involved in
a ‘navigating function’. Penalties have been set
at two years in prison and a fine up to £5000 –
although it is unclear who will enforce the
‘policing’.
A welcome move, but let common-sense
prevail – send us your views on the subject.
Editor
Tony Hoyland
Chief correspondent
Keith Langston
Advertising
Donna Savage
[email protected]
Direct sales executive
John Sharratt
Publisher
Dan Savage
Editorial design
Kelvin Clements,
Jayne Stevens
Advert planning
Catherine Smith
Divisional advertising manager Lucy Deacon
Associate director
Managing director
Finance director
Malcolm Wheeler
Terry Clark
Brian V Hill
Marketing manager
Paul Deacon
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Next Issue - 9 August 2007
www.towpathtalk.co.uk
BOATERS FIGHT
EVICTION THREAT
Harry Martin visits beleaguered boat owners on the Beeston Canal
NARROWBOAT owners have been
given notice to quit their
moorings on the Canalside Road
stretch of the Beeston Canal in
Nottinghamshire by the end of
April next year.
They have been devastated to learn
that the moorings, which have been
their permanent homes for anything
up to seven years, will no longer be
available to them when their current
licences expire at the end of April
2008. After this date, British
Waterways plan to convert the 15
moorings to 14-day stay only and
persuade the occupants to move to
the new Pillings Lock Marina at
Barrow-upon-Soar in Leicestershire,
where BW have acquired 28 of the 280
berths.
The nearby Beeston Marina is
already fully occupied and would not
be available to them, even if they were
willing to make that shorter move.
Petition to Parliament
But the boaters do not intend to give
up their home berths without a fight
and have raised a 130-signature
petition which has been submitted to
MP for Broxtowe, Nick Palmer, with a
copy to BW.
Alan Gostling, a 43-year-old fire
alarm engineer, and his wife, June,
have lived aboard the 67ft narrowboat,
Zeppelin, for the past seven years and
June provides a dog-grooming service
for local pet-owners.
He said: “I was born and bred in
Beeston and I don’t see why British
Waterways should make me moor at a
marina 30 miles away.
“I was at a marina for six weeks
when I first bought a boat and I hated
it. Boats are in rows. It was like living
in a terraced house, but with everyone
staring at their neighbours’ windows.”
He strongly refuted BW’s claim that
research carried out last year
indicated that boats moored at the
canalside had a ‘negative’ impact.
Residents will
face rubbish
“People come down here in the
summer and take pictures of my boat.
If we move, the residents in the
houses will be faced with non-paying
rubbish and the area will deteriorate,”
he added.
At the moment, only eight of the 15
boats are fully licenced for an annual
fee of £1500 each.
More boats are moored to a pontoon
along the opposite bank and of the
overall total of 28, 10 do not display a
licence.
One of those fully paid up residents
on the other side, builder Stuart
Craven, has lived there on Jester for
eight years.
He said: “At the moment, those of us
The view from the bridge over troubled waters…the moorings on the Beeston Canal, where the boaters berthed on
the left face eviction in April 2008.
on the offside don’t face the threat –
and that includes the long-stay nonpayers who British Waterways show a
remarkable reluctance to evict –
though I fear this latest move may be
the thin end of the wedge.
“Boaters support each other and it
seems to me that it is the people who
pay and keep the place tidy who are
being victimised, not those who flout
the regulations.
“And as for BW claiming the boats
are
non-residential…that
is
ridiculous. Apart from any amount of
obvious evidence, their council tax
returns provide positive proof.”
The ‘victims’ include a family who
sold their house in Beeston to buy the
boat on which they have lived for the
past five years.
Both husband and wife work in the
area and their 18-month-old daughter
has settled at a local nursery.
Devastated
The 29-year-old mother, who did not
wish to be named due to the sensitive
nature of her work, said: “We got BW’s
letter completely out of the blue. For
the families who live here, it’s
absolutely devastating.
“We are very settled and have no
wish to leave family and friends. We
shall fight for the right to stay here.”
While there is some resentment
among nearby householders about
the behaviour of certain non-paying
boaters, relations between them and
the majority of boaters who pay their
way and behave responsibly as
members of the same community are
good, as evidenced by their signatures
on the petition.
Another family are among the 12
similarly affected at nearby Sawley.
Dave and Lisa Grainger, together with
WRITE TO US!
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topic – however unusual – because it’s your
views that matter. We welcome your pictures,
too – but let us know if you want them
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Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre,
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their eight- and 15-year-old children,
have lived there on a 70ft narrowboat
for the past one-and-a-half years.
Lives will be wrecked
Lisa, who runs a printing and
embroidery business just down the
road at Long Eaton, said: “This move
will wreck people’s lives and
livelihoods and we will fight it every
inch of the way.”
The other side of the argument was
put by the general manager of the East
Midlands
section
of
British
Waterways, Caroline Killeavy.
She said: “Our decision to close 15
roadside moorings at Beeston was
part of a national policy which was
introduced to tackle two major issues:
the need to stimulate marina
development and the problems
caused by lines of online moorings.
“New marina developments will be
the only way that the demand for
moorings and the increased number
of boaters on the network can be
accommodated, and our policy of
reducing one online mooring for every
10 new marina spaces has been
adopted to meet this demand.
Support offer
“The new 280-berth marina at Pillings
is already taking boats and will be
fully completed this summer.
“Boats moored at Beeston roadside
were issued with 12 month, standard
ie non-residential permits. We have
no residential moorings on Beeston
roadside and have no plans for
residential moorings to be affected by
this policy.
“We have contacted the boaters
affected by this policy and offered
them the support of our moorings
officer to assist in finding an
alternative mooring so they can
vacate the site within the 12-month
notice period.”
But the National Association of Boat
Owners, in its role as a national
consumer group working on behalf of
boat owners on the inland waterways,
has also voiced its concern about BW’s
plan.
No consultation
Independent publishers since 1885
Conditions Editorial is accepted subject to availability of
space, and editorial policy on content and insertion cannot
be guaranteed. The publishers retain the right to edit
material submitted. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy
through accurate and clear copy, but the publishers cannot
be held responsible for errors or omissions.
The fighters muster on the Beeston battleground…rear from left: Dave Grainger,
Stuart Craven and Alan Gostling, front Lisa Grainger and June Gostling.
A spokesman said: “BW has
announced its intention to evict
customers on some long-term linear
moorings if they do not ‘voluntarily’
agree to re-locate to ‘off-line’
moorings, usually in marinas.
“There has been no public
consultation on the apparent
adoption of this policy.”
Meanwhile, this move coincides
with BW’s announcement of a 12-
month trial ‘auction’ of long term
mooring vacancies, under which
boaters will be able to submit tenders
free of charge through an internetbased system on waterscape.com and,
following feedback from boating
interest groups, there will also be a
trial postal tender option running
simultaneously, for which there will
be a charge in the region of £10 – £15
to cover additional postage and
administrative costs.
BW will set a price guide, but market
forces will determine the ultimate
cost of a three-year term, though BW
stress that the scheme will only apply
to long-term moorings that become
vacant, and those boaters already on a
BW mooring will not have to tender
for their existing berths when they
renew their contracts.
Head of BW boating development,
Sally Ash, said: “We have a duty to set
market rates for our moorings. With
this trial, boaters will directly
influence the price and the process is
more open and transparent. It will
also open up the opportunity of
securing a BW mooring to many more
people than currently.”
The move to offer up to 300 directly
managed mooring vacancies to the
highest bidder has been opposed by
the National Association of Boat
Owners.
Legal issues
NABO Council chairman Stuart
Sampson said: “We are considering a
number of issues around the legality
of this proposal in terms of
consultation policy and are also
concerned about sale of goods and fair
trading issues.
“It seems unclear what in detail
boaters are going to be bidding for.
People who bid for moorings will also
apparently be allowed to fix their fees
for three years and so, potentially, BW
will have customers at any given site
paying different rates on slightly
different terms and conditions to their
neighbours for an otherwise identical
service.
“If, in spite of our representations,
the trial (scheduled to start in August)
goes ahead, we urge boaters to
observe the ‘buyer beware’ axiom and
take professional advice before
parting with any money. NABO would
welcome contact with anyone
affected.”
*Towpath Talk extends the same
invitation and would also like to hear
from any boaters elsewhere in the
country faced with the same threat of
eviction as those highlighted above at
Beeston and Sawley.
12 July 2007, issue 22 TOWPATH TALK 3
Dot the i’s and cross the seas
NARROWBOAT owner John Seals
is seeking advice for his first big
adventure – a cross-channel trip.
John, from Nottingham, currently
moors his boat at Dobsons Boatyard,
Shardlow, where he has been
renovating it for the past five years.
Now the project is finished and the
boat is ready to go, John is struggling
to find insurance cover. To date he
has tried nine companies including
one Dutch and one German insurer,
but to no avail. So if there is anyone
out there who can point John in the
right direction please contact him
via email [email protected] or
tel 07876 373030.
Renovation
Inspired by the book Narrow Dog to
Carcassonne, John, brother Richard
and engineer Eddie Grice have been
planning the trip during the fiveyear renovation of the Mike Heywood
boat, Mave, at the Navigation Inn,
Shardlow.
And faced with the possibility of a
massive bill for trucking costs etc,
the trio opted for sailing the 70ft
narrowboat
themselves
from
Ramsgate to Calais.
John said: “I took early-retirement
in March and with Richard already
retired we are ready now to head off
Mave is now bck in
pristine condition
with a cream roof
and stainless steel
handrails and has just
been blacked.
on our adventure along with Eddie
Grice as our engineer.
“Eddie has been doing a lot of the
work. Hopefully it’s a labour of love –
if he ever gives me a bill I will be
bankrupt!
“The plan is to get to Paris, once at
Calais, and head due south from
there and see where we get to in a
year. The boating is cheaper in
France, with free electricity in some
places, and with a licence half the
price. We’re planning to meet friends
with places out there from time to
time and will probably fly back for
any family gatherings.”
Mave takes her name from John
and Richard’s mother (81), who is
currently in hospital after some
heart trouble and is now on the
mend – and looking forward to ruling
the roost again, says John.
As soon as the final details are
sorted out Ian Pascoe, host at the
Navigation Inn, will send the
intrepid trio on their way with a
farewell dinner.
CAMPAIGN FOR NEW ANGLERS
THURSDAY 21 June saw BW join forces with
London Docklands Angling Consortium and
Thames21 to host a day’s fishing in the docks
for the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group
of MPs.
given expert tuition by Thames21 coaches and a
respectable haul of silver bream, perch and roach
was landed during the day.
The event was set up to highlight the importance
of angling and demonstrate the opportunities for
engaging in the sport.
The day had an excellent turn out, including Jim
Fitzpatrick MP, Jon Cruddas MP, Bill Wiggin MP,
Martin Salter MP, Charles Walker MP, Lord
Brookeborough, London Assembly Member Murad
Qureshi and a number of local councillors.
Students from nearby George Green School were
Charles Walker MP, vice chairman of the Group,
said: “London's waterways are a great success story.
At a time when the threat of environmental
disaster tops the news agenda, it is reassuring to
know that the capital's canals, rivers and docks,
symbolic victims of the last industrial age, are being
returned to their former glories.
“Who knows, if this fishing venue catches on it
may become the next big thing in stress relief with
Success
hard-pressed investment bankers swapping their
gym membership cards for a fishing licence.”
British Waterways cares for 110 acres of the West
India and Millwall Dock complexes, and the fishing
rights are held by the London Docks Angling
Consortium. In recent years water quality
improvements in the docks have led to an increase
in fish stocks, including bream, pike, carp, brown
trout, rainbow trout, roach, perch and eels.
For
further
information
visit
www.waterscape.com/fishing
newsinbrief
Car and cruiser
collision
A CRUISER sank following a collision with a
car on the Leeds & Liverpool canal in Halsall
near Ormskirk on 5 June.
It is believed the driver of the car became ill
behind the wheel when the vehicle began to
roll from where it was parked near the
Saracen’s Head pub, towards the canal.
It was reported that the car jumped the kerb
and crashed into the small cruiser, which was
unoccupied at the time. The moorings broke
and both drifted to the middle of the canal and
began to sink.
One of the witnesses at the scene jumped
across another boat and on to the car roof to
haul the man through the driver’s side window
and to the safety of dry land. The car was later
craned from the canal.
The driver, who is understood to be a
diabetic, was treated at the scene by
ambulance workers but did not go to hospital.
River rescue
FIREFIGHTERS were out in force during June,
rescuing boats caught out in the rising water.
On 16 June fire engines and rescue boats
were called to Jubilee Bridge, Cropthorne on
the River Avon, where a couple on a hired
narrowboat had become stranded for two days
on the swollen river.
The holidaymakers became stranded about
12ft from the shore after they were forced to
tie their boat to trees along the river bank to
prevent being washed away.
Fire crews were called after the couple began
to realise they were running out of water and
yet still unable to make their way to safety.
Canal plans on show
AN exhibition of plans to re-route the Wilts &
Berks canal through the centre of Melksham
are on display at Melksham library until 14
July. The proposals include a new weir south of
the bypass bridge, behind which the river level
will be raised to allow sufficient depth for
navigation.
THE uncertain future of
Britain’s first purpose-built
national water sports centre
on the southern side of the
River Trent now looks more
secure – due to two separate
deals
involving
Sport
England and a private
developer, writes Harry
Martin.
Sport England, which had
previously announced that it
was about to pull the annual
£1.4-million subsidy plug, has
since agreed to continue that
funding until 2009 and is
currently involved in talks with
site owner, Notts County
Council, over a concluding
‘golden handshake’ to help
refurbish the facility and so
secure its future.
Meanwhile,
potential
developers have come up with
a plan to create a 600-berth
marina on an adjacent
greenfield site and a new £5million waterway which would
link it to the River Trent and the
Grantham Canal.
But the latter deal would be
conditional on a planning
permission to build 500 homes
on land west of nearby
Radcliffe-on-Trent.
And that could prove the big
stumbling block which could
scupper the whole scheme.
Local planning authority,
Rushcliffe Borough Council, is
currently assessing whether or
not that area should be
designated as a flood plain, and
the chairman of Radcliffe
Parish Council’s planning and
environment committee, Coun
Rod Brears, said: “When you
see newspaper pictures of
houses
being
flooded
throughout the country, I don’t
see how they could build
houses there.”
Key catalyst
The company, which has come
up with the new deal for the
marina, with its river and canal
links, is Mosaic Estates, which
envisages a chandlery, washing
and toilet facilities, a café and,
possibly, a restaurant, as part of
the marina complex.
Company chief executive, Eric
Wood, said: “We believe this
scheme is the key catalyst for a
refurbished water sports centre.
“It is a very substantial
proposal, because 600 berths is
a lot and we know that British
Waterways need 3000 berths,
so this would go a long way
towards
meeting
that
requirement.”
Nottinghamshire
County
Council’s plans for the
refurbishment of the existing
water sports centre include a
new restaurant, coffee shop and
fitness suite and envisage the
creation of a climbing wall,
mountain bike trails, water ski
jumps and a jet ski-ing lagoon,
as part of a policy to broaden its
appeal, while still providing
essential
facilities
for
Olympians and Paralympians
to train for the 2012 Olympic
Games and maintain its status
as a centre of excellence.
Not the least enthusiastic
backer for this radical new
scheme is the Grantham Canal
Partnership, which has long
campaigned for a link to the
Trent, but was dismayed when
its bid for a slice of the Big
Lottery Landmarks fund was
turned down two years ago.
The
Grantham
Canal
Partnership secretary, Peter
Stone, said: “The reason the
link is important is that it would
open up the Grantham Canal to
narrowboats and pleasure
boating, for which there is an
enormous demand.”
That waterway was originally
linked to the Trent near to
Nottingham Forest FC’s City
Ground, but was closed about
40 years ago, when the Lady
Bay Bridge was converted from
rail to road, and now the canal
spans the 33 miles from West
Bridgford to Grantham, via
Cotgrave, Bottesford and the
Vale of Belvoir.
VI316529L
Lifeline could keep National
Water Sports Centre afloat
£5M boost to East
Midlands waterways
EAST Midlands Development Agency
(emda) has thrown a lifeline to the
region’s waterways by launching a
Waterway Regeneration Fund.
The move comes as a result of a study
into inland waterways by consultants
Ecotec. The results revealed major
regeneration benefits associated with
waterway developments, such as:
● Creation of new job opportunities –
short term from the construction and
long term from new business.
● Regenerated areas along waterways
stimulate commercial and residential
markets.
● Improving waterway environment by
bringing forward previously vacant
and underused sites which generates
improved quality of life, tourism and
green transport options
Examples of large waterside projects in
the East Midlands include a 100-acre
£1.4-billion investment in Nottingham's
riverside,
an
18km
waterfront
regeneration scheme in Leicester which
will create over 3000 new homes and
Derby's riverside project that will include
a high quality hotel, office and residential
development.
Regeneration
The Invitation to Apply for Grant Funding
(IAGF) from emda aims to deliver longterm regeneration benefits for the East
Midlands for schemes located near
waterways. The criteria for funding must
fall under one of the five schemes:
1 Waterways destination projects –
relating to tourism where restoration
will lead to increased use of the
waterway and its surroundings.
2 Restoration projects – which remediate
redundant or underused buildings
next to waterways for employment or
commercial uses.
3 Land remediation projects – the
preparation of land next to water in
order to open it up for employment
uses.
4 Large scale project development –
work required to help unlock the
potential of large-scale waterway
projects.
5 Waterway transport schemes –
develop an alternative transport route
or mode based around one of the
region’s inland waterway corridors to
help
sustain
economic
competitiveness of green water
transport.
The funding period is expected to last for
three years and grants will be available
up to the value of £500,000 to help
encourage
waterway
regeneration
schemes.
Anthony Payne, Land and Development
Manager at emda said: “Waterways
present a unique opportunity to improve
the environment and regenerate
rundown areas – transforming them into
successful, flourishing places which
attract our communities and unlock the
value of the sites.
U-turn over
Y-basin plans
OXFORD City Council’s unanimous
decision to back the plan to
reinstate the city’s historic canal
basin has both surprised and
delighted the indefatigable crew of
campaigners who sailed against a
tide of political opinion and turned
it in their favour, writes Harry
Martin.
The Friends of the Oxford Canal
(FOXcan) – formed in 2005, when
founder-chairman John Ashby and other
like-minded souls saw their chance to
achieve their aim through the council’s
resolution to redevelop the west end of
Oxford – has spearheaded a concerted
campaign to tear up the tarmacadamed
Worcester Street car park and reopen
the canal basin beneath.
Their campaign was backed by the
Inland Waterways Association and by
British Waterways, whose architects
came up with the imaginative scheme
that finally persuaded the council
sceptics who, only months earlier, had
poured cold water on the idea, to give it
the green light.
FOXcan press officer, Hugh Jaeger,
said: “This is great news. It is a rich
reward for all our efforts and those of
the IWA. And it is great news for Oxford,
its residents, visitors – not least the
boaters who can look forward to an
additional nine moorings close to the
heart of the city – and the economy of
the whole area.
“History was made here – in 1790, the
Oxford Canal with the barges that
carried heavy loads of coal and other
goods from the Midlands to London and
back, via the Thames, was the
equivalent of today’s motorway and the
lorries that use it – and now there is the
chance, not only to turn back the pages
of a history book, but to make the
waterway economically viable again
with the restoration of this basin, its
original terminus.”
Affordable
Hugh’s view is backed by British
Waterways, whose scheme is centred
around the original Y-shaped basin and
includes a complex of surrounding
buildings, of which 30 per cent would
consist of standard housing, 30 per cent
affordable housing and the remainder
occupied by offices, shops and
restaurants.
BW spokesman, James Clifton, said:
“There will only be one more
opportunity to redevelop the basin – and
this is it.”
He estimated that it would attract
250,000 new visitors a year and generate
an extra £1-million income.
FOXcan founder-chairman John Ashby and his successor Hugh Jaeger
contemplate the future of the canal basin while leaning on the nearby weir
wall that links the navigable Oxford Canal with the non-navigable Castle
Mill stream.
Meanwhile, the Oxford Preservation
Trust, in conjunction with Nuffield
College and Oxfordshire County
Council, will commission a survey to
assess the extent of the original basin
walls and any other items of
archaeological value before any
redevelopment takes place. This will
be subject to governmental approval
and that of the site owner, Nuffield
College.
Then it will be up to the developers
to make the campaigners’ dreams
come true...but that intrepid crew will
be keeping a watchful eye on whatever
proposals they come up with and have
vowed to ensure they accord with the
best interests of the boaters.
President back on parade
STEAM narrowboat President
celebrated being back in
steam after boiler problems
in 2006 with a trip to the Rally
& Canal Festival at Braunston
Marina on 23-24 June.
Wet Sunday morning, waiting to go. Jim Payler
Braunston Rally is popular with
canal enthusiasts perhaps
because the boats carry out
parade runs each day allowing
the public to see, photograph,
hear and in some cases smell the
passing craft. The parade on both
days was led by the Black
Country Living Museum pair of
President and butty Kildare, which
are on their way to St Ives via a
series of events along the way
this summer.
There were 70 boats at the
festival ranging from the small
Laplander to full size working
boats with several motors towing
butties on the parade. This was a
good test of skill when winding
at the lower end of the circuit at
the junction of the Oxford and
Grand Union, which necessitated
going astern and made even
more difficult with the pleasure
boats waiting for the canal to
clear.
President is moving on to visit
Wansford, the Nene Valley
Railway, Prickwillow Engine
Museum and the IWA National
Boat Festival among others. For
further
information
visit
www.nb-president.org.uk
Opportunity
“Some of the most successful and
innovative regeneration projects in the
UK are focused on waterfronts and the
benefits that stem from physical
developments along locations including
rivers, canal, marinas or docks are well
proven. The impact of waterway
regeneration stretches beyond the
immediate environmental impacts of the
waterside and often stimulates wider
economic and social benefits on a wide
scale. This funding opportunity will help
towards achieving the vision for the East
Midlands to become a flourishing region
by 2020 as stated in the Regional
Economic Strategy.”
The Waterway Regeneration Fund is
open for expressions of interest until 31
July 2007 for the first year. Any
organisation interested in applying, or
who would like more information, should
contact Georgina Walters McLeod at
emda on 0115 9888 484 or visit
www.emda.org.uk/waterwayfund
A view from Butchers Bridge
to bottom lock, good job they
don’t have congestion charges
around here. Jim Payler
The crew from President and butty Kildare take time out for a photo call. Derek Billings
Mooring tenders – opposition grows
FOLLOWING the announcement by British
Waterways of their intention to proceed with
trial tendering mooring vacancies, the Inland
Waterways Association has set up an online
petition in order to put pressure on the
navigation authority, which they hope will
bring about a U-turn on the decision.
The BW officer in charge of the scheme is Sally Ash
and interested parties can advise her of their
opinions by letter, sent to the address given at the
end of this article. Following enquiries made since
the announcement, and subsequent conversations
with informed sources around the network, allegedly
it would appear that the proposal does not enjoy the
wholehearted support of all BW staff.
The IWA petition is open to all waterways
supporters and when completed the findings are
likely to provide key evidence in demonstrating what
the users group say is the unpopularity of tendering
mooring spaces. IWA expressed its concern at British
Waterways’ decision to proceed with a trial of
tendering mooring vacancies because it is unfair to
those who have been patiently waiting on lists,
gradually working their way to the top and because it
is socially unjust, with the less well-off and elderly
being priced off the system by the highest bidder.
BW decided that, for a trial period, rather than fill
mooring vacancies with the first name on the
waiting list, as has been the practice for many years
on those moorings where demand exceeds supply,
BW is to put these moorings to tender. The mooring
will then be allocated for three years to the highest
bidder. This new allocation process, which is now
expected to involve about 400 moorings, is to be
trialled for 12 months, during which time the existing
waiting lists will be suspended.
■ Sally Ash, British Waterways, Willow Grange,
Church Road, Watford, WD17 4QA
■ BW briefing on its trial, is available at:
www.britishwaterways.co.uk/accountability/moor
ings_tendering/index.html
■ The IWA online petition can be accessed via
www.waterways.org.uk/News/OtherCampaigns/
MooringsTendering/MooringPetition
A ‘compelling’ case for funding
AFTER having a boat trip
into Dudley Tunnel and its
limestone mines and
caverns, Tourism Minister
Shaun Woodward MP gave
his backing to the £50million lottery bid to open
up a new network of
canals and limestone
caverns which would, in
effect, double the existing
underground
canal
network and create two
cruising rings, writes Bob
Clarke.
Pillings preview
PILLINGS Lock Marina Ltd is to run another
preview day of their new development on
Sunday 19 August 2007. Following the success
of their previous preview day, they aim to
double the number of staff in attendance, as
they will have far more to show the visiting
public at that stage, having started piling
works, and installed more services. And they
hope to be well on the way to having the first
building erected too. All visitors are welcome
on the day, for further information visit
www.pillingslock.com
Inflation drives
fee rates
Mr Woodward visited the
Dudley Canal Trust’s boat
tripping operation at the
invitation of Dudley North MP
Ian Austin. Mr Austin, in a
Parliamentary
Question,
invited Mr Woodward to
Dudley to see for himself the
varying tourist attractions the
borough had to offer.
Lottery bid
The high spot of his visit was
his trip through the tunnel
and limestone caverns, which
are visited by up to 80,000
visitors per year and are now
one of the Black Country’s
major tourist attractions.
He was also given a detailed
briefing on the lottery bid,
which would include the
restoration of a canal tunnel
leading into a vast limestone
mine, the Severn Sisters, and
a canal basin and wharf
which could hold up to 14
narrowboats – all of which
would be loaded with
limestone bound for Black
Country ironworks up to 200
years ago.
The tunnel, cavern and
mines were closed about 100
years ago, with part of the
newsinbrief
Wrens Nest East loading bay where it emerges from the Wrens Nest tunnel. This loading bay had four connections with
the adjacent mines.
canal tunnel collapsing some
years later. But when
engineers and surveyors
scrambled into the Severn
Sisters cavern they found the
basin and loading wharves
were completely intact and in
water.
In addition to the canals and
mines, the scheme would
highlight the rich limestone
fossil beds for which Dudley is
world famous and which were
laid down hundreds of
millions of years ago when
Dudley lay at the bottom of a
tropical sea.
Attraction
After his trip, the Minister
said: “The case for funding is
compelling and the site is of
international significance. To
call it just an attraction is to
massively understate its
importance.
“When you realise that
Wrens Nest (under which the
canals travel) is one of the
most important geological
sites in the world, it makes
you realise how important it is
for this project to succeed.
“The Big Lottery bid is very,
very good for the people of
Dudley. It is certainly something I would back and I wish
them every success with it.”
The Dudley scheme and
associated
schemes
elsewhere in the Black
Country in Sandwell, Walsall
and Wolverhampton, will be
competing against other
projects for the funding; the
Diving team to the rescue
WHEN a Dudley sub aqua club heard that
valuable, shaped sandstone coping stones had
been torn from a 150-year-old listed canal
bridge and thrown into the canal, its members
offered to retrieve the stones and carry out
repairs, writes Bob Clarke.
The attack was on the footbridge over the Dudley
No 2 Canal at Windmill End Junction, Netherton.
The canal and bridge were built 150 years ago
when the canal was realigned to straighten the
approach to the junction and the then newly built
Netherton Tunnel.
Ten years ago, Dudley and Sandwell Metropolitan
Borough Councils developed around 100 acres of
former industrial land surrounding the junction into
Bumblehole Nature Reserve and also built a visitor
centre. In the 1990s the junction was also the venue
for two National Waterway Festivals and has also
hosted the Black Country Boating Festivals.
A BW spokeswoman said the sub aqua club’s offer
had been accepted “although for health and safety
reasons the volunteers will have to be supervised by
our own diving supervisor.”
Bumblehole Nature Reserve volunteer (and also a
boat owner) Brian Atkins said: “This was obviously
the work of kids with nothing better to do. The
police have appealed for information but I doubt if
the culprits will be identified. But someone must
have seen who was responsible.”
Next year the nature reserve will be taking part in
the 150th celebrations of the opening of Netherton
Tunnel.
The
new
initiative,
encouraging
visitors
and
boating customers to recycle
glass and plastic bottles,
Programme
The finalists will go head to
head in a special TV
programme later this year in
which viewers will be invited
to take part in a telephone
ballot.
Wrong kind of rain
WITH most of the country deluged with rain,
the Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny
Canal Trust have cancelled a planned series of
boat trips – due to lack of water.
The monthly trips at Fourteen Locks in
Rogerstone were cancelled due to water
being too low in the pounds, possibly due to
a breach.
WHY ARE WE ALL
UPSIDE DOWN?
Because we are building a
new, larger chandlery, so we
are having a
STOCK CLEARANCE SALE
WITH ITEMS REDUCED
To celebrate the opening of our new larger chandlery we are
holding an
OPEN DAY
with a Trade Exhibition including Companies:
Brian Atkins examines the damage to the bridge wall.
The stones were rolled into the canal and were lying
in about five feet of water plus a couple of feet of silt.
Midlands Recycling Scheme
WEDNESBURY’S
AWM
Group is aiding British
Waterways to implement
recycling centres at seven
visitor mooring sites across
the Midlands.
competitors include the Eden
Project in Cornwall and a
visitor attraction in Sherwood
Forest and its myth of Robin
Hood – who some say was a
Yorkshire man born in
Sheffield!
SELF-drive hire boat licences will increase only
by inflation from April 2008. Sally Ash, BW’s
head of boating development, said: “We are
seeing a long term decline in the number of
weekly hire boats on our network and we want
to ensure that our policies do not deter
investment in the sector.”
The agreed inflationary price increase will only
apply to full-priced licences for hire boats.
Businesses such as low turnover freight
carriers and floating shops who already receive
discounted licences, which bring their cost in
line with pleasure craft rates, are likely to see
the same increases as private boat licences.
The announcement of this fee increase has
been made ahead of a full written
consultation in late summer on proposed
increases to general boat licence fees for the
period 2008-10.
newspapers, tins and cans,
began on 1 July.
The
scheme
aims
to
implement a sustainable waste
strategy and, ultimately, prevent
waste produced at mooring sites
from being sent to landfill. If
successful, the West Midlands
pilot
will
be
executed
throughout the UK next year.
Each recycling centre will be
equipped with recycle bins and
clear instructions on which
items can be recycled. AWM
Group will assist by putting the
bins
–
complete
with
instructions – into place and will
make regular waste collections
to be taken to their facility in
Wolverhampton.
• Channelglaze • Multi-cell Batteries
• Midland Fixings • Interprint •
Polesworth Garage
• Lichfield and Hatherton Canals
Restoration Trust
• Savage Marine Lighting •
Narrowboat Paints
• Traditional Narrowboat
Signwriting Display
• Waterways Artist
• Self-Fit and Re-fit Supplies
• BBQ • Entertainment • Tea, coffee
and biscuits
WITH FRIENDLY ADVICE FROM
LIVE ABOARD BOATERS
WHY NOT COME AND
JOIN US ON
28th and 29th JULY
Tel: 01827 250900
HARVEYS JOINERY & BOATBUILDERS
The Workshop, Wilnecote Lane, Belgrave, Tamworth,
Staffordshire B77 2LE
Weaver Navigation Lock
restrictions continue
BW listing as provided to Defra
BOATERS wishing to cruise the
Weaver Navigation will need to
be aware of the restricted
‘locking’ times caused by the
collapsed wall at Vale Royal
‘small lock’ situated below
Winsford during the summer
season. Repairs have been put
on the back burner along with
17
other
major
jobs
nationwide, all as a direct
result of funding cuts, reports
Keith Langston.
The Victorian Lock stands on
one of the most picturesque
sections of the increasingly
popular Cheshire waterway. As
a consequence, all boats must
use the neighbouring big lock.
The damage is thought to have
been caused by ‘under tow’
erosion and while the collapse
is spectacular in nature it was
entirely unpredictable.
Wales & Border Counties
engineers are also aware of a
crack in the island wall on the
small lock facing aspect at
Saltersford. A spread indicator
gauge was fixed some time ago
and engineers are reportedly
monitoring the situation.
Currently all the small locks on
this navigation were observed
to be out of use, in all cases the
adjoining ‘large’ locks are ‘in
use’.
The damage to the wall of
the small lock at Vale Royal has
for some time now resulted in
the adjacent ‘Big’ lock being
operated only at set times. The
times are Monday to Friday ‘Up
Passage’ 9am, 11am, 1.45pm
and 3.15pm and ‘Down
Passage’ 10am, 12 noon,
2.30pm and 4.45pm. All craft
are advised to arrive at the lock
at least 30 minutes before the
time they have selected.
All the locks on the WN are
operated by British Waterways
staff and the facilities at Hunts,
Saltersford and Dutton are
attended Monday to Thursday
8am to 4.15pm, Friday 8am to
3.45pm and Saturday and
Sunday 10am to 6pm. The lock
keepers’ normal lunch break
time is 12pm to 12.45pm.
Waterways campaigning MP
Charlotte Atkins raised the
question of maintenance
funding in the House of
Commons on 6 February when
she asked Barry Gardiner the
then Waterways Minister the
following question.
Charlotte Atkins: To ask the
Secretary
of
State
for
Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs what planned winter
maintenance work and repairs
British Waterways has (a)
cancelled and (b) postponed in
the winter of 2007 as a result of
reductions to its grant in aid;
and what the locations and
value of these works were.
The listed projects affected
are shown with this report and
the Vale Royal repairs at an
estimated cost of £592,000 are
listed therein.
Saltersford Locks WN. The crack in the island wall facing the
chamber of the out-of-use small lock can clearly be seen. All
Project
Saving details (£)
Rowington
Embankment, Grand
Union Canal
£250,000 reduced investment: Reduced investment
into refurbishment – there will still be a winter
stoppage
Shenton Embankment,
Ashby Canal
£540,000 deferred: Piling works to embankment
deferred
Long Horse Bridge, River
Trent
£544,000 deferred: Construction of a new pedestrian
bridge deferred to 2007-08
Ribble Link
£464,000 reduced investment: Temporary stability
works to bywash – there will still be a winter
stoppage
Trub Farm, Rochdale
Canal
£586,000 reduced investment: Installation of a bridge
and associated approach road – will go ahead,
however it will be funded with alternative money –
there is a winter stoppage currently in place
Cloughside Farm, Peak
Forest Canal
£75,000 reduced investment: Rebuilding of a section
of towpath wall – there will still be a winter
stoppage
Coates Lane Retaining
Wall, Leeds and
Liverpool Canal
£208,000 deferred: Rebuilding a collapsed section of
wall deferred to 2007-08 with a revised, cheaper
solution
Roddlesworth
Embankment, Leeds and
Liverpool Canal
£300,000 deferred: Stemming of leakage through
embankment and raising the height of the wash
wall both deferred
Bridge 177a, Grand
Union Canal
£174,000 deferred: Refurbishment of a footbridge
deferred to 2007-08
Stop gates, in the
London area
£278,000 deferred: Projects deferred and
requirements being reviewed
Denham Culvert, Grand
Union Canal
£174,000 deferred: In-depth investigation into the
integrity of the structure deferred
Milton Keynes Culvert,
Grand Union Canal
£176,000 deferred: Repairs to two culverts deferred
River Severn Dredging
£150,000 deferred: Dredging the Upper Partings to
Haw Bridge deferred
Burghfield Lock
Refurbishment, Kennet
and Avon Canal
£158,000 reduced investment: Refurbishment of lock
– reduced scope of works – there will still be a
winter stoppage
Aston Locks 9 and 11,
Birmingham and
Fazeley Canal
£252,000 deferred: Refurbishment deferred
Tividale Aqueduct, Old
Main Line
£133,000 deferred: Aqueduct repairs deferred
Vale Royal Lock, Weaver
Navigation
£592,000 deferred: Refurbishment deferred
Calverley Wood
Embankment, Leeds and
Liverpool Canal
£485,000 deferred: Embankment refurbishment
deferred – reduced scheme planned for 2007-08
Keith Langston
Vale Royal Locks WN. The picturesque location at Vale Royal and the in-use ‘big’ lock.
Heritage White Paper fails to value heritage says IWA
THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has
responded to the government’s Heritage
White Paper in its role as an active member of
the Heritage Link in conjunction with the
National Trust, Civic Trust, Campaign to
Protect Rural England and others.
The Heritage White Paper process is broadly
welcomed in terms of the opportunity for wider
public engagement with the historic environment,
and recognition of the major contribution that the
voluntary heritage sector can and wants to make.
But the IWA makes some relevant criticisms of
the government’s proposal, not least that the paper
fails to articulate the value of heritage, and has
disappointingly limited vision of heritage’s role in
successful development and regeneration. This,
says the IWA, echoes its concerns about the likely
impacts of any whole or partial privatisation of
British Waterways.
IWA and the other heritage organisations were
further disappointed to find that, despite there
being three key departments in England
responsible for heritage policy, reflected in the
tripartite funding for English Heritage, the paper’s
foreword was notably not signed by the Department
for Communities and Local Government, or the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs.
These departments have responsibilities for rural
and urban regeneration and tourism, and therefore
are a major influence in policy affecting the
nation’s heritage. The Association, together with
other heritage organisations, is concerned that
while these three departments may all have
worked closely on the White Paper, a more overt
show of combined ownership would have given out
a stronger message of cross-government
commitment to the policies in the White Paper and
their implementation.
The Inland Waterways Association is particularly
concerned at the vulnerability of historic waterside
furniture, buildings and landscape following recent
cuts in Grant-in-Aid to British Waterways and the
Environment Agency and government direction to
be more commercially minded. British Waterways
has the third largest portfolio of historic structures
of any organisation in the UK.
Neil Edwards, IWA Chief Executive, said: “We
believe that IWA’s involvement in the consultation
on heritage, through Heritage Link, is of high
importance. IWA members and those who love and
value the waterways are very concerned at the loss
of funding for the waterways and the increased
risks to waterside heritage.
“IWA has long been concerned at the apparent
lack of joined-up government in safeguarding the
nation’s heritage, with different departments
seemingly working against each other or showing
little interest in matters beyond their immediate
remit. The inland waterways have suffered under
the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs because of the complete lack of
coordination with other relevant parts of
government, including the Departments for
Education and Transport, and the Departments for
Communities and Local Government and Culture,
Media and Sport.”
A full copy of the heritage link response may be
found
at
www.waterways.org.uk/Library/
ConsultationResponses
New patron at Trust
MICHAEL Fabricant is to be the new patron
of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals
Restoration Trust.
Michael, a keen narrowboater, said: “I so much
look forward to seeing narrowboats on the canal
travelling once again alongside the Tamworth
Road close to the centre of Lichfield. It will bring
in extra tourist dollars (canal holidays in England
are now highly popular with Americans) and will
help stimulate the local economy.
“I am really very honoured to have been asked
to be the patron of the Lichfield & Hatherton
Canals Restoration Trust. Its objectives will result
in improved amenities in Lichfield and
throughout the midlands as it connects up a
currently dislocated west midlands canal
system.”
Brian Kingshott, chairman of the Trust, said:
“The Trust is delighted to announce that Michael
has accepted an invitation to become a patron.
This gives due and proper recognition to the help
and support he has given for over a decade.
Sadly, one of our previous patrons, Sir John Smith
died earlier this year, thus providing the
vacancy.” Michael is a member of the Lichfield
Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.
Licence evasion update
MAY saw BW recover around £56,000
in licence fee income and
proceedings under way for 238
unlicensed boats under Section 8.
Sally
Ash,
BW’s
head
of
boating development, said: “Although
enforcement action against the owners
of unlicensed or illegally moored boats
can
take
some
time,
those
who consistently refuse to abide
by BW’s licence terms and conditions
are at risk of having their boat seized
by BW.
“Those craft worth more than £1000 are
often sold allowing us to recover our costs
or they are destroyed where they have
little or no financial value.”
End of the line. In London, three boats have recently been
being seized and subsequently crushed.
Accident will not derail festival
Business
as usual
THIS is the message
this month from the
IWA National Festival
Team.
Navigation on the Ely Ouse between Popes
Corner and Ely closed to boaters after a train
carrying aggregates derailed in the early hours
of Friday 22 June. The engine was pulling 37
wagons carrying aggregates from Mountsorrel in
Leicestershire to Chelmsford, Essex. Eleven
carriages tilted off the track, damaging the
bridge structure and tipping aggregates into the
river.
Rail officials immediately closed the line,
which is used mostly for freight, while
investigations into the accident took place.
EA officers were called out at 4.30am and
immediately closed the river while pollution
booms were placed either side of the bridge to
contain any oils and hydraulic fluids that may
leak from the trucks. Waterways staff were also
deployed along the riverbank to advise river
traffic of the situation ahead.
Recovery
The navigation was to then remain closed until
the trucks were secured and the bridge made
safe.
The plan by Network Rail, which is managing
the recovery, was to then build a temporary
access road so that heavy lifting gear could
access the bridge and remove the trucks.
Meanwhile an EA environmental protection
team was on hand to monitor any possible
water pollution during the process. The bridge
decking, which was badly damaged in the
accident, was then to be removed before the
debris from the bridge and the deposited
aggregates were cleared from the river channel.
As Towpath Talk went to press, the EA had
scheduled the second week of August for the
river to reopen to river traffic.
Boaters hoping to navigate the Ely Ouse on
their way to August’s Inland Waterways
Association Festival in St Ives, one of the biggest
boating events of the year, are being advised to
use the Hundred Foot River instead.
The EA are also advising people to contact the
lock keeper at Denver, who will advise them on
navigating the Hundred Foot. Information on
the situation will be posted on the EA website at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk leaflets were
also being produced carrying further
information.
Nathan Arnold, Waterways team leader at the
Environment Agency said: “We are working
closely with Network Rail to ensure that the
situation is dealt with safely and the navigation
is open again as soon as possible. In the
meantime we are advising boaters to use the
Hundred Foot River, which starts at Denver and
rejoins the Great Ouse at Earith, and is a good
alternative route to the festival site at St Ives.
“As the Hundred Foot River is tidal, we would
advise that boaters contact staff at Denver Lock,
who can advise on tide times and bridge
heights, to make their passage easy and
enjoyable.”
Heavy lifting gear
needs to be put in
place to remove the
carriages.
Lengthsman Initiative
THE IWA has reacted to the possible
detrimental effects of funding cuts to the
waterways by launching the Lengthsman
Initiative. The system encourages all
waterways users to report issues affecting the
safe use of the waterways network and
provides a series of report forms on which to
record faulty locks, abandoned trolleys in
watercourses and other maintenance issues
affecting the safety or enjoyment of the
waterways network.
Reports are set up to electronically self-direct
to IWA who will pass them on to the relevant
authority for action. To access the report forms
visit www.waterways.org.uk
Olympic closures
TOWPATHS and navigations which form part
of the Olympic Park are now closed until after
the 2012 Games. These include the waterways
that make up the Bow Back Rivers - The Old
River Lea, City Mill River, Waterworks River,
Bow Back River and Pudding Mill River. The
River Lee Navigation and its towpath will
remain open, except for temporary closures for
works and construction activity in the adjacent
Olympic Park. For more information about the
construction of the Olympic Park call 08000
722110.
£11,000? It’s a Poddle
THE Poddle, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s
annual sponsored walk, has this year raised
over £11,000. The 35th ‘Poddle’ was held on
Sunday 10 June with 202 walkers turning out
to cover the 13-mile route. Joanne Holcombe,
the Poddle organiser, was delighted to report
that the amount pledged by sponsors was
provisionally estimated at £11,300 - money
which will be a welcome boost to the Trust’s
ambitious project to restore the canal crossing
under the main road (the B2133) in Loxwood,
West Sussex.
Closure
Meanwhile, the closure has left narrowboat
owners stranded either side of the bridge in St
Ives and Ely. And the owners of the Bridge
Boatyard were desperately trying to relocate
their hire fleet to a boatyard in St Ives to honour
holiday bookings. They also feared the closure
could have a serious detrimental effect for them
over the summer.
THE Environment Agency has pledged that
a navigation closure, caused by a derailed
goods train, will not stop this year’s biggest
inland waterways boating festival.
Despite the Ely rail crash
incident, the team is still
planning for a great event
and visiting boaters are
receiving
information
about an alternative route
to St Ives, using the New
Bedford River.
IWA Marketing manager
Gillian Bolt was keen to
quash claims that the IWA
festival will be seriously
damaged,
she
said:
“Although this is an
unfortunate incident it’s
not a disaster for the
festival, as luckily there is
an
alternative
route
available. Boaters may
even get to see more of the
Anglian waterways by
using the Hundred Foot
River to get to the festival
and the Ely Ouse to go
home again.”
Some visiting boats have
already used this route as
part of their entry for the
‘Most
Enterprising
Journey’ Award at the
festival. They travelled
across The Wash, in
convoy, and then some
boats completed their tidal
excursion using the river
route
last
weekend.
Boaters planning to use
the Bedford River route are
recommended to contact
the Denver Sluice team on
01366
382013,
VHF
channels 16 and 17.
newsinbrief
New ‘Moorings’
WORK is now completed on a
new mooring development
located
seven
miles
downstream from Stratfordupon-Avon in the village of
Bidford-on-Avon.
‘The Moorings’ will hold up to
28
boats,
cruisers
and
narrowboats with a limitation of
45ft in length.
The final phase of work
included completion of the
fingers,
facilities
and
landscaping to complete the
idyllic situation of the facility.
Proprietor, Graham Jackson
said: “Our floating pontoons were
obtained
from Tewkesbury
Marina for which I would like to
thank Peter Hodgson for his help
and assistance. The pontoons
and mooring fingers have been
Work nears completion on the moorings.
completely refurbished by us,
with Walcon
Marine
Ltd
supplying and installing the
appropriate piling.”
As Towpath Talk went to press
there were still a limited number
of berths available, for further
information email [email protected]
$ ! !"#
%
%%&
Our friends from the north!
The Lough Erne Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland recently visited the south
of the country in order to try out some newly-restored sections of the Royal Canal,
reports Keith Langston
HONORARY Secretary John Weir (a
TPT distributor) travelled in the
company of several members of the
Lough Erne branch to the town of
Mullingar in County Westmeath in
order to take part in a Small Boat
Rally. The enthusiastic group,
complete with boats on trailers, met
up at the Mullingar Park Hotel on
Friday 8 June for a pre-rally dinner,
and a great time was had by all.
Having
been
accommodated
overnight in Larry and Barbara
Ginnell’s Marlinstown Court guest
house the ‘tourists’ set off to
Mullingar Harbour, having first
partaken of the all important ‘full
Irish’.
The newly constructed road bridge and quay at Abbeyshrule.
After launching the boats, Saturday was
spent cruising the Royal, mainly in the
direction of Dublin. After eight miles and
one bridge, the party stopped for a well-
The happy group prior to disembarking for Abbeyshrule, note that in keeping with strict IWAI policy (and WI advice) all
are wearing lifejackets. All Keith Langston
earned lunch break in Mary Lynch’s Pub at
Rivertown Bridge. In the afternoon, the
flotilla sailed another two-and-a-half
miles (and eight locks) to Thomastown
Harbour where the boats were loaded back
on the trailers for the short hop back to
Mullingar.
For Sunday’s leg of the rally the boats
were launched at Ballinea Harbour with
the trailers being taken on to Ballynacargy.
That day’s activity took in nine miles of
the Royal, and 10 locks were negotiated.
The boats were again removed from the
water at the end of the afternoon and
taken back to the group’s Mullingar base.
It was on Monday 11 June (a bank
holiday in Ireland) that TPT caught up
with the intrepid travellers. Having put
their craft back into the water below the
lock at Ballynacargy, the male contingent
then took the boat trailers to their
intended final destination, the newly
reinstated section of canal at the lovely
village of Abbeyshurle, while the ladies
enjoyed a spell in the glorious sunshine.
The northern navigators would travel fiveand-a-half miles to and then on beyond
that village for an additional five miles,
but return in order to load up their boats
for the journey back north.
The Royal beyond Ballymahon is not yet
completely restored but the IWAI
members are looking forward to being
able to travel all the way to the Shannon in
the not too distant future! Interestingly
Waterways Ireland is keeping the
anticipated opening date to themselves
for now, preferring to simply say ‘it will be
in 2008’. Not bad offering a 12 to 1 bet on
the actual month. The group’s opinion
after their three days on the Royal… ‘They
were pleased to report that the waterway
is in great condition and after a terrific
time they all look forward to returning.’
After being launched back into the water below the lock at Ballynacargy the boats
get ready for the off!
Illuminating
times
FOR the first time in almost 200
years, the landmark clock tower
on a former warehouse in
Stourport’s canal basins is now lit
up, writes Bob Clarke.
The ‘turret’ clock was originally paid
for by public subscription by local
people as a mark of their gratitude to
the Staffordshire and Worcestershire
Canal Company for creating the town
by the arrival of the canal in 1770.
Although it was a gift from the
townsfolk, the canal company also
gave £25 to the fund.
The warehouse was built to
coincide with the building of the
narrow locks in the early 19th century
and the clock was installed on top of
the warehouse in 1813.
The clock, which is older than Big
Ben, has four dials with quarter-hour
chimes and is still hand-wound once
a week. According to the Towpath
Guide of the S&W Canal written by
Ian Langford in 1974, the warehouse
was built to store grain and general
merchandise and in the war years
became part of a timber yard.
Eventually the warehouse became
(and still is) the headquarters of the
Stourport Yacht Club.
Stourport Town Coun David Little is
responsible for winding the clock - a
Abbeyshrule, the boat trailers to the left are on what was the road which travelled on
over the in-filled canal to the section of road on the right (marked with a no parking
X). The new bridge was constructed as part of the canals reinstatement.
With the warehouse roof refurbishment now complete, as part of the multimillion pound restoration of the canal basins complex at Stourport, the final
touch has been the floodlighting of the warehouse clock.
voluntary job he has been doing since
1989. Every Sunday morning he
climbs up a steep stairway to the
tower to carry out six ‘windings’ - the
time mechanism, big barrel striker
and four gear boxes - a job that takes
him 15 minutes. The £2000 cost of the
lighting has been met by the town
council and will be illuminated by
two lights - one on the wharfside and
one fixed to the wall. He said: “We are
thrilled to finally be able to light up
the clock at night time.
“It is a real honour to wind the clock
every week and it certainly keeps me
fit. We are very proud to have the clock
in Stourport and hopefully we can
keep it going for another 200 years.’’
Broads BSS exemption period expires
OWNERS whose craft have passed a
Boat Safety Scheme examination
are urged to send in a copy of their
certificates to the Broads Authority
immediately
to
avoid
an
unnecessary visit from a navigation
ranger.
After the Broads Authority introduced
the Boat Safety Scheme in April, it
granted several owners of private craft
of over 21sq m, who had to comply with
the scheme, a three-month exemption
period.
Now that this exemption has expired
(30 June), the Broads Authority
navigation rangers will be extra vigilant
in ensuring compliance with the
scheme.
As the Boat Safety Scheme is run by
British Waterways and not the Broads
Authority the Authority is not
automatically informed when a vessel
has passed a BSS inspection. Therefore,
all owners who have not sent in a copy
of their certificate to the Broads
Authority should do so immediately.
The Bromford Junction Bridge.
Bromford Junction Bridge is a grade II listed cast
iron bridge. An inscription in the spandrels reads:
"HORSELEY IRON WORKS 1829".
Heritage Focus Midlands
Part 1 Bromford Junction – Birmingham Canal
Several heritage-related jobs are currently underway in various locations around the British Waterways network; in
order to illustrate this all important work TPT accepted an invitation to visit three sites in the West Midlands as a
guest of regional Heritage Advisor Elizabeth Turner. During the visits Miss Turner (Lizey to her colleagues) explained
the important role played by the BW heritage advisory departments.
ENSURING that all aspects of any such work
takes into account the all important heritage
content in both looks and the choice of
building materials is the prime focus of the
heritage advisor. Modern methods and
building regulations are of course employed
but the finished article must resemble as near
as possible the original structure. The BW
advisors are on hand not only to ensure such
accuracy but also to liaise with land owners,
local authorities and other interested parties
on planning applications and related matters.
What follows is Elizabeth Turner’s account of
the heritage sensitive work which was
undertaken at and around Bromford Junction.
Spon Lane No 2 Lock. All Keith Langston
by Keith Langston
Following grant funding from the Heritage Lottery
Fund (HLF) and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough
Council (MBC) four structures located at Bromford
Junction have been refurbished and repaired as part
of the wider Smethwick Summit Heritage Lottery
Fund works. Bromford Junction is a complex site
which when examined revealed a wealth of canal
history. During the restoration works two original
Horseley Iron bridges have been restored, a former
lock hovel has been repaired and a lock quadrant at
Spon Lane lock three has been reinstated.
There are a number of listed cast iron footbridges
along the Birmingham Main Line Canal that
illustrate the development of patterns by the
Horseley Iron Company throughout the mid 19th
century. The Bromford Junction bridges are two of
the finest examples of these bridges and the works
which have been undertaken have restored these
bridges to their former glory. The works to the
bridges and associated structures have made a very
positive impact to the visual quality of the canal at
Spon Lane. Whereas previously the Bromford
Junction looked rather shabby and tired, it is now a
destination to visit and revel at 19th century
industrial heritage. Access to the bridges is now
much improved and the many safety issues with
the bridges have been addressed. The works have
been mostly funded through the Heritage Lottery
Fund and Sandwell MBC.
The works which have been undertaken include
shot-blasting the bridges to remove years of paint
and grime and then repainting the bridges in
appropriate colours; the brickwork has been
Passing under the M5 motorway the Birmingham Main Line goes off to the left whilst
the three Spon Lane Locks veer off to the right.
extensively repointed with natural hydraulic lime;
new brick paving has been installed on the
approaches to the bridges and linking the two
bridges together to improve physical access around
the site; the towpaths around the bridges have also
been completely refurbished.
The offside bottom lock quadrant has been
restored using Black Country brindle bricks and
following the original pattern of the brickwork on
the Spon Lock flight. The hovel located next to Spon
Lane Lock 3 is a good example of industrial
archaeology; unfortunately it has suffered years of
abuse through vandalism. The structure has been
made safe and secure through conservation repairs
to the brickwork.
The Birmingham canal is rich in history and in its
original form it was engineered by Brindley,
Simcock & Whitworth. It ran for 221/2 miles from the
Staffs & Worcs at Aldersley Junction, to Birmingham
via 29 locks. It carried mainly coal and was opened
by 1772 (John Smeaton was employed as engineer
in c1784-1789). This became the Old Main Line. In
1825-1838 the Birmingham Canal was substantially
modernised by Telford, and the New Main Line was
cut, reducing Brindley’s 221/2 miles to 15.
Prior to the arrival of the Bromford bridges in the
19th century, there was just one canal at the site
which was James Brindley's original 1769 main line
from the Wednesbury coal fields to Birmingham.
When Thomas Telford was asked to survey the
district in the 1820s to improve the meandering
contour canal his plan involved diverting the old
main line across his new cut by means of the
Steward Aqueduct. The move effectively meant that
the Old Main Line known as Spon Lane carried
much less traffic. Boats from the new line carried
BW West Midlands Heritage Advisor, Elizabeth
(Lizey) Turner explains that the stone blocks on
the wall are redressed and cleaned originals whilst
the blue half round capping bricks were especially
made by the Midlands based Cradley Special Brick
Company.
straight on past Bromford Junction towards
Wolverhampton. Only traffic heading west on the
old line needed to pass the Spon Lane locks and
anything travelling from the eastern end would still
save time by heading to Smethwick Junction and
diverting onto the new line there.
Bromford Junction Bridge is a grade II listed cast
iron bridge across the section next to Spon Lane
Locks. It is of the Horseley type and consists of a
single elliptical arch with the parapets pierced in
Saltire cross design with a row of quatrefoils above.
An inscription in the spandrels reads: "HORSELEY
IRON WORKS 1829". The date confirms the design,
which is of an early type. Later Horseley bridges lost
the quatrefoils and became much simpler.
The Grade II listed towpath bridge over the new
main line at Bromford Junction is supported on
brick abutments but the cast iron spans were made
in three sections and then bolted together. The
pattern includes the Saltire crosses but does not
have the quatrefoil top row that appeared on many
of the older black and white bridges, a typical
feature of the BCN. This is borne out by its
inscription on the central section, which in this
instance reads The Horseley Company Tipton 1848.
The hovel located next to Spon Lane Lock 3 is a good example of industrial archaeology.
Unfortunately it has suffered years of abuse through vandalism.
World Canals Conference receives
a big Liverpool welcome
FOR the first time in its 20-year
history
the
World
Canals
Conference, which is now held
alternate years each side of the
Atlantic, was hosted by the
voluntary sector, by the Inland
Waterways Association, in Liverpool
in mid-June.
More than 150 delegates from the
Americas and from nine European
countries converged for the event which
was held yards from the underconstruction Liverpool Link Canal, at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Many of the foreign delegates enjoyed
two days of pre-conference trips
organised by IWA to such places as
Worsley, Barton swing aqueduct and
Pontcysyllte aqueduct during which the
weather was glorious. Before the
conference proper began both Inland
Waterways International, and the World
Canal Conference Steering Committee
held their annual meetings.
In true volunteer style the guests had
the opportunity of a leisurely registration
on the Tuesday night and were
welcomed by a host of North West
volunteers, many of whom were staying
on their boats either in Salthouse Dock,
having been in the last trip to the
Liverpool South Dock complex via the
tideway before the Liverpool Link opens,
or at Eldonian Village on the Leeds and
Liverpool Canal. Kent and East Sussex
Canal Restoration Group celebrated their
30th birthday by providing refreshments
for a reception. Guests met Judith Palmer
who had voluntarily co-ordinated the
conference for IWA and Dr Roger Squires
who had organised speakers and tour
destinations.
Next
morning
delegates
were
welcomed by conference chairman, John
Fletcher and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool,
before an intense day of 12 lectures
covering the themes Setting the Scene,
The Partnership Approach, Sustainable
Regeneration, and Community Rewards.
The conference was sponsored by Peel
Visiting boats at Salthouse Dock, Liverpool. John Fletcher
Ports and Peel Land and Property. Mills
Media were the Professional Conference
Organisers.
On the Tuesday evening there was a
gala dinner sponsored by Morrisons
Construction at which the distinguished
guests included the Lord Lieutenant of
Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead; the
The stand of
the delegation
from next
year’s hosts
Rideau,
Canada.
John Fletcher
High Sheriff of Merseyside, Professor
Philip Love; the Deputy Lord Mayor of
Liverpool; and Sir Robert Atkins MEP.
Entertainment was provided by the
Caldon Canal Stompers and recitations
from the Cheshire poet laureate, who
just happens to live on a boat!
On Wednesday, the day set aside for the
visits included in the main conference
timetable, the weather was unkind, but
spirits were not dampened. Because of
the restricted site, delegates viewed the
Liverpool Link construction over the top
of hoardings from the top of an open top
bus. Transferring to more conventional
coaches, delegates were then taken to
Stanley Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool
Canal, Spike Island on the Sankey
Navigation,
the
Middlewood
construction site on the Manchester
Bolton and Bury Canal. Picnic lunch was
provided by Waterway Recovery Group in
Manchester as the delegates continued
into Castlefield and then on to see the
New Islington connection between the
Rochdale and Ashton canals in Ancoats.
The tour was completed by visiting the
Huddersfield
Narrow
Canal
in
Stalybridge.
Undeterred by the rain delegates watch concrete being poured on the construction site of the new Liverpool Link canal
adjacent to the city’s famous Pier Head. John Fletcher
On return to Liverpool a few of the
delegates managed to squeeze in a visit
by minibus to the horse-boat Maria at
Eldonian village – the first time a horse
boat has travelled to a World Canals
Conference. The evening was spent
aboard a Mersey ferry viewing the
Liverpool and Birkenhead river fronts
and with entertainment from a Beatles
tribute band.
Friday morning continued with more
lectures and opportunities to view the
exhibition area. Themes in the lecture
included the restoration of Anderton
boat lift, the Burslem Port Project, Mike
Palmer talking about the wide variety of
roles which volunteers could undertake,
and Bob Watson of the Sobriety Project
“More than ‘Access for All’”. After thanks
and exchanges of contact details there
were two final optional tours to
Anderton Lift and Merseyside Maritime
Museum.
Next year the conference is on the
Rideau Canal in Canada, and in 2009 it
will be held in Serbia.
The conference presentations may be
viewed
in
pdf
format
at
www.wcc2007.org.uk
Conference chairman John Fletcher
presents volunteer conference
organiser Jude Palmer with a thank
you bouquet. Andrew Layton
Transatlantic and Swedish delegates enjoying a pre-conference trip across the
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Mike Palmer
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230v high efficiency boiler
Low running costs, low noise levels,
low maintenance, long lasting and
reliable
Space saving corner
stove
Solid fuel or oil fired
The corner stove is designed to fit into
confined spaces. An economical burner,
it can provide a variety of heating
options
Safe, efficient, reliable and designed for your boat
HA317751L
For full information call Harworth Heating on 01302 742520
Or visit: www.oilstoves.co.uk
MOBILE TVs
(with integrated DVD player)
12v - 24v - 230v
DISTRIBUTOR
Trade
Enquiries
Welcome
LARGEST
DISPLAY IN THE
MIDLANDS
DIGITAL &
ANALOGUE
TUNERS
(Freeview included)
15” £375 17” £425
VHF handheld radio.....................................................£49.95
Whale Gulper 12v shower pump......................................£84.95
Bilge pumps 12v...................................................from £11.99
Jabsco water pump, 12v, 2.9gpm, 25psi............................£54.50
Shurflo water pump, 12v, 20 or 30psi, 10.6ltr......................£60.00
Quayside Shoes, 10% off list price
Fire extinguisher 8A-55B £17.95 each. Buy 3 & Fire blanket for £60.00
Flag Antifouling £29.95 for 2.5 ltrs. Buy 2 & get FREE coveralls
Paint Reductions on stock, enamel and undercoat, July only!
Casio Watches, 15% off list.
Thetford C200cs toilet, 12v...........................................£195.00
Spare Cassette for C200cs.............................................£69.95
Valor Willow Solid Fuel Fire.........................................£275.00
Selection of cookers, sinks and hobs on offer.
All offers are While Stocks Last and for Limited Time.
SPECIAL OFFERS ALWAYS ON DISPLAY
Web: www.millarmarine.com
AND MUCH
MUCH MORE!
Call Norman or Christine on 01332 793358
• Warehouse C • 24 The Wharf • Shardlow • Derby • DE72 2GH
Fax: 01332 799167 • E-mail: [email protected]
When it really matters...
Tel. 01384 485554
www.craftmasterpaints.co.uk
*+
", - ./ +" 0 "
1 "# /23# #+ + 1, " / +" / 1 2
! "# $% && ' ()
CR317807L
Need a galvanic isolator?
YES YOU DO
Highest UK spec :
Lowest UK price!
70 amp isolator :
2 year warranty
ONLY £75.94!
Inc next day delivery!
Highest UK spec :
Lowest UK price!
70 amp isolator : 2 year
warranty
Advanced Isolator with
status monitor
Maximum galvanic protection
ONLY £95.94!
Inc next day delivery!
Free information pack
For your nearest stockists, contact
MAINLINE, 2 Sefton Road, Litherland, Liverpool L21 7PG
Telephone: 0151 920 6451
Fax: 0151 920 6452
Web: www.rylardboats.com
Safeshore Marine UK ...01977 513607
Online ordering : www.safeshoremarine.com
IN298974L
IN285022H
Safeshore Marine, Millmoor House, Low Common,
Methley, Leeds, LS26 9AF UK
SA317734L
arina
Northampton’s
Northampton’s NNewest
ewest EExclusive
xclusive M
Marina
OPENING AUTUMN 2007
HEYFORD FIELDS
MARINA BUGBROOKE
TOUR
T
O U R SITE
S I T E AND
AND
VIEW
PLANS
V
IEW P
LANS
SUNDAY, 29th JULY
11am - 3pm
Tea and Coffee
A new 100 berth non-residential marina situated
on
the Grand Union Canal between the picturesque
WE OFFER:
Northamptonshire villages of Bugbrooke and
✦ Peaceful rural location yet only 10 minutes’ drive from M1, Junction 16
Nether Heyford
✦ 14 miles of lock free cruising between Stoke Bruerne and Buckby Locks
✦ Easy walking distance to local pubs and shops
✦ Water and electricity to every berth
✦ Diesel, laundry, Elsan disposal, pump out, toilets and showers
✦ Boatyard facility
For further information please call
07902 216870
www.heyfordfieldsmarina.co.uk
FETTLERS
WHARF MARINA
NEW BOATS
FOR SALE
Moorings
available
• Fettlers Wharf is set in tranquil Lancashire Countryside on a branch of the
Leeds Liverpool Canal, between Ormskirk and Preston, good access to the
Millennium ribble link - linking the Lancaster with the Leeds Liverpool.
• Within easy reach of M6, M61 and M62 motorways, 100 yards from Preston
to Liverpool rail link and 200 yards from the A59.
• WEST LANCASHIRE DESIGN AWARD FOR 2005.
• Fettlers Wharf offers a wide range of facilities including a secure site with
moorings for 100 boats all with water and electrical hook-ups, laundrette and
shower facilities, gas, diesel and pump outs, boat sales, high specification fit
outs and servicing etc. and ample parking for all.
• Fettlers Wharf also accommodates the Thowd Boatman’s Cabin a traditional
family run coffee shop serving home cooked traditional food, cakes and an
excellent range of speciality ice cream.
20 STATION ROAD, RUFFORD, NR ORMSKIRK,
LANCASHIRE L40 1TB
Tel: 01704 822888 Mobile: 07768 352214 Fax: 01704 821197
email: [email protected]
RU317651L
‘Moorings and new boats are available, contact us for details.’
Nicads
NiMH
Lithium
Alkaline
Wet Lead
AGM
Gel
www.multicell.co.uk
[email protected]
MULTICELL
Providing solutions for all your marine power applications
Marine Power Systems Specialists
Extensive Stockists of all battery sizes and technologies
Bespoke battery pack assembly facility
Available for local delivery throughout East Anglia and The Midlands
Practical Help and Advice from our experienced friendly team
Standard Range
Depots in Leicester, Evesham and Norwich
Drop into one of our trade counters to discuss your requirements:
Dual Purpose Range
Sealed Lead Range
Multicell Leicester
Swannington Rd
Broughton Astley
Leics LE9 6TU
Tel: 01455 283443
Fax: 01455 284250
9am-9pm Weekdays
8am-12pm Saturdays
Multicell Evesham
Evesham Marina
Kings Road
Evesham WR11 3XZ
Tel: 01386 429100
Fax: 01386 429101
9am-4pm Weekdays
Saturdays by appt.
“All our energy goes into your batteries”
Heavy Duty Range
MU315751L
Call in for a free battery test at one of our three depots
CHANDLERY & FIT OUT EQUIPMENT
MAIL ORDER SPECIALISTS & SHOWROOM
15th Edition catalogue now available
As always our 202 page fully illustrated catalogue is packed with all that’s best in Cabin
Fit Out equipment, includng Heating, Electrical, Lighting, Plumbing
(and yes, the HELP comes too), plus lots of other parts such as
Cruising equipment, Brassware, Boat Safety parts etc.
To obtain a copy, please send £6.95 (£6.00 to callers)
Price includes two x £2.50 vouchers each redeemable on spends of £25 or more (before P&P and VAT)
Definitely the most comprehensive catalogue of Cabin fit out equipment available. If you are fitting
out, we guarantee you will not be disappointed.You are welcome to visit our well stocked showroom,
but please ring to check opening times.
Also online at:
British Marine
www.acornengineer.com
Federation
Tel 0161 366 8866. Fax 0161 366 8266
WARBLE WHARF, BROADWAY, HYDE, CHESHIRE SK14 4QF
LetsGoWiFi Ltd
are specialists in
providing public
wireless Internet
!"#$%&'
( AC316002L
Multicell Norwich
7-8 Barrow Close
Sweetbriar Ind Est
Norwich NR3 2AT
Tel: 01603 484471
Fax: 01603 401654
8.30-5pm Weekdays
9.00-12pm Saturdays
Solar Panels Batteries Chargers DCDC Converters
Inverters Cables Terminals Isolators Blocking Diodes
access for people who wish to surf the internet or download
e-mail whilst at your marina, hotel or holiday home.
For further information and if your venue is considering
WiFi Internet access, see our website
Tel: 01695 570 442
0 .. -
www.letsgowifi.co.uk
!" #$%#& &#'$( )*" #$%#& &$%#+
" ,-.-/
--.-/
or email: [email protected]
LE316473L
Virtual Line Rental and Local Telephone Number
Only £2.99 Per Month
Voicemail to Email Service - Have your voicemails delivered
as sound files to your email address.
Wireless Broadband +
Virtual Telephone Service
Installation
of
Transmitter
to marina
owners
Lower Call
Rates &
Special UK
Mobile Rates
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Total Mobility of your phone line - Can be used on any
broadband service anywhere in the world
Lower competitive international/mobile call rates for
destinations outside the Ineedbroadband Unlimited call Plan
Downloadable up to 8Mbps
Unlimited monthly usage*
FREE connection
FREE email anti-spam and anti-virus
24/7 customer support
No phone line required
Always-on connection
Easy to install
Prices start from £15.99
Buy Instant Access Now!
Call: 0871 2882105
AD317708L
FREE
Online Billing Information, Caller ID, Voice mail,
Pre-configured ATA (broadband phone adaptor)
BEESTON MARINA LTD
The Heart of The Trent
Serving the boating community for over 100 years!
Moorings • Chandlers • Boat Sales • Calor
New/Used Outboards • Monthly Deals
Boat/Outboard Finance • Open 7 Days
Inflatables • All Major Brands!
www.beestonmarina.com
Tel: 0115 9223168 Fax: 0115 9258060
THE
AUCTION IS BACK
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
6.30pm
Start in the Riverside Bar
The Nottingham
Outboard Centre
Professional Outboard servicing
and repair
Main dealer & parts supplier for -
• MASSIVE PARTS WAREHOUSE
• E-TEC / OPTIMAX DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
• CRANAGE
• SLIPPING
• PRESSURE WASHING & PAINTING / ANTIFOULING
LPG / CALOR GAS ENGINEERS
Corgi Registered / Cookers / Fridges / Mobile Heaters / Catering Vans /
Landlord Certificates / Mobile Homes
• Live entertainment every Saturday!
• Summer BBQs and Disco / Karaoke
• Every Friday Big Quiz and Card Bingo!
• Weddings / Funerals / Parties - book now
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE:WWW.PUFFERPARTS.CO.UK
Skype.iain-pufferparts
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 10-2
CLOSED SUNDAYS AND
ALL BANK HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
11 1/min Fresh water pump and filter............................................................£46.99
17 1/min Fresh water pump and filter............................................................£68.99
500 gph bilge pump and float switch................................................£21.99 the pair
500 gph Whale Orca bilge pump, superb at only...........................................£12.25
Diesel fuel filler locking cap, stainless or plain steel to paint........................£14.99
Genuine brass (not coated) curtain tube and ends at reduced prices
11 1/min shower pump and filter, still only ................................................... £55.00
Various Spinflo cookers at CLEARANCE prices
Clamp on coolie hats to fit 3 sizes of chimney top state diam.......................£16.50
2” wide fibreglass exhaust bandage at only.....................................£0.99 per metre
Sterling 1800 watt inverters, from.....................................................................£239
Sterling 20amp International charger, from......................................................£150
Belkin 300 watt inverter, last few...................................................................£29.50
Flat cassette hose 20m on reel with fittings...................................................£33.99
Fenders in plastic, rubber and rope, in stock
Lifebelts, anchors, rope, in stock
Lighting - try it before you buy it - see our display
Batteries, Cable, Battery Boxes, Panels, all in stock
Beat the Brass price increases coming through now
Mushroom vents, not many left at..................................................................£17.85
Brass Spun Grill - for underneath mushroom vent ................................. from £5.50
Solid brass plank and pole racks, still.....................................................£38.50 pair
Of course we stock & sell goods from all the Major Wholesalers but rather than fill our
ads. With logos and claims about how “big we are etc.” WE would rather quote prices
and WE carry large stocks not just catalogues. Prices are correct at time of going to Press
BESIDE THE LEEDS-LIVERPOOL CANAL near BRIDGE 197A
If you are on the Leeds Liverpool why not call in!
www.pufferparts.co.uk
• Functions welcome • Children’s game room
• Quality food everyday from 5.00pm
TEL: 01535 605703
FAX: 01535 606229
0115
9254124
BE316008L
B OAT P ARTS AT P RICES TO P LEASE
EXCELSIOR WORKS, HALL TERRACE, RIDDLESDEN
KEIGHLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE BD21 4HB
VAT REGISTRATION NUMBER 808 9673 83
PU316481L
RA315842L
SL SERIES COMBI
PURE SINE INVERTER WITH CHARGER
• Run your washing machine or dishwasher on board
• Automatically charge and condition your
batteries
See us at
• Continuous power when disconnecting from
Crick Show
shore mains power or generator
Stand C51
• View your charging current, mains or battery
voltage at the touch of a button
• Connect your solar panels directly
3000W 12V with 100Amp charger
to the built in Solar Regulator
or 24V with 70Amp charger
• Install your full display remote control
(included) anywhere for easy viewing
1500W 12V with 50Amp charger
Please contact us for full specification or 24V with 35Amp charger
DREAM NARROWBOATS
Hull Repairs
and Replating
Tel:
07747 441241
e-mail:
[email protected]
THESE BOATS ARE COMPLETELY EQUIPPED
AND READY TO CRUISE
£1499
£899
Includes remote control, DC cables & mega fuse
& details
2 Year Warranty plus Technical Support and Installation Advice.
All prices include VAT and Delivery.
All products ABYC rated continuously at 40oC.
[email protected] www.powermastersystems.com
THE ULTIMATE SUPPLY
Call us now on 01480 455060
The National Waterways
Museum
Ellesmere Port
(Formerly The Boat Museum)
Climb aboard our collection of historic narrow boats, or step back in time
to Porters Row dock workers’ cottages.
Discover the social and industrial history of canal
systems and its impact on everyday life.
New interactive galleries for children!
✦ Large Free Car Park ✦ Waterside Coffee Shop
✦ Gift Shop & Boat Trips
YEARLY EVENTS PROGRAMME
BO317696L
Email:
dream_narrowboats
@hotmail.co.uk
For sale 57’ trad and 57’ cruiser. Both ready now.
We are a live-aboard specialist and cater to your
every need. Our boats are finished and equipped
to an extremely high standard. So why not make
your dream narrowboat come true.
Our basic spec
• Vetus 4.17 engine with 3.5kw travel pack
• Vetus flush toilet with 215 waste tank
• Vetus accumulator tank
• Galvanic isolator • 12v fridge
• Full size washer/dryer
• Caprice 2040 cooker • 1000w inverter
• 18mm solid oak floor on 18mm ply
• 20mm ash roof & sides above gunnels
• Fully tiled bathroom with full size shower
• Fully tiled galley
• 12V freezer
• Morso Squirrel stove with fully tiled surround
• Oak trim throughout
DR318120L
Tel: 07817 935639
FOR A HIGH CLASS BOAT FIT-OUT
PO315743L
Contact us:
Dream
Narrowboats
Kingslock
Boatyard
Booth Lane
Middlewich
CW10 OJJ
Tel 0151 355 5017
Ellesmore Pork, Cheshire
Junction 9, M53
www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk
The Inland
Waterways
Association
The River Great Ouse,
Hemingford Meadow, St Ives,
Huntingdonshire, Cambs
PE27 5EJ
National Festival
and Boat Show
25 - 27 August 2007
Superb, Safe
Drinking Water...
Wherever You Cruise!
with General Ecology
Drinking Water Systems
Visit our
exhibit at the
IWA Show
CALDWELLS
NARROWBOAT
WINDOW
MANUFACTURER
NO
PROD W
U
TOUG CING
HENE
D
GLAS
S
ALL WINDOWS SUPPLIED WITH LETTER OF CONFORMITY
Unit 1, Leeds Street, Wigan, Lancashire WN3 4BW
Tel: (01942) 826406 • Fax: (01942) 826471
[email protected]
www.caldwellswindows.co.uk
•
•
•
•
•
Removes Pathogenic Bacteria, Giardia and Cryptosporidia
Removes Tank and other Foul Tastes and Odours
Compact Size, Easy Installation
Removes Solvents, Pesticides and Chlorine
Easy maintenance
GE318030L
CA316265L
8a Gibb Street, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1EE
Tel: Lisa 0115 972 9333 or 07980 131987
LD318038L
Quote TPJUL-07 or use the application form to join before 01 Aug 07 and receive 1 yr’s free retainer membership
River Canal Rescue (RCR) provides its members with
National Breakdown & Recovery Assistance 24hrs,
365 days a year. The service is available to all boaters using
the inland waterways in the UK.
In the event of a breakdown RCR will send a qualified mechanic to
undertake a thorough investigation of the breakdown, and rectify where
possible. If the problem cannot be resolved in situ the vessel will be
towed to a local marina or safe haven, at no additional cost other than
your membership subscription.
RCR offer four levels of membership reflecting the degree of cover
required. There are No Hourly Charges and No Callout charges.
Membership includes
(dependent on membership level):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Breakdown Assistance & Recovery
Home-start Assistance
Outboard Loan
Yearly inspection of engine and electrical system
Relay of crew to home base
Crisis Coordination and Message Relay Service
Provision Pick-up Service
Practical and Technical Telephone Assistance
Parts Delivery
Route Planning
General Information
Mobile phone Package (available on request)
MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED - (please tick as required)
GOLD Price to Towpath Talk readers
£140 £160
National Breakdown Assistance & Recovery including Homestart and
Crew Relay. Cover for any vessel or any user. Annual Engine and
Electrical Inspection of registered boat.
Unlimited callouts.
Member = Vessel - covered for all users
Member = Registered User - covered on any boat
SILVER Price to Towpath Talk readers
£95 £105
National Breakdown Assistance & Recovery including Homestart and
Crew Relay. Cover for Member and one other registered user.
Maximum 7 callouts.
Member = Registered User and Vessel
BRONZE Price to Towpath Talk readers
£70 £80
National Breakdown Assistance & Recovery
Maximum 4 callouts
Member = Registered User and Vessel
RETAINER
£55
Registers the member - provides the same priority and access to services
but pay on use. Breakdown and Assistance charged at a flat rate of £30
per breakdown. Member = Boat
Pay on Use services:
• Guaranteed Servicing available exclusively to members. Set price
for servicing and a money back guarantee that parts are exchanged.
• Boat Handling Courses - details available on request.
• Maintenance Courses - timetable of courses around the country will
be sent with your membership pack.
• Personal Boat Transportation - we can provide a trained person to
cruise your craft back to your chosen location.
• Engine & Electrical Inspection - similar to a Pre-MOT we identify
possible faults. A comprehensive inspection, ideal before you buy, or
as an annual maintenance check.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
★ To qualify for your year’s free membership you must pay for your 1st year
and then the 2nd year is free.
Key Terms & Conditions
1. We do not offer a minimum callout time.
2. Recovery to local marina or members choice of location, has to be
within a max of 2hrs cruising time, and is dependent on the availability
of RCR staff.
3. The cost of replacement parts is the responsibility of the member.
4. Pay on Use Services are provided at the discretion and availability of
RCR staff or contractors.
5. Parts delivery, outboard loan, is provided at the discretion and
availability of RCR staff or contractors.
6. RCR reserve the right to refuse membership.
7. We do not repair any domestic electrics, appliances or plumbing.
8. The registered vessel must be properly maintained and serviced, and all
reasonable steps taken to prevent breakdowns.
9. Home start cover is required up to 1 mile away from registered
moorings.
PERSONAL DETAILS (Please use BLOCK CAPITALS)
Title: Mr
Mrs
Miss
Ms
(delete as applicable)
Other........................................................................................................................
Surname:.................................................................................Forenames:.............................................................................................................................
Address:....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................Postcode:...........................................................
Telephone:.....................................................................................................................................................Email:................................................................
VESSEL DETAILS
Name of Craft:..................................................Reg No. of Craft:..............................Type of Craft:................................... (i.e. Cruiser, Narrow boat)
Length:.................................................................Width:.......................................................................Height:...........................................................(m/ft)
Displacement/Weight (if known): ............................................................................................................................................................................................
Hull:
Wood
Fibreglass
Steel
ENGINE DETAILS
Type:
Inboard
Outboard
Make: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Engine Size:......................................................................................................(cc/HP) Engine No:...............................................................(outboard only)
Electrical System: 12 Volt
24 Volt
Fuel:
Petrol
Diesel
Two stroke
Other.............................................................................................................
REGISTERED MOORINGS: (if any)
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................... Tel No: .............................................................................................
PAYMENT DETAILS
Please choose your method of payment
Cheque
Made payable to RCR
Credit Card
Complete details below
Mastercard / Eurocard / Visa / Delta / Maestro
Card No.......................................................Valid from:.......................Expiry Date...........................Issue No.........................Security number....................
I understand that this application form is subject to terms and conditions and that my membership will become active once I have received a
copy of these in my membership package.
Signature ........................................................................................................................................... Date .........................................................................
Please return form and cheque (if applicable) in an envelope addressed to: River Canal Rescue, Freepost, NAT 11249, Stafford, Staffordshire ST17 OBR
Boats Broad and Narrow Lyons Boat Yard Ltd
at Fairies Hill Marina
All
Whitwood, Castleford, West Yorkshire
• Easy reach from Midlands and South
(A1, M1 to Junction 31, M62)
now at Trade Prices
Visit our fully stocked Chandlery or
call for further details
ALL REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKEN
EMERGENCY CALL OUT
AVAILABLE
Why not a BRAND NEW BOAT?
We build narrowbeam, broadbeam &
Dutch Barge style shells to Sailaway,
part/full fitted to suit your budget.
FOR SALE
• Based on a 10:6:5:4mm quality shell
• Beta Marine Diesel Engine
• Stainless tank
• Individual to each customer
• Full contract protection & insurance
60’ PETER NICHOLS 4 BERTH
PRICE GUIDE:
Narrowbeam 40ft sailaway £22,000
Broadbeam 40ft sailaway £30,000
Dutch Barge 50ft sailaway £55,000
£43,000
Ring Mike on 07771 580 593
for boat sales information or log on to
www.boatsbroadandnarrow.co.uk
Coded Welders,
Electrical
Engineering,
Diesel Injector
Specialists,
Re-bottoming,
Over Plating
Lyons Boatyard Ltd, Limekiln Lane,
Birmingham B14 4SP
Tel: 0121 474 4977
Open 6 days Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
ALL MAJOR CARDS WELCOME
BO316024L
LY318011L
BARTON TURNS MARINA
Barton Turns Marina is
situated in the heart of the
Inland Waterway network on
the Trent & Mersey canal
between Burton on Trent and
Lichfield
close
to
the
Staffordshire village of Barton
under Needwood.
The Marina
Facilities
We have over 230 berths
available for permanent and
temporary moorings and as a
privately owned marina we
can offer our customers competitive rates.
At Barton Turns Marina you will
find a full range of services to
meet your needs. Our facilities
include:
It is a privately owned, purpose built marina which
stands on a 65 acre site and
includes two lakes, new forest
plantations, pleasant parkland
style walks with a wide range
of wildlife to watch and enjoy.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Our Marina has a happy, caring atmosphere in order to
make you and your family feel
right at home when visiting or
mooring with us. Our friendly
team are always here to help.
●
●
●
●
●
●
Secure Long Term Car Park
Security Gates with Pin
Code Access
Electricity to each berth
and water to all jetties
Full Disabled & Baby
Facilities
Hot and Cold Showers
Well stocked Chandlery and
Shop
Elsan / Refuse / Waste
Oil Disposal
Diesel / Gas / Coal
Pump Out
Laundry with Washer / Dryer
Brokerage
Marine Insurance
Full Docking-Repair and
Boat Yard Services
If we can be of any further
help to you, please do not
hesitate to contact us........
Barton Under Needwood
Burton upon Trent
Staffordshire
DE13 8DZ
Te: 01283 711666
Fax: 01283 711555
www.bartonturnsmarina.co.uk
MOORING RATE ALL INC. BASED ON JETTY LENGTH
BA316006L
BROKERAGE SECTION
8a
O
8.3 until m to 6 PEN
0am en pm
unt to 5 d of N Mar
il e .30 ove ch
nd pm mb
of De er
Feb cem
rua be
ry r
W
H
Y
A
R
R
U
F
B
L
R
TD
O
N
ar d r
c
r
ste majo pted
a
e
t
a, Mmos acc
s
i
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V nd rd
a t ca
bi
de
The Wharf, Norbury Junction, Staffordshire ST20 0PN
Agents for most major companies including Webasto, Bubble, Isuzu, Wilsons
WELCOME to the beautiful setting of Norbury Junction in the heart of the Shropshire Union Canal, where you will find a warm and friendly welcome.
FULL BOATYARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE INCLUDING: All hull
repairs including welding, fabrication and plating work undertaken
REF 10130
Three berth, 67 foot traditional
style narrow boat built in 1995
by Delph boats and powered
by a 36hp Lister Alpha water
cooled modern diesel engine,
having just had new PRM
hydraulic gearbox fitted.
Bowthruster and Sternthruster,
12V separate diesel generator,
240V Heart interface/inverter,
Sterling battery management
system, solid fuel central
heating and Alde gas central
heating. Extensively fitted as a
three berth with permanent
double bed and single en-suite
with shower and hand basin in
separate cabin plus separate
bathroom with pumpout toilet.
Recent professional paint job.
Will make a superb live-aboard
boat.
➠ SECOND HAND BOATS FOR SALE ➠
SECOND HAND NARROWBOATS WANTED ON BROKERAGE TO FULFILL OUR
GREAT DEMAND DURING THE LAST FEW MONTHS. WE CHARGE JUST 4% + VAT
NO SALE - NO FEE
NO MOORING CHARGES WHILST BOAT IS FOR SALE (UNLESS RESIDENTIAL).
NARROWBOATS ALSO BOUGHT FOR CASH, IMMEDIATE DECISION AVAILABLE
CALL 01785 284292 NOW
REDUCED TO
£49,950
Rear View
REF 10138
45ft cruiser style narrow
boat built by Liverpool Boats
in 2004. Powered by an Isuzu
33hp water cooled diesel
engine. 4 berths (double and
make-up dinette). Heating via
twin coil calorifier from
engine and Eberspacher
diesel central heating boiler
also supplying radiators
throughout the boat. Plus also
solid fuel stove in saloon
area. 240V ring main with
1800W inverter. Layout from
the stern is permanent double
bed, shower room with Vetus
macerator toilet, U-shaped
galley and saloon with makeup dinette. This boat is
immaculate inside and out
and is a fraction of a ‘new
build’ price. Ready to cruise
for the 2007 summer. Viewing
highly recommended.
£37,500
Front View
£55,000
This is a rare opportunity to
own a very traditional 70 foot
residential narrow boat, which
was once a horse drawn
working narrow boat. She still
retains her ‘butty’ looks
although now being motorised.
She was built in 1895 out of
iron by T. Bantock Ltd.
Extensively restored over the
years. Steel cabin fitted in
1988 and fitted out by Roger
Farringdon. 1.8 BMC modern
diesel engine with Volvo
hydraulic drive. Five berth
narrow boat including its
traditional back cabin. All the
usual modern appliances
including washer/ dryer, full
size larder fridge, central
heating via solid fuel stove and
solid fuel stove in back cabin.
Viewing highly recommended
but by appointment only.
REDUCED TO
£39,950
Inside
BRAND NEW BESPOKE BOATS
BUILT TO ORDER
We only build bespoke boats to your specification or
we can design one with you.
We only build two boats a year so don’t miss the slot!
• Brokerage Boats
new/secondhand
• New Chandlery
• Fishing Tackle
• Laundry service washes
• Slipway
• Gifts & Grocery shop
• Off licence
• All engineering work
FULL
OUT
and mechanical work CALL
SERVICE
• Plumbing, gas and
electrical work
• New engine installations
• Safety and compliance work
• Diesel/solid fuel stove fitting
✦ Bottom blacking in our covered dry dock
✦ Brand new boats built and fitted to any stage
REF 10127 ✦ Vintage engine specialist • Full and part refits
Double berth, 57 foot
traditional style narrow boat
built in 2005 by Mike Christian
and fitted out by Geoff Priest
of Delph Wharf. After very little
use this narrow boat is in
immaculate condition
throughout and is to be sold
fully equipped. Licensed until
August 2007. Ideal live-aboard
with lots of space.
All documents and operating
instructions available
for viewing.
REF 10131
We can offer an excellent paint job by our experienced boat painter and
decorative artist in our fully covered and heated wet dock
Or why not pop into our old fashioned fully licensed tearoom, hire one of our
two day boats, enjoy the hospitality of our bed and breakfast or our holiday
cottage and browse over our fleet of hire boats.
Winter and summer moorings and long term available.
We are a boat yard for boaters run by boaters, all facilities are available even
on our turn round days, gas, diesel and pump-outs. Coal and smokeless fuel.
REF 10139
Romsey No.9 was built in
2000 by Bridgewater
Boatbuilders as a four berth
traditional style narrow boat
(One fixed double and 1 makeup double in saloon). Powered
by a marinsed Yanmar Barrus Shire 2202 modern
water cooled diesel engine
driving an 18 x 12 propeller via
a Newage PRM 150 gearbox
and benefits from a Nobel 4hp
bowthruster. Spacious engine
room at the rear, double
bedroom, shower room with
pumpout toilet, galley and
saloon with Lock Gate diesel
stove. Romsey No. 9 was
professionally repainted by
ourselves in June 2007.
Mooring offered with sale if
needed near to Norbury
Junction with jetty, landline,
water and brick built storage
building.
£45,000
REF 10140
Sweet Jenny, 30ft Springer.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
£17,500
NEW
INTERNET
CAFE WITH
WI-FI
CONNECTION
FULL BROKERAGE SERVICE AVAILABLE, FOR MORE DETAILS CALL
01785 284292 Fax: 01785 284251 or EMAIL [email protected]
website: www.norburywharfltd.co.uk & www.norburywharf.co.uk
BROKERAGE SECTION
Armadillo
2001 70’Trad style built by Dave
Thomas. 4 berth. Beta engine
BSC May 2009
£79,000
Aegir
32’ x 12’ Bourne steel cruiser built
1987. Peugeot engine. BSC TBA.
£22,000
Sea Jade
60’ Colecraft built 1996. 4-6 berth.
Thorneycroft diesel engine.
BSC to May 2008
£57,000
Kotare
29’ Fred Boddy built 1974 (approx) steel
hull and wooden superstructure. 4 berth.
BMC diesel engine. BSC to June 2010.
£12,500
Escapade
57’Tim Tyler built shell, fitted out by
Calder Valley Marine. Built 2004.
2 berth. Beta marine engine.
BSC to Sept 2008. £59,950
Sheridan
26’ Viking built 1992. 6 berth. Honda
petrol engine. BSC to May 2009.
£10,995
Dolly Earle
57’ Evans built 1997. 2 berth. Nanni Kubota
diesel engine. BSC to June 2009.
£54,950
Sandra J
56’ x 10’6” Built by Trent Valley Boats
2004. 4 Berth. RCD compliant.
Mooring available at Sawley
£130,000 Price reduced for quick sale
BR316055L
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BROKERAGE SECTION
THE
Bredon Road, Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire GL20 5BY
TEWKESBURY
Our brokerage service is very comprehensive and very successful.
If we can help you to sell your existing boat,
or look for a new one, please let us know.
Moorings available. Enquiries welcome.
Tel (01684) 293737 or visit our website for more details
MARINA
www.tewkesbury-marina.co.uk
New Viking - Seamaster Cruisers
Shangri-La
£69,950
Renaissance 31, Nanni 50hp Diesel
La Sirene
£11,000
Viking 22. Honda 15hp 4 stroke
Leeward
£9,950
Shetland 4 + 2. Suzuki 55 2 stroke
New Viking 20
£14,475 inc VAT
Brand new. Choice of engine.
Meredith
£59,950
56ft Cruiser narrowboat. Isuzu 35hp
Homeward Bound
£9,950
Freeman 23. Ford Watermota.
Natolie
£12,500
Seamaster 27. Ford 1.6 Diesel.
Mellbreak
£12,950
Freeman 26. Perkins 4107 Diesel.
Alison K
£14,950
Freeman 26. Perkins 4107 diesel
Jay Bee
£6,500
Viking 20. Suzuki 15hp 4 stroke
Moonshadow
£35,950
Moonraker 36. Twin Perkins T6354
Scotts Smile
£17,950
Reflection 23. Volvo 130 Petrol
Brads Pad
£14,500
Freeman 26. Perkins 4107 Diesel
Merengi
£21,950
Fairline Carrera. Twin Volvo 151’s
Malteazer
£38,000
56ft Colecraft trad narrowboat
Alison K
£14,950
Freeman 26. Perkins 4107 Diesel
Capricious
£16,750
Freeman 24. JGM 1.8 Diesel
Dateline
£3,950
Dateline Bikini. Johnson 55hp 2 str
Leobel
£27,750
Freeman 27 Twin Watermota petrols.
King Bear
£8,500
SOLD SUBJECT TO SURVEY
Louise Anne
£7,500
Dawncraft 22 Yamaha 15hp 4 str
The Mistress
£16,500
Sea Ray 220D, Mercruiser 4.3 Ltr
Pride of Dorset
SOLD
£29,950
Chardon Bleu
£27,950
SOLD SUBJECT TO SURVEY
Inspection: BY APPOINTMENT WITH BROKER
Offered subject to being unsold. Particulars given are subject to confirmation by buyer. In this case we are acting as brokers only. The Vendor is not selling in the course of a business. Whilst every care has been taken in their preparation, the correctness of these particulars is not guaranteed. The particulars
are intended only as a guide and they do not constitute a term of any contract. A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars. Where appropriate at his own expense to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey, and/or to have an engine trial conducted, which if conducted by
us shall not imply any liability for such engines on our part.
TE313284L
Emerald
We are very pleased to announce that Tewkesbury Marina have been appointed the Midlands, Wales and
South West distributor for Viking and Seamaster Inland Cruisers.
We are now able to offer the full range of boats from 20 feet to 32 feet.
(New Viking 20 now in stock for immediate delivery - £14,475 plus choice of engines)
BROKERAGE SECTION
Priory Marina, Bedford
FACILITIES
INCLUDE
Visitors Berths
Lauderette
Showers
Cycle Hire
Chandlery
Restaurant
Hotel
Pump Out
Slipway
Crane
CCTV
Diesel
Petrol
Gas
New & Used
Boat Sales
Bliss £79,000
Foxdale £32,500
Soo £16,750
TLC £4,750
Built in 2004, this 57’ by 10’
widebeam offers generous
accommodation and a good
spec. Boasting an open-plan
kitchen into the good-sized
lounge, full-size bath and two
double bedrooms. Eberspacher
heating plus solid fuel stove,
Isuzu engine, calorifier. BSC to
Jan 2009. Mooring available.
Built in 1981 by David Piper,
this 59’ all steel NB with
cruiser stern, boasts a fixed
double bed, large saloon into
the u-shaped kitchen and good
storage. Fitted in light oak.
Solid fuel stove, pump out toilet,
instant hot water heater. Lister
SR3 engine. Hull recently
over-plated. Mooring available.
31’ GRP cruiser built by
Marine Projects. Features twin
Ford diesel engines coupled to
Enfield Z drive (560 hours
since new), log, echo sounder,
VHF, 2 burner hob with oven
and 3 way fridge. 4 to 5 berths.
One family owner since new.
Lying elsewhere. Mooring
available.
22’ long 6’10” wide Teal GRP
cruiser built in 1975.
4 berth with large aft cockpit
with galley and sea toilet.
4 burner hob/grill, hot and cold
water via paloma type heater.
Current BSC. OMC engine
with outdrive leg.
Mooring available.
Priory Marina, Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ
Tel. 01234 351931
www.bwml.co.uk
[email protected]
Moorings Available, Chandlery, Workshop, Secure Pontoons, Good Transport Links
An Oasis of Peace and Tranquillity
OPEN 7 DAYS WEEK
PR316480L
Orchard Marina & Boatbuilders Limited
The Friendly Boatyard and Marina - right in the heart of Cheshire
ESSJAY
USED BOATS FOR SALE
60ft Cruiser. 2001 ex-hire boat on Piper
Shell. Huge accommodation with six
berths in separate cabins and two
toilets. Private ownership since 2003.
Shire diesel.
Owner is looking for offers around
£48,500
SECOND TO NUNN
2007
50ft Semi-trad, pump-out toilet, bath
62’ Semi-Trad, completed at Orchard
with shower over. LPG hob and oven,
Marina, 42hp Isuzu diesel engine,
separate dinette area. Well appointed
and comfortable accommodation. This is excellent fit out, unbelievable price
a well cared for boat and serviced at this £59,600 (inclusive of VAT)
yard since new. Permanent mooring
available if required.
Priced at £45,000 (Offers considered)
ALL OF THE ABOVE BOATS ARE AVAILABLE WITH PERMANENT MOORING IF REQUIRED
NEW BOATS - OFF THE PEG
57ft CRUISER STYLE
Our very own 57ft “Victoria” Class stock narrow boats are now being offered with a choice of conventional or reversed
layouts and either as a cruiser Style from £54,950 or a limited number of Semi-Trad style hulls priced from £55,950,
inclusive of VAT. These are fully fitted and represent exceptional value for money. Standard specification now includes:
stainless steel water tank, cassette toilet, large shower with folding glass door, LPG hob/oven/grill, diesel fuelled central
heating plus a solid fuel fire, Pullman style dinette or “L” shaped settee berth. Choice of finishes, curtains, soft
furnishings etc. Upgrades and additions are available and will be quoted for separately. Lead times are approximately 10
weeks from order.
We have full workshop facilities with experienced and time served
full time staff, two covered docks to take up to 72ft and a small
chandlery. We are also agents for Isuzu Marine Diesel Engines.
OR316482L
We are always happy to discuss and cost out new
builds to your own specification or, we can provide
various sail-a-way options completed to whatever
stage you require.
Email:
School Road, Gadbrook,
[email protected]
NORTHWICH, Cheshire CW9 7RG
Website:
Tel 01606 42082
www.orchardmarinaandboatbuilders.ltd.uk
Fax 01606 42186
Latest listings for
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS
9am-5pm (Sunday 10-4pm)
Boats arriving daily. Contact Steve or Phil on 01270 528538 for boat sales
and James for helpful chandlery advice
Sweet Briar
Venetian 38
Mellors Keller
32ft GRP centre cockpit cruiser by Norman in 1972, 5
berths, BMC 1.5 diesel engine, current owner for 11 years,
BSC till Oct 2008
£10,950
New 38ft cruiser stern,Vetus 25hp diesel engine, two plus
two layout, shower room with cassette WC, well designed
galley, solid fuel stove and built in furniture. Lovely quality.
£42,000
Bonnie
Un-named
23ft utterly charming steel hulled ‘GRP style’ cruiser, built in
1984 by Black Bull Engineering. Lombardini Keel cooled
diesel engine, Calorifier, shower and recently blacked. Long
BSC till May 2011.
£11,750
A 45ft cruiser stern, Liverpool boats, 1997 but only
launched in December last year after a good quality fit out
by the owner, Perkins 4108 with only 50 engine hours,
4.4kva diesel generator, washing machine, BSC until 2011.
£45,000
A 57ft trad Narrowboat built in 2003 by Price Fallows and
fitted out by Narrowboat Services of Barnton. Open plan
living area, walk through galley, fixed double berth, large
wardrobe, 3.2kw inverter, solid fuel stove, diesel central
heating. Isuzu 33 diesel engine, pine T&G lined. Ideal
liveaboard.
£66,500
Minnow
Scenic 40
A 36ft Harborough Marine cruiser style Narrowboat built in
the late 70s, steel hull GRP top recent repaint, blacking and
service. Lister 3 cyl diesel engine, Ellis gas central heating
and Calorifier. BSC Dec until 2009.
£18,995
Brand new 40ft cruiser stern, Piper Steelwork with
beautiful lines. Beta diesel engine.Top quality maple
interior. High gloss blue paintwork.This boat offers a lot of
luxury for this size craft.
£48,000
59ft cruiser style, Isuzu 35hp diesel engine, primed, integral
water tank, battened, spray foam insulation, ballast and floor.
Windows fitted, build yourself an investment.
£22,950
Chandler Bing
Manana
DUE IN. 57ft Cruiser style sail away, stainless steel water
tank, windows fitted, spray foam, insulation and battened,
floor and ballast.
£26,550
A 40ft traditional Narrowboat, believed to be constructed
by Colecraft in 1980. Pine T&G fit out, 4 berths, solid fuel
stove, BMC 1.5 diesel engine. Good first boat.
£27,950
Ends and Beginnings
A 48ft cruiser style Narrowboat, constructed by Hallmark in
2000, basic cheerful boat with Vetus 33hp engine and BSC
July 2008.
£29,950
Charlotte M
A 45ft Cruiser style Narrowboat from Liverpool Boats,
1987, last owner for 18 years and much loved and cared
for.Vetus 4 cylinder engine, solid fuel stove, cratch and
cover. BSC until 2010.
£31,950
Frances Ann
A 45ft Cruiser style Narrowboat, built by Bridgewater Boats
in 1994. Nanni 35hp diesel engine with fitted generator.Alde
central heating. 2 plus 2 berths.Washer/dryer, 3 years BSC.
£32,950
Foxton
SAILAWAYS
Liverpool 59
A 55ft cruiser style Narrowboat from Olympus Narrowboats
of Northwich, with Steel by Heron, constructed in 2002
offering superb family accommodation with 6 berths, Beta
BV1903 diesel engine, light oak faced interior.
£48,000
Silent Highway
A 60ft traditional Narrowboat, constructed and fitted by
Evans, Beta Marine diesel engine with twin alternators.
Stunning oak faced interior. Eberspacher diesel central
heating, solid fuel stove, recent repaint, blacking and
replacement cratch cover. 4 berths. BSC till mid 2008.
£48,950
Liverpool 57
Venetian 57
57ft Semi Trad, fitted with Vetus 33hp engine, beautiful lines
and well proportioned, steel doors, spray foam insulation,
fully lined, bathroom bulk heads, wiring back to stern, brass
portholes, side doors, bow lockers, high gloss paint finish
and bow thrusters. NOT YOUR ORDINARY SAILAWAY!
£39,950
Skitty Kitty
A 60ft squared stern Cruiser style Narrowboat from the
much admired Warble Boats, built 1998 but looks a lot
younger, designed for wheelchair access but the lift is so
unobtrusive this would appeal to anyone looking for a high
quality boat, 4/6 berth, bow thrusters, aft galley.
£59,950
North Cheshire 57
A 49ft Cruiser style Narrowboat from Charlie Fox,
constructed 1991. 2 owners since, and in super condition.
Ford 1.8 diesel engine, 5 berths, good storage, pump out
WC. Due in shortly but viewings can be arranged.
£34,950
A new 57ft Trad Narrowboat, steelwork by Price Fallows
and high quality fit out by North Cheshire Narrowboats.
Barrus Shire 4 cyl diesel engine.American Crown cut light
oak fit out, fixed double berth and dinette double. Pump
out wc.
£61,950
WEEZEES
Scenic 52
A 38ft Cruiser style Narrowboat from Liverpool Boats with
original fit out from Classic in 2001 and substantially
upgraded by the current owner. Beta 28hp engine, 4 berths,
Alde gas central heating, solid fuel stove.Very clean and tidy
throughout.
£35,950
Nearing completion, using steel work from Piper, this craft
will be finished to the very highest standard (a completed
boat is available to view on request). Fitted out in maple
which has 2 coats of spray varnish.Aft galley layout and lots
of storage.This boat will have a real wow factor.
£64,950
All Venetian and Wedgwood
Narrowboats can be ordered
and built to your exact
requirements and needs, by our
own dedicated team of boat
builders and fitters, so if
you need a bathroom or kitchen
fitted in a sailaway plus, please just ask!
• All viewings will be Accompanied
• Sole agents for Wedgwood Narrowboats Ltd.
• Piper Boats shells in stock along with other leading
makes
• We have an extensive range of sailaway boats which can
be completed to any stage of completion. We also offer
an extended discount scheme on all chandlery items
when a sailaway is purchased.
• We also have a range of fully fitted Liverpool boats ready
to sail away today
• Stock boats are always required.
CHANDLERY
The largest independent family run retail chandlery in the country with
over 25 years experience to hand. Also the friendliest by far.
We will endeavour to price match all items found cheaper elsewhere.
Please call us today before you buy. Conditions will apply.
Free delivery within 10 miles on orders over £100 • 1500 sq. feet of pure chandlery
The new number in Cheshire for all
your Vetus requirements, call in for a
free Vetus catalogue or
phone 01270 528538.
Possibly the largest range of Vetus
equipment anywhere in the UK
Did you know that we offer a complete range of services
operating from two individual sites on the Shropshire
Union Canal and Trent & Mersey Canal. Call Steve or
Mark for full details and advice.
Venetian Brokerage & Chandlery, Venetian Marina Village, Cholmondeston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DD
Tel: 01270 528538. Fax: 01270 528537
Web: www.kingslock.co.uk
KI315752L
ICH NARROWB
W
E
L
OA
DD
01606-832460
T
I
M 9 Canal Terrace Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9BD S
Website: www.middlewichboats.co.uk
[email protected]
FO316360L
Bespoke boat builders to your spec
Boats Built to any stage of completion
Sailaways from £21,000 inc. VAT
Fully fitted from £40,000 inc. VAT
Dry dock for hire
Boat Repairs and servicing
Opportunities available for boat sponsorship
Two free RYA courses with every boat sold
BOATS FOR SALE
39ft fully fitted boat with cruiser stern
£40,000 inc VAT
Boats also for hire, please contact for details
NEW WEBSITE NOW ON LINE
MI306377L
SHOBNALL MARINA
• Covered dry dock
(DIY/serviced)
• paint dock • extensive chandlery
• signwriting/painting • gas/diesel/ pumpout
• mechanical & joinery work
• call-out service • CORGI gas fitter
• Marine surveyor & BSS examiner
◆ On-line chandlery
◆ www.jannel.co.uk
◆ BOATS ALWAYS
JANNEL
CRUISERS
SALE ◆
01283 542718 [email protected]
website: www.jannel.co.uk
JA301013L
Unit 4 Kiveton Park Industrial Estate, Manor Road, Kiveton Park, Sheffield, S26 6PB
Tel/Fax: 01909 515555 Mobile: 07881 533579
Web: www.reedsboats.com Email: [email protected]
RE316146L
FOR
52ft - £37,000 55ft S- O
£39,000
LD
SHOBNALL MARINA, SHOBNALL ROAD,
BURTON UPON TRENT, STAFFS DE14 2AU
T/F: 0121 777 0697
M: 07970 059 199
Boatyard: 01564 783442
We offer:
Sailaways to any stage
Fully fitted Boats
Alterations and Additions
Help & Advice
We now operate from Swallow
Cruisers, Wharf Lane, Lapworth
on the Stratford Canal, Bridge 27
Coming Soon: Short Courses in
all aspects of boat building,
safety and handling
We offer all boat yard facilities:
Diesel • Maintenance • Launching • Chandlery • Slipway • Pump Out • Boat
Building • Craneage • Boat Painting • Bottom Blacking
[email protected] www.richardsnarrowboats.com
Swallow Cruisers Boatyard,Wharf Lane, Lapworth,
West Midlands B94 5NR
HULL BLACKING
N
AVAI OW
LABL
C
RUIS
E
E
R
BOAT DAY
H
0156 IRE
7834 4
42
£6 per foot plus vat (DIY)
£9 per foot plus vat (work carried out by us)
RI317725L
Get your
EIRE
FREE COPY HERE...
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Adlington
Bolton
Bolton
Bolton
Burnley
Nr Garstang
Lancaster
Manchester
Manchester
Manchester
Oldham
Oldham
Oldham
Parbold
Preston
Preston
Rufford
Todmorden
Todmorden
Todmorden
Westhoughton
Wigan
Wigan
LEICESTERSHIRE
Ashby Library
Ashby Tourist Info
Hinckley Boat Club
Trinity Marina & Shop
Lime Kilns (PH)
The Rose & Crown (PH)
The Plough (PH)
Foxton Boat Services
Foxton Locks Inn & Shop
Foxton Canal Museum
Sileby Mill Boat Yard
L R Harris & Son
The Navigation Inn
Ashby De La Zouch
Ashby De La Zouch
Hinckley
Hinckley
Hinckley
Loughborough
Loughborough
Mkt Harborough
Mkt Harborough
Mkt Harborough
Sileby
Syston
Wigston
LINCOLNSHIRE
Boston Tourist Info Office
Boston Marina
Belle Isle Marina
Wheelhouse Restaurant
Woodcocks Public House
Burton Waters Marina
Pyewipe Inn
The Elms (PH)
The Angler (PH)
Woodcocks (PH)
White Swann (PH)
Hume Arms (PH)
The Lock Keeper
The Barge Inn
Barge And Bottle (PH)
Sleaford Tourist Info Office
Cogglesford Mill Café
Boston
Boston
Coningsby
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Torksey
Torksey
Torksey Lock
Scunthorpe
Sleaford
Sleaford
Sleaford
LONDON
Nauticalia Ltd
British Waterways London
Nauticalia Ltd
Walkers Quay
The Pirate Club/Castle
Ts Queen Mary
London Canal Museum
Lee Valley Marina (Springfield)
Covent Garden
46 Goodhart Place
Greenwich
420 Manchester Rd
London NW1
London NW1
London WC2R
London N1
London E5
Paddington Central
Brundall Bay Marina
Shepperton OnThames
Uxbridge
Uxbridge
Uxbridge
Norwich
NORTH HUMBERSIDE
Timber Ponds
Goole Boathouse
Waterways Museum
Viking Marine Goole
Moorland Community Café
Goole
Goole
Goole
Goole
Goole
NORTH YORKSHIRE
Ripon Marina
Ripon
Selby Marina
Selby
The Narrowboat (PH)
Skipton
The Rose & Crown (PH)
Skipton
The Royal Shepherd (PH)
Skipton
The Coffee House
Skipton
The Old Swan Inn
Skipton
Pocklington Canal Amenities Soc. Wheldrake
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Eastern Marine Sales
Blisworth Tunnel Narrowboats
The Walnut Tree (PH)
Mill House
Wharfhouse Narrowboats Ltd
British Waterways South East
ABNB Ltd
Crick Marina
Weltonfields Narrowboats
Whilton Chandlery
Anchor Cottage Crafts
Eastern Caravans &
Narrowboats Ltd
The Little Mermaid Canal Shop
The Canal Museum
The Boat Inn
Baxter Boat Fitting Services
Billing
Blisworth
Blisworth
Blisworth Arm
Braunston
Braunston
Braunston
Crick
Crick
Daventry
Daventry
Northampton
Northampton
Stoke Bruerne
Towcester
Towcester
Yardley Gobion
NORTHUMBERLAND
Path Head Watermill,
Blaydon On Tyne
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Beeston Marina
Beeston
White Swan (PH)
Dunham on Trent
Kingfisher Wharf Marina
East Bridgford
Farndon Harbour Marina
Farndon
The Brittania (PH)
Farndon
The Goose (PH)
Gamston
Unicorn Hotel, Trentside
Gunthorpe
Gunthorpe Lock And Tearooms Gunthorpe
National Federation Of Anglers Holme Pierpoint
The Royal Oak (PH)
Long Eaton
Harrington Arms (PH)
Long Eaton
Steamboat Inn
Long Eaton
Trent Lock
Long Eaton
Navigation Public House
Long Eaton
The Plank & Leggit (PH)
Long Eaton
Kings Marina
Newark
Smeatons Lakes
Newark
The Springhouse (PH)
Newark
Old Malt Shovel (PH)
Newark
The Barge (PH)
Newark
Pizza Express
Newark
Newark Marina
Newark
Muskham Ferry (PH)
North Muskham
Nottingham Castle Marina
Nottingham
Gunthorpe Marina
Nottingham
Redhill Marina
Nottingham
The Goose At Gamston (PH) Nottingham
The Peacock Inn
Nottingham
Trevethick Boatyard
Old Lenton
The Hop Pole (PH)
Retford
Red Lion (PH)
Sandiacre
Chandlery Restaurant
Sawley Marina
Canalside Coffee Shop
Worksop
Canal Tavern
Worksop
Angling Supplies
Worksop
Woodhouse Inn
Worksop
Shireoaks Sports & Social Club Worksop
Shireoaks Marina
Worksop
OXFORDSHIRE
Sovereign Narrowboats
Tooleys Boat Yard
Oxford Cruisers Ltd
Banbury
Banbury
Witney
SOUTH HUMBERSIDE
The Barge Inn
Keadby
SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Canal Tavern
Waterstart Boat Project
The Waterfront
Strawberry Island Boat Club
Doncaster
Doncaster
Doncaster
Doncaster
The Victoria Inn & Lodge
Bay Horse (PH)
Town and Country Rangers
Services
Int Marine Supplies
Reeds Boats Ltd
A & G Passenger Boats Ltd
Swinton Lock Adventure Centre
Thorne Boat Services
Thorne Pet & Angling Centre
Staniland Marina
Delv’s Café
Bluewater Marina
Nr Doncaster
Great Heck
Meadowhall
Misterton
Sheffield
Sheffield
Swinton
Thorne
Thorne
Thorne
Thorne
Thorne
SHROPSHIRE
Blackwater Meadow Marina
Bridge 65
Victoria Wharf
Stafford Court Hotel
The Talbot (PH)
Maestermyne Marine
Viking Afloat
Whixall Marina
Ellesmere
Market Drayton
Market Drayton
Market Drayton
Market Drayton
Maestermyne
Whitchurch
Whixall
SOMERSET
Bath Narrowboats
Bath Marina
Maunsel Canal Centre
Bath
Bath
Bridgewater
STAFFORDSHIRE
Barton Turns Marina
The Bridge Inn
Jannell Cruisers
Swan Line Cruises
The Swan (PH)
J.D. Boat Services Gailey Ltd
Aquatravel
Kings Bromley Wharf
Midland Chandlers
Otherton Boat Haven
Great Haywood Marina
Norbury Wharf
Etruria Industrial Museum
Heritage Marina
Stoke on Trent Boat Club
Stone Boat Building Co Ltd
Three Tuns Inn
Debbies Day Boats
Fazely Mill Marina
British Waterways
(West Midlands)
Peels Wharf Bw
Barton on Trent
Brewood
Burton on Trent
Burton on Trent
Burton on Trent
Gailey
Great Heywood
Hayes
Penkridge
Penkridge
Stafford
Stafford
Stoke on Trent
Stoke on Trent
Stoke on Trent
Stone
Tamworth
Tamworth
Tamworth
Tamworth
Tamworth
SURREY
Canal Centre
Bell Weir Boats Ltd
Farnecombe Boathouse
Guildford Boat House Ltd
The Canal Centre
Pyrford Marina
DNA
Walton Marine
Camberley
Egham
Godalming
Guildford
Mychett
Pyrford
Sunbury onThames
Walton on Thames
SUSSEX
Thames Executive Charters Ltd East Grimstead
WARKWICKSHIRE
Tamworth Cruising Club
Atherstone
Midland Chandlers
Daventry
British Waterways Central
Hatton
Ashby Boat Co
Nuneaton
Ashby Canal Centre
Nuneaton
Rising Sun Inn
Nuneaton
Ashby Trip
Nuneaton
Tom O’ The Wood (PH)
Rowington
Blue Haven Marina
Rugby
Clifton Cruisers
Rugby
Harvester Inn
Rugby
Boat Inn
Rugby
Rose Boats
Rugby
Arrow Engineering Ltd
Rugby
Willow Wren Cruising
Rugby
Holiday Inn
Rugby
Badsey Café and Bistro
Rugby
Granthams Bridge Boat Services Rugby
Blue Lias
Southam
Two Boats Inn
Southam
Wigrams Turn Marina
Southam
Calcutt Boats
Southam
Cuttle Inn
Southam
Bridge Inn
Southam
The Folly Canal Shop
Southam
Napton Narrowboats
Stockton
Greyhound Inn (PH)
Sutton Stop
Kates Boats
Warwick
Hatton Lock Café
Warwick
Saltisford Canal Trust
Warwick
WEST MIDLANDS
Sherborne Wharf
Lyons Boatyard
British Waterways West Midls
Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham
WEST MIDLANDS continued ...
J L Pinder and Sons
Crafted Boats
Canal Art By Julie
Coombes Wood Canal Trust
Aquatravel
Navigation Inn
Swallow Cruisers
Wharf Tavern
Briar Cottage Moorings
The Navigation Inn
The Black Boy (PH)
Longwood Boat Club
British Waterways West Mids
Harveys Of Tamworth
Mainline Solutions
Lime Kiln Chandlery
Calf Heath Marina
Bromsgrove
Cradley Heath
Halesowen
Henley In Arden
Henley In Arden
Solihull
Solihull
Solihull
Solihull
Solihull
Sutton Coldfield
Tamworth
Tamworth
Tipton
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
WEST YORKSHIRE
Calder Valley Marine
Swift Craft
The Old Mill
Red Rooster (PH)
Sagar Marine
Boatowners Marine Store
British Waterways Yorkshire
The Leggers Inn
Calder Valley Marine
Colliers Arms (PH)
Barge & Barrell (PH)
Halifax Tourist Info
Railway (PH)
Canal Visitor Centre
Bradford
Bradford
Brighouse
Brighouse
Brighouse
Castleford
Castleford
Dewsbury
Dewsbury
Elland
Elland
Halifax
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge
Holmfirth Tourist Ctr
Tunnel End Inn
Shoulder of Mutton (PH)
The Rail & River Ctr Shop
Huddersfield Tourist Ctr
Aspley Wharf Marina
M. Roberts Books
The Royal and Ancient (PH)
Standedge Visitor Centre
British Waterways Stanedge
Tudor Cruising Club
Marsden Information Point
The Railway (PH)
Riverhead Brewery
Puffer Parts
The Bay Horse (PH)
Snaygill Boats Ltd
Silsden Boats
Haworth Tourist Info
Thwaite Mills Water Mill,
British Waterways Leeds
Leeds Tourist Information Centre
Shepley Bridge Marina
The Pear Tree (PH)
Navigation Tavern
Ship (PH)
Pennine Boat Club
Ledguard Bridge Boat Co.
The Boathouse (PH)
The Cut Waterside Cafe
Pennine Cruisers
Shirecruisers
Moorings (PH)
The Navigation Inn
The Puzzle Hall (PH)
Holmfirth
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Keighley
Keighley
Keighley
Keighley
Keighley
Leeds
Leeds
Leeds
Mirfield
Mirfield
Mirfield
Mirfield
Mirfield
Mirfield
Shipley
Shipley
Skipton
Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge
The Jolly Sailor (PH)
Waterton Park Hotel
Walton Hall Trout Fishery
The Chandlery
Navigation (PH)
Wakefield
Wakefield
Wakefield
Wakefield
Wakefield
WILTSHIRE
The Mad Hatter Café
Bradford on Avon
The Kennet & Avon
Canal Trust (Shop)
Bradford on Avon
Granny Mo’s Tea Room
Bradford on Avon
Bradford Wharf Co Ltd
Bradford on Avon
The Black Horse Inn
Devizes
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
Devizes
The Bridge Inn
Devizes
British Waterways Caen Hill Café Devizes
Devizes Marina Ltd (Chandlery) Devizes
Crofton Beam Engines
Marlborough
Wilderness Boats
Malmesbury
M & P Steelcraft
Melksham
The Barge Inn (PH)
Pewsey
The French Horn (PH)
Pewsey
The Waterfront Bar & Bistro
Pewsey
Nr Trowbridge
Wyre Marine & Boatyard
Black Countryman Canal Shop
Tollhouse Canal Shop
Upton Marina
JandCo Chandlery
Viking Afloat
The Anchor Inn
NORTHERN IRELAND
IWAI Rb & Nla Branch
IWAI Lagan Branch
IWAI Newry Branch
IWAI Lough Erne Branch
Alvechurch
Bishops Stortford
Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove
Droitwich
Droitwich
Droitwich
Droitwich
Droitwich
Co. Derry
Co. Down
Co. Down
Co. Down
SCOTLAND
The Falkirk Wheel
British Waterways Scotland
British Waterways Crinan
Crinan Boatyard Ltd
Capercaillie Cruisers Ltd
Falkirk
Glasgow
Inverness
Lochgilphead
Tamfourhill
WALES
WORCESTERSHIRE
Lea And Stort Cruises Ltd
Black Prince Holidays
Navigation Inn
Droitwich Boat Centre
Eagle & Sun (PH)
The Boat Supply Chandlery
The Fir Tree (PH)
The Bridge Inn
Pershore
Stourbridge
Stourport on Severn
Upton on Severn
Worcester
Worcester
Worcester
British Waterways
Redline Boats
Cambrian Cruisers
Castle Narrowboats
Aquatravel
Bwm Ltd Goytre Wharf
MBACT
Packet Boat
“Dutchess Countess” Trust
Abergavenny
Abergavenny
Brecon
Gilwern
Llangollen
Monmouth
Monmouth
Powys
Go Boating – stay safe
This is the first of a regular series of bulletins from Robert McLean of the Boat Safety Scheme to
keep us up to date with their work and the latest developments that affect the safety of boaters.
Domed glass or bullseye decklights
Carbon
Monoxide
The inquest into the death of
Patrick Rowland (66), who died
in August last year on his
narrowboat at Blisworth, was
held on 23 May. The inquest
found that it was an accidental
death from carbon monoxide
poisoning
(CO).
It
was
concluded by the coroner that
the toxic fumes came from the
solid fuel stove. The stove,
which had a cracked body, was
being run with the doors open.
Its flue terminal was damaged
and the boat’s ventilators’
effectiveness was reduced by
spiders’ webs and other
general rubbish.
A recent example
of ‘roof’ lining
being burned
away and
scorching of
insulation foam.
Now the summer is here the BSS is advising
boat owners with ‘bullseye’ decklights fitted in
cabin roofs or decks, to check areas beneath
for signs of scorching that could lead to a boat
fire.
They have been in use on many boats for 100 years
or more, and domed glass or bullseye decklights, as
they are known, come in various guises to provide
daytime lighting to dimly lit inboard spaces. They
work by refracting sunlight, but in the same way a
magnifying glass can be used to burn paper, there
may be a risk that if the sun’s rays are focused by the
decklight onto combustible material then scorching
can occur, or even worse, fire.
Graham Watts, BSS Manager, said: “The risk is not
high, but if you have bullseye decklight fitted, my
advice is to check any surfaces below it for signs of
scorching. Even if there is no sign of damage, make
sure that anything that can easily start to burn, such
as fabric, wood or paper, is kept at least 300mm away
from decklights.”
Solid Fuel Stove Standards
BSS Advisory Committee – new chairman
In June, the British Standard
Institute/Department for Trade
and
Industry
Consultancy
Drafting Scheme agreed in
principle to fund a technical
consultant to draft the first BS
Code of Practice – Solid Fuel
Appliances for Boats. The BSS,
which helped draft the report to
support the application for
funding, welcomes this milestone
and hopes that the new code will
be developed without delay.
David Dare has been elected the
new chairman of the BSS
Advisory Committee. As a voting
member, he represented the
British Marine Federation (riverbased commerce). He is the
Managing Director of Heyford
Wharf Ltd.
The BSS has been pressing for the
development of a code since publishing
a report in 2004, which concluded that
there were no suitable installation and
maintenance standards for solid fuel
stoves in boats. Since 2004, the BSS has
recorded over 20 incidents of fire and
carbon monoxide poisoning linked to
the use of solid fuel stoves on boats,
including two causing major injuries
and three fatal events. There have been
six fires on boats caused by solid fuel
stoves recorded so far this year.
The BSS would like to warmly thank
John Baggs, president of the
Association Waterways Cruising
Clubs (AWCC), for his considerable
contribution to the Scheme and the
committee. John stepped down from
the chairman’s role this year after
serving for many years on the
Scheme’s various committees where
he
represented
the
boater’s
experience.
Malcolm Wood took over the AWCC
place on the committee when John
became the chairman, and now it is
hoped the vacant British Marine
Federation place will be filled shortly.
For further information on the BSS
visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com
The BSS urge boat owners who
use their craft for ‘extended
periods’ to be wary of the risks of
the deadly poisonous gas which
cannot be seen or smelt.
Graham Watts said: “If you find
that you’re feeling nauseous,
confused and headachy aboard, but
otherwise fine when you are away
from the boat, and if others feel the
same way, you may have a
problem.
“Firstly, seek medical advice from
a nurse or doctor and tell them
about your worries about CO and
your circumstances.
“Secondly, get your appliances
checked out by someone competent
for the type of appliance. This is
especially so if you see telltale
signs of sooty smears near damage
or joints in flues or lazy yellow
flames. If you have damaged flues
or problems with heaters and
stoves, get these repaired before
you are put at greater risk.
“Finally, never accidentally or on
purpose
block
the
boat’s
ventilation. The flow of air is
needed to feed the flames in your
appliance. Without enough oxygen,
the combustion will be inefficient
and start to produce increasing
amounts of CO.”
classified
FREEMAN MK II, 22ft Watermola
engine, four berth, two burner grill,
canopy excellent, porta loo, new
curtains, anti-fold BSS River
Licence, new fenders, new carpets,
£6750. Tel. 077910 34695. Nene,
Northampton.
56FT 1920S GENUINE DUTCH
BARGE “Liberty”. For further
information.
Viewing
by
appointment only. Tel. 07968
586835.
KAYAK INFLATABLE, 2-man with
protective sorround paddles &
pump, made by Sevylor, can be
used for white water use, excellent
order, just like new, used only
twice, £200. Tel. 01422 342128.
Halifax, W.Yorks.
6SAILING DINGHY by Minisail, similar
to Topper 13ft single hander with
new sail, alloy spares, c/w launching
trolley trailer available at extra
cost, £3000.Tel. 01422 342128. W
Yorks.
NEW BUILD 57FT SEMI-TRAD, fully
fitted and painted, owner fit out, to
come with full RCD, BSS and
owners manual, fully surveyed
during build by
qualified
narrowboat
surveyor. Email
[email protected]
2002 55’ CRUISER STERN, narrowboat, liveboard, vgc, Izuzu 38hp
BSS 2010, Blacked 2006 GCH,
Squirrell stove, fixed dble bath/
shower, fridge, washer, bed settee,
breakfast bar with stools, ready for
cruising, £62,000. Must be seen.Tel.
07932 949568. N Yorks.
52’ STEEL NARROWBOAT CRUISER,
Lister St2 engine, all onboard
facilities, many extras, some work
required including painting, 4/5
berth sail away condition, full
details, £18,500.Tel. 01995 640687.
Lancs/Yorks.
45FT NARROWBOAT, 1991, Cruiser
Style, Nanni Diesel (18 month
old), gas cooker, Paloma, 12v/240v,
3 berth, fixed double, dinette,
stove, moored at Castleford,
£29,995. Tel. 01977 678399. After
5.30pm. W.Yorks.
NEW BUILD 57’ SEMI TRAD, rear
kitchen layout, Isuzu 35 hp Alde
3010 boiler, solid fuel stove, open
lounge, inverter. Tel. Paul 07933
781683. Warwick.
1987 32FT HIGHBRIDGE GRP
Crusader Cruiser, 6 berth, gas grill
oven hob, portaloo, shower, 10
horse Honda 4 stroke, BSC05/11,
excellent condition, Macclesfield
canal, £13,500. Tel. 0161 6123604.
Cheshire.
QUALITY STEEL NARROWBOAT,
minimum 8;6;4 up to 40ft, must be
vgc, and full BSC (sail away
considered) with moorings preferred, max £25,000. Have motor
home p/x or sell? Tel. Dave 07967
355876. Norfolk.
EXCHANGE 24FT GRP CRUISER, 1.8
diesel, all gear, for 3” traction
engine, value around £7500. For
full details, tel. 01248 351302.
Gwynedd.
Lost
Miscellaneous
WANTED: Build and study plans for
Hartley and Brookes Westhaven
32.Tel. Nigel on 07749 871027.
MILLY, a pedigree, short haired
tortoiseshell white, cream and
grey cat, went missing on 11 May
outside the Langford Engine, pub
on the Coventry Arms. Owners
Steve and Lindsey on n/b Edna are
frantic to know her whereabouts. If
you have any information please
call.Tel. 07795 276135.
Equipment
WINDLASS HOLSTERS from £4; belts
from £7; conservation key cases,
£3. Tel. 0797 4351384. London.
Boat Safety
Boat Builder
Chris Williams
POLAR NARROWBOATS
Abdullah Polar
Fine Narrowboat Shell Builder
Since 1987
Trade enquiries with two boats a year welcome
Mobile: 07871 517956 Evenings: 01623 861407
Unit 75, Road B, Boughton Industrial Estate, Newark, Notts, NG22 9LD
Boat Painter
BOAT PAINTING & BLACKING
Over 20 years experience
All work carried out to a high standard
For further info please call
Reg No 220530
Reg No 504
BSS Boat Safety Examiner
LPG CORGI Registered Gas Installer
Covering all inland waterway craft
HONESTY ✦ QUALITY ✦ COMMITMENT
59 FOOT TRAD NARROWBOAT, 1999
livaboard, Evans & Sons. Inverter,
Morso Stove, stainless water tank,
Beta 1505 engine, good solid
livaboard boat. Tel. 07973 134618.
Derbyshire.
Exchange
Boats Wanted
Mobile: 07963 974793
Office: 01509 812225
E-mail: [email protected]
Web www.ovationboatservices.co.uk
EMBS
EAST MIDLAND
BOAT SERVICES
Willow Moorings, London Road, Kegworth,
DERBY DE74 2EY
Tel: (01509) 672385 Mobile: 07890 407811
RE316148L
50FT TRAD. NARROWBOAT, by
Harboro Boats, 1991, new
paintwork, BSC to 2011, Squirrel
stove central heating, 12v/240v,
gas, fixed double dinette, offline
secure mooring, obo £37000. Ill
health forces sale. Tel. 01858
880519. Midlands.
5’ HIXON HULL CRUISER STERN,
2003, IM4LC38, Isuzu engine,
Webasto heating, hot water, 12
volt, 240 volt, 1800 inverter, cratch
cover, Blacked 06, Comastic
BSC2011 cross, bathroom, 5
berth, pump out, £55,000 ono.Tel.
07789 904180. Lichfield, Staffs.
40FT HANCOCK & LANE steel
narrowboat, BMC 1.5, 1978, fully
equipped porta potti, solid fuel
stove, front and rear covers, full
certificate, £19,000. Tel. 01527
559424.
WILLOW HEN, 21ft long cruiser, built
in 1976, GRP hull, Lister watercooled inboard engine. A well
found seagoing boad, 2/4 berths
and all usual facilities, realistically
priced, £6900. Tel. Christina 07716
114816.
PO317649L
37FT NARROWBOAT, 3 berth,
equipped with fridge, cooker, hot &
cold water, portaloo, boatman
stove, 10hp Sabb diesel engine
BSC 2010, nice little boat, £14,500
ono.Tel. 01162 376025. Leics.
SAILING DINGHY by Fibrocell, 12ft,
Gunter rigged on comti trailer, can
take up to four persons, £350. Tel.
01422 342128. Halifax,Yorks.
CARAVAN BY ADRIA, lightweight, 14ft
- 14 cwt, centre kitchen, sliding
door to bedroom, 4 berth, vgc
throughout, can be left sited at
Pilling nr. Fleetwood at very low
rent, many extras. Tel. 01422
342128. Halifax, W.Yorks.
BRAND NEW 57FT CRUISER SHELL,
no windows yet cut! 10.6.5.4, nice
lines, quick sale, £13,500. Tel
077888 77333. Cheshire
61’ CRUISER STERN, liveboard n/b,
BMC 1.5, multi fuel stove c/h, 12v
f/f, large open plan saloon, £35,000
ono. Would consider p/x smaller
boat, ill health forces sale. Tel.
0796880 7041. Rugby, Warks.
30FT FIBREGLASS LIFEBOAT, diesel
engine, manual gearbox, cooker
sink, 2 berth etc, suitable rivers
canal use, £3250 or p/x Volvo
diesel estate or large touring
caravan, £3250.
Tel. 07984
962644. North West.
01909 515555 or 07881 533579
ERIC L. BROOK A.B.S.E.
Examiner Boat Safety
Scheme
Sea Check Advisor
BOAT REPAIRS & MARINE
ENGINEERING SERVICES
EA316449L
READERS’ FREE ADS
NAME.......................................................................................................................... BOATS FOR SALE
BOATS WANTED
ADDRESS................................................................................................................... CANALIA
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
............................................................................. POSTCODE.................................. PARTS AND SPARES
.....................................................................................................................................
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Boats For Sale
Whilst every effort is made to include your free advert correctly, unfortunately due to the large number of
adverts, we are unable to accept telephone calls on the occasion that errors occur.
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OR FAX YOUR ADS ON: 01507 529490 OR BOOK ON LINE www.towpathtalk.co.uk
classified
Boat Sales/Building
Insurance
Engines
MARINE INSURANCE
LSK BOAT FITTERS
Fast and competitive quotations for
Individually designed
Bespoke joinery
John O’Dowd
Telephone 01630 647319
Mobile 07949 194170
B
LS316511L
www.lskboatfitters.com
Unit 2, Wharf Buildings
Madeley Heath,
Crewe CW3 9LW
Email
[email protected]
nB
eacAoFriendlyoats
• Engine servicing, repairs and installation
• Plumbing, heating and gas work
• Electrical repairs and installation
• Call out service
• Mooring • Blacking
01926 492968
www.kateboats.co.uk
A friendly, family run business
All canalside services available including
pump outs, diesel, water, mooring, gifts,
books, maps and chandlery
KA300918L
Family Business
Bespoke Narrow Boat Fitters
Heating
MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF KNOT TYERS
ME317749L
HA317753L
Insulation
Christina Ruth BA NB. Forelle
Telephone: 07716 114 816
[email protected]
Tel: 01684 564457 Fax: 01684 578532
Gifts
Mats, Earrings, Hairclips, Bell Ropes, Tiller Tassels, Key Fobs,
Doorstops and practically anything else decorative you can think of.
I use hand laid cotton to make traditional narrow boat knots.
Call me for your decorative and traditional knotting needs
and I will do my best to fulfil your every knotty wish
(Underwriting) Limited
Tel: 07786 961326
or 07949 984656
Decorative Ropework
Traditional Cotton Ropework
Mercia Marine
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
ONL E
R
1 MO SLOT
D
L
BUI AINING
REM R 08
FO
Knotty But Nice
• We offer a personal, friendly service available 7 days a week
• You will get good advice from our years of experience • You will receive a policy
with good security
E-mail: [email protected] or log-on to
www.merciamarine.co.uk
Quality boats using traditional
materials, with a modern approach.
All types of work undertaken.
Customer inspection encouraged
throughout build.
Y
or 01509 551940 out of hours/
answer machine
Loughborough, Leics
www.beaconboats.co.uk BE317739L
PLEASURE AND COMMERCIAL CRAFT
Also TAILOR-MADE COVER FOR MARINE
BUSINESS
A&K
INSULATION LTD
★
★
★
★
Polyurethane Sprayfoam Specialists
Quality personal service
Over 10 years experience
Competitive prices
www.insulationsprayfoam.co.uk
Freephone
0800 195 5641
On line Book and Gift Shop
www.canalcargo.co.uk
A&316152L
! "
# ! $ ! %$
0 12 3 4! 5%# # #
'+ %) 6667
$
Moorings
Moorings
Buy on Line
UK and Continental Maps and Guide Books
Boating and Canal books including
History, Boat maintenance, Canal Crafts, fiction
Videos and DVDs
Gifts and CD roms
Rosie and Jim dolls, books and videos
Model boats and Chandlery
Mail and telephone orders welcome
23 Pine Gardens Surbiton Surrey KT5 8LJ
020 8399 0486
CA316550L
! !"!#$#%&
'# ( ! ) *! ( '+$ ,!(#
*%-( ( %( ./ - $ '+$ *%-/#
Holidays/Hire
Engineering
KA300915L
WE HAVE BOTH
WORKSHOP &
MOBILE FACILITIES
East and West
Midlands covered
AB316028L
classified
South West’s premier boat builders
on the Kennet & Avon
PUFFER
STEAMBOAT HOLIDAY
PERIOD SEMI DETACHED
TEL: 01785 813982
FAX: 01785 819041
HIRE
VIKING MARINE
BA317724L
ONE WEEK SLIP ONLY £120 WITH THIS ADVERT
B
ES RESIDENTIAL SLIP LAC
D
KI
SOAR NAVIGATION
O
AN Between Kegworth and Loughborough NG
AN316004L
[email protected]
SL317736L
Designed by Mortons Media Group Ltd
TRA-MAR COATINGS
Marine & Industrial Coatings
and Consumables
Primer - Undercoat - Finish Coat
Bitumen, Coal Tar, Epoxy Tar,
Hull Coatings
LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES
~ TWO NEW DAYBOATS ~
for the 2007 season “Jack” & “Jill” availableto hire for up to 10 people.
Services: gas, diesel, pumpout, dry dock, temp. moorings, repairs, chandlery shop,
souvenirs, painted ware, Weird Fish surfwear.
30 minute cruises down historic Springs Branch on trip boat ‘Leo’
TR316685L
(01543) 254544
Unit L, Kings Bromley Wharf,
Bromley Hayes, Nr Lichfield WS13 8HS
SHORT BREAKS and WEEK BREAKS for 2-8 people on luxury narrowboats.
• FOR FREE COLOUR BROCHURE •
Sylmar Services
Limited
Services
GAS, ELECTRICAL & MARINE ENGINEERS
from
Holiday
Hire
to
Healthy
Living
Towpath
Trader
has it all!
★
★
★
★
BOAT | CARAVAN | MOTOR HOME
or RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
We offer a wide range of services which include:
LPG Gas: Installations, repairs, servicing, spares and testing
for all gas appliances; Gas Safety Certificates and Landlords
Certificates
ELECTRICAL: Installations, testing, re-wiring & alterations
DIESEL HEATING SYSTEMS: Installations, servicing and
repairs
PLUMBING: Repairs and installations work undertaken
CARAVAN & BOAT: Servicing and repair work
BOAT SAFETY SCHEME CERTIFICATE: Work undertaken
SALES: Parts and equipment
★
SPECIAL - Shire 2.2Kw Generator - £225.00 vat inc
Genuine Parts for Shire, Lister,
Beta and Lombardini Engines.
Shire and Lister Oil in stock.
Tel: 01630 638005 Fax: 01630 638755
Mobile: 07710 422500
C28 Rosehill Ind. Estate, Rosehill
Market Drayton TF9 2JU
CORGI REGISTERED Reg. No.: 220935
Flexible Liners for
Integral Tanks
High Quality – expertly tailor-made
Maintenance-free,
hygienic water
storage without
losing capacity
We also make
flexible and rigid
tanks for effluent
and water.
NEW
CLAMP-ON
WINDOW
NOW
AVAILABLE
Why not
visit the
new
website
See us at
Crick Boat Show
stand V1
★
Accredited Agent for leading equipment manufacturers:
Dometic, Truma, Thetford, Alde, Spinflow
Adverc Battery Management Systems
Victron Energy Systems, Eberspacher, Yanmar Shire
WhisperGen, Mase Generators
Blizzard Air Conditioning & Heki
SY316796L
Boat Safety
★
★
Visit www.zouchmarina.com
Tel: 01509 844 415 Mob: 07850 199 211
UNIT 43, SOUTH HANTS INDUSTRIAL PARK
TOTTON SOUTHAMPTON SO40 3SA
t. 023 8087 1188
f. 023 8087 1799
e: [email protected]
DU316553L
We provide a mobile service that comes to you
Simply call us to discuss your requirements and
arrange an appointment for us to visit your
★
Hard standing available for up to 60ft narrowboat fit out.
Also mooring available for up to 50ft narrowboat.
www.DURATANK.com
The Boat Shop, 19 Coach Street, Skipton, N Yorkshire BD23 1LH
01756 795478
www.penninecruisers.com
PE305357L
to
Brunel Drive, Northern Road Ind, Est. Newark,
Notts NG24 2EG
Tel: 01636 678437 Fax: 01636 678964
WESLEY MARINE
WINDOWS LTD
MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY
NARROWBOAT WINDOWS
VARIOUS SIZES AND FINISHES OF
WINDOWS AND PORTHOLES AVAILABLE
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT
ANGIE DICKINSON TEL/FAX 01400 283286
web: www.wesleywindows.co.uk
WE303201L
PAUL HARRIS
Boat Electrical Services
(Fully Equipped & Mobile)
All Boat Electrical Work Undertaken: AC & DC Systems.
Advertise
now on
01507
529459
ZO317738L
Telephone: 01234 303690
Mobile: 07919 948813
PENNINE CRUISERS of SKIPTON
Boat Sales
With more than 25 years experience
the Newark Copper Cylinder Co Ltd
has the skill and expertise to
manufacture hot water storage vessels
and boat calorifiers to meet your
special needs
Bespoke units are our speciality
Andy’s Marine Services
Beds, Herts, Bucks & surrounding areas
on-line brochure and availability at:
www.rose-narrowboats.co.uk
From
NEED A BOAT CALORIFIER??
SEE OUR ADVERT ON PAGE 3
MARINE SURVEYS &
BSS EXAMINATIONS
For condition & pre-purchase surveys
on steel & GRP vessels
Stretton-under-Fosse, Nr Rugby,
Warwickshire CV23 0PU
Tel: 01788 832449
AS SEEN ON
BBC’S TOP GEAR
www.mp-steelcraft.co.uk
Company Registration No: 5251293
NE306332L
Baron Boat Hire 0775 1081492
VI315647L
Albert Street, Goole DN14 5SY
www.vikingmarine.co.uk
ROSE NARROWBOATS
RO306326L
Unit 10, Broad Lane Farm, Seend, Nr Melksham, SN12 6RJ
Tel: 01380 828448 Fax: 01380 828855
Services
Superb fleet of 23 boats from
2 to 10 berth and day boats.
Send now for colour
brochure
NARROWBOATS
• Engine Service Contracts available • Also Outboard Engine Services
Offering a wide and comprehensive range of boat products. Builders, Designers,
Chandlers and Repairers.
All workmanship guaranteed • Build slots available for 2006
Webasto Authorised Dealer
For a FREE brochure and DVD call or
FROM
Cruise the Fossdyke and Witham
Navigation in our characterful
23ft narrowboat.
Weekly hire, ideal for 1 or 2 people
£395 incl.
Also available 1 day RYA
Helmsman course for IWHC.
Fully equipped to ensure you have a wonderful relaxing holiday
Steering and Lock tuition provided. Pets welcome
Call for a brochure or see our website for full details
THE MARINA HEBDEN BRIDGE
www.bronteboathire.co.uk
CA315760L
BURTON WATERS - LINCOLN
Explore Yorkshire’s unspoilt waterways on one of our
boats available for short breaks or weekly hire
2 to 4/5 berth or 2 to 7 berth, all year round.
BRONTE BOAT HIRE
(01706) 815103
TO318073L
www.canalcruising.co.uk
South Pennine Ring - Cruise the highest canal
in the UK!
Having a bespoke kitchen
with granite worksurfaces,
2 reception rooms,
bathroom & utility.
2 bedrooms & attic
bedroom.
Having an idyllic garden
and dining area
overlooking the Canal.
Shields & Co.
0115 9397600
M&316515L
cruise the sea lochs and canals of
Scotland’s West Coast in an original
coal fired steam Puffer.
Nick Walker, The Change House,
Crinan Ferry, Lochgilphead, PA31 8QH
Tel: 01546 510232
PU300160L
Luxury Holiday
Hire Boats and
Canal Cruises
in Yorkshire
Services
Property
Holidays/Hire
Tow-Path Repairs & Fault Finding = Charging & Inverter Systems = Ignition Systems
Starter & Alternator Testing = New Wiring = Re-Wiring = Up-Grading Systems
Made To Measure Battery Leads & Wiring Looms
= All Work Above & Beyond Boat Safety Reg’s
Tel M: 07952 474226
East & West Midlands Covered/7 day week standard service,
Nottingham based, just off M1 J24
BO316025L
Services
Jolly Miller
The Lime Kilns
TR316686L
www.kenscovers.co.uk
✦ Boat Canopies ✦ Stern Covers
✦ Cratch Woodwork & Cratch Covers
✦ Repairs and Fitting Service
TOP
QUALITY
ARTIST
CONTACT ROBERT ON
Tel: 0115 9585268
Mob: 07900 321714
STAINLESS STEEL WATER TANKS
Gary and Jill Buswell
THE LIME KILNS, WATLING STREET,
BURBAGE, LEICESTERSHIRE LE10 3ED
TEL 01455 631158
LI316367L
ESTABLISHED 1981
Transport - Boat Deliveries
HANDS-ON-MARINE
A.B. TUCKEY BOAT TRANSPORT SERVICE
A reliable personal service
provided by a family
business, based on
3 generations of
transport experience.
Narrowboats moved
up to 70ft in length
and 25 tonnes in weight.
Own 45 tonne crane.
2 minutes walk from Heck Marina
A quality service for the inland waterways
community throughout the Midlands and
Northern Counties.
Pre-purchase, insurance, valuation and general
condition surveys, including full ultrasonic
thickness testing.
Fully insured and with over 20 years experience.
For prompt attention call
STEVE HAND DipMarSur(YS) AssocIIMS
Mobile: 0790 888 5034
Telephone: 0115 9462225
www.handsonmarine.com
Telephone: 01977 661125
Trent
THE MUSKHAM FERRY
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - All year
Open daily from 12.00pm
Food Served: 12.00-14.30 and 17.00-21.00
Mooring and fishing available at the front of
our licensed pub
HA316514L
Ferry Lane, North Muskham, Newark,
Notts NG23 6HB. Telephone: 01636 704943
MU316688L
Crick Boat Show Stand LB10
AB316029L
Tel 01926 812134 Fax 01926 810354
Stockton, Warwickshire Website: www.abtuckey.co.uk
An Old Mill Brewery Pub
Monday–Friday 12–2 and 5–9pm;
Saturday 12–9pm; Sunday – all day
Marine Surveyors
Durable stainless steel fresh water and waste tanks.
Any size, any shape!
BSP or hose tail fittings.
Phone, fax or email for a quotation.
Tel/Fax: 01604 821066
JA316453L
Main Street, Great Heck, Nr Goole
FOOD SERVED
Surveyors
Metalwork
www.jaywolfe.co.uk
SPECIAL
OFFERS
FOR
BOATERS
DN14 OBQ
RO316455L
KE317997L
SIGNWRITING
& PAINTING
Tuesday Night - Quiz Night
Wednesday Night - Carvery Night [4-9]
Saturday - Darts and Doms Handicap
Sunday - Carvery [12-4]
Mid-Week Varied Menu 12 - Late
We have free moorings available for patrons
onto our beer garden, which in sunny weather
has a barbecue as well as the play area for
children. The internet access is free to
customers. There are also free moorings
opposite and through bridge 15 past the water
point.
FOOD SERVED EVERY LUNCH & EVENING
MON-SAT 12.00pm-2.30pm &
6.00pm-9.00pm; SUN 12.00pm-2.30pm
and 6.00pm-8.30pm
Signwriting
EXCELLENT FOOD & FINE ALES
BA316027L
BO303775L
BO317413L
CE299879L
Planning Pleasure!
Available from all the Best Outlets
or tel: 01788 546692 for details
Andy and Helen
welcome all customers
old and new
01977 661348
The Lime Kilns is situated on
the main A5 Watling Street
where the Ashby canal
crosses the Leicestershire/
Warwickshire border at
bridge 15, about three
miles south from
Stoke Golding.
TAKE THE GUIDE YOU TRUST
WITH YOU THIS SUMMER
Tel 0151 2831802
Mobile 07876 121488
Aire & Calder
Ashby
MAIL AFLOAT
Receive your post for forwarding to a
specified destination.
Short and long term service provided.
(01922) 417872
food&drink
JO317996L
classified
Narrowboat Sales Ltd.
Our name says it all
01827 892764
www.narrowboat.co.uk
Narrowcraft’s CLASSIC range of Narrowboats are available for
immediate delivery from Narrowboat Sales at Alvecote Marina, near Tamworth
Prices are VAT inclusive and are typically £67,950 for 58’ built to our high
specification which starts with a 12mm bottom plate and finishes with the
signwriter’s brushstroke.
Standard Specification Includes:✦ 3kw puresine wave inverter
✦ 50 amp mains charger
✦ 240v hookup fore and aft
✦ 12m hook up lead
✦ 4 x 115 amp cabin batteries
✦ 1 x 90amp engine battery
✦ 12v electric refrigerator
✦ Tecma flush toilet
✦ Navigation lights
✦ Galvonic isolator
✦ Led lights throughout
✦ Microwave
COACHLINE
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
45hp Barrus Shire
150 prm gearbox
Aquadrive unit
Hospital silencer
Full diesel tanks
Stainless steel water tank
Separate heating oil tank
Water and toilet level gauges
Diesel central heating
8 sacrificial anodes
12mm Base Plate
Granite worktops
SIGNWRITING
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
✦
2 pack international paint
Spray foam insulation
Boathook & pole in fixing
Bow and stern fenders
Bow and stern lockers
TV aerial and booster
2 mooring stakes
3 mooring lines
6 side fenders
2 piling hooks
1 hammer
Anchor
6 MONTHS MOORING
YOU MIGHT CONSIDER
CRATCH AND COVER £1000
ENGINE MOUNTED 230V £2500
BOW-T HRUSTER £2500
We can build to your specification for only 10% deposit. The balance being due when the boat is ready for
commissioning. Build time averages 3 months and 6 months free mooring is available for all Narrowboats
sold. Narrowcraft have been building boats since 1985 and we pride ourselves on the
workmanship and specification of our boats.
Narrowcraft Ltd
British Marine
Federation
01827 898585
www.narrowcraft.co.uk
Nicola Jayne
- What’s in a name?
Nigel Beckett concludes his modifications (for now) to the former 22ft
Dawncraft cruiser by getting down to the serious business of renaming
the boat
IF there is one word that sums up the British
mentality it has to be stoical. We as a nation
can endure all manner of things and through
the month of June it has been the rain. Down
at Priory Marina it hasn’t stopped the
barbecues or work on the Nicola Jayne
although the covers have been on and off so
many times that I think they could actually
erect themselves.
The major event of this month has been the
arrival of the water cooled exhaust manifold which
has been crafted by friend Steve from stainless steel
box section and tubing. I had thought that making
Steve – provider of the water cooled exhaust
manifold.
Moorers enjoy
loyalty benefits
BERTH holders at each of the Tingdene
Marinas’ six marinas are reaping the
rewards of the company’s Loyalty Card
scheme.
The card entitles the berth holders to a host of
benefits including discounts on fuel purchases,
pump outs and insurance whilst also providing
free unlimited hardstanding at most of the
marinas.
But the benefit that is hitting the right button
is the opportunity to spend 14 nights, free of
charge, at other Tingdene Marinas, and if they
wish, they can transfer their mooring
permanently to another marina within the
group.
Dave Izzard, a berth holder at Walton Marina,
said: “I like the cross pollination of the marinas.
It also gives me the opportunity to cruise the
upper reaches of the river and discover new
places to visit as well as new pubs and
restaurants to frequent.”
Dave has already planned a visit to Thames
and Kennet Marina, Reading, later in the season.
Some moorers have also taken the opportunity
to transfer their moorings permanently to
another marina to explore other waterways.
PART 4
a water-cooled exhaust would be complex and
difficult yet Steve’s design made it all seem very
straightforward. The arrival of the exhaust meant
that it could be fitted and the cooling system
finalised.
For cooling I had tried the original Volvo radiator
but without enough airflow it wasn’t a success. I
then tried a system involving a water tank through
which pipes ran to cool the engine’s water flow,
however with the additional heat of the water
cooled manifold the engine simply overheated.
Eventually I had to bite the bullet and revert to a
raw water cooled system.
Perhaps I should have remembered that old
acronym KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) and elected
for raw water cooling in the first place.
Cooling this way had one major drawback, a
suitable pump to draw water from the river could
cost £100 or more and as the whole project had only
cost £750 I wasn’t keen to add another 15 per cent
to the total cost with just one item, no matter how
important - so it was time for some imaginative
thinking.
I had an old brass and cast iron hand pump, the
type used for pumping diesel into a daily tank.
Mounting it onto a piece of plywood and coupling it
to the Volvo’s windscreen wiper motor seemed to
be a good idea. It was essential to have the flow of
water around the system running the right way. I
was aware of the many comments made about boat
engines being overcooled and thus being inefficient
so the route of water flow was decided to take this
into account.
The route was from the river through the filter
and pump, into the exhaust manifold before
entering the engine at the car’s heater return line,
around the engine and out of the heater feed line
though a skin fitting and back to the river. The
pump and windscreen wiper motor kept a constant
flow of water passing through the engine and the
exiting water measured about 70C so both the
water system and the exhaust worked well.
Entertainments aboard the Nicola Jayne are
provided by an old car radio cassette player. This
was chosen so that we could get some use out of
the hundreds of cassettes which we still had but
weren’t able to listen to anywhere else.
While this is a basic boat I have chosen to fit a
couple of 800Watt inverters which I happened to
have lying around. I have no idea what I will use
them for but they are there if we need 240Volts.
With the project coming to an end it was time to
brush on the final coat of paint and make this lady
look her best for a few photos. If there is one thing
that I have learned it is that you can cut costs in
many areas but not with paint. Frankly, boat paints
are expensive but there is no other paint that covers
as well, goes as far and looks as good for as long.
Suddenly she was finished all apart from her
name.
Naming a boat is a serious business. Boating lore
has it that a solemn ceremony should be performed
with as much pomp and circumstance as can be
Testing the engine cooling system. INSET: The water cooled exhaust manifold.
mustered. A blessing from your local religious
leader is always a good thing along with the
generous application of strong liquor, some for the
attendees of the ceremony, some for the boat and
most importantly a generous quantity for Neptune,
poured straight into the water.
Names should be personal and have meaning;
they will last hopefully for the life of the boat and
will always be enquired about. One of my favourites
is Act of Defiance, a neighbour’s boat.
The name was chosen for a fictitious boat. The
owner of this non-existent craft told his better half
that he had bought a boat. When she had got used
to the idea he revealed that he was only pulling her
leg but the idea had been planted so that he could
with her full knowledge go and buy a boat which
naturally took on the name of the fictional craft.
The Nicola Jayne is named after my wife and it
was her brother who provided the transfer stickers
with the name on. I am sure that a professional
boat painter could make the name and other
details on a boat look very smart indeed but I am
no professional painter and these transfers make
the application of the name simple and
straightforward with great results.
At last it was time for the maiden voyage. This
trip was a mere half-hour cruise on our local
stretch of river, it’s about all the weather would
allow, but even this short trip revealed the
potential for great explorations. The Nicola Jayne
can carry 10 people and their equipment easily and
with the spacious area in the boat they can all sit
together and chat as the boat makes light work of
the journey.
While the Nicola Jayne project is now finished I
don’t think that I will ever stop tinkering, I am
already thinking of ways to make removing and
replacing the covers quicker and more
straightforward and possibly a permanent
wheelhouse, but those ideas are for the future.
Overall I think this project has been a great
success. I now own a 22ft day boat with plenty of
oomph, much space for friends and with a myriad
of uses all of which are fun. The cost of the project
at £750 was very reasonable and the experience
gained will be invaluable in the future. All we need
now is for the good weather to return so that the
fun can begin.
I am a self-confessed boat addict and
with the Nicola Jayne finished I feared
that I would have nothing to pour my
energies into and yet my next project
is already lined up.
Project Freedom is an altogether more
serious undertaking involving the rebirth
of a yacht at such cost that sponsors are
being brought on board to ease the
financial burden.
Freedom is a 32ft sailing boat which will
be useable on inland waters as well as
being able to undertake longer sea
voyages.
When I found her she was days away
from the chainsaw, it was love at first sight
and one look at the craftsmanship that
had built her wooden hull made the
decision to restore her easy. Would this be
a marriage made in heaven? I guess we’ll
find out together over the next 12 months.
LEFT: Could you scrap this?
Dry dock back in action
GUY and Sandra Holding of
Portland Basin Marina have
recently restored a historic
dry dock on their premises.
The 100-year-old dry dock is
once again operational and
Work begins on uncovering the dry dock.
available for hire after more
than half a century of neglect. It
is currently an uncovered
facility but plans are under way
for a cover for all weather
repairs and painting.
The Marina is situated at the
junction of the Lower Peak
Forest, Huddersfield Narrow and
Ashton canals and is on the site
of a 200-year-old canal arm, part
of which was reinstated at the
opening of the marina in 2000.
The canal arm was used to
service the mills and foundries
adjacent to it. The dry dock was
created at the end of the canal
arm around 100 years ago and
was last used in the 1940s. It
was filled in at the same time as
the rest of the canal arm some
time after the 1950s when
canals went into a period of
disuse.
One of its claims to fame is
that a lifeboat belonging to the
Lusitania which was torpedoed
and sank off Ireland in 1915;
was at a later date shipped over
and the lifeboat converted into
a pleasure craft for the Bown
family who still own a foundry
adjacent to the dry dock.
The dry dock is a welcome
addition to the range of services
on offer at Portland Basin
Marina say Guy and Sandra
which includes: BSS examiner,
engine
and
boat
servicing/repair, hull blacking,
All shipshape and back in action.
call out, crane, diesel, Calor gas,
pump out, Elsan disposal point,
permanent and overnight
mooring facilities with power
and Wifi connection, winter
storage,
shower,
toilets,
chandlery, and most recently
day boats for hire.
talkback
YOUR
CHANCE
TO
WRITE
TO
I wonder if the management
of British Waterways have
considered the following?
● The suitability of the vessel.
There are some real
monsters which currently
cannot find homes. If enough
money is pledged, will BW
allow anyone in to any berth?
Property
owners
on
Blackwall basin already
complain that the boats are
an eyesore. Do we have to
expect a situation as was
experienced at Tower Bridge
when the dock degenerates
into a floating scrapyard?
● The soundness of the vessel.
Ditto
● The suitability of the owners.
Ditto
● The conditions the vessels
will be in when they arrive,
the condition they will be
●
●
●
●
kept in and whether there
will be any recourse to
remove them from the berths
in the event of neglect.
The relative income of the
owners. Some of the current
owners are not rich people
and this is not pin money for
them. The boats are their
primary homes and not
somewhere to spend an
occasional weekend. There is
a danger, particularly in
central London, that these
people could be priced out of
their berths.
The angst this will cause
among current tenants. No
one likes to pay full fare for a
flight to find that one’s
neighbour paid a pound and
got a similar seat.
The current waiting list,
which for some berths runs
to years. How can BW justify
the change in position to
them?
The fact that there may not
even be an increase in
revenue as a result of this.
There is nothing to stop the
current
waiting
listees
agreeing to all pledge a very
small amount.
Speed limits
“The maximum speed on narrow canals is
4mph. But if you’re making waves or your wash is
hitting the bank, you’re going too fast – slow
down. On rivers and broad canals, check local
information before you set out and watch for
speed limit signs en route.
“Don’t forget that river currents can increase
and decrease the speed of your boat. Keep your
speed down when you’re approaching bridges,
locks, bends or junctions, and when passing other
boats or anglers...”
We have been moored at Rawcliffe Bridge for the
past six months and are astounded at the amount
of damage that has been caused to moored boats
because of the wake that is given from boats
ON
ANY
In keeping with the hundreds
of walkers, cyclists and
fisherfolk using the Grand
Western Canal Towpath,
recently we have seen
tugboats pushing barges
loaded with mud, rotting
vegetation, car tyres and all
manner of dumped rubbish
that has been removed from
below the waters of the
canal.
And finally...
● The total and unutterable
unfairness of the whole idea.
Current berth owners know
the costs and the rules. The
proposal is playing with
people’s potential homes as
well as their wallets.
I am lucky enough to have a
berth. I queued with the rest
and felt privileged when I was
awarded a berth. I know my
medium-sized mooring costs
more than a small mooring and
less than a large mooring and I
know that I pay slightly less on
my dock than on docks with
better facilities. I also know that
I have to keep my boat
shipshape and ensure it is
neither an eyesore nor a hazard
to other boats. I believe that this
is fair and transparent. To give
berths to those with the biggest
wallets is not.
Jane Burgess, email
Make boating a pleasure
Subject: speed limits. In general, most boat
owners are very considerate to other users of
the waterways, and the boating community
has a very special community spirit that is not
seen on the land.Therefore, it saddens us that
there are a few who do not consider others
and seem to take great delight in abusing this
community by constantly disregarding the
speed limit on the canals. The speed limit on
the waterways is 4mph; this is stated in the
boaters’ handbook as extracted below.
US
T O W PAT H
TOPIC
Thanks and well done Devon CC
British Waterways
Berth Allocation
It has recently come to my
attention that the current
system of waiting lists for
British Waterways berth
availability
is
to
be
scrapped. Henceforth berths
will be auctioned and
awarded to the highest
bidder for a three-year
period.
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The dredging team has done a
wonderful job. They have
deepened the water and made
easier navigation for the many
pleasure craft that spend time on
this waterway. The colour of the
water has changed from the
muddy red brown of wet Devon
soil stirred sometimes even by
the passing of a deep paddling
canoe to the clear water we now
see.
A veritable ‘metal mini
mountain’ was built out of the
extracted rubbish. Cycle frames,
fencing wires, chair frames, an
empty safe and a child’s tricycle
as well as the usual dross but the
mud, filtered of the rubbish, was
spread on nearby fields where
the well-rotted vegetation in the
soil will do more good on the
land than it ever did in the canal.
We hope that if more stringent
rules for rubbish collection come
into force our waterways will not
suffer further abuse from this
rubbish disposal.
It is true that one cannot see
below the water but we can all
see that it is better and cleaner
on top. So thanks to Devon CC,
the canal owners, who must have
invested heavily in the work, we
once again have a Clean Canal.
Jean and Derek Hazle, Tiverton
Mooring plans unfair
I have just received a letter
from
British Waterways
informing me of their new
plans for long-term mooring
waiting lists ie fees to be
submitted by a tender process.
I am extremely upset and
disappointed by this decision.
I have been on the waiting list
for a long-term mooring at Buckby
Top Lock for three years, and had
recently been told there is only
one person ahead of me, only now
to be told that these lists have
been suspended!
Surely if BW are not making
enough money, why not just
increase the mooring fees, then we
would have a choice of whether of
not we wanted (or could afford) it.
These new plans are so unfair, if
you have money you will get the
mooring, if not (like me) you
won’t.
The fairest thing they could have
done at least, would be to clear the
current waiting lists before
making these new plans.
Jean Terry, West Haddon,
near Northampton
timeout
the
crossword
going far too fast past us. What we find hard to
understand is that these people are boat owners
themselves and if their boat were constantly
getting damaged and hitting their pocket they
would not like it. It has even got that bad that a
couple of the insurance companies will not insure
your boat if it is permanently moored at Rawcliffe
bridge. This problem has been discussed with
British Waterways and we have been told that if
the registration number of the craft and a photo is
taken with time and date and sent to the
waterways, action will be taken with the owners
of these vessels. This is a course of action that we
at Rawcliffe marina do not want to take, but will
do if this problem persists. A few people will say it
is the commercials that are causing the problem
but on the whole they are very compliant with the
speed limit the only thing that they seem to get
wrong is that they open up their engines too early
when going towards Goole.
All that we ask is a bit of consideration when
passing the marina, we all love cruising that is
why we have boats, so let’s make it a pleasure for
everyone and slow right down when passing us.
In return we will do the same when passing you!
Mr and Mrs Schofield, all boat owners
at Rawcliffe Bridge Marina, email
quick clues
ACROSS
1 Lorry fuel (6)
5 Regular newspaper article
(6)
8 Protracted tale (4)
9 Double sleeping
accommodation (4-4)
10 Tie (6)
11 In whatever case (6)
12 Second-hand (4)
14 Twitch (3)
15 Cycle (4)
16 Pressurised (6)
18 Badly manufactured (6)
20 Sharp-heeled shoe (8)
22 Pubs (4)
23 Worn at the edges (6)
24 Product made by adding
bacteria to milk (6)
Campaigner highlights problems
Just read the open letter of
Will Chapman to Mr B
Gardiner MP with regards to
his two-week cruise on the
Midlands waterways (June
issue TPT). We have also just
completed a tour through
Birmingham
and
had
similar experiences.
Our propeller fouled and we
saw the weed infestation. What
shocked us most was the
staggering amount of rubbish
and I don’t mean so much the
bottles etc but the amount of
furniture, gas bottles, floating
fridges; you name it and it is in
Birmingham
waterways.
Looking at water marks it was
clear that most of this debris
had been in the water for a long
time; months if not years.
We first moored up at Cuckoo
wharf, which was the first
disappointment as there are
only visitor moorings for two
boats.
The rest of the moorings are
taken up by boats with a BW
licence, even one boat moored
at a water point (but with
permission of BW).
We then stayed a few days at
Cambrian wharf and witnessed
how ‘busy’ BW staff are with
discussions and drinking tea. If
ever there will be a tea drinking
competition in this country,
they will win hands down.
The area of Gas Street basin is
great. Very safe and clean. It is
the only clean bit of all the
miles of waterways.
As Will Chapman stated, the
Birmingham waterways are an
absolute disgrace and we felt
embarrassed if and when we
met foreign visitors (luckily not
many).
We
also
now
better
understand why so many
boaters avoid a visit to
Birmingham. The problem is
perhaps not so much that of
money
but
of
proper
management and supervision.
Henk Schrijver, email
NAME ...........................................................................................................
ADDRESS .....................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
DOWN
2 Very cross (5)
3 Cut with a knife (7)
4 Released, let go (9)
5 Food receptacle (3)
6 Vestibule (5)
7 Cosmetic facemask (3,4)
11 Small fashion extra (9)
13 Small motorbike (7)
15 Flourishing (7)
17 Fish also called saithe (5)
19 Restaurant guest (5)
21 Tiny amount, smidgen (3)
......................................................................................................................
POSTCODE...................................................................................................
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towpathgear
by Tony Hoyland
EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER
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THE Safety Turtle alarm system
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The Safety Turtle Wristband Alarm’s
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NOW you can stop that sinking
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A must-have safety
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REVIEWS
Britain’s Restored Canals by Roger Squires ISBN 9781843063315.
Price £16.99. Published by Landmark Publishing Ltd, Ashbourne
Hall, Cokayne Avenue, Ashbourne DE6 1EJ. Tel 01335 347349, email
[email protected]
THIS book is described as a
‘definitive work on the
restoration of Britain’s canal
network’ and judging from
the amount of information
packed into each page there
is little dispute over that.
It is a timely reminder of our
network’s glorious past in the
light
of
recent
political
machinations. The author takes
us on a journey through the
development of the canals to
post war Britain with dereliction
and decay very much in
evidence. Then through the post
1946 years when small groups
of volunteers set out to restore
their local waterways. It
narrates their achievements and
failures, noting over 100
schemes that have been
completed
by
scores
of
volunteers around the country
going out each weekend, to ‘get
stuck in’ and restore these gems
of our industrial heritage.
The book plots the course
from Industrial Revolution to
‘Leisure Revolution’ where
government and developers
alike are now paying greater
interest in this valuable
resource.
It is in many ways a tribute to
all those involved in the
restoration of much of our
canals system which will be
enjoyed by generations to come.
Overboard and Other Canalling Mishaps by John Cook (illustrated
by Tony Forbes). ISBN 9780955508707. Price £4.99. Published by
Hadleigh Court Books, The Ridgeway, Bristol BS10 7DG. Tel 01179
501561.
THIS book is full of the
feel-good factor whichever
way you look at it – from
its eco-friendly production
to the fact that profits from
the sales of the book will
be donated to canal
restoration projects.
But more than that, the
author succeeds in recapturing
the ‘magic’ of his first hire boat
holiday. He recounts the start
of his lifelong love affair with
the waterways, based not on a
perfect idyll, but stumbling
from one calamity to the next –
something not described in the
brochures.
His tongue in cheek take on
brochure ‘spiel’ will raise a
smile.
River Nene, Great Ouse & Middle Level: Three disk DVD set. Running
time 180 mins (RRP £29.99 p&p free). VideoActive Ltd, Mill House
Studios, Higher Wych, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 7JR. Tel 01948 780564,
email: [email protected] website www.videoactive.co.uk
receive
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how to purchase the Safety Turtle visit
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balloon breaks out of the end of the fob
and continues to inflate. Simultaneously
a bright LED starts flashing which
illuminates Waterbuoy from the inside
like a Belisha beacon for
up to 24 hours. The
toughened
balloon
inflates to the size of a
melon making it very
easy to grab one-handed
or retrieve with a
boathook without fear of
it bursting.
It will lift up to 1kg back
to the surface making it
suitable to attach to your
mobile phone, keys, GPS
receiver, winch handle,
PDA, binoculars or VHF
radio for example.
Soon to be available
from
most
good
chandleries, Waterbuoy
will retail at around £14, for further
information visit www.water-buoy.com
or call 01270 252131.
TO coincide with this year’s
IWA National Festival at St
Ives,
Videoactive
have
released this three DVD set
covering all the linked
waterways east of the Grand
Union
Canal
at
Northampton, and out into
East Anglia.
Each journey is covered in
detail with the narrator pointing
out many items of local interest
and places to moor or stop for
refreshment along the way.
Disk 1. Features the Middle
Level, those navigable rivers
and drains running across the
Fens from Peterborough to
Downham Market, linking the
River Nene to the River Great
Ouse.
As
well
as
the
recommended link route, the
programme explores some of
the many less well known
waterways on the Fens,
including Vermuyden’s Drain
and the lowest point in Britain,
Holme Moss.
Disk 2. Covers the Great Ouse
and River Cam and the linked
system of navigable rivers - the
Cam, the Lark, the Little Ouse
and the River Wissey.
Disk 3. Focuses on the River
Nene starting at the bottom of
the Northampton Arm of the
Grand Union Canal heading
North
West
through
Peterborough to Dog-in-aDoublet lock. Guillotines are an
aspect on this disk both
through the locks which feature
them (and are explained in
depth), and at Fotheringhay, the
site of the beheading of Mary
Queen of Scots.
The Roger Murray column
Designs on the past
SOME years ago, in fact in August
1996, we had just steamed the old
ex-FMC steamer Monarch leisurely
down the Thames from Lechlade
and moored up just before
Teddington locks waiting the tidal
Thames to reach its level so that we
could resume our voyage to
Brentford to rejoin the canal
system.
holing up for a few months at Little
Venice. This was the place to be, with the
interesting and famous. On a barge
opposite lived Hutch from Starsky and
Hutch fame. Lulu lived just down the
road, a few doors from Edward Fox, again
only a few doors from the old home of
the late Captain Mainwaring from Dads
Army. Richard Branson had started his
career on a houseboat about five boats
up, and we were moored alongside the
famous ex-steamer Vulcan.
Ahead was Nebula a converted Star
class butty owned by Michael
Samuelson. Michael, a legend and
pioneer of the British film industry, and
avid canal enthusiast, converted Nebula
into a luxurious boat for entertaining his
guests. She was possibly the first exworking boat to have a cabin built under
the cloths, still retaining the profile of
the original working butty.
We were moored opposite Toughs
boatyard, and as we had a few hours to
spare, I thought I would wander over.
Toughs Boatyard had always been an
intriguing place for me; a real Thames
boatyard, as they used to be! Big old
wooden piles driven into the mud
securing boats of all shapes and sizes,
some on the hard, some being repaired,
some beyond repair, but still loved by an
optimistic owner. A higgledy-piggledy
mix of rusty chains, anchors, ropes, tins
of paint, varnish, slimy green slipways
and old rickety boat sheds impregnated
with the heady aroma of Stockholm Tar.
A living reminder of when the Thames
was the Mecca for building quality boats
- craftsmen boat builders, shipwrights,
riggers, sail makers, not forgetting the
apprentices to make the tea.
Good friends
Deserted
There was a strange and deserted
feeling about the place, instead of its
usual buzzing hive of activity. I found old
Mr Tough sitting all alone in his office
behind an empty desk, looking sad with
an odd resigned look on his face. It was
lovely to see him again after so many
years but there was something
definitely wrong! Gesturing to the
window, he said that I was witnessing
the last day of the yard and that
‘tomorrow the developers move in and it
will be flattened to make way for three
new apartment blocks’. He sadly
explained that the demand for riverside
land had got so intense for development
that values had escalated out of all
proportion with soaring rates to match,
and they could no longer afford to keep
the yard going. Also, the new affluent
local residents no longer wanted to hear
the noise of a working boatyard. He said
that he was virtually forced to give in to
the developer. The man really did have
tears in his eyes as he explained that in
this modern fast moving world there is
no understanding for old fashioned
yards like Toughs. I was shocked at the
dreadful news and my heart really went
out to him, also realising that it was
indeed a sad day for the River Thames.
Tough's boatyard was synonymous
with the Thames and its ancient craft of
wooden boatbuilding of excellence. They
built the beautiful river launch
Havengore that bore Sir Winston
Churchill's body down the Thames at his
funeral and The Port of London
Authority vessel, Royal Nore used by the
Queen. During the war, they built motor
torpedo and gun boats and gathered 100
boats for Dunkirk. There has been a yard
on this site since Royal Watermen used
to row the reigning Monarch to
Hampton Court Palace. I felt compelled
to make a quick watercolour and pen
sketch of the yard, aware that it would
possibly be the last ever pictorial record
of the place (see illustration).
I felt a deep personal loss realising that
this old yard was to be flattened to make
way for the bland designer apartments
to now front up the Thames. Accepting
that I am rather ancient myself with
opinions I fear, prompted by nostalgia,
understandably the younger generations
will not share the same sentiments and
will probably prefer the new modern
river frontage to the old untidy boatyard.
Again, I am a bit of a sucker for old
decaying things like the remains of rusty
steam engines and derelict old mills,
things a little untidy and whimsical,
rather than the sanitised neat straight
lines of today, so I am not the best
advocate
for
voicing
opinion.
Nevertheless, I am sure there are many
who read this column, probably in my
age group, and I hope some younger,
who share some of these sentiments.
Big business
What happened to Tough’s boatyard
back in 1996 is beginning to happen on
the canals. Canalside development is
now big business like an invading army
with money as the deciding factor. The
old flint mill at Stoke on Trent, a historic
canalside gem, would have been
‘One of the problems with steam engines is that you never
seem to have full steam when you need it, especially if your
mind gets diverted to other things...’
flattened for development if it hadn't
been for a preservation order and the
fact that it is a museum.
Unfortunately, the old Oxford boatyard
at Jericho wasn't lucky enough to have
such protection and both the yard and
its colourful community were wiped off
the landscape to make way for a boring
urban development, the same we see
every day in every town.
With the recent revelation in the Times
about the Government’s possible
intention to sell off the canals, vast
swathes of canal landscape could indeed
become designer development.
Back to the Thames and the steamer
Monarch on that sad day back in August
1996. We got so involved with Tough’s
boatyard that I had forgotten to get a full
head of steam up by the time
Teddington Locks opened, so we were a
bit late in getting through. We fairly
romped down the Thames with the ebb
tide up our chuff. I noticed the current
behind us seemed so strong that the old
steamer seemed to have the possibility
of broaching as we negotiated the arches
of Richmond Bridge. The river level
seemed to be abnormally high as it was
lapping the wheels of the cars parked in
Richmond, in some cases it was up to
the hub caps and the river banks
seemed to be completely flooded.
It must have been an exceptionally
high spring tide as we were certainly
tramping along. One of the problems
with steam engines is that you never
seem to have full steam when you need
it, especially if your mind gets diverted
to other things like steering through
bridges with a strong tide swirling
through them. As we rapidly approached
the (easily missed) entrance for
Brentford locks tucked away on the left,
I quickly glanced at the big brass
pressure gauge whilst shoving the tiller
over to make the sweeping wide turn,
noticing with alarm that we were still
well down on steam pressure. Monarch
was carried sideways by the rapid
current until we finally got her head
round to face upstream, now well past
the entrance with the steam engine
gasping for what little steam there was
as we ever so slowly chuffed back
towards the entrance. It was rather nice
to get back on to the tranquility of the
canals again.
The next day going past the entrance
to the Regents Canal, big Pete Askey who
was engineer said, why don't we have a
nosey up there, which we did, finally
Prime Ministers, film stars, heads of
state were all entertained beneath
those GUCCC cloths. We became good
friends setting up the company, Filming
Afloat.
When poor Michael tragically died,
Little Venice came to a stop in genuine
grief for the great man. His daughter
Emma Samms of Dynasty fame together
with his friend Trevor Skoyles, poet and
script writer, who looked after Nebula,
arranged an unbelievable canal funeral
with the coffin being carried aboard his
beloved Nebula to Kensal Green
cemetery just down the Regents canal,
attended by what seemed the whole of
the British Film industry.
Up for sale
Nebula is now on the Avon near Bath,
still looked after by the faithful Trevor
who is now BWs local man.
Unfortunately, Trevor is having to leave
the lock side cottage he and his family
have lived in for the last seven years as
it is now up for sale to the highest bidder
in BW’s, latest cash for canalside assets
drive. Even though, as Trevor explained,
BW had bent over backwards to help the
family buy the cottage by making a very
generous offer, it was still well above his
wage range.
We used to do a regular steam to
Camden lock and back, Monarch
becoming a local celebrity as the
resident steamer, often carrying a
boisterous Rasta band on the cabin top.
A wonderful Little Venice resident
known as John the Tie (as he always
wore a collar and tie) used to make
home-made chutney, which he branded
'Rudyard Pickling’. Only a few months
ago I discovered a jar of his festering
chutney still nestling away at the back of
the galley cupboard. It must have been
11 years old, but after scraping the green
away, it still tasted good with a pork pie.
Never even think of sell by dates on
boats! Wonderful memories!
Take a tour of ‘Tatie Basin’
TATIE Basin, also known as
Clarence Dock, next to the
Royal Armouries, is to feature
in the list of events being
organised during the annual
Leeds Heritage Open Day this
September.
Clarence Dock in 1910 showing keels waiting
for space on the Aire & Calder Navigation coal
wharves. The Waterways Archive, Gloucester
The event is being co-ordinated
by
British
Waterways’
Environment and Heritage team
in conjunction with the Royal
Armouries and the Leeds &
Liverpool Canal Society on
Saturday 8 September.
Visitors to the basin will also be
able to: find out how a lock
works; learn about the history of
the dock and the basin; see
archived documents and maps
dating back to the 1700s; and find
out what is happening to its
future development.
Tatie Basin, just above Leeds
Lock on the Aire & Calder
Navigation, was built in 1843 to
handle
coal,
timber
and
aggregate. The basin earned its
nickname because it was once
used for handlng Jersey potatoes
imported via Goole and delivered
by the Aire & Calder Navigation
Company’s flyboats. Nowadays,
Clarence Dock is part of a multimillion pound, mixed use
development.
Four free tours will operate
during the day at 10am, 11am,
1pm and 2pm, starting and
finishing at the Royal Armouries,
where the historic documents
will be on view in the library
from 8-9 September.
For more information email
[email protected].
uk or tel 0113 281 6800.
Artist impression of the completed Clarence
Dock. Crosby Homes
ireland’s INLAND WATERWAYS
Keith Langston’s
regular look
‘over the water’
A place by the water
No 2: Tullamore on the Grand Canal
TULLAMORE is located in
County
Offley
in
the
Midlands of Ireland and the
town is perhaps rightly well
known for the legendary
tipple ‘Tullamore Dew’, a
delightful Irish alcoholic treat
well worth trying! The town
The overgrown banks of the Grand make for good fishing; this
cruiser is passing a location near Tullamore which is known for
yielding up huge pike and the greenest of tench!
The junction of the harbour arm off the Grand Canal looking
towards Shannon Harbour.
stands midway between
Edenderry and Banagher, the
Grand joins the Shannon via
a lock at Shannon Harbour
just outside the latter.
Tullamore was the terminus
of the Grand Canal for a few
years whilst the directors
argued about how the line
should be continued to the
Shannon, consequently they
built a harbour in the centre
of the town. What remains of
the harbour arm now
provides the best moorings
on that section of the
attractive ‘Cross Ireland’
waterway.
On the canal bank at Bury Quay
stands a bonded warehouse,
which was built in 1897 and is
now the location for the
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
and also the Tourist Office. The
centre explores the development
of Tullamore, its canal and the
links with local Tullamore Dew
and
Irish
Malt
Whiskey
production. All the usual services
are available at Tullamore with
water, rubbish disposal and
pump out all available at the
harbour.
Tullamore is widely regarded as
the 'Entertainment capital of the
Midlands' with a wide selection
of cafes, bistros and bars.
Gourmet lovers will enjoy a
variety of world-class cuisine
from Ireland, France, Italy, China,
Turkey, Asia, India etc. There is of
course
an
abundance
of
traditional music on offer in the
season.
ABOVE: Michael Hayes’ round
lock house at Lock 26th above
Tullamore on the Grand Canal.
RIGHT: The old harbour at
Tullamore, now a popular
mooring spot, close to the town
centre.
No visit to the area would be
complete without stopping off to
enjoy the beautiful spectre of the
lock house at Lock 26, which is
known locally as the ‘Round
Lock’. Surely there can be no
finer waterway sight anywhere
than the uniquely styled canal
side house built by canal
contractor Michael Hayes circa
1812 and intended as his family
home. The building was restored
in 1999 and is now open to the
public at selected times.
Chernobyl visitors Temporary closure at the Green Bridge – Mullingar
A group of children and their carers from
Chernobyl visited the Royal Canal Amenity
Group Mullingar Branch during the
association’s 7th Annual Boat Rally over the
weekend of 15-17 July. Although the weather
was not overly kind, the now annual event
went well and it was highlighted by the
official launch of the newly acquired
members’ trip boat Edwin G.
The weekend included canal trips and a cruise
in company to the Hill of Down on the Saturday,
culminating in an evening barbecue at Enfield
Harbour. On Sunday, the members and their
guests cruised to Kilcock Harbour where they
arrived in the early afternoon and, once again,
food and the ‘craic’ with traditional music was
the order of the day.
IN addition to the continuing reinstatement of
the Royal Canal so that navigation right
through to Richmond Harbour, and
consequently the river Shannon, will shortly
be possible, major bridge work is also taking
place in the town centre of Mullingar.
The work involves a replacement of the old canal
crossing and has meant traffic diversions being set
up around the town, which have a tendency to cause
congestion at peak times. However, Waterways
Ireland report that the work is well in hand and they
have posted the following notice.
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all Masters
and users of the navigation that a temporary closure
of the navigation, at the Green Bridge, Mullingar will
take effect from Tue 5 June until Fri 20 July for
emergency bridge replacement works.
This view taken on 11 June shows the work on Green Bridge Mulligar well under way. The temporary
footbridge in the foreground is initially for the use of the contractor’s workforce.
Funding to repel alien invasion
A FUNDING package of £20,000 has just
been announced by the Environment
Agency in an attempt to help control the
threat of floating pennywort on the River
Soar around the City of Leicester.
A group of excited children from Chernobyl
(with their carers and members of the Royal
Canal Amenity Group) celebrate the official
launch of the Edwin G with a trip on the
water. Seamus Costello
The invasive plant first appeared on the Soar
upstream of Leicester in 2004 and during 2005
spread extensively – choking the river and its
tributaries within the city. Leicester City Council
worked hard with volunteers to remove it, but by
2006 floating pennywort had spread extensively
downstream from Leicester, with a large growth
spurt in autumn 2006.
Floating pennywort grows in shallow, slowflowing eutrophic water bodies, forming dense
interwoven mats of vegetation that extend up to
40cm above the water surface and up to 50cm
below. These mats quickly cover the water
surface and can grow 20cm per day, starving the
waterbody of light, nutrients and oxygen which
kills many of the species living in it and also
increases the risk of flooding by blocking the
waterway.
Half of the £20,000 funding will go to Leicester
City Council and half to British Waterways.
Environment Agency Midlands ecologist Phil
Harding said: “Floating Pennywort was the one
invasive species we really didn’t want to get. It’s
quite an awesome plant that can grow 20cm a
day.
“The preferred approach to managing floating
pennywort is to manually remove the weed and
possibly use a herbicide.
“Unfortunately I don’t think it’s possible to
totally eradicate the species using these methods,
we can simply manage the problem.”
But work now being carried out at the Centre for
Ecology and Hydrology using a biological control
shows promising signs.
An initial study of the Argentinean weevil
Floating Pennywort now threatens to
choke an area of the River Soar.
Listronotus elongatus shows the insect
specifically eats floating pennywort and vitally,
completes its entire lifecycle on the species.
Head Aquatic Plant Management Group,
Jonathan Newman, said both the larvae and adult
form of the species consume the weed, which
then dries out and dies.
Dr Newman added: “There is still work to be
carried out on a number of native plants, but the
results so far are promising.”
what’son
3 Ju1y-16 August
Hulks. Meet Purton Lower Bridge at 2pm. Email:
[email protected] or tel 07833 143231.
Advertise your event free in
our What’s On diary.
Send your details to
[email protected]
Summer Art exhibition by Michele Field – Nuffield
Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Rd, Headington,
Oxford 0X3 7LD. Tel 01865 371188.
25 July
Waterway Recovery
Group Work Parties
14 July
Fradley Walk – Fradley Junction Cafe & Visitor
Centre, Alrewas. Tel 01827 252247.
14 July
26 July
‘Paper Chase’ waste paper collection –
wrgNW. Tel 01617 402179.
AGM – Southampton Canal Society. Chilworth
Village Hall.
21-28 July
Roses and Castles and Blacksmith Demonstrations
– Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre, Marsden. Tel
07920 862229.
‘Married to the Job’ the story of Thomas Telford,
Mikron Theatre – The Wey & Arun Canal Trust.
Cranleigh Village Hall. Starts 7.30pm. Tel 01403
752403 or email [email protected]
15 July
Sankey Canal Walk – Widnes Waterfront. Meet
1.15pm Spike Island Visitor Centre, West Bank nr
Widnes. Tel 07941 461509.
Bow Back Rivers & Olympic London Walk – IWA
Towpath Walks. Meet Bromley-by-Bow tube station
2.30pm. Tel 020 8969 9941.
Family Fun Day – Safe Anchor Trust. Shepley Bridge
Marina and The Ship Inn, Mirfield
28 July
Linslade Canal Festival – Tiddenfoot Waterside
Park, Buckinghamshire. 11am-5pm. Organised by
the
Town
Council.
Email
promotions@
leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk or tel 01525 631915/16.
28-29 July
Camp 0711 – Monmouthshire Canal Camp
[email protected]
Camp 0710 – Wilts & Berks Canal Camp:
Seven Locks [email protected]
28 July-4 Aug
Camp 0713 – Chesterfield Canal Camp:
Killamarsh [email protected]
Camp 0712 – Cotswolds Canals Camp: Rucks
Bridge and Eysey Lock [email protected]
Chesterfield Canal Walk – Chesterfield Canal Trust.
Meet Eckington bus station 7pm. Tel 01246 417984.
Harbour Festival Bristol – River and seagoing craft
with the addition of inland craft arriving via
Kennet & Avon Canal. Organised by Bristol City
Council. Tel 0117 903 1484, or email:
[email protected]
Newbury Waterways Festival – Newbury Branch,
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. Victoria Gardens &
Wharf,
Newbury.
11am-4pm.
Email
[email protected] or tel 01962 883939.
21-22 July
25-27 August
Thames Henley Traditional Boat Rally – Fawley
Meadows, Henley-on-Thames. Tel 01932 888415.
IWA National Festival And Boat Show – St Ives on
the River Great Ouse. Exhibitor enquiries 0870 241
0237. General enquiries 01980 624031.
Camp 0714 – Grantham Canal Camp
[email protected]
Camp 0715 – Sleaford Navigation Canal
Camp: Building a slipway and winding hole
[email protected]
Lock Ransom Weekend – Buckingham Canal
Society. Cosgrove Lock, Grand Union Canal. Free
festival but all donations go towards the restoration
of the Buckingham Canal. Tel 01908 661217.
2 August
11-18 August
Walk around Tipton – BCNS. Meet 7pm
at
Tipton
Railway
Station.
Email
[email protected] or tel 0121 355 6351.
22 July & 12 August
9 August
Fore & Aft – Lost Memories of the River Severn.
Guided tours through the remains of the Purton
Happy Birthday Mr Telford! – Standedge Tunnel
Visitor Centre, Marsden. Tel 07920 862229.
Camp 0716 – Ipswich & Stowmarket
Navigation Canal Camp: Baylham Lock
[email protected]
Camp 0717 – Sleaford Navigation Canal
Camp: Building a slipway and winding hole
[email protected]
20 July
21-22 July
28 July-5 August 5
wrgBITM – Wendover Arm Work Camp:
Bentomat lining at Drayton. Tel 01252 874437
or email [email protected]
4-11 August
newsinbrief
BW outsource
property management
THE day-to-day management of around half of
BW’s waterside property estate by value has
been outsourced to specialist property
management company Atisreal on a three-year
contract. The arrangement will allow BW to
focus on the management of its core waterway
tenants, such as many of the boatyards, as
well as its operational estate. It will also create
efficiencies so that more of BW’s income from
rents will be spent on waterways maintenance.
Stuart Mills, British Waterways Head of
Property, said that BW’s property estate is a
vital contributor to the cost of maintaining the
track with some £30 million generated last
year from property rentals.
On the move
SOUTH East Waterways have now moved office.
As of Monday 9 July they will be operating out
of their new premises at 510-524 Elder House,
Elder Gate, Central Milton Keynes MK9 1BW.
Take note this autumn
THE Falkirk Wheel is set to appear on the new
Scottish £50 note later this year.
Bank of Scotland will begin issuing a new
series of banknotes in the autumn. The series –
the first new complete set of notes issued by
Bank of Scotland since 1995 – will feature the
common theme of Scottish bridges.
The full notes family features the following
bridges: £5 – Brig o’Doon, £10 – Glenfinnan
Viaduct, £20 – Forth Rail Bridge, £50 – The
Falkirk Wheel, £100 – Kessock Bridge.
The new design will incorporate advanced
user-friendly features, as well as the latest
anti-counterfeiting technology. All
denominations of the new notes will gradually
become available from Bank of Scotland cash
machines and branches from mid-September.
Bonding with the bowline
Christina Ruth gets to grips with one of the most used boating knots, the bowline
I hope you enjoyed the photos last
month and maybe found something
to interest you. This was just a small
sample of knotting on display at our
Silver Jubilee in May.
This month we will get back to work and
tie another useful knot. Basically, what we
are doing is putting a non-slip loop in a
rope. We’ll tie the BOWLINE. It has many
uses, from mooring your boat, making a
waist loop, haulage loop or for climbing.
There are many forms of bowline – the
running bowline, bowline on the bight and
a water bowline, to name but a few.
This is the simplest and most used of
them all. Usually pronounced bolin, it was
a knot used on square rigged sailing ships
to prevent the sail from being blown
inside out. Clifford Ashley writes in the
Ashley Book of Knots that the bowline is
such a good knot that a sailor will seldom
use any other loop knot.
The Bowline does not usually loosen,
slip or jam. A heavy strain could capsize
the knot though. A capsized knot is one
that has fallen back on itself and comes
undone completely. To make the knot
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
more secure, it is sometimes better to tie a
double overhand knot to the loop leg.
There are many ways to tie this knot. I’ve
seen it tied behind the back, with one
hand and of course it can be thrown. None
of these things can I do. I need both hands
and a bit of concentration. The following
method is the way I learned it, so that is
what I will pass on to you.
This is the method used to teach boy
scouts. As you can see, there is a rabbit at
the end of the rope in diagram 1. The loop
is the hole and the end of the rope
pointing upwards is the tree. The end of
rope with the rabbit is the trail it takes. So
let’s follow the rabbit. Diagram 2 shows
the rabbit coming out of the hole. In
diagram 3, he runs round the back of the
tree. In diagram 4, after making a
complete circuit of the tree, he runs back
down the hole. Diagram 5 shows the
finished bowline tightened properly.
To some, this may sound like a juvenile
way to learn a knot, but I can guarantee
you these are the knots that are learned
the quickest and remembered the longest,
as the poem illustrated here explains.
Diagram 3
The poem by Jennifer Wren is from her
book Knotty Potty and other pithy poems for
knotting devotees. Thank you to Geoffrey
Budworth for his kind permission to
reprint it here.
The IWA National Festival and Boat
Show is running this year from 25-27
August at St Ives, Huntingdonshire. The
IGKT have a full line-up of members
running courses there. Colin Grundy will
be
teaching
rope
splicing
and
maintenance and is also giving a side
fender course; Charlie Tyrrell is making
decorative ropework doorstops; Bruce
Turley is teaching bracelets, necklaces and
Monkeys’
Fists;
Bob
Myall
is
demonstrating decorative ropework for
narrow boats; and Dave Walker is tying
button fenders. The Guild will also be
represented with their own stand. So drop
by and give us a look. There will be many
members, myself included, to answer
questions and help you tie the knot that
has been eluding you.
Next time we will look at some more
bowlines – the water bowline for towing
more efficiently and safely and the
Diagram 4
Diagram 5
bowline on the bight.
Yours in knotting, Christina Ruth
[email protected]
■ The International Guild of Knot Tyers is
a UK Registered Educational Charity No
802153. For further information contact
the Hon Secretary at PO Box no 3540
Chester CH1 9FU, or log on to our website
at www.igkt.net
Poem by
Jennifer Wren 2006
Boating brothers Paul and Roy Connor are members of the Frodsham
based Weaver Motor Boat Club. They worry about possible reductions
in user services.
All the way from Oz, canal supporters Steve and Lynne
Brompton say to the minister: “Get real and wake up to
what a great asset the waterways of the UK are.”
Angler James Corbett said that the general improvement in towpaths and
water access have made it easier and safer to get to and from his favourite
‘pegs’. Long may that continue.
What the waterway users have to say
PERHAPS not surprisingly, almost all of the
people we talked to held the opinion that in
the main British Waterways are doing a good
job with the resources which they currently
have available to them. But before the
Watford senior management team start
popping the celebratory corks, it must be
pointed out that those interviewed, when
referring to British Waterways almost
exclusively meant the ‘hands on’ individuals
they came into contact with during their
visits to the network. As for top management,
that was altogether a different issue!
Boating brothers Paul and Roy Connor are
members of the Frodsham based Weaver Motor
Boat Club; we caught up with them and their
families at Saltersford Locks on the Weaver
Navigation. They were part of a flotilla from the
club who had travelled up river for a barbecue and
then stayed overnight in the beautiful Cheshire
countryside. Both brothers were alarmed at the
thought of BW or any part of it passing into private
ownership; such a move they thought would only
lead to higher boating costs and a reduction in
services.
Commendable
In particular, they are critical of what they see as
the failure of BW to manage the WN properly. Even
as we spoke, they were waiting for a top gate paddle
to be repaired on the well-worn and only usable
lock at Saltersford. An emergency call-out team was
attending (it was a Sunday morning). The Connors
had no criticism of the local staff – in fact they
thought it commendable that they (the BW
workforce) kept the system going, given the
apparent lack of cash.
The brothers pointed out that with the Anderton
Lift now used regularly, the facilities on the WN
should be upgraded; for example there is only one
pump out point and no showers or toilets. And yet
they noted that BW is reportedly involved with a
multi-million-pound
proposed
marina
development in Northwich.
They have a message for BW and their
development partners: “You cannot increase
visitors by simply building marinas etc – you must
improve user facilities.” Asked if they had a
message for the waterways minister, they made the
following point… “Remember what years of
underinvestment did to the UK’s railways, more
money should be put into our waterways, not less;
they are a great tourist asset.”
While on the subject of staffing and the effect
funding cuts will have on its levels, Chris Silvester,
the proprietor of the Audlem Mill Canal Centre,
with other residents of the town has definite views
in line with practical experience. In a flexible
workforce initiative, BW has ceased to lodge a full
time local lengthsman on the village’s 15-lock
stretch of the Shropshire Union. That job is now
covered by workers from another area or even,
according to some observers, by outside
contractors. Incensed by this move, some residents
decided to discover what other members of the
local population thought.
In order to do so, the following question was
posted on the area’s Audlem website – ‘Should the
Audlem stretch retain its own local lengthsman’.
The poll is still ongoing but so far the result is very
conclusive – Yes 283 votes, No 64 votes, Don’t Know
seven votes.
The subject of a possible BW sell-off raised the
temperature within the well-stocked shop
considerably, with both customers and staff
declaring the prospect as being too silly to even
contemplate!
Three lads from North London spending some
quality time away from ‘the day jobs’ also had very
strong views on the funding issue. Jeff and Roger
Brown with Iain Dinnes all wanted to remind the
waterways minister (and the treasury) that our
waterways are a national asset and as such they
belong to us all. The network should be looked after
as they pointed out that great advances have been
made over the past 10 years, adding that in the
main BW and the EA have both done a good job.
The trio were especially pleased to point out the
improvement in the condition of many towpaths,
an occurrence which they said benefited all
waterway users and communities in general. If they
had a criticism of BW, it was that they perceived the
occasional lack of thought at the top when BW was
planning new developments, and thought perhaps
not enough user consultation was undertaken. But
in general terms, the boys were pleased to report
that their encounters with BW bankside staff
showed that the workforce had the wellbeing of the
users at heart.
Short sighted
Jean Charnley says that privatisation of the
network must be resisted at all costs. Seen with
her dog Meg.
As for advising the government, they saw any
reduction in investment as being very short
sighted. The achievements of the last two decades
must not, they said, be allowed to be reversed,
adding that any sell-off in part or whole would be
sheer stupidity!
Jim and Jean Charnley from Rufford in Lancashire
were equally adamant that privatisation of the
network must be resisted at all costs. Heading up
the Trent and Mersey and making for the Shroppie
on their own boat, Around Tuit, they both said they
hoped common sense would prevail and that the
government would see fit to reverse the funding
cuts. They also thought that BW could do their bit
by controlling admin costs and redirecting any cash
saved into the pot for maintenance work.
Stopping for a pleasant cuppa and a slice of
excellent homemade egg custard with pals Ken
Simonds and Jed Gorman aboard Jed’s craft Gye
Nyame, yours truly was treated to some great
Politicians, user groups, campaigners and the media have all had their say
regarding the funding cuts imposed on British Waterways and Environment
Agency by the government. But what is the word on the towpaths? During
the last week of June Keith Langston sampled the water.
Kath Evans and Jean Simons, while looking at the
large range of waterways related goods on display
at Audlem Mill, wanted to ask the waterways
minister to think again on funding cuts, which if
continuing will only damage the network.
(L to R) North Londoners Iain Dinness, Roger
Brown and Jeff Brown wanted to remind the
waterways minister (and the treasury) that our
waterways are a national asset and as such they
belong to us all.
boating tales from these veterans of the Sale
Cruising Club (Ken is an ex-commodore of that
worthy organisation). They both have very firm
views on the subject of privatisation; in short they
say that the waterways users groups must never let
that happen.
members of the Australian Canal Society. In fact,
they are second time around in TPT as they
appeared on the picture sent over by the society’s
leader, Jan Roden, in support of the November
action day of SoW campaign.
Both say that a lot of the attraction for them is the
heritage element of the canal system and reflect
that every day spent on the network is a day well
spent, and a heritage learning curve. They have a
strong message for the UK government. ‘Get real
and wake up to what a great asset the waterways of
the UK are’, adding that in their view ‘the inland
waterways must always be adequately funded, and
thus saved for all to enjoy’.
We spoke to many more users but unfortunately
space does not permit recording everyone’s
comments here, but they were all greatly
appreciated and each and every point noted.
National treasure
They also pointed out the value of the network as a
national treasure that belongs to us all, Jed adding
that to many communities in the UK the canals are
a much loved and well used asset – they are not just
for the boaters. Funding cuts must, they say, be
reversed or at least not be allowed to escalate.
During their ‘summer voyage’, Ken and his wife
Ruth had to abandon ship and travel by taxi to
Preston in order to meet their newly arrived
granddaughter; they had just rejoined Jed on the
Shroppie when we met up. On that score, Ken said
he hoped that his new family member would have
a waterway network to enjoy when she grew up!
Angler James Corbett, who regularly fishes the
canals in the West Midlands (often in the company
of his nephew), said that the general improvement
in towpaths and water access had made it easier
and safer to get to and from his favourite ‘pegs’. He
hoped that for the sake of other anglers, and
especially the younger ones, the improvements
would continue. Funding cuts are, he said, ‘just
plain daft, did the government want the canals to
return to the run down condition many were in
years ago?’
On the city centre section of the Birmingham
main line we encountered two users whose
enthusiasm and support for the UK’s canals is
certainly not in doubt. They were Steve and Lynne
Brompton and they have travelled all the way from
Sydney, Australia, to take a holiday on the network.
They are both teachers back in Oz and are active
Fellow travellers from the Sale Cruising Club, Ken
Simons and Jed Gorman, are both horrified by the
thought of canal privatisation.
Boat registration on
the up
DESPITE the increase in registration fees,
early indications show that boat
registration on the Thames is up
compared with this time last year, reports
the Environment Agency.
Over 250 more privately owned powered boats
were registered by 31 May 2007 than in 2006.
Boat registration fees are a valuable source of
income and contribute to maintaining the River
Thames. The EA unveiled its ‘new ways to pay’
at the start of the boating season, which makes
it easier for boaters to register. Payment for
renewals can be taken over the phone with a
credit or debit card. Direct Debit was available
to those registering before February 2007, and
this service will be extended to all annual
customers who register by February 2008.
Company with interest
in the community
THE River Stour has now become
accessible to those wishing to experience
some of England’s most beautiful
countryside.
A group of retired River Stour enthusiasts have
formed a ‘not for profit’ Community Interest
Company that is operated entirely with
volunteers.
They are providing guided parties, consisting
of two person Canadian canoes, along the
navigable length of the river from Sudbury in
Suffolk to the Cattawade estuary on the Essex
coast.
Passing through the beautiful villages of Bures,
Nayland, Stratford St Mary, Dedham and
Flatford, the journey takes two days with a stop
over camp on the river’s edge at Rushbanks
Farm, Wissington.
River Stour Boating Community Interest
Company, the organisation running the
operation, will supply canoes, life jackets and all
other safety equipment, as well as tents and
camping equipment. Food and beverages from
the start of the journey are also provided.
For more information call 01787 375 377 or
visit www.riverstourboating.org.uk
Gabby Logan
launches 50km
charity walk
Team challenge highlights drowning danger
THE River Avon is one of the most picturesque
rivers in the British Isles. It also has the
second highest rate of drowning fatalities.
Following the tragic deaths of several youngsters
in the local area, a group of volunteer lifeguards
from across the Vale of Evesham hope to help avoid
further needless drowning fatalities.
The ‘Board of Europe’ project team was set up
nine months ago to engage the British public in
learning more about water safety.
They have developed a unique, physical,
paddleboarding challenge, with the intention of
generating media interest and sponsorship to
support the production of a free water safety
resource for primary school children.
There is currently no specific water safety
education in the national curriculum. Children
today live in an environment of such legislated
protection that it is easy for them to perceive that
water with no safety warnings or barriers carries no
risk. There appears to be an assumption that most
of the 600 water-related deaths that occur in this
country every year happen in the sea, but of these,
only around 20 per cent occur in coastal waters. The
remaining 80 per cent occur inland in lakes, rivers,
canals, quarries, garden ponds and even in the bath.
Team member Polly Greenhalgh said: “Working as
lifeguards and rescue crews for a number of years,
the members of the Board of Europe team have
seen the worst that water can do to those that are
not prepared. None of these experiences are ones
we would like to relive, and we feel deeply for the
families of those involved.
“Yet there are still a huge number of families that
have to come to terms with an unnecessary loss
every year. A recent unofficial poll suggests that
drowning is considered to be the second most
unpleasant way to die, so why, as a nation, are we
still failing to provide sufficient water safety
education to our youngsters to help prevent this
fear becoming a reality?”
“Nobody is suggesting that children should stay
away from the water. There is tremendous value in
water sports and activities as part of a healthy and
enjoyable lifestyle. Water safety is not complicated,
and water is not to be feared. It should, however, be
respected. Education can help us all, especially our
children, respect the dangers of water and learn
how to help if necessary.”
The Board of Europe project aims to raise £20,000
to produce an appropriate water safety education
DVD for nationwide distribution to primary
schools.
For
further
information
visit
www.boardofeurope.com
The team will be at the Community Safety Event
organised by Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue
Service, on Crown Meadow, Evesham on Saturday
28 July.
DUDLEY WEEKEND WITH GARDNER’S DELIGHT
IT was a double delight for
visitors over the weekend of 10
June, as they could not only take
in the Dudley Canal Trust open
weekend but also walk up the
locks to the Gardner Rally, writes
Chas Baird.
A walk through the Pump House
containing craft stalls, a display of
fender making and the coffee bar led
through to the backyard where there
was a display of classic cars and
model boats waited for their turn to
be sailed in the basin. Here, the
Dudley Tunnel electric trip boat Electra
was operating trips to the Merry Hill
Centre.
In the basin were also the tugs Bittel,
Pacific and No1, all in the colours of
Stewarts and Lloyds Ltd, and Atlantic
in the livery of Harrisons of Newbury.
Steve Bingham of the Dudley Canal
Trust commented that he was
pleased
with
the
Saturday’s
attendance, which was possibly
slightly better than the previous year.
Leaving the Dudley Canal Trust part
of the event, visitors could walk up
the locks to the Gardner Engine Rally.
The site was dominated by two truck
mounted engines: a main engine
from the 1930s motor yacht Cordelia II
running like a huge sewing machine
on the back of a Gardner powered
lorry in the Pochin group colours; and
a massive HF 13 dating from 1941.
According to the info sheet, it
developed 90hp at 240rpm – wonder
what the torque output was like!
There were a number of Gardnerengined boats present, including the
BCN coal tug Enterprise ex FMC Count
powered by a 5L2 in the colours of
Hales and Partners (Towage) of
Walsall, the tug James Loader with a
2LW painted in Leonard Leigh livery,
and the former tunnel tug Sharpness
with a 4L2 (in TPT21 I said she
formerly had a Bolinder; it was, in
fact, a petrol/paraffin Kromhout).
Also present was the tug Ferrous.
Powered by a 3LW, she has a
somewhat unusual drive train. The
engine is fitted amidships and
connected by an arrangement of drive
shafts to an aft mounted gearbox.
This
arrangement
may
be
unorthodox but it appears to be
efficient; she is capable of 9mph in
open water! Launched in 1974, Ferrous
is owned by EW Fasham.
Most of the privately owned boats
had their engine hole doors open to
display one of the silver grey beasts.
Considering that most of these
engines were significantly older than
the hulls, the condition of all the
THE festival at the National Waterways
Museum Stoke Bruerne (15-17 June) was
organised as a fund-raising event for the
Canal Museum and was supported by the
local IWA members, writes Jim Payler.
GABBY Logan, patron of the MicroLoan
Foundation, has launched the charity’s
annual Grand Walk from Paddington to
Limehouse Basin, which will take place on
Sunday 23 September.
Gabby will also be starting the 15km walk on
the day in Paddington at 12.30pm. This 15km
route along the historic Grand Union Canal will
pass many familiar city landmarks, including
London Zoo, Camden Market and Lords Cricket
Ground.
But for the dedicated athletes, there is also a
50km route from Brentford to Limehouse Basin.
The £10 registration fee will go towards the
MicroLoan Foundation, which makes small
loans to women in Malawi to help them set up
their own businesses. The charity has made over
10,000 loans so far, supporting around 50,000
individuals, many of them children orphaned by
AIDS.
Last year’s Grand Walk raised £30,000 and this
year the charity has set its sights on increasing
that to £100,000. For further information visit
www.grandwalk.co.uk
It proved very popular with some craft in
position by Wednesday, in readiness for the
Friday start date. Eventually there were well over
60 craft in attendance varying from smaller
cruisers to traditional working boats. The Blue
Line butty Raymond was complete with her
newly-painted cabin and the appearance of the
butty Gifford was much appreciated. Amongst the
other narrowboats, some were painted in
Second lock and the long pound with the
Narrow Boat Trust pair at the start of the
moorings.
Skipper of Jubilee gives a tune.
units on show brings credit to their
owners. A marquee was also present
selling Gardner themed merchandise
and also spare parts.
It’s a long time since I was exposed
to so much Gardner; it nearly (but not
quite!) converted me from Kelvins!
Visitor to the Dudley Canal Trust, No1, in the colours of Stewarts and Lloyds
Ltd. Shirley Walker
FINE TURNOUT AT FUND-RAISER
Gabby Logan, patron of the MicroLoan
Foundation.
Team member Rob Inett demonstrates the
paddleboarding technique used for the challenge.
traditional liveries such as British Waterways,
Grand Union, FMC, Willow Wren and the Erewash
Canal Carrying Company.
With the line of moored boats extending from
the tunnel mouth to the top lock and from the
second lock down the long pound to the top of the
thick there was little or no room for casual
visitors.
Two of the boats attracting large numbers of
visitors were the working blacksmith with boatmounted forge (he says he is retiring at the end of
the year - a character who will be missed) and the
Cheese Boat giving samples and selling a wide
range of cheese from Snowdonia.
Brand new show on Erewash
THE first ever Erewash Canal Festival will be
staged by the Erewash Borough Council
over the weekend of 11-12 August.
This free event is focused around the Ilkeston
area of the Erewash Canal (between locks two
and three at Bridge Inn PH) and runs from 11am5pm each day. No booking is required and
mooring is free for all boaters.
Saturday features model boat displays and best
presented boat contest at the waterside, whilst
on dry land entertainment includes puppet
shows, circus skills and art workshops, stalls,
fairground rides, brass band, local band
showcase, ferret racing and guided nature walks.
Sunday additionally has a car boot sale and
boat jumble. Boaters who wish to sell traditional
wares from their boats (bargeware, ropes etc) or
boat painters who may wish to demonstrate or
showcase their work, are encouraged to attend
the weekend.
The Erewash Canal runs due north from the
waterway crossroads of Trent Lock, past
Nottingham, to the heart of DH Lawrence
country. It is 12 miles from the Trent to Langley
Mill, terminus of the canal and is an important
crossroads on the waterways system. It passes
through both urban areas and rural countryside
and despite its attractiveness sees comparatively
few boats. It is hoped that the festival will
promote the area to boaters wishing to explore
the canal and also have an enjoyable weekend.
For
further
information
visit
the
website
www.erewash.gov.uk,
email:
[email protected] or call 0115 9072325.
Water washout
THE 11th annual Saul Boat
Festival and Folk on the Water set
for the weekend 29 June-1 July on
the Gloucester and Sharpness
Canal was cancelled due to
flooding.
Torrential rainfall during the night
of 24-25 June caused the river Frome
to burst its banks and the fields
delegated for car parking, music and
camping were four feet under water
by morning.
With less than a week to go, the
festival committee met and quickly
decided this year’s show would be a
washout. Clive Field, chairman of the
committee said: “When I visited Saul
early this morning and saw the
flooding I immediately realised the
show was in jeopardy. I called an
emergency meeting of our committee
and after looking at all options we
reluctantly agreed to cancel.”
Preparations were immediately
stopped but removal of tents and
equipment was deemed unfeasible
for at least a week while the fields
dried out. The music tent situated on
the edge of the main field was
flooded and several volunteers
sleeping in small tents had to
evacuate in the early hours of the
morning. The Gloucester and
Sharpness canal became dangerously
high and the residual water helped to
fill the fields even further.
The heavy rainfall of the previous
weeks had already placed a question
mark over the success of the festival
as the River Severn had to be closed
on several occasions due to flooding,
leaving many boaters stranded at
Stourport, Worcester and Tewkesbury.
With the weather forecast calling
for more rain, coupled with rain
coming from the Welsh mountains
into the local rivers, the Severn was
set to rise even further by Friday
making it impassable for boaters to
reach the festival in time.
Clive Field announced that the
popular festival will return next
summer on the weekend of 4-6 July.
Trust treasurer Jack Telling said that
all traders, boaters and campers who
had booked and paid in advance
Band of Angels
MORE than 50 people joined in the fun at St
Pancras Cruising Club on Sat 16 June to find
out what is involved as a volunteer for the
Angel Canal Festival on 2 September.
More needed
The flooded music tent alongside the small tents of the volunteers which had
to be evacuated. Christina Ruth
would be offered full refunds in the
next three weeks, but in the letter
accompanying the refund the Trust
was inviting people to make a Gift Aid
donation to the Trust to help offset
what could be a substantial loss
caused by the cancellation.
Given good weather, the Festival has
been making up to £30,000 from each
Festival. The cancellation could not
have come at a worse time as the Trust
is working with its partners to obtain
more funding for the restoration.
And Mr Telling added that people
who would have paid at the turnstiles
would also be welcome to make a Gift
Aid donation direct to the Trust's
office at 44 Black Jack Street,
Cirencester GL7 2AA or email
[email protected]
Of the 80 volunteers who helped last year, 60
came from St Pancras Cruising Club and 20 came
from Islington. It is hoped they will all be present
for the 21st festival – but more are needed to give
just two hours of their time on the day. For more
information visit www.angelcanalfestival.org or
tel 07973 504 21.
The ACF management team have secured £2400
from Awards for All, which will go toward road
closure barriers, traffic cones and volunteer
development for the event. They have also
secured funding of £1000 for sculptures, an angel
and a swan, from Islington Community Chest.
DAWN OF A GOLDEN AGE
RAYNSBURY Marina on the River Soar
at Thurmaston, Leicester, was the
venue for a gathering of Dawncraft
owners
celebrating
the
50th
anniversary of the first of over 2300
Dawncraft cruisers to be built.
Ralph Wilson (left) with Dorothy Wilson received the
commemorative booklet celebrating 50 years of Dawncraft
from the group’s website administrator, John Foale.
After a group of owners set up
www.dawncraftowners.com, over 300
owners made contact and the group is
now hoping to arrange future events at
various locations nationwide. Some
members are based as far afield as France,
Holland and Ireland.
The group’s special guests at the
anniversary gathering were Ralph Wilson
(son of the Dawncraft founder George
Wilson) and his wife Dorothy. And as a
complete surprise, they were presented
with a commemorative booklet containing
a history of Dawncraft, which included its
earliest days at Kinver, Staffordshire,
vintage photographs, reproductions of the
firm’s earliest advertising plus copies of
newspaper articles and features.
The group also took part in the Evesham
River Festival and are planning visits to
Middlewich, the Lancaster Canal, the
Thames and The Broads.
The Dawncraft Owners team are John
Foale (website administrator) Roger Guest
(technical
adviser)
Jackie
Foal
(membership secretary and who also
produced the booklet) and Alan Peacock
(archivist).
As well as all day refreshments and a
photographic display of past festivals, there
were free pedalo rides and a barn dance.
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See
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Vale Royal Locks on the Weaver Navigation. Many repair jobs around the country have been put on hold as a direct result of funding cuts. This
picture shows the collapsed wall on the downstream side of the small lock viewed from the island between the lock chambers. The weatherworn
state of the pre-stressed concrete handrail can also be seen in this view. Turn to page 6 for full story.
9 Augu
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Issue 22, July 2007
The UK’s No 1 newspaper for all waterway users

Boat Sales - Mortons Media Group Ltd

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