23 November 2015.pub - Inland Waterways Association

Endeavour
1 to attempt (eg the fulfilment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic
to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n
a serious determined effort
Northampton Branch
Newsletter - November 2015
BIG CROWDS TURN OUT AS
TIM AND PRU STAR AT IWA’S
FESTIVAL OF WATER
Actors and waterway enthusiasts Timothy West and Prunella Scales officially open
the Festival of Water at Becket’s Park. On the right is IWA Northampton Branch
Chairman Bernard Morton. Report and more pictures from page 20
The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retention, restoration and development of
Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use.
The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.
2
ONLY INDIAN RESTAURANT IN WEEDON
A unique opportunity to experience the delicate flavours of Indian cuisine at its best!
TAKE AWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE
10% DISCOUNT ON COLLECTION
WHEN PAID BY CASH
BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW FOR CHRISTMAS
£9.95*
WEEDON HOUSE, HIGH STREET, WEEDON NN7 4QD
PHONE 01327 342363 / 341790
3
EDITORIAL
MUSINGS
We hear a lot these days about “local heroes” – for example, volunteers involved in
good causes. They come in all shapes and sizes across the age range, many deservedly picking up awards along the way. The waterways scene, nationwide, is well
populated by such people, invariably shunning recognition until it is forced upon
them. Indeed, where would all the restoration schemes be without this indefatigable
breed of people? Precisely nowhere.
On our patch, I would suggest, we have a prime example of such a person. Look no
further than the Buckingham Canal Society and the long-time driving force behind
this group of canal restorers – Athina Beckett. A lot of you will know Athina well.
For many years she has been a regular attender at our Branch Boat Gatherings and
also at our monthly social meetings. She is also a familiar face at other local waterway events with the Society’s well-stocked sales and promotional stand.
Well, in October, Athina stepped a little more into the limelight (by default, actually)
as speaker at the Branch social meeting at the Walnut Tree Inn at Blisworth. She was
a late deputy for advertised speaker David Blagrove, whose recent unfortunate spell
of ill health prevented him from attending. Happily Athina, who doubtless would
have been there in any case in the audience, responded and presented an illustrated
talk comprehensively outlining the activities of the Buckingham Canal Society and
the dramatic progress now being made.
It is only by hearing at first hand that you realise the achievements to date of the
BCS. The Society is fortunate in possessing numerous active supporters (naturally, it
always needs more!) who turn out at the Society’s regular working parties (for dates,
please turn to the next page of Endeavour), but someone has to lead and organise all
this as well as lobbying, fund-raising etc etc – and this is where Athina has excelled
over the years, although she would probably be the first to acknowledge the help and
encouragement given by her colleagues. Endeavour keeps you up to date with BCS
progress but I didn’t realise how far they had actually got until Athina explained it all
at the meeting.
Therefore it was most pleasing, at the Branch’s annual dinner, that the popular vote
for the evening’s raffle proceeds should go to the BCS, thus maintaining our tradition
of financially supporting this dedicated group of enthusiasts. This time £146 went
into the Society’s coffers. As the supermarket advertising slogan says, “Every little
helps”. Keep up the good work, Athina. Her contact details are on page four.
I feel I should also mention the highly successful Village at War weekend at Stoke
Bruerne in September, with all proceeds supporting the Museum there. I don’t think I
have ever seen so many people on the canalside and around the village. Several
IWA Northampton Branch members put on their Friends of The Canal Museum hats
at this time and play a prominent role in the event’s organisation. Well done to them.
4
DIARY DATES
December
8th 8pm
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn,
12th 5pm
Blisworth. Christmas quiz with Sam and Lynda
Illuminated Boats and Carols on the Museum Green at Stoke Bruerne
Christmas market at The Navigation all weekend (see page 14)
January
12th 8pm
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn,
Blisworth. Speaker: John Pomfret — Waterways of the Low
Countries
February
9th 8pm
IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn,
Blisworth. Speaker: James Clifton (CRT) — River Trent and
Humber Estuary
13th & 14th CRT Open Weekend at Stoke Bruerne. Come and see while a lock
10am
gate is being fixed
March
8th 8pm
IWA Northampton Branch AGM at The Walnut Tree Inn,
Blisworth. Followed by speaker: TBC
NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTY DATES
December 15th (provisional). January 10th, 26th. February 14th, 26th.
March 13th, 29th. April 10th, 26th. May 15th, 24th. June 19th, 28th
For details contact [email protected]
or phone 01604 453932
BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WORK PARTY DATES
December 3rd, 13th, 17th, 31st. January 10th, 14th, 28th.
February 11th, 14th, 25th. March 10th, 13th, 24th. April 7th, 10th, 21st.
For details contact Athina Beckett on 01908 661217
STOKE BRUERNE CANAL PARTNERSHIP WORK PARTY DATES
December 9th. January 13th. February 10th.
March 9th. April 13th.
For details contact stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk
IWA Northampton Branch web site
www.waterways.org.uk/northampton
Please visit it regularly to see any updates
5
6
Stowe Hill Wharf,
Heyford Lane,
Weedon,
Northants
NN7 4SF
Tel: 01327 341365
Proprietor Robert Gudgeon
welcomes you to Stowe Hill Workshop

Full Repaints

Hull Blacking/Stern Gear

Inspection and Repairs

Engine Repairs and Maintenance

Complete Fit-Out and Woodwork Alterations

Plumbing Installations and Repairs

Electrical Installations and Repairs

NEW — Fuel Polishing Service

Stockists of Morris Oils and Grease

Full range of Batteries always available
(please let us know your requirements)
By road we are easily found, a few yards off the A5 at Stowe Hill
towards Nether Heyford. By boat close to Bridge 26
ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN, FROM SIMPLE
TASKS TO COMPLETE FIT-OUTS
7
Branch Chairman’s Jottings
by Bernard Morton
So the big event of the year has come and gone. By that, of course, I mean the
IWA’s Festival of Water at Becket’s Park. Verdict: it could have been better, it
could have been worse. It was good because on the Saturday the sun shone, it was
hot, our celebrity waterway colleagues-in-arms Tim and Pru were there to open the
Festival and, not unsurprisingly, they drew in the crowds. It could have been worse
had it rained on the Saturday as well as on Sunday and Monday, with Monday’s all
day downpour really spelling the end of what could have been a spectacularly successful occasion. Boaters, as they always do, made the best of a steadily declining
scenario. Following Saturday’s bumper crowds, people did come on the Sunday –
but not so many. Bank Holiday Monday’s attendance was sparse indeed. But we
certainly got our message across on Saturday when we were well supported by VIPs,
sponsors and others, plus TV coverage. It’s just such a pity the weather failed to play
ball later on.
The organisation went well. Congratulations to all volunteers involved, especially
those from Northampton Branch. The run-up to the Festival wasn’t without its minidramas – they seem inevitable at these type of events – but generally it was “all right
on the night”. There was a modest financial surplus and the Branch will hopefully
find its coffers boosted a little when the final accounts are settled. We also recruited
several new Branch members over the weekend – one of these has already joined us
on three Task Parties on the Arm!
But clearly it was a case of what might have been if old smiler in the sky had kept on
grinning! Read Old Stager’s report starting on page 20. I think he sums things up
pretty well.
2016 BOAT GATHERING. However, its back to normal service next year. We
now look forward to early Spring Bank Holiday 2016 when the Branch’s Annual
Boat Gathering will be held for a second time at Braunston Marina thanks to the generosity of marina owner Tim Coghlan. After many, many years at Becket’s Park, the
switch to Braunston two years ago proved a popular choice and those who attended
urged a return visit. The weather, as if by magic, switched from chilly to lovely and
warm spring-like conditions, thus helping to create a genuine all-round friendly and
enjoyable get-together. Full details will be given in the next edition of Endeavour.
So if you are already planning your 2016 cruising programme, please ensure you
note the dates Friday 29th April to Monday 2nd May. We’d love to see you there!
BRANCH DINNER. Since my last Jottings, a major event on the Branch calendar
has been our Annual Dinner in October – and what a successful occasion it proved to
be. We promised “something completely different” and your committee believe we
really achieved this by going afloat to wine and dine.
8
Our venue was the floating Riverboat Restaurant moored at Northampton’s Midsummer Meadow, and for those of you unfamiliar with the location, the boat is sited at
the entrance to the original course of the Nene before the river was widened and
straightened in the 1970s. We almost filled to capacity the main dining saloon, nearly 50 people attending.
David Blagrove was our guest of honour and in spite of not feeling too well, he reminisced, as only David can do, about the old days on the waterways. He remarked on
the swift passage of time, recalling the formation of the Branch (previously known as
the South-East Midlands Branch) in the late 1960s and suddenly realised it seemed
that only three of the originals are still around – himself, Roger Hasdell and Rodney
Hardwick. It’s all a sobering thought. No-one is getting any younger – I wish …
LOOKING AHEAD. So what will 2016 bring us? Perhaps a better summer,
weather-wise, than last year, although I don’t remember it being particularly foul,
especially when I was away on the annual summer cruise. If anything it was almost
too hot. One of the things we can certainly rely upon next year, however, is that our
merry and willing band of volunteers will be continuing their work of keeping the
Arm in good shape. There will always be shopping trolleys to be pulled out of the
water and litter to be picked from the towing path. Now, with the festive season fast
approaching, my good wishes to you all and a Happy 2016 Waterway Year.
The newly refurbished Riverboat Tapas, Bar and Restaurant is now open. It has indoor
and outdoor seating that faces the River Nene and Midsummer Meadow. The Restaurant
provides casual dining experience, offering a selection of Indo/Chinese.
We also take party bookings for birthdays, wedding receptions and corporate functions
Come on board and bring the family.
Midsummer Meadows, Bedford Road Northampton NN1 5 FY
Phone 01604 637325 E-mail [email protected]
9
S AV E T H E D A T E
29th April—2nd May, 2016
Nurser’s Dock, Braunston Marina
Join us for a new style
IWA Northampton Branch
BOAT GATHERING
Non members welcome
Full details in the next edition
of Endeavour
Details will be updated on our
Website, Facebook and Twitter
10
NEW BRANCH MEMBERS ARE WELCOMED
We extend a warm welcome to the following who have
joined Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour
NEW MEMBERS
Ms P A Ferris, Dereham Norfolk
Ms G Kinsey, Alton, Hampshire
Mr R Blackburn, Harpole, Northampton
Mr G Crockett & Ms M Nagy, Briar Hill, Northampton
Mr N Dunne, Northampton
Mr R & Mrs P Haynes, Northampton
Mr S Hughes, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth
Mr T & Mrs S Moore, Northampton
Mrs P A Paige, Cosgrove
Mr M & Mrs A Steadman, Daventry
Mr J & Mrs G Turnbull, Towcester
Mr P & Mrs A Watkins, Northampton
MEMBERS WHO HAVE MOVED TO THE BRANCH
Mr P Boyce, Southampton
Mr M Hacon & Mrs M McNicoll, Brackley
Mr R W Sharp, Daventry
Mr T R A Underhill, Welford
We look forward to meeting you all at Branch events
GRAND JUNCTION BOAT COMPANY
Boat Building and Fitting,
Marine Engineers, Electricians,
Agents for Yanmar Diesel Engines
CANAL MAINTENANCE YARD,
BLISWORTH ARM,
NORTHAMPTON NN7 3EF
Tel: 01604-858043
boatrepairs.uk.com
[email protected]
narrowboatrepairsnorthampton.co.uk
11
SUPPLIES
We are a family run, customer friendly
business based adjacent to Bridge 32 at
Nether Heyford. Our service point is clear
of moored boats making your stop quick
and easy. We offer the following services:
 DIESEL – always competively priced
 PUMP OUT – no meter clock here
 BLUE TOILET FLUID
 ODORLOS – organic waste tank treatment
 CALOR GAS – all sizes of bottled gas
including Camping Gaz.
 SOLID FUELS – all types of smokeless
fuel or coal. Plus firelighters, sticks and
logs.
 CHARNWOOD STOVES – all sizes of
multi-fuel stoves with or without boilers
 MORRIS OILS – popular grades of
engine oil plus water resistant grease
 FUEL SET FUEL CONDITIONER
Most Major Credit Cards Accepted.
Open: 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday,
8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays
Fred Tarry
Bridge Cottage
Furnace Lane
Nether Heyford
Northampton, NN7 3JY
Telephone/Fax: 01327-341202
Email : [email protected]
Northamptonshire
RESTAURANT º BARS º
BOAT TRIP
DINE IN FESTIVE STYLE
IN WOODWARD’S
CANALSIDE
RESTAURANT
Inclusive New Year’s Eve
dinner/dance, £59.00
Book Now!
01604 862428
www.boatinn.co.uk
New Canal Arm
for Towcester!
No, it’s not an April fools joke but a
serious possibility raised by Canal
& River Trust Enterprise Manager
James Clifton at last month’s User
Group meeting at Bugbrooke.
Apparently a retiring solicitor is
interested in funding a Feasibility
Study for a new Towcester canal
arm running from the Grand Union. It would certainly put the town
on the canal map and open up a
myriad of development possibilities.
Watch this space for more news as
it breaks…
12
ALL ABOARD FOR OUR BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER
We were aboard the Riverboat floating restaurant on the Nene at Midsummer Meadow for this event and a nearly full house ensured a most enjoyable evening. Please
see the Chairman’s Jottings on page 7. Here are a few pictures of the occasion.
Obviously something to
laugh about! From left,
Endeavour editor Tony
Clarke, Boat Gathering
Chairman Mick Butler
and guest of honour
David Blagrove. Below,
general views as the
evening progresses
Members were generous in
donating prizes for the
raffle which raised £146,
by popular request, for the
Buckingham Canal Society.
Below, David Blagrove takes
on liquid sustenance before
reminiscing
13
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS REVIEW
September
Festival of Water
Mick Butler reported that everyone did well on Saturday but the weather
dampened things down on Sunday and Monday. Overall feedback was upbeat and indicated that the event was well organised. All monies were
handed back to the Festival Committee, the surplus total not being known
at this point.
Boat Gathering 2016
A meeting is planned to finalise a venue. The date will be 29th April — 2nd
May 2016. The old marquee has now been sold to The Friends of The Canal
Museum at Stoke Bruerne. A new one is being sourced.
Northampton Arm Adoption
Geoff Wood reported that the last lock had been painted. There have
been good turnouts for the Task Parties and the weather has been kind —
a very successful year. The bench at Lock 17 has now been built with mosaics to be added at a cost of about £1,400, but it needs rendering first.
The committee also agreed to contact Stoke Bruerne Adoption Group and
offer help for a one-off extra Task Party for specific work.
Reports from Local Societies
Friends of The Canal Museum – Lynda Payton and Mick Butler have been
made Trustees. It was reported that the Village at War event in September was the most successful ever.
November
Festival of Water
It was noted that the accounts had still to be finalised. The provisional
accounts show a modest surplus. The following beneficiaries for the surplus were agreed: The Friends of The Canal Museum (for loan of Sculptor,
marquees, tables and chairs and transportation); Northampton Sea Cadets
(for demonstrations on the water); Crusader Boats (for hosting the VIP
cruise and running trips for the public during the Festival).
Branch Dinner
All who attended agreed it was a good event and a superb location. Several requests have been made for a repeat visit in 2016.
Boat Gathering 2016 — 29th April – 2nd May 2016
Bernard Morton has received the OK from Tim Coghlan regarding the use
Continued on page 15
Illuminated Boats and
Carols on the Canal
14
Put Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December in your diaries for Stoke Bruerne's
annual Carols on the Canal. This magical celebration of Christmas features carols
around the
Christmas
tree and an
Illuminated
Boat Parade
(Saturday 56.30pm),
Santa Cruises
and a Christmas Market
at The NaviPicture from last year’s event by Lynda Payton)
gation pub
(all weekend). The Museum and other gift shops will also be open, Bob the Blacksmith at the
Tunnel Forge will have special hand forged gifts on sale and lots of other attractions
are planned. This year's event will also see the opening on Saturday afternoon of the
new Ark Stained Glass Workshop in the Old Stables and the official launch of the
new Heritage Lottery Funded interpretation trail. It's a wonderful way to start
your Christmas celebrations and it's
free. Organisers, The Friends of the
Canal Museum, warmly welcome all
boaters who would like to participate in
the Illuminated Boat Parade (Contact
harbmater@
friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk to register your interest). Last year's winners,
Tim and Roberta Casientieri on nb
2 Meals for £10
Inchy will take a lot of beating. Are you
Monday – Thursday up to the challenge?
The Navigation
Stoke Bruerne
Live Music every Friday
Like our facebook to keep updated
with all offers and promotions
www.facebook.com/navigation.sb
www.navigationpubtowcester.co.uk
Full details for the weekend, including
programme timings, will be posted on
the event website as they are confirmed
at Carols on the Canal - Friends of The
Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
15
TIM CARTER
OVERPLATING
[email protected]
07774 711817
Grand Union Canal just north of Weedon
Steel Narrowboats Overplated
Base plate, hull sides, swim, counter rounds
Cabin Work
All aspects of steel work — we even offer hot riveting for the repair of vintage craft!
Steel or wooden cabins repaired, windows added, removed, replaced, side doors
added.
Stretching
Narrow boats lengthened.
Hull Blacking
New anodes and engine servicing also available.
Painting Some aspects of coach painting and traditional
rose and castle decoration.
Pricing Prices vary depending on the type of work undertaken. Email me to discuss your requirements.
Continued from page 13
of Nurser’s Dock at Braunston Marina for this event.
Northampton Arm Adoption
Lock 17 has had grass and vegetation cut back. Litter picking carried out from
Lock 17 to Bridge 14; seven shopping trollies were removed from the water by
the bridge. The by-pass weir at Lock 14 has been cleared. The next Task Party
will focus on the by-pass weir at Lock 16 which is completely overgrown and
blocked. Alison Smedley and Emma from IWA Head Office will be joining in.
Membership
Eight new members were signed up at the Festival and one has already been on
Task Parties. Memberships stand at 300, representing 476 members.
Planning
Revised plans for the Willow House site at Blisworth, for five detached houses
with garages and access road, were considered. An objection has been submitted by the Branch on the grounds that this is an over-development of the site
leading to a detrimental impact on the canal environment and canal archaeology.
Reports from Local Societies Canal Partnerships etc
Helen Westlake, representing Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership, thanked Branch
volunteers who helped with the installation of interpretation board supports.
16
MARTIN BRINGS HIS STAINED GLASS
SKILLS TO NEW TUNNEL WORKSHOP
“Amazing work by a genuinely nice
guy.” “Fantastic job – well done.”
These are just two of the many compliments which have come the way of
craftsman Martin Farrant since he
opened his stained glass workshop in
the long-disused horse stables alongside the Stoke Bruerne towpath at the
southern end of Blisworth Tunnel.
Since June, Martin has built up a sizeable following, particularly among
the boating fraternity. He says: “A
favourite is a depiction of their pet in
a window of their boat, often in a
forward cratch window.” Martin accepts commissions, repairs and restoration work as well as the creation of
a range of gifts such as “sun catchers”
– decorative glass pieces for hanging
in windows to sparkle in the bright
light.
After passing art and design exams in
London, what started as a hobby as a
young man in Cromer steadily developed over the years, with studios in
Devon and North Wales. He explains: “When we consider stained glass, people nearly always think of churches but,
beautiful as they are, there are so many more uses and applications – lampshades,
mirrors and sculptures, for example. The only restriction to what can be created is
the limit of our imaginations.”
Martin outside his workshop at
the Old Stables in Stoke Bruerne
near the tunnel entrance
Although containing all the equipment necessary for a basic workshop, Martin and
his partner, Tracey, are still putting the final touches to the internal restoration and
fitting out of the old stable block with canalia and information panels describing the
art of stained glasswork. There are chairs so that customers and passers-by can sit
and watch Martin at work – or simply shelter from the weather. There is always a
warm welcome.
One of the difficulties he has overcome is the lack of mains electricity, although with
the help of an expert family member, he is able to function quite adequately by the
illumination produced from a 12-volt battery. His workbench includes a glass cut-
17
ting area, a light box and a small grinder – “everything sufficient for the task,” he
assures. He specialises in the Tiffany style or the Copperfoil method (visit him and
find out what it is all about). It’s fascinating to watch him in action – genuine craftsmanship.
Martin is now working towards the Christmas and New Year season and visitors to
the workshop are able to buy stained glass gifts off a decorated Christmas Tree.
Trading as the Ark Stained Glass Studio, Martin’s opening hours are 11am – 5pm
daily, closed Tuesdays. Email [email protected] for more information.

Local MP Andrea Leadsom is scheduled to officially open Martin’s workshop
on the afternoon of Saturday, 12th December, at 2.30 pm.
Martin at work in his workshop
SAVE THE BRANCH MONEY!
Stop receiving Endeavour by post and instead get it electronically.
You will be notified by email when it’s published on-line. This will
save in postage and printing costs. The printed version will be
available at Branch meetings. Contact Geoff Wood at
[email protected] and he will organise it.
Editor
IWA Northampton Branch now has a Facebook page. It’s at https://
www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there
about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use
it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter
account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in
discussion on what’s happening.
18
Wendover Arm Trust Grand Draw 2015
I would like to express to your readers a very big thank you for their support for the
WAT Grand Draw 2015. This year we managed to raise just over £4,500 towards the
Restoration Fund. The twelve prize winners have all been advised and the common
response was, as always: “I never win anything…”
After sending all the prizes, the thoughts are turning to next year’s Draw, when it is
hoped you will all extend your amazing generosity again. The restoration is still continuing.
It was with some amusement that on the Friday before the Grand Draw, I received a
telephone call from the promoter of the Monmouth, Abergavenny and Brecon Canal
Trust Annual Duck Race to tell me that I had won the second prize for the ‘race’ on
the August Bank Holiday this year! So no longer can I use the phrase “I never win
anything” !
The full list of prize winners in the Draw is shown on the Trust website –
www.wendoverarntrust.co.uk and follow the link. (Do you know a winner ?)
Again, through the Branch magazine, may the Trust say a very big thank you for
your essential support.
My best wishes,
Michael Wright, - Grand Draw 2015 Promoter.
Big Draw event at Stoke Bruerne
attracts young artists
Budding artists at The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, transformed Northampton
IWA's former marquee—now acquired by The Friends of The Canal Museum—into
a colourful instant art gallery during the half-term holidays when Stoke Bruerne
Canal Partnership organised a Big Draw, part of an annual national drawing event to
encourage everybody to pick up paints, pen or pencil and get drawing or doodling.
The theme was "Every drawing tells a story" and all ages took part, even if only
adding a single poppy to a growing field of poppies for display in
the Museum on Remembrance
Day. Prizes were on offer for
three age groups judged by Stephanie Furniss, the Museum’s newly
appointed Destination Manager.
Winners were: up to age 6 —
Ruby Taylor (age 6): 7-16 —
Isabelle and Lucy (age 12); over
16 — Richard Robertson.
19
LocalCrafts&Gifts
THE CANAL SHOP
at Stoke Bruerne
Under the management
of Sue Austin, who warmly
welcomes all visitors
Crocheted lacework a speciality
Special offer –10% off for boaters
Open Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays
from 11am - 3pm
until the end of March
Contact 07760 778638
Youwill indTheCanalShop
oppositetheMuseumat
StokeBruerne
Now fully open
WHILTON
MARINA
CHANDLERY

Diesel Pump out

Well stocked chandlery
 Groceries
Pay us a visit, just browse
and see what we have to offer
Open daily 9am –6pm
ALL YEAR ROUND
Tel 01327 844639
E-mail: [email protected]
20
Old Stager, who in our last issue recalled the IWA’s 1971 National
Rally of Boats at Northampton, reports on the Association’s 2015
Festival of Water on the River Nene at Becket’s Park in late August
IT ALL WENT WELL
DESPITE THE RAIN
There’s not much
you can do about it
when the weather
gods decide to rain
on your parade.
Such was the situation at the IWA’s
Northampton Festival of Water at the
end of August. After a sparkling Saturday and big
crowds, the fourday Bank Holiday
weekend event
slipped gradually to
a damp conclusion on the Monday. Spirits were kept up throughout by the enjoyment and involvement of the boaters, but sadly the overall attendances by the public
were inevitably not as high as anticipated because of the deteriorating weather. Nevertheless, the event still returned a modest financial surplus.
Festival celebrity guests, actors and keen boaters Timothy West and Prunella Scales
certainly attracted the crowds to the Saturday mid-day launch. The sun shone, it was
warm and thoughts of rain lurked only dimly in the minds of the pessimistic. Unfortunately, their forebodings proved correct. Sunday began cloudy, stayed cloudy and
the rain fell from mid-morning until late afternoon Admittedly the rain didn’t hammer down – you would have happily kept on boating – just annoyingly wetting and
off-putting for the public.
Then Monday dawned dull and the rain started falling just before seven o’clock. It
didn’t stop until 4pm but the damage had been done as far as the visiting public was
concerned. Although a fair number ventured to the Park, understandably the thousands anticipated stayed at home. The charity boat Crusader continued giving trips,
the upside being that passengers kept dry inside. Others sought refuge in the big
IWA marquee where a steady stream of entertainment kept people and the party atmosphere going - whilst the challenge to drive a mini-digger on the Waterway Re-
21
covery Group stand proved irresistible to youngsters, no matter what the weather!
Earlier, on the Friday, the Festival got underway in encouraging fashion in dry conditions as boaters checked in. The evening was spent socialising and quizzing. The
official boat attendance was 98, boosted by numerous crews of boats in Northampton
Marina. In nearby Delapre Park, around 35 caravanners and campers gathered.
So to “super Saturday”. The highlight was, without doubt, the eagerly awaited arrival of Timothy West and Prunella Scales, a moment greeted by cheers and enthusiastic clapping as Tim officially declared the Festival open by cutting an IWA- coloured
blue ribbon tied across the steps of the bridge at the tail of Northampton (or Town)
Lock. The guests then boarded Crusader for a VIP cruise under South Bridge into the
Westbridge Arm, returning through the lock and so to Midsummer Meadow and
back. Among those on board were two Mayors – those of Northampton and Walsall
– local MP David Mackintosh, Festival sponsors and supporters, Environment Agency and Canal and River Trust personalities, including CRT chief exec Richard Parry
and IWA Chairman Les Etheridge. During the trip, Northampton Mayor Cllr Penelope Flavell presented the commemorative Tiller Pin to Cllr Angela Underhill, Mayor
of Walsall, in whose borough the 2016 Festival will be held at Pelsall.
For much of the trip, Tim and Pru stood on the foredeck of Crusader waving to the
crowds on the waterfront. Almost everyone seemed to be holding cameras aloft.
“We’ve been made so welcome,” Tim told me. “It’s good to be back on the Nene,
it’s such a lovely river – although I know the weeds can be a bit of a problem from
time to time!” Later the couple mingled with boaters on Lock Island and were
among the audience at one of the talks in the marquee. Their attendance at the talk
and obvious interest in all that was going on was widely appreciated and we extend
our sincere thanks to them for travelling to Northampton from London by train and
helping to make the occasion such a red letter day.
Crowds enjoying the Saturday sunshine at the Festival in Becket’s Park
22
Rob Westlake (left), from The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne,
presents an historic BCN Boundary Marker to Ivor Caplan from the Birmingham
Canal Navigation Society. Festival President David Blagrove is on the right
The crowds continued to throng Becket’s Park and the waterside for the rest of the
Saturday afternoon. There were the boats to see, mainly moored between the lock
and South Bridge, in some instances up to six abreast, with plenty going on in the
Park, including entertainment in the IWA marquee – a haven of comfort as the
weather steadily deteriorated during the weekend. Saturday evening in the Lock
Island marquee witnessed rousing entertainment l950s, ‘60s ‘70s, ‘80s style by the
group Grandma’s Wooden Leg, with the dance area well filled towards the end.
There was more informal entertainment on the Sunday and Monday evenings. On
quieter moments, during the daytime, a programme of talks was presented in the
marquee by Festival President David Blagrove (“A working boat miscellany”), Liz
Payne (“Cotswold Canal Restoration”), Braunston Marina’s Tim Coghlan (“Sonia
Rolt and other Idle Women”) and Festival Chairman John Pomfret (“Down the Nene
and across The Fens”).
Throughout, on Lock Island, which was reserved for Festival entrants, Cat’s Café,
offering tea/coffee and homemade cakes, proved highly popular and a nice little
earner for waterway funds – as did the evening hamburgers prepared by Bill and Liz
Mann. Elsewhere, in The Boathouse, the bar did a roaring trade, even running out of
beer on one occasion before extra barrels could be quickly delivered from the nearby
Albion Brewery Bar. Meanwhile, on the river, there were boat handling demonstrations and several intrepid boaters accepted the Westbridge Arm Challenge – not such
an easy task at the end of August as it is at Northampton Branch’s spring Boat Gatherings because of summer weed growth. The Northampton Sea Cadets were well in
evidence, too, bravely pressing ahead in the pouring rain showing their boating
skills. Illuminated boats also paraded after dark on Sunday evening.
23
The wet Monday morning drew boaters to the Island marquee for the official prizegiving followed by a Boaters Auction which raised nearly £500, a magnificent sum
echoing the success of the two evening raffles. After the prize giving, John Butler,
Chairman of IWA Events, told Old Stager he was well satisfied with how the Festival
had gone, notwithstanding the poor weather about which nothing could be done. He
warmly acknowledged the enthusiastic input and positive cooperation of the Festival
partners - Northampton Borough Council, the Environment Agency and the Canal &
River Trust. He added: “Then, of course, there was the immense contribution from
IWA’s Northampton Branch and all its volunteers who worked tirelessly towards the
Festival’s success, together with the IWA Blueshirts, the WRGies and CRT volunteers manning the locks on the Northampton Arm, not forgetting the car park attendants in Midsummer Meadow. Mentioning individual names is so difficult – miss one
and you’re in trouble – but I would like to single out Lynda Payton whose efforts on
the publicity front must be recognised. Well done, Lynda.”
Ironically, the Festival ended as the rain reluctantly stopped, with the great clear and
clean up following on the Tuesday in bright sunshine. Positive feedback indicates a
good time was had by all. Obviously it’s impossible to cover every aspect of the Festival, one of the aims of which was to mark the 200th anniversary of the opening of
the Northampton Arm – so much happening {as in 1971) and volunteers getting on
with things efficiently but almost unnoticed. We must feel sorry for the commercial
enterprises operating in the Park – it’s never good to have to “strike camp” early in
the face of inclement weather. Bear in mind, though, there is a plus point here – falling rain helps to maintain the levels on the canals. So, always look on the bright side
of life…
Chucklefoot entertained the crowds during the day with his one-man-band,
and on the Saturday evening in the marquee on the Lock Island
24
Moored boats on the riverside between South Bridge and Becket’s Park. In the far
distance, to the right, is the entrance to EA’s Northampton Marina
WITH THE BOATS GAILY DECORATED, THE FESTIVAL
PROVED TO BE A COLOURFUL SPECTACLE
On sunny super Saturday, big crowds turned out
to mingle with the waterside atmosphere
25
OUR SINCERE THANKS TO...



Our partners in the organisation of the Festival of Water
Northampton Borough Council
The Environment Agency
The Canal & River Trust
Our Sponsors




Persimmon Homes
Briggs and Forrester
Morrisons
Plus all the advertisers in the Festival Programme
Raffle prizes and auction items were generously donated by
many individuals and commercial organisations, including...










ABC Leisure Group
The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne
The Navigation, Stoke Bruerne
The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth
Stowe Hill Workshop
Whilton Marina
Whilton Marina Chandlery
Skears Photographic, Northampton
Grand Junction Boat Company
The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
Festival Award Winners








RCR Award: Di & Rees Jones (Wandering Wimbrell)
Robert Aickman Trophy: Peter & Jean Webb (Arachne), most
meritorious journey
AP Herbert Award: Alan Jones (Keeping Up), most lock miles
TR Boat Handling Competition: Poly Page (Semper Fields)
Best Illuminated Boat: Poly Page (Semper Fields)
Birds, Boats & Bridges: Ruby Morse, Children’s Painting Competition
Westbridge Challenge: John & Sam Line (Fairies Wear Boots)
Special Plaque Award: John & Sam Line (for help with Festival
organisation)
26
BEST VILLAGE AT
WAR WEEKEND EVER!
Visitors flock to Stoke Bruerne
for vintage 40s event
Fine weather and an action packed programme of forties entertainment drew
in huge numbers of visitors to Stoke Bruerne’s 8th Village at War weekend in
mid September. Organised by The Friends of The Canal Museum, the event
was supported by more individual re-enactors and living history groups than
ever before, many travelling long distances to take part in the popular vintage
event and providing plenty for visitors to see and do. With almost the whole
village taking part, the community pulled together to produce an atmosphere
buzzing with true wartime spirit. The Primary School was busy running a Nippy Tea Room, there was a 40s Fashion Parade at the Church and the Village
Hall hosted dance classes and an afternoon tea dance. Old favourites —
glamorous singer Lola Lamour and George Formby (aka Paul Casper) —
were joined by several new artists to keep both the troops and public entertained royally. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight obliged with a dramatic
Spitfire flypast on both days and for good measure, Saturday was also
graced by a Dakota aircraft plus an unscheduled but welcome flyby by the
Red Arrows on Sunday.
Underneath the arches — entertainment in full swing
27
Winston Churchill, Field
Marshal Montgomery and
George VI were kept busy
delivering rousing speeches
and inspecting the troops,
and on the water a number
of historic boats, some in
wartime livery, completed
the colourful scene. One of
Stoke Bruerne’s regular trip
boats masqueraded as
‘HMS Charlie’, complete
with anti-aircraft guns and
turrets. There was even a
model boat carrying munitions competing with its larger counterparts for the attention of visitors in the
canal basin outside the Museum. All indications point to a record breaking
financial result for The Friends charity with village organisations and charities, such as Help the Heroes
and Greyhound Rescue, also benefiting.
During the weekend a new book ‘Care on the Cut’.
written by Dr Della Sadler Moore, Lorna York and
Christopher Jones about the life of Sister Mary Ward
BEM, nurse to the long distance boatmen and their
families, who lived and worked at Stoke Bruerne, was
launched. The book in paperback form is on sale at
The Canal Museum Shop at £18.99.
Lynda Payton
28
Karin Cotter, of nb Dihedral, finds there are …
TWENTY THINGS TO DISCOVER
ABOUT THE RIVER NENE
After attending August’s IWA Festival at Northampton, we took advantage of our
temporary location on the Nene and, together with a few other boaters there, cruised
to Peterborough before heading back to the Grand Union. This is what I discovered:
1 — You will find that herons abound along the banks of the River Nene, although a
few areas, strangely, are completely devoid of these feathered fishermen. They almost always seem to face downstream and are fond of lurking in the reeds and rushes, waiting patiently for a meal and eyeing boats suspiciously. At our approach, they
would often take flight with huge powerful wings lifting their steel-grey bodies high
over the meadows and trees.
2 — You will also notice that red kites are making a comeback all along the river
valley. Their mewing and aeronautical displays accompanied us along much of our
journey, We had hoped to see otters, also, apparently, making a comeback, but we
were not so lucky.
3 — Swans, much more plentiful than on the canals, have colonised all sections of
the river. Their graceful shapes seem to fit perfectly against the backdrop of green
meadows, elegant churches and stone-built cottages.
4 — You will probably disturb many of the fishermen that abound along the banks of
the River Nene, sitting quietly heron-like, hidden in amongst the reeds and rushes,
often lifting their rods for our passing boat at the very last minute. Some also like
fishing from the pontoons around the locks, which makes mooring a little difficult, as
the pontoons aren’t very long. We classified three varieties of fishermen: the keen
fully equipped sportsman/angler with his day’s catch in his keep net; the fishermen
who were catching small fish; and the young men who acknowledged us only with a
wave of their hand, who carried no equipment, only a rod and a backpack, and were
no doubt looking for their evening meal.
5 — You will need a special EA key in order to operate the locks and use the facilities on route. We bought ours at Northampton Marina, along with the EA licence, at
a discounted price offered to Festival-goers. The marina is situated opposite Becket’s
Park in Northampton, and what a friendly group of staff and boaters are based there!
6 — You will discover, as we did, that guillotine gates are hard work to open and
close, whether because of the need to keep a finger on the button of the electricallyoperated ones or because of the steel wheel that has to be turned so many times on
the others. Going downstream, the lock generally has to be filled before entering, as
the bottom gate (the guillotine one) is always left raised. Going back upstream, once
the boat is through the lock, it must be emptied again before leaving. BOATING TIP:
I volunteered to steer the boat into the locks, while I let Bob put his back into it.
29
7 — Despite the relaxed rhythm of travel on the river after a relatively dry summer,
lock rage exists and is alive and well. Much to our surprise, on leaving one lock we
were called bad-mannered and selfish, amongst other things, because we, apparently,
stole the lock from a boat which definitely wasn’t visible at the time we closed the
lower lock gate and commenced filling to allow our passage. Life is too short!
8 — Some locks, especially those at Yarwell and Cotterstock, are on quite sharp
bends, and, approaching too quickly, will test your steering skills.
9 — There are some really nice sloe bushes on the upper approach to Wadenhoe
Lock. There is also a lovely mooring alongside the gardens of The Kings Head,
where you will get an excellent meal and a decent pint of good local beer.
10 — You will notice that the Environment Agency has a much more laid-back approach to Himalayan Balsam than the Canal & River Trust. This invasive plant grew
along much of the riverbank, undisturbed and kept in check by all the other plants
growing along the banks, its pretty pink flowers bowing gently in the breeze.
11 — We used three guides for our journey downstream, and fairly soon realised
that none of them was totally accurate. However, all were useful. We used a combination of the Imray guide, Heron Maps (which do not tell you where to find herons)
and the new EA/IWA Northampton map that was launched at the Festival of Water.
12 — You will discover that suitable moorings, long enough for a narrowboat or
two, are few and far between. However, the Friends of the River Nene (FOTRN) are
trying to solve this problem and have created four extra moorings available to their
members, with more moorings to follow, we hope.
13 — You’ll find the moorings at the Embankment, Peterborough, are extensive,
alongside a pleasant park. Shops, the cathedral and the Nene Valley Railway are just
a short walk away. The services there — water, rubbish, Elsan and pump out — provided free by the City Council, were all working when we arrived and we had probably the best pump-out for a long time!
14 — One of the most picturesque moorings is at Fotheringhay, below the church or
alongside the Castle Mound, where the farmer is noted for the efficiency with which
he arrives to collect his mooring fees. He deserves a special mention for offering to
transport one of our party with limited mobility up to The Falcon pub in the village,
so that we could all have an evening meal.
15 — The best moorings of all were missed by us, both on our journey downstream
and on our return upstream. They lie on a short backwater at the bottom of the pub
garden for the Queens Head Inn, Nassington. £15 per night, though I think it is refundable if you eat at the pub. The water was lovely and clear and looked deep
enough for our boat. We visited the village by car at the end of September and enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea at the pub and an hour or so in the garden in warm sunshine. We decided if we go down the river again, and we can get the boat in, we
shall moor there at least one night. Perhaps someone can tell us if the backwater is
navigable by narrowboat.
Continued on page 36
30
Blisworth Canal Festival
another success
Jan Andrews reports: A
Trustee of CRT asked us
recently just how come
Blisworth Canal Festival
continues to be so incredibly popular, and just how
much money it generated.
Well, in response to the
first question, we don’t
have a secret recipe, we
just simply ensure we have
the best ingredients to produce a brilliant outcome.
Vicky Martin, CRT WaVisitors aboard trip boat Mountbatten
terway Manager SE, was
right when she commented on the event being planned and rolled out with military
precision. Peter Underwood wrote passionately in Towpath Talk about the Festival
having engaged a whole community — so true. Local press and other media responses rightly focus on visitors enjoying the amazing range of traders and attractions provided. Participants and visitors alike always comment on the relaxed, carnival atmosphere that sparkles during the Festival weekend.
Of course it helps that the word “free” is a recurring theme. The Festival offers free
parking, mooring and entry to venues. Charities are given free pitches, as are many
regular attractions. Hence happy visitors flock in their tens of thousands. Festival
2015 welcomed an amazing 45,000+ during the weekend, the best turnout to date.
Perhaps the double
page spread in the
Sunday Mirror that
placed Blisworth Canal Festival within the
Top 10 Waterway
destinations for 2015
helped!
For those who didn’t
attend Festival 2015,
shame on you, but
what you’d have
found is an event that
31
stretched up from the bustling waterfront into eight nearby village venues,
all provided and manned by villagers
and their friends. You would have had
to agree that the event fulfilled the old
cliché ‘something for everybody’,
with its ferret racing, vintage caravans
and vehicles, a dog show, boat trips,
parrots, a farmyard, land and boat
traders galore, rural craft demos, live
music, bars, incredible food outlets,
stilt walkers, heritage displays, antique
and plant stalls. The list would fill a
page.
Planning is well underway for next
year’s Canal Festival to be held over
the weekend of Saturday August 13th
& Sunday August 14th 2016. Once
again visitors will be able to park,
moor and enter for free. Blisworth
Canal Partnership are determined that
ours will continue to be a festival for a
festival’s sake — a celebration of our
village, community spirit and canal.
Ferret racing tubes
So in answer to the CRT Trustee’s second question, we aren’t all about money. We
feel it should never be all about generating money. With a massive fundraising effort,
our festival generates enough for us to begin the next year’s event with a bit left over
for canalside projects. We are happy with that and our thousands of visitors certainly
are!
32
33
34
RICHARD GILL BSc, MABSE
BOAT SAFETY TESTING
BW AND EA APPROVED
EXPERIENCED EXAMINER WITH 25 YEARS WORKING ON THE
WATERWAYS
Grand Union, Oxford & Leics Canals
Rivers Nene and Thames
RING: 07889 10 99 39
[email protected]
HIGH HOUSE MARINA LTD
High House Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF
OUR SMALL MARINA (ONLY 24 BOATS)
IS A VERY FRIENDLY PLACE TO BE MOORED, HENCE OUR CLIENTS
TEND TO STAY PUT
Our car park is quite secure and well hidden from the road
WE DO NOW AND AGAIN HAVE A VACANCY,
SO WHY NOT GIVE US A CALL?
Contact Phil Gardner on 01327 349519, E-
The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages
publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an
official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability
for any matter in the magazine.
Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the
magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however,
gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify
articles published in the interests of clarity or space.
35
36
Continued: TWENTY THINGS TO DISCOVER ABOUT THE NENE
16 — You will travel on a river that is mostly peaceful and very rural. Its propensity
for flooding means that most villages and towns, especially upstream of Thrapston,
are situated on higher ground above and away from the course. Almost nowhere did
urbanisation seem to penetrate the Nene corridor. The river only just manages to
maintain contact with the bigger centres — Northampton, Wellingborough and Peterborough.
17 — The waters of the Nene fed more mills than I ever imagined. I read somewhere
that, originally, there were some 43 watermills situated along the river from
Newnham to Peterborough, 21 of them between Northampton and Thrapston. Some
have been demolished and are long gone, some are sadly derelict and in need of
some TLC, and others have been preserved and converted to residential or office
use.
18 — April 1969 marked the end of grain deliveries to Whitworths Mill at Wellingborough. As we moored opposite the mill, travelling both downstream and on our
return, I looked out at the brick wall of the older mill building, with the remains of
the old landing wharf sticking out above the water level and imagined the narrowboats unloading their cargo.
19 — The river is much quieter than the canals – the Grand Union felt more like the
M1 once we were on our way home. On the river we barely met more than three or
four boats each day and most of those were returning from Peterborough, having
made the same trip as us but leaving the Festival a day or two earlier.
20 — I think that the river, in its gentle guise, is a real gem, a pleasure to cruise and
the best-kept secret of the waterways. Shhh — don’t tell anybody!
YOUNG HANDS HELP BCS
MAKE PROGRESS AT COSGROVE
Scout Explorer, Jessica Greasby, was on hand to help Buckingham Canal Society (BCS) volunteers con nue their restora on project at Cosgrove recently, ge ng involved straightaway to show what young hands can do. Jessica, 14, and the Milton Keynes Scout Explorer leader joined work party organiser Athina Becke and BCS volunteers to remove branches and twigs currently filling the canal at the site. The team created a bonfire as part of the cleaning up process and this will later allow for the re‐watering of the canal at the site. Later in the day, Jessica also helped to uncover the brickwork of an old bridge at the site which is currently covered with shrubbery. Work is currently being car‐
ried out to see what remains of the bridge. If over 50 per cent is s ll in place, BCS will be able to apply for a heritage grant to repair and restore it. As a memento of the day, Jessica took away two bricks from the bridge; one an original from when the bridge was built and the second a much newer brick. She now plans to carry out her own research on these bricks. 37
ADVERTISING
All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid
misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977
requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.
COMMERCIAL RATES
CLASSIFIEDS
1/4 Page (box) £12.00 +VAT
1/2 Page (box) £25.00 +VAT
Full Page £40.00 +VAT
Other sizes by arrangement
(suggested donations)
£1.50 for 22 words,
15p each additional word
£3.50 for box around classified advertisement
(nb. telephone numbers count as one word)
£3.50 for photographs
10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance
5% discount for 4 issues paid quarterly
BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS
Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on
the second Tuesday of each month from
September to May inclusive at
THE WALNUT TREE INN, BLISWORTH, at 8pm
All members and non-members welcome.
Food and drink available
NEXT MEETINGS
Tuesday, 8th December
Christmas quiz with Lynda and Sam
Tuesday, 12th January
John Pomfret – Waterways of the Low Countries
Tuesday, 9th February
James Clifton – River Trent and Humber Estuary
Tuesday 8th March
AGM followed by speaker TBA
The next edition of Endeavour will be published February 2016
38
WHO’S WHO IN
NORTHAMPTON BRANCH
2015/2016
Branch Chairman
Branch Meetings
Bernard Morton
Graham Treagus
07785 375787
E-mail: bernard.morton
@waterways.org.uk
E-mail: graham.treagus
@waterways.org.uk
Vice Chairman, Joint
Task Party &
Membership Secretary
Geoff Wood
E-mail: geoff.wood
@waterways.org.uk
Boat Gathering
Chairman & Joint Task
Party Organiser
Michael Butler
E-mail: michael.butler
@waterways.org.uk
Branch Secretary
Sandie Morton
Planning Officer
E-mail: sandie.morton
@waterways.org.uk
Helen Westlake
E-mail: helen.westlake
@waterways.org.uk
Treasurer
Alex Madisons
E-mail: alex.madisons
@waterways.org.uk
Publicity & Grants
Officer
Lynda Payton
E-mail:lynda.payton
@waterways.org.uk
Committee Member
John Pomfret
E-mail: john.pomfret
@waterways.org.uk
Joint Website &
Social Media Officer
Sam Line
Newsletter & Joint
Website Editor
E-mail: sam.line
@waterways.org.uk
Tony Clarke
07939 977859
E-mail: tony.clarke
@waterways.org.uk
Non-Committee posts
Sales: Catriona Butler 01604 473756
Endeavour Assistant Editor,
Advertising & Distribution, Archivist
Roger Hasdell 01604 248582
Boat Gathering
Sub-Committee members
Michael Butler (Chairman), Catriona
Butler, Linda Clarke, Tony Clarke,
Alex Madisons, Bernard Morton, Sandie
Morton and John Pomfret
39