Newsletter ofGuildford & Reading

Kent & East SussexSpring 2015 and Oxfordshire Branches

Spring 2015

Newsletter ofGuildford & Reading

Kent & East Sussexand Oxfordshire Branches

IWA Canalway CavalcadeCanals in Bloom

Fun for everyone; boats, parades and processions, music, kids’ activities, competitions, trade stalls, a real ale bar and a wide variety of snacks and food.

TimesSaturday - 10:00 – 18:00Sunday - 10:00 – 18:00 (followed by music at 20:00 and a procession of illuminated boats at 20:30)Monday - 10:00 – 17:00

Contact DetailsPress/media/advertising: 07774 890750email: christine.smith@waterways.org.uk

General enquiries: 07979 676461email: canalway.cavalcade@waterways.org.uk

Trade Show: 07788 204442email: exhibition@waterways.org.uk

Waterspace and Boat entries: 07867 488161email: mark.saxon@waterways.org.uk

Admission is Free!

2nd - 4th May 2015Little Venice, London W2

Published by: The Inland Waterways Association. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1WA. Tel: 01494 783453. The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 612245. Registered as a charity no. 212342 www.waterways.org.uk

Keeping our waterways alive!

facebook.com/events/999133723446797 f

t @canalcavalcade

waterways.org.uk/cavalcade

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Editorial

Soon the start of the AGM Season will be upon us and with some 2650 members in the Region it would seem reasonable to expect that a few more might volunteer to lend a hand with the various Branch activities and in particular to serve on Branch Committees. In some instances, the lack of an active membership is reaching a critical point (see, for instance, Brian Saundersʼ article on page 36, which explains the situation faced by Oxfordshire Branch). IWAʻs past achievements owe much to the involvement of its Branches which in turn depend on the active participation of sufficient members on the ground. Itʼs very much a case of ʻmore hands make light workʼ, so do please come along to your Branch AGM (details on page 6) and show your support.

Once again IWA carried the banner for the inland waterways scene at the ExCel Boat Show in January. A report by Harry Arnold of the St Pancras Cruising Clubʼs visit is on page 6. More details of the show can be found in the February edition of Towpath Talk.

We are pleased to note that this yearʼs English Tourism Week (14th to 22nd March) is featuring in the activities around at least one of our local waterways through the Wey & Arun Canal Trustʼs walk on 16th March (see page 27). Maybe others will be following their lead in publicising the tourist attraction and value of our inland waterways.

It is good to be able to highlight one of IWAʼs notable successes of recent years - that is Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice over the Mayday BH Weekend (see advert opposite) but again this is dependent on a dedicated team of volunteers to cover a variety of tasks during the three days of the event. If you could spare some time to lend a hand, do get in touch with Ray Carter ray.carter@waterways.org.uk 07799692331.

A diary listing this yearʼs events in and around the Region can be found on pages 7 to 10 with cross-references to the relevant pages in Cargoes where more information can be found. Often much effort goes into organising these events and it is hoped that members will show their appreciation by coming along and giving their support.

Cargoes Editorial Team Cover Picture: Basingstoke Canal Society Vice President, the Rt. Hon. Maria Miller MP, with her copy of Boats of the Basingstoke Canal, accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and BCS Chairman Philip Riley (rt), at the inauguration of the Societyʼs Milestones Display (see story on page 16)

[Photo: Ray Carnell]

Note: Boats of the Basingstoke Canal (by Tony Harmsworth) has recently been revised and is available from the Canal Society (see page 16)

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From the Region Chairman Magna Carta, 1415 and

Agincourt, 1815 and Waterloo, 1940and Dunkirk and 1965 and Churchill's death and state funeral. There is much planned on the Basingstoke as it was from the castle near Odiham that King John left, over land not water, to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede beside the Thames. The clear lessonis that the British have a long history of not liking dictatorial central direction; Angela Merkel and the EU please note.

Agincourt was of course a victory of technical superiority in that King Richard had the benefit of long bows and Welsh archers to pull them rapidly.

1815 was the ultimate triumph of the British Navy but being fought on land no small part was played by the foundations laid by Pitt with sound finance and alliances and the Bank of England assisted by N M Rothschild and Barings in raising capital. France was bankrupt but Britain was not and could assist its allies the Prussians, Russians and Austrians because of the soundness of its finances. The form of government or governance can be extremely important and it is notable how CRT waterways are moving forward while EA waterways are going backwards. The soundness of Britainʼs finances led very soon to the finance and construction of the Erie Canal linking the Hudson with the Great Lakes which saw Philadelphia eclipsed by New York as the financialand trading centre of the USA.

In Dunkirk we are reminded that a disastrous start and lack of preparation can be overcome as in World War One with Lloyd George's organisation and financial skill and

alliance helped notably from the USA and the colonies. It was much the same story in the Second with the addition of Russia.

As a region in IWA it will I hope be a similar story. The branches all have something to offer and I will hope to encourage individuals to come forward and offer their services in a way that suits both them and IWA and its branches to work together and exchange skills and insights. Despite the success of CRT, IWA has much work to do. We have sound financesand with Toby Gomm's success in the fund raising role they are getting even better. In WRG we have a volunteer workforce second to none. We have had a regional committee meeting and a key theme will be branches having more joint meetings, joint working parties and joint visits. In this regard members from Oxford, IWAKES and Guildford and Reading (or for that matter South London who are very near) will be most welcome on the Thames Barge trip from the Medway in August and the IWAKES visit to the Thames Barrier in May. On this latter we may just be lucky enough to see the Thames Little Ships going down the Thames on the way to Ramsgate and Dunkirk to commemorate the 75th

anniversary of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of the British Army at Dunkirk. We also have a joint meeting of G&R with the K &A at Reading on 19th May which we would be delighted if Oxfordshire members would join.

On a personal note I attended an IWAKES committee meeting in December and was most impressed with the attention ALL the waterways in their branch were getting. I thought we in G &R had a diverse group but

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IWAKES has even more of a challenge to which they are rising magnificently. In the next month or so while I will be back to IWAKES I will also visit Oxford. This is a branch with a long and very successful history. Appropriately perhaps as it was from Banbury that Tom Rolt departed with Angela in 1939 to in many ways found the recreational and historic waterways movement. May I pay a small tribute to Sonia his second wife who did so much and is now sadly departed.

The whole subject of membersʼbranches and regions is under active review led by Alan Platt. There is to bea special "Energising Member Experience - Membership Workshop" on 28th March in Peterborough. We can nominate up to 3 members to attend from each Branch and it is hoped that each region will find amember to be responsible for on-going training. Can any member interested in going let me know by phone or email and I will make appropriate arrangements.

Gareth Jones

NEW HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICES AT CANAL & RIVER TRUST

The Canal & River Trust has appointed Ian Rogers as its first permanent

head of customer services. The new role supports the Trustʼs 10-year strategy to create stronger connections between the charity and the millions of people who use and enjoy its waterways each year, and is part of a renewed focus on improving the service the charity offers to customers.

Ian, who will be starting his role on 2 February, comes from Aon, the large insurance broker, where he has been managing director of the Aon Affinity division working with SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) customers. Prior to that, he worked in senior customer service roles at Dataforce, Thomas Cook and Eurostar.

Ianʼs priority will be to lead the Trustʼs programme of customer service improvements, ensuring that all parts of the organisation put customers at the heart of what they do. He will assume direct responsibility for leisure boating, licencing and enforcement.

Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “Iʼm delighted to welcome Ian to the Trust. Our future success requires us to continue to change how we do things; to engage with all those who use or visit our waterways, or live alongside them, in a different way, and to make customer service and community involvement central to how we operate. Ianʼs role will be vital in making these essential changes that will put our customers at the centre of our operation.”

As part of Trustʼs ten-year strategy, the charityʼs 11 waterway units will have greater focus on delivering excellent day-to-day customer service to boaters and other visitors, and working with their local Waterways Partnerships to create stronger relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

[Press Notice issued by Fran Read, national press officer, Canal & River Trust]

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Branch Annual General Meetings Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Guildford &

Reading Branch of The Inland Waterways Association will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 27th April at the National Trustʼs premises at Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RR. Official Notice of the Kent & East Sussex Branch AGM (on Wednesday 25th February) and Oxfordshire Branch AGM (on Wednesday 11th March) was given on page 6 of the Winter 2014 edition of Cargoes. The Agenda for the AGMs will be based on the standard format set out in IWA Byelaws as follows:

Agenda 1. Apologies for Absence

2. Approval (following amendment if necessary) of the Minutes of the Branch AGMheld the previous year

3. Matters arising from the Minutes (and not under other Agenda items)

4. Branch Chairman's Report

5. Branch Treasurer's Report and Accounts

6. Election of members of the Committee (Nomination no longer necessary. Simplycontact the Chairman to apply to join the Branch Committee or do so at the AGM)

7. Any item for discussion of which the Branch Chairman has been notified inwriting at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the relevant AGM

London Boat Show If you wanted to see narrowboats at this yearʼs London Boat Show you had to go outside ExCel and walk along to the far end of the Royal Victoria Dock. St Pancras Cruising Club members, including Ben Scott, a guest member from IWA Guildford & Reading Branch, made their traditional cruise to the show; the five boats locking out into the Photo: Harry Arnold, Waterway Images

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Thames Tideway through City Mill and Three Mills locks from about 1pm on Thursday, 8th January, travelling via the mouth of Bow Creek and down to the Thames Barrier and making the return trip to the club on Monday, 12th January.

Thames Barge Trip The Thames Barge Centaur will be based on the Medway at Upnor, opposite

Chatham Marina. We are hoping to make up a party of 12 for a trip starting on the evening of Sunday 2nd August and returning on the morning of Thursday 6th. The Barge Trust provide a skipper and mate but all are encouraged to participate in the sailing. The trip is self-catering and the cost is around £150 plus food and, for that matter, drink. Details will be available at S E Region Branch AGMs but early expressions of interest or requests for more details to hhel@btconnect.com. More details of Thames Barges can be found on the TSBT website www.bargetrust.org

Gareth Jones

Diary of Meetings & Events Sun 15th Feb, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: The Olympics. (see page 41)

Tue 17th Feb, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): The Wilts & Berks Restoration by NickChanner (see page 18)

Wed 18th Feb, 8.00pm, BCS: Restoration of the Cotswold Canals by Liz Payne.(see page 17)

Thu 19th Feb, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Fall out – Rolt, Aickman and the Origins of the IWA by Stuart Burroughs (see page 11)

Sat 21st Feb, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: The Titanic by Richard Slater:TMCA event to which all are welcome. (see page 34)

Wed 25th Feb, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES: Branch AGM followed by everyoneʼs ten favourite pictures. (see pages 6 & 35)

Wed 25th Feb, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): The Wilts & Berks Restoration - Brian Stovold (see page 18)

Sun 1st Mar, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal. (see page 41)

Tue 3rd Mar, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, IWAKES/South London Branch: Presentation plus Q&A by Richard Parry. (see pages 35 & 40)

Thu 5th Mar, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Evelynʼs War - Tim Coghlan(see page 27)

Tue 10th Mar: 9:00 am onward, IWAKES: Shornemead Crossing Work Party(see page 35)

Wed 11th Mar, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, Oxfordshire Branch: AGM(see pages 6 & 39)

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Wed 11th Mar, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: AGM. (see page 40)

Sun 15th Mar, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Limehouse. (see page 41)

Mon 16th Mar, 2.00 pm, WACT: Walk from Stonebridge Gunpowder Store to Hunt Park (see page 27)

Tue 17 Mar, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): th AGM followed by Rob Dean (see page 18)

Wed 18th Mar, 8.00pm, BCS: The History and Restoration of the famous Crofton Beam Engines by Jon Wills. (see page 17)

Thu 19th Mar, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: "Twinning - The Kennet & Avon and the Canal du Nivernais" by Di Harris (see page 11)

Wed 25th Mar, 7.45pm, K&A (Newbury): Branch AGM followed by the History of Newbury Wharf by David Peacock. (see page 18)

Thu 26th to Sun 29th Mar, K&A (Reading): Reading R·E·S·C·U·E (see page 18)

Sat 28th Mar, IWA: Energising Member Experience Workshop (see page 5)

Sun 29th Mar 10:00am, IWAKES: Thames & Medway Canal Open Day (see page 35)

Sun 29th Mar, Southern Canals Spring Meeting

Thu 2nd Apr, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Canals, buildings & railways - Brian Evans (see page 27)

Sun 5th Apr, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regents Canal. (see page 41)

Wed 15th Apr: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm, IWAKES: TMCA AGM followed by Coracles, Canals & Comedy - John & Ann Epton (see page 35)

Wed 15th Apr, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, South London Branch: Londonʼs River - Pete Smith (see page 40)

Thu 16th Apr, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: "The Panama Canal" by Gareth Jones (see page 11)

Sat 18th Apr, 2.30 pm, WACT: AGM (see page 29)

Sun 19th Apr, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal. (see page 41)

Sun 19th Apr, 1.15 pm, WACT: Pulborough to Pallingham Boat Rally (see page 28)

Tue 21st Apr, 7.45pm, K&A (Reading): The River Kennet through history - David Peacock (see page 19)

Wed 22nd Apr, 8.00pm, BCS: Narrow Boats to Norway by Clive and Jill Field. (see page 17)

Sun 26th Apr, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: The Olympics. (see page 41)

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Mon 27th Apr: G&R Branch AGM followed by Barge Building at Dapdune Wharf by Jem Bates (see pages 6 & 13)

Sun 3rd May, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal. (see page 41)

Tue 12th May, 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm, National Trust: Toll House turbine tour (see page 24)

Sat, 16th May, 2.00 pm, BCS: AGM (see page 15)

Sat 16th May, 10:30 am, IWAKES: Thames Barrier, Emirates Cable Car, Museum of London Docklands, Thames Clipper (see page 35)

Sun 17th May, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal. (see page 41)

Tue 19th May: K&A (Reading)/G&R/Oxfordshire Branches Joint Meeting: The Basingstoke Canal - Philip Riley (see pages 14, 19 & 39)

Thu 21st May, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: "A day in the life of a •••• Thames Tug" by Richard Thomas (see page 12)

Sun 24th May, BCS: ʻMagna Cartaʼ Boat Rally (see pages 13, 15 & 43)

Thu 4th Jun, 7.45pm, Southampton Canal Society: Freight on Waterways - John Pomfret (see page 27)

Fri 5th to Sun 7th Jun: Beale Park Boat & Outdoor Show (see page 13)

Sun 7th Jun, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal (see page 41)

Sun 7th Jun, 9.00 am, WACT: Poddle (see page 29)

Tue 9th Jun, 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm, National Trust: Toll House turbine tour (see page 24)

Sat 13th Jun: K&A (Reading): Reading Water Fest. (see page 19)

Sat 13th to Sun 14th Jun: River Thames: Celebrations of 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta (see page 21)

Thu 18th Jun, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: "Trail Boat Festivals on Isolated Waterways around Britain" by Ron & Myra Glover (see page 12)

Sun 21st Jun, 2.30pm, Towpath Walks Group: Regentʼs Canal (see page 41)

Tue 7th Jul, 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm, National Trust: Toll House turbine tour (see page 24)

Thu 16th Jul, 7.30pm, BCS: 'ONE OF EACH' by Mikron Theatre Co. (see page 18)

Thu 16th Jul, 7.00pm, Salisbury Group: Boules & BBQ (see page 12)

Sat 18th Jul, 11.00 am - 4.00 pm, National Trust: Puffing-A-Wey (see page 24)

Sun 26th Jul, 10.00am – 5.00pm: K&A (Newbury): Newbury Waterways Festival. (see pages 13, 18 & 19)

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Sun 2nd to Thu 6th Aug: Thames Sailing Barge Trust sailing trip (see pages 7 & 36)

Sat 12th Sep, 11.00 am - 5.00 pm, National Trust: Heritage Open Day(see page 24)

Sat 19th Sep, National Trust: Wey River Festival (see pages 13 & 25)

Thu 24th Sep: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm, IWAKES: The Thames Sailing Barge Trust(see page 36)

Sun 4th Oct: Banbury Canal Day (see page 38)

Thu 15th Oct, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: "Joeys, Joshers and James" by Phil Clayton (see page 12)

Thu 19th Nov, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: "Anything that Floats" by Elaine Kirby(see page 12)

Thu 3rd Dec, 7.45pm, Salisbury Group: Southampton Waterways Quiz(see page 12)

Thu 10th Dec, 7.30pm, Salisbury Group: Christmas Dinner (see page 12)

Salisbury Group

Our Salisbury correspondent, Myra Glover, writes:

At our November meeting Nick Grundy told us about the waterways of North East England from his time at university there in the mid-1970s when hespent much time exploring and photographing the waterways of the area.

This part of the country was one of the very few areas where commercial cargo carrying on the inland waterways continued beyond the 1960s. In the late 1970s Nick did a number of trips as crew on a 300 ton commercial barge carrying cargoes on the Humber, Trent, Yorkshire Ouse and Aire & Calder Navigations. This included a three month period of full time barging mainly carrying sand and gravel from Rampton on the tidal Trent to Knottingley.

Nick took a lot of photographs of these waterways particularly around the River Humber and the River Hull where there were a lot of commercial craft and very few pleasure boats. We were therefore able to see his record of these craft being loaded and unloaded with bulk cargoes that were difficult to transport by road or rail. We were shown the shipyards around Hull, the dry docks where new vessels were being constructed and others being repaired.

Nick was able to record pictures of the Humber Bridge under construction, of Humber Keels being used commercially, of barges being used to transport petrol, and other craft loaded right down to the gunwales transporting their goods to enable industry to function continuously in the north east.

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On the Aire & Calder Navigation we saw pictures of Tom Puddings, iron or steel boxes twenty by sixteen foot with a draught of six foot, laden with coal being towed by a diesel tug transporting their load to the power stations at Ferrybridge.

We are all very fortunate that as a student, Nick had the forethought to photograph these scenes so a record of these commercial activities has been recorded for posterity.

Where time and tide wait for no man

In December we took part in the annual quiz organised by Southampton Canal Society. Our team comprised of Colin Davis, Ron Glover, Nick Grundy and Frank Wilson. Four teams took part this year and we were content with our third position. The year was rounded off with our usual Christmas dinner when 21 of us enjoyed the meal served up by Jeff and his team at The Green Dragon.

At our January meeting Chris Witts returned to our group to give us a very informative talk about the Severn Bore.

First Chris explained why & how the bore occurs at regular intervals, all connected with the state of the moon, the height of the tides and the direction of the wind.

He then showed us with the help of maps the best positions on the river to view the bore. Chris wrote his first book on the bore in 1999 and has recently produced a second edition. In his recent research Chris was surprised to find that there had been so many changes in the river in the intervening 15 years.

We were shown films of the bore itself and the craft that ride the wave. In particular Chris took time to explain how the surfers aim to ride for the longest time and distance. One of the surfers holds the world wide record for the longest distance travelled.

To finish, Chris told us about the fishing on the Severn and how elvers come from the western side of the Atlantic, swim against the flow and live in the upper reaches of the Severn to mature before returning as eels across the Atlantic to spawn. Meanwhile the salmon enter the Severn to lay their eggs which after two years have matured sufficiently to return to the sea.

Chris is an expert on the River Severn and his knowledge and enthusiasm resulted in a most informative, and at times humorous, talk thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Programme of Events Thu 19th Feb: Stuart Burroughs is a director of "The Museum of Bath at Work. His talk is entitled "Fall out – Rolt/Aickman and the Origins of the IWA". This is the story of the earliest stages of the IWA and the fall out between the founding fathers.

Thu 19th Mar: "Twinning - The Kennet & Avon and the Canal du Nivernais". Di Harris will be coming to tell us how the restoration of the Bath flight of locks in the 1970s led to the twinning of the English and the French canals. She will tell us about the exchange visits by supporters of these two navigations.

Thu 16th Apr: "The Panama Canal" - After a visit to this canal, Gareth Jones will be talking about this 48 mile canal that links the Atlantic with the Pacific and about its

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construction and reconstruction. Gareth is the chairman of the South East region & the Guildford & Reading Branch of IWA.

Thu 21st May: Richard Thomas last visited us in 2007. He is returning to talk to us about "A day in the life of a •••• Thames Tug." This is a look at the work done by the Cory tug General VIII, engaged in the movement of refuse lighters. The talk features a voyage from Wandsworth to the aptly named Mucking in Essex.

Thu 18th Jun: "Trail Boat Festivals on Isolated Waterways around Britain" Ron &Myra Glover have been trailing craft around Britain since the mid-1970s and attending festivals that are held on land-locked waterways which narrow boats are unable to reach. Starting at the first IWA trail boat rally in 1985 held at Pewsey on the Kennet & Avon to the most recent festival at Tiverton on the Grand Western Canal, Devon.

Thu 16th Jul: Boules & BBQ at the Green Dragon. 7.00pm

Thu 15th Oct: "Joeys, Joshers and James" - Phil Clayton.

Thu 19th Nov: "Anything that Floats" - Elaine Kirby.

Thu 3rd Dec: Waterways Quiz at Chilworth Village Hall organised by Southampton Canal Society.

Thu 10th Dec: Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon, Alderbury.

Unless otherwise stated, meetings are at The Green Dragon, Old Road, Alderbury,Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3AR starting at 7.30pm when visitors will be warmly welcomed. Further information can be obtained from Ron & Myra Glover on 01722 710322 email glover.3@btinternet.com or Jon Van de Geer on 01722 412841.

Guildford & Reading Branch

Chairman’s Report Branch members have much to look forward to in 2015. Our AGM is on 27th

April at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford which you are encouraged to attend as we have a centrally accessible venue and a very good speaker. We do need your support as volunteers both on and off the committee (more details on pages 6 and 13). Then we have the annual joint meeting with the K & A in Reading on 19th May (See page 14). The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta will be celebrated over the end of May Bank Holiday weekend on the Basingstoke Canal at Odiham (not far from King Johnʼs Castle) and in mid-June on the Thames at Runnymede, again full dates and details on pages 15 and 21.

We are planning a trip on the Basingstoke on the John Pinkerton II and there is the IWAKES visit to the Thames barrier (see page 35) to which South London

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and the whole of SE Region are invited. There is the SE Region Thames barge trip in August, see page 7. Lastly we plan a further Wey and Arun trip led by Tim Fry.For the more active there will be a programme of work parties led by Verna, which are open to all, as well, of course, as WRG working parties. Much of this will also be discussed and debated at the AGM in April.

There is a membersʼ conference at the end of March, details in my Region Chairmanʼs notes on page 5. Do let me know if you would be interested in attending. Under the leadership of Toby Gomm we have been nationally successful in raising further funds and need to combine this with greater volunteer contribution.

Thanks to John How for all the work he has done as IWA rep on the Thames Navigation Users Forum (TNUF) from which, due to other pressures, he is standing down and thanks for the work he continues to do for IWA on the Basingstoke Canal Water Resources Group. Thanks also to Verna Smith for the work she is doing for IWA with the New Thames Alliance. Gareth Jones

Sales and Publicity Stand Once again we have the prospect of a busy season for our team of helpers

who will be taking the Sales and Publicity Stand to a variety of waterways events around the Branch. We shall be starting with the Magna Carta Boat Rally at Colt Hill, Odiham on Sunday 24th May (see more details on pages 15 and 43). Then we have a three day event – The Beale Park Boat & Outdoor Show - from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June, closely followed by Reading Water Fest on Saturday 13th June. Newbury Waterways Festival is on Sunday 26th July and we shall be rounding off the season at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford for the Wey River Festival on Saturday 19th September.

At these events we have the Sales Stand with a selection of donated books and maps together with some remaining items of the late Dick Harper-Whiteʼs painted-ware. We also try to feature local waterways in our displays which include supplies of informative leaflets and we usually run the Lucky Locks Game thatʼs always popular with the punters. As ever this all takes some organising both in advance and on the day, so any offers of help will be more than welcome. Further details will be in the next Cargoes or come along to our G&R Branch AGM on 27th

April and sign up to help by completing a form there and then. Ray Carnell

G & R Branch Meetings Members will be very welcome to attend the following Branch meetings:

Mon 27th April: Branch AGM with guest speaker Jem Bates, of Bates Boatyard Ltd, Tring who has been responsible for work on restoring River Wey Barges, Reliance and Perseverance IV, for the National Trust. He will talk about the Barge Building work that was carried on at Dapdune Wharf by the Edwards family until the mid-1960s and his own ongoing restoration work. The meeting starts at 7.30pm and will, courtesy of the National Trust, be held at Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford GU1 4RR.

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Tue 19th May: The Basingstoke Canal We are pleased to be welcoming Philip Riley, the Chairman of the Basingstoke Canal Society, who will describe some of the history of the canal and the current situation following the restoration and reopening in 1991. We are grateful to Philip for finding time to come in advance of the BCS ʻMagna Cartaʼ Rally at Odiham over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (See details on Pages 15 & 43). This is the annual IWA joint meeting with the Reading Branch of the K&A Canal Trust and takes place at the Grange Church Hall, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD at 7.45pm. There will be an Entry Donation of £2.50 (towards expenses).

Bits on the Basingstoke

The landslip at Dogmersfield remains a worry. Whilst measures have been taken to minimise disruption to boating, progress towards a permanent solution is still awaited despite the preliminary work by landowners (see photo). Similarly the Swan Cutting at Warnborough is also now causing concern.

The two county authorities do recognise the difficulties of making the Basingstoke profitable within its own accounts but given the wider economic benefits it is an economic positive for both counties. Recent reports of research have shown clearly the economic benefits of waterway restoration (https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/restoration/campaigns/benefits_waterway_restoration) and this message needs to be brought home to those in authority.

There will be considerable celebration on the Basingstoke for Magna Carta with a boat rally at Colt Hill, Odiham on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (see details on opposite page and inside back cover of this edition of Cargoes). The Odiham celebrations will be matched by June festivities on the Thames at Runnymede (see page 21).

Looking further ahead, in 2016 the Historic Narrow Boat Club is planning a rally on the Basingstoke to mark the Clubʼs 50th Anniversary which coincides with the Golden Jubilee of the Canal Society. At present over 20 Historic boats will be coming and they will receive a warm welcome from the BCS and IWA.

Gareth Jones

Preliminary work at Dogmersfield where the landowner has cleared bank-side trees and graded

the bank to a shallower slope

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Basingstoke Canal Society

Basingstoke Canal Society Plans for 2015 Canal Society Chairman, Philip Riley, reports:-

Magna Carta RallyThe Canal Society is organizing a boat rally at Colt Hill, Odiham on 24th May

2015 as part of the celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta by King John in June 1215. It is believed that King John was at his castle in North Warnborough before he left for Runnymede to meet his barons. Visitors attending the rally will be able to participate in a programme of events taking place in Odiham and North Warnborough over the bank holiday weekend 22-25th May. At the wharf there will be musical entertainments, Morris dancing, a decorated boat competition, childrenʼs entertainment, sales stands and boat trips. The Basingstoke Canal Authority is offering a specially discounted licence fee of £45 for boats visiting the canal for up to 10 days to participate in the rally. Details available at http://www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk/headlinemagna-carta-boat-rally-24th-may-2015/ For information on the Magna Carta events in Odiham go to http://magnacarta800th.com/events/odiham/ The Canal Society would very much appreciate support for this event which is intended to encourage greater use of the canal (see also advert inside Back Cover).

The Societyʼs volunteers have been very active over the winter months clearing vegetation in the Odiham/N Warnborough area and moving logs from the Dogmersfield slip to the Barley Mow where the wood has been sold to raise funds for the Society. Recently a work party has cleared the eastern portal of Greywell Tunnel so that it is now much more visible to visitors to the canal.

BCS AGMOn 16th May the Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the

Deepcut Village Centre starting at 2.00pm. Apart from the formal business there will be a guest speaker and the AGM will also provide an opportunity for the Societyʼs committee to provide updates on last yearʼs activities including John Pinkerton operations, volunteer work on the canal and other developments. Non-members

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are very welcome to attend the meeting to find out more about the Society and its support for the Basingstoke Canal.

Inauguration of the Milestones Museum Display The Society, with practical input from Roger Cansdale, Philip Riley and John

Ross, has created an exhibition at the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke whichrecords the history of the canal and its restoration. The display includes a model of a Basingstoke barge which was made by Tony Harmsworth who was the Senior Ranger at the BCA. Tonyʼs family owned the canal prior to its sale in 1949. The display was formally opened on 7th February by the Rt. Hon. Maria Miller MP, a Vice President of the Canal Society, who was introduced by the Societyʼs Chairman, Philip Riley. In his welcome he spoke of past achievements and speculated on possible future developments. Also present were the Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr. Roger Gardiner, and County officials together with Canal Society members and others who had played a part in the canalʼs restoration.

Boats from the Basingstoke’s Past In 1969, the Surrey & Hants Canal

Society published a booklet by Tony Harmsworth entitled “Boats from the Basingstokeʼs Past”. This described his grandfatherʼs boat building operation at Ash Vale and had details of the boats that operated commercially on the canal.

The Canal Society has now reprinted the booklet in A5 format, which contains photographs of many of the historic boats mentioned. It also now has an addendum which describes the boats that came onto the canal and played a part in its restoration and those that currently operate on it.

36 pages, including 4 pages of colour photos. Price £3.00 (p&p included). Available from the Canal Societyʼs Sales Manager, Denise Smith at 48 Maple Close, Avondale, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5JZ (01252 517779), Cheques should be made payable to ʻSHCCʼ

Chobham Social Meetings For the Canal Societyʼs first meeting of the New Year a packed audience

were entertained with an illustrated talk about the River Wey Navigations and the

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National Trust by Navigations Manager, John Gibson. He reminded the meeting that last year had marked the 50th Anniversary of the Trust acquiring the Wey Navigation (Millmead to the Thames) in 1964 with the Godalming Navigation following some four years later. He went on to describe the three areas of responsibility – maintenance work in the hands of Navigations Foreman Steve Stewart, the day to day operations under Mark Walker with public visiting arrangements being for Visitor Service Manager, Sarah Crawcour. He also emphasised the important part played by volunteers in various aspects of running the navigation. The visitor experience at the Dapdune Wharf centre was being developed to illustrate the Weyʼs long history and last year the Wey River Festival was relocated at Dapdune and will again be there in September this year. Whilst encouraging visitors, the Trust recognised its heritage role and the need to ensure that any developments were undertaken sympathetically. We were shown some pictures of how things used to be, including Ray Edwards working on the renovation of Perseverance IV and Wey Barges with loads of grain at Coxes Mill. Responding to a concluding question from the audience, John explained that decisions had yet to be taken about the future of Perseverance IV and this needed to be resolved before any restoration appeal could be launched. Ray Carnell

Future MeetingsMonthly meetings continue as usual on the third Wednesday of the month

(fourth Wednesday in April) at the Parish Pavilion, Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, near Woking, GU24 8AZ commencing at 8.00pm. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be available during the interval. Raffle and retiring collection. Non-members and friends are very welcome. Please pass the word around.

The programme for the remainder of the season is shown below:-

Wed 18th Feb: ' Restoration of the Cotswold Canals' by Liz Payne. Liz is the Vice Chairman of the Cotswold Canals Trust and will outline the history of the Cotswold Canals, one of the most important in the South of England whichconnected the Severn Estuary and the River Thames. She will describe the restoration work to date over many years and bring us up to date with the current progress along the length of the canal.

Wed 18th Mar: 'The History and Restoration of the famous Crofton Beam Engines' by Jon Wills. Jon will describe the fascinating history of the Crofton Beam Engines on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Great Bedwyn and all the work that has gone on over the years to restore them to their current gleaming operating condition which attracts an increasing number of visitors to the various open days throughout the summer.

Wed 22nd Apr [Note Change of Date]: ' Narrow Boats to Norway' by Clive and Jill Field. Clive and Jill will give us an illustrated talk about the exploits of four narrow boats and their crews who ventured to Tilbury Docks under their own power before being taken to Sweden on a cross North Sea ferry where they explored the scenic Gota Canal and the connecting lakes. They will tell us of their experiences whilst taking in the Scandinavian waterways scenery and getting to know a country very different from England.Further information from David Millett on 01252 617364 or d.millett7@ntlworld.com

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Mikron on the Basingstoke

The annual visit of the Mikron Theatre Company will be on Thursday 16th July at the Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road, Fleet at 7.30pm.

This year's show will be 'ONE OF EACH' - A Savoury Tale of Fish and Chips.Sir Caspian Delamere is man on a mission, to find the finest Fish and Chips in Britain. He's narrowed it down to two seaside vendors -finalists for his GOLDEN FISH-FORK award.

Kennet & Avon Canal News

Canal Trust Meetings

Both the Newbury and Reading Sections of the Trust hold a series of autumn/winter/spring monthly meetings to which non-members are always welcome. For the latest details see their Website at www.katrust.org

Newbury Section invite you to their monthly illustrated talks which start at 7.45pm and are held on the last Wednesday of the month between October and March (no meeting in December). The meetings are held in the upstairs room of the Stone Building, Wharf Road, Newbury RG14 5AS and entry is free. There is plenty of room in the car park which will cost £1 for the evening.

Wed 25th Feb: The Wilts & Berks Restoration. Brian Stovold of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust will bring us up to date on this project which, when complete, will form the heart of a figure-of-eight cruising network which also includes parts of the K&A, the River Thames and the Cotswold Canals.

Wed 25th Mar: Branch AGM followed by a talk about the History of Newbury Wharf by local historian David Peacock.

Sun 26th Jul, 10.00am – 5.00pm: Newbury Waterways Festival. Victoria Park.

Further information from the Trust Administrator 01380 721279 or Branch Secretary 01635 580356, Email: kact.newbury@btinternet.com

The Reading meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (no December meeting) at 7.45pm at The Grange Free Church Hall, Circuit Lane, Southcote,Reading RG30 3HD (just off the A4 Bath Road). Entry donation, including K&A members, £2.50 (to help with expenses).

Tue 17th Feb: ʻThe Wilts & Berks Restorationʼ by Nick Channer

Tue 17th Mar: AGM + Rob Dean – Chairman, K&ACT

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Sat 28th Mar, 10.00 am: R·E·S·C·U·E: Meet at County Lock (contact details below) Tue 21 Apr:st ʻThe River Kennet through historyʼ - David Peacock Tue 19th May: ʻThe Basingstoke Canalʼ - Philip Riley Joint meeting with IWA G&R and Oxfordshire Branches Sat 13th Jun: Reading Water Fest.

Reading RESCUE

The K&A Trust will once again be supporting the Rivers & Environmental Spaces Clean Up Event in Reading during the last weekend of March.

RESCUE is a valued partnership event, bringing the public, community and the business sectors together to plan and deliver this popular outdoor clean up event. Volunteers welcome – contact David Copley – 0118 959 8247.

K&A Canal Summer Events

Summer 2015 sees the usual major Festival events organised by the K&A Canal Trust. Reading Water Fest is organised jointly by Reading Borough Council and the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. Water Fest is one of the town's best-loved events, paving the way for the internationally renowned Reading Festival and WOMAD, on the borough's waterways. It takes place on Saturday 13th June. The Newbury Waterways Festival will be held over the weekend of 25th & 26th July with the main event on the Sunday. Our theme this year is “Flower Power”. At Victoria Park, right in the centre of Newbury, you will find a flotilla of boats transforming the wharf and forming the very centre of the weekend. Trip boat Jubilee will be having a busy time running extra boat trips for the festival. On Sunday the park will be packed with stalls, entertainment, food outlets with fun for all the family culminating in the ever popular duck race. Entry to the festival is free. We hope you can join us! If you would like to bring your boat, please email Julie Dean (juliedean@btinternet.com).

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group

Richard Davenport, Chair of the Trustees Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group, reports on the latest developments: Contractor Appointed for Stage 1 build

Following a competitive tender, specialist contractor Greenford Ltd has been appointed to construct the £2m Stage 1 of the consented waterway plans for Maidenhead. The first section of the work will focus on the York Stream arm of the

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waterway between the A4 and the Great Western Railway, where the trees were cleared last year. The channel will be deepened throughout and selectively widened, with an impermeable lining installed to eliminate water loss into the underlying gravels. Mobilisation planning is underway, while the final consents are obtained, and Greenford hope to start on site in early February.

Their first step will be to divert the existing stream down the alternative channel (Moor Cut), which will itself be the subject of a later stage of the build, so that the York Stream channel can be de-watered to allow the earthworks to commence. A rescue will be mounted for any fish trapped as the channel drains. Thereafter further stages will extend the channel works firstly south and then north to complete the York Stream half of the new waterway ʻRingʼ around the town centre. The trees and scrub have already been cleared to allow these next stages of the work to proceed once the funding has been confirmed. In future stages a weir, fish pass and boat rollers will be added at the southern-most point of the ʻRingʼ to lift surface water levels and allow navigation, initially by small boats. The planning consent includes a lock, which will be added only once larger craft are able to reach the ʻRingʼ from the Bray Cut link to the Thames.

Adjoining Area Action Plan developments in Maidenhead town centre are moving ahead, in conjunction with the waterway build plans. Shanly Groupʼs Chapel Arches development recently finished piling and will shortly start going ʻupʼ as the concrete frame of the new building is added. Further downstream two council owned offices are now being demolished to make way for a second waterside development, plans for which are currently being developed. A new link road is also being constructed over the waterway, at a height designed to not restrict future navigation.

Please keep following the projectʼs progress via our display case at Chapel Arches or MWʼs web site www.maidenheadwaterways.org

River Thames News Salient points from Thames Navigation Users Forum (TNUF) meeting on 24th

November 2014

Keeping the Navigation Fairway Free of Obstructions Following the winter floods of Winter 2013/14 work is ongoing to clear shoals

from the fairway (middle third of the width of the river). 40 new or extended shoals were identified. In some cases material was removed then returned to places where significant losses had occurred. A log of shoal locations is maintained using reports provided by boaters and from EA patrol boats. These are marked in the fairway with navigation buoys until EA is able to remove the shoal.

The shoal clearance programme downstream of Romney lock has been completed but work will continue upstream when conditions allow particularly in the Iffley, Abingdon, and Benson areas.

Work is also continuing to remove or make safe trees on EA owned land and discussion is taking place with the National Farmers Union and riparian owners to

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agree a plan to support them with the removal and maintenance of trees that are overhanging the fairway. However, ultimately riparian owners will need to step up to fulfil their responsibilities. Reading Bridge – upstream of Caversham lock

Strengthening work will continue until April 2015. The navigation channel will be confined to the centre third of the bridge and marked with buoys to prevent navigation through the two outer thirds of the bridge.

Celebrations of 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta A river pageant comprising a flotilla of boats of all shapes and sizes will make

its way downstream from Bisham Abbey to Wraysbury on 13th and 14th June.The international celebration will take place on 15th June at Runnymede

Meadows with the Queen in attendance.For more details see www.thamesalive.org.uk/magnacarta Alan Dawe

From Environment Agency’s River Thames News Splash Volunteer as an Assistant Lock Keeper in 2015 The River Thames is a destination for boating enthusiasts throughout the year but during the summer it becomes the focus of activity for so many others.

Working as part of a team led by professional lock and weir keepers, volunteers will have the opportunity to spend their days outdoors helping boats through locks and gaining real hands-on experience of operating the locks along the River Thames.

If you are 18 or over, have an interest in the Thames and enjoy meeting and helping people, then we want to hear from you!Please contact the River Thames Volunteer Team on 01491 828360 or by email thames.volunteers@environment-agency.gov.uk for further information. The River Thames Scheme

The River Thames Scheme is a proposed programme of projects and investment to reduce flood risk in communities near Heathrow, including: Datchet, Wraysbury, Egham, Staines, Chertsey, Shepperton, Weybridge, Sunbury, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Kingston and Teddington.

The River Thames between Datchet and Teddington has the largest area of developed floodplain in England without flood defences. Over 15,000 homes and businesses within the area are at risk from flooding from a 1 in 100 flood (that is a flood with a 1% chance of occurring in any one year).

It is being developed in partnership with 7 local councils in the scheme area, the Environment Agency, the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Thames Water.

If you would like to keep up-to-date about the River Thames Scheme, please visit GOV.UK and search for River Thames Scheme, or email: rts@environment-agency.gov.uk

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River Wey NewsI hope you have had a very good Christmas and are looking forward to a

great New Year. Well - 2014 didn't quite turn out as expected or planned! The major flooding

events which took place early last year meant the planned winter work programme had to be abandoned as the Maintenance Team moved forward dealing with a long list of flood damage infrastructure repairs.

Most of the work involved repairing and strengthening damage to perched embankments where failure would have led to a major bank breach and veryexpensive repair costs. Work to banks and towpath, some very technically challenging, were also undertaken and a large amount of silt removal was also completed. On top of this we have also been involved with the aftermath - assisting the Environment Agency with its £1 million "restoration" of the River Way (clearing the non-navigable river loops of riparian owned trees), being part of Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils post flood review groups and of course dealing with damage to our buildings and accommodation.

This work has not been inexpensive and we have had to dip into our reserves to around the £300k mark. We are however hopefully catching up with last winterʼs work programme and tackling part of the planned works for this year. We are replacing 5 pairs of lock gates which were either due for replacement or had received damage during the floods - both pairs at Millmead have already been changed, repairs have taken place at Triggs and next is replacing a pair of gates at Stoke and then Coxes lock. As these works came to a close we had a number of areas to dredge as a result of silt being dislodged from the non-navigable river loops - a consequence of the EA restoration project. We also have in train anumber of projects to undertake which we were unable to carry out as planned in 2014.

Water level management had also been key during the year and our Lengthsman Team continued their vital round the clock work to manage water levels. At that time of year they were busy with the winter cut back along the towpath and offside, cutting to keep the navigable fairway open - again much needed work we were unable to undertake last winter due to the conditions. We expect 2015 to be a high vegetation growth year due to the amount of phosphate deposited during the floods across the land - so more hard work in prospect.

2014 was the year of the local plan which looks set to continue into 2015. We have made comments on local plans and the Guildford Town Centre vision, the concept of which we broadly support. We now have a place on Guildford Borough Councilʼs Local Plan Forum. On a more positive note we have been working with GBC on a project to undertake important bank and towpath repairs from the A25 Ladymead Bridge to the A320 Stoke Road Bridge to include an upgrade of the A25 road crossing for the towpath. This has been successful and the partnership has been awarded external funding of over £500k to undertake the necessary works during 2015/16.

Dapdune Wharf has had a good year much helped by the improved summerweather. A variety of events and activities took place at the Wharf and we also

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gained a new (second hand) electric trip boat - the Sir Richard Weston to share the load that our aging fleet of Dapdune Belle and Seewey have to manage.

The year also marked a first - the Wey River Festival held at Dapdune Wharf in September with an illuminated boat pageant in the evening. Our Director General, Dame Helen Ghosh, also attended to help unveil our “Red Wheel” awarded to us by the Transport Trust. A very successful event to be repeated on 19th September 2015.

We also found time during the year to take our temporary exhibits to the Godalming Fete, Shalford Village Show, Surrey County Show and the 40th and 50th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Upper and Lower Avon Navigations at Stratford upon Avon as the Trust originally had a hand in helping save these waterways from closure. Most of this work (as many other things as well) was undertaken by our very dedicated band of loyal volunteers - a very big thank you to them. We are always looking for more people to help with the operation of the navigations. Dapdune Wharf and Shalford Mill - so please contact the office if you are interested in helping. Wishing all the very best for 2015 John Gibson and all the volunteers and staff

River Wey Navigations and Shalford Mill.

New Marina on the River Wey at Send? PLANS to build a new marina within the green belt in Send have been met

with almost 200 objections.Permission has been sought to construct the new mooring site, which would

be able to accommodate 80 boats, on the River Wey, near Tannery Lane, in Send.Barge Walk Ltd has applied for the project, along with agents, Johns

Associates, and has been working alongside the National Trust in developing the scheme.

However, plans for the site, which was previously used for sand and gravel extraction and is now used for arable production, such as maize, have attracted a lot of concern.

Among the 219 letters sent to Guildford Borough Council is an objection fromthe Effingham Residentsʼ Association.

The group said; “Although not in the parish of Effingham this National Trust-owned waterway is close by and is an area with which Effingham residents are familiar and use for walking and boating leisure.

First and foremost, this site is, in the green belt. A massive marina would be totally out of keeping with its surroundings and does not constitute special or exceptional circumstances to warrant such development.

There is already a very large marina just three miles downstream at Pyrford. Also, there are extensive bank-side moorings along the line between the site and Papercourt lock, and even more between Walsham Gates and Pyrford lock.

It is not conceivable that a new 80 berth marina is required for this quiet narrow 20-mfle waterway and navigation:

The association has also claimed that the marina would have an extremely detrimental effect on the character and beauty of the landscape and waterway.

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Other complaints from neighbours include claims that the area of the Weycannot manage 80 boats, and fears of a risk of flooding.

However; there have been letters of support, including that it will significantly add to Send's attractions, and that property prices will rise as a result.

As well as the 80 narrowboat bays, the project includes car parking for 53 vehicles, with four disabled spaces, new habitat creation including trees and shrubs and two buildings including a workshop

The original scheme was much larger, with 230 permanent moorings suggested and five buildings. This was further reduced to 135 moorings, and three buildings, before reaching the current smaller proposal. "The purpose of the development is to provide off-line moorings to accommodate narrowboats on the Wey Navigations," papers sent to the borough council by the agent state.

"By providing such a facility the development will de-crease problems with congestion and bank erosion associated with on-line moorings.

The jetties have been designed accordingly. The ancillary building is considered to be the minimum size to support the moorings with 24 hour access to toilets, showers and laundry, together with daytime access to the reception and small chandlery. The documents say until recently, Pyrford Marina had been at capacity, but the off line mooring charges have increased and clients have looked to other waterways. The National Trust has said there is a waiting Iist of about 166 for it on-line mooring facilities, and that customers will be encouraged to moor at the new Send marina, if it is approved. From Surrey Advertiser, Fri 30th Jan

Events on the Wey Among this yearʼs National Trust events are:-

Tues 12th May, 9th Jun & 7th Jul, 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm: Toll House turbine tour.Take the Trustʼs electric boat to Millmead Lock and visit the Guildford Borough Council Hydro Project that harnesses the power of the River Wey. Includes a tour of the Toll House, where a reinstated turbine is once again generating hydro-electricity. Return trip to Dapdune followed by tea & cake. Cost £12.00 (Booking essential)

Sat 18th Jul, 11.00 am - 4.00 pm: Puffing-A- Wey. Come and soak up the atmosphere as the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain come to show off their magnificent steam powered craft. Themed activities for children and some free steam boat rides on the river.

Sat 12th Sep, 11.00 am - 5.00 pm: Heritage Open Day. Free admission for Heritage Open Day. Airing the archives and artefact collection at Dapdune and the workshops at Send. Guided walk at 2.00 pm from Dapdune to the Town Centre and the tread wheel crane.

Sat 19th Sep, from 11.00 am: Wey River Festival.

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Wey River Festival

Saturday 19th September 2015

Our first Wey River Festival was a great success, so much so we are planning another one this year. The date that has been agreed is 19 thSeptember 2015 and we hope you will come along…

Again there are plenty of moorings available on the towpath side of the river both up and down stream. Facilities will be available fo r the whole weekend at Dapdune Wharf and the railway bridge offers easy access to moorings and is well lit at night.

The illuminated procession from Millmead lock to Dapdune will take place on Saturday at dusk, and will again involve the local Sea Cadets and police community support officers on the route to ensure your safety. This was such a dramatic event last year that really engaged people in Guildford, they loved it.

Mobile catering will be available at the Wharf all day on Saturday, with a variety of tastes catered for. There is no need to book this in advance.

We wonʼt be allocating moorings in advance this year, so if you want to moor alongside friends, you should arrive together, as moorings will be allocated on arrival on a first-come, first-served basis.

As ever, we are extremely grateful to Sandra Holbrook for organising the entries, and to Rodney Wardlaw for joining the volunteer management team. If you have any queries, please call the Navigation office on 01483 561389.

We look forward to seeing you all at Dapdune Wharf in September! Fiona Exall

Southampton Canal Society

Inter-Society Waterways Quiz

There was a new quizmaster for the Annual Inter-Society Waterways Quiz, hosted by Southampton Canal Society on 4th December. Chris Davey, former SCS member now living in Yorkshire, was known to Guildford & Reading branch as Tony Davis, founding Secretary of the Branch, is his father-in-law. Chris and his wife Helen used to organise

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the Annual mid-summer BCN Marathon Challenge and Chris was able to be quizmaster this time as he had other appointments in the south during the same week.

The event was made more enjoyable this year because there were four teams compared with only three in recent years. Elaine Kirby led the Kennet & Avon team who brought a welcome sense of humour to the evening. Peter Oates was able to add his expertise to the host team whilst IWA Salisbury team included contributions from Nick Grundy and Colin Davis.

After various rounds on UK waterways, including questions on lock flights, aqueducts and Scottish canals, the host team were just ahead of Guildford & Reading as we entered the final round. This was on European boat lifts and inclined planes which saw SCS surge ahead to wrest the trophy from G & R who had been winners in the previous two years. Chris encouraged audience participation - the meeting was attended by supporters from all the teams - by including them in each round of questions. The audience prize was won by Eric Lewis who was just ahead of Laura Sturrock.

Peter Oates accepts the trophy from quizmaster Chris Davey

The winning Southampton team Peter Oates, Alan Rose, David Wilkinson, Brian Evans

[Photos: Ray Carnell]

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Many of the SCS members contributed mouth-watering prizes for the raffle and delicious food for the American Supper which concluded the meeting. Thanks are due to them and also to Sue Lewis, the scorer, and Chris Davey who researched and produced the questions, as well as congratulations to Southampton Canal Society on their victory. Ben Scott

.Forthcoming Meetings Thu 5th Mar: Tim Coghlan: Evelynʼs War. The wartime diary of Evelyn Hunt, an“Idle Woman” which gives a fascinating daily insight into the life on the Canals and on the Home Front.

Thu 2nd Apr: Our President Brian Evans, with a selection taken over many years of his interest in Canals, buildings & railways.

No May meeting, Hall is commandeered for the Election

Thu 4th Jun: John Pomfret: Freight on Waterways. John is on IWAʼs Navigation Committee and the Inland Waterways Freight Group.

Visitors always welcome.

Meetings, unless specifically stated otherwise, are held at Chilworth Parish Hall, Chilworth, Southampton SO16 7JZ. Start 7.45pm. For Monthly Newsletters visit www.sotoncs.org.uk or ring 02380 675312.

Wey and Arun Canal Trust

WACT News WACT continue to make steady progress towards their ambitious target to re-

connect the South Coast with Guildford despite the efforts of small creatures and piles of paperwork.

Winter work on the canal at Gunʼs Mouth has continued with a large visiting group from WRG removing and logging trees that were at risk of collapsing into the river and causing bank erosion, or falling across the riverside path in the Hunt Park area. [Logs are available from WACTʼs northern office.] The viewing platform at Hunt Park is now ready for the decking to be installed by volunteers which will enhance the visitor experience to the park by providing a safe riverside destination. If you would like to see this for yourself there is a guided walk on March 16th in support of English Tourism Week. Please see the WACT website for details of the programme of walks.

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Some ʻnearly newʼ large ʻtoysʼ in the shape of a JCB digger and dumper truck have been purchased with funds from a recent legacy that will enable a reduction in the plant hire bill and give the work parties more skills to master. The Trust also needs to acquire a new workboat for the Summit Level that will accommodate 2/3 people and has the capacity to attach an outboard engine. Obviously they would prefer a present rather than paying for it!

With its first major construction project in Surrey planned to start soon at Compasses Bridge, the Trust is stepping up fundraising and publicity for the northern part of the 23-mile long waterway.

A new fundraising and publicity group has been formed, to focus initially on boosting the Compasses Bridge Appeal. Trust fundraising officer Rob Searle and member Margaret Jack, an experienced fundraiser with several other Organisations, are working together on new initiatives for hitting the target, with the help of Trust chairman Sally Schupke on the public relations side. The first initiative of the new team was to place a large “fundraising thermometer” near the causeway, to draw the attention of people going to the aerodrome and passers-by to the appeal. This indicator of the amount raised is echoed on the home page of the Trustʼs website.

Publicity posters are being reviewed and the amount of information provided to the local press and other news media is being stepped up, encouraging the public to take an interest in the northern section and donate to the appeal

On the subject of fundraising, WACT have a number of diverse opportunities to support the Trust via local giving sites.

Compasses Bridge Project at Alfold Recent news is that the Trust is nearing the 60% mark for the appeal to

carry out its first full restoration project in Surrey. More than £415,000 has been raised of the £700,000 needed to bring back to life a section of the waterway between Dunsfold and Alfold in Surrey.

The key part of the plan is the building of a new bridge at one of the entrances to Dunsfold Aerodrome, at the end of Three Compasses Lane in Alfold.This bridge will replace the main barrier to navigation in this section – a concrete causeway into the aerodrome which was built during the Second World War.

Once the bridge is ready for use, the causeway will be demolished and boats will be able to travel freely on the canal for one and a quarter miles.

Trust chairman Sally Schupke said: “We are restoring part of the canal in Surrey nearly 150 years since it was closed down in the 19th Century. There will again be a green corridor between Ticknerʼs Heath in Dunsfold and Fast Bridge on the A281 at Alfold. Our aim is to officially re-open the restored section in time for the 200th anniversary of the canal being declared open at the Compasses in Sept1816”.

Pulborough to Pallingham Boat Rally The annual boat rally from Pulborough to Pallingham will take place on

Sunday 19th April, starting from Pulborough Slipway between 1.15 and 1.30 pm.

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The aim is to reach Pallingham Quay (at the start of the Wey & Arun Canal) and preserve the right for future navigation so that when restoration of the Canal is completed, there will be no legal hold ups in enabling boats to use the River Arun.

For further details and an entry form, please see the Trustʼs website or email: rallies@weyandarun.co.uk or contact the Trustʼs Northern Office on 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm)

Poddle 2015 This yearʼs Poddle is on Sunday 7th June. We are going to walk from St

Michaelʼs Church Hall in Amberley to Warningcamp Heritage Centre Sefton Place BN18 9QY where lunch will be provided. For those of you who want to do a shorter walk it will start here.

The morning walk takes you onto the South Downs Way where there are some wonderful views of the area, walking through Burpham where there is a lovely medieval church and Wesham eventually onto the Monarch Way to the lunch stop at Warningcamp Heritage Centre.

The afternoon walk is shorter and flatter. It crosses the railway and takes you along the tributaries of the Arun to the Arun River to Arundel. The walk then goes along a wood lined road below Arundel Castle before heading north towards the edge of the Wetland Centre .It continues uphill, to re-join the Monarchs Way in Arundel Park. The walk goes through South Stoke to the back of Houghton and onto Bury and then returns to Amberley Church Hall behind the castle.

Did you know we offer 50/50 sponsorship? If you enter as a Team and raise more than £200 sponsorship we are happy to split the funds equally with another charity or organisation of your choosing. If you or your organisation wish to take part as a team please complete individual sponsor forms as usual but please also contact the organiser for a group form

If walking is not for you why not:-• Sponsor the Last Man walking the Poddle• Make a cake for the walkers• Help on the day as a marshal or on a refreshment point.

Please contact the Poddle Co-ordinator for more information or to offer assistance all help is greatly appreciated. Margaret Darvill, Poddle Co-ordinator

01483 894606 poddle@weyandarun.co.uk

Future Events Mon 16th Mar, 2.00 pm: Walk from Stonebridge Gunpowder Store to Hunt Park

Sat 18th Apr, 2.30 pm: AGM to be held at 2.30 pm at Cranleigh Village Hall

Sun 19th Apr: Pulborough to Pallingham Boat Rally (see page 28)

Sun 7th Jun: Poddle (see above)

01403 752403 office@weyandarun.co.uk www.weyandarun.co.ukNorthern Office Phone: 01483 505566 (Mondays-Thursdays, 8.30am-12.30pm)

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IWAKES Branch News

Past EventsLife of a Thames Tug by Richard Thomas

At least thirty members and friends met in the Gravesend Sailing Club for our annual Christmas gathering. Before the nibbles we had the pleasure of Richard Thomas, telling us about the life of a Thames Tug. The particular tug was mostly the General VIII that works out of Cringle Dock, near Chelsea Bridge, and travels to Chelmford Wharf, where she is based. She was built on the Humber in 1965, uses 21 gallons of fuel an hour and tows four rubbish barges at a time. She takes the barges to Mucking (well named) Flats to discharge. Approx. 600,000 tons of the stuff goes to Mucking, keeping many lorry loads off the roads. In his humorous talk Richard showed us many super slides of the buildings and bridges along the Thames, in all weather conditions. When a bridge is being repaired a bale of straw is hung under the navigation span (as the hay barges were the tallest loads on the River). Canary Wharf building used to be the tallest in London at 773 feet. Richardʼs wife took an absolutely spanking slide of Queen Elizabeth Bridge at dawn. At the end of his talk he said that all the tugs have been replaced by newer models, and that he was not on the-payroll of Corey, the tug company, but went out on the River for the pure pleasure of it and obviously to obtain his wonderful photographs.

Angela Acott

“Water Mills in Sussex”, a talk by Colin Smith. Over 25 members and friends met at Haywards Heath for a meeting

arranged by Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust. There were between 287 and 300 water mills in Sussex, including ʻUndershotʼ, ʻBreast Shotʼ,ʼ Middle Shotʼ, ʻOver Shotʼ (the most efficient) and just one ʻPitch Backʼ. The average wheel size was 13ft. Some were as small as 7ft and one as large as 33ft. There were oil mills, flour mills, paper mills and feed mills.

Colin showed us pictures of many fine mills in their working days. He also brought a few artifacts saved from old mills. It was a most interesting and entertaining show; worth going all the way to Sussex for.Fletching Mill was particularly fine, with a breast shot wheel and a tower from which cricket being played in Sheffield Park could be watched. Some of the mills and millponds were very photogenic. Plumpton in Sussex had three mills: Reed Pond Mill, Lower Mill and one with a very pretty Dutch type roof. Barcombe Mill was huge, with a big mill lake and a branch rail line. It burnt down in 1939.There are two huge millstones nearby, which the speaker thought should be moved back to the site of the mill. Bishopstone Tide Mill formed part of a proper community with its own branch railway. The village had shoe repairers, church, shops, etc. But it often suffered flooding and storms, being close to the sea. 1600 sacks of flour a week were milled there in 1861. A windmill hoisted sacks when the tide was not flowing.

Angela Acott

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Dartford & Crayford Navigation In order to raise the profile of the Navigations a new Facebook address

known as "Friends of Dartford & Crayford Creek, aka Steam Crane Wharf" has been set up by Conrad Broadley and has already over 100 people showing an interest via Facebook. It is hoped to set a date in March or April to highlight the navigation and its possibilities for the residents of Dartford and Crayford, especially with the latest planning application for the Millpond site and surrounding area being published. The event will be called "Creek Week" and people who may be interested in joining in or visiting during Creek Week will be contacted or can keep up-to-date by visiting the Facebook address. When details of the event are finalised they will be added to the IWA website page for the Dartford & Crayford Navigation….. https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/canals_rivers/dartford_crayford_navigation/dartford_crayford_navigation

Kentish Stour Tree-cutting is to commence in January, leaving only four or five weeks to do

the work. The delay is due to EA internal decision-making.Operation of Stonar Cut to force more water through Sandwich to scour the

channel is making water levels up to two feet higher upstream. This makes the telemetry relating water level to discharged quantity questionable. Roy Newing

River Medway News The Environment Agency has ordered a new dredger for specific use on the

Medway. In the past contactors Land & Water have been engaged making dredging operations expensive and taking a good part of the EA Medway budget. The new Bantam tug and barge unit is being constructed at Manor Marine in Portland Dorset and delivery is planned for 17th April 2015. The vessel is based on an original Canal & River Trust design. (See pictures below)

A new Medway Navigation and Canoe trail map is being produced by the EA for all Medway River users. Feedback and comments are currently being collated and it is hoped full publication of 10,000 copies will be available later this year. IWAKES committee have approved a donation to the cost of production in return for displaying the IWA logo and weblink on the new map.

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Baltic Wharf, on west side of the river adjacent to Maidstone Barracks station, comprises Raglan House and the listed Power Hub building. A planning application has been approved but developers await changed market conditions before seeking a retailer to occupy the building. Apparently the site is only viable commercially as a retail development and not housing. Considerations are being given to providing appropriate moorings and access to the site from the river.

The Yalding toilet and shower block facilities for boaters are planned for completion this summer.

Maidstone BC report that the South East Enterprise Partnership has funded £3m to towpath improvements with work starting in 2016. £2m remains needed.

The last lock on the Medway to be refurbished East Farleigh, has secured EA capital funding as a special case and work is planned for late 2015/16.

The Medway River Users Association continues to meet bi-monthly and works closely with the EA on all matters relating to the river, its usage and promotion. IWA are represented on the MRUA committee. MRUA web site is informative www.mrua co.uk and they have a well-attended Facebook page for River Medway users. www.facebook.com/rivermedwayboaters

At the last MRUA meeting, Kent Police advised that all valuables should be taken off boats during the winter period. River crime has been low recently but thefts of outboards and boat batteries are still commonplace in some areas.

Mike Marsh

Thames & Medway Canal Association

Firstly we would like to thank KESCRG and London WRG for all the hard work they put into the ʻChristmas Bashʼ on the Thames and Medway over the weekend of 22/23 November. It just turned out that all conceivable elementsappeared to combine against us, including

cold and constant rain. However, despite this, lots of work was done for which we are very grateful. The weekend was slightly marred by the fact that the IWA tent was destroyed by vandalism overnight. However, everyone had a good time with much achieved in a fairly short time.

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Due to the need to keep the water level down to enable trees to be cut as low as possible, we have not been operating our pumps for the last few months. This has also been advantageous to our engineering team who have been working to swing the Swing Bridge and as some activities had to be carried out from the water, a level as low as possible was preferable. Initially the bearings and bearing plate appeared to be corroded but fortunately this turned out to be mainly soil and rubbish that had built up since 1994 when the bridge was restored and last swung. Using a pair of 50 tonne hydraulic jacks, the decking was lifted sufficiently to allow access to the bearings. For some time the bearing assembly refused to turn on the

central spindle and the application of lots of lubricant and easing fluid was required before any movement could be achieved. All of the bearings have now been removed, one at a time, and each was cleaned and refaced. For this we have to thank Opal Engineering, a local fabrication company, who allowed us the use of their workshop and machinery. On Tuesday 13th January the bridge was moved for the first time. Well done to Dave Parnell, Les Schwieso and the gang.

Bruce Curry, John Knight, Peter Payne, and Ron Martin (the scrub bashers) continue their assault on the canal vegetation towards Higham and, in between times, clearing trees that have blown down in the recent winds. David and Angela Acott, and Maureen Amos continue their litter picking with Brian Rapley assisting where needed.

Following the winter floods on Denton Marsh, the Environment Agency have cleared and re-bored the culverts under the canal. One minor problem remains in that there is a small leak to find and David Rouse, our Chairman, is checking the water levels every Tuesday.

Now spring is hopefully on its way our flock of 30/40 moorhens have dispersed leaving us with a pair of resident swans, dabchicks, coots, and the Cetti's warbler is still heard along with the last of the redwings before they depart for home.

Our work is much appreciated by the cyclists, walkers, and runners who use the towpath. We have hardly suffered from any fly-tipping recently; this we believe is due to our work and the fact that the towpath is fairly busy.

Don't forget, if you are free on a Tuesday morning, we are always looking for new blood. David Rouse and Les Schwieso

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River Adur

A comprehensive report written by CH2M Hill (formerly Halcrow) into slipways on the river Adur, in Shoreham, has now been issued. See https://www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/canals_rivers/river_adur/river_adur for links to the report, a draft slipway plan and location information. The report was commissioned and paid for by West Sussex County Council on behalf of the Shoreham Slipways Group (SSG), an IWA Corporate Member. The authors talked not only with the key stakeholder such as the Port Authority, the Environment Agency, the local councils and the Shoreham Slipways Group but also with many other groups. The conclusion is that a slipway, with a useful amount of parking, could be built at any of the three proposed locations in Shoreham by Sea. However, a points system indicated that the Adur Recreation Ground offered the greatest amount of parking and the lowest construction costs. The EA is currently designing higher tidal walls, on the river Adur, to cope with the predicted increase in tide heights. Obviously there would be a huge cost saving if the slipway were built at the same time as the banks are raised (sometime between 2016 to 2018). The EA has accepted that a slipway at the Recreation Ground would be of benefit to boat owners and that they have a duty to encourage access to the river. They have offered to include the slipway in their habitat study and there is the possibility thatand necessary habitat compensation may be available within the tidal walls scheme. However, the EA stated in December that they are not prepared to include the slipway in their Invitation to Tender for the construction of the tidal walls, due to be issued in August, unless the planning and funding for the slipway is all in place by February! Clearly that is an impossible task. It is hoped that the local councils and various charities would fund the slipway construction. So it is vital that all parties work together to agree the most economical solution. Further meetings with the EA are planned. To move the slipway project on a stage, the SSG intend to apply for full planning permission for a slipway at the Adur Recreation Ground.

Brendan Whelan

Northfleet Harbour Trust On the 12th November Paramount London displayed their consultation plans

at Thurrock Civic Hall and IWAKES has submitted a response with comments. Paramount would be the largest water-park in Europe. As it will be a neighbour of Northfleet Harbour Trust itʼs hoped that some good will come from it for NHT. A professional fund-raiser has been taken on by the NHT so hopefully that will help with funds to install lock gates. An IWAKES visit to Northfleet Harbour is planned for May. Graeme Rooney

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Future IWAKES and Other Events Sat 21st Feb: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend: “The Titanic” by Richard Slater: TMCA event to which all are welcome.

Wed 25th Feb: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: St Nicholas Church Hall, Poplar Grove, Maidstone: Branch AGM followed by everyoneʼs ten favourite (slide or emailed) pictures (in which the audience is invited to both bring/send ten pictures of their own and to identify the locations shown in other peopleʼs ten pictures). Electronic pictures can be sent to Mike Marsh mhmarine1@gmail.com .

Tue 3rd Mar: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: The Captainʼs Room, White Oak Swanley Indoor Bowls Centre, Garrolds Close (off Hilda May Avenue), Swanley, BR8 7BF: “Presentation plus Q&A”: Richard Parry (Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust): Joint IWAKES & South London Branch meeting.

Tue 10th Mar: 9:00 am onward until late afternoon: Shornemead Crossing, but meeting at Mark Lane (see map): IWAKES work-party supporting Thames & Medway Canal Association by clearing saplings from the half-mile nearest Shornemeade Crossing. Special attraction ʻLARGE BONFIRESʼ. Volunteers should wear stout boots/wellingtons and tough old clothing and bring their own food and drink. Tools will be supplied but those wishing to bring their own bow saws and croppers are welcome to do so.Les Schwieso (mobile number 07980 620672) is the contact for enquiries.

Sun 29th Mar 10:00am to 3:00pm Mark Lane (see map): Thames & Medway Canal Open Day (with refreshments): *Launch of the first Narrow Boat on the Canal for over 80 years*First Official Opening of the Swing Bridge for over 30 years *Radio Controlled Model Boats*Static Photo Display 'The Canal Yesterday and Today'

Wed 15th Apr: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: Gravesend Sailing Club, East Promenade, Gravesend: TMCA Annual General Meeting followed by “Coracles, Canals & Comedy”: John & Ann Epton TMCA event to which all are welcome.

Sat 16th May: Thames Barrier: Emirates Cable Car: Museum of London Docklands: Thames Clipper

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Pick and choose from the following itinerary:-10:30 am: arr. Thames Barrier Visitorʼs Centre:

Ample pay and display parking: Nearest Rail station Charlton:Individual admission £3.75 (£3.25 senior):

12:30 pm: dep. Walk 1.8 miles to North Greenwich Pier along the ThamesPath (or 7min for £3.90 return on train)Parking at Dome non-event park: £9 for 4-6hrs: £10 for 6-9hrs:

13:15 pm: dep. Emirates Cable Car to the north bank of the Thames:Return fare £8.60 (£6.40 discount): Or… include in Clipper round trip cost of £13.90

13:45 pm: dep. 19min Dockland Light Railway journey to West India Quay 14:15 pm: arr. Museum of London Docklands:

An excellent museum with free admission. Housed in the only original London Docklands Warehouse to survive the Blitz.

16:15 pm: dep. Walk to Canary Wharf Pier16:30 pm: dep. Thames Clipper (on-line cost £13.90 including Emirates

Crossing) 17:00 pm: arr. North Greenwich

Contact Mike Marsh mhmarine1@gmail.com to book those parts you would like to attend.

Sun 2nd to Thu 6th Aug: Thames Sailing Barge Trust sailing trip (approx. 3 days at sea).

12 passengers (with skipper & mate provided): Self-catering:£150pp plus food: Meet opposite Chatham Marina.A flier and sign-up list will be at the AGM. Alternatively, see page 7.

Thu 24th Sep: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: Strood Yacht Club, Knight Road, Strood, Kent ME2 2AH: “The Thames Sailing Barge Trust”

Tea and coffee are available at all IWAKES evening meetings.Venue maps can be found at www.waterways.org.uk/kent/kent_east_sussex

Oxfordshire Branch News IWA OXFORDSHIRE BRANCH CLOSES DOWN

DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST BY THE MEMBERSHIP, THE COMMITEEHAS BEEN UNABLE TO ELECT A QUORUM AT THE LAST AGM AND THE BRANCH THEREFORE WILL CEASE TO EXIST FROM ....................................

The above scenario is happily currently fictitious, but under the current situation you may read it as fact in the next issue of ʻCargoesʼ. At the last AGM in March 2014 the Committee stalwarts remained, but there was no one person willing to stand for Branch Chairman. It was hoped this could be overcome during the year. Unfortunately this has not happened.

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Whilst one member of the Committee has recently stood down, the four other stalwarts will continue for the coming year. This despite only standing so the Branch could continue.

Should the Branch close then the members should remember that there would be no involvement in local events – Oxford Open Doors & Banbury Canal Day – No social events – Christmas skittles, talks, volunteer days – and no eye kept on actions affecting the Canal and River including attendance at User Groups, objection or support for Planning Applications etc.

If you really support the Canal and River in Oxfordshire please help. Come to the AGM and offer to assist or take a Committee role. You will not be asked to undertake a task more than you are happy with and you will be made more than welcome. It may be now or never. Brian Saunders, IWA Oxfordshire Branch Sec

Banbury Canal Partnership

At the end of last year Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry finished the 2014 year by meeting with BCP volunteers and Committee at Chairman Colin Garnham-Edgeʼs Christmas gathering. It was a time to reflect on things achieved and what still needs to be done.

The list of achievements is impressive. It includes repainting and remedial works at Nell Bridge Lock, King Sutton Lock, Grants Lock, Bridge 172, Tow path by Tramway in Banbury, (6 tons of spread and tread shifted), Cropredy Lock, Cropredy winding hole and sanitary station area, and Elkington Lock. Phew!Several members of the IWA Oxfordshire Branch regularly attend with the stalwarts of the BCP and CRT.

Whilst thinking of the latter it is good to also report that John Highmore and Miriam Tedder, the CRT Volunteering Team management, South East Waterway, have both been promoted for a few months whilst their top man joins the ʻNational Trustʼ volunteering section for a mutual learning time to see how each other performs, with we hope benefit to both.

BCP are holding their AGM later in January. However our volunteering is now suspended because rain sleet and snow do not go well with Hammerite and Sadolins. Even path laying and hedge trimming becomes difficult. Not to mention the old bones. When April returns, so shall we, although if weather permits we may be able to do a day more spread and tread in Banbury during February.

Brian Saunders, Secretary.Past Events

By the time you read this we will either be getting close to the 2015 AGM or have already had it. Either way this will be my last report as, following this meeting, I will no longer be the branch events organiser - a position I have enjoyed undertaking for best part of 12 years.

Our main two events for the past few years have been the National Heritage Weekend, (Oxford “Open doors” event) and Banbury Canal Day. Both of these require the organiser to be present, not just on the day(s) but for a few days prior to and after the event. In 2013 we also introduced work parties in both Banbury and

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at the lower end of the Canal in Oxford. Many of you will know we sold our boat (NB. Heron) at the end of 2013 and without her, overseeing the 2014 events proved impossible.

I would like to express my thanks to all those people, (not only members) who have supported me during that time. Without your input nothing would have worked!

Many changes took place in 2014. We did not hold our normal weekend event in Oxford as it was intended to launch the new Oxford Canal Heritage Trail. Unfortunately signs were not ready in time and it therefore did not happen. However it is now in place and was officially launched later in the year.

There have been big problems with graffiti at the lower end of the Oxford Canal. Police have identified the culprit and I understand he has been given a prison sentence, it was disappointing to see this after all the work we carried out in 2013. However local people have formed working parties and spent much time and effort removing much of the paint on the sign posts, bridges, lock etc.

Oxford City Canal Partnership has yet to decide about the 2015 events. Iunderstand from organiser Tricia (Banbury Town Council) that although building work for the shopping centre will commence this year they anticipate Banbury Canal Day will be able to go ahead, and as always will be held on the first Sunday in October (4th). Further information re: this event will be available via Cargoes as the year progresses.

Colin, chairman of the “Banbury Canal Partnership” has organised work parties who have done sterling work between Nellʼs Bridge and Cropredy. He would be delighted if others were able to assist during the coming year as he has a lot more ideas. If you are interested in helping, our secretary Brian Saunders, who can be contacted via IWA, would be pleased to provide details.

Skittles night - December 2014 For a number of years now each December Oxfordshire Branch has held a

skittles night as their final event in the fading year. 2014 was no exception However for many years we held our branch meetings (and skittles of course) at the Football Club in Kidlington. Unfortunately they had financial problems and over the past months the club facilities have not been available to us. We were therefore delighted when they agreed to offer us use of their premises for the above event. It was obvious that much work has been undertaken by club members and we felt a warm welcome was extended to us.

Skittles night is always a great fun night - a time when we can all get together in light hearted competition and take the opportunity of chatting to each other, something we all look forward to.

We were delighted to be joined once again by many Thrupp Canal Cruising Club members. They planned to field two teams. Sadly some members were unable to attend at short notice and three IWA members (some of whom belong to Thrupp Club) were left to fill the gap. The final result being that the team with the joint members were the winners! I am equally delighted to say that the Best Male and Female players were IWA members. Well done everyone and thanks TCCC for your support.

A special big thank you to Ann and Terry Yeatman for organising such a fun evening - once again the food was lovely. Mary Heritage, Events Organiser

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Monthly MeetingsWed 11th Mar: Annual General Meeting, to be held at the Oxford University Press Association Athletic Club, Jordan Hill Road, Oxford, OX2 8EF at 7-30pm for 8pm. Please heed the plea from the Oxfordshire Branch Secretary on page 36 and help to secure the future of your Branch by attending this important meeting. For more details or directions phone Ann Yeatman on 01865 372552

Tue 19th May: The Basingstoke Canal. Philip Riley, the Chairman of the Basingstoke Canal Society (BCS), will be describing some of the history of the canal and the present situation following the restoration and reopening in 1991. (More information about the current activities of BCS can be found on pages 15 to 17). This is the annual IWA joint meeting with the Reading Branch of the K&A Canal Trust and takes place at the Grange Church Hall, Circuit Lane, Southcote, Reading RG30 3HD at 7.45pm. All are welcome. There will be an Entry Donation of £2.50 (towards expenses). Further details are on the K&A Website at www.katrust.org.

Wilts & Berks Canal

Brian Stovold, East Vale Branch Chairman writes:I forgot to add to the last contribution that I took up the free membership offer

so am writing this not only as a Director of the W & BCT but also as a member of IWA! There has been so much happening itʼs difficult to know where to start.

The Trust AGM was in October and as it was the East Vale branchʼs turn to organise the day it was held in my local village hall in Grove. Luckily the Old Mill Hall had the space to accommodate a record turnout of approx. 140 members and plenty of room for displays of current restoration works and up and coming projects including the Melksham Link and the Grove/Challow section. Interesting presentations included one by our advisor Jock Mackenzie who is producing a series of master plans for restoration based on our existing division of the canal into 18 strategic sections. The first of these is for the Melksham Link and the good news is that two commercial sponsors, namely Hall & Woodhouse and Land & Water have agreed to resource the production of plans for the local landowners to create development around the canal and river corridor in order to in turn produce the major part of the funds needed to construct the new waterway. A minibus ran to and from Wantage so that people could visit the Sack House museum.

The autumn saw two very successful bids for funds. Firstly £10k from Yorkshire Building Societyʼs lasting Legacy fund which is going to Cocklemore Brook Project repairs at Pewsham. (This brick culvert under the canal was badly damaged by the flooding at the start of 2014 resulting in a breach)

Secondly, we won £50k from the Peoplesʼ Millions vote for the setting up of a wildlife trail at Studley Grange near Wootton Bassett. This will run alongside the (to

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be) restored canal adjacent to a BIFFA landfill site where BIFFA have just granted us a long lease at very good terms. The money will pay for a multi-use towpath with benches, and lots of wildlife friendly planting, plus interpretation boards and community involvement. Restoration of the canal in the section will enlarge the already restored section to the west of Chaddington Summit Bridge. Our thanks go to all of you who voted in our favour.

The Grand Draw this year raised a magnificent £4k which will go to the purchase of a second trip boat. Talking of which the Santa specials at Swindon were again very successful this year.

I was delighted to pay a visit to the Oxfordshire branch meeting to give them an update on restoration activities. Here I mentioned my desire to re-start the Abingdon branch of the Canal Trust which, due to non-WBCT pressures, I have been unable to pursue. If anyone reading this is willing to help please let me know.

We have also had an open day at the Peterborough Arms to show members and investors the ongoing work and plans for what will become the Dauntsey Lock Canal Centre.

More information is available as ever on the Trust website www.wbct.co.ukand facebook.

South London Branch Forthcoming Events

South London Branch Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 for 8:00 pm in The Primary Room, The United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon CR0 5LP. Admission to the talks and presentations is free to all, members or non-members, although we do ask that you donate aminimum of £2 per person to offset room hire charges and speakersʼ expenses,thank you. The programme for meetings is as follows:

Tue 3rd Mar: 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm: The Captainʼs Room, White Oak Swanley Indoor Bowls Centre, Garrolds Close (off Hilda May Avenue), Swanley, BR8 7BF: “Presentation plus Q&A”: Richard Parry (Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust):Joint South London & IWAKES Branch meeting.

Wed 11th Mar: Branch Annual General Meeting followed by a presentation featuring “The Olympic Waterways” by Alan & Christine Smith

Wed 15th Apr: ʻLondonʼs Riverʼ - The April meeting will be on 15th and the speaker will be Pete Smith of London City Walks on “Londonʼs River”.

There will be meetings on 13th May and June 10th, speakers TBC.

For more information please contact Alan Smith, telephone 020 8255 1581, mobile 07774 890 750 or email alan.smith@waterways.org.uk

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Walks

Towpath Walks Group is looking for volunteers to guide small parties of walkers on short walks along the towpath of the Regentʼs Canal (and elsewhere).

This introduces newcomers to the pleasant world of waterways – which most outsiders donʼt realise is here! It is also a good way of recruiting new members to IWA. No experience? No problem, weʼll brief you so, if youʼd like to give this a try, please contact Roger Wilkinson.

Sun 15th Feb, 2.30pm: Walk, The Olympics: Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers, meet Bromley-by-Bow

Sun 1st Mar, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Regentʼs Park & R. Tyburn to Little Venice, meet Baker St (Baker St North/Lords exit)

Sun 15th Mar, 2.30pm: Walk, Limehouse: Thames to Docklands, meet Westferry (DLR) (by Cycle Hire Point)

Sun 5th Apr, 2.30pm: Walk, Regents Canal: Kings Cross to Hitchcockʼs Hackney,meet Kings Cross (taxi rank)

Sun 19th Apr, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Kingʼs Cross Granary Square toCamden, meet Kingʼs Cross (taxi rank)

Sun 26th Apr, 2.30pm: Walk, The Olympics: Three Mills & Bow Back Rivers, meetBromley-by-Bow

Sun 3rd May, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Regentʼs Park & R. Tyburn to Little Venice, meet Baker St (Baker St North/Lords exit)

Sun 17th May, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Mile End to Limehouse, meet Mile End

Sun 7th Jun, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Islington to Hoxton, meet Angel

Sun 21st Jun, 2.30pm: Walk, Regentʼs Canal: Little Venice to Camden, meet Warwick Avenue

The Walks programme continues on alternate Sundays for the rest of the season –see next Cargoes for further details.For more information about Walks (Normal charge: £9.00, Concessions & Student rate: £7.00) please contact Roger Wilkinson, telephone: 07896 801930 or email: rogerw9796@yahoo.co.uk

42The Inland Waterways Association

South East Region: Chairman Gareth Jones, Hill House Farm, Misbrooks Green Road, Beare Green, Dorking, RH5 4QQ

Phone: 07850 819071 Email: hhel@btconnect.com

Guildford & Reading Branch: Chairman Gareth Jones,Contact details as above

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

Phone: 01622 890586 Email: mcfhannan@btinternet.com

Oxfordshire Branch: Contact Brian SaundersTintern Cottage, County View, Clifton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 0QA

Phone: 01869 337227 Email: brisaunders33@gmail.com

Opinions expressed in Cargoes are not necessarily those of IWA.

Editorial Team: Ray Carnell and Tim Fry iwacargoes@hotmail.com

Next issue Summer 2015 Copy date 15th April 2015

Other Waterways Organisations

Banbury Canal Partnership www.banburycanalpartnership.org.uk

Basingstoke Canal Society www.basingstoke-canal.org.uk

Chichester Ship Canal Trust www.chichestercanal.co.uk

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust www.katrust.org

Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group www.maidenheadwaterways.org

Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust – www.northfleetharbour.org.uk

Southampton Canal Society www.sotoncs.org.uk

Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust www.sxouse.org.uk

Thames & Medway Canal Association www.thamesmedway.co.uk

Wey & Arun Canal Trust www.weyandarun.co.uk

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust www.wbct.co.uk

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