Endeavour

Northampton Branch

Newsletter - February 2016

1 to attempt (eg the fulfilment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; 2 archaic

to strive to achieve or reach ~ vi to make an effort to do something n

a serious determined effort

The IWA was founded in 1946 to campaign for the retention, restoration and development of Britain’s navigable waterways and for their fullest commercial and recreational use.

The IWA is a registered Charity (no. 212342) , whose work is supported by members’ subscriptions.

CANAL ENVIRONMENT THREATENED

BY RAIL FREIGHT TERMINAL — see

Chairman’s Jottings page 7 & map on centre pages

WHAT IT WAS REALLY LIKE AT BECKET’S PARK IN AUGUST 1971! Recently discovered pictures of the IWA’s National Rally of Boats at Northampton’s

Becket’s Park in August 1971 enphasise the sheer size of the event. More than 650

boats attended — this is the view downstream from Town Lock, with huge crowds

thronging the riverside. How boat styles have changed! More pictures pages 22 - 23.

SAVE THE

DATE

Branch Boat

Gathering

at Nurser’s Dock,

Braunston, from

Friday 29th April

to Monday 2nd

May. See pages

14 & 15 for more

details

PHONE 01327 342363 / 341790

£9.95*

2

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EDITORIAL

MUSINGS

3

Last issue I wrote about “local heroes”, putting forward Athina Beckett, the driving

force for so many years of the Buckingham Canal Society, as a prime example. But

we also have similar heroes in other spheres of activity and this time I would like to

consider those representing the commercial side of the waterways.

In our area a name which immediately springs to mind is Tim Coghlan. Tim is the

enthusiastic and energetic boss of Braunston Marina which, seemingly single-

handedly, he rescued from near oblivion and turned it into the thriving business it is

today. In the process, he saved and restored many of the marina’s original features,

including the old Nurser’s Dock where the Branch is “Boat Gathering” this spring.

Tim is a strong supporter of the Inland Waterways Association, especially of the

Northampton Branch, as well as of other local canal and associated organisations,

notably The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and The Friends of Ray-

mond.

There are others too, of course, who must be recognised, and I salute here all the ad-

vertisers who loyally support this magazine. Their input enables us to produce what

is acknowledged as one of the best IWA branch publications. This is not a cheap

undertaking by any means (both in time committed and money!), particularly when

postage costs enter the equation, for although some members do elect to take En-

deavour electronically, the majority still prefer the printed version via the post. So

our sincere thanks to all our advertisers. Readers – do please use their services

whenever you can, mentioning that you saw their advertisement in Endeavour.

One hesitates to single out a specific advertiser, but there is one deserving a special

mention at the moment. This is the ABC Leisure Group, operators of Gayton Mari-

na, who have just agreed to sponsor our Northampton Arm guide leaflet, a greatly

appreciated gesture which enables the Branch, in turn, to support other voluntary

waterway organisations and related activities. Then there are also those who willing-

ly donate prizes for our events. Our raffles always raise several hundreds of pounds,

money which we donate, the Buckingham Canal Society, for example, often being a

beneficiary. I think we should look at it as being one big team effort for the general

good of our waterways. Thank you all. May this happy co-operative situation long

remain.

Meanwhile, we currently mourn the sad loss of a landmark feature at Northampton’s

Becket’s Park – namely, the boathouse by the lock, a focal point of so many of our

Boat Gatherings {see report on page 30). It was demolished a few weeks before

Christmas to make way for a footbridge from the Park, over the river, to link with the

new extensive University of Northampton Waterside Campus now under construc-

tion on the south bank. Witness also the extensive works being undertaken at nearby

Midsummer Meadow, all part of the same development. Times a-changing. As Al-

fred, Lord Tennyson reflected: “So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more.”

DIARY DATES 4

IWA Northampton Branch web site www.waterways.org.uk/northampton

Please visit it regularly to see any updates

March 8th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch AGM at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blis-

worth, followed by Tim Coghlan — “By the Waters of Braunston”

17th 8pm The Friends of The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne in the Schoolroom at

rear. Speaker: Tim Coghlan — “The Brays and Whitlocks Book, The

Last Run”

April 12th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn,

Blisworth. Speaker: Richard Thomas — “Waterway Wonders”

21st 8pm The Friends of The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, in the Schoolroom at

rear. Speaker: Lorna York — “Sister Mary”

May

10th 8pm IWA Northampton Branch Meeting at The Walnut Tree Inn,

Blisworth. Speaker: Tony Conder — “Canals through the Artist’s

Eye”

June 18th –19th Family Festival Weekend at Stoke Bruerne (see page 18 for details)

July 11th –12th Cosgrove Festival organised by The Buckingham Canal Society at

Cosgrove Lock and Village Hall (for details

events@buckinghamcanal.org.uk Phone 0300 3231350)

NORTHAMPTON ARM TASK PARTY DATES March 13th, 29th. April 10th, 26th. May 15th, 24th. June 12th, 28th

For details contact geoff.wood@waterways.org.uk

or phone 01604 453932

BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY WORK PARTY DATES March 10th, 13th, 24th. April 7th, 10th, 21st.

May 5th, 8th, 19th. June 2nd, 12th, 16th, 30th.

For details contact Athina Beckett on 01908 661217

STOKE BRUERNE CANAL PARTNERSHIP WORK PARTY DATES March 9th. April 13th. May 11th. June 14th.

For details contact stokebruernecanalpartnership.org.uk

5

6

Stowe Hill Wharf, Heyford Lane,

Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF

Tel: 01327 341365

Proprietor Robert Gudgeon

welcomes you to Stowe Hill Workshop

Full Repaints

Hull Blacking/Stern Gear

Inspection and Repairs

Engine Repairs and Maintenance

Complete Fit-Out and Woodwork Alterations

Plumbing Installations and Repairs

Electrical Installations and Repairs

NEW — Fuel Polishing Service

Stockists of Morris Oils and Grease

Full range of Batteries always available

(please let us know your requirements)

By road we are easily found, a few yards off the A5 at Stowe Hill

towards Nether Heyford. By boat close to Bridge 26

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN, FROM SIMPLE

TASKS TO COMPLETE FIT-OUTS

Branch Chairman’s Jottings

by Bernard Morton

7

A Happy New Year to you all, though the first few weeks of 2016 have led me to believe

that it could be far from “happy” for those who use and enjoy the Grand Union Canal and

the Northampton Arm within our patch.

PROPOSED NATIONAL RAIL FREIGHT TERMINAL. Make no mistake about it,

if this huge rail freight terminal proposed on land between the villages of Blisworth and

Milton Malsor and between the A43 and the A508 goes ahead (see map showing the af-

fected area on the centre pages), the immediate canal environment will be irrevocably

damaged.

Proposals for the 8 million square feet Rail Central development became known in early

January, coming as a complete shock to most locals. The proposals have been met, inevi-

tably, by fierce local opposition. Geoff Wood and I attended a public meeting called by

Blisworth Parish Council on 4th January when outline site drawings and representatives

from Ashfield Land (who have acquired, or have options on, most of the land between

Blisworth and Milton Malsor, stretching from the A43 and Gayton Junction area towards

the A508) were present. Because of what Geoff and I learned at that meeting, your Branch

committee is gearing itself up for a prolonged and very important battle to protect our lo-

cal canals and have alerted CRT to the proposal. Although it’s very early days in what

will certainly become a planning saga of some magnitude, it is already reported that the

aim is to have the first stage up and running by 2021. A tad presumptuous, I would sub-

mit.

It can be seen from the map that the canal will be affected primarily from near Blisworth

towards Gayton Junction and from there well down the Arm. The boundary line of the

proposal includes a section of the Grand Union Canal. Our Planning Officer, Helen

Westlake, has already written to Ashfield Land to ascertain if this is an error and, if not,

what they are proposing to do with this section. The likely impact on our canal environ-

ment is difficult to estimate at this time. Sites already acquired by the developer are re-

ported to include, ominously, Arm Farm. Purchase options have been acquired on other

areas of land. What’s been going on that no-one knew anything about?

The scheme has been put forward by an organisation called Ashfield Land. Similar to the

still growing DIRFT site near Crick (which does not impinge upon the GU’s Leicester

Line), it will see the building of warehouses, rail sidings, a hotel, a pub and restaurant, a

service depot and HGV parking. However, the Northampton Chronicle and Echo, in one

of its reports, indicates that at 8 million square feet, it would dwarf even DIRFT, which

currently covers about 6.2 million square feet. Those of us familiar with DIRFT will real-

ise full well that it is BIG, dominating the area in a quite daunting manner.

It’s not difficult to picture the situation right bang on our doorstep — the sprawling infra-

structure, the warehousing, so many hundreds of workers travelling day and night to and

from the site. Effectively, Blisworth and Milton Malsor will be joined. I find the prospect

alarming, to say the least.

Ashfield Land say the Government is very keen to switch long distance freight from roads

and motorways to rail as much as possible. The location is ideal, the developer claims,

8

because it is both near the M1 and where the Northampton Loop rail line meets the West

Coast Main Line.

Where do we go from here? By the time you read this, initial public meetings will have

been held, local MPs will have been involved and no doubt plans of action will be well

on the way to formalisation. We may well be aware of more details from the developer

and a consultation process will be starting. I understand that because of the high priority

placed on reducing road freight, the ultimate decision on whether the development re-

ceives the green light will be taken by central Government rather than locally. If the Sec-

retary of State gives the go-ahead, then land not already acquired would be compulsorily

purchased.

So along with others, clearly we have an enormous fight on our hands. In the 1980s, the

Branch managed to persuade planners of the A43 dual carriageway to move the road a

little further away from the Arm at one point. It helped — but Rail Central is in another

league. There will be those, I expect, who will see little point in objecting, believing that

the Government’s juggernaut planning processes will overcome, “in the national inter-

est”, all those daring to mount a challenge. That’s defeatist — and one thing the IWA

and the waterways lobby has never been, is defeatist. All I would say at this moment is:

“watch this space”. Onto happier matters …

CRT VOLUNTEERS’ MEETING. On 12th December I, along with several Branch

members, attended CRT’s Volunteers’ Meeting at Stoke Bruerne. This was a bringing

together of all adoption groups and volunteers from within the South East Waterways

area. It was good to hear just how much volunteer work is being done to support CRT by

all these groups. I was very pleased that the Volunteer Group of the Year Award was

given to the Buckingham Canal Society, very worthy recipients and long overdue, I

would venture to suggest!

On a sad note, John Highmore (Volunteer Co-ordinator) announced that he was leaving

his role at CRT and seeking new pastures. John was with us from our earliest discussions

about adopting the Northampton Arm and has attended several of our Task Parties. We

wish him well in his new endeavours.

At this meeting, I was very pleased to be able to present Lorna York, Vice-Chairman of

The Friends of The Canal Museum, with a cheque for £400 for the Sculptor Fund which

was part of the surplus from the Festival of Water held in Northampton last August. This

was in recognition of the vital help that Sculptor and her crew gave us in the loan and

transportation of infrastructure (items such as marquees, gazebos, tables, chairs and cook-

ing equipment) to and from Becket’s Park.

On the same day, the long awaited Interpretation Panels at Stoke Bruerne, towards which

our Branch made a financial contribution, were unveiled by local MP Andrea Leadsom

and Ark Stained Glass Workshop, near the tunnel entrance, was also officially opened by

Andrea.

BOAT GATHERING 2016. May I remind you all of our Branch Boat Gathering being

held at Braunston from 29th April to 2nd May 2016. We are already busy organising some

new and interesting attractions to the format that we have followed over the years (see

pages 14 & 15). Do come along and join our friendly Gathering — you’ll be assured of a

warm welcome — and do tell your boating friends about our event.

As always, enjoy your boating, canal walking, cycling, fishing et al along our canals and

inland waterways. I hope to meet many of you out there as the weather gets better.

9

NOTICE OF AGM

IWA Northampton Branch

NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Northampton Branch of the Inland Waterways Association will be held on Tuesday, 8th March, 2016, at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, commencing at 8pm.

AGENDA: (please bring this agenda to the meeting)

1: Apologies for absence

2: Minutes of previous AGM held on 10th March, 2015

3: Matters arising

4: Chairman’s Report

5: Treasurer’s Report

6: Statement of Committee size

7: Election of Committee members

8: AOB

Under the IWA Branch bylaws effective from 12 November 2007, there is

no restriction on the maximum size of the committee. Geoff Wood retires

by rotation and seeks re-election.

It is no longer necessary for those who wish to stand for election to be

nominated and seconded but all who wish to stand must agree to do so.

Written consents from Branch members wishing to stand for election

should be deposited with Branch Secretary Sandie Morton before the com-

mencement of the AGM business.

{signed) Bernard Morton, IWA Northampton Branch

IWA Northampton Branch now has a Facebook page. It’s at https://www.facebook.com/IWANorthamptonBranch Members will find posts there

about our talks, Task Party dates and much more, as well as being able to use it for discussion purposes. We’d like to hear your views. We also have a Twitter

account @northamptoniwa where you can leave us a message or engage in discussion on what’s happening.

10

Boat Building and Fitting,

Marine Engineers, Electricians,

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CANAL MAINTENANCE YARD,

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NORTHAMPTON NN7 3EF info@boatrepairs.uk.com

Tel: 01604-858043 narrowboatrepairsnorthampton.co.uk

Obituary

John Faulkner

At past Branch rallies you may have noticed a tall, large

elderly gentleman and his boat Johan. He was John Faulk-

ner, who sadly died in December at the age of 87.

Although not recently active in the Branch, John was one of

its early members when it was first formed as the Eastern

Branch of the IWA in the late 1960s. When the Branch was

host to the 1971 National Rally of Boats in Becket's Park,

John, who worked for local builders’ merchants Martin and Partners, was involved

with providing facilities, especially water pipes etc. Also he was a valued member of

the Branch Committee from the 70s through to the early 2000s.

More recently he had been a keen supporter of The Friends of The Canal Museum

at Stoke Bruerne and various canal restoration societies. He extensively cruised the

system each summer, single-handedly since his wife Joan died, although he did seek

help with the locks as he later had mobility problems. As far as I know, the only time

this caused him any difficulty was when he was not allowed to take his boat

through Standedge Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow because he would be unable

to climb up to one of the access shafts in an emergency! Rodney Hardwick

This picture of Branch veter-

ans involved with the IWA

National Rally of Boats at

Northampton was taken in

2001 to mark the 30th anniver-

sary of the Rally. John Faulk-

ner is third from right; others

(from left) are Roger Hasdell,

David Martin, Rodney Hard-

wick, John Russell and David

Blagrove

GRAND JUNCTION BOAT COMPANY

Picture: Northampton Chronicle & Echo

SUPPLIESSUPPLIES

11

Northamptonshire

RESTAURANT º BARS º BOAT TRIP

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SPECIAL EVENTS Sunday, 6th March Mothering Sunday

Saturday, 23rd April St George’s Day Celebrations

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We are a family run, customer friendly

business based adjacent to Bridge 32 at

Nether Heyford. Our service point is clear

of moored boats making your stop quick

and easy. We offer the following services:

DIESEL – always competively priced

PUMP OUT – no meter clock here

BLUE TOILET FLUID

ODORLOS – organic waste tank treat-

ment

CALOR GAS – all sizes of bottled gas

including Camping Gaz.

SOLID FUELS – all types of smokeless

fuel or coal. Plus firelighters, sticks and

logs.

CHARNWOOD STOVES – all sizes of

multi-fuel stoves with or without boilers

MORRIS OILS – popular grades of

engine oil plus water resistant grease

FUEL SET FUEL CONDITIONER

Most Major Credit Cards Accepted.

Open: 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday,

8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays

Fred Tarry Bridge Cottage

Furnace Lane

Nether Heyford

Northampton, NN7 3JY

Telephone/Fax: 01327-341202 Email : rhigginbottom@btconnect.com

Boat Gathering

ITEMS FOR TOMBOLA

We would welcome dona-

tions of any unwanted

Christmas presents, bot-

tles, tins, drink, items of

food etc for our Tombola

stall. Any donations can be

brought to Branch meet-

ings, Task Parties to the

Boat Gathering or contact

Sandie Morton 01604

858294

12

BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS REVIEW

DECEMBER Urgent Business A letter received from IWA Head Office confirmed that the Associa-

tion agreed in principle with CRT taking over navigation from EA but

committee members thought it was a bad time to be pushing for change.

With the Government making cuts, it was considered unlikely there would

be sufficient funding available, as happened when CRT took over from

BW.

Treasurer’s Report Current Branch balance stood at £7,973.90 which includes liability for

milepost and plaque, Arm Adoption fund, and £2,500 from the sale of

the marquee to The Friends of The Canal Museum. Replacement tentage

still has to be purchased. It was agreed that donation cheques from the

Festival of Water surplus should be £400 to The Friends of The Canal

Museum, £200 to the Crusader Boat and £200 to Northampton Sea Ca-

dets.

Boat Gathering 2016 It was reported IWA Warwickshire Branch is unable to participate.

CRT’s Vicky Martin has agreed to reserve main line moorings as in 2014.

Northampton Arm Task Parties have focused on clearing by-pass weirs at CRT’s request.

Lock 16 and locks 6 and 7 have been done. Vegetation has been cut right

back and flow restored. Two more regular attendees have agreed to be

trained as First Aiders on a one-day course.

CRT It was reported that the Trust’s Boating Sub Group had met and dis-

cussed changes to visitor moorings, along with a pilot study in SE area

which will compare CRT guidelines with an IWA study of matters such as

bridge widths and winding holes (what length of boat can turn).

Reports from Local Societies Stoke Bruerne Canal Partnership reported that the interpretation panels

were finished and would be unveiled by local MP Andrea Leadsom on 12th

December. Stoke Bruerne Lock Open Weekend is planned for 13th and

14th February. The defibrillator is now installed on the wall of the Muse-

um. Helen Westlake thanked the Branch for its donation.

13

JANUARY Treasurer’s Report Current balance £6,996.42 which allows for cheques not yet cashed

(£544.05). Commitments include cost of milepost and plaque, Arm Adop-

tion fund and marquee replacement. It was reported that the donation

cheque had been presented to the Canal Museum Friends’ Sculptor Fund.

The donation for the Crusader Boat was on hold at their request due to

current re-organisation. The Sea Cadets were delighted with their

recognition and asked for it to be presented at one of their regular

meetings. The Cadets have an appeal this year to fund a new boat and

asked the Branch to come up with a name. It was agreed that members

attending the AGM should be given the opportunity to suggest names,

with a prize going to the person choosing the winner.

Boat Gathering 2016 CRT’s Vicky Martin has agreed to open the Boat Gathering. Lorna York

has confirmed that Sculptor will be attending and will transport any

equipment the Branch borrows from the Museum Friends.

Bill Mann has confirmed his availability for the Friday night barbecue.

Northampton Arm Work on clearing the by-pass weirs has continued with great results.

Next weirs to be dealt with are at Locks 10 and 11. The notice board at

Lock one is to be replaced. Bellway Homes have agreed to fully sponsor

the mosaic work in connection with the bench project at Lock 17.

Membership There are currently 292 Memberships (463 members), figures which

remain stable.

Planning Matters A 20 metre high telecoms tower, near the junction of the Buckingham

Arm with the A5, is proposed. This planning application has been for-

warded to Buckingham Canal Society

The proposed rail freight terminal between Blisworth and Milton Malsor

was discussed at length.

Reports from Local Societies The Friends of The Canal Museum reported that the Illuminated Boats

and Carols had drawn large crowds, which had caused problems with road

access and parking.

14

Michael Butler, Chairman of the Boat Gathering organising committee, writes:

After a year’s break because of the IWA’s Festival of Water at Northampton last

August, the annual Branch Boat Gathering is being held again at Braunston Marina

over the early Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Friday to Monday 29th April -2nd May.

We’re planning to give the event, which will be centred on the historic Nurser’s

Dock at the marina, a fresh look this year. Nevertheless, all the traditional attractions

will be there, including the ever-popular “open all hours” Real Ale bar. There will

also be entertainment on the Friday evening (fun and games for all), Saturday even-

ing (live music, sing-along and dancing) and Sunday evening (quiz night).

As always, the Gathering is an open event, so if you know boaters who are not mem-

bers of the IWA, please encourage them to come along — and then recruit them as

members! Non-boating Association members are also welcome.

There will be an official opening on the Saturday morning when we shall be welcom-

ing Vicky Martin from the Canal & River Trust. Many of you have probably met

Vicky in her role as Manager of CRT’s South-East Waterways. We look forward to

her joining us.

An entry form for the Gathering is included with this issue of Endeavour. It is also

available on-line at www.waterways.org.uk/Northampton You will see there is a

discount for early entry, so please confirm your attendance as soon as possible as this

also helps with the overall organisation. Outlining the weekend’s programme, the

Gathering opens on the Friday evening with a barbecue followed by entertainment.

New to the programme will be informal talks by waterway personalities on Saturday

and Sunday afternoons, one of the speakers being Lorna York whose topic will be

Boatmans’ Ancestry. We also hope to arrange for guided walks around the area dur-

ing the weekend.

A highlight on Sunday will be the Boaters Auction, but the success of this depends

largely upon your support by donating items for auction. These do not necessarily

have to be waterway related and if it is considered they are not suitable for auction,

they will almost certainly find a home on the tombola or bric-a brac stalls! Please

see the section on the Gathering entry form requesting auction contributions. Raffles

are also a big feature of the weekend and all monies raised from these go towards

local waterway causes.

A fish/chicken and chips van will be in attendance early Sunday evening (please or-

der in advance) to set us up for quiz time. There will be a prize for the best decorat-

ed supper table as well as the best decorated boat. Cat’s Café will be in full swing all

weekend — homemade cake a speciality — with a new vintage theme. We hold our

breath in anticipation…

Again our sincere thanks are due to Braunston Marina supremo Tim Coghlan for his

generosity in allowing us to hold our Gathering at the marina. Please join us for

what always proves to be a thoroughly relaxed and friendly get-together where peo-

ple get to know one another very quickly. The more the merrier!

New look Boat Gathering at Braunston

Friday 29th April – Monday 2nd May

15

S AV E T H E D A T ES AV E T H E D A T E

29th April—2nd May, 2016

Nurser’s Dock, Braunston Marina

Join us for a new look

IWA Northampton Branch

BOAT GATHERING BOAT GATHERING

Non members welcome

Booking forms are on the Website and Facebook

or contact tony.clarke@waterways.org.uk phone 07939 977859/01327 857573

Details will be updated on our Website, Facebook and Twitter

16

Acknowledging Museum Friends’ help at Festival

IWA Northampton Branch Chairman Bernard Morton presents a £400 cheque to Lorna York,

Vice-Chairman of The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, acknowledging all the

Friends’ help, including the loan and transportation of equipment by nb Sculptor to and from

the IWA Festival of Water at Northampton in August.

A cheque for £200

was presented to

Northampton Sea

Cadets, whose

members were in-

volved in activities

at the Festival of

Water. The money

will go towards the

Sea Cadets’ fund to

purchase a new

boat. Branch Treas-

urer Alex Madisons

is handing over the

cheque to Andrew

Jolly with Branch

Gathering Chair-

man Michael Butler

on the left.

Sea Cadets

reward

17

The Navigation

Stoke Bruerne

2 Meals for £10

Monday – Thursday

Live Music every Friday

Like our facebook to keep updated

with all offers and promotions

www.facebook.com/navigation.sb

www.navigationpubtowcester.co.uk

TIM CARTER OVERPLATING

tim@timcarter.co.uk

Steel Narrowboats Overplated Base plate, hull sides, swim, counter rounds Cabin Work All aspects of steel work — we even offer hot riveting for the repair of vintage craft! Steel or wooden cabins repaired, windows added, removed, replaced, side doors added.

Stretching Narrow boats lengthened.

Hull Blacking New anodes and engine servicing also available.

Painting Some aspects of coach painting and traditional

rose and castle decoration.

Pricing Prices vary depending on the type of work under-

taken. Email me to discuss your requirements.

07774 711817

Grand Union Canal just north of Weedon

NEW BRANCH MEMBERS

ARE WELCOMED

We extend a warm welcome to the following who have joined

Northampton Branch since the last issue of Endeavour

NEW MEMBERS Mr S & Mrs S Furniss, Weedon

Mr R P Seckington, Northampton

Mr P and Mrs G Jaynes, Blisworth

Mr G & Mrs L Johnson, Northampton

MEMBERS WHO HAVE

MOVED TO THE BRANCH Mr B & Mrs R Lake Warboys,

Mr A Ridley, Braunston

We look forward to

meeting you all at

Branch events

18

19

Local Crafts & Gifts

THE CANAL SHOP at Stoke Bruerne

Under the management

of Sue Austin, who warmly

welcomes all visitors

Crocheted lacework a speciality

Special offer –10% off for boaters

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

from 11am - 3pm until Easter.

Easter onwards: Thursdays, Fridays,

Saturdays and Sundays

11am –3.30pm

Contact 07760 778638

You will find The Canal Shop opposite the Museum at

Stoke Bruerne

Now fully open

WHILTON

MARINA

CHANDLERY

Diesel Pump out Well stocked chandlery

Groceries

Pay us a visit, just browse

and see what we have to offer

Open daily 9am –6pm

ALL YEAR ROUND

Tel 01327 844639

E-mail: marinachandlery@gmail.com

20

Rail freight terminal measuring 8 million square feet planned for fields near Northampton (the area in question is outlined in red)

21

Rail freight terminal measuring 8 million square feet planned for fields near Northampton (the area in question is outlined in red)

22

Looking back to the IWA National

Rally at Becket’s Park in 1971 Since the November issue of Endeavour, which reported on the IWA’s 2015 Festival of Water

at Northampton, a selection of photographs has come to hand illustrating in graphic fashion the

enormity of the Association’s 1971 National Rally of Boats held at the same site on the River

Nene at Becket’s Park — an event recalled by Old Stager in our August issue. The scarcity of

pictures from 1971 was puzzling to Old Stager — plenty of newspaper cuttings but no actual

prints. But now these new photographs, reproduced from colour slides, by local man Brian

Barrett, then a mere 28-year-old fascinated spectator, help to place this record-breaking

“National” into perspective.

Plenty of action on the river

— the crowded moorings in

Becket’s Park looking to-

wards the footbridge with

the lock a short distance

beyond. Most of the boats

on the left came from Dun-

stable Boat Club, whose

members seemed to arrive

en bloc.

A picture of one of the early

performances by the

Mikron Theatre. The sign

tells us the show in progress

is “Still Waters”. In the

background is the North-

ampton Chronicle &

Echo’s publicity caravan.

Moorings stretched the

whole length of Midsum-

mer Meadow and down-

stream towards where the

river is now spanned by the

A45 dual carriageway. On

the right, the buildings

form part of the old elec-

tricity power station.

23

A fine view of the now

demolished electricity

power station cooling

towers — they “fell” in

the mid 70s — behind

Avon Cosmetics HQ

block and manufactur-

ing facility. A feature

of the Rally site was

the fragrant aroma

wafting across on the

breeze which reminded

rally-goers that Avon

were definitely calling.

A cooling tower

stands proud as a

backdrop to moored

boats in Midsummer

Meadow. Warm

water from the cool-

ing towers was dis-

charged into the

river to find its way

into the nearby open

air swimming pool.

It was always a

pleasure to go swim-

ming in “Middy

Meadow”.

An assortment of

well decorated craft

moored in Midsum-

mer Meadow. Com-

pare the boats with

the “floating cot-

tages” which are

found around the

system these days!

Not many mod-cons

to be had in the ear-

ly 1970s...

24

CRUISING BIRMINGHAM’S CANALS A BCN Explorer Cruise described by Northampton

Branch members Roland and Fiona Rawlings,

nb Loch Rannoch

The Birmingham Canal Navigation Society organises two Explorer Cruises each year

to enable boaters, particularly those with little experience of the less well frequented

parts of the BCN, to get a first-hand appreciation of the canal network around Bir-

mingham, to learn a little about the BCN development and to visit some of the lost

waterways. The September cruise was, as in recent years, ably led by Stuart and Ma-

rie Sherrat, who were well supported by BCN Chairman Charley Johnson and mem-

bers Phil and Robert.

There were 21 boats at the start of the cruise but unfortunately, due to engine prob-

lems, one of the boats had

to drop out on the first day

and another had to with-

draw later. We arrived a

couple of days early to

make use of the oppor-

tunity to visit the centre

of Birmingham and were

able to moor opposite the

Barclaycard Arena

(National Indoor Arena)

where we had a very en-

joyable stay. Whilst it was

a vibrant location, away

from the immediate vicini-

ty of the pubs and restau-

rants, it quietened down

quickly in the evenings

and there were no security

fears.

Boaters met on the Friday evening before the cruise outside the Sea Life Centre to

give the BCNS leaders the opportunity to meet everyone and to explain the cruise.

Afterwards, we had an evening get-together at one of the local pubs.

Day 1, Saturday 12th September, cruised to Titford (6miles 9 locks)

Travelling in our own time to avoid overly long delays at the locks, we continued on

the main line to Smethwick. Here we had a choice of routes, either to continue on the

Mooring on the Midland main line

in central Birmingham

25

new main line to take the Spon Lane locks to the old main line or to take the three

Smethwick locks to the old main line. We took the Smethwick locks after which we

were able to moor next to the new (1892) Smethwick Pump House which was open

for a Heritage Weekend event. Our timing was fortuitous, for not only were we able

to look round the pump house, we were able to go with a local guide to the old pump

house (1779) situated down the Engine Arm, a short walk away. To get to this from

the old main line, we had to cross the

new main line on Telford's cast iron

Engine Arm Aqueduct, a scheduled

ancient monument. Only the excavated

foundations of the original pump re-

main but they too are also a scheduled

ancient monument. They give a good

insight into the pump’s construction.

After this we continued towards

Oldbury Junction, where we ascended

the Titford locks (aka The Crow) to the

Titford Pump House.

A social evening was held at the BCNS

headquarters in the Pump House and

included a welcome to the BCNS by

their Chairman, followed by a team

quiz on British canals arranged by

Mike Rolfe, BCNS work party coordi-

nator. It was not easy and even some

well experienced boaters didn’t get all

the correct answers! The evening fin-

ished with group members providing

the entertainment in the form of music

and verse.

Day 2, Sunday 13th September, to Wednesfield (11 miles 6 locks 6 hours)

Some boaters visited Titford Pools yesterday afternoon but most went there before

leaving this morning. All those who successfully took their boats into the Pools

were awarded a plaque by the BCNS. The boats then left Titford and descended the

Titford locks before turning left at Oldbury Junction and continuing on the old main

line through Tipton and Coseley to Horseley Fields Junction. Here they turned on to

the Wyrley and Essington Canal and continued to Wednesfield where they moored

in and around the Bentley Arm outside the Nickelodeon pub. A few boats, however,

were delayed in Titford as one of the boats picked up some mattress springs on its

propeller. We stayed to help and it took a lot of hard work from a number of crews

but eventually the propeller was cleared. However, by then it was too late for us, in

a hire boat, to meet up with the main party and two of the delayed boats stayed with

us, mooring at Tipton.

Open day at Smethwick Pump House

26

Day 3, Monday 14th September, to Pelsall Common (12 miles 0 locks 4 hrs)

Phil Bateman, a local councillor keen to promote the use of the canals, came to

meet cruise members and the opportunity was taken for a photoshoot before the

group left Wednesfield and continued on the Wyrley and Essington Canal to

Pelsall Common. Fortunately this day’s cruise was fairly short and it enabled the

three delayed boats to catch up with the main party.

Day 4, Tuesday 15th September, to Longwood (13 miles 0 locks 5 hrs)

We left Pelsall Junction and continued to Catshill Junction. The opportunity was

taken by some of the group to see Anglesey Basin but we opted out and continued

via Daw End Canal to Longwood. We all moored at Longwood Boat Club where

the boat club welcomed us with a wonderful afternoon tea with homemade cakes. A

big thank you to the club. In the evening we had a fish and chip supper when an

interesting talk about the BCN was given by Phil Clayton from BCNS. Early in

the week it was identi-

fied that a number of

the boaters played a

ukulele and a scratch

ukulele band was

formed. After a very

limited opportunity for

rehearsal, they round-

ed off our evening

with an excellent per-

formance.

Day 5, Wednesday

16th September, to

Moorcroft Junction

(7 miles 9 locks 6 hrs)

We left Longwood and

descended the Rushall

locks and travelled to

Rushall Junction, turned right on to the Tame Valley Canal which led us to Ocker

Hill. Turning right onto the Walsall Canal, we continued to a mooring area adjacent

to Moorcroft Junction and Willingsworth Hall Bridge. This was an excellent venue

for us all to have barbecues and spend the evening on the bank together.

Day 6, Thursday 17th September, to Walsall Town basin

(4 miles 0 locks 2-3 hrs)

In the morning we had a leisurely walk to the Bradley workshop lock gate manufac-

turing facility. During this walk and visit, we were joined by local canal historian

Andy Tidy who explained the history of the branch and helped us to orientate our-

Stuart Sherrat accompanying a

boat through Titford Pools

27

selves during the walk, explaining with the help of photos and maps which he had

brought with him what the area would have been like when the use of the branch

was at its peak.

Day 7, Friday 18th September, to Tipton.(10 miles 11 locks 6 hrs)

Some boats had to leave the group in Walsall to start making their own way home

that day. We left the basin early to return on the Walsall Canal past the Tame Valley

Junction. The Walsall Canal is very little used and, as a result, is overgrown with

weed, necessitating taking it very slowly to avoid snagging the prop on weeds or

rubbish. It is a pity this section is so little used as the local authority in Walsall has

done much to improve the town basin and they see the canal improvement as an

important contributor to the regeneration of the area. It is very much a “Catch 22”

situation as visitors are going to remain few while the access is so difficult but,

without regular use, cruising the Walsall Canal is going to remain difficult. No

doubt it will improve, as has so many other parts of our canal system, but it will

probably need to be a joint action enabling increased use of the towpath by cyclists

and walkers as well as the canal itself by anglers and boaters.

The Ryders Green locks to the new main line took a fair amount of time, one of the

pounds having drained overnight. We identified a few problems with the lock

equipment and, following calls to CRT, repairs were carried out very promptly.

From the new main we again had a choice of routes to the old main line to moor at

Tipton Green, which was the end of the BCNS Explorer Cruise and where the Tip-

ton Festival was being held —an excellent end to a really wonderful week. Our

thanks to everyone from the BCNS who helped us and special thanks to Stuart and

Marie who worked so hard to make the whole week so enjoyable

NOTE

For all those interested in

exploring the 100 miles of

canals known as the Bir-

mingham Canal Naviga-

tion, the BCNS arrange

two Explorer Cruises an-

nually. We thoroughly

enjoyed the week and

would certainly recom-

mend the experience to

those looking to visit a

central, but little used, part

of our canal system. It

provides a sociable week

with plenty of variety and

places of interest to visit Getting ready for a barbecue

28

and a great crowd to share this with. Travelling as part of a group of twenty boats

plus leader is enough to make even a dull stretch of canal interesting. Given the

relatively short distances to be travelled some days, we expected to have an easy

week but we were surprised how busy we were with plenty to keep us occupied. We

still had to get the boat to and from the start and finish points of the Explorer Cruise,

so all in all a busy and satisfying two weeks away.

Information about future Explorer Cruises can be obtained from Stuart Sherrat,

Email: bcns.explorercruise@gmail.com

Bradley Workshop

At Bradley workshop, we were met by CRT staff

and were allowed to tour the facility at our own

pace. After the visit, some returned to their boats

while the rest of us took a detour around the

Wednesbury Oak Loop and Gospel Oak Branch

back to our moorings. We then left the moorings

in the early afternoon to travel to Walsall town

Obituary

BRAUNSTON-BASED BOAT PAINTER RON HOUGH

The death of canal boat painter and sign writer Ron Hough, on 11th December, marked the

passing of the last of those master craftsmen who had both painted the old working boats in

the twilight of canal carrying and brought that tradition into the new era of canal leisure

boating. Ron was born on 3rd October, 1934 in Birmingham into a family of working boat-

men, but in a house and not on the canal. His parents soon moved to Braunston because his

mother wanted her children to have a proper education in the village school. At about the age

of 16, Ron began working for canal carriers and boat-builders Samuel Barlow in their Braun-

ston yard, as an apprentice working in boat building and repairs. But he was soon attracted to

the yard’s tradition for boat painting, especially that of its foreman, the legendary Frank

Nurser.

Self-employed, Ron worked around the waterways, including Samuel Barlow, and the new

world of canal leisure boating. When the work was not there, he would turn his hand to be-

ing a house painter and decorator. Ron continued working as a canal painter into his seven-

ties. His charge-rates were modest; as he said he had all he needed to live on and liked work-

ing. Ron was married in Braunston Church in 1958 to a London girl, Yvonne. He had met

her walking the village towpath when she had come

up to visit her sister. They had three children.

Ron was buried in Braunston Churchyard, only a

short distance from his mentor Frank Nurser, and the

many working boatmen and women also resting

there, whom he knew in his Samuel Barlow days.

Tim Coghlan

Ron Hough painting the recently restored Raymond

in 2002. (Photo: Peter Andrews, Friends of Raymond)

29

30

You may have noticed that Northampton’s landscape has changed recently. No, not

the Express Lifts Tower — that’s still visibly there — this particular change is much

closer to the river. At Becket’s Park, in fact, where work started in late November

2015 on ground works that will support a new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking the

town centre with Northampton University’s evolving Waterside Campus. This bridge

will follow a distinct curved design, rising in the Park and crossing the navigation

downstream of Town Lock.

Finding the right location for the bridge in an area that is very ‘busy’ in terms of river

control structures has not been easy. We could not consent anything that would cross

Illustrative route of the new foot and cycle bridge at Becket’s Park

directly over the lock or the weir, as this would interfere with our ability to maintain

and repair these structures. It could not pass through the marina as its constant use

would cause too much disturbance to marina residents and users. Our requirement for

any new bridge spanning our waterways is a minimum of 3 metres clearance between

the bridge soffit and the river during normal water levels and we worked hard with

the designers to ensure the new bridge should provide this on both sections of the

river it crosses. We were also keen the new bridge should not provide areas on the

Lock Island which could encourage the reappearance of the antisocial activities this

area of Northampton has suffered in the past. To achieve this, the new bridge will in

part be cantilevered off the Lock Island and pass over the water between the island

and the marina.

Boathouse demolished as new pedestrian bridge brings big

changes at Becket’s Park By Sue Cant, the Environment Agency’s Lincolnshire &

Northamptonshire Waterways Team Leader

31

Inevitably, something had to give and in this case it was the final demise of the old

boathouse, which has now been demolished as part of the ground preparation works.

I say ‘old boathouse’ but we understand this particular building had stood on site

since only the 1960s, replacing an earlier boathouse destroyed by fire. It had seen

little use of its intended purpose, though, for quite some years.

The detailed design of the new pedestrian

and cycle bridge is yet to be submitted as

a conditions discharge to the original

planning application. However, the de-

signers have given an indication of their

proposals, as may be seen from the illus-

trations here.

Town Lock will remain open throughout

the duration of the construction works,

although there may be short periods when

delays are inevitable – for example when

the bridge structure is lifted into place.

Updates will be posted at various lock

sites along the river and also on our

webpages https://www.gov.uk/guidance/

anglian-waterways-river-conditions-

closures-and-restrictions, and tweeted via

@PaulSeparovicEA. Please plan ahead

and take care when in the area, allow ex-

tra travelling time for any delays, and

follow the on-site contractors’ instruc-

tions at all times.

32

33

34

RICHARD GILL BSc, MABSE

BOAT SAFETY TESTING BW AND EA APPROVED

EXPERIENCED EXAMINER WITH 25 YEARS WORKING ON THE

WATERWAYS

Grand Union, Oxford & Leics Canals

Rivers Nene and Thames

RING: 07889 10 99 39 rgbarcos70@btinternet.com

The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this magazine, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated, otherwise the Association accepts no liability for any matter in the magazine. Neither the editor nor IWA can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the magazine, and opinions stated are those of individual contributors. We will, however, gladly publish corrections if notified. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify

HIGH HOUSE MARINA LTD

High House Wharf, Heyford Lane, Weedon, Northants NN7 4SF

OUR SMALL MARINA (ONLY 24 BOATS)

IS A VERY FRIENDLY PLACE TO BE MOORED, HENCE OUR CLIENTS

TEND TO STAY PUT

Our car park is quite secure and well hidden from the road

WE DO NOW AND AGAIN HAVE A VACANCY,

SO WHY NOT GIVE US A CALL?

Contact Phil Gardner on 01327 349519, E-mail:phil.h.gardner@btconnect.com

Baxter Boat Yard Ltd

Dry Dock, Painting, Welding services, Engine Installations & Servicing,

Carpentry, General repairs, Wharf Services & small Chandlery.

Bridge 60, Yardley Gobion Tel:01908 542844 baxterboatyard@gmail.com

35

36

Buckingham Canal Society

volunteer leader Athina

Beckett (second from right )

receiving the Volunteer Or-

ganisation Recognition

Award from the Canal &

River Trust’s (left to right)

Miriam Linforth, John

Highmore and Lee King

BUCKINGHAM CANAL SOCIETY

Against very strong competition, Buckingham Canal Society (BCS) has won the Ca-

nal & River Trust South East Region Volunteer Organisation Recognition Award

2015.

BSC has been awarded for its outstanding contribution to volunteering within the

South East Waterways Region, with particular recognition for its high output levels,

ambitious restoration projects and successful range of achievements within a Com-

munity Adoption Agreement at Cosgrove.

The award includes a certificate and a shield which the Society keeps for a year.

Athina Beckett, on behalf of the Society, commented: “This recognition is for all

members and friends of the Society who have helped us achieve this award over the

past year. I feel everyone in the Society should be congratulated and should share my

excitement that all our efforts have been acknowledged by CRT. Well done every-

body!”

The BCS runs regular practical task parties on alternate Thursdays and second Sun-

days of each month and always welcomes new volunteers. For more information visit

www.buckinghamcanalorg.uk or email information @ buckinghamcanalorg.uk

Athina Beckett and fellow

volunteers pictured with the

Volunteer Organisation

Recognition Award and

Shield at a Buckingham

Canal Society Sunday work

party at Cosgrove.

BRANCH SOCIAL MEETINGS

Regular Branch Social Meetings are held on

the second Tuesday of each month from September to May inclusive at

THE WALNUT TREE INN, BLISWORTH, at 8pm All members and non-members welcome.

Food and drink available

NEXT MEETINGS

Tuesday 8th March

AGM followed by Tim Coghlan —

“By the Waters of Braunston”

Tuesday , 12th April Speaker: Richard Thomas —

“Waterway Wonders”

Tuesday, 10th May Speaker: Tony Conder —

“Canals through the Artist’s Eye”

ADVERTISING

All advertisements must comply with the requirements of the Trades Descriptions Act and avoid

misrepresentation of goods offered for sale. The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977

requires that businesses seeking to sell goods must clearly indicate this in an advertisement.

The next edition of Endeavour will be published May 2016

37

COMMERCIAL RATES

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Full Page £40.00 +VAT

Other sizes by arrangement

10% discount for 4 issues paid yearly in advance

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CLASSIFIEDS

(suggested donations)

£1.50 for 22 words,

15p each additional word

£3.50 for box around classified advertisement

(nb. telephone numbers count as one word)

£3.50 for photographs

Branch Chairman Bernard Morton 07785 375787

E-mail: bernard.morton

@waterways.org.uk

WHO’S WHO IN

NORTHAMPTON BRANCH

2015/2016

Newsletter & Joint

Website Editor Tony Clarke 07939 977859

E-mail: tony.clarke

@waterways.org.uk

Publicity & Grants

Officer Lynda Payton

E-mail:lynda.payton @waterways.org.uk

Branch Meetings Graham Treagus E-mail: graham.treagus

@waterways.org.uk

Boat Gathering Sub-Committee members

Michael Butler (Chairman), Catriona

Butler, Linda Clarke, Tony Clarke,

Alex Madisons, Bernard Morton, Sandie

Morton and John Pomfret

Non-Committee posts Sales: Catriona Butler 01604 473756

Endeavour Assistant Editor,

Advertising & Distribution, Archivist

Roger Hasdell 01604 248582

38

Branch Secretary

Sandie Morton E-mail: sandie.morton

@waterways.org.uk

Treasurer

Alex Madisons

E-mail: alex.madisons

@waterways.org.uk

Vice Chairman, Joint

Task Party Organiser &

Membership Secretary Geoff Wood E-mail: geoff.wood @waterways.org.uk

Boat Gathering

Chairman & Joint Task

Party Organiser

Michael Butler

E-mail: michael.butler

@waterways.org.uk

Committee Member John Pomfret E-mail: john.pomfret

@waterways.org.uk

Planning Officer Helen Westlake E-mail: helen.westlake

@waterways.org.uk

Joint Website &

Social Media Officer Sam Line E-mail: sam.line

@waterways.org.uk

39