Hereward Summer 2010

PETERBOROUGH BRANCH

HEREWARD SUMMER 2010SUMMER 2010SUMMER 2010SUMMER 2010

www.iwapeterborough.org.uk The IWA charity registered number 212342

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the Peterborough Branch. They are, however,

published as being of interest to our members and readers

A selection of the

weekend’s events with a

‘feline’ Chairman

presenting the prizes!

Photos: Nigel Long

1

Alastair Chambers

A s many of you will know the IWA has organised an ongoing protest

about Government cuts in waterway funding, part of our campaign being a series

of cruises. Some very eye-catching and well made banners were sent out from H.Q. and

we set about organising our contribution.

I was a little concerned as at one point we only had three ‘definates’. However I

need not have worried as come the Saturday morning a flotilla of 8 boats assembled at

Ramsey 40 foot. Banners and posters were distributed and fixed and we made a splen-

did show. Nigel arrived to take photos and at 10-30 prompt we set off along the 40 foot

toward the 16 foot. After about 45 minutes I noticed a boat following some way back,

we slowed down for Nigel to take more photos and lo and behold ‘Aboat Time’ joined

us to make nine boats. We attracted considerable interest from passing traffic, much

blowing of horns, waving etc.

We had a lunchtime stop just as we turned on to the 16 foot, the sun was shining and

it was all very festive, an assortment of dogs were exercised, some lunch was taken

along with a beer or two. When we set off again I made an executive decision and

‘shuffled the pack’ so those who been leading along the 40’now played tail end Charlie

along the 16 foot.

It stayed sunny and reasona-

bly warm all the way to the

gauging station which was the

official end of the cruise. A

number of hardy menfolk de-

cided to wander into the thriv-

ing cosmopolitan nightlife of

Three Holes for an evening of

wild debauched excitement.

All you need to know is that

we went to the Red Hart again.

Sunday it chucked it down. So

all set off about 10-30ish.

All in all I felt we had

achieved a good turn out, well

decorated with IWA banners

and had got our point across. It will take more than one cruise I am certain so watch this

space. Our thanks to all those who turned out in support of this noble endeavour.

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Richard Fairman has taken on the role of Meetings and Publicity Officer and if anyone has any ideas for topics or knows of any interesting speak-ers for next season’s programme please let Richard know. Contact details on page 16.

2

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ROUND-UP

I will first update you on several of the issues raised by me in the last edition.

Strategic Priorities for Water Related Projects in East of England The problem with this Plan was, you may remember, that the Middle Level system had

not been included amongst the list of Strategic Waters even though the Ouse and Nene

did appear in that list. Our complaints on this front resulted in a meeting held at the

MLC Offices at March at the end of April. Present were Nigel Tomlinson, Principal

Recreation Officer for the EA Anglia Region, Professor Ravenscoft from Brighton

University, Iain Smith, Clerk of the MLC and myself. It was readily agreed that the

Middle Level should have been included amongst the list of Strategic Waters and that

the references to it in the Plan needed to be amplified in a number of areas. The Plan is

to be redrafted and will be sent to Iain Smith and myself for further comment in due

course. In short, this is an area in which positive progress has been made. Welches Dam and The Old Bedford Here, things are not so positive. The latest information is that the Navigation Depart-

ment of the EA is not due to approach the EA Business committee for permission to

proceed with the repair of Welches Dam lock until late June at the earliest. You will

remember that on the last approach to that committee in October 2009 permission was

not granted and Navigation was told to do some further research. There is no way of

knowing whether Navigation will fair better on its next approach and consequently

whether work on the lock will be authorised. IWA HQ has been kept fully informed of

the situation in relation to this lock and is monitoring the position closely.

As to the Old Bedford/ Old Bedford Sluice, it has now been agreed that the Sluice

will be available for use over the long weekend of 17th to 20th September. The details

of the opening are still being worked out but we have been promised that all 4 elements

which are a pre-condition of making a successful cruise through the Sluice and along

the Old Bedford to Welches Dam and return will be in place for that weekend. Those

elements are, a) the dredging of the approach channel, b) the operation of the Sluice

itself, c) the dredging of the Old Bedford inland of the Sluice so far as this is necessary

and d) the cutting of weed with particular attention being given to the weed under the

pylons.

It is the intention of the branch to hold an official cruise during the period of 17th –

20th September. The exact dates for the event have still to be resolved but will be com-

municated in due course. In the meantime please make a note of these dates in your

diaries. As a special effort is to be made by the EA to facilitate this cruise we hope that

a large number of you will make the effort to join us, especially all those who have

wanted to undertake this cruise in the past but been put off by the prevailing condition

of the route.

At the meeting of the EA Regional Navigation Group held on 5th May a number of

issues were raised which were either new or about which we had not heard for some

time.

by Nigel Long

EA Transport and Works Order You may well have forgotten about this but the TWO, which has been awaited literally

for years, finally came into force on 6th April. The Order as issued looks considerably

different from the version as originally submitted to DEFRA. In essence all practical

provisions relating to the creation of a charging scheme and the application of charging

and registration to “adjacent waters” have been removed. What it does authorise is the

imposition on all craft on EA waters of the BSS and third party insurance requirements.

The detail of how the TWO will be implemented has still to be worked out. Charging Harmonisation The EA has for many years sought to create a scheme which would implement common

charging provisions for boats using any of its waterways. The process continues to

move forward and a paper was discussed at the RNG meeting. It is, I am afraid, the case

that there was little agreement amongst members. My understanding is that there has

been a similar reaction in other committees in which it has been discussed. I will not

bore you with the detail of the local discussion for it seems to me that there must now

be a doubt whether the dream of harmonisation can be achieved: only time will tell!

Charging on the Cam The Cams Conservators are looking for an increase in revenue. As you may be aware

the Conservators do receive an income from the EA in respect of EA registered boats

using their waters. The Conservators are seeking from the EA a bigger share of the

cake. The Conservators are also indicating that they will be seeking further monies

from boaters. It could become very expensive to navigate the Cam. At present there are

negotiations between the EA and the Conservators but you may expect to hear more of

this as the year progresses.

The Middle Level Aqueduct Iain Smith reported to the RNG meeting that contractors had found that the brickwork

around the aqueduct was in a bad condition and that some of the beams supporting the

trough and the bottom plates of the trough needed repair/ replacement. The result was

that a scheme which was scheduled to cost £90,000 would now cost about £250,000.

The only good news was that although there might be navigation restrictions in the area

of the aqueduct it was not intended that there should be any closure of the navigation

while the work was carried out.

M any of you who have provided the IWA with your email address will have re-

ceived from the Branch over the last two months a couple of emails providing

urgent local news.

Hereward is, as you know, published quarterly and there are often developments

which occur just after a publication date which have to wait for three months until the

next edition or which by the time of that edition are history and no longer relevant. The

Number 10 Petition was a good example of something which happened just after a pub-

lication date: it was impossible for us to notify all branch members of it in a timely

manner.

3

E-MAIL ADDRESS UPDATE

4

£7.95

That is the problem which the Branch is seeking to tackle with its Branch News

Emails. They will not necessarily be sent out monthly. Rather, they will be despatched

when there is some development which it is important that we notify to you as a matter

of urgency.

The mechanics are that we draw up the email but for convenience it is despatched to

you by Headquarters. At present HQ has email addresses for about half of the branch

members: from anecdotal evidence we suspect that some of those addresses are not up-

to-date.

This brings me to the point of this note. If you wish to receive our Branch News

Emails then the IWA has to know your up-to-date email address. If you would like to

participate please send your email address NOT to the branch but to the National

Membership Officer,Tracy Higgin, at [email protected] A simple email

should do the trick!

Middle Level Plaques

A J Butler of London NB The Sharp End and Mr A J Wilkinson Bill Fen Marina NB

Acacia have received Middle Level Plaques for their journeys through the Fens water-

way system.

Nigel

We hope you will please support our advertisers in return for the

valuable support they give to the Branch in making this publication possible.

6

STUART HOLMESSTUART HOLMES

BOAT SAFETY EXAMINATIONSBOAT SAFETY EXAMINATIONS

PETERBOROUGH BOATING CENTRE

Chandlery Diesel - Calor

73 NORTH STREET

STANGROUND, PETERBOROUGH

Tel: 01733 566688

N ow that we know the outcome of the recent General Election

there will be tremendous pressure on funding and cuts and are

being threatened far and wide. The waterways will doubtless share in

the pain in some way or other.

Much is being said about the single Waterways Conservancy which was one of the

key aims of one of the original IWA founders, Robert Aickman in the campaigning

years of the early 1950’s. It will be interesting if, over 50 years later that aim comes to

pass.

Speaking of the IWA founders, this year marks the centenary of the birth of the other

founder, Tom Rolt and a series of events are taking place across the country in celebra-

tion. I first encountered LTC Rolt in my youth when my interest in railways led me to

read Red for Danger, his best selling book about train crashes. Although rather a mor-

bid subject I found it a fascinating read and still have the well thumbed paperback on

my shelf. After my interest in canals and boating developed I read Rolt’s autobiogra-

phy Landscapes trilogy and found we seemed to have a lot in common and shared

similar views on life in general. Like me Rolt served an engineering apprenticeship

during which he developed a keen appreciation of the skills and dedication of the

workforce in the often derided and under-invested field of heavy mechanical engineer-

ing. The company at which he was undergoing his training went bust and he was left

to move around to seek alternative employment. Still sounds familiar today doesn’t it!

7

Mill Drove, Ramsey

Cambs. PE26 2RD Tel: 01487 813621 [email protected] www.billfenmarina.com

Moorings occasionally available,

£11.25 per foot per year + VAT, if paid annually.

Slipway for bottom blacking from £100.00

Chandlery, Fuel, Gas, Toilets, Shower

We stock Rylard & Craftmaster Paints, Anodes, Coflex,

Rust Konverta, Incralac etc.

EDITOR’S NOTES

continued on page10...............

8

PROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ALL APPLICATIONSPROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ALL APPLICATIONSPROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ALL APPLICATIONSPROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS

Unit 3C

Cromwell Business Centre

New Road, St Ives PE27 5BG

Tel: (01480) 462150

Fax: (01480) 493309

E-mail: [email protected]

Web:www.srobb.co.uk

Contact Ray Whitby

Our speaker for the final meeting of the season was Peter Carter, making a return visit

to continue his tales of Eel catching and life in the Fens in general. He recounted that

the great abbeys of Eastern England, including Peterborough, Ramsey and Ely were

funded using eels as currency. The eels were delivered to the bishops by punt. In ad-

dition to currency, and the obvious use as a food, eel skins were used for making cloth-

ing, footwear, gaiters and jewellery.

Peter showed slides of a re-enacted journey he had made by punt from Well Creek to

Ely via the Great Ouse to deliver a basket of eels to the present Bishop of Ely. The 22

mile journey, undertaken for charity, took five days and received good press and TV

coverage. It was hard work as much of the punting was against the tide.

Peter told of the many engagements he has had with the media including some fa-

mous TV personalities and was less than complimentary about some! When it comes

to meeting high profile personalities non are higher than the Queen and Peter made a

lasting impression on HM when she chatted with him about his work at an impromptu

meeting at a country pursuits event. British Eel stocks are currently in decline with

most London supplies now coming from New Zealand.

Peter has diversified into catching Chinese Mitten Crabs using traditional pots and is

due to open a museum in Upwell this summer. He stressed it will be an inter-active

affair particularly aimed at families. Thanks to Peter for another jolly good evening!

9

BRANCH WINTER MEETINGS April Meeting

10

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ENGINE RECONDITIONERS Specialists in Petrol & Diesel engine rebuilds for marine, car & commercial applications, including cylinder head refurbishment, crack & pressure testing

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Rolt took up a career in writing and went on to ’live the dream’ on board Cressy and

make the infamous voyage which is recounted in his book Narrowboat. We have

cruised many of the canals Rolt traversed and moored at many of the places he writes

about, with Church Minshull on the Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch always be-

ing one of my favourite spots.

Rolt became disillusioned with canals and left Cressy to throw his enthusiasm into

the salvation and restoration of the Tallyllyn Railway in Wales. The saga of this phase

in his life is recounted in his book Railway Adventure. Preserved railways are also one

of my passions so again we have much in common. In my college days I travelled into

Manchester with a good friend and workmate in his 1932 MG Midget and I have to

admit that is the closest I have got to sharing one of Rolt’s other interests, vintage

sports car racing. I feel I would have liked Tom Rolt if we had ever met and will make

an effort this Summer to attend some of the centenary events.

Have a good season in whatever way you enjoy the waterways.

Editor’s Notes—continued from page 7

Richard Benyon MP for Newbury (on the K& A) was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secre-tary of State Defra on 14 May 2010. Mr Benyon served as a Shadow Minister for the Environ-ment, Fisheries and Wildlife. He is a riparian landowner and farmer on the Kennet and a for-mer soldier and founder of the charity Help for Heroes. He is a vice president of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and a keen angling supporter.

Philip

11

I am delighted to be able to tell you that as one of the longest, harshest winters for

decades was drawing to an end, work to construct Northampton Marina com-

menced at the end of February 2010, with the trimming and removal of rotten and

dangerous trees around the lake. Over 120 tonnes of wood have been removed from

site and chipped. The chippings will be air dried and sold to biomass power stations. This has opened up a view of the river from Victoria Promenade that local inhabitants

of Northampton tell me has not been seen for the last 25 years. It hints tantalisingly at

the view yet to come when the marina is up and running in 2011. At the time of writing (beginning of May 2010) the lake has been gravity drained

through filter channels so as not to disturb the very fine silt contained within the lake.

Nearly 500 fish have been removed and relocated to the main river. The dredged silt

and material from the two islands is being transported a mile downstream by barge,

where it is being used to strengthen river defences. In a few weeks time the lake will be re-flooded and work will start to create the moor-

ings. Northampton Marina will offer a combination of 80 long stay and short stay

moorings, six of which will be for residential use, and will also provide a permanent

mooring for the St John Ambulance trip boat. The moorings will be built on floating

pontoons and each boat will have access to water, electricity, and wifi from pedestals

located on the walkways. Moorings will also be available for the operators of com-

mercial leisure boats, such as hire boats and water taxis. The facilities building will utilise renewable energy sources, have BREEM rating,

provide toilets, washrooms, laundry, elsan disposal, waste disposal and recycling fa-

cilities. It will also allow the full time marina manager a panoramic view of the marina

at all times. CCTV cameras will also pan and zoom into the site. A chauffeur driven electric powered buggy will transport boaters between a drop off

point at Northampton Lock, where temporary parking provision will be made, and

their boat. Long stay parking is available at the local car parks and secure on-site bicy-

cle storage will be provided. Whilst the general public will not have direct access into the marina, a ‘viewing area’

with seating will be created at the end of the lake near to the old boathouse. Boaters

will gain pedestrian entry to the marina by a swipe card or similar electronic system. The creation of Northampton Marina is one of the first steps in making Northampton a

more exciting destination for current and future residents as well as visitors and the

boating community. Putting Northampton on the map as a waterways destination is

important to the town’s regeneration – the River Nene is a valuable natural asset. Al-

ready the project is acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of the river corridor in

Northampton.

NENE DEVELOPMENTS—NORTHAMPTON MARINA

by Sue Cant

Planning permission has recently been granted for a floating restaurant at Midsummer

Meadows that aims to open in 2011, and later phases of the Becket’s Park project aim

to deliver new landscaping, lighting, cafes and restaurants, providing a busy, exciting

link between the town centre and the waterside. Final landscaping of Northampton Marina will be soft and verdant. Certain areas

around the marina pool will be replanted with native species of trees and shrubs, and

water margins will be planted with native species, to encourage biodiversity and wild-

life. The marina is scheduled for completion in March 2011, which as I am sure you all

know is the 250th anniversary of the River Nene becoming navigable from the Wash to

Northampton and 40 years since the IWA National Festival was last hosted by North-

ampton. Recent discussions with the IWA National Festival Committee have again

made us hopeful that these significant dates, the creation of Northampton Marina and

wider waterside regeneration of Northampton will encourage the National Festival

back to Northampton in 2011. You can follow the progress of Northampton Marina construction works on our Visit

Nene website www.visitnene.co.uk.

Northampton Marina Mooring enquires:

Please contact Steve Lyon

Tel: 01733 464065

Email: [email protected]

Y et again the May Bank Holiday arrived and with it our by now fabled Bill Fen Do

(or Bar-B-Q & Boules) kindly hosted by Jon & Lyn Shotbolt. The format is well

established, prodigious amounts of alcohol, excellent entertainment, games and food.

Why mess with a winning formula!

Sadly the weather forecast was on the dubious side of awful and perhaps the general

economic climate, allied to an entirely unwarranted outbreak of temperance did result

in significantly lower numbers this year. Although everyone did have a good time and

the weather was much better than predicted (never forget, these are the people who

promised last years barbecue summer!!!) the takings were seriously down on recent

years. As I write this Michael’s best projection is a smidgen under £700. OK by no

means a disaster, but along way short of our usual revenue.

As ever your committee worked incredibly hard over the three days, as did a number

of ever willing volunteers, including this year the Waterman’s Club. Without Jeff and

Lorraine there would have been no food on the Saturday evening. They were responsi-

ble for a significant contribution to the takings. Ray and Jane, Bernard and Bron,

Kevin and Helen, Chris and Julie and Jane also made mighty contributions. If I have

missed anyone please accept my apologies.

A new feature this year was a lady doing face painting, I am far too mature, adult and

sensible to indulge in such fripperies but a number of otherwise grown up adult people

12

BILL FEN ‘DO’

did. To our very great admiration she then offered a donation to us; however as her

husband campaigns tirelessly for MacMillan Nurses (and many of us have experience

of just how wonderful they are) we re-donated it back to this very worthy cause. I

have a vague recollection that she said she had gained a booking at the ANRC Rally at

March this year.

We ran all the usual competitions, rain and gloom interrupted the Boules, but the

final on Sunday saw Jeff & Alan win the trophy. Len and Donna beat Carole and

Alexander to win the Croquet and the Skittles was eventually won by John Mundy.

All in all another superb weekend, everyone seemed to have a good time and the face

paint does wash off eventually!

T his year’s Easter Cruise had a dual purpose, the usual one of having a jolly good

time and the additional aim of highlighting the appalling state of Horseways chan-

nel and Welches Dam. To generate some good publicity I contacted all the local papers

plus both BBC & ITV Regional TV.

Good Friday was a bit cold and grey and the forecast wasn’t too brilliant, but un-

daunted two boats left Fox’s for Three Holes where we found Rodgy Dodgy. As we

were contemplating going for a pint Olive Emily arrived, making four in all. The

branch is actively looking at moorings along by the gauging station. After a visit to the

‘Red Hart’ off we set, it was cold and grey and it didn’t take too much persuading to

stop at the ‘Golden Lion’.

Saturday morning we set off for Horseways channel. Because the MLC had been

expecting heavy rain and were also working on the Aqueduct the level was unusually

low. Caddy, Hillpenny and Rodgy Dodgy all ran aground before Horseways Bridge,

most embarrassing, especially as this was the point at which a photographer appears.

He took several pictures and left. As he left so a reporter from BBC Look East arrived.

After a lengthy chat he decided that there was a worthwhile story to be had. At which

point Olive Emily started reversing up the channel toward the lock. We all followed on

foot. It was a struggle at times but Olive Emily made it all the way, indeed we were

able to open the lock and rope her in, all filmed by the BBC. I did a short interview

highlighting the neglect by the EA who charge us a lot of money and compared their

waterway to the channel maintained by the MLC who charge no licence fee at all. The

piece made the news on Easter Monday and caused something of a stir. Thanks are

due to all those who turned out and especially to Olive Emily for dedication above and

beyond.

After a lengthy period of prop clearing we had a cold but uneventful run down to

Ramsey 40 foot where we thawed out in the ‘George’. Sunday saw a gentle cruise to

Floods Ferry, we had Sunday Lunch then returned in the evening for a jolly. Remi

organised a quiz and some games, I think Carole won the Bingo!!

All in all a good time was had by all and we may yet garner some benefit from the

publicity.

13

EASTER CRUISE 2010

Alastair

Brian W. Smith

Marine Surveyor

Pre-Purchase Surveys

Valuations—Insurance Surveys

CE Compliance for Home Builds

Boat Safety Examinations

Engine Evaluation & Condition

Ultra-sound

Osmosis Assessment

Gas System Surveys

Member of the Association of Boat Safety Examiners - Gas Safe Reg. YDSA

Contact Brian on:

Tel: 01354 680341

Mobile: 07887 781649

E-mail:

[email protected]

14

I was pleased to learn that owners of narrow boats and cruisers can request permis-

sion to navigate the Cambridge Backs during the winter (October 1st to March

31st). This follows discussions a few years ago between IWA Cambridge Branch and

the River Cam Conservancy.

After consulting the River Cam Conservancy I fixed up a date in early March to use

Jesus lock. Then the floods occurred so I booked a passage a few weeks later when

the rivers were back to normal.

This part of the River Cam is short but steeped in history with exceptional views of

the colleges and their grounds and other fine buildings and bridges (two of which are

very low). We started on a Monday morning at 9.30am and met no other craft until

we reached the head of navigation at Mill Pond. This is just below Bishop’s Mill

Weir and about 250 yards above Silver Street bridge. The punt operators were just

starting and we followed the first punt down stream at a safe distance on our return

journey.

Under the terms of the River Cam bye-laws use of Jesus Lock is by appointment

only. This enables the river manager to advise the punt operators in advance and to

advise potential motorised users of any events taking place such as the annual Cam

Canoe and Kayak Marathon or of unsuitable river conditions. The Cam Conservators

web site (www.camconservators.org.uk) provides essential information on bridge

heights as well as information on temporary moorings between Baits Bite Lock and

Jesus Lock. There are no visitor moorings of any kind above Jesus Lock and landing

and mooring is strictly prohibited. And remember that boating by powered craft on

the Backs is not permitted at all between 1st April and 30th September.

THE CAMBRIDGE BACKS - by John Revell

Email: [email protected]

15

INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION Peterborough Branch

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

CHAIRMAN: Alastair Chambers 52 Hereward Way, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8QB

Tel: 01778 344438 e-mail: [email protected]

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN & SALES OFFICER: Graham Baughn PO Box 15, 10 Marina Drive, March, Cambs PE15 0AU


SECRETARY: Nigel Long 7 Georgian Court, Peterborough PE3 6AF


TREASURER: Michael Slaughter 45 Elstone, Orton Waterville, Peterborough PE2 5JZ


MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Carole Chambers 52 Hereward Way, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8QB


EDITOR: Philip Halstead, 20 Cane Avenue, Peterborough PE2 9QT Tel: 01733 348500 e-mail: [email protected]

John Dudley, 1 Bellmans Road, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 1TY

Tel: 01733 202581

Roger Mungham Boatmans Cottage, Workhouse Lane, Upwell, Wisbech PE14 9ET


David Biggs, Evelines, 85 High Street, Chatteris PE16 6MP Tel: 01354 696956 e mail: [email protected]

Roger Sexton, 2 Shaw Drive, March, Cambridgeshire PE15 9TB

Tel: 01354 652329

David Venn, Bruffs Lodge, High Street, Nordelph, Downham Market PE38 0BL

Tel: 01366 324102 e-mail:[email protected]

Richard Fairman, The Old Railway House, Cowbit,

Spalding, Lincs PE12 0XD Tel: 01406 380575

16

Boating the Cambridge BacksBoating the Cambridge BacksBoating the Cambridge Backs

John Revell gives details of his unusual narrowboat trip on page 14.

Photos:

John Revell

The new marina takes shape at Northampton—Sue Cant gives details on page 11.

Photo:

Editor

Hereward Summer 2010

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Transcript of Hereward Summer 2010