Waterwitch #143 Spring 2010

Spring 2010 Edition

WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE

LANCASTER CANAL TRUST

Number 142

The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.24O957

Affiliated to the Inland Waterways Association Ltd.)

http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk/

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LANCASTER CANAL TRUST

MEMBERS’ MORNING

A very warm welcome is extended to all members

to attend this year’s gathering at

Over Kellet Village Hall on

25th September 2010

10.00 – 12.30 There will be presentations focusing on the new impetus to our

restoration plans:

‘The Way Forward’ An especially warm welcome awaits new members who have

joined us since our last gathering in 2009

Tea, coffee and biscuits available

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Contents

Letter from the Editor 3 Chairman's Report 4 Volunteer Awards 4 100 Club and notice of meeting 5 Skipton Waterways Festival 6 Tewitfield Information Panel 8 Boat Operation mangers Report 10 Helen’s Puzzle 13 Fuelling Stops on the Lanky 14 Working Party Report 16 Hullo to new members 21 Restoration Report and RESCOM 22 Old Canal thoughts- Ian Dunn 24 Anatomy of an Engine 27 British Waterways Update 30 Gilks Proposals Review 31

Ps. A note from the Webmaster, Mike Valiant . He’s now added a "100 Club" page and

application form to the web and made a News item to highlight it. .

Front cover: The Waterway Recovery Group assemble at Tewitfield for work on the

locks

Welcome to this summer edition of Waterwitch. As last, as I write, it seems to be getting warmer at last.

A great deal seems to have taken place since the last issue. Much good work has been achieved by Paul Shaw and his Working Parties, ably assisted by yet another visit from the Waterways Recovery Group. The Hincaster Horse Path continues to be rescued from years of decay and neglect. Our Trip Boat ‘Waterwitch’, in the hands of Frank Chalmers, Alan Mather, Neil McGarry and all the boat operation gang, has been through a very through restoration during its recent lift out and it is now back in action with good few years of life ahead.

We continue to work on recruitment and publicity with another round of shows booked for this summer and a new information panel at Tewitfield. We are now more actively seeking grant funding and most importantly we have been making real efforts to get to grips with those areas of restoration which we feel to be within our capabilities. With the Canal Head Phase I somewhat stalled by planning applications etc., we have solicited the views of the IWA Restoration committee and had talks with BW, Cumbria Wildlife and various landowners to facilitate out efforts in trying to raise the level of the Canal southwards from Stainton and in putting together a plan to restore to water the section from Stainton to Wellhead Lane. This will not be easy but without trying we never shall succeed.

So it is quite eye opening, when you stand back and take an overall look, to see the great variety of expertise, dedication and goodwill that exits with this Trust. It is amazing that we have achieved so much with the level of active members we presently enjoy.

We know that many who join to support the cause are not in a position to offer active support but if you do feel that you can get in touch,, We’ll be very pleased to hear from you. Enjoy the summer. Regards. David Currington

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Several events of the past three months suggest that our efforts to mobilise activity on some of the more straightforward parts of the restoration project are beginning to bear fruit. A publicity feature in the Westmorland Gazette in March generated some positive feedback and in particular it led to a generous offer from a plant hire company to provide us with an excavator and driver for a weekend working party. We are now planning a suitable project where we can make best use of this offer.

The weekend working party in March had the benefit of the visit by the Waterway Recovery Group, delayed from January on account of the snow and ice. Their two day visit supplemented our own team and resulted in some very productive construction and clearance work. We are also keen to extend the working party programme to the summer months and to days other than Sundays. More on working parties elsewhere in this edition.

We were privileged to be able to host the IWA Restoration Committee meeting in April, when we had the full attention of 15 highly experienced canal restoration people. Having received the necessary briefing papers before the meeting, they saw a presentation by David Currington and entered into a most useful discussion with half a dozen of our Exec Committee members. This was followed by a site visit to the Stainton area where we have our sights set on the first elements of the work.

All in all this was a great boost to our plans.

1st May saw the unveiling of the new information panel at Tewitfield. This answers the questions often raised by visiting boaters about the Northern Reaches. The panel shows a route map from Tewitfield to Kendal, illustrated and annotated with information about how the restoration project can be achieved.

Looking to future events, we have a busy summer of shows and festivals where we will be taking the Trust’s publicity material, starting on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May at the Skipton Waterways Festival. The following Bank Holiday weekend (end of May) sees us at the Country Festival at Crooklands (Westmorland Show Ground) for three days, complete with Waterwitch boat trips.

We have been fortunate in booking Dr. Geraint Coles as the speaker to follow the Annual General Meeting on 24th June. Geraint is the Development Manager for the Chesterfield Canal Partnership and several of our committee members were able to hear his talk to the Lancaster Canal Restoration Partnership meeting in January. The Northern Reaches has a lot in common with the Chesterfield Canal, and they are some way ahead of us in the restoration process; we can learn a lot from them. I urge you to attend the AGM if you possibly can, not only to play a part in the management of this Trust but also to hear this inspirational speaker.

Finally, since my ‘call to arms’ in the last edition of Waterwitch, several people have stepped forward to offer their skills and services; a sincere thank you to those folk. However, I make no apology for repeating the plea for members to

(Continued on page 33)

Chairman’s Report

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100 Club Prizes: 1st £25; 2nd £15; 3rd £10. Winning Numbers since last Issue

1st 2nd 3rd March 82 G Dunn 16 E Sibbert 12 R Ogilvy April 16 E Sibbert 25 Blank 36 J Muncaster May 57 K Midgley 44 E Jackson 69 H Bagot

A reminder to all members of the Trust of the

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to be held

Thursday 24th June 2010 at

Village Hall Over Kellet

Commencing at 8.00pm

We have been very fortunate in obtaining as our Guest Speaker

Geraint Coles Development Manager for the Chesterfield Canal Partnership

An excellent speaker, Geraint is currently involved with such matters as:

• Planning for the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal from Kiveton to Staveley.

• The development of visitor facilities along the canal, especially improving information boards, signposting, footpath links, access points and public transport.

• The promotion of the canal to the widest possible audience.

Apologies to: D Currington Hon. Sec

12 Sedbergh Road Kendal

Cumbria LA96AD or to [email protected]

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Although we’ve attended the Skipton Festival several times now, this was the first time we had come by boat. There were competitions a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t s exclusively for those who had arrived afloat and it was fun to be part of the cruising community. This year’s theme was ‘The Forties’ and there were many imaginative displays among the entries for the Best Decorated Boat Competition. The worthy winner had created an amazing extravaganza based on famous war movies, complete with tunnelling POWs making their ‘Great Escape’!

Songstress Madeline Brown recreated the unmistakable sounds of Vera Lynn and the

Andrews Sisters and even youthful visitors were spotted singing along to the nostalgic strains of “We’ll Meet Again” and “White

Cliffs of Dover”, though “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” was a bit more of a mouthful.

Fair weather ensured a high turnout on all three days and, though we only had the LCT stand there on the Monday, we had a busy time. Extra sales stock had arrived, so the tables had a refreshed appeal for both staff

and visitors. We signed up two new members and made n e a r l y £ 1 0 0 f r o m subscriptions, donations and sales. We also collected lots more signatures for the petition.

Thanks are due to Beryl Bowcott, David Slater and Mike Valiant for manning the stand and Madeline Dean for resolving the gazebo crisis on Sunday evening. Thanks also to new members Peter and

Jeanette Higham, who joined at the show and stayed to help pack up.

Fran Valiant

Skipton Waterways Festival 2010

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EVENTS 2010

The LCT information/sales stand will be at the following venues this

year:

♦ Country Fest at Westmorland Showground, May 29-30

♦ Haslam Park Centenary, Preston, July 10

♦ Preston Riversway Festival, July 24

♦ IWA National at Beale Park, August 28-30

♦ Westmorland County Show, September 9

♦ Kendal Torchlight Carnival, September 10

♦ Members’ Morning, Over Kellet Village Hall, Sept. 25 10.00-12.30

♦ Coffee Morning at Gaskell Hall, Silverdale, October 23 10am-12

noon.

To be confirmed:

♦ Lancashire Day at Lytham St Annes, November 27

A warm welcome awaits all members who visit the stand so do come

and say hello if you are attending any of these events. We're always

glad of extra help so please contact Trisha Buzzard on 07802438412 or

[email protected] if you can spare an hour or two to assist at any of

the venues.

Our refreshment booth and information stand awaits thirsty ramblers,

cyclists, anglers and boaters again this summer.

We will be setting up at selected venues this year, so come along and enjoy a

cuppa if you’re in the area between 2.00 and 4.30 on the following dates:

Sunday 13th June Tewitfield

Saturday 17th July Galgate

Saturday 14th August Tewitfield

Sunday 19th September Garstang

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The sun shone on us on Saturday morning 1st May as about 60 local supporters

(including various dignitaries) gathered at Tewitfield to witness the unveiling of

the panel by Geraldine Smith. Coffee and chat were in abundance and it was

obvious that there was great support for works towards the restoration of the

Northern Reaches. It was a good opportunity to include a contribution to the

SOS campaign (IWA's Save Our System) and our guests were interested to read

all about it. Richard Trevitt introduced Geraldine to everyone and she made a

gracious speech before exposing the panel to view.

The plinth had been partly erected by the recent WRG party which came to help

out in April and finished by our Volunteers later. Helen and Peter Thomas, and

their daughter Janet, were responsible for producing the graphic panel

depicting the proposed restoration works up to Kendal. Also to hand were the

recently installed all-weather leaflet holders which are already proving very

popular with passers by as they need to be refilled quite a lot more often than

we had initially thought!

In his capacity as man of all trades,

Richard not only put up the leaflet

holders but was also seen carrying a

large bundle towards the plinth just

before the opening ...the overalls

were a bit of a disguise and it was

only when he asked for a brew after

he had done the job that we realised

we were not dealing with any

ordinary odd jobber here !!! So a

good day was had by one and all and we managed to get packed away and

tidied up before the heavens opened (well it was a bank holiday weekend after

all). If you have a chance to get up to Tewitfield, have a look at the panel - it is

well worth the trip. TB

Tewitfield

Information

Panel

Unveiling

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Opposite: Geraldine Smith after the unveiling and

below our now famous ‘Waterwitch Brew’ gazebo

keeping visitors supplied with refreshments.

This Page: The finished panel; President Hal Bagot

and Chairman Richard Trevitt pose with Geraldine

in a very apt location and below visiting boats take

part in the event.

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That’s what people say if you scrimp on the refurbishment, which I’m glad to say has not happened. The boat is looking good. The new floor panels allowed us to re-ballast with reasonable ease (thanks Chris, Alan & Tom). Beneath the floor the ballast sits on plastic spacers to allow air water and moisture to quickly reach the hold pump – it means that the paint and blacking will last longer inside the hull and water or condensation will not just sit there causing problems later (thanks Dave C). The floor is held down with stainless steel screws – most of the new work has replaced ferrous material.

The colour scheme inside works well – cream/blue (hull sides), pale cream (hold cabin), tile red (benches) and deep blue floor (thanks to Tom who painted all of this) and the “walk on” surfaces are all , or will

be treated with non slip. The extra space in the lockers means we can be tidier and more organised – so some of the engine room equipment now rests in the hold. The engine room is a grey silver all through and the engine sits in the middle looking smart in its new deep blue paint – it’s clean, spacious and easy to maintain. And that means we will

need to dust, wash, polish, sponge to keep it just so!

The propeller/drive shaft/ stern gland renewal has proved to be just fine – she handles just as before - like a little ballerina (in the right hands). We are still completing the engine room doors repair using the cold galvanising 96% liquid zinc - “Zinga”, plus undercoats and silicon seals will keep the doors neat and rust free. We are applying strong magnets to the doors to keep them from swinging - another innovation. It’s


Spoilt, for a half penny worth of tar….

Boat Operation Manager’s Report

The new propeller

The sparkling blue engine ready to go

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just possible to see the new anodes when the water is clear and we shall see just how these sacrifice in three years (thanks to John Murray and Mr Latham from Zincsmart). There are six in total – four on the hull and two on the rudder. The tiller bar and tube have all been treated with Zinga as we found that they were corroded and the tube silted up. We have solid silicon gaskets top and bottom now to reduce future

siltation in the tube.

There is no stone left unturned on this boat’s renovation, “stem to stern” – the engine was stripped down to its basic components, new teeth on the fly wheel, new oil pipe (that had worn), adjustments and injector tests and it still sounds like a Lister! (thanks Neil).

Thanks to Brian who has laid coat after coat of British Racing Green

(and undercoats) on the outside – this has resulted in a really smooth finish that has to be stroked to be believed. We await the lettering and final bits eagerly, and this will be accomplished we hope in the next few weeks depending on the weather. There is no point rushing a good job and I prefer quality to speed; it lasts longer…worth the half penny worth of tar!

We are always seeking to improve and the boat seems to always

have some “work in progress”. The current work research and actions are – the gangplank (bringing this up to modern industrial specification), radio communication ( seek ing ex t e rna l funding to purchase proper marine spec units), steps (changing t h e c u r r e n t

(Continued from page 10)


Trust Vice Chair Helen Thomas gets ready to celebrate the re-launch

A toast, H&S would not allow us to crack it open!

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arrangement to make it safer and simpler), new cleat system (stainless steel in new position where they will not be rubbed against the jetty), “glass clear” tarpaulin (to enable the boat to run in poor weather and to stop charters being cancelled at the last minute) – do you have suggestions to help us improve? Email me on

[email protected]

Thanks to all who have helped, and to all who have offered…

F rank Cha lmer s , Operations Manager.


Below: Frank gives the thumbs up on the first training trip after the overhaul

Top: The last few feet

before the Waterwitch is afloat once more. Left; A satisfied

quintet Chris; Tom; Alan ; Frank & Neil have time for a smile. Right: A birds eye

view.

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HELEN’S WORD SEARCH

LANCASTER CANAL BRIDGES Can you find the 33 bridges in the maze below. If you want a real challenge then

cover the names up and use the Trust’s Canal Guide to pick them out!

Answer page 29

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Moving off of the main line of the Lancaster Canal I decided to report on a pub located near Glasson dock. This was the Mill Inn, converted in 1992 into a large pub originally known as Thurnham Mill but now just as The Mill. Set in its own extensive gardens and with a modern children’s out door play area and ducks to feed, the Inn itself retains its original flagstone floors in some bars and also the original wooden beams. An article in our Waterwitch in the 1970’s reveals that a closer look at Thurnham Corn mill is quite rewarding. It stated,

‘It receives mention in Ashmore's "Industrial Archaeology of Lancashire" but we have been able to expand on this by reference to the present day owners W. & J Pye Ltd, Agricultural Merchants & Food Compounders, of Fleet Square, Lancaster. We are extremely grateful to one of the Directors, R. Edgar Pye, for taking the trouble to give the Trust all he knows from his records. W quote:

"According to our records, the Lancaster Canal Company purchased a mill on this site in 1824, for about £1100, mainly to obtain the right to take water from the River Condor and divert it into the canal. We understand

that it was in bad condition at that time and was re-built 1829/30 for a cost of approx £750. About 1885 the mill and canal was sold to the London and North Western Railway Company and we took tenancy of it somewhere between 1887 and 1890, but probably


Fuelling Stops on the Lanky (The Glasson Arm)

The Mill Inn

Thurnham

Pub Manger Ian (right) at his Bar.

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The Mill Inn

Thurnham Mill Lane

Lancaster

LA2 0BD

T: (01524) 752852

Central Reservations:

0800 083 7706

http://www.thurnham-mill-

hotel.co.uk/index.php

1887. We purchased the property from the British Transport Commission in 1952.

I believe that there were three pairs of stones in the mill at one time and we

certainly ran an oatmeal plant there for many years. There was a drying

kiln installed and this part of the mill is now occupied by a special mixing

plant devoted to milk powder based feeds for calves etc. The turbine was

removed to give more warehousing space about 1970/71. My brother

found some reference to a mill at Thurnham in 1740 and we can only

presume that this was the mill purchased by the Lancaster Canal Company

in 1824."

Inside the pub has a main bar area which was well stocked with two well kept

beers from the Mitchell’s range, plus a guest. Also on offer was the usual

range of lagers and wines. There were three other adjoining seating areas,

each furnished in a slightly differing style -The Lockkeepers; The Mill Race and

The Miller’s lounges.

The pub, like most pubs these days, naturally relies heavily on the food side of the business and has a good menu including Lancashire produce, There is also a children’s menu. Tuesday evening is Indian Cuisine night. The Inn also has 15 comfortable en-suite rooms.

The building sits directly adjacent to the Canal and the Lock chamber so at times there is the chance to see the boats passing up and down the Canal. DC

This boater told me he was on his was going back to the Thames after a brief stop at the Dock.

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T he normal working party season

has now ended. In February,

although we’ve had a very

productive finish to the season,

helping to make up for the 2

cancelled sessions earlier.

In February, a good turn out of 16

volunteers had a very productive

day around the Hincaster tunnel.

The main focus of the work for that

day was repairing the walls on the

accommodation bridge at the East

end of the horsepath. Richard and

his team were able to use the skills

gained in working on the Western

bridge last year to get the walls

almost complete, with the only

outstanding work being to lift into

place the coping stones. Because of

the weight of the stones, this work

could only be completed after the

mortar had set, and so was not

completed until the following work

party in March.

The walls to both bridges have now

been completed to a very exacting

Heritage standard, and it ’s

something I feel the Trust as a

whole can be proud of.

In February, the rest of the group

not involved in the wall repairs

spent their time clearing vegetation

from the picnic area to the East end,

the towpath area to the West and

ivy from the East Portal. Clearing

the ivy from the portal revealed

extensive damage to one of the

buttresses, and because of the

access problems to repair this, we

feel it is a job which unfortunately

can not be undertaken by our

volunteers, and therefore best left

to British Waterways.

In March, our friends from WRG NW

came for the weekend, staying at

the village hall in Warton. A good

compliment of our own members

helped out on both Saturday and

Sunday.

As well as completing the wall at

Hincaster, we cleared the bywashes

and adjacent areas around

Tewitfield locks, and also used the

work boat to gain access into some

of the lock chambers to remove

saplings growing from the walls.

The bywashes and lock chambers

now look good, and it really makes

a difference to the view of them

from the towpath. This work is vital

to prevent future potential damage

to the walls, so that when we re-

open this section of the canal the

repairs required at that time will be

minimal.

In addition, work was started on

building the plinth to take the new

information panel at the current

head of navigation at Tewitfield

(more details about this on page 8)

The April working party continued

the work started in March, ensuring

that the plinth was ready for the

official opening in May.

Although that’s the end of the

normal working parties, we are

hoping to undertake one or two

projects during the summer.

Several people

have a l ready

expressed their

interest in working

t h r o u g h t h e

summer, and my

thanks to those

who have already

contacted me. If


Working

Party Report

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Top left: All ready to go

Top right: Sorting out the

stones

Middle left: Filling in the

jig-saw

Middle right: Nearly finished

Lower left: Topping out

Lower right: A grand job!

Bottom left: Chairman Richard

patching the opposite wall.

Repairing the East Parapet

Accommodation Bridge Hincaster Horse Path

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Clearing both portals on

the Hincaster Tunnel

Above left & right: Clearing the ivy above the Tunnel entrance

Left: Severe damage to the coping is probably going to be a job for BW with their lifting gear.

Above: Tackling the undergrowth at West entrance

Above: All working Parties love a bonfire!

Above: Time for lunch

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Waterway Recovery Group lends a hand

Tewitfield Locks

Top Left: The gathering. Middle Left and both above: One of the channels before, during and after to indi-cate the size of the problem and the vast improvement that was achieved. Left: There was also time to clear and relay the treads on the access path.

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Left & Below: Another before and after view indicating the amount of work that was done.

Above: Ivy clearance is most important

Left: Clearance of the lock cham-

bers using ‘Ebb’ ( or is it ‘Flow’). Both above: A working party can be quite energetic!

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Hello! The Lancaster Canal Trust extends a very warm welcome to

the following new members and we hope to see you at some of

our events:

Mr. C. Rothwell Endmoor

Mrs. D. Potts Sherburn in Elmet

Mr. G. Jones Morecambe

Mr. and Mrs. R. Arbon Burneston

Mrs. J. Macarthur Bedale

Mr. A. Kletz Ormskirk

Mr. and Mrs. S. Marklew Barrow – inn – Furness

Mr. S, Dent Radcliffe

A couple of very young Moorhens on the Glasson Arm by Thurnham Mill, 16th May.

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In the last issue's Restoration Report mention was made of a meeting of the IWA Restoration Committee (ResCom) which we were to host in April.

This meeting duly took place at Lane Farm, Crooklands, and was felt to be a great success and very instructive to the Trust in its efforts to become more proactive in restoration matters. Some 16 members of Rescom held their meeting alone during the morning after which several Trust members joined them for a buffet lunch. This allowed for much informal networking prior to a more formal presentation of the Trust’s aspirations using a PowerPoint presentation.

The Rescom members were given some handouts prior to their visit including a copy of the information sheet printed opposite. From the question and answer session that followed many interesting points were developed some of which were:-

Planning

We should keep any future works to as small an area as possible as planning fees are now based on area, “Certificate of Lawful Development” (aka "Certificate of

Lawfulness") may be required even if planning permission is not .

Extending (or raising) water levels could be construed as "impounding water" and permission might be required from EA by way of an empowerment licence though it is debatable whether you are impounding water if you are merely putting back water which was initially there.


Walking to Wellheads Lane

RESTORATION

REPORT

Meeting with IWA Restoration Committee on 24 April 2010

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Environment

Important at an early stage to undertake an environmental impact assessment - would help any subsequent planning application, i.e. to re-assure the Planning Officer that you were serious in your intent and to show that you have taken care to assess the environmental and architectural heritage issues from the outset. Any conservation management statement should cover principles for restoration and sustainability.

Raising Water Levels

Implications of the recently amended Reservoir Acts. If applicable, then a supervision engineer needs to inspect every 6/12 months. An inspecting engineer then needs to attend every 5 years. Possible difficulty is shortage of inspectors. Possible to trace existing leaks by change of vegetation along the line of canal (especially in dry weather). Need to take photographs before any work done. Check with Lancaster University (or other local academic institutions) for any LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered light to find range and/or other information of a distant target. It assists in looking for water presence from above.

Land ownership

Beware landowners' "fraud" in seeking compensation for damage from leakages (which were pre-existing !!!) or unrelated to canal. Consider a comprehensive photographic survey ahead of any works.

After the meeting the trust arranged a walk from Stainton along to Wellheads Lane (about 12 members of ResCom attending). All were apparently well impressed with their day out. During the walk it was indicated that if there were otters in the canal it was likely there were voles in the banks. If so the integrity of the banks may be at risk. Best to check at an early stage. Try the local Wildlife Trust for background information. Noted that any stones removed from the site would attract landfill tax.

Trust members all agreed it had been an extremely worthwhile exercise and were delighted to meet the ‘experts’. We are very much in IWA’s debt. TB


Members of the IWA RESCOM Committee with Trish, Helen, Mike Chris, Richard, Audrey Smith, Hal Bagot at Stainton before the walk to Wellheads Lane.

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Near the tunnel at Hincaster, when there was water in the cutting, there were some stables on the north approach and here lived an old canal worker who was always good for a chat. He said that often he and his fellow workers used to pull piglets out of the

water. These he said came from the slaughter houses on the edge of the canal basin in Kendal. They were obviously dead and were thrown into the water. The flow of

water must have been considerable going south to the locks at Tewitfield to have carried them thus far.

After the water was drained in the 1950’s we walked through the tunnel. You could see the workmanship of the builders from the eighteenth century and also the rope

that went through the rings on the end of iron stakes driven into the walls. The rope was for pulling the boats through the water, the horses went over the hill to be re-

attached to the barges or packet boats and so history says the horses walked

themselves the one mile over the hill, but I think maybe not.

A the bricks for the lining of the tunnel were made at Heversham, the clay was dug out,

then put into moulds and fired. They made so many bricks that an auction was held after the completion of the tunnel to sell off the over-production. The mounds can still

be seen where the excavation for the clay took place.

When the canal held water I used to fish on the south end of the tunnel and throw my line in as far as possible. The perch that swam to my worms were pale and horrible

looking so I soon gave that up and went to open water. Often, if you were quiet, a kingfisher sped past and perhaps if you were really lucky they might perch on a branch


Old Canal Thoughts - Long Ago & Far Away By Ian Dunn B.A., A.T.D.

Inside the tunnel -Hincaster

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near by.

Once I went through the tunnel, begging a lift from a maintenance boat (it is amazing what you can do with a sketch book under your arm). It was most irregular of course. It was quite dark in the middle and with dripping water and green coated lichen on the

walls. Never any sunshine and the echo, it seemed, of voices long gone. It was a most unwelcome place and the rumble of the trains going over the south exit added to the

atmosphere.

The packet boats probably had some form of illumination and I have painted a picture to show how it may have looked in the gloom of the tunnel. The barges I don't think would bother with any form of light. The man from the stables told me that he

understood the packet boats stopped before they went into the tunnel and

took on passengers from Hincaster and the surrounding area. I suppose it

would give the horses time to get to the other end and then be harnessed to

the boats when they arrived. I.Dunn


Taking on Passengers at Hincaster, Western End Ian tells me that he had to alter this picture into the more usual one seen with a fictitious horse going up an inserted horsepath, as people thought it not right to leave out a reference to such a important item. (see inset)

27

Anatomy of an Engine Or Why the Trust is very grateful to Neil McGarry

Above: New felt seal for seal housing

Right: Repaired oil pipe for rear bearing

as fitted

Above: Flywheel end bearing and seal

housing removed

Above: Drive spigot and flywheel

removed from the engine

Above: Gear box removed

Left: The old engine ready for overhaul

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Left: New ring gear fitted, old

alongside

Above: Resetting valve clearances

Right: Cleaned air filter

Above: Repaired drive peg as

fitted

Above: Checking injector spray

pattern and breaking pressure.

Both good.

Above: Timing side oil seal

replaced

29

ANSWER

TO

BRIDGES

WORD

SEARCH

Page 13

Right: The finished job!

A tribute to Neil's dedication and

all as a volunteer!

Right: A new fuel filter

Below: Fully assembled &

painted in primer

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S ince the turn of the year, British

Waterways have been working with

the relevant statutory bodies and

stakeholders in order to progress the

plans for the restoration of Canal Head

and the regeneration of Kendal.

As a vital partner for the restoration of

the Northern Reaches, we have met key

representatives from the Environment

Agency to introduce the new BW staff

members who would now be dealing with

the project, and also to discuss the

outstanding issues of the habitats

regulations and appropriate assessments

for the site. These discussions are

ongoing, and we hope to come to an

agreement on a way forward in the not to

distant future.

Similar discussions have also been held

with Natural England who are a statutory

consultee on any forthcoming application

in a similar manner to the Environment

Agency. A meeting was recently held

between BW and Natural England to

discuss the relevant issues. We expect

that Natural England will work with the

Environment Agency to co-ordinate a

joint response to our enquiries, and we

are hoping to receive a positive outcome

soon.

In early 2010, it was agreed between

members of the LCRP that we should

work with Gilkes to assist them with their

own plans for the site, as we share similar

visions for Canal Head. Since then, BW

has been approached by Charles

Crewdson of Gilkes over the issue of

canal construction costs, water supply,

and future maintenance and ownership of

canal head which in parts still lies with

Gilkes. BW has shared construction costs

and some guidance with regards to water

supply, and we are waiting for further

c o m m u n i c a t i o n f r o m G i l k e s

representatives. British Waterways and

LCRP are committed to working with

Gilkes as much as possible to achieve the

aim of beginning restoration works

During the life of the scheme, a

significant investment has been made by

LCRP towards the production of a wealth

of feasibility work, and the work

completed to date by the specialist

consultant Arup is being reviewed by

BW’s own technical experts. It is

anticipated that more work will be

required on this review once we have

received responses from the EA and NE.

Arup’s original commission from the

LCRP included the completion of the

planning permission documentation,

however the emergence of the Gilkes

scheme means that there is still a decision

to be made as to how two separate

planning applications can be coordinated

to the benefit of all parties. Further talks

with Gilkes will be held in the near future

once their community consultation

exercise has taken place in May.

SH.

(see Gilks article that follows. ED)

B ritish Waterways

Update...

31

Public Consultation on

Gilks Development

Proposals at

Canal Head Kendal

As mentioned in the BW Update the

community consultation, arranged by

Messrs Gilks in support of their plans

to develop Canal Head to their own

specification, took place in their

foundry works during the week

commencing 10th May. I and several

Trust members at tended the

Exhibition and were rather impressed

at the detail that Gilks had developed

and the chance this gave to the town

to move forward. In discussion with

Charles Crewdson, (Chairman of

Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon), he

volunteered the following points.

He had felt somewhat sidelined by

the LCRP scheme for Phase I from

Canal Head to Natland (led by SLDC/

BW), although they were a major

landowner of the site. Also, having

been turned down for planning on

two applications to rebuild a more

efficient factory on the outskirts of

Kendal, Gilks now feel there is no

alternative, if they are to retain a

presence and therefore jobs in

Kendal, but to try to relocate to a new

purpose built factory and offices at

Canal Head itself.

They are to submit a planning

application for most of the site down

to Castle Bridge. They hope to reach

an amicable solution with BW/SLDC

in line with the LCRP’s proposals

but, if not, and with no Area Action

Plan yet in sight of being ratified,

they may have to go ahead alone.

Within the proposals are the

provision of a length of Canal down

to Castle Bridge, following the exact

line of the old canal bed. It will be

built to full standards but they expect

it to be adopted by BW or others re

maintenance. In addition they will

fund a new vehicle road bridge across

the Kent from New Road. There will

be some underground car parking to

cater for customers of the new

supermarket which will be the main

source of f inance for th i s

development. Which supermarket is

still not known. Provision exists to

build affordable housing but this will

need to be financed by others.

Gilks have attempted to retain many

of the features of the area, The old

chimney will be retained as will the

existing old entrance arches and

ticket office. A view has been

preserved from the existing bridge

over the Kent and up to the Castle

and open spaces both for recreation

and for the allotments are provided.

To many in the Trust who have seen

it, as well as members of the Kendal

Civic Society, this appears to be a

reasonably acceptable solution and

hopefully will galvanise officialdom

into action as they cannot ignore a

planning application. Without Gilks

co-operation it is clear that unless

Gilks give up and go we will never

get a Canal Head development for

some considerable time. Could we be

seeing the diggers in by 2012? Mr.

Crewdson hopes so.

DC (continued on page 28)

32

(continued from page 27)

New Superstore

New road bridge

from New Road

New Gilks

Factory and

Offices

Canal Aspects

33

THE LANCASTER

CANAL

make known their expertise and experience in all sorts of areas that can be directed towards the task of running the Trust and achieving the restoration project. Please don’t hide your light under a bushel; contact any one of the committee members listed on the back pages. You don’t necessarily have to join a committee (though more support in that area will be very welcome, speak up in time for the AGM!). You don’t have to be physical or attend working parties. Practical help can come in various guises but unless we know what you can do we cannot make the best use of that great resource that is out there – the Trust’s own members. RT


you haven’t had the details,

and you fancy helping us out,

then please let me know and

I’ll keep you informed when we

have something specific

planned.

I’d just like to finish by

thanking all those who have

helped out on the working

parties during the last season,

no matter how small the

contribution. I look forward to

seeing you all again for what

should be an interesting and

varied programme of works

next time.

Paul Shaw

07866 803351


34

President

C.H.Bagot J.P. F.R.I.C.S.,D.L

Vice - President

John Gavan

Chairman

Richard Trevitt 2 Fern Bank, Lancaster. LAI 4TT (01524) 846303

Vice - Chairman

Helen Thomas 7 Bay View, Over Kellet, Carnforth, LA6 1DR

(01524) 735504

Secretary

David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal LA9 6AD (01539) 732599

Treasurer

Adrian Hughes “Ilex", Keasdale Road, Carr Bank, Milnthorpe LA7 7LH

(01524) 761879

Membership Secretary

Adrian Hughes “Ilex", Keasdale Road, Carr Bank, Milnthorpe LA7 7LH

(01524) 761879

Public Relations Officer

Trisha Buzzard 07802438412

Waterwitch Editor


Working Party Organiser


Grants Officer

Chris Jones Apt 305, Liberty House, Yard 5, Highgate, Kendal,

Cumbria LA9 4BU 07816 874563

LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee

May 2010

35

Arlen Hire Boats

Australian Canal Society

Beetham Parish Council

Burton - in - Kendal Parish Council

Bury & District Anglers Association

Catterall Parish Council

C.A.R.P. Ltd

Holme Parish Council Lancaster Canal Boat Club

Kendal Civic Society Natland Parish Council Newton with Clifton Parish Council Preston Patrick Parish Council Ramblers Association (Preston Area) South Lakeland District Council

Westmorland & North Lancashire

Long Distance Walkers Assoc

Waterwitch is copyright 2010, published by The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No. 240957) c/o David Currington, 12 Sedbergh Road, Kendal, LA9 6AD

The Lancaster Canal Trust may not agree with the 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 Trust accepts no liability for

any matter in the magazine. The editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication.

The deadline for contributions to the next edition of Waterwitch

will be August 31th 2010

Contributions may be e-mailed to [email protected]

Or by post to David Currington 12 Sedbergh Road Kendal, Cumbria

LA9 6AD

Trisha Buzzard

07802438412

Publicity Officer & Trip Boat Committee

Alan Mather

Trip Boat Committee 07730 260003

Sandra Henstock

(L.C.B.C. Representative) (01253)764171

Fran Valiant

Chairman Recruitment & Promotions

(01943) 430494

Paul Shaw Working Party Supervisor 07866 803351

Frank Chalmers

Boat Operations Manager

07973113046

Affiliated Members

Printed by Kent Valley Colour Printers, Kendal. (01539)741344

Visit LCT website at: http://www.lancastercanaltrust.org.uk/

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS & OTHER TRUST OFFICERS

36

Down Memory Lane

Above: The Old Lock Cottage, Tewitfield

Below: The now demolished Caton Road Aqueduct

On the road north out of Lancaster.

Waterwitch #143 Spring 2010

Documents

Transcript of Waterwitch #143 Spring 2010