Waterwitch #147 Autumn 2011

Autumn 2011 Edition

WATERWITCH MAGAZINE OF THE

LANCASTER CANAL TRUST

Number 147

The Lancaster Canal Trust (Registered Charity No.240957)

Affiliated to the Inland Waterways Association

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

Another Milestone for the

Lancaster Canal Trust

2

In the summer we were contacted by

Ruth Hughes the Administrator for

Young Cumbria. Who are they, you

might ask? And so did we.

Ruth told us that “In the School holidays

in summer they run a National Citizen

Service Scheme aimed at young

people who have finished year 11 (ie 16

year olds), and it is designed to help

promote a sense of community spirit and

ownership and also to help foster a

sense of responsibility for the

community, its people, and the

environment.”

In our case Ruth wondered if the Trust

could offer a task that their young

volunteers might tackle in an allocated

four day period during August Bank

Holiday week. After some thought we

asked if they might be able to construct a

small landing stage at the end of the

remaindered section of Canal at

Stainton. This is something that Alan,

our Boat Operations Manager, has often

thought would be very useful for

extended charted trips, conveying

materials to working parties etc., but it

never rose to the top of our ‘things to

do next’ list. Such a scheme would be

ideal, they would start with a plain canal

bank and finish with a very useful jetty.

They would have a visible sense of

achievement,

This idea proved very acceptable and so

it was that on the Tuesday following

Bank Holiday seven young, people both

lads and lassies, arrived in their minibus

to start work. The Trust provided

qualified members to oversee the work

alongside the leaders sent from young

Cumbria. At this point we must thank

Richard for all his design work and for

Alan Mather, & Trevor Cotton for their

assistance in this work.

Richard Trevitt had designed the jetty

which was to be built in reclaimed

‘plastic wood.’ British

Waterways generously

provided the bulk of the

material and the Trust

made up the difference.

Some peop le were

assigned to cutting the

various lengths, pile driving

the posts into the canal

bed and bolting on the

different bracing struts to

give rigidity. As we did not

allow the use of powered

tools other than a battery

drill it was not easy work.

In the event we finished up (Continued on page 11)

YOUNG CUMBRIA

3

Contents

Young Cumbria 2

Letter from the Editor 3

Chairman's Report 4

Peter Thomas Obituary 5

Ollie Geere Obituary 6

Boat Operation Manger’s Report 7

Summer Events Round Up 8

Working Party Report 13

Our 2010 Odyssey 17

From Stainton to London Bridge by Kayak 23

Whych Way to Ripon 24

British Waterways Update 27

LCT Constitution 29

British Rowing Tour 2011 33

Hello 35

Spanish Ladies! 36

100 club Results 37

Young Cumbria picture gallery rear cover

Front cover: The long lost mile post at Stainton discovered by Trevor Cotton during

preparations for the Stainton Bridge working party.

Again, welcome to all our members whether new or old. Now that we are only

producing an edition every four months instead of three and with the many activities

that have occurred during our so called summer, this edition is packed even at forty

pages. It is gratifying to receive several articles from members and others who have

travelled the canal with their own craft whether canal boat, kayak or rowing boat.

The working party people have been very busy as have those members who have

fully supported the recruitment and promotion activities of the Trust. In particular

we wish to thank the time and organisation put in by both Richard Trevitt and Beryl

Bowcott. There is much organising to do even before these events/activities take

place. We had a successful AGM and, as requested, our full Trust Constitution is

reproduced.

Two unusual events this year a septuagenarian kayaking from Stainton to London, and

the Annual British Rowing Tour along the navigable length of the Lancaster Canal.

It is sad to have to include news of the death of three members, two of whom were

very active in the Trust over many years. I refer to both Peter Thomas and Ollie

Geere. I will say no more as the obituaries tell it much better. It is possible that

Helen Thomas and the Trust will celebrate Peter’s life by having some young larch

trees planted to replace those recently lost and others that are going the same way.

I do hope you enjoy this edition of Waterwitch. David Currington Editor

4

The past few months have seen a lot of activity

on several fronts, much of which you will read

about in greater detail further on in this edition.

Our usual summer season of shows and events has

been as busy as ever, although the weather has

somewhat limited the number of people we have

been able to reach. Next year will see a different

spread of shows, with no IWA National Festival

(because of the Olympics) but with Preston Guild

giving us a major local event.

Two somewhat unusual waterborne events took

place on the Lancaster Canal. In May & June

Peter Woolsey canoed from Stainton to Preston

and onward through the canal network to London,

recreating the trip he did as a teenager in 1958.

Then in September British Rowing held their 18th

annual tour here, with 15 crews rowing from

Preston to Tewitfield over three days. It was

great to see these different activities taking place

on our home waters.

The development work at Lune Aqueduct got

under way in mid August with the aid of the £1M

grant from Heritage Lottery Fund. Work started

on the construction of the new ramp connecting

the towpath and the riverside path, as well as the

improvement of the existing steps. November and

December will see a navigation stoppage to

facilitate the piling of the banks on the

embankment between the river and Caton Road.

Our restoration activities focussed on Stainton

Crossing Bridge (172) where the parapet wall was

dismantled and rebuilt to get rid of the tree roots

which were causing its progressive collapse. The

joint LCT/Waterway Recovery Group working party

in September involved more than 30 people, 19

of them Trust members, producing 80 volunteer-

days of work over the four day weekend project.

Unfortunately the wet weather and the level and

flow of Stainton Beck meant that we had to

postpone the intended underpinning work on

Stainton Aqueduct.

A delegation from Lancaster Canal Restoration

Partnership has been engaged in a series of

meetings with South Lakeland District Council and

Messrs Gilkes concerning the Canal Head site in

Kendal, the purpose being to ensure the

compatibility of the LCRP planning application for

the canal head basin and Gilkes own application

for redevelopment of their existing canal head

site, including factory, supermarket, offices &

housing. If the two applications are submitted

with a conflict between them, either or both will

fail to get approval and it is widely acknowledged

that, for the benefit of Kendal, both should

succeed. This new canal head will hopefully be the

catalyst for 14 miles of canal regeneration. There

will be consultation with interested parties and

the public at large in the near future.

On wider issues the Trust is enjoying a high

profile, with the website attracting a lot of

attention. BBC’s programme makers made contact

via this route for help with two new series on

‘Great Railway Journeys’ and ‘Britain at Risk’.

Look out for them early next year. Requests for

speakers often come via the website, including for

a local history conference in Preston and for the Cumbria Branch of the Institution of Civil

Engineers. Our response to the public

consultation on the proposed Heysham – M6 link

road specifically focussed on the canal crossing

between bridges 111 and 112 and I am pleased

to report that our comments have been adopted

by Lancashire County Council.. Now read on…

Richard Trevitt

Chairman’s Report

5

Although Peter was not a member of

any of the Committees of the Trust he

spent many hours working on its behalf,

particularly as a member of the trip boat

operat ing team. As a ta lented

photographer he built up a large

portfolio of photographs of the

Lancaster Canal and other canals

throughout the country. Some of these

photographs gained national recognition

through inclusion in many publications.

He spent hours scanning these and

other members' photos into his

computer to provide the Trust with a

valuable source of images that are used

today as an important element of selling

the restoration of the canal through our

talks programme.

One of his most important contributions

to the Trust was the production of the

Virtual Cruise - a video presentation

showing a narrowboat cruising the

Northern Reaches, portraying the

change from dereliction to cruising

waters.

A dedicated family man Peter was always

kind, courteous and willing to help

whatever the problem. Perhaps his

most lasting legacy is the plaque he

designed to help promote the

restoration of the canal, a project which

took him a matter of minutes but so

vividly portrays the canal, blocked by the

motorway, winding its way northwards

towards the Lakeland fells in the

background. Today there are many

boats on the canal system carrying a

little piece of Peter Thomas.

He will be sorely missed by his friends

and the members of The Lancaster

Canal Trust. PC

Dr. Peter Thomas (1939 – 2011)

Legacy

Miss Edna Sibbert of Longridge, formerly of Fulwood Preston,

joined our Trust in 1988 and became a life member in 1997.

Miss Sibbert unfortunately passed away several months ago

but she graciously left the Trust a legacy of £3091.27 in her

Will. The Trust has written to thank the Executors for this

generous act and to express condolences. The money will be

used to further our restoration activities DC

6

This name may not mean much to

the majority of members but to

those of us who are part of the ‘dirty

weekend’ brigade he was our ‘Ollie’. I

can’t remember exactly when he first

appeared at a working party; he was

by no means a young man then, but

the amount of work he got through

would put those much younger to

shame. He always enjoyed his days

out but perhaps his favourite was the

first working party of the New Year

when it was not unknown for the

attendees to celebrate the event with

a wee dram of a beverage distilled

from malted barley and Scottish

water – purely for medicinal

purposes of course!

However, he wi l l be most

remembered for his efforts to ensure

that the area around the stables at

Crooklands was always kept tidy

during the trip boat operating season,

sometimes travelling from his home

in Ulverston a couple of times a week

to undertake this work, often with

the assistance of Don Cook.

Though he never worked on the boat

he was as much a part of the trip

boat operating team as any of the

crew and it was always a pleasure to

see Ollie and his wife, Nell at the

celebrations at the end of season.

Ollie and Nell supported the Trust

whenever they could and they were

always to be seen at the coffee

mornings where they always

purchased a goodly number of raffle

tickets and were generally rewarded

for their generosity. They were never

able to stay long enough to collect

their prize personally and this

provided the perfect excuse for Pat

and Gordon Clapham to drive over

to Ulverston to deliver it and have a

good natter.

Ollie was one of life’s gentlemen,

always willing to help anyone with

anything and he has enriched the lives

of those who had the pleasure to

know him. He often said how he

dreamt of the day when the canal

would be reopened to Kendal but

always added “but I don’t think it will

be in my lifetime.” How I wish we

could have done more to make his

dream come true. He will be sadly

missed. David Slater

Oliver Geere - 1928 - 2011

7

The boat is running well apart from

increased fuel consumption mainly

due to increasing shallowness of the

canal. The previously mentioned

loose rudder shaft has been inspected

by Neil and will be attended to at the

end of season, it may be necessary to

employ a Mobile Welder.

Passenger numbers are down due to

poor weather of late. This year we

are running the boat for 5

consecutive Saturdays from 6th

August, up to now passenger

numbers have been low but the

donations per passenger and table

sales much higher than Sundays.

Over £40 on Saturday August 20th

from 2 trips and only 4 passengers.

The boat will be carrying building

materials from Millness yard for the

Stainton Landing Stage project and

the September Working parties

weekend.

Not a good year for Charters, up to

now, 3 cancellations.

I am pleased to report that the skill

level of this year’s new skippers

continues to improve. There have

been no accidents or near misses.

We have one new trainee who has

had a day with the boat crew, he is a

skilled boat handler & has several

RYA qualifications and a safe, sensible

outlook I am confident he will make

an excellent skipper. A further

trainee is scheduled to have his boat

experience day in September. It is my

intention to recruit a few more

trainees and to have an assessment in

June 2012.

Pe t e r S immonds ha s a g a i n

volunteered to help with training.

Training will commence in April

2012.

The tree by the stable needs pruning,

I am concerned that Autumn gales

may cause the lower branches to

damage the Stables roof. Between the

winding hole and Stainton on the off

side there are several trees with low

overhanging branches that are a

danger to navigation & these have

now been pruned with the help of

Trevor Cotton.

The H&S Policy Statement has been

prominently displayed on the pillar in

the Stables. There was concern over

the the soft ground in the Stables

area allowing chairs and their

occupants to fall over backwards.

This problem has now been

addressed.

A good boat clerk is the first step to

a successful days boating, canal

promotion, table sales and record

keeping. So a big thank you Sue

Dixon, Olive Hill and Carol Hannigan.

I intend to recruit two more clerks. AM

Boat Operation Manager’s Report

21st October The Boaters’ Dinner,

Crooklands Hotel

The Trust’s dedicated number for booking charters is

07961929102

8

S mall but perfectly formed is the best

way to describe our presence at the

IWA National at the end of July this

year. The Festival is usually held at the

end of August, ie the bank holiday, but

this year it was decided to bring it

forward so as not to clash with so many

other events going on during the Bank

Holiday.

The show opened at lunch time on

Friday and continued until

Sunday afternoon. It was deemed to be

a great success with over 25000

members of the public coming to

have a look including more than 300

boats on display over a 3 mile

length of canal. The Trust attended

with information about our

Restoration proposals for the

Northern Reaches which created a

lot of interest. We counted 208

(Continued on page 10)

Inland Waterways Association National Waterways Festival 2011

Shobnall Fields, Burton

Summer Events Round

This apology for a summer has seen a number of events attended by the Trust and

usually made up of those active Trust members who enjoy a good day out! Yes, it

really can be enjoyable. even in the rain. The following pages will bring all our

members up to date, and who knows, those living near enough may wish to join in.

Just contact Beryl via the web site, but there was not room for all and the Scorton

Village Fair, and Westmorland Show, had to make way for other topics. Beryl

acknowledges, with thanks, all the help received throughout the summer. ED

9

An event the Trust has not taken its

sales & information stand to for

some years is the Cumbria Steam

Gathering. Held over the last

weekend of July it is arguably the

largest event of its kind in the

north west and despite its

somewhat remote location on the

shores of Morecambe Bay at

Flookburgh, it always attracts

large crowds and this year was no

exception.

LCT ‘HQ’ was again Alan’s

caravan from where Sheila

issued beverages, butties and

cake at regular intervals to

sustain the front line troops –

Alan, Beryl, Sheila Slater and

David, all of whom were kept

busy by a steady stream of

visitors most of whom showed

a genuine interest in the work

of the Trust and our

restoration plans for the canal,

whilst the sales table recorded the

highest volume of sales of any of

the events attended so far this year.

And by the way membership forms

kept disappearing off the leaflets

table, we hope we will be able to

recruit a healthy number of new

members for the Trust whilst Alan

was kept busy collecting signatures

on our restoration petition. (Continued on page 12)

CUMBRIA STEAM

GATHERING

10

"interested" people who wanted to know

all about what we were doing and we

had a good attendance at the

presentation theatre for our illustrated

talk. Although we only recruited one

new member - it was the Chairman of

BW no less - so we felt justified in going

for quality rather than quantity!

We also took the opportunity to

promote our plans for the IWA

Campaign Festival which will be held

over the August Bank holiday next year

on the canal at Haslam Park in Preston

to co-incide with the Preston Guild

celebrations in 2012. Many thanks to

John Acres and Mike and Fran Valiant

who came to help with the stand and

pass on the good word. Thanks also to

Dave and Carol Hannigan for their help

and congratulations to them for winning

the award for the best decorated entry

on the campsite ...TB

The Inland Waterways Association reported

The huge swell of support from boaters,

volunteers, exhibitors and visitors has

generated the most successful national

festival for The Inland Waterways

Association (IWA) since 2007.

The Waterways Festival, staged in Burton

upon Trent from 29th to 31st July, also

enjoyed beautiful weather which was a

welcome return after a run of mixed

weather for the last four years.

Latest figures from the festival organisers

revealed:

•Around 25,000 visitors attended the event

over the three day period •360 boats

moored along the Trent and Mersey canal –

stretching 1.5 miles in either direction of the

festival site.

•A record breaking 28 historic boats were

on show

•350 camping units stayed on-site

•250+ organisations exhibited - ranging

from boat builders to local crafts people.

(Continued from page 8)

The weather forecast was very bad with

the tail end of the American Hurricane

en route, etc and so we set up on

Wednesday afternoon with concerns

that the marquees would not make it

through the night. Luckily all was well

except for water leaking through the join

between the two marquees - I think we

should have had umbrellas to issue to

visitors to the stand!

However, the day progressed fairly well.

There were many visitors to the stand

seeking information on all aspects of the

canal from the situation in Preston to the

progress with the northern reaches and

the usual questions on walking, cycling,

fishing, etc. Our walking leaflets were

very popular. Evidence that the trip boat

was kept busy was provided by the

gradually deepening mud bath on the

route between stand and towpath.

We were pleased to enrol four new

members which helped to take the

income for the day to £202 pounds

which included a donation from the

security guards who enjoyed Sheila's

home made bacon butties.

Many thanks to Alan (suffering after two

accidents during the week) and Sheila,

Phil, Chris, Trish (who battled on with

badly injured ribs) Helen and Steve and

Hazel. Beryl Bowcott

Westmorland County Show

Crooklands 8th September 2011

11

For those who missed this event it was

cold, it was showery and it was very,

very windy - but, otherwise a well

organised, pleasant Country Show.

A band of intrepid volunteers erected

the three marquees (two adjoining Alan

Mather's caravan and awning and the

third near the gate to the towpath for

use in manning the boat) on the

Friday afternoon and early evening

before the festival. After a stormy

night for those in the caravan the

morning found that the marquee had

turned turtle in the night and quite a

bit of water had been deposited in the

main marquees and on the sales stall.

Yet again we will have to check with

the manufacturer of the marquees to see

what can be done.

The weather was so poor that we had

few visitors over the two days.

However, we did manage to recruit five

useful new members (one poor

unsuspecting father being bought a

membership by his daughter for a

Fathers' Day present!). Total takings

were over £100 despite the low

numbers.

COUNTRY FEST

Crooklands June 2011

with a very sound framework but not

quite enough time to fully fit the decking

other than on a temporary basis.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the work,

especially putting on the chest waders

and getting into the Canal itself. At the

end of the final day Alan took them all

on a short trip on our boat. The final

touches were made the following week

by a couple of the Working Party

members from the Stainton Bridge event

and once the vegetation has regrown we

will have a very useful jetty to further

our Trip Boat work and it will be very

useful for all members of the general

public to use to launch canoes/boats etc.

Well done to Young Cumbria DC

Photo gallery on the back cover


12

Thanks are due to Alan & Sheila,

Beryl and Sheila and David Slater for

their help over the weekend and to

Phil Molyneux and his wife for

helping to set up on the Friday. Also

to Sheila and David for ensuring that

the gazebo damaged at the

‘Countryfest’ event was repaired in

time for use at this event.


Top:

The repaired Trust

Gazebo

Below:

Beryl busy setting up for

the event

Another wet morning on Saturday 16th

July found your intrepid volunteers

assembled on the side of Preston Dock

setting up their marquees and trying to

decide where the entrances should be to

minimise wind and rain incursion and still

be visible and welcoming to the visitors.

All was eventually arranged but

attendance was low due to the weather

conditions.

However, after lunch the rain stopped,

the sun did its best to lift spirits despite a

few more light showers and attendance

improved. The events were mainly

musical and took place within a set up of

marquees - outside there were boating

competitions in the dock, various (mainly

food) stalls and some "street theatre" on

the dockside including a very funny pair of

Viking Impersonators.

The Trust managed to raise £92 56, to

enrol one new member and to talk to

many Prestonians and other visitors about

the canal. Trish's bucket (with sturdy

spade) received donations towards the

restoration project to be started on the

northern end of the canal and the

absence of the jet skiers was mourned by

at least one member of the party!

Thanks to David Slater, Ian and Leslie

Treanor, Paul Shaw, Trish Buzzard,

Doreen Britton and Dorothy Schofield.

Beryl Bowcott

Preston Riversway

Festival

June 2011

13

Ah! Fame at last; much of our efforts do

seem to go unnoticed - but that may

change in the near future Early in August

during our mid-week working party at

Stainton Crossing Bridge a team from the

BBC came to film us in action for a

nationwide series of programmes to go

out early next year (BBC2 they think)

called "Britain At Risk ...".

There are 13 programmes in the series

and they are filming about 90

restoration projects - specifically those

being undertaken by volunteers. So we

may get our 5 minutes of glory after all.

They filmed the Waterwitch coming up

to the end of water at Stainton and

then chatted to some of our working

party members. It will be interesting to

see what remains of 31/2 hours of

filming by the time the editors have

finished with us!!!

The working party in question was

undertaking preliminary work, such as

vegetation clearance from the bridge (and

needless to say, Beryl did her "special" job

on the steps), in readiness for the

following September working party when

Northwest WRG's came up to work on

Stainton Crossing Bridge and Stainton

Beck Aqueduct. All this in preparation for

relining and re-watering the canal bed

north of Stainton Crossing

The planned tasks for the September

work party originally included working on

both the Stainton Crossing bridge and

Stainton Aqueduct. Unfortunately the

recent rainfall had already put the

aqueduct work in doubt and an inspection

on Thursday morning of Stainton Beck,

which runs under the aqueduct,

immediately ruled out any work on this

structure as the water levels were too

high and the flow too strong. This job will

have to be re-scheduled for a future

working party.

However, the main task, and the most

important one, was to take down the

parapet of Stainton Crossing bridge in

order to remove tree growth that had

caused the stonework to become

displaced and weakened. As it would

have been unsafe on such a narrow bridge

to carry out the

works while it

was still being

used by motor

t r a f f i c ,


Working

Party Report

14

preparation for this activity was both long

and costly . Early on the Trust had to

submit an application to Cumbria County

Council for a road closure which not only

required payment for the necessary public

notices, but also an administration fee.

We also had to engage a contractor to

deploy diversion signs for road users who

would normally have used the bridge.

Another preparatory task, and cost, was

to have scaffolding professionally erected

to ensure the work could be carried out

safely. The first task for the volunteers

was to remove the heavy coping stones

which capped the parapet. These stones

weigh far more than can be comfortably

or safely lifted even by several people and

so a telehandler plus driver was very

generously provided by James

Richardson, Groundwork Contractor of

Ingleton, who worked with us on a similar

project last year . Each stone was marked

and stacked carefully so that it could be

returned to its original position during the

rebuilding stage.

The bridge work party then attacked the

rest of the stonework removing all the

stones above sapling growth. Often roots

were found which disappeared into

adjacent stones so the work

continued until all major trunk and

roots had been uncovered and

eradicated. Again all the stones were

carefully marked and stacked so that

it would be possible to rebuild them

in more or less the same places.

This work went on through rain and

shine. During most of the morning

t h e t e a m

laboured under

heavy drizzle

but during the

afternoon it

brightened up

considerably.

By the end of

Fr iday th is

stage of the

operation was

complete. The

W a t e r w a y

R e c o v e r y

Group (WRG)

volunteers then

had to get

themselves cleaned up ready to man

(and woman) the Lancaster Canal

Trust float in the Kendal Torchlight

Carnival in the evening.

Saturday dawned warm and dry,

which was important as the

rebuilding has to be to heritage

standards using lime mortar.



15

A cement mixer was brought in to full

use as bucket after bucket was taken up

to the stone layers using a powered

wheelbarrow. Progress was fast, despite

a few squally showers that required the

work to be temporarily covered to

prevent the lime mortar from being

washed out. By early afternoon the wall

was rebuilt to the level ready to take the

coping stones. The only remaining task

was pointing the stones on both sides of

the wall.

Sunday morning saw a concentrated

effort to replace the heavy coping

stones and get the wall secured

ahead of the threatened severe

weather moving in. With this task

successfully completed and the

copings adjusted for a smooth

alignment over the curve of the

wall, all the parapet was pointed on

both sides. Protective sheeting was

placed and securely tied down to

keep the rain out.

On Monday all that remained was

to brush up the pointing, clean up

the site and all our equipment and

to stand back with a cup of tea and

admire our weekend’s work.

Not everyone was employed

working on the bridge parapet.

Several also worked on the other

side of the bridge removing as much

tree growth and other pernicious

vegetation from the stonework as

possible. There was also a bonfire

party dealing with burning the

remains of the tree that was cut

down in August. All the large logs

had already been removed for use

in the winter on house fires, but the

small stuff was reduced to ash.

Another job was the finishing off of

the landing stage built the previous

week by a group of 16/17 year old

volunteers from Young Cumbria.

(See Article on page). Unfortunately

they did not have the time to

complete the decking although the



16

posts were driven into the canal

bed and the cross bracing and

support beams were solidly

constructed. A small team

therefore completed putting the

decking planks and edging strips

onto the frame.

Trevor Cotton also made an

interesting re-discovery of a

milestone. (See front cover). He had

noticed the stone during the

August work party but it was

mostly buried in the bank. He had

checked the Ordnance Survey map

of the area and it did show a

milestone at this location, it had just

got lost in the bank through ground

slip and vegetation growth.

Mike Valiant, Trisha Buzzard &


Future working party plans include a revisit to

Stainton on 9th October, a canal clean up in Pres-

ton on 13th November as a start to Preston Guild

Canal Festival. preparations

17

Have you thought of making a Will to include a legacy to

The Lancaster Canal Trust ????

Such a legacy would provide a long lasting memory of your association with this beautiful part of Cumbria and Lancashire linking their history through the present and into the future.

For further details please contact:

Richard Trevitt Chairman LCT 2 Fern Bank

Lancaster LA1 4TT (01524)846303

PRESTON GUILD 2012 Plans are underway for a water based event at Haslam Park in conjunction

with the Preston Guild celebrations next year (2012). A joint committee has

been formed to include representatives of the Trust, IWA, the L C B C, ACE,

Friends of Haslam Park and Preston City Council. It is likely the event will be

held during the August Bank holiday to include an IWA Campaign Rally in

the park area. Further details will become available during the next few

months

An extract from an email the Editor received from Cath Davenport

relating to the article on the Crooklands stables renovation in issue

146.

“Hi David!

Incidentally, I was amazed to see my old photos of Crooklands

Stables resurrected in the last Waterwitch- Graham Robinson & Bill

Wappett are pictured - the Mighty Man being the latter. These pictures

were used in displays, at talks and at shows to illustrate what progress

was being made - albeit in a small way.”

18

Following chats over the winter/spring 4

of us: - Gematice ll, Arthur Crossland,

Sapphire and ourselves agreed to try the

Ribble & Liverpool links. Both were

booked as soon as the application forms

were available.

On the 13th. June we set off with our

new dog Sky to meet up with the others

at Salterforth for the start of our trip.

On the 19th we all set off and spent the

first night near bridge 115 where we

found Kittiwake and Gala Day already

moored. Time to catch up on gossip and

news.

When we reached the bottom of the 23

locks at Wigan the pound was very low.

This was due to a breakdown at the

pumping station, which lifts water from

the river Douglas into the canal. Once

we reached Crooke the level was ok.

From here on the canal is much nicer, as

is the Rufford branch and well worth a

visit even if not doing the Ribble link.

When we had moored at Tarleton the

chaps went to look at the river and lock.

Harry who lives nearby and assists BW

came out to see us, then gave us our

instructions for the crossing, showing us

photos of stranded boats that hadn’t

taken notice. He then told us to wait on

the visitor mooring till the next morning

when we would be leaving at about

11.00. At 11.30 no one had come so we

set off for the lock to see what was

happening (there are no moorings at the

lock). They had been trying to ring us for

½ hour but none of us had a phone

signal! We were told to leave the lock at

speed and cross into the incoming tidal

flow, then go flat out till we reached the

next boatyard about 20 mins. away. The

river then widens out so the flow is less

but you need to maintain a good speed

to reach the half tide gate up Savick

Brook before it closes. Once the river

widens there are good long distance


Our 2010 odyssey

On the Douglas with Sapphire

behind us.

Quite wide here with good views.

The entrance to Savick Brook

The holding pontoons

19

views. As we reached the Asland Lamp,

the junction with the river Ribble, we

were on slack water. This soon changed

to fighting the ebbing tide as we headed

for Savick Brook. Part way Bernard rang

ahead, then called us to say we only had

30 mins. left to reach the brook or we

would have to proceed to Preston

marina at £12 per night. The entrance to

Savick Brook looks quite narrow after

the wide Ribble with little leeway when

there is a strong push downstream from

the tide. The BW chap waved us in so

we had made it in time. Now for the half

mile of twists and turns to reach the tide

gate.

Once through we headed for the holding

pontoons to await the others. The last

boat made it with just 5 mins. to spare.

From here the brook is like a deep-sided

ditch with some tight bends.

At the locks it is best to be first or last

as BW have to open and padlock the

gates so you get help! Just below the final

staircase of 3 locks is a rather shallow

winding hole and it is easier for longer

boats to enter the lock backwards as

most did. At the top is a nice basin but

we were told it was better to go up the

Lancaster a short way to moor overnight

as the boats going down next day need

to be at the top of the locks.

The Lancaster is a nice lock free canal

but rather shallow in many places

including some moorings. Garstang is

one exception with lots of wide towpath

mooring with rings. Ideal for BBQs and

sitting out with a drink. Across the canal

is a nice pub with good food and a short

walk takes you into town with lots of

shops. At Galgate (the top of the Glasson

arm) is another long stretch of mooring

with nearby pubs, a small supermarket

and a chippy. Lancaster has moorings but

the ones outside the pub get noisy.

Carnforth has a few handy for the large

Tesco.

At Tewitfield, the head of navigation,

there are a few shallow moorings more

suited to cruisers. We turned and

moored about ¼ mile back, then walked

up to explore the locks above.



Leaving Tewitfield

Crossing the Lune aqueduct

Glasson Dock

20

On our return south we moored at Hest

Bank the nearest access to the coast, just

a short stroll down the hill. After walking

the dogs on the beach it was decided to

do a repeat next morning and follow it

with full English breakfast at the small ‘Bay

Crossing’ café. This is one of the spots

where you can start a guided walk across

Morecambe Bay.

On our return to Lancaster the party split

up and we did the castle tour with its two

working courthouses and still used prison.

We all met up again at Galgate to go

down the 6 locks into Glasson Dock. At

the end is a still working sea lock. Next

morning we were woken by the sound of

slapping waves the boat rocking and

banging the wall. The gale force wind

crossing the wide-open waters was

sending waves, which crashed against the

walls splashing water and dirty foam up

the boat sides. Later as it cleared up some

of us enjoyed a good fish and chip lunch at

the café and then booked an evening meal

for us all at ‘The Dalton Arms’. Just

behind here is the Smokery with all sorts

of goodies.

Returning south we completed the

Lancaster by cruising the stretch into

Preston, winding then heading for the

basin at the top of Savick Brook.

Next morning at 8.30 in a very strong

wind the lock keepers arrived to take 6

boats down to lock 8 to wait for the ‘all

clear’. It didn’t come, so we all headed

back up seven locks to the basin. We

were told to be ready at 8.00 next day

and headed down again in what seemed

like an even stronger wind. They assured

us it often dropped as the tide turned. No

such luck, but at least they let us stay

above the lock with a warning to beware,

as the lock would be flooded once the

tide came in. Next day the next batch of

boats came down to join us making 14 in

total. At 12 noon they moved us down to

the holding pontoons above the tide gate

even though the wind had not dropped.

We were assured we could cross the

Link.

As the hooter sounded we all set off

some with difficulty as they were stuck on

the mud until the first tide surge arrived.

Waiting at the top of Savick Brook

Beware steam train ahead

Some of the 14 boats packed on the pontoons

21

On reaching the tide gate we were told

it was no longer safe to cross and to

head for Preston. On arrival there it was

chaos with 14 boats on the outside and

only 3 or 4 chains on the walls to hang

on to while we waited for the bridge to

open and let us into the marina. The wait

was due to the steam train just beating

us to it!

Finally we went in to find only a short

mooring as the main visitor one was

reserved for boats attending the

waterway festival the following weekend.

They normally charge but as BW had

sent us they had to pay. The marina is

very nice with many shops etc. alongside.

Next day with light winds we were told

it was safe to cross. So we all packed

into the sea lock to await the correct

tide level. On leaving we had to stay to

the left to miss a sand bank until we

reached the end of the dock wall, then

cross to the right or the tide would try

to sweep us upstream. One boat stayed

too far left and had to go back into the

marina, as he didn’t have enough power

to get across the tide surge. The crossing

was great and as we stemmed the tide at

Tarleton I was amazed how quickly BW

could turn round the lock to get us all

through. (Only 2 boats per locking).

We had heard the L & L was closing so,

Gematice and ourselves agreed to

continue while the others returned to

Skipton. Due to the delay we had missed

our booking into Liverpool but, as it was

not our fault, BW agreed to re book us.

However, it meant staying for 16 days

instead of the original 3. The canal into

Liverpool had good views, little litter and

no trouble. We met the BW men at

bridge 9 which they operate as it is a

busy commuter route. Then again at the

top of the 6 locks dropping us down into

the docks. After the first 4 we were into

the docks and told to follow the marked

channel to lock 5,

from where we went through two

tunnels (one under the new museum) to

reach the final lock. Once through, we



Into the first of the docks in Liverpool

Lock 5 with a cruise ship in the background

One man and his dog taking it easy in Liverpool

22

cruised round the corner, through Albert

dock into Salthouse dock and to our

allocated moorings.

We were glad of the extra days, as there

was so much to see and do in Liverpool

with museums, cathedrals, The Echo

arena, the big wheel, city tours by bus or

water ducks (see photo), nearby Crosby

with Anthony Gormley’s 100 statues set

in the sands (go as the tide comes in and

see them disappear under the waves), two

tunnel trips (one the Mersey road tunnel,

evenings only, the other Williamson’s

tunnels), the city shops and entertainment

plus, of course, the Mersey itself. While

we were here we had a visit by the latest

Cunard liner ‘The Queen Victoria’. As it

left they had a fantastic firework display.

After Liverpool we retraced our route

along the L & L through the bottom of the

Wigan flight and on to Lymm. The Turkish

restaurant there is great, particularly the

mixed platters for two. At Anderton we

booked to go down the lift onto the

Weaver the next day. Later we had a

BBQ on the banking; unfortunately Geoff

slipped and twisted his foot. He insisted

on continuing, so, with Marilyn steering,

off we went, visiting Northwich and

cruising into the flashes beyond the end of

BW ‘s limit for navigation. It’s safe as long

as you keep to the right and turn round

the red buoy by the sailing clubhouse.

When we reached Saltersford lock

Marilyn rang for a taxi but he could not

find us. A very obliging man who lives

here took Geoff to hospital and brought

him back bandaged and with an

appointment for an X ray. We completed

the Weaver and came back up for the X

ray. (Nothing broken, so they said and

with a new bandage). At Great Haywood

we left the boats in a marina to come

home for John & Mandy’s party. What a

surprise to find they had been married

that morning!!

While back home Geoff had another X

ray and scan, which found a broken bone

in his foot. With that they extended their

marina booking to give him time to

recover. So, we headed down to Fradley

and Alrewas where we met Bill & Judy

(Speckled Hen). We cruised back with

them to their new mooring at Shrobnall.

From here I rang BW to find out about

the situation on the L & L. The lady who

answered said she thought it was open

but as I wanted to be certain she put me

through to customer services, who could

only tell me what it said on waterscape;

again no certainty. By this time I was quite

irate and eventually she gave me the

mobile number for the L & L maintenance

manager. He was able to give me the

information I needed, but was not happy

that his number had been given out to a

boater!

On arrival at Clarence dock, I rang him

again but he did not answer. However, I

later had a call from the man in charge of

the lock keepers to say we could proceed

but to expect some delays. I had also rung

customer services again who, after

checking (ha! ha!) said the stretch from

Leeds to Skipton was open as normal.

Arriving at Office lock at 9.30 we found



One of the water ducks

23

To see canals naturally, try kayaking. To

see England pretty much from end to end

try kayaking too.

I left Kendal on May 28 and canoed to

London in 16 days, repeating a canoe trip

I did in 1958. Paddling a kayak or canoe is

quiet. You see much more wild life. The

Lancaster canal is rural and has no locks.

The Leeds &

Liverpool is

unspoiled but

b e c o m e s

industrial near

to Wigan. The

B r i d g e w a t e r

c a n a l i s

s u r p r i s i n g l y

rural especially

after Lymm. My

whole trip was

against headwinds, especially along the

Trent & Mersey. Swans with cygnets

were often a nuisance, even attacking my

16 foot P&H Cetus kayak.

After Stafford the Trent & Mersey

becomes rural but there are many locks. I

portaged locks by strapping on a trolley.

Whilst paddling my trolley was fixed on

the aft deck. I continued along the

Coventry canal, which is more industrial,

to join the Oxford canal which is another

contour canal, it winds around beautiful

countryside. The local IWA people were

a great help. IWA Chairman Clive kindly

met me. We discussed how people of

any age could canoe Britain’s canals; I’m

now seventy.

At Oxford I joined the river Thames

appreciating extensive views from the

river valley. The upper reaches are less

developed. I like the stretch from

Wallingford to Maidenhead best. On June

12th I finally reached Westminster after

400 miles and 173 locks.

Canoes and Kayaks can be hired. Buy a

used one online for about £100. Anyone

can learn to canoe with the British Canoe

Union. See www.bcu.org

Well done Peter, from all at the LCT . Ed

How to Celebrate your 70th

From Stainton to London Bridge

by Kayak

Peter Woolsey

Hilmorton, Oxford Canal

A mere

speck

passing

Battersea

Power Stn,

London

Finish in London

24

Our plan this year was to focus on the

Trent and Mersey and its offshoots,

timing our journey to arrive by the end

of July at the IWA National Festival at

Burton-on-Trent to assist on the LCT

stand. Circumstances got in the way and

our projected five months’ cruise shrank

to just three weeks, with no hope of

making the IWA show by boat.

We decided instead to explore the

Yorkshire Ouse, new water for us. Our

goal was Ripon, only 45 minutes by car

from our home in the Dales, but 9 days

by water! We set off from Skipton along

the now familiar route via the

spectacular Bingley Five-Rise. Sharing

locks with a Snaygill hire boat we had

one of those weird encounters that

sometimes happen on the waterways.

The lady on the other boat turned out

to be the Parish Council Secretary for

the area in Devon where our sister-in-

law had just been appointed as the new

vicar and knew of her imminent arrival.

We plied our way down through the

triple and double flights on the approach

to Leeds and made it safely into

Clarence Dock in teeming rain, mooring

up outside the Royal Armouries.

We had the huge Aire locks to ourselves

all the way to Castleford. A sunny

evening here saw us walking across the

beautiful new bridge over the weir,

featured in TV’s Big Town Plan shown

on Channel 4 in July 2009. The scenery

on the Aire and Calder was pleasant but

unchanging, though we were startled at

one point to discover that we were, so a

large sign on the bank informed us, in a

water-ski zone. Sure enough, rounding a

quiet bend, we were confronted by a

speed boat towing two skiers. They took

evasive action but we were left bobbing

about in their wake.

The Selby Canal was weedy and shallow

and initially we had trouble mooring but

we eventually found a spot near the

swing bridge and reported to the lock

keeper to book our slot for locking

down onto the tidal Ouse next day. We

were just in time to see a boat

approaching from the river and pick up a

few tips on how to escape from the

tide’s clutches into the lock.

Our 4pm departure booked, next day

we explored Selby itself, with its


‘Whych Way’ to Ripon Another episode in the ‘Valiant’ journeys

Selby Market & Abbey

Castleford’s new bridge

25

beautiful abbey and lively market. Coming

out of Selby Lock, we motored swiftly

along, our speed boosted by the

incoming tide. Several cruisers passed us,

one pointing out helpfully that we had a

large log jammed across our bows.

Hanging off the bow wielding a boat

hook is not the ideal time for one’s

mobile phone to ring! Arriving at Naburn

there was a short queue for access to

the lock off the tideway but we finally

moored up on the scenic landing at 7pm

for a celebratory sherry.

The approach to York was picturesque,

with the majestic Bishop’s Palace a

particular feature. Equally majestic were

some of the “gin palace” cruisers lining

the banks. Moorings in York were limited

but handy for a quick trip home by train.

Back on board we left the city behind

and moved into a pretty rural section.

Herons escorted us past Beningborough

Hall and Nun Monkton up to

Boroughbridge. Limited mooring again, as

always on rivers, but we secured a leafy

spot on the staithe here. Through the

remaining river locks onto the Ripon

Canal next day, we cruised up to the

basin and turned, mooring just short of

the town centre with its imposing

Minster.

A late start due to heavy rain, and

broken down boats on the moorings at

Linton Lock, meant pressing on back to

York. An evening arrival necessitated

settling for the high walls of King’s

Staithe. Within minutes of securing our

ropes, a pub reveller jumped off the quay

in the path of the trip boat. He suffered



End of Canal, Ripon Basin

York Minster, evening sun

Moored in York on way to Ripon

On the lock landing at Linton-on-Ouse lock

26

the pound above only about half full, so I

walked up to the top lock to find the lock

keeper had been letting water down since

8.30 and guessed we might have enough

depth by 11.00. At 11.30 he let us try and

we managed with care and reached

Skipton on the 13th Sept. just 3 months

after starting out.

I think at the start there was some doubts

about a group of 4 boats getting along

without disagreements, but with a laid

back, nobody as boss approach and

sometimes splitting up to allow each to do

their own thing, it worked and we would

be happy to do it again. We hope our

friends feel the same way.

By the way, Sky likes to paddle but not to

swim after several failed jumps to the bank

and a couple of soakings, she is learning to

look before leaping!

Bill, Jenny & Sky

N. B. Odysseus

no injuries but we were left bumping the

stones alarmingly after the rescue boat

sped past us creating a huge wake. City

night sounds were muffled by our

position below the quay and we enjoyed

York’s retail opportunities before

returning to Naburn in readiness for

joining the tideway the following

morning.

On the final reach just before Selby a

strong wind against the tide resulted in

two foot waves; almost as high as our

gunwales. We made it off tidal flow and

into Selby Lock without mishap

however, while the boat following us had

to wait out on the river for the next

locking. At Ferrybridge, we saw what the

massive locks were designed for as an

enormous gravel barge passed through

with barely any room to spare. An

overnight stop at the pretty

Woodlesford Lock preceded our return

to Clarence Dock to meet up with

friends and family.

At Saltaire we had leisure to stroll

through the cobbled streets and parks of

the World Heritage site and we also saw

what is claimed to be Britain’s oldest

working tramway at Shipley Glen. We

provided entertainment for gongoozlers

on the Bingley flights and were happily

delayed by much-needed dredging works

at Riddlesden. 93 locks and 59 moveable

bridges were our tally on arrival at

Skipton after an enjoyable 22 days.

Mike & Fran Valiant


Back on a canal for final few miles Waiting for dredger near Riddlesden

27

From David Hennessey,

Lune Aqueduct Project Officer

The Lune Aqueduct restoration

project is now gaining real momentum,

with BW Contractors beginning work

on site on 12th September. All tree

works have been completed on the

canal embankments, with works to

take place over the winter period

consisting of vegetation removal and

masonry repairs to the facades of the

aqueduct, replacement of the stolen

and damaged balustrades, graffiti

removal and access improvements

focusing on the steps and the

construction of the DDA compliant

ramp along the south-western

embankment, which will allow

pedestrians, cyclist and other users to

move comfortably between the canal

towpath and Millennium cycleway.

On the activities side, two Heritage

Open Days took place on the 11th and

12th September, which were extremely

well attended - 150 people enjoyed

boat trips to the

Aqueduct and there

was a high level of

interest in the project. David

Hennessey, BW’s Lune Aqueduct

Project Officer, described the project

in detail during the trips. Engagement

with schools is also progressing well,

with Dallas Road School in particular

showing a keen interest. The school

has recently enjoyed 2 boat trips to

the aqueduct and are using the

Lancaster Canal and a key topic in next

year’s curriculum. David

Hennessey

From Stephen Higham,, British

Waterways.

British Waterways remain on track to

launch the new waterways charity in

April 2012.

Recent developments include the

Waterways Minister, Richard Benyon,

advised by an Independent Panel,

appointing the Transition Trustees –

three of whom were previous Board

members and five of whom are

entirely new, and who have particular

experience of the voluntary sector.

The final appointment is subject to the

Council of Charity confirming the

positions on vesting day. The Trustees

will have the legal responsibility for


B ritish

Waterways

Update...

28

managing the Charity in line with its

objectives and purposes.

The Appointments Panel is about to

start recruiting Council members.

There will be 35 initially representing

the various waterway interest

groups. There will be a clear

constituency, with elected Council

members. For example boaters

holding a waterway licence are a

clearly defined group and will elect 4

Council members. Over time we

aim to have 50% of Council members

elected. Where there is an ill-

defined constituency, such as

environmentalists, we will ask leading

national bodies to nominate Council

members. For example the National

Trust will be a nominating body. The

third group of Council members will

be the Waterway Partnership Chairs.

There will be 13 of these,

representing Wales and the

Waterway Units based in England.

The Waterway Partnerships are an

important addition to involve local

communities in the responsibility and

governance of their waterway.

Currently there are three Waterway

Partnerships covering the North

West, the Midlands and the South.

These are advisory and supportive

bodies but they will be involved in

the Annual Plan for their region and

will report to the Trustees on that

plan. In addition, the 13 Chairs will

be part of the National Council.

Following detailed induction the

Trustees will enter contract

negotiations with government. This

will not be easy but government and

trustees all recognise that for this

government initiative to succeed,

then the Charity must have a viable

financial plan.

Legislation is necessary for this

change in status and this is being

handled within the Public Bodies

Reform Bill. This is progressing

through Parliament, including

amendments to ensure the Charity

has reasonable enforcement and

access rights.

Importantly, we are also about to

announce the name of the Charity,

together with its logo.

Stephen Higham


29

Lancaster Canal Trust Constitution Agreed at the Annual General Meeting held on 24th June 2011

At the Annual General Meeting a Trust

members asked if a copy of the current

Lancaster Canal Trust’s Constitution

could be p laced in the next

Waterwitch magazine. This was agreed

by members and our current

Constitution is therefore reproduced

below.

1. Name

The name of the Trust shall be the

Lancaster Canal Trust

2. Objectives

a) To promote the restoration to cruising standards of the unnavigable sections of the Canal,

the retention of its essential character, and its development as a public amenity

b) To stimulate and retain public interest in the navigable and unnavigable sections of the Lancaster Canal including the Millennium Ribble Link and the Preston City Link as essential

environmental features of Lancashire & Cumbria.

c) To pursue these ends by arranging physical works of repair and restoration, meetings,

lectures, cruises and other similar events and by collaboration with other bodies pursuing

similar aims.

3. Membership

a) Membership shall be open to all in one of the following forms;-

(i) Personal membership of an individual.

(ii) Family membership comprising both partners (or one adult in the case of a single parent

family) and any children under 16 years of age.(iii) Affiliated membership of any organisation

which has an interest in the Lancaster Canal and the furtherance of the objectives of the Trust.

(iv) Life Membership.

(v) The Executive Committee may also admit individuals who have rendered outstanding

service to the objectives of the Lancaster Canal Trust to Honorary Life Membership and such

persons being so admitted shall have the benefits of membership (including the right to vote)

except that they shall not be liable for any debts or liabilities of the Lancaster Canal Trust.

b)

(i) Upon joining the Trust, new members shall be given a copy of the constitution.

(ii) Membership will lapse if a subscription is not paid within six calendar months of the due

date.

4. Subscriptions

a) Subscriptions shall be set at a rate to be decided by the Executive Committee from time to

time.

b) Subscriptions shall become due on the first day of January each year. New Members

joining after 1st September in any year shall have their membership extended to 31st


30

December of the following year in which their membership started.

c) Life Members shall pay a single premium, the amount of which shall be decided by the

Executive Committee from time to time.

5. Annual General Meeting

a) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the last day of October each year.

b) The Annual General Meeting shall receive a report from the Executive Committee and a

report from the Treasurer, accompanied by a written statement of account.

c) All members shall be given written notice of the date, time and venue of the Annual General

Meeting through the Trust’s journal or by electronic means or otherwise, at least one calendar

month before that date. The agenda for the meeting shall be circulated by post or by electronic

means to all members ten clear days before the meeting and shall include;-

(i) The list of nominations for the Officers (other than the President, Vice-President(s),

Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee) and Executive Committee

members, submitted in accordance with Rule 8(b).

(ii) Any motions under rule 12 for the alteration of the Constitution.

d) Motions from Members to amend this Constitution in accordance with Rule 12(a) shall be

submitted in writing to the Secretary at least fourteen clear days before the Annual General

Meeting. No such business can be conducted to amend the Constitution without such period

of notification.

e) The Annual General meeting shall elect the Officers and Executive Committee of the Trust

as indicated in paragraph 5(c) (i).

f) Resolutions (other than those under rule 13) shall be carried by having a majority vote, the

Chairman of the meeting having an additional casting vote.

g) Seven personal members shall form a quorum.

h) Each adult member of a Family membership shall carry one vote. Affiliated members shall

carry one vote. Any person casting a vote on behalf of an affiliated organisation must have

written authorisation of this organisation to so do.

i) The AGM shall be chaired by the President but in his/her absence shall then be chaired by

either the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee

6. Special General Meetings

a) A Special General Meeting may be demanded by written resolution to the Hon. General

Secretary stating the proposed agenda, signed by not less than ten voting members of the

Trust, or by the Executive Committee. Such meetings shall be held within twenty eight days of

receipt of such a resolution.

b) Seven personal members shall form a quorum.

7. Officers and Committee

a) The President and Vice-President(s) shall be nominated by the Executive Committee and

approved by the Annual General Meeting. The term of office of the President & Vice President

(s) shall not exceed three years from the date of election and they shall be eligible for re-

election. They are not members of the Executive Committee or Trustees unless separately

elected as such by the Executive Committee or AGM.

b) The Officers of the Trust shall consist of a Chairman; Vice-Chairman; General Secretary;

Treasurer; Public Relations Officer; Editor of the Journal; Membership Secretary; Working

Party Organiser and Grants Officer. An individual Officer may hold more than one office. A

representative of an affiliated organisation may not hold office.



31

c) Officers and Committee Members (except as paragraph (d) below) shall cease to hold office,

and those newly elected shall take office at the close of the Annual General Meeting at which

their term of office ceases.

(d) The Chairman, and Vice Chairman, shall be elected by the Executive at their first meeting

following the AGM and shall continue in office until the first Executive meeting after the next

AGM.

(e)The Trustees of the Lancaster Canal Trust shall be the Officers and members of the

Executive Committee. Co-opted Members to the Executive Committee to fill a vacancy shall

also be Trustees.

(f) Additional Co-opted Members of the Executive under rule 8(d) that is shall not be Trustees

8. Executive Committee

a) The activities of the Trust shall be directed by the Executive Committee which shall

comprise the Officers and up to fourteen personal or single family members.

b) Written nominations, supported by a seconder, shall be in the Secretary's hands fourteen

clear days before the AGM, the consent of the nominee having been obtained first. If

nominations exceed vacancies, a ballot by show of hands will take place.

c) A quorum shall comprise not less than 40% of the elected Executive Committee, but if there

are insufficient members at a committee meeting to form a quorum, the proceedings may be ratified by the next meeting of the Executive Committee. No decision made at an inquorate

meeting shall commit the Trust to the payment of money or to enter into a contract.

d) The Executive Committee may co-opt not more than six members if they deem such co-

option to be beneficial to the aims and objects of the Trust, such co-opted members to have

voting rights on the Executive Committee only if they are personal, single family or life

members. Such co-opted members shall relinquish their office each year, but may be re-

appointed by the Executive Committee,

e) Resolutions shall be carried by a majority vote, the Chairman to have an additional casting

vote, if required.

f) Any vacancy amongst the Officers through death, resignation or any other cause may be filled

by a resolution of the Executive Committee until the following Annual General Meeting either

from its own members or a qualified member of the Trust.

g) The Executive Committee shall be empowered annually to elect to the position of

Consultant such a person as it considers fit to hold that position. The Consultant, who need

not be a single family or individual member of the trust, is to be a non-voting member of the

Executive.

h) No member of the Executive Committee or Sub Committees shall be directly interested in

the supply of goods or services to the Trust except on the basis which shows no profit or gain

directly or indirectly to the member(s) concerned, provided this shall not prevent the payment

of any reasonable out of pocket expenses.

i) The Executive Committee shall approve the appointment of a person to inspect or audit the

Accounts

j) Affiliated bodies are entitled to nominate a representative to attend meetings of the

Executive Committee. Such representatives may address the Executive Committee, but may

not vote

.



32

9. Project Groups

a) The Executive Committee is empowered to form from its own number and from co-opted

non-executive members such project groups for particular purposes as it considers necessary.

Such project group(s) may pass such recommendation(s) as deemed necessary, but any such

recommendations are subject to approval by the full Executive Committee before they can be

acted upon.

10. Sub-Committees

a) The Executive Committee is empowered to appoint Sub Committees and to delegate

responsibility for the implementation of policy to them.

b) A Sub-Committee shall comprise not more than 12 or less than three paid up members of

the Lancaster Canal Trust as defined under Rule 3. Such a Committee need not be elected by

an Annual General Meeting provided that at least 2 members of a Sub-Committee are drawn

from the Executive Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting.

c) A Sub-Committee shall appoint a Chairman and Secretary from amongst its number. A Sub

Committee may appoint a non executive Committee member as Chairman.

A representative of an Affiliated Body shall not hold office.

d) A quorum shall consist of 40% of the Sub-Committee membership.

e) Sub-Committees may pass such resolutions as may be deemed necessary but any such

resolutions are subject to approval by the Executive Committee before it is acted upon.

f) The members of Sub Committees shall relinquish their office every year, but may be eligible for reappointment by the Executive Committee at its first meeting following the Annual

General Meeting,

g) In order to comply with Regulations as they may apply from time to time in the operation of

a small passenger vessel, the Executive is empowered to appoint a Boat Operations Manager

who must hold the necessary qualifications as may be specified within such Regulations, and

who shall be responsible for ensuring that the Trust complies with each and every such

regulation in respect of all its Boat Operations. The Boat Operations Manager does not need

to be a member of the Executive Committee.

11. Finance

The Executive Committee shall comply with their obligations under the Charities Acts 1993-

2006 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of the Act) with regard to;-

1. The keeping of accounting records for the Charity.

2. The preparation of annual statement of accounts for the Charity.

3. The auditing or independent examination of the statements of account of the Charity

provided that a minimum of an independent examination is carried out.

4. The transmission of the statements of account of the Charity to the Commission.

The Financial year of the Trust shall be from 1st April to 31st March

12. Amendments to the Constitution

a) Amendments to the Constitution may be made by a General Meeting summoned under Rule

5 or Rule 6, provided that a motion of such amendment is presented by the Executive

Committee or not less than ten paid up members and is approved by at least 75% of the

members present and voting at such a meeting.

b) No amendment or alterations to this constitution shall be made which will cause the Trust

to cease to be recognised as a charitable organisation by the Charity Commissioners.

13. Dissolution

Dissolution of the Trust shall be only by a resolution approved by at least 75% of the members present and voting at a General Meeting summoned under Rule 5 or Rule 6, and any residual

33

Seventy rowers took to the Lancaster Canal over the weekend of 2nd to 4th September, taking part in the 18th Annual British Rowing Tour.

Organised by Weyfarers Rowing Club, in association with Lancaster

John O’Gaunt RC, the three-day tour covered the entire navigable length of the canal from Preston to Tewitfield.

Setting off from the University of Central Lancashire Sports Arena in Preston on Friday, 15 crews from 27 rowing clubs went on to traverse the 41-mile waterway, finishing in Tewitfield on Sunday. The majority of the boats were stable, coxed quads

but there also were two Solent Galleys, a Dutch wherry and an Alden Double scull.

The Canal boasts more than 130 bridges and eight aqueducts, and is also England’s longest stretch of canal with no locks. The highlight is the 664 feet long Lune Aqueduct, whose graceful arches tower 60 feet over the river Lune. Further on there are stunning views over Morecambe Bay. ‘We were rowing while looking down into the valley below on our port side - a unique experience for most of us,’ said

rower Steve Wragg. ‘We were told the Lancaster Canal was going to be special,’ he added, ‘and it didn't disappoint. ’‘The British Rowing Tour really shows the quality and variety of our waterways. We parted full of praise for the organisers, and happy memories of a really delightful canal.’

Various challenges awaited the rowers across the three-day tour. To shoot the narrow bridges the oars had to be shipped at exactly the right time, and some narrow sections of the route needed to be negotiated with canoe paddles. ‘Everyone coped very well,’ said tour organiser John Turnbull. ‘It’s an extremely scenic canal and we believe that this was the first time


BRITISH ROWING TOUR 2011

Chairman Richard Trevitt presents plaques to all the rowers

34

that anyone has rowed the entire length in this type of boat.’

Richard Trevitt, Chairman of the Lancaster Canal Trust, presented each crew with a brass commemorative plaque at the end the tour lunch. ‘We were delighted to see so many

people enjoying our beautiful canal,’ he said. The Trust is working towards reopening the remaining 14 miles of canal to Kendal which are currently unnavigable, and Mr Trevitt hoped the rowers would return to explore the Northern

Reaches in the future.

The organisers are grateful to British Waterways, the Lancaster Canal Trust and Iain Taylor from Lancaster John O’Gaunt RC for their support and advice. John Turnbull


35

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

members who have joined since the last issue of Waterwitch and we hope to

see you at some of our events:

Richard & Karen Holt Barnoldswick

Gregory & Linda Clements Preston

L Howard & P Cooper Carnforth

Peter McAlpine Preston

Christine Jelley Kendal

Keith Turner Southport

Roseanne Naeshagen Carnforth

Alan Hill Kendal

K Bradley Liverpool

Mr & Mrs Heap Preston

Mr & Mrs Harcourt Bilsborrow

Mr & Mrs Sackfield Manchester

Mr & Mrs Barron Aspatria

Mr & Mrs Holden Chorley

Stephen Thomas Preston

David & Anne Moore Kendal

M Edwards Lancaster

David Simmons Penrith

P Bedford Leigh

Dr Littleford Carlisle

Terry Taylor Seascale

UNPAID MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL & NEW RATES

Members are reminded that Membership Renewals were due as from

the 1st January 2011. There are still some outstanding. You should also

be aware of the new rates which were agreed by your Executive

Committee and published in the last edition of Waterwitch. They are:

Adult £14; Family £20; Concession £10; Life £150; Affiliate £14

Members who pay by standing order are asked if they could update

these as soon as possible to avoid the costs involved in the Trust

having to send out reminders for the balance., Members paying by

cheque should send them to the Membership Secretary,

Alan Mather 15, Claughton Ave, BOLTON, BL2 6US

36

Question: What do you do with a group of Spanish ladies

and their respective daughters on a sunny, bright, warm

Sunday in late July?

Answer: You take them on a trip on the ‘Waterwitch’ on

the Lancaster Canal, at Crooklands, to show them the

pleasures of canal boating and the beauty of the Cumbrian

countryside.

The Spanish visitors who travelled from their village, Canada de La Lena, near

Pinoso, in Southern Spain, were enjoying a stay of one week at Ribby Hall,

Wrea Green, near Blackpool, most of them never having travelled abroad

previously.

They were accompanied by Hilary Colman who now lives in the village and

who used to live near Wrea Green , and Lyn Thompson of Lytham, a friend

and frequent visitor to Canada de La Lena.

Neil McGarry, our illustrious Trip boat engineer, sent this Question & Answer

article. He, is we believe, a bit of a campanologist (not sure what that means

but it does seem to ring some bells….) in his spare time and obviously this

does have some appealing aspects. These Spanish ‘belles’ were apparently here

to ring some changes and do the rounds, the boat trip came at the tail end of

the visit and was much appreciated. Anon

37

THE

LANCASTER

CANAL

100 Club Prizes: 1st £25; 2nd £15;

3rd £10. Winning Numbers since last Issue

The draws for July, Aug and Sept were not made in the absence of the Treasurer on holiday/

business. Four draws will be

made at the October Executive meeting

-

1st

2nd

3rd

June 51 82 20

July - - -

Aug - - -

Sept - - -

monies after settlement of any debts and

liabilities shall be distributed as directed by such majority of voting members to

such a charity or charities having objects

similar to those of the Trust.

14. Extra Constitutional Matters

The Executive Committee shall be

empowered to deal with any matter not

provided for in the constitution, but shall

report the matter to the next Annual

General Meeting.

15. Trust Authorisation

No member shall use the name of the

Lancaster Canal Trust to further their

financial or professional interests.


38

President

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

Vice - Presidents

John Gavan

David Slater

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

Peter Jones 14 Blencathra Gardens Kendal LA9 7HL (01539) 739105

Membership Secretary

Alan Mather 15, Claughton Ave Bolton BL2 6US (01204) 521031

Public Relations Officer

Trisha Buzzard 07802438412

Waterwitch Editor

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

Working Party Organiser

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

Grants Officer

Vacant

LANCASTER CANAL TRUST Officers and Committee

2010/11

39

Beetham Parish Council

Burton-in-Kendal Parish Council

Bury & District Anglers Association

Catterall Parish Council

Kendal Civic Society

Lancaster Canal Boat Club Natland Parish Council Newton with Clifton Parish Council

Preston Patrick Parish Council Ramblers Association (Preston Area)

South Lakeland District Council

Water Farm Boat Hire

Yealand Conyers Parish Council Westmorland & North Lancashire

Long Distance Walkers Assoc.

Waterwitch is copyright 2011, 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 in February 2012

will be 14th January 2012

Contributions may be e-mailed to

[email protected]

Or by post to

David Currington

12 Sedbergh Road

Kendal, Cumbria

LA9 6AD

Alan Mather

Boat Operations Manager

(01204) 521031

Beryl Bowcott

Chairman Recruitment & Promotions

(01772) 863418

Sandra Henstock

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

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

Corporate Members Arlen Hire Boats CARP Ltd

40

STAINTON JETTY BEING BUILT BY YOUNG CUMBRIA

Waterwitch #147 Autumn 2011

Documents

Transcript of Waterwitch #147 Autumn 2011