 NEWS
January 2010 |
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Bad
weather disrupts BW Engineering Works |
British Waterways’ scheduled winter engineering works
have been adversely impacted by the recent spell of cold weather
which has caused well publicised disruption across the UK. An
estimated 90% of the BW network froze.
Vince Moran, BW’s operations director, comments: “Subject to the
weather over coming days and weeks, we will do what we can to
recover as much ground as possible. It is highly likely that we will
need to use the two weeks between the end of the published programme
and Easter to complete many projects. If things get really tight,
priority will be given to gate replacement.
“If it transpires that some stoppages are required to continue over
and even beyond Easter, we will keep the disruption to an absolute
minimum and try and ensure that alternative routes are available.”
Left - BW maintenance boats, carrying a
replacement lock gate, frozen in on the Caldon Canal. |
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New
BW Welsh Advisory Group |
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During a fact-finding tour a new group formed to
shape the future of waterways in Wales has found that business
confidence is high on both the Llangollen and Montgomery canals. The
Waterway Advisory Group comprises committed individuals from a wide
range of professional backgrounds, each of whom can make a
significant contribution to ensuring the waterways of Wales
contributes fully to the national economy. They looked at existing
tourist attractions, such as Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, recent
developments such as, Llangollen Mooring Basin, voluntary
restoration work on the Montgomery Canal and met with local
entrepreneurs. Group chairman and BW Board vice-chairman John
Bridgeman said – “7.5 million people visit the waterways of Wales
annually, generating around £33m in visitor spend for just a tenth
of that cost in maintenance. Add to this a World Heritage Site,
three scheduled ancient monuments and 206 listed buildings, and the
contribution our waterways make to the culture and economy of Wales
is clear.” |
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Taylor’s
Boatyard, Chester, developments |
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British Waterways is looking to partner the revival
of the historic Taylor's Boatyard in Chester on the Shropshire Union
Canal. The half-acre, with its side slips once employed over 200
people building and servicing the Shropshire Union Railway & Canal
Company’s huge fleet of working boats. The Grade II listed site is
probably the best surviving example of an original boatbuilding yard
on the canal network and BW will ensure the site is sustainably
restored to provide traditional boat repair facilities and that it
will play a part in the sustainable development of Chester’s
heritage. This will also include provision of moorings adjacent to
the premises. BW is already working with a group of partners,
including Chester City Council and waterway voluntary groups, to
protect the yard as both an historic site and a commercially viable
enterprise and is looking to obtain funding to invest in the
sympathetic restoration of the buildings, subject to a suitable
commercial partnership being established. |
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Ex
Shropshire Union steam tug to operate from Cruise Liner Terminal
- DAPS Media Release 14th January 2010 |
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Britain's last steam tug tender, Daniel Adamson, has
got the crucial go-ahead to operate from Liverpool Cruise Liner
Terminal. Previously the province of 3,000 passenger mega liners
like Queen Mary 2 and Crown Princess, the 106-year-old Daniel
Adamson can carry just 100 passengers. This is a major turning point
for the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society (DAPS) charity. DAPS
recently passed the initial stage towards getting an £830,000 grant
from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and can now develop its grant
application for the final second stage with the assistance of HLF's
mentoring scheme. If successful, the HLF grant will cover much of
the tug tender's restoration, including vital boiler refurbishment,
plus educational outreach programmes. The HLF previously awarded two
project planning grants in 2006 and 2008. It is hoped Daniel Adamson
will undergo trials next year and return to her former stamping
grounds of the River Mersey, Weaver Navigation and Manchester Ship
Canal in 2012. |
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BW
reduces licence evasion by almost 50% in two years. |
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The total number of unlicensed boats on the British
Waterways’ network has fallen by a further 1.5% during 2009. Despite
the credit crunch, 94.7% of the 31,400 boats on BW’s canals and
rivers are now fully paid up licence holders. BW’s annual National
Boat Check took place over two weeks during November. Adverse
weather meant that some navigations, including the River Avon and
River Ouse, were inaccessible to enforcement teams. However, in a
year which saw 70 boats seized from their owners as the final
outcome of enforcement action, evasion rates were reduced from 6.8%
to 5.3% and is down from 10.4% in 2007. The biggest reductions in
the number of unlicensed boats was in the West Midlands, Wales &
Border Counties and the South East area – the latter seeing an above
average 3.3% drop in evasion rates. BW enforcement teams have
achieved a fall in the evasion rate of almost 50% in two years.
Left - BW officer with bike and computer. |
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Friends
of Montgomery Canal - coming events* |
February 6th- Volunteers needed to clear vegetation
at Redwith Bridge. Meet at the bridge at 10am with wellies,
waterproofs and stout gloves. tel Peter Richards 01691 831455 if
further info needed.
February 28th- Berriew circular canal walk. Meet at 10.30am at the
car park near the aquaduct. Suitable footware needed as there are
fields to cross. Optional Sunday lunch if booked with Freda Davies
tel 01938 552817 before 21st February. For route see Explorers
Trail-The Montgomery Canal published by British Waterways.
March 27th- Litter Pick at Welshpool. Meet at Welshpool Town Wharf
at 10.30am. BW will supply all equipment. Free refreshments at
lunchtime finish. Further details from Freda Davies tel 01938
552817. |
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NEWS
December 2009 |
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Trapped
boat rescued from Caldon Canal* -
Thanks to
Boats & Canals
Forum for report and images |
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The only boat to get stuck in the Caldon Canal breach
(Victoria) was lifted out recently, B/W hired a 500 ton crane from
Glasgow, rescue of the boat was hampered by the boat being stuck in
ice, so early in the morning, ice was broken and the boat was put in
position for the lift, it was successfully done by lunch time and by
tea it was in water again at Longport Wharf. |
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Waterways
Museums renamed- again |
At the recent AGM The Waterways Trust announced that
its three waterways museums will revert to their original names. All
were marketed under the banner heading of National Waterways Museum
but now only Ellesmere Port will have this title*. The other two
will be known as the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and the Waterways
Museum at Gloucester.
The Trust has appointed a new collections manager, Peter Collins,
for the archives, boats and artifacts held at the three sites. He
was previously senior collections manager with the Imperial War
Museum at Duxford. (*Though the Ellesmere Port museum was
previously called 'The Boat Museum' - Ed.) |
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NEWS
November 2009 |
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British Waterways Property Portfolio Sell off? - IWA News
Release 24 November |
The IWA says it is seriously concerned about 'media
speculation that the Government intends to include the British
Waterways’ property portfolio as a component of the £16bn asset
sale. The Government has made no announcements and is steadfastly
refusing to be drawn on the subject. We stand the best chance of
preventing this sale if the Government can be persuaded not to do
so, during this period of Ministerial silence. Whilst no
announcements have been made, it is easier for Government to back
away as it involves no public reversal of policy. However, an
e-petition has appeared on the 10 Downing Street website;
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/protectourcanals/
IWA supports the statements in the petition. The worst outcome now
that this is in the public domain, would be if this petition
receives scant support. That might give Ministers the impression
that there are few waterways supporters who care very much about the
issue. On the other hand, if it is well supported, the Government,
this close to an election, is very sensitive to actions it might
take which may lose votes, and would probably take notice.' Please
check the petition and add your name if you think it appropriate.
UPDATE IWA 7th December:
Government has today announced that it isn’t proposing to
immediately sell off British Waterways’ Property portfolio by
announcing in the ‘Operational Efficiency Programme that; "At
Budget 2009, it was announced that BW would transfer its property
activities (including joint ventures) into a wholly-owned property
subsidiary – in order to ensure clear separation of, and focus on,
both maximising gains from its property and best management of the
waterways.
This process is being taken forward by BW in consultation with HM
Treasury, the Shareholder Executive and Defra. However, the
Government recognises that there may be benefits in considering
alternative structures for BW’s business as a whole, including its
property portfolio. We will therefore consider alternative models
for the business as a whole, such as mutual or third sector
structures. As part of any such future structure for BW, therefore,
there may be opportunities for the private sector to invest in the
portfolio." |
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More
Major Canal Breaches - (UPDATE - Caldon
Canal back in water except Leek Tunnel to Terminus, BW estimates £¼M to
£½M to repair but may be open by Easter) |
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A serious breach occurred on the Caldon Canal towards the terminus
of Leek branch on November 12th. The breach destroyed a stretch of
embankment and washed millions of gallons of water across fields
into the River Churnet. The branch is an important feeder from
Rudyard Lake to the Trent and Mersey Canal. |
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Plus the Llangollen Canal
near Bettisfield was closed by a breach on 17th November which occurred
'during stoppage works'. Contractors were piling when a section of
embankment collapsed. A large length was dewatered. Should be open by
Easter say BW. |
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Pontcysyllte
Aqueduct drained |
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The Llangollen Canal’s famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct –
recently granted World Heritage Site status – was drained for a
maintenance inspection on 9 November. Draining the aqueduct is a
spectacular sight as pulling a plug releases 1.5 million litres of water
which cascades almost 130ft into the River Dee below. The process takes
about 2 hours and was last done in 2003. |
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NEWS
October 2009 |
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Montgomery Canal 'Big Dig' 40th
Anniversary Events
A major celebration on 17/18
October commemorated the Big Dig weekend of 18/19 October 1969
when nearly 300 volunteers cleared the section of the Montgomery
Canal through Welshpool – the first mechanised work party and the
most significant event at the start of the restoration scheme. It
marked both the 40th anniversary and promote the full reopening
of the waterway.
There was a wide range of events over the weekend including a
procession of boats through Welshpool, including steam-powered craft, carrying VIPs and a display of historic and
promotional items about the Big Dig and the restoration scheme in Welshpool. SUCS and WRG
had major work parties in action. A commemorative bilingual plaque
was unveiled by four representatives of the organisations originally
involved, including Harry Arnold who organised the original 1969
'Big Dig'. Local MP Lembit Opik spoke to commend the work of
volunteers and underline his enthusiasm for the restoration of the
canal. |
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Saturn
gets Docking Grant from National Historic Ship Register. |
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The Saturn Project received a grant from the National
Historic Ships Register towards the cost of the recent biennial docking
and overhaul of this unique historic restored Shropshire Union fly boat
Saturn. Planned maintenance is an essential element in the
preservation of the boat and this docking – immediately following her
appearance at the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site Celebration - was her
second since her re-launch.
The grant was sufficient to cover the Shropshire Union Fly-Boat
Restoration Society’s financial outlay for professional services and
materials, with all the rest of the week’s work being undertaken by
volunteer members of the society. Use of Ellesmere Dry Dock was provided
by British Waterways North Wales & Borders Waterways which is a partner
in The Saturn Project. |
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Pontcysyllte
World Heritage Celebrations |
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British Waterways and Wrexham Borough Council marked
the new World Heritage Site status of the section of the Llangollen
Canal from Chirk to Llangollen with a day of celebrations at the
Trefor end of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on 3rd October. Based on the
previous successful day marking the 200th anniversary of the
aqueduct, the event began with a parade of boats across Pontcysyllte
and ended with a spectacular firework display which lit up the
darkness of the Dee Valley.
The parade was again led by the restored Shropshire Union fly-boat
Saturn, carrying the main VIPs and bow hauled across by its crew in
traditional costume. Taking part in the parade was one of BW’s
heritage fleet, the Admiral class motor boat Lindsay – one of the
biggest working craft to use this canal. Also brought up to Trefor
by BW’s maintenance staff was the ex. FMC motor boat Ibex, now
perhaps ironically on the disposal list.
The event was a fitting tribute to the official recognition of the
historical status of the already renowned reputation of the
Llangollen Canal as an international tourist attraction. |
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Black
Country Gathering / Multi-million pound visitor centre for Dudley
Tunnel trips. |
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Fifty-two ex. working narrowboats, some loaded,
headed for Dudley for the bi-annual gathering of traditional canal
craft at the Black Country Living Museum, held over the weekend of
26/27th September. These visiting boats – packing the Dudley Canal
from the tunnel to Tipton Green – the museum’s resident craft,
including President & Kildare back from their 100th birthday tour
and the furnace of the rolling mill belching smoke into the autumn
sunshine, created an atmosphere perhaps unique to this venue.
A bid is being made to build a
major multi-million pound visitor centre at Dudley Tunnel - by the
Black Country Living Museum - where the Dudley Canal Trust run their
underground canal trips. The Trust’s trip boat operation is the
busiest on British Waterways’ canals and carries over 80,000
passengers a year. A visitor centre would illustrate the waterway
and geological history of the tunnel site, and incorporate improved
catering, a new ticket office, retail and toilet facilities, plus
new parking. |
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NEWS September 2009 |
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Lack
of maintenance stops Montgomery Canal business |
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Horse-drawn cruise boat company Bywater Holiday
Cruises has stopped operations on the restored section of the
Montgomery Canal around Welshpool in Central Wales writes Harry
Arnold. The 18-mile isolated restored section of the canal has been
steadily restored to full navigable standards by volunteers, British
Waterways and local authorities over a number of years but has now
been allowed to deteriorate due to lack of maintenance. Bywater –
the only operators of this type of holiday in the UK - has struggled
this year due to lack of dredging and weed problems and has had to
cancel one complete cruise. As the company’s passengers also stay in
local hotels and B&Bs this affects tourism across the county of
Powys.
Owner Stephen Rees-Jones says that, as this section of canal is not
connected to the main network it is low on the list of BW’s
maintenance priorities. At a meeting in which local MP Lembit Opik –
who is a great supporter of canals and has inspected the waterway –
was involved, the local manager said that BW is not prepared to give
an assurance that the canal will be kept navigable. Mr Opik said “There
are two simple objectives for the Montgomery Canal. Firstly we need
to get these weeds cleared and make it usable again, and secondly we
need to get ourselves connected to the British canal network. Both
of the objectives are achievable and affordable. Investment in the
canal pays for itself. By sorting out our canal it opens up a
tourism artery – I am going to make sure we do exactly that.” |
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FEATURE |
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New
book on Leeds and Liverpool paintwork |
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Brightwork is the subject of a new book
by Mike Clarke and Sam Yates. It was was the term used at boatyards
in East Lancashire for the decorative paintwork used on Leeds &
Liverpool canal craft. The
painted decoration of working boats on the Leeds & Liverpool
Canal was one of the most colourful of Britain’s folk
traditions. It was last used in the early 1960s, but despite
being less than fifty years ago, no record of its origins and
styles had been written until now. The two authors could not be
more suitable — Mike Clarke has already written extensively
about the canal’s history, while Sam Yates served his time as a
boat builder at Hodson’s Boatyard at Whitebirk, near Blackburn,
and undertook the decorative painting for several years before
boat repair at the yard ceased in 1964. You can
order a copy
direct from Mike Clarke here online. |
