Rain eases lock closures
16/05/2012
The recent heavy spring rains have eased some of the water restrictions on lock use.
The Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal, which had been closed (apart from occasional open weekends) from Kibworth Top Lock to Kings Lock, will reopen to navigation between 9am and 4pm daily.
Meanwhile on the Grand Union Main Line, two flights of locks have had their opening hours extended. Braunston Locks, formerly open from 9am to 4pm, are now open until 5pm, while the Stoke Bruerne flight now opens half an hour earlier in the mornings (9.30am instead of 10am) and 90 minutes later in the afternoon (4.30pm instead of 3pm).
Existing restrictions remain in place at Cowroast, Marsworth, Buckby and Calcutt locks on the Grand Union Main Line; Foxton and Watford on the Leicester Section; and Marston Doles and Claydon on the southern Oxford Canal.
For the latest information click here.
Micro Designs Wanted
11/05/2012
Are you restoring a canal boat to make a living space or retreat over the next couple of months?
A new prime-time TV series, being made for Channel 4, is on the search for Britain’s most exciting and innovative small spaces.
The production team are very keen to find someone about to embark on the restoration/renovation of a canal boat that they could follow from start to finish.
Ideally, suitable projects should start over the next few weeks and be completed by the end of August.
If you are interested, email katywingrove@plumpictures.co.uk or call 0207 184 5769.
The President heads off to Canalway Calvacade
10/05/2012
DeeTV has published a video of steam boat President on her way to the Canalway Calvacade and a historic procession of boats along the Thames for the Queen's Jubilee.
Click here to watch.
British Waterways has change of heart over Olympic moorings
04/05/2012
British Waterways has had a change of heart and is offering concessions on moorings within London canals during the Olympic Games.
Boaters who currently reside in London without a home mooring can now purchase a summer mooring license for £360. This will enable them to remain within the North London Controlled Zone for the full 10 weeks of its operation – from 3 July to 19 September.
However, this will not entitle them to use premium sites, nor will it guarantee a mooring in a particular location.
Those boaters who have already paid more than £360 for premium moorings may choose to have their stay extended up to 10th September free of charge. If no spaces are available at the same sites then they may move to another without additional cost.
Prior to the concessions all Olympic moorings within the zone were sold at premium prices, but take-up has been limited.
Boaters wishing to change, extend or cancel their booking have been asked to contact British Waterways by 31 May.
Those wishing to book moorings can call the Olympics Moorings office on 020 7985 7200.
The Waterways Trust announces awards shortlist
01/05/2012
Canal and river projects from over the UK have appeared on the shortlist for The Waterways Renaissance Awards, run by The Waterways Trust.
The 29 finalists for the 12 Award categories include A11 Bow Riverside Footbridge & Walkway, London, Avon Vale, Devizes, Bath Bridges & Chimney Restoration, Bath, Beam Parklands, Dagenham, Bedford Waterspace Study, Bedford, Canals for the Community, Stoke on Trent, Dewsbury Waterways, Dewsbury, Droitwich Canals Restoration, Worcestershire, Dutton Upper Horse Bridge, Northwich, Edinburgh Union Canal Strategy, Edinburgh, Education through Restoration, Cefn Flight of 14 Locks, Newport, Granary Wharf, Leeds, Heritage Boatyard & the Restoration of Mendip, Ellesmere Port, Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail, Hampshire, Kings Cross Central Canal Fund, London, Ladywell Fields, Lewisham, Lagan Legacy, Belfast, Langley Mill Swingbridge, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, Leeds Waterfront Festival, Leeds, Long Preston Deeps River Restoration, Settle, On the Waterfront, Beauchamp, Floating Classroom, London, Revitalisation of the Monkland Canal, Glasgow, River Nene Infrastructure Improvements, Peterborough, Spalding Waterspace Study, Lincolnshire, The Peace Bridge, Derry/Londonderry, Tregaron Flood Alleviation Project, Ceredigion, Wallbridge Project, Stroud, Waterways Action Squad, North West England and White Cart Water Flood Prevention Scheme, Glasgow.
“It is truly inspiring to see that, even in these very challenging economic times. People and organisations are continuing to work together to realise the benefits of our canals and rivers for communities across the UK,” explained Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at the ICC in Birmingham on Wednesday 23, more information can be found here .
Northampton Boat Gathering postponed due to flood conditions
01/05/2012
Flood conditions of the River Nene have lead to the postponement of the Boat Gathering due to take place at Becket’s Park in Northampton during 5-6 May.
A number of weeks ago it was thought that the event would have to be curtailed due water restrictions on the 17-lock, 4 ½-mile long Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal from Gayton Junction to the Nene at Far Cotton.
An agreement was then reached with British Waterways to open the Arm for six days, enabling the Gathering to take place.
However, heavy rainfall has lead to the Nene being closed to navigation.
Bernard Morton, Chairman of the Northampton Branch of the Inland Waterways Association – which organises the event – said: “Because a good number of the boats planning to attend the Gathering are on the Nene, it has been decided to postpone the event until later this year, probably until the August Bank Holiday weekend.
“By that time it is hoped the water shortage situation on the canals will have been resolved which will allow more canal-based boats to get to Northampton, resulting in a bumper Gathering."
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
25/04/2012
We really like this cute little video about the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Canal and River Trust announces heritage committee appointments
23/04/2012
Appointments have been confirmed for a committee that will aim to help protect the heritage of Britain’s waterways.
Former English Heritage chairman Sir Neil Cossons chair the committee – which will replace the former BWAF Heritage subgroup - and provide valuable advice and support on heritage and conservation issues.
The other members of the committee will be:
- Alan Baxter, Consulting Engineer to St Paul’s Cathedral and member of the London Advisory Committee of English Heritage
- Peter Brown, a member of the Council of the Canal & River Trust, having been nominated by the Railway & Canal Historical Society
- Nigel Crowe, Head of Heritage for the Canal & River Trust
- Edward Holland a Senior Projects Advisor at The Prince's Regeneration Trust
- Stephen Hughes, Director of Projects, Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Wales
- Jane Kennedy narrowboat owner and architect to the cathedrals of Ely, Newcastle and Christ Church, Oxford
- Laurence Newman, Chairman of the Museums Partnership of the Canal and River Trust and a member of the Trust’s Council
- John Yates, architect, historic boat specialist and Chairman of the Boat Museum Trust and Vice-chairman of the Boat Museum Society.
The committee will help to inform the Trust’s heritage policies and procedures, and its members provide a range of specialisms and expertise.
Robin Evans, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said; “It’s fantastic that such high calibre people have agreed to sit on the Heritage Advisory Committee and is a further demonstration of the broad support that exists for the nation’s waterways and the work of the Canal & River Trust.
“Waterways are part of the fabric of our nation and remain amongst the finest examples of industrial heritage in the country. A fundamental aspect of the Trust’s work will be to protect and conserve this heritage for future generations to enjoy and the impressive wealth of skills and experience that the committee members bring with them will prove invaluable in helping to achieve that.
“We’re very grateful to be working with such knowledgeable and well-respected people who will play an influential role in protecting our waterways and demonstrating their importance to the nation.”
The committee’s first meeting will take place at the end of May, and at least twice yearly after that.
Members, who are unpaid, will serve a term of three years with an option to continue beyond that should they wish to do so.
The Canal and River Trust will take over the waterways, museums, historic buildings and archives that are currently run by British Waterways and The Waterways Trust in England and Wales.
It received charity status earlier this month.
Sir Neil Cossons - a short biography
23/04/2012
British Waterways has announced that former English Heritage chairman Sir Neil Cossons will chair the Canal and River Trust’s Heritage Committee.
Sir Neil was Chair of English Heritage from 2000 to 2007, and helped to set the agenda for the modernisation of heritage protection and management.
The son of a school-teacher from Beeston in Nottinghamshire, in 1971 he became the first Director of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.
He was Director of the Science Museum in London from 1986 to 2000 – a term that ended with the opening of the Wellcome Wing - and served Non-Executive Director of the British Waterways Board from 1995 to 2001.
Sir Neil was awarded an OBE in 1982, and in 1994 was knighted in return for services to museums and heritage.
Discover the Black Country’s canals with heritage walks
19/04/2012
People in the West Midlands can discover the fascinating history of their local canal network through a series of heritage walks.
The volunteer-led walks will take places in a number of the Black Country’s canals, including Birmingham, Walsall, Dudley, Kidderminster and Stourport.
As well as exploring the waterways around their local area, participants will also have the chance to visit a pumping station and see a lime kiln – both of which were highly important in the canal-building era.
Ivor Caplan from the West Midlands Waterways Partnership said: “The waterways in the West Midlands are an absolute delight as they are steeped in history and not only tell the story of the canals and how they came about, but they are also useful to be able to explains the industrial past of the area and why there are so many waterways in this region.
“These walks will allow local heritage and canal enthusiasts to explore and discover the secrets of the canal network and hopefully learn something new about this wonderful example of working heritage."
The walks are between two and five miles in length and are free and open to all, though under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
They will take place between 29 April and 30 May. Mid-week, evening, and weekend times are all available.
Click here for more information.
Canal Activity Taster day to encourage community involvement
13/04/2012
A Canal Activity Taster day along the Rochdale Canal will aim to encourage communities to help give their local canal a spring clean before the new waterways season.
The event will take place on 15 April and will be divided into two-hour-long morning and afternoon sessions, starting at 10.30am and 1.00pm.
As well as taking part in practical activities, volunteers will have the opportunity to chat to the organisers - who will be on hand to share their knowledge about the area, its heritage, wildlife and plants.
The Taster Day has been organised by British Waterways, The Waterways Trust, Calderdale Council and Upper Calder Valley Renaissance.
Cassie Weaver, British Waterways Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: "The waterways belong to everyone and we are giving local people a chance to take part in the taster day and also the opportunity to be involved in the future of the Rochdale Canal."
Cassie said: "This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the canal and the local area at the same time as meeting new people. We will supply the materials and equipment such as gloves. We just ask that people wear sensible shoes and appropriate clothing to suit the weather."
Activities offered are:
- Walsden: Activities will include towpath repairs, painting the lock fittings, pointing weir setts and cutting back vegetation. This activity will be interesting and guaranteed not too strenuous!
- Shaw Wood Lock 15, Shaw Wood Road: Activities will be similar events to those at Walsden. A wild plant identification walk will start here at 2.00pm, lasting approximately 2 hours.
- Brearley Lock 6, Brearley Lane, Mytholmroyd: Activities will include cutting back vegetation.
- Sowerby Bridge: Activities will include carrying out towpath repairs, painting and cutting back hedges. Sowerby Bridge is already a popular site cared for by volunteers and will showcase what can be achieved with the involvement of the local community.
- For those looking for a low physical activity litter picks will be carried out at all of the locations.
For further questions and to register your interest in the day please e-mail jon.stopp@britishwaterways.co.uk.
Canal & River Trust registers as a charity
10/04/2012
The Canal & River Trust is now legally permitted after the Charity Commission confirmed its registration under number 1146792.
The organisation already has a Board of Trustees and a governing council, and recently announced that HRH The Prince of Wales will be its first patron.
Lynne Berry, the C&RT's Deputy Chair, said: "This is such exciting news and another important milestone towards the launch of the Canal & River Trust this summer.
"The new Trust is now a fully-fledged charitable body, ready and able to take on the care of the canals and rivers of England and Wales, and ready to start fundraising."
It will take over the waterways, museums, historic buildings and archives that are currently run by British Waterways and The Waterways Trust in England and Wales.
The move is subject to Parliamentary approval and will be the single largest transfer of a public body into the charitable sector. It will be underpinned by a guaranteed 15-year funding contract from the Government.
Berry added: "There has been a tremendous amount of work to get us to this point and the Trustees would like to thank the Charity Commission for [its] assistance in our application, and our legal team for their hard work behind the scenes.
"The Canal & River Trust is all about securing the future of the waterways, and today's announcement brings us one step closer to realising this dream."
Click here for more information about the Canal & River Trust.
Boxmoor Canal Festival cancelled
03/04/2012
The organisers of the Boxmoor Canal Festival have announced that this year's event has been cancelled due to lack of bookings.
Not enough people have come forward to run craft and trade stalls, and pay to moor their boats.
This lack of bookings has been attributed to a combination of water levels and the vast amount of events taking place elsewhere across the Jubilee weekend.
Graeme Lockhart, chairman of the festival, said in a statement: "It is not right for us to continue with a venture that will not be viable, and [will] draw funds from the Wendover Arm Trust and restoration.
"After much discussion a decision was made at the festival committee meeting [on 28 March] to cancel the festival this year."
British Waterways offers ex-working boats
30/03/2012
British Waterways is offering a number of ex-working boats for sale to waterway societies, partnerships and trusts. This follows a review of BW floating plant requirements, which identified a number of vessels that are no longer needed.
Interested parties can view the full list of craft here, and additional information can be obtained by emailing mick.carrington@britishwaterways.co.uk
Any expressions of interest need to be sent via email to Michael Carrington by 5pm on Wednesday 4th April.
Canal & River Trust announces royal Patron
28/03/2012
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is set to become the Canal & River Trust’s first patron.
The news was shared at the first meeting of the charity’s council in Birmingham.
Tony Hales, Chairman of the Canal & River Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted that The Prince of Wales has agreed to become the Canal & River Trust’s founding Patron. As a passionate advocate for British heritage, nature, communities and tourism, The Prince will be an important voice of support for the Trust.
“The Prince’s patronage is further testimony to the incredible and wide-ranging support the Canal & River Trust has already received, and an important milestone in our journey towards establishing this exciting new charity.
The Canal & River Trust – which is due to be launched this summer - will take over the waterways, museums and properties previously run by British Waterways and The Waterways Trust.
It will become one of the UK’s biggest charities and be responsible for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, as well as the country’s third largest collection of protected historic buildings.
The Prince will also represent Scotland’s waterways as Patron of The Waterways Trust Scotland.
For more stories and other news, see the
May issue of Canal Boat - on sale now -
as well as our free magazine, The Tillergraph
