Ditchcrawler - November 2014

The Magazine of the North Cheshire Cruising Club

CELEBRATIONS FOR NOVEMBER

We wish the following members

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

4th Hazel Bowker – CLEOPATRA

9th Sara Taylor – FOXY LADY

11th Lindsey Taylor – HAKUNA MATATA

20th Bert Griffiths

20th Keith Meecham

20th Sandy Mulholland - RANGITATA

HAPPY ANNIVERSAY

14th Bernie & Jen Budworth - JENNY WREN

Also don’t forget to let us know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary

and wish to be included on the CELEBRATIONS page.by returning the slip below to

Jan.

Anniversary

Name Date Boat

Birthday

Name Date Boat

NCCC DATES FOR 2014

AUTUMN QUIZ (Barbara Palmer)………...Thurs 20th NOV

PUT CHRISTMAS DECORATION UP (10.30) Sat 29th NOV

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP....Sunday 30th NOV

CHRISTMAS FLORAL DOMO………….…Weds 3rd DEC

ADULTS CHRISTMAS PARTY…………….....Sat 6th DEC

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY………...Sat 13th DEC

BRASS BAND CONCERT…………………...Sun 14th DEC

CHRISTMAS QUIZ (Barbara Palmer)……..Thurs 18th DEC

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY…………….…Weds 31st DEC

New Commodore.

Just when you thought it might never happen, the board were approached by Edna Roberts

who declared that she wanted to be Commodore for the forthcoming year. The board were

absolutely delighted and confirmed Edna’s appointment at the board meeting held on Monday,

10th November.

This will be Edna’s third term as Commodore which equals H W Downs’ term of office from

1945 – 48. Edna will be supported by her husband Eric who is also a past Commodore and

between them bring a wealth of experience to the role.

I am certain Edna will fulfil her duties with the same commitment that she has exercised in the

past and I am equally confident that all members will support her in what promises to be an

exciting year.

Garry Dockerty. Chairman

Letter from the commodore

After the Clubs 70th Anniversary last year I found it very sad that we had no

Commodore.

We came back from holiday a few weeks ago and the closing date for nominations had

gone and nobody had put up as Sailing Officers.

At first Eric was dead against me putting my name forward, but he came round, so at

the A.G.M. I told Garry that I would be happy to take on the position.

He put this to the Board meeting, and have been co opted as Commodore.

The programme has been done until New Year, so I will have time to come up with

ideas for the next year.

If any of you have any suggestions or would like to help at any events please contact

me or members of the Social committee.

Edna Roberts

Members can now pay their mooring fees or membership subscriptions by online

banking.

The club’s bank account details are shown below:-

Bank: Santander

Sort Code: 09-01-28

Account No: 66308303

Account Name: North Cheshire Cruising Club Ltd.

and supersedes any previous club bank details you may have used. If you intend

to use this facility then please double check you have copied the above details

correctly and not made any mistakes.

Please use your boat name as reference for moorings and initials & surname for

membership.

If you intend not to use online banking then payment by cheque is the preferred

method.

Garry Dockerty Chairman

We missed your Birthday, so many Happy

Returns belatedly to -

Maria Bailey – 10 October – Boat ‘Miss Liz’

Here’s a useful tip i discovered while cruising in August, as it wasn't the best of

summer months with lots of showers we were having a lazy week on the Mac.

Now most people will know that yellow tinted glasses are great for night driving

and in the rain, well we were coming through Bollington and the heavens opened

and it went very dark, having a cruiser we had the shelter of the canopy and

windscreen but with no wiper blades its hard to see, thats when i popped my

yellow lenses into my sunglasses(sports glasses with 3 types of lens) and it was

like a light was switched on over the canal, it made the journey much easier. Also

products like Rainex, Mer etc to repel water on glass are very good for

windscreens.

Bill Jewsbury (Taylor Maid)

I have been asked by a number of people can they receive a printed copy of the

Ditchcrawler by post.

This is possible, but there is now a yearly charge of £5 to be paid in advance .

This is to go some way towards the cost of postage. As I’m sure you will

appreciate the cost of production as well as postage well exceeds this amount.

If you would like a copy can you either send a cheque to me at the club or at the

address below made out to ‘NCCC Ltd’

Thanks

Pam Russell

Membership Services Director

66 Hollyhedge Road

Wythenshawe

Manchester

M22 8HN

For those of you who don’t know (!) Bill and I have a very important date in our December

calendar and that is our wonderful Wedding Day in Las Vegas.

As Bill is a big Elvis fan we both thought it very apt that we “seal the deal” with the big fella

himself at Gracelands Chapel in Las Vegas! We have seven fun filled nights to look forward to

in Vegas and then we drive across to LA in a Mustang for the last part of our trip.

Bill and I met 5½ years ago, on an on-line Dating Website called Plenty of Fish. I must admit,

at the time, I only joined the site to keep my sister and mum quiet, who both felt I needed a

“good man” in my life to look after me!

I had a couple of dates but they were nothing special and then one day, I received a message

in my inbox from a man who informed me that I looked “cute”. Here we go I thought,

disastrous date number three coming up! “Disastrous date number three” turned out to be a

chap called Bill Jewsbury. We decided to meet half way on Wilmslow railway station, with

Bill living in Stockport and me being in Crewe.

To cut a long story very short, Bill and I became inseparable after that first date and I

remember clearly the text he sent to me after that date, as he made his way back to

Stockport. “I’m bowled over you hottie” said the text, which made me smile. Despite the 40

mile gap between us, we managed to see each other almost every day. I have many fond

memories of our early years together including me waiting by the window for Bill to arrive at

my house on his motorbike, with his panniers full of wine and a nice selection of cheeses (he

knows how to please me!)

We also started to take long walks down by the Canal together, around the Stockport area of

Poynton, Marple, Buxworth and Adlington and also locally to me around Wheelock,

Barbridge and Nantwich. We soon discovered that we both had a mutual love of the Canal

and started to talk about how we wished we had a boat. Little did we realise that a year

later, we would be proud owners of our little 23 foot Norman “The Stugots” (also known

fondly as “Little Norman”). It was only a matter of time before we progressed to Little

Norman’s bigger brother and Taylor Maid came into our lives. I know that Bill would agree

with me that the memories and enjoyment we’ve had whilst being members of the NCCC are

priceless and we feel blessed to have such a wonderful hobby with an amazing boat and an

abundance of new found friends that are our fellow Boaters.

With our special day approaching fast, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish my husband to

be a wonderful Wedding Day on 12th December, with lots of happy and wonderful memories.

I can’t wait to marry you Mr Jewsbury xxxx

Gill Oakes

Taylor Maid

NCCC AWARDS & TROPHIES 2014

Our Presentation Evening was combined with the Laying Up supper this

year and it was well attended. Garry Dockerty, the Chairman awarded

the trophies, later we were entertained by the Mysley Brothers. Our

supper of sandwiches and salad was prepared and served by the Social

Committee, many thanks. Thanks also to our bar staff Bill and Gill.

ACHIEVEMENTS

NAVIGATOR’S CUP – Awarded to the member gaining the most points for

the distance cruised & attending club sailing events during the year.

Martin & Jan TATTERSALL

TRAVELLER’S CUP – Awarded to the member gaining the most points for

the distance cruised & attending sailing events who has a limited time to

cruise.

Steve & Diane SINCLAIR

SERVICE TO THE CLUB

BERT SPINK TROPHY – Awarded to the member who, in the opinion of the

sailing officers, has achieved the greatest good towards the restoration of

inland waterways or has made outstanding contribution to the club in the

past.

Tim DAWSON

HIGHLANDER TROPHY – Awarded by the Commodore at his/her

discretion, to an ordinary member (or members) who has/have rendered

the Commodore conspicuous service during his/her year.

Mike & Ruth SELLARS

THE COMMODORE’S AWARD – First presented in 1993 from an award

given to the club by Stoke Boat Club at our Golden Anniversary Rally.

This is awarded by the Commodore to individuals or groups at his

discretion for whatever he/she desires.

Pam RUSSELL

CANAL WARE TEAPOT – Awarded to the new member or members

who in the opinion of the Commodore, Membership Secretary &

Chairman’s partner, has/have been most involved in all aspects of club

activities.

Bernie & Jen BUDWORTH

TIM DAWSON CUP – Awarded to a member, who in the opinion of the

Commodore and the Chairman has served the club well.

Bill JEWSBURY

ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Lots and lots of entries for our photographic competition this year. The

standard was very high and the judges had a very difficult task to pick

out the winners in each category.

Many thanks to the judges George, Shep, Sheila & Margaret.

Here are the winners:

BEST CANAL SCENE – Michelle Wright

BEST CANAL FLORA & FAUNA– Michelle Wright

BEST FUNNY PHOTO – Viv Thorpe

ARTWORK – Val Dockerty

Attention All Moorers in the Club Arm

Please not that it is one of the conditions of mooring in the arm (which

everybody signs) that you must purchase your ‘Canal & River Trust’ licence

through the club. Failure to do this is in breach of your mooring conditions and

will put your mooring in jeopardy. The club as you are aware are given a 5%

commission on these licences and therefore are losing revenue. The board has

decided that as it is a condition of mooring in the arm, that, the amount of lost

revenue will be recouped from the offending moorers and a bill will be issued for

the relevant amount i.e. 5% of your licence fee.

NB This only applies to moorers in the arm who have not bought their licence

through the club.

Pam Russell

I would just like to say a big thank you for all your cards, phone calls and get well wishes since my unfortunate accident . Thank You everyone. Pam Russell

Volunteers are required to decorate the ladies toilets.

Names to Brian Bowker please. Thank you

Please come along for lunch on Sundays, 12.00 – 1.30.

We’re happy to serve you with our finest pies, toasties, hot-pot, jacket

potatoes, soup etc.

The bar is also open 12.00 – 2.00

Membership Payments

Please don’t forget that in order for members to take advantage of the

prompt payment discount they need to have paid their membership

fee before the end of November.

Pam Russell


All Moorers in the Arm

Please remember that all members who moor in the arm can

accumulate their two hours per month by helping to set up the room

for various club functions. These include: - Adults Christmas Party, New

Years Eve Party or even helping out at the ‘Children’s Christmas Party’.

Dates for which should be found in this month’s edition of the

‘Ditchcrawler’ and on the clubroom notice board.

Pam Russell


The Saga of the Excavator

It all started on a Thursday night in September Geoff Lamb showed me a Dredger

he had spotted on the internet. I called over Garry, Bob and Brian to see what

they thought. We all agreed that we should go and have a look at it.

So a few days later Brian and I drove to the other side of Stone to meet the

owner, who showed us round it. We were impressed and phoned Garry to tell

him our findings and he agreed with us that we should leave a deposit. If all went

well we could pick it up after the 21st of October.

So on the 30th of October Bob, Brian and myself left the arm at 7am and arrived at

Stoke for just after 8am. We met the man who was going to show us how

everything worked, but he couldn’t find the key to the digger. So off he went to

find a key and was gone for over an hour, so we didn’t get going till 10am.

It is a very slow boat, even slower through the bridge holes, but at least we were

moving,. We sailed past Longport Wharf under the road bridge and round the

corner where we had to pull over for a boat to come past. We just managed to

get the front end of the boat through the next bridge and then came to dead

stop! We couldn’t move forwards or backwards. So, I used the Digger to pull us

through, which was not easy as it was the first time I had used it and wasn’t sure

what to do. There was no more trouble after this till we reached the Tunnel. The

tunnel keeper said that if we were not lower than the gauge we couldn’t go

through. I put the left side legs down a bit and crept up to the gauge and it was

very slightly under. So the Tunnel Keeper said we could go through after the four

boats coming the other way had come out.

We reversed back and waited nearly an hour, before setting off with fingers

crossed. It was not long before the legs started scraping the bottom so the legs

had to be lifted. It was a good job Brian was steering and not me as there was

only half an inch to spare on either side, but we got to the end and would you

believe it we got stuck. So the Digger had to drag us out again. The Tunnel

Keeper said he had never had a boat get stuck before. Yes, but this boat had

never been through the tunnel before. We turned onto the Macclesfield canal

and moved slowly towards the stop lock narrow approach where we got stuck

again and yes you’ve guessed it the digger pulled us through. We moored for the

night just past the water point then phoned Bob. We locked up and walked to

the main road to wait for the lift back to the arm eventually arriving at 5.45pm.

Friday 31st October

We left the arm 9am and were driven back to the stop lock by Hazel Bowker.

After checking the oil and greasing the stern tube we set off at 10am. It was a

slow journey and every bridge was a problem and there are (as you all know) a lot

of bridges. With the use of ropes or the digger we negotiated the bridges (I am

getting quite good at this). After a long day we managed to get to the bottom of

Bosley and tied up to the rings. Hazel had walked down the locks to meet us and

we all walked back to lock 5 where Hazel had left the car and arrived back at the

arm at 5pm.

Saturday 1st November

We set off from the arm at 8am in the company of Garry, Shep, Geoff, Brian and

of course me. We all managed to climb into Garry’s car, it was a tight squeeze

and drove back to lock 5 at Bosley. We walked down to the dredger and did all

the checks again, started the engine and approached the bottom lock. Brian took

the boat into the first lock at 9.10 am, no problem. He went into the next lock

and caught a peace of angle iron on the back of the boat on a steel plate on the

gate, but managed to free himself. After this minor hiccup we raced up the rest

of the locks taking only 1¾ hours, not bad! Geoff and Shep decided to stay with

us so Garry drove back on his own.

We got to Fools Nook Swing Bridge with very little difficulty, but when we got

through the bridge (that Macclesfield Canal Society had repaired) we got stuck

just beyond it. Again we used the digger to pull us through, but this time it was a

bit dodgy as we managed to tip the boat sideways. We went past the next bridge

and got stuck again. As we dragged the boat forward it tipped to one side again

and this time we lost power. It seemed that with all the tipping we had somehow

managed to get air into the system. Good job Geoff had stayed with us, only one

problem. We had no tools! The next step was to walk down to the nearest stores

and purchase some adjustable spanners. Eventually Geoff managed to get it

started, not before he managed to cover himself in diesel. It was decided at this

point that we should purchase some diesel, so Brian and I went to the nearest

garage and bought £30 worth. In view of the past events we thought it prudent

to leave the digger facing forwards just in case we needed to pull the boat

through any bridges. At this point it was decided to stop for the day and as luck

would have it just outside the Puss in Boots in Macclesfield and as we were in

such a convenient location we went for a pint whilst waiting for Hazel to pick us

up.

Sunday 2nd November

AGM at the club

Monday 3rd November

Had the day off!!!!

Tuesday 4th November

Had an early start, we left the arm in Hazel’s car to reach the Puss in Boots to get

flying start. As Brian had topped up the diesel tank, checked the oil levels and

greased the stern tube the previous day we were able to get under way

immediately, with Shep and Brian on the steering and me on the digger. As I said,

we had pointed the digger forward to pull us through difficult bridges which

amounted in the event to nearly every one. At bridge 20 we came to a complete

stop and even after digging out some rocks and silt we still had no joy. I ended up

placing the bucket of the digger on the towpath and dragging us forward inch by

inch until we eventually managed to get going. From this point onward we had

very little trouble until we got to the arm where I had to drag the boat right down

the arm using the bucket till we got to its temporary moorings. We had arrived!!!

Eric Roberts

Summary of the AWCC North West Region Branch Meeting,

held at the Watch House C.C. Stretford, on the evening of Thursday 13th

November 2014.

(Copy of the minutes in their entirety available on request)

The meeting which was attended by a number of North West Boat Clubs was lengthy in that in

addition to reports by the Chairman and the Secretary some of those present had attended CRT

user forums in their areas providing some useful feedback.

Following the customary apologies, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Whilst

dealing with the matters arising the Chairman announced the following:

I) The Lathome M.C.A. club has wound up due to insufficient support.

II) Dredging is ongoing on the River Weaver visitor moorings.

III) Requests to deal with pennywort weed on the Weaver has met with a poor

response from CRT.

IV) Though the pennywort weed problem is improved on the Northern reaches of the

Trent & Mersey Canal it remains a problem on the Leeds and Liverpool in the vicinity

of Crooke.

V) CRT user groups serving the Manchester area having been reorganised,

consequently they now occur in Rochdale and Middlewich.

VI) AWCC National Executive Council is to be reorganised.

VII) Arrangements to deal with boat breakdowns at the Western end of the Leeds and

Liverpool Canal in the vicinity of Stanley Locks are being formulated.

VIII) Attempts to set up a Facebook account to assist communication have proved

unsuccessful.

Secretary’s Report

Though the outbreak of pennywort on the Trent & Mersey near to Preston Brook has been

chemically treated, the supplier has ceased trading. Alternatives are being explored.

A recent survey has revealed that the new arrangements for visitor moorings on the Lancaster

Canal appear to be successful.

It is understood that CRT expect to announce an increase in their fees of 1.5% this coming April.

AWCC handbook updates are currently in progress.

Clubs’ who hold Public Liability Insurance offered by the IWA are being requested to declare

details of their volunteer activities.

Chairman’s Report

Though poor contractor control has been identified among a company undertaking grass

cutting on behalf of CRT on the Southern Staffs and Worcester Canal, good practice has been

observed during weed control on the Northern Trent and Mersey, where the pennywort weed

remains a problem.

Member clubs have been alerted of the recall of Calor Lite cylinders on potential safety grounds

issued within specific dates.

The Anniversary AWCC Rally held this Summer at Black Boy C.C. made a modest profit.

Chairman’s Report (continued)

The reports of a narrow boat sinking in Lock 23W on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal suggest

that this craft is currently part submerged below Lock 22W.

A proposal to develop another Marina on the Llangollen Canal at Wrenbury has been rejected

by East Cheshire Council at the planning stage. Allegedly the site in question contains animal

carcasses which were buried during the last outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease.

This Summer’s Winsford Regatta attracted 28 boats mainly from Broken Cross B.C.. The overall

verdict was that despite shallow moorings, it brought much needed colour to run down area at

the head of the River Weaver.

Sutton Weaver Bridge is now fully open, the temporary fixed bridge having now been removed.

Anderton Visitor moorings on the Trent and Mersey Canal are being used by two separate

Trading Boats during week-ends, each of whom are outstaying the twenty four hour limit.

Feedback from various CRT User Groups within the North West representing Pennine/Leeds

& Liverpool, Wales & Border Counties and Middlewich areas:

Whilst feedback from each of these Forums was particularly heavy on detail, in many instances

applying to other areas, a common theme is evident in that David Baldichino is charged with

the ‘hands on’ waterway matters and the CRT Partnership is dealing with volunteers and

promotional initiatives and school liaison activities. Any waterway related difficulties requiring

urgent response are to be reported directly to David by ‘phone. On a positive note he was

invited on board a narrow boat which encountered difficulties operating a manual swing bridge

on the Macclesfield Canal. As a result of this experience the bridge in question has since

undergone repairs, (this has to be the bridge between Lyme Green and Fools Nook which offers

access to the Dog Kennels).

In response to the CRT proposal to permit unpowered craft to navigate tunnels within our area,

the AWCC NW Chairman Bryan Pollard has invited CRT officials to join him on board his narrow

boat in order to demonstrate how these proposals may prove to be unsafe, hence unwise.

There is a Marple Locks Open Day scheduled for Sunday 30th November 2014.

Last but not least, CRT don’t have any immediate plans for the development Marple Wharf and

claim that the Water Point/sanitation station is to be retained for the medium term.

Date of next meeting, Thursday 8th January 2015.

John Suggitt, A.W.C.C. representative, N/B Evenlode

Archive Corner November 2014

The Marple Lock Flight (continued)

Within the last two ‘Ditchcrawler’ issues, I highlighted the route of the temporary railway

employed during the building of the Lock Flight. This month’s article begins at the Lower Wharf,

located between Bridge 28 (below the bottom lock) and Marple Aqueduct, featuring the canal

line along Locks 1 to 8 inclusive, this forming the bottom half of the Flight. Recently, during the

morning of 12th November, twenty nine photographs were taken whilst walking this length of

canal, some of which appear below. For those readers who are interested, I have the retained

the remainder.

Interestingly, the Lower Wharf is currently serving as a base for the contractors engaged by

CRT to undertake maintenance work on the Aqueduct. Though the Lower Wharf area is gated,

hence a restricted area, I was granted access after I explained what I was doing to the

gentleman sat at the P.C. in one of the site cabins. Sadly, much of the lower wharf area is

infested with weeds and overgrown trees, consequently there is no visible evidence of the

temporary railway. Whilst I suspect that what little remained of it was eradicated during the

building of the (permanent) railway viaduct, perhaps a more detailed subsequent study with a

little ‘discrete excavation’ may yield some evidence of what existed at the beginning of the

nineteenth century, who knows?

Photograph No 19 (above left)

This is the area between the railway viaduct and the aqueduct. Despite the weeds and tree

growth, the uniform bank line and the level area suggests that this formed part of the Lower

Wharf. Some of the contractors’ are using the railway viaduct to protect their cars from the

elements!

Photograph No 22 (above right)

This view of the Lower Wharf between the railway viaduct and Bridge 28 with Aqueduct House

in the background indicates sufficient width for work boats operating prior to the Lock Flight

being completed, to ‘wind’ on their return passage along the lower pound of the Peak Forest

Canal. The proximity of the tug to the bank suggests limited depth, with an imminent need to

dredge (we all know the feeling, especially those of us who moor in the Arm!).

Photograph No 23 (above top)

It is understood that this rather forlorn looking building sited at the rear of the Lower Wharf once

served as a workshop. The shell of the building is intact but in urgent need of renovation.

Photograph No 24 (above bottom)

Here, Lock 1 is viewed from Bridge 28. This length of canal is in my opinion a superb place to

moor, before or after negotiating the Lock Flight. Some club members prefer to moor between

the Aqueduct and the ‘narrows’ formed when Rose Hill Tunnel was broken out.


Here, a ‘smiley face’ appears to be carved into the keystone within the bridge arch immediately

below Lock 1. Trust me, every bridge below each lock in the Flight has a unique keystone

embellishment!


This view from Lock 1 offers clear evidence of the canal-railway trans-shipment wharf sited

between Locks 1 and 2. The pound is drained in connection with the maintenance work in

progress at Lock 2, courtesy of CRT, see the lifting frame in position on the copings near to the

lower gates.


Here at Lock 3, the keystone in the bridge arch features what appears to be a ‘scowling face’.

Perhaps its construction may have proved more difficult than its counterpart below Lock 1!


This view of Lock 4 shows the stone pillar which appears to offer additional support to the near

side bridge abutment.


Here, the Manchester to Sheffield railway emerges from the tunnel which passes beneath the

pound between Locks 4 & 5. Note the recently installed safety rail along the parapet.


This view from below Lock 7 includes the retaining wall still awaiting repair over and above the

temporary road diversion employed a number of years ago to mitigate further damage.

Undoubtedly, the temporary railway would have encroached upon the canal at this point.

Photograph No 36 (above right)

The retaining wall shown here alongside Lock 7 abuts the footpath which may well have existed

as part of a ‘right of way’ prior to construction of the Lock Flight.

Photograph No 39 (above left previous page)

The keystone in the bridge arch immediately below Lock 8 shown here features the face of what

appears to be a rather distinguished ecclesiastical gentleman!


The pound between Locks 8 and 9 shown here incorporates a long bend to permit alignment

between the lower and upper halves of the Lock Flight. The purpose of the original Bridge 29

was twofold, in that as well as accommodating Station Road, it also served as a roving bridge,

permitting the towpath to switch to the East side of the canal at this point. All evidence of this

function was eradicated during the road widening, which in view of the somewhat utilitarian

structure, one suspects occurred sometime around the late 1950’s early 1960’s.


This view looking down the approach to the foot of Lock 8 offers a good example of how

functional design may display elegance. The wall fringing the towpath is sensibly proportioned,

whilst the surface water drain let into the towpath is laid out so as to complement it.

This stretch of the Lock Flight is flanked on the towpath side by a wall protecting those on foot

from the steep drop down to the River Goyt, whilst on the opposite side below Lock 4, the

railway has ensured that modern housing developments don’t invade the canal corridor unduly.

Above Lock 4 the large residential properties beyond the road which now occupies the route of

the temporary railway all have extensive well stocked rear gardens. The combination of these

factors has yielded a tranquil environment which particularly during each Autumn assumes a

‘sylvan ambience’ attracting many ramblers and dog walkers’. I’m only sorry that my camera

and my limited ability to use it don’t do justice to these truly outstanding canal features!

Having been fortunate enough to enjoy canal boating for all of my life, I don’t ever recall seeing

these lock pounds as free of surface water weed as they are at present. This bodes well for the

Marple Locks Open Day event scheduled for Sunday 30th November 2014.

During my ascent of this part of the Lock Flight, I struck up a conversation with a local

gentleman walking his dog. Recently, he was undertaking some remedial work at his nineteenth

century home when he discovered a brown tally beneath the floorboards. Apparently this was

attached to a consignment of plumbing materials from a merchant in Manchester offering

irrefutable evidence that many years ago it had been delivered to Marple by canal!

Do make the effort to walk this section of the Lock Flight, especially during this time of the year,

when even on a cloudy day, the colours abound. Thankfully each of the lock chambers are

listed structures, which should ensure that they are retained in their present form long into the

future.

I’ll continue next month with a review of the walk up the Lock Flight commencing at Lock 9 and

continuing up to the Top Lock.

You may have noticed my attempts to update some of the photographs and artefacts on display

in the club premises in a manner which retains some recognition of our past. If anyone has any

ideas they feel may be of assistance, don’t hesitate to let me know. Please bear in mind that as

this is your club, don’t feel reluctant to contribute. We occupy what could be described as a

building of ‘character‘. Let us try and exploit it to its full potential for the benefit of our members,

their guests and also those who wish to hire our facilities.

John Suggitt, ‘Evenlode’

Novemb er 201 4

Boat licence fees for 2015 announced Private boat licence fees will rise in April 2015 by 1.6% in line with inflation, and will be increased by no more than inflation in 2016. This is in line with the commitment given by us in 2012 to limit boat licence fee increases, for three years from 2014, to inflation only.

Canal & River Trust logo

Dean Davies, interim head of customer services at Canal & River Trust, said: “Boaters make a vital contribution to the cost of looking after the waterways and bring so much more in terms of life and colour.

“By pegging the licence fee to inflation for three years to 2016, we are recognising the financial pressure that some boaters face, whilst the Trust also grows revenue from other sources to support our care for the waterways

Chicken and Cashews

4 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)

Recipe Time

Prep: 30 Minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided 2 tablespoons dry sherry 4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided 3/4 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 3 green onions) 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews

Preparation

1. Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and chicken in a large bowl; toss well to coat. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, broth, oyster sauce, and honey in a small bowl.

2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from pan. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Return chicken mixture to pan; sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and cashews.

Rice pilaf: Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup water, 1/2 cup long-grain rice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

NCCC Board of Directors 2014 / 2015

The Board

Chairman Garry Dockerty 01663 767810 [email protected]

Company Secretary Pam Suggitt 0161 427 9906 [email protected]

Finance Director Bill Jewsbury 07812 368887 [email protected]

Bar Director John Fenton 0161 998 0391 [email protected]

Land & Water Space Director

Eric Roberts 01457 855929 [email protected]


Pam Russell 0161 998 0391 [email protected]

Premises Director Brian Bowker 01663 763595 [email protected]

Director without Portfolio Geoff Lamb 0161 483 7943 [email protected]

Commodore

Edna Roberts 01457 855929 [email protected]

Company Officials

Archivist John Suggitt 0161 427 9906 [email protected]

Assn of Waterways Cruising Clubs Rep

John Suggitt 0161 427 9906 [email protected]

Ditchcrawler Editor Bernie Budworth 01925 764377 [email protected]

Food Safety Officer Janet Tattersall 01457 861085 [email protected]

Fundraising Co-ordinator Sheila Barlow 01663 765731 [email protected]

Health & Safety Officer George Griffin 0161 355 6830 [email protected]

Kitchen Supervisor Pam Russell 0161 998 0391 [email protected]

Licensing Agent Jen Budworth 01925 764377 [email protected]

Membership Secretary Pam Suggitt 0161 427 9906 [email protected]

Moorings Officer Bob Barlow 01663 765731 [email protected]

Quartermaster Vacant

Web Master Garry Dockerty 01663 767810 [email protected]

Wharf Supdt. Brian Bowker 01663 763595 [email protected]

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Ditchcrawler - November 2014

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Transcript of Ditchcrawler - November 2014