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
(Continued from page 2)
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.
(Continued from page 9)
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 ,
(Continued on page 14)
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.
(Continued from page 13)
(Continued on page 15)
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
(Continued from page 14)
(Continued on page 16)
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 &
(Continued from page 15)
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
(Continued on page 19)
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.
(Continued from page 18)
(Continued on page 20)
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
(Continued from page 20)
(Continued on page 22)
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
(Continued from page 21)
(Continued on page 26)
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
(Continued on page 25)
‘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
(Continued from page 24)
(Continued on page 26)
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
(Continued from page 25)
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
(Continued on page 28)
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
(Continued from page 27)
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
(Continued on page 30)
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.
(Continued from page 29)
(Continued on page 31)
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
.
(Continued from page 30)
(Continued on page 32)
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
(Continued on page 34)
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
(Continued from page 33)
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.
(Continued from page 32)
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
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
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