Edition 209 Summer 2015

Boundary Edition 209 Summer Post 2015

Daniel Penn is one of the latest volunteers to crew Atlas & Malus.

At 13 years of age he is also the youngest. We are so keen to encourage such young people to share an interest in the boats and in the canal in general.

We look forward to seeing Daniel along with his Dad Jon enjoying this experience.

Photo Jon Penn

The Journal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society Free to members 50p when sold bcnsociety.com Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

Council Members - 2014 - 2015 President : Martin O’Keeffe Vice-Presidents: Ron Cousens, Phil Clayton, Cllr. David Sparks, Rob Starkey,

Chairman & web man: Press & Publicity: CHARLEY JOHNSTON 07825816623 Kath O’’Keeffe [email protected] [email protected]

Vice Chair & Rally Organiser Press & Publicity Assistant BARRIE JOHNSON 0121 422 4373 Martin O’Keeffe [email protected] [email protected]

Treasurer: Sales: DAVE DENT REBECCA SMITH KEARY 38 Greenland Mews, London, SE8 5JW [email protected] 01562 850234 020 8691 9190 [email protected] Health & Safety Secretary: & Planning Officer ARTHUR FARGE tel: 0121 745 4266 IVOR CAPLAN email: [email protected] tel: 07778685764 [email protected] Supporting members to Council Membership ALAN VENESS tel: 0121 355 4732 Talks and Presentations 43 Pilkington Ave, Sutton Coldfield, B72 PHIL CLAYTON 07890921413 1LA email: [email protected] [email protected]

Work Party Co-ordinator: Work Party Administrator MIKE ROLFE 07763 171735 Michael Smith-Keary 01562 850234 [email protected] [email protected]

Buildings & Heritage BCNS Explorer Cruise Vacant position Stuart & Marie Sherratt 07510167288 [email protected] Boundary Post Editor BRENDA WARD BCNS 24 Hour Challenge [email protected] 0121 355 6351 Roy Kenn 01922 428644 John Carrington Youth/Community Liaison Officer [email protected] KATE SELF [email protected] 07929401682 Fundraiser: MIKE BUTLER Archives & Heritage Boats tel: 01299 879923 IVOR CHAMBERS tel: 0121 707 1690 [email protected] Official Photographer Kevin Maslin Social Secretary [email protected] GEOFF WINSLOW [email protected] Atlas & Malus Manager Paul Smith: [email protected]

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BCNS Social Meetings Contents Page Council Details 2 Notes from are held on the first Thursday in the month start at 7-30pm Editorial 3 Titford Pumphouse Engine Street Oldbury B69 4NL Chairman’s notes 4 the Editor All Welcome! Sales Report & Photo Quiz 5 Canal Tunnel “Pepperpots” 6

Letters 7 The busiest time of the August 6th - Walk with Ray Shill - 6-45pm Titford Canal Memories 8 year for me has just come to an end, “Canoeing to Rio” 10 There was the Titford Rally, followed a This time Ray is taking us off the BCN …. but only Atlas & Malus Report 11 week later by the 24 Hour Challenge just! Building at Pelsall 12 and just last week the Longwood Canal Challenge Results 12 Festival. Brian & I did the Burger Bar We will meet at Great Barr Street close to the bridge to get on Winter Stoppages 13 on all three events and although Brian the Grand Union (Warwick & Birmingham Canal). BCNS president Retires 14 had a hip replacement in April he was Ray will take the walk to Bordesley Junction & up Camp Hill Ray Shill 15 the main worker in this, ably assisted Locks to Sampson Road Depot returning on the same route. Walsall’s Town Wharf 19 by Brian Holmes for most of the time. Book Reviews 21

Explorer Cruise Report 22 You can imagine that getting Boundary September 3rd - Canals from the Air - Martin Walking forgotten BCN 23 Post together while all this went on was O’Keeffe Society’s Artefacts 25 quite a task. It is so difficult getting eve- New Members 26 rything that has happened over the October 1st - Managing Water - too little, too much, Work Party Report 28 past month or two in this edition. Yet Social Meetings 30 again I have had many items sent in so just right - Adam Comerford thank you for those. If you think I’ve missed something tell me & it will be in October 31st - AGM & Bonfire Rally at Smethwick next time. Next Boundary Enterprise Centre Post Photo Quiz, I think is easy this time. Wait until next edition Chris Clegg has November 5th - Canals of the Stourbridge Area - sent in an interesting one.& I think you Ned Williams Editor welcomes will have quite a challenge. any interesting and There’s rather a lot of history in this December 4th - Christmas Social - Marriott Hotel relevant information relating to edition but that’s how it goes some- Birmingham (Five Ways) Dave Dent has secured a good deal so the BCN in the form of news times. items, photographs, letters, notes we are “going up market”. There is a superb menu - email Dave I know it’s a bit early for Christmas but to book your place & I will email details later by mass email - or articles to be sent by Dave has worked hard to secure a bit make sure I have your email address. September 1st of luxury this time. (see page 30) It will be a good excuse to get your glad rags Email: [email protected] The opinions and views expressed in Boundary Post are not necessarily the views of either the Society or its Officials. on & feel really special - see you there? Address: 9 Wylde Green Road, The BCN Society, a Company Limited by Guarantee, is a registered charity (1091760) first formed in 1968, which exists to conserve, improve and encourage a wide range of interests in the 100 mile network of Birmingham & Black Country waterways known as the Birmingham Canal Sutton Coldfield B72 1HB I look forward to any good items from Navigations. Boundary Post is the journal of the BCNS and is issued quarterly. Readers are invited to submit items of news, general or histori- you relating to the BCN - past, present cal interest to: Tel: 01213556351 The Editor, Brenda Ward. 9 Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1HB or future tel: 0121 355 6351 email: [email protected] Mobile: 07961177553 Brenda 30 3 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

maintenance of the canal and the pools, May 2nd. Pre-Rally Work party on were looking at the way ahead, and the the Titford canal. Phoenix was taken Chairman’s work needed. The most exciting bit is up to the Pools along with Mike the very real possibility of available Anson on his tug 'Joanna', Mike Notes funding - otherwise it all just becomes so going first to check the depth in the much hot air! What would be great is to bridge holes. Two of these were get the pools to the point where we cleared, the haul producing fencing, The year is flying past, and it is really would be able to hold a rally there to bikes, tyres, barriers and a petrol good to see how it has gone well for celebrate the major anniversaries com- hedge cutter. A fallen tree was also the Society. ing up for the both the BCN and the removed which was lying across the Society. canal. This took a fair amount of saw- The Titford Pumphouse Rally went ing before Joanna's fore end man- well. In addition to the boaters and our Success depends heavily on a wide aged to snap the partially cut through regulars, (without whom it would not community involvement, so we really trunk. A heavy safe was pulled from have happened) we had a lot of local have to work hard at this. Billie Spake the top pound of the flight, but it only visitors, many of whom seemed to be Mon and friends coming round for an contained mud and water. The skip meeting the canal for the first time. evenings entertainment is the next step, was rather full after we had unloaded This is great, for if we are to keep the and will have happened by the time you Phoenix! canals as attractive for all as they can read this. The tickets sold out weeks be for all, we need to help them to think before, so again, this looks like some- Future Work parties. of it as “their” canal, rather than thing we can build on. September 5th. Pre-Rally Clean up While bringing Phoenix to Longwood “somewhere to dump rubbish”. in Tipton. 10am start. for their Canal Festival Mike, Stuart We had another successful Marathon We added to this progress with a Challenge - the biggest yet, I believe. & Rob (our latest work party recruit October 24th. Pre-Bonfire Rally development meeting of the Titford Thanks again to Roy, John and all of the pictured here) collected a load of Project, led by Ivor Caplan. The others who made it such a success. I Clean up on the Engine Branch. rubbish including a mattress. groups and organisations with an suspect there were more boats at interest in the regeneration and Bradley than have been there for a long time - indeed possibly ever! Talking to Plans for New Bridge at Pelsall Rejected people around the canal on the way back Proposals to build a new two carriage- emphasised to me the way were given the green light last year. point that was made Planning chiefs hoped to save the exist- around Titford, that ing historic Yorks Bridge, in Norton canal use is appreci- Road, plus use additional land from the ated. Again, we need common for the new bridge and widen to build on it. the road which is a commuter route from Staffordshire to Walsall. Meanwhile enjoy the However due to a petition signed by 260 summer (says he writ- locals this has now been rejected by the ing with the rain pour- planners. ing down in mid June), The locals proposed that the existing bridge be strengthened & widened. The whether you are on Council are disappointed with this decision but remain committed to the scheme the bank or the boat. Moored under the motorway - IWA Rally Titford Pools and are taking legal advice to consider their next step.  4 29 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 butties, all based on the Engine In Memoriam Work Party Branch over the weekend. Phoenix Sales Report Report and Crow were taken down from the Bob Broomhall Titford Pumphouse on Saturday from Beccy by Mike Rolfe morning and soon started loading at On 28th March a small group Anchor Bridge, where some WRGies of family and BCNS members had already began working. A good March 21st/22nd. This was a two day gathered together to say load was soon aboard our boats, so Beccy is always making little items to sell on event carried out at Hawne Basin and farewell to Bob. His ashes off we went for unloading on the En- the BCNS Stand. This time it’s owl key rings involved a re-paint of Crow, both inside have been buried in the gine Branch, done as usual by Baz but she needs some small white shirt buttons and out. Crow was pulled on to the ground of Titford Pump House and Tony from CRT. for eyes. If you have any in your button box dock the previous day to dry out, and so that Bob will always be a that you could spare please see Beccy. Saturday saw us grinding and wire part of the Society’s activities. All metals were loaded on to the brushing the hull prior to painting. The The sales Joan would like to thank the BCNS truck for weighing in, the rest floor was cleared of any remaining mud stand will BCNS Council who agreed to was put in to three large skips, and water which lay beneath the old be at the this and to all his family and weighing an estimated sixty five tons floor boards. Painting soon followed, BCBF or so. One big find on the New Main friends who attended the oc- with the outside having three coats 12th& 13th line below was part of a car, includ- casion. Regards Joan applied. A new steel floor was also in- September. ing gearbox, and this took around stalled in Crow, with several plates be- Beccy ten of us to remove from the Cut and The BCN Society have lost a ing cut to size by Arthur and Barrie, would love load in to Crow. Baz took it out again great friend in Bob. He is so before being dropped in to position. them before with his 'Grab' and put it on the missed. They were quite heavy! Phoenix also that. truck. received new steel floor plates at this time. On the Saturday night, several of us were invited to the WRG accommo- Thanks are due to Arthur for all his dation in the Malthouse stables, Tip- work on this project, and everyone else BCN Photo Quiz ton, where good food and ale were who helped along the way, including on offer. Thanks Chris! Barrie, Michael, Geoff, Brian, new This time our photo quiz member Dave King and all who crewed Thanks this year to Stuart, Phil, Mi- shows a part of a building the boats to and from Coombeswood. chael, Adrian, Barrie, Ivor and Mike somewhere on the BCN Crow now looks much better in it's new for their help over the weekend. Also that still exists. To give coat of paint. Thanks also to the 'Dinner to Chris Morgan and 'Moose' from you a clue it has been Ladies' in the Cabin! WRG and all the CRT crew. Our focused on over recent boats were returned to the Pum- years but so far with no April 18th/19th. The Annual BCN phouse on Sunday afternoon, follow- firm result. Clean up, based this year in the Smeth- ing another visit to the New Main wick area. As usual, this event was at- This should not be too line, and another unloading by Baz. tended by BCNS, DCT, CCT, IWA, difficult for all our Now where to next year? WRG and CRT. Boats attending were members who have Phoenix, Crow, Hawne, Bittel and a travelled through the CRT push tug, plus their respective BCN. I look forward to many positive responses.

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From our Membership Secretary, Number 10 became a similar fea- Welcome Alan Veness ture in the post war construction of He would like to welcome the Regent Road council housing. As New following new members and hope they you can see from the photos Shaft will join us in the activities of the BCN 8 is in need of repair, Shaft 6 looks Members Society a recent rebuild. I think the aerial on Shaft 8 is to do with ongoing David King - Aldridge monitoring of the tunnel structure Nigel Self - Belbroughton following major repairs in the Des & Margaret Redwood - Sutton Coldfield early 1900’s, 1980’s and early Adam Eddleston - Birmingham 2000’s. Local anecdote reports Martin Danks - Hereford cracks appearing at the Netherton Joan Blackley - Cradley Heath end when the ‘Gornal’ earthquake Robert Starkey - Birmingham occurred in 2002.  Iain & Cheryl Douglas - Luton Shaft 8 Regents Road Shaft 12 Packwood Road David Watts - London ******************************************** Nick & Linda Waterfield - Gussage St. Michael, Dorset

Plus 33 having the inclusive year of membership from entering the Letters THANK YOU TO ALL BCNS Spring Explorer Cruise or the 24-hr Challenge. to the MEMBERS WHO HELPED ON THE Editor BIG BCN CLEAN UP Explore Cruise: Jim & Marilyn Coulthart - Downham Market Adrian Wood - Norwich Please can you thank Mike Rolfe, Barrie Johnson, Stuart Sherratt and others for flying the flag for BCNS at our clean up on the weekend, It was much Tony & Margaret Merridale - Rushden (Northants.) appreciated to see them there as they are every year. They all joined us for food Robert & Maggie Kelley - Bristol and beer on Saturday evening. Mike & Marion Lovegrove - Weymouth Lots of large pieces of the M5 pulled out in Oldbury, a lot of tyres, traffic cones, a Daphne Inskip - Braunston freezer but no icecream! Lots of scaffolding poles and even a Hindu deity statue. Tony & Jennifer Becket - Braunston The following quote was given to the press earlier: David & Lesley Sargood - Maldon Ray & Gwynneth Buss - Chester "We were welcomed to our accommodation in Tipton by the local boating Andy & Rose Bimson - Market Harborough community who came and enjoyed Saturday evening with us, the people of Peter Powell & Ruth Barker - Stroud Smethwick supported our clean up in their area and praised the volunteers. This Alan Gossage - Birmingham is the first time we have worked in this area, surrounded by canal heritage and features, the volunteers certainly enjoyed themselves, thank you to all the Gloria Harrison - Stone societies who supplied the work boats to get rid of the rubbish and to the CRT Michael & Rebecca Fitzpatrick employees who worked diligently to empty the boats, we have already started Robert & June Owen - Solihull planning the 2016 event" Kevin & Veronica Murphy - Redhill, Nottingham Best Wishes and thanks again Brian & Lesley Evans - Warrington Chris Morgan, Team Leader John & Barbara Adams - Bristol Waterway Recovery Group

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Recollections of the Titford Canal Society’s Artefacts

As a child Eric Ruff emigrated with his family to live in Canada, but he never forgot Joe Hollinshead made a his roots in the Black Country and visited frequently and in more recent years by presentation to the Society of canal as he relates here along with his childhood memories of living close to the two gauging sticks. These Titford Canal. were accepted by our Chair- man, Charley & Richard Parry, CRT Chief Excecutive, Shortly after the First World War my spring day – in the days when the ca- who was visiting our Rally at grandparents, Albert and Mary Cotterill, nal was a ‘chemical’ green colour and Titford this year. kept the New Navigation Inn, at the top of had a particular smell – I wonder if the The two gauging sticks were the Titford Canal. They were moved to swans survived. in Joe’s possession after the Crosswells Inn, Five Ways, Langley, From the Station Road Bridge I re- they were no longer required shortly afterwards. My mother was born member the view of Langley Maltings by British Waterways and he there; in 1945 I was born there too, and, I think, boats tied up to unload oil kept them safely until now. although not in the same building as I – they must have been Thomas Clay- The larger one was from understand that it was rebuilt in the ton’s boats because there was some Camp Hill and was used to 1920s. type of BP oil depot nearby on the gauge the large Grand Union corner of Station Road and Western boats and the smaller one As a child growing up in Langley I was Road which led up to Langley Green was from Winson Green stop allowed to go to the various parks in the train station. I remember that smell of and of course used to gauge area and roam around pretty well at will. oil too. I also recall looking over the the smaller BCN boats. Sadly, however, I obeyed the “Don’t go bridge at the trampled bulrushes and Thank you Joe!! near the canals.” instruction from my weeds opposite the towpath and was mother. I did, however, get to look over told that a body had been found there. canal bridges: Uncle Ben’s Bridge at the I think I was on my way to a Saturday top of Langley High Street (on my way to matinee at the Regent on that day. cubs and scouts at St. Michael’s school, visiting the doctor, and shopping in My best memories, though, which Memorandum from George Jebb 1881 Langley Green); Seven Stars Bridge on also involve smells, were those of the To Mr Chas Parry at the way to Oldbury; Station Road bridge, Tat Bank Road bridge. To get there Sneyd. An ancestor of on the way to my Aunt Gladys’s house in we could walk down “The Oxford” CRT’s Chief Excec? Rood End or on a trip to Smethwick Park; which was the road, now closed, “I return letter from Eli and the Tat Bank Road bridge on the way which ran straight through the middle Taylor which is very to my mother’s Aunt Sis who lived in Par- of Albright and Wilson’s – strong unsatisfactory. You sonage Street opposite the Gas Works. I chemical smells this time. That must give him a se- remember that smell particularly. bridge, as most readers will know, vere reprimand and crosses the Jim Crow Locks going up tell him that if anything .From Uncle Ben’s Bridge I could see the to the Titford Pumphouse. If we were of the kind occurs Slade Brothers’ coal wharf and I remem- very lucky, my brother and I (by our- again I shall be ber boats unloading there. I did see a selves) would lean over the bridge obliged to fine him.” swan or two there once on a and watch boats going up or down the George Jebb The Engineer 8 25 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

locks. Colourful boats – obviously in Canal. We were hooked. I actually Gilpins Arm crossed by a small bridge. This ran parallel Thomas Clayton livery. Sometimes chose that canal since I wanted every- For the sake of completeness I should men- and between the present day Dovedale Ave- there were horse-drawn boats. I do re- one to love canal boating – my inten- tion the 1794 Gilpins Arm which exited the nue and St John’s Road following the line of Wyrley and Essington just south of the Gilpin Crescent, ending at Norton Road. member a man with the tow rope over tion, even then, was to get us to the Slough Arm. The only remnant of this half Even back then it was mostly dried up. his shoulder pulling a boat into (or out of) Titford Canal. We’ve been on the ca- mile canal built to serve the Newlands Col- a lock. I now suspect that he was pulling nals fifteen or sixteen times since. The lieries is in the name of the modern road Sandhills Arm a butty with perhaps the motor going on highlight, however, was in 2007-2008 which follows it course. This is another mile long dry relic in Brown- ahead. Since I didn’t know much about when my wife and I spent six and a half hills which left the Anglesey Arm just to the The best description I have found was by a boats in those days I didn’t particularly months on the canals (980 miles, 690 east of Catshill Junction and was built in reader who left the following comment on pay attention to what was happening. locks and 202 pubs). I was elated 1797. The junction was obliterated when a my blog: when, underneath the motorway, we major breach was repaired in the area but its Little did I know that not too far away turned off the Old Main Line onto the contour can be picked up following a modern There was a strange little tributary which was the Thomas Clayton boatyard with, Titford Canal. Finally, I’d made it to my track across the fields. used to spur off the Wyrley and Essington I’m sure, lots of activity. ‘home canal’ by boat. We tied up just in Pelsall. If you head from Yorks Bridge to This lane ends in a group of buildings which My family moved to Canada in 1957 so I short of the Station Road bridge and Yorks Foundry Bridge, then continue a have been converted into attractive houses missed the end of the Thomas Clayton but a look at their rounded windows reveals went into the pub (then named the Fin- short distance until the canal bends sharply boats, the decline of the canals and their their age and their canal connections. ings & Firkin.) When I asked if it was to the left there used to be (in the early initial resurgence. (I’ve seen a number of 60’s) a small brook which ran off the canal, safe to moor there overnight the an- the Clayton boats in various locations swer was “They burned a boat there a since.) couple of years ago.” Thankfully, being In the early 1980’s my wife and I, along a long-time member of the BCNS, I with two friends, rented an English made contact with someone and was County Cruises boat on the Llangollen told that we could moor outside the clubhouse – and we did. Langley wasn’t the place I remembered but we did enjoy The Crosswells Inn. We walked the full length of the canal as far as the New Navigation. The canal was clear enough to see the bottom and there were Canada Geese there. The canal had certainly changed from when I was a kid. This photo of the Pump House & buildings above Oldbury Locks will have been the sight that would have greeted Eric when he was a child in Langley.

24 9 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 “Canoeing to Rio” Exploring the Forgotten Corners of the BCN The intrepid BCNS Secretary By Andy Tidy Ivor Caplan took part in the National Go Canoeing Week- 11. Slough, Gilpins and Sandhills Every Mile Counts on 29th May. The three canoes shown Having recently bought a new home in The branch canal follows a north south route Aldridge and moved our boats to Longwood and provided access to the local collieries were manned by representa- Boat Club it is fitting that this article focuses from the Wyrley and Essington Canal, under tives from the CRT West Mid- on some of the lost canals in the Brownhills what is now a dropped bridge and unusually lands Waterways Partnership area of the BCN. The snag is that they are included one lock. and canoed from the Ackers disconnected fragments which don’t make for Trust Activity Centre along the a neat circular walk, but a stout pair of boots A visit today will reveal a well preserved brick bridge which carried Engine Lane over the Grand Union Canal to the top or a bicycle will help you join the bits. dry remains of top basin and a few hundred of Camp Hill locks. Peter Mathews, Chairman of WMWP is seen in the middle yards south will bring you to the distorted canoe and Ivor’s boat was ably steered by Ian Lane, Waterways Manager. The remains of the solitary lock, its sides forced in scheme is aimed at encouraging people to get out on the water and enjoy paddle by a mix of subsidence and tree roots. A careful examination at the bottom end will sports. Distances canoed are all logged and the aim is to total 24,901 miles reveal the rotted remains of the bottom lock apparently the distance to Rio. We completed 10 between us so not far to go! gates still embedded in the mud. Photos of Atlas & Beer – Harry Arnold:

Atlas nipped off on it’s own earlier this year to deliver some beer. Harry kindly sent this photo to show what they were up to.

Beer being unloaded at ABC’s Alvechurch wharf, (l to r) Darren Mathews, ABC manager at Alvechurch Marina, Ivor Chambers, skipper of Atlas, The lower pound is sometimes in water John Humphreys, landlord of depending on the season and amount of The Weighbridge Inn, recent rainfall. The water increases as you Slough Arm approach the main canal and a large trian- This abandoned half mile private arm is gular basin can be identified. It is very probably one of my favourite discoveries in silted, but is immediately recognisable and the northern BCN. Access is off the A452 at one time included a covered wharf. Chester Road, just north of the Hussey Arms This area appears to be public open ground David Wheeler, chairman W B & D Canals Soci- in Brownhills turning down Coppice Lane and so you are free to roam without threat of ety, Adrian Smith, their harbourmaster and Paul challenge or eviction. go to the very end near Coppice Industrial Cooksey, head brewer at Old Swan Brewery. estate and the site of an abandoned railway If you would like more information about this embankment which now carries a footpath/ Anthony Cheetham shows his young son Atlas fascinating BCN relic, have a look at Ray cycleway. Shill’s article in the Autumn 2011 edition of his namesake boat - the BCNS’s historic Atlas. Boundary Post. 10 23 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 A Great Week on the BCN Atlas & Malus Report

Several Explorer Cruisers sent in their thanks and accounts but room only allows Paul Smith Firstly I would like to give a massive thank you to Gill Reynolds for all for one. This is from Bob June and Ecco on Nb. Autumn Myst telling us how much the work she has done painting Atlas, those of you who have seen the they enjoyed their week with Stuart & Marie on the Spring Explorer Cruise & the boat cannot fail to be impressed by the quality of the paintwork. weekend at the Titford Rally accompanied by a photo from David Sargood below. A&M's first trip of the year was a DofE residential which included attending the Easter boat I was born in Birmingham and used to wander the canals as a child but to experi- gathering at Tipton. The end of April saw Atlas loaded up with 28 barrels of beer from the ence them now is great. I would describe the BCN as the canals Hidden Treasures Old Swan Brewery in Netherton. Some casks were delivered to the Weighbridge Inn at and a Green Corridor through the sprawling West Midlands. There are obviously a Alvechurch and the rest for St Richards Festival in Droitwich, where Atlas was on display few spots which are not as we would like but once through those it was a real for the bank holiday weekend. treat. A few of the Highlights include Anglesey Basin (Chasewater), Pelsall Com- A quick trip along the W&B canal meant Atlas was back in time for the open weekend at Hawne Basin. This event saw Malus being horse drawn along a section of the Dudley No.2 mon, Walsall Basin, Ten pin bowling at Wednesfield moored in the Bentley Arm, canal on the Saturday, a rare sight these days! The following weekend saw the boats make and the visit to Bradley Lock Gate works. their annual trip to Titford for the BCNS boat rally. Next on the agenda was the BCN Challenge, which saw the closure of Oldbury locks just days before the start. The problem Stuart and Marie aided by Brian did a fantastic job of organising us all and chose was that A&M were moored at the Pump House, effectively stranded! Thanks to help from some great over night mooring spots. We have made some lovely friends during CRT we, and several others, were managed down the flight on the Saturday morning so the week and although we were a bit concerned before we started out about we could continue with the Challenge. Progress went well until we arrived at Walsall locks breasting up with strangers we need not have worried because it was never a where we had to wait for over an hour for water to be let down. Once on the W&E progress problem and we would not hesitate in the future. I would recommend anybody to was slowed by having to stop to clear rubbish off the prop with monotonous regularity (not go on future cruises and to explore the BCN on there own. easy without a weed hatch). The finish of the Challenge was at Bradley Workshops this year and as the arm is little used progress was slow. We managed to finish at 4 o'clock, only 2 hours late, but we were the first working pair back, in front of Nuneaton & Brighton. I do a blog of our travels and if you want to have a look at my daily ramblings and A big thank you to all who have helped to crew including Steve, Jeff, Charley, Ivor, Dave, photos - look up Autumn Myst blogger. Jon & his son Daniel, Michael, Roger, Dave, Tug and Kirsty. 

The Spring Explorer Cruise rests for the night at Pelsall Common

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in the coffin for ‘the cut’. By 1958 the Building Improvements at Pelsall Walsall Arm was practically full of rotting and disused boats, and most of those

once employed on the canal had found The stables & buildings at Pelsall stop at the start of the Cannock Extension was better-paid jobs in local factories. purchased late last year and is gradually being rebuilt. Although not yet complete the Over many years, the Walsall Canal difference is in my opinion quite delightful. The planning permission is for commercial became filled with weeds and rubbish, use. We will have to wait and see what it will be used for. Northern Canals by Ray Shill and this once thriving part of the town’s commercial life became a foul-smelling Lancaster, Ulverston, Carlisle & the and depressing dump. But this was not Pennine Waterways Through Time, , to last for ever, as in the late 20th 96 pages, 80 colour, 55 b&w illustra- century the nation’s canals, once forgot- tions, 8 maps & diagrams, Amberley ten and ignored by the majority of the Publishing, Stroud, 2014, ISBN 978 population, began a revival as a 4456 3319 0 £14.99 resource for leisure boaters.

Today, life is returning to the Town Ray Shill seems to have the knack of Wharf. Walsall’s prestigious New Art capturing the spirit of the canals he Gallery has been built on the site and writes about. Here he describes the attracts many thousands of visitors each building of these waterways as year to what was a lonely, abandoned challenging and formidable. Obstacles place. The award-winning Wharf pub is were overcome though, providing an access for the textile industries so im- As it is now June 2014 Photo Phil Clayton providing good beer and food in a As it was when purchased in 2014 now-attractive setting. Already, portant to the region. This is a scenic, prestigious canal side housing and retail but handsome route with its rugged units have been developed in the area, stone bridges, its towering viaducts and Top 10 BCN 24 hour Challenge Results and much more is hoped for in years to the tall chimneys of its mills. Many of come. Boats are now able to use the the views shown are from the author’s POSITION ENTRANT BOAT NAME POINTS canal again, and narrowboat rallies have own collection, we see towns such as 1 MICHAEL PINNOCK CLOVER 354.65 become a regular occurrence, bringing a Skipton, Sowerby Bridge and reincarnation of many old traditions and Huddersfield with their distinctive north- 2 JOHN MOSLEY FIREFLY 335 the creation of many new ones as ern look, tempting us as we plan our 3 ANDREW HOYLE DOVE 323.05 leisure has taken over from labour as the coming summer cruise, and what could mainstay of the canals. The Town Wharf be more enjoyable than visiting and 4 DARREN MATTHEWS CARPE VINUM 299.5 has begun a new and exciting life as a exploring this unique part of the world with Ray’s book to guide us? From a 5 DAVE BELL PANATHA 288.6 very different hub of activity in 21st century Walsall.  wealth of interesting and well captioned 6 TIMOTHY BARRETT DORA VENUS 284.1 photographs the author shows how the idea of a cross Pennine waterway 7 RICHARD POWELL TAWNY OWL 274.3 developed from the Ribble Navigation, 8 GLEN ROSE GOLIAH 267.5 through the construction of other canals, to ultimately arrive at the its final desti- 9 STEVE GREEN GOOSANDER 253.2 nation the River Aire. 10 CAROL KEELEY MAGGIE MAY 252.3 Well recommended. 12 21 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

With all these and their basins was one of the most notorious parts of extending practically onto Wolverhamp- old Walsall, as many local folk still Winter Stoppages 2015/2016 ton Street, this street, before the coming recall. It was well known for the of the railway, must have been a hub of prostitutes who plied their trade and Rotton Park Birmingham Main Line activity, with horse transport distributing took advantage of the stationary cabin Waterway: New Mainline (alternative route around Icknield Port Loop) local goods for canal transport, and boats on cold, dark winters nights in this From Date: 2nd November 2015 at 08:00 many tons of coal moved from these poorly lit area. To Date: 18th December 2015 at 17:00 inclusive wharfs for domestic consumption. The other side of the arm was the towpath, The Dun Cow pub in Wolverhampton Lock 2 Saltley Birmingham & Warwick Junction Canal and was fairly wide to accommodate the Street, long demolished, was a popular Waterway: Birmingham & Warwick Junction Canal many horses awaiting turnaround, meeting place from its building in 1894 From Date: 9th November 2015 at 08:00 before the days of motorised narrow until just after the Second World War. To Date: 20th December 2015 at 16:00 inclusive Most boatmen also frequented the Bar- boats. During a normal working day the Lock 1 Top Lock Wolverhampton Old Main Line Walsall Arm would be filled with rel Inn, the Flitch of Bacon, Elephant & Castle, Engine Inn, The White Horse Waterway: Old Main Line approximately 50 to 60 narrowboats, as From Date: 9th November 2015 at 08:00 recalled by Len Wilson from his first and The Albion, all along the Wolverhampton Road and Street. With To Date: 20th December 2015 at 16:00 inclusive journeys on the Walsall Arm with Shropshire Union boats during the many boats getting an early start for the Lock 1 Parkhead Top Lock Dudley No 1 Canal Great War. Those were hard times, and Cannock collieries, many local boatmen Waterway: Dudley No 1 Canal Len remembered that by age 16 he was preferred to wait until just after midnight, From Date: 9th November 2015 at 08:00 working a boat of his own in company and being partly drunk enabled them to To Date: 20th December 2015 at 16:00 inclusive summon up the courage to get going on with his father, due to the great Lock 5, Curdworth, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal manpower shortage during that war, their long, slow journey of many miles. Life on the boats was very hard, being a Waterway: Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and at the time food supplies were the From Date: 4th January 2016 at 08:00 main cargo into Walsall, comprising cut-throat and desperate trade, with none of the glamour or romance that To Date: 11th March 2016 at 16:00 inclusive grain, cocoa and sugar, as well as boxes of tinned meat and fruit, and some modern narrowboat owners seem Lock 1, Perry Barr Top Lock, Tame Valley Canal to imagine. barrels of Guinness Stout for the local Waterway: Tame Valley Canal pubs. By the 1930s, however, road transport From Date: 4th January 2016 at 08:00 was becoming affordable. Although for To Date: 11th March 2016 at 16:00 inclusive On the towpath in the 1880s, three ironworks needed many boatloads of coal. some years the lorries complemented Farmers Bridge Lock 11, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal The Bradford Ironworks was under the the remaining boats, delivering coal and Waterway: Birmingham & Fazeley Canal management of W. M. Lester, Iron other goods from the wharfs to their From Date: 4th January 2016 at 08:00 Manufacturer, of Bridgeman Street. The final destinations, eventually the idea of To Date: 11th March 2016 at 16:00 inclusive Globe Ironworks was known as the Brit- using vehicles such as the three-ton ish and Colonial Horse Shoe and Ma- Bedford lorry and the Morris Minworth Lock chine Co. Ltd, of Charles Street. These Commercials to transport coal direct Waterway: Birmingham & Fazeley Canal works were still busy during around the from the Cannock pits caught on, and From Date: 4th January 2016 at 08:00 with cheap pre-war petrol, the days of To Date: 11th March 2016 at 17:00 inclusive time of the Great War, but the nearby Waterloo works had closed in the canal transport were numbered. There was a respite for the boats during Sec- Izon Turnover bridge, Wednesbury Old Canal 1890s. Waterway: Wednesbury Old Canal ond World War petrol rationing, but the Marsh Lane, leading off Marsh Street to post-war availability of cheap army sur- From Date: 4th January 2016 at 08:00 the main Walsall Arm canal towpath, plus lorries was the final nail in the To Date: 18th March 2016 at 17:00 inclusive

20 13 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 BCNS PRESIDENT RETIRES Walsall’s Town Wharf David Smith has been the Society’s President for many years and despite ill health for much of that time has been a most attentive support. He explains here how he A cut above the rest would have liked to have done more. For what he did do we thank him very much. Some time ago while speaking to Jack Haddock he told me what an interest he Maybe one normally thinks that presidents of voluntary organisations just go on for had in Walsall and its canal. This photograph of the arm from the Bob May ever, but I felt differently. collection with its wharfs reminded me of his history of this area so here it is by kind permission of Jack. I was delighted to accept the post of President of BCNS and my thoughts were that I could to something useful to help. Alas it proved otherwise. Myrtle and I have a tremendous family and we bowed to pressure to move closer to where children grandchildren and now great grand children (3 and counting) were all growing up, the decision was a good one, but the distance from Brum became difficult and health played its part and I was unable to play the role as BCNS President that I envisaged.

The committee’s decision to invite Martin O’Keeffe to take on the post is a good one. The work he did bringing Titford pump house back to reality has been the trigger to the pools regeneration, it can only accelerate with Martin’s enthusiasm backing the project. I have always thought Titford was important and recollect when descending the “Crow” that the water leaving the bottom lock could finish in London, Bristol, Liverpool, Hull or Boston depending on the vagaries of water flow.

As I write this note I recollect it was 22years ago almost to the day that the inaugural Explorer Cruise explored Titford pools. Martin was one of our explorers and maybe, just maybe that exercise led him on the track he has Around the turn of the last century, canal From 1895-1916 this site also supplied followed. traffic supplying the needs of Walsall’s trade electricity for Walsall and district. In and commerce peaked. Along the Wolver- addition, the gasworks provided outgoing Myrtle and I retired together and hampton Street side of the Walsall Canal arm supplies of coke and other by-products. getting involved with the BCNS made was a line of small wharfs mostly used for After 1916, the Public Works Department our retirement meaningful. May all factory and domestic coal deliveries. took over the yard with its buildings and wharf. members continue to enjoy the The first wharf from the Walsall Canal end Between Corporation Wharf and the bottom challenges relating to a canal system was Corporation Wharf, which supplied the of the canal arm were the following built on a hill. I look forward to reading town’s gasworks from 1850-1877 when it wharves: Dock Wharf, Albion Wharf, about it. Farewell BCNS. moved to Pleck Road. Victoria Wharf, Providence Wharf, and the Old Wharf. 14 19 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

Brook’s Mill was also sublet to George By 1900 the many factories and works in The Canal to Sandy Turn Skelton (tack maker), Chas Aston Sheepcote Street formed a skyline that was like all areas subject to change, but (wheelwright), John Mole (Cabinet Part 2 Ray Shill many features remained until the 1960’s Brassfounder) and Daniel Wright (wood and some elements remained until the Here Ray completes his well researched and comprehensive article focusing on turner) the Birmingham Main Line at its very beginnings in 1769. Tricycle Works, Quadrant- Quadrant drastic redevelopment of this street where Cycle Co modern apartments have replaced industrial premises. Ironworks (Hurdles & Fencing) - John Elwell One time long survivor was Hudson, Ed- Brass Tube & Metal Works- Hudson munds & Co, whose premises and sign- Edmunds & Co age in Sheepcote Street was a feature long after the official winding up proceed- Across that bridge on the site of the ings in 1980. This firm had been located former boat dock was the premises that on this site for some hundred years then. belonged to the Patent Ferrule Com- pany (John Henry Shoebotham pro- The original partnership of Harvey Hud- prietor). son and John Edmunds had started off as a maker of brass tubes, but also under This area became a popular location John Edmunds had ventured into the for the making of ferrous and non trade of cycle maker. The company had ferrous tubes that had a variety of uses been registered in January 1894, but and some of which were used as boiler creditors seeking payments had forced tubes in boilers and steam locomotives. receivership in 1895. Despite these set- The canal retained an important use in backs a new company was formed that the transport of coal for the various operated from the works and continued to heating processes required for raising make brass tubes.  steam or fuel for the many furnaces required for metal treat- The bed of the canal that forms much canal level and a rather winding route to ment. These included of the Oozells Street Loop has seen the mines nears Golds Green and annealing furnaces and continuous navigation, apart from Golds Hill. stoppages for maintenance, since enamelling stoves. Whilst In the first part of this article, the town gas sometimes re- November 1769. In four years time it will be possible to celebrate BCN 250, development of the canals at Sheep- placed steam as source cote Street was investigated up to the as motive power, driving which will be an auspicious moment. This section of waterway forms part of period of the 1870’s, a time when the the large internal Oozells Loop had been in use for a combustion engine, the first part of the Birmingham Canal Navigation to open. It linked a terminus hundred years. During this time the known as the gas en- fields and gardens that came down to gine, there were also wharf beside the old turnpike (near the Parade) with coal mines at West Brom- the waterside were gradually replaced more compact plants by industrial buildings. Here manufac- where coal was carbon- wich. Boats taking this route had to climb six locks at Smethwick and then turing was mixed in between wharves ised to power engines on for the reception of bricks and coal. site. descend again through six more at Spon Lane before regaining the original Narrowboats were also constructed on a part of the bank there. 18 15 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

The canalside throughout Birmingham about 1873 and iron merchants trade This included motor and cycle compo- underwent many changes and the about 1877. yard facing Sherborne Street basin be- nents, machinery, gas engines, two factories placed alongside the banks came a cycle factory during 1881. The 20hp horizontal steam engines, a Cor- there were regularly transformed as Thomas Upfill had built up an important firm of Quadrant Cycles became an in- nish boiler and enamelling stove. Pro- business came and went. The only . iron merchants trade, a core part of ternational brand as people chose their duction of constant factor was the groups of old which was canal based. During the robust products. Their Sheepcote Street Quadrant vehicles was relocated to buildings that housed such enterprise 1830’s Thomas & James Upfill had works despatched their products both Coventry when Priest made an agree- and even those structures underwent dealt in iron, steel and ironmongery throughout Britain and for shipment ment for them to be made there by the alterations to suit the business needs. goods at their wharf beside the Newhall abroad. Though a canal side location, Challenge Cycle Company. Branch. They manufactured iron hur- there is little evidence of canal transport D Coleman & Co, furniture makers Sheepcote Street was crossed by both dles, gates, tree guards and fencing. from this factory, unless it was short took over the Quadrant Works. the Old and New Main lines of the Later Thomas and son, Thomas Boll- distance to Monument Lane Inter- BCN. Between the bridges lay a once man Upfill, were in this trade. Their change Basin, and the bulk of their By 1886 the west side of Sheepcote very busy group of factories and partnership was dissolved in 1846, with goods, it would seem, were despatched Street from the Stone Wharf to the wedged in between were homes and T B Upfill in business on his own ac- by rail with road transport being used to Oozells Branch Bridge comprised: beer houses, where local workers lived count. He, Thomas senior and brother and from the factory. Components, such Coach and Ironworks, the Standard and drank. Their working class lives William built up the business at Sheep- as tubes, would also have been deliv- Works- Robert Grindle & Co being often fraught with keeping em- cote Street and included a new branch ered by road. There was an important Sheepcote Street tube and rolling mills ployment and enduring the long hours to the trade, metallic bedstead making. cycle component trade within Birming- (brass and copper tubes)- James any occupation, of this period, required. Bedstead manufacture became a key ham and cartage was a common mode Booth & Co There were the labourers, pattern mak- trade in Birmingham and Upfill entered of transport between supplier and Timber Yard - John Sykes ers, glass makers and boatmen. this trade during its formative years. manufacturer. Coal by canal was more- Saw Mills- John Brook’s & Co Amongst their numbers were included They were assisted in this trading as- common and Quadrant had a basement the more well-off such as the boat pect by William Moreton as manager of steam engine that required coal. builders, engine drivers (for the factory the Sheepcote Street Works. During steam engines), coal merchants and 1862 William Upfill and William More- William Priest was a force timber merchants. ton decided to set up a new bedstead behind Quadrant, who made both factory taking over the former Britannia On the west side of Sheepcote Street a tricycles and bicycles and came to Cut Nail works in Blews Street. Thomas have branches in London, Liver- growing number of buildings came to fill B Upfill retained the business at the whole street frontage between the pool, Manchester and Leeds. He Sheepcote Street. A serious fire at the was instrumental in setting up a two bridge parapets with alleyways works in 1871, which started in the ja- leading down to the yards and homes public company in October 1895. panning part of the factory, caused se- By this date the premises com- that were crammed in seemingly tight rious damage and despite the property places and surrounded by high factory prised a three storey building with being insured, bedstead making yards and shopping to the rear. walls. ceased and Taylor left the partnership Much of the plant was new. They The early factories there included the during 1874. Work was then concen- commenced motorcycle and tri-car Standard Works where Lawson & Hol- trated on the making of iron hurdles, manufacture at Sherborne Street den made patent axletrees and Tho- gates etc, a business which the firm in 1903, but public ownership had mas Upfill constructed metallic bed- had kept over the years. its pitfalls. steads. The bedstead factory which The land between the Standard Work In May 1907 receivers acting for had been owned by Thomas Upfill & and the timber yard was developed as the debenture holders advertised Son, traded for a time as Upfill & Tay- a copper tube factory by James Booth& the plant and premises for sale. lor. Their bedstead trade was given up Sons. On the other side of the timber 16 17 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

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in the coffin for ‘the cut’. By 1958 the Building Improvements at Pelsall Walsall Arm was practically full of rotting and disused boats, and most of those

The Spring Explorer Cruise rests for the night at Pelsall Common

22 11 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 “Canoeing to Rio” Exploring the Forgotten Corners of the BCN The intrepid BCNS Secretary By Andy Tidy Ivor Caplan took part in the National Go Canoeing Week- 11. Slough, Gilpins and Sandhills Every Mile Counts on 29th May. The three canoes shown Having recently bought a new home in The branch canal follows a north south route Aldridge and moved our boats to Longwood and provided access to the local collieries were manned by representa- Boat Club it is fitting that this article focuses from the Wyrley and Essington Canal, under tives from the CRT West Mid- on some of the lost canals in the Brownhills what is now a dropped bridge and unusually lands Waterways Partnership area of the BCN. The snag is that they are included one lock. and canoed from the Ackers disconnected fragments which don’t make for Trust Activity Centre along the a neat circular walk, but a stout pair of boots A visit today will reveal a well preserved brick bridge which carried Engine Lane over the Grand Union Canal to the top or a bicycle will help you join the bits. dry remains of top basin and a few hundred of Camp Hill locks. Peter Mathews, Chairman of WMWP is seen in the middle yards south will bring you to the distorted canoe and Ivor’s boat was ably steered by Ian Lane, Waterways Manager. The remains of the solitary lock, its sides forced in scheme is aimed at encouraging people to get out on the water and enjoy paddle by a mix of subsidence and tree roots. A careful examination at the bottom end will sports. Distances canoed are all logged and the aim is to total 24,901 miles reveal the rotted remains of the bottom lock apparently the distance to Rio. We completed 10 between us so not far to go! gates still embedded in the mud. Photos of Atlas & Beer – Harry Arnold:

Atlas nipped off on it’s own earlier this year to deliver some beer. Harry kindly sent this photo to show what they were up to.

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Recollections of the Titford Canal Society’s Artefacts

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24-hr Challenge: Canal Tunnel “Pepperpots” Barry Hewitt - Norton Canes While travelling through Netherton Tunnel I often look up the huge ventilation Polly Paige - Cosgrove shafts along the length and wonder where they come out at the top of the hill and Alan Jones - Milton Keynes what they look like. Well Phil Wild must have thought the same but decided to do a Graham Clutton - Alton bit of research & photograph what he found. I have counted seven shafts but there Chris Kelly - Stalybridge were originally more when the tunnel was built but they have now been filled in Sarah Levick - Glemsford though the “pepperpots” remain. Most of us know what the Gosty Hll “pepperpot” Stuart McCord - Chilwell, Notts. looks like as it is so often photographed and published but the Netherton ones are Jan Acheson - Salisbury less well known so we shall have a look at some of them here along with Phil. Timothy Barrett - Birmingham Relevant histories of each tunnel can easily be found via a Google search, or similar. Carol Keeley - Llanrhyddlad Maggie Young – Thorpe Astley, Leicester I would just flag up that there Andy Sharp - Ludlow appears to be anomalies recorded Alan Butler - Ilkeston regarding the number, and Matt Smith - Weedon Bec numbering, of the Netherton Dave Hull - Sheffield shafts. This is caused, I think, by the ****************** Aston Road one, the one which looks like a roundabout. This is equidistant between numbers 10 and 12 and therefore must be what I refer to as No 11, which historical documents suggests was filled in shortly after construction. Shaft 4 Interesting is that this and shaft I think, without any 13 are clearly marked on OS supporting evidence, they may have been retained Shaft 6 in Lower for‘maintenance’ rather Warrens Hall Park than for ventilation. Num- ber 11 was a red, not blue, hinged on the top, if you go brick top in the 1950’s through the tunnel it looks with two hinged metal bricked over at the base. Of plates and I can distinctly shaft 13 there is no evidence recall, when much of it at the surface which I younger, climbing it and have found, the area became seeing the canal below a private housing estate in through the gap. It was the 1970’s, with shaft 12 concreted over post 1970 Shaft 11 Aston Road becoming a feature in and though it is still someone’s front garden. 6 27 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 butties, all based on the Engine In Memoriam Work Party Branch over the weekend. Phoenix Sales Report Report and Crow were taken down from the Bob Broomhall Titford Pumphouse on Saturday from Beccy by Mike Rolfe morning and soon started loading at On 28th March a small group Anchor Bridge, where some WRGies of family and BCNS members had already began working. A good March 21st/22nd. This was a two day gathered together to say load was soon aboard our boats, so Beccy is always making little items to sell on event carried out at Hawne Basin and farewell to Bob. His ashes off we went for unloading on the En- the BCNS Stand. This time it’s owl key rings involved a re-paint of Crow, both inside have been buried in the gine Branch, done as usual by Baz but she needs some small white shirt buttons and out. Crow was pulled on to the ground of Titford Pump House and Tony from CRT. for eyes. If you have any in your button box dock the previous day to dry out, and so that Bob will always be a that you could spare please see Beccy. Saturday saw us grinding and wire part of the Society’s activities. All metals were loaded on to the brushing the hull prior to painting. The The sales Joan would like to thank the BCNS truck for weighing in, the rest floor was cleared of any remaining mud stand will BCNS Council who agreed to was put in to three large skips, and water which lay beneath the old be at the this and to all his family and weighing an estimated sixty five tons floor boards. Painting soon followed, BCBF or so. One big find on the New Main friends who attended the oc- with the outside having three coats 12th& 13th line below was part of a car, includ- casion. Regards Joan applied. A new steel floor was also in- September. ing gearbox, and this took around stalled in Crow, with several plates be- Beccy ten of us to remove from the Cut and The BCN Society have lost a ing cut to size by Arthur and Barrie, would love load in to Crow. Baz took it out again great friend in Bob. He is so before being dropped in to position. them before with his 'Grab' and put it on the missed. They were quite heavy! Phoenix also that. truck. received new steel floor plates at this time. On the Saturday night, several of us

were invited to the WRG accommo- Thanks are due to Arthur for all his dation in the Malthouse stables, Tip- work on this project, and everyone else BCN Photo Quiz ton, where good food and ale were who helped along the way, including on offer. Thanks Chris! Barrie, Michael, Geoff, Brian, new This time our photo quiz member Dave King and all who crewed Thanks this year to Stuart, Phil, Mi- shows a part of a building the boats to and from Coombeswood. chael, Adrian, Barrie, Ivor and Mike somewhere on the BCN Crow now looks much better in it's new for their help over the weekend. Also that still exists. To give coat of paint. Thanks also to the 'Dinner to Chris Morgan and 'Moose' from you a clue it has been Ladies' in the Cabin! WRG and all the CRT crew. Our focused on over recent

boats were returned to the Pum- years but so far with no April 18th/19th. The Annual BCN phouse on Sunday afternoon, follow- firm result. Clean up, based this year in the Smeth- ing another visit to the New Main wick area. As usual, this event was at- This should not be too line, and another unloading by Baz. tended by BCNS, DCT, CCT, IWA, difficult for all our Now where to next year? WRG and CRT. Boats attending were members who have Phoenix, Crow, Hawne, Bittel and a travelled through the CRT push tug, plus their respective BCN. I look forward to many positive responses.

28 5 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209 maintenance of the canal and the pools, May 2nd. Pre-Rally Work party on were looking at the way ahead, and the the Titford canal. Phoenix was taken Chairman’s work needed. The most exciting bit is up to the Pools along with Mike the very real possibility of available Anson on his tug 'Joanna', Mike Notes funding - otherwise it all just becomes so going first to check the depth in the much hot air! What would be great is to bridge holes. Two of these were get the pools to the point where we cleared, the haul producing fencing, The year is flying past, and it is really would be able to hold a rally there to bikes, tyres, barriers and a petrol good to see how it has gone well for celebrate the major anniversaries com- hedge cutter. A fallen tree was also the Society. ing up for the both the BCN and the removed which was lying across the Society. canal. This took a fair amount of saw- The Titford Pumphouse Rally went ing before Joanna's fore end man- well. In addition to the boaters and our Success depends heavily on a wide aged to snap the partially cut through regulars, (without whom it would not community involvement, so we really trunk. A heavy safe was pulled from have happened) we had a lot of local have to work hard at this. Billie Spake the top pound of the flight, but it only visitors, many of whom seemed to be Mon and friends coming round for an contained mud and water. The skip meeting the canal for the first time. evenings entertainment is the next step, was rather full after we had unloaded This is great, for if we are to keep the and will have happened by the time you Phoenix! canals as attractive for all as they can read this. The tickets sold out weeks be for all, we need to help them to think before, so again, this looks like some- Future Work parties. of it as “their” canal, rather than thing we can build on. September 5th. Pre-Rally Clean up While bringing Phoenix to Longwood “somewhere to dump rubbish”. in Tipton. 10am start. for their Canal Festival Mike, Stuart We had another successful Marathon We added to this progress with a Challenge - the biggest yet, I believe. & Rob (our latest work party recruit October 24th. Pre-Bonfire Rally development meeting of the Titford Thanks again to Roy, John and all of the pictured here) collected a load of Project, led by Ivor Caplan. The others who made it such a success. I Clean up on the Engine Branch. rubbish including a mattress. groups and organisations with an suspect there were more boats at interest in the regeneration and Bradley than have been there for a long time - indeed possibly ever! Talking to Plans for New Bridge at Pelsall Rejected people around the canal on the way back Proposals to build a new two carriage- emphasised to me the way were given the green light last year. point that was made Planning chiefs hoped to save the exist- around Titford, that ing historic Yorks Bridge, in Norton canal use is appreci- Road, plus use additional land from the ated. Again, we need common for the new bridge and widen to build on it. the road which is a commuter route from Staffordshire to Walsall. Meanwhile enjoy the However due to a petition signed by 260 summer (says he writ- locals this has now been rejected by the ing with the rain pour- planners. ing down in mid June), The locals proposed that the existing bridge be strengthened & widened. The whether you are on Council are disappointed with this decision but remain committed to the scheme the bank or the boat. Moored under the motorway - IWA Rally Titford Pools and are taking legal advice to consider their next step.  4 29 Boundary Post Summer2015 Edition 209 Boundary Post Summer 2015 Edition 209

Council Members - 2014 - 2015 President : Martin O’Keeffe Vice-Presidents: Ron Cousens, Phil Clayton, Cllr. David Sparks, Rob Starkey,

Chairman & web man: Press & Publicity: CHARLEY JOHNSTON 07825816623 Kath O’’Keeffe [email protected] [email protected]

Vice Chair & Rally Organiser Press & Publicity Assistant BARRIE JOHNSON 0121 422 4373 Martin O’Keeffe [email protected] [email protected]

Work Party Co-ordinator: Work Party Administrator MIKE ROLFE 07763 171735 Michael Smith-Keary 01562 850234 [email protected] [email protected]

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Boundary Edition 209 Summer Post 2015

Daniel Penn is one of the latest volunteers to crew Atlas & Malus.

At 13 years of age he is also the youngest. We are so keen to encourage such young people to share an interest in the boats and in the canal in general.

We look forward to seeing Daniel along with his Dad Jon enjoying this experience.

Photo Jon Penn

The Journal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society Free to members 50p when sold bcnsociety.com