The Magazine of the & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue No. 88 - Summer 2016

David and Sheila Suchet together with David Dixon and Peter Buck unveil the panel depicting the tunnel at the Boat Inn (17-June-2016) ay Wha eeth rf L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the .

tel:01543 414808 mobile:0782 4848444 fax:01543 414770 www.streethaywharf.co.uk 7-DAY CALL OUT SERVICE GEN SETS FITTED DIESEL AND SOLID FUEL STOVES FITTED BOTTOM BLACKING REPAINTING AND SIGNWRITING NEW BOATS FULL & PART FIT-OUT SUPPLIED ALL MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL WORK FULL CHANDLERY STRETCHING AND REBOTTOMING GAS SAFE. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ALL STEEL WORK AND TANKS Support the boat yard on the “Lichfield Ring” Boat Transport, England, Europe Cranage Arranged Site Surveys  Complete Service for DIY  Repairs Boat Hire Boat Fitting Diesel Pump Out  Mooring  Boat Sales  Laundry Trent & Mersey Canal V.A.T No. 133609427 Chairman’s Column

Our Vice-President David Suchet has been so associated in peoples’ minds with the Trust that when I started volunteering, people used to ask “What’s he like?” Yet so ay Wha long is it since David and Sheila last visited us – ten full years ago – that until June eth rf this year I’d never met them. They are charming people, so interested in what we are re L doing, and so supportive of it: we are so fortunate to have them on our side. They t td saw pounds 26 and 27 at Tamworth Road, the former already in water, the latter S minus the “big pipe” which we had removed earlier in the month after consent came . through from ’s flood prevention officer. Next time we hope to show them water in pound 27 as well; the Environment Agency whose consent is needed came for a site visit recently and now understand better the issues involved. David hopes too to be able to “cut the ribbon” to inaugurate the section of the “Heritage Towpath Trail” from Road along our Summerhill section (where he and Sheila saw what we have achieved so far with the SIB grant) and over the aqueduct to Barracks Lane; currently we are still going through necessary approval procedures. Because of their evident interest in our progress and the enthusiasm of our volunteers in showing off every detail of what we’ve been doing, not to mention everyone wanting to take pictures, it was hard to keep to schedule. Some of our invited guests were kept waiting at the Boat Inn; fortunately, and unusually for this June, the weather was kind. The tour ended with the unveiling nearby of an original boundary post from the Canal Navigations (BCN) which had been presented to us. We are blessed with fewer original structures and artefacts than some canals, so treasure those we do have. The shape of the forthcoming appeal which David Suchet has offered to head is under discussion. Under the provisional title of “Tunnel Vision” it was targeted at raising the money (estimated at around £1 million) to get the Lichfield Canal under the Cross-City railway south of Lichfield, close to the Birmingham Road roundabout under which we built a section of canal in 2006. But we now know that the earliest that works can start is 2019, and it could be later still; in which case it is a bit early to be seeking funds from kind donors. But of course we have several roads, major and minor, to burrow under before we can open both our canals, and another railway, the Chase Line at Churchbridge. We are looking at making a more general appeal towards funding these structures – mole holes perhaps? Those who came to the AGM in June will know that two of our long-standing directors, Mike Battisson and Bob Mullarkey, stood down. Both have given freely and generously of their time to the Trust, and like others before them have helped greatly to keep the flame of restoration alight. Our good wishes go with them. Christine Howles was elected to Council, doubling the number of females currently serving; she also reduces the average age round the table! Her main role, a new one but so necessary these days, is to manage social media; she is also helping to recruit and train volunteers. Stalwarts Bob Williams and John Bryan were re-elected for further terms; John has been unwell recently but is on the mend as I write.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 3 Chairman’s Column

I am continuing as Chairman for a few months yet; fortunately my land work is being taken on by two enthusiastic retired surveyors, Gill and Jeff, who have volunteered at just the right time. Our President Eric Wood rightly reminded members that we must not forget the . It is always on the agenda for Council meetings; the main reason we haven’t recently arranged work parties there is that we have been waiting to gain possession of crucial areas of land. One has just become ours, having been gifted by Chase Council; the most convenient access is from the A5 at Bridgtown across the premises of Finning CAT, who are being most cooperative. The other has been “on its way” to us for several years, but the legal processes are still uncompleted. Incidentally, there appears to be confusion in the minds of some people (not our members, of course!) about our title, with occasional references to a single “Lichfield and Hatherton Canal”. We must be careful to emphasise that, while our Trust has a double-barrelled name, we are restoring two separate canals. Our guest speaker at the AGM after the formal business of the evening ended was Ian Lane, Canal & River Trust’s West Midlands Waterway Manager, who gave a rousing talk. I was struck by the parallels between CRT, with a rather different outlook from that of their predecessor British Waterways, and the LHCRT. Both realise that boaters are but a minority of canal users (3% is an oft-quoted figure), so we must both appeal as well to the 97%–walkers, anglers, cyclists, not to mention dogs. We both rely heavily on volunteers, whose recruitment and training are vital tasks. Safety and publicity are vital tasks for us both. With similar commitment to the future of our waterways, we must work together whenever we can. And finally, we were delighted to have volunteering at Summerhill, two groups from the Royal School in , where our late Chairman Brian Kingshott taught for so many years. One of the teachers was interviewed for her job there by Brian, and two of them originate from Cannock which our Hatherton Canal passes through. Brian would have been so pleased that we have forged a link that we hope will continue for many summers to come. David Dixon, (Chairman)

Our Vision To reinstate the historic Lichfield Canal and Hatherton Canal for the benefit of the community. The natural wildlife corridor from Huddlesford to Hatherton will provide a valuable amenity for walkers, cyclists, boaters and visitors to use and will bring prosperity to the area. This project will also provide an opportunity for young people to learn about our history, our heritage and our environment.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 4 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2016.

Tunnel Vision Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Marketing Appeal

Mr P Evans 100.00 Mr E Adams (with sub.) 50.00 Mr I Caplan (IWA talk fee) 40.00 Mr R J Fenton (with sub.) 30.00 Easyfundraising 48.65 Mr & Mrs P R Swindale (with sub.) 60.00 Yoxall Scout Group 100.00 Peoples Alliance 500.00 Mr D R F Willey, Feet of Clay Fund 500.00 Mr P R Swindale (with sub.) 60.00 Mr J A Sullivan (with sub.) 24.00 Mr J W Farren (with sub.) 54.00 Rev. A J G Cooper 25.00 Mr A J Hales 250.00 Sea Otter Owners Club 100.00 Mr W H Cole (with sub.) 24.00 Mrs C V Lee (with sub.) 24.00 Mr J N Potts (with sub.) 94.00 Mrs J G Sheppard (with sub.) 25.00 Mr P R Newman (with sub.) 35.00 Braunston Marina, show dividend 200.00 Mr R T Willis (private talk fees) 250.00 Mr & Mrs D Gray 90.00 Mr David Stanistreet 120.00 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 300.00 Mr R O Williams (returned expenses) 202.00 Regular donors to appeals and 2,022.14 1,866.45 aggregated amounts up to £20.00.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 5 Membership Matters

Donations Our sincere thanks once again to those members who, when they pay their annual subscription, feel able to add a donation towards the work of the Trust. Over the course of a year these donations add up to a very useful sum, which we feel is better raised in this way than by an increase in the basic subscription rates. In short–we need you. Please stay with the Trust and please pay when you receive your reminder. My details are: Godfrey Eland, 18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 6DD Email:- [email protected] Towpath Times If you are not receiving our newsletter “Towpath Times”, which is published in the months between editions of Cut Both Ways, this is likely to be because we don’t have your correct email address. If you would like to be included on the mailing list please send an email headed “Towpath” with your name and membership number (or the first line of your address) to [email protected]. Towpath Times will be sent as an attachment to a “blind copy” email – so no-one else will see your email address. Memories We would welcome items from members, whether memories of the canal in earlier days, items of general interest, or your views on the work of the Trust. Please email them (in note form if you wish) to [email protected] Many thanks and kind regards, Godfrey Eland, (Membership Secretary) ******************************************************************************************** We also thank the following for their generous support:- WCL Cranebrook Quarries Ltd, site occupational support. Jack Moody Landscaping Ltd, site assistance. Beautiful Gardens: site materials J & J Properties, land management Mrs G Lee, Whittington, goods for sale. Mr G Tuckley, Brownhills Mowers, mowing machine. “Oddfellows in the Boat” restaurant, Muckley Corner, volunteer support and providing Suchet celebratory catering arrangements. Yoxall Scout Group volunteer team. WSP Group corporate volunteer team. risual limited corporate volunteer team. E.ON corporate volunteer team. Royal School, Wolverhampton, volunteer teams.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 6 Membership Matters

********************************************************************************************* New Members 1st April to 30th June 2016 Ms G R Bellenie, Lichfield Mr E P Glover, Bolton Mr M Beddow, Walsall Ms H Lloyd-Langford, Shrewsbury Mr A Perry, Walsall Mr D W Clegg, Mr I Fryer, Lichfield Mr & Mrs M Bending, Linton Mr & Mrs S Bullock, Welwyn Mr N Biden, Elford Mr & Mrs T Galloway, Lichfield Mr D Rochefort, Birmingham Mr & Mrs M Hayward, Birmingham Mr N Lambert, Chester Mr R Carden, Harleston Mrs C A King, Stratford upon Avon Mr D Paine, Smethwick Ms N Egerton, Stonnall Mr & Mrs P Gurney, Mr N I Bailey, Lichfield Mr G Barker, Lichfield ******************************************************************************************** Membership Total at 30th June:- 1820 (Comprising 345 Adult, 876 Family, 186 Life, 385 Retired, 28 Other.

Membership rates are: Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6; Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Small Business £100, Large Corporate £200; Life Membership £200, Family Life Membership £300 (includes children up to age 18). To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page). To join please see our website www.lhcrt.org.uk or email [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENT

We regret to announce the loss of the following members:- Mr J J Faulkner, Creaton, Northants, died 1st December 2015. Mr K A Wainwright, Groby, Leicester died, 16th February 2016.

1998 DATA PROTECTION ACT The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd will hold your details for marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act. If you do not wish to receive updates from the Trust or any third party with whom we co-operate then please advise the Trust through Director Bob Williams on 01543 671427.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 7 Our 500 Club gives members a chance to win prizes of up to £400 every three months! 50% of the 500 Club income will be retained for capital expenditure essential for restoration of our two canals… and 50% paid in prizes to its members.

There has been very little change in the number of subscriptions to the ‘500 Club’ during the last quarter. However, we currently have 248 subscriptions compared with 235 in June last year.

Please spread the word; anyone can join the Club, you don’t have to be an LHCRT member. A rise in the number of ‘500 Club’ members means an increase in the contribution to the Capital Fund and also the amount of prize money available.

The Trust would like to thank all the subscribers for their continuing support. So please spread the word.

The winners of the June 2016 draw are: First prize £ 193.44 No 9 Mrs J Newman, Burntwood Second prize £ 126.48 No 168 Robert Houghton, Lichfield Third prize £ 52.08 No 69 Graham Danbury, St Albans

The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be: 1st Prize £400 approximately 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approximately 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approximately 7% income

If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher the prizes. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 8 (advertisement)

Michael Fabricant MP Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Lichfield. If you live in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency, and you require assistance and think your MP can help, you can either write to Michael Fabricant at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA; or you can email him by using the webform at www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/cont act.html or telephone his office at 01543 419650 where you can also make an appointment to see him at one of his regular surgeries. (advertisement)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 9 Work Party Report April - July 2016

I suppose if you only go down to the Lichfield Canal, Tamworth Road site only occasionally it must seem that great progress has been made over the past three months. If, on the other hand, one is there two or three times a week one cannot but wish that progress was quicker. We started this quarter with the laying of copious amounts of concrete to the base of the canal and we ended the quarter still laying copious amounts of concrete. I can report that the area left still to do is shrinking fast and this task will hopefully be completed by the end of August, or even sooner, but as always it is subject to the weather. However lets not forget what else has been going on over this period. The most notable event was the removal of the ‘big pipe’. At last we were given the OK to take it out on the 4th of May. By the 11th of May, the earliest allowable date, the pipe was removed. (We don’t hang about). The effect of it’s removal was that we were able to make even more rapid progress on the concreting of the base of the canal and other tasks. A visitor may well have noticed that we have lined the canal bank opposite the towpath wall with a product called Concrete Canvas. This tough waterproof material is laid in one meter wide strips that are heat welded together. Originally the sheets of Concrete Canvas were jointed using a special grout but this method proved to be suspect. Once the hot weld method had been perfected this task became a lot easier and quicker. A start was made in April on installing this Concrete Canvas and by the end of June it had all been laid bar the last few strips. Well done Tony Cadwallader, our ace Concrete Canvas layer.

A makeshift dam allows work on lining the canal bank with Concrete Canvas to continue after the recent bad weather.

Other work has been going on as well as the concreting, the historic bywash to 24 was completed, grass cutting (which is growing fast whilst you watch it ) needed to be done, hedge trimming, trees needed to be removed in Darnford Park, removal of blanket weed from pound 26 and repairs to some brickwork in one of the chambers of the weir by the A38 and controlling the rapid growth of weeds in the winding hole were just some of the jobs.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 10 Work Party Report April - July 2016

This period saw a big push towards establishing a Health and Safety culture within our work site. There is an on going need for first aid training and training on equipment. To celebrate the removal of the ‘big pipe’ we held a evening BBQ on the 11th May, a good evening, a good turnout and pleasant company. The highlight of this quarter, more so than even the ‘big pipe’ removal, was the visit by our Vice president David Suchet and his wife Sheila on June 17th. All our volunteers should be proud of the work they have put in and David and his wife were full of praise of our work. Perhaps when David retires from the stage he may well come and help us. He would be more than welcome. Looking to the near future. The installation of the penstock by the weir will enable us to control the outflow of water from pound 27: the fitting of the Geomesh to the top half of the Concrete Canvas bank to encourage plant growth: the clay lining that has to be done in the winding hole. All this and hopefully we can meet our target of watering pound 27 before the year’s end. Last, but not least, thanks to all you volunteers for your time and work.

Visiting Vice President David Suchet (centre) poses with our volunteer gang by the side of the re-watered Pound 26

Hugh Millington, Work Parties (Lichfield)

Our volunteers are the life blood of this restoration.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 11 VISITING VOLUNTEERS

WSP Group – 29th March WSP is a global consultancy group with which the Trust has business connections. Through a family relation, arrangements were made for eight members of staff from the WSP Birmingham Office to put in a hard- working voluntary day to help the Trust. Part of the footpath open to the public along the Fosseway section of the Lichfield Canal between Lock 18 and the former Lock 19 had become treacherous, needing a flight of steps with an inset hard surface. Guided by Peter Buck, the Trust’s Engineering Director, the job soon took shape as the volunteers wheeled loads of stone over quite a distance to create the steps. Whilst familiar with design practices, this kind of work was unfamiliar to most of them. Working together on a bright spring day in the open country brought satisfaction from seeing the slippery path turned through the day into an attractive and safe flight of steps. We thank WSP for this help and would be pleased to have them come again another time. risual limited – 24th May “risual” is a dedicated, UK based, globally recognised IT Services organisation delivering business-aligned consultancy, solutions and services based solely on the Microsoft platform. Situated in Stafford with a staff of 150, their corporate culture includes benefiting the community with teams taking time out to do voluntary work around the County. A mixed team of 12 set about preparing a length of rough canal towpath on the newly- acquired Lichfield Canal Summerhill section with timber edging ready for completion with a hard surface. Exchanging skills is always a benefit for such groups as some will share their knowledge to teach others. Whilst the work is physical, everyone enjoyed the pace and fun of achieving their objective by the end of the day. A return visit has been pencilled in for next year!

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 12 VISITING VOLUNTEERS

E.ON Corporate Day – 30th June As one of the world’s largest investor-owned power and gas companies, E.ON is one of the leading UK energy companies employing around 9,400 people. Frances Kenrick of “Business in the Community” organised a mixed group of nearly 40 from all over Midlands and further afield to give a day’s voluntary work to the L&H Trust. This was one of the largest groups on a corporate community day and whilst many had not met before, they soon applied their energy to the task of laying down the Heritage Towpath Trail at the latest Summerhill Section of the Lichfield Canal. Peter Buck. Engineering Director said: “In our 25 years operation of the Trust, this E.ON community challenge group is one of the largest corporate volunteer groups we have seen on the Lichfield Canal. It was brilliant to see as our most successful corporate day of volunteering to date on this Summerhill Section. A secondary benefit came from some of the group having practical skills to train others in learning new tasks and methods of working.

after before

We here at the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust hugely appreciate the hard work the volunteers from E.ON put in over the course of the day. The hard work and man hours E.ON volunteers donated will greatly benefit the local community as their work has helped to restore an important part of the Lichfield Canal.”

Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 13 VISITING VOLUNTEERS

Royal School, Wolverhampton – 13 & 14th July It’s hard to beat youth for enthusiasm! The memorial service in April to our late Chairman, Brian Kingshott, a career-long master at the Royal School led to an offer to end their summer term with a bus-load of mixed teenagers and their teachers on each of two days to “get stuck into” some real-life experience. The work done by E.ON provided a model for them to follow in extending the towpath surfacing along the next length. With a little explanation and supervision, they all rapidly learned to handle tools they might never have seen before.

With everyone taking turns, skills acquired included:- - learning how to use a spirit level, and the technology of a laser level instrument, - driving screws to secure the timber path edging, - raking out the ground and compacting the level stone surface.

Mastering these skills brought great satisfaction in turning what looked like waste ground into a proper, complete public footpath. To some city dwellers, a day in the open country, coming close to nettles and brambles was a totally new experience, as was observing how machines used by Trust drivers were operated. By the end, it was realised they could feel muscles they did not know they had – even the staff, but would certainly like to come again! Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 14 VISITING VOLUNTEERS

The Foresters Scout Group (Yoxall) – Various sessions May, June & July

All three sections (ie Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) have spent time this year working at a number of our locations. There are bug hotels and bird boxes in Darnford Park and habitat piles at Darnford Moors. These were achieved in their normal meeting times. They then spent a day at Summerhill bashing bracken, digging bee scrapes, litter picking and putting up both bird and bat boxes. They’re back at Summerhill on 24 July for brick sorting and more bracken bashing. It is anticipated that the Foresters Scout Group will continue to hold similar sessions, and we can expect that the bracken bashing will be a favourite – give youngsters a stick and ask them to bash and they are full of frenzied energy! Future visits Corporate and Social Responsibility has become a major tool in the business armoury where companies are keen to show that they are putting something back into the community they serve. Voluntary groups are a major beneficiary from such policy where working together gives employees the opportunity to share their experience and learn new skills in life. BT group – 28th July With capable Trust engineering guidance, a team on their first visit will spend the day taking forward some ongoing work to the next level of preparation for other visiting volunteers to develop. Amey (SCC Highways) – 16th August This will be a return visit this year by some of the engineering staff responsible for major road and related structures in Staffordshire with which the Trust has a close association.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 15 Our Vice President and his wife visit the Lichfield Canal

Peter Buck explains to David Suchet about the “Big Pipes”

David Suchet does love his photography

Cllr Rob Yardley, Sheriff of Lichfield; Cllr Shelagh James, Mayor of Lichfield with David and Sheila Suchet

David and Sheila Suchet enjoying their visit to Pound 26

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 16 Our Vice President and his wife visit the Lichfield Canal

The Suchets pose for yet another photo opportunity

View from the new gazebo to the railway tunnel

David and Sheila Suchet enjoying their visit to Pound 26 The new gazebo gets its first outing

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 17 Vice President Visits the Lichfield Canal

“I can’t believe how much has been achieved since my last visit in 2006” said Vice President, David Suchet, accompanied by his wife Sheila during their visit to Lichfield on Friday, 17th June. In an action-packed day starting with a surprise visit to the monthly Business Connect Breakfast meeting at the Rugby Club (see page 30), they were joined by the City Mayor and Sheriff in a conducted tour through the Tamworth Road sections, stopping to complement the volunteer team at work. The Heritage Towpath Trail past Pound 27 being prepared for re-watering, now the “big pipe” has been removed, leads to the section of watered canal completed in 2011 as an inspiration for getting the job done. Former Mayor, Doris English who received the Suchets to Lichfield in 2002 came to add her ‘blessing’ to their visit and recall those times. Tunnel Vision Promoting the “David Suchet Tunnel Vision Appeal” was a primary aim of the day with a display set up alongside the Birmingham Road featuring David “digging the first sod” for the culvert built under the new bypass during its construction in 2006-7. In tandem with a continuation of the bypass through the railway towards London Road, Staffordshire County Highways are expecting a canal contribution close to £1 million. Present plans allow for a combined project in 2019, with funding in hand by 2018 which is a major task for the Trust. Donations can be made payable to LHCRT Ltd and sent to The Treasurer, LHCRT Ltd, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, Staffs. WS7 0JP or paid via our website at lhcrt.org.uk/suchet.htm Summerhill The visitors were in for more surprises at our new Summerhill section acquired in 2015. They came face-to-face for the first time with the Aqueduct over the motorway which was partly funded by a Suchet Appeal in 2003. With work in progress, assisted by WCL Cranebrook Quarries Ltd, David and Sheila even tried their hand at the digger and dumper! The day’s excitement reached a peak when unveiling a new gateway to the canal beside the historic Boat Inn, witnessed by David Salter, Chairman of Council, Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge & Brownhills) and many Trust friends. This featured a recovered BCN Boundary Post donated by local resident John Crowe and stone capping found on the site when the Crane Brook culvert was installed last year, now duly engraved for its new purpose. Also, the artistic facia featured on the cover stands alongside the entrance. Over an excellent buffet lunch provided by The Boat, President Eric Wood thanked David and Sheila for their enduring support over 15 years and hoped it will not be so long before they return to Lichfield to enjoy the Trust’s next restoration success. Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 18 Vice President Visits the Lichfield Canal

Approximate position of the canal tunnel needed under the railway embankment.

l to r: David Dixon, Chairman, Peter Buck, Engineer, David Suchet, Vice President, John Crowe, Chairman Wall Parish Council, Brenda Ward, Birmingham Canal Navigations Society celebrating the relocated Boundary Post at the Summerhill entrance.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 19 Vice President Visits the Lichfield Canal

The Suchets met former Mayor Doris English and her daughter Cllr Janice Greaves

So this is where the canal must go under the railway

David inspects “Canal locks and how they work” sign by Lock 25

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 20 Vice President Visits the Lichfield Canal

David and Sheila Suchet try their hand at working the digger and dumper

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 21 St. Michael’s Primary School Year 6 Visit to Tamworth Road

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 22 Volunteers week

We are lucky to have so many volunteers who give up their time to help us in We asked some of many different ways. them why they do. Volunteers’ week was a great time to celebrate and thank them.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 23 Marketing and Promotion It’s showtime again!

May 28-30, Crick Boat Show was one of the best attended ever with nearly 28,000 visitors enjoying good weather which seems to have eluded this show on some past occasions. Our usual team – supplemented by newcomer Chris Aston from the work parties – estimated that some 7,000 people from all over the country came by our stand, those engaging in conversation bringing a gross income of £931 and 24 new members. Our thanks to all those who took part. June 25-26, Braunston Historic Boat Rally this year favoured boats formerly operated by the Carrying Company (G.U.C.C.C), supported by many other origins to create interesting parades through the marina. Our regular team added Natasha Egerton, another newcomer to the “shop front” with Chris again to attract gross income of £781 including the generous £200 Braunston Show dividend. 6 new members joined us there. l to r: Tim Coghlan, Braunston Marina, Les Etheridge, IWA Chairman, Natasha Egerton, L&H, Richard Parry, CRT CEO, Bob Williams, L&H, Hilary Smith, L&H.

June 26, Brownhills Canal Festival seems to get bigger every year as a popular local event on the Wyrley & Canal beside Silver Street, Brownhills. Nearly £200 was added to our funds there.

l to r: May Brown, Beverly Marshall, Mike Brown, Peter Buck, Mike Battisson

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 24 Marketing and Promotion

Vision of a Lichfield Canal 18th Century spirit was recreated at Speakers Corner in Lichfield on 4th June when Peter Buck, L&H Engineer posed in costume to deliver an eloquent speech celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Brindley. As one of the most prestigious engineers of his day, Brindley had a vision of a Lichfield Canal from Minster Pool by the Cathedral to the River Trent which would have made the City the hub of a national transport network. His project got as far as surveying the route, estimating the costs and issuing a notice in Dec. 1759 proposing an Act of Parliament for the canal, but the scheme fell for lack of City backing. It was not until 1797 that the Wyrley & Essington Canal extension from Brownhills to Huddlesford opened through Lichfield. Alas, diminishing demand led to its closure after 1954, but 30 years later, thoughts turned to restoring the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals with a vibrant vision of the benefits they can bring to the modern community.

Events Listing For 2016 - Provisional

Event Ref Event Description Event Date No/Year All Entries Are Yet To Be Approved & Start Time

31/16 Free Family Fishing Day 6th August Lupin Farm Gathering Of Vintage & Classic Cars Sunday – 21st August 24/16 at Lupin Farm on A513 Kings Bromley to Alrewas road DE13 10.00-4.00 7HP, please note approximately pm Sat 27th- 29/16 Pelsall Festival of Water, event organised by IWA Mon 29th Aug BH 27/16 Whittington Countryside Fair -- 10am - 4:30pm 3rd Sept Lichfield 10K Road Race (Water Station on Darnford Lane 11th 28/16 only-donation to follow) September 25th 321/16 Charity Dog Walk -- Darnford Park September Show time - Venue Whittington Village Hall - Act to be Friday 18th 30/16 confirmed NOTE Friday Evening 18th November November

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 25 Marketing and Promotion

Pelsall Festival Of Water, 27 – 29th August 2016 The Wyrley & Essington will come alive this August Bank Holiday weekend as Pelsall North Common will host IWA’s annual festival to attract greater usage of the northern BCN and to raise further awareness of the local restorations. Photo by Angela Acott There is free admission and free parking and entertainment and music throughout the event. If you would like to stay over camping and mooring are £35 including evening festivities. There’s a real ale bar, classic cars including Mini’s, Morgans and Austin 7’s, lots to entertain the children such as birds of prey, a mini ride on train and water zorbing plus hula hoop workshops and plenty of trade stalls. Please come and support the event as our Trust will be the main benefactor. We have agreed to manage car parking on the show field so would welcome more volunteers to cover this easy task over three days. Please call Bob Williams on 01543 671427 or email [email protected]. -- WE DO NEED YOU For more information and booking forms go to: www.waterways.org.uk/festivalofwater **************************************************************************************

Attendees at the AGM on the 10th. June 2016

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 26 All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary, Godfrey Eland,18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, Staffordshire. WS13 6DD

The views expressed in Cut Both Ways do not necessarily represent those of the Trust or the Editor. They are however published as being of interest to our readership.

Recycle, Benefit your Environment Raise Funds for our Charity `Please donate your unwanted Gold, Silver, Costume Jewellery and Watches

Parcel up your jewellery and post free of charge to: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd, FREEPOST, CENTRAL, RECYCLING If you can, please ask your family, friends and colleagues to participate in this Jewellery Recycling Collection.

Thank you very much for your support

Would you like to receive a colour copy of Cut Both Ways in an electronic PDF format instead of a paper copy? Please email the editor ([email protected]) and request a copy.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 27 Business Connect

David Suchet addresses the Business Connect group hosted by Lichfield Rugby Club

The complete property maintenance company

Commercial and domestic FREE QUOTES T: 01543 444888 W: robertsandgwilt.co.uk 8 Barlow Drive, Fradley, Staffordshire. WS13 8TL

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 28 Selling individually inspected, well presented boats from own moorings or from our Crick base .co.uk Join us in July to celebrate! Browse our website for bnb our listings with .a full details on all boats, also lots of useful information www.abnb.co.uk www Friendly helpful advice from our experienced and knowledgeable team of boaters www.abnb.co.ukwww.abnb.co.uk • [email protected] • Crick base NN6 7XT Open 9.30 to 5.30 every day Tel:Tel: 0178801788 822822 115115 oror 0178801788 822822 508508 Canal Transport Services Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

Traditional narrow boats and tugs built to your specification, from one of the oldest & most respected boat builders in the business.

We have our own fully heated paint shop, dry dock and grit blasting facility as well as all the usual boat yard trades at your disposal.

Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370

TUKTAWA B&B Uplands Close, Cannock Wood, Staffordshire. WS15 4RH Tel–01543 684805–07790 984013 Web – www.Tuktawa.co.uk Email [email protected] £24.50 pppn – Includes breakfast–available 6.30 – 9.00am 10 minutes from /Cannock/Lichfield Town/Bus Station/Train Station See us on Tripadvisor

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 29 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LimiTeD. The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429). Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from to (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations. President Eric Wood vice-president David Suchet CBE. PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP. DIRECTORS Chairman David Dixon 01543 258512 [email protected] Company Secretary Godfrey Eland 01543 251754 [email protected] Finance, Funding Bob Williams 01543 671427 [email protected] Membership Godfrey Eland 01543 251754 [email protected] Engineering Peter Buck 01543 268041 [email protected] Marketing John Bryan 01543 683586 [email protected] Health & Safety Dora Hancock 01543 264158 [email protected] Communications Christine Howles 07852 190855 [email protected]

OFFICERS Magazine Editor Stefan Szulc 01543 677156 [email protected] Press Officer Tom Reid 07840 300178 [email protected] Webmaster Paul Marshall 01543 410646 [email protected] Planning Luke Walker 07979 862195 [email protected] Land Officer Gill Bellenie 07815 285856 [email protected] Land Officer Jeff March 01543 255949 [email protected] Volunteering Christine Howles 01543 264158 [email protected] Events Steve Fitzgerald 07904 101583 [email protected] Work Parties(Lichfield) Hugh Millington 01543 251747 [email protected] Work Parties(Hatherton) Denis Cooper 01543 374370 Green Team Chris Bull 01283 790322 [email protected]

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING Limited. Company No 3686837–Chairman: John Bryan; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk

Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 30 Cut Both Ways Summer 2016 31 Braunston Marina are proud to BACK the campaign to save the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals. keep digging the ground from under their feet! Braunston Marina The Wharf, Braunston, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire. NN11 7JH Telephone: 01788 891373 Fax: 01788 891436 web site: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk email: [email protected]