The Magazine of the & Hatherton Restoration Trust

Issue No. 81 - Autumn 2014

“Navvy at Work” hay Whar eet f L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the .

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V.A.T No. 133609427 Chairman’s Column

The issues surrounding the route of HS2 in the Lichfield area have been simmering for several years now. All of us who love canals are concerned about the profound hay Whar impact this new railway will have on the canal environment but with the special et f focus on protecting the route of the at Huddlesford. The HS2 Ltd. re Lt preferred route past Lichfield was unkind to much of and especially to t d the iconic area around Junction. It was inevitable that this would provoke a S . determined opposition with proposals of alternative routes. There was also the issue of the effect on the residents of the greater Lichfield area with strong visual and noise intrusion associated with what has become known as the “high level” route. However, this proposal represented little more than inconvenience to the restoration of the Lichfield Canal with the original route remaining available and adequate headroom guaranteed. In line with this L&H maintained a “watching brief” while working with groups working to mitigate the impact of HS2. A petition was lodged against the Bill but revised terms were offered which satisfied us at the last minute. In the first week in October it was leaked and then announced that HS2 Ltd. has agreed to vary its route past Lichfield. It will now propose the “low level” route which meets many of the objection of its opponents with greatly reduced impacts at Fradley and generally east of Lichfield. Unfortunately, this route will cross the existing line of the Lichfield Canal virtually at water level, making restoration on this line impossible. It will also entail the re-routing of Capper’s Lane and the demolition of the new bridge which we had built ten years ago using European funding. Additionally, there will be a considerable impact on Lichfield Cruising Club. Our engineers have identified a somewhat tortuous alternative route which can be built and must be included in the railway construction programme. As we go to press we are continuing our dialogue with HS2 Ltd. especially with insisting that they pay the costs of this new route. We will use every endeavour to protect our canal. We have the experience of installing the aqueduct over M6 Toll to draw on and we understand what has to be done. We are undoubtedly a more experienced and professional organisation than we were a decade ago and with much more public support and the backing of our committed membership. We have an excellent team and have engineers who can hold their own with anyone. The outcome cannot yet be assured but we will fight to the last.

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 Autumn 2014 3 Chairman’s Column

Meanwhile, life goes on with confidence. Our team at Tamworth Road continues to achieve miracles. The walls from 26 to just short of the A51 are now complete as is the winding hole and its associated works. Preparations are well advanced for lining the canal with clay in preparation for watering later in the year. If all goes well we will have another, and substantial, pound in water and ready to float a boat or two. There are still several technical issues to be addressed but completion of this part of the project is now in sight. We must now lift our eyes to other challenges. The Heritage Towpath Trail project is still moving forwards although it will now be several years before we can open up the most easterly section as the building of HS2 and the rerouting of the canal will bring considerable impediments. We are grateful to our team of “scrub-bashers” who have done so much to deal with considerable undergrowth spread this summer. This includes the section downhill from Lock 18 and from Darnford Lane to the lift-bridge. Inevitably, the more we restore the more we must maintain. We are so fortunate to have a considerable and growing team of volunteers.

The Trust’s information van parked at the Tamworth Road site “reaching” out to the public with coffee and a chance to meet the volunteers.

All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary, Mrs D Hancock, 2 Elias Close, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TX

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 4 Chairman’s Column

We are now hoping to formalise our approach to attracting and enlisting volunteers and using a more systematic and professional approach to recruitment and retention. With proper job descriptions we can draw in those who might otherwise think we only need brickies and lads in trenches. The first move must be to find someone who can take charge of this process and then manage new recruits as they settle in. We need a Volunteer Coordinator as the first priority. We are drawing up job-descriptions for this and the other vacancies we will create. Posts can be tailored to individual skills and abilities but we have learned that there must first be a framework on which to build. We will need help with finance, project planning, engineering, publicity and local authority planning. We will mount a recruitment drive and ensure that vacancies can be made known wherever we interface with the public. We will also give newcomers a proper induction process and will work closely with them, especially in the early days. In the past, good people have slipped though our fingers and we cannot afford to waste potential in this way. This was clear recently when we had a display in the Three Spires Centre in Lichfield where so many people approached us, just for a chat. If this goes well we may be able to achieve our long-term aim to set up separate, but closely federated teams to develop both the Lichfield and Hatherton projects. So, it is business as usual. In many ways the Trust is at its best when it is challenged and under pressure and the latest challenge is only one of many we have faced and no doubt will again. We have a solid membership base which is firmly behind all we do and that is invaluable. The wider challenges are still there. On the Lichfield we have three major roads to cross and land to purchase. On the Hatherton we have a major section of new to build, a tortuous route through Churchbridge to install and the M6 to penetrate. There is plenty here for us and for our heirs and successors. This was always going to be a long-term project but let us hope it has not just got longer. I am confident we can still get there. Brian Kingshott(chairman) Canal Transport Services Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

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Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 5 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st July to 30th September 2014. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mr H Eyles: Birmingham Monday 50+ 50.15 Ramblers Group, Lichfield walk (June) Mrs J Phillips (with sub.) 25.00 Mr & Mrs A J Thomas (with sub.) 25.00 Mr A D Brookes 100.00 Mrs K P Fontaine (with sub.) 44.00 Mr F V Prottey (with sub.) 24.00 Dr P H Cooper 115.00 Mr D Gorton 30.00 Mr C D Humphreys (with sub.) 100.00 Mr A J White 100.00 Mrs P C Wilson 95.00 Mr I Campbell (with sub.) 85.00 Mr H Eyles: Birmingham Vegetarian & 42.00 Vegan Ramblers Group, Lichfield walk. Anonymous 1,000.00 Mr G Burns 50.00 Dr R Henshaw (with sub.) 19.00 Mr M Cripps (with sub.) 85.00 Easyfundraising 43.31 Mr R J Fenton (with sub.) 30.00 Mr D J Carden (with sub.) 25.00 Mr P D Wall 50.00 Miss J M Burton (with sub.) 25.00 Mr J I R Horton (with sub.) 44.00 Mr S J Wain 30.00 Mr M J Baldry (with sub.) 50.00 Mr R W Lloyd-Hart (with sub.) 24.00

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 6 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st July to 30th September 2014. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mr D A Gittins (with sub.) 50.00 Mr N R Barnett 50.00 Mr J E Wood, President 193.00 Mr J C Morris 272.00 Mr D G B Gorton 40.00 Mr J Lamming (with sub.) 35.00 Rev. A J Cooper 25.00 Memorial gifts for the late Mervyn Ainge, 691.00 Membership Secretary Mr N Blears 50.00 Mrs J E Davies (with sub.) 50.00 Mr R Cunningham (with sub) 25.00 Lichfield Running Club Ltd, 10k Run, 250.00 Darnford Lane water station Mr J Froggatt (with sub.) 26.00 Mr & Mrs D Gray 90.00 Mr David Stanistreet 120.00 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 300.00 Returned expenses by Trust officers:- - Mr B Kingshott 616.00 - Mr D Dixon 121.00 Regular donors to appeals and 1,532.82 509.50 aggregated amounts up to £20.00.

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).

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 7 New Members 1st April to 30th June 2014

Mrs Susan T Horton, Trench, Telford, Shropshire. Michael J Baldry, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Keith & Mrs Valerie Major, East Grinstead, Sussex. Mrs Gayle Gardner, Burntwood, Staffordshire. Mrs Veronica Green, Sutton Coldfield, W.Mids. Mrs Jane W Preece, Burntwood, Staffordshire. Mrs S M Shipway, Peacehaven, East Sussex. Mrs Lisa M Watson, , Staffordshire. Peter Harvey, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury. M & Mrs Shirley McDonough, Lichfield. Christopher D. Humphreys, Lichfield. A Thomas, Canning Town, . Thomas A Reid, Lichfield. Mrs B A Eyre, Paignton, Devon. Richard Winter, Lichfield. Mrs Philippa McLeod, Lichfield. James Curtis, Lichfield. Andrew McLeod, Lichfield. George Cross, Lichfield. Christopher Bennett, Lichfield. Neil Staniland, Lichfield. Mrs Elaine Hooper, Lichfield. Alan Hooper, Lichfield.

********************************************************************************************* Membership Total:- 1887 (Comprising 384 Adult, 880 Family, 157 Life, 435 Retired, 12 Business, 31 Other (incl. outstanding renewals).

********************************************************************************************* We are very grateful to the donors:- Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd for site assistance. Ruttle Plant Hire (Birmingham) Ltd for site assistance. Chase Grammar School, Cannock. Jack Moody Limited, Essington. *********************************************************************************************

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.

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each Copies of issues 1 to 80 are available from Bob Williams Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, WS7 0JP Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 8 Membership Matters

May I introduce myself? Following the sad loss of the former Membership Secretary, Mervyn Ainge, I am in the process of taking over his duties and finding out how things work. One thing I notice is that, in order to save on postage costs, we send subscription reminders only to those members who have failed to pay by the end of the appropriate month. Could I therefore appeal to those of you who do get a reminder to make a note of the date in your diary for the following year? Better still, why not consider setting up a standing order with your bank. Note: this is not a “direct debit” and so you have complete control over whether and when payments are made. Again this helps to reduce both our postage costs and bank charges. Please contact me by email or post if you would like to use this facility and I will send you the appropriate form for completion. Incidentally to all members: If we don’t have your email address, or if you have changed it recently, it would be good if you could let me know so that we can move towards contacting as many members as possible by email. My details are: Godfrey Eland, 18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 6DD [email protected] Many thanks and kind regards, Godfrey

Owing to the ever increasing cost of postage, the Trust Council has decided to discontinue sending “ Courtesy Reminders “ to those members who pay by Bankers Order. Consequently, it would be more economical for the Trust if those who pay by cheque could change to a Bankers Order, using the form available on our website, or call 01543 671427 to have one sent to you.

ANNOUNCEMENT We regret to announce the loss of the following members:-

Mr Sidney Beacroft, Alfreton Derbyshire, died 24th July 2014. Dr George T. Whitfield, Scarborough, died August 2014. Mr K R Berry, Melksham, died, August 2014. Mr Dudley Matthews MBE, Woverhampton, died 12th August 2014. Mr William Suffolk, Lichfield, died September 2014. Lt Cdr G Glover, Burntwood, died 12th October 2014.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 9 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.

Once again there has been very little change in the number of subscriptions to the ‘500 Club’ during the last quarter - we currently have 231 active subscriptions. However, a rise in the number of ‘500 Club’ members would mean an increase in the contribution to the Capital Fund and also the amount of prize money available. So please spread the word; anyone can join the Club, you don’t have to be an LHCRT member. So please spread the word.

The winners of the October 2014 draw are: First prize £ 180.18 No 65 David Dixon, Lichfield, Staffs Second prize £ 117.81 No 87 Jane Wadham, Lichfield, Staffs Third prize £ 48.51 No 22 Peter Oakden, Norton-Juxta-Twycross

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 approx 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approx 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approx 7% income In the last issue, the 500 Club Draw numbers listed were incorrect, although the names were correct. The winning numbers were 48, 21, and 41.

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 Autumn 2014 10 (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 Autumn 2014 11 HS2: Where are we now?

HS2 gets a mention in most CBW’s these days, but there’s been no full report since Summer last year (issue 76). We’ve been updating the report, and as this edition goes to press good news for the Lichfield Canal project can be highlighted. But first, what’s been happening? The “hybrid” High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 25th November last year, and was approved in principle on Second Reading on 28th April by a large majority. At the same time as the Bill, an Environmental Statement was issued for consultation, a lengthy document detailing the route, work sites and much else; the Trust submitted its views in February, having last year done the same on an earlier document, the draft Environmental Statement. During the winter we also responded to a formal notice about land we own near Cappers Lane which will be required for the railway, either temporarily or by compulsory purchase; and met the Bill’s promoters, HS2 Ltd. (a company owned by the Department for Transport) to discuss assurances to protect the canal route. We were paid a modest sum to allow consultants to enter our land for surveys related to the project. In parallel with this we attended meetings every few weeks (at a cemetery office in Leicestershire!) with people from the Canal & River Trust, the Inland Waterways Association, Lichfield Cruising Club and from three other canal restoration groups who may be affected by HS2, in their case by phase 2 towards Leeds which will follow phase 1 which affects us; these meetings have been most helpful to all concerned. Following Second Reading a select committee was appointed of six MPs, three Conservative, two Labour and one Liberal Democrat, all representing constituencies well away from the proposed route; the Chairman, Robert Syms, sits for Poole in Dorset. The Committee’s job is to consider petitions against the Bill by people or organisations affected by it, and after hearing the views of the promoters to recommend any changes it thinks justified. The House of Commons will then vote, to accept or otherwise, these changes; and on the Bill as a whole. A similar process will follow in the House of Lords; once both Houses have agreed, the Bill will be signed by the Queen to become law as an Act of Parliament. Only then can physical work on the railway begin. As nothing had been agreed with HS2 Ltd. by then, the Trust submitted a petition to the Committee on 22nd. May, seeking to ensure that the support columns for the proposed viaduct at Cappers Lane would not encroach on the canal. In September HS2 Ltd (the Bill’s promoter) offered binding assurances with a view to our petition being withdrawn, but the terms originally offered were not acceptable to the Trust’s directors and it was arranged for us to give oral evidence to the Committee on 21st. October. Talks continued (two of us had a long meeting in the hallowed surroundings of Westminster) and, at the eleventh hour, just four days before this further trip to London, revised terms were offered which satisfied us. These require that the section of canal affected by HS2 construction be put back after construction of the railway into the same (or equivalent) state as it is now, at the promoter’s expense. Our continuity of route is guaranteed, and we will not incur extra costs.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 12 HS2: Where are we now?

HighHigh levelLevel route Route

LowLow Levellevel route Route

ApproximateApproximate HS2 HS2 elevation elevation acrossacross the Lichfield Canal canal at at Cappers Cappers Lane Lane

The area of ground that Meantime, on 16th. September the HS2 / diverted canal will use. Committee visited Cappers Lane, where we were able to put our concerns to them. Also on site were other objectors who wanted the line to run at a lower level in this area, avoiding a viaduct. The government agreed to this change a fortnight later, which means that the Bill will have to be altered, and we could be faced with petitioning again next year. But HS2 Ltd., now well aware of our concerns, have invited our engineers to work with theirs on the revised design, to ensure that a route for the canal will be incorporated in it. We hope that the goodwill engendered between them and the Trust will avoid any threat to us from the new alignment. (We have throughout avoided criticising HS2 itself, or engaging in “megaphone diplomacy”, and this seems to have paid off). I hope that this summary of what has been going on has not been too tedious; while the paperwork and meetings may seem rather boring, they are vital to ensure that we will one day get the canal reopened throughout from Huddlesford to Brownhills. David Dixon (Vice-Chairman, Land and Property Officer)

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

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 13 Ecology Matters

Nettles, Spiders and the of Doom – The extant Lock 24 Bywash

Episode 1 With the arrival of summer I restarted the routine nettle and hedge management programme, extending the planned maintenance up to and beyond Lock 24, approaching Cricket Lane. The first step was to cut back the 4 foot nettle screen behind which I was surprised to reveal a substantial red brick wall, curving round an eight foot diameter bowl of engineering blue brick.

As I carefully scraped away the grass and earth covering the (200year old?) brickwork with my trowel and brush I was beginning to feel like a bit-part actor from a Harrison Ford movie, particularly when the removal of more nettles revealed the entrance to a tunnel behind the bywash pan, with brick work still in reasonably good condition, easily restorable. Unfortunately I did not find any monster spiders in the tunnel, but even more disappointingly, No Gold: Just an old bottle–and even that was plastic! Further exploration in the nettles lower down uncovered the tunnel’s exit. Clearly this was the bywash to the extant lock 24 that was excavated some years ago, recorded and re-filled with loose soil; to protect the brickwork from frost damage.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 14 Ecology Matters

Also some time ago the tunnel entrance had been blocked with a sticky, tarmac-like material, probably to prevent dogs and small boys exploring within and becoming trapped inside. This blockage will be removed and penetration prevented by installing suitably designed grill in keeping with the Site’s ambiance.

Current thinking proposes not to re-use lock 24 but to keep the water at the lower level, allowing the Canal to creep under Cricket Lane, without the need for the hump-back bridge immediately prior to the junction with the A51 Tamworth Road. The original Lock 24 would be replaced by a new lock above Cricket Lane The Lock 24 bywash is therefore redundant. However the original form is unusual and therefore iconic, well worth preserving as a discussion point of interest on the ‘Towpath Trail’. It would be nice to think that a suitably engineered solution might result in water flowing through the old tunnel again, one day. Mike Battisson, (Environment Director)

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 15 Current Line of the Hatherton Canal

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 16 Current Line of the Hatherton Canal

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 17 A New Route to the BCN (part 2)

Now it was time to leave the delights of Lichfield and make the assault on the climb to the Level at . It would be a steady climb but not an over-taxing one. We had booked a passage which we knew we had to do as water- supply has to be carefully managed with judicious use and with back-pumping. We also knew that we had some narrow culverted sections to navigate and some quite restricted cuttings as we left our moorings and passed under the busy Cross-City railway and the Lichfield bypass. All restoration schemes involve compromises especially where deviations from the original line have to be negotiated. This is especially obvious with the crossing of the bypass where a concrete culvert takes the boater almost immediately into a flight of locks and a restricted cutting. Traffic lights are in use to avoid head-on meetings of boats. The locks work smoothly and efficiently and we were soon at the sharp “Railway Turn” where we rejoined the old line just above the old Lock 19. If you have time, as we sadly did not, it is worth stopping and walking to the fascinating visitor and interpretation centre at the Sandfields Pumping Station. The whole story of water supply to the city is worth a careful study in its own right. There is much new housing here and a boatyard with moorings has been built on the off-side adjoining the Lichfield to railway line. The full range of boating facilities is on offer here. The line was disused for many years but is now a busy commuter route served by electric trains. Like many boaters, we are great supporters of heritage railways and we hoped to see at least one of the steam-hauled tourist services which are routed this way. Lock 18 was the first to be restored in the 1990’s and now heralds the climb up the Fosseway Flight from which there are increasingly impressive views across the valley to the cathedral and beyond. This is a section which is very popular with dog walkers. The side-ponds have been restored and this helps with the delicate balance of water-supply. There was an urban myth that the locks were infilled using large quantities of unwanted shoes but none were found when the JCB’s got to work. On the other hand many unsold Mills and Boon novels were used as a construction layer on the old M6 Toll motorway. At the top of the flight the canal dives into a rocky cutting before crossing under the A461 and following a long embankment to recross the road after about half a mile. Now the canal passes through a garden centre, which is strangely heavily fortified, and crosses under the former A5 which is now a quiet country road rather than the roaring monster it once was. We enjoyed the heathland environment of Wall Butts with its informative interpretation boards. Now, despite having booked a cruise to the summit for one day we chose to stop at The Boat for the night as we had heard such glowing reports of its cuisine. We phoned the canal company office to tell them of our change of plan. Next day would see us at the high-light of this journey.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 18 A New Route to the BCN (part 2)

So, our third and last leisurely day on the Lichfield Canal would take us to the summit via the famous aqueduct over the former toll motorway now designated A5(M). It was the building of this aqueduct which showed that the restoration trust really had a realistic hope of reopening this canal which had been abandoned for 40 years. The then staggering sum of £500,000 was raised in just a few months and the trough lowered into place within a critical period of 6 months. For 20 years it stood in solitary, and somewhat puzzling, isolation waiting for the engineers to bring the canal to connect with both ends of it. We approached with excitement and trepidation.

The double staircase lock on the eastern side is regulated by traffic lights but this caused us few problems. There is a regular flow of traffic in both directions but we had struck a quiet time and could move on up the hill without interruption. The locks and the back-pumping system are electrically operated and use the latest and computer-controlled technology. Our teenage crew was rather disappointed as they had been expecting something more physically demanding than pressing a couple of buttons. Apart from the noise of the traffic below and a rather stiff breeze sweeping across the exposed structure it was almost a routine boating experience. Now only 7 locks separated us from the junction and these were soon dispatched. Re-engineering these locks had required considerable imagination and technical skill but the result has been the recreation of a delightful and traditional canal scene. However, we could not resist stopping again to visit the place where the famous Hammerwich Saxon Hoard was found. Ogley Junction was run-down and pretty unloved for almost half a century but now it is a vibrant tourist centre with a tasteful selection of shops and refreshment areas. It now makes a wonderful gateway to the northern BCN which has itself taken on a new lease of life with the reopening of the Lichfield Canal. The Lichfield Canal Company has its offices here We could now settle down to a five hour lock-free cruise to Wolverhampton and rejoice that this new route to the BCN is so successful. Erasmus Brindley.. Brian Kingshott(chairman)

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 19 Lichfield Canal Work Report

A new issue of “Cut Both Ways” and with it a new season and new challenges. After a Summer of long, dry days, Autumn arrived at Tamworth Road with a vengeance in early October. A torrential downpour transformed the site into a mudbath in a matter of minutes, delivering volumes of water over the bywash and stop-planks of Lock 26 that threatened to flood the whole site. Fortunately it soon abated, but it was a warning, if we needed one, of the difficulties we’re likely to encounter in the next few months, as we work towards watering pound 27. On the positive side, however, it showed how quickly the pound could fill up when it’s lined.

The big pipe, flowing full bore into lock 25, during the heavy rain.

Tom Reid and Terry Brown lying down on the job!!! Actually they got very wet here while clearing the trash screen of weed during the heavy rain.

What of the past 3 months? The last issue showed us laying the first few courses of bricks on the winding hole walls, with the “Moody Blocks” still not to their full height, but the walls are now complete, thanks to the efforts of Barry, Rick-the-brick and Tony. It’s a very impressive structure and has attracted a lot of interest and many favourable comments from the public, especially as we’re well into excavating and preparing the canal bed and people can see things taking shape. As we’re using clay to line the bed, we decided to experiment with a “sheepsfoot” roller to see if it would suit our needs.( As you probably know, it was a common practice for the original canal builders to drive sheep through the wet clay to break it down and compact it into an impervious layer; the modern roller, with its knobbly drums, simply mimics the action of the sheep’s cloven hooves) Having proved the machine’s worth, and knowing how much it will be used, it seemed sensible to buy one, rather than continue to pay hire charges for many months, so thanks to Hugh’s scouring of the Internet we now have a very good second-hand machine which we can keep indefinitely or sell on later. It’s a remote-control model and great fun to operate!

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 20 Lichfield Canal Work Report

The plan now is to get the winding hole area, from the narrows up to the weir corner, into water by the end of the year. As it’s enclosed by vertical walls it will be a relatively straightforward operation, giving us a chance to establish our best method of dealing with clay. Far greater challenges will face us when we move onto the section from the weir corner up to Lock 26, but at least we’ll be prepared for some of them. As ever, keeping the vegetation under control has been an ongoing task, not just around Tamworth Road but at Darnford Heath, Fosseway Lane and Muckley Common, but thanks to the efforts of “The Staffords” (Jean, Roger and Sue),with help from “Strimmer John” and Pat, these areas are kept walkable.

Rick the Brick and Barry Parkes on It’s not all work; earlier in the Summer we the last brickwork coping to the held our second Annual Barbecue around Pound 27 winding hole wall. Lock 26. Persistent rain during the day threatened to spoil the event, but it gave way to a beautiful evening and a very enjoyable and well-attended event ensued. Thanks to everyone who helped setting up and to Ossie for entertaining us. We’re always glad to welcome new volunteers, particularly from younger generations who can, hopefully, see the project through to completion, so it’s good to have help from a number of lads on the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme; their combined efforts over the weeks has been significant and is much appreciated. Apart from them, our youngest “regular”, Dan, has become a great addition to the gang; strong and keen to learn, we hope he’ll maintain his interest for a long time. I realise that this is a recurrent plea, but if you’re interested in what we’re doing and would like to be involved in a really valuable and rewarding project, please come along and give it a go. All we need is enthusiasm and good humour; qualifications are only a bonus, not an essential. If you can spare only a couple of hours a week it would help us get the job done that bit quicker; please think about it. If you’re passing through just ask for me, (although any of the gang will help), otherwise my contact details are at the back of this magazine. My thanks, as ever, to everyone for their hard work and for what they’ve achieved, but more for the support, friendship and loyalty which keep me going. Terry Brown (Lichfield Site Manager)

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 21 From Here and There

Christopher Power Prize Winners

(from left) Gillian Bolt, Peter Bolt (accepting Branch Achievement Award for Chester & Merseyside Branch and Richard Bird medal on behalf of Ron Evans), Les Etheridge, Brian Kingshott (Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust), Bernard and Joyce Snell, Roger Savage, Philip Sharpe, Christopher Skelhorne (photo by Harry Arnold, Waterway Images)

The Christopher Power Prize The Inland Waterways Association has awarded this prize to L&H and it was presented to the Chairman at the IWA AGM in Leek. The award itself is a large representation of an otter eating a fish and comes in an impressive and very heavy wooden case. Also there was a cheque for £1000. The criterion is: For a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway. This trophy has been combined with the following three former waterway awards: (a) Kenneth Goodwin Trophy (formerly presented to the trust or society engaged in the restoration of a waterway or associated structure that had made the most significant progress in achieving its objective during the previous year. (b) Waterways Companion Award (formerly awarded to the local authority of similar public body that had provided the most significant assistance–advice, physical or financial–to an IWA branch, canal society or trust in progressing a waterways restoration scheme.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 22 From Here and There

(c) IWA Volvo Penta Award (previously awarded to the individual or organisation making an outstanding contribution to environmental conservation on the inland waterways. Ken Goodwin was prominent in IWA in the 70’s and 80’s being a National Chairman. He was also the IWA representation on the L&H Trust Council for a number of years. Clay Lining The rewatering of our Tamworth Road section will now certainly be implemented using the traditional clay puddling method. Trials have already taken place and machinery purchased for the preparation of the bed. Reports of leakage on other restoration schemes underline the importance of only using synthetic liners when they have been fully tested. Meanwhile, our Feet of Clay appeal is still open if you wish to help. Huddlesford Heritage Gathering, 19-20 September 2015 After the outstanding success of the 2013 event at Huddlesford a committee has been reformed to try to emulate this in 2015. As before, this will be organised jointly with Lichfield Cruising Club on their grounds and waterfront at Huddlesford. Although the construction schedule for HS2 is not yet known it may be that work will have started by 2017 which would be the next date for a Gathering. It is a salutary thought that this familiar waterways scene and venue may soon be altered for ever. There is every expectation that HS2 will compensate the Cruising Club for its losses and disruption. M54-M6 North Link Once again there are reports that this link is under active consideration. In road terms it is certainly needed, especially for business in Telford and the northern edge of Wolverhampton. Any major reconstruction in the Calf Heath area opens the opportunity to achieve a navigable crossing of M6 for the Hatherton.

Brian Kingshott(chairman)

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 Autumn 2014 23 SalesMarketing and Promotions and Promotion Report

Seasonal events August 17 – The annual gathering of Classic Vehicles at Lupin Farm near Lichfield attracted over 1,000 exhibits in a relaxed setting for all to enjoy and benefit local charities. Not a big earner for us but valuable contacts made. August 23 – The irrepressible Eric and Doreen Wood announced “The Boats are Coming to Whittington” with an informal gathering at home over the week-end. It was definitely quality not quantity, raising over £1,000 for the Trust. August 24 – Council held a special “Dig It” event in the streets which drew the crowds, increasing the Trust’s range of useful contacts. September 6 – Whittington Country and Craft Fair is a big local event where the Trust made more from promotion than its modest income this year. September 21 – Lichfield 10k Run, Darnford Water Station is an annual occasion for the Trust to support others, handing out water to grateful runners at the half-way point, but receiving a handsome gratuity for the effort. September 27 – Lichfield Rugby Club match ball sponsorship and display inspired by Mike Battisson (see page 14) put the Trust in a different public eye.

October 5 – Visitors from Lichfield’s Twin Towns of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon in France and Limburg-an-der-Lahn in Germany were impressed to see the progress made since last time during a brief conducted tour of Tamworth Road.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 24 -raising presents a fund

Evening of music, comedy, sketches and laughter featuring “JUST US”

at Whittington Village Hall Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NH

Saturday, 22nd November 2014

Doors and competitively priced bar open from 6:30pm. Supper served at 7:00pm.

Tickets £15.00, prior booking only inclusive of supper, dessert and show.

Free car parking on site. Apply to:- Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield. WS14 9NA or phone: 01543 432718 or online: www.lhcrt.org.uk/notices.htm

Proceeds to aid the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (Registered Charity No. 702429)

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 25 Marketing and Promotion

One thing leads to another Members will recall reports of the shop which the Trust occupied in the Centre of Lichfield over last winter. Many people just turned in on chance during a visit to the City, some from far away, finding something different from the usual shops. Among the 1,000 + visitors was a man from Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire who had some business in the town that day. The whole idea of our canal restoration caught his imagination and he took up the suggestion of a Gift Membership for his elderly parents who were canal sympathisers rather than users. Some months later, the Parents as new members wrote to ask if they could visit Lichfield for a week-end to see the work for themselves. Arrangements were made for them to be met and escorted through the most prominent sites on a very warm summer evening. Through long conversations it seemed like we were old friends, their enthusiasm leading to a generous donation, acknowledged with our distinctive “David Suchet bank note” which made an exclusive birthday gift for Mother, a Suchet fan!

Visitors Guy & Cathy Gorton with Bob and Mike, 19-July-14.

CORRECTIONS TO THE LAST ISSUE We apologise for not making it clear that the “Cars in the Park” event which the Trust attended was organised by The Rotary Club of Lichfield, St Chads.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 26 Money Matters

“Feet of Clay” Appeal We are grateful to the many supporters who have donated funds to start the clay lining in Pound 27 as reported in this issue. It remains to be seen how far the estimated quantity will reach as the work progresses towards Lock 26. Lloyds Bank Community Fund grant Through due process, the Trust was short-listed as one of four local contenders for grants ranging from £500 up to £3,000, decided by the number of Public Votes each could attract. We thank all those who voted online, by phone text, by tokens in participating Lloyds Bank branches, and of course for cascading the opportunity for others to do too. The result will be announced on 3rd November after we go to press, but will be posted on our website. Ecology Building Society Charitable Foundation grant We applied for the maximum grant of £2,000, focusing on the refurbishment work needed to add fixtures and fittings to make Lock 26 at Tamworth Road operational. The aim is to bring back into use a set of old gates recovered from the site of the former at (near Wolverhampton), a set of steel lock gate beams through the Erewash Canal and new paddle gear using the long-held late John Page legacy. Again, the result will not be announced until after we go to press, but will be posted on our website. Community Asset and Services Grant Programme Following our announcement in the last issue, we were disappointed to be told in August that our bid to purchase and transform derelict land for community benefit had not been successful. Then in early October, the funding body found they still had funds to allocate and in competition with others invited us to revise our bid, but within the terms of the original offer. In particular, this entails completing all expenditure by March 2015, although volunteer work could continue thereafter. The Grant Executive’s urgent site visit gave us much hope with the outcome still awaited, but will be posted on our website in due course. WREN BAF Land Purchase Programme Like buses, none then two come together! Grant funding specifically for land purchase is very rare. Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd is putting emphasis on the Biodiversity Action Fund which supports land acquisition contributing significantly to habitat targets or is adjacent toand increases connectivity with existing priority habitats. An area of abandoned canal land has been identified as meeting such criteria where negotiations are ongoing s we go press. So we have several “cliff-hanger” funding deals in progress which we would like to think will keep us VERY busy through the coming months, if not years! Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 27 Business Connect

The Trust stand at the Lichfield Business Connect Trade Show, 22-Oct-14

The complete property maintenance company

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

If you would like to become a Business Member and display your card here contact Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427 or [email protected]

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 28 Selling individually vetted, Selling from own moorings well presented boats or from our Crick base

Unrivalled Browse our website 4-page detailed for our listings with colour brochure information on all with photos and boats, also lots of layout drawing useful information www.abnb.co.uk Friendly helpful advice from our experienced and knowledgeable team of boaters www.abnb.co.uk • [email protected] • Crick base NN6 7XT Open 9.30 to 5.30 every day Tel: 01788 822 115 or 01788 822 508

Cut Both Ways 14 01.indd 1 10/1/14 12:19:46

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

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 29 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LimiTeD. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA 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 Ogley Junction 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 Vice-Chairman & Land Officer Finance Brian Kingshott David Dixon Bob Williams 01547 530457 - Tel/Fax 01543 258512 – Home 01543 671427 07831 572642 - Mobile 07807 258957 – Mobile 07973 293834 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Environment & Fundraising Funding Dora Hancock Geoff Crook Dora Hancock [email protected] 01543 254826 01543 264158 - Home [email protected] IWA Nominee Environment Commerce Vaughan Welch Mike Battisson John Bryan 0121 477 9782 – Home 01543 300090 01543 683586 07971 202406 – Mobile 07984 437284 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Health & Safety Engineering Lichfield Sites Manager Bob Mullarkey (& Lichfield Cruising Club rep) Terry Brown 01543 251408 – Home Peter Buck 01889 576574 - Home 01543 426811 – Work 01543 268041 - Home 07855 810568 – Mobile 07973 719215 – Mobile 07966 123239 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Officers Magazine Editor Website Publicity Officer Stefan Szulc Paul Marshall Tom Reid 01543 677156 01543 410646 01543 319754 - Home [email protected] [email protected] 07840 300178 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Hatherton Work Party Membership Denis Cooper Godfrey Eland 01543 374370 – Work [email protected] COULD THIS BE YOU?

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 Autumn 2014 30 Cut Both Ways Autumn 2014 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]