The Magazine of the & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue 61 Autumn 2009

Visitors to Huddlesford Gathering enjoy the late summer weather, 19-Sept-09.

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V.A.T No. 203321527 2 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

I am often reminded that the Trust was founded to “facilitate” the restoration of our two canals and not to restore every inch, or centimetre, ourselves. It is a reminder akin to the warning which returning victorious Roman generals had to hear, namely that they were still only human. When we started this great project over two decades ago it was very difficult to get those in authority to listen. It was often harder to persuade a sceptical public that it was a worthwhile and viable scheme, especially for a group of volunteers with little or no money. Thus we embarked on a gruelling “hearts and minds” exercise which was always frustrating and often fruitless. Yet, little by little, we made some headway and the sceptical and indulgent smiles gave way to polite attention and even encouragement. As we have so often said, it was the challenge posed by the proposed M6 Toll Road (as we now know it) which gave us the opportunity arising from the threat. We found the money, the aqueduct was built and the culverts at Churchbridge were enlarged. Subsequently, we have leased and purchased land, acquired property and rebuilt locks and pounds. These are major steps in themselves but represent miniscule progress towards the reconstruction and reopening of the canals.

Behind the scenes of these public achievements have been the countless meetings and discussions entailed in building the case to justify the project – the facilitation of the restoration. Vital to this side of the process has been negotiating with local authorities whose support is the keystone of implementation. The Lichfield Canal falls entirely within the borders of Council and we have, in recent years, enjoyed a fruitful and positive relationship with councillors and officers. We are hopeful that the interests of the restoration will be safeguarded within the Local Development Framework which is moving slowly towards completion. The Hatherton lies within South , Chase and Councils, each one of which is drawing up its own LDF, requiring the Trust to be deeply involved in the planning process. Staffordshire County Council, especially Highways, must also be consulted and involved. All of this is time consuming and complicated. Add to this the requirements of , the Environment Agency, Natural England and other statutory bodies and you might begin to see why “facilitation” often takes precedence over visible restoration. (continued over)

3 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

It is against this back-drop that were pleased to hear that, on 14th September a notice of motion was submitted to Walsall Council regarding the work of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust on reinstatement. Officers are required to report to Cabinet in January 2010 “setting out ways in which the Council can provide meaningful support to the efforts of the Trust in bringing the restoration project to fruition.” This is exciting and significant news and Directors are looking forward to an imminent meeting to progress matters. Let us hope this can become a major building block in establishing a consortium of influential bodies which will help us carry the project forwards.

Despite the “facilitation” moves discussed above we are also resolved to press forward with restoration wherever we can. The Atkins Study on the Lichfield and the supplementary Atkins study on the re-routed Hatherton cannot just be left to lie on some shelf until funds miraculously become available to start work. Directors have, accordingly, resolved to set targets for completion of the five phases of the Lichfield Feasibility Study and the whole of the re-routing of the Hatherton. We have set completion dates which fit within the terms of reference of the LDF process. It is vital that we show full commitment. On the Hatherton, our Land Officer, David Dixon with his predecessor Mike Smith, have drawn up a report showing how work would be implemented on the whole section from the Lord Hay Branch at Pelsall to the A5 crossing near the M6 Toll Plaza. It is clear that, as this section would be entirely “new build” across open country it is far more likely that we can get boats to Churchbridge this way than from the west where there are major obstacles including the M6.

Simultaneously, we are discussing with Lichfield Cruising Club how we can relocate their moorings thus freeing up the channel from the junction at Huddlesford to Cappers Bridge. If we can purchase the land between the bridge and our existing and partially restored section by the lift bridge we can get navigation to Darnford Lane. This could place visiting boaters within walking distance of Lichfield and all its attractions. If we do not set ourselves such targets we stand little chance of significant progress within a reasonable time frame. Of course, finance is a major consideration but without a fully worked up scheme there will be no funding package. We will also need further “facilitation” with a suite of specialist studies to be commissioned on water supply, flood alleviation, habitats etc. There are many more “invisibles” to be worked on before the “visibles” appear.

Our Vision Statement To restore the Lichfield Canal and the Hatherton Canal to re-open waterway links between Staffordshire and the , for the benefit of the environment, amenity and prosperity of the people of the region and to enhance the nation’s inland waterway system. 4 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

Truly, this is an exciting and challenging moment in our history. I have mentioned several of the challenges but the greatest is the hardest to address. We have over 1500 members and we are grateful for your support and the income which the subscriptions bring. Like all voluntary organisations only a very small number of members are actively involved and I hope I am not joining the long list of whingers who write in all such journals as this when I say how much we need more of you to come forward and help. We have at least a further 20 years to go before we can hope to finish and some of us cannot reasonably expect to remain activists for all that time. Brian Kingshott

IWA talk on Chesterfield Canal

The IWA Lichfield Branch meeting in November will be an illustrated talk on “Progress with the Restoration of the Chesterfield Canal”. The speaker is Dr Geraint Coles, the Chesterfield Canal Partnership Project Officer.

The progress made by the Chesterfield Canal Trust under his direction in the last few years is most impressive, and he also has a wider brief to assist other waterway restoration projects with advice.

Our public meetings are open to non-IWA members and are without charge, although we are pleased to accept donations towards expenses and for refreshments.

The date is Wednesday 18th November, with entry from 7.30 for a 7.45 pm start. The venue is College Hall, The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD, which is on the south side of the Cathedral. Parking is at Bird Street car park, adjacent to Minster Pool, although drop off and collection is permitted in The Close.

This information can also be found on the IWA website at www.waterways.org.uk/InMyArea/WestMidlandsRegion/Lichfield

Phil Sharpe (Chairman, IWA Lichfield Branch)

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. 5 Canal Transport Services Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

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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, SW1A 0AA; or you can email him by using the webform at www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/contact.html or telephone his office at 01543 419650 where you can also make an appointment to see him at one of his regular surgeries. (advertisment) 7 Donations to the Trust We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st July to 30th September 2009. Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration Marketing Appeal & Land Funds Chartered Institute of Builders (talk) 50.00 Mr H J Y Pringle (with sub.) 105.00 Mrs Moreton (in memory of the late Mr J. Moreton) 100.00 Cllr T Thomas, Mayor of Lichfield 30.00 Tamworth Cruising Club 30.00 Mr P R Newman (with sub.) 35.00 Mr N Blears (with sub.) 25.00 Mr A V H Gulvin (with sub.) 35.00 Mr G H Thompson (with sub.) 50.00 Mrs V R M Potter 30.00 Mr R K Clowsley (part pledge) 80.00 Mr C W Butler 30.00 Mr R F Kilsby (with sub.) 25.00 Mrs B M Nichols 30.00 Mr R P B Udall 30.00 Dr K R Aylmer 30.00 Mr T P Bass 60.00 Mr A R Nuttall 30.00 Mr W A Stephens 30.00 Mr R T White 30.00 Mr J D Jones 100.00 Mr M E Pugson 120.00 Mr C M Jones 200.00 Dr G T Whitfield 250.00 Mr C J Foster 250.00 Mr E Pringle 100.00 240.00 Mrs M Davies 30.00 Mr D P Owen 30.00 Mr F G Van Camp 30.00 Mr M J Adamson 60.00 Mrs E E Brown 60.00 Mr R J Buckler (part pledge) 270.00 Mr R J Fenton 30.00 Mr R Locke 30.00 anonymous 1,000.00 Lichfield Beacon Probus Club (talk) 30.00 Mr M W Main 30.00 Mr E L Pizzey 30.00 8 Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration Marketing Appeal & Land Funds Mr H M Stedman 30.00 Miss D M Skilbeck 100.00 Mr R H Hayward (pledge) 240.00 Mr C Crane 30.00 Mr M Smith 50.00 Mr J B Sutton 30.00 Mr M E Thompson 120.00 120.00 Mr J N Potts 200.00 Mr D J Jenkins 30.00 Mr J M Smith 50.00 Mr W Tallis 200.00 Mr D A Stevenson 30.00 Miss J F Barnett 30.00 Mr C R Jones 30.00 Mr C J Webber 30.00 Mr R W Naulls 60.00 Mrs A E Stead 30.00 Mr B L Tunnicliffe 30.00 Anonymous 1,000.00 Mr A Greenwood 30.00 Mrs D L Bennett 30.00 Mr D C Kearney 30.00 Mrs M E Stockdale 30.00 Mr J B West 30.00 Mr G J Wilson 30.00 Mr P W Holmes 30.00 Mr K R Jackson 30.00 Mr R B Leadley 30.00 Mr R F O’Dea 30.00 Mr G Cresswell 80.00 Mr W Hoad 100.00 Mr M I Wright 250.00 Mr D B Shipman (with sub.) 35.00 Waterway Recovery Group, North West 500.00 Nr R W Elder 30.00 Mr D S Beardsmore 30.00 Mr C H Scrivener 30.00 Mr S T Boddington 100.00 Mr J K W Pearse 125.00 Mrs M Pearse 125.00 Mr C J M Coburn 30.00 9 Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration Marketing Appeal & Land Funds Mr P J Hale 30.00 Mr K G Robinson 30.00 Mr A J Wintringham (part pledge) 100.00 Mr B W Davis 100.00 Mr R Mason 30.00 Lichfield Running Club (Darnford water station for 10k Run) 100.00 Mr K A Twyman 30.00 Mr J C Cowie 30.00 Mrs J M Dudley 30.00 Mr N P Brookes 30.00 Mr G S Randall 30.00 Miss V A Ransom 30.00 Mr R H Jennings (with sub.) 50.00 Memorial gifts for P G Barr dec’d 263.46 Local Committee 90.00 Mr L J Shephard 30.00 Mr M H Smith (pledge) 120.00 Mr F Cookson 30.00 Mr C G Scott 30.00 Mr E Carroll 30.00 Mr R C Everett 30.00 Mr P J Stow 30.00 Dr I M Thompson 30.00 Mrs J H Greenfield 50.00 Mr L Abrams 30.00 Mr M Gilbert 30.00 Mr B C Smith 30.00 Mr R H Jennings 90.00 Mr D Jackman 120.00 Mr & Mrs M Farrant 180.00 Mr R Gwynn 30.00 Mr A N Heeley 30.00 Mr M J Hodgson 30.00 Mr D A Tarrant 30.00 Mr R H Wood 25.00 Katharine Holbourne (aged 10) saved school dinner money 4.00 Lichfield Library (talk) 50.00 Mrs J Horton 30.00 Mr A G Cross 30.00 Mrs A M Scott 30.00 10 Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration Marketing Appeal & Land Funds Mrs I K Teather 30.00 Wheelton Boat Club Ltd 30.00 Mr J A Carr 60.00 The Bostock Foundation 100.00 Mr R Noblett 30.00 Mr D J Brabner (part pledge) 60.00 Mrs C Cooper 30.00 Mr J W Harrison 30.00 Mr D V Harvey 40.00 Mr A L Lewis 1,000.00 Mr K D Bendall 30.00 Mr D J Redwood 30.00 Mrs J M Tyte 30.00 I.W.A. Stoke-on-Trent Branch 100.00 The Historic Narrowboat Owners Club 200.00 Mr S King 30.00 Mr G Main (pledge) 240.00 Mrs J E Davies 50.00 Mr D Turner 30.00 Mr C G Johnston 250.00 Mr D L Moore (pledge) 240.00 Ash Tree Boat Club 150.00 Mrs M Kelly 30.00 IWA Warwickshire Branch 50.00 Dr T Hollingworth 33.50 Mr David Stanistreet (part pledge) 300.00 90.00 Mr D Dixon (returned expenses) 84.40 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 150.00 Mr B Kingshott (returned expenses) 627.00 Mr D L Moore (returned expenses) 50.00 Mr R O Williams (returned expenses) 81.20 Regular donors to appeals 593.00 425.00 Aggregated donations below £20 each 877.54 106.26

We are very grateful to the following donors:-

Dr A. Roberts, Long Eaton, for donating a used cement mixer. Wharf for the use of their day boat at the Huddlesford Gathering. JCB Sales Ltd for the use of a demonstration excavator. Mrs Margaret Dale, Tamworth for donated goods. 11 ANNOUNCEMENTS

We regret the loss of the following members:- Mr David J Brettell, Aldridge, Walsall, died 2nd August 2009. Mr Peter G Barr, Codsall, Wolverhampton, died 31st July 2009.

It is sad to also announce the death of Mr James Calder of Shenstone, Lichfield, who died on the 19th September 2009. His steam lorry was often seen at shows and was at the recent Huddlesford Gathering. Jim occasionally helped with work parties and sympathisers have been invited to make memorial donations to benefit the Trust or St. Johns Church, Shenstone.

New Members up to 30th. Sept 2009 Mr P.A.Stanworth, Kenilworth Mr C.W.Butler, Bus St. Remy, France Mr S.Smith, Lichfield Mr N.Hankin, Husbands Bosworth Mrs Smith, Lichfield Ms R. Kennedy-Green, Lichfield Mr D.H.Stephenson, Lichfield Mr B.Bacon, Mr J.Shaw, Rugeley Prof. S.Blackburn, Penkridge Mr S.Bowden, Lichfield Mr M. Thompson, Epsom, Surrey Mr D.Homer, Lichfield Mr P.T.Platten, Bromley Hayes, Lichfield Mr B.Jones, Lichfield Mr M.Clapham, Nelson, Lancs Mr T.Layton, , Lichfield Mr M.Judd, Nuneaton Mrs B.Layton, Fradley, Lichfield Brownhills Local Committee Mr R.Cunningham, Lichfield Mr G.Hyde, Whittington, Lichfield Ms H.M.Thomas, Mrs H.M.Blackmore, Brownhills Balsall Heath, Mr E.Carroll, Yate, Bristol Mr A.English, Lichfield Mr A.Balfour, Charlton on Otmoor, Oxford Mr P.Summers, Lichfield Mr R.J.Scarff, Bushey Ms S.Foulds, , Staffs. Mr D.R.Edwards, Mr R.H.Rea, Lichfield Handsworth Wood, Birmingham Mr R.Taylor, Lichfield Mr M.J.Germany, Upper Longdon Mr D.Hallmark, Rolleston on Dove Mrs J.E.Germany, Upper Longdon Ms A.Simpson, Lichfield Mr L.Moore, Torksey, Lincs Mr M.S.Yates, Lichfield Mrs C.Moore, Torksey, Lincs Mr I.Campbell, Hackney, London Mr P.Booth, Great Harwood, Lancs Mr B.Golding, Brownhills Mr J.E.Bark, Shenstone, Lichfield Brownhills Community Association Mrs L.Bark, Shenstone, Lichfield Mr C.M. Tooze, Lichfield Mrs I.K. Teather, Chesterfield Membership1183 ( Including 117 Life, 13 Joint Life, 13 Group, 19 Corporate) Plus 488 Family. Total 1671. Covenanted Members 64. Current Covenant and Gift Aid declarations 1159 12 Become a member of our 500 Club for the 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. The “500 Club” could contribute up to £3,000 a year - or even more - whilst, for just £12 a year, Club Members get four chances of winning prizes of up to £400 - or maybe more each time!

Since the last issue of Cut Both Ways the number of active subscriptions is 223

In order to increase the contribution to the Capital Fund and, of course, the amount of prize money available, the number of 500 Club members needs to grow. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is now open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word.

The winners of the draw are: 1st prize No 203 May Brown, Chase Terrace, Staffs £173.94 2nd prize No 69 Graham Danbury, St Albans, Herts £113.73 3rd prize No 47 Elizabeth Rowbotham, Weymouth, Dorset £46.83

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

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. 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. 13 HUDDLESFORD BOAT GATHERING 2009

The fourth Huddlesford Boat Gathering took place on 19th September 2009, organised jointly with Lichfield Cruising Club and once again it was a very happy and successful occasion, made even better by the beautiful weather.

On the water we had over 80 narrowboats, including 17 ex-working boats. Raymond and Nutfield were there after travelling all the way from Braunston with a crew of just three, especially to be with us. The steam narrowboat President also joined us, the last event in its 100th birthday cruise and always a very welcome visitor, plus ex- steamer Monarch who celebrated her 100th birthday in 2008. Harbourmasters Pat Barton and Mike Moorse were kept busy organising all the moorings and what a great job they did. Barry Kenn also did a sterling job running boat trips for visitors on the day boat DAYSY (left), very kindly provided by Ray Bowern of Streethay Wharf. For the first time we also had six “floating traders”, including the Cheese Boat, the Fudge Boat and the Ice-cream Boat.

On the field we had over 20 stalls with sales and displays, steam vehicles and as an added bonus we had at least 70 classic cars, whose attendance was organised for us by Janette Horton. By a lucky coincidence, also at the gathering was ex-working narrowboat Minnow, which used to belong to John and Jan Horton, and is now owned by Malcolm (Blossom) Edge, the great grandson of Stanley Edge who, at the age of 17 helped Sir Herbert Austin to design the Austin 7 (pictured left).

Three musicians from the Three Spires Morris came along to give us some live music, and a “Hurdy Gurdy” boat was also there adding to the festive atmosphere. 14 The barbecue was busy all day selling burgers, hot dogs and bacon baps and the Cruising Club were serving tea, coffee and cakes in their “Coffee Shop” marquee. “Stronger stuff” was available in the bar, including two new bottled beers brewed The all-day barbecue proved to be very popular and specially for the raised substantial funds, 19-Sept-09. Trust by Blythe Brewery - “L&H Bitter” and “Navvies Brew”. The bitter was also available on tap and proved extremely popular.

Trust President, Eric Wood invites 'Dr Samuel Johnson' (Rob Davies) to cut his 300th birthday cake dictionary 19-Sept-09 As part of Lichfield’s weekend of celebrations to mark the 300th birthday of Dr Samuel Johnson, this year’s gathering was graced by the presence of the venerable gentleman himself, (in the guise of Rob Davies), and a birthday cake in the shape of his famous dictionary had been made for us by Kathryn Matthews. After the ceremonial cutting of the cake slices were sold to raise funds. 15 HUDDLESFORD BOAT GATHERING 2009

The steam narrowboat “PRESIDENT” completes her 100th year celebratory tour at Huddlesford, 19-Sept-09.

Tickets for the evening entertainment with young jazz quintet Funktional were sold out three weeks before the event, the hottest ticket we have ever had, and they certainly lived up to it; an impressive performance from a band whose average age is 18½. The ladies of the Cruising Club put on a most excellent hot supper (with puddings) and the bar was busy again all night.

We would like to thank the 1st Whittington Scouts for the loan of a marquee and a number of tables and benches, and Kevin Grattan and Frank Bartlett of the Whittington First Responders for First Aid cover. Special thanks must also go to Frank Weetman, Rose Bell and all the members of Lichfield Cruising Club who made us so welcome from the Friday right through to Sunday and worked so hard to make the weekend the success it was. To everyone who helped in any way, making cakes for the cake stall, selling programmes, putting up and taking down marquees, all the dozens of other jobs whether before, during or after the event, our grateful thanks. It would not have been possible without you.

As an added bonus we made a profit of about £2,000!

We hope to do it all again in 2011. See you there! Sue Williams, Secretary 16 HUDDLESFORD BOAT GATHERING 2009

Jim Calder’s Foden Steam Lorry at the Huddlesford Gathering, 19-Sept-09.

Inside the traders' marquee

Paul Marshall has kindly put a video of the Huddlesford Boat Gathering on YouTube. It is in two parts as there is a 10 minute limit on film clips. Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsCZlDB0zqg Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzZlfl6kdd8 17 FROM HERE AND THERE

Redhill National Waterways Festival The Marketing team took our displays and sales items to the National Festival near Ratcliffe-on-Soar over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The weather was kind and we are, as ever, grateful to our members who gave up their time to spread our message to the wider waterways audience. Despite reservations over the lay-out of the site, we had plenty of visitors and opportunities to discuss the implications of the Atkins study. Next year the National Festival returns to Beale Park, near Reading, and we cannot be sure that we will be able to attend. The Marketing Group is greatly in need of reinforcements, and a chairman. Please consider helping, at least with local events.

Land Opportunities The Atkins Study assumes that the Trust will be able to gain control of all the land it needs to rebuild the Lichfield Canal (The same is true of the Hatherton). Mike Smith, and now David Dixon, have identified the packages we need and their ownership and have opened a dialogue with almost all the owners, most of whom are sympathetic. We may find ourselves faced with a substantial dilemma as owners make land available to us. We have a land fund which will cover most of our anticipated need in the near future. We will always seek to buy what we need. However, if several items of land become available all at once, funding will become a serious issue. The building of the next stage of the Lichfield Bypass may also place sudden and heavy demands on our finances. Meanwhile, the new £30 Suchet Appeal has been launched and has brought in a useful sum but the really big financial demands lie at an undetermined time in the future.

Pelsall Event A group has been formed to organise a boating festival at Pelsall in June 2010. This would be a two day event, probably on a modest scale. Subsequently, it would be a biannual event and expand in scope. The purpose is to encourage use of the northern BCN and to focus attention on the L&H scheme. There has always been a great deal of interest in the canal locally and the Brownhills Canal Festival has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years. The Birmingham Canals Navigation Society and Longwood Boat Club will be taking leading roles and L&H will support this in any way it can.

Membership rates are: Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6; Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Corporate £200; Life Membership £200. To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page). 18 FROM HERE AND THERE (continued)

BW AGM The Finance Director and Chairman represented the Trust at The British Waterways AGM in Birmingham on 6th October. This is always an interesting occasion, if only for the networking opportunities in the intervals. Bob Williams had arranged for the working boat “Barnet” to be moored opposite Austin Court, displaying the L&H banner, in clear view of everyone attending the meeting. The main thrust of business was the BW 2020 Vision for the future management of its activities and assets. There is a strong possibility that BW will move into the “third sector” where it will be freed from government control and subsidy. It will, if this happens, have to finance its operations in an entirely new way broadly similar to the ways in which L&H and others, such as the National Trust, already operate. This will surely impact on the restoration movement (and IWA) as a degree of competition could develop in fundraising and marketing. Ways in which BW will be involved in restoration must also be affected. There was a clear statement that maintaining existing waterways to a proper and safe standard must always be a priority.

Chairman Brian Kingshott meets our Patrons Chris Coburn and Dr David Fletcher by nb “BARNET”, a floating exhibit by the Trust for the British Waterways Annual Meeting in Birmingham, 6-Oct-09.

19 FROM HERE AND THERE (continued)

Wall Display On 7th October we took a display on the Atkins Study to Wall Village Hall to give the public an opportunity to look at the scheme at leisure and in detail. Although the crowds did not materialise we were delighted with the response from local people and welcomed their comments. Almost everyone who turned up was a local land owner, both of individual properties and also of substantial land holdings. Every one seemed very positive about the recommendations in Atkins and wished us well. We have received a great deal of support and encouragement from Wall residents and from those living further a field. We have previously had the public launch at the Lichfield Guildhall and a display in the Lichfield Library. We hope to take it to other locations when there is a promising opportunity.

An open evening at Wall Village Hall for the public to see and discuss restoration Feasibility Reports and Proposal Maps, 7-Oct-09. Hidden Treasure There has been a great deal of public interest in the uncovering of the “” of Anglo-Saxon treasure. It has been on display at Birmingham Library where there have been lengthy queues of those wanting an early viewing. It was unearthed very close to the Lichfield Canal, not far from the aqueduct just east of Brownhills. If only it had been a little closer the Trust’s finances might have received a very welcome boost! Brian Kingshott

20 21 THE CASE OF THE TRAVELLING BOW TIE

The Muscular Dystrophy Charity of New Zealand has as one of its fundraising events a bow tie week in February each year. In response to a request from the charity we asked David Suchet for one of the ties he used in filming the Poirot series. David sent a signed photo, a collar and a tie. Our Land Officer, David Dixon, was due to take an extended holiday which included a visit to New Zealand and was happy to accept the opportunity to deliver the gift and also to spread the fame of L&H and its Vice-President in the Antipodes. This is his account of what happened.

I have to report that the Poirot bow tie was duly handed over yesterday morning at an event in the fine surroundings of the new North Shore Police Headquarters, a few miles north of Auckland. The charity Muscular Dystrophy NZ has as one of its main fundraising events a bow tie week in February each year, when they sell miniature bow ties as lapel badges. They see having a real Poirot one as valuable publicity for the next such week. Apart from Leigh Gleeson who had contacted David Suchet through us, there were present their patron, Judy Bailey, until recently the main newsreader for TVNZ (their Angela Rippon, someone called her); their Managing Director, Chris Higgins; Graham Bell, a retired senior Policeman who now presents a weekly TV show “Police Ten 7”, something like our Crimewatch; and two ladies suffering from neuromuscular conditions who are active with the charity. All were very welcoming to us, and thrilled to receive the bounty from England. There were several short speeches; I told them a bit about Lichfield (mentioning the link with Bishop Selwyn), about the LHCRT, and about David Suchet’s involvement with canals and with us. I handed out some of our leaflets, and lapel badges to their principal participants: useful publicity, I hope. There was awareness of the delights of canal cruising and I offered our assistance with contacts with hire firms etc. Finally, they gave me gifts for David, to be delivered after we get back home. David Dixon 22 Leigh Gleeson accepting the Poirot Collar on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy NZ from David Dixon

23 INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL FESTIVAL 2009

This year’s August Bank Holiday was somewhat unusual. The IWA National Festival took place. Nothing unusual about that, it always happens over that weekend, but there was a distinct absence of moisture in the air. After the problems recently faced by the organisers at Wolverhampton and St Ives, it was a pleasure to be welcomed to a site that was free of mud and to experience three dry, albeit windy days at Redhill Marina on the River Soar. After the problems of last year it was the easiest of sites to access and I was on site within five minutes of arriving.

LHCT marquee

The site was very large and, if there was a criticism, it was that some of the walkways were too wide. This meant that visitors could walk down the middle, some distance from the exhibitors’ stands, making it easy to ignore them. The IWA had a very impressive marquee and I thought one of the most imaginative displays was the collection of small ride-on excavators and trucks for children to play with. Hopefully, in the fullness of time, those children will return when they are old enough to drive the real ‘toys’.

24 INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL FESTIVAL 2009

The highlight for us was the presentation of a £500 cheque for the David Suchet Appeal from our friends at North West Waterway Recovery Group.

We also welcomed three new members plus two members for the Teddy Bears Club, Eric & Ernie, joining their brother Edward who is already a member.

Including the donations, the total gain to the Trust for the weekend was £693.39. My thanks to Mike & May Brown, Bob & Sue Williams, Brian Kingshott, Eric Wood, Derek Beardsmore and Peter & Mavis Butler for their help with manning the stand. Next year’s event is back at Beale Park, near Reading, on the River Thames. A long way from home and therefore certainly not within commuting distance. Any offers to take the stand? David Moore 25 MARKETING REPORT

DAVID SUCHET’S Thirty Pound Appeal In just three months, this new fund-raising initiative has already attracted £17,000 from about 150 members and non-member supporters across the country. By way of acknowledgment, all contributors receive a David Suchet “£30 bank note”, or for sums over £100, a personal certificate depicting this distinctive item. Obviously, it has no intrinsic monetary value but offers donors an amusing and exclusive means for the Trust to recognise their support.

Let’s recap: in July, the Atkins Feasibility Study of the Lichfield Canal was presented at an exclusive event in the Lichfield Guildhall when the funding appeal was launched with a target of £1million towards implementing Phase 1 from Huddlesford Junction. Displays have since been mounted in other places to inform the public. It seems that not everyone makes the connection between the Lichfield Canal’s 30 locks, and thereby pounds, and the £30 note.

Donations can be any amount, or pledges made for staged payment. Some 30,000 Appeal promotional leaflets have been distributed widely through this magazine and the waterway press sent to subscribers so you may have one waiting to be used. Please keep the funds coming in to get your “£30 bank note” and help the Trust move ahead with essential work for this phase. Alternatively, donations can be made through our website on www.lhcrt.org.uk. Also there, in the “Atkins” section, you can find the Proposal Maps and full Report which projects the cost of restoration over an extended period. We need all the help we can get.

“Section 106” Planning Gain Fund It is a normal condition of housing developments that a proportion of gains is channelled through the Local Authority for funding community benefits. The Trust has applied to Lichfield District Council for a grant from this source that would assist with project costs in the area. It is pleasing to note that they also produce information about other grant opportunities that become available from time to time.

Stolen excavator Members will recall that in the last issue we reported the theft of our JCB804 excavator in June. Whilst we have had much sympathy and some specific donations from well- wishers, nothing more has been seen or heard of the machine. However, our insurers have made an appropriate settlement topped-up from our own fund-raising efforts to acquire another suitable machine. Meanwhile, we are grateful to JCB Sales Ltd for the free loan of a demonstration machine which has helped to keep the workers busy. Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

26 LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS

Lock 25 bywash Through the summer weeks, good progress has been made in building up the circular drop shaft for the bywash outlet. Interesting detail has been incorporated to make it a distinctive feature of this canal in future. A footpath around it to the best disability access standard will cross a small bridge over the spillway. Passers by ask if we are building a wishing well which could be a novel funding opportunity!

Constructing the distinctive drop shaft for Lichfield Canal Lock 25 bywash, August 2009.

It is unfortunate that due to business commitments, the annual visit by the volunteer workforce under the Jaguar Land Rover Corporate Citizenship Scheme could not take place this year. However, thanks to JCB for the loan of a demonstration excavator whilst we look for a replacement, our own team redoubled its efforts to lay a concrete base for the spillway and reduce a quantity of stone blocks to manageable proportions to construct containment walls in dressed masonry. The next step will be to build the top weir off pound 25 which will probably take till the new year to complete.

Enquiries are being made as to the possibility of a temporary diversion of some water from the “big pipe” in the bed of the canal to artificially water the new bywash in the short term as an attractive feature and a foretaste of how it will function when the canal is fully restored. Bob Williams, Project Co-ordinator

27 BORROWCOP LOCKS CANAL PARK

Mike Battisson explains that the Borrowcop Locks Canal Park is always open to all users. (August 09)

“Wirral Woods do come to Lichfield”. Act III (with apologies to WS)

In July, Trust member and canal boating enthusiast, Di Skillbeck, who is also a member of the Boat Owners Association, mooring at Preston Brook Marina on the , took her annual summer cruise from home waters to visit the Midlands and BCN canals. This year, Di was accompanied by friend Daphne Luff. Both are also members of the Boat Museum Society based at , in fact Di is the Society’s President.

Di and Daphne were also accompanied by ‘Security Officer’ Vik, a very friendly Finnish Spitz cross, a breed developed, appropriately, to be able to assist rescue from water.

This year Di chose to cruise the Staffs and Worcester canal, rather than the canal as in previous years. On route, she rang me to say that once again she had been collecting saplings and had them on board for me to pick up. This was in response to my appeal for hedging material printed in Cut Both Ways some years ago. Accordingly we arranged to meet at the Fox and Anchor pub on the S&W, where the exchange was completed; together with a very welcome coffee break taken on board.

28 BORROWCOP LOCKS CANAL PARK

The saplings, comprising a good sized oak, holly and hawthorn whips will be used to thicken and repair the previously sadly neglected ‘quick’ along our Tamworth Road site, as a part of the Borrowcop Locks Canal Park development, The oak has been planted on the site margin with the A38 dual c a r r i a g e w a y , Lichfield bypass, where it will flag the location of this h e r i t a g e An early morning ride showing how the park is used by a restoration site variety of Lichfields residents. for passing motorists. This will be the third occasion that saplings to be planted for aesthetic and environmental mitigation purposes have been delivered in an environmentally sensitive manner: Who says freight is not being transported by canal? Our thanks once again to Di and friends. Mike Battisson

REVISED TARIFF FOR ADVERTS IN “Cut Both Ways” (last revised and published in CBW 38, winter 2004)

from to 1/8 page £20 £23 1/4 inside page £35 £40 1/2 inside page £65 £75 full inside page £100 £115 full inside cover (see note) £110 £125 full outside back cover (see note) £170 £195 These prices cover twelve months in four quarterly editions and are subject to VAT at the standard rate.

NOTES: Inside front cover and outside back cover are permanent insertions. Single edition advert @ 50% annual rate. Two edition advert @ 75% annual rate. Special artwork can be provided on request. 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 Huddlesford Junction (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 OBE. PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP. DIRECTORS Chairman Brian Kingshott (/Fax 01547 530457 Park Cottage, Hopton Castle, Craven Arms. SY7 0QF Vice-Chairman Peter Magee (/Fax 01889 578289 & Plant The Spinney, Bellamour Way, Colton, Rugeley WS15 3LL Finance Bob Williams ( 01543 671427 Fax 01543 677687 Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, . WS7 0JP Secretary Sue Williams ( 01543 671427 & Web Master Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich. WS7 0JP e-mail: [email protected] Membership Trevor Morris ( 0121 354 7952 Secretary 163, Halton Road, Sutton Coldfield. B73 6NZ Land Officer David Dixon ( 01543 258512 78 Gaia Lane, Lichfield WS13 7LS David Moore ( 01543 432718 88, Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield. WS14 9NA Environment Mike Battisson ( 01543 300090 3, Minors Hill, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14 9DJ Building Bob Mullarkey ( 01543 251408 220, Upper St John Street, Lichfield. WS14 9EF I. W. A. Vaughan Welch ( 0121 477 9782 Representative 3, Beach Close, Northfield, Birmingham. B31 3DB OTHER OFFICERS Magazine Editor Stefan Szulc ( 01543 677156 e-mail: [email protected] Lichfield Work Party Bob Williams ( 01543 671427 Hatherton Work Party Denis Cooper ( 01543 374370 (work) Education Officer Andrew Williams ( 01543 250452 Environment Officer Geoff Crook ( 01543 254826 Marketing & Sales Vacant Publicity Officer Mervyn Ainge ( 01543 307317 Membership Asst. Pat Ainge ( 01543 492344 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING LIMITED. Company No 3686837 - Chairman: Brian Kingshott; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams 30 web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk 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]

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