Boundary Edition 214 Post Autumn 2016

Angela & Wayne Attwood, members of BCNS are the proud owners of this BCN tug “Caggy”. Seen here celebrating their owner- !! I’m sure they will tell us about it in a future copy of Boundary Post.

The Journal of the Navigations Society Free to members £1 when sold bcnsociety.com Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Council Members - 2015 - 2016 BCNS Social Meetings : Martin O’Keeffe held on the first Thursday in the month Vice-Presidents: Ron Cousens, Phil Clayton, Cllr. David Sparks, Rob Starkey, start at 7-30pmTitford Pumphouse Engine Street Oldbury B69 4NL Chairman & web man: Press & Publicity: All Welcome! CHARLEY JOHNSTON 07825816623 KATH O’KEEFFE [email protected] [email protected] 4th - 5th November- End of Season Rally & AGM at Titford P.H.

Vice Chair & Rally Organiser Press & Publicity Assistant 10th November - Mon & Brec Canal - An overview of the BARRIE JOHNSON 0121 422 4373 MARTIN O’KEEFFE [email protected] [email protected] of South Wales and in particular the history, current condition and restoration of the Mon & Brec Canal. - Ken Turner Treasurer: Sales: DAVE DENT REBECCA SMITH -KEARY 1st December - Christmas Social - Details on page 25 38 Greenland Mews, London, SE8 5JW [email protected] 01562 850234 020 8691 9190 [email protected] 5th January - Hotel Boating Holidays in the 1950's travelling on the Supporting members to Council Midlands Canals in two operating out of Penkridge - Secretary: & Planning Officer IVOR CAPLAN Health & Safety Roger Butler tel: 07778685764 [email protected] Jeffrey Carter

Membership Talks and Presentations Martin Brookes ALAN VENESS tel: 0121 355 4732 Phil Clayton 07890921413 43 Pilkington Ave, Sutton Coldfield, B72 [email protected] FOR ALL YOUR MARINE WORK 1LA email: [email protected] On the Canal, between Stourton and Junctions Work Party Administrator

Michael Smith-Keary 01562 850234 Work Party Co-ordinator: Coach Painting - Building - Fitting Out - Compliance Work MIKE ROLFE 07763 171735 [email protected]

New Installation - Engine Servicing - Repairs - Welding [email protected] BCNS Explorer Cruise Hull Blacking - Breakdown Call Out Service Buildings & Heritage Stuart & Marie Sherratt 07510167288 VACANT POSITION [email protected] Diesel Tank cleaning and fuel filtering with minimum need for drilling Boundary Post Editor BCNS 24 Hour Challenge or cutting or emptying tank Mobile or at Wharf Service BRENDA WARD Roy Kenn 01922 428644 [email protected] 0121 355 6351 John Carrington Bookings for Wharf Cranage NOW available [email protected] Youth/Community Liaison Officer All Work Personally Undertaken KATE SELF [email protected] Fundraiser: 07929401682 Mike Butler Waterways Craft Guild Accredited

Free no obligation quotation Archives & Heritage Official Photographer IVOR CHAMBERS tel: 0121 707 1690 Ann Johnson 07802 444370 or [email protected] [email protected] Atlas & Malus Manager

Paul Smith: [email protected] The BCN Society, a Company Limited by Guarantee, is a registered charity (1091760) first formed in 1968, which Social Secretary exists to conserve, improve and encourage a wide range of interests in the 100 mile network of Birmingham & Black GEOFF WINSLOW Country waterways known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Boundary Post is the journal of the BCNS and is issued quarterly. Readers are invited to submit items of news, general or historical interest to: [email protected] The Editor, Brenda Ward. 9 Wylde Green , Sutton Coldfield B72 1HB tel: 0121 355 6351 email: [email protected] 2 35 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016

University for allowing the group to use Restoration of Contents Page Notes from their sport centre showers. Also many Council Details 2 No2 Canal in thanks to Rob Green who arranged Editorial 3 the Editor Harborne Wharf accommodation at the Stonehouse Chairman’s notes 4 Gang Youth Club, Adrian Langley who First 24 Hour Challenge 5 gave us free access to the Scout Hut Atlas & Malus Report 9 It is with very mixed emotions that I The Canal Trust is focused on re- facilities (toilets and kitchen), Michael BCNS End of Season Rally 11 edit my last copy of Boundary Post storing the Dudley No 2 canal from Selly Winwood the kindly neighbour who Swan Village Interchange 12 after 12 extremely enjoyable years. I Oak to California where it is planned to gave us water and free electricity, Birmingham & Other Canals 14 have met and communicated with so build a marina with new homes. It will be along with the many well-wishers who CRT Report - Ian Lane 23 many lovely people who have sent in a significant regeneration project creating viewed the work and some 2500 who Notice of BCNS AGM 24 such interesting items for inclusion employment and becoming a tourist at- followed the Facebook daily bulletins, BCNS Christmas Dinner 25 that makes this Society journal such traction. Charles Shapcott for preparing the re- Book Review 26 a good read. In a significant step forward a group of pair scheme used and Alex Jones, Ar- New Members 27 canal enthusiasts from the Inland Water- Cribbing Information 28 The One hundred miles of the chaeologist, for his watching brief and ways’ de- Recycling the Cycle 29 Birmingham Canal Navigations is an report (fulfilling a planning condition) scended on for one week of Waterways Chaplain 30 endless source of intriguing informa- We would also like to thank the intensive canal restoration work. While 24 Hour Challenge 2016 31 tion, whether from the past, the pre- Headley Trust for a timely grant award mainly focussed on repairing a section of Work Party Report 32 sent and thoughts and designs for of £30,000 which helped pay for the the canal wall, the group also cleared the The Challenge 33 the future. accommodation, materials and equip- vegetation that was damaging the bridge, Dudley No2 Restoration Update34 ment hire and will also fund further cleared the offside wall and greatly im- BCNS Sociel Meetings 35 Ray Shill has contributed almost non work on the restoration project. proved the access path. stop during and before my editorship. Please follow progress on our web site A community effort, in addition to Ian He produces such well researched www.lapal.org and www.facebook.com/ Gaston and his team of 19 volunteers we articles. There is always something lapalcanaltrust need to thank the Fire Sta- from him to interest us all and this For queries contact tion for pumping water from the canal, Next Boundary Post time a special one for my last edition Hugh Humphreys district engineers for arranging for the which I found very interesting. [email protected] Editor welcomes any interesting tow path to be closed, Selly Oak Park’s relevant information relating to the Phil Clayton, who edited Boundary management for permission and support, Post for nine years before me has Selco for providing materials BCN in the form of news items, also been a great contributor, with and equipment hire at cost, photographs, his series on the junctions of the Carey’s for donating the letters, notes or articles to be sent BCN and other occasional items. temporary fencing, Worcester by Then there is Andy Tidy with his Birmingham & Droitwich Exploring the Other 60 Miles. There Canals Society and Canal & December 1st are many others who have sent in River Trust for support and Until a new email address is items of great interest too numerous bricks, Birmingham Canal to mention, but I mustn’t forget Bob Navigation Society for organised for the new editors use May whose photographic contribu- agreeing to help with a truck, email: [email protected] tions have been well accepted and Coombeswood Canal Trust as he has donated his collection to for diesel fuel for the and it will be forwarded to them the Society his photos will continue excavator, and Birmingham to be a part of Boundary Post.

34 3 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Writing this last editorial makes me think of my first one in edition 167, the Winter The Challenge edition of 2005. I was rather clueless as to what to say and possibly the most diffi- Launched in 2009, The Challenge is the UK’s leading charity for building a more cult decision was what to put on the front. integrated society, a society in which there is understanding and appreciation of Putting the journal together was not too each other’s differences. We design and deliver programmes that bring different much of a problem as I merely followed people together to develop their confidence and skills in understanding and con- the example set by Phil and just made a necting with others. In 2009, approximately 160 young people participated in our few alterations. I didn’t want Boundary programmes; in 2015 we reached circa 34,000 participants. Post to be unrecognisable so stuck to Phil’s format and then gradually changed National Citizen Service parts as each edition came out.

My hand over has been made so much A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 15-17 year olds. easier having two enthusiasts ready and waiting to “take the baton”. I wish our two NCS helps build skills for work and life whilst taking on new challenges and new editors the very best and look for- meeting new friends. The programme involves a short time away from home, trying ward to reading their first edition. new things as well as taking part in a team project in the local community and Brenda much more. NCS is a government-funded initiative that supports community engagement, so- cial action and social mixing among young people. 

Then, (for me anyway) – the end of an

era – Brenda is stepping down as Chairman’s editor of Boundary Post. (She has Notes been editor for the entire time I have known the BCNS – though I realise from Charley that many other members will remember editors before her.

By the time you read this, the cruis- It has been a year that has shown our ing season will be fairly much over, strengths and our weaknesses. and we are settling in to “Winter Our strengths – the ability to organ- Mode”. ise events, or help with others to do I think this has been a good year – so, and the ability to move on, with on the BCN we have had our Spring Chris Owens and Sid Turner stepping Cruise, three Explorer Cruises, the up to replace Brenda as editor of Marathon Challenge, Titford Pump Boundary Post. With the encourage- House Rallies (both our own and the ment of the society (and particularly of Allen Register’s), and a full Brenda) many more people are navi- programme for Atlas and Malus with gating the Titford Pools. other rallies at Pelsal, Windmill End Meanwhile Atlas and Malus are intro- and Parkhead. ducing young people to the canals, 4 33 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 September 3rd Our annual visit to and attracting younger people to join. So what can we do about it? Some Work Party for the Pre-Rally Clean up with The average age of those involved is things are outside our control – we the "Friends of Tipton Cut." Phoenix significantly lower than the age of the clearly cannot change the calendar, Report was brought down from Norton Canes Society as a whole. and we would not wish to triple the by Stuart following it's engine service, size and cost of our firework display, by Mike Rolfe and arrived on site at 10 30, ready for Our weaknesses. Too much of the for the entry cost would become the clean up. The Friends did their work in the Society is done by too prohibitive. August 13th This was another Work usual jobs of hedge cutting, weeding few people, and those people are party done in conjunction with "The and litter picking while Phil Barlow, aging. This was shown particularly We can do something about getting Challenge," a group of young people Mike Ross and I checked the bridge by the IWA rally at . Pelsall is more people involved. Low key ways who do activities in the wider holes, and loaded the rubbish in to a wonderful place to have a rally – may help. Leave Boundary Post in community, and today they volunteered Phoenix. Lunch was taken in the quite probably the best site on the your dentists or doctors surgery, or to help us on the . Around "Fountain," courtesy of the Friends, so BCN from a visitor’s point of view. hairdresser, rather than binning it. It twenty youngsters were with us, along thanks to Ann Johnson. Phil, Mike and However there is no infrastructure on may stimulate interest – and can only with Steve Lambert from CRT, who I then returned Phoenix to the Pum- site, which means that there is a improve the reading matter available. provided extra tools and gloves. Seven phouse for unloading, separating the huge amount of work to get the rally If you are reading this, and haven’t BCNS members were present. metal as usual. It rained steadily while set up. We no longer have the thought about it, joining in doing

Crow was used today due to Phoenix we were in Tipton. manpower to do it ourselves. things having it's engine service. We bow on the canals is good fun, if on occa- hauled Crow as far as New Inn Bridge We do not have the financial clout to sions hard work. (Though many while most of us grappled ahead, this run a fireworks display this year. hands make light work, as the Much of this is because the first Sat- electricians proverb goes!) producing a fair amount of rubbish. th There were two unseen things we failed Future Work Parties urday in November is the 5 this Contact us and join in. to budge, no doubt stuck in the silt. On year, with resultant concentration of October 29th Pre-Rally Clean up at demand, and our normal display was Invite your young friends and family our return to the Pump House, we filled the Pumphouse. the BCNS truck with scrap metal, the not big enough to get to the top of the along. Children or grandchildren – rest of our haul went in the skip. It is also proposed to take Phoenix list. It is also far from certain whether particularly to rallies etc, which to my back to later in the year for we would have all the necessary fa- mind have more to attract this group The youngsters really seemed to enjoy more work on some Tame Valley cilities at the Enterprise than our meetings. the day, despite getting a little dirty, and bridge holes. Dates to be decided. Centre. went home happy. They even provided us with some cake and biscuits at Come up with other ideas – and bring them to our attention. lunchtime.

Sheltering out of the Have you got a torrential rain during Titford Pools Plaque? a clean up at Tipton in preparation of the 100 + handed out already!! Tipton Community Canal Festival. Thank you to all of you it makes a difference!

Photo: Keith Perry For further details:- Email [email protected]

32 5 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 to find a safe mooring. There are other As I stated earlier we cover a large problems such as registering with a area, and we couldn’t do what we do 1967 - 2017 doctor, voting or even receiving post, without people such as yourselves. but generally these can be overcome. For you are the people in an area who 50 yrs since the first 24 Hour Challenge Along with the other chaplains, 40+ can let us know when a boater is in The 24 Hour Challenge has not run consecutively since 1967 but that seems to be when now, we also get involved in such trouble or when you think they need the idea was first born. This year Roy Kenn & his assistant John Carrington want to make things as funerals, wedding blessings, someone to talk to. If you think that is 2017 a special Challenge. Details will follow later but in the meantime here is an account boat festivals etc., so you can see the the case, and you feel I can help then from John Dodwell & Martin Brookes who took part in that first 24 Hour Challenge in 1967 work involves a wide variety of my contact details are …. They must have been very young!!! activities. [email protected] or 07702 842 794. The first Challenge was in March 1967 courtesy of a young architect working and was the brainchild of Stan Clover, with Birmingham Council, Peter White then the IWA Midlands Branch Secretary. Stan Clover hit on the idea of publicis- At that time, one way the IWA had of en- ing the BCN by trying to win a Silver BCN 24 Hour Challenge 2016 couraging people to travel widely over Sword in 24 hours – in contrast to the the national network and to visit the ends usual months. It was nothing highly Another great challenge. boat award was won by William & Gosport of canals was their Silver Sword Scheme. organised. He just announced in Navi- Notable this year for a number of firsts: who also won the overall event. I was lucky Boat owners got points – a bit like the gation, the IWA Midlands Branch Our first walking team who covered 26+ enough to watch William & Gosport working present BCNS system - and on magazine, that he was going to have a miles including over the top of Didley and through Rushall top locks and it has been a achieving 100 points were awarded a go and invited anyone else interested Gosty Hill . long time since I have seen such an effi- Silver Sword, a replica of the IWA’s then to join him. Many did. We can’t recall Our first working pair as winners. cient passage. Very well done to them all. symbol of the Arthurian Fighting Sword of Our youngest ever participant. Well done & exactly how many but it could have Next year is a special year for the 24 Hour Excalibur. To encourage all the year use welcome to 4 month old Lily, although she been about 20 – certainly over a Challenge. It will be 50 years since the IWA of the canals, double points were was almost upstaged by the lady who took dozen. part almost 9 months pregnant. Wow! That’s organised their first 24 Hour BCN Cruise. awarded for winter cruising. Winning an commitment. That cruise led directly to the formation of Award usually took some months of Stan Clover had worked out that it our Society the following year. It is fitting cruising. could be possible to win a Silver Sword More boats than ever braved the therefore to finish next years Challenge at in 24 hours. And that this type of story Canal but problems were reported on Walsall the Society’s HQ at Titford Pump House. The late 1960s were dark days for the would interest the Press – people like and Ryders Green locks. The Wyrley and The BCN Committee, John and I will do BCN. Most of the coal traffic from Can- Bob May of the Birmingham Mail and Essington is still slow going due to silt, weed what we can to ensure that next years nock Chase had stopped and firms like Bob Clarke of the Ex- and rubbish. What’s new! However overall event will reflect the importance of these Ernest Thomas and Leonard Leigh had press & Echo. As nowadays, extra the system is improving. events. closed down their fleets – or were much points were obtained for going to termi- Our new Trolley Trophy was won by Dove for We hope you will join us! reduced. Pleasure boating was still in its nal places like Hawne Basin, Anglesey rubbish collection and the best decorated Roy Kenn & John Carrington infancy and the BCN was not top of the Basin, Norton Canes. Lesser used wa- list for canal holidays. So the IWA re- terways attracted extra points per mile sponded in many ways - such as the – and that meant all the BCN except William & Gosport lining 1969 National Rally in Birmingham the New Main Line. Add in double up in Hawne Basin at the (based on a derelict site near where the points for winter cruising and Stan reck- end of the Challenge. National Sea Life Centre is now) and a oned getting 100 points – enough for planning conference. It was around this the Award – was possible in 24 hours. Well Done! time that the houses at Kingston Row So he chose the last weekend in March were saved from demolition, largely

6 31 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 We were among those lucky enough to So we came along the Main Line and Richard Alford - Waterways Chaplin take part. We were on GLENFIELD back through Netherton – and, because (also with a single Bolinder) which was of the points, back through Gosty Hill Sometimes I am simply the person in the course of being converted by to Hawne and then back again they can grumble at as they cannot Martin’s father Albert at the yard at the to Bumblehole. We reckoned of the 90 see a way of getting rid of their frus- end of the Bumblehole Arm, Netherton. or so miles we had done, about 10 trations. I help people through the Also in our crew was Graham Palmer, a miles had been underground! Thinking locks, particularly at Kingswood and keen BCN-ite, who went on to start the about it now, we are a bit puzzled how especially during the season with the IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group. we got to 10 miles! good number of boats who are mov- Whilst we recall most boats started at ing around. In the centre of Birming- , we began about 9am We don’t recall all those boats and own- ham, I am very often asked where at Bumblehole as that’s where GLEN- ers who took part but the following places are so I carry maps with me, FIELD was kept. We first went through come to mind. Stan Clover and his and when I meet homeless people I Gosty Hill Tunnel to Hawne Basin and Worcester/Birmingham tunnel tug carry directions for the homeless turned back for Windmill End- this was SHARPNESS (still around). Ken centres. in the days when the Coombeswood Dunham and GRANGE. Peter Freakley steel works was in production and so and JAMES LOADER, an ex-Leonard I will have met some of you at various The main call on my work is assist- we had to thread our way around the Leigh tug, also still around. I expect BCNS events but in case I haven’t my ing boaters who have found them- Alan Smith came with LAUREL (also day boats. Having passed through th name is Richard Alford and I am a Water- selves in difficulty, and as a result Netherton Tunnel, we headed for Ry- still around, having celebrated her 100 ways Chaplain. I became a Waterways are unable to pay for their licence, ders Green Locks – which is where we birthday recently). Also the Currell Chaplain in June 2013 and together with which means they may lose their recall the first major problem with BIG brothers in KESTREL; George and other chaplains in , and the boat. Sometimes these people have rubbish around the propeller. We can’t Olive Andrews in ROMULUS with her I look after an area multiple problems which doesn’t help remember how many hours we lost but brother Geoff Setchfield; DAFFODIL from Leamington Spa to Derby/ when you are trying to access bene- it meant we were now some way behind (and her single Bolinder) with the Wal- Nottingham. fits, especially as very often the schedule (“What changes?” do I hear drons; PENSAX and Don Gray; possibly forms are complicated, and not set you cry?). After Ryders Green, we Derek Turner from Wheaton Aston with The role of a chaplain is as varied as the out to accommodate someone who headed across the Fox; John Gardiner and his son, al- day is long but initially we all adopt a par- lives on a boat. For instance, the and turned left up the . though we don’t think VULPES had ticular part of the canal and walk the tow- housing benefit forms asks ‘how Carrying on, we turned right at Catshill been built by then. path on a regular basis. So every week I many rooms do you have and how and arrived at Anglesey Basin. John try to walk the centre of Birmingham, Gas Others with long memories may wish to many toilets?’ In these instances, I distinctly remembers it being 2am then! Street Basin and along the canals that add their own tales and/or correct our go with the boater to help them ac- Martin recalls being sent to bed and, stretch out from there. That takes up the cess the benefits to which they are memories. despite the noise of the Bolinder, going morning then in the afternoon I do the entitled. I have to say most council straight to sleep! Albert had slept earlier The irony of the tale is that the relevant same in the Kingswood Junction area, staff have been very helpful, but very and steered the boat for seven hours IWA guys didn’t like the idea that Silver taking in the Stratford and Grand Union often they are unaware of what a before reaching Horseleyfields Junction Swords could be won so “easily”, so canals. boater can claim. Of course if they at 9am. As you know, that’s all on one shortly afterwards the rules were As I walk I introduce myself to the many are continuous cruisers then they level. It’s been John’s benchmark ever changed to prevent a recurrence! With people I come across, boaters, fisher- have to nominate a council where since. We can’t remember if Albert the increasing use of the waterways, the men, walkers, CRT staff and volunteers they spend most of their time. Very slowed for the The Sneyd Turn but we need for the Silver Sword scheme fell and as we talk very often they will tell me often we liaise with CRT and their suspect not. away. of concerns or joys that they might have. Welfare Officer, Sean Williams, to enable a boater to become ‘legal’ or Just a little bit more

30 7 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016

50 yrs since the first 24 Hour Challenge cont: Recycling the Cycle!

And yet…..the idea of awards for the BCN lives on….and for much the same reason – encourage the use of the BCN. We’ve taken our boats - HELEN and TRAMP – on the last two Challenges, aiming each time to include Anglesey Basin. Each time, SERIOUS rubbish around the propeller has foiled us (one boat each). May we see you in Anglesey in 2017? 

For our new members who do not know Colin Hutchinson he is one of our special members who helps the Society in a more unusual way. He has a company that de- signs and produces jeans for ladies and children. He donates his one off examples to the Society for sale. These jeans produce well over £1000 each year. Of course it involves a great deal of work from our volunteers but an enjoyable time for those who help. Without funds generated by our members in this an other ways the Society would not be able to function in the way it does.

Here we hear from Eileen Johnson who manages the sale of these Jeans telling us an amusing way of using an item pulled out of the canal that would otherwise be thrown in the skip. Shame you can’t see the colour!

Hello Brenda, I am sending this little letter some plants, and put it all together with for you to put into Boundary Post if you some T.L.C. So if you find you have a spare Just 4 years after this 24 Hour Challenge the BCN Society was well estab- have any space left. It's about a little pro- afternoon with nothing to do, you could lished and holding Rallies around the BCN. In this photo Albert (at the tiller of ject that Colin has done, and I thought it take an old bike, wheelbarrow or shopping GLENFIELD) & his son, Martin Brookes leaning out on the side of their boat would be nice for it to go into Boundary trolley and make a nice feature for you at the BCNS Easter Rally on the Tame Valley Canal 1971. photo Bob May Post...... I thought you would like to garden. It's always said one mans scrap is see this picture of a bicycle which was another mans treasure. Colin enjoyed work- Urban Badgers taken out of the B.C.N. Canal on a work ing on his project, all though he bought two party. It just shows what can be created or three tins of paint before he got the col- I read with interest your article on urban badgers out of some scrap from the canal. My our Glenda, his wife, liked, but they were Letters and thought you might be interested to know that, a cousin Colin Hutchinson likes to have a pro- both happy with the final result. to the couple of years ago, there was a dead badger float- ject to do so he asked Barrie if he could Editor ing in the cut on the Netherton Tunnel Branch just have an old bike that had been found in the So get creative and do a feature for near my house (one of the cottages by Aq- canal. Colin took the bike home and gave your garden, and send in a photo to ueduct.) I am guessing it had come from the rough it a coat of paint, bought two baskets and land of the former Revo site - there are certainly Boundary Post. plenty of foxes there too. Julia Bird 8 29 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Cribbing Information Atlas & Malus Phil Clayton Paul Smith Report During Ray Shill’s interesting walk around the Windmill End area the other week, discussion turned to Netherton Tunnel and its shafts. They were dug from the sur- face using a metal ring to support the brickwork lining of the shaft. The ring was moved downwards as work progressed. I wondered if it had a particular name. Following on from the Brian Ward queried what happened to the rings when the shafts not needed for Summer rally at the Pump ventilation were filled in. Passing through the tunnel recently, we looked to see if House was, as ever, the 24 any evidence was visible at the foot of the infilled shafts. At one of them, I didn’t Hour Challenge. With both note which and will check next time, the remains of a ring were thought to have boats already moored been spotted in the roof brickwork. Anyway, that’s not the point of this note. there it makes a conven- I’ve just received my copy of the latest “British ”, journal of the Northern Mine ient starting point, plus the Research Society, which is, this issue, all about the vocabulary of Yorkshire coal fact that I have to work dur- mining, 1250 - 1850. There’s a photo of a shaft about to be sunk on a Yorkshire pit ing the week so a move with the ring clearly visible and, although the one in this example is wooden, it’s was out of the question. called a “cribbing ring”. With crew on board we set off for a tour of the pools Atlas & Malus travelling around Oozells Loop on the Now ……………… just how many shafts were there in Netherton Tunnel ? then headed down “The BCN 24 Hour Challenge, photo Kirsty Wilson Crow” passing Swallow who were on their way up. Once at the six hour break, this also gave us the Coombeswood Canal Company bottom of the flight we managed to opportunity to sample the delights of Hawne Basin (Dudley No. 2) execute a man overboard drill, (I won't The Fountain. An early getaway on Hereward Rise, , B62 8AW mention who it was). So minus one Sunday saw the boats head for the Old 0121 550 1355 Mobile 07761555353 crew member, who headed home to Main line and then turn at Brades Hall. Registered Charity No. 1088978 dry off, we motored along the Old Main Having waited for traffic coming up Line passing a few other participants Brades we continued to Albion Junction Red Diesel (average over last 3 mths) 58p per litre en route. then turned at Dudley Port to travel through Netherton Tunnel. The plan (10p discount into boats) At Smethwick locks we were rejoined was to head to Parkhead and turn but Coal Taybrite - 10.75 per 25kg by our, now dry, crew member. On to with a lot of other boats heading that the New Main Line, around Multifuel - 9.75 per 25kg way we Winded at Primrose Bridge. and after exiting , After turning at Windmill End we Calor Gas - 13kg 22.36 which was a particularly tricky turn with stopped to let a couple of boats past the temporary pontoon in place, we Chandlery with a good range in stock and a next-day special order service. then made for Hawne. On arrival at were passed by Stalham. After turning Hawne we made the turn into the basin Reasonable prices. into Oozells Street loop we headed under the scrutiny of many onlookers, If you’re on the slipway, give us your order the week before and every- back up the New Main Line to Factory fortunately it went smoothly. thing will be waiting for you. locks. With low pounds and a couple of Coombeswood Canal Trust put on a Open Mon to Thurs 10 to 3 Fri to Sun 10 to 4 boats in front of us we lost some time there. After consulting with the crew it superb reception for all participants  was decided to moor at Tipton for the 28 9 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Welcome New Members From our Membership Secretary Alan Veness He would like to welcome the following new members and hope they will join us in the activities of the BCN Society with lots of food and drink. Finishing some of the young participants to get early does have the benefit of being involved in canals and boating, able to watch the other teams fingers crossed. 5 new memberships since last BP: arriving. None of these trips could take place Simeon Mayou - Pelsall After a few weeks rest at Hawne without the support of all who Tracey Forrest - Quarry Bank A&M then had another challenge, volunteer so if you fancy helping out with no less than six D of E please let me know. Jon Barlow - NB Just Perfick Residentials back to back. I did have Stephen & Julie Procter - Smethwick my doubts whether there would be A massive thanks to the following who enough interest to fill all six trips but I have helped, Michael, Tug, Kirsty, Harald Joergens & Xiangmei Jin-Joergens - Nutfield, Surrey was to be proved very wrong! Each Wayne, Adam, Charley, Jeff, Steve, trip followed the same itinerary and Ivor, Adrian and Jon.  Plus 14 inclusive memberships for entrants to the hopefully they will have encouraged August BCN Explorer Cruise:

Michael & Denise Bending - Swadlincote Athina Beckett & Jonathan Brown - Milton Keynes John & Sue Rawlins - Poole Jeff & Lynda Daws - Kingston St Michael Christine Varndell - Coventry John & Helen Smith - Letchworth Mike & Lorraine Newman - Ware Alan & Glenda Dodds - Wellingborough Raymond Cross & Jane Rabagliati - Newmarket Paul & Janine Strudwick - Chelmsford Nick & Liz Dilly - Somersham Michael & Lesley Skinner - Royal Wootton Bassett Tony Walker - Grange-over-Sands Mark & Jayne Saxon - Rickmansworth

10 27 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 This book has a unique quality and charm of its own: it is not only a visual BCNS AGM and End of Season Rally treat, but a real historic record of a 4th - 6th November 2016 premier canal.

Edward Paget-Tomlinson was a Due to uncertainty about the availability of the Smethwick renowned artist, especially in the field Enterprise Centre and the cost of fireworks for a November Edward Paget-Tomlinson of transportation. Though a busy man 5th display the Society has reluctantly decided that the A~Z of the Birmingham Canal he was never too engaged to listen annual Bonfire Rally will not be held in 2016. Navigations and explain to even the most Historical notes by Ray Shill Editors: uninitiated, or to discuss his ideas with However we shall be holding an End of Season Rally at the Martin O‘Keeffe and Peter Silvester Pubs Titford Pumphouse on the scheduled weekend. Whilst there by Canal Bookshop, Audlem, for those of like minds. will be no bonfire we shall have all the usual facilities in place Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, In this work we have been given an 2016, 179 pages, 44 colour 73 b&w illus, including the real ale bar and the replacement Burger Bar. A-Z that that could not have been 2 maps, £15.95, bettered. It will grace every bookshelf Friday evening we will be again offering pre-ordered Meals ISB N 978-0-9574037-8-9 prior to the AGM, which will be followed by a 1960’s Music This little gem of a book is a fitting and will always be a delight to dip into. It is not easy to make any comment Quiz – setting the theme for the weekend. On the Saturday tribute to the talents and dedication of evening we will be entertained by live 1960’s music and would the late Edward Paget-Tomlinson. that would do justice to this publication with its own special character, yet so encourage visitors to dress accordingly! From the Introduction by Martin O’Keeffe and the Foreword by Phil well suited to its subject and its pur- Further details and entry forms www.bcnsociety.com or Clayton, to the very useful Index, this pose. All those involved in its compli- contact Dave Dent on [email protected] book satisfies all the requirements of cation are to be congratulated. Ray the discerning reader. Shill, who has done so much to in- crease our historic knowledge of the As the text notes, the Birmingham BCN, has provided some excellent Canal Navigations (BCN) has changed images, both old and new, that high- in many ways since the time of the light his skilful text. working boat, yet thanks to a keen and Most highly recommended.  devoted following it has survived as a popular leisure pursuit. The A-Z was originally serialised in the BCNS

Magazine and now it is available here as a complete work. In this alphabet, where each letter is an interesting cameo in itself, A is for Anglesey Basin, and Z is for Zinc, reminding us that the BCN was originally conceived for the car- riage of the raw materials that enabled Birmingham and the to become the workshop of the world.

26 11 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 SWAN VILLAGE INTERCHANGE BASIN BCNS Xmas Dinner Phil Wild Friday December 2nd 2016

The BCN had probably the largest con- Birmingham Marriott Hotel 12 Hagley Road, Five Ways, Birmingham, B16 8SJ centration of Railway interchange Ba- sins on the whole Canal network. At its Following last year’s successful evening, and in response to several requests to peak period, around 1900, there were repeat the experience we have again booked our event at the Marriott Hotel in Bir- over 30 such sites owned by the GWR, mingham at the same special prices as before. The Restaurant can cater for up to LNWR & MR (the latter two becoming 70 diners. part of LMS in the 1923 Groupings), handling over a million tons of trade per First come, first served bookings with payment, including choice of menu, are re- annum. quired by 11 November to allow for easier service at the Hotel. For further infor- mation and bookings please contact One such basin was established in Photo above shows the current state of Dave Dent on [email protected] or 0208 6919190. 1856 by GWR, close to the junction of the Basin taken from the Ridgacre Pub the Ridgacre and Balls Hill Branch Ca- Car Park and the current truncated end Starter: nals, on the site now occupied by the near the A41 Spine Road. Ridgacre Pub. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, toasted pumpkin seeds (v) Pressed Ham Hock, piccallili, crispbread The constrained siting led to the GWR but by 1948 trade had dwindled to only Poached Salmon, baby gem, cucumber relish,beetroot constructing a more extensive replace- 4500 tons per annum. ment site on the opposite bank in 1874, Main Course: which connected to the line between The Basin ceased being in use by 1950, All accompanied by seasonal vegetables Great Bridge and Swan Village. with the rail sidings being used for Roast Turkey, chestnut and sage seasoning, cranberry sauce In the aerial shot, the basin can be wagon storage until the rail line between Rolled Rib of Beef with a red wine jus seen to the left of the familiar Swan Great Bridge and Swan Village was Baked Sea Bass, shredded fennel, pressed potato, tomato and caper dressing Village Waterless Gas Works Holder closed as part of the ‘Beeching Cuts’ of Fig and Caramelised Red Onion Tart, aged feta (v) and on the map extract, the basin is the 1960’s. directly above the words Swan Farm. In the 1980’s there were hopes that the Dessert: The basin had a largely local trade, in- basin area might be converted into a cluding the transfer of chemical prod- mooring site as had happened at other Christmas Pudding, brandy sauce ucts to local chemical works. At one sites such as Hockley and Withymoor. Dark Chocolate & Orange Torte, vanilla sauce time JB & S Lees used it to tranship Apple Crumble and Pecan Tart, maple syrup, vanilla bean ice cream goods even though there was a smaller Some considerable effort was expended Selection of local Cheeses with homemade chutney and biscuits LMS interchange adjacent to it's Albion in preparing for this, as is still evidenced Works. It was also was used as a par- by the relatively good condition of the 2 courses for £18.50, 3 courses for £22.00 ent site to the smaller Izons and Small basin currently, in that it is still ‘in water’. Heath wharves. Coffee/Tea and Festive Mince Pies will be served However, the construction of the A41 to all at the end of the meal It is recorded that in 1909 there were Black Country Spine Road in seven daily freights serving the basin,

12 25 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 the mid 1990’s cut off this Notice of the Society AGM area and the remaining Ridgeace branch from the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society rest of the BCN. Company Limited by Guarantee no: 04306537 Registered Charity no: 1091760 The condition of the remainder of the Wednes- Annual General Meeting 2016 bury Old Canal between the Spine Road and To be held in the Marquee at the Titford Gathering Ryders Green continues to 7.30pm Friday 4th November deteriorate. Whilst the area around the current Venue: Titford Pump House, Engine Street, Oldbury B69 4NL terminus and area is still clear. Agenda 1. Apologies for absence An aerial shot from 1946 2. Approval of the minutes of the 2015 AGM and an extract from the 1889 OS Map of the area 3. Matters arising from the minutes show the extent to which 4. Chairman’s report the site eventually grew. 5. Treasurer’s report Approval of the Draft Annual Accounts The map extract is from the 1889 OS Map for LXVIII.NW which can 6. Accept the resignation of those Council Members who are standing be viewed more fully at :- maps.nls/view/101597552 down. The aerial photo is from a 1946 Aerofilms flight (AFL3666) on the Britain From 7. Election of Council Members Above website and the set of photos of the area can be viewed at :- 8. Presentation of Awards, 24 Hour Challenge, Presidents Award, www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/eaw002086

Trolley Trophy & Bob Broomhall Volunteer Award Finally, an excellent reference book on Canal Interchange Basins is that by Tom 9. Any other business relevant to the Annual General Meeting that has Foxon, entitled ‘The Industrial Canal - Vol 2 - The Railway interchange Trade’ been submitted, in writing, to the Hon. Secretary at least 7 days before published by Heartland Press (ISBN 0 9517755 6 1) the meeting 10. Close of meeting.

Mr I H Caplan, Hon Secretary BCNS, 105 Trefoil Gardens, Stour- bridge, DY8 4DY email: [email protected]

Please contact Ivor preferably by email if you are interested in being elected to Council or wish to nominate someone, obviously subject to their agreement.

If you are able to attend the AGM please bring this copy of the agenda with you as there will only be a limited number of copies available at the meeting

24 13 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 CRT The Birmingham Canal & Other Waterways Ian Lane West Midlands Waterway Manager Ray Shill Ian.lane@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

Ray has written a special article for my last edition of Boundary Post. Hello All and apologies it’s been a while I am also pleased to say that moorings I found it very interesting & extremely informative. I hope you do too. since my last update. As always there is at Trapmakers bridge, Wednesfield, and lots of really good stuff going on but the Hollybank basin both on the Wyrley & one that’s having most impact at present Essington Canal, are available and is around the waterway unit changes have been tested out recently. I am also with us absorbing part of Central Shires. looking to bring more moorings to just Overall we have grown around 30%, outside and will taking our new length of canals covered be looking at those locations over the to 613km with just under 3000 assets. coming weeks. So whilst it is really exciting we have a lot of work to do and we just need to Anyway, that’s it for now but please make sure that our level of service to all don’t forget to keep sending us your users across the old and new patch reports of the issues you come across doesn’t suffer. We are also looking at as you travel around the system. what happens when the Fazeley office closes next year. Given that Cambrian wharf isn’t ideal for boating customers to travel to, I do want to open up Fradley as a new front of house to provide a similar level of service. I haven’t got a timescale on that yet but I will keep you updated on progress.

The BCN route as amended was reproduced in the Gentleman's Magazine during 1771. We are also in the middle of the events Amongst the changes were the locks needed to raise the canal over the Smethwick Sum- season and last weekend saw the mit and the diversion of the canal across the higher ground of Oldbury, Tipton, , IWA’s festival of Water come to Pelsall and Wolverhampton. Junction. Despite the theft of bricks from Holly Bank Basin the junction bridge a few weeks before, At less than 23 miles long the Birmingham whose construction was under his care. everything went well and I really hope Canal Navigation was first contemplated as that it went a long way to help change one of Britain’s short length waterways. In all such waterways the reasons for con- people’s perception of the BCN and en- Compared to the Trent & Mersey Canal and struction was trade and industry and the courage them to use it more. As you short distance movement of minerals and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, it know I really want to keep numbers of was much shorter and comparable to the materials, yet as the network was created these and other water became interlinked users growing and your involvement in Droitwich Canal in length. All four of promoting events and generally helping these canals were engineered by James another reason for existence was created. Brindley, although he regularly used assis- This was a use as a general long- distance us keep the BCN maintained is greatly tants and clerk of works to assist him with transport route for goods, became a factor in appreciated so thank you to everyone the making of these and other waterways gathering funds from tolls and through tolls. involved. Trap Makers Bridge mooring beyond bridge on off side 14 23 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Whilst at the company owned wharves addi- The making of the aqueduct over Dove near Staffordshire Iron District linking with the of the Fradley- Whittington Brook section of tional revenue was accrued for the use of Burton was also a long term venture. This Birmingham & Warwick Junction, Warwick canal, built by the Trent & Mersey, but cranes and storage of merchandise. canal first opened from a & Birmingham, Warwick & Napton, handed over to the Com- transhipping place between the canal and and Grand Junction Canals for a fast fly pany on completion. Cutting Transport by a navigable waterway, canal or the Trent north of Kings Mill to Stone. Work boat route to London. was particularly problematical and eventu- river, became an option that encouraged the then went onto to make a junction with the ally was employed as engi- making of more waterways. Building a wa- Trent east of Shardlow and also construc- Walker engineered the three link canals to neer to finish this task. Clowes also under- terway often involved sourcing finance from tion proceeded north to the pottery district the Wyrley & Essington and following the took the engineering for the third section that investors, although not exclusively. The con- merger with the in 1846 set ran from Parkhead and involved a number of struction of the relied on about planning another link to that water- loops and curves around the hillside at the Duke of Bridgewater for finance and it way. The embodiment of that engineering Netherton and the Bumble Hole before was he and later his executors that controlled plan came about as the Netherton Tunnel, passing through tunnels at Gorsty Hill and that waterway, reaped the rewards gained the Dudley No 2 straightening, Two Lapal to join the Worcester & Birmingham but also had to invest in changing needs for Line and the new locks at the Delph. His Canal at Selly Oak. A basic supply of water the trade such as the making of warehouses, final contribution was the planning of the was provided by Gads Green Reservoir, but docks and quays. Building the BCN, - Extension Canal. later under Brewin various improvements shire & Worcestershire and the Trent and Mersey required investors to start the proc- The Dudley Canal has been constructed in were made to the route around Netherton. The cutting of a short tunnel there enabled a ess, which included surveying the route and three major sections. Thomas Dadford had an Act of Parliament. Each may be termed a been responsible for engineering the canal bypass canal to be made that avoided two loops of the original route. Brewin dammed Brindley canal, but everyone was very differ- from the Delph towards Blowers Green and ent and an important element was how the from 1785 and until 1791 the extension that this area creating Lodge Farm Reservoir. canal was made and from where did the work included Parkhead Locks and Dudley Tun- It is difficult to separate the impact of the start. nel was made and with it a link with the work of both Walker and Telford, but be- BCN at Tipton Green. Whilst Dadford had tween them they created a canal network A common trend was the allotment of digging an overview of this project, his time was that was a credit to Britain.  (cutting) contracts where contractors were taken elsewhere including the construction paid for a particular length that was meas- ured up for payment on completion. Several teams of cutters would be employed on adja- cent lengths and the task was also the mak- ing of bridges. aqueducts, locks and tunnels that were generally assigned to separate contractors. Brick making was performed in temporary kilns using local clays that had been allowed to weather. Stone was cut in quarries that were often local to the work site, whilst timber was worked on by the carpen- ters who used wood to make the lock gates, bridges (such as swing bridges) and some of the buildings. Early map for the mines at Bilston and Coseley and was part of the documents For the Trent and Mersey construction relating to proposed Stourbridge and started in the Great Hayward area and pro- Dudley Canals which would have ceeded south to Fradley, Burton and then brought new coal supplies to the Staffs Shardlow. Work also gradually proceeded & Worcester . north to Stoke. The major contract for the original was started early and was continued on for a span of years.

22 15 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Telford’s inspection of the canal also Middlewich Branch where the Cheshire Clay at Stoke & Longport. Contractors were then have made strategic contributions to the brought innovation. The slow progress of proved another unstable medium to work employed to make the flights of locks from waterway network. Several gained their cutting the Ridgeacre Branch was noted and with. that descended to Wheelock and skills working in association with James at his suggestion a contractor’s railway was Middlewich as well as the three tunnels on Brindley. Others had an opportunity to work laid down to assist moving the spoil. Such Whilst Telford transformed the New Main the section that joined up with the Bridge- with John Smeaton or . techniques had been used before and in this Line the process of BCN expansion did not water at Preston Brook. It was not until 1777 Whilst Brindley carefully followed the con- region William James and William Whitmore end there. Talks that involved a merger of that the whole route from Trent at Shardlow struction of the Staffordshire & Worcester had used this construction technique to as- the Wyrley & Essington and the BCN be- to the Bridgewater Canal was open for and employed a clerk of works (Baker) and sist with the build of the Lower Stratford came a protracted affair. Even though there trade. The building of the canal through Mid- an assistant (Green), Thomas Dadford, who moving bricks for lock construction as well was support for this outcome the important dlewich may have been very different had had been appointed as carpenter, learnt the as spoil. It was the first recorded use of a issue of share value remained an almost the Company been allowed skills of engineering and went onto look railway used for construction on the BCN. immovable stumbling block. Deputations to complete their barge canal to Middlewich. after the Staffordshire & Worcestershire The technique did little to help the contractor went back and forth between the two canal If this had been the case Middlewich may Canal as engineer, before moving on to be Jacob Twigg whose progress was not con- companies until the iron master George have become an inland port and the route to the engineer for both the Dudley and Stour- sidered fast enough and he was sacked Thorneycroft found a way to break the dead- Preston Brook would have lost trade. As it bridge Canals. It was Thomas Dadford who from the contract. His successor was the lock and set the merger process on course was the slow progress made in making the was responsible for the construction of the contracting partnership Jackson & Hyde who during 1839.

Chester Canal, combined with finance is- original 9 locks at the Delph that brought went on to perform other contracts for both Making the Wyrley & Essington had taken sues, enabled the Trent & Mersey proprie- the original section through towards Brierley canals and railways. For Twigg his career some 5 years and through its construction tors to successfully oppose a junction and Hill and Lord Dudley’s & Ward’s coal mines went into decline and ended in bankruptcy. had opened up transport links to coal mines arranged for clauses to be inserted in a sub- there. at Essington Wood and as well sequent Chester Canal bill to prevent a junc- had died before he was Promoters for the canal known first as the able to see the completion of the BCN works as various limeworks. Yet its biggest asset tion of the two canals. was water which through the reservoirs at Birmingham Canal Navigation first had lim- which he had instigated. He had been very Work on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire ited intentions and the making of that water- busy on both road and canal contracts. As a and Sneyd had an ample sup- Canal started near Compton, at the Summit way was simply to link the coal mines at canal engineer he had honed his skills on ply of water. The surveys had been done by Level with contractors again cutting lengths Bilston and with Birmingham. the Ellesmere Canal and whilst Telford is William Pitt, but the contractor John Brawn or making locks. On both the Trent and Mer- There was no plan for a junction with other often associated with the grade 1 listed and his family deserves a share of the credit sey and the Staffordshire and Worcester- waterways. But this view was changed as as it was finally built for getting the canal made. There was also a shire the contractors worked down to the prominent local people had a wider vision after 10 years of construction, it is best to degree of innovation in making this water- lower levels, filling the canal as built with encouraged by the promotion of other wa- remember him, however, for his first major way and included a trial of a mechanical water and using boats to move spoil dug out terway schemes. was ap- achievement that was the water supply for digging . Before Chasewater was from the cuttings to form embankments pointed engineer and he laid out a route the Ellesmere Canal where a conventional made Pitt devised a system of lock and side along the route. On this waterway a section with alternative termini in Birmingham of reservoir near Brymbo was replaced by the pounds where water was saved in order to of the once navigable Stour was moved so which one (Newhall Ring) was ac- innovative diversion of the waters from Pim- reduce water loss. His design was tried on that the canal could occupy its bed. Stour- cepted. William Wright was superintendent ble Mere (Lake Bala) into the River Dee and at least one lock on the Ogley Flight. port was reached in 1770 and contractors and surveyor, whilst George Holloway be- Once agreement had been ratified between then from the Dee along a navigable feeder th then proceeded northwards. It is unlikely came clerk of works for this project. Accord- through Llangollen to Trevor. Whilst Telford the two companies (10 February 1839) new that Compton Lock was the first lock made ing to Brindley’s intended plan the BCN was engaged with the BCN he was also link canals between the two canal systems as it was above a ready water supply. But should have had a climb up from the Staf- associated with engineering the second were initiated. The engineer who made a Compton would have been ready for the fordshire & Worcestershire Canal involving Harecastle Tunnel for the Trent & Mersey key contribution to these schemes was making of the summit level through Tetten- 17 locks and from the top of lock 17 was and making a link between the Trent & Mer- James Walker. He came into the fold with hall towards Oxley and it was this section, level to Birmingham and less than 17 miles sey Canal and the . The experience in railway engineering and trans- from Stourport to Coven Heath that opened long! Branches were planned from the sum- building of the Birmingham & Liverpool ferred those skills to canals. His first major first during 1770. Making the canal on the mit level (453ft od) to Ocker Hill and Hill Junction Canal also ranks amongst his ma- involvement was the Tame Valley Canal descent to Great Hayward followed with a Top. Brindley intended to make a tunnel jor works even if the Shebdon Embankment whose earlier planned route was re worked junction being made with the Trent and Mer- through the hill at Smethwick and so work caused him many problems particularly in by Walker into the straight line that was con- sey in 1772. started on this project early. Then as con- making it stable. He also encountered a structed. The Tame Valley became the ca- tractors set up their gins to sink the shafts similar problem in the making of the nal highway into the heart of the South Through time there have been people who for the tunnel, quicksand was found and 16 21 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Worces- canal to the Oozells. Further attempts were the work was abandoned. Failure to com- The BCN, as first built was a canal that me- ter and the . made to finish the Bloomfield to Deepfields plete the Smethwick Tunnel was a catas- andered through parts of South Stafford- Cut and the associated narrow version of trophic event as the whole plan and shire and touched also on North Warwick- Water supply for the Worcester & Birming- the Coseley Tunnel, which linked these two schedule for construction had to be shire and an isolated piece of Shropshire. It ham Canal was then limited with the 13 mile lengths of waterway. The making of a new changed. With Samuel Simcox acting as became a canal noted for its diverse trade, summit level from Birmingham to Tarde- branch to Ridgeacre was also progressed to effective resident engineer, the canal com- but at the start trade was then confined to a bigge being principally supplied from Kings serve coal mines and ironworks. Despite this mittee deliberated on an alternative. It was few basic commodities. Coal was the Norton Brook. Once this canal opened water important progress, there was an underlining primary cargo and the prime reason for the was sent down from the Birmingham level, concern amongst the proprietors that there route as planned by Brindley was to serve which was paid for. Boats passing the Bar were various issues to be resolved with the the various operating mines along the canal. Lock were also subject to a toll. state of the navigation. Again the services of An increase in route mileage provided ac-

The BCN did have a limited supply of water a skilled engineer were sought. Thomas cess for more mines, but there still remained at its disposal, Smethwick Reservoir held Telford was asked to come to see the canal others placed at a distance which encour- the largest amount, but there were also and make suggestions for improvement. aged new waterways and basins in later smaller reservoirs at Birmingham Heath, To state Telford suggested improvements times. would be an understatement, he trans- Hansons and the Wednesbury Canal and Principal coal mines were placed at Cose- feeders such as the Puppy Green Feeder. formed the BCN. His major contribution was the New Main Line that started in Birming- ley, Bilston, Tipton, Tividale and Oldbury Water also came from the mine pumping with the two branches, Ocker Hill and Wed- engines at Broadwaters near Wednesbury. ham and continued through to Coseley Tun- nel. Features included the Deep Cutting at nesbury, serving as best they could the Broadwaters was capable of supplying more lower mines. For some ten years between water than Smethwick and this volume was Smethwick that enabled the Birmingham Level to be extended as far as Albion at first 1770 and 1780 the Birmingham Canal Navi- pumped into the , which gation operated their own carrying service through the Ocker Hill pumping establish- and then across the massive Sheepwash Embankment to Tipton and finally from Tip- for coals in competition to the private carri- ment was brought up to the Wolverhampton ers, but decided to concentrate on running Level and cascaded down again through the ton to Coseley complete with another deep Lockkeepers Cottage 151 on the cutting and a tunnel wide enough for boats original line of the Delph the navigation thereafter. working of the boats along the system. Broadwaters was a large stretch of pools to pass as well as a on either side. This original route was constantly plagued and marsh land that was eventually drained His whole concept was to have a wide canal a process marred by differences in opinion through shortage of water. The short summit by the working of the Broadwater engine. made with on both sides in order with the company chairman dictating one relied on two main feeders, one from Titford, The company mindful of the need to assist to reduce congestion and eliminate the regu- option and with a rival group whose the other from the Reservoirs at Smethwick the water supply of the Worcester & Bir- lar causes of dispute between boat men as spokesman was the articulate Samuel Gar- that collected water from the Thimble Mill mingham Canal arranged for the draining of they attempted to pass each other in the bett proposing another route. The company brook. Elsewhere water was allowed to flow Capponfield Pool with the provision of an narrow channel of the Old Main Line or posi- chairman won the day, but it was not until into the canal where mill owners were not engine there. tion craft into wharves, basins or side arms. some additional 6 miles was added to the affected. Some mine owners also came to Telford also improved the water supply with route and the canal was made to climb supply water diverting water from their BCN resident engineers continued to make the making of a new reservoir at Edgbaston over the hill at Smethwick and the locks at mines raised by the “fire engines” then of suggestions for further improvements. It was in the brook valley and a new feeder from Wolverhampton were increased to 20 in the Newcomen type. also their role to deal with and progress the Titford Pools to supply it. Telford’s inspec- number (later 21). From the higher level at various requests for short branches and tion highlighted other short comings, which Wolverhampton boats had to climb another The poor supply of water was partially allevi- basins, which continued to be made to suit included the remarkable state of the aque- three locks to a short summit. From the ated though back pumping first at Spon the development of ironworks or the trans- duct at Drayton. The original Pinkerton branch to (453ft od) near Lane and then Smethwick. John Smeaton port of coal from a new mine. There were structure had been swept away in floods and Hill Top, another three were needed to was invited to report on the canal and his also network improvements. These included the temporary solution of using old canal reach the Wolverhampton Level (473ft od), recommendations led to a determination to the shortening of the canal through Tividale boats to form the aqueduct had remained so six locks were needed in this flight to reduce the level of the summit by 18ft. That from Oldbury which was done during 1820 until Telford found it decayed in 1824 during reach the summit at Spon Lane. This short achievement completed between 1787 and and the new canal and embankment sur- his tour of inspection. Work was soon begun summit level at 491 ft od proceeded to 1791 must rank amongst the important engi- veyed by Jacob Twigg in 1816 that was to move bricks and other materials to this Smethwick where another 6 locks were neering achievements of that time, but has intended to link Farmers Bridge Junction to spot to reconstruct this Aqueduct. required to descend down to the Birming- been little recognised, for crediting those Ladywood, in Birmingham and bypass the ham Level (453ft od). actually responsible, the BCN engineers 20 17 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 received a small payment for back carriage second route was made available to the of spoil. It was at the colliery areas where Trent via Fradley and Burton. subsidence was already affecting the canal and such spoil assisted the building up of Congestion, water shortages and shoals in areas that had sunk. They were also innova- the waterway continued to hamper effective tive in the use of portable steam driven operations. Carriage of coal continued to pumping engines which were used to pump increase and there was a new factor the water out of sections of canal as the levels smelting of iron from local ores and the work- were changed. Such work was done without ing up to wrought iron and then finished iron. causing much disruption to trade with a short It was a set of processes that required the closure on transferring traffic onto the tempo- movement of ironstone, limestone, coal, coke rary level, in 1789 and only three weeks in and sand all of which was readily contained 1790 for the lower level to be brought into in the holds of the narrow boats that plied use. these waterways.

Such work was also accompanied through There was an ongoing process of repair and the building of new lines of canal the Birming- improvement, but there was also a need for ham & Fazeley, the Walsall Canal and the new waterways and the committee turned to uncompleted Bloomfield to Deepfield Cut. All John Rennie for advice. From time to time added additional mileage, but it was the Bir- the opinion of certain “quality” engineers had mingham & Fazeley that added a new dimen- assisted water way development. sion to the BCN and that was the long dis- Mr Rennie’s contribution included the making tance carrying option. of the Communication 1808-1809 which linked the Wolverhampton Level at The conveyance of goods and minerals had Tipton Green with the Walsall Canal and been already possible for boats to descend provided an important iron trade link to the the deep lock 20 at Autherley and to travel Dudley Canal and with the via the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal heart of the South Staffordshire district as to Stourport where transhipment into or out of well as Bilston and Wolverhampton. Rennie Severn or Severn Trow enabled car- also suggested an extension of the Walsall riage up or down river. Travelling north along Canal to the limeworks near Rushall but this the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal was not actioned. enabled craft to join the Trent & Mersey Ca- nal at Great Haywood and from there they As the British Canal work was developed, might travel to Preston Brook or Shardlow trading links existed between the BCN and again for transfer into other craft. Lock 20 at Coventry Canal at Whittington Brook and 10ft drop proved to be an obstacle to increas- Fazeley, the Dudley Canal at Tipton, the ing trade. This situation was improved from Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at 1785 when Lock 20 deep lock was replaced Autherley (), the Warwick & Bir- by two new locks 20 and 21. The opening of mingham at Digbeth and the Wyrley & Es- the canal to Fazeley in 1790 provided an- sington at Horseley Fields. The only canal Map shows present levels of the BCN other carrying route and also made available where there was no junction for boats to pass for the first time by inland navigation from the through was at Gas Street where the BCN Samuel Bull and James Bough. Whilst trade Bull and Bough chose to use technology to West Midlands to London. This essentially was separated from the Worcester & Bir- continued to work along the canal, these two aid this work, and the reduction of the sum- rural canal linked up with the Coventry Canal mingham Canal by a 7ft wide bar. Here all engineers managed to take down the level in mit saw stages on the banks constructed and provided a route to the goods had to be transhipped. Whilst there two stages, alter the water supply to the ca- and horse gins employed to bring spoil up to (via Oxford) and from there Thames Barges were many attempts to make a connection nal and build a second flight of locks at the be stored in a collection of banks or boated handled the trade to the Sufferance Wharves that did not happen until the year 1815 when Smethwick side of the summit to deal with away to other parts of the canal. Some of along the river in London. From Fazeley a an Act of Parliament was passed to enable those who brought coal into Birmingham the Bar Lock to be constructed. This work 18 19 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 received a small payment for back carriage second route was made available to the of spoil. It was at the colliery areas where Trent via Fradley and Burton. subsidence was already affecting the canal and such spoil assisted the building up of Congestion, water shortages and shoals in areas that had sunk. They were also innova- the waterway continued to hamper effective tive in the use of portable steam driven operations. Carriage of coal continued to pumping engines which were used to pump increase and there was a new factor the water out of sections of canal as the levels smelting of iron from local ores and the work- were changed. Such work was done without ing up to wrought iron and then finished iron. causing much disruption to trade with a short It was a set of processes that required the closure on transferring traffic onto the tempo- movement of ironstone, limestone, coal, coke rary level, in 1789 and only three weeks in and sand all of which was readily contained 1790 for the lower level to be brought into in the holds of the narrow boats that plied use. these waterways.

Such work was also accompanied through There was an ongoing process of repair and the building of new lines of canal the Birming- improvement, but there was also a need for ham & Fazeley, the Walsall Canal and the new waterways and the committee turned to uncompleted Bloomfield to Deepfield Cut. All John Rennie for advice. From time to time added additional mileage, but it was the Bir- the opinion of certain “quality” engineers had mingham & Fazeley that added a new dimen- assisted water way development. sion to the BCN and that was the long dis- Mr Rennie’s contribution included the making tance carrying option. of the Toll End Communication 1808-1809 which linked the Wolverhampton Level at The conveyance of goods and minerals had Tipton Green with the Walsall Canal and been already possible for boats to descend provided an important iron trade link to the the deep lock 20 at Autherley and to travel Dudley Canal and Stourbridge Canal with the via the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal heart of the South Staffordshire district as to Stourport where transhipment into or out of well as Bilston and Wolverhampton. Rennie Severn Barges or Severn Trow enabled car- also suggested an extension of the Walsall riage up or down river. Travelling north along Canal to the limeworks near Rushall but this the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal was not actioned. enabled craft to join the Trent & Mersey Ca- nal at Great Haywood and from there they As the British Canal work was developed, might travel to Preston Brook or Shardlow trading links existed between the BCN and again for transfer into other craft. Lock 20 at Coventry Canal at Whittington Brook and 10ft drop proved to be an obstacle to increas- Fazeley, the Dudley Canal at Tipton, the ing trade. This situation was improved from Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at 1785 when Lock 20 deep lock was replaced Autherley (Aldersley), the Warwick & Bir- by two new locks 20 and 21. The opening of mingham at Digbeth and the Wyrley & Es- the canal to Fazeley in 1790 provided an- sington at Horseley Fields. The only canal Map shows present levels of the BCN other carrying route and also made available where there was no junction for boats to pass for the first time by inland navigation from the through was at Gas Street where the BCN Samuel Bull and James Bough. Whilst trade Bull and Bough chose to use technology to West Midlands to London. This essentially was separated from the Worcester & Bir- continued to work along the canal, these two aid this work, and the reduction of the sum- rural canal linked up with the Coventry Canal mingham Canal by a 7ft wide bar. Here all engineers managed to take down the level in mit saw stages on the banks constructed and provided a route to the River Thames goods had to be transhipped. Whilst there two stages, alter the water supply to the ca- and horse gins employed to bring spoil up to (via Oxford) and from there Thames Barges were many attempts to make a connection nal and build a second flight of locks at the be stored in a collection of banks or boated handled the trade to the Sufferance Wharves that did not happen until the year 1815 when Smethwick side of the summit to deal with away to other parts of the canal. Some of along the river in London. From Fazeley a an Act of Parliament was passed to enable those who brought coal into Birmingham the Bar Lock to be constructed. This work 18 19 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Worces- canal to the Oozells. Further attempts were the work was abandoned. Failure to com- The BCN, as first built was a canal that me- ter and the River Severn. made to finish the Bloomfield to Deepfields plete the Smethwick Tunnel was a catas- andered through parts of South Stafford- Cut and the associated narrow version of trophic event as the whole plan and shire and touched also on North Warwick- Water supply for the Worcester & Birming- the Coseley Tunnel, which linked these two schedule for construction had to be shire and an isolated piece of Shropshire. It ham Canal was then limited with the 13 mile lengths of waterway. The making of a new changed. With Samuel Simcox acting as became a canal noted for its diverse trade, summit level from Birmingham to Tarde- branch to Ridgeacre was also progressed to effective resident engineer, the canal com- but at the start trade was then confined to a bigge being principally supplied from Kings serve coal mines and ironworks. Despite this mittee deliberated on an alternative. It was few basic commodities. Coal was the Norton Brook. Once this canal opened water important progress, there was an underlining primary cargo and the prime reason for the was sent down from the Birmingham level, concern amongst the proprietors that there route as planned by Brindley was to serve which was paid for. Boats passing the Bar were various issues to be resolved with the the various operating mines along the canal. Lock were also subject to a toll. state of the navigation. Again the services of An increase in route mileage provided ac-

The BCN did have a limited supply of water a skilled engineer were sought. Thomas cess for more mines, but there still remained at its disposal, Smethwick Reservoir held Telford was asked to come to see the canal others placed at a distance which encour- the largest amount, but there were also and make suggestions for improvement. aged new waterways and basins in later smaller reservoirs at Birmingham Heath, To state Telford suggested improvements times. would be an understatement, he trans- Hansons and the Wednesbury Canal and Principal coal mines were placed at Cose- feeders such as the Puppy Green Feeder. formed the BCN. His major contribution was the New Main Line that started in Birming- ley, Bilston, Tipton, Tividale and Oldbury Water also came from the mine pumping with the two branches, Ocker Hill and Wed- engines at Broadwaters near Wednesbury. ham and continued through to Coseley Tun- nel. Features included the Deep Cutting at nesbury, serving as best they could the Broadwaters was capable of supplying more lower mines. For some ten years between water than Smethwick and this volume was Smethwick that enabled the Birmingham Level to be extended as far as Albion at first 1770 and 1780 the Birmingham Canal Navi- pumped into the Walsall Canal, which gation operated their own carrying service through the Ocker Hill pumping establish- and then across the massive Sheepwash Embankment to Tipton and finally from Tip- for coals in competition to the private carri- ment was brought up to the Wolverhampton ers, but decided to concentrate on running Level and cascaded down again through the ton to Coseley complete with another deep Lockkeepers Cottage 151 on the cutting and a tunnel wide enough for boats original line of the Delph the navigation thereafter. working of the boats along the system. Broadwaters was a large stretch of pools to pass as well as a towpath on either side. This original route was constantly plagued and marsh land that was eventually drained His whole concept was to have a wide canal a process marred by differences in opinion through shortage of water. The short summit by the working of the Broadwater engine. made with towpaths on both sides in order with the company chairman dictating one relied on two main feeders, one from Titford, The company mindful of the need to assist to reduce congestion and eliminate the regu- option and with a rival group whose the other from the Reservoirs at Smethwick the water supply of the Worcester & Bir- lar causes of dispute between boat men as spokesman was the articulate Samuel Gar- that collected water from the Thimble Mill mingham Canal arranged for the draining of they attempted to pass each other in the bett proposing another route. The company brook. Elsewhere water was allowed to flow Capponfield Pool with the provision of an narrow channel of the Old Main Line or posi- chairman won the day, but it was not until into the canal where mill owners were not engine there. tion craft into wharves, basins or side arms. some additional 6 miles was added to the affected. Some mine owners also came to Telford also improved the water supply with route and the canal was made to climb supply water diverting water from their BCN resident engineers continued to make the making of a new reservoir at Edgbaston over the hill at Smethwick and the locks at mines raised by the “fire engines” then of suggestions for further improvements. It was in the brook valley and a new feeder from Wolverhampton were increased to 20 in the Newcomen type. also their role to deal with and progress the Titford Pools to supply it. Telford’s inspec- number (later 21). From the higher level at various requests for short branches and tion highlighted other short comings, which Wolverhampton boats had to climb another The poor supply of water was partially allevi- basins, which continued to be made to suit included the remarkable state of the aque- three locks to a short summit. From the ated though back pumping first at Spon the development of ironworks or the trans- duct at Drayton. The original Pinkerton branch to West Bromwich (453ft od) near Lane and then Smethwick. John Smeaton port of coal from a new mine. There were structure had been swept away in floods and Hill Top, another three were needed to was invited to report on the canal and his also network improvements. These included the temporary solution of using old canal reach the Wolverhampton Level (473ft od), recommendations led to a determination to the shortening of the canal through Tividale boats to form the aqueduct had remained so six locks were needed in this flight to reduce the level of the summit by 18ft. That from Oldbury which was done during 1820 until Telford found it decayed in 1824 during reach the summit at Spon Lane. This short achievement completed between 1787 and and the new canal and embankment sur- his tour of inspection. Work was soon begun summit level at 491 ft od proceeded to 1791 must rank amongst the important engi- veyed by Jacob Twigg in 1816 that was to move bricks and other materials to this Smethwick where another 6 locks were neering achievements of that time, but has intended to link Farmers Bridge Junction to spot to reconstruct this Aqueduct. required to descend down to the Birming- been little recognised, for crediting those Ladywood, in Birmingham and bypass the ham Level (453ft od). actually responsible, the BCN engineers 20 17 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Telford’s inspection of the canal also Middlewich Branch where the Cheshire Clay at Stoke & Longport. Contractors were then have made strategic contributions to the brought innovation. The slow progress of proved another unstable medium to work employed to make the flights of locks from waterway network. Several gained their cutting the Ridgeacre Branch was noted and with. Kidsgrove that descended to Wheelock and skills working in association with James at his suggestion a contractor’s railway was Middlewich as well as the three tunnels on Brindley. Others had an opportunity to work laid down to assist moving the spoil. Such Whilst Telford transformed the New Main the section that joined up with the Bridge- with John Smeaton or William Jessop. techniques had been used before and in this Line the process of BCN expansion did not water at Preston Brook. It was not until 1777 Whilst Brindley carefully followed the con- region William James and William Whitmore end there. Talks that involved a merger of that the whole route from Trent at Shardlow struction of the Staffordshire & Worcester had used this construction technique to as- the Wyrley & Essington and the BCN be- to the Bridgewater Canal was open for and employed a clerk of works (Baker) and sist with the build of the Lower Stratford came a protracted affair. Even though there trade. The building of the canal through Mid- an assistant (Green), Thomas Dadford, who moving bricks for lock construction as well was support for this outcome the important dlewich may have been very different had had been appointed as carpenter, learnt the as spoil. It was the first recorded use of a issue of share value remained an almost the Chester Canal Company been allowed skills of engineering and went onto look railway used for construction on the BCN. immovable stumbling block. Deputations to complete their barge canal to Middlewich. after the Staffordshire & Worcestershire The technique did little to help the contractor went back and forth between the two canal If this had been the case Middlewich may Canal as engineer, before moving on to be Jacob Twigg whose progress was not con- companies until the iron master George have become an inland port and the route to the engineer for both the Dudley and Stour- sidered fast enough and he was sacked Thorneycroft found a way to break the dead- Preston Brook would have lost trade. As it bridge Canals. It was Thomas Dadford who from the contract. His successor was the lock and set the merger process on course was the slow progress made in making the was responsible for the construction of the contracting partnership Jackson & Hyde who during 1839.

Chester Canal, combined with finance is- original 9 locks at the Delph that brought went on to perform other contracts for both Making the Wyrley & Essington had taken sues, enabled the Trent & Mersey proprie- the original section through towards Brierley canals and railways. For Twigg his career some 5 years and through its construction tors to successfully oppose a junction and Hill and Lord Dudley’s & Ward’s coal mines went into decline and ended in bankruptcy. had opened up transport links to coal mines arranged for clauses to be inserted in a sub- there. at Essington Wood and Brownhills as well sequent Chester Canal bill to prevent a junc- Thomas Telford had died before he was Promoters for the canal known first as the able to see the completion of the BCN works as various limeworks. Yet its biggest asset tion of the two canals. was water which through the reservoirs at Birmingham Canal Navigation first had lim- which he had instigated. He had been very Work on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire ited intentions and the making of that water- busy on both road and canal contracts. As a Chasewater and Sneyd had an ample sup- Canal started near Compton, at the Summit way was simply to link the coal mines at canal engineer he had honed his skills on ply of water. The surveys had been done by Level with contractors again cutting lengths Bilston and Wednesbury with Birmingham. the Ellesmere Canal and whilst Telford is William Pitt, but the contractor John Brawn or making locks. On both the Trent and Mer- There was no plan for a junction with other often associated with the grade 1 listed and his family deserves a share of the credit sey and the Staffordshire and Worcester- waterways. But this view was changed as Pontcysyllte Aqueduct as it was finally built for getting the canal made. There was also a shire the contractors worked down to the prominent local people had a wider vision after 10 years of construction, it is best to degree of innovation in making this water- lower levels, filling the canal as built with encouraged by the promotion of other wa- remember him, however, for his first major way and included a trial of a mechanical water and using boats to move spoil dug out terway schemes. James Brindley was ap- achievement that was the water supply for digging machine. Before Chasewater was from the cuttings to form embankments pointed engineer and he laid out a route the Ellesmere Canal where a conventional made Pitt devised a system of lock and side along the route. On this waterway a section with alternative termini in Birmingham of reservoir near Brymbo was replaced by the pounds where water was saved in order to of the once navigable Stour was moved so which one (Newhall Ring) was ac- innovative diversion of the waters from Pim- reduce water loss. His design was tried on that the canal could occupy its bed. Stour- cepted. William Wright was superintendent ble Mere (Lake Bala) into the River Dee and at least one lock on the Ogley Flight. port was reached in 1770 and contractors and surveyor, whilst George Holloway be- Once agreement had been ratified between then from the Dee along a navigable feeder th then proceeded northwards. It is unlikely came clerk of works for this project. Accord- through Llangollen to Trevor. Whilst Telford the two companies (10 February 1839) new that Compton Lock was the first lock made ing to Brindley’s intended plan the BCN was engaged with the BCN he was also link canals between the two canal systems as it was above a ready water supply. But should have had a climb up from the Staf- associated with engineering the second were initiated. The engineer who made a Compton would have been ready for the fordshire & Worcestershire Canal involving Harecastle Tunnel for the Trent & Mersey key contribution to these schemes was making of the summit level through Tetten- 17 locks and from the top of lock 17 was and making a link between the Trent & Mer- James Walker. He came into the fold with hall towards Oxley and it was this section, level to Birmingham and less than 17 miles sey Canal and the Macclesfield Canal. The experience in railway engineering and trans- from Stourport to Coven Heath that opened long! Branches were planned from the sum- building of the Birmingham & Liverpool ferred those skills to canals. His first major first during 1770. Making the canal on the mit level (453ft od) to Ocker Hill and Hill Junction Canal also ranks amongst his ma- involvement was the Tame Valley Canal descent to Great Hayward followed with a Top. Brindley intended to make a tunnel jor works even if the Shebdon Embankment whose earlier planned route was re worked junction being made with the Trent and Mer- through the hill at Smethwick and so work caused him many problems particularly in by Walker into the straight line that was con- sey in 1772. started on this project early. Then as con- making it stable. He also encountered a structed. The Tame Valley became the ca- tractors set up their gins to sink the shafts similar problem in the making of the nal highway into the heart of the South Through time there have been people who for the tunnel, quicksand was found and 16 21 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Whilst at the company owned wharves addi- The making of the aqueduct over Dove near Staffordshire Iron District linking with the of the Fradley- Whittington Brook section of tional revenue was accrued for the use of Burton was also a long term venture. This Birmingham & Warwick Junction, Warwick canal, built by the Trent & Mersey, but cranes and storage of merchandise. canal first opened from a & Birmingham, Warwick & Napton, Oxford handed over to the Coventry Canal Com- transhipping place between the canal and and Grand Junction Canals for a fast fly pany on completion. Cutting Dudley Tunnel Transport by a navigable waterway, canal or the Trent north of Kings Mill to Stone. Work boat route to London. was particularly problematical and eventu- river, became an option that encouraged the then went onto to make a junction with the ally Josiah Clowes was employed as engi- making of more waterways. Building a wa- Trent east of Shardlow and also construc- Walker engineered the three link canals to neer to finish this task. Clowes also under- terway often involved sourcing finance from tion proceeded north to the pottery district the Wyrley & Essington and following the took the engineering for the third section that investors, although not exclusively. The con- merger with the Dudley Canal in 1846 set ran from Parkhead and involved a number of struction of the Bridgewater Canal relied on about planning another link to that water- loops and curves around the hillside at the Duke of Bridgewater for finance and it way. The embodiment of that engineering Netherton and the Bumble Hole before was he and later his executors that controlled plan came about as the Netherton Tunnel, passing through tunnels at Gorsty Hill and that waterway, reaped the rewards gained the Dudley No 2 straightening, Two Lock Lapal to join the Worcester & Birmingham but also had to invest in changing needs for Line and the new locks at the Delph. His Canal at Selly Oak. A basic supply of water the trade such as the making of warehouses, final contribution was the planning of the was provided by Gads Green Reservoir, but docks and quays. Building the BCN, Stafford- . later under Brewin various improvements shire & Worcestershire and the Trent and Mersey required investors to start the proc- The Dudley Canal has been constructed in were made to the route around Netherton. The cutting of a short tunnel there enabled a ess, which included surveying the route and three major sections. Thomas Dadford had an Act of Parliament. Each may be termed a been responsible for engineering the canal bypass canal to be made that avoided two loops of the original route. Brewin dammed Brindley canal, but everyone was very differ- from the Delph towards Blowers Green and ent and an important element was how the from 1785 and until 1791 the extension that this area creating Lodge Farm Reservoir. canal was made and from where did the work included Parkhead Locks and Dudley Tun- It is difficult to separate the impact of the start. nel was made and with it a link with the work of both Walker and Telford, but be- BCN at Tipton Green. Whilst Dadford had tween them they created a canal network A common trend was the allotment of digging an overview of this project, his time was that was a credit to Britain.  (cutting) contracts where contractors were taken elsewhere including the construction paid for a particular length that was meas- ured up for payment on completion. Several teams of cutters would be employed on adja- cent lengths and the task was also the mak- ing of bridges. aqueducts, locks and tunnels that were generally assigned to separate contractors. Brick making was performed in temporary kilns using local clays that had been allowed to weather. Stone was cut in quarries that were often local to the work site, whilst timber was worked on by the carpen- ters who used wood to make the lock gates, bridges (such as swing bridges) and some of the buildings. Early map for the mines at Bilston and Coseley and was part of the documents For the Trent and Mersey construction relating to proposed Stourbridge and started in the Great Hayward area and pro- Dudley Canals which would have ceeded south to Fradley, Burton and then brought new coal supplies to the Staffs Shardlow. Work also gradually proceeded & Worcester . north to Stoke. The major contract for the original Harecastle Tunnel was started early and was continued on for a span of years.

22 15 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 CRT West Midlands The Birmingham Canal & Other Waterways Ian Lane West Midlands Waterway Manager Ray Shill Ian.lane@ canalrivertrust.org.uk

Ray has written a special article for my last edition of Boundary Post. Hello All and apologies it’s been a while I am also pleased to say that moorings I found it very interesting & extremely informative. I hope you do too. since my last update. As always there is at Trapmakers bridge, Wednesfield, and lots of really good stuff going on but the Hollybank basin both on the Wyrley & one that’s having most impact at present Essington Canal, are available and is around the waterway unit changes have been tested out recently. I am also with us absorbing part of Central Shires. looking to bring more moorings to just Overall we have grown around 30%, outside Birmingham City centre and will taking our new length of canals covered be looking at those locations over the to 613km with just under 3000 assets. coming weeks. So whilst it is really exciting we have a lot of work to do and we just need to Anyway, that’s it for now but please make sure that our level of service to all don’t forget to keep sending us your users across the old and new patch reports of the issues you come across doesn’t suffer. We are also looking at as you travel around the system. what happens when the Fazeley office closes next year. Given that Cambrian wharf isn’t ideal for boating customers to travel to, I do want to open up Fradley as a new front of house to provide a similar level of service. I haven’t got a timescale on that yet but I will keep you updated on progress.

The BCN route as amended was reproduced in the Gentleman's Magazine during 1771. We are also in the middle of the events Amongst the changes were the locks needed to raise the canal over the Smethwick Sum- season and last weekend saw the mit and the diversion of the canal across the higher ground of Oldbury, Tipton, Bilston, IWA’s festival of Water come to Pelsall Coseley and Wolverhampton. Junction. Despite the theft of bricks from Holly Bank Basin the junction bridge a few weeks before, At less than 23 miles long the Birmingham whose construction was under his care. everything went well and I really hope Canal Navigation was first contemplated as that it went a long way to help change one of Britain’s short length waterways. In all such waterways the reasons for con- people’s perception of the BCN and en- Compared to the Trent & Mersey Canal and struction was trade and industry and the courage them to use it more. As you short distance movement of minerals and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, it know I really want to keep numbers of was much shorter and comparable to the materials, yet as the network was created these and other water became interlinked users growing and your involvement in Droitwich Barge Canal in length. All four of promoting events and generally helping these canals were engineered by James another reason for existence was created. Brindley, although he regularly used assis- This was a use as a general long- distance us keep the BCN maintained is greatly tants and clerk of works to assist him with transport route for goods, became a factor in appreciated so thank you to everyone the making of these and other waterways gathering funds from tolls and through tolls. involved. Trap Makers Bridge mooring beyond bridge on off side 14 23 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 the mid 1990’s cut off this Notice of the Society AGM area and the remaining Ridgeace branch from the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society rest of the BCN. Company Limited by Guarantee no: 04306537 Registered Charity no: 1091760 The condition of the remainder of the Wednes- Annual General Meeting 2016 bury Old Canal between the Spine Road and To be held in the Marquee at the Titford Gathering Ryders Green continues to 7.30pm Friday 4th November deteriorate. Whilst the area around the current Venue: Titford Pump House, Engine Street, Oldbury B69 4NL terminus and winding hole area is still clear. Agenda 1. Apologies for absence An aerial shot from 1946 2. Approval of the minutes of the 2015 AGM and an extract from the 1889 OS Map of the area 3. Matters arising from the minutes show the extent to which 4. Chairman’s report the site eventually grew. 5. Treasurer’s report Approval of the Draft Annual Accounts The map extract is from the 1889 OS Map for Staffordshire LXVIII.NW which can 6. Accept the resignation of those Council Members who are standing be viewed more fully at :- maps.nls/view/101597552 down. The aerial photo is from a 1946 Aerofilms flight (AFL3666) on the Britain From 7. Election of Council Members Above website and the set of photos of the area can be viewed at :- 8. Presentation of Awards, 24 Hour Challenge, Presidents Award, www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/eaw002086

Trolley Trophy & Bob Broomhall Volunteer Award Finally, an excellent reference book on Canal Interchange Basins is that by Tom 9. Any other business relevant to the Annual General Meeting that has Foxon, entitled ‘The Industrial Canal - Vol 2 - The Railway interchange Trade’ been submitted, in writing, to the Hon. Secretary at least 7 days before published by Heartland Press (ISBN 0 9517755 6 1) the meeting 10. Close of meeting.

Mr I H Caplan, Hon Secretary BCNS, 105 Trefoil Gardens, Stour- bridge, DY8 4DY email: [email protected]

Please contact Ivor preferably by email if you are interested in being elected to Council or wish to nominate someone, obviously subject to their agreement.

If you are able to attend the AGM please bring this copy of the agenda with you as there will only be a limited number of copies available at the meeting

24 13 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 SWAN VILLAGE INTERCHANGE BASIN BCNS Xmas Dinner Phil Wild Friday December 2nd 2016

The BCN had probably the largest con- Birmingham Marriott Hotel 12 Hagley Road, Five Ways, Birmingham, B16 8SJ centration of Railway interchange Ba- sins on the whole Canal network. At its Following last year’s successful evening, and in response to several requests to peak period, around 1900, there were repeat the experience we have again booked our event at the Marriott Hotel in Bir- over 30 such sites owned by the GWR, mingham at the same special prices as before. The Restaurant can cater for up to LNWR & MR (the latter two becoming 70 diners. part of LMS in the 1923 Groupings), handling over a million tons of trade per First come, first served bookings with payment, including choice of menu, are re- annum. quired by 11 November to allow for easier service at the Hotel. For further infor- mation and bookings please contact One such basin was established in Photo above shows the current state of Dave Dent on [email protected] or 0208 6919190. 1856 by GWR, close to the junction of the Basin taken from the Ridgacre Pub the Ridgacre and Balls Hill Branch Ca- Car Park and the current truncated end Starter: nals, on the site now occupied by the near the A41 Spine Road. Ridgacre Pub. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, toasted pumpkin seeds (v) Pressed Ham Hock, piccallili, crispbread The constrained siting led to the GWR but by 1948 trade had dwindled to only Poached Salmon, baby gem, cucumber relish,beetroot constructing a more extensive replace- 4500 tons per annum. ment site on the opposite bank in 1874, Main Course: which connected to the line between The Basin ceased being in use by 1950, All accompanied by seasonal vegetables Great Bridge and Swan Village. with the rail sidings being used for Roast Turkey, chestnut and sage seasoning, cranberry sauce In the aerial shot, the basin can be wagon storage until the rail line between Rolled Rib of Beef with a red wine jus seen to the left of the familiar Swan Great Bridge and Swan Village was Baked Sea Bass, shredded fennel, pressed potato, tomato and caper dressing Village Waterless Gas Works Holder closed as part of the ‘Beeching Cuts’ of Fig and Caramelised Red Onion Tart, aged feta (v) and on the map extract, the basin is the 1960’s. directly above the words Swan Farm. In the 1980’s there were hopes that the Dessert: The basin had a largely local trade, in- basin area might be converted into a cluding the transfer of chemical prod- mooring site as had happened at other Christmas Pudding, brandy sauce ucts to local chemical works. At one sites such as Hockley and Withymoor. Dark Chocolate & Orange Torte, vanilla sauce time JB & S Lees used it to tranship Apple Crumble and Pecan Tart, maple syrup, vanilla bean ice cream goods even though there was a smaller Some considerable effort was expended Selection of local Cheeses with homemade chutney and biscuits LMS interchange adjacent to it's Albion in preparing for this, as is still evidenced Works. It was also was used as a par- by the relatively good condition of the 2 courses for £18.50, 3 courses for £22.00 ent site to the smaller Izons and Small basin currently, in that it is still ‘in water’. Heath wharves. Coffee/Tea and Festive Mince Pies will be served However, the construction of the A41 to all at the end of the meal It is recorded that in 1909 there were Black Country Spine Road in seven daily freights serving the basin,

12 25 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 This book has a unique quality and charm of its own: it is not only a visual BCNS AGM and End of Season Rally treat, but a real historic record of a 4th - 6th November 2016 premier canal.

Edward Paget-Tomlinson was a Due to uncertainty about the availability of the Smethwick renowned artist, especially in the field Enterprise Centre and the cost of fireworks for a November Edward Paget-Tomlinson of transportation. Though a busy man 5th display the Society has reluctantly decided that the A~Z of the Birmingham Canal he was never too engaged to listen annual Bonfire Rally will not be held in 2016. Navigations and explain to even the most Historical notes by Ray Shill Editors: uninitiated, or to discuss his ideas with However we shall be holding an End of Season Rally at the Martin O‘Keeffe and Peter Silvester Pubs Titford Pumphouse on the scheduled weekend. Whilst there by Canal Bookshop, Audlem, for those of like minds. will be no bonfire we shall have all the usual facilities in place Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, In this work we have been given an 2016, 179 pages, 44 colour 73 b&w illus, including the real ale bar and the replacement Burger Bar. A-Z that that could not have been 2 maps, £15.95, bettered. It will grace every bookshelf Friday evening we will be again offering pre-ordered Meals ISB N 978-0-9574037-8-9 prior to the AGM, which will be followed by a 1960’s Music This little gem of a book is a fitting and will always be a delight to dip into. It is not easy to make any comment Quiz – setting the theme for the weekend. On the Saturday tribute to the talents and dedication of evening we will be entertained by live 1960’s music and would the late Edward Paget-Tomlinson. that would do justice to this publication with its own special character, yet so encourage visitors to dress accordingly! From the Introduction by Martin O’Keeffe and the Foreword by Phil well suited to its subject and its pur- Further details and entry forms www.bcnsociety.com or Clayton, to the very useful Index, this pose. All those involved in its compli- contact Dave Dent on [email protected] book satisfies all the requirements of cation are to be congratulated. Ray the discerning reader. Shill, who has done so much to in- crease our historic knowledge of the As the text notes, the Birmingham BCN, has provided some excellent Canal Navigations (BCN) has changed images, both old and new, that high- in many ways since the time of the light his skilful text. working boat, yet thanks to a keen and Most highly recommended.  devoted following it has survived as a popular leisure pursuit. The A-Z was originally serialised in the BCNS

Magazine and now it is available here as a complete work. In this alphabet, where each letter is an interesting cameo in itself, A is for Anglesey Basin, and Z is for Zinc, reminding us that the BCN was originally conceived for the car- riage of the raw materials that enabled Birmingham and the Black Country to become the workshop of the world.

26 11 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Welcome New Members From our Membership Secretary Alan Veness He would like to welcome the following new members and hope they will join us in the activities of the BCN Society with lots of food and drink. Finishing some of the young participants to get early does have the benefit of being involved in canals and boating, able to watch the other teams fingers crossed. 5 new memberships since last BP: arriving. None of these trips could take place Simeon Mayou - Pelsall After a few weeks rest at Hawne without the support of all who Tracey Forrest - Quarry Bank A&M then had another challenge, volunteer so if you fancy helping out with no less than six D of E please let me know. Jon Barlow - NB Just Perfick Residentials back to back. I did have Stephen & Julie Procter - Smethwick my doubts whether there would be A massive thanks to the following who enough interest to fill all six trips but I have helped, Michael, Tug, Kirsty, Harald Joergens & Xiangmei Jin-Joergens - Nutfield, Surrey was to be proved very wrong! Each Wayne, Adam, Charley, Jeff, Steve, trip followed the same itinerary and Ivor, Adrian and Jon.  Plus 14 inclusive memberships for entrants to the hopefully they will have encouraged August BCN Explorer Cruise:

Michael & Denise Bending - Swadlincote Athina Beckett & Jonathan Brown - Milton Keynes John & Sue Rawlins - Poole Jeff & Lynda Daws - Kingston St Michael Christine Varndell - Coventry John & Helen Smith - Letchworth Mike & Lorraine Newman - Ware Alan & Glenda Dodds - Wellingborough Raymond Cross & Jane Rabagliati - Newmarket Paul & Janine Strudwick - Chelmsford Nick & Liz Dilly - Somersham Michael & Lesley Skinner - Royal Wootton Bassett Tony Walker - Grange-over-Sands Mark & Jayne Saxon - Rickmansworth

10 27 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Cribbing Information Atlas & Malus Phil Clayton Paul Smith Report During Ray Shill’s interesting walk around the Windmill End area the other week, discussion turned to Netherton Tunnel and its shafts. They were dug from the sur- face using a metal ring to support the brickwork lining of the shaft. The ring was moved downwards as work progressed. I wondered if it had a particular name. Following on from the Brian Ward queried what happened to the rings when the shafts not needed for Summer rally at the Pump ventilation were filled in. Passing through the tunnel recently, we looked to see if House was, as ever, the 24 any evidence was visible at the foot of the infilled shafts. At one of them, I didn’t Hour Challenge. With both note which and will check next time, the remains of a ring were thought to have boats already moored been spotted in the roof brickwork. Anyway, that’s not the point of this note. there it makes a conven- I’ve just received my copy of the latest “British Mining”, journal of the Northern Mine ient starting point, plus the Research Society, which is, this issue, all about the vocabulary of Yorkshire coal fact that I have to work dur- mining, 1250 - 1850. There’s a photo of a shaft about to be sunk on a Yorkshire pit ing the week so a move with the ring clearly visible and, although the one in this example is wooden, it’s was out of the question. called a “cribbing ring”. With crew on board we set off for a tour of the pools Atlas & Malus travelling around Oozells Loop on the Now ……………… just how many shafts were there in Netherton Tunnel ? then headed down “The BCN 24 Hour Challenge, photo Kirsty Wilson Crow” passing Swallow who were on their way up. Once at the six hour break, this also gave us the Coombeswood Canal Company bottom of the flight we managed to opportunity to sample the delights of Hawne Basin (Dudley No. 2) execute a man overboard drill, (I won't The Fountain. An early getaway on Hereward Rise, Halesowen, B62 8AW mention who it was). So minus one Sunday saw the boats head for the Old 0121 550 1355 Mobile 07761555353 crew member, who headed home to Main line and then turn at Brades Hall. Registered Charity No. 1088978 dry off, we motored along the Old Main Having waited for traffic coming up Line passing a few other participants Brades we continued to Albion Junction Red Diesel (average over last 3 mths) 58p per litre en route. then turned at Dudley Port to travel through Netherton Tunnel. The plan (10p discount into boats) At Smethwick locks we were rejoined was to head to Parkhead and turn but Coal Taybrite - 10.75 per 25kg by our, now dry, crew member. On to with a lot of other boats heading that the New Main Line, around Soho Loop Multifuel - 9.75 per 25kg way we Winded at Primrose Bridge. and after exiting Icknield Port Loop, After turning at Windmill End we Calor Gas - 13kg 22.36 which was a particularly tricky turn with stopped to let a couple of boats past the temporary pontoon in place, we Chandlery with a good range in stock and a next-day special order service. then made for Hawne. On arrival at were passed by Stalham. After turning Hawne we made the turn into the basin Reasonable prices. into Oozells Street loop we headed under the scrutiny of many onlookers, If you’re on the slipway, give us your order the week before and every- back up the New Main Line to Factory fortunately it went smoothly. thing will be waiting for you. locks. With low pounds and a couple of Coombeswood Canal Trust put on a Open Mon to Thurs 10 to 3 Fri to Sun 10 to 4 boats in front of us we lost some time there. After consulting with the crew it superb reception for all participants  was decided to moor at Tipton for the 28 9 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016

50 yrs since the first 24 Hour Challenge cont: Recycling the Cycle!

And yet…..the idea of awards for the BCN lives on….and for much the same reason – encourage the use of the BCN. We’ve taken our boats - HELEN and TRAMP – on the last two Challenges, aiming each time to include Anglesey Basin. Each time, SERIOUS rubbish around the propeller has foiled us (one boat each). May we see you in Anglesey in 2017? 

For our new members who do not know Colin Hutchinson he is one of our special members who helps the Society in a more unusual way. He has a company that de- signs and produces jeans for ladies and children. He donates his one off examples to the Society for sale. These jeans produce well over £1000 each year. Of course it involves a great deal of work from our volunteers but an enjoyable time for those who help. Without funds generated by our members in this an other ways the Society would not be able to function in the way it does.

Here we hear from Eileen Johnson who manages the sale of these Jeans telling us an amusing way of using an item pulled out of the canal that would otherwise be thrown in the skip. Shame you can’t see the colour!

Hello Brenda, I am sending this little letter some plants, and put it all together with for you to put into Boundary Post if you some T.L.C. So if you find you have a spare Just 4 years after this 24 Hour Challenge the BCN Society was well estab- have any space left. It's about a little pro- afternoon with nothing to do, you could lished and holding Rallies around the BCN. In this photo Albert (at the tiller of ject that Colin has done, and I thought it take an old bike, wheelbarrow or shopping GLENFIELD) & his son, Martin Brookes leaning out on the side of their boat would be nice for it to go into Boundary trolley and make a nice feature for you at the BCNS Easter Rally on the Tame Valley Canal 1971. photo Bob May Post...... I thought you would like to garden. It's always said one mans scrap is see this picture of a bicycle which was another mans treasure. Colin enjoyed work- Urban Badgers taken out of the B.C.N. Canal on a work ing on his project, all though he bought two party. It just shows what can be created or three tins of paint before he got the col- I read with interest your article on urban badgers out of some scrap from the canal. My our Glenda, his wife, liked, but they were Letters and thought you might be interested to know that, a cousin Colin Hutchinson likes to have a pro- both happy with the final result. to the couple of years ago, there was a dead badger float- ject to do so he asked Barrie if he could Editor ing in the cut on the Netherton Tunnel Branch just have an old bike that had been found in the So get creative and do a feature for near my house (one of the cottages by Tividale Aq- canal. Colin took the bike home and gave your garden, and send in a photo to ueduct.) I am guessing it had come from the rough it a coat of paint, bought two baskets and land of the former Revo site - there are certainly Boundary Post. plenty of foxes there too. Julia Bird 8 29 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 We were among those lucky enough to So we came along the Main Line and Richard Alford - Waterways Chaplin take part. We were on GLENFIELD back through Netherton – and, because (also with a single Bolinder) which was of the points, back through Gosty Hill Sometimes I am simply the person in the course of being converted by Tunnel to Hawne and then back again they can grumble at as they cannot Martin’s father Albert at the yard at the to Bumblehole. We reckoned of the 90 see a way of getting rid of their frus- end of the Bumblehole Arm, Netherton. or so miles we had done, about 10 trations. I help people through the Also in our crew was Graham Palmer, a miles had been underground! Thinking locks, particularly at Kingswood and keen BCN-ite, who went on to start the about it now, we are a bit puzzled how especially during the season with the IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group. we got to 10 miles! good number of boats who are mov- Whilst we recall most boats started at ing around. In the centre of Birming- Gas Street Basin, we began about 9am We don’t recall all those boats and own- ham, I am very often asked where at Bumblehole as that’s where GLEN- ers who took part but the following places are so I carry maps with me, FIELD was kept. We first went through come to mind. Stan Clover and his and when I meet homeless people I Gosty Hill Tunnel to Hawne Basin and Worcester/Birmingham tunnel tug carry directions for the homeless turned back for Windmill End- this was SHARPNESS (still around). Ken centres. in the days when the Coombeswood Dunham and GRANGE. Peter Freakley steel works was in production and so and JAMES LOADER, an ex-Leonard I will have met some of you at various The main call on my work is assist- we had to thread our way around the Leigh tug, also still around. I expect BCNS events but in case I haven’t my ing boaters who have found them- Alan Smith came with LAUREL (also day boats. Having passed through th name is Richard Alford and I am a Water- selves in difficulty, and as a result Netherton Tunnel, we headed for Ry- still around, having celebrated her 100 ways Chaplain. I became a Waterways are unable to pay for their licence, ders Green Locks – which is where we birthday recently). Also the Currell Chaplain in June 2013 and together with which means they may lose their recall the first major problem with BIG brothers in KESTREL; George and other chaplains in Coventry, and the boat. Sometimes these people have rubbish around the propeller. We can’t Olive Andrews in ROMULUS with her Peak Forest Canal I look after an area multiple problems which doesn’t help remember how many hours we lost but brother Geoff Setchfield; DAFFODIL from Leamington Spa to Derby/ when you are trying to access bene- it meant we were now some way behind (and her single Bolinder) with the Wal- Nottingham. fits, especially as very often the schedule (“What changes?” do I hear drons; PENSAX and Don Gray; possibly forms are complicated, and not set you cry?). After Ryders Green, we Derek Turner from Wheaton Aston with The role of a chaplain is as varied as the out to accommodate someone who headed across the Tame Valley Canal Fox; John Gardiner and his son, al- day is long but initially we all adopt a par- lives on a boat. For instance, the and turned left up the Rushall Canal. though we don’t think VULPES had ticular part of the canal and walk the tow- housing benefit forms asks ‘how Carrying on, we turned right at Catshill been built by then. path on a regular basis. So every week I many rooms do you have and how and arrived at Anglesey Basin. John try to walk the centre of Birmingham, Gas Others with long memories may wish to many toilets?’ In these instances, I distinctly remembers it being 2am then! Street Basin and along the canals that add their own tales and/or correct our go with the boater to help them ac- Martin recalls being sent to bed and, stretch out from there. That takes up the cess the benefits to which they are memories. despite the noise of the Bolinder, going morning then in the afternoon I do the entitled. I have to say most council straight to sleep! Albert had slept earlier The irony of the tale is that the relevant same in the Kingswood Junction area, staff have been very helpful, but very and steered the boat for seven hours IWA guys didn’t like the idea that Silver taking in the Stratford and Grand Union often they are unaware of what a before reaching Horseleyfields Junction Swords could be won so “easily”, so canals. boater can claim. Of course if they at 9am. As you know, that’s all on one shortly afterwards the rules were As I walk I introduce myself to the many are continuous cruisers then they level. It’s been John’s benchmark ever changed to prevent a recurrence! With people I come across, boaters, fisher- have to nominate a council where since. We can’t remember if Albert the increasing use of the waterways, the men, walkers, CRT staff and volunteers they spend most of their time. Very slowed for the The Sneyd Turn but we need for the Silver Sword scheme fell and as we talk very often they will tell me often we liaise with CRT and their suspect not. away. of concerns or joys that they might have. Welfare Officer, Sean Williams, to enable a boater to become ‘legal’ or Just a little bit more

30 7 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 to find a safe mooring. There are other As I stated earlier we cover a large problems such as registering with a area, and we couldn’t do what we do 1967 - 2017 doctor, voting or even receiving post, without people such as yourselves. but generally these can be overcome. For you are the people in an area who 50 yrs since the first 24 Hour Challenge Along with the other chaplains, 40+ can let us know when a boater is in The 24 Hour Challenge has not run consecutively since 1967 but that seems to be when now, we also get involved in such trouble or when you think they need the idea was first born. This year Roy Kenn & his assistant John Carrington want to make things as funerals, wedding blessings, someone to talk to. If you think that is 2017 a special Challenge. Details will follow later but in the meantime here is an account boat festivals etc., so you can see the the case, and you feel I can help then from John Dodwell & Martin Brookes who took part in that first 24 Hour Challenge in 1967 work involves a wide variety of my contact details are …. They must have been very young!!! activities. [email protected] or 07702 842 794. The first Challenge was in March 1967 courtesy of a young architect working and was the brainchild of Stan Clover, with Birmingham Council, Peter White then the IWA Midlands Branch Secretary. Stan Clover hit on the idea of publicis- At that time, one way the IWA had of en- ing the BCN by trying to win a Silver BCN 24 Hour Challenge 2016 couraging people to travel widely over Sword in 24 hours – in contrast to the the national network and to visit the ends usual months. It was nothing highly Another great challenge. boat award was won by William & Gosport of canals was their Silver Sword Scheme. organised. He just announced in Navi- Notable this year for a number of firsts: who also won the overall event. I was lucky Boat owners got points – a bit like the gation, the IWA Midlands Branch Our first walking team who covered 26+ enough to watch William & Gosport working present BCNS system - and on magazine, that he was going to have a miles including over the top of Didley and through Rushall top locks and it has been a achieving 100 points were awarded a go and invited anyone else interested Gosty Hill Tunnels. long time since I have seen such an effi- Silver Sword, a replica of the IWA’s then to join him. Many did. We can’t recall Our first working pair as winners. cient passage. Very well done to them all. symbol of the Arthurian Fighting Sword of Our youngest ever participant. Well done & exactly how many but it could have Next year is a special year for the 24 Hour Excalibur. To encourage all the year use welcome to 4 month old Lily, although she been about 20 – certainly over a Challenge. It will be 50 years since the IWA of the canals, double points were was almost upstaged by the lady who took dozen. part almost 9 months pregnant. Wow! That’s organised their first 24 Hour BCN Cruise. awarded for winter cruising. Winning an commitment. That cruise led directly to the formation of Award usually took some months of Stan Clover had worked out that it our Society the following year. It is fitting cruising. could be possible to win a Silver Sword More boats than ever braved the Walsall therefore to finish next years Challenge at in 24 hours. And that this type of story Canal but problems were reported on Walsall the Society’s HQ at Titford Pump House. The late 1960s were dark days for the would interest the Press – people like and Ryders Green locks. The Wyrley and The BCN Committee, John and I will do BCN. Most of the coal traffic from Can- Bob May of the Birmingham Mail and Essington is still slow going due to silt, weed what we can to ensure that next years nock Chase had stopped and firms like Bob Clarke of the Wolverhampton Ex- and rubbish. What’s new! However overall event will reflect the importance of these Ernest Thomas and Leonard Leigh had press & Echo. As nowadays, extra the system is improving. events. closed down their fleets – or were much points were obtained for going to termi- Our new Trolley Trophy was won by Dove for We hope you will join us! reduced. Pleasure boating was still in its nal places like Hawne Basin, Anglesey rubbish collection and the best decorated Roy Kenn & John Carrington infancy and the BCN was not top of the Basin, Norton Canes. Lesser used wa- list for canal holidays. So the IWA re- terways attracted extra points per mile sponded in many ways - such as the – and that meant all the BCN except William & Gosport lining 1969 National Rally in Birmingham the New Main Line. Add in double up in Hawne Basin at the (based on a derelict site near where the points for winter cruising and Stan reck- end of the Challenge. National Sea Life Centre is now) and a oned getting 100 points – enough for planning conference. It was around this the Award – was possible in 24 hours. Well Done! time that the houses at Kingston Row So he chose the last weekend in March were saved from demolition, largely

6 31 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 September 3rd Our annual visit to and attracting younger people to join. So what can we do about it? Some Work Party Tipton for the Pre-Rally Clean up with The average age of those involved is things are outside our control – we the "Friends of Tipton Cut." Phoenix significantly lower than the age of the clearly cannot change the calendar, Report was brought down from Norton Canes Society as a whole. and we would not wish to triple the by Stuart following it's engine service, size and cost of our firework display, by Mike Rolfe and arrived on site at 10 30, ready for Our weaknesses. Too much of the for the entry cost would become the clean up. The Friends did their work in the Society is done by too prohibitive. August 13th This was another Work usual jobs of hedge cutting, weeding few people, and those people are party done in conjunction with "The and litter picking while Phil Barlow, aging. This was shown particularly We can do something about getting Challenge," a group of young people Mike Ross and I checked the bridge by the IWA rally at Pelsall. Pelsall is more people involved. Low key ways who do activities in the wider holes, and loaded the rubbish in to a wonderful place to have a rally – may help. Leave Boundary Post in community, and today they volunteered Phoenix. Lunch was taken in the quite probably the best site on the your dentists or doctors surgery, or to help us on the Titford canal. Around "Fountain," courtesy of the Friends, so BCN from a visitor’s point of view. hairdresser, rather than binning it. It twenty youngsters were with us, along thanks to Ann Johnson. Phil, Mike and However there is no infrastructure on may stimulate interest – and can only with Steve Lambert from CRT, who I then returned Phoenix to the Pum- site, which means that there is a improve the reading matter available. provided extra tools and gloves. Seven phouse for unloading, separating the huge amount of work to get the rally If you are reading this, and haven’t BCNS members were present. metal as usual. It rained steadily while set up. We no longer have the thought about it, joining in doing

Crow was used today due to Phoenix we were in Tipton. manpower to do it ourselves. things having it's engine service. We bow on the canals is good fun, if on occa- hauled Crow as far as New Inn Bridge We do not have the financial clout to sions hard work. (Though many while most of us grappled ahead, this run a fireworks display this year. hands make light work, as the Much of this is because the first Sat- electricians proverb goes!) producing a fair amount of rubbish. th There were two unseen things we failed Future Work Parties urday in November is the 5 this Contact us and join in. to budge, no doubt stuck in the silt. On year, with resultant concentration of October 29th Pre-Rally Clean up at demand, and our normal display was Invite your young friends and family our return to the Pump House, we filled the Pumphouse. the BCNS truck with scrap metal, the not big enough to get to the top of the along. Children or grandchildren – rest of our haul went in the skip. It is also proposed to take Phoenix list. It is also far from certain whether particularly to rallies etc, which to my back to Ocker Hill later in the year for we would have all the necessary fa- mind have more to attract this group The youngsters really seemed to enjoy more work on some Tame Valley cilities at the Smethwick Enterprise than our meetings. the day, despite getting a little dirty, and bridge holes. Dates to be decided. Centre. went home happy. They even provided us with some cake and biscuits at Come up with other ideas – and bring them to our attention. lunchtime.

Sheltering out of the Have you got a torrential rain during Titford Pools Plaque? a clean up at Tipton in preparation of the 100 + handed out already!! Tipton Community Canal Festival. Thank you to all of you it makes a difference!

Photo: Keith Perry For further details:- Email [email protected]

32 5 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Writing this last editorial makes me think of my first one in edition 167, the Winter The Challenge edition of 2005. I was rather clueless as to what to say and possibly the most diffi- Launched in 2009, The Challenge is the UK’s leading charity for building a more cult decision was what to put on the front. integrated society, a society in which there is understanding and appreciation of Putting the journal together was not too each other’s differences. We design and deliver programmes that bring different much of a problem as I merely followed people together to develop their confidence and skills in understanding and con- the example set by Phil and just made a necting with others. In 2009, approximately 160 young people participated in our few alterations. I didn’t want Boundary programmes; in 2015 we reached circa 34,000 participants. Post to be unrecognisable so stuck to Phil’s format and then gradually changed National Citizen Service parts as each edition came out.

My hand over has been made so much A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 15-17 year olds. easier having two enthusiasts ready and waiting to “take the baton”. I wish our two NCS helps build skills for work and life whilst taking on new challenges and new editors the very best and look for- meeting new friends. The programme involves a short time away from home, trying ward to reading their first edition. new things as well as taking part in a team project in the local community and Brenda much more. NCS is a government-funded initiative that supports community engagement, so- cial action and social mixing among young people. 

Then, (for me anyway) – the end of an era – Brenda is stepping down as Chairman’s editor of Boundary Post. (She has Notes been editor for the entire time I have known the BCNS – though I realise from Charley that many other members will remember editors before her.

By the time you read this, the cruis- It has been a year that has shown our ing season will be fairly much over, strengths and our weaknesses. and we are settling in to “Winter Our strengths – the ability to organ- Mode”. ise events, or help with others to do I think this has been a good year – so, and the ability to move on, with on the BCN we have had our Spring Chris Owens and Sid Turner stepping Cruise, three Explorer Cruises, the up to replace Brenda as editor of Marathon Challenge, Titford Pump Boundary Post. With the encourage- House Rallies (both our own and the ment of the society (and particularly of Allen Register’s), and a full Brenda) many more people are navi- programme for Atlas and Malus with gating the Titford Pools. other rallies at Pelsal, Windmill End Meanwhile Atlas and Malus are intro- and Parkhead. ducing young people to the canals, 4 33 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016

University for allowing the group to use Restoration of Dudley Contents Page Notes from their sport centre showers. Also many Council Details 2 No2 Canal in thanks to Rob Green who arranged Editorial 3 the Editor Harborne Wharf accommodation at the Stonehouse Chairman’s notes 4 Gang Youth Club, Adrian Langley who First 24 Hour Challenge 5 gave us free access to the Scout Hut Atlas & Malus Report 9 It is with very mixed emotions that I The Lapal Canal Trust is focused on re- facilities (toilets and kitchen), Michael BCNS End of Season Rally 11 edit my last copy of Boundary Post storing the Dudley No 2 canal from Selly Winwood the kindly neighbour who Swan Village Interchange 12 after 12 extremely enjoyable years. I Oak to California where it is planned to gave us water and free electricity, Birmingham & Other Canals 14 have met and communicated with so build a marina with new homes. It will be along with the many well-wishers who CRT Report - Ian Lane 23 many lovely people who have sent in a significant regeneration project creating viewed the work and some 2500 who Notice of BCNS AGM 24 such interesting items for inclusion employment and becoming a tourist at- followed the Facebook daily bulletins, BCNS Christmas Dinner 25 that makes this Society journal such traction. Charles Shapcott for preparing the re- Book Review 26 a good read. In a significant step forward a group of pair scheme used and Alex Jones, Ar- New Members 27 canal enthusiasts from the Inland Water- Cribbing Information 28 The One hundred miles of the chaeologist, for his watching brief and ways’ Waterway Recovery Group de- Recycling the Cycle 29 Birmingham Canal Navigations is an report (fulfilling a planning condition) scended on Selly Oak for one week of Waterways Chaplain 30 endless source of intriguing informa- We would also like to thank the intensive canal restoration work. While 24 Hour Challenge 2016 31 tion, whether from the past, the pre- Headley Trust for a timely grant award mainly focussed on repairing a section of Work Party Report 32 sent and thoughts and designs for of £30,000 which helped pay for the the canal wall, the group also cleared the The Challenge 33 the future. accommodation, materials and equip- vegetation that was damaging the bridge, Dudley No2 Restoration Update34 ment hire and will also fund further cleared the offside wall and greatly im- BCNS Sociel Meetings 35 Ray Shill has contributed almost non work on the restoration project. proved the access path. stop during and before my editorship. Please follow progress on our web site A community effort, in addition to Ian He produces such well researched www.lapal.org and www.facebook.com/ Gaston and his team of 19 volunteers we articles. There is always something lapalcanaltrust need to thank the Bournbrook Fire Sta- from him to interest us all and this For queries contact tion for pumping water from the canal, Next Boundary Post time a special one for my last edition Hugh Humphreys district engineers for arranging for the which I found very interesting. [email protected] Editor welcomes any interesting tow path to be closed, Selly Oak Park’s relevant information relating to the Phil Clayton, who edited Boundary management for permission and support, Post for nine years before me has Selco for providing materials BCN in the form of news items, also been a great contributor, with and equipment hire at cost, photographs, his series on the junctions of the Carey’s for donating the letters, notes or articles to be sent BCN and other occasional items. temporary fencing, Worcester by Then there is Andy Tidy with his Birmingham & Droitwich Exploring the Other 60 Miles. There Canals Society and Canal & December 1st are many others who have sent in River Trust for support and Until a new email address is items of great interest too numerous bricks, Birmingham Canal to mention, but I mustn’t forget Bob Navigation Society for organised for the new editors use May whose photographic contribu- agreeing to help with a truck, email: [email protected] tions have been well accepted and Coombeswood Canal Trust as he has donated his collection to for diesel fuel for the and it will be forwarded to them the Society his photos will continue excavator, and Birmingham to be a part of Boundary Post.

34 3 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Boundary Post Autumn 2016 Council Members - 2015 - 2016 BCNS Social Meetings President : Martin O’Keeffe held on the first Thursday in the month Vice-Presidents: Ron Cousens, Phil Clayton, Cllr. David Sparks, Rob Starkey, start at 7-30pmTitford Pumphouse Engine Street Oldbury B69 4NL Chairman & web man: Press & Publicity: All Welcome! CHARLEY JOHNSTON 07825816623 KATH O’KEEFFE [email protected] [email protected] 4th - 5th November- End of Season Rally & AGM at Titford P.H.

Vice Chair & Rally Organiser Press & Publicity Assistant 10th November - Mon & Brec Canal - An overview of the canals BARRIE JOHNSON 0121 422 4373 MARTIN O’KEEFFE [email protected] [email protected] of South Wales and in particular the history, current condition and restoration of the Mon & Brec Canal. - Ken Turner Treasurer: Sales: DAVE DENT REBECCA SMITH -KEARY 1st December - Christmas Social - Details on page 25 38 Greenland Mews, London, SE8 5JW [email protected] 01562 850234 020 8691 9190 [email protected] 5th January - Hotel Boating Holidays in the 1950's travelling on the Supporting members to Council Midlands Canals in two narrowboats operating out of Penkridge - Secretary: & Planning Officer IVOR CAPLAN Health & Safety Roger Butler tel: 07778685764 [email protected] Jeffrey Carter

Membership Talks and Presentations Martin Brookes ALAN VENESS tel: 0121 355 4732 Phil Clayton 07890921413 43 Pilkington Ave, Sutton Coldfield, B72 [email protected] FOR ALL YOUR MARINE WORK 1LA email: [email protected] On the Stourbridge Canal, between Stourton and Wordsley Junctions Work Party Administrator

Michael Smith-Keary 01562 850234 Work Party Co-ordinator: Coach Painting - Boat Building - Fitting Out - Compliance Work MIKE ROLFE 07763 171735 [email protected]

New Installation - Engine Servicing - Repairs - Welding [email protected] BCNS Explorer Cruise Hull Blacking - Breakdown Call Out Service Buildings & Heritage Stuart & Marie Sherratt 07510167288 VACANT POSITION [email protected] Diesel Tank cleaning and fuel filtering with minimum need for drilling Boundary Post Editor BCNS 24 Hour Challenge or cutting or emptying tank Mobile or at Wharf Service BRENDA WARD Roy Kenn 01922 428644 [email protected] 0121 355 6351 John Carrington Bookings for Wharf Cranage NOW available [email protected] Youth/Community Liaison Officer All Work Personally Undertaken KATE SELF [email protected] Fundraiser: 07929401682 Mike Butler Waterways Craft Guild Accredited

Free no obligation quotation Archives & Heritage Boats Official Photographer IVOR CHAMBERS tel: 0121 707 1690 Ann Johnson 07802 444370 or [email protected] [email protected] Atlas & Malus Manager

Paul Smith: [email protected] The BCN Society, a Company Limited by Guarantee, is a registered charity (1091760) first formed in 1968, which Social Secretary exists to conserve, improve and encourage a wide range of interests in the 100 mile network of Birmingham & Black GEOFF WINSLOW Country waterways known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Boundary Post is the journal of the BCNS and is issued quarterly. Readers are invited to submit items of news, general or historical interest to: [email protected] The Editor, Brenda Ward. 9 Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1HB tel: 0121 355 6351 email: [email protected] 2 35

Boundary Edition 214 Post Autumn 2016

Angela & Wayne Attwood, members of BCNS are the proud owners of this BCN tug “Caggy”. Seen here celebrating their owner- ship!! I’m sure they will tell us about it in a future copy of Boundary Post.

The Journal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society Free to members £1 when sold bcnsociety.com