SUMMER 2010 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

12 & 13 June 2010 Panther attending gathering at Stoke Bruerne with exhibition stand; volunteers needed to help over the weekend [details Tony Mann]

19 & 20 June 2010 Work party weekend, Wyken Basin; 9.30 am start each day [details Property Managers]

26 & 27 June 2010 Panther attending Historic Boat Rally, Braunston Marina together with exhibition stand; volunteers needed to help over the weekend [details Tony Mann]

10 July 2010 Games Evening, Wyken Basin; organised and not so organised fun; bar [details Vic Rainsford]

11 July 2010 Moorers’ meeting at Wyken Basin; 10.30 am start; open forum to discuss events, issues and plans with members of your Executive Committee

18 July 2010 Society canal clearance; join at Wyken Basin at 9.00 am or Sutton Stop at 9.50 am; finish 4.00 pm at Sutton Stop; return to Wyken Basin at 5.00 pm [details Brian Pope]

24/25 July 2010 Society Barbe-Cruise from Wyken Basin to Caithiron, Oxford Canal [details Vic Rainsford]

09 August 2010 Copy date for autumn edition of magazine [details Vivienne Pitts]

21 August 2010 Work party day, Wyken Basin; 9.30 am start [details Property Managers]

28 - 30 August 2010 Panther attending IWA National Festival & Boat Show at Beale Park, Pangbourne [details Tony Mann] DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (CONTINUED)

04 September 2010 At-Home Day, Wyken Basin for members & guests; stalls; games; barbeque; bar; refreshments; volunteers needed to help run the day [details Committee]

12 September 2010 Society canal clearance; join at Wyken Basin at 9.00 am or Sutton Stop at 10.00 am; finish 4.00 pm at Sutton Stop; return to Wyken Basin at 5.00 pm [details Brian Pope]

10 October 2010 Society canal clearance; join at Wyken Basin at 9.00 am or Sutton Stop at 9.50 am; finish 4.00 pm at Sutton Stop; return to Wyken Basin at 5.00 pm [details Brian Pope]

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We specialise in advanced electrical nt ou disc systems for boats bers em Come and see us at Bottom Lock, Dark Lane Braunston NN11 7HJ M 10%CS C Tel: 01788 899041 Fax: 01788 891535 for EDITORIAL BY VIVIENNE

Well, that’s it then, my first issue as Editor for the Society Magazine.

I would like to say a very warm thank you to those of you who elected me Editor of the Magazine. I have got a lot of ideas rolling around in my head, and I hope I can do the Magazine justice.

I definitely feel that I am going to be on a great big learning curve, what with words like pdf and artwork challenging me. I am more at home with gas mark 4, washing machine and ironing board!

I’m lucky enough as most of you know that I work for a Printing firm, and I’m sure someone will take pity on me and “try” to explain how I can undertake certain tasks without too much fuss.

If you have an article please feel free to send it to me, either by email or good old fashioned snail mail, my addresses are in the back of the magazine. Articles don’t necessarily have to be boat related, they can be anything ranging from a holiday or moving home.

I get the feeling that I will be going to quite a few boat shows from now on, and I will be reporting back to you. In the past I have particularly enjoyed Braunston with Panther. I haven’t been to Beale Park yet, but I feel a trip out there is imminent.

Talking of boat shows, I was saddened to see how poorly Crick Show was attended by Society Members, however it was nice to see those of you who were able to come and support Panther.

Please could you make a special note in your diary for the next events taking place at Stoke Bruerne, Braunston & Beale Park, dates can be found on the website. Panther would love to see you, and you would receive a very warm welcome. Tea & coffee can be provided.

I am determined to make this a really worthwhile magazine, and I know I have got some hard acts to follow but with your support it will happen. Don’t forget this isn’t MY magazine it belongs to all of us, so get pen to paper and get those articles flowing. I would love to hear from you - from England and our readers abroad. Some useful Information: Brian Saunders has asked me to give you his new address should anyone require it: 1 Harpendin Road, Wanstead, London E12 5HJ Tel: 0208 257 8179 Mobile: 07599 756 018 Cruising Club News I received a letter from Denise Munday (Secretary) of the Cruising Club inviting anyone who wishes to go for a Strawberry Tea Weekend which will take place at the Cruising Club on Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th July. There are usually stalls, a raffle and the chance to meet up with friends old and new. The Case of the missing Pipe Cutter

Our Honourable Secretary had some pipe work fitted to NB Duchess by Andy Longfield after the last work party. After the pipe fitting was complete, on clearing up, the pipe cutter was missing. The next day after a phone call to Andy at Kenilworth, we established the pipe cutter was in his van. How to get it back...... I happened to mention that I was going to the Isle of Man in a week’s time , and guess what? So was Andy with his friends and his off road bikes in his van. Andy and myself exchanged mobile numbers. On the Isle of Man we had several aborted attempts for a get together. On Andy’s last day we arranged a meeting at the Cathedral City of Peel. I was briefed by Andy to spring a surprise on Andy’s friends who didn’t know me. Andy was standing at the Harbour with his group of friends when I approached them and asked one of them if this was Andy Longfield the famed jazz musician up for a nominee. There was a look of utter surprise as Andy’s friends exchanged glances with one another, especially when I asked if they had heard his new CD yet. The surprise was superb, and during the autograph I was handed the pipe cutter to be returned to my plumber in the UK Tony Mann NB Duchess Paddlers Tales

After one of the coldest winters for 30 years it has been great to get out paddling with some sunny weather in recent weeks. For several weekends the ice was simply too thick to make paddling a possibility. One Saturday we even had to resort to a 500m rowing competition, on our rowing machine. We moved it outside, next to the canal for more realism. In order to get paddlers motivated a number of training sessions have been run, aimed at 2 star and Paddle Power Discover levels, the equivalent for under 16. The group have been working well and acquired a taste for post paddling hot chocolate and mountains of biscuits! Most club members have purchased one of our club T-shirts, with the new logo designed by Mike. If you still want one there are a few spare before we do a reorder. Sarah wanted a ìhoodieî so we even commissioned a one off. Following a visit to a pool session by James Reeves - champion squirt boater, we arranged two trips to the ìmighty Neneî prior to a youth freestyle competition. These proved successful, with Adam making a first descent and Tom and Damo going on to compete. These two will be joined by Liam at the next round on the Washburn, north of . New visitors and members are starting to come down the club as the weather improves and we already have a number of Scout and Guide sessions planned where your help will be needed. Updates are posted on the website. Club members have recently attended events at Gailey, on the canal just off the A5. Emma and Jaimie did well in their classes and tried out a different side to the sport. Another round was held at Anker Valley Canoe Club, near the Hartshill Wharf. Mike and Sarah paddled the 14 miles out from the Basin in Coventry and met myself out there, for a lift home. More recently they paddled from Stourport to Worcester on the . Together with Adi, who is planning on doing the Devizes to Westminster race next Easter, we have just finished the 18 mile Doggy Paddle from Leamington to Stratford on the Leam and then the Avon. This is for the Guide Dogs for the blind charity and passes through the grounds of Warwick Castle, which is quite impressive from river level. Unfortunately they limit access to the water here, due to our archaic access laws. They also have a massive trebuchet, a large catapult that fires large blocks of concrete about near the river. I don’t believe the two are linked? The Avon here is quite picturesque, with meadows and wildlife on the banks. The next stop is the village of Barford, with a quick portage over the back garden of one helpful householder. Under the bridge the river is very shallow. A Mr Farrant complained about the lack of depth in 1870, whilst rowing down river! With a little rain water the speed increases as the river twists and turns moving steadily to Hampton Lucy. The weir was a pleasant shoot although there are spikes hidden at the foot! Soon you arrive at Charlcote Park and House but not before negotiating the deer gates. These are metal barrels linked by a heavy rod, which have to be slid over. They stop the deer escaping the park and are very difficult for canoeists too! Alveston Weir is the last obstacle before the landmarks of Stratford appear. As you can see there is plenty going on, with lots of activities to suit everyone. See you on the water soon. CRICK BOAT SHOW 29-31st MAY 2010 - Bob Nash

The society once again was on hand with Panther at this annual event during May Bank Holiday weekend. Alas the weather failed to follow the pattern of the previous weekend and proved to be very testing for the society. Panther had been taken down the Thursday before by Dave Perkins, Steve Kingham, Rob Townsend and Billy Steer. It was moored inside the marina among the historic boats which included The President, Sagitta, which was used by the Trust, and Laplander, a steam ice breaker which dated back to the 1830s.

Brian Pope and Bob Nash travelled down early Saturday on a cold wet morning to set up the society’s display. However, the weather progressively deteriorated with the first heavy rains for some time. It was obvious that the society’s display material would have to stay on board. The two were later joined by Tony Mann, Vivienne and the star of the day Chiquo, the parrot. After a nervous introduction he was positioned in the kitchen where he was seen by some of the brave visitors via the Perspex window in the kitchen. Our optimism that clear weather was ahead was soon dashed as the rains became heavier. It gave me a chance for my first look around the site. The site was well laid out with steel and plastic roads laid across the fields, which coped well with the wet conditions. There were many trade stalls, stands from canal and boating societies. Brian & I travelled again on Sunday. We hoped the day would be better. However, the winds were gusting and some thought was given over as to whether or not it would be wise to put up the gazebo and our display boards when Anita and Phil Carter joined us. Battling against the winds we put up the gazebo and display boards. The stand attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the clear day. However, there were times when the wind threatened the stand’s stability. Late in the day we decided to take it down and store it in the boat. Once again Brian & I travelled on the Monday. The cloud base was low but the winds had dropped. We put up the gazebo and display boards with little trouble. There was a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Anita and Phil joined us during the afternoon and helped pack away very quickly. Overall the society was able to show its presence and explain to many people the work it carries out. I’m sure the Summer at the moment only appears to work part time - from Monday to Friday, apart from Bank holidays when it has a day off and the rain moves in, take Crick for example.... Tony and myself arrived thinking it was a good start to the day, the clouds were grey but at least the sun was pushing through. We met up with Brian, Panther & Bob Nash briefly, before we had a wander around the stalls. We had just reached the stalls when the Heaven’s opened and the wind was soon blowing a gale. It was such a shame because everyone had worked so hard to make it a great weekend. There was a hog roast, Texan burgers, a live band which sounded really good - even the rain didn’t dampen their spirits, a beer tent and any manner of things you could wish to buy. Panther looked lovely all freshly painted, the bright red really standing out from the crowd. One of the boats Panther was moored next to was Laplander the Ice Boat, which we were told would take up to 18 strong horses to pull to enable it to break the ice up, that must have been a sight to see. The Ice Boat was small in comparison to Panther and some of the other boats, and I did find myself wondering how such a mild looking boat could do a difficult not to mention tough job. In a crowded exhibition marquee I saw a face I recognised, it was a friend who I had made at the Coventry gathering. I set off for a chin wag and it wasn’t until I had said bye, that I realized I had lost Tony - whooo! I was fumbling with my mobile phone trying to ring him when a man walked straight into me, he apologised profusely as we both grabbed at the falling phone before bashing our heads together - who knows it may knock some sense into me! On leaving the Crick Show I couldn’t find Whistler my car (don’t ask). A car park attendant approached us after watching us tramping up and down with a parrot only to tell us that we were parked in the field up a hill. How do you know that, I asked? Cos I saw you drive in he said with great mirth - I smiled sweetly! With aching feet and a cross parrot I found my car with the lights left on. Tony of course blamed me, even though he drove us to Crick. I know one person who enjoyed the Crick Show because his “special” cane came home safe and sound, and I was lucky enough to see a beaming face when I handed it to him - wasn’t I Mr. Wilson? Did anyone else go to the Crick Show, if you did drop me a line Harbour Master’s Report It’s been a while since my last report, so I thought a few words wouldn’t hurt. We still haven’t finished the stagings with 3 left to do. To be honest we are struggling to come up with a ëdo-able’ method with these 3. The years of turning boats has pushed the silt to this end and the 2 we installed on this car park bank were very challenging, I had a couple of dodgy moments, stood chest deep in the canal with a milk crate cable tied to each foot and I don’t particularly want to go there again. But we will come up with something, so please bear with us I’m sure you all agree that the basin is looking better than ever and with this in mind can I please remind all moorer’s not to leave ëstuff’ behind their boats, it looks untidy and makes cutting the grass a nightmare of a job. With regard to mooring vacancies, we are very nearly full with a couple of holes that I fully expect to be filled within the next couple of weeks, which I think isn’t bad in these financially challenging times. Finally just a reminder that whilst we try not to move your mooring unless it’s absolutely necessary, we are bound to make best possible use of the available space. The bottom line is, if we can maximise the available mooring space then we have a better chance of keeping the mooring fees at the current level. The crane lift went successfully (no broken boats and no injuries or worse) and I would like to thank all concerned for their help on the day and a special thanks to Tony Villiers and his team of helpers for their hard work leading up to and including the crane day. That’s about it, so let’s hope for a good summer and a trouble free cruising season. If any of you have any concerns or worries please give me a call. Regards Steve Kingham. Please visit our website at www.covcanalsoc.org.uk MEMBERSHIP NEWS

The new members named below are welcomed to the Society and we look forward to meeting you at social events, boater’s gatherings, working parties or out and about on the waterways:

Name(s) Interests

Michael Brooker Helping to keep canals clean & tidy for others to enjoy in future

Safiyyah Daar Canoe Section member

Charlotte Homer Canoe Section member

Shahida Lambat Canoe Section member

David Matts

Martin Matts Boating

Caroline O’Brien & Phil Bradbury

Craig Sidgwick Wyken moorer with cr Trial N Error

Adrian Smith Canoe Section member

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The object of the society shall be to promote and encourage, in all possible ways, the proper use and maintenance in good order of the and all connecting waterways.

The objective stated above was adopted by the Coventry Canal Society when it was formed in 1957. During the rebuilding programme after the WW II, the Coventry City Council put forward a plan that surrounded a modern traffic free centre with a ring road. This new road was to be built across the canal, which unlike the old medieval city centre and cathedral had survived the blitz. Local members of the I.W.A. including David Hutchins, who worked for the council and Bert Dunkley, a local canal enthusiast, started campaigning to save the canal. The I.W.A. supported this campaign and at short notice switched its National Rally from , where dredging had already started, to the Coventry basin. The event attracted a large number of boats and thousands of visitors to the rally site. This interest in the canal was harnessed by the formation of the Coventry Canal Society with Bert Dunkley as its first chairman. The fight to save the canal took two long years during which time it was under continual threat of being in-filled and built over. The Coventry Canal Society was very active in promoting the advantages to the city of a local canal. Eventually opinions changed and the future of the canal was secured. In 1958 the society rediscovered the Wyken arm, a disused and overgrown colliery canal just south of Hawkesbury junction on the North Oxford canal. Society members cleaned out and restored the arm as moorings for members' boats. The first ever canal restoration project by volunteers. Members of the society and others were concerned about the Hawkesbury engine house falling into decline and set up the Engine House trust. Later the Trust was incorporated into the Society and now the Pump House has been the subject of several planning applications for development – all of which have so far failed. The Society supplied most of the boats on the first two protest cruises during the early days of the Stratford canal restoration project. They also provided labour for the Stourport canal restoration work and later went on to become involved in the planning for the re-development of the Coventry City basin in the late 80's and the redevelopment of the canal corridor and the art trail in the 90's. Many members of the Society gave their time and hard work in the exploration, restoration and refurbishment of other canals throughout the country. The Society continues to carry out monthly rubbish clearances along the canal. In 1994, the society was presented with a “Queen Mother’s Award” by the Tidy Britain Group at a special ceremony in London. The Society boat Panther can be seen at many events throughout the Midlands, promoting both the Coventry Canal and the Coventry Canal Society. It also follows when attending shows like the Town and Country Festival, the society finds itself promoting the inland waterways of Britain in general. If you would like to join us then please contact us either via our website or by writing to: Brian Pope, 7 Frampton Walk, Coventry CV2 2JE