The Magazine of the & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue No. 77 - Autumn 2013

Lichfield Mercury Bower Queen and Consort cut the cake to open the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering accompanied by (l to r) Mrs Penny Thomas, Eric Wood, Cllr. Terry Thomas and Peter Buck. (21st. Sept 2013). hay Whar eet f L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the .

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V.A.T No. 133609427 Chairman’s Column thay Wharf There can be only one topic to start this quarterly column and that is the Huddlesford ee L Heritage Gathering. We embarked on this biennial project with far more trepidation r t than usual. Sue Williams has always been the main coordinator on the Trust’s side t d of the organisation and her illness removed the lynchpin. We were committed to a S . two day event for the first time thus compounding the worries. We have an excellent and willing team of helpers but there were concerns that the stress might prove too great. In the end, we took up the challenge and the road led to triumph. I will mention only two people by name thus risking the wrath of so many others who did so much. We shall for ever be indebted to Jan Horton for the Trust and to Frank Weetman of Lichfield Cruising Club for their monumental input. We are grateful to the Cruising Club for the hospitality and forbearance and we hope their members enjoyed the occasion as much as we did. You will see what they achieved elsewhere in this magazine. The sun shone, the public and the boaters flocked to Huddlesford and we achieved an income of £13,500. On top of that the sense of well-being, goodwill and happiness shone through making the Gathering one of the best waterways events which many of us have known. It was wonderful to see that both the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Canal and River Trust visited us. Meanwhile, the regular work of the Trust has continued apace. Anyone who walks the line form Lock 24 to the A51 at Tamworth Road will see how much major construction work has progressed through the summer. It is now tantalising to see how close we are to watering another major section with the prospect of floating a small boat in the near future now a real possibility. It also throws into focus the need to get under the A51 not to mention moving on through Darnford Park to the A38. As ever, we only need a major cash injection for us to make major progress but, we must show continuing patience and do what we can with limited funds and the enthusiasm of our volunteers. We would especially like to rebuild our Land Fund which was heavily depleted by the purchase of a section of canal at Huddlesford. There are several potential purchases we could implement but we cannot make the approaches until we have sufficient funds. We have recently topped up the Fund as our reserves have been rebuilt after paying for major works at Tamworth Road and in Darnford Park. We receive very welcome donations from supporters and well-wishers but more is always welcome. If say 50, people gave us £500 our position would be greatly strengthened.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 3 Chairman’s Column

We continue to monitor several major concerns. We are in discussion with Persimmon about their proposed development on Berry Hill, between London and Birmingham Roads in Lichfield. Here, we have to ensure that the route of the canal is not impaired but we also want to work with the developer to deal with some major drainage concerns and the ways in which restoring the canal in the relevant section would be helpful. At the same time we are in continuing discussion with Staffordshire Highways about their plans to take the Lichfield bypass under the Birmingham railway line and through this same section to connect with London Road. Both these projects are of vital significance for re-establishing the through route of the . Of course, a major continuing concern is HS2 – the proposed high speed railway line which will cross the Lichfield Canal at Cappers Bridge. The period of consultation has now been ended by HS2 Ltd and they are expected to submit the original design option for constructing a viaduct 30 metres above water level thus constituting an inconvenience rather than a threat. However, between now and construction there are various opportunities for those who want to see a much lower crossing to petition and complain. If these alternative proposals were to be implemented then the implications for the canal could be very detrimental. We will watch this situation very closely and spare no effort to protect our project. The Hybrid Bill is expected to go to Parliament early in 2014. It is essential to public perception and to ensuring adequate planning protection that we show that the whole of the Lichfield Canal from Ogley to Huddlesford is part of a single project and which will be of benefit to the whole community. This is demonstrable where we have major building projects under way but much more difficult in those areas where we have no visible presence. It was with this in mind, and encouraged by Lichfield planners, that we launched the Towpath Heritage Trail at the recent Huddlesford Heritage Gathering. Although we do not have access to some of the route requiring deviations onto roads and footpaths, we are in the process of signing the whole seven mile Trail. At the eastern end it will be along sections which are clearly defined as waterway but further west it will be a mown and signed footpath. This is a first stage in demonstrating that we have a viable through route. Sadly, our attempt to obtain major funding was thwarted by the technicalities of the process and an inability to find essential “bridging” money. We would have to pay for the work before we could claim the award – a somewhat “Alice in Wonderland” situation. We will try again! Thus, the Lichfield project continues to progress albeit at a majestic pace as we have been at work for 25 years. We have not forgotten the Hatherton but are allowing it to slumber under close observation. We have various land purchase projects under way and continue to hope that proposed works on the M6 will allow us to make that essential crossing. The western end of this canal is in Canal and River Trust ownership and is part of their water supply network and this will always give us reassurance. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 4 Chairman’s Column

Let me end where I began with a tribute to our dedicated teams and members. Huddlesford showed what we can do. The work at Tamworth Road shows our engineering skills and the recent strengthening of our Board of Directors shows that we have the will and determination to succeed. Brian Kingshott(chairman)

All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary, C/o, Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, WS7 0JP

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

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 5 Donations to the Trust We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st July to 30th September 2013.

Trust & Sponsor Restoration Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing Appeal Appeals Mr H J Y Pringle (with sub.) 105.00 Mr P R Newman (with sub.) 35.00 Mr R T Willis (private talk) 55.00 Donations in memory of the late 642.17 Anthony Greenhalgh, Chepstow Mr R W Lloyd-Hart (with sub.) 24.00 Mr J Lamming (with sub.) 35.00 Mr D A Gittins (with sub.) 30.00 Mr I Campbell (with sub.) 85.00 Mr D Redwood 30.00 Mr & Mrs P Niblett 38.00 Easyfundraising Ltd (donated jewellery) 28.69 Mrs B A Silvester (with sub.) 50.00 The late K A Twyman legacy 3,554.19 Mr & Mrs M P Shimell 50.00 anonymous 1,000.00 Mr J W Farren 150.00 Mr C G Buckley 50.00 anonymous 1,000.00 Mr N Blears (with sub.) 25.00 Mr & Mrs B C J Hughes (golden wedding) 500.00 Mrs B A Silvester (with sub.) 50.00 Mr D R F Willey 1,000.00 Narrowcraft Services Ltd, historic boats 290.00 at Alvecote Gathering August 2013 Mr H Eyles, Bilston Ramblers walk 56.27 Lichfield Running Club Ltd, 300.00 Darnford Lane water station Mr D E Cooper (with sub.) 28.00 Mr R H Jennings (with sub.) 100.00 Mr David Stanistreet 90.00 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 150.00 Returned expenses by Trust officers:- - Mr R O Williams 30.60 Regular donors to appeals (+ GA tax) 637.00 587.50 Aggregated donations below £20 each 556.00

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 6 New Members 1st July to 30th September 2013.

Mr P Niblett, Trentham, Stoke on Trent. Mr J U Smith, Lichfield. Mrs K Niblett, Trentham, Stoke on Trent. Mr D A Jackson, Lichfield. Ms S Ward, Burton on Trent, Staffs. Mr & Mrs M Prescott, . Mrs K M Dean, Burntwood, Staffs. Mr D Prince, Lichfield. Mr J Derrick, Cramlington, Northumberland. Mr R Telling, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Mr R J Sutton, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. ********************************************************************************************* Membership 1171 (Including 127 Life, 22 Joint Life, 8 Group, 1 Corporate) Plus 571 Family. Total 1742. Current Covenant and Gift Aid declarations 729

********************************************************************************************* We are very grateful to the following who supported our Huddlesford Heritage Gathering event in September:- Lichfield Plastics Ltd sponsored the boaters’ brass plaques and wristbands, Streethay Wharf supplied their day boat for trips along the canal, Pool House Vets, Lichfield sponsored Staffordshire Dog Agility displays, (www.poolhousevets.co.uk) Anonymous sponsor of the Lichfield Diocesan Belfry in memory of the late Trish Humphries and Bobbie Battisson, All the entertainers who performed throughout the event, Tony Kirkham for providing sound equipment and stage management, … and many others who contributed to the success of the event including Armitage Bird of Prey, Tim`s Magic Lantern Vintage Cinema, On-Line Austin 7 Club Lichfield Group, St Michael`s bellringers, Walsall Spinners, Owners of the many classic cars, vintage vehicles, gypsy caravans and the historic boats on show with support from the Coventry Canal Society. ********************************************************************************************* ANNOUNCEMENT We regret the loss of the following members -

Mr D J Harding, Tamworth, died 14th July 2013. Mr A J G Hall, Hammerwich, Staffs, died 8th August 2013. Miss Christine Potter, Birmingham, died 15th August 2013.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 7 Become a member of our 500 Club for the chance to win prizes of up to £400 every three months!

50% of the 500 Club income will be retained for capital expenditure essential for restoration of our two canals… and

50% paid in prizes to its members.

The “500 Club” could contribute up to £3,000 a year - or even more - whilst, for just £12 a year, Club Members get four chances of winning prizes of up to £400 - or maybe more each time!

The ‘500 Club’ currently has 231 active subscriptions compared with 204 in September 2012. Please spread the word. Anyone can join the Club, you don’t have to be an LHCRT member. A rise in the number of ‘500 Club’ members means an increase in the contribution to the Capital Fund and also the amount of prize money available.

So please spread the word.

The winners of the September 2013 draw are: First prize £180.18 No 41 Mr J A Smart, Sutton Coldfield. Second prize £117.81 No 117 Mr P J Smith, Sutton Coldfield. Third prize £48.51 No 84 Mr John Potts, Hammerwich.

The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be: 1st Prize £400 approx 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approx 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approx 7% income If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher the prizes. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 8 (advertisement)

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

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 9 Marketing and Promotions Report

After a hectic Spring and early Summer, we continued to be busy through to the end of our social and events season in October. 18 August In excellent weather we took part in the Lupin Farm Classic Car & Vehicle Gathering where we recruited one new member and raised £404. 7 September Whittington Fair, another happy local promotion exercise. 8 September We supported the Lichfield 10k Race by running a drinks station in Darnford Lane, earning a donation of £300. 21/22 Sept Our bi-annual event in conjunction with the Lichfield Cruising Club, the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering proved to be a remarkably successful 2-day event to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Working closely together, the two organisations not only raised much needed funds (reported elsewhere in this issue), we also spoke to many friends, old and new and had a truly wonderful weekend. 26 October The final event of the year, our Autumn Social at Whittington Village Hall - with entertainment by “Second Thoughts” - where a great time was had by all, adding another £700 to our funds. Photo by Paul Marshall Marketing Group The Marketing Group has been busy, not only with the events above, but also with planning for next year and beyond. We now have a draft programme for 2014, and an outline of a number of events for 2015 – more shortly when the dates are finally sorted. In the meantime, keep an eye on the website!! Speaking of the website, Paul, our new webmaster, has been busy revamping the content and layout and we are working on new ways to keep you up to date. Recruitment of new members through the year has been very encouraging, the total of 60 being the best since many years, and has come largely from talking to people about our exciting progress and plans at some key events. If you feel you can help in this very important part of our activity, or in any other way, please give me a ring on 07904 101583. Steve Fitzgerald Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 10 From Here and There

Travellers at Ogley We have now been waiting for over a year for the Inspector’s decision on the planning application for the establishment of a site on the Ogley Flight, just above the M6 Toll Motorway. This was “called in” by the Minister as there is national concern about this issue. A decision is now promised for November. Ogley Cottages (Repeat) The trust already owns the first of the pair of lock cottages at Ogley where the Lichfield Canal joins the Anglesey Branch of the BCN. This is currently let on a monthly basis. The adjoining cottage is now on the market from Bill Tandy, 16 Cannock Road, Burntwood (01543 670055) The Trust would buy this if funds allowed but this is unlikely for several years. Obviously we would welcome purchase by a member or someone highly sympathetic to the restoration of the canal. The structure of Lock 1 lies within the gardens of both cottages. When our cottage is ultimately sold the lock ownership will be separated from the cottage and provision made for access when the lock is restored. We would need to achieve the same process for the neighbouring property. We are now progressing the sale of the cottage we own so that we can pay off the large loan which we had to take on to pay for the canal culvert under the Lichfield Bypass. If you are interested, or would like further information please contact David Dixon. Secretary We are pleased that Sue Williams is making steady progress after her stroke but are sad that she is not well enough to resume her duties as Secretary. She has been such a tower of strength for so many years that we cannot really say thank you enough. It was good to see her at Huddlesford. We are now pleased to welcome Dora Hancock as our new Minutes and Company Secretary who will soon be taking up her new duties. Marsh Lane, Lichfield We are sorry to hear about major flooding of properties along Marsh Lane, which is close to the London Road to Birmingham Road section. We are certain that the rebuilding of the canal in this area can only be beneficial. All Colour You will have noticed that this is the first issue of Cut Both Ways to be in colour throughout. The cost of printing, certainly in comparative terms, has come down over the years and we can launch into full colour at an affordable price. Most comparable magazines have already made this move and we are not claiming to be blazing a trail. The increased impact and the clarity of the digital photographs should speak for themselves. As you might appreciate colour combinations are very subjective, so if there are any comments about the colours used in the mag please contact the editor. Brian Kingshott (chairman) Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 11 Hatherton Canal

During recent years our volunteers’ work on the Hatherton Canal has consisted mainly of hedge trimming, removing fallen trees and making safe dangerous ones, levelling areas of towpath with previously dredged dried material and keeping grass mown to maintain it in a walkable condition. Lately, with the advent of CRT, their own volunteers have undertaken some similar work particularly in the area around Meadow Lock; and they have undertaken a balsam bash behind the Roman Way Hotel. This year CRT has carried out a substantial rebuild of the damaged east parapet at Cross Bridge. They have also commissioned the Cardiff company, Aquaclear, to dredge the length between Cherry Tree Bridge and Meadow Lock, and cut weeds in the sections below right through to the M6 motorway. This work was carried out between 14th and 24th October and has greatly improved water-flow along what now has the appearance of a navigable canal. It will prevent, for the time being, recurrence of flooding above demolished bridge No. 7 and near Cross Bridge which for some years spilled from the towpath into neighbouring fields on occasions. The two versatile amphibious paddle-track machines used by Aquaclear are made in Sweden. The pontoon hulls are of welded aluminium construction, diesel powered with the basic unit weighing 1.3 tonnes.

The ancillaries, in this case dredger bucket and weed cutter, are fitted fore and aft. It was of particular interest to watch a machine too high to pass under the lowered Cross Bridge, climb out up the off-side bank and access the road via a field gate. It then tracked over the road bridge with a walking escort and re-entered the canal across the towpath (photos by Carole Cooper)

Denis Cooper Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 12 Cross Bridge ( 1 7 - 1 0 - 2 0 1 3 )

Cherry Tree Bridge ( 1 7 - 1 0 - 2 0 1 3 )

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 13 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

Crowds enjoying the autumn sunshine.

Enjoying a drink by the Lichfield Cruising Club. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 14 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

Some of the 250 classic cars that supported the event.

Gill Cutayar and Beverley Marshall tempt visitors with excellent cakes. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 15 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

Romany caravans brightened the event.

Saxamejig entertain the crowds. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 16 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

Pinxton Puppets entertain the children.

Tom keeps his eye on the sliders ...... while others look on. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 17 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

A selection of working boats.

Chairman and Vice-Chairman conscripted to feed the masses. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 18 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

Peter Buck supporting Doug Hamilton-Cox who walked the Heritage Towpath Trail.

Eric greets ...... while Doreen guards the biscuits Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 19 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

A recovering Sue Williams samples the “Stinking Bishop” at the Cheese Boat.

A “Freudian Slip” in the making?? All photos at the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering were taken by Paul Marshall unless otherwise stated. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 20 GRAND PRIZE DRAW

The response to our Draw has been exceptional, with 6,150 tickets sold. As before, the Draw was made by members of the audience at our Social Evening at Whittington Village Hall on Saturday, 26th October 2013. The lucky winners are:

1 11628 £500 cash. Mr Robert Stammers, Lichfield. 2 07640 £150 “off your holiday”. Miss L Alexander, Harborne, Birmingham. 3 00642 £50 Marks & Spencer Mrs K Dean, Chase Terrace, voucher sponsored by a Staffordshire. Trust member. 4 03932 “The Lichfield Collection” Mr T Habart, Lichfield. silver photo frame by Arthur Price. 5 09157 Selection from DVD Mr E H Foakes, catalogue by Laurence Bury St. Edmunds. Hogg Productions. 6 12263 “The Greatest Steam Mr R J Larkin, Lichfield. Locomotives” DVD and book set. 7 14612 Photomosaic 1,000-piece Mr P Simms, Tamworth jig-saw puzzle of the “Titanic”. 8 00298 Authenticated ornamental Parkes family, Tamworth. dish. 9 14022 “British Birds Handbook”. Dr R W Brooks, Walsall.

We thank all our members who supported this fund-raising activity and to our willing volunteers who made a special effort in this 25th Anniversary Year.

Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 21 Money Matters

25th Anniversary Fund for 2013 As we come near to the end of the year, it is reasonable to think that we have now received most of the income we could expect for this Fund. At the start of the year, our 25th anniversary suggested we should set a funding target of £25,000 in anticipation of a programme of potentially lucrative events, largely featuring our Sales and Promotions Team.

We can summarise net income from the main promotional sources as

March Penkridge Jumble Sale and Quiz Evening £1,010 Apr-May Terry Brown’s Walk and Cathedral Concert £2,840 May Local events and Crick Boat Show £2,015 June Pelsall, and Braunston Shows £2,455 July - Aug Lichfield Festival, Cars in the Park, Lupin Farm shows £1,305 Sept Huddlesford Heritage Gathering £10,195 Annual L&H Grand Prize Draw sales £6,150 Various Legacies, bequests and special donations £18,480 TOTAL £44,450

With many other valuable donations throughout the year, the final total will be more like £50,000, a result beyond all our hopes back in January.

WE THANK EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED IN WHATEVER WAY TOWARDS OUR APPEAL TO MAKE THIS AN UNFORGETTABLE SILVER ANNIVERSARY !

Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

The views expressed in Cut Both Ways do not necessarily represent those of the Trust or the Editor. They are however published as being of interest to our readership. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 22 Money Matters

Photo by Brian Ward The BCNS formally present their Pelsall Show dividend of £1,000.

The IWA formally present a cheque of £300 at the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 23 Lichfield Canal Work Report

The summer has come and gone before we know it, and, as I write this report, the weather has taken a distinct turn for the worse, bringing us problems with difficult and occasionally miserable conditions, but we soldier on as ever, a happy and friendly gang. We have achieved a lot of good work over the summer, the most obvious being the completion of the towpath wall coping, which was mentioned in the last issue. This was a very big undertaking for us, and could not have been achieved without a lot of care and effort. Particular mention must go to Andrew, Hugh and Simon, who between them mastered the technique for setting up the shuttering, and to Keith, our senior digger driver, who had the task of transferring the concrete from the mixer truck into the shuttering, Finishing the final pour of the towpath wall coping a skilful operation in often difficult conditions. We have now turned our Celebrating the completion of an attention to the completion of impressive achievement the backfilling and extension of the towpath, a job which involves moving a large volume of material from Pound 25 down to the section below the “narrows”, a distance of about 1/4 of a mile. Once tipped, the material (soil, rubble, sandstone, broken bottles, old bikes etc.) has to be levelled and compacted in layers until we reach the correct height, when we can finish off with a suitable surface. The scrub clearance at Fosseway Lane and by the lift bridge in Darnford Heath has been taken on, mainly by “The Staffords”, Roger and Jean, who excel at a task unloved by others. This has opened up more opportunities for walkers and will eventually become part of the Heritage Towpath Trail, a path along the route of the canal from Ogley to Huddlesford. Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 24 Lichfield Canal Work Report

The tests on the new waterproofing system have continued throughout the summer,. Despite an “improved” product, different methods of installation, and considerable efforts by our hardworking volunteer team, the matter is still under investigation. We have also been quite active socially. At the end of June we held a barbecue at Tamworth Rd., which gave a chance for wives, families and other members to get to meet each other and to see what we do in our hobby. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful evening, including Ossie who entertained us with his guitar and songs, we hope to make it at least an annual event. On the subject of social dining, for a long time we have taken our lunch in cramped conditions and on a sloping floor in a lean-to at the back of the garage. One wet Sunday afternoon we cleared it all out and built a raised level floor, so now we have a comfortable “sun terrace” overlooking the Lock 26 bywash. The work party also made The next generation of restorers a good contribution to the success of the Huddlesford gathering; manning the trip boat through the weekend and giving people a chance to try their hand at operating the Trust’s mini excavator, transported to and from the site by Peter Magee. Thanks to Simon as the chief instructor and to Jean for her help with younger children. We hoped to recruit a few new volunteers at this attraction, but sadly, most of our trainees were much too young; so once again I return to the perennial appeal to anyone who feels they’d like to join us. We depend so much on a small group of volunteers, who work wonders and to whom I’m very grateful for their help and friendship, but we always need more hands. I know it isn’t always easy to join an established group in a new environment, but you’d find us friendly and welcoming. Any practical skills are useful, but enthusiasm and a happy attitude are more important. Please consider coming along, our details are on the website or at the back of this magazine. Finally, thanks to all the people who have donated items of equipment to replace those stolen in the break-ins earlier in the year, your generosity has helped us to carry on with our work unchecked and is much appreciated (Photos by Terry Brown).

Terry Brown (Lichfield Site Manager) Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 25 Curly Whirly, Topsy-Turvy

As autumn beckons, time to look back on the highlights of the splendid summer we’ve enjoyed. For Blue Orchid it was spent nearer home than usual, for she-who-must- be-obeyed had wanted the exterior smartened up, so it was off to Matt Cooper’s yard at Norton Canes, and a fine job they made of it (I’m allowed to say so here as Matt’s father Dennis Cooper has long been a pillar of the LHCRT, particularly of the Hatherton which is too rarely in the limelight). Matt’s yard is only 15 minutes from home by road, more like 5 days by canal. Once more those fearsome 21 locks up to the high plateau of the level, to be done rather than enjoyed if there’s only two of you on board, no other boats about and it starts raining a third of the way up. The Wyrley & Essington (“Curly Whirly” to local boaters) we followed from there proved to be much prettier in places than we’d imagined of this Black Country canal. But we were warned off mooring in one place by the local fishermen, who knew the local youths...we felt better about things when the pub with no food invited us to order an Indian takeaway to be delivered there, providing us with plates, cutlery and a bottle of wine! Our first objective was the Pelsall Festival in mid-June, in delightful, post-industrial surroundings (a hundred years ago the area abounded with collieries and ironworks, now meadows and nature reserves). Many familiar faces, and many locals delighted with all the boats and stalls, if on a less grand scale than our Huddlesford gathering in September. After it was over we went to the present end of the canal at Anglesey Basin by , now full again after its recent repairs. On the way we passed Ogley Junction, the top end of the Lichfield Canal, and wondered how long before we’d be able to go down those 30 locks to Huddlesford and hence back to base (photo by David Dixon). When Blue Orchid emerged from the yard spick-and-span in September, we decided to “tick off” bits of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) our sturdy craft hadn’t explored before. First it was the Daw End and Rushall Canals from Catshill Junction which isn’t as pretty as it sounds. The Rushall Locks weren’t all in the best of repair: Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 26 Curly Whirly, Topsy-Turvy one pair of bottom gates wouldn’t stay open without both of us being ashore to keep them so, no option but to pull the boat though with a rope until the gates couldn’t close again, then back aboard to give some momentum with the engine. Then the Walsall, with vast quantities of lager cans floating in the cut; a concentration around Ocker Hill Junction (along with some amiable folk busy emptying them), more in the otherwise fine Basin by the Art Gallery (we thought the floating rubbish should be removed by the local Council whose citizens, rather than CRT’s boaters, will have thrown it in). Sad, too, that we were the only boat there. Going up the locks we had to take water from the Wolverhampton Level to fill pound 3, but CRT were on the case, a stoppage scheduled for two days after we passed to repair leaking paddles. The need to regularly clear the prop of plastic bags, wires etc, was not unexpected; and we had to creep along between weed extending far out from both banks – African Queen country as Polly calls it, last encountered on the Chesterfield. It was two days before we passed another boat under way, showing just how deserted are these waterways today. The lack of use of these canals reminded me of Tom Rolt’s description of the 1940s Staffs & Worcs in “Narrow Boat”. But that canal, when we were back on it, was as busy with boats used for pleasure as the BCN was in those days with cargo carriers: the waterway world has indeed been turned upside down. It brought home to me, more than any amount of LHCRT propaganda, how much this network needs the extra traffic which the reopened Lichfield Canal (or the Hatherton!) would bring, and how much in consequence it would revive the local economy. We must redouble efforts to make Walsall Borough’s politicians aware of this fact. David Dixon (Land and Property Officer)

Membership Details The Trust has been keeping membership records manually for the last 25 years and has decided to move over to an electronic system. This will be taking place over the next 3 months or so. As part of this move it would be helpful if members could let us have their email addresses so we can send information and renewals electronically which will save what is a considerable postage bill which could then be used to restore some more of the canal. If you could email me at [email protected] with your email address it would be appreciated.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 27 Recycle, Benefit your Environment Raise Funds for our Charity `Please donate your unwanted Gold, Silver, Costume Jewellery and Watches Parcel up your jewellery and post free of charge to:

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd, FREEPOST, CENTRAL, RECYCLING If you can, please ask your family, friends and colleagues to participate in this Jewellery Recycling Collection. Thank you very much for your support

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

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 28 Canal Transport Services Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

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

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

Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370

Membership rates are: Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6; Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Corporate £200; Life Membership £200, Family Life Membership £300 (includes children up to age 18). To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page).

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

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

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each Copies of issues 1 to 76 are available from Bob Williams Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, WS7 0JP Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd.

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 29 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LimiTeD. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429). Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from Ogley Junction to (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations. President Eric Wood vice-president David Suchet CBE. PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP. DIRECTORS Chairman Vice-Chairman & Land Officer Finance Brian Kingshott David Dixon Bob Williams 01547 530457 - Tel/Fax 01543 258512 – Home 01543 671427 (677687 - Fx) 07831 572642 - Mobile 07807 258957 – Mobile 07973 293834 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Membership Environment & Fundraising Vacant, Trevor Morris Geoff Crook pending a new appointment 0121 354 7952 01543 254826 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Plant Project Planning Marketing & Promotion Peter Magee Mike Battisson John Bryan 01889 578289 – Home/Fax 01543 300090 01543 683586 01889 577005 - Work 07984 437284 - Mobile [email protected] 07973 509232 – Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Health & Safety Engineering Lichfield Sites Manager Bob Mullarkey (& Lichfield Cruising Club rep) Terry Brown 01543 251408 – Home Peter Buck 01889 576574 - Home 01543 426811 – Work 01543 268041 - Home 07855 810568 – Mobile 07973 719215 – Mobile 07966 123239 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Officers IWA Nominee Magazine Editor Website Vaughan Welch Stefan Szulc Paul Marshall 0121 477 9782 – Home 01543 677156 01543 410646 07971 202406 – Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Hatherton Work Party Membership Assistant Publicity Officer Denis Cooper Pat Ainge Tom Reid 01889 801242 - Home 01543 319754 - Home 01543 374370 – Work 07850 421851 – Mobile 07840 300178 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING Limited. Company No 3686837 -Chairman: Brian Kingshott; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk

Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 30 Cut Both Ways Autumn 2013 31 Braunston Marina are proud to BACK the campaign to save the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals.

keep digging the ground from under their feet! Braunston Marina The Wharf, Braunston, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire. NN11 7JH Telephone: 01788 891373 Fax: 01788 891436 web site: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk email: [email protected]