MUSEUM MATTERS August 2018

Roy Sears 13th September 1945 to 6th June 2018 Newsletter of The Friends of The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne Chairman's Jottings Mick Butler At the moment there is very little to report on Museum, well recognising that the entire the positive side. Fortunately, the Museum Stoke Bruerne canal corridor area is a key and the café - sometimes even to element in the Trust’s overall grand plan. overflowing - have been doing very well thanks largely to the wonderful weather, but In the meantime, we just have to maintain a behind the scenes it is very much a status general watching brief on things, carrying quo situation. out minor, yet essential, maintenance tasks to the exhibits, helping to look after Sculptor As I have explained previously, while the and undertaking the boat’s occasional trips now soon-to-be-completed Canal & River to local canal events. The Sculptor team Trust management re-organisation has would dearly like to do more but been under way, a virtual complete stop to acknowledge that the restraints now placed progress on any future developments has upon them are, I would like to describe, for been in force. To a large extent this is the future 'greater good'. understandable but, oh dear, isn’t it frustrating. By now The Friends were hoping that substantial progress would have been made on the Trust's sizeable Heritage Lottery Fund grant application. Unfortunately, the bid is on hold although I am assured it will be reinstated again very soon, hopefully before the end of the year. We all want to see a modernised and refreshed Museum with new and imaginative exhibits, other attractions and amenities, including a lift to the upper Sculptor being measured for new cloths - galleries, but patience still has to be the we are keen to continue with the watchword. I will keep you posted. I know maintenance the boat requires to protect our previous investments (Photo: KD) only too well that CRT people all the way from the very top are batting on behalf of the You will find in this issue of Museum Matters reports of some of the things that In this Issue have been happening, will happen and are planned. There is also a tribute to Roy Chairman's Jottings 2 Sears, an influential presence in the setting FoCM News 4 up of The Friends group who, very Sculptor update 5 tragically, died in a road accident in early Roy Sears 6 June. I only came to know Roy in recent Canal & River Trust reorganisation 9 years but soon realised what a genuinely

Cover picture: Roy Sears 13th September 1945 to 6th June 2018 (Photo: Christine Sears)

© The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 2 Chairman's Jottings Mick Butler lovely gentleman he was - friendly, sincere, interested and would like to know more of dedicated to whatever activity or cause he what is involved, please get in touch with was involved with. To say he will be greatly me for an informal chat. My contact details missed is the understatement of the year. I are on page 16. can only endorse all the good things that are being said and written about him. Now perhaps I am saving the best till last! Christine, we have truly lost someone very None other than our Village at War th th special. We are all thinking of you and your Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, 8 -9 th family. September. This is our 11 year of being at war and over the years the event has firmly established itself as one of the most popular and successful re-enactment occasions in the country. The re-enactors really do throw themselves enthusiastically into the occasion - we see the same faces every year, joined by new faces and also new entertainment. The public love it too - in their thousands. Let’s hope for a fine weekend. At the time of writing the sun is still shining. Although we dearly need the rain, rain gods please be kind to us this year! And if anyone wishes to get involved in a volunteering role over the weekend, please liaise with the Museum. We can always find a job for you.

Remember, The Friends as a group always welcome your thoughts and contributions. Roy and Christine Sears ready to enjoy a Village at War event (Photo: LS)

Moving forward, The Friends’ Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 7.30pm on Thursday 22nd November. It will be held, as usual, in the café at the Museum. After the business session, which we try to keep to within half an hour, there will be an informal reception with light refreshments. Please let us know in advance of your intended attendance so that we can cater accordingly. It would be nice to think we shall have a few new names put forward for election to The Friends’ Council. If you are Don't forget to come along and enjoy our Village at War (Photo: KD)

Over and Under the Hill - There is another Financial Update chance to experience a journey through Blisworth Tunnel with a historical By the start of the year, reserves stood at commentary on trip boat Charlie and walk around £80,000. There have been only back over Blisworth Hill in the company of small items of expenditure on running costs knowledgeable heritage guides. The walk for the charity and on the rope exhibit in the distance is about 2 miles and duration is Museum. Sculptor was taken to the annual about 2 hours. Places are limited and the Historic Boat Show at Braunston and we price is £6 for adults and £4 for children. are very grateful to the organisers who The walk and boat is organised by Stoke have now donated £1,000 to the The Bruerne Boat Company and Stoke Bruerne Friends. Canal Partnership in conjunction with The Canal Museum and the Canal & River Works are needed on on various parts of Trust. To book contact Stoke Bruerne Boat Sculptor and discussions are ongoing Company on 07966 503609 or email about these. We have indicated a sizeable [email protected] donation to CRT to help with these costs, but we await a decision regarding timing. Village at War, Stoke Bruerne - It's almost that time again. Over the weekend of 8th & Paul Lynam, Trustee and Treasurer. 9th September, Stoke Bruerne will once again be going back in time to the 1940s. FoCM Events This will be the 11th year this award winning re-enactment event has been staged and Table Top Sale - On Bank Holiday Monday as usual the village will be packed with 27th August there will be a table-top sale on vintage entertainers, a black market, the Museum Green alongside The military and vintage vehicles, living history Museum. It will be under cover if the groups, individual re-enactors, fashion weather is inclement. If you'd like to parades, memorabilia displays, fly pasts, declutter and sell some unwanted gifts or tea dances and much much more. This bric-a-brac, book space at just £5 per table, popular event raises funds for The Friends or just come along and have a browse. All of The Canal Museum and also benefits proceeds to The Friends of The Canal other not-for-profit groups and charities, so Museum (registered charity no. 1121146). please come along and support it. Donations from sales of items also Weekend passes are £10 (accompanied welcome. To book a table, or for more children under 16 free) including free entry information, contact Lynda Payton 01604 to the Museum and parking. For more 862501 or email information check out the website at [email protected] www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk/ vaw-2018 or telephone 01604 862229

© The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 4 Sculptor Update Kathryn Dodington Sculptor has had a relatively quiet summer had us back in Stoke Bruerne around so far. We took Sculptor to the Crick Boat midnight. Rob and Kathryn recovered Show and this time had different moorings Sculptor a couple of days later. on the other side of the marina. We had a huge success in showing people Sculptor We had a lovely weekend at the Braunston and talking about her history – we estimate Historic weekend mixing with other historic we engaged with about 1,200 people over boats and, perhaps, more importantly, the three days. mixing with like-minded people. We had the pleasure of the company of Sue and David Daines on Cyprus for the return trip together with our curatorial person Steve Bagley – it was Steve’s first time through Blisworth which he thoroughly enjoyed. Tim Coghlan kindly donated £1,000 to Sculptor's causes – Tim has been incredibly generous over the years so thank you to him and to Braunston Marina. That Sculptor's ongoing maintenance is concerning The money is allocated to Sculptor Friends and the Sculptor volunteers (Photo: KD) and remains so.

The return trip was challenging. We had to We are currently in discussion with Canal & wait until Raymond was moved as we were River Trust about Sculptor’s maintenance – on a long finger mooring with very little room there is a concern that despite The Friends to swing Sculptor into the marina proper. of The Canal Museum wishing to help However, we were away by 09:00 and financially with this, we don’t seem to be made good progress through Crick Tunnel able to agree when this maintenance to the top of Watford. We enjoyed, if that’s should be carried out. It is important to note the right word, 4½ hours waiting at the top that Sculptor belongs to Canal & River of Watford whilst boats in front of us, and Trust and they have strict legal guidelines ascending the flight, took precedence. This as to what can and cannot be done and the not only meant that we missed our usual way in which anything is done but there are ‘sausage sandwich’ at the bottom of things that desperately need attention to Buckby but also, with great help from Steve protect The Friends' investment in Sculptor and Steph Furniss at Grand Union following a period during which British Narrowboats in Weedon, left Sculptor Waterways and Canal & River Trust did not safely with them as pushing on would have invest sufficiently in her.

© The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 5 Roy Sears Helen Westlake Roy Sears lost his life tragically as a result Roy represented the Parish Council on the of a road accident early in June. A resident Stoke Bruerne Environmental Working of Stoke Bruerne for over 50 years, Roy Party from its inception in 1993 till 2005 and was a huge inspiration and driver of canal later was the representative on its and village improvements for many years. successor, the Stoke Bruerne Canal Roy served on Stoke Bruerne Parish Partnership from 2008 – 2013. He actively Council from around 1990 – 2013. He supported numerous schemes along the masterminded the funding and introduction canal corridor, e.g. the inception of the Lock of a new street lighting system for the whole 14 footbridge, countless varied Museum village, using traditional designs. Roy’s improvements, the opening of the Museum love of music and the village led him to tea rooms, the introduction of a blacksmith become a driving force behind the into the previously derelict forge and many organisation of a number of concerts in St more. Roy encouraged, cajoled, Mary’s Church around the time of the persuaded and bent the ear of any and millennium, to raise funds to establish the everyone who might be in a position to help new church floodlighting and the achieve the projects in which he so refurbished church clock, both of which passionately believed and, as a result, was were causes dear to his heart and which he often successful against the odds. At any pursued with his trade mark doggedness and every fund-raising or celebratory and enthusiasm. event, he and his wife Christine generously opened their beautiful canalside garden for strawberry teas, champagne and musical entertainment. One of the present Partnership’s members, Kathryn Dodington, stated that "he will forever remain in my memory as a true gentleman".

In addition to his prolific support for canal and village related matters, Roy was gifted in art and design and a lover of music. I first came across Roy as a key instigator behind an amazing festival organised jointly by Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger in 1989, for which Roy did much in the way of publicity including programme design in his distinctive canal sign-writing style. Roy’s skills came to the fore many times in Roy in the engine room of his beloved subsequent years. For example, he narrowboat Hoperidge (Photo: BM) designed publicity material for Stoke

© The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 6 Roy Sears Helen Westlake Bruerne CE Primary School, helping them achieve attendances which ensure the future of the school. After ceasing to work for Avon Cosmetics, he set up Stoke Classics which marketed ceramics in canalware style, including a plate to commemorate the reopening of Blisworth Tunnel. He loved Measham ware and the lamp in that style with which I was presented when I left SB Parish Council will always remind me of Roy.

Roy was also instrumental in setting up The Friends of the Canal Museum. Lynda Payton, on behalf Roy dressed to the nines for a recent Village at War of the present Committee, recalls (Photo: LP) that Roy "was at the public meeting in 2006 which saw the formation of The also headed up a campaign to register the Friends of The Canal Museum. In fact he green opposite the school as a formal seconded Chairman Tim Boswell MP's Village Green and personally installed the resolution that David Blagrove and I set up post and chain fence around it and later a steering group to establish the Friends. planted the black mulberry tree there in No surprise then that Roy joined the commemoration of The Blisworth tunnel steering group and then the committee of reopening. He strongly supported the the Friends itself, serving at one point as the village school and the introduction of new elected representative of the Museums play equipment on the Playing Field. Management Board when the Museum was under the operation of The Waterways Latterly, after the death of David Blagrove, Trust." MBE, Roy’s energies turned towards the setting up of the David Blagrove Trust, of On the Parish Council he also promoted the which he became joint Chairman. Bill retention and improvement of public Mann, the remaining joint chairman, writes: transport, urging villagers to use the "His latest project was being a key figure in service, leafleting every household the setting up of the David Blagrove Trust. regularly and constantly urging NCC and David passed away in August 2016 and left bus companies to improve the service. He behind a huge legacy which Roy was keen

© The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 7 Roy Sears Helen Westlake to carry on. Like David, he was enthusiastic Outside of Stoke Bruerne, Roy about giving young people team building enthusiastically supported a wide range of experiences using the canal and its other canal or rail linked projects. This is infrastructure. He believed that working as reflected in the family’s request for any a team could expand their vision and sow donations in his memory to be made to the the seeds that would help them through Cotswold Canals Trust or the their lives in understanding other opinions Gloucestershire and Warwickshire and considerations. Like David, Roy was Railway Trust. also determined to promote the well being of the village community. These two aims Roy was a man of many talents, unfailing became focused in the David Blagrove energy, enthusiasm and dogged Trust, in which Roy played a fundamental determination to see projects through to role. Roy, with his wife Christine was the completion, polite, generous of his time and main driving force of the Trust’s first chivalrous to all. To measure his fundraising event which was a resounding contribution to the canal and village at success. I am pleased to say that at our last Stoke Bruerne is an impossible task. He meeting the trust elected to combine both will be hugely missed. the legacies of David and Roy and carry them forward. Roy will be sadly missed."

Roy masterminding a bus trip in aid of the David Blagrove Trust (Photo: BM)

As some of you will know, there have been some organisational changes within Canal & River Trust, following an announcement in December 2017. You may also have seen that we relaunched our brand in May and so it has been quite a busy time for the Trust.

How does it affect Stoke Bruerne and the Museum?

Stoke Bruerne has moved into the East Midlands region which starts at the Iron East Midlands Regional Director Phil Trunk aqueduct, extends as far west as Mulligan (Photo: Canal & River Trust) Braunston Turn, does not include the north Reporting structure Oxford but extends northwards by way of Norton Junction and the Leicester Line to The Regional Director (as the previous Nottingham, Derby, the rivers Trent and Waterway Managers are now known) is to th Soar and east into the larger river-based be Phil Mulligan (Phil starts on 28 August). In the meantime that role is being waterways. Specifically they are the caretaken by Jenny Whitehall who has Leicester Line and its arms, Ashby Canal, been with Canal & River Trust and British Grantham Canal, Nottingham & Beeston Waterways for some 40 years. Graham canal, River Witham, Fossdyke Navigation, Boxer, as Head of Museums, reports to Trent and Mersey Canal, Northampton Stuart Mills, the Chief Investment Officer. Arm, River Soar, Erewash Canal, River Trent, Upper Trent and the Grand Union Village at War Canal. Richard Parry (Chief Executive), Julie The Museum remains ‘as was’ in that the Sharman (Chief Operating Officer), Jenny collection is under the care and control of Whitehall and Phil Mulligan have all Graham Boxer as Head of Museums, and indicated they will attend this year’s Village specifically Margaret Harrison as at War event – not all four on the same day Collections Manager. Everything other we hope – so there may be an opportunity than the collection and Stoke Bruerne in to meet them informally. general remains with the Region. The whole site is considered to be an important visitor attraction for the Trust which the Region are keen to develop.

© The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 9 © The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 10 © The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 11 Braunston Historic weekend

Accepting Braunston Marina's very generous cheque for £1,000 on the counter of Sculptor is (L to R) Rob Westlake and Matthew Harris with David Suchet, David's wife Sheila Ferris and Tim Coghlan (Photo: Braunston Marina)

Sculptor and Cyprus breasted up ascending Braunston flight after the Braunston Historic weekend (Photo: RW) © The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 12 Canal Museum

The new Rope and Knots exhibition board in the Museum put togther by Lorna York, Brian Collings, Lynda Payton, Brian Mayland and Rodney Hardwick (Photo: LP)

Phil Underwood and Nancy Potts, otherwise known as Bonnet and Belt, performing in the marquee at Stoke Bruerne recently (Photo: LP)

Laura Sturrock entertaining a family with her book binding stall. The Craft Day was very successful and plans are being worked on for another in 2019 (Photo: LP)

Traditional rug making and fender making were on display at the Craft Day (Photo: LP)

August 1st Teddy Bear's Picnic 11:00 9th/16th/23rd Terrific Thursdays (Explorer Team) 11:00 25th/26th Pirate Weekend 11:00 27th Table Top Sale (FoCM) 11:00 September 1st/2nd Roses and Castles painting course (sold out) 10:00 1st Over and Under The Hill (SB Canal Partnership) 17:00 8th/9th Village at War 10:00 29th/30th Roses and Castles painting course 10:00 October 6th/14th South Northants Art Trail (Canal Museum) 11:00 24th Big Draw (SB Canal Partnership) 11:00

THE FRIENDS OF THE CANAL MUSEUM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

to be held on Thursday 22nd November 2018 in the Canal Museum commencing at 19:30 (7.30pm)

AGENDA

• Apologies for absence • Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting of The Friends of The Canal Museum held on Thursday, 23rd November, 2017 at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne • Matters Arising • Chairman’s Report • Treasurer’s Report • Election of Members of Council • Any other business

At the time of publication of this notice, there are three vacancies on the Committee, which also includes one ex-officio seat held by the Manager of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. Under the terms of the Constitution Rob Westake and Trevor Allum retire by rotation and seek re-election. Other nominations for Council must be received by the Chairman, Michael Butler, 7 Primula Close, Billing Road East, Northampton, NN3 3QD by 15th November 2018.

All those voting must be fully paid up members of The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne.

SIGNED: Michael Butler, Chairman, The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne.

After the Annual General Meeting, there will be a social evening with refreshments served.

The Friends of The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne (The Friends) may not agree with the opinions expressed in this newsletter, but encourages publication as a matter of interest. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official statement unless so stated. The Friends accept no liability for any matter, errors or omissions contained within this newsletter. We will however gladly publish corrections if notified. The Editor reserves the right to shorten or modify articles published in the interests of space or clarity. © The Friends of The Canal Museum www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk Registered Charity No 1121146 Page 15 FoCM Council

Chairman Michael Butler - also a Trustee ([email protected] or 01604 473756)

Vice-Chairman Lorna York - also a Trustee

Treasurer Paul Lynam ([email protected]) and a Trustee

Membership Secretary Laura Sturrock ([email protected])

Publicity & Website, Grant Funding & Awards Lynda Payton 01604 861205 ([email protected]) and a Trustee

Minutes Secretary Lynda Payton - (pro tem) Photographic Credits

Newsletter KD Kathryn Dodington FoCM Kathryn Dodington RW Rob Westlake FoCM ([email protected]) LP Lynda Payton FoCM LS Louise Stockwin CRT Other BM Bill Mann DBT Rob Westlake Museum Manager (ex-officio seat)

Curatorial Group Steve Bagley (CRT), Louise Stockwin (CRT), Brian Collings, Rodney Hardwick, Brian Mayland, Lorna York, Lynda Payton, Olive Minney and Kathryn Dodington

Non-Council Post Roger Hasdell Asst Newsletter Editor