The Magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners Issue 3 May 2019

CRUISING RESTRICTIONS HOW WIDE IS THE NORTH OXFORD? THE TOP TWENTY BSS FAULTS 2

The NABO Council Regional Representatives Chair Anglian Waterways Stella Ridgway Vacant The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners 07904 091931, [email protected] East Midlands Waterways Issue 3 May 2019 Vice-Chair Joan Jamieson Vacant 0115 981 2047 [email protected] Contents Next NABO News copy date Treasurer London Waterways Helen Hutt David Williams 4 Editorial Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most wel­come. Images in JPEG 07813 496208 [email protected] 5 In the Chair 07831 682092, [email protected] format please. Please email or post your contri- Middle Level 6 Fly on the wall Legal Affairs and BSS Rep. butions by June 29th 2019. Our email address is Vacant 7 Membership news: Website and email Mike Rodd [email protected] North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Shared 8 Around the regions: London & South 07831 860199, [email protected] East, Wales & South West, North West NABO News Editor Ownership Rep. Cover photo 10 News: CRT Council report Peter Fellows Howard Anguish 01482 669876 [email protected], shareowners@ 11 Summer ‘roving rally’ cruise, The This month’s cover photo by the Editor shows 19 High Street, Bonsall, Derbyshire, DE4 2AS charming 01629 825267, [email protected] nabo.org.uk April storm clouds over the near 12 Cruising restrictions Webmaster, NAG (Operations) and BSS Rep. North Wales & Borders Waterways Hinckley. David S. Fletcher David Fletcher 13 CRT news: New boater surveys, Win a year’s free membership by having your [email protected] Dredging in 2019-20, National boat photo selected for the front cover of NABO 07719 276659, [email protected] count. News. Please email photos as JPEG attachments, Media Officer North West Waterways Peter Vickers 14 Boating: Welfare guidance ideally portrait format with a file size of 2MB or Alison Tuck 16 Mutual benefit larger. 07517157154 [email protected] 07450 108659, [email protected] 19 Cost of living afloat and boaters’ data River Severn Communications Officer, Moorings Rep. 20 Top-twenty BSS faults Mark Tizard Phil Goulding (details left) 22 Talking points: Modern boating 07818 757676, [email protected] River Thames 24 Nowhere to turn: CRT abdicates Continuous Cruising Rep. Graham Paterson responsibility on the North Oxford Phil Goulding 0118 986 3959 [email protected] canal 01271 865340, [email protected] River Trent 27 Techie’s Corner: Diesel bug Regional Reps. Coordinator, Promotion and Vacant 28 Rewind: Issue No 3, 2004 Recruitment South East Waterways 29 Letters, I name this boat Ken Hylins Geoff Wood 07852 911539, [email protected] 07968 491118 [email protected] Minutes Secretary Southern Waterways , Welsh Waterways Vacant Mike Rodd General Sec. (External Relations) [email protected] Mark Tizard West Midlands Waterways 07818 757676, [email protected] Alison Tuck NABO News is published by the [email protected] National Association of Boat Owners

Additional Contacts PO Box 7366, Wolverhampton, WV1 9GQ NABO Online Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink Assistant for the Disabled National Association of Boat Owners Ken Hylins Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct Mark Tizard 07852 911539, [email protected] or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The Administration views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not Twitter @NABO_Official necessarily endorsed by the Association. Vacant David Fletcher CRT Emergency No: 0800 4799947 EA Emergency No: 0800 807060 Contact CRT waterway managers at canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-regions NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 4 5 The Editor’s Column In the Chair

t’s not yet summer and there gas and diesel will eventually happen t my meeting with Daniel and we will see if anything happens. are already boating restrictions and I believe navigation authorities Greenhalgh, the new NW We also discussed the increase in in place because of damaged should be planning now to provide Regional Director who liveaboard boaters, including the I or failed infrastructure and facilities for all-electric boats, so that A kindly came to my boat so challenges, but also the opportuni- low reservoirs, the latter following new craft can be built to this speci- I didn’t have to travel, we discussed ties, that these boaters bring, such the lack of winter and spring rainfall fication. NABO’s role with the Trust and how as increased footfall along after last year’s record-breaking dry I’ve included a summary of CRT’s we can be a critical friend in assist- and safer areas. summer. In the news section, I’ve Boater Report 2018 in which the ing it. I also mentioned the repairs be- listed a summary of restricted Trust explains how it benefits boat- We discussed lack of facilities; ing undertaken along this section opening hours, as of the beginning ers and needs our support. It has there are no showers at all on the of the and in the of May, but it can’t be long before also introduced a shortened an- Macclesfield or Peak Forest . North West; they have a team that other canals with limited reservoir nual survey of boaters, renamed This may not seem important to is going round doing small repairs. I the ‘Perceptions of the Trust’ sur- some, but the ability to shower for hope it’s the same in other regions as vey, and a new monthly ‘Waterway longer than four minutes is a treat Experience’ survey that aims to ‘get (do let me know if you can shower Warming climate a much clearer picture of what’s af- in less time) and to have the use of Community fecting boaters as it happens and a washing machine for bulky items and relationships? react quickly’ so that CRT can ‘be would be wonderful, particularly as involvement more responsive and target our launderettes become fewer. We also Editor Peter Fellows detects changes that could maintenance and repair work on discussed the transhipment sheds Stella Ridgway meets the North West Regional affect boaters both negatively and positively. the areas that really need it’. All this at both Whaley Bridge and Marple, Director. seems to indicate a shift in attitude and noticed that the Toll House was towards boaters. It may be a coin- open in Marple last Saturday—un- it seems to be working up here. As capacity follow suit. I know that UK cidence, or maybe boaters’ negative fortunately, only open when I was on always, if you report a fault to CRT, weather is notoriously variable, but comments last year on CRT’s logo dialysis, but the photos I saw looked please do everything through the Whaley Bridge scientists say that climate warming is and change to the ‘waterways and good. The planning application for website or by phone to the central transhipment shed, built now a reality. CRT’s Hydrology Unit wellbeing’ Trust, are having an ef- the wharf development at Marple switchboard, so that it gets logged. to transfer materials from has plans to mitigate its effects on fect. Likewise, the NABO Council was refused and I haven’t heard what This brings me to the ongoing the Peak Forest canal the waterways, but we should all be members who are meeting regularly the next steps will be, but I wish ‘Share the Space’ campaign. I asked under the centre arch to or doing more individually, whether by with CRT’s regional directors report that the Trust would concentrate that the form on the CRT website be from the Cromford & High supporting Extinction Rebellion and the meetings to be ‘open, friendly on looking for ways to engage not updated, so that you can report inci- Peak Railway—the two Greta Thunberg’s kids’ campaign, or and positive’ and ‘beginning to show only the land-based community but dents, such as near misses, accidents side arches. reducing our personal impact on the the real benefit of a close working the boating community as well. The etc. I would encourage the use of Illuatration: www.whaleybridge.com environment. Phasing out the use of relationship between CRT and its transhipment sheds offer a unique this so that there are logged reports boating community’. Long may this opportunity to bring the two com- and not merely anecdotal evidence continue. munities together and I hope that of bad behaviour by some Also in this issue, Mark Tizard this is noted. users (be they cyclists, anglers, boat- shares his thoughts on how the boat- Too often, and the new Regional ers). Increased commuting use and ing community is changing, with a Advisory Boards are testament to speeding by a very small section of new category of ‘financial boaters’ this, when I enquired at CRT’s AGM cyclists, who persist in not slow- growing fast, Kevin McNiff details about boaters being on the Regional ing down for anyone, is a cause for problems of widebeam boats on Advisory Group, we were told that it concern. I have also noticed that the narrow North and was on the wellbeing agenda for in- mobility scooters are a worry. Is in- Tony Brooks deals with the dread- clusion of the wider community. This creased signage at access points the ed diesel bug in Techies’ Corner. is where boaters’ perceptions arise answer? Let us know. Finally, my thanks to members who of not being included; the boating Finally, I have a CRT Council have taken the time to write letters; community is side-lined as being ‘on Boaters’ Reps. meeting on 20th May, please keep them coming and also the water’ and that boaters ‘animate which I will be attending. I will be let me know if there are specific the canals’, as if we are there just to raising the above points, but if there technical topics that you would like be gongoozled at and no more. He is anything you feel that I should talk Tony to address. did make a note of those two points about, please email me. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 6 7 NABO Council, April 28th 2019 Membership News The NABO website and email he wonders of A boater is apparently being sued by David Fletcher describes improvements to NABO’s electronic communications technology al- a cyclist who hit a mooring pin and lowed April’s Councillors wondered whether eve- T Council meet- ryone’s boat insurance covers legal ABO has a website and email service ing to take place by claims. that is at the core of our day-to-day teleconference, with half It prompted a discussion about and long-term business. The website of the members out on the whether CRT can pass a boater’s N is our online window and also the cut. details on to someone making a main depository of our knowledge base. We get News of CRT’s lat- claim (it can—as set out in the li- thousands of visits to the site, the most popular est staff reorganisation cence terms and conditions) and being the listing of Parliamentary Acts and our is reaching NABO from all regions whether CRT has a duty of care in recruitment pages. Nearly all of our new mem- of the country, with waterway staff areas along its navigations (not at all bers join online through the website, referred having to apply for their jobs, re- clear). As the land-owner, CRT gives from social media and our members’ hard re- dundancies in May, and morale at a permission for walkers and cyclists cruitment work. low point. Several Council members (and boaters) to use its towpaths The services are provided by a commercial had met waterway directors since and it could spell out each group’s internet service provider, as part of a package the March meeting and reported responsibilities. Obviously, boaters that provides a web presence, data storage, email shouldn’t tie mooring ropes across services and support. For members, this is all towpaths, but should they have a very opaque, as you cannot tell who is providing Fly on the wall responsibility to make mooring pins the services; it just comes down the wire or the highly visible (as many do already, phone signal, and there it is. All that members Observes proceedings at the April Council with plastic bottles or bright balls need to be sure of is that the system is secure. on the pins)? Or should cyclists take The services are very good value for money; only responsibility for their safety by be- a couple of hundred pounds each year. But for good exchanges of views. There have ing vigilant? The real problem is that the web team (me), support is a key element. If email services. The website and log-in are all the also been some CRT ‘strategic study many cyclists see the routes as cy- things go wrong, can I get help? same so, as members, you will see no difference. days’ in which invited attendees dis- cle-ways not towpaths. Councillors For many years, we have been having prob- The prize we are chasing is more reliable email NABO calendar 2019 cuss the importance of a waterway thought it would be good for NABO lems with delivery of emails. We have become delivery. Early indications with the new system Council meetings are to local communities. It was pointed to offer guidance to its members. aware that some mails are being blocked, be- are good, though I continue to monitor the situa- held at boat clubs in the out that boaters are also a commu- Water shortages have started cause we get bounce-back messages, but there tion, take advice and make changes to the set-up. Midlands area. Members nity within other communities, and early this year, with lock restrictions are also some that simply disappear. We know The April bulletin went out on the new system are welcome to attend; they are able to exert influence and on the L&L and Grand Union canals that they get to the recipient’s system, but are with only one rejection, against 30 in March; al- please just let the support for land-based neighbours being introduced to save water. Most then blocked silently. This is highly frustrating ready a step change for the better. As I have said Secretary or the Chair in fighting off unwanted develop- boaters are aware of the need to con- when we are keen to use these tools for mem- many times, BT Internet email addresses and know in advance (contact ments, as seen in the attempt to serve water and will happily share bership communication, being both time- and some personal domains are the biggest problem, details inside cover). redevelop Marple Wharf. This is a broad locks and ensure paddles are cost-efficient. Our progress on use of email has as they continue to randomly reject emails. I can- The dates for Council precedent that can be used in future. down and gates are closed when been halted for more than a year because of the not complain to BT as I am not a customer, and meetings in 2019 are There was also welcome news they leave, but there is a minority lack of confidence in delivery of the mail. The they will not talk to me. Internet searches on this as follows: June 23rd, about CRT’s new ‘fast-response who just don’t give a damn and their mail industry is completely overwhelmed with issue reveal a long history of problems with BT September 1st, October the volume of junk mail, sent out by powerful rejecting mails and failing to address the point. 13th, November 17th teams’ of maintenance staff, who behaviour needs to be challenged. (includes AGM). now have the authority to fix any Finally, back to rubbish again, systems. The problem is that no system is go- One thing you can help with is to report back on new problems they come across with some canalside waste facilities ing to be perfect in getting this right; good mails the NABO bulletins. They go out on the first of when carrying out maintenance and being closed due to local residents vs. junk. We are also weary of the inbox full of the month, so if you are not getting these, please repair works. But there is less good fly-tipping (I hate that term—it junk; this has now reached the point where peo- drop me a line and we can try to sort it out. Of news about speeding cyclists not makes it sound like my fault!) their ple don’t read mails and delete them en bloc. So, course, you have to log an email address with us, ‘sharing the space’ on towpaths—the household refuse, costing CRT tens communication breaks down. For NABO it was in order to get them. Finally, if you are an expert latest were witnessed on the Grand of thousands annually to deal with. time for a change. In April, we completed a move on email delivery, SPF and DKIM settings, please Union in Warwick and Leamington. Byeee ... ‘til the summer. to another internet service provider with better speak up. I welcome expert advice. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 8 9 Around the Regions London & open meeting showed the real benefit of a close understood. The behaviour of cyclists was also was around. The area is now flooded and cannot working relationship between CRT and its boat- reviewed and the Sustrans representative high- be dewatered without some novel approach, and South East ing community. lighted a positive programme that they had there is no forecast available yet on a remedy. Mike Rodd On 29th April, I also attended the third in a started, aimed at addressing the excessive speed- The troubled work on Finsley Gate on the L&L series of invited meetings in Bath, held by CRT ing problem, about which they were extremely is promised to be completed by 18th June, just I travelled to CRT's office in to consult communities covered by the Wales concerned, along with most other canal users. before a nearby festival. The repair to Hurleston Milton Keynes with Helen & South West Waterways Region, falling under Overall, an excellent meeting with many positive bottom lock was cancelled last winter because Hutt for an hour-long 'get Richard Thomas. The objective was to brief key suggestions. of artesian groundwater below the lock and a to know you' meeting with representatives of local councils, representatives redesign of temporary works was required. The Ros Daniels, the Regional of various canal users, and related organisa- North West lock is usable with supervised passage for nor- Director for London & South East. tions such as Sustrans, the local police, etc. David Fletcher mal width , and the plan is to start Her background is in heritage and tourism Richard outlined the strategic programmes be- the repair in November to rebuild the towpath and she's only been in post for six months, but ing planned by his Directorate and stressed the I attended the the second side wall. The Lune Aqueduct on the Lancaster the meeting was open, friendly and positive. We importance of this meeting in understanding of two meetings for the re- canal and the Palmerston Street embankment touched on several topics of interest, including why the western end of the K&A was receiving gion in May at Anderton. in Macclesfield will be relined this winter. And ‘Share the Space’, boaters' facilities (or lack of) negative publicity. The well-attended and very The NW is a big area, a £1.5m dredging programme on the Peak Forest and volunteers, and we emphasised NABO's open and frank meeting then discussed some from Kendal in the North, and Macclesfield canals. willingness to share our knowledge and re- of the unpleasant incidents and environmental Audlem in the South, west- There was a question about the towpath at the sources for the benefit of all boaters. We agreed issues that had been reported, often relating to ern halves of the Pennine Chester Wall, which has been closed for years that we must keep the dialogue going—so what conflicts between the liveaboard community and routes and bits of the Llangollen in the West. because Chester Council and CRT cannot agree we need now is someone to do that: a NABO other canal users. Chaired by the Regional Director, Daniel on ownership, costs and liabilities. CRT has member who boats on the Oxford canal south of Greenhalgh, and supported by many of the team, done some work in good faith, removing vegeta- Banbury, the GU south of Cowley, London or the Daniel explained that the region has had a very tion and clearing the rock of debris, but it now Lea Navigation, who is willing to sit down and Around the busy year with multiple major issues, such as the thinks that Chester is being unreasonable in de- engage with Ros perhaps four times a year. Is that breach, repairs to Marsh lock on the nying ownership and liability for the rock, which you? Weaver, the Melling culvert failure, Marple lock supports the city walls—CRT has a point. I don’t Also, she would love to take up any offer of a 11 collapse and rebuild, water shortages, deaths want them to have liability for this either. trip on a member's , and told us she is regions with in Manchester clubland and internal rebranding I asked about erosion of boaters’ facilities, taking her helmsman's test shortly. So if you are and reorganisation. highlighting the loss of the Middlewich wa- on her patch and able to do this over the coming Going forward, he said there would be seven ter point and sluice, Barbridge water point and months, please let us know. NABO’s Area Operations Managers, handling the day- Hurleston facilities. There were no answers to-day issues, who would be the prime point of forthcoming as nobody knew the details. Daniel Wales & South West contact for major issues. A Reactive Operations acknowledged the problem and promises to re- Mike Rodd regional reps Manager would deal with emergency situations port on this specifically at the next meeting. such as leaks, blown cills, or broken paddles. Waste disposal costs were unsustainable at the Of particular importance was the regular meet- He acknowledged that the response on service moment with insecure sites being used by fly- ing of the Mon & Brec canal Boater Liaison The fact that many vulnerable people were issues has not been good and this arrangement tippers and also by the growth in their own waste Group on 27th March, also attended by Richard being poorly supported by the State, and hav- is designed to improve the situation. Daniel said from volunteer and CRT’s own activities. On Thomas, the CRT Waterways Director for Wales ing to cope on ever-decreasing incomes, was that he welcomed reports and comments from the plus side, only 4% of dredgings had to go to & South West. Much of the meeting was dedi- discussed in much detail. It was felt that CRT users on service issues. landfill this year, because other means have been cated to CRT's review of the extensive winter was doing its best to help, especially by working We had a couple of presentations on corporate found to deposit this material; a big saving. works that have been completed and a summa- with representative organisations and working topics, like the rebranding, wellness objectives Surprisingly, there was no mention of veg- ry of work being planned. It was highlighted that through CRT's Sean Williams and the enforce- and the like. All very interesting, but heavy go- etation and enhanced cutting plans. Obviously, the canal still has some serious problems relating ment team. There was a clear need for better ing when you want to talk about water points trees and grass don’t grow much in the north and to water loss, but these are all well identified and communications between all interested parties, and sluices that have vanished or the many boats it is much more fun rebuilding locks! receiving attention. and CRT would look at how best to handle that are stuck behind a major stoppage. A mem- Overall the meeting was hard work; there Of interest, too, was the CRT report on this. It was agreed that a form of ‘Canal Watch’ ber of the project team talked about current and was far too much corporate PowerPoint and not the planned Mon & Brec Adventure Triangle scheme should be introduced. The meeting then future works; there is a big problem at Saltisford enough nitty-gritty. Also, it covered far too big Project, noting that major funding has already discussed the continuous cruising requirements, lock where the cill has blown. During repairs, the an area. CRT reorganisation may be decentrali- been secured, in partnership with the local introduced some five years ago, and it was felt stop-plank brickwork collapsed, re-flooding the sation for them, but it is just the opposite for me. Torfaen Council. Once again, this relaxed but that these had been positive, if not always well lock—fortunately during the night when nobody They asked for feedback, so I said so. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 10 11 News

Representing you: NABO at the user groups we need responsible cyclists to set certain areas and particularly bad examples to the few who insist on behaviour is due to a minority; so re- speeding, which was the crux of the porting all incidents, no matter how CRT Council Report issue. A towpath is a small strip of minor, is important. land adjacent to the canal, usually After the various presentations, Stella Ridgeway reports back from the March 2019 council meeting no more than six feet wide and often we split into groups to see if we narrower than that, and everyone is could find any ideas. In brief, these The next CRT Council s usual, please be advised Governance report was issued and responsible for their own behaviour. were: better directional signage Meeting is after the these are my recollec- there are to be additional members AGM on Thursday Regarding anglers, if you see bad be- where there is a dedicated cycle- 19th September in tions from my notes and elected and appointed, to take ef- haviour, please report it as angling path nearby; more communication Birmingham. A therefore they should not fect from March 2020 after the next clubs sign a code of conduct with with Councils and other stakehold- be regarded as minutes; anything elections in December 2019. They CRT and can be fined if their mem- ers about access and egress; and missed is entirely down to the fact propose some additional elected bers are not adhering to it. I tried making reporting incidents on the I haven’t noted it or I just didn’t re- and nominated representatives to not to just be critical of cyclists, as website easier, as there is loads of an- member. Council including a fifth private I know commuting is limited to ecdotal evidence but little reporting. We met in Manchester on 20th boaters’ representative. We said March, a Wednesday, so no dialysis this should be a liveaboard, bearing and as I could get a local train into in mind the significant increase in Summer Roving Rally cruise on the the city, without having to get up at these. I shall be seeking re-election the crack of dawn. The local team to Council as I feel that, after four Huddersfield Narrow canal took the Council on a ‘show and tell’ years, we are finally getting some- around the side of the Bridgewater where and changes will happen, The Huddersfield Canal Society and CRT are in- shorter, wider locks of the Huddersfield Broad to Lock 89 and a walk to Lock 87 —I although probably slowly. viting boaters to join a cruise across the Pennines and Calder and Hebble canals can continue to had no idea this short-cut was there. We had a full report from Julie on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from 22nd complete a circuit. Full-length narrowboats can Lock 89 is where there have been Sharman, the Chief Operating June to 1st July. The Roving Rally will allow wind at Huddersfield for the return journey. two fatalities as people use the head- Officer, on winter improvement mutual help with locks and assistance from vol- There will also be a programme of even- er gates to cross the canal, rather works, and the uptake of winter unteer lock-winders. ing events. Places are limited by the capacity of than the nice bridge provided above moorings, with 703 permits sold for Starting at Portland Basin in Ashton-under- Standedge Tunnel, so early expressions of inter- the tail gates. So a temporary fence a total 2,294 months. There is on- Lyne, the eight-day cruise will visit Stalybridge, est are essential; first come, first served. Boaters has been erected, preventing the use going work to achieve Green Flag Mossley, Uppermill, Diggle, Marsden, should email [email protected]. Not of the header gates as a walkway, but awards and there are various ini- Slaithwaite, Milnsbridge and Huddersfield, with all boats fit the canal - the controlling dimen- allowing boaters to access the lock. tiatives to promote ‘Don’t Drink and an optional final day on the Broad Canal for sions and other information are available at The Trust has joined with Peel Drown’, particularly in city centres. those with suitably-sized boats. Boats that fit the canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/279.pdf. Holdings, the Fire Service, Police and She also updated us on the Marple Manchester City Council in a Water flight, due to open at the end of May. Safety Initiative. This is a wonder- We then broke for lunch and THE CHARMING ful opportunity to engage Peel and resumed at 1.30pm, when a presen- hopefully resolve some of the issues tation was made by Kevin Fitzgerald, Completed in 1831, and passing around the . We the Chair of the Waterways through unspoilt countryside, walked up to Lock 87, where there Ombudsman Committee, with an with its iconic stone bridges are plans to redevelop all this and introduction to the new Waterways and unique historic structures, the area around Piccadilly Basin Ombudsman designate, Sarah such as the elegant, restored as a destination zone—something Daniel, who officially starts in June iron railings at Ramsdell Hall. All Manchester is lacking and therefore 2019. that's missing to complete this missing out on the tourism pounds. The Council had requested some beautiful scene is a huge vinyl As an aside, next to Churchgate items for debate and the first was banner from CRT advertising their House on Oxford Road, there is a on sharing the towpath. I was asked new logo. statue of a horse on the offside as a to speak on behalf of boaters, with from nb Alton’s Facebook page nod to the horses used in the past. angling and walking reps also speak- We returned to the Bridgewater ing. The Cycling UK member sent Hall for the Council Meeting. The apologies, which was a shame as NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 12 13 News CRT News Cruising restrictions New boater surveys CRT’s annual Boaters’ Survey has been shortened and renamed the ‘Perceptions of the Trust’ sur- ollowing the dry winter and spring, In the Midlands, due to res- vey, which was sent out to a third of the Trust’s CRT has started to impose cruising re- ervoir capacity as low as leisure boat licence holders at the start of April. strictions to save water and there are a 60%, the Buckby, Foxton It has also introduced a monthly ‘Waterway F number of infrastructure failures that and Watford lock flights are Experience’ survey of boaters to gather up-to- are also restricting passage. Here’s a summary of closed overnight, with lock date feedback on the waterways they cruise. those in place at the beginning of May (all ‘until opening hours from 9am to The aim is to ‘get a much clearer picture of further notice’): 5pm (last entry on the flights what’s affecting boaters as it happens and react On the Leeds and Liverpool canal, locks at at 4.15pm). This will allow quickly to improve boaters’ experience.’ Johnsons Hillocks, Blackburn, Greenberfield, more time to back-pump Jon Horsfall said: “Boaters are the eyes and Bank Newton and Gargrave are all open water from the Braunston ears of the waterways and are often the first to at 10am and close at 5pm, last entry 4pm. summit onto the Leicester come across any problems..” Barrowford locks are open at 10am, and close summit. The survey will be sent to a sample of boaters at 4pm, last entry 3pm. There are also over- In Birmingham, problems sighted on each waterway region every month. night restrictions in the Wigan central area. with the water supply into Volunteer lock-keepers will also give hire-boat- Lock 65 (top of Wigan flight) and Lock 85 the 47-mile Wolverhampton ers postcards with survey details at various key (bottom of the flight) are open from 8.30am to Level are due to only one of sites. 9.30am for entry onto the flight and 12.30pm the three pumps at Bradley to 1.30pm to exit from the flight. Padlocks groundwater pumping sta- Dredging in 2019-20 on lock 88, Pagefield lock, and lock 89, Ell tion being operational. CRT Meadow lock, open at 8am and are locked at engineers are working to CRT is planning to spend £8 million in this fi- 3pm daily. replace one of the failed nancial year on dredging the following canals: Vandals drove a JCB, left on-site by a CRT pumps as soon as possible. Oxford Canal (between Enslow and Wolvercote); contractor, into the control unit of Bridge 20, This means that locks at Embankment collapse on the Staffs & Worcs Grand Union (between Bull’s Bridge and Boston Coxhead swing-bridge, on the L&L between Wolverhampton, Rushall, Photo: Deanne Manor); Upper & Lower Peak Forest Canal (River Wigan and Liverpool, resulting in damage Walsall, Factory, Brades, kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/17470262 Tame to Whaley Bridge); Macclesfield Canal costing at least £70k to repair. CRT is unsure Spon Lane and Smethwick (various lengths); Monmouthshire & Brecon of the timescale of the repair, but anticipates are open from 8.30am to the last boat through Canal (Sebastopol to Usk Road); that it could be several weeks. The bridge is at 4pm each day. CRT is also working with National boat count (Coventry Basin to Hawkesbury); Worcester being opened manually twice a week until a Staffordshire County Council, the owners of CRT’s annual national boat count shows that li- & Birmingham Canal (Diglis to Lea End repair is completed, and boaters should ar- Chasewater Reservoir, and Natural cence compliance remains high, with 96.5% of Lane); (spot dredging); and rive at 12pm on Mondays or Fridays. If you to secure an additional feed into the canal. boaters holding a valid licence (96.9% in 2018), (River Trent to Babworth). have a Liverpool Link/Salthouse Dock book- The is dewatered between which is the tenth year that licence compliance Annual maintenance dredging will take place ing, make sure you leave enough time to Bridge 164, Millness Bridge, and Bridge 166, has been above 95%. The only region where li- on the , the , the River allow passage through Bridge 20. The near- Crooklands turnpike Bridge, for emergency cence compliance is below 95% (at 94.1%) is Severn and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, est upstream is at Downholland repairs to a culvert. London & South East. and throughout the Yorkshire and North East (Bridge 20a—20) and the downstream wind- On the Stainforth and Keadby canal, there is The boat count shows a 2.3% increase in region. Jon Horsfall, Head of Customer Service ing hole is at Lydiate Boat Club (Bridge17). assisted passage daily between 9am and 10am boat numbers, with all regions except the North Support, said: “We listen to boaters’ feedback Due to low water levels on the Rochdale ca- due to failure of the Wykewell lift-bridge. West seeing small increases. The Boat Licence and we target our dredging accordingly: if we get nal, passage is only available between 9am A cutting collapse has closed the canal be- Customer Support team can help boaters who lots of reports of a problem spot, it will go onto and 4pm at Locks 7 and 13. tween Wolverley and Debdale locks on the might be struggling to pay their licence fee and our priority list. Please share your knowledge and Continuing problems with the narrowing of Staffs and Worcester canal. The closed section CRT urges boaters to contact them as, in the ma- experience with us so that we can target our re- Lock 4, Hurleston Locks, on the Llangollen is open for boats to pass the slippage from jority of cases, they are able to find a way to keep sources to make the biggest difference we can to canal mean that slightly over-width boats are 9am to 10am and 2pm to 3pm each day. people on the water. However, in 2018-19, 106 your cruising.” Report areas in need of dredging increasingly getting stuck. The lock flight will Finally, some better news on the Peak Forest boats were removed from CRT canals and rivers at canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us/ways-to- be open between 8am and 5pm, when a CRT canal, where the Marple flight is planned to as they were unlicensed or in breach of the terms contact-us, on 0303 040 4040, or by tweeting @ team will be available to assist boat passage. re-open on Friday 24th May. and conditions. CRTcontactus. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 14 15 Byline

External agencies Welfare guidance AdviceUK 0300 7770107 www.adviceuk.org.uk Age UK 1 canalrivertrust.org.uk/ RT’s Welfare Guidance is boaters would like them to liaise 0800 1696565 www.ageuk.org.uk media/original/34378- a support service intended with someone else on their be- equality-act-reasonable- Christians Against Poverty adjustment-policy. for Trust staff and volun- half. 0800 3280006 www.capuk.org teers who have concerns The guidance will also help to pdf?v=db65fc C Citizens Advice about the welfare of boaters. If you reduce the financial costs incurred 2 canalrivertrust. 0344 4111444 www.citizensadvice.org.uk come across a boater who you feel from licence evasion, enforcement org.uk/enjoy-the- Civil Legal Advice waterways/boating/ needs assistance, the following in- action, court procedures, or boat 0345 3454345 licensing-your-boat/ formation may be useful. removals. www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice boat-licence-customer- The Guidance ensures that the After a referral is made, those Debt Advice Foundation support-team/do-you- Trust signposts them to the most ap- with a support need may be offered 0800 0434050 debtadvicefoundation.org know-a-vulnerable- propriate agencies that can provide the following services: boater support services. It is being imple- Flexible payment options; National Debtline 0808 8084000 www.nationaldebtline.org 3 canalrivertrust.org.uk/ mented in conjunction with CRT’s Working with other CRT teams media/original/35483- Equality Policy to promote equality to consider signposting options; Salvation Army 0207 3674500 www.salvationarmy.org.uk equalities-questionnaire. for people with protected character- Permitted overstays on medical pdf?v=470fd9 istics under the Equality Act 20101. or other appropriate grounds; Samaritans 4 0845 7909090 www.samaritans.org.uk canalrivertrust.org.uk/ Boaters may be vulnerable due Putting boaters in touch with media/original/35777- to disability, age, illness, or finan- nationally recognised boating or- Shelter safeguarding-position- cial circumstances, for short or long ganisations; and 0808 8004444 www.shelter.org.uk statement.pdf?v=7be916 periods. Boaters can also become Reasonable adjustments for boat- StepChange Debt Charity vulnerable by not being fit for work, ers with protected characteristics 0800 1381111 www.stepchange.org domestic abuse, or mental health under the Equality Act 2010. The Money Advice Service needs2. Self-referral by a boater or When a possible adjustment has 0300 5005000 a family member is also accepted. been identified, CRT will request www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Typical trigger criteria that may that an Equalities Questionnaire is Waterways Chaplain lead to a referral are a complaint completed3. The Head of Customer 01727 818144 or concern raised by others, non- Service Support is responsible for [email protected] compliance with CRT terms and implementing the arrangements 0800 numbers are Freephone conditions, or behaviour that causes and the Welfare Officer is respon- the Trust a concern and could cause sible for periodically reviewing the a risk to themselves or others. In document to ensure its on-going rel- summary, the Trust will: evance and accuracy. The Trust also Help boaters identify the support has a policy ‘Safeguarding Children, available from local authorities, Young People and Adults at Risk’ who have a duty of care to pro- and concerns should be raised to the vide adequate services (housing, Designated Safeguarding Officer4. social services, benefit advice etc.), or other support agencies; Help CRT staff and volunteers identify boaters who may be vul- nerable and where support may help prevent them receiving en- forcement action because of their vulnerability; Allow CRT staff to work with nominated advocates where

NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 16 17 Boating

Examples of expenditure on boating-related activities ** Mutual benefit *The Government Amount % of total Amount % change support runs until in the Boater Report 2018 CRT explains how it both £m 2017-18 £m 2016-17 2016-17 & March 2027, increasing Type of expenditure 2017-18 by around 1% per annum benefits boaters and needs their support. to 2021, but is then fixed Maintenance, inspections, 27.6 19.3 24 +15 from 2022, so in real Peter Fellows has a shufty repairs & minor works terms it will decline every Major infrastructure works 22 15.4 19.6 +12 year when inflation is taken into account. CRT’s boating team erhaps as a consequence and it emphasises that CRT’s ‘core Supervision, volunteering would like to hear of widespread negative work to care for the navigation will management, training, 19.7 13.8 22.5 -12 ** The table does not boaters’ views, comments, comment by boaters last always come first, and boats and safety, travel & insurance include £10 million for and suggestions by museums and attractions year on CRT’s change in boaters will always be at the heart of Third party-funded contacting them on P 14.4 10.1 25 -42 and ‘other’, which gave 0303 040 4040, at www. focus to become ‘a Trust for the wa- what we do: the waterways must stay regeneration projects *** a total spend of £153 canalrivertrust.org.uk, terways and the wellbeing that they open for boating’. National operational & million in 2017-18. Twitter @CRTboating, or 12.6 8.8 11.6 +9 offer to people and communities’, it Taking information from annual technical teams *** Third-party funding Facebook facebook.com/ has published a Boater Report 2018. reports, the report describes how was mainly for towpath canalrivertrustboating. Operational buildings, craft, The report is subtitled: ‘Caring for boaters helped fund CRT’s work 12.2 8.5 12.1 +0.8 re-surfacing, mostly in plant & equipment our waterways—how the Trust ap- in 2017-18, with around 10% of its urban areas. plies its finances to benefit boaters’ annual income, or £20.4m, com- Allocated support costs (IT systems and costs ing from leisure licences, rising 12.1 8.5 13 -7 to 18.6% (£38.1m) when income of employee training, development & recruitment) Facilities at Leighton from moorings and boating busi- Buzzard nesses is included. The report says Vegetation management 7.8 5.5 7.9 -1.3 Photo: Mark Tizard that licence evasion is down to its Dredging 7.7 5.4 6.3 +22 lowest-ever level at 3.1%, which, if paid, would produce an estimated Customer service & facilities 6.9 4.8 7.3 -5 £600,000 in additional income. Totals 143 100 149.3 If income from BWML mari- nas is also included, the total is £46.6m (22.7%), although this in- come stream ceased, following the sale of BWML in December 2018. The figure of £46.6m is roughly comparable to the £50.7m (24.7%) from the Defra grant agreement* and £51.1m (24.9%) from invest- ments in property, through rental income and returns from non-prop- erty funds. The final 27.5% (£56.4m) comes from utility companies using the network to support water dis- tribution, power cables and digital networks, and third-party funders, councils, companies and donations from supporters. The report then goes on to ex- plain how the income is spent (see table), emphasising the benefits to boaters, and gives some examples of individual costs: £780/year for

NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 18 19 Boating Boating

and 240 ‘unexpected repairs’); and ‘[CRT] would like boaters day-to-day running of the network The cost of living afloat (including, for example, contracts to become a Friend, to to manage vegetation and collect waste, and its own workforce that and boaters’ data volunteer, or to help to maintains water levels, provides as- sistance and responds to incidents). Mark Tizard shares some thoughts Last year, an estimated 600,000 spread the word about the hours of volunteers’ time and 225 community adoptions of local aving lived happily ‘vulnerable boater’ as there is some value of the waterways.’ stretches of canal by partner groups on our boat for nine good advice and links. There is also were also used to carry out work months, it was strange a very helpful Facebook group called one km of grass and hedgerow cut- that ranged from towpath clean-ups H to move into our newly- ‘benefits for boaters (liveaboards)’. ting; £960/year for cutting one km to off-side vegetation management. completed house in March. There is A few years ago, CRT changed of offside vegetation (not includ- To maximise long-term pros- a regular discussion on the various the licensing terms and conditions to ing trees); £50–£150k for one km pects, to increase awareness of the Facebook sites about the relative include permission for it to release of dredging; £30–£100k for a new Trust and its work, and to promote costs of living afloat or on land. We your data to third parties. NABO lock gate; £25–£75k for grouting a the benefits that waterways bring thought it would be cheaper afloat strongly objected on the basis that lock chamber; and £115/bin/year to to people’s lives, the report calls for but on reflection this has not been this could lead to CRT outsourcing empty towpath bins weekly. support by more people, with boat- the case. The cost of the mooring enforcement. CRT confirmed this CRT considers that the spend on ers integral to that goal. and licence was broadly similar to would not be the case; however, no waterways is split roughly evenly It would like boaters to become the cost of council tax and utilities. doubt we’ve all seen the outsourced between maintenance, repairs and a Friend, to volunteer, or help to But taking into account the cost of third-party enforcement signs at other asset improvements (last spread the word about the value of boat operation and maintenance, their long-term mooring sites. We year, 160 major works projects, the waterways and why they should the boat was more expensive. When now have the IWA proposal for CRT 175 lock gates replaced, 133 km of stay open for everyone—both as a you factor in boat depreciation and to introduce car-park level penalty canal dredged with 102,000 m³ of vital part of our history and a source the likely house appreciation, then charges for overstaying, or conges- silt removed, 777 planned repairs of wellbeing today. the house wins hands-down, which tion style charges in London. was the majority view in the discus- Another aspect of this data trans- sion I joined. It is clear that living on fer occurred recently: NABO was Towpath mowing Photo: Peter Fellows the boat is a lifestyle choice, not a fi- contacted by a boater who had been nancial choice. Of course, there are approached by a solicitor acting for many other factors that come into a cyclist, who allegedly had been play and this is often not the case for injured after cycling into a mooring those who embrace the lifestyle for pin. CRT passed the boater’s details economic reasons—often driven to to the cyclist’s solicitor. Regardless it by the high cost of accommodation of the specifics of this case, this rais- in urban areas. Some of these boat- es some interesting questions: What ers are vulnerable and find accessing criteria does CRT apply before re- services and benefits difficult, as leasing a boater’s details? Does CRT, a recently-published survey con- as the landowner, have a duty of care firmed. Many are unaware that CRT, in these circumstances? Does my in- to its credit, after initially rejecting surance provide legal cover? Given the suggestion by NABO and others, the drive for more people to use the appointed a boaters’ Welfare Officer, towpath and waterways and the need who has published its welfare guid- for everyone to ‘share the space’, are ance. This provides a ‘signposting there legal obligations we should all support service’ and I strongly be aware of? Does CRT need a policy suggest that if you see a boater in dif- akin to their welfare one? ficulty you encourage them to have a look at CRT’s website—search under NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 20 21 Byline

20 347 cases where the gas locker was not up to the level of the top of the Top twenty cylinder valves and/or had a path for leaked LPG to enter the interior of the vessel BSS faults 20 347 portable fire extinguishers that were not in good condition. 18 382 LPG pipe joints were insecure, not in good condition or incompetently made. 17 420 low-pressure LPG hoses were not accessible for inspection, not of the correct material, or in poor condition. 16 430 fuel filters inside engine spaces were not fire resistant. instances of warning notices not 15 483 LPG cylinders were not secured and stored upright with the valve at displayed on sea-going boats with the top. closable ventilators. 9: 105 shore- power, battery charging and other 14 503 battery cable connections were not effective or not in good a.c. power source leads and connec- condition. tors were not in good condition. 13 512 electrical circuits that did not pass through a battery isolator, or 10: 91 appliance flues and exhausts were not otherwise protected. did not terminate directly to out- Data compiled by f the top 20 types of faults side air. 11: 73 appliances required a 12 516 non-portable appliances were not properly secured against Rob McLean, BSS in private boats, found flue or exhaust, but were not fitted accidental or unintended movement. Communications by BSS examiners dur- with one. 12: 80 instances where it fuel feed, return and on-engine hoses that were unsuitable for the Manager, 17th April 2019 ing the year ended 31st was possible to simultaneously con- 11 523 O fuel used and were not fire resistant. March 2019, the highest number, nect more than one power source to 4,691, concerned LPG installations, the a.c. distribution system. 13: 54 10 610 cases of LPG pipework were not made of a suitable material, followed by 3,468 inadequate battery shore-power, battery charging, and inadequately secured or damaged. and electrical installations, 1,713 other a.c. power source lead connec- LPG appliance burners were not in good condition and not delivering faulty fuel systems, 1,420 inadequate tions were not of a suitable type. 14: 9 623 fire extinguishers and 516 unsecured 17 electrical systems were not insu- a proper flame. appliances. lated from the hull. 8 654 locations of LPG shut-off valves were not in open view, or their For comparison, in the previous CO alarm checks were intro- location was not clearly marked. year, ending 31st March 2018, the duced on 1st April 2019 and in the faults recorded in private boats were first couple of weeks, out of 1,237 7 662 electrical cables were not supported in a safe position. a little different. Of 6,243 faults: 1: examinations: 84 vessels with one fuel shut-off valves were not in open view or their location was not 3,392 vessels were not provided with or more accommodation spaces did 6 760 adequate fixed ventilation. 2: 636 not have the correct number of CO clearly marked. a.c. electrical circuits did not pass alarms; three boats did not have a 5 764 battery isolators were not in open view or their location was not through a consumer unit. 3: 430 solid CO alarm within the same accom- clearly marked. fuel appliances had unintended gaps. modation spaces as solid fuel stoves; 4: 381 open flues to LPG appliances ten boats did not have CO alarms in 4 935 battery terminals were incorrectly insulated or protected. were not operating effectively. 5: 339 open view or of a suitable type; and incorrect portable fire extinguishers and/or incorrect fire ratings. appliance flues and exhausts were 13 boats had CO alarms that were 3 1,073 incomplete or not in good condition. not in good condition. From these 1,172 LPG systems were not free of leaks as defined in the tightness test. 6: 300 a.c. shore-power and battery initial results, it appears that around 2 charging lead inlet connections were 9% of boats are not compliant with 1 1,266 batteries were not secured against excessive movement in any not of the correct type, or not suit- the CO alarm provisions and that direction. ably protected from the weather. 7: most of the 84 examiners’ comments 240 vessels were not provided with were made because no CO alarms adequate means of escape. 8: 105 were found on these boats. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 22 23 Byline Talking Points

the majority of boaters were part- whom are ‘holiday boaters’, but a time and, if looking for one, marinas growing number who are residential were still few and far between, offer- or high use, living under the Council ing basic facilities. Most canalside Tax radar; and lastly, and the fastest pubs had not been gentrified (or growing category, the financial boat- closed) and, if you knew where to ers. They are difficult to define, but look, you could learn real history typically these boaters have no pre- from former working boaters. I still vious boating experience, and they have fond memories of the White are attracted to popular areas by Horse where, over a few beers, a the thought of a floating flat that is father and son, both born in boats, cheap to buy or rent compared to the would recount how hard life was, land-based equivalent. They are only but how they missed it nonetheless. interested in moving every 14 days, But the one common theme was as this is the minimum requirement, that boating was a lifestyle choice and they are keen to stay within a de- and you had an interest in, and re- fined area, whether because of their spect for, the countryside and the social life, work or schooling. These canal infrastructure, whether you boaters often have little in common were a boater or BW employee. I’m with the wider boating community sure I’m looking back with rose- and little knowledge of, or empa- tinted glasses, but now things on the thy for, the canal infrastructure. At canals have definitely changed to re- the other extreme, financial boat- flect modern society. Just last week, ers include the growing number of we heard two engines running well widebeams coming onto the system. after 8pm, and we encountered one I spoke to a very friendly couple, just angry boater who, having moored north of Braunston, in their brand up to have his lunch at a tunnel exit new 13-foot beam widebeam, who using his centre-rope, complained were heading to the South as they loudly at the rocking motion as we had heard that the canal was wider came out. Most worrying was the there, but were dismayed to learn boater who came into the top lock that the bridges remained the same of Buckby flight (due to be locked size. Modern boating overnight to conserve water) and This is not a rant about the Mark Tizard’s view on the changing waterways wound both paddles up. We told growth of this new style of boating; him that the gate was still open and, it is important to realise that the vast leaving the paddles up, he sauntered majority of these boats are licensed s a teenager, I’d hired a ing more users onto or by the water. back and pushed the gate so that it and comply with CRT’s guidelines, boat with friends and Boaters, who were BW’s main pri- slammed shut. We pointed out there although licence evasion in London enjoyed sailing, and this ority, are now competing for CRT’s was another boat approaching, but and the South East is nearly double A summer it will be thirty attention and, in the eyes of many, he had no interest in sharing. So, as the national average. This new type years since we bought our converted losing out in the drive to attract well as the potential damage to the of boater is, on average, substantially small Woolwich and became ca- more non-paying, non-water users. gates, seven lock-fulls of water were younger than the other two catego- nal enthusiasts. Our recent boating Thirty years ago, there were rela- wasted. These were not hire boaters. ries mentioned above. This is the trips have made us aware of how tively few continuous cruisers; those The pace of change has acceler- new reality for CRT and the Trust much things have changed: BW is who were tended to be younger, ated over the last five to ten years needs to embrace them, educate now CRT; historic infrastructure free-spirited individuals and BW and the majority of boaters now them in canal etiquette, perhaps by like Bulbourne and Marsworth yards enforcement had a light touch. We fall into three categories: first, the peer pressure, and look at innova- have been sold for housing; annual can remember being one of only continuous cruisers who roam the tive ways of improving facilities and reorganisations mean expertise is two boats moored at Victoria Park system (often, but by no means moorings. ‘Share the space’ is under leaving and morale is low. Yet CRT is when travelling through London. exclusively, retired); secondly, boat- pressure on the towpath, but it’s un- investing huge capital in encourag- Moorings were at a premium and ers with a mooring, the majority of der pressure on the water too. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 24 25 Talking Points Talking Points

fter investigating a complaint by a narrowboat owner when large vehicles attempt to drive boating on this section of the canal with 42 years’ boating experience, the Waterways along unsuitable roads and tracks, are more than aware of the challeng- “[In] a ‘bow-to-bow’ meeting Ombudsman has had to conclude that, while the after relying on satnav misinforma- es faced; in several places, merely A Trust admits that the canal north of Braunston tion, and then find they are unable to the passing of two seven-foot beam of boats ... over seven-foot Turn to Hillmorton is unsuitable for widebeam craft, its policy manoeuvre, or get stuck. boats is difficult. is such that these boats are not banned from the seven-mile From November 2016, when the pound. As such, he is therefore unable to uphold the complaint. Why the problem? issue was first raised with CRT, its beam, [CRT’s] suggested Construction of a new 550-berth local management did little to miti- Maximum dimensions marina at Onley began in 2016, fol- gate the potential for breaching the solution would be for a boat The published maximum dimensions for the North Oxford lowing planning consent by the local navigation dimensions and now, are quite clear and state that the navigation is only suitable for authorities. Objections were raised with the marina open, a fait accom- to reverse a maximum of boats up to seven-foot beam. Interestingly, the Ombudsman over the planning application, one pli has taken place. This could surely begins by suggesting that, as widebeams have already ventured from the Braunston Marina own- be construed as maladministration 2.25 km, to where passing along the pound, it must be suitable for them. That’s a bit like er being subject to a threat of legal as defined by: ‘Delay, incorrect ac- proceedings by the developers over tion or failure to take any action’. But would be possible.” copyright infringement in the use of not according to the Ombudsman. their drawing and plans for the site. Analysis of most marina-based boats where? Propelling a boat in reverse Nowhere to turn Over 200 individual objections were does suggest that many owners don’t is more than a challenge for anyone, received. Despite these, the Council ‘go out’. They are used as floating cot- with or without a bow thruster, and CRT abdicates responsibility on the North granted planning permission, noting tages and there is no doubt that the the ensuing melee would jam the Oxford canal that CRT, as a statutory consultee, additional internal area of a wide- navigation completely. And this is assuming one convoy of boats was Kevin McNiff investigates the increase in the offered no objections. beam does offer many advantages. A complainant was even re- Because all boats on CRT waters willing to reverse. number of widebeams in this part of the Midlands minded that CRT had no authority must have a cruising licence, wheth- With three hire fleets north of to prevent the marina plans going er the owners go out or remain is a Hillmorton, five in the Braunston/ ahead, but the question remains as choice that they are entitled to ex- Napton area and varying levels of to why they didn’t have a closer ercise. So is the potential navigation expertise by both hire and private look at the plans and prohibit use problem overstated? boating skippers, the outcomes of the navigation by anything over could have a negative impact on all seven-foot beam. This would not Gridlock concerned. Willoughby cutting, with have prevented the developers from In response to the Ombudsman’s in- its severely overgrown vegetation, providing internal facilities to crane vestigations, the Trust agrees that a presents even two narrowboats with in widebeam boats for mooring or ‘bow-to-bow’ meeting of boats in- passing problems, exacerbated by servicing. volving anything over seven-foot sloping stones that reduce the navi- Potential new moorers, invited beam would increase the risk of col- gable depth. to the site during construction, were lision and grounding, and of craft The Ombudsman’s terms of refer- told that moorings, slipway and getting stuck. This would be worse ence don’t require the post-holder to workshop facilities would be provid- if two widebeams were involved. Its be a competent navigator of water- ed for boats over seven-foot beam. suggested solution would be for a ways, but the same is unfortunately The unusual curved marina entrance, boat to reverse a maximum of 2.25 true of CRT management; hence the approved by CRT, seems designed to km, to where passing would be pos- questionable solution being tabled. facilitate widebeam movement. sible. Although the Ombudsman studied The problem is that access along It has also been announced that Google Earth photographs along the canal to the marina is restricted, the locks at Hillmorton passed over this length, CRT doesn’t know the due to the narrow profile of the ca- 10,000 boats in the 2018 season, up depth side to side—especially where nal bed, overgrown vegetation and from 9,718 in 2017. It is fair to say offside field boundaries have been lack of suitable depth out of the main that the popularity of the canal can eroded. navigation channel, not to mention mean several boats following each the curves at blind bridges—curves other in both directions, which Ostrich like Near Willoughby Wharf a lot of the specifically designed for 70-foot begs the question as to how all There are now several widebeam time in 2018 narrowboats. Those familiar with these boats could reverse—and to boats in both Dunchurch Pools and NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 26 TECHIE’S 27 Talking Points have been getting questions I have no idea why well- that appear to relate to prob- documented occurrences Barby Moorings ma- and on aqueducts; paddle-board- lems following diesel bug appear to be getting more rinas and at least one ing across the Pontcysyllte near I infections. ‘Bug’ is a generic common, but my emails show whose owner seems to Llangollen, to mention just a couple term that covers microbes (bacteria), that they are. The longer fuel remain on the naviga- of instances. All, it would seem, be- moulds and yeasts that are found in is in storage, either in the ma- CORNER tion. The number of ing driven by the ‘wellbeing’ mantra, all diesel fuel. rina or in boat tanks, the more widebeam boats on all so loved by officialdom everywhere. the bugs will breed, until they Aspects of boat design, eventually start to block filters CRT waters is increas- construction, equipment, ing to a level where Mitigation and pump valves. Please, at the separate licensing cri- Options that could be investigated at very least, buy your fuel from facilities or maintenance teria came into effect Braunston should include: outlets with high throughputs in April. A semipermanent­ bund at and also take steps to prevent the Demographics sug- Bridge 90, secured to only allow bug breeding. First of all, try to mini- gest that widebeam seven-foot boats unrestricted mise the amount of water there is in craft represent resi- navigation; the base of the tank. dential solutions to Published windows of passage— an ever-increasing like through Braunston and affordable hous- Blisworth tunnels—to allow safe Diesel bug? ing shortage in the navigation for widebeam boats south, and anecdotal through the bund and to include Tony Brooks peers at the small things evidence suggests that one-way north/south timed that lurk in your fuel tank widebeam boats are movements; increasingly migrating No narrow beam passage at these north to the waterways times; and Certainly keep it as full as pos- around Braunston. No widebeam towpath mooring sible during the winter and give Willoughby cutting, with But only the Grand Union is suitable between Braunston Turn and serious consideration to the regular its severely overgrown for these craft. It is only the narrow Bridge 90. use of a fuel additive. I syphon the vegetation, presents even locks at Hillmorton (and Stretton There are precedents for closing or water from the bottom of the tank two narrowboats with Stop) that prevent widebeams going restricting navigations as the notice every spring and always drain down passing problems. further north to Hawkesbury. below shows: the fuel filters when I change them, However, even faced with this, to look for any slimy deposits. If you the Trust will go against its own Sunday 10 February 2019, 10:00 find any sign of the bug, immedi- published dimensions as a matter until Sunday 10 February 2019 ately use a suitable biocide additive, of policy, taking a ‘monitoring and 12:00. like Marine16 www.marine16.co.uk/ then react’ approach. As can be Type: Navigation Restriction. product/-category/fuel-treatment, foreseen from previous such moves Reason: Information. others are available. I tend to use a Tony Brooks has offered against increased liveaboard moor- Original message: On Sunday water-removing additive late spring to answer any technical ing in London, Bath and Oxford, the 10 February 2019, Blisworth until mid-summer and then a bio- enquiries that members Tunnel will be temporarily closed cide additive in the last fill of the problem will become a reality and may have. Please send during the hours of 10.00—12.00 any future attempt to control it will season. your question(s) to Tony for an organised canoe paddle. surely fail. One reason the bug is getting via [email protected]. During this time, please follow more prevalent is that often red die- uk and I will forward instructions and/or advice from Long term sel is just road diesel dyed red and, them to him. Note: Tony on-site personnel. In CRT’s attempt to attract future by law, road diesel has to contain a may use the questions funding when the Government proportion of bio-diesel. Bugs like and his answers without grant period ends, boaters are see- It is sad but true; the day will bio-diesel and it encourages them further permission to advise others. ing no end of new schemes to attract surely come when the scenario of For example, Fuel-guard www.fuel- to breed. It also absorbs more wa- millions (sic) of towpath visitors and bow-to-bow confrontations be- guard.co.uk/diesel-bug.html. ter than ordinary diesel and this users. Health and safety has gone comes reality, with abuse (verbal or Further information on diesel bug also encourages bug growth. So, not out of the window, with lack of any physical) and vessel or infrastruc- treatment is available at www.pbo. only buy diesel from high-volume control over unsuitable craft: kay- ture damage. co.uk/gear/12-diesel-bug-treatments- outlets, but also try to buy bio-free aks in previously prohibited tunnels tested-43353. diesel if you can. NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 28 29 Have Your Say Rewind Letters to the Editor Opinions expressed here are independent of NABO policy and Issue No 3, May 2004 statements made have not been verified as true. Howard Anguish explores NABO News from 15 years ago.

Mooring guidance for continu- Worried woman of the waterways Composting toilets leading term, as it implies that that composting ous cruisers In April 2004, British commented: “Does the tarting-up takes place within said toilet and, as he rightly Waterways issued their long-await- of the areas around canals worry points out, the toilet is merely a collection unit. ed guidance document, which was you? All the twee notices, the 'crea- Following Brian Jarrett's article on composting It is much more accurate and useful to think of reproduced in this edition of NABO tive art', the interpretation boards, toilets, I would like to add some observations composting ‘systems’—comprising a collection News, setting out the three main le- the instantly vandalised 'wind this over the last five years. We now use the term unit and a process for further composting and gal requirements: handle to hear a load of hot air' ‘separating waterless toilets’, of which the sepa- final disposal. It is possible to start the compost- The boat must genuinely be used posts etc. etc., supposedly these are ration is only the first part of a fully-composting ing process at the collection stage with a bit of for navigation throughout the pe- all put there to enhance the canal system. A high degree of composting can be effort (regular mixing), but all need further time riod of the licence. environment. For whom? Not for achieved in the toilet by regular deep mixing, to complete the process. Collecting units that Unless a shorter time is specified, boaters, and they are usually ac- a 30-40% carbon addition (I use cat-litter pel- dry and desiccate the solid matter don’t neces- by notice, the boat must not stay companied by 'No Mooring' signs!” lets) and a reasonably large container (20-30 sarily compost (i.e. achieve complete biological in the same place for more than Inland marina WiFi broadband litres). With a cycle time of 30-40 days, I regular- breakdown). Which isn’t to say that his doesn’t, 14 days (or such longer period as has arrived! In an ‘advertorial’, UK ly achieve 50-60 degrees, which indicates a high just that we don’t have a way of testing how ef- is reasonable in the circumstanc- Canal.com (Solfa Computers) an- level of decomposition. I then store the material fective any of our composting is—other than es); and nounced the launch of the world’s for 3-4 months, which produces a material indis- it looks done. Something I would like to see is It is the responsibility of the boat- first inland waterways marina-based tinguishable from garden compost. All of this is some research that tests compost at various stag- er to satisfy BW that the above WiFi by DSL Broadband Internet achieved without the power requirements of fans es to clarify exactly what is happening, whether requirements are met. Service at Trinity Marina in Hinkley. and heaters, without toxic chemicals and with no drying systems are composting, and how long a The guidance went on to set out in It was certainly a sign that the march demand on the Elsan disposal system. There are system such as mine, which cold composts, actu- more detail how these regulations of modern technology was making no smells and, because there is no liquid content, ally needs to complete the process. would affect continuous cruisers. inroads into the backwaters of the the weights are considerably less than cassettes. Kate Saffin Words which are still very familiar, inland boating industry. It is now Dr Kate Saffin is in the process of releasing a as are the definitions of ‘Navigation’, taken for granted that such facilities carefully-constructed survey of many forms of ‘Place’ and ‘Neighbourhood’, which are available. toilets in boats and off-grid living, which will Various waterway thoughts are set out in detail, but little seems Fly on the wall reports that NABO hopefully help shape the future of compost- to have been clarified in the inter- Council is asking for members to ing systems’ toilets for boaters and CRT. I hope Stoppages: I’m unaware of the stoppage pro- vening years. attend national rallies in the sum- Brian and the others can add to the understand- gramme as I no longer get a list, so I rely on NABO policy documents In a re- mer to the extent that NABO would ing of the composting system via the Facebook information from the local coal-boats and then sponse for more ‘openness and pay for the cost of rally entry in ex- page ‘Composting toilets for boats and off-grid linger in areas that are unlikely to be affected. For accountability’ from its members, change for some basic promotion of living’ www.facebook.com/groups/compostin- the first time in over 20 years, I had an official NABO published five draft policies the Association. Something for the gloos. winter mooring—at Braunston with one other for comments from members. They present Council to consider? Tony Sulman, nb Dunstan boat. covered such issues as ‘Dredging and Lavender Blues—a member’s letter! Dredging: there are a number of places where I Channel Dimensions’, ‘Stoppages’ “I heard on the radio that a prison- used to tie up, where I am now unable to get near and ‘Vegetation Management’. er had been awarded compensation More on composting toilets the bank. In fact, there are also canals that I now no longer travel because of lack of depth in the Vegetation management, in par- by a judge who agreed that 'slopping As a boater who has been composting for five ticular, is still an issue and, although out'—having to empty your own toi- channel or places to tie up—the Ashby and the years now (and is currently analysing the 1500 re- Caldon foremost. the policy declares that: Vegetation let—was degrading! Does this mean sponses to an online survey of all things boating should be managed so it does not we can all sue BW or EA for not ro- Widebeams: the increase in widebeams means NABO News back issues toilets, as well as admin for the Facebook group I now avoid the Grand Union, and the North impede or prejudice the safety of ac- viding enough toilets (say every mile on the subject), I was interested to read Brian tivities concerned with navigation, it or so), thus causing us to have to use are available online at; Oxford is also falling prey to widebeams being nabo.org.uk/index.php/ Jarrett’s article about his composting system. He is evident that in 2019 there is still toilets that we have to empty our- dropped into the new marinas. I hope that this reference/nabo-news- is, of course, quite right—there is no such thing will not be a trend on long lock-free pounds. The much work to be done, despite the selves? Oh—how humiliating!” back-issues-2 as a ‘composting’ toilet! It is a thoroughly mis- best efforts of NABO. Well, it made me smile! increasing list of places I no longer stop now in- NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 30 31 Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor cludes stretches where one encounters racing I name this boat … that will never happen), we are beholden to the canoes—Hartshill and Gailey come to mind. barons who control Calor gas. I must confess My drainage holes are low and getting canal wa- If you have spotted a boat name that made you Bless! that no stove was my choice, to avoid the dust ter from their wash coming into my sink is not smile, please let me have a photo to use in fu- Another gem from London Boaters and the need to carry solid fuel, but you pays pleasant. Also, there is no warning as they are ture issues. Here’s one from Brian Holt your money and makes your choice. quiet, which can make them quite dangerous. It’s Peter Caswell ironic that all other boats slow down out of con- ‘Morning. Does anyone on here sideration for moored craft. know how to change over Calor Vegetation: I’ve asked grass-cutters if they car- Farewell ry secateurs as they must be at risk from trailing gas bottles? Mine has just run It has been 25 years since I had my narrowboat brambles etc. as much as the rest of us. The out before my first morning built, but I regret to say that for a miscellany of North Oxford, north of Braunston, has had some reasons I have now sold her and that she will work done on the holes in the towpath, which coffee and the bottles are really not be replaced. I appreciate that I could change has helped, but it is still dangerous in winter heavy and a bit of a faff to my NABO membership status to ‘Associate’, but weather. A visit to the Leicester Arm after a gap I miss my boating and feel it best to take such of 14 years had me amazed that the shoulder- change, so it would be great actions as will eliminate ongoing reminders of a high hedges are now mature trees overhanging if you could do that for me much-enjoyed pastime but which is now in my the canal. please. I'll make you a coffee as past. Accordingly, please be advised that I do not The trees are a hazard, dropping bits of them- wish to renew my NABO membership when it selves onto boats, apart from making travel a thank you... upon successful shortly expires. With this decision made I have, through a green tunnel rather boring. At leaf-fall in the hour stated. But chatting to some of the completion of the task of course. of course, cancelled my annual standing order. I time, it can make the cut like porridge, with pro- CRT staff, I was surprised to learn how much have much enjoyed reading NABO News over gress almost impossible. Their root systems must I’m on the Grand .’ they are moved around from one canal to an- the last 20+ years, so I’d be greatly obliged if you damage the towpath/canal bank and, once that other, which must make it difficult to get a full would kindly forward my thanks and apprecia- size, to cut them back is a major undertaking. working knowledge. tion to those currently involved in its production, I know money is short, but Improvements?: Sue Merrett and also pass my thanks and appreciation to the when I think of the overall amount which must a chain of 'Northern Engine' pumphouses at the NABO Council members, past and present, for have been spent on the new polo-mint logo, top of Seabrook Locks on the GU; a magnificent their unstinting hard work which all too often is signage, clothing, stationery and huge advertise- Planning for listed CRT structures building that is sitting forlorn at the edge of a poorly acknowledged—if acknowledged at all— ments, I do begin to wonder where CRT is going. field, slowly decaying. Sentiment aside, I am a re- by silent members such as me. I wish NABO well It certainly makes me wonder, when I’m slip-slid- Having been on or around canals for 50-odd alist and appreciate empty property deteriorates, and trust that the Association’s voice will be loud ing along the towpath in my wellies, whether the years, I have obviously seen some changes, not requires maintenance and provides no income. all for the good, and one of these is the loss of and clear for decades to come. general public is inclined to venture forth. Have I But I believe it is far better that they are leased Anthony L. H. Jankel seen any improvement since CRT took over from industrial heritage. I recall a trip on the South or rented, so that the heritage value can be pro- BW? Not really. Oxford in the mid-70s, when I came across an tected, rather than being sold off. So no, I do not abandoned workshop at one of the locks, com- As a single-hander, it’s nice to be locked up or think CRT property division should have a free Bar Keepers Friend plete with forge, anvil and tools. The chances down a flight, and the volunteers are a pleasant hand over listed properties. brass cleaner bunch to talk to. I’m sure they are doing worth- of that happening again are nil for a number of Peter Caswell while work on other things. But talking to old reasons. I digress slightly, and it may be just my I have been using this lengthsmen, and realising how much trouble- perception, but we seem to be losing canalside stuff from Lakeland, shooting they got on with in their quiet way, architecture at an alarming rate. BW did, and Autogas being used to refill Calor bottles which is good for heavy clean- makes me wonder if the old ways weren’t best. CRT continues to, dispose of property they no ing of brass, but it needs a However, I will say that on the lower Staffs & longer need for operational use, for immedi- I didn't know you could do it, but I’m not sur- proper polish afterwards. Worcs, I found it well-kept. A contract team ap- ate financial gain and to rid themselves of the prised someone has tried, with a 13kg one now David Fletcher peared within a week to remove the debris of a maintenance burden, but they do not look to costing upwards of £35 and forever rising. I bridge parapet that was demolished by a drunk- the future. Just look at all the small lengthsmen’s guess the Mayor of London would prefer it if my en driver. huts, with the stoves that gave a little warmth boat does not have a stove and uses a gas boil- One of the team travelled, expenses paid, and shelter in the harshest conditions, which er for heating and hot water (when the engine is from Lincolnshire each day. When I had to ring have been allowed to collapse into piles of rub- not running—he would also approve of that no CRT to have the next lock unchained after the ble. These things make up the uniqueness of our doubt). But until the day comes that, wherever work was over, I will say that someone did arrive canals and will never be replaced. There is one of we moor, we can plug into clean electricity (and NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NABO News Issue 3 May 2019 NEW RANGE

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