The Magazine of the & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue No. 76 - Summer 2013 H E L P H E L P H E L P A U S ! E Make our 25th Anniversary Year really special by helping at the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering - see inside for details. hay Whar eet f L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the .

TEL:01543 414808 MOBILE:0782 4848444 FAX:01543 414770 www.streethaywharf.co.uk

7-DAY CALL OUT SERVICE GEN SETS FITTED DIESEL AND SOLID FUEL STOVES FITTED BOTTOM BLACKING REPAINTING AND SIGNWRITING NEW BOATS FULL & PART FIT-OUT SUPPLIED ALL MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL WORK FULL CHANDLERY STRETCHING AND REBOTTOMING GAS SAFE. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ALL STEEL WORK AND TANKS

Support the boat yard on the “Lichfield Ring”

Boat Transport, England, Europe Cranage Arranged Site Surveys  Complete Service for DIY  Repairs Boat Hire Boat Fitting Diesel Pump Out  Mooring  Boat Sales  Laundry Trent & Mersey Canal

V.A.T No. 133609427 y h etha W arf re Lt St d.

Huddlesford Boaters Gathering 2011 (photo by Paul Marshall)

2013 is an important year for the Trust to mark 25 years of achievement. We have a programme of interesting events spread throughout the year, focusing on promoting the Trust and raising more capital to continue restoration work. Sep 21-22 Boaters Gathering & Classic Cars, . Oct 26 Social Evening, music, supper, Whittington Village Hall. 3 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 HUDDLESFORD HERITAGE GATHERING – helpers What an opportunity to celebrate our 25th Anniversary! In association with the Lichfield Cruising Club this event will run over two days:- Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September, 10:00am – 5:00pm. MAKE A NOTE IN YOU DIARY TO BE THERE! Again we expect an interesting display of canal boats, old and new, a large collection of classic vehicles, plus various traders, exhibitors, entertainment, food and drink – something for all the family. Such events don’t just run themselves. Apart from boat mooring arrangements by two joint harbourmasters in the days leading up to the event, we need lots of helpers to take turns at these main tasks:-

Friday, 20th September, from 10:00am team of 10 together to erect marquees and Trust gazebos, place road-side direction signs, collect borrowed tables and benches. Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd September car park attendants, programme sales / collecting donations, BBQ operators - each day, L&H promotional display stand, L&H cakes, goods and brc-a-brac sales. Monday, 23th September from 10:00am team of 10 together to dismantle marquees, return borrowed tables and benches, clean the site, remove road-side direction signs. Others might provide cakes to sell, tombola prizes, run kids games. How can YOU help make this special anniversary event really successful? This is NOT an occasion to leave it all to that elusive “someone else”. To organise manning rotas, please tell us NOW that you can help with any of these tasks by calling Bob Williams at 01543 671427, or e-mail to [email protected] 4 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Chairman’s Column

There is a danger of a “terrible sameness” straying into columns such as this, especially after being in office for nearly thirteen years. It is vital, but not always easy, to generate freshness and enthusiasm. Inevitably, there are recurring themes which are constantly revisited and which are no less valuable for that. If you belong to other largely voluntary bodies, as many of us do, you will find that it is much the same everywhere. Perhaps the two most underlined issues are the need to recruit volunteers and to find major funding. I have written many times about our financial needs and it is painfully obvious that if we had access to the millions required we could finish the job within a decade and probably sooner. Failing the arrival of an Eddie Stobart truck laden with notes we are thrown back on the ceaseless endeavours of our wonderful volunteers. We are well blessed with members and supporters who turn out in all weathers to work on our major work sites although we can always use more. On the sales and promotions side we continue to staff our stand and displays at an impressive range of shows and exhibitions. On this front our numbers are currently sadly depleted and we need more help as a matter of considerable urgency. At board level, volunteers are coming forward but our average age is straying above 70 and this needs reducing. Meanwhile, we have lost the services of our seemingly tireless Secretary, Sue Williams through a debilitating stroke in May. Sue has been at the at the heart of our operations for very many years. She has been our voice on the phone, our webmaster and a constant presence at shows and events. This only skims the surface of what Sue has done for the Trust. Although she is recovering, Sue has had to stand down from all her activities leaving an enormous gap to be filled. First and foremost we send her our best wishes and hopes for an early return to full health. Now we must find others who can fill the many gaps. At board level, we are already spread very thinly and we need to find some fresh faces in leading roles, according to personal skills which are not necessarily in canal construction! Of course, we will always welcome volunteers whenever they come forward and whatever their skills. We do not expect anyone to take on things beyond their skill sets or outside their interests and comfort zones. Just bring yourself! However, we currently have a list of specific skills which, mostly, do not need to be committee- based posts.

5 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Chairman’s Column

The three priority areas are; Secretary, Webmaster, Sales and Promotions. There are two parts to the secretarial post which are Company Secretary and Minutes Secretary. These can be either one post or two. The post of Webmaster is self- explanatory and really requires someone who can handle the Trust’s webpage which is vital for spreading the word of what the Trust does and what events and activities are upcoming. Sales and Promotions is a much wider brief which really requires people who like meeting people, selling raffle tickets and generally dealing with the public and selling things. If anyone feels they can contribute to any of these activities please let me know, or any of who are listed in this magazine. If ever there was a time for stepping forward it is now. Meanwhile, we continue in the spirit of cheerful optimism which has characterised what we do for so many years. Our AGM was well-attended and we enjoyed the talk by Dr Geraint Coles on the work to restore the Chesterfield Canal. We always try to get such a speaker for our AGM, both to show what has to be done and to emphasise what can be achieved. We were very well-represented at the Pelsall Festival which, unlike two years ago, was held over two days of good weather. Ivor Caplan and his team deserve great praise for organising a happy event which was attractive to both the waterways community and the general public. Now we look forward to the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering over the weekend of 21st / 22nd September which will be a two day event for the first time. This was very much a Sue Williams event and we are all rallying round to make sure that it will be the success which she envisaged. Our friends at Lichfield Cruising Club are substantially increasing their input and we are grateful to Frank Weetman for chairing our joint group. If anyone wishes to help please step forward as we really do need you. As ever, times of difficulty and challenge are an opportunity to strengthen our resolve. We are poised to achieve major progress, especially at Tamworth Road and in Darnford Park. Difficulties over the planning process concerning our projected water supply from the BCN have been overcome with help from the Lichfield planners, the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency. To have brought these organisations together in harmony has been a great achievement. We are also attending various working groups dealing with the building of the proposed HS2 rail route and you will find details further on in this magazine. The high level route would suit L&H best with the engineering alternatives meaning a major diversion and change for the canal. I started by referring to a “terrible sameness” straying into our project but all that followed has shown that things are frequently changing with a kaleidoscope of

All Photos in this issue are by Bob Williams except where credited otherwise. 6 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Chairman’s Column variations on old and familiar challenges. Really, it does come down to a “sameness” that we have nearly fifteen miles of canals to restore with limited resources both financial and human. We have survived, grown and matured for a quarter of a century. We can, will and must complete what we started. Brian Kingshott(chairman)

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

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

7 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Marketing and Promotions Report

It’s been a busy summer so far with a full programme of events and show attendances:- May 4 The Morriston Orpheus Choir in Lichfield Cathedral was a memorable event planned by Terry Brown, bringing his personal fund-raising target with his April Sponsored Walk close to £3,000. May 6 A French Evening hosted by Eric & Doreen Wood was a select occasion for socialising, yet raising £330. May 25-27 The Crick Boat Show was a glorious occasion this year which enabled us to gather over £2,000 and 20 new members. May 27 Lichfield Greenhill Bower added another £300 in an afternoon. June 7 Trust AGM, pictures and report elsewhere in this issue. June 11 Lichfield Business Connect Show at Lichfield Rugby Club June 15-16 Pelsall Boat Rally on the Wyrley & Canal went really well in good summer weather, biggest event yet for boats and attractions, earning us nearly £1,000 and another 20 new members. June 29-30 Braunston Historic Boat Rally, netted another £425, thanks to the Marina’s generous annual show dividend to charities – see picture. June 29-30 Councillors from Limburgh an der Lahn on a twinning visit (see pic) June 30 Waterfront, a happy local promotion exercise. July 6 Lichfield Florette Festival had crowds thronging around the Cathedral with lots of stalls wanting their money! 5 new members joined there July 6-7 “Cars in the Park”, Beacon Park, Lichfield was again a massive event in the best of summer weather, added another £900 to our funds. You can imagine the pressure all this puts on a very small team of regulars to do all this. There is a desperate need of some involvement from other members to keep up the good work. That could be YOU; think about it, become part of a successful team, informing the public and gathering funds to carry on. Marketing Group It takes time, but having attended a few group meetings, I began to see how I could bring my own particular contribution to the Trust. So, when we began to look ahead, we planned our input to the Trust’s progress into the future. That firstly meant redefining the purpose of the Group. So, together we focused on the principal aspects, summarised as follows:- 1. Fundraising through community activity. 2. Increase awareness and publicity. 3. Increase membership. 4. Manage communication via social media. The Group will develop these and other themes, looking ahead in a more tactical way. But, to be effective we need more volunteers to identify their own skills and help to undertake these tasks. We need your support, for example by being there at events and helping to engage new supporters, or perhaps to help with our social media. We intend to produce a regular progress report that we can use at events etc., showing the Trust’s short term plans, progress and longer term aspirations. Here’s another way YOU may be able to help: call me on 01543 483282 (eve.) Steve Fitzgerald 8 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 (advertisement)

Michael Fabricant MP Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Lichfield.

If you live in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency, and you require assistance and think your MP can help, you can either write to Michael Fabricant at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA; or you can email him by using the webform at www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/contact.html or telephone his office at 01543 419650 where you can also make an appointment to see him at one of his regular surgeries. (advertisement) 9 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Dr Phil Bennion MEP (top table far left) addresses the Trust AGM on European issues, 7-Jun-13 (photo by Stefan Szulc)

Peter Buck and Beverley Marshall at the Lichfield Business Connect Show, hosted by the Rugby Club, 11-Jun-13 10 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Historic boats and exhibitors at the successful BCNS Pelsall Boat Rally, 15/16-Jun-13

11 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Tim Coghlan, Hilary Smith and Bob Williams at the Braunston Historic Boat Rally, 29/30-Jun-13 (photo by Harry Arnold)

Councillors from Limburg-an-der-Lahn at the Lichfield Canal during a twinning research visit, 30-Jun-13 (photo by Peter Young) 12 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Lichfield Cathedral makes a fitting backdrop to the Trust stand at the busy Florette Festival, 6-Jul-13

The Trust sales team take a break at the extensive “Cars in the Park” show in Beacon Park, Lichfield, 6/7-Jul-13 13 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Lichfield Canal Work Report

As this is my first report as site manager, I must thank my predecessor, Bob Williams, for all his hard work in one of his many roles. He has done, and continues to do, more for the Trust than I ever will, but I hope that I can continue to push ahead with our plans with similar enthusiasm. I have inherited from him a great team of volunteers, men and women from all backgrounds, all with different skills and characters, but all equally valued. Although we take our tasks very seriously, we still have a lot of fun, and I’m quite happy to be the butt of a lot of humour. Our numbers are, I think, higher than ever, but we are always glad to welcome new faces and new ideas. If you feel you could help, please contact me (address at back of magazine) or come to visit us at Tamworth Rd, any Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday, you will be made welcome. The last issue of CBW reported the completion of the narrows in Pound 27, which, when other works are completed, will be fitted with stop planks, allowing us to water the pound, about 200 metres, up to lock 26. Our main effort since Spring has been the construction of a concrete coping to the top of the towpath wall, which will add strength and protect the brickwork. Peter Buck designed the shuttering, which was made to a very high standard by Bob Mullarkey. Despite being set up and dismantled 14 times and despite the extremes of weather, the shuttering has stood up very well, a great credit to everyone involved. Although we found it quite difficult at first, we have gradually worked out the best way to set it up, but it still involves a day- and- a-half’s work to get it right. By the time you read this,the job will be complete and we shall have a “Topping-Out” ceremony to feature in the next issue. The Gang, as always, have worked very hard, and have every right to be proud of their achievements. While big projects like this remain our main focus, we must try to maintain the rest of the site to a good standard. At this time of the year, particularly, weeds and scrub can soon take over, but Bob Houghton, with help from Jean, Sue, Roger and Malcolm, has kept it neat and tidy. As reported previously, we have carried out tests on a new waterproofing material. Unfortunately the test was not as successful as hoped, possibly because of a manufacturing problem or in the method we employed in installing it. However, a new, improved batch will soon be delivered and, with a few alterations to our methods, a better result will, hopefully, be achieved. A few weeks after the break-in of 9th.-10th. April, we had another “visit”, almost certainly from the same people. However, thanks to Peter Magee’s repairs to the container doors, they were unable to gain access and left empty handed, despite causing a lot of damage. We have had a very generous response from people, many of whom have donated equipment to replace what was stolen in April, so we once again have the essentials. New security measures have been taken, including the use of Smart Water, so although it is impossible to be completely secure against professional criminals, we are making life as difficult as we can. (continued on page 18 and 19) 14 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 The completed “narrows” in Lichfield Canal Pound 27, looking towards the position of the portal to pass under Tamworth Road, 7-Jun-13

Trust volunteer team constructing the concrete coping to the towpath wall up to the “narrows”, 25-Jun-13 15 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd.

Charity No.702429 & Lichfield Cruising Club Invite you to join them for the HUDDLESFORD HERITAGE GATHERING HISTORIC NARROWBOATS & CLASSIC CARS 21st & 22nd September 2013 at Lichfield Cruising Club, WS13 8PY Huddlesford Junction on the Coventry Canal Everyone Welcome (come by boat, car or on foot) and please bring your friends (plenty of free on-site car parking) Open to the public from 10am – 5pm Admission £3 (includes programme); Children free Call (01543 671427) for boat and exhibitor entry forms or email [email protected]

THE PINXTON PUPPETS BOAT TRIPS …. CHILDREN'S RIDES TRADE & CRAFT STALLS CAKE STALL …. BOOK STALL ….. BRIC-A-BRAC LICHFIELD DIOCESAN MOBILE BELFRY REAL ALE from BLYTHE BREWERY ALL DAY BARBECUE COFFEE & CAKE LICENSED BAR WITH REAL ALE AVAILABLE IN THE CRUISING CLUB

Saturday Night: Food & Music in the Marquee Admission by ticket only - available in advance from (01543 671427) or our website: www.lhcrt.org.uk

Proceeds to aid the restoration of the Lichfield & Hatherton canals 16 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Some scenes from the Huddlesford Gathering in 2011

Pinxton Puppets

Bojangles dance group

Classic cars

Daysy trip boat

(photos by Paul Marshall)

Join us again 21-22 September 2013 – see details opposite 17 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 What next? When the coping is complete we can backfill behind it ready to construct a new, wheelchair accessible footpath. This will allow us to re-grade the offside bank and to form the profile of the new canal bed. There are repairs to be carried out to lock 26 and the water test to be repeated; Fosseway Lane, one of our early sites, needs a good scrub-bashing team...... So much to do, so much to look forward to! Please come and join us and help us achieve something really worthwhile. I started by thanking Bob; I’ll finish by thanking everyone in the gang for making my “job” so easy and such a pleasure, I couldn’t wish for better company. Terry Brown, Director (Site Manager)

Shuttering assembly, before (top picture) and after (bottom picture) casting the first section of concrete coping, 2/7-Jun-13 18 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 The finished towpath coping, complete with rings installed in the section for boat moorings up to Lock 26 beside Tamworth Road, Lichfield, 17-Jun-13 From Here and There

The Heritage Trail Work continues on this and a grant has been identified. The problem is that we must pay contractors “up front” and we need someone to fund this before the grant can be drawn down. Meeting the terms of grants is always a difficult and drawn-out process. The Choir At the recent Canal and River annual meeting, held at Ellesmere Port, there was an extended discussion on who everyone should be talking to a wide audience and not just to the “insiders”. This is true in most organisations in that there is the tendency to talk to the converted. (Preachers can be said to be talking only to their choir.) As far as L&H is concerned there is little doubt that it is at shows and public events that we do our best work when we can sell raffle tickets to the general public and then draw them into a wider discussion. This is work which must be done tirelessly and repeatedly. We think everyone knows what we are about but in reality only a tiny percentage of the population knows about canals and certainly about canal restoration. Huddlesford Gathering Please support this important and enjoyable biannual event. Details elsewhere in this magazine. (Continued on page 26) Brian Kingshott (chairman) 19 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Donations to the Trust We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2013. Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Sponsor Restoration Marketing Appeal Appeals Mr A J Fisher (with sub.) 30.00 IWA Lichfield Branch 300.00 Mr J N Potts (with sub.) 100.00 Mr D J Jenkins (with sub.) 24.00 Mr M Cripps (with sub.) 85.00 Mr B Seymour 100.00 * Mr R T Willis (private talk fee) 30.00 Mr D A Stevenson 500.00 * Longwood Boat Club 100.00 U 3 A, (talk) 75.00 Mr D J Redwood 50.00 * Mr T E Brown 60.00 Cllrs K & M Humphreys 50.00 Mr P F Cann (with sub.) 35.00 The late K A Twyman legacy 7,623.93 Mr P D Morris t/a P.D.Nurseries 4,000.00 Easy Fundraising Ltd 63.11 Mr & Mrs R L Mantle 250.00 Dr G T Whitfield 150.00 * Mr J Dodwell 100.00 * Pertemps People Dev.Grp, 358.33 * Anonymous 1,000.00 Anonymous 250.00 Mr R J Fenton 30.00 Mr D Willey 500.00 Mr A D Brookes 500.00 Mr K Thomas 50.00 Mr J J Faulkner 30.00 Mr J W Farren 50.00 Mr L T Flower 40.00 Mr P R Swindale 55.00 Mr A Marr (with sub.) 50.00 Mr David Stanistreet 90.00 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 150.00 Returned expenses by Trust Directors:- - Mr B Kingshott 679.70 - Mr P C Magee 325.00 Regular donors to appeals + G.A. tax 726.25 Sum of donations below £20 each +GA 635.61 20 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Donations to the Trust We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2013. Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Sponsor Restoration Marketing Appeal Appeals Terry Brown’s Sponsored April Walk, total of all donations and Gift Aid, 2,042.50 including these over £20 since March .. … Mrs R Hicks 100.00 … Mrs H V Smith 25.00 … Mr R Nelson 30.00 … Mr K P Dibble 50.00 … anonymous 250.00 * = contributions towards replacing stolen equipment We are very grateful to the following donors:- Andrew Hoyle, site equipment. Chase Plant Hire Ltd, assistance with site machines. Ruttle Plant (Birmingham) Ltd, Lichfield, heavy lifting plant on site. Hireforce Tool & Equipment Hire, Wigston, Leicester, site equipment. Robert Mullarkey, producing specialised concrete shuttering. Chris Pattison, site equipment. Tony Phillips, Sutton Coldfield, site equipment. *********************************************************************************************

For pictures, membership, news and on-line ordering of sales items, don’t forget to take a look at the web site. www.lhcrt.org.uk

ANNOUNCEMENT We regret the loss of the following member:-

Mr R. Bass, Lichfield, died April 2013. Mr L. C. Owens, Lichfield, died 4th May 2013.

Owing to the ever increasing cost of postage, the Trust Council has decided to discontinue sending “ Courtesy Reminders “ to those members who pay by Bankers Order. Consequently, it would be more economical for the Trust if those who pay by cheque could change to a Bankers Order, using the form available on our website, or call 01543 671427 to have one sent to you. 21 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 HS2: Implications for the Trust

HS2 is a project promoted by the UK government to build a second high-speed railway line in England, following HS1 which connects London with the Channel Tunnel and thus Paris and Brussels. (“High-speed” means for trains running at 200 mph or above, against the 125 mph maximum on existing inter-city lines). Phase 1 of HS2 would run from London to Birmingham, and to Handsacre near Lichfield to connect into the existing West Coast Main Line. The project is being developed by HS2 Ltd, a company owned by the Department of Transport. The Handsacre link would pass east of Lichfield. When first announced in March 2010, plans showed that it would cross the Lichfield Canal just north of Darnford Lane. By the time a detailed public consultation was started in February 2011, the route had been changed to be further away from the City, passing above the new Cappers Bridge built over the canal line in 2005-6. The Trust’s Directors consider that it is for Government and Parliament to decide whether the line should be built; our task is to ensure that canal restoration is not endangered if it is. (We recognise that individual L&H members may have strong opinions about the project, which they can pursue separately). We have looked very carefully at the many documents issued by the Secretary of State and HS2 Ltd, and have responded to four separate consultations. Our Engineering Director, Peter Buck and I have attended meetings of the Whittington to Handsacre Community Forum, one of 26 established by HS2 Ltd to listen to local views and answer questions about the project. Through the Community Forum, we have established useful contacts with HS2 staff, including engineers. There have also been “bilateral meetings” with HS2 Ltd solely to discuss canals. At these we have been joined by the Lichfield Cruising Club (whose moorings at Huddlesford are also affected), the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), and the Canal and River Trust (CRT). (As an aside, we also attend meetings of an IWA committee set up to consider the implications for three other restoration projects of the extension of HS2 to Sheffield and Leeds planned under phase 2, though this does not affect the Lichfield Canal). 22 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 HS2: Implications for the Trust

The present position is curious. The Trust has had no reason to object either to the original alignment or the current one in that both have HS2 running on a viaduct well above the canal. The latest document, the Draft Environmental Statement, says that other arrangements in the Cappers Bridge area have been considered and rejected. However, a number of local people would prefer that the line be lower than on the present plan, and their representatives met the Secretary of State for Transport on 1st July to press their case. They were accompanied by Lichfield’s MP, Michael Fabricant, who as our Patron has been briefed on the possible implications for the canal. If as is possible the Secretary of State asks HS2 Ltd to re-examine this idea, we will need to robustly defend our project. To explain: a lower alignment crossing Cappers Lane could be at or about canal level, and thus prevent reopening of the canal to navigation on its original line as planned. An alternative route for the canal would have to be found; this may be possible, but cannot be taken for granted. If it is possible, it could require use of land not in the Trust’s ownership or control, with greater engineering and other costs. We contend that in this eventuality HS2 Ltd should meet those extra costs. Whether this would be accepted by them without argument, or lead to a battle such as was necessary when the Road threatened our project, we do not know at this stage. Rest assured that the Trust’s directors will if necessary fight for our interests as they did last time; as before, any support that members can offer will be vital to success. One other matter must be mentioned. In July the government “safeguarded” a corridor of land along the length of HS2. This includes land owned by the Trust by Cappers Bridge, and straddles the canal. From now on any planning application for development within the safeguarded area has to be referred by the planning authority ( Council in this case) to HS2 Ltd, who may ask for the application to be refused or granted with conditions. Moreover, they will have powers to compulsorily purchase land within this safeguarded area. This means that reopening the canal in this area could be delayed or even prevented. Who ever thought canal restoration would be easy.... The government intends to introduce a “Hybrid Bill” later this year to seek Parliamentary approval to build phase 1 of HS2. If there are unresolved issues by then, the Trust may have no option but to petition against the Bill. We hope and pray that this won’t be necessary; in our discussions, HS2 Ltd has said they want to resolve conflicts before then. We shall see. If the Bill passes on its present timetable, construction in our area will take place between 2017 and 2023, with the public train service beginning in 2026. I hope this article makes clear where we are in regard to HS2. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the other directors and we’ll do our best to help. David Dixon, Vice-Chairman and Land Officer 23 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Recycle, Benefit your Environment Raise Funds for our Charity Please donate your unwanted Gold, Silver, Costume Jewellery and Watches Parcel up your jewellery and post free of charge to:

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

Would you like to receive a colour copy of Cut Both Ways in an electronic PDF format? Please email the editor ([email protected]) and request a copy. 24 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Become a member of our 500 Club for the chance to win prizes of up to £400 every three months!

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

50% paid in prizes to its members.

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

There has been very little change in the number of subscriptions to the ‘500 Club’ during the last quarter. However, we currently have 229 subscriptions compared with 206 in June 2011. Please spread the word. A rise in the number of ‘500 Club’ members means an increase in the contribution to the Capital Fund and also the amount of prize money available. Remember, membership of the Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals RestorationTrust. Please spread the word. The winners of the June 2013 draw are: First prize £178.62 No 198 Keith Stead, Southall, Middlesex. Second prize £116.79 No 130 Mr & Mrs Humphreys, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield. Third prize £48.09 No 44 Mr R.D. Hardwick, Northampton The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be: 1st Prize £400 approx 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approx 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approx 7% income If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher the prizes. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA. 25 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 From Here and There

Thanks for your Generosity Recently we have had to deal with the major break-in and theft at our Tamworth Road operations base. This was so serious that we publicly declared that our whole operation was threatened. Making an insurance claim proved difficult. Then came the response from members and the public at large which brought in both considerable cash donations and gifts of equipment. Consequently, we are back in business even though we have not made good everything we lost. The current need is for small “gardening” equipment so that we can provide tools for teams of volunteers who we ask to clear the accumulated undergrowth which always threatens to overwhelm us in the summer. If anyone can spare loppers, shears and grass cutters please let us know. Contact Terry Brown – [email protected] or 01889 576574. CRT Chief Executive Richard Parry made his first public appearance at the AGM, just two days into his new post. He will surely be lobbied widely by the voluntary waterways movement not least by those of us in restoration. He comes from railway managements and accepts that he has much to learn. Commendably, he has already spent some time getting to know CRT on the ground. It will be interesting to see how the new CRT emphasis on volunteer input can be brought together with the more traditional areas of volunteer activity. We certainly wish him well. Meetings We are now holding our monthly meetings of Council at the Women’s’ Institute Hall at Hammerwich after many years of using facilities at Tamworth Cruising Club. We were very well-treated by TMC but it became increasingly illogical to decamp from Lichfield where most members of Council live and trek over to Kettlebrook. We shall miss the bar facilities and are very grateful to all at the Cruising Club who have looked after us so well. Lock Cottage at Ogley The trust already owns the first of the pair of lock cottages at Ogley where the Lichfield Canal joins the Anglesey Branch of the BCN. This is currently let on a monthly basis. The adjoining cottage is now on the market from Bill Tandy, 16, Road, Burntwood (01543 670055) The Trust would buy this if funds allowed but this is unlikely for several years. Obviously we would welcome purchase by a member or someone highly sympathetic to the restoration of the canal. The structure of Lock 1 lies within the gardens of both cottages. When our cottage is ultimately sold the lock ownership will be separated from the cottage and provision made for access when the lock is restored. We would need to achieve the same process for the neighbouring property. If you are interested, or would like further information please contact David Dixon. Brian Kingshott(chairman) 26 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 New Members from 1st April to 7th July 2013.

Mr A Haywood, Cannock Mr & Mrs J Harvey, Birmingham Mr & Mrs. A J Thomas, Lichfield Mr J M Holman, Woking, Surrey Mr J D Pardoe, Lichfield Mr A Wood, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich Mr B Burton, Lichfield Mr R B Davies, Pelsall, Mr S Stockdale, Lichfield Mr D Bird, Pelsall, Walsall Mr R W Herbert, Cannock Wood Mr J Corns, Pelsall, Walsall Mr A Kirkham, Hammerwich Mr M Thompson, Pelsall, Walsall Mrs B A Dundas, Lichfield Mr D Lowe, Ossett, Yorkshire Mrs J Bramble, Sutton Coldfield Mr & Mrs K Green, Whitchurch, Shropshire Mr & Mrs T Staniland, Lichfield Mrs D Beddows, , Walsall Mrs M Hewitt, Burntwood Mr D Norgrove, Cheslyn Hay, Walsall Mr & Mrs K A Richmond, Lichfield Mr A Wheatley,Wednesbury, W. Midlands Mr & Mrs R Barnett, Stafford Mr A Simmonds, Hailsham, E. Sussex Mr D Wall, Aldershot, Hants. Mr R W McMillan, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent Mr & Mrs M Dewar, Tamworth Mr E James, Lichfield Mrs L Manley, Wrexham, Denbs. Mr S Lees, Lichfield Mr B E Shepherd, Pelsall, Walsall Mr D Baker, Lichfield Mr S Mackay,Thurlby, Lincs. Ms Mizon-Hind, Erdington, Birmingham Ms Z Webster, Shardlow, Derbys. Mr P Pagett, , Staffs. Mr N J Edwards, Pilling, Lancs. Mr J Reed, Stowe by Chartley, Stafford Mr T Knight, Alvechurch, Worcs. Mrs S E Diment, Finchfield, Mrs J Ward, Denby Village, Derbys. Mr A Harbin, Shareshill, Wolverhampton Mr A Troth, Aldridge, Walsall Mr & Mrs D Crago, Staines, Middlesex Mr J R Ward, Burton on Trent Mr A W Moorhouse, Chasetown, Staffs. Mr H J Bryan, Burntwood Mr D Pantry, Tutbury, Burton on Trent Mr C Lee, Shardlow, Derbys. Mr D Carden, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks. Mr M Maddox, Brownhills, Walsall

********************************************************************************************* Membership 1228 (Including 136 Life, 22 Joint Life, 12 Group, 7 Corporate) Plus 570 Family. Total 1798. Covenanted Members 64. Current Covenant and Gift Aid declarations 714 *********************************************************************************************

For details about our Regular Giving Scheme contact Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427 Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, WS7 0JP 27 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Money Matters

Lichfield District Council grant – and beyond Extensive work in progress towards watering Pound 27 of the Lichfield Canal has proceeded at a pace, but now exhausted the Council’s Section106 £20,000 grant. This calls for additional fund-raising to meet the projected cost of lining a long section of the channel so that the much-admired result in the upper Pound 26 can be repeated in the lower Pound 27 – see pictures in this issue. 25th Anniversary Fund for 2013 With the benefit of some unexpected income, the target of £25,000 does not seem so far out of reach, but we are only half way there yet. Restoration work involving ‘new build’ is largely outside the criteria for most grant giving bodies which means that the Trust has to work hard on its own fund-raising initiatives. A considerable input came from the personal efforts of our new Director and Site Manager, Terry Brown. Sponsorship of his Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk last April raised over £2,000. Additionally, proceeds from his influence in bringing the Morriston Orpheus Choir to Lichfield Cathedral in May took that figure close to £3,000. We thank those who have already given generously and look forward to further events this year when the public have opportunities to “put their money where their mouth is” and not just saying “you’re doing a wonderful job”! Grant Prize Draw Ticket sales are going well this year, but please sell or buy any tickets you may hold to get into the draw which will be held in October. Paths for Communities (P4C) This initiative by Natural England, devolved from DEFRA, seeks to establish or renovate permanent pathways for public use. Parts of the Lichfield Canal qualify as rural locations which the grant-givers are keen to support. However, whilst this project has “been on the stocks” for many months, the grant criteria is almost self-defeating in requiring contractual costs to be fully paid before any grant can be claimed. The nature of the work is such that the Trust simply does not have the manpower to undertake such work over a short timescale. By now, the closing date is virtually upon us, with the project having to be totally completed by February 2014. In this you will recognise the dilemma of not having sufficient capital to pay contractors before receiving the grant which is in the realms of £100,000. We have approached several third parties to act as “bankers” but without avail. As we go to press, enquiries are being made of willing lenders to try to break the dead-lock, otherwise months of preparatory work will be wasted with no major advancement in opening up the pathways alongside the disused parts of canal to be restored as a public amenity.

Bob Williams, Director (Finance) 28 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Canal Transport Services Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

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

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

Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370

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

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

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each Copies of issues 1 to 74 are available from Bob Williams Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, WS7 0JP Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd. 29 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LIMITED. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429). Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from to Huddlesford Junction (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations. PRESIDENT Eric Wood VICE-PRESIDENT David Suchet CBE. PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP. DIRECTORS Chairman Vice-Chairman & Land Officer Finance Brian Kingshott David Dixon Bob Williams 01547 530457 - Tel/Fax 01543 258512 – Home 01543 671427 (677687 - Fx) 07831 572642 - Mobile 07807 258957 – Mobile 07973 293834 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Membership Environment & Fundraising Vacant, Trevor Morris Geoff Crook pending a new appointment 0121 354 7952 01543 254826 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Plant Project Planning Marketing & Promotion Peter Magee Mike Battisson John Bryan 01889 578289 – Home/Fax 01543 300090 01543 683586 01889 577005 - Work 07984 437284 - Mobile [email protected] 07973 509232 –Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Health & Safety Engineering Lichfield Sites Manager Bob Mullarkey (& Lichfield Cruising Club rep) Terry Brown 01543 251408 – Home Peter Buck 01889 576574 - Home 01543 426811 – Work 01543 268041 - Home 07855 810568 – Mobile 07973 719215 – Mobile 07966 123239 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Officers IWA Nominee Director Magazine Editor Website Vaughan Welch Stefan Szulc Paul Marshall 0121 477 9782 – Home 01543 677156 01543 410646 07971 202406 – Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Hatherton Work Party Membership Assistant Publicity Officer Denis Cooper Pat Ainge Mervyn Ainge 01543 374370 – Work 01889 801242 - Home 01889 801242 - Home [email protected] [email protected] LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING LIMITED. Company No 3686837 - Chairman: Brian Kingshott; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk 30 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 31 Cut Both Ways Summer 2013 Braunston Marina are proud to BACK the campaign to save the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals.

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