The Magazine of the & Hatherton Restoration Trust

Issue No. 80 - Summer 2014

Terry Brown placing a brick in the “Moody” inlet, which forms part of the access to a future “water activity hub” and winding hole, 5-Jul-14 (see page 20) hay Whar eet f L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the .

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V.A.T No. 133609427 Chairman’s Column

The AGM has come and gone for another year. It was well-attended and exuded a very positive atmosphere. Our finances are on a sound footing while the reports from hay Whar individual Directors were confident and forward-looking. The comments from John et f Bryan concerning volunteering were challenging and I will return to this theme later. re Lt We enjoyed an illustrated talk from Brian Nelson, Vice-Chairman of the t d and Newport scheme which showed that we all face similar challenges, not least on S . the financial front. The Park View Centre in is an excellent venue both in the facilities it offers and because it stands on the cusp of both our canals. June also saw major changes in the composition of the Board of Directors. Peter Magee stood down after many years of service, several of them as Vice-Chairman. His skills with machinery are legendry as is his ability to conjure heavy transport from thin air. Trevor Morris had not been seeking re-election and we had planned to honour his almost quarter century of service but he sadly died in May at the age of 89. His funeral was attended by many from L&H and I was pleased to be able to present Edna with an engraved silver salver to record Trevor’s work for the Trust. His input was mostly in the maintaining of careful membership records and monitoring and maintaining the steady flow of subscription income. For years he also supported work parties on both canals although, in latter years, he limited himself to the fettling of recycled bricks. Thus we have lost another link with the very early days of the trust and a steady and reliable member of the Board. Sadly, linked to this, was the resignation of Mervyn Ainge from the membership team through serious and debilitating ill-health. These events have helped us to concentrate on the need to take a more focussed approach to the process of internal renewal. We started as a rather uncoordinated bunch of enthusiasts developing and attracting skills as we went along. Like all such bodies we are dependent on those who feel moved to join us who bring with them a range of skills, most related to previous employment. We have encouraged our volunteers to “bring themselves” and to do what they can. Looking around the present Board we can be confident that we are served by some excellent people. However, it is time to “move up a gear”. We are considering ways in which we can achieve targeted recruitment. We hope to move to having job descriptions readily

Our Vision To reinstate the historic and for the benefit of the community. The natural wildlife corridor from Huddlesford to Hatherton will provide a valuable amenity for walkers, cyclists, boaters and visitors to use and will bring prosperity to the area. This project will also provide an opportunity for young people to learn about our history, our heritage and our environment.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 3 Chairman’s Column to hand so that anyone who approaches us can be offered something they can do almost at once rather than be put on hold until they drift away and lose interest. We must draw in a new generation of younger and vigorous volunteers to drive us forward. Hopefully, this includes you! Meanwhile, to say that business continues as usual is to understate considerably all that is being done, especially in Lichfield. In the week ending 29th June 22 volunteers contributed 630 hours of work, mostly at Tamworth Road. Progress in Pound 27 is truly amazing and is a great monument to the work of Terry Brown and his team. The “Feet of Clay” appeal continues to be a great success and we suspect that the plan to use traditional materials appeals to many in the canal restoration world. It is unfortunate that the synthetic material we had hoped to use still fails to live up to expectations. Of course, the more we restore the more we have to maintain Heavy vegetation growth at this time of year plus the steady and inevitable decay of paintwork places an increasing load on our teams. We receive comment from non-members who use the we have opened up and draw attention to areas which need attention. We will encourage this input and encourage people to undertake some self-help to keep our paths clear. This could be another means of passive membership recruitment. As we know only too well, restorations are at least as much about paperwork as it is about spadework. Monitoring planning applications is vital to us. We have noted that Persimmon Homes now has planning permission for the first stage of its development between Road and Road. We must now ensure that their undertakings towards our restored canal are fully met. Meanwhile, and almost a year late, the Government Inspectors’ report on the application by travellers to develop the land purchased close to the aqueduct has been published. Consent has been refused but this may not be the end of the process. On the Hatherton we continue to discuss the planned electrification of the with Network Rail to ensure that we will be able, in time, to install a culvert without compromising their lineside equipment. This is a tricky area for the canal and great care is needed. We also hear that there are again suggestions that the M54 could be linked northward with the M6 and we will seek any opportunity for achieving a navigable link under the M6. So much of what we do is about communication. We keep in touch with all our local authorities and any statutory bodies which need to know what we are planning to do. Public opinion is also vital to us and we are now fortunate to have the services of Tom Reid who attends our meetings and is skilled at getting reports and articles in the local press. Our website, under the direction of Paul Marshall, is first rate and is packed with news and information, ranking with the best in the field. This magazine, edited by Stephan Szulc, now in glorious colour keeps the members well-informed.

All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary, Mrs D Hancock, 2 Elias Close, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TX

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 4 Chairman’s Column

The Chairman addresses the AGM, 6-Jun-2014

We know that it also reaches a much wider constituency. If you were not at the AGM you can read about it on the website, including the Chairman’s Annual Report which tries to encapsulate a whole year of activity and endeavour. As ever, projecting forward is more important, if less comforting, than looking back. Stay with us, join us and support us. We need you more than ever. Brian Kingshott(chairman) Canal Transport Services Boat builders at since 1964

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Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 5 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2014. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mr M J Battisson 30.00 Mr K P Niblett 60.00 Mr A J Fisher (with sub.) 30.00 Mrs C V Lee (with sub.) 24.00 Mr J Derrick 1,000.00 Mr L T Flower 100.00 Mr M H Smith 50.00 Mr & Mrs S H Sampson 300.00 Mr A Clover, Autogrill Catering UK Ltd 300.00 Mr J C S Ford 30.00 Mr I Caplan 45.00 Mr M H L Farrant 2,000.00 Miss L K Alexander 25.00 Anonymous 250.00 Mr J C Morris 159.50 Anonymous 1,000.00 County Council grant 2,000.00 Council grant 1,000.00 Mr K Gough (500 Club prize donated) 179.40 Horse & Jockey, Lichfield; collection 47.67 Mr E Adams 50.00 Anonymous 42.00 Mr & Mrs J K W Pearse 28.00 Ms L M Booth 50.00 Mr R Kirman 30.00 Mr W Rose 50.00 Mr M P Shimell 50.00 Easyfundraising Ltd (donated goods) 38.44 Mr J Eric Wood 101.00 Mrs H K Marshall; memorial tributes to 1,300.00 the late Colin Marshall, Tamworth Mr J A Sullivan 30.00 Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 6 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2014. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mr G Edwards 30.00 Mr J W Farren 60.00 Mr M Maddox 30.00 Mr R T Willis 30.00 Mr J J Faulkner 30.00 Mrs M Hille 30.00 Mr & Mrs P R Swindale (with subs.) 75.00 Rev A J Cooper 25.00 Mr C Watmore 500.00 Dr J R Massy 500.00 Miss A M Grinstead (for R S Houghton) 375.00 Mr & Mrs D Gray 90.00 Ms E Lester, Gailey Roundhouse coll’n 37.48 Braunston Historic Boat Rally: donation 200.00 Mr P R Newman (with sub.) 35.00 Mr David Stanistreet 120.00 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 300.00 Returned expenses by Trust officers:- - Mr B Kingshott 546.00 - Mr R O Williams 120.60 Regular donors to appeals and sums up 1,637.89 673.75 941.00 to £20.00 aggregated, plus Gift Aid.

Membership rates are: Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6; Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Small Business £100, Large 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).

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 7 New Members 1st April to 30th June 2014

Guy Gorton, Gerrards Cross, Bucks Raymond Hughes, Christopher Williamson, Wednesfield Paul Mason, Sutton Coldfield Thomas Brophy, Willington, P J Bowers, Parkeston, Essex Royston Simms, Tamworth, Staffs. Mrs Hall, Lichfield Malcolm Lewins, Hilton, Derbyshire. Roland Curtis, Lichfield Linda King, Wickham Market, Suffolk Daniel Lloyd, Lichfield Heather Marshall, Tamworth, Staffs. Mrs Jane Low, Lichfield Rodney Allen, Brighouse, W.Yorks. David Simcox, Lichfield Keith Rimmer, Norton Canes, Staffs. Sarah Tighe, Lichfield Laurence Watson, Ware, Hertfordshire David Schollar, John Hawkins, Rickmansworth Patricia Wilson, Lichfield Richard & Avril Harrison, Hastings Teresa Rose, Burntwood David Morris, Alvechurch, Birmingham Ronald Pinder, Lichfield Mrs Lynn Shaw, Brownhills, Phillipa Smart, Robert Kirman, Denise Banks, Lichfield John Tisbury, , Shropshire Norman Hall, Lichfield Colin & Fiona Booker, Lichfield Rachel Golding, Lichfield James Joseph, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham Pauline Burton, Lichfield John R Alderson, Nether Heyford, Northants. Graham Ward, Lichfield Michael & Sandra O’Neill, Washington, USA Amana Defreitas, Walsall Tony Harding, Rittman, Ohio, USA *********************************************************************************************

Membership Total:- 1864 (Comprising 392 Adult, 860 Family, 153 Life, 392 Retired, 12 Business, 55 Other (incl. outstanding renewals).

********************************************************************************************* We are very grateful to the donors:- Anonymous donation of a water pump for site use. *********************************************************************************************

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.

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each Copies of issues 1 to 79 are available from Bob Williams Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, , WS7 0JP Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 8 ANNOUNCEMENT We regret announcing the loss of two valuable members of the Trust’s management team:-

Thomas Trevor Morris, Sutton Coldfield, a Director of the Trust and its long-serving Membership Secretary died on 9th May 2014. Also Mrs Edna Morris, his widow, died suddenly 14th July 2014.

Mervyn Dennis Ainge, Rugeley, Membership Assistant lost the fight against recent onset of serious cancer on 9th July 2014.

And also the loss of of the following member Mrs Margaret Beacroft, Alfreton, Derbyshire, died late June 2014.

Trevor Morris It is sad to be reporting the death of Trevor Morris who had served the Trust so faithfully for so many years, after a short illness, at the age of 89. Trevor was one of the earliest members of Trust Council and played a very full part in our discussions until very recently. For many years he has been Membership Secretary and was about to stand down at our AGM in June. He maintained comprehensive records and was in the process of handing over to a computerised system. Trevor was, until quite recently an active member of our restoration team and worked on both the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. His quiet dedication to L&H will be sorely missed. The funeral, on 25th May, was well-attended with many of his L&H friends paying their respects. Just two months later, Edna also passed away and we extend our condolences to John and the family.

Mervyn Ainge To lose colleagues in old age may not be surprising but Mervyn’s fall to serious cancer only twelve days before his 71st birthday could not be foreseen. Whilst still maintaining professional work to the end, his involvement with the Trust grew gradually over the past decade with his wife Pat, giving their support enthusiastically to promotional activities. Funding the footbridge over 25 on the Lichfield Canal was their inspiration for all to enjoy, easily viewed from their dedicated 40th Wedding Anniversary bench now placed there. Mervyn undertook to develop a new computer-based membership records system which has paved the way for taking forward. In recent months, he led a team that brought to reality a Visitor Centre in a vacant shop in Lichfield, making a considerable public impact. We are sorry to lose a good friend, but his sad passing leaves a legacy of achievements for the Trust.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 9 Our 500 Club gives members a 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.

There has been very little change in the number of subscriptions to the ‘500 Club’ during the last quarter. However, we currently have 227 subscriptions compared with 229 in June last year. Please spread the word; anyone can join the Club, you don’t have to be an LHCRT member. A rise in the number of ‘500 Club’ members means an increase in the contribution to the Capital Fund and also the amount of prize money available. So please spread the word.

The winners of the March 2014 draw are: First prize £ 177.06 No 206 Elizabeth Rowbotham, Dorset. Second prize £ 115.77 No 67 Ms B Smith, Lichfield, Staffs. Third prize £ 47.67 No 247 Mr JA Smart, Sutton Coldfield.

The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be:

1st Prize £400 approx 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approx 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approx 7% income

If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher the prizes. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 10 (advertisement)

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

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 11 SalesMarketing and Promotions and Promotion Report

Inland Waterways Protection Society - Hatherton Walk The L&H hosted this years IWPS walk along the Hatherton Canal which is told by Paul Niblett later in this issue. Lichfield Visitor Centre (The Trust Shop) In the last two issues, you will have read about our new venture in reaching out to the public through a temporary Licence to occupy a vacant shop in the City Arcade in Lichfield City Centre. This proved to be a valuable experiment in attracting new interest from locals and visitors to the City, some from surprisingly far away. One of the 43 new members who joined us there lives in Washington, USA! By the end of May, it was apparent that the location was too far from the main footfall, the operating costs more than expected, manning rotas becoming difficult, and most importantly, all the display materials were needed for the round of seasonal shows. It was thus decided to vacate that shop but to apply the experience gained at a better location next winter. Meanwhile, a reception office has been set up on the work site at Tamworth Road to maintain the momentum of public outreach. Seasonal events May 8th – Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall officially inaugurated the new Defence Medical Services Centre at the former Whittington Barracks, Lichfield where local interests were invited to welcome the large inflow of staff into the area. Heavy rain and military business accounted for a low return. May 17-16 – Moira Canal Festival attendance by invitation of the Association kept us in their public eye. May 24-26 – Crick Boat Show now provides a major platform for meeting enthusiasts from all over the country where we gained 6 new members and gross income of £722, somewhat shaded by the high cost of attendance there. May 26 – Lichfield Greenhill Bower Show follows a Carnival Parade through the City Centre to Beacon Park where the Trust team missed no opportunity in collecting £482. June 6 – Annual General Meeting at the Park View Centre, Brownhills. June 10 – Lichfield Business Connect Show: see report under Money Matters. June 28-29 – Braunston Historic Rally and Canal Festival is always a canal photographer’s dream with dozens of beautifully presented craft. One had Richard Parry, Chief Executive of CRT at the helm with show organiser Tim Coghlan, who visited the stands to present their customary Charity Dividend, taking our show net gain to £577 and 6 new members. June 29 – Brownhills Waterfront Event is a very friendly occasion but still added £320 to the funds. Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 12 Marketing and Promotion

July 5-6 – Cars in the Park, organised by the Rotary Club of Lichfield is a massive event, attracting hundreds of exhibits to satisfy all tastes, from the finest classics to the newest major models. Our extended team worked hard to bring home £775 and another 5 new members. Braunston Show 29-Jun-14

Cars in the Park, 5-Jul-14 FARM TOUR What a lovely way to spend a summer evening! The Gray family at Sheepwash Farm in Whittington near Lichfield regularly operate tours of their extensive farm on a specially adapted trailer behind a working tractor. Thursday 12th June was just such an evening when two dozen Trust members and friends enjoyed a personal, detailed explanation of their pastoral and arable farming enterprise. Through the most modern farming techniques, the large herd of cows not only contribute to the meat market, but produce fertiliser for the land. The principal activity is growing several varieties of potatoes destined for the crisps market. Quality, size and shape determine what the factories will take so choice of species and cultivation method are important factors, aided by irrigation drawn from the Trust’s section of the Lichfield Canal. Produce storage is a science in itself to keep the potato crop in best condition to be called from stock at any time throughout the year. The tour also circumnavigated the adjacent Fisherwick Lakes, even submerging the trailer enough for the ‘tourists’ to wash their feet! A splendid salad supper and home-grown strawberries was laid on at the Lakes Centre to bring a most enjoyable and informative evening to a memorable close.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 13 A walk on the Hatherton Branch

Who might have thought that a member of the cabbage family was a point of special discussion on a recent walk along the line of the Hatherton Canal? Well, read on…. A fine walk along the Lichfield Canal in August last year prompted members of the Inland Waterways Protection Society to want to explore more of the Lichfield & Hatherton Trusts’s activities, this year on its western section. And so it was that a couple of dozen of us, including your esteemed officers David Dixon, Bob Williams and John Bryan, surveyed most of the existing and planned new line of the Hatherton on Saturday 5th April. The day was divided into two: Fishley Lane to the Suchet Tunnel before lunch and the M6 to the Roman Way Hotel after. Although relatively short, the journey was packed with interest, especially for those of our group who have been actively involved in canal restoration over many years, notably our Chairman Ian Edgar MBE, whose work at Bugsworth Basin is nationally recognised. IWPS members are always delighted to engage with other societies such as yours as a means of networking and of gaining and offering advice, in addition to having a good day out! Right from the start, the absence of any canal after the splendidly-rebuilt Fishley Lane Road Bridge No 1 didn’t dispel any enjoyment at all. In fact many in our group were more than glad to get their feet, ankles, thighs and, in one case buttocks, plastered in mud as we walked northwards along the stream (or was it the footpath?). David and Bob gave us mental images of the work to be done for the new canal line as it passes through various landowners’ properties, crosses streams, roads etc. And we didn’t forget the planned locks. All in all, known technologies just requiring some time and money. Experience tells us that it will happen.

IWPS start their Hatherton Walk at the former Lords Hayes Junction, 5-Apr-14.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 14 A walk on the Hatherton Branch

We chose the Dog & Partridge at Calf Heath for lunch and a splendid hostelry it turned out to be. Excellent food and good service in the company of like-minded walkers – and your Chairman Brian, who kindly joined us. A slight hiccup in the weather didn’t deter us and we strode off alongside a “proper canal” from the M6 blockage, eastwards towards . Here again we noted a few dropped bridges to be raised, a lock or two to reinstate – nothing “out of the ordinary” where abandoned waterways are concerned. We were especially impressed at the work done by your group to maintain a very usable , thereby encouraging its use, and also by the civil work being done to maintain bridge structures – including the fine brick enhancement to the bridge behind the Roman Way Hotel. Congratulations are due to everyone concerned. This was indeed a great day out for IWPS members. They extend their thanks to the Trust for making it possible and they extend their best wishes for the future – we’ll pencil in 2024 for a return visit perhaps? I send personal thanks to David for his interest, enthusiasm and sheer hard work in helping to arrange both this and last year’s walk. And I also thank Polly for her assistance in the car shuffles and being generous with her hellebores! Oh, and what was that about the cabbage family? Well, when approaching the eastern end of the tunnel, we walked along the very busy A5 Watling Street. Here, as motorists throughout Britain will probably have noted, we saw the now ubiquitous Cochlearia Danica (Danish scurvygrass) along the road edges. It’s a seaside plant which enjoys salt and hence, it’s enjoying life along the fast-lane. To quote a web reference: “the distribution map of the plant can double-up as a major road atlas”. Paul Niblett 01782 641967 Representing members of the Inland Waterways Protection Society (IWPS)

IWPS discussing the route

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 15 Current Line of the Lichfield Canal

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 16 Current Line of the Lichfield Canal

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 17 A New Route to the BCN

We thought it was time to cruise the new route to the BCN only recently opened by Prince Harry. Since HS2 came into service boating via has become noisy as well as busy and a new route would be more than welcome, especially if it was quicker and quieter. It has taken almost 40 years to get what we have learnt to call the Lichfield Canal restored to its rightful place as an integral connection of the Midlands network and we were more than ready to give it a go. We already knew Lichfield as a beautiful city but were excited by the prospect of taking our boat there at long last. After a rather noisy night at The Plough at Huddlesford, where the food is excellent, we set off through what used to be the Lichfield Cruising Club moorings towards Cappers Bridge. The members’ boats are now snugly moored in their new offline haven. Almost at once we passed under the HS2 viaduct safely 30 metres above our heads and quite graceful in its own way, quite dwarfing the red brick road bridge under Cappers Lane which was rebuilt some 20 years ago. This section has been long-blighted by the roar of the but we really felt sorry for the owners of the cottage by the former Lock 30 who now have to endure HS2 as well. Lock 30 has been rebuilt a few metres west of its original location but in a sympathetic style. Next is the lift bridge brought in from the Macclesfield via the Chesterfield back in the 1990s and it supplies a welcome sense of heritage. Now came the first of several enforced deviations from the original route. The crew insisted on stopping, trotting across the bridge, and pushing through the undergrowth to inspect the now bypassed Lock 29. This has long been a conservation area where there is much evidence of badger activity. The sturdiness of the lock structure is very plain to see. Back on the boat we were keen to get to Lichfield for the night. Sections of the route from here onwards are “new build” because so much of the original was rendered unusable after closure in the mid 1960s. We noted that the restorers have made every effort to keep the historic feel of their canal. Resisting the temptation to book a round of golf by the new Darnford Lane bridge we swung to the right along the new section through pony paddocks towards the roaring A38 now a motorway in its own right. Lichfield has spread considerably in recent years but there is still a sense of open country here. A slightly tortuous bend brought us to the tunnel which had been such a challenge for the restoration engineers both in design and cost. Now there was a moment of quiet as we drifted under the road and then came the sharp left bend onto the deep double lock in Darnford Park named President’s flight in honour of Eric Wood, first Chairman of the restoration trust. We had to pause to let a boat down the staircase but the Park is a pleasant place to linger. One of the big bonuses of the restoration was the landscaping of this popular recreation area. Old trees were felled and new ones planted while earth bunds were built to reduce noise pollution from the A38(M). We almost decided to moor here for the night.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 18 A New Route to the BCN

Rising up the double locks we were straight into the tunnel under the A51 which was almost as big an engineering challenge as the A38, even though it was a cut and cover design rather than thrust bore. Through the narrows at the entrance to the water activity hub and boat haven off Tamworth Road, we rounded a sharp right bend which brought us back to the original navigation line. Here are secure moorings ideal for catching a bus to the city centre to visit the cathedral or Erasmus Darwin House. Ahead is the relaxed series of locks which would take us up to the BCN. We were impressed by how well-used the canal is by walkers, anglers and those who just stop and watch. This was one of the first sections restored and it has matured very well, despite the big housing development along the towpath side. Locks 26, 25 and 24 brought us to Cricket Lane, once such a road bottleneck but now closed and tranquil. All the locks and bridges are named. Original names have been reused wherever possible but new ones, relevant to the area have been used where appropriate. Thus we have Jubilee Lock, Darwin Lock, Garrick Bridge and so on. This is about as close to the City centre as the canal gets but the canal feels part of the historic fabric. Incidentally, there is an excellent chippy and a useful row of shops here. Of course Lichfield itself offers a wide range of places to eat and drink and nobody should be deterred by the short walk or bus ride. Our destination for the night was the moorings near the old Gallows Wharf, close to London Road. This was another tricky section for the restorers. Width was severely restricted with towpath and footway having to be combined for short sections. Then came the second major route deviation as a consequence of building on the line after closure. Tomorrow, after a walk into Lichfield we would tackle the tunnel under the Cross-City railway line and the staircase alongside the bypass. Water supply was always difficult on this canal but every effort has been made to back-pump and make maximum use of the available supply. The popularity of the route has made careful management essential. We had booked a time-slot for the following day so that we could get well on up the remaining 20 locks to the summit. We knew that the next section would be particularly attractive. So far, as well providing the welcome short cut to the BCN and onwards to Wolverhampton, the cruise had been interesting, moderately challenging and had taken us through surprisingly attractive countryside and parkland. Our teenage crew was impressed and that is not always the case. The prospect was of more and better to come as we tackled the remaining climb to the summit at Brownhills. Erasmus Brindley

To be continued ......

Brian Kingshott(chairman)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 19 Lichfield Canal Work Report

Doesn’t time fly when you’re enjoying yourself! When the last CBW came out we were looking forward to longer days and better weather, and we’ve been able to make the best of both. Despite the odd bad day we’ve been very lucky and have made excellent progress on our latest big project, the wing walls for the winding hole adjacent to the narrows in Pound 27. After the frenetic activity leading up to the opening of the Heritage Towpath Trail it was quite difficult to return to our normal 3-day week, but we soon settled back into routine. The wing walls are necessarily very substantial structures; they’re likely to suffer some rough treatment from manoeuvring boats so we’ve made them as strong as possible. The back is made up of “Moody Blocks” (named after the manufacturer); giant concrete Lego blocks which interlock and can be built up remarkably quickly using a telehandler. This a very satisfying job, looking back on a day’s work and seeing so much progress. The wall is then faced with solid blue engineering bricks, leaving a gap of about 9 inches which we fill with reinforced concrete. At the time of writing we’re awaiting delivery of the last batch of blocks and the brickwork is gradually reaching a more comfortable height for the brickies. The initial setting out of the brickwork and the difficult radius corners has been left in the capable hands of “Rick the brick”; he and Barry have been joined by one our newer volunteers, Tony, so now we have a good gang of brickies. It’s just as well; there are about 8,000 bricks to be laid. When the walls are completed we can look forward to the task of lining the pound and getting it into water; we face some very hard work in the next few months, but I know we can do it.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 20 Lichfield Canal Work Report

Away from Tamworth Road, we’ve been trying to keep on top of the rapidly-growing vegetation which threatens to encroach on the footpaths cleared by “The Staffords” at Fosseway and Darnford Heath, so they’ve made return visits to keep the paths clear. Another project, this time in conjunction with volunteers from the Parks Department, is the restoration of heathland at Muckley Common, where invasive species have taken over and where the line of the canal needs to be re-defined. We hope that this partnership will develop further and will be mutually beneficial; earlier in the year we helped them plant a large number of trees, in return for which they gave us a good supply of surplus fence posts. By the side of the infilled Lock 24, Mike Battisson has unearthed the old bywash and has been busy clearing it out with a view to restoring it as a feature on the Heritage Towpath Trail, which is now well established as a popular walk, much appreciated by all those who use it. To take advantage of this and to promote and monitor the Trust’s efforts, we now have the Marketing Team’s “SMART” caravan sited at the side of Lock 26, where people can find out more about our activities and we, in turn, can get a better picture of the public’s views. As always, I’m indebted to my growing band of “lads and girls” for all their hard work and friendship and for all the fun they bring to the job. I’m also mindful of the hard work of all the people who make our work possible and who, unlike us, are not in the public eye and never get the credit they deserve, so on behalf of all of us “at the sharp end”, thank you all for your support. Terry Brown (Lichfield Site Manager)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 21 From Here and There

Wall Butts This is the open common land at Muckley Corner, in the area of Lock 9b (see map on page 16/17), where the A461 crosses the A5. The Trust has taken advantage in renewed local interest in this common land to re-identify its route and to ensure that all authorities are aware of it. The canal cannot follow the original route as it cannot cross A5 in the original place but in a location slightly to the east. Cricket Lane Currently this is the limit of Trust activities at Tamworth Road. The original hump- backed bridge cannot be reinstated and so alternative ideas are needed. The current road surface level is exactly the same as that of the canal if it were to continue as before above Lock 24. One possibility would be to relocate Lock 24 beyond Cricket Lane thus allowing a crossing with adequate head room. If Cricket Lane were to be closed to road traffic the solution would be simpler. Plans to build houses on the undeveloped side of Cricket Lane will complicate all the issues around access and traffic flow. Commemorative Trees The infilled section between Cricket Lane and London Road is a pleasant grassy walk. Within this there are a number of semi-mature trees, some planted in memory of departed relations. A number of these will have to be replaced before work can start. The Trust will endeavour to contact everyone with an interest in this and suggest ways forward acceptable to all. In any event, it is always Trust policy to replace trees on a two for one basis. Land Acquisition The Trust continues to build up its “land bank” especially on the Hatherton. A number of small but important sections in public ownership are in the process of being transferred at a nominal price. On the Lichfield we are seeking further leases from the councils and are hoping to purchase other parcels of land. Some owners tell us they are considering bequeathing land in their wills. HS2 This project is now in its technical parliamentary phase. The parliamentary committee is considering the petitions submitted by those opposed to aspects of the proposed works. L&H, IWA and the Lichfield Cruising Club are among those who have submitted petitions.

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.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 22 THE WREST IS HISTORY

No, it’s not a spelling mistoke (!) of a popular saying, but a stretch of the imagination. The Oxford dictionary offers at least ten meanings of WREST, some of which are historic in themselves. Go on, have a look yourself. We can all wrestle with the idiosyncrasies of the English language and imagine wresting something out of history, but how can this apply to the aims of the Trust? Let’s try:- “the action of twisting or writhing” – could that be the ‘Curley Wyrley’? “gain by persistence or strong persuasion” – negotiating skills? “incline or influence someone to do something” – political pressure? “divert to some different purpose” – is that recovering disused land? “struggle or contend against something” – planning regulations, maybe? My preference is:- “to force or make way with effort” – yes, that’s it! It is an unhappy circumstance that either side of ‘WREST’ we find ‘WRENCH’ and ‘WRETCH’, but let’s not go there. Volunteer empowerment is a strong force where tenacity is a key ingredient. It takes us back to the meanings above, to “action, gain, influence, divert, struggle”. That’s what we do in the Trust. When we look at all the Trust’s spectacular achievements over 25 years – expensive new motorway and road crossings, land acquisition, new canal structures, new public towpaths – it’s all down to devoted volunteers wanting to work together to make a difference for public benefit at relatively little cost. But we need more people to share in achieving future successes. Call Bob Williams now on 01543 671427 to talk about it. The Wrest is then easy! Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

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.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 23 What does the Land Officer do?

As a member of various groups, I often wonder what the committee members whose names and titles are listed at length in their magazines actually do. No doubt some of our members wonder the same thing about us. The editor has asked me to tell you what I do. So, here goes! But first, how did I find myself involved with the LHCRT in the first place? When retirement from a career in transport beckoned some years ago, I thought I should do something new which might be useful to the community. Perhaps more importantly, she-who-must-be-obeyed didn’t want me sitting around the house all day doing crosswords and watching telly. Messing about in boats (originally in the Thames Estuary) has long been a favourite pastime. But in Lichfield we could hardly be further from the sea. Closer to home, there was, fortunately, a whole new world of boating to discover on the inland waterways. We are to be able to use canals restored long ago by people no longer with us to enjoy them. So it seemed right to try to help towards making more miles of canal available for our own children and grandchildren. With a local Restoration Trust close at hand, I had no need to look further. Invited to an L&H Council meeting, I was quickly made aware that the then Land Officer was looking to retire after a long spell in the job. Forgetting the old army adage about never volunteering for anything, I was soon in post. Mike Smith, ex-RAF, was an excellent mentor, but it was well over a year before I was able to start to “fly solo”. It is stating the obvious that without access to their routes, neither of our canals can be reopened throughout. The Canal & River Trust (CRT), as , had retained sections of both canals, and are keen on restoration. But most was sold off for modest sums to local Councils or to adjacent landowners long before the LHCRT came along wanting to reopen the canals. Moreover, the plans for both the Lichfield and the Hatherton propose building lengths of new canal where no boat has ever

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 24 What does the Land Officer do?

gone before. Being of old a walker of footpaths etc., I’ve enjoyed exploring our routes and discovering parts of our neighbourhood I would otherwise never have known. Arriving back home with boots full of water and covered with mud is not unusual! Some landowners would like to see boats nearby once again, some wouldn’t, others are indifferent. In each case the Trust has to contact the present owners, explain our plans and discuss how they might be adapted to meet individual concerns. The process is much the same through “virgin” territory. In all, we have something like 50 different landowners to talk to, not to mention the County Council and the Highways Agency when we need to cross one of their roads, and Network Rail when the iron road is involved. Even when the owners welcome us, it can be a slow process to negotiate acquisition, or use, of their land. Patience is a virtue, as I was taught by parents and teachers when young and impetuous. Moreover, money is needed to meet the costs. No Trust like ours, dependent mostly on donations, ever has enough money, and there are numerous routine demands on the funds. And those enthusiastic volunteer workers at Tamworth Road and elsewhere always want more for cement, fuel for their diggers and so on. So part of my job is to make my case to the other directors for a share of what money is available. Another of my tasks is to make sure that land we need isn’t used for other purposes. More than in some other parts of the country, there is great pressure for development in the Midlands, which are densely-populated and are passed through en route between other parts of the country. Safeguarding through the Local Plan processes can be lengthy and complicated, but is vital. I find myself attending long meetings and drafting responses to a seemingly endless series of consultations. Professional planners make it more difficult by having their own vocabulary, without a dictionary to translate for us laymen! We had to work hard to retain the line of both canals across the new M6Toll Motorway; fortunately we were successful. We are now trying to do the same for the Lichfield Canal with the new HS2 railway: not currently threatened but could be if changes desired by others were adopted. Local councils (in particular the District Councils who are responsible for planning) are these days reasonably supportive of the Trust, now they realise the benefits canals can bring for local people, and we have shown that we can get sections restored. But eternal vigilance is needed. Unless you are experienced in the field, which I wasn’t, being a land officer can be a struggle. The task is often an interesting one, stimulating one’s little grey cells as our Vice-President’s alter ego would put it, and you meet a lot of new people. But there are times when, sitting in front of a screen, I can envy (even on a wet day) those with the straightforward task of shovelling muck!

David Dixon (Land and Property Officer)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 25 Money Matters

“Feet of Clay” Appeal Report With special thanks to our generous members, the Fund has risen to 90% of the target figure of £40,000 with work expected to begin soon to lay a waterproof clay channel bed in Pound 27. A huge effort in April to complete the Heritage Towpath Trail for public use along that section (reported in the last issue) and construction of the new turning point (reported in this issue) have slightly delayed the necessary groundwork. We can look back to launching the Appeal last February when the first contribution of £150 for ten square feet of clay was generously donated by TEMPEST FORD, the main Ford car dealers who are great supporters of life in Lichfield. The photo shows a special framed certificate being presented by our Chairman, Brian Kingshott to Simon Chilton and Darren Jones of TEMPEST FORD, overseen by Jeanne and Peter (Brunel) Buck. Donations can be made by cheque payable to LHCRT Ltd, and sent to LHCRT Ltd, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, Staffs WS7 0JP. Alternatively, payments can be made to the Restoration Fund through the donations section of our website at www.lhcrt.org.uk/clay.htm.

Tempest Ford Clay Certificate, 13-Apr-14

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 26 Money Matters

Community Asset and Services Grant Programme It is not often that any grant-giving body specifically targets land purchase, particularly derelict land. But those last two words caught our attention in considering how much we could do with bringing disused canal land back to life, but that is only the beginning. The real target is to “use asset acquisition to achieve transformative community-led service delivery or showcase pioneering community-led planning outcomes”. Well, that’s what the Trust does. Faced with a close application deadline, a select team ‘pulled out all the stops’ to plan and prepare a detailed submission for £1/3million. That is NOT just the land value but the transformative bit to benefit a deprived part of the community. Not until we know the initial assessment can we divulge any details. Business Connect Show This was the second year for this enterprising event inspired and hosted by the Lichfield Rugby Club at their extensive premises on June 10th. A thriving Business Breakfast Club run by the Rugby Club has become well established as a networking forum for local business. Dozens of businesses attended the show to exchange information and friendships. The Trust saw this as an opportunity to refocus its membership basis by launching a new Business Class with a definite two-way emphasis. Trust Business Class membership Pitched between small clubs and major corporates, the Business Class has a year’s subscription rate of £100 (+VAT) which includes small business promotional adverts appearing in the Trust magazine each quarter: it’s very much a two-way street to help each other. The first three Members who signed up at the above event are Barry Gwilt who is in the forefront of the Rugby Club’s business promotion team, Brian Carruthers for Tempest Ford (car dealers) and Simon Roberts of Beautiful Gardens. Their business adverts can be found in this issue. Now who’s next? Barry Gwilt, Trust’s first new Business Member, 10-Jun-14 Bob Williams, Director (Finance) Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 27 Business Connect

The Trust stand at the Business Connect Show, 10-Jun-14

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If you would like to become a Business Member and display your card here contact Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427 or [email protected]

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 28 Selling individually vetted, Selling from own moorings well presented boats or from our Crick base

Unrivalled Browse our website 4-page detailed for our listings with colour brochure information on all with photos and boats, also lots of layout drawing useful information www.abnb.co.uk Friendly helpful advice from our experienced and knowledgeable team of boaters www.abnb.co.uk • [email protected] • Crick base NN6 7XT Open 9.30 to 5.30 every day Tel: 01788 822 115 or 01788 822 508

Cut Both Ways 14Recycle, 01.indd 1 Benefit your Environment 10/1/14 12:19:46 Raise Funds for our Charity `Please donate your unwanted Gold, Silver, Costume Jewellery and Watches Parcel up your jewellery and post free of charge to:

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

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

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 29 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LimiTeD. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429). Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Canal from to (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations. President Eric Wood vice-president David Suchet CBE. PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP. DIRECTORS Chairman Vice-Chairman & Land Officer Finance Brian Kingshott David Dixon Bob Williams 01547 530457 - Tel/Fax 01543 258512 – Home 01543 671427 07831 572642 - Mobile 07807 258957 – Mobile 07973 293834 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Environment & Fundraising Funding Dora Hancock Geoff Crook Dora Hancock [email protected] 01543 254826 01543 264158 - Home [email protected] IWA Nominee Environment Commerce Vaughan Welch Mike Battisson John Bryan 0121 477 9782 – Home 01543 300090 01543 683586 07971 202406 – Mobile 07984 437284 - Mobile [email protected] [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 Magazine Editor Website Publicity Officer Stefan Szulc Paul Marshall Tom Reid 01543 677156 01543 410646 01543 319754 - Home [email protected] [email protected] 07840 300178 - Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Hatherton Work Party Membership Denis Cooper Godfrey Eland 01543 374370 – Work [email protected] COULD THIS BE YOU?

LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING Limited. Company No 3686837 - Chairman: John Bryan; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk

Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 30 Cut Both Ways Summer 2014 31 Braunston Marina are proud to BACK the campaign to save the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals.

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