The Magazine of the & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue No. 86 - Winter 2015/16

RIP - Brian Kingshott 1938 - 2016 ay Wha eeth rf L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the Coventry Canal .

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, , 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 Chairman’s Column

For those who have not already heard the sad news, our Chairman Brian Kingshott died peacefully on 9th January, after he suffered from very poor health since the ay Wha autumn. His contribution to the Trust’s activities has been huge, in particular during eth rf his fifteen years in the chair. A full appreciation will be published in the next edition re Lt of Cut Both Ways. t d As Vice-Chairman it has fallen to me to stand in for him, which I will do to the best S . of my ability until a successor is chosen at this year’s Annual General Meeting in June. We have had only two Chairmen guiding the Trust’s activities since it was set up, so one of my most important tasks is to lead the search for a worthy third. We first have to be clear about the qualities we are seeking; inevitably we should be looking for someone younger than most of the existing directors, possible an “early retiree”. Any thoughts from members on this subject are welcome, as well as the names of anyone who might come to mind. Like all our director and officer posts it is unpaid, but a very important and worthwhile task. It is ironic that, just two days before his death, we were formally offered satisfactory assurances by HS2Ltd which enable us to withdraw our petition against the Bill, five days before we were due to appear before the Select Committee of the House of Commons. In brief, if the high-speed railway goes ahead the contractors will build a diversion of the canal past the present route of Cappers Lane, as our existing route will be taken by the line. The new section will join the existing section occupied by Lichfield Cruising Club (but owned by the Canal & River Trust) to the section below lock 30 bought by the Trust a few years ago. After completion the new length will be given to Canal & River Trust who will thus own and maintain it from a structural point of view. We will “adopt” the section, and look after its day-to-day wellbeing, on the basis established elsewhere on the canal network. Our various activities have continued unabated during the autumn, with some excellent weather between the poor summer and the wet December. The new site at Summerhill is transformed from this time last year, though completion of the walk from Road to Barracks Lane has been delayed while the responsibility for granting access over the aqueduct as between the M6 Toll operators, Highways England (formally the Highways Agency) and the Department for Transport is resolved. Equally frustrating has been trying to resolve the administrative arrangements for removal of a further section of the “big pipe” laid in the canal paralleling Tamworth Road, with the Environment Agency, themselves much in the spotlight recently with the floods in Cumbria and elsewhere. Perhaps I shouldn’t tempt fate, but both these issues seem closer to resolution at the time of writing.

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 3 Chairman’s Column

Other recent dealings with public bodies include a planning application by WCL Cranebrook Quarries Ltd for further extraction beside the canal near Summerhill, and planning policy consultations by South (in whose patch most of the Hatherton Canal lies) and Walsall Councils. The impact on the canal of proposed housing developments in Lichfield, and of the Lichfield Southern Bypass extension under the Cross-City railway line, are continuing sagas. In all cases the Councils concerned are well aware of our projects, and their staff helpful in trying to avoid problems for canal restoration. It does sometimes seem that what our splendid volunteers achieve on the ground is only the tip of the iceberg of the work we have to do. One subject requiring more scrutiny recently is to ensure that our policies in regard to health and safety of our volunteers, and the conditions under which under-18s work on site, are up-to-date and are carried out correctly. H & S is sometimes derided by the public, but the reduction in accidents since comprehensive legislation was enacted in the 1970s is remarkable, and in my view wholly beneficial. We provide excellent opportunities to those who want to help with digging, bricklaying, concreting etc; it is vital that these tasks are done sensibly and safely. We are always facing new challenges, the biggest just now being the task of raising funds for the canal tunnel under the Cross-City railway south of Lichfield, in conjunction with the proposed bypass extension. Our Vice-President David Suchet will be supporting us again – for details of the “Tunnel Vision” appeal see the Money Matters on page 20. Despite occasional frustrations, our volunteers (including the Trust Council) remain cheerful and committed to the cause of reopening the two canals, and we get great satisfaction from doing what we do to help move our projects forward. Keep up the good work in 2016! David Dixon (Acting Chairman)

Our Vision To reinstate the historic Lichfield Canal and Hatherton Canal 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.

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each Copies of issues 1 to 85 are available from Bob Williams Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, , WS7 0JP Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd.

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 4 (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, 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 Winter 2015/16 5 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st October to 31st December 2015. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mrs K M Stanier (with sub.) 44.00 Mr A J Marr 65.00 Mr R T Willis (private talk fee) 35.00 Regnal, St Pauls Church (talk) 27.00 Mr S T Boddington (with sub.) 40.00 Mr R A Smith, 500 Club prize returned 51.24 Mr M D Neill (with sub.) 100.00 Anonymous 20,000.00 Easyfundraising 26.71 Ashby Canal Association (talk) 50.00 Mrs D Thorpe 250.00 Mr A D Brookes 1,000.00 Mr A White 1,000.00 Dr P F Cann (with sub.) 55.00 Local History Soc. (talk) 50.00 Railway & Canal Historical Soc. (talk) 50.00 Walton Homes Ltd 500.00 Mr B R Humphreys, part draw 1st prize 100.00 Mr K R Jackson (with LM sub) 50.00 Mr & Mrs D E Cooper (with sub.) 25.00 Mr A Gulvin (with sub.) 50.00 Mr & Mrs J Horton 25.00 Rev A J G Cooper 25.00 Roses & Castles Boaters’ Lodge of Mark 200.00 Master Masons Mr & Mrs D Gray 90.00 Mr David Stanistreet 120.00 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 300.00

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 6 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st October to 31st December 2015. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mr R O Williams (returned expenses) 44.10 Regular donors to appeals and 759.32 431.88 238.50 aggregated amounts up to £20.00.

We also thank the following for their generous support:- WCL Cranebrook Quarries Ltd, site occupational support. Clarke Construction Services Ltd, Summerhill works and seasonal goodwill. “Oddfellows in the Boat” restaurant, Muckley Corner, volunteer support. Walton Homes Ltd; 5 men for a day + £500 gift. Beautiful Gardens Ltd, supply of environmental materials. ********************************************************************************************* Bradley Workshops Open Day - 10am 2nd April 2016 To draw awareness to the Bradley Canal Restoration Project BCNS are organising their next Spring Cruise to the end of the navigation of the Bradley Canal. CRT have agreed to hold an Open Day at the Workshops to coincide with our cruise so we can all visit to see how each individual lock gate is made for the canal & river locks. We are encouraging as many boaters to join our cruise & to allow a couple of passengers to join each of them. We will start at Tipton at around 10am, cruise along the Old Main Line to Deepfields Junction turning right onto the Bradley Canal. It’s a bring your own lunch stop at the end Canal & River Trust Lock Gate then visiting the workshops before Workshops, Bradley, returning to Tipton around 5 to 6pm. An evening meal will be arranged – details later. If you are interested in bringing your boat on this cruise please email boundarypost@ gmail.com for an entry form. There is no charge for this organised cruise but it is to encourage non-boaters to join us so please state how many passengers you are willing to come on your boat with you. Non-boaters interested in joining this cruise please let me know and we will accommodate as many as possible. Brenda Ward, BCN Society

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 7 Membership Matters

Subscriptions Our sincere thanks once again to those members who, when they pay their annual subscription, feel able to add a donation towards the work of the Trust. Over the course of a year these donations add up to a very useful sum, which we feel is better raised in this way than by an increase in the basic subscription rates. In short–we need you. Please stay with the Trust and please pay when you receive your reminder. My details are: Godfrey Eland, 18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 6DD Email:- [email protected] Towpath Times If you are not receiving our newsletter “Towpath Times”, which is published in the months between editions of Cut Both Ways, this is likely to be because we don’t have your correct email address. If you would like to be included on the mailing list please send an email headed “Towpath” with your name and membership number (or the first line of your address) to [email protected]. Towpath Times will be sent as an attachment to a “blind copy” email – so no-one else will see your email address. N.B. If you believe that we already have your email address please check your Spam folder – sometimes email programs treat emails with multiple addressees as spam. Incidentally we are still on the lookout for any of your memories of the canal in its working days or later. Please email them (in note form will be fine) to the above address. Many thanks and kind regards, Godfrey Eland, Membership Secretary

Owing to the ever-increasing cost of postage the Trust is keen to encourage members to pay by Bank Standing Order. A form is available on our website or email [email protected] to have one sent to you.

Apology and Correction

The Chairman’s Column in the last issue of Cut Both Ways, 5th paragraph, 2nd sentence should have read… “Canal & River Trust owns the section from the old A460 at to the Straight Mile near the Dog & Partridge (except the M6 embankment). The continuing section from the Straight Mile to the junction with the Staffs & Worcester Canal at Calf Heath is owned by Hatherton Marina Limited.” We apologise for the error and any confusion it may have caused.

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 8 Membership Matters

********************************************************************************************* New Members 1st October to 31st December 2015 Mr P Clee, Upper Longdon Mr A Matthews, Dyffryn Ardudwy Mr R Dyer, Sutton Coldfield Mr & Mrs M Blakemore, Rushall Mr C Aston, Lichfield Mr Mrs J A Duffill, Lichfield Mr G Aston Bird & Mrs L Yetkiner, Ms S A Cook, Brereton Mr & Mrs K Brockway, Nottingham Mr S Johnson, Burntwood Ms K Bourke, Whittington Hurst Ms J Cheatle, Sutton Coldfield Ms C Watson, Whittington Hurst Ms S Morley, Lichfield Ms C Teggin, Walsall Road, Mr & Mrs D Morton, Streetly ******************************************************************************************** Membership Total at 30 September:- 1893 (Comprising 365 Adult, 912 Family, 180 Life, 405 Retired, 31 Other.

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).

ANNOUNCEMENT

We regret to announce the loss of the following members:- Mr C W Brett, Lichfield, died September 2015. Mr Brian Kingshott, Hopton Castle, died 9th January 2016.

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 Winter 2015/16 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. December saw the last of the four draws for 2015. The number of subscriptions eligible for the draw was 256, compared with 235 active subscriptions at the beginning of the year. A rise in this number will mean an increase in the contribution to the Capital Fund and also the amount of prize money to be won. Anyone can subscribe, you don’t have to be a LHCRT member.

During 2015 the ‘500 Club’ has paid out a total of £1,462.50 in prize money. This means that £1,462.50 has also been added to our Capital Fund. The Trust would like to thank all the subscribers for their continuing support. So please spread the word.

The winners of the December 2015 draw are: First prize £ 199.68 No 216 Mrs AM Scott, Rotherham, S. Yorks Second prize £ 130.56 No 247 Mrs S Williams, Hammerwich Third prize £ 53.76 No 149 Mr CK Collins, Lichfield

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 approximately 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approximately 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approximately 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 Winter 2015/16 10 Extra Hands For Canal Work

Lichfield Canal restoration volunteers were given a helping hand in November as they were joined by a group of workers from Walton Homes (house builders). As part of its Granting 30 Wishes campaign, which marks the Lichfield-based company’s 30th birthday by supporting local causes, Walton Homes director Amy Summerton presented a cheque for £500 to Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. And as an added bonus, five employees from Walton Homes, site managers Jason Hood and Steve Preece, and fork- lift drivers Wayne Watson, Steve Greenwood and Bill Collumbell, joined Walton Homes director Amy Summerton presents a the Trust’s regular cheque for £500 to LHCR directors Bob Williams and midweek workforce Peter Buck, watched by at their Tamworth Walton Homes employees and Trust volunteers Road site for a day’s work extending the section’s concrete base. The Trust’s social media manager Christine Howles set the ball rolling by responding to Walton Homes’ invitation to explain why the restoration project deserved to have a wish granted. The ambitious plan to restore a 7-mile stretch of abandoned canal is making good progress, and it is hoped to have a large section at the Tamworth Road site in water within a few months. Having matched Walton Homes campaign’s criteria of helping to turn dreams into reality and making a difference within the local community, the Trust invited Amy and her team to Tamworth Road to see for themselves the work being done by the volunteers, led by Hugh Millington. Amy said: “Walton Homes are delighted to have granted a 30 year wish to support the amazing work that the trust is doing for the local community. The volunteers thoroughly enjoyed their time with the team and we wish the project much success in the future.“ Trust Finance Director Bob Williams said: “Lots of people wish us well but we are grateful to Walton Homes for granting their very meaningful wish of £500 to spend and sending five strong men to join us for a day’s work.” Tom Reid, (Publicity Officer) Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 11 The Bones of Lepers at Freeford

The following is of interest, published (errors and all) in ‘Lichfield Lore’ There may be a deserted medieval village at Freeford, (Fraiforde in the Domesday Book). Evidence consists of surface finds of pottery ranging from the 12th – 16th century together with some documentary references in 1334 and 1377 in the form of taxation records. By the mid 13th century, there was a lepers hospital at Freeford on the site of the present day Freeford House (on the Tamworth Road, before the junction with Ryknild St). Some of the existing masonry on the site is thought to be part of the hospital chapel’s foundations. According to Thomas Harwood, “A corner of the field, north-east of the present house yet bears the name ‘Chapel Yard’ and human bones are frequently cast up in this spot by the plough”. The hospital was united with St John’s Hospital in Lichfield in 1496. Apparently institutions relating to lepers were often dedicated to either St John or St Leonard. English Heritage report that some 80 human skeletons were discovered near to the site during excavations for a road widening scheme in December 1917. These remains were buried around 3ft deep, all without coffins and on the whole, in a Christian orientation. A chalice and paten (small plate) were found in the hands of one of the skeletons. I understand that it was the custom to bury these items with a priest. The chalice and paten are thought to be from around the 12th or 13th centuries, if not earlier. More bones were discovered in 1969, during the construction of another road. I wonder what happened to the skeletons – have they been reburied elsewhere? Are there anymore under the fields of Freeford? Sources: The History & Antiquities of the Church & City of Lichfield – Rev Thomas Harwood (1806); English Heritage Pastscape Record 306532 Posted on March 24, 2011 ********************************************************************************************* I am the Environment Director of the Lichfield And Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. I frequently walk the Freeford section of the Canal, currently under restoration. Together with Trust members of our ‘Green Team’, I plant the towpath margins with wild flowers and bulbs to enhance the enjoyment of the many regular walkers (with their pets, friends, or alone). So far the engineering works in the Freeford area have not ‘turned up’ any further historic remains, human or otherwise. Perhaps when the Trust has sufficient funds to ‘drill’ under the A51 linking to the Darnford Park works to the north, more items might come to light. Mike Battisson, (Environmental Officer)

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 12 Ecology Matters

SpindleTrees Walking and working regularly along in the “Borrowcop Locks” length of the canal, I am always on the look out for the unusual and interesting, both with regard to the canal construction, the towpath-side margins and hedges. The area never lets me down; examples being the Lock 24 bye-wash tunnel and the Bee Orchid described in previous issues of Cut Both Ways. On a recent perambulation, I noticed for the first time, bushes in the “quick” (The original name for the Towpath hedge) that caught my eye. This had been trimmed recently by the “Staffords” our volunteer maintenance team, (and our thanks are due for their sterling efforts) to reveal something rather different. These bushes now displayed clusters of small pink flowers each with a central orange berry, presumably prompted by having been pruned; something I had never noticed before! A call to Trust Member and keen environmentalist, Geoff Crook, invited him to investigate. He took samples and consulted his “Oracle”. The decision was that these are Spindle Trees, a welcome variation to the ubiquitous Hawthorn, Oak and Holly mix. My proposal is that these be allowed to ’grow on’ without being trimmed, to become an integral part of the hedge, and left to become accent trees, augmenting the range of habitat and interest, as was common practice. Mike Battisson, (Environmental Officer)

Oral History Grant

Earlier this year we put in a bid to Council for £1,000 to take an oral history from people who remember the canal before it was abandoned in the 1960s. Happily we were awarded £500 to support the project. Oral histories are a good way of gathering a permanent record from “ordinary” people and it is a research technique in wide use. Our plans go further than creating a permanent record. We will make edited versions of some interviews available on our website and the marketing team will be able to play them when out and about meeting members of the public. In addition we hope to take some of the interviewees into local schools to tell their stories to today’s children. If you remember the canal before it was abandoned and would be willing to be interviewed I’d love to hear from you. Contact me on [email protected] Dora Hancock (Funding)

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 13 Canal Navigations Society

Company limited by guarantee no. 04306537 Registered Charity no. 1091760

Date Event Contact April 2nd BCNS - Spring Cruise [email protected] May 6th to 13th BCNS Spring Explorer bcns.explorercruise@gmail Cruise .com May 13th to 15th BCNS Summer Rally [email protected] Titford May 28th / 29th BCNS 24 Hour Challenge [email protected] June 10th – 18th BCNS Summer Explorer bcns.explorercruise@gmail Cruise .com 2nd / 3rd /4th Withymoor Island Boat [email protected] Sept Gathering which is a Disney Theme August 27th / 29th IWA Event at event.enquiries@waterways .org.uk 9th /10th /11th Black Country Boating [email protected] Sept Festival 16th/ 17th/ 18 Tipton Festival www Sept .thtiptoncommunityassociation .com 23rd/ 24th/ 25th Parkhead Festival [email protected] or Sept Steve Bingham [email protected] October 1st NT Festival of Light at [email protected] Merryhill October 15th/16th Stourbridge Navigation [email protected] Trust Open Weekend November 5th BCNS Bonfire Rally [email protected]

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 14 Photo Gallery

Walkers enjoying the winter weather at Tamworth Road Photo by James Benwell

Another admirer of the winter weather at Tamworth Road Photo by James Benwell

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 15 Work Party Report December 2015

December 2015 is perhaps a good time to present a resume of the volunteers’ activities and achievements over the year. Much has been said and applauded about the works at Tamworth Road in 2014. The Heritage Towpath Trail, the construction of the winding hole and the laying of the clay into that winding hole, the concreting of the lock 26 bottom, to mention just some of the work that had been done there. There had been a plan to put the winding hole into water before the end of the year, but wet soggy clay and other commitments thwarted these ambitions. However, come December 2014 the prospect of reclaiming the derelict canal (now known as Summerhill) between the Boat Inn on Walsall Road, Muckley Corner and the Aqueduct across the M6 Toll road became a reality. The whole length became available to us in January and we had to, before the end of February, have cleared all the trees, under-growth, and fifty years of neglect and rubbish accumulated within the canal bed. Terry Brown rallied the troops and we achieved the impossible just in time. At times there must have been five or six big fires burning the tree branches. Those were happy days particularly at luncheon time when we would accumulate in the bar at the Boat Inn for bacon sandwiches and light refreshment. All too soon the good times came to an end and we found ourselves back at Tamworth Road. Here the task was totally different. We had to progress the watering of the canal from lock 26 all the way to the newly constructed narrows just short of the A51. Not only that but we had to provide an access ramp from by our compound into the canal. There is a proposal that in 2019 there may be a ‘Trail-Boat’ rally on this stretch of water and a slipway is required for the trailers to off load their boats into the canal. The slipway was built with very little fuss and the ‘brickies’ and other volunteers are quite proud of this construction. We then undertook the task of lining the base of the canal with concrete. We would then be able to lay a clay platform to the bottom of the towpath wall. This platform would support boats should the canal water level fall. Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 16 Work Party Report December 2015

The Tamworth Road side of the canal needed to be given a 2:1 batter, which, when lined with a suitable product would make the canal watertight. These tasks were made not the less easy by us having to work around the ‘big concrete pipe’ that runs down the centre of the cut. At this point in time it is still there and cannot yet be removed. To date the concrete base has been completed all the way down to the weir between the towpath wall and the above mentioned ‘big pipe’. Soon we will start lining the 2:1 batter on the other side and if and when this pipe is removed we can concrete under where it was. Thankfully, to help us with all this work at Tamworth Road, we were able to use an additional bigger excavator and tremendous progress on the above tasks has been made. Our own digger is too small to reach the full depth of the batter and we needed two diggers there anyway. Meanwhile: at Summerhill an electricity cable has been buried under the towpath. 2016 should see

us back there restoring this towpath. A special thanks to the ‘Staffords’ for the time and effort they are putting in to lay the old hawthorn hedge alongside the towpath. The Trust is very lucky to have an excellent pool of men and women, who, as volunteers, have done all the above work over the last twelve months. My thanks to each and everyone of them and look forward to great things in 2016. Hugh Millington

Our volunteers are the life blood of this restoration.

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 17 Summerhill Rediscovered

More planting at Summerhill in December gave Hilary Smith cause to reflect on 12 months progress. The importance of canals, and our restoration in particular, as a valuable environmental resource has been well documented. So it may have seemed in February, when our work parties could be found “slashing and burning” at Summerhill, that we were destroying valuable habitat, but by March we were injecting new life into the area by planting 800 hedging plants, including 100 oak trees. Fast forward to December and more remarkable replanting of the site has been undertaken by the Green and Ground teams. 420 small trees donated to us by the Woodland Trust and 1000 mixed hedging plants purchased by the Trust were used to plant new hedgerows and fill-in the newly cut and laid hedge. The effects of the uncharacteristically warm weather were noticed with the late flowering of plants and the well grown daffodils. For the record we planted: 80 trees on the off side canal slopes at Summerhill which completes the planting of the 420 trees donated by the Woodland Trust. 450 mixed hedging plants along the boundary between the WCL Cranebrook Quarry and the Canal. These were mostly Hawthorn, but included Hazel, Dog Rose, Field Maple, Bird Cherry And Blackthorn. At Tamworth Road Jeanne planted a further 30 Dog Rose plants, 100 Bluebell bulbs and a further 70 mixed woodland bulbs in the “Bobbies Bend” memorial garden by the A38 Weir (“Bobbie’s Bend” is an area at Tamworth Road planted in memory of long-time supporter Bobbie Battisson). Roger, Jean and Chris planted at least a further 200 mixed hedging plants as gap infill where the old hedge has been laid by him and his team. Our thanks go to all our green team volunteers who have last year planted over 2,200 trees which is a massive achievement and clearly has made a great improvement to the environment along the Lichfield Canal. Bobbie loved blue flowers, so we have planted Lavender, Forget-me-not flowers and native English bluebells in addition to some Dogwood, Rowan trees, a Plum tree and a Copper Beech as well as a number of Spring flowering bulbs. We have planted a mixed Willow hedge at the back, which as it grows we intend weaving the new growth to form a decorative living screen to the rear of the seating area. We have also placed large masonry blocks from the original locks which we found buried in the canal channel. These blocks form a vandal proof seat and resting area for the weary walkers to rest, contemplate the world and admire the pound 27 canal scape which the volunteers are creating in front of Bobbie’s Bend. Hilary Smith

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 18 Lottery Boost For Famous Birmingham Landmark

A project to breathe new life into Birmingham’s historic Grade II* listed Roundhouse, has come a step closer to fruition with the award of £2.2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The project marks a new partnership between the Canal & River Trust and National Trust and will transform the Roundhouse into a city base from which to explore Birmingham’s revitalised canals on foot or by bike. Situated on Sheepcote Street, next door to the newly re-opened Fiddle & Bone Pub, the Roundhouse is owned by the Canal & River Trust. Built in 1874 by the Birmingham Corporation it was originally used as stables and stores. Designed by local architect W.H. Ward the horseshoe shaped building is now an iconic and much loved Birmingham landmark. For the last 10 years the majority of the building has been disused and has been steadily falling into disrepair. This new collaboration between two major heritage organisations, plus this vital investment from HLF, will put an important and under utilised building back at the heart of the city’s canal network and give it a new lease of life. As well as offering a base from which to explore the canal network, plans for the Roundhouse include a cycle hire and repair workshop, volunteering opportunities and a shared working space for conservation organisations. HLF has awarded an initial £225,000 development grant which will be used to work up these plans into a larger £2.9 million scheme that will see the full restoration of this unusual building. The grant has been awarded through HLF’s Heritage Enterprise programme. It is designed to help when the cost of repairing an historic building is so high that restoration simply is not commercially viable. Grants of £100k to £5million bridge the financial gap, funding the vital repairs and conservation work needed to convert derelict, vacant and under-used buildings like The Roundhouse, into new, usable commercial spaces that can have a positive impact on local economies. Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said: “Distinctive and highly adaptable, investing in historic industrial buildings like Birmingham’s Roundhouse, has been proven to deliver economic benefits for both business and local communities. This vital National Lottery investment is helping to unlock that potential and promises to ensure the building has a sustainable future whilst triggering wider investment and job creation.” Stuart Mills, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “The Roundhouse is a truly iconic building and part of the history of Birmingham. We’re really delighted to be working in partnership with the National Trust to bring it back to life, transforming it into somewhere for local communities and visitors to connect with the waterways and the broader history of Birmingham.” Sarah Rudy, National Press Officer (HLF)

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 19 MONEY MATTERS

2015 Accounts preview Draft figures for last year show the following outcome which is subject to examination for presentation to the Annual General Meeting on 10th June:- Total income...... £482,964 less operating expenditure...... (£317,580) Net operating surplus...... £165,384 less asset depreciation...... (£13,118) Accounting surplus for the year...... £152,266 plus resources brought forward...... £217,316 Resulting resources carried forward...... £369,582 (54% held in cash)

These figures may suggest that the Trust has plenty of money to use as it pleases but virtually all is in restricted funds which must be closely controlled for existing charitable purpose to which they were given. “Tunnel Vision” Readers will recall the announcement on page 12 of the last issue which places a heavy burden on the Trust to contribute a suggested £1 million towards including a continuation of the canal tunnel as part of the Staffordshire County Council scheme to extend the Lichfield Southern Bypass through the railway embankment by late 2018. Detailed design work by the Highways team is expected to arrive at defined costs this February. There are many considerations to this scheme other than the canal: road footpaths, two separate 400+ housing proposals, employment land, new schools, railway criteria, national planning guidance, multiple use, managing short journeys, and of course, throw in Health & Safety too! David Suchet, our Vice President, has pledged to spearhead a new national Appeal to drive our campaign through 2016 and 2017. We need to be in a position to negotiate with the authorities on achieving this essential element of the Lichfield Canal as leaving it to the future is not a viable option. How you can help Appeal literature will be available in the Spring, but contributions can be made now by a cheque payable to LHCRT Ltd sent to me at 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, Staffs. WS7 0JP. An easier way is to visit our website to make a PayPal payment using a bank card, giving your name as reference, and also adding Gift Aid if there is latitude in your tax position. GO TO www.lhcrt.org.uk/suchet.htm Thank you! Bob Williams, Director (Finance) Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 20 I only volunteered to make Welsh cakes. . .

Some readers may wonder how people get involved with the work of charities. In my case, I first heard about the L&HRCT through my friend Kathryn Matthews. I knew her parents were involved too. I decided I could make Welsh cakes for the cake stall at the Huddlesford Gathering in September. A brave suggestion on my part given that Kathryn is a professional baker (kathrynshomemadecakes.co.uk). Off I went to the Festival in search of Kathryn’s mother, May Brown to offer my services, where I discovered May also baked for Lichfield County Market – no pressure then!

Kathryn’s cakes My cakes Within days, I was at a ‘cake planning meeting’, accompanied by a gorgeous afternoon tea at Eric and Doreen Wood’s beautiful house on the Coventry Canal. I was welcomed on board and left there with cooking apples aplenty. This was fun! Christine Howles then asked for a meeting with me at The Boat ... oh, and Peter Buck will be there ... and Dora Hancock. Apparently, they had seen my details on Linkedin and asked if I would help draft some Health and Safety documents to capture best practice in the canal restoration. This led to an interesting and informative meeting with the Northern Canals Restoration Group, a Lichfield Breakfast Briefing, bidding for a Day Boat (although we were unsuccessful on this occasion) and planning other fund-raising activities. Oh, and of course, the Huddlesford Gathering, where I enthusiastically helped with the cake and bric-a-brac stall, although rather unfortunately selling May’s tea-cosy to a passing boater. Volunteering for canal restoration is not just about the digging – although obviously there is room for many more on the construction and green environmental teams. Anyone with a few hours to spare – per week, per month or even just once a year – will have something to offer. The Trust is a multi - million pound charitable organisation so office, business, surveying, project management skills are all needed andin scarce supply. The rewards are many–fresh air, tea and cakes, job satisfaction–and in Kathryn’s case, she even met her husband Pete through the Trust. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Dora on 01543 254158. Jane Preece, Organiser Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 21 FROM TO TIME – help us to fulfil our ambitions

From time to time it is necessary for all businesses to look at its immediate past level of activity and to equate that level of activity with the resources needed to achieve the outputs. By the same means it is also necessary to look into the future and take a view on what levels of activity the business will need to meet during the next full year, 5 years and sometimes 10 years and more ahead. This latter process is clearly more difficult to forecast as the level of activity is almost always brought about by a combination of factors many of which are outside the control of the business or indeed the country; but try they must so that a plan can be developed that will best guess the future levels of business activity. The Trust is in many ways no different to any other business except that its status is a Trust-based organisation that is 100% dependant on volunteers to undertake its planning, its funding, its management and importantly pretty well all of its building works, ground maintenance, organising and undertaking all the 22 + events each year, financial control, meetings, and the list goes on and on. This last year, ending December 2015, will be one of the busiest years of the Trust’s 25 plus years history and it is fully expecting the next 5 years will continue at the same pace with notable peaks of greater activity from time to time. To help cope some of the back log of work and the expected increase in activity in the coming years we have undertaken an initial staffing review, and remembering that we are all volunteers, it is no surprise that the Trust has revealed that in order to meet its 2016 obligations it is in urgent need of recruiting immediately up to 18 new, part time volunteer based staff. The Trust has completed describing the individual tasks / jobs (Job Descriptions) and most have flexible time commitments, an element of training, and will come with help and support from our existing staff for as long as necessary. Above all the new volunteers will be able to join our existing friendly family of volunteers, (who have been described by many as an extension of their own family) and so enjoy each other’s company both socially and when on duty. Do not miss the chance of joining the volunteer team of Lichfield And Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ask for details now, there is absolutely no obligation.

A series of Open Days will be announced in the local press and on our web site when you will be able to find out more about the Trust, its Volunteering opportunities and how to join the working teams

For further information Contact Dora on 01543 264158 or John on 01543 683586. John Bryan (Commercial Manager) Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 22 All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary, Godfrey Eland,18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, Staffordshire. WS13 6DD

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.

Recycle, Benefit your Environment Raise Funds for our Charity `Please donate your unwanted Gold, Silver, Costume Jewellery and Watches

Parcel up your jewellery and post free of charge to: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd, FREEPOST, CENTRAL, RECYCLING If you can, please ask your family, friends and colleagues to participate in this Jewellery Recycling Collection.

Thank you very much for your support

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

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 23 Marketing and Promotion

Events Listing For 2016 - Provisional

Event Ref Event Description Event Date No/Year All Entries Are Yet To Be Approved & Start Time To be AN EVENING WITH DAVID SUCHET. (This event is agreed 01/16 provisional and there are no confirmed details or dates at this details stage). yet to be released QUIZ NIGHT - Boley Park Community Centre, Lichfield (7.30 Sat 12th pm Saturday evening), Fish and Chip supper by March 02/16 Alrewas Fryer, evening cost £8.50 per person. start 7.30 Question Master Tim Burgin pm 03/16 L.D.T.A. Swap shop 19th Mar Doreen And Eric Wood’s Coffee Morning (Saturday at 6, 26th March 08/16 Swan Cottage, Burton Road, Whittington) 10 to 4 Sat, Sun, Crick Boat Show, a 3 day show display, membership, sales 11/16 Mon. 23, 24, at Crick Marina, Grand Union Canal, Northants 25 May AGM of the Trust - Park View Centre, Brownhills, Walsall. 16/16 3rd June WS8 7JB Friday evening ( AGM Displays and reports) Lichfield Speakers corner - Peter Buck in period dress, 16a/16 4th June others invited

Longwood Boat Club Canal Festival Outside trade stand. Sat/Sun 17/16 (provisional entry) 13/14 June

A celebration of Volunteering (Small display 11.00 to 13.00 Thursday 19/16 – Lead role members to attend only in the The Guildhall - 18th June (provisional entry) Brownhills Canal Festival-Silver Street, Brownhills WS8 6DZ 20/16 26th June ( Joining times tbc- display, membership, sales ) 25 & 26 21/16 Braunston Historic Boat Rally June Lupin Farm Gathering Of Vintage & Classic Cars Sunday – 21st August 24/16 at Lupin Farm on A513 Kings Bromley to Alrewas road DE13 10.00-4.00 7HP please note approximately pm 27/16 Whittington Country Fair 3rd Sept Lichfield 10K Road Race (Water Station on Darnford Lane 12th 28/16 only-donation to follow) September

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 24 Marketing and Promotion

Events Listing For 2016 - Provisional

Event Ref Event Description Event Date No/Year All Entries Are Yet To Be Approved & Start Time

Sat,Sun, 29/16 Pelsall Festival joint event with IWA Mon Aug BH Show time - Venue Whittington Village Hall - Act to be Friday 18th 30/16 confirmed NOTE Friday Evening 18th November November 12th Dec 31/16 LHCR Trust volunteers Christmas Celebration 2016

If you have spotted errors or omissions please inform John Bryan. This 2016 Version Is Subject To Change, check the web site before you travel. ********************************************************************************************

General Knowledge with Trust Quizmaster Tim Burgin at Boley Park Community Hall 7 Ryknild Street, Lichfield WS14 9XU (next to the Co-op Store - plenty of free parking) Date: Saturday 12th March 2016 starts at 7:30 pm prompt Bring your own drinks and glasses. Non-Members Welcome. Tickets £8.50 INCLUDING HOT SUPPER Available from Mavis Moore on 01543 432718 Or book online at www.lhcrt.org.uk

****** MUST BOOK BY 16TH FEBRUARY ******

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 25 Marketing and Promotion

Chancellor’s Autumn Spending Review 25/11/2015 HMRC personal tax allowance – how it might affect Gift Aid declarations. “For those born after 5 April 1938 the personal allowance is currently £10,600. Those born before 6 April 1938 have a slightly higher allowance. The Chancellor announced in the Summer Budget that the personal allowance will be increased to £11,000 for 2016/17 and to £11,200 in 2017/18. The government has an objective to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 by the end of this Parliament. Not everyone has the benefit of the full personal allowance. There is a reduction in the personal allowance for those with ‘adjusted net income’ over £100,000 which is £1 for every £2 of income above £100,000. So for 2015/16 there is no personal allowance where adjusted net income exceeds £121,200.” And they say “Tax doesn’t have to be taxing”! Would any member affected by this please let us know so that we do not make false claims for recovering tax to which we are not entitled. Bob Williams, Director (Finance) Make someone happy with an LHCRT gift and help raise money for the Trust. Travel Mug £5.00 (£2.80 P&P for up to 8 mugs) Thermally insulated travel mug with lid. 450ml capacity, 170mm high x 85mm diameter approx. Available in blue or green

The Lichfield & Hatherton Enamelled Lapel Badge £1.95 (free p&p) Enamelled Lapel Badge (oval 25mm x 17mm) with brooch pin fastening

To order and view our other items, visit http://lhcrt.org.uk/sales.htm or send a cheque with details of your order and delivery address to: Bob Williams, Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, WS7 0JP

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 26 Marketing and Promotion

Grand Prize Draw–2015 The response to our Annual Prize Draw last year was again very encouraging with 5,340 tickets sold, plus donations making a gross income of £5,590. As before, the Draw was made by members of the audience at our Autumn Show at Whittington Village Hall on Friday, 20th November 2015. The lucky winners were:-

1. 13487 £600 cheque, Mr B R Humphreys, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield.

2. 04001 £200 cheque “for that extra treat”, Mr S Furnell, Sutton, Surrey.

3. 11290 £50 Marks & Spencer voucher sponsored by a Trust member, Mr H R L Wilson, Stoneygate, Leicester.

4. 05369 £30.00 cheque, Mr P Holford, , Walsall.

5. 08091 £25.00 cheque, Ms S Newbould, Fradley, Lichfield

6. 04995 £20.00 cheque, Mr T J Habart, Lichfield

7. 03993 £15.00 cheque, Mrs M Cawley, Shenstone, Lichfield

8. 09936 £10.00 cheque, Mrs G M Okunniwa, Hazel Slade, Cannock

Gross proceeds from ticket sales = £5,360 + related donations & tax £250 = £5,610 – £1,065 costs, net proceeds = £4,545 We thank all our members and the public who supported this fund-raising activity, also our willing volunteers who sold the tickets Grand Prize Draw – 2016 We invite sponsors to support this valuable annual fund-raising activity with cash or prizes in time for tickets to go on sale by March. Please email offers to bob.williams@ lhcrt.org.uk or phone 01543 671427.

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 27 Business Connect

Typical monthly breakfast meeting of the successful Business Connect group hosted by Lichfield Rugby Club.

The complete property maintenance company

Commercial and domestic FREE QUOTES T: 01543 444888 W: robertsandgwilt.co.uk 8 Barlow Drive, Fradley, Staffordshire. WS13 8TL

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 Winter 2015/16 28 Selling individually vetted, well presented boats from own moorings or from our Crick base

Browse our website for our listings with full details on all boats, also lots of useful information

Unrivalled 4-page detailed colour brochure with photos and layout drawing 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 15 01.inddCanal 1 Transport Services 5/1/15 16:12:36 Boat builders at 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

TUKTAWA B&B Uplands Close, , Staffordshire. WS15 4RH Tel–01543 684805–07790 984013 Web – www.Tuktawa.co.uk Email [email protected] £24.50 pppn – Includes breakfast–available 6.30 – 9.00am 10 minutes from Rugeley/Cannock/Lichfield Town/Bus Station/Train Station See us on Tripadvisor

Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 29 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LimiTeD. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429). Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from Ogley Junction to 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 Acting Chairman Finance & Land Officer Bob Williams David Dixon 01543 671427 01543 258512 – Home 07973 293834–Mobile 07807 258957 – Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Company & Membership Volunteer Co-ordinator Funding Secretary Dora Hancock Dora Hancock Godfrey Eland 01543 264158–Home 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 Bob Mullarkey (& Lichfield Cruising Club rep) 01543 251408 – Home Peter Buck 01543 426811 – Work 01543 268041–Home 07973 719215 – Mobile 07966 123239–Mobile [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 Social Media Grounds Maintenance Denis Cooper Christine Howles Manager 01543 374370 – Work [email protected] Roger Barnett

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 Winter 2015/16 30 Cut Both Ways Winter 2015/16 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]