ennine Link PMagazine of the Society

Issue 199 Autumn 2017 Huddersfield Canal Society Ltd Registered in No. 1498800 Registered Charity No. 510201 Registered Address: Progress House 396 Road Withington M20 3BN ennine Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Link Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 08.30 -16.00 Friday 08.30 -13.00 P Issue 199 Telephone: 01457 871800 EMail: [email protected] Alan Stopher Website: www.huddersfieldcanal.com Patrons: Timothy West & Prunella Scales Council of Management Alan Stopher 101 Birkby Hall Road, Birkby, Huddersfield, Chairman , HD2 2XE Tel: 01484 511499 Trevor Ellis 20 Batley Avenue, Marsh, Huddersfield, Vice-Chairman West Yorkshire, HD1 4NA Tel: 01484 534666 Mike McHugh The Old Chapel, Netherton Fold, Huddersfield, Treasurer & Co. Secretary West Yorkshire, HD4 7HB Tel: 01484 661799 Patricia Bayley 17 Greenroyd Croft, Birkby Hall Road, Huddersfield, Council Member West Yorkshire, HD2 2DQ Graham Birch HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 Martin Clark HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 Keith Noble The Dene, Triangle, , Council Member West Yorkshire, HX6 3EA Tel: 01422 823562 Peter Rawson 45 Boulderstone Road, , , SK15 1HJ Council Member Tel: 0161 303 8003 David Sumner MBE HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, President Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 The Explorer Cruise is run on tea - Taking a break on the Diggle Flight (left to right): Ali (HCS), Kim & Nicky Keith Sykes BEM 1 Follingworth, , West Yorkshire, HD7 5XD (nb One from the Vine) and Duncan (Tudor Cruising Club). Council Member Tel: 01484 841519 Eric Woulds HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 Tony Zajac HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 Editorial 4 Jidoku 41 21 NON-COUNCIL POST Chairman’s Report 6 Frank Carter’s Walk 22 Bob Gough Administrator Manchester, Pennine & Potteries 8 Stalybridge Festival Weekend 24 Pennine Explorer Cruise 10 Obituaries 28 Epilogue 20 220 Club - Fourteenth Draw 31

Front Cover: Steve Wood brings his nb Bream out of the portal at Tunnel End, the last of the convoy, into a packed basin. Back Cover Top: Ray Butler with a useful purchase from the Marina. Bottom: HCS Volunteer, Paul Leeman, on the windlass The views expressed in Pennine Link are not necessarily those of Huddersfield Canal Society Ltd at 22E on a particularly wet day in Slaithwaite. Photos: Alan Stopher

2 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 3 to emphasise that it is seen as a reward This is the sudden death on July 27th Editorial for all the volunteers who have worked of Society member Grahame Searby. This is my In passing I would like to add that it has with the group since it was set up. Grahame was a popular and enthusiastic member of our Shuttle crew and a penultimate been said that during the Cruise the Congratulations are also due to the tribute to him, written by fellow crew Editorial for team work and camaraderie between CRT’s Manchester, Pennine and member Tony Zajac, is included in this Pennine Link the volunteers, the boaters and the CRT Potteries (MP&P) team for success in edition of Pennine Link. All our thoughts because I advised staff demonstrated the waterways at their two areas. First they are proud to have are with his family and friends as they Council at our best. In the light of this and having had a been recognised in two categories of mourn his loss. meeting in July foot in both camps for the past five years the 2017 Living Waterways Awards. In that I am intending to pass the baton (or I am saddened on occasion to hear the the Small Project category they were On this sad note, I will sign off with my should that be the blue pencil) after our Trust and its staff referred to in the same finalists for the work they did and their usual best wishes for your enjoyment of Winter edition of Pennine Link. negative terms as its predecessor. participation in the 2016 Manchester the waterways this Autumn. Pride event and in the large project With my forthcoming retirement in I would like to repeat what I have said Graham Birch mind I am pleased to find myself able to before, that the Canal and River Trust is category they were winners as part of the devote a substantial part of this edition to not . It has been my team that undertook the works to repair a range of good news stories concerning experience over the past five years that the after the disastrous events, groups and individuals who difficult decisions are not taken lightly at floods on Boxing Day 2015. contributed to the life of our national or regional level. Also that the Closer to home it is also a great pleasure during the Spring and Summer. staff from the Chief Executive down have to congratulate the MP&P team at the a genuine concern for the waterways First in line are all of those involved Visitor Centre who have and all of their users. Moreover, as in organising, assisting with and received a coveted Silver Award from demonstrated during the Cruise, when participating in the Explorer Cruise the Green Tourism Board. The award is called upon to do so, individuals are ADDENDUM which took place in the final week of given for achievements in sustainability more than happy to go the extra mile. June. You will find extensive coverage of and is proof of excellence in energy, Changes at The Loft Space water efficiency, waste and recycling, this in words and pictures in the pages Moving on, I am pleased to offer our In the Summer 2017 issue of Pennine ethical sourcing and green values. of this edition, but I would like to take congratulations to our friends from the Link in the MP and P Update, it was this opportunity to offer my personal Street Scene Greenfield Group. The Last but not least, I want to offer our reported that changes had been made at congratulations to all of those who group was one of the first to formally congratulations to Society member the Warehouse at the Standedge Visitor contributed to the success of what was a adopt a length of the Narrow and Frank Carter. You will recall that in our Centre. To accommodate these changes, ground-breaking event. updates and images of their activities Summer Issue we reported that Frank it was necessary for CRT to serve notice have been a regular feature in Pennine Many people were involved and they was planning to undertake a sponsored to quit on the existing enterprise ‘The Link over the past four years. all played their part so I am reluctant to walk on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Loft Space’ operated by Ruth Gilbert and single out individuals. However, I feel It was very good news to learn that they Society. I am pleased to report that Janet Clark. he has successfully completed his justified in making particular mention of have been awarded the Queens’s Award Ruth has since been in touch with us to walk despite the vagaries of the British Ray Butler who introduced the idea as for Voluntary Service. This is the highest let us know that she and Janet are moving Summer weather. His account of the a means of promoting our Canals and award given to volunteer groups and in to new premises in Slaithwaite where first stage of the walk is included in this sold it to the Canal & River Trust (CRT). its sector it is the equivalent of the MBE. they aim to continue with most of their edition and the second will follow in the To our Chairman Alan Stopher who led Further details of the award and how teaching and groups. She tells us that Winter edition. the planning on behalf of the Society it was celebrated will be found in the updates will appear on their Facebook and Keith Sykes who led the fleet on its Group’s update in our Winter edition. Having written this piece and reported a page and that the name and logo will go journey. Needless to say, they are immensely succession of good news stories, a piece with them. Therefore, in future, they will proud of their achievement, but are keen of very sad news reached us. be ‘The Loft Space at Britannia Mills’. GB

4 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 5 all weekends and bank holidays until the We had a fruitful meeting with the Canal Chairman’s Report time it was taken down to the Stalybridge and River Trust’s Waterway Manager Festival. Following this it has had some David Baldacchino in early July to consider As you can see from It is thought that the current limitations attention to the flooring at Portland Basin Operation & Maintenance matters. the Editorial and mainly prevent the transit by certain Marina before crews brought it back up to David’s colleague, Daniel Preston gave us separate reports on historic craft such as Mikron Theatre Marsden in early July. My thanks go to all an insight into his approach to managing the Pennine Explorer Company’s Tyseley. There have however the boat crews who have run the Shuttle the risks inherent in operating the 200 year cruise and the been successful transits since 2001 by a including those from the East Manchester old waterway. The latest programme of Stalybridge Festival number of historic craft from the Wooden Community Boat Project who helped 2017/8 Winter stoppages on the canal was there has been Canal Boat Trust as well as some riveted make the move to and from the festival. tabled and it was noted that they were all plenty happening this Summer. steel-hulled craft which meet the current We were all shocked by the news that one scheduled for January to March 2018, so 6ft 10in gauge. Without some form of For the first time our June AGM was of the boat crew stalwarts, Graham Searby cruising could continue up to Christmas. market research we won’t have any idea conducted on the same evening as our died suddenly soon after. He will be much It had been estimated that up to 20 lock- of the potential interest in using a 7ft wide volunteers’ social, this time in the splendid missed. fulls of water per day were lost through canal. Thomas Bourne room at Standedge Visitor leakage on the East side which vindicates Trevor Ellis’s maintenance team has been Centre. It reminded all present that this The approved resolution stated: the continuing emphasis on work aimed concentrating on lock gate painting on the fine building is something special and I’m at keeping the water in the canal. We ‘This meeting requests that HCS Council dry days. Trevor himself has also spent grateful to the Canal & River Trust for the were advised that the Standedge Visitor raise the issue of ‘pinch points’ on the many days in the Standedge Tunnel during opportunity to use the space on a Friday Centre was receiving significant interest as a Huddersfield Narrow Canal with the Canal his first season as a Volunteer Chaperone. evening in June when it could conceivably wedding venue justifying recent investment and River Trust to ensure that remedial have been in use as a wedding venue. Bob Gough, our Administrator, continues in improving facilities for that purpose. actions to remove them are built into future The evening was a first for the Trust as we to staff our office and do all those things maintenance programmes with Wade Lock As yet there has been no official feedback helped to baptise their fine new bar. that need doing to keep the Society in Uppermill being undertaken first to allow on the final design for the running, many of which are unattractive As well as the usual AGM items we access to the .’ improvements between Longroyd to volunteers. After 29 years in the role considered a resolution brought by David Bridge, Huddersfield and Lowestwood. The Volunteer Social was, as always, an his knowledge is invaluable and often Finnis and Keith Gibson encouraging enjoyable gathering and it was pleasing shared with people in the wider waterways Reflecting on some of the things said by the removal of the ‘pinch points’ which to have representation from Greenfield, community. visiting crew members on the Pennine preclude 7ft wide boats navigating the Uppermill, Stalybridge and Slaithwaite Explorer cruise, I realise we tend to take Narrow Canal. During the ensuing There have been relatively few unplanned adoption groups along with colleagues from for granted how special the northern discussion we were reminded that a report stoppages this summer on the Narrow. Canal & River Trust. Tony Zajac kept us canals are. Totting up my own personal had been produced by British Waterways In the run up to the Pennine Explorer cruise amused with his canal-themed quiz. Our experiences during a recent month’s cruise in 2002 which had estimated the cost of it had become know that there was loss of caterer for the night, Rachal’s Kitchen, on the , increasing the navigable width from 6ft water through the gates, cill and other parts provided an excellent cold buffet and Trust and Leeds & Liverpool Canal, I realised 10in to 7ft as around £8 million based on of Lock 17W. As soon as the cruise had staff ran the well-stocked bottle bar. that 4 of the 7 original wonders of the UK detailed measurements at all the locations passed through, the opportunity was taken waterways are within a short distance of concerned. At that time, soon after the Our presence at the Stalybridge Festival to carry out repairs to reduce leaks pending the Huddersfield Narrow and that is not conclusion of a number of successful including the running of ‘free’ boat trips is a planned winter work at the same location. counting the amazing Standedge Tunnel Millenium inspired projects including our welcome feature bringing to life the town’s The east side of the Huddersfield Narrow which is also one of the seven. For the own, there was clearly some enthusiasm waterfront. HCS Council member, Peter Canal was suffering with loss of water record the four are Anderton Lift, Barton in official circles for seeking funds to deal Rawson, continues to work hard on leading below Lock 11E. An investigation was Swing Aqueduct, Burnley Embankment with the pinch points but over the years the Town team and the regular clean-up undertaken on Friday 4th August. A further and Bingley Five-Rise. With my wife and since then other restoration projects in sessions and this work is much appreciated loss of water is apparent at Lock 22E in various friends we have experienced all of need of funding have become the focus. by the Society, businesses and residents. Slaithwaite and this will cause disruption in these by this Summer. The notion of removing the pinch points the cruising season if grouting work has to Apart from the occasional Saturday the has come up more recently when Council be undertaken in mid-October as currently If you are out and about, enjoy the Marsden Shuttle has run at Marsden on has been considering its own Business Plan. proposed. Autumn. Alan Stopher

6 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 7 Looking forward, he identified the main Across the region as a whole he was able Manchester, Pennine & Potteries Update tasks for the immediate future. to tell us that in the past year volunteers The main event CRT is therefore supporting the bid and These are: gave 43,352 hours amounting to 5,767 days, that 21 community adoptions had of the Summer CRT Enterprise Manager Simon Papprill • to build the case for an approach to been set up and that 1,000 planned for the newly has been co-opted as a member of the Government for continued funding in preventative maintenance tasks had been expanded MP bid team. 2021/22, and P Partnership carried out. During his presentation Paul said that • to continue to grow support and was the annual He concluded by saying that in the a decision on which cities should be reach out to new communities ‘Outburst’ which shortlisted to go forward to a final current year M P and P’s aim is to again took place at the Manchester • to strengthen links to the new selection in December 2017 was continue the upward trend in all of these Mechanics Institute on Thursday July administrations, such as that in imminent. It was pleasing therefore to areas, to achieve the retention of the 13th. There was a healthy attendance (GM) learn that an announcement made the Green Flag Awards on the of over a hundred representing a range following day confirmed the inclusion of • to continue to implement the changes and Peak Forest canals, to progress work of public, private and voluntary sector Stoke in a final short list of five. necessary to ensure the Trust is on Urban Cooling, to continue to engage organisations. equipped to meet the inevitable with the emerging GM Spatial Strategy The second presentation by Paul Martin After a welcome from Walter Menzies challenges which the future will bring. and to develop and promote the ‘Share focussed on the partnership which has poet Nancy Campbell was introduced the Space’ initiative. developed between his organisation and Richard was then followed by M P and P and she undertook the now traditional CRT to promote the upkeep of the Canal Waterway Manager David Baldacchino Following a question and answer session challenge of producing, by the close of Street section of the Rochdale Canal. who spoke about the principal highlights the final set of presentations took the the event, a poem based on words and He explained how volunteers were and achievements in our own region and form of four short ‘Soapboxes’ in which phrases submitted by the audience. The involved in removing litter and debris to the priorities for the current financial individuals were invited to speak for five two guest speakers, Paul Williams who keep the Canal clean and that a group year. In doing so he made particular minutes on a topic of their choice. is leading the Stoke on Trent Capital known as the ‘Village Angels’ had been mention of the recent HNC Explorer Of the four, it was gratifying that three of Culture Bid 2021 and Paul Martin established to assist those who accidently Cruise which he said had been highly were on topics related to the HNC. who is CEO of the Manchester LGBTQ or otherwise find themselves in the canal. successful and he paid tribute for this First, Claire Atkinson, Duty Manager at Foundation were then welcomed. to his own staff, to our Society and Standedge spoke about the recent Green Following the two guest speakers Paul Williams opened proceedings with the many volunteers who had worked Tourism Award, second, my colleague we welcomed CRT Chief Executive a presentation on the work that is taking together to ensure this success. on Council, Tony Zajac gave a splendid Richard Parry who gave a brief update place to develop and promote Stoke’s talk about the Explorer Cruise and finally on the achievements of the Trust He also spoke about the progress which bid to be named the next UK Capital Roger Hope told us about the work of which he reminded us was “five had been made at the Standedge Visitor of Culture. He spoke about the City’s the Greenfield Street Scene Group. years old yesterday – July 12th. In his Centre. He explained that the major strong historic traditions as a home of presentation he set out a series of very investment suggested in the recent The final part of the morning was art and culture which are embedded in encouraging statistics. For example consultant’s report was not currently devoted to a workshop session when the long established and world famous income in 2016/17 increased by 7% to programmed but that smaller scale participants could choose from a list ceramics industry and how that industry £202.9 million, half a million volunteer investment had taken place and had of topics and take part in a facilitated in turn has close links with the city’s hours had been recorded, community achieved positive results. For example, discussion on topics of particular interest waterway network. He explained that adoptions now numbered more than 175 a sum of £25,000 had been spent on to them. We then finished off with what if successful the intention will be for the and the number of Friends had doubled equipment and furniture for the Thomas has become the tradition: a crowd- city’s canals to serve as a backdrop to a in two years to 22,000. Bourne Room resulting in a significant sourced poem from our guest poet, range of events and projects. and growing demand for its use for Nancy Campbell. corporate functions and weddings. Graham Birch

8 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 9 Cruising Club and Canal & River Trust Of the 13 boats gathered in Stalybridge, Pennine Explorer Cruise 23rd June - 1st July 2017 Volunteers. Guy and Sandra Holding David Fletcher and his crew (below) won The idea for the Pennine Explorer cruise spectacular passage. One of our number, kindly hosted this first gathering at their 1st prize for the Best Presented Boat came from Ray Butler, who was until Keith Sykes, took on the role of boat office and chandlery. Welcome bags awarded by the Stalybridge Carnival recently a member of Canal & River crew organiser as he and Margaret were were provided to each crew with useful committee. Trust’s Manchester Pennine & Potteries intent on bringing their Stafford based information about the trip as well as Partnership and has been a leading light narrowboat Morning Mist on the cruise. their complimentary Huddersfield Canal in the Society. Society membership packs complete An unknown quantity was how well with Summer edition of Pennine Link, He proposed a guided cruise along the the canal would stand up to intensive the Society’s quarterly magazine, and lines of the ones run successfully by the use over a period of only a week. One a complimentary copy of the Towpath Birmingham Canal Navigations Society concern was the fact that a dry Pennine Guide. to encourage use of the lesser-cruised Winter had left reservoirs at a relatively sections of the system. The idea gained low level in April and May. If it was to Graeme & Barbara Sleeman, had traction following discussions with a go ahead some rain was needed. In the travelled the furthest to join the cruise, number of us in the Huddersfield Canal end we had nothing to worry about on from their base on the Kennet and Society and it soon became evident that score as June weather provided the Avon in Berkshire. Christine Kemp had that the whole venture would gain the necessary top up. brought Ketura from St Pancras Boat Club backing of the Trust. It just needed a bit in including taking part in the Helen Hall of the Trust coordinated of planning as well as promotion amongst BCN Challenge, a 24 hour long contest media releases and I produced text and the boating fraternity. Once your to see how many miles and locks each In the evening all the crews headed pictures for the daily HCS website update Council agreed to the idea, a small team crew can cover with only 6 hours rest. to the legendary Stalybridge Buffet which was uploaded by Bob Gough and Bar for pie and black peas and liquid started putting together an itinerary and The next morning HCS and Martin Clark. Others were encouraged refreshment. We were joined by booking documentation. CRT volunteers helped boats to tweet and message Facebook friends friends from the Calder Navigation up to Stalybridge to moor The beginning of the week chosen as appropriate. Ideally we wanted to Society who were destined to help with between locks 6W and 7W. coincided with the Stalybridge Festival meet up with local decision-makers the locks on the east side. which would ensure a number of along the way. We were only partially boat movements for local people to successful with this but very grateful witness. A maximum of 12 boats was for the interest shown by a number of thought desirable given the challenge Tameside Councillors and Lord Pendry of managing water through the 74 locks as the cruise passed through Stalybridge. as well as those to be passed through Elsewhere the impact of the ‘snap’ on the Marple or Ashton flights. It was General Election did not help. recognised that boats longer than around We had no trouble assembling 12 boat 57ft would have to return via Standedge crews and Keith ensured that there was a because of the size limitations of the 13th shadowing us in case anyone had to and Calder drop out. & Hebble Navigation. It was seen as important to ‘do something’ each The group met at Portland Basin Marina evening, preferably including aspects on the afternoon of Friday 23rd June of local history and culture and we 2017 (right). Here the Canal & River were also keen to provide volunteers to Trust gauged the boats to check that they help with locks. After all we wanted to would fit through Standedge Tunnel. make it easier for boaters to make the Help on Marple and Ashton Locks was

provided by members of the Tudor Images Julie Arnold - Waterways

10 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 11 On the Sunday whilst the Carnival of ‘Diligent Too’. In the comfortable this, the Trust team put their procession was being assembled in surrounds of the Roaches Lock pub, mind to getting us through Stalybridge, the 12 boat cavalcade left yours truly showed the Impossible Dream and succeeded. Phil Smith the urban areas behind as it started the DVD made in the run up to reopening applied all his ingenuity to climb up the Tame Valley. 8 locks took of the canal in 2001. The well-made what he described as ‘Heath the boats to Roaches Lock above Mossley film has stood the test of time and, Robinson engineering’ and included a passage through the said Ray Butler of ‘Owl’, ‘it records the and with support from his short Scout Tunnel. ‘I’ve really enjoyed tenacity of those who stuck to their colleagues managed to the day and it brings back memories convictions when many doubted that the sufficiently fix the damaged of an earlier trip when I was so struck Huddersfield Narrow could be restored.’ paddle to get all boats by the magnificent mill buildings set in Afterwards there was a question and through, the last one passing the Pennine valleys’ observed Pat Stow answer session before crews retired through 32W at around 8pm to get some rest before (right). Steve Wood of Bream, the following day’s a 70ft traditional narrowboat, challenge. I doubt that said ‘he’d not had so much the pound below Roaches fun for ages and when can Lock has ever seen 17 we do it again?’ Thanks go to friends in helping the Explorer cruise keep on boats moored up at the from Tudor Cruising Club, volunteers schedule. To round off the day Keith same time (left). from Huddersfield Canal Society and Sykes ran a canal-themed quiz in the CRT’s own volunteers for all their efforts Diggle Hotel. The next day was fine and sunny and the ‘Everest’ of canal pounds - 645 feet above sea level and the highest in the UK - was reached by the whole Pennine Explorer cruise plus one additional boat after a fascinating if challenging day (right). With so many on the move on one day it was inevitable that there would be some adjustments needed to ensure sufficient water in all of the short pounds. However, an added complication was a failed downstream paddle on Lock 30W coming only a few days after the other paddle of the pair had become detached from its rack. Not daunted by

12 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 13 The passage of Standedge Tunnel by 12 including our own Trevor Ellis who with boats in one direction in the same day the paid Trust staff ensured that the was something special. carefully planned timetable was met. The boats crammed into the waterspace The weather turned distinctly ‘Pennine’ between the eastern portal and the on the east side and ‘wet Wednesday’ footbridge was something to behold and will long remain in the memories of another canal first. It also provided the crews, staff and volunteers alike. Wall iconic image of the trip, one used by to wall water didn’t stop the 12 boats both the national Waterway press and descending the locks to Slaithwaite and local media (left). ‘It’s been a fantastic judging by the evening gathering at the day’ was the verdict as the crews tucked Swan pub it didn’t dampen their spirits. into barbecued sausages and burgers ‘Too much water’ on the Huddersfield and a cask of beer from Empire Brewing Narrow was the surprise verdict as at the ‘put-up’ food stall beside Tunnel boaters gathered for an evening of song End Cottages. Particularly appreciated and dance after a day of non-stop rain. was the help given by the chaperones David at the Swan had put out the who guided the steerers through the bunting to welcome us, Thieving Magpies darkness during the 3 and a quarter mile (below) and Slubbing Billy Morris tunnel passage and pointed out some dancing sides entertained us outside, and of the historic features. These included Enoch’s Hammer folk group continued two newly-trained volunteer chaperones the musical entertainment in the cosy lounge for the rest of the evening. The cruise’s own bard, Ray Butler from Owl recited a number of verses on canal themes, many learnt during his time on the legendary BCN (Birmingham Canal Navigations to the uninitiated) and a good time was had by all. Thanks go to all the musicians and dancers, the landlord and his staff and not to forget the 6 volunteers who helped on the 21 locks down from the summit.

14 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 15 Thursday dawned grey. The drizzle got a 8 locks down to Huddersfield sounds the boaters thanked all involved for the little heavier around mid-day but despite easy but it needed careful water organisation of the cruise and singled out this it was a better day for weather as 12 management because 12 boats don’t particularly people for a special mention. boats slipped gently down the 13 locks normally do it in quick succession. They know who they are. to Milnsbridge Basin. ‘The boat with no Excellent support from Canal and River Afterwards I conducted a walk around name’ which had been shadowing the 12 Trust staff, again supported by five Huddersfield Town Centre to show our to Slaithwaite joined the main Pennine Canal Society volunteers at the locks, visitors some of the fine buildings, sites Explorer cruise as ‘Troubadour’ from the meant that all 12 boats arrived at the of historic significance and explain what Kennet & Avon was due to lay over for Huddersfield University moorings by makes Huddersfield the town it is. a few days. Water levels were still high 2.30pm (below). The University site full over the weirs which meant that some of boats was reminiscent of the rallies had to be drained off by the Trust when which the Canal Society held around we reached Milnsbridge bringing an bus journey. 5 museum volunteers 30 years ago to raise awareness of the extra 12 lockfuls with us. 6 of us helped welcomed us, and in showing us around, restoration potential (inset). with locks and we were given great explained about life in a weaver’s cottage In the evening we assembled in Heritage support by the Trust staff who managed in 1845, and how spinning and weaving Quay, the splendid new University the water. “We’ve had far more help was done before the factory era (above). Archive centre, to award the plaques than we ever envisaged on this trip”, said We were also shown the clog-makers to all the boaters who had crossed the Glenys Kershaw of NB Camarilla. (Below workshop. A pleasant evening was . Jack Kershaw on behalf of - Volunteer lock-wheelers Jean and Lesley rounded off with tea and biscuits in at Slaithwaite.) their well-appointed café. The Society Keith Sykes arranged a special evening is grateful for the enthusiasm of the visit to the Colne Valley Museum museum volunteers and the time they at which involved a short made available.

Diane Calverley

16 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 17 of Wednesday. Richard Stead gave an made the same passage on the same informative potted history of the Calder day in the same direction? If it has ever & Hebble navigation including images of been done before it will be in the early the 2015 flood damage and an insight 19th century. It is doubtful whether 12 into the unique C&H hand-spike. The boats have ever started from the same raffle helped defray some of the costs pound and moored in the same pound. and the prizes were happily shared It required careful water management between hosts and guests. Frank Auffret each evening and morning particularly warmed up the audience with a ditty or at Milnsbridge to ensure that everyone two ably assisted by the SPBC male voice could get through. It also demonstrated choir and the excellent Kirkpatrick trio the commitment of a wide range of provided live music to listen and dance volunteers who were only too pleased to. to welcome and help boaters enjoy their local area. As for Tame and Colne Valley It was an opportunity to thank all who residents, I lost count of the number who have been involved in the cruise – the commented about how nice it was to see boaters for coming, the canal society so many colourful boats at once. (HCS and CNS) and boat club (Tudor We paused to read the plaque on the The 150-year old Locomotive Bridge Cruising and South Pennine) volunteers I’ve now heard from or seen all the boat façade of the original George Hotel was hoisted and dropped 9 times as for helping with the passage and final crews who continued their cruising. (above) where the Huddersfield Canal the convoy left Huddersfield. By early night mooring respectively, all those Some returned via the Rochdale, three Company had been formed in 1793. afternoon all the boats were found organising and hosting evening events, headed back over the Huddersfield The building had been sited at the moorings in the well-appointed marina Canal & River Trust staff and volunteers taking their time and most took the long Market Place but the Georgian façade taking the places of boats which were for ensuring that no challenge was left way around via the Leeds & Liverpool. had been taken down and reconstructed cruising elsewhere on the network. unresolved. As Ali and I took our narrowboat in the in St Peters Street to make way for SPBC catering team supplied tea and opposite direction we saw five of the Was the cruise a success? By common the new thoroughfare of John William scones as crews relaxed in the pleasant boats and had much-needed help from consent it was. Hard at times when the Street and New Street. After taking in surroundings. two crews up the 21-lock Wigan flight. weather was at its worst but all will take St George’s Square, surely the finest By 7pm around 70 had gathered for the home happy memories of their Pennine Will we do it again? Who knows but urban square in the north of England, we final evening. Guest boaters and some transit. Pat Stow of Diligent Too summed we certainly demonstrated what was retired to the Sportsman pub to slake our of the Huddersfield Canal Society helpers it up: ‘It’s been a fantastic experience’. possible. thirst. joined SPBC and CNS members for an It has certainly demonstrated the Alan Stopher The cruise through the Huddersfield evening to remember. The three crews resilience of the Huddersfield Narrow Photos: Narrow’s 74 locks was over but 9 boats whose boats exceeded the dimensions Canal. When was the last time 12 boats The author except where credited headed down the Huddersfield Broad to of the Broad all made their way by car Battyeford aided by volunteers from the or bus to join in the fun. CNS provided Calder Navigation Society. To round off a complimentary pie and pea supper the adventure, South Pennine Boat Club and a fine range of desserts courtesy (SPBC) and Calder Navigation Society of Avril Davies and her team. SPBC (CNS) hosted a rousing last night of the operated their splendid new bar. The Explorer cruise in the excellent club real ale, wine and soft drinks flowed. facilities at Battyeford. Peter Davies welcomed guests and club members resplendent in shirt jacket Christine and Chris brought their 59 and tie, almost unrecognisable from foot long narrowboat Ketura through the waterproofed biking lock-wheeler the 1776-built locks without a hitch.

18 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 19 Pennine Explorer Cruise - Epilogue On the day after the Explorer Cruise plenty of comments about the loss of the reached Slaithwaite, Council member cherry trees that used to grow on the line Eric Woulds posted the following on of the (filled in) canal and the return of Facebook. Reproduced here, it reflects the dead dogs and stagnant water that the pleasure and sense of achievement children would no doubt drown in if the generated by the Cruise. (GB) canal was ever restored. There aren’t many days when you have Thirty years later and I am helping a 70 a prolonged warm glow, even though it’s foot former Fellows, Morton and Clayton cold and wet. Yesterday was one that I’ll working boat through Lock 24 as it remember for a long time, as I suppose approaches the bit of the canal that some it’s a culmination of something that I’ve said would never re-open. been involved with intermittently for The Pennine Explorer Cruise hits over 30 years. Slaithwaite and a steady procession of Back in the 1980s my day job was mainly 12 boats pass through the same Lock, helping the day to day running of the and two more Locks below it, to moor Community Programme scheme up in Slaithwaite Town Centre overnight. which was restoring sections of the Three of them are moored up just above Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The money Lock 22E. Before restoration the copings was only there to restore the easy bits – of this Lock used to be visible in a car the big blockages in Huddersfield Town park that stood on the line of the canal – Centre and Slaithwaite were always going completely filled in, but intact below. to be the challenge and those involved Yesterday evening I stood by the head with the restoration knew it was going gates, looking up the canal at moored to be some time before the restored boats where cherry trees used to grow, sections would be linked up. Of course, with a big grin on my face. Slaithwaite full restoration happened and the HNC Town Centre looked so right – possibly has been a working canal since 2001. unique. Whoever could have thought However, for some reason, yesterday’s any different? events seemed to bring home what a On to the Swan for a jolly good knees success story this has all been and in up with the Slubbing Billys, Thieving particular how Slaithwaite has changed Magpies and my band mates Enoch’s its attitude to the canal restoration. Hammer. Our guests are the boaters Towards the end of the first stage of who have provided the spectacle. We all restoration in the late 1980’s some knocked back a few pints, played some Slaithwaite residents were to say the tunes and sang some songs to celebrate. least sceptical. We had an exhibition of It was one of those days that makes a first draft of a Town Centre restoration everything worthwhile. plan in the Library. It was not very well Eric Woulds attended, perhaps reflecting the level of interest at the time. However, I had

20 - Pennine Link Manchester at 10.20am when a tram frequent locks between Newton Heath Frank’s Walk for Alzheimer’s - Part 1 passes over the canal on its way into and Manchester City centre. On this Tuesday 20th June 2017 I pass through a pleasant area of Rochdale town centre. section, I observe the remaining red brick warehouses and one time cotton lush woodland before reaching the I stop for a quick drink at the Ship Inn, My 70 mile walk around the South mills together with the forever increasing small towns of Luddenden Foot and Slattocks before heading on down to Pennine started on the developments of modern apartments etc. Mytholmroyd followed by the market Chadderton where I enjoy lunch in the 3.75 mile Huddersfield Broad Canal Finally arriving at the north side of the town of Hebden Bridge and attractive Rose of Lancaster. Leaving at 2.30pm, I at the Aspley Junction, Huddersfield at city centre I descend the Rochdale Nine canalside moorings. I enjoy lunch at continue walking and find myself crossing 10.00am. and finish at Lock 92, named Dukes Lock the very popular Stubbing Wharf pub – the busy M60 Manchester Outer Ring as it was originally owned by the Duke I soon pass the Turnbridge Lifting Bridge referred to in the late Ted Hughes poem Road by means of a lengthy footbridge. which spans the canal. This eye catching ‘The Stubbing Wharfe’, before continuing of Bridgewater. I complete my day’s bridge opened in 1865 and is operated on walking through the beautiful Calder The scenery slowly becomes more walk at 6.25pm and head straight to the by a combination of wheels, chains and Valley to the town of Todmorden on the industrialised as I proceed further along nearest pub! counter-weights to lift the bridge to allow borders of West Yorkshire and Lancashire the canal into Manchester, passing Frank Carter boats to pass along the canal. where I finish at 5.10pm. Walking on I meet a friendly couple of Thursday 22nd June 2017 voluntary litter pickers walking along the Today I aim to reach the summit of the towpath having collected 2 bags of litter Rochdale (183 metres above sea level) along the way, making a determined and and leave Todmorden at 9.30am. admirable effort to ‘Keep Huds Tidy’. I walk past the Great Wall of Todmorden, I reach Lock 1 with its attractive Lock built with approximately 4 million Keepers Cottage at 11.45am, then join bricks, towards the Gauxholme cast the Calder and Hebble Navigation at iron Skew railway bridge constructed to Cooper Bridge where I plan to walk carry the Manchester to Leeds railway a further 9 miles to finish the day at over the canal. Onward then, past Sowerby Bridge. I reach Basin Grandma Pollard’s Chippy by Lock 27 at 2.00pm and after a break for lunch and climbing the steep sided Calder walk on towards Elland, but am diverted Valley towards Walsden before reaching onto the Elland Road at one point due Lock 36 – East Summit Lock - in good to subsidence works being carried out by time to have a light lunch in the Summit CRT. I reach the picturesque setting of Inn. I then begin my descent, passing Carter Frank the 3 Salterhebble Locks with its shortest 10 locks on the way towards the town middle lock and Lock Keeper’s cottage at of Littleborough and onto Rochdale but 4.45pm. Walking on through beautiful have to decide to finish at 2.30pm on Huddersfield Central Lodge countryside towards the junction with reaching Smithy Bridge when light drizzle the Rochdale Canal, I conclude my day’s becomes heavy rain. 3 Star Metro Hotel walk at the Navigation Inn, Sowerby Pleased to support the Huddersfield Canal Society Friday 23rd June 2017 Bridge at 5.50pm 11-15 Beast Market T: 01484 515551 Today I plan to walk the final 13 miles of Wednesday 21st June 2017 the Rochdale Canal to reach Castlefield, Huddersfield E: [email protected] Today I start to walk the 32 mile Manchester. I leave Smithy Bridge, again HD1 1QF W: www.centrallodge.com Rochdale Canal leaving at the junction in drizzle rain at 9.40am and am soon of the Calder & Hebble Navigation in walking close to the Southern parts of Award Winning Hotel in the Heart of Huddersfield Town Centre Sowerby Bridge at 11.30am. Rochdale. I see my first signs of reaching

22 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 23 MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, Stalybridge Festival - 24th & 25th June 2017 had campaigned hard for the This is the fourth year that the The 12 boat ‘flotilla’ of narrow boats funding from the Millennium Huddersfield Canal Society (HCS) arrived on Saturday and provided a great Commission and English has supported the Stalybridge Festival spectacle on the water. The public had Partnerships which was needed Weekend. We have worked with the not experienced such a number of boats to complete the restoration of Festival Committee and Stalybridge Town on the canal in the town centre since the canal. Team to provide a full weekend of the early days following the reopening The competition for best boat activities centred on the regionally in 2001, marked by its was judged by the Carnival famous Stalybridge Carnival which celebratory ‘Stalybridge Queen and Princess and was has been running for over 40 Splash’ event. won by nb Water Avens owned years. Lord Tom Pendry and by David Fletcher, pictured Although the weather conditions Councillors Sweeton and below by Nigel Hobson. did not quite live up to previous Feeley spoke to several of Right: years, the event benefitted the boaters and welcomed Pictured below the plaque commemorating the greatly from the visit them to Stalybridge. reopening of the canal are (L to R) HCS’s Peter of the inaugural Rawson, Councillors David Sweeton and Lianne The large number of boats Feeley and Lord Pendry meeting before they Pennine Explorer was particularly significant tour the boat gathering. (Alan Stopher) Cruise; organised for Lord Pendry who, as Left: jointly by HCS and Steve Wood at the tiller of his FMC ‘Bream’ the Canal and River Explorer Cruising into Stalybridge at Armentières Trust. Square. (Bob Gough)

24 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 25 On Saturday evening the famous The weather put a bit of a damper on Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar served up the proposed Vintage/Classic car and a ‘pie and black peas’ supper for the motorbike displays on the Saturday boaters which seemed to go down very but the local Ukulele band, Stalybridge well indeed. The visit also coincided Strummers, did us proud with their with their Beer Festival so there was a performances. An NSPCC Family Fun nice range of real ales on offer. Day was held in the nearby Civic Hall on Saturday which also helped bolster It was really great to see all these boats attendance on the day. on the water at the same time and hopefully the cruise can be put on again On Sunday there was a large craft market in the not too distant future. with a nice range of stalls in Armentierès Square. Huge crowds turned out to As in previous years there were free witness the iconic Carnival parade and canal boat trips for the public for the full to enjoy a range of activities including weekend courtesy of Tameside Canal live music and a fun fair in Cheetham Boat Trust’s boat Still Waters and HCS’s Park. In Armentierès Square we also had Marsden Shuttle. Both boats were very live music from Enoch’s Hammer and busy on both days and thanks are due to many thanks to my HCS colleague, Eric Next year’s Festival will be on the both crews who worked tirelessly to keep Below Left: Beyond the call of duty; Mike Woulds, for organising that. McHugh braves the weather on Marsden weekend of the 23rd and 24th June so everyone happy. Shuttle during a shower as the Still Waters’ crew please make a note in your diaries. All in all a great weekend made special It was particularly pleasing to see the prepare for another run. (Alan Stopher) by the visit of the Pennine Explorer We are fortunate to have a very active Marsden Shuttle flying the flag for HCS Above: The skirl of the City of Liverpool Pipes Cruise. Many thanks to all those and Drums traditionally heralding the arrival of volunteer group in Stalybridge working to at the event again. The logistics and involved in planning the event and the Carnival Parade. (William Lonsdale) help improve the canal side environment volunteer support needed in bringing helping out over the weekend. Below: Amongst the variety of colourful floats, in the town centre. If you would like down the Shuttle from Marsden and a homage to Roald Dahl’s ‘Willy Wonka’s to get involved please send your email returning her after the event is onerous In particular we are very grateful for the Chocolate Factory; the adults making the address to [email protected] and significant. A special thank you is programming of the Cruise to coincide Oompa-Loompa characters their own. (William Lonsdale) and we’ll let you have details of future due to the HCS colleagues and all the with and complement the Stalybridge volunteering dates. other volunteers who were involved. Festival. Peter Rawson

26 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 27 There was only one thing for it; we had wall and was over as quick as a shot! We Obituary to climb over the wall or swim across the shared many a joke as we worked together canal. So ... after throwing our bags over and I remember him telling me about the Grahame Searby Sadly we never quite got round to the wall, I scrambled over first; (I was time he ended up sleeping overnight in a organising it. However, not many people Grahame Searby was the archetypal more sprightly in those days!) and it wasn’t large pipe. will know, that one evening Dr Bob Gough Yorkshireman and now Yorkshire and too bad. Then over scrambled Suzie. actually came down with us and played the Many people have commented that, as a indeed, the Huddersfield Canal Society are Graham was last and seemed to be making didgeridoo! We were so proud. crew member, Grahame was a grafter and the poorer for his untimely passing. ‘heavy weather’ of it, at which point Suzie was good at what he did. It’s true; he was. We trained together on various boats called over to Grahame but there was no In the time I have known Grahame he had Grahame was always willing to help out at such as ‘The Shuttle’, ‘Still Waters’ and answer so Suzie exclaimed, “Ok! See a dry sense of humour but was never one short notice, was always great to work with ‘Community Spirit’ from about 2005 you Grahame, me and Tony are going to to stand on ceremony. He once wrote to and we are so sad to lose such a terrific onwards. Grahame used to crew with run off together!” Well I’ve never seen a the Society council a letter of complaint person and friend. Suzie and for a long time they worked bloke climb a wall so quickly or swear so about the state of the engine in the Shuttle Tony Zajac together as a team. We always seemed profoundly as he scaled the compound and how it didn’t have the guts to pull the to end up doing our First Aid training in skin off a rice pudding! I remember that the same group and we had many, many the paper was simply a page torn out of a laughs as we practised giving ‘mouth to spiral bound pad and it still had all its holes mouth’ with the rubber dummies! About and all the bits of paper hanging off it. At 10 years back we were both part of a large times he was quiet and hard to fathom out contingent of trainees employed to take whilst at other times he was surprisingly the ‘Shuttle’ down to Guy’s boat yard in forthcoming but still came across as Portland Marina for some work to be done somewhat reserved; perhaps hanging on on it. I took a lot of photos on that trip and to the remnants of a smile which he was we got plenty of practice on the locks on trying not to let break through in case the way down. people knew what he was really thinking! As our boat exams were fast approaching I Grahame has been a real asset to the can remember the look on Grahame’s face Huddersfield Canal Society over the years when, in preparation for it, we were sent and has put in many hours of volunteering into the cabin, two by two, to be quizzed as a crew member and skipper. Even by our resident expert; Bob Maycock in though Grahame initially had a motorbike an impromptu ‘Q & A’ session, as the boat and Suzie a car, like a lot of crew, he was steadily made its way along the ‘cut’ down up early catching buses to arrive on time. to Ashton. With not having a car and living over towards Holmfirth, many times he had to Grahame worked on the ‘Shuttle’ on many battle his way over the ‘tops’ to attend boat a Sunday. At one time the Golden Rule meetings and social occasions. At times from the BW office at Standedge Tunnel it was impossible to get over because the End was that, after putting the boat away, weather was so bad with no way of getting HCS ‘Shuttle crews’ had to be out of the back that same night. Grahame, though, Visitor Centre compound by 4:30pm at the took all this in his stride. latest so the BW staff could lock up, but on one particular occasion, Grahame, Suzie In Marsden, at the ‘Tunnel End Inn’ they and myself emerged from cashing up inside used to hold ‘Open Mic’ nights and after the boat only to find all the gates had been playing on a few occasions we both got closed and it suddenly dawned on us; we Grahame (right) with Tony at Lock 17W, talking, when Grahame said, “If you want, were locked in! Roaches helping take the Marsden I’ll come over and play the mouth organ as Shuttle to the 2016 Stalybridge Festival.

well!” I replied, “Great, let’s do it”. Eric Woulds

28 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 29 Obituary 220 Club - 14th Draw Robin Witter often listening to Mahler, Richard Strauss The Club now benefits from 64 AND here are the results of our and operas both at his Deeside residence subscriptions, so we can offer a quarterly At the end of last year Dr Robin Witter died thirteenth quarterly draw: and on his silent Little Gypsy. Prize Fund of £153 which means the first after a long period of ill health. prize has indeed reached three figures Total Subscribers: 64 He introduced me to David Hutchings I met Robin in 1976 one Sunday lunchtime at £102 and the second prize, £51. The Total Prize Fund: £153 when I introduced him to a gathering of in the Tollemache pub in Mossley. He more who subscribe, the higher the prize canal worthies in when we - HCS - 1st Prize: asked the landlord ‘does anyone here know fund offered for your £2 a month stake. looked in awe at his achievements. David Mr J Donnelly winning £102 about the Huddersfield Narrow?’ From would not take no for an answer. Neither To join, you need to complete the enclosed 2nd Prize: that chance meeting we built up a long did we. He became acquainted with application form or it can be downloaded Mr J King winning £51 friendship. Professor R. Schofield author of a biography from our website. Do consider completing Congratulations to the prize winners! Some may remember his electrically of who consulted Robin a Standing Order and then you’ll never powered river cruiser Little Gypsy which on Standedge Tunnel. miss a draw. attended many canal festivals and was in His exploits brought attention to the For legal reasons, only Huddersfield Canal the flotilla of boats to be in the first official Narrow. His knowledge and enthusiasm Society members are eligible to subscribe passage of Standedge Tunnel. Before that for canals inspired me. to HCS 220 Club, so if you are reading this momentous day I had cruised most of the and not a Society member, join us and then canal network in England north of the K & He is survived by Heather, his wife, his sign up to the 220 Club. A with him and my wife, Diana, sleeping two sons Nigel and Edward and Julia his on board and usually moored outside daughter. a pub where he would persuade the David Sumner publican to allow him to plug in to recharge The A new book by Trevor Ellis the boat’s batteries which had a two/three day capacity depending on speed, current Society Vice-Chairman and HCS He also felt that much new research and (rivers) and length of day. Volunteer Coordinator, Trevor Ellis, has, unpublished parts of the now late, Geoff Robin was at Leeds University when I was since last year, volunteered with Canal Brown, ought to be made available. there but he was completing his PhD; me a & River Trust as a Boat Chaperone, (Geoff was a recognised authority on the Bachelor degree. accompanying private boaters through tunnels and the Society holds an archive the canal tunnel. of his detailed work.) He was one of three brothers who all had outdoor interests/hobbies and between Through his observations, he became It is hoped Trevor’s book will be them ran the Witter Towing Bar company, concerned that some of the previous published in Autumn this year and formed by his father Colin, based in publications concerning the tunnels perhaps the work will inspire others to Chester. (canal and railway) contained look further into the history of these Robin also owned AC Canoe Products inaccuracies and that none covered them fascinating structures. and it was in one of his canoes that we and their surroundings as a whole. Bob Gough paddled through the Tunnel in the early eighties before the gates were padlocked! Robin would tour the country looking at MEMBERSHIP RATES COPY DATE ADVERTISING RATES redundant canals and particularly tunnels. Individual £9.00 Articles, letters and comments Page Per Issue Per Year

David Sumner for Issue 200 of Pennine Link He encouraged me to continue the Family £11.00 Qtr £12.50 £50.00 should reach the Editor at restoration fight and we discussed tactics Life £90.00 Transhipment Warehouse, Half £25.00 £100.00 Associate £15.00 Wool Rd, Dobcross, OL3 5QR Full £50.00 £200.00 Corporate £150.00 Robin at Greenfield in the late 1990s by 13th November 2017

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