Colleagues in Race Against Tide

The Canal & River Trust internal newspaper

Issue 98 September 2020 SourceThe

My work, Colleagues in my life James Dennison race against tide Page 5 What is this? Identify this picture for a chance to win a £25 gift voucher

Page 2 Inside: We need your help

Page 2 Nominations open for Safety Awards 2020 Our safety awards celebrate the individuals or teams that have demonstrated innovation, Photo: Adam Barnes significant improvements, best practice, or great Using a combination of abseiling and a spider leadership thus driving the Trust towards a better crane, Direct Services is repairing a decades old health and safety culture. timber pier at Sharpness Dock in a race against Particularly in this unusual year, there must be time, tide and weather. some great innovative ideas or practices that have The 689ft (210m) pier dates back to 1874 when taken place, although your nomination does not the dock was opened, and some of its massive 36 ft need to be Covid-19 related. (11m) greenheart legs are original. As a gateway from So if you have come up with a smarter, more the River Severn (which has the second largest tidal efficient way of working safer and implemented it, range in the world) to the Gloucester & Sharpness gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of Canal, the pier is exposed to huge tidal pressures, yourself or others, showing everyone else how it’s and mainly submerged, so a regular programme of done, constantly challenging yourself and others to repairs ensures it is kept in top condition. raise the bar and do better, we want to hear about it. The Trust is the statutory harbour authority at Entries should be for work undertaken or mostly Sharpness, one of the most inland ports in Britain. undertaken between 1 January 2020 and 31 October Each month the dock welcomes up to 25 ships 2020 inclusive. Full entry details are under Safety bringing in supplies from mainland Europe for Awards 2020 on Gateway safety pages. the UK’s agricultural industry, and cement for the By sharing best practice in The Source, with l to r construction manager Adam Barnes, operative Louis our Health & Safety Committees and through the construction sector. Stillman, craft operative Kevin Osborne, operatives Dameian The project will be finished at the end of Bailey and Rich Holden, team leader Ray Humphry and site safety pages on Gateway, we can all learn from your September. supervisor Ben Tite achievements Have you Pulse survey noticed On 14 September we sent out a short employee engagement survey to 600 our new colleagues picked at random. ‘envelopes’? If you received an email invitation to complete it, please do. As always, your opinions really matter From this month onwards, in these surveys. The Source is being sent out in potato starch polywrap, which contains no oil-based We appreciate your willingness to share materials, plastics or harmful toxins, is 100% feedback and seek to improve how we work 2019 winners Wales & South West MEICA M&E team promoted compostable and biodegradable. together at the Trust. a stop and think approach ahead of every task to encourage a better health & safety culture by reintroducing on site risk assessment checks. Consequently, confidence in the team grew, Covid-19 Please note that Government guidelines and restrictions relating to Covid-19 may change, particularly amongst the new and less experienced members. affecting some activities reported in The Source. L to r: Chris Duthie, Joe Underhill, Mike Croker, Neil Smith (nominator), Tom Greedy and Jeff Croker Page 2 The Source September 2020

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Where memories Test and Trace initiative were made? to help vulnerable boaters Your help is needed

North West licence support officers Neil McKenna and Matt Donnison are exploring ways of identifying and contacting hard to reach and vulnerable boaters, to encourage them to participate in the government’s Covid-19 Test and Trace initiative. “Test and Trace relies on people with symptoms being able to self-isolate and either access a drive- through Covid-19 testing facility or order a home Is there a stretch of canal or river that reminds test. This may be a problem for those who don’t you of a special person in your life, or brings have use of a car or whose post isn’t delivered to back happy memories of someone? their door. This autumn we’re launching a new fundraising “We have been working with Gwen Derbyshire, product that will give our supporters the chance Senior Public Health Practitioner for the Wigan to dedicate a point on our network to their loved district. We’re looking at ways to identify boaters one, by making a donation. Using our online who fall outside mainstream testing and arrange a dedication map, they will be able to choose a process whereby they can attend a testing station, specific place along the water and add their story or a testing kit can be delivered to them. The and a photo if they wish. A certificate will be initiative will also provide support to boaters who created to remind them of their gift, which might need to self-isolate following testing, which may be in memory of a loved one who has died, or in include medicine deliveries and shopping.” celebration of someone living. Neil adds: “We’re exploring ways to identify our We’re looking for stories we can share with vulnerable boaters who have requested either our supporters to help promote the idea of the Equality Act adjustments to their cruising status dedications and inspire them to get involved, which due to Covid-19 or approved extended stays. Once is where you come in. If you associate a place we have that data, contact can be made to discuss or a waterway with someone you love, and you’d the Test and Trace process. This initiative highlights be happy for us to use your story online, please the diverse role of the licence support officers contact our supporter engagement & legacy and the flexibility required to respond to emerging manager William Coffin. We only need a paragraph challenges during the pandemic.” l to r Matt Donnison and Neil McKenna or two about the person, the place and what it means to you, along with a good quality photo. Maybe you got engaged while canoeing a canal with your partner one hazy summer afternoon, Let’s Paddle canoes delivered to regions or perhaps your grandad spent many happy hours teaching you to fish on the banks of a local reservoir. Whatever your story, we can’t wait to hear it. Email: [email protected] COMPETITION TIME What is this?

How to enter Trying out the new canoes at Harecastle Tunnel, Trent & Mersey ◐ This is somewhere in this month’s The Source. Tell Canal, West Midlands l to r operations manager Rebecca Whitehouse and her family, area operations manager Simon us what it is and which page it’s on, and you could Martin and senior admin support Karen Langford win a £25 voucher ◐ Email [email protected] West Midlands and North West regions have ◐ Or text the answer and your name to: 07710 175445 taken deliveries of branded canoes to be used in ◐ Closing date: 2 October 2020 community engagement activities such as litter picking and Let’s Paddle. Yorkshire & North East ◐ The winner will be picked at random from all the correct answers are due to get their canoes soon. Events & marketing operations co-ordinator Tony Last month’s picture Entwistle said: “I want to thank everyone involved; was Archie Ludford’s T-shirt on page 8. this new equipment will help us to enhance what we offer to the public. It’s all part of our ‘Let’s get The winner, picked active by water’ programme. We want to help to at random, is get people onto our waterways and experience Direct Services first-hand that life is better by water.” site supervisor Tim Harrison. The Source September 2020 Page 3

Although delayed by Covid-19, a placement opportunity first discussed in spring 2019, has finally come to fruition. Back from furlough leave, our intermediate apprentices have been able to practise their skills by helping to build a facilities block (using both block and handmade reclaimed bricks) complementing the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society’s restored canal cottage café and society HQ. Direct Services apprentice supervisor Graham Mitchell explained: “The relationship was first mooted at the Crick Boat Show last year by Chris Madge, chairman of the society, who was impressed by our demonstrations of brickwork skills, and wanted to know if a practical placement could be arranged. “It not only kick-started the apprentices’ programme again after furlough, it gave the Building Craft College a chance to carry out first and second assessments and we gave something back to the society for holding on to the opportunity for us after it had to be cancelled. “Since meeting Chris, I’ve arranged a visit for the society to Stanley Ferry workshops to meet workshops manager Janet Tynan and discuss the The Level 2 Brickwork apprentices l to r Kate Longworth (second year), Cameron Ross (first year), direct services apprentice possibility of the Trust supplying gates for the canal supervisor Graham Mitchell, Linda Loveday (second year), Neil Hayman, Building Craft College brickwork lecturer, as it’s restored.” Aaron Ladyman (second year), Sam Widdop (first year) and Connor Silk (first year)

Over-55s invited to Waterways Restoration Conference moves online get ‘waterways active’ The 2020 Waterways Restoration Conference, jointly hosted by the Trust and the Inland Waterways Association, will take place online this year. The main conference day will be on Saturday 10 October, followed by a weekly webinar programme over the following six weeks. The conference will bring a focus to governance, volunteer recruitment, and the recruitment and management of a more diverse volunteer base, with a series of technical and informative workshops. Search ‘Restoration training & workshops’ on www. canalrivertrust.org.uk Teamwork makes for a Stort success story A poorly designed trash screen fitted to the crest of a third party by- pass weir at Roydon Mill Sport England research shows that inactivity among people over 55 is responsible for as many Marina was continually deaths as smoking. In Cheshire and Warrington 53% of over 55s (nearly 200,000 people) do less than clogging up with debris, 2½ hours of gentle exercise a week. starving the downstream Responding to the coronavirus weekly guided walks is designed to pound of much needed pandemic, the North West has encourage older people to get active water and creating a big launched a free 12-week health again and benefit from the calm overhead to the Trust in and fitness programme of weekly environment offered by Cheshire’s time and reputation. waterside walks and online support beautiful waterways. A collaboration for Cheshire’s over-55s. “All levels of fitness are catered between the water Project lead Anika Neill explains: for; every waterside walk will have management, “Active Waterways Cheshire – a maximum of five walkers, allowing engineering, and the supported by £222,000 of Lottery the group to comply with the current London & South East funding from Sport England, and in social distancing guidelines, and operations teams, and the partnership with Active Cheshire – easy access for people with limited owners of the weir on the encourages people over-55 to get mobility. River Stort has resulted in more active. “And those still self-isolating or the fitting of an efficient “We recognise that many people reluctant to leave home can join a proprietary trash boom. have lost confidence because of the weekly one-hour Zoom call, packed Water levels are now pandemic, particularly if they have full of useful advice, top health maintained correctly, the other health conditions. We’re excited tips and mindfulness sessions to marina owners are happy, to be publishing four virtual walks on encourage people to get back into and the water control Installing the new trash the website which people can do in activity in their own time.” teams can get on with boom, London & South East their own time, on their own or with For more information or to team leader Greg Blackman other work; a success and operatives Anton Haynes, support. get involved, please go www. story all round. George Baker and Neil Leslie “In addition, the new series of canalrivertrust.org.uk/activewaterways Page 4 The Source September 2020

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Richard’s reflections Focus on: Phil Hickman We continue to navigate Health & Safety rep through troubled times

Perhaps even more than usual, this month’s To mark the launch of the 2020 Health & edition of The Source reflects the wide breadth Safety Awards, The Source spoke to H&S Rep of our role and the range of skills and expertise Phil Hickman about his role. we depend upon. From the urgent repairs to the Phil told us: “I’ve been with the Trust and pier at Sharpness, to securing consent for a new British Waterways for 25 years and seen many housing scheme in central Manchester, and our changes. I have worked in asset improvement everyday operation of the Anderton Boat Lift, we for the last 12 years as a team leader, and showcase the ‘excellence’ that is such a vital part learned that Health & Safety has an impact, on of our core values. everyone that uses the waterways, not just our To be fit for the challenges we will face in the colleagues.” future, we need to nurture and develop all of that know-how, and that’s why learning also features prominently in this edition. Our apprentices – this month taking the opportunity to hone their skills by supporting one of our partner restoration societies – are an essential part of our learning programme, also with award-winning Paula Baron again recognised for her exceptional performance on these pages. But it applies in some measure to us all, so that we can each continue our own life- long development, to fulfil our potential and make the greatest impact we can. With Government now promoting new ‘kickstart’ schemes to help young remote, ways of working over the past six months people gain some vital training and experience, we and this has reminded us to value each other’s are looking at how we can play our part in extending contribution, across the breadth of things that our H&S rep Phil Hickman that learning opportunity. stewardship of the waterways demands. As we This month also highlights our role as a caring continue to navigate our way through such troubled Good survey results, but be careful organisation that lives its values – helping vulnerable times, it is this know-how and learning, coupled with “As Chair of the National Health & Safety boaters, delivering ‘active’ programmes that help our commitment to caring for each other and those Committee it was good to see that the recent people to realise health benefits, or indeed in the who use or live around our waterways, that will see pulse survey showed that 88% of colleagues volunteer work that colleagues do to make their own us equipped to respond to the challenges that the also believe that health and safety is a high personal contributions to society. next few months may present as the colder weather priority. We have all adapted to different, and often more arrives. “But as an H&S rep, I know that we’re about to enter the time of year when accidents and incidents increase as days get colder and darker – so we need to stay alert to keep Planning permission secured for ourselves and our colleagues safe. “For example, have you checked your training records to make sure everything is up Manchester city centre development to date or completed your HAVs assessment? It only takes a few minutes.” H2O Urban (a joint venture owned by the Trust We’re here for you and private development company bloc) has “Working with managers, we can improve secured planning consent for a shared ownership the safety culture of the Trust by talking to housing scheme on our site in Store Street, colleagues, sharing information, promoting safe Manchester. behaviour, as well as raising concerns at local H2O has been working in partnership with and national safety committees. Clarion Housing (the UK’s largest provider of “We encourage colleagues to stop work if affordable housing) on the proposals for the we believe it’s not safe to carry on, supporting site which is next to the Ashton Canal within the them to speak out and question any poor Piccadilly Basin regeneration area. practices. We also want them to share good On the Trust’s side, planning & development ideas, so we can all improve and learn lessons. manager Philip Smith, urban designer Richard We can conduct independent audits and should Banks and development surveyor Ian Sprott have get involved in investigations too. Ultimately, been working very closely with H2O Urban on the we are here for our colleagues’ safety and scheme, which comprises 63 one- and two-bedroom wellbeing. apartments and three two-bedroom townhouses, “You can find notes, presentations and with many benefitting from private outside space. documents from the national and six regional Residents will also have access to a communal roof health & safety committees on the Gateway terrace, providing a place to meet, relax and take in safety pages as well as maps to help you find the views of the canal and the city centre. Artist’s impression of the Store Street development your local H&S rep. If you don’t have access, ask your line manager to help.” If you’re picking sloes The last attempt to navigate for gin traditionally In their natural Between 1939 the Derby & Sandiacre What about 2020? you wait until after the habitat, honey and 1966, the Canal commercially was “In these strange Covid-19 times, it is Four things bees build nests demasted sailing in 1946 when the motor important that we follow the guidelines to we’ve learned first frosts. These days, there’s no reason why inside tree cavities ship Vindicatrix and butty Atlas and Vela ensure that we keep ourselves and everyone while producing and under edges was moored in this issue of you can’t pick them were prevented from doing of objects to hide Sharpness Old Dock else as safe as possible. But I do look forward The Source earlier, bag them up and so by the canal company to a time when we can interact without the use pop them in your freezer themselves from as a training hulk for by locking the gates at to mimic that first frost. predators. the Merchant Navy. Sandiacre Junction. of technology!” The Source September 2020 Page 5

Trust staff doing their bit: Check out the back page Canal & River Trust people

Simon’s volunteering was My work, particularly fulfilling during furlough my life To mark World Mental Health Day on James Dennison 10 October, The Source caught up with partnership development manager Simon Papprill, a volunteer Enterprise Manager, listener and fundraiser for Samaritans, the charity West Midlands that works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. No two days are the same as an enterprise Q. What does your volunteering involve? manager. The role is all about seeing A. Covering at least one shift a week and one opportunities and turning these into projects overnight every month in my local branch, taking that can make a difference for our work. calls and responding to emails from those in need Over the last couple of months, a lot of my or distress. Contact can be from anyone: young or time has been spent working up proposals for old, homeless or wealthy, prisoner or professional, towpath improvements, for bids being put forward in care or care provider. The issues range from by local authorities. This involved lots of cycling loneliness and isolation to bereavement and the towpaths to work out where improvements addiction, mental and physical health concerns to are needed; Teams meetings with partners to abuse and violence, self-harm, and suicide. agree priorities and sitting at the computer pulling Simon and fellow Samaritan together proposals. I’m on the phone a lot too, and Q. Has it been impacted by Covid-19? raising public awareness about constantly juggling diaries. mental health support with A. Yes, significantly. The pool of Samaritans was partners at Network Rail (picture The key objective of an enterprise manager is reduced at the height of the lockdown, with many taken before Covid-19 restrictions) to bring in extra money externally through grants older volunteers having to self-isolate. Fortunately, and partnerships. At the moment I have more people like me who were on furlough leave were less petty about certain stresses in my life. than £7m of towpath proposals in various states. able to double or triple our shifts to maintain the It’s made me a more well-rounded and, This won’t all come off in one go, but over time I service. hopefully, a more tolerant person and improved my want to get to a position where we have a steady Many of the calls during this time have been interpersonal skills given the range of people I deal stream of works being delivered and a pipeline compounded by Covid-19 and the restrictions with. I’ve been privileged to have spoken to some of projects coming forward. It’s not just about associated with it, such as reduced access to mental amazing, resilient, funny, and brave people that I towpaths though: I’m working on a secret event health services, loneliness and isolation, pressures of would never have otherwise come across. that we can’t tell people about because, due to being locked in with family or potential abusers, or I encourage anyone who is feeling stressed, in Covid-19, we can’t risk a crowd turning up! the stresses of tackling the virus on the frontline. need, or in distress to talk to someone, be it a friend, family member, colleague, mental health first aider or What’s the best part of the job? Q. Has your experience at the Trust use the employee assistance line, and of course the I like the variety in the role. I’m not chained to a helped? Samaritans on Freephone 116123. desk and get to go out on site and meet people – A. On the fundraising side, with income hit from restrictions permitting. I also really like seeing the the closure of the charity shops, I have been using Help available in the Trust projects that I’ve secured funding for happen on my funding background to source other funds As a member of the Trust’s Employee the ground. with the national Samaritans office. I also used my Assistance Programme you are entitled to … and the worst? experience of partner engagement to help my own free, confidential* counselling and information branch’s move to more suitable premises, which Not all funding applications are successful, and it services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. can be a blow when bids are turned down. This is were opened at the beginning of the month by Sir This service benefit is provided by Health Chris Hoy, the world and Olympic cycling champion. just part of the job though, and as an experienced Assured and can be accessed by calling fundraiser it is important to be resilient. There Q. What benefits does your volunteering 0800 716 017. When calling you may be asked haven’t been many projects over the years that I give you? for a code which is 72987. Online services are haven’t been able to secure funding for one way A. Making a real difference to people in need, giving available at healthassuredeap.co.uk (user name or another, even if ‘plan A’ didn’t turn out as hoped. them comfort, support and sometimes preventing and login are both 72987).*Calls are confidential The most frustrating part of the job is not being real harm to themselves or others, is incredibly unless it is believed there is a risk of serious ready when an opportunity comes along. I’m fulfilling and motivating. harm to yourself or anyone else. dedicating time to creating a pipeline of different The issues I’ve had to deal with have opened my The list of Trust Mental Health First Aiders is project proposals that we can have ready on the eyes to the reality out there for some people, which on Gateway under Employee Wellbeing on the shelf for funding opportunities that arise. This inevitably makes me more grateful and hopefully People pages. is a much better approach than inventing new projects because a funding opportunity becomes available.

Caen Hill bees will be on brand ◐ I joined the Trust: January 2020 ◐ What matters to me most at work is: Working The bees and bugs at Caen Hill below the café. It’ll be exciting to bees, but spiders, ladybirds, towards a positive outcome – I really like being on the Kennet & Avon Canal see what will move in. This sort earwigs and woodlice like them able to see the projects I secure the money for have a posh new Trust branded of design tends to favour solitary too.” happening on the ground and being enjoyed by home to move into thanks to people community & youth events ◐ My favourite place on the network is: coordinator Max Ward and the Shropshire Union Canal around Brewood. I volunteer Joe Kidd. spend lots of time fishing for perch with lures Max explains: “During under the bridges lockdown I’ve been working with ◐ My idea of fun: a sunny weekend involving Joe who turned his considerable camping, fishing, motorsports, and a few beers talents to creating a Trust themed bug hotel. We spent ◐ I do my bit for the environment: I’m always telling quite a lot of time on it getting my wife and kids to turn off the lights! it just right. I’m hoping to create ◐ My ideal dinner companion: Not really into celebs more over time with some young or dinner chat, but I’d love to have gone fishing volunteers. with John Wilson … “We’ve hung it on the wall ◐ I’m happiest: when I’m doing something outdoors ◐ To relax: I go fishing or tinker with my cars Community & youth events coordinator Max Ward and volunteer Joe Kidd with ◐ Ambition: do things that I enjoy more! the new bug hotel Page 6 The Source September 2020

Media stars

Adam Comerford BBC North West Today spoke to national hydrology manager Adam Comerford and Restoring Toddbrook: volunteer lock keeper Keith Preston at Hurleston Locks, Llangollen Canal, in a fantastic piece on unusual summer jobs public consultation launched The Times spoke to Richard Parry about the potential of towpaths for active travel, resulting A three-week consultation to seek community Under both options, the existing auxiliary spillway in an editorial leader and a news piece. BBC views about the long-term repair of Toddbrook (damaged last summer) becomes redundant and is Radio 3 picked up the ‘uplifting’ story and it Reservoir is under way. replaced with a grassy slope. The smaller original ran on BBC Radio WM’s news headlines Our own engineers and specialist engineering primary spillway near the sailing club will also be design consultants Arup examined 13 different decommissioned. Heritage and environment manager Stuart permanent repair options and have narrowed these A final decision on the chosen option will be Moodie spoke to BBC Radio Leeds about down to two potential designs. reached this autumn and work will begin in 2021. The foraging, in a fabulously evocative interview Both involve the creation of new overflow spillway high-volume pumps will remain in the reservoir to BBC Look North picked up the story as it channels from the reservoir into the River Goyt. keep the water levels very low until the end of the said the Trust was encouraging people to One option takes a new channel via the end of the reservoir restoration project in about three years’ forage along the towpaths and spoke to senior sailing club car park and the second option has time. environmental specialist Jonathan Hart-Woods a new spillway routed through the woodland and More details are available at www.canalrivertrust. memorial park. org.uk/restoring-toddbrook-reservoir In a piece on Caen Hill Locks, from its history to the present day, ITV West Country talked to operative Bob Preston and volunteer Gill Anderton Boat Lift is ‘Good to Go’ Anlezark BBC Radio Coventry & Worcestershire talked to West Midlands regional director Adnan Saif about water safety messages Community engagement manager Liz Fleuty spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about grants the Trust awarded to two local charities to improve access for disabled and disadvantaged people Sky News spoke to West Midlands environmental scientist Charles Hughes from the towpath in Walsall about the problem of plastic pollution talkRADIO spoke to Sam Anderson-Brown who ‘painted a really beautiful picture of the canals’ in an interview about Regent’s 200, calling on people to share their canal memories and covering all bases of waterway lore, from history to wildlife to wellbeing The repairs to the pier at Sharpness Dock were covered on BBC Radio Gloucester who spoke to regional construction manager Andrew Morris l to r Duty manager Carly Graham, destination assistants Chris Murphy and Emma Butcher, duty manager Rachael Comms & campaigns manager Stephen Hardy Pacey, attraction assistants Michael Bullock and Elliot Wyatt, was on site talking to BBC Look North and operative Michelle Johnson, boat master Andrew Fielding, operative Martin Walsh and boat master Oliver Wadcock BBC Radio Lincolnshire about a lock gate replacement on the Grantham Canal, Regional It is great to see the Anderton Boat Lift open Museum as one big team, with the strapline ‘Let’s director Phil Mulligan was also interviewed again even if things do look a little different. Make it Happen’. BBC Radio Lancashire spoke to volunteer Our lift operators – pleased to be back doing The grounds, visitor centre and coffee shop (for leader Angela Barnet about community spirit what they love – came back in mid-July and opened takeaway refreshments) are open Friday to Monday and the difference the canals make to people’s the lift to boats. Covid-19 restrictions meant looking 10am to 3pm with a one-way system in place around lives after a bridge on the Lancaster Canal was at the whole booking process and, after consulting the site. Although people love to go on the Edwin painted in rainbow colours to say thank you to with users and colleagues, it has moved online and Clark trip boat, unfortunately this isn’t possible just the NHS (see The Source August 2020) is working well. yet, but it is part of a project looking at when and Attractions & destination managers Ani Sutton, how boat trips can resume. volunteer development coordinator Jason Watts and Marketing & PR manager Michelle Kozomara said: visitor services manager Chris Done held a training “We’ve had feedback from customers about how session on the new ways of working and the team safe they feel in the new environment; it means has taken the challenge on wholeheartedly. so much. Thank you to each and every one of the The exhibition space has been used together team who has worked hard to get the site ready to with the outdoor space during the nice weather welcome our visitors back safely, including getting for briefings, 1-2-1s and PERs. Anderton colleagues praise from boaters the day the lift broke down and also developed an engagement plan to work colleagues were still smiling at 7pm, determined to Jonny Hart-Woods closely with those at the National Waterways get the boats through!” See story on page 8. The Source September 2020 Page 7 Got some news? Get in touch at [email protected] Canal & River Trust people

Your news

improvement, after 24 development, strategy, years’ service impact & engagement Jane French, museums Vishal Sharma, data assistant, Wales & South processor, community West, after 2½ years’ engagement support, service strategy, impact & David Gibson, craft engagement operative, North West, Dean Smith, deputy after 22 years’ service harbourmaster, London & Ursula Johnston, strategic South East programmes delivery Anna Tayler, waterway manager, London & South operative, West Midlands Geoff Armstrong Sarah Brice John Brookes Mark Westaby East, after 10 months’ Lance Turner, commercial service surveyor, business boating, Georgina Kibble, social investment & commercial media apprentice, Matthew Wilson, M&E customer service support, technician London & South operations, after 11 East, operations support months’ service And welcome to all our Sam Pointer, Direct seasonal colleagues Services craft apprentice, asset improvement, after Marriage four years’ service Email marketing executive Darren Roberts, waterway Steph Wetton and Salamat operative, London & South Hussain were married on East after 18 months’ 18 July 2020 in a small John Kearsey David Viner Dave Warhurst Nicky Wakeford service Nikkah (Islamic wedding Nick Smith, enterprise ceremony) with immediate manager, North West, family. The couple hope after 14 years’ service to host their Walima (wedding banquet) once Starters government guidelines Welcome: allow larger gatherings. Curtis Clark, Seth Gittens and Nathan Hughes, Births reactive response Congratulations: operatives, West Midlands Senior project manager Stephen Gray, corporate Jayne Slaughter and her engagement partnerships wife Sarah Kaiper-Holmes manager, partner & on the birth of their son Melanie Ackerman Terry Downes Andy Lowe Rufus Slaughter outcomes development, Rufus Walter David on 10 strategy, engagement & July 2020. Roo weighed impact 7lbs 4oz and is brother to Ollie, Phoebe, Dom and Retirements 26 years’ service Terry Downes, operations Leavers Stephen Mulvaney, Direct Best wishes for a long and David Viner, heritage team leader, Yorkshire & Goodbye and good luck: Services fleet manager, Hope. happy retirement: advisor, Wales & South North East, joined on Ian Atterbury, Direct asset improvement SCADA systems engineer Geoff Armstrong, Direct West, after 17 years’ 6 September 1985 Services site supervisor, Daniel Pearson, licensing Jonathan Rayson and his Services craft operative, service Andy Lowe, Direct asset improvement, after ranger, London & South wife Marie on the birth of asset improvement, after Dave Warhurst, waterway Services craft operative, seven years’ service East their daughter 46 years’ service operative, North West, joined on 2 September Mark Banks, Direct Jodie Rees, corporate Henrietta Marie Blackwell Sarah Brice, project after 24 years’ service 1985 Services craft operative, engagement & PPL partner, on 20 August 2020 manager, project delivery, Mark Westaby, waterway asset improvement, after partner & outcomes weighing 4lbs 7oz operative, Yorkshire & asset improvement, after Long Service 20 years’ service 14 years’ service Congratulations and thank North East, joined on Victoria Cluer-Cohen, Keep up with all the news… John Brookes, Direct you for your service: 24 September 1985 business boating Services team leader, 35 years 25 years support & administration, If you leave the Trust, you can still get asset improvement, after Melanie Ackerman, Nicky Wakeford, head of operations, after one The Source free by email. 39 years’ service fisheries coordinator, marketing & supporter year’s service Contact the editor: John Kearsey, principal development, joined on customer service support, Cath Ferguson, [email protected] water engineer, technical operations, joined on 6 September 1995 environmental asset support, operations, after 9 September 1985 manager, asset or on 07710 175445

Former apprentice picks up Fancy some waterside foraging? Our ecologists work hard to make Resembling small damson fruits, heritage skills accolade sure our waterways are diverse with they are usually turned into sloe gin, Direct services craft operative Paula a range of plants year-round. a delicious combination of gin, sugar Baron has won an IHBC* Marsh Christian Sloes grow on blackthorn trees, and sloes. Search ‘sloes’ on Trust Award for successful learning in which are a very common sight www.canalrivertrust.org.uk for a heritage skills. along our canals and rivers. recipe. Paula, Trust apprentice of the year in 2018, impressed the judges with her ‘commitment and passion to learning in the field’. The awards are usually announced at an annual dinner which was not possible this year. Paula receives a certificate and a £500 cheque. *Institute of Historic Building & Conservation Paula Baron Contact the editor with news of your The Source September 2020 Page 8 charity activities, hobbies and other achievements outside work Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/the Source_CRT Back to you

Alan can’t wait to use his Drifters discount again East Midlands enterprise manager “We made the best of it and did Alan Leather enjoyed his first canal get a few great days on the Forth & boat holiday five years ago. He told Clyde Canal plus my visit to the Wheel The Source: “Encouraged by a very and the Kelpies. They were awesome. close friend, off we popped to the I was inspired. Someone starts these Llangollen. I quickly relaxed into it projects off with a vision and it’s often and loved the pace. Lots of calm, that same someone’s perseverance interrupted by the occasional near that sees them through. I’d very much miss, the slowest adrenalin sport like to shake that someone by the hand. going… “The Scottish canals aren’t as free “Several trips later, an increased reign as those managed by the Trust. tolerance to red wine, my life richer in Booking is the name of the game, as characters and a heightened interest all lift bridges and locks are operated in canals, here I am working for the by lock keepers and staff. This takes Trust. The question: was this new eye Enterprise manager Alan Leather took away some of the spontaneity but for wash wall repairs, broken paddles advantage of the Drifters 25% discount the joy of being on the water was the and towpath projects going to spoil That and an appetite ‘to eat out to thunderstorms, and a horrendous same – and Black Prince looked after my holiday joy? help out’, let the dream unveil. breach in the Union Canal. us well. Despite a few calamities I’ve “The first thing I noticed was I felt “Falkirk was our choice. Captivated “I really felt for the boat hire returned refreshed and I’m planning heavier. Weird. Then I realised, heavier by the vision and ambition of the companies, they had 20 boats the next trip – using my Drifters in the pocket, 25% heavier because I’d Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel I just stranded on the wrong side of the discount of course!” taken advantage of the Drifters Trust had to visit. Scotland threw at us breach, effectively bringing the More details of the Drifters 25% staff discount. A relief, my Yorkshire what it could; we had our moments season in Falkirk to an end, after an discount for Trust colleagues at www. soul feeling instantly better by water. with weed on steroids, spectacular already difficult year. drifters.co.uk/crt-staff ‘Fake’ walls keep Linda’s trowel busy Direct services intermediate craft apprentice Linda Loveday couldn’t wait to get back to work after being on furlough leave. Linda said: “My time on furlough was challenging as I really enjoy my job and I can honestly say I missed it a lot and missed being with my team. I’d like to thank my manager, construction Win a manager Adam Bannister, for Catchy £25 gift the constant check-ups on my voucher welfare. caption “He was also good enough to allow me to take my This month’s picture, sent in by senior engineer Merlin Davis, is of principle tools home so I could use engineer (reservoirs) David Windsor checking what’s beneath the slabs my trowel laying a few fake courses in my garden. I found How to enter it slightly difficult because ◐ Email your witty caption to: [email protected] my two dogs wanted to get ◐ Or text your caption and name to: 07710 175445 involved but it really helped me to carry on practising ◐ Closing date: 2 October 2020 my brickwork for my apprenticeship course.” Last month’s picture attracted lots of entries Now back at work, Linda about Tom desperately looking for lost money – added: “It’s great to be back!” so for something completely different, the winner is senior water engineer Mike Wheeler with: Tom swore he could hear voices… Intermediate craft apprentice Linda Loveday practises her We’ve run out of pictures for Catchy Caption! trowel work with Angel looking on Please email your ‘funnies’, which we will try to use if appropriate, to [email protected] Please send them at original or actual size (do not Special Thanks: Anderton team resize them). Thank you.

After a challenging day at all the boaters informed throughout The Anderton Boat Lift on Saturday the day; the lift operators made 8 August, it was a huge delight sure they were down onto the River Source to receive an email thanking the Weaver that evening. entire team who’d all gone beyond A boater wrote in congratulating Do you have a story? the call of duty. colleagues who were still smiling If so, please contact the editor: The lift was out of action and boat at 7pm ‘despite having to deal with Liz Waddington, Editor, The Source passage was delayed for nearly six some bad-tempered boaters’ and T: 01908 351860 DD: 1060 M: 07710 175445 hours. The front of house team kept that they are a credit to the Trust. E: [email protected]

Patron: H.R.H. The Prince of Wales The Source is published by the Canal & River Trust (registration: 1146792) and a company limited by guarantee (registration: 7807276), First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB Editor: Liz Waddington ([email protected]) • Printed by Warwick Printing Co Ltd 01926 883355. References to and quotations from articles may be made providing an acknowledgement of source is given but requests to reproduce articles in full should be made to the Editor. The views expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Canal & River Trust.