Boundary Edition 204 Post Spring 2014

22nd March 2014 saw a gathering of 30th March canal 1974 saw enthusiasts who almost one had attended the hundred Restoration boats on the Rally 40 years ago. There were to celebrate photos to see the and a boat trip Restoration to the Pools. made This photo possible by shows Mayor Warley Councillor Council, Linda Horton British with Richard Waterways Parry Chief and the Executive of BCNS. CRT and Brenda Ward Chairman of the BCN Society

Photo: Waterway Images The Journal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society Free to members 50p when sold bcnsociety.com Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Council - 2013 - 2014 President : David Smith Vice-Presidents : Phil Clayton, Ron Cousens, Eric Foakes, Martin O’Keeffe, Cllr. David Sparks, Rob Starkey,

Chairman & Boundary Post Editor BRENDA WARD Press & Publicity: [email protected] 0121 355 6351 Kath O’’Keeffe [email protected] Vice Chair & Rally Organiser BARRIE JOHNSON 0121 422 4373 Sales: [email protected] REBECCA SMITH KEARY [email protected] 01562 850234 Treasurer: DAVE DENT Health & Safety 38 Greenland Mews, London, SE8 5JW ARTHUR FARGE tel: 0121 745 4266 020 8691 9190 [email protected] email: [email protected]

Secretary: & Planning Officer Supporting members to Council IVOR CAPLAN tel: 07778685764 [email protected] Talks and Presentations PHIL CLAYTON 07890921413 Membership [email protected] ALAN VENESS tel: 0121 355 4732 43 Pilkington Ave, Sutton Coldfield, B72 Work Party Administrator 1LA email: [email protected] Michael Smith-Keary 01562 850234 [email protected] Work Party Co-ordinator: MIKE ROLFE 07763 171735 BCNS Explorer Cruise Stuart & Marie Sherratt 07510167288 Social Secretary: [email protected] CHARLEY JOHNSTON 07825816623 [email protected] BCNS 24 Hour Challenge Roy Kenn 01922 428644 Buildings & Heritage John Carrington BOB BROOMHALL 07531328929 [email protected] [email protected] Fundraiser: Youth Liaison Officer MIKE BUTLER KATE SELF tel: 01299 879923 [email protected] 07929401682 Officicial Photographer Archives & Heritage Boats Kevin Maslin IVOR CHAMBERS tel: 0121 707 1690 [email protected] Press & Publicity Assistant Martin O’Keeffe Member without portfolio PETER BEST 0121 454 8391

2 31 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

Contents BCNS Social Meetings Page are held on the first Thursday in the month start at 7-30pm Council Details 2 Editorial 3 Titford Pumphouse Engine Street Oldbury B69 4NL Chairman’s notes 4 MAY 1st Atlas & Malus 5 All Welcome! Society’s Artefacts 6 You will notice a slight difference in this Martin O’Keeffe Phoenix gets attention 7 copy of Boundary Post as I have had to The BCN – a view of the past SLOW BOAT use a different programme 8 and add to that Broad Street Warehouse 9 I have a new laptop which has Windows Coombswood Colliery Fire 8.10 Such a change is difficult. In addition to Titford Rally this we are going with yet another Printer th th Bradely Locks - Andy Tidy 11 17 & 18 May so all in all it has not been an easy time so Canal Towpath Walk 14 apologies if there are any obvious Wednesbury Old Canal Weed 15 JUNE & JULY Mistakes or omissions. 40 Year Celebration 16 No meeting School Visit—Phil Clayton 20 I’m coming up to 10 years editing Lapal Update 21 Boundary Post and wonder if it is time to AUGUST 7th - Walk with Ray Shill Book Reviews 22 hand over to someone else. I really have enjoyed it very much but along with details in next Boundary Post Dates for your Diary 24 New Members 25 being Chairman my time is swallowed up Jack Smith & his horse Nigger Residential Moorings onwith BCN the 26 BCN Society leaving me with 1950s little time for all the other things in my Work Party Report 28 Future Work Parties Photo Graham Guest life. I would love to hear from anyone Meetings & Events 30 with a desire to do this job and will give May 10th - Pre Rally clean-up at the Pumphouse all the support needed. Give me a call if you are interested. 10 am Start Much of the contents this time relate to a th June 7 - Old Main Line, Galton Valley – variety of information from various ring for details - MIKE ROLFE 07763 171735 groups around the BCN. LHCRT have set up their heritage walk which will make July 26th - To be confirmed more people aware of the restoration. Lapal on the other hand have a long wait August 30th - Pre Tipton Rally clean-up until Sainsbury’s work is complete. Bradley Canal restoration is being 10am start in Tipton considered and the Society has shown its interest by contributing to the feasibility study in readiness for the work ahead. The opinions and views expressed in Boundary Post are not necessarily the views of either the Society or its Officials. Hope you enjoy this read. Don’t forget I’d The BCN Society, a Company Limited by Guarantee, is a registered charity (1091760) first formed in 1968, which exists to conserve, improve and encourage a wide range of interests in the 100 mile network of Birmingham & Black Country waterways known as the Birmingham Canal love to hear from you about anything in Navigations. Boundary Post is the journal of the BCNS and is issued quarterly. Readers are invited to submit items of news, general or histori- this copy or an item that has anything to cal interest to: The Editor, Brenda Ward. 9 Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1HB do with the BCN. Brenda tel: 0121 355 6351 email: [email protected]

30 3 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

a selection of donated artefacts have been Hill flights. As usual the clean up put on display in the Pump House for all was attended by BCNS, DCT, IWA, Chairman’s to see. We thought there was little point WRG, and CRT. Boats attending were storing them away so we have created a Phoenix, Crow, Bittel plus butty and a Report mini museum of interesting items from CRT work boat, all based at the former the BCN. There will be a list to tell all Sampson Road depot at the top of what the items are and in some cases what Camp Hill locks.

It seems a long time since the last copy of they were used for. Come & see them. The Phoenix crew started Saturday Boundary Post and during that time sev- The work party held on the Wednesbury morning on the Ashtead flight, followed eral things worth a comment have taken Old Canal was a subject of controversy. It by a voyage into Typhoo basin, place. is now not a complete canal but more of accompanied by “Moose” and the We have sent Phoenix for a repair and an arm about half a mile in length but WRGies. All the usual rubbish was service, followed by the Work Party with a good winding hole at the end. As found here including Bikes, Trolleys and group taking it to Hawne Basin for a it’s not used very much there is an abun- Fencing. This was unloaded by Tony bottom blacking and as I write it will be dance of reed mace growing along the and Baz from CRT back at Sampson having a paint job. All these things are bottom half. This reed has taken over the Road. Another CRT person who made costing the Society much well earned full width of the canal in a short length. an appearance was Chief Executive funds with the exception of the painting Can we pull it up to allow navigation? Richard Parry, who gladly helped out Will boats use the canal if we do? Let us and got his clothes dirty. He seems a which is being paid for by a donor who Ackers Trust before winding and know your thoughts and if you would like very friendly and approachable wishes to remain anonymous. grappling the adjacent footbridge to help. person. On Saturday night we were which produced a pile of “Heras” The next item of expense is Atlas. We made welcome in the WRGies camp – fencing. We then left Crow with “Moose” knew when we took ownership of the two The best part of the last few months has and the Ale was very good! Sunday saw and his gang and went to unload another boats along with Coombswood Canal been the celebration of the Titford Canal us heading down the GU towards the full load of scrap metal from Phoenix onto Trust that it would require a new bottom Restoration Rally that took place at the before long. These two boats need much Pump House. I found it interesting the BCNS truck for weighing in – the help to maintain and put into action. They finding the invited guests who had second of the weekend. need taking to events and manning while attended the rally 40 years ago. The re- After final unloading of Crow there to explain how they were used. port starts on page 16. at Sampson Road we locked back up to the Birmingham Please see the notice from Paul Smith May is our busy month with our Summer who has recently taken over from Adrian level and went out for a Rally at Titford Pump House alternating meal – another BCN Clean- Smith. Our thanks go to Adrian for the with the Pelsall Festival. So far we have years and effort he has put into Atlas & up was over. about 60 boats booked in. It’s a good way Malus. Thanks to Stuart, Jeff, Phil, to get boats on the BCN especially up the On the subject of thanks I would like to Oldbury Locks. The other Society events John, Dave, Michael, thank Paddy & Gill saving money for the in May will also encourage this trip. We Adrian, Bob, Barrie, Jim, Society by organising the posting of have Stuart & Marie Sherratt to thank for Paul and Lewys for their Boundary Post. Alan & Val Veness deal organising two Explorer Cruises again help over the weekend – with the stuffing of envelopes then it’s this year. Also to Roy Kenn & John Car- and not forgetting Chris Mor- over to Paddy & Gill for the rest. rington for organising the 24 Hour Chal- gan, “Moose” from WRG lenge. I believe there are more than last and the CRT crew. You will notice on page 6 that the year booked in already. Kevin Maslin has Mike, John, Lewys & Stuart pose after some hard work!

4 29 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

coincided a Society backed Photographic Boating Festival and Park Head Rally in New anodes were attached and our Work Shop at Titford Pump House. This September along with the Stourbridge Work Party Treasurer made a nice job of painting will take place on the same weekend as Rally in October. We need your help on Report the cabin stove which now looks the Challenge so they will have boats to these occasions as the Jeans stall will be much smarter. photograph. Roy has even given an extra going as well as our Sales stand. If you by Mike Rolfe Phoenix’s cabin was also rubbed point per lock as an incentive to get more are attending these rallies just an hour of down and painted in the week boats there. your time will do. We would rather see

January 18th following – so woe betide anyone who many of you helping and communicating scratches it! I must also add that the Society have with the public so see you there! Our first Work Party of 2014 involved booked to attend the Black Country erecting various exhibits around the walls Brenda of our Meeting Room in the Pumphouse. The prop on Phoenix was compared to These included several waterway an egg whisk by some – perhaps we Stourbridge Navigation Trust Annual Open Weekend equipment, such as a hand held ice should consider a larger one in the Bonded Warehouse, Canal Street, Stourbridge. breaker and gauging rods and a variety of future? th th Saturday & Sunday October 18 – 19 October 2014 bridge plates and lock signs. th March 15 Chris Dyche on 01384 375582 for Vehicle Entrance. A dozen members were present for this Our March Work Party involved a small email [email protected] Work Party and we also bailed out Crow clean-up around the Smethwick Colin Clements on 01384 395216 for Boat Entries & Trade Stalls. after much recent rain. Pumphouse on the Old Main Line and email: [email protected] was well attended with the Friends of th February 15 Galton Valley helping out. Steve The February Work Party took place Lambert, one of CRT’s Volunteer around Ryders Green Junction. Five of Co-ordinators, was also in attendance. Atlas & Malus us took Phoenix down to Spon Lane locks where we removed a fair amount of The offside mooring here and the steps rubbish from the top lock area before up to the road were tidied up and the continuing on to Ryders Green. Here we surrounding vegetation cut down, with Our New Manager Paul turned onto the remaining section of the rubbish being loaded onto Phoenix. The Wednesbury Old Canal where it starts to usual shopping trolleys were grappled needs your help! get very reedy. We were joined here by from around the road bridge. One another eight members who helped clear notable find was a rather heavy chassis reeds and assorted rubbish and load it on wheels which took a fair amount of As some of you know Adrian Smith has resigned as manager of Atlas & Malus onto Phoenix. Unloading was done back effort to remove from the cut and load at the Pumphouse after returning on the onto Phoenix. So to introduce myself I am Paul smith (no relation). I have been a member same route as we had come. Lunch was taken in the Pumphouse here of the BCNS for nearly 3 years, some of you will know me from the work partiesdue to andhealth with reasons helping (get to crew well A&M.soon). March 1st/2nd which was opened up for us by the I have always had a keen interest in historic boats and have offered to take This Work Party took place at Hawne Friends – well worth a visit if you have over from Adrian. Basin and involved rubbing down and not done so already. I look forward to meeting crew both new and old over the coming year painting the hull and hold of Phoenix th th whilst it was out on the dock. Seven April 5 /6 so let me know if you're interested in helping out. members were present on both days and The annual BCN Clean-up – with some good progress was made, with work being Grand Union thrown in. This year’s My email address is mainly finished by 2pm on the Sunday. event took place in the Digbeth area and [email protected] included the Garrison, Ashted and Camp 28 5 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

4. Use of existing dis- used arms loops and Society’s Artefacts wharves on the BCN remains an option for small numbers of resi- Over the years that the Pump House dential moorings. BCNS has been in the hands of the Society, it campaigned for this to has acquired a variety of happen on the Engine interesting artifacts associated with the Arm and it remains as a BCN. Just lately we received a large good example of how quantity from Sheila Smith, widow of successful this can be Alan T Smith and also from Fred with services for resi- Heritage so we decided to organise a dential and visiting weekend work party to display as many boats. I have identified a as we could on the walls. list of these and the prioritisation exercise, , Smethwick 1989 The photo below shows some looking at land owner- before moorings development interesting bridge plates, gauging sticks ship, working through of varying lengths which would have been used to gauge boats at stops planning issues group availability of access and services and cost of dredging along the BCN so the necessary tolls or other work required. We will be taking our proposals back to the Partnership could be charged. Our Social Secretary, Charley for consideration in its Action Plan. Johnston shows how one of these tools There are tools for a variety of jobs, was used to adjust the lock gates. As I have mentioned many specifically marked BCN. before, it is always helpful in obtaining approval for mooring Not shown in these development if we can photos are scoops substantiate demand. So do and ice breakers contact me if you might be along with more interested in one of the above bridge names and options, absolutely no boat gauging commitment of course. plates.

We’ll show these later but these Engine Arm after items and more development in 2007 can be seen at Titford Pump House at any time Andrew Phasey retires as BSS Examiner we are open for monthly meetings I am sure many of you have used the services of Andrew Phasey when you needed a and of course at BSS Certificate for your boat. We will be looking for a replacement for Phoenix to our next Rally on be examined as Andrew did the job as his donation to the Society. 16th to17th May.

6 27 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Phoenix gets her Bottom Blacked Development of Residential Moorings Phoenix has been in the possession of the Society since 1997 and in all those years it in the —Ivor Caplan has received very little care. It has been a superb work boat used by many members over these past 17 years. 2013/14 are the years that are seeing much attention. Last year it was serviced and repaired and this year it is having a good lick of paint. This costing a great amount of money as you will imagine but we have a secret Readers of Boundary Post may be current downturn in the demand for benefactor who is funding the painting job. We are very grateful. interested in progress being made by the leisure moorings but that doesn’t West Midlands Waterways Partnership in preclude CRT and ourselves The first weekend of meteorological Spring Refreshed by the excellent Catering avail- looking at options for new permanent encouraging it to happen. The (honest!) lead to the extremely rare sighting able in the Hawne Basin Social Club (roast moorings. This came partially from the benefits of having some residential of the Society's Treasurer in control of a lamb - yum yum) the first side was experience that some Partnership moorings, such as increased activity working Power Tool! completed and cutting back continued on members had in London last year and and security are well established. the second side, to the extent that a coat of concerns that the overstaying problems There may be few opportunities for Despite the exertions of the previous Bitumen was completed for the entire hull evening in Selly Oak at a BCNS there could spread to other conurbations large marinas on the BCN although it and rudder - with the work gang gradually Workers Outing, a stalwart band managed turning as black as the hull. With the such as Birmingham. I am not convinced is worth noting that the Lapal to find their way to Hawne Basin to begin that this will happen or that developing restoration includes a major marina intervention of Tony Friar kindly fixing the new anodes, this left the second day gang more permanent residential moorings is development at California. to continue the blacking into the hold and to the total answer but it has encouraged the The expert skills of get THREE coats on the hull, including Partnership to take a proactive approach 2. New major developments- there is Arthur, Barry several non-slip areas (bird sand - which which must be good. the opportunity of including some and Bob were apparently includes egg shell?). residential moorings integrated into backed up by Our area is certainly very different to We also had visits from Danny, who plans to plans particularly for new housing the willing start the Cabin preparation this week and London in that the BCN would benefit hands of Mike sites such as at Icknield Port. A major Martin trying to solve the mystery of air in from more boats, both moored and new development area on the East Rolfe, cruising. The BCNS does its bit with our the fuel line. side of Birmingham City has just been Michael SK, Explorer Cruises and 24 Hour Challenge announced centred on the proposed Ivor Caplan, Sadly the last couple of hours were subject but for a lot of the year places such as HS2 Curzon Street station. This is Malcolm and to horrible rain and cold but spirits remained Dave. Arm lack the interest and vitality part of the BCN in need of high and the boat looks super. WELL DONE EVERYBODY! that boats bring. regeneration and it is being promoted Dave Dent A group from the Partnership has been by CRT as a Canal Quarter, we hope set up to progress this and has identified that it will include residential and several opportunities for residential visitor moorings. Typhoo Basin is one The happy sound of wire brushing moorings, some or all of which will be off-line location that could benefit from the underside and hold area was applicable to other areas this. interspersed with the usual helpful passers by with cries of "you 1. Marinas existing and proposed- there 3 Existing CRT managed moorings missed a bit" but steady progress was a general agreement that CRT could include some formalised was nonetheless made. The should encourage commercial developers residential moorings- eg Kingswood rather sorry looking Classic stove to include a % of residential (10-20 on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. also got a partial refurbish (the bits suggested) and obtain planning approval This could help resolve nearby we could reach!) and a primer coat for these. This will be a commercial on the tiller and other vulnerable towpath overstaying problems by areas was added. decision possibly influenced by the giving boaters a legitimate alternative.

26 7 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

From our Membership Secretary, Welcome Alan Veness He would like to welcome the New following new members and hope they will join us in the activities of the BCN Details of Ikon’s canal-based project Members Society Black Country Voyages can now be revealed. Robert Haskins - Reading

I am delighted to report we have This year we plan to work in successfully secured funding from Smethwick, Langley, Cradley Heath, Alan & Jane Littleford - Cleethorpes Arts Council for another Stourbridge, Tipton, West Bromwich, three years of project work (2014- Wednesbury and . Our main Michael Ward - Telford 17). Furthermore Sandwell Council partners for the first year of activity will have agreed to extend their generous include the Glass House College lease of the Aaron Manby, project (Stourbridge), RSA Academy (Tipton), We currently have 496 Memberships; work will commence in April and I am Sandwell Community Libraries, the very keen to use the May rally as one Galton Valley Heritage Centre and of 805 individual members and 6 Corporate memberships. of our first public appearances. course the BCN Society.

Black Country Voyages is developed Black Country Voyages is organised by Ikon out of Slow Boat (2011-13), in collaboration with the Canal & River an art-programme for local young Trust who continue to support our people, aged 15-19 years old, on- work on both a local and national board a canal boat. For Ikon this new level. project will enable our work on Britain's inland waterways to continue If anyone is interested in finding out for three more years, providing an more about Black Country exciting programme of engaging pub- Voyages (or in fact getting involved) lic activities including workshops, live please contact me on :- performances and exhibitions. 0121 248 0708 [email protected] For 2014 Ikon has commissioned a local artistic collective known as Jun- You can keep in touch with the project eau Projects to work as lead artists on-line for 2014. Inspired by nature and its via Facebook: ww.facebook.com/ interaction with society they propose blackcountryvoyages and Twitter: to transform the interior and exterior @blackcountryvoyages and blackcountry- voyages of our canal boat. We think they are going to be the perfect fit and hope Kate Self that BCNS members will get to meet them at future events. BCNS Youth Officer & IKON Youth Project Leader 8 25 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 2014 Dates for your Diary Broad Street Warehouse Allen Register Boat Gathering 10th/11th May details from - Martin O’Keeffe - [email protected] For Sale….. again

BCNS Titford Rally 16th/18th May By the time you read this the Should be a good one 60 boats booked in already chances are that this grade II Entry form from the web site or listed warehouse on Broad Barrie Johnson [email protected] Street Wolverhampton will have been sold. It has been a nightclub for some years BCN EXPLORER CRUISES owned and run by different organisations. We hope for a Cruise A is full!! Cruise B - 18th May – 26th May 2014 good result. I hope I can report The Cruise B” will meet on Sunday 18th May after the Titford rally to hand out this in the next issue. itinerary and to discuss cruise. Bradley Workshops will be visited on both cruises along with guided walks, talks and socials . British Waterways, who owned the building commissioned I.A.Recordings to record the building and the historic cargo handling equipment in action. British Waterways Details from: Stuart & Marie Sherratt [email protected] employees and local volunteers (Glyn Phillips, Tony Gregory and Peter Freakley) dressed in 1930s clothing re-enacted traditional canal cargo handling - unloading a WATERWAY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP narrowboat laden with barrels and sacks with the belt-driven hoists and cranes as well as unloading a vintage lorry from the road-side wharf. 24th MAY 2014 The record of this re-enactment "Warehouse at Work", edited by Tony Lewery, is available on DVD from "Sight Seen Partnerships". Kevin Maslin, a former Boundary Post editor and well known taker of some superb photographs is holding this workshop in our Pump House on behalf of the Society . Details:- [email protected] BCNS 24 hour MARATHON CHALLENGE

24th and 25th May 2014

The BCNS Challenge will start at 8am on Saturday and will finish at 2pm on the Sunday. The event is open to everyone with a boat licensed for use on Canal and River Trust canals. Historic working boats and pairs are especially welcome.

Boats may start at any point on the BCN but should finish at Hawne Basin(Dudley No 2 Canal) - See rules for further details. Participants may navigate for as long as they like during the 30 hour period up to a maximum of 24 hours.

The winner will be the entry which amasses the greatest number of points. Bonus points will be awarded for navigating lesser used waterways and points will be awarded for correctly answered questions at certain places. Details from:- [email protected]

24 9 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

Boatbuilders Sketchbook Those who remember him recall the The Coombswood Colliery Fire by Ken Keay, 56 pages, 15 b&w importance of the canals in his life. His illustrations, 48 sketches this ed: desire to pass on his considerable Some of you may have seen this poem before as it appeared in the Winter published by the knowledge of boat building led him, in edition of Interchange, the newsletter for Coombswood Canal Trust. It was Historic Narrow Boat Club, 2013, his last years, to make use of his skill written by Phil Mansell. I was so moved by it I felt it should be shared with all ISBN 978 0 9927321-0-3, £15, as a draughtsman to leave this record of you. We read that the price of coal was halved when it could be carried by available http://hnbc.org.uk/canal-shop. for posterity. So well drafted are his canal but this poem makes you think about the real price of coal. sketches that they are Ken Keay was one of the last of the comprehensible to even a complete Just a night shift down at Coombswood in the springtime of twenty nine, traditional boat builders on the layman. Engines whirling, cables turning, men are working down the mine. Birmingham Canal Navigations and Up above them, families sleeping, wives and children lost in dreams Each page portrays a particular with this 2013 re-publication of his aspect of boatbuilding, from the tools While their menfolk far beneath them sweat and toil to hew the seams. 1993 Boat Builder’s Sketchbook the required, the working environment, the Then a cry goes through the colliery, there’s a fire down below, HNBC have given all those with an shed or shelter with its clutter and Johnson’s sidings started blazing, men are stopped in-nowhere to go. interest in narrow boating on the odds and ends, and all the other Driven backwards by the fire, tunnels filling with heat and smoke canals, the opportunity to understand necessities of a workman’s existence. For the lads in Johnson’s sidings nothing left but to wait and choke how these boats were, or should have There is also an explanatory text on been, constructed. At the age of methods of construction. With its Rescue teams are called to action, brave men struggling every one, fourteen Ken joined his father’s boat insight of boat building this publica- Fight unresting to save their comrades till all hope of life is gone. building firm, Peter Keay & Son as an tion tells us a great deal in a very Tired and aching, burned and choking still the men stay underground apprentice. concise way and will add enormously Till the fire’s finished burning and the Johnson’s men are found. to our interest in the subject The book opens with a fine . Through the village news is spreading, Coombswood colliery’s all ablaze, biographical synopsis of Ken’s life. Wives and sweethearts, sons and daughters hurry onwards in a daze. At the pithead a silent vigil, each one sharing another’s pain No one knowing, but still hoping that they’ll see their men again.

Now the cage has reached the pithead, dead and injured stretchered out, Faces showing grief and sadness, no more hoping, no more doubt. Eight men lost in Johnson’s siding, eight men caught in that burning hole Eight full lives were cruelly wasted, all to hew the country’s coal.

Lynx seen in a more leisurely time in her life after a life of carrying. 10 23 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

From every aspect this book is a success. It has the knack of telling the reader exactly Exploring the Forgotten Corners of the BCN what he, or she, wants to know as it traces the history of the Junction from its inception By Andy Tidy in 1825, its opening in 1835, to the present day.

The engaging text recounts the many 6. Bradley Locks and Gospel Oak Branches characters, who over the years, were to leave their imprint on the Junction. From the Inspectors wife, not quite satisfied with the Andy Tidy returns to the Bradley Works When built Brindley’s original 1772 accommodation provided, to the succession and uses the C&RT workshop as a Wolverhampton Canal followed the of licensees of the Junction Inn so important base for his exploration of the Bradley contour in a big loop to the west, and to the development of the community of boaters, anglers, day trippers and those who Locks and the nearby Gospel Oak we will take a look at the on our return. Branches. This is a five mile circular supplied all the needs of a busy boat yard So for now we cross the shallow valley and basin; many of them telling their own walk, exploring what was once one of the tightest tangles of canals in the and soon arrive at the top of the stories. Happily the Inn is still there, as are Bradley Locks Branch, built in 1849 to many of those in the boating fraternity Black Country. mentioned in the pages and known to us link the Wolverhampton Level to the Norbury Junction to-day. Luckily the story is not over and Leaving the rarely cruised Bradley Arm existing1783 Scott and Foley three lock The Story of a Canal there is much for all to see, recognise, use behind us we head south across Brad- branch from what is now the Walsall Community and enjoy in this long standing and ley Lane and into public open space, Canal. Surrounded by all the greenery Researched and Compiled by thriving community. All in all this is a following 1848 Rotten Brunt . and open space it’s hard to imagine the delightful little book which must appeal to pioneering industry which proliferated in Norbury Local History Group, 2012, anyone with an interest in canals or indeed the area, the blast furnaces above 53 pages, 2 maps, 18 colour 37 b&w with an interest in history generally. Highly ground and the coal workings several illustrations, £5. recommended. hundred feet beneath our feet. The Available Canal Friendly Bookshop mines closed over 100 years ago but Audlem, www.canalbookshop.co.uk they still play a vital role in the wellbeing of the BCN, as the Bradley pumps still pull water from the flooded Raffle Prizes Urgently Required workings and so provides one of the main sources of supply. As most of you who attend our monthly social gatherings and our boat rallies know, we always run a raffle. The money raised helps the Society fund Bradley Locks Branch various items e.g. truck, rent on the Pump House, diesel for Phoenix plus This linking canal was closed in 1961, maintenance on the societies equipment, but its path down the hill remains clear Most of the raffle prizes are donated by members and this is an urgent appeal and fresh. The canal and its margins to you to sought out those unwanted Christmas and birthday presents and are now a public open space, with the bring them along to any of our functions. sites of the locks forming short flat terraces linked by a well made footpath. Lastly may I thank all those who have donated prizes over the last few years. The area is popular with the locals and Bob Broomhall if you happen upon one of the older dog walkers you are likely to be told tales of how it all looked as boats worked up

22 11 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 and down the slope. One can be tempted to zip along the A walk further down the hill brings you towpath to Wiggins Mill Pool, but Lapal Update April 2014 to the bricked up Gospel Oak Road before we do we need to pause half with its cranked pipe bridge, after way along where there is an almost After the emotional times with Sainsbury’s plans being on & off I know many of you which the piped canal returns to water imperceptible widening of the canal will be interested to know what Lapal Canal Trust are doing. and the last two locks which have south of Moorcroft Drive Bridge. This Here Peter Best, Chairman of the Trust gives us an update:- been semi restored. These locks, is the entrance to the lost Monway either side of the railway bridge, give Branch, which extended for over half It will take Sainsbury's and their part- already well-used rambler's walkway a good idea of how the flight used to a mile to service a number of heavy ners; Land Securities, the best part of amongst the trees. In particular, those look, followed by several hundreds of industrial sites, which have all been two years to remediate their almost trees and the open but shallow channel yards of canal in water which takes swept away by redevelopment. The infamous parcel of land in Selly Oak as need a range of pre-restoration tasks you to Moorcroft Junction and the still one tantalising link to this arm is they begin the development which (e.g. pollarding) which we hope to navigable . Monway Terrace, a modern road should deliver some elements of a achieve by way of interim work parties. which lies a hundred yards or so from Lapal replacement for the former Dud- Monway Branch the end of the branch. ley No 2 Canal across their site. The The next such work party is being called At Moorcroft Junction a convenient remediation required to purge the land for April 26th. On the Friday (25th) a few footbridge doubles as a pipe bridge Gospel Oak Branch of its significant levels of toxic members of LCT will deploy a JCB to dig and carries you to the Walsall Canal Walk under the railway bridge and contamination (if you know where to (and immediately refill) a few inspection towpath, whereupon you turn right / you arrive at the junction with the look, you can see flames!) is complex holes especially along the brickwork south for about 1/3rd of a mile, or 30 Gospel Oak Branch built in 1800, and will prevent any other works from sections of the old Harborne Wharf. This chains according to my map (80 which heads west for half a mile commencing, until it is done. will clarify whether or not such walls chains per mile). parallel to the Bradley Locks Branch. must be be re-built or perhaps just re- In view of this it gives the canal pointed, by the working-party of WRG community time to reorganise its volunteers in July. All such tasks are approach to restoration especially the designed and scoped to be reparatory of two sections which flank the northern existing structures rather than boundary of Selly Oak Park. In preparatory ahead of live restoration. particular, the Lapal Canal Trust is Meanwhile, there will be a tidy-up and preparing itself with advice from CRT make good WP on the Saturday to leave and our consultants, Atkins, to begin the site safe and tidy. the paper-chase which will be required to achieve Planning Permission for The principal outcome of all these restoration of these parkland sections. activities is to reassure the local and canal communities that the project In particular, it has long been our remains alive and active in readiness for intention to switch the towpath away the Harvest, Battery Park section to be from the northern perimeter where it built. was previously a classic contour-canal feature forming the tops of the gardens If you would like to join us on the work- of Reservoir Road along the down-hill ing party or keep in touch with side of the contour. developments please call Lapal CT Membership Officer, Ray Jones, on We intend its replacement to be on the 01564 772 155. Wiggins Mill park-side where it can formalise the

12 21 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

Another BCN Might Have Been ? - The junction retains one of its two railway interchange basins and I’m inclined to agree some very attractive says Phil Clayton cast iron roving bridges. The start of the canal is

I recently visited Newtown Primary School, Of the 19th century and had been in water but this soon West Bromwich, at the invitation of Becki converted into a forge by 1823. Dunkirk peters out and is Woodall the Deputy Head, to talk to a class of Street is now Dunkirk Avenue, the canal replaced by a linear seven year olds. They were due to visit the Branch is under the school field and the open space which Black Country Museum later in the week and extractive industries have been replaced exactly tracks the my job was to give them an introduction to the by the Sheepwash urban park lockless old canal bed canals. The children were very enthusiastic as its wound its way During my investigations I happened and we had an interesting hour or so looking between collieries and at pictures and talking about the canals so across an extract from the London Gazette of November 25th, 1892 furnaces to terminate they’d be ready for the visit. beside Gospel Oak concerning “the new works” proposed by I thought I’d better get to know the place a bit the BCN Company. Described are plans Site of Bradley Locks now a footpath along the line. Road. For a brief period before I went and therefore looked at my for two new short canals, one from the Haines Branch and the other from Dunkirk “Godfrey Edition” reprint of the large scale the Dumaresq Branch continued on Branch. To complete our circular trip Ordnance Survey map of the area in 1904 and Stop to be linked by “An inclined plane for the transhipment of canal boats from one beyond the garage and up through to the Bradley Works we will return to discovered that the present school is sited two locks to the Gospel Oak Iron- the top lock where we turn left virtually at the end of the erstwhile Dunkirk canal of the Company to another to be Branch. The branch itself, 333 yards long worked by cable power or any such other works, generally following the line of through the trees and then sharp according to my bit of string and ruler, was power as the intended Act may prescribe”. today’s Coronation Road. This arm is right before Turton Road, following built in 1850 and abandoned in 1953. It I drew in some pencil lines on my map squeezed in between the Old Main the original half mile loop bounded stretched north-nor’-westwards from the New and it all seems to fit. Had the scheme Line at Asda to the north, and the by Batmans Hill Road and Weddell Main Line opposite the foot of the Gower gone ahead it would have by-passed the Upper Ocker Hill Branch a couple of Wynd. Branch at Albion Junction. locks at Ryders Green. A similar hundred yards to the south. The Gos- arrangement of an inclined plane and pel Oak Branch closed in 1954. Before we leave the lock gate works, It’s easier to imagine the “brick house, gar- short branches at the other end of the pause and look at the grassy area dens, a windmill, a water-mill on the Tame, Walsall Canal, by Birchills, was also A mere 300 yards separates the end where the gates are seasoned. It’s and arable, pasture, and meadow” of the Dun- proposed. This would have meant the of the Gospel Oak Branch from the the site of another old basin which kirk estate when you’re standing in Sheep- by-passing of 16 locks between the New terminal basin of the original bottom has been filled in and the basin Main Line and the Wyrley and Essington wash Nature Reserve now than it would have section of the Bradley Locks Branch. outside the works building was the Canal. Obviously the plans were never been when the ordnance surveyors passed The line of Gospel Oak Road has not start of another lost loop lost when this way. In 1904 a partially built up Dunkirk carried out and the BCN didn’t get its Foxtons but it’s interesting to speculate changed and suggests that this the canal was straightened to Street wended its way across the old work- branch lies buried between Elizabeth Loxdale Street. Just on the other side ings, swags and tips of the former Dunkirk Mill what might have been had they been built Colliery towards the Pumphouse Brickworks. and had they survived. Walk and Myrtle Terrace, but no of the road is the line of the long lost traces remain on the ground today. Bradley Marr Canal heading east There had been a water mill on the Tame at Twenty years ago I wrote that I could th with its staircase pair. Lot’s to see in Dunkirk since at least the late 16 century and envisage the Walsall Canal becoming a And so we return to the foot of the a very small area. probably for much longer, owned for several popular cruising route within a couple of 1849 section of the Bradley Locks generations by members of the Ryder family decades! So much for my predictions - until 1703 when the estate was sold. but it would have been with an inclined It remained as a corn mill till the early decades plane at each end!! ****************************************

20 13 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

LICHFIELD CANAL Some of the Lovely Comments of the Day

HERITAGE TOWPATH TRAIL Just got home after a lovely day marking the 40th anniversary of the restoration of the Titford canal. Thank you for inviting me. It was nice to meet up with old friends from so many years ago - even if some of the photographs of me made me cringe! Good luck with your ventures in the future. Compliments to the team on a lovely day out.

Lichfield Greenhill Bower Queen flined with puddled clay before being Sally Haynes-Preece Savannah Bennett and Deputy Bower filled with water. It is hoped to have the Queen Charlotte Aspley had a very first load of clay placed at the end of Happy memories, good company, and important date on Sunday April 13 May. an abundance of delightful food. when they attend the grand opening The Trail passes a section of narrows, Cheers Roy & Jean Dobbs and of the first completed section of the before rising on a gentle gradient up to Lorraine. city’s latest outdoor amenity – the the Tamworth Road. The disabled- Heritage Towpath friendly section, which will remain Liz & I had a lovely time on Sat. seeing Trail. permanently accessible, is part of an so many people after 30/40 years break is amazing. Please thank everyone This section of the Trail, from Lock ambitious programme to create a involved especially the boat crew. Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Linda 25, at the Borrowcop Lock Canal sevenmile Heritage Towpath Trail Horton cuts the celebratory cake made All the very best Park on the A51 Tamworth Road, to alongside the Lichfield Canal, which by Jill Best. Darryl Foxwell the bus stop adjacent to the A38 when restored will run from Photo Robert Whitehouse bridge, has been made disabled Huddlesford to at friendly by volunteers from the Brownhills, where the Lichfield Canal Lichfield and Hatherton Canals links to the Wyrley and Essington Dear Brenda & Brian Restoration Trust after months of Canal. A few words, firstly to thank hard work in extremely testing you for inviting me to such a The Trail will provide a unique weather conditions. wonderful event at Titford community amenity, in close proximity on Saturday last. It was so Wheelchair-users, walkers, runners to Lichfield’s cultural and industrial nice to meet up again with and cyclists will be able to use the heritage, and an important wildlife everyone, not least those section, which runs alongside the corridor, with new nature reserves who I’ve not met for a long rewatered Pound 26, Lock 26 and linking heathland and wetland areas. time. Pound 27, which will also be in water The organization of the For more information on the work of later this year. whole event was, I thought, the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals just magnificent and Restoration Trust, visit the website at Work is currently going on to create a Bob Broomhall gives the safety talk before the start of everyone involved deserves www.lhcrt.org.uk winding hole, where narrowboats can the event. We waited for all guest to arrive then the enormous thanks. All good turn around, and Pound 27 will be photos began. Photo Peter Best wishes Malcolm Braine

14 19 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204

Finally on the Weed Stops Navigation on the Forty years after a weekend of 30th & Rally that was held Wednesbury Old Canal 31st March 1974 the to celebrate the Restoration Rally restoration of the Can it be removed? took place and Titford Canal some fine photos of around 50 This February the Society Work Party the event were invited guests took place on the Wednesbury Old shown. Many of our along with The Canal. This canal is sometimes wrongly guests remarked on Mayor of Sandwell referred to as the Ridgeacre Branch and people who were Councilor Linda is just above the top of Ryders Green there and during the Horton and her locks. In 2002 during a 24 Hour show reminisced Consort Councilor Challenge the boats disturbed the water and explained what & many fish died. BW then said that no Roger Horton and was happening in navigation should take place in this canal Richard Parry Chief the photos. Not only in organised cruises. This was Executive of Canal did our guests from interpreted by many as & River Trust the 1974 event NO NAVIGATION so few boats have attended an event recognise people in travelled here and the reeds have taken at the BCN This lovely photo taken by Darry Foxwell, the photos but our over. I contacted Dean Davies to see if Society’s HQ Titford who was one of the young members Mayor of Sandwell this could be dredged out and I’m afraid Pump House. working on the locks in 1974 shows just a this is the response:- could name a few Guests started few helpers. Does anyone recognise them? including the Mayor Difficult one as this is a heavily arriving at 10.30am of Warley who contaminated section so dredging for what- Having reviewed this I’m afraid we won’t and were greeted and offered tea, coffee ever reason will be expensive. It then has to be able to include these works into the and cake or biscuits and an opportunity to coincidentally was also a Lady Mayor and be put into context as a truncated canal and current dredging project. As Dean men- chat to old friends as they arrived. Some others including the Headmaster of her therefore whether it has the same priority as tions below we have particularly nasty guests had travelled as far as Tor Bay in children’s school who had been the secretary other areas. If I do this I can’t do something contaminants in the area and the cost, and Devon in the south, Lincoln in the east and of the event. else on the Mainline Canal. time to deliver it, is not something we can Darlington in the north. All thought it well This was followed by a buffet lunch for half I have passed this onto Ian Lane for com- afford given that we are already struggling worth the effort. our guests while the other half travelled on ment as well, but I don’t hold out much to deal with issues on the navigable SLOW BOAT, also known as the trip boat hope. sections this project is to cover. The day continued with a show of a variety Aaron Manby which is leased by the Ikon A couple of years ago we talked about this of photos taken by various people Youth Project for the next 3 years. More time This certainly isn’t to say we won’t ever or displaying views of Oldbury Locks and the stretch of canal amongst a group of stake- don’t want to do this but given where we to reminisce both on the boat and while holders (BCNS included) – the discussion Titford Canal up to and including Titford are financially it will have to remain on the eating lunch. Then the second boat trip to was about maintenance and dredging in Pools. Some photos showed organised back burner until a suitable opportunity the Pools took place while the first trippers light of the contamination etc. I seem to campaign cruises in 1963, 1971 and 1972 arises. had lunch and there was plenty left so no recall at the time the BCNS were telling 24hr showing how difficult it was to navigate the body went hungry. This was followed by the Challenge competitors to avoid it (and were Ian Lane Principal Waterway Engineer canal and by 1972 it was becoming almost official cutting of a celebratory cake along taking points off them if they tried it). I will try impassible. It was explained that the BCN with more teas and coffees and a piece of and find the emails etc and remind myself. We will not give up! Society along with financial and practical help the cake. All the best - Dean from Warley Council, which the day after the rally was changed to Sandwell, much work Guests started to leave at about quarter to took place on the locks and canal during four with the last leaving at 5pm saying what If you feel you would like to help the Society to try & drag the weed 1973. Photos of this work by the Society a lovely day they had had and were looking to the side so navigation can take place please let me know were also in evidence. forward to the 50th Anniversary!! 18 15 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 Boundary Post Spring 2014 Edition 204 The BCN Society Celebrates 40 years since the restoration of the Titford Canal

On 31st March 1974 Warley Council After commercial carrying ceased in the 1960s the to the hire of an RB10 excavator merged with West Bromwich as part of state of navigation on the Titford Canal was becom- and lorries to cart away the the local government reorganisation ing almost impossible. The photo below shows John dredged spoil from the side pounds scheme to form Sandwell Council. On Dodwell on his boat being assisted through one of of no.5 & 6 locks. This will be done 30th March the last official function of the the bridge holes. on September 1st& 2nd and will cost Warley Council was the reopening of the £500.” Titford Canal, restored at a cost of £50,000 and was the culmination of 16 Donations must have come in as months work by BCN Society work the Society continued the restora- parties. tion as we can see in these photos taken by two keen work party Graham Eyre who was secretary of the members, Nick Yarwood and Darryl Restoration Rally supplied me with a huge Foxwell. They were both very amount of paper work which gave details young men in 1974 and were of the work parties before, the rally guests at our celebration on 22nd preparations and the rally itself. The March. following information came from a plead- ing letter to members to donate £1. Thank you Graham.

During the 16 months the Society made an appeal for funding as the money from This bridge has been replaced but the BCN Warley Council had been used up. A letter to members explained:- 1887 plates have been saved. They were “8 work parties have been held since donated to the Society by Sheila Smith hav- January and the side pounds of locks ing been looked after carefully by the late Alan T Smith. They are now on display in no. 2 and 3 are now cleared and work the Titford Pump House. is in progress on no.4 pound. Warley Council have helped tremendously with To celebrate all this hard work by this project, supplying clothing and the BCN Society aided financially equipment for every work party but and in many other ways by Warley unfortunately they will no longer be Council the Restoration Rally was able to provide this help as they have held on 30th & 31st March 1974 spent more than their budgeted figure Our H&S Officer, Arthur Farge would have and to commemorate this our on this work and on the restored Titford had a fit if he had been attending this work Society decided to invite as many Canal and Titford Pools area…….. party. Though I haven’t heard of any acci- boaters & volunteers to a day of ……. To achieve a great stride forward dents taking place on these work parties. I’m sure we will hear details of these times from memories. All who were invited in the clearance of these locks the turned up to a really good day The late Alan T Smith along with others trying committee have committed the Society some of these workers. to get their boat through lock 4. described overleaf. 16 17