YOUR FREE W PATH TA L COPY O K T Sharing V iews PLEASE TAKE ONE

NUMBER 11 The FREE paper for all TOWPATH users OCTOBER 2004

INSIDE THIS EDITION

ANGLERS B OATERS C YCLISTS WALKERS WILDLIFE Nottingham Riverside Festival gets bigger than

ever! Page 3

Towpath Crossword - Page 6

New Visitor Facilities at Torksey - Page 7

THE FESTIVAL held alongside the River Trent on the Victoria embankment is tradi- tionally one of the most popular events in the ’ summer diary. A wide variety of free attractions during the week- end included street theatre acts, stalls sell- ing crafts, collectables and continental and Ashton ethnic markets, a street fair, fairground - The 70s rides plus outstanding examples of traction engines and a variety of visiting boats. Reopening - Paul Morgan of Nottingham City Council, a Page 18 member of the organising team, said, “Riverside Festival is all about discovering something new, whether it be something new to eat or drink, a new kind of music you’ve never heard before or a street artist that took you by surprise and made you Nick Greaves and James Waters from the WWII Re-enactment Society laugh! It’s such a fantastic weekend for everyone and this year it was bigger and better than ever.” More views on AgainstAgainst allall thethe odds.....odds..... page 10 Against all he torrential downpours of August threatened to the odds - scupper the Festival at Burton-on-Trent during a Festival 2004 Tfrustrating two weeks leading up to the Bank Holiday weekend. The organisers began to run out of time and one or views - NARROWBOATS two even wondered if the Festival would happen. Pages 22 & 23 A good early start to building leave only an interesting WANTED FOR BROKERAGE OR the Festival - and some drier springiness underfoot. The weather - provided a few days camp-site was full, two miles of CASH SALE grace allowing the ground to boats lay at their moorings Spotted dry out enough to give access to along the towpath, and a fleet of Flycatchers - smaller vehicles. Slowly the site buses waited at the hard stand- Halting the SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT ON PAGE 8 began to build - the race against ing car park organised to time was on again! replace the waterlogged one. decline - Saturday 28 August, the first Against all the odds, the IWA TEL: 0115 947 2696 day of the Festival dawned Festival, an annual event for Page 24 bright and clear at Shobnall more than 50 years, was ready E-Mail [email protected] Fields . The ground was rolled to welcome visitors once more. flat, the mud had disappeared to 2 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004

We want to hear from you about any towpath related topic, however unusual. Write to us at the address below. If you are sending any photographs, please tell us if you want them to Gone be returned to you. Fishing!

Please write to: The Editor Towpath Talk Whisby Lodge Hill Croft Business Park Whisby Road Lincoln LN6 3FE Telephone 01522 697100 Fax: 01522 691010 COMING NEXT Email: [email protected] MONTH.... www.towpathtalk.co.uk

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DUE TO THE PHENOMENAL SUCCESS OF THEIR NEW BROKERAGE SALES TRINITY MARINAS Views from REQUIRE BOATS TO SELL URGENTLY. TRINITY MARINA The Ellesmere Festival THE PLACE TO BASE

FOR DETAILS TELEPHONE CHRISTINE DALLAS ON 01455 896820 NARROW BOAT NARROW BOAT “MY SANITY” “ANDANTE” 70FT AWKRIGHT HULL ASHBY 55FT WOLVERHAMPTON NARROW BOAT COMPANY FIT BOAT CO. 6 BERTH CRUISER BACK 1998 £48,000 £89,950 (TRINITY MOORING AVAILABLE (TRINITY MOORING WITH THIS BOAT) AVAILABLE WITH THIS BOAT) NARROWBOAT NARROW BOAT “TALLY HO” “DOUBLE DUTCH” 40FT TRAD-BACK 2+2 BERTH 1984 58FT BRIDGWATER BOATS 2002 4 £35,000 BERTH TRAD (TRINITY MOORING AVAILABLE £88,500 WITH THIS BOAT) (TRINITY MOORING AVAILABLE WITH THIS BOAT) NARROWBOAT “JOSIAH CLOWES” NARROWBOAT 36FT SEMI-TRAD, 2 BERTH BUILT “ALBION” 1972-3 60FT TRAD LIVABOARD FULLY £18,495 EQUIPPED AND READY TO (TRINITY LINEAR MOORING CRUISE AVAILABLE IF REQUIRED) £72,000 (A TRINITY MOORING AVAILABLE NARROW BOAT “HALFLING” WITH THIS BOAT) 1991 23FT SPRINGER 3 BERTH £10,000 NARROWBOAT “SMART MOVE” CRUISER 57FT TRAD BUILT 1991 “ANGEL” (LYING AT STOKE GOLDING) 1977 DAWNCRAFT 3 BERTH WITH SFS £61,500 £6,500

For further details on all the above boats contact CHRISTINE DALLAS ON 01455 896820 NOW Or call at Trinity Marinas, Coventry Road, Hinckley Leicester Riverside Festival TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 3 CANAL LIFESTYLE By David Scowcroft to base your boat. These boaters will have a you will have other people around the 2,000 miles of Otherwise the maximum winter mooring where they to endure/enjoy but it may and navigable rive- you can stay in one spot is leave the boat whilst they be noisy if the boatyard is rs. The majority of canals fourteen days. The only return to their home or building boats. A marina and rivers are adminis- exception to obtaining a take a long winter holiday. may not allow you to live tered by British Water- mooring is to ‘Continually We moor in the winter and aboard your boat; that is to ways. You are allowed to Cruise’. Continually Cruis- work - with a small pension be ‘Residential’. An inner moor for fourteen days on ing requires you to be con- we can afford to cruise the city mooring will be expen- the towpath side of the stantly on the move, you ‘season’, but in winter we sive, noisy and may suffer canal provided there is no pay for a mooring in a city are basically required to from vandalism. All these restriction posted and that move your boat at least 10 and then find work. There mooring areas may have you are not causing an kms a day and not return to are masses of office jobs waiting lists, the more obstruction. You cannot a past mooring for 14 days. available and we have desirable the area the moor on a lock landing In order to fulfil this you never been short of work longer the waiting list. will normally find it impos- for more than a week, the stage or water point - hire sible to have work at a stat- jobs just don’t pay very Another lifestyle is to use boaters please note. ic location or to have chil- much! your boat and to move Continued on page 9 dren who attend school. You have a choice of ou have hired a canal begging even demanding You will also experience lifestyles. One way is to boat and now you food. The boating communi- problems with registering treat the boat as a coun- Ywant to buy a boat to ty is one of the last polite, for a doctor or dentist and try/city cottage where you cruise the inland water- old-fashioned groups left in you may have trouble use the boat merely as a ways. Whilst hiring your the country; most boaters obtaining letters. temporary home enjoying narrowboat you will have talk, help each other and Most people who continual- the location but not moving seen that the canals have guard each others boats. ly cruise are those who the boat. This is fine pro- been restored and the bank There is something about the have a trade which can be vided you can find your sides renovated. No longer waterside which encourages completed on the canal ideal location, one you are canals smelly, oily rub- people to smile to acknowl- whilst moving location each enjoy; it can be at the end of bish strewn lengths of stag- edge each other and to day or so, such as engineer, a field, in a rural boat- nant water. The water in speak. carpenter, artist. The other yard/marina or an inner many canals is now crystal How do you join this commu- main segment cruising are clear, wildlife is flourishing nity? You need a boat but the retired who are doing city mooring. At the end of and breeding; swans now more importantly you will ‘The season’ which is basi- a field you may be remote come to peck at your boat need a mooring - somewhere cally April to October. and isolated, in a boatyard Getting away from it all

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Call Norman or Christine at Dobson’s Boatyard 01332 793358 Dobson’s Boatyard Chandlery • The Wharf • Shardlow • Derby • DE72 2GH Fax: 01332 799167 • E-mail: [email protected] 4 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 Fax: 01522 691010 Email: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[email protected] us your views about any towpath related topic today. Write to Towpath Talk,Whisby Lodge Hillcroft Business Park Whisby Road, Lincoln LN6 3FE

How to buy a boat for Highlight of the Spare a thought for us Canal or River weekend letter from Brighouse Fisherman issue 10 Dear Editor Dear Editor Your readers Mr and Mrs Jones (Towpathtalk During the Annual Nottingham Riverside Festival issue10) would do worse than obtain “ How to buy a which attracts thousands of visitors every year, one Dear Editor boat for canal or river” available free from the CBA of the highlights of the weekend is the evening illu- Being a boater myself it is not always that I see eye (Canal Boatbuilders Association) 01952 813572 e minated boat parade which is followed by a magnif- to eye with all fishermen, but I do agree in the main mail [email protected] or “ Getting Afloat” icent firework display. with the comments of S. Auty. Fisherman from which is available from canal boat magazine 3 the The boating event is organized jointly by the Brighouse. Courtyard, Denmark Street ,Wokingham, Berk Nottingham and Derby Branch of the Inland I use a bike myself in between some locks when it RG40 2AZ Waterways Association and the Nottingham City suits, and without problem, but large numbers of Tel 01189 891011 Council. This year’s event saw the usual assorted cyclists bombing along heads down at speed will in We found both of them invaluable when purchasing craft ranging from small cruisers to narrow boats the end lead to someone being hit by a cyclist on a our boat earlier this year parading up and down the river Trent festooned blind bend. If this happens to be a child or elderly Mr & Mrs Will & Jane Bonny with lights and bunting. Special thanks go to Nancy person that gets hit it could lead to a serious injury Nb Tin Lizzie Johnson and the rest of the staff of the Nottingham followed by access difficulties for any emergency and Derby Branch of the I.W.A. for all the hard work ambulance service trying to attend. they put into this years and the previous years Therefore, I also urge all cyclists to remember this events. and respect the towpath, use the towpath at the Take a look at This annual event is open to all boaters and every- gentler pace it was designed for and take time to one is welcome appreciate the surroundings. Groups of cyclists Dear Sir should save their quest for speed for the downhill cycling events that take place elsewhere…….. Regarding Brian and Kathryn Jones letter request- David & Val Smith Bill Simpson ing a book to help them with buying a boat, I would Nb. Rattys Retreat, Nottingham Braunston,Leics like to suggest they take a look at "The Inland Boat Owners Book" by Graham Booth. ISBN. 1 870002 86 5. Also the Residential Boat Owners Association produce a booklet on the subject. There's nothing like personal experience, so join a local cruising Try ‘Getting Afloat’ New Waterbus service club and talk to the members. I hope this is help- on the Lancaster Canal ful. Dear Sir, Yours faithfully, Brian and Kathryn Jones from Ossett, West Yorks Lois Willett were asking about a book that might help them buy a narrowboat. They could well try 'Getting Afloat', the A-Z of boating by Emrhys Barrell, It does cost £9.95 and there is usually an ad with an order form Celebrities on the Llangollen in the magazine canal boat. August issue Hope this might help. Carmen Smith It follows the stops, which the old “Packet Boats” Dear Editor, Nb Kara Sea, Selkirk used to call at in Bolton le Sands, Hest Bank and I must offer my apologies to the author of Canal the Lune Aquaduct 200 years ago before arriving at Companion Welsh Waters who contacted you recent- the Waterwich pub in Lancaster. The 60ft long, 36- ly concerning my comment regarding three locks not seater vessel has become a regular feature on the being recorded on page 20 on the approach to canal. Boatmaster, Archie Workman said, “We are sur- Grindley Brook. The gentleman concerned is quite PHOTO CALL prised just how many people have asked can they correct, and I hold my hands up to a common mis- Would Derek Lords of the Narrowboat “Pegles’, get on at the bottom of their garden and leave the take. in the Willington, area, please get in car in the garage? This is exactly the passenger we What I had failed to notice on the map was the fact touch with the Editor of Towath Talk want to attract as well as that the staircase is indicated by a boxed arrow no.3, offering the vessel to and made the wrong assumption that the actual schools as a floating illustrated individual approach locks were the classroom to inform the Grindley Brook flight. younger generation how passenger vessels operat- Whilst waiting to go up the staircase, two other ed between Kendal and boaters had in fact, made the same mistake, which Preston in the l800’s and only goes to prove that we two clowns were not the just why this canal was only ones on the Llangollen that day. . built”. It is also good when you can laugh at yourself and Over 600 passengers admit to not being perfect. have used the daily serv- In future when we plan our next exciting adventure ice, operating between into the wild yonder I will make sure that I inward- Carnforth and Lancaster each day, since the begin- ly digest the full detail of my map so as not to con- ning of August and it is fuse obvious lock 'illustrations' with arrow boxes. quickly becoming estab- Again apologies to the publishers and author lished as a sustainable Yours Sincerely, transport alternative to Paul Bishop -Mr Happitty taking the car to Children's Entertainer and Explorer Lancaster to beat the Extraordinaire! traffic congestion at peak Nb. The Rose of Sharon times of the day. To find out more Tel. Market Drayton 01524 389410 OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 5

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WIN Amusing Caption Competition Word Search £10.00Here’s another chance for you to win a crisp tenner in our Amusing CAN YOU FIND THE WORDS IN THE GRID? Caption Competition There are 12 altogether and they fit in horizontally vertically, diagonally and backwards too! LAST BARNOWL WCLAGX I KRRLPRV EAGLE MONTH’S HARRIER APUCQOWVEE I RPJ WINNER HOBBY HOBBYSATNSTEBO KESTREL KITE YQTPAPRFE I T I KL LITTLEOWL MERLIN NOLACRBS I BLRKR OSPREY IEUZAENIRGEREP PEREGRINE RAPTOR JEPRBYDOSMOAEL SAKER NNLQNJ TLWPWHOM This months wordsearch was LPJGSPADTLLFNQ sponsored by Mid K Wales Falconry OGKFADVDZG WSR 01938 850265 OMZRKESDVPAADF Thank you all once www. again for your midwalesfalconry. TNTEEUUZTLTLNE response to last NAME co.uk months caption [email protected] XJWRRUNC I IXIPU picture ADDRESS

This months Winner is: TO SPONSOR THE Anne Parmenter WORDSEARCH FOR THE DUCKS ADVOCA TE Farndon, Nr Newark POSTCODE THE NOVEMBER Mr Happitty makes TELEPHONE ISSUE OF With the caption Canal Companion The TV reception ✂ TOWPATH TALK here as sent him ALL YOU HAVE TO up the wall! Write your suggestion sad! for an amusing caption to accompany the photograph, then complete DO IS SELECT Well it appears our busy Editor has just the entry form below and send it to: BETWEEN 12 AND 20 received an ear bashing...and serves him Now take a look at WORDS OF YOUR right I say! and now he’s gone off fishing this months front The Editor, Towpath Talk, Whisby Lodge, Hill Croft Business CHOICE OF SUBJECT in a ‘huff ’. page picture taken at Park, Whisby Road, Lincoln LN6 3FE to arrive no later than Saturday 21st October 2004 FOR MORE The August Issue of Towpathtalk fea- Burton on trent and INFORMATION let us know what There will be a prize of £10.00 for the caption which, in the opin- INFORMATION tured an article by Paul Bishop alias Mr amusing caption ion of the Editor, is the most hilarious. TELEPHONE Happitty and in this article he stated comes to mind.... The name of the winner will be published in the next edition of 01522 697100 “When approaching Grindley Brook don’t’ Towpath Talk. be surprised to find three locks that are not marked as existing on page 20 of your Canal Companion welsh waters map” because of this THE TOWPATH TALK CROSSWORDI gather the phone call was from the QUICK CLUES author of the Canal Companion, saying 1 2 345 6 Across Down he is now very un-happitty . 1. Body of water known 1. A sleeveless outer garment Well we all know finding ‘extra locks’ is enough to cause even the mildest of crew 7 as the pond (8,5) worn by Arabs (3) 7 & 4 down - novel by 2. Could be left (7) members to mutiny, so when it turned out 8 9 Charles Dickens (1, 4, 2, 3. A prickle (5) that Mr Happitty was indeed mistaken ,it 4. See 7 across (6) 10 11 12 3, 6) shouldn’t be a surprise to our editor to 8. A Chinese inch (4) 5. A water fowl (4) learn that it also gets up the noses of the 6. Midday (8) 13 10. Finger bones (9) esteemed canal guide authors and pub- 13. A willow (5) 9. Handwriting (6) 14 15 11. Small holiday island in lishers. 14. A sapphire (7) India (3) Therefore in the interests of accuracy, 17. Impedes (9) 12. Envy is one of seven (3) harmony and future all round happitty- 16 17 18 21. Knotty (7) 15. Sea worms (7) ness..... Our editor has been in touch with 22. Small rum flavoured 19 20 16. A boy in livery (4) the actual canal companion user Mr cakes (4) 18. 28lbs of wool (3) Happitty, and asked him to have another 21 22 23. Large frozen area 19. A ladle (4) look at his copy of canal companion ...see with the South Pole in 20. A Norse legend (4) the middle (10) 22. A brewing tub (3) our letters page 4 for the outcome. 23 It is also true to the irony of life that Here’s your chance to win a TENNER! someone like Mr Happitty who spends his NAME Simply complete the crossword professional life making little people and send your entry to the address shown. laugh for a living, may have actually got ADDRESS The first correct entr y opened will win £10.00 up some big peoples noses on his day off. Incidentally The winner’s name and solution to the crossword The real serious news in the Grindley will be published in the next edition of Towpath Talk. Brook area is that the trend to sell off lock The September winner was: Jill Avis of Calverley, Leeds keepers cottages appears to be continuing as not only is the lock keeper at POSTCODE Congratulations Jill, your cheques on it’s way Grindley Brook disappearing but also his cottage was up Send your completed entry to: ACROSS 1 Saskatchewan, 7 Restful, 8 Adios, 9 Swine, 10 Court, for auction last month. Towpath Talk Crossword 13 Ode, 14 Inept, 15 Edit, 17 Aqua, 19 Bounteous, 21. Whisby Lodge , Hill Croft Business Park, Whisby Road, Donald Envisaged, 22 Hue. DOWN 1. Shropshire, 2 Sustained, 3 Donald Diver Lincoln LN6 3FE Affluent, 4 Collected, 5 Wonder, 6 Lassoed, 11 Unit, 12 Toy, 16 to arrive no later than 21st October 2004 ✂ Onus, 17 Ask, 18. Apse, 20 One. OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 7 New Visitor Facilities at Torksey

eptember 2004 saw the opening of a new Svisitor centre at Torksey. A Roman, a Medi- eval worker and a 19th cen- tury steam packet boat operator were on site as part of a ‘Living History’ performance designed to explain the history of the oldest canal in to the guests, including 30 local school children and in doing so reflected the colo- urful past of the Fossdyke Canal The centre features display panels with various the- mes, including ‘Torksey through the Ages’, ‘Local History,’ plus an interactive fully operational working model of Torksey Lock, complete with water. The lock model shows how Peter Wear, head of leisure, British Waterways and Councillor Roy the lock works in different Chapman, portfolio holder for economic development & tourism, tidal situations. Lincolnshire County Council. at the opening ceremony. Alongside are ‘Soundbites’ explain to vis- the ‘living history’characters ,a Roman, a Medieval worker and a 19th itors how and why various century steam packet boat operator, combinations are possible or impossible and the aim British Waterways, the ways regeneration Partnership is really open- is to engage visitors thr- Environment Agency and Maria Capitano, leisure ing up the huge potential of the waterways of Lincolnshire as a prime tourist destination. The Torksey Interpretation Centre will really bring the history of the canal alive to visitors, who can also take on the challenge of navigat- ing a boat through the working model of Torksey Lock.”

TOWPATH DIRECT THE LOCAL WATERWAYS ARE COMING RIGHT UP TO YOUR DOORSTEP! BUT DON T

RUSH NAME Yesterday, today as a steam packet boat operator explains to the local school children how things once were along the Fossdyke canal. FOR THE ADDRESS ough interactive interpre- Lincolnshire County Cou- development manager, Bri- SANDBAGS! tation and to be both educa- ncil to develop a county- tish Waterways, said: “The tional and fun. wide strategy for water- Lincolnshire Waterways Visitors can watch the For a small annual sub- activities of nesting birds. 'Rediscover the Severn' scription fee, you can get Outside seating has been a full year s issues of POSTCODE provided so that visitors The Severn Navigation explained, "The publica- Towpath Talk delivered Restoration Trust has tion includes a map show- can relax and enjoy the sur- direct to your door. rounding wildlife, while received a grant of £1,000 ing the existing navigable TELEPHONE from the Inland river managed by British watching visiting boats It s so easy! Simply com- Waterways Association Waterways, the reaches come through the area. (IWA) towards the costs over which the ability to plete the form alongside Torksey is already home to of publication of its leaflet, navigate could be and send it, with a ducks, coots, mallards, 'Rediscover the Severn'. enhanced and adjacent Please send your remittance with the kingfishers and swifts and The leaflet outlines what canals both in use and cheque or postal order completed form to: TOWPATH DIRECT, a new nesting box with a the Trust hopes to achieve under, or proposed for, for £7.95, made payable ,Towpath Talk, Whisby Lodge, Hill colour camera linked to a on the river, which restoration. to Towpath Talk, and Croft Business Park, Whisby monitor will allow visitors includes the promotion of Estuary Trows were in the ancient public right of use on the river more than we ll do all the rest! Road, Lincoln LN6 3FE to watch the activities of navigation upstream from a century ago. An exam- nesting birds. Species like- the current limit at ple, The Spry, which is ✂ ly to be attracted include Gladder Brook near 71ft long and 18ft wide, sparrows and blue tits. Stourport on Severn. can be seen at The Blists The project is part of a Alan Crowhurst, chair- Hill Museum at VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.towpathtalk.co.uk partnership formed by man of the Trust, Ironbridge." 8 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004

H

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TOP: The Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Quazi pictured onboard the Chesterfield Canal Trusts trip boat ‘JohnVarley’ as it The Hurricane Diesel Fired Hot Water Heating is designed passes under Mill Green bridge and manufactured in Canada for Marine use. No10, during the official opening of the latest 4 1/2 mile stretch of Efficient • Clean • Quiet • Compact • Safe • Rugged the Chesterfield canal at mill Sealed Combustion • Inbuilt Diagnostics Green Staveley. Complete with Room and Domestic Water Thermostats But...... Towpath closure Can be left running 24 hrs per Day noti e or the hester ield c f C f Hurricane Kit - £2115 inc. VAT Canal -Duration 27/9/04 - 15/10/04 inclusive The towpath is being closed for essential bank repairs at Calcutt Boats Ltd Tel: 01926 813757 Gringley Middle Bridge (75) and Shaw Lock (62). Boaters will con- Tomlow Road Fax: 01926 814091 tinue to be able to pass through Stockton, Southam, CV47 8HX Email: [email protected] Shaw Lock. Towpath users are requested to observe the towpath closure sig- ABOVE: Towpath user and cyclist John Lindley nage. from Renishaw on the length of the Chesterfield canal at Staveley during its official opening

NARROWBOATS WANTED LOOKING TO SELL YOUR BOAT, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER

BROKERAGE: - EXCELLENT COMMISSION RATES Marina Road, Castle Marina Park, - COLLECTION SERVICE Nottingham NG7 1TN - NO SALES NO FEE BROKERAGE SALES: - FREE VALU A TION TEL: 0115 9472696 - FREE SECURE STORAGE FA X: 0115 9859304 EMAIL: [email protected] CASH PURCHASES Contact Chris Pallett - OUTRIGHT PURCHASES - QUICK DECISIONS MADE CHANDLERY SALES: - PAYMENT BY BANK TRANSFER TEL: 0115 9412672 - ANY LO C ATION ACROSS ENGLAND FA X: 0115 9472532 - ANY VALUE OR TYPE OF NARROWBOAT CONSIDERED EMAIL: chandler [email protected] - SENSIBLE OFFERS MADE Contact: Steve Naylor WE ALSO KEEP AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF CHANDLERY IN STOCK OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 9 BARGING THROUGH LIFE - CANAL LIFESTYLE Continued from page 3 many this is the life; the canals plus a social cen- tre, it can be combined with visiting or helping at boat shows which are held throughout the country - think steam fair with boats. Whichever lifestyle, you will need a mooring at some time and it should have access to facilities. You will need some form of waste disposal. Modern boats have a toilet waste storage tank which is ‘pumped out’ at sanitary stations or boat yards costing about £12 a go. Older boats or tighter owners have a caravan type cartridge porta-potta that is emptied by hand at sanitary stations. My nose prefers the pumpout I can just walk away and let them deal with it. You may require a landline for mains electricity if you Any boat will do are moored for the winter centred to your mooring. - a line ashore will take here are a multitude On a canal you are the pressure off your Your lock awaits of places to moor you restricted to four miles an engine or generator. You Tjust have to be a hour thus in a long day will require a waterpoint between a glass fibre com- you can have off- the-shelf with no title to the half nomad and keep moving. you will be lucky to com- either permanently con- monly known as ‘Tupper- or built to your own completed boat. A num- Your problems are doctor; plete 30 miles. Taking in nected to your boat or a ware’ or a Narrowboat design. Buying second ber of these builders con- we have found an excel- to account locks, swing short cruise away. Living known as ‘a tin can’. Glass hand you can purchase tinue to build under lent surgery who send our bridges, fishermen (you on the boat we need water fibre boats are cheaper, privately or go to a broker. another title or company. increasing number of pre- have to slow right down so once a week, pumpout don’t last so long, don’t Every four years licensed Therefore be wary, chose scriptions on to us. they can be grumpy to and diesel every two have a great resale value boats on the waterways your builder carefully pay Dentist - more and more you) and moored boats; weeks. Red Diesel for and do not provide the have to complete a safety in instalments and have a difficult but you can nor- we average three miles an non-road use varies in facilities of a modern nar- inspection. In order to contract, have paper con- mally be seen as an emer- hour over the year. In a price, five years ago it was rowboat. Glass fibre bo- obtain a licence a current firming that you are the gency private patient and weekend you can travel 19p per litre it is now 35p ats tend to be river boats, safety certificate has to be owner of the boat shell be registered at a central only 30 miles in either per litre. Narrowboats useful for a couple of days produced. Since the insp- and any subsequent work. canal location such as direction of your mooring normally run an internal zipping along a river or ection is very detailed, fid- Visit the boatyard often Birmingham. Your mail before you have to go diesel engine, glass fibre estuary and you can moor dly and bureaucratic it is during the construction to can be sent Post Restante back. Even a two-week normally run a petrol out- them most anywhere tied essential that your sec- confirm what the builder to any Post Office in the holiday restricts you to a board motor; petrol as you to a tree. Narrowboats ond-hand boat is in pos- has completed the work to country it is just a matter week in one direction and know is heavily taxed and provide you with all the session of a current cer- the point they have of planning ahead. Visits then back. The answer very expensive. home comforts. You can tificate. Converting a claimed. The majority of by relations can be diffi- for many is to join a boat Now you need a boat. One live all year round in failed safety inspection boat builders are great cult, for some reason we great comfort on a modern boat can be very expen- people, superb craftsman are never in the right spot narrowboat. 230 volt elec- sive. and very entertaining; it for them to visit! BW and tricity can power your tel- Over the years a surpris- is just that some of them the EA require a licence evision, washing machine, ing number of boat are not very good busi- and run complicated sys- freezer and computer. builders have become nessmen. tems but an average Modern communications bankrupt leaving a wake Good Luck. licence is about £500 per can provide Internet of disappointed customers year, vastly increased from access and digital satellite depleted of money and David Scowcroft a few years ago and con- television. Narrowboat tinually increasing above progression is more state- inflation. Insurance for ly than glass fibre boats the boat will be about £300 but narrowboats tend to per year. It is a cheap be longer thus their lifestyle; we estimate the mooring requires more boat costs us £3,500 a year room. to maintain on the move. Purchasing your boat is No community charge is just the same as buying a payable if you keep mov- car, with the same pit- ing but permanent moor- Sunset Evening falls. You can buy cheap ing may cause a charge if and live with the prob- the council is keen. club, normally based on currently popular form is lems, you can buy expen- It may be that you don’t the moorings, and boat joint ownership, several sive and live with the want to devote your life to life then becomes a social companies place like problems. It is a boat, the canals and merely event. Weekend cruises to minded people together things will go wrong; it want to buy a boat, you a canal pub, torchlight who share, each partner judders, bangs and will be in the majority who night cruises, even should using it for a fixed period bumps, therefore equip- just have a boat for recre- you be a member of the during the year. But for ment fails. You can buy ational use. The main right club, a cruise to the the straight forward second hand or you can problem is that you will be Grand National. For owner the main choice is have the boat from new, It’s a dogs life 10 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 FFEESSTTIIVVAALL VVIIEEWWSS

Family day out

ABOVE: James helps “Airhead” with his costume

LEF T: A new attraction this year was the unique street theatre act - Cyber-stein, an 8ft robot performing in twi- light. Cyberstein won the hearts of children and adults alike. Illuminated Lantern & River Boat Procession Saturday would not have been complete without the illuminated riverboats orga- nised by the Inland Water - ways Association. The illumi- nated boats attract over 20,000 people every year.

ABOVE: For the second year running Val and David Smith with their narrow boat Ratty’s Retreat won first prize with their illuminated depiction of the Teddy Bears Picnic. They were awarded a shield provided by Nottingham City Council which will have their boat’s name engraved upon it and which will be theirs to keep until the next Riverside Festival in 2005. Fireworks The impressive firework display was sponsored by Hardys and Hanson and ensured this big event was remembered with a bang! OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 11 Introducing the NEW Style… Commencing November 2004

TEL: 01522 697100 • FAX: 01522 691010 Email: [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS Web: www.towpathtalk.co.uk/trader REACH OTHER TOWPATH USERS

BOATERS ANGLERS WALKERS CYCLISTS VISITORS OTHER BUSINESSES Because TOWPATH TALK IS FREE - it reaches the magazine buyers and the thousands of towpath users that don’t buy the mags! ITS FREE - it gets passed around and read over and over again!

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SET TO BECOME THE MOST READ PUBLICATION ON THE WATERWAYS DISTRIBUTION NUMBERS ALREADY ON PAR WITH THE BEST OF THE MAGAZINES 12 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 TTOOWWPPAATTHH TTRRAADDEERR

CLASSIFIED BOAT SALES/BUILDING BOAT HANDLING HOLIDAYS/HIRE

T.R. Boat Handling CRUISE THE CANALS IN COMFORT www.waterscape.com/awards - winner of Bronze award RYA Recognised Teaching Establishment We cannot praise you enough for the way the courses were run

Training John & John - Stoke on Trent Centre Discover the beauty of England and Wales, cruising along The ideal present that lasts forever. peaceful and historic canals on one of our fleet of self-drive 1, 2 and 3 days RYA courses aboard our own narrowboat or your own craft. 2-8 berth narrow boats. Our boats are fully equipped - gas RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman certificate for both beginners and the cooker, electric fridge and centrally heated. All our boats are experienced from £75.00 Tourist Board inspected, why take a boat that isn’t? We welcome beginners and provide expert tuition. Friendly and understanding instructor, also ICC & CEVNI courses and assessments. CLAYMOORE NAVIGATION The Wharf, Preston Brook, Cheshire, You are to be congratulated on the high standard of sympathetic instruction WA4 4BA Trevor - Shrewsbury Local cost calls 0845 0900 1800 Tel: +44(0) 1928 717273 (24 hrs) Fax: +44(0) 1928 718888 www.claymoore.co.uk ■ [email protected] BOOK YOUR COURSE NOW Tel: 01785 824012 Mob: 07947 337492 PLAN YOUR See our main advert on page 7 ESCAPE! Attractive small fleet of TRENT BOAT HANDLING 2-10 berth narrowboats Experienced, friendly and highly recommended instructor. East Midlands based All have colour TV, RYA Courses, Taster Days, radio cassette, powerful 240v ICCs (Inland/Coastal). Radio, Diesel hairdryers, microwaves, Engine radiator central heating, Boats available NarrowBoat/Wide beam Motor Cruiser. quality kitchens and Rivers and Canals, Single or Twin Engine bathrooms. Hotel boat, train while you holiday Steel shell available Wide range of routes for early delivery. Ray on 07940 920211 Training Centre www.trentboathandling.co.uk including lock free Can be fitted to any Escape into the countryside stage of the Midland Shire Counties For details call FISHING 07802 409693 Short Breaks a Speciality www.canalbreaks.com Tel: 0870 744 2206

To advertise in the November edition of Tow pa th Talk This advert would cost only 0.95 pence per day BOAT SAFETY SCHEMES telephone Jim Jarman on TEL: 01785 813982 01522 697100 FAX: 01785 819041 or Email: [email protected] e-mail [email protected] www.canalcruising.co.uk

Superb fleet of 23 boats from 2 to 10 berth Send now for colour NARROWBOATS brochure

ROSE NARROWBOATS Stretton-under-Fosse, Nr Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 0PU Tel: 01788 832449 on-line brochure and availablity at: 7 Westview Close, Bradley, Keighley, BD20 9BU www.rose-narrowboats.co.uk OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 13 TTOOWWPPAATTHH TTRRAADDEERR

CLASSIFIED

HOLIDAYS/HIRE SIGNWRITING AND PAINTING WATER OF BOATS AT UNBEATABLE PRICES SHOULD Luxury family owned CONTACT ROBERT ON 0115 9585268 ALWAYS Narrowboat for hire TRADITIONAL OR ARTWORK OF YOUR OWN CHOICE TASTE THIS ESTABLISHED 1981 Discover the Midlands waterways www.murals-signs.co.uk GOOD! from our base on the picturesque email: [email protected] For less than 1p per litre you can be sure river Soar part of the Leicester ring that your water is pure and tastes fresh.

tel: 0115 984 2783 Narrow Boat FILTAPAC ECONOFLO fax: 0115 921 1297 Complete Set - £10.00 p&p £2.99 a carbon filter which can be recharged for £5.50 send cheques/postal orders to: including p&p and the initial cost is £25 includ- www.luxuryafloat.co.uk ing fittings and p&p. email [email protected] M. Masters, 88 Elizabeth Easily fitted and filters 4000 litres Terrace, Wisbech, between recharges. Cambridgeshire PE13 2AL FILTAPAC CERAMIC a water purifier with added carbon to ensure JANNEL CRUISERS that fresh taste. SHOBNALL MARINA, SHOBNALL ROAD, Ted’s Boat Comes complete with a touchflow tap, a self tap- ping valve, hose and connectors. Easy to fit and BURTON UPON TRENT, STAFFS filters 3000 litres per cartridge. The cost is a DE14 2AU Yard Limited fraction of that of comparable water purifiers - Bridge 63, Shropshire Union Canal £98.00 including carriage. SEE OUR ADVERT ON PAGE 23 New cartridge £18.00. Diesel, Petrol, Gas,Coal, Pump Out, Chandlery 3 x 3d Five Note cards cards Barrus Shire, Beta Marine, Filtapac, 8 Tudor Close, Stone, Staffs. ST15 0JY Tradcraft Traditional Lister Petter and Isuzu £4.99 Framed photo £2.50 p&p 95p p&p 95p 01785 816507 www.filtapac.co.uk Narrowboat Hire Parts and Servicing £4.99 p&p £1.50 Market Drayton - Shropshire Canal BSSC Inspections, Gas Testing and Traditional Narrowboating at its best Repair Work Allow 28 days for delivery Tel No. 0121 531 0033 E-mail: [email protected] Boats on Brokerage www.tradcraftboats.co.uk Betton Mill, Betton Road, Market Drayton TF9 1HH YACHT & MOTOR INSURANCE Tel: 01630 658282 Fax: 01630 656668 WESLEY MARINE Mobile: 07710 422500 CRUISER WINDOWS Email: [email protected] MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY INLAND WATERWAYS Website: www.tedsboatyard.co.uk TRANSPORT NARROWBOAT WINDOWS INSURANCE FARNDON MARINA VARIOUS SIZES AND FINISHES OF We have over 25 years experience of NEWARK, NOTTS WINDOWS AND PORTHOLES insurance for the Inland Waterways AVAILABLE COACH HOUSE 01636 705483 FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT Michael Stimpson & Associates ANGIE JACKSON (Part of the Mardon Insurance Group) INTERIORS SPECIALIST BOAT TEL/FAX: 01400 283286 1 Fernfield Farm [email protected] Tel; 0800 515629 Fax: 01743 236359 Whaddon Road, Little Horwood TRANSPORTERS www.insurance-marine.co.uk Milton Keynes MK17 0PR ALSO ABNORMAL LOAD ESCORT

* FOR ALL YOUR SERVICES UPHOLSTERY NEEDS VIKING MARINE SPECIALIST * RE-COVER - RE-UPHOLSTER INSULATION * NEW FOAMS, CUSHIONS ETC. Albert Street, Goole DN14 5SY SYSTEMS TRENT MARINE * WIDE CHOICE OF FABRICS & VINYLS Tel/Fax: 01405 765737 FREEPHONE 0800 4583735 18 Ventnor Rise, 18 Ventnor Rise, * D.I.Y. SUNDRIES www.vikingmarine.co.uk MOB 07976 267422 * WE CAN CALL ON YOU OR Sherwood, Nottingham SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT ON Insulation and Condensation Specialists DROP INTO OUR SHOWROOM THE PROFESSIONAL NG5 1NR Telephone: 01908 505232 PAGE 2 SPRAYFOAM PEOPLE Mobile: 07702 322249 SEE OUR MAIN ADVERT www.upholsterer-miltonkeynes.com ON PAGE 15 14 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 T O W P A T H E A T I N G & D R I N K I N G

THE TRENT THE OLD MARINA FOSSDYKE/WITHAM BAR & RESTAURANT Tel/Fax: 01332 799797 Your hosts Tim & Jo welcome you to Restaurant (Please book) Monday 5.30 - 7.30, Shardlow Marina - London Road, Shardlow, The Woodcocks The Old Malt Shovel Tuesday 12 - 2.30, 5.30-11.00 Derby DE72 2OL Burton Lane End, Lincoln Wednesday - Saturday Web: www.theoldmarinabar.co.uk ■ Home to R.A.T.S. All Day 11.30 - 11.00 01522 703460 ■ Good Beer Guide 2004 Sunday all day * Situated on Shardlow Marina ■ Cask Marquee Award 12 - 10.30 Nr. Cavendish Bridge, 5 min from Shardlow Wharf ■ Long alley skittles Early Bird Menu * Fine Traditional Beers ■ 5.30 - 7.30 * Live Entertainment Party bookings accepted BBQs throughout Friday & Saturday Night = Late Bar the summer! * Tuesday Nights - Dixieland Jazz Mooring Available on the Fossedyke close to 25 Northgate, Newark NG24 1HD * TWO FOR SIX * on the Fossedyke close to (2 MEALS FOR £6.00) Burton Waters Marina Telephone : 01636 702036 Burton Waters Marina www.theoldmaltshovel.co.uk For traditional Sunday roasts, well THE GRAND UNION kept cask ales and guest beers. MUSKHAM THE AIRE & CALDER Meals served all day from 12 noon Large party bookings available LOCKS Monday to Friday FERRY ONN S C BAY HORSE TTO A BAY HORSE TT F INN Main Street, Great Heck, Goole AA E 01977 661125 HH THE SHIP INN The Muskham Ferry is situated Bridge Street, Saxilby on the banks of the Trent with ■ spectacular views Traditional Beers 01522 702259 ■ Food seven nights a week ONE OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRES ■ Sunday Lunches Situated at the top of the HIDDEN GEMS lovely Hatton Flight of locks above Warwick, * Moorings on Fossdyke * we offer quality tea, coffee, cakes and snacks. MUDDY BOOTS, BEASTS & BIKES WELCOME! * All Day Opening * NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR Monday - Thursday XMAS LUNCHES - open 4pm Open 7 days a week all year. Food Everyday £10.95 per head October - April Inc. Sunday Roast Available from 1st December Fri/Sat/Sun 10am - 4pm every day to 23rd December Open all day Canal trips on board “Saltie” Cruise from the cafe at top lock to the Shrewley Tunnel and back. MUSKHAM FERRY INN Sunday 24th - Sunday 31st October North Muskham Newark THE TRENT & TEL. 01636 704943 Telephone 01926 409432 Email [email protected] MERSEY Canal Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 7JL THE OLD www.waterscape.com THE BARGE INN Canalside, Keadby DN17 CROWN THE ASHBY CANAL UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP 18th Century Inn (Under new management) ALL DAY OPENING Childrens Play Area & * Accommodation Beer Garden * Beer Garden / Childrens Play Area Bar Meals Available * Real Ales THE SHROPSHIRE * Home Cooked Food The Lime Kilns is situated on the main A5 Watling Plus Sunday Carvery Street where the Ashby canal crosses the UNION Live Entertainment 400 yards off A6 at Cavendish Bridge Leicestershire/Warwickshire border at bridge 15, 10 min walk from Shardlow Marina about three miles south from Stoke Golding Late Bar (1am) We have free moorings Friday & Saturday Cavendish Bridge, Shardlow, available for patrons Tel: 01724 784500 Derby DE72 2HL onto our beer garden, Te: 01332 792392 Fax: 01332 799292 which in sunny weather has a bouncy castle and E-mail: [email protected] barbecue as well as the play area for children. There are also free moorings opposite and through THE bridge 15 past the water point Open Daily The Old Chandlery (except Christmas Day) Opening Hours 8.00am - 5.00pm WATERFRONT Restaurant Monday to Friday 11.00am - 11.00pm Sawley Marina Saturday 11.00am - 11.00pm INN Sunday 12 am - 10.30pm OPEN Woodies * Under new ownership * SIX DAYS Gary and Jill Buswell Canalside Emporium and Tea Rooms A WEEK The Lime Lilns, Watling Street, Burbage, Betton Mill, Betton Road, Market Drayton, Linda and Bob Welcome You Leicestershire LE10 3ED Shropshire TF9 1HH Tel: 01455 631158 Telephone 01630 653564 * Moorings available at the junction of the Breakfast, CHESTERFIELD Trent & Chesterfield Canal * Light Snacks, * Beer garden * Lunches, CANAL * Seperate non smoking restaurant Fresh Filled inc. speciality - Char grilled Steaks * Rolls CA NA L SIDE COFFEE SHOP * Real Ales * Sunday Roast Family run business - * Accomodation * of the Day open 7 days a week - 10.00am - 4.00pm FOR ALL OUTSIDE CATERING TELEPHONE 01909 476676 Canal Lane, West Stockwith, Licensed Bar CANALSIDE COFFEE SHOP Lincs., 01427 891223 2a Shireoaks Row, Tel: 0115 946 0300 Shireoaks, Worksop, www.thewaterfrontinn.co.uk SB1 8LP OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 15 T O W P A T H E A T I N G & D R I N K I N G

OXFORD CANAL More Tucker from the Towpath... Lock Stop Café & Rose Hips - a sight for sore eyes BADSEYs BISTRO uring the colder months of autumn, to cure impotence in men. VOTED BEST WATERSIDE fewer sights can be more cheerful For many years, rose water has been used Dand heart warming, than seeing to clear the skin of blemishes, including RESTAURANT the bright orange red hips of the common acne and spots, or easing sprains and dog rose Canina. bruising and it can also be used to relieve The common dog rose is a straggly shrub, and sooth sore eyes by bathing them with The Locks, Hillmorton, Rugby, which can grow to 10 feet high. It is it. Oxford Canal unusual to see this shrub growing alone in The rose petals can be used in many ways, open ground as its usual habit is to grow if you can only pick a few, try them on sal- Telephone 01788 553562 amongst other shrubbery or in hedgerows ads, they add a lightly perfumed taste and and on the edges of woodland. texture. to book. The flowers are more simple and delicate Try making rose petal sandwiches; you from than the cultivated garden roses, large, will need 4oz of butter, a good handful of the hips. Moor up for tea, lunch or white to pink in colour and consisting of rose petals and some tin foil. Place the but- Rose hip a la carte evening menu. five petals. The leaves are roughly toothed ter on the tin foil, cover with the petals. syrup, not just around the edges and the stems are Wrap it up well, try to make it air tight, to dispense to Very relaxed style, good food at armed with hooked prickles. and pop it in the refrigerator over night. children with coughs and colds but it can Roman ladies sucked on pastilles made of Spread the bread with the your rose petal be poured on pancakes, my favourite, ice reasonable prices. roses to sweeten the breath, and garlands butter, cut off the crusts and serve. Its an creams rice puddings or waffles. Tastes " To avoid disappointment, please of roses were once worn to prevent drunk- ideal starter for the B.B.Q. on balmy sum- great, does you good and it is almost free enness. mer evenings, and I bet your neighbours what more can you want? telephone ahead for a booking" Rose petals were thought to increase fer- have never tried that! Pick the hips when they have been soft- tility and were thought to have the power Rose water can be used as a scent and ened by light morning frosts but by as flavouring. It is very easy to make, November they will have become too soft just pour boiling water over a handful and be virtually useless as far as eating is of petals in a bowl. Cover and leave for concerned. about l2hr. Strain the rose water The time-honoured method to make the Based at Sutton Cheney Wharf, through a sieve, squeezing the remain- syrup is to gather 2lb of ripened hips. ing petals to gain the full flavour or Prepare 3 pints of boiling water, roughly The Ashby Trip operates several scent, strain again through a muslin chop the hips and drop into the boiling boats on the scenic Ashby Canal cloth. Bottle and keep cool. It is deli- water immediately and return to the boil. cious in rice puddings, just add a couple offering refreshment and dining When boiled remove from the heat and facilities at the Wharf. of dessertspoons full before cooking. The flowers of June and July become stand aside for 15 mins. Pour into a jelly the hips, ‘seedpods’, in late July and bag or muslin cloth and strain off the liq- August and finally ripen in September uid. Return the contents of the bag to the and October. saucepan, add to it 11/2 pints of boiling Interior view of “Rose”, our It is best to leave the gathering of the water, stir and stand for 10 mins. Pour 72ft restaurant Narrowboat hips until after the first light frosts back into jelly bag or muslin cloth and ideal for evening meals, a when the skins have softened and the allow the liquid to drip through. Put the special private party, our starches have been converted into strained juice into a clean saucepan and sugar. It is thought that the ripened boil until the juice is reduced to about 11/2 lively Music Cruise and very hips can contain as much as 20 times pints, then add 11/2 lbs of sugar and boil for popular Sunday Lunches. the amount of vitamin C as oranges. another 5mins. Pour into warmed sterile During the Second World War, many bottles or jars and seal at once. Store in the hundreds of tons of Rose hips were dark. I advise you to use small bottles or gathered, under government orders, jars as an opened bottle will only keep for and were made into Rose hip syrup. about a week or two. “Jubilee” provides one-hour Whole generations of children were So lets have you getting out there, cruises with food and a bar, given spoons full of this most palatable gathering your harvest, and medicine to ward off coughs, colds, the getting healthy, have and is also available for small flu and many other infections. a go at Rose hip group charters, daytime or Hospitals also dispensed the syrup to syrup I am sure you evening during the summer. patients .The health promoting syrup was even considered to aid recovery will love it. from broken bones. The most useful preparation is made By Phil Rhodes Shark spotted on The Ashby Canal! “Rosebud” is our water-borne fair- ground ride. Great fun and a real duck’s eye view Suppliers and Fitters of of the canal and wildlife. The world famous Refleks Diesel fired Marine Heating / Cooking Stoves, Clean, Economical and low Maintenance. If your preference is to sit and are now offering watch the canal go by, our Discounted Prices Throughout summer purpose-built tea-room & gift on all Refleks Stoves! shop is ideal. Large windows Eg: (below) give the perfect view, Refleks 62M 2.4 KW Stove rereshments always available. £1050 INC VAT FITTED!

www.ashbytrip.com, 01455 213838 The Ashby Trip, Sutton Cheney Wharf, Wharf Lane, Sutton Cheney, Warwickshire. CV13 0AL “a change from the ordinary” 16 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 FFIISSHHIINNGG VVIIEEWWSS

Above: Gerald Turner, CollinghamAA weekday Baliff must be in the know and trying his hand just below Cromwell weir at what is considered to be one of the favourite pegs on the lower reaches of the River Trent. Just downstream of the weir Paul Craven and Neil Holt from Pontefract wait for the day to cool down and the light to fade in anticipation of a good late evenings fishing.

Right: Sheffield fisherman Arthur Lee (72) of the Wordsworth Tavern, no doubt looking to catch a ‘Host of Golden Carp’ as he tries his skill along the lower stretches of the River Trent at Girton. OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 17 18 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 Ashton Canal - The 70s Reopening ofa Missing Link 1974 SAW ONE OF THE with each address conve- largest public cleanup proj- niently laid out next to its ects ever witnessed on a own individual mooring. As restored waterway. Since I walked by recently I was then the Ashton Canal keen to see if any were in appears to have slipped use, though I couldn’t spot back into an inevitable a single craft that appeared downward spiral of urban as though its crew were decline and neglect. The there out of choice. reasons for this are mani- The Ashton Canal clearly fold and possibly include has a long way to go if it is many more issues than to become recognised along- relate exclusively to the side its neighbouring Ashton. Anti-social behav- waterways as a leisure iour is the old-chestnut, amenity. Parts of it are though internal waterway hardly unattractive, politics are often blamed for the disruptions and stop- despite running through pages many boaters suffer densely industrialised sur- in pursuit of their chosen roundings, and it is becom- pastime afloat. ing a natural corridor for a Some canals owe their sur- variety of wildlife. My per- vival principally to the pos- sonal feelings are that terity of other more high hanging onto the past, how- profile waterways. There is ever rich in history, does no better example of this not work for every canal than the Ashton, which is a alike. Though this water- vital link in the courses of vides the vital link needed 1792 and opened shortly traffic declined the canal, games that this was first way may have a recognis- the Cheshire Cruising Ring to connect the Huddersfield afterwards. Its main line along with so many others, recognised. On walking the able heritage, it is to the as well as the much-cele- Narrow at Ashton Under- remains unchanged to this was allowed to fall into a towpath, bypassing its 18 future we must look if the brated ring around the Lyne with the Rochdale in day and although much of state of disrepair until 1962 heavily padlocked locks Ashton is to remain inte- South Pennines. the heart of Manchester on its glorious past remains in when it was finally and one pub - the Straw- grated into the national Concentrating on the latter, the Lancashire side of the evidence, it is gradually declared un-navigable. berry Duck - it is blatantly network. Thanks to the Peak Forrest evident that this is a canal Its reopening, after all, Canal Society, the Inland waiting for something posi- meant the replacement of Waterways Association, tive to happen. It has two vital links needed to local councils, and the become a potentially dan- complete the Cheshire and British Waterways Board gerous recreation ground South Pennine rings so des- that was; the Ashton Canal for a congregation of intim- perately needed. This in was once again reopened to idating teenagers and this itself should be enough to through traffic, bringing its is noted in advice circulated acknowledge the Ashton for history up to the present by British Waterways who its true value as a canal of day. recommend boaters negoti- immeasurable merit. Those The year 2002 brought a ate the Ashton in pairs or who tirelessly campaigned new burst of energy to the groups for safety reasons. and worked towards its Ashton when the Common- On the approach to reopening during the 70s at wealth Games were staged Manchester, the regenera- least deserve the reward of alongside it. It has often tion is an optimistic indica- seeing it returned to traffic been said that the canal is tion that all things are pos- on a regular and hassle- one that has constantly sible where you have a free basis. enjoyed a bad press and it waterfront. Here is a new Phil ‘The Towpath Tyke’ was probably after the residential development, Hammond.

Pennines. disappearing as it falls vic- 198 locks and four tunnels, As a commercial concern, tim to both a local preoccu- 67 miles of virtually the Ashton peaked during pation with arson on the unspoilt waterway cuts the 1830s when it was one hand, and the through the most scenic needed to transport coal onslaught of urban redevel- northern landscape imagi- from the collieries around opment on the other. nable, not to mention pass- Oldham. It also provided Strangely enough, both ing through the highest, the first major trade route extremes appear to coexist, deepest and longest canal between Manchester and living comfortably side-by- tunnel ever built, on the the textile mills of Ashton, side quite neighbourly Lancashire/Yorkshire bor- and when the narrow within yards from each der below Standedge. Macclesfield Canal opened other’s doorstep. The Rochdale, Hudder- in 1831 it became part of a Prior to its closure, in 1846 sfield Narrow, and the through route connecting the forerunner of the Great Calder & Hebble Navig- Manchester with the pot- Central Railway Company ation, however, owe so tery districts around Stoke- bought out the Ashton and much to this necessary on-Trent and the Midlands. for a limited period of time 6.75-mile stretch of the A narrow canal, the Ashton it was kept fully main- Ashton Canal, which pro- was authorised by an Act in tained and operational. As OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 19 W H AT’S ON DIARY

0208 6749387 centre, Somersetshire Coal Theatre Co OCTOBER Boat MuseumEllesmere port Canal Society 27/10/2004 Wed 8.00 pm Richard Healey Monday 4/10/04 Jennifer MacGillivray Devizes IWA North Lancs & 01789 555023 Art Exhibition Barnsley Dearne & Dove 01745 832576 Walk - Devizes Lock Flight Cumbria Branch 30/10/2004 ‘The Best Way To Travel’ Canal Trust Mike Chapman Guy’s Thatched Hamlet Sat Gates open-5.30pm Currently on until 8th Meeting Market Hotel, 12/10/2004 Tues 8.00 pm 01225 426948 Restoration Projects in the Anderton Boat Lift October Wentworth Rd, IWA Northampton Branch North West - M Clarke Firework Spectacular By fine Artist Kevin Parrish Elsecar near Barnsley 19.45 Blisworth Coaching Inn 17/10/2004 Sun 10.45 am David Smith Tickets 01606 786777 at Cambrian House, 2 canal for 20.00 hours North East Waterways - IWA Solent & Arun Branch 01257 274440 or Northwich Tourist Info side (off Edward Speaker to be arranged John Pomfret Meet at Winchester railway street),Birmingham. nr the Richard Waddy station 28/10/2004 Thurs 30/10/2004 Sat National Indoor Arena. 05/10/2004 Tues 7.30 pm 01327 842347 Walk - Explore the Itchen Wey & Arun Canal Trust St Pancras Cruising Club ( but possible extension due Worcester & B’ham Canal Navigation Onslow Arms - Paddington to Kensal Green to demand) Society 13/10/2004 Wed 8.00 pm Andy Berncastle Surrey/Sussex border Cemetery Tel 0121 632 6845 Boat & Railway Inn, Stoke IWA South Yorks & 023 80273599 Walk - Wey & Arun Canal Spooky Cruise 0121 200 7400 Works Dukeries Branch Don Gibson for further info Cruising Club The Monarchs Way - Trevor Strawberry Island Boat 17/10/2004 Sun 2.30 pm 01903 201375 0121 2448439 Antill Club, Doncaster IWA London Region 01/10/2004 Fri 7.00 pm Ian Hunter 01527 402360 Sheffield Ship Model Society Meet Warwick Avenue tube 28/10/2004 Thurs 7.30 pm 31/10/2004 Sun 9.30 am River Stour Trust - talk & display station IWA Merseyside & W The Granary, Quay Lane, 06/10/2004 Wed 8.00 pm Christine Brown Walk - Regent’s Canal Little Lancs/SCARS Ashby Canal Association Sudbury IWA South London Branch 01709 375467 Venice to St Patrick’s RC Church Club Gopsall Wharf Wine Tasting East Croydon URC Church Camden Town Year of the Sea, 2005 - Whole day ramble with pub River Stour Trust Hall 14/10/2004 Thurs 7.30 pm Mike Stevens Lorraine Hammond lunch stop 01787 313100 National Trust & River Wey IWA Leicestershire Branch 0208 6749387 David Long Bernard Timson Navigations - D Wood Oadby Tennis Club 01942 864383 01455 842208 02/10/2004 Sat Lesley Pryde Droitwich Canal Restoration 18/10/2004 Mon Mon & Brec Canal Trust 0208 6799866 - Ivor Caplan Friends of the Cromford 28/10/2004 Thurs 8.00 pm 31/10/2004 Sun 10.45 am Navigation Inn, Gilwern Beryl McDowall Canal Trent & Mersey Canal Old Union Canals Society Autumn Boat Gathering 07/10/2004 Thurs 7.30 pm 07710 029247 Ironville Church Hall Society Meet at Dirty Duck pub 029 20888681 B’ham Canal Navigations Restoration - Barton-under-Needwood vil- near Woolthorpe Society 14/10/2004 Thurs 7.30 pm Vic Smallshire lage hall Walk - Grantham Canal 02/10/2004 Titford Pump House, IWA Northumbria Branch Mike Kelley History of Ribbon and Lace Keith Howlett Sat 10.am- 5pm Oldbury Norton Methodist 01773 833425 Plate - Evelyn Booth [email protected] Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration of Church Hall Peter Lee 01283 791197 Trust Bugsworth Basin Passenger’s Log part 1 - 18/10/2004 Mon 7.30 pm NOVEMBER Celleb 18th Huddlesford Christine Potter Arthur Holt IWA Birmingham Branch 29/10/2004 Fri 7.30 pm Gathering 0121 6847576 Mary Bielby The Lock Inn, nr Old Union Canals Society Barnsley Dearne & Dove Huddlesford Junction, 01287 640026 Kidderminster Great Bowden Village Hall CanalTrust Nr Lichfield 08/10/2004 Fri 8.00 pm Work at IWA Head Office - My Life on the Working Sue Williams Tel. IWA West Riding Branch 14/10/2004 Thurs 7.45 pm Matt Duncan & colleague Boats - Beryl McDowall Monday 1/11/04 Meeting 01543 671427 Social Club, Centenary IWA Chelmsford Branch Vaughan Welch Keith Howlett Market Hotel, House, Leeds Moulsham Mill, Chelmsford 0121 4779782 [email protected] Wentworth Rd, 02/10/2004 Sat Yorkshire Waterways - New Orleans to Chicago by Elsecar near Barnsley Mon & Brec Canal Trust Laurence Morgan Water - Paul Leach 19/10/2004 Tues 7.30 pm 25/09/2004 19.45 for 20.00 hours Navigation Inn, Gilwern Elliott Mosley Doug Beard IWA South Wales Branch Sat 10.30 - 4.30 Speaker to be arranged Autumn Boat Gathering 01274 581413 01702 554492 Cross Keys Hotel, Cross London Canal Museum 029 20888681 Keys, nr Newport New Wharf Road 05/11/2004 09/10/2004 Sat 1.00 pm 14/10/2004 Thurs 7.45 pm The Newport Transporter Roses & Castles painting Fri 5th - Sat 6th 7.30 pm Saturday 2nd Leeds & Liverpool Trent & Mersey Canal Bridge - Alan Cohen workshop B’ham Canal Navigations October 2004 Canal Society Society Don Thomas Museum 0207 7130836 Society An easy 11 mile linear walk Meet Shipley Warehouse (on Royal British Legion Club, 01633 483402 from Worksop to Retford fol- the L&L) Middlewich 30/10/2004 Sat 8.00 pm Engine Arm, Galton Valley, lowing the ‘Cuckoo Way’ Walk - Bradford Canal Horse Boating - Sue Day 19/10/2004 Tues 7.30 pm Stratford upon Avon Canal Smethwick alongside the Chesterfield Mike Hustler Christine Thompson Herefordshire & Glos Canal Society Annual Bonfire and Canal. Bus option and pub 01282 816476 07881 861509 Trust Lapworth Village Hall Firework Boat Rally halfway at Ranby. Catch The Verzon, Trumpet, nr The Flower of Gloster - Barrie Johnson return train at end of walk 09/10/2004 14/10/2004 Thurs 7.45 pm Ledbury Henry the Horse 0121 4224373 from Retford. All welcome. Sat 9th - Sun 10th Macclesfield Canal Society Restoration of the Severn Walk is free but train fares IWA Notts & Derbyshire New Liberal Club, Princess - Tim Ryan apply. Branch Macclesfield Janet Moult Start at 10.20am at Worksop Nottingham Lichfield & Hatherton 01432 264366 W H AT’S ON DIARY COUPON railway station. Suitable Goose Fair Gander Canals: Where are we NAME OF ORGANISATION trains direct to Worksop Boat Gathering today? 20/10/2004 Wed 7.30 pm depart Huddersfield at Terence Balchin Glennis Gratwick IWA Warwickshire Branch 8.22am, Sheffield at 9.48am 0115 9252917 01625 501516 Globe Hotel, Warwick CONTACT NAME and Lincoln at 9.29am. River Avon - source to Organised by the Ramblers’ October 9 & 10, 2004, 15/10/2004 Fri 7.45 pm Severn - Graham Lowe TELEPHONE Association Lincolnshire. 10am to 6pm each day. IWA Notts & Derbyshire Ian Fletcher EVENT TITLE All welcome. The Skipton Local Produce Branch 01926 815413 Call 01522-534655. Festival - organised by Rushcliffe Arena, West North Yorkshire County Bridgeford 20/10/2004 Wed 7.45 pm VENUE 03/10/2004 Council, is to be held at Value for Money from a Gold IWA Lichfield Branch Sun 10.30 am Skipton Auction Mart on Licence - A Smith George Hotel, Lichfield IWA North Lancs & Saturday and Sunday. Mavis White Cromford Canal DATE Cumbria Branch Contact Sue Swales at 01636 671726 John Stockland Meet in car park, Skipton Tourist 0121 3080293 TIME STA RTS Crooklands Hotel Information Centre on 15/10/2004 Fri 7.45 pm Walk - Northern Reaches TIME FINISHES 01756 792809. Stratford-upon-Avon Canal 21/10/2004 Thurs 7.30 pm (lunch booking by 27/9) Society IWA Avon & Wilts Branch ADMISSION PRICE Madeline Dean 01257 Tickets are £4 Wootton Wawen 231861 Thornbury, nr Bristol (under 16s are free) Margaret, Sheila & Hazel - Idle Women at Work - Sonia 10/10/2004 Sun 10.00 - 4.00 Colin Scrivener SENDER DETAILS (in case of quer y - not for publication) 03/10/2004 Sun 10.30 am Rolt River Stour Trust Malcolm Sadler Geoff Harman NAME Friends of the Cromford The Granary, Quay Lane, 01789 205571 0117 9623812 Canal Sudbury TELEPHONE Codnor Park Reservoir to Wedding Fayre Saturday 16/10/04 25/10/2004 Mon 7.45 pm EMAIL Boat Inn, Pinxton Rose Cook 01787 313100 19.30 hours Fun Sponsored Walk (approx Barnsley Dearne & Dove IWA Milton Keynes Branch 2 miles) 11/10/2004 Mon 7.30 pm Canal. Bletchley Sports Club If necessary, please use additional sheet to provide more details. Yvonne Shattower Narrow boating to the Ashby Canal Association Charity Ceilidh, at the Send your completed coupon to: 0115 9464479 Measham Fleets, Smithies Barnsley. Medway - Roger Squires All at Sea - Ron Tucker Band “Roger the Badger” Rodney Evans 01908 376449 WHAT’S ON DIARY, Towpath Talk, Whisby Lodge, Hill Croft Business 03/10/2004 Sun 2.30 pm John Beaney tickets £5.00. 27/10/2004 Wed 7.45 pm Park, Whisby Road, Lincoln LN6 3FE or email [email protected] IWA London Region 07932 666685 Tickets Tel. Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Meet Bromley-by-Bow tube 01226 790341 The Stone Building, Free listings are accepted from clubs, charities and other non-profitmaking station 12/10/2004 7.45pm Proceeds shared with Monk Newbury Wharf organisations. Walk - Three Mills & the IWA Chester & Dis Branch Bretton Priory Group. The Gunpowder Plot - A £5.00 fee applies to all others. Remittance to be sent with coupon. Bow Back Rivers Richard Thomas The Rise of the Runcorn (Cheques or postal orders made payable to Towpath Talk). Mike Stevens Tom Rolt Conference 17/10/2004 Sun 10.00 am 01380 721279 20 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 Boat Art ANY TAKERS? Nauticology - A look at some of the unusual sights A - Z and signage found along the towpaths No.1 - the letter 'A' A ground - Going this usually occurs on a falling tide giving rise to a state of stability, peace and tranquility in the medium term - unless on a single keeled craft when panic usu- ally ensues. A hoy! - Call used to attract the attention of those aloft, aft, abaft, abeam or, simply, 'There'. A nchor -A heavy object tethering a boat to the bottom of the sea, river, canal etc. until either (i) the current or wind strength exceeds 2 knots; (ii) the ship's cook has served dinner; (iii) the crew are all abed, or 3am - which ever occurs first. A ye Aye - Long winded way of saying 'yes'. New “LUXURY” NARROWBOAT Often associated with the word 'Zur' ABNB BROKERAGE No.2 - the letter 'B' Quiet Toilets LARGO B arge - Floating rectangular metal container VOTED BUYING or SELLING carrying inert (usually) cargo / crew. Note how OUR BEST narrowboat owners get unaccountably upset PERFORMER when their craft are referred to as one of these. ABNB B attery -Electrical storage device with design OFFERS YOU QUALITY! life of one week more than its warranty; some- We may not have the largest listings amongst times capable of keeping a small lightbulb just inland brokers, but never mind the quantity Ð see glowing for one hour after a day's cruising. the quality. We do, however, guarantee that we B erth - A horizontal sleeping area somewhat PUMPED have the time to discuss your situation with you smaller than the average human frame in ELECTRIC (be it buying or selling) and will offer you honest LEGATO CENTRIFUGAL repose and, invariably, onto which water drips. advice, based on both our experience as current B ulkhead -The feeling on the morning after residential boaters and as professional brokers. send for the night before when you banged your head • Dual Flush Operation NEW catalogue! Ask a group of experienced boaters which broker on structures in the boat designed to fit doors (Econo/Normal Flush) to go to if you wish to buy or sell a quality boat & into. Andy Burnett Narrowboat Brokerage will proba- • Ceramic Bowl Toilets bly be the most common reply. B utty - If a breasted pair of narrowboats tries • Minimal Maintenance to overtake you, one is likely to be one of • Easy to Clean these. It probably doesn't have an engine; on the other hand, it probably doesn't need one. • Very Quiet (ii) Closely associated with bacon - usually at Lee Sanitation Ltd. If you are thinking of buying or selling a boat, about eleven o'clock in the morning. SANIFLO T: 01295 770000 F: 770022 call us on 01788 822115 / 07721 378 653 Northern Division to discuss your requirements, or visit our Courtesy of Four Counties Boating (Training) Tel/Fax: 01400 283283 e-mail [email protected] website www.abnb.co.uk http://members.aol.com/fcb0001 web site: www.leesan.com (updated every Monday night) to find out for Calcutt Boats Ltd- yourself what others already know. w w w.calcuttboats.com ABNB Ltd, Crick Wharf, West Haddon Rd, Crick, Northants, NN6 7XT. OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 21 ATH T DISTRIBUTION OUTLETS OW P A LK INDEX T Sharing V iews THE FASTEST GROWING PUBLICATION ON THE WATERWAYS

If we have not reached your area yet – don’t worry we are on our way ! You can obtain your free monthly copy of Towpath Talk from any of the following outlets. Let us know if your nearest outlet has run out at any time and we will ensure they receive more copies the next month. This list is rapidly expanding so watch out each month for the nearest one to you. If this is not convenient for you then you can order your free copy by completing the Towpath Direct voucher on page Fourteen.

Kings Lock Boatyard Melbourne Tea Rooms Navigation, Calder Wakefield LEICS, Lapworth PO Moira furnace YORKSHIRE Grove,Wakefield ‘Waterstart Project Thorne Lockside Stores, Grindley Brook LINCS,NOTTS & Navigation PH, Shardlow Navigation,Criggleston, Waterton Park Hotel, Walton Lock,Stop & Badsey’s Bistro, Navigation Inn PH, 5 Rise Locks Cafe, Bingley Wakefield Waterways Museum Centre, DERBY Rugby Trent Lock, Sawley A.Donoghue Cycles, Goole New Inn, Stainforth Goole Maestermyn Marine Agricultural College, Derby Navigation Inn PH, Shardlow Anchor Restaurant, Gargrave North Star Marina Club,Goole Wharf Craft Shop, Sowerby Meadow Farm Marina, Anchor Inn, Gunthorpe Newark Marina, Newark Ancholme leisure centre, Brigg Old Mill Public House, Bridge Barrow on Soar Angling Supplies, Worksop New Ferry Restaurant, Farndon Alternative Tech. Centre, Brighouse White House Farm, Goole Measham Boats, Measham Ashby Canal Centre,Stoke New Inn PH, Shardlow Hebden Bridge Outdoor Activity Centre, Skipton Golding A.Pearse,Timberponds,Goole Peacock Hotel,Goole Mooring PH, Leamington Nottingham Castle Marina, MIDLANDS Midland Chandlers,Braunston Ashby Boat Company,Stoke Nottingham Appollo Cruisers, Shipley Wharf Pennine Cruisers, Skipton Alvecote Marina, Tamworth Mill Shop, Audlem Golding Old Chandlery Restaurant, Aspley Wharf Marina Pennine Boat Club, Mirfield Ashby Trip, Sutton Cheney Anglo Welsh Marina, Mill House, Braunston Sawley Barge PH, Brighouse Public Library,Goole Aston on Trent PO, Barge & Barrel PH, Elland Puffer Parts, Riddlesden Great Haywood Nantwich Canal Centre Old Crown Inn, Shardlow Nantwich Café Aston on Trent Bay Horse PH, Gt. Heck Punch Bowl PH, Salterhebble Anglo Welsh, Norbury Old Marina Bar & Rest., Narrowboats Chandlery, Barge PH, The Wharf, Newark BridgePH, Brighouse, Red Rooster PH, Aquatravel Ltd., Bromsgrove Shardlow Daventry Barrow on Soar Library Bramsche PH, Todmorden Brookfoot,Brighouse Ashby Boat Co, Stoke Golding Old Malt Shovel PH,Newark Navigation Inn, Lapworth Barge & Bottle PH , Sleaford Brownhill Countryside Centre, Railway Club,Selby Ashby Tourist info Old Forge, Melbourne Navigation Inn, Wootton Wawen Beeston Marina Dobcross Railway PH, Hebden Bridge Ashby Library Otter PH, Hathern Navigation Inn, Stoke Prior Beeston Marina Café Black Horse Inn, Goole Riverhead Brewery, Marsden Baddersley Wharf, Atherstone Peacock Inn PH, Redmile New Inn, Buckby Bosworth Battlefield Centre Blacksmiths ArmsPH,Goole Riverhead Brewery, Marsden Barton Turns Marina, Pizza Express,The Wharf, Wharf,Daventry Brittania PH, Farndon Black Swan PH, Brighouse Saddleworth Tourist Info. Centre Barton under Needwood Newark Old Royal Oak,Hillmorton Burton Waters Marina, Lincoln Bluebird Café, Sowerby Bridge Selby Boat Centre Barry Hawkins Narrowboats, Plough PH, Cropwell Butler Paper Shop, Canal Basin, Bell PH, Bishopbridge, Blue Water Marina, Thorne Shepley Bridge Marina, Mirfield Atherstone Mkt Rasen Plough, PH, Normanton on Soar Blue Note Cafe, Todmorden BK Marine, NaptonJunction Coventry Oham Lakes, Nr Louth Ship PH, Shepley Bridge Poleworth P.O., Tamworth Boston Marina, Boston BP Services, Hessle Ship Inn, Mirfield Boat Shop, Braunston, Pyewipe Inn, Lincoln Otherton Boat Haven, Penkridge Boston Tourist Info. Office, BW Castleford, Shire Cruisers, Sowerby Bridge Northants Riverside Inn PH, Oxley Marine, W’hampton Boston BW Thorne Lock Shoulder of Mutton, Slaithwaite Boat Shop, Little Braunston Barrow on Soar Roundhouse,Gailey Bridge Inn PH, Saxilby Calder Valley Marine, Silsden Boats, Silsden Boat Inn, Stockton Wrangle Brownlow Arms PH, Rising Sun, Willington Blakes Boats, Coventry Rose Boats Canal Shop,Brinklow Apperley Bridge Skipton Tourist Info High Marnham Rising Sun, Shackerstone Black Countryman Canal Shop, Sandbrook Vaults PH, Canal Tavern, Thorne Snaygill Boats, Bradley Bubble Inn PH, Stenson Rose & Crown, Farndon Stourbridge Mkt- Drayton Canal Visitor Centre, Hebden Springfield Camping Centre, BW East Midlands, Newark Rose & Crown PH, Zouch, Black Country Museum,Dudley Saltisford Canal Centre Bridge Sowerby Bridge Canal Society, Borrowash Black Prince Holidays, Sherborne Wharf, Birmingham Loughborough Canalside Cafe, Hebden Bridge Square One Bar, Hebden Bridge Canalside Coffee Shop, Bromsgrove Stafford Court Hotel Royal William PH, Lincoln Casa Del Largo, Elland Rd, Stable Café, Dewsbury Shireoaks Safeway Service Station, Blue Haven Marine,Hillmorton Stephen Goldsborough Boats, Brighouse Staniland Marine, Thorne Canal Tavern PH, Worksop Hinckley Calder Valley Marine, Dewsbury Blackwater Meadow Marina Grand Union Standedge Visitor Centre Stone Boat Building, Stone Castaway Tackle, Lincoln Sawley Marina, Sawley Calder Angler Supplies, Boat Supply Chandlery, Stanley Marina, Stanley Ferry Streethay Wharf Marina, Chequers Inn, Ranby Sawley Tackle, Long Eaton Gooder Lane Rastrick Droitwich Strawberry Island Boat Club, Lichfield. Staffs Codnor Angling, Codnor Shardlow Marina, Shardlow Chocolate & Coffee shop, Boatyard, Hillmorton Doncaster Swan Line Cruises Courtyard Hotel, Shardlow Heritage centre Slaithwaite Braunston Marine Shop Stubbings Wharf, Hebden Bridge Swan PH, Fradley Junction Brayford, Lincoln Shardlow PO Climax Fishing Tackle, Dronfield Braunston Chandlers,Little Conkers discovery centre Tourist info office, Talbot PH, Mkt Drayton Shireoaks Marina, Shireoaks Cobwebs Coffee rooms, Marsden Braunston E. Lindsey D.C., Hebden Bridge Teds Boat Yard, Market Drayton Shireoaks Sports & Social Club The Coffee House, Skipton Briar Cottage Moorings, Crewe & Harpur PH, Taggy’s Tackle, Thorne Tedesley Boat Centre, Penkridge Shop in the Yard, Colliers Arms PH, Elland Lapworth Swarkestone The Railway PH, The Black Boy, Knowle Arkwright Mills Commercial Hotel, Slaithwaite Bridge Inn, Audlurn Cromford Garden Centre, Canalside,Rodley B.W. Peels Wharf, Fazeley The Bridge Inn, Tibberton Smeatons Lakes, Newark Coach & HorsesPH.,Luddenfoot Cromford The Fishermans PH, Bingley BW. Oxford Canal The Bridge Inn, Napton Soar Bridge Inn PH, Country Park Inn, Hessle Thorne Boat Services, Thorne Deli/Diner, Breaston Black Country Baits, The Fir Tree, Dunhampstead Barrow on Soar Diggle Hotel, Saddleworth Thorne pet & Angling centre Derby Angling Centre, Derby Kingswinford The Fleur De Leys, Lowsonford Springhouse PH, Newark Delvs Cafe, Thorne The Aspley, Huddersfield Derwent Tackle, Borrowash BW Heritage Centre, Hatton The New Boat Company, Steamboat Inn PH, Erics Angling Centre, Leeds The Bay Horse PH, Bradley, Dobsons Boatyard, Shardlow BW Maintenance, Alrewas Hanbury Wharf Ship Inn PH, Saxilby Fishmania, Sowerby Bridge Skipton E.M.B.S., Kegworth Caggy`s Boat Yard, Tipton The Queens, Stoke Pound Sun Inn,Saxilby The Coffee House, Skipton Eight Jolly Brewers PH, G’boro FTD tackle, Goole Calcutt Boats, Stockton The Three Tuns Inn, Fazeley The Four Horseshoes, Environment Agency, Lincoln Sleaford Tourist Info, Sleaford Gee Tee Angling Supplies, Canal Basin Café, Coventry The Wharf, Brinklow Mlnsbn’dge Farndon Marina, Farndon Staunton Stables Tearooms, Silsden Canal shop , Whilton The Wharf, Goldstone The Flyboat, Aspley Fejllgar PH, Farndon Ashby De La Zouch G & S Hamstead fishing Tackle, Locks,Daventry Tiller Pin PH, Leamington The Lockeeper, West Stockwith Gallows Inn PH, Stenson Tea & Coffee Shop Rotherham Chirk Marina Tower Services, Mkt. Drayton The Narrowboat PH, Skipton George & Dragon PH, Stoke Swarkestone Garden Centre Granby Arms, Uppermill Crick Marina Two Boats, Long Itchington The Navigation, Dobcross Golding Trent Lock, Sawley Golden Lion PH, Todmorden Clive & Coffin, Mkt. Drayton Venetian Marine Cafe Green Dragon PH, Willington Tackle shop, Manton Goole Boathouse, Goole The Old Swan Inn, Gargrave Venetian Marine Shop The Pear Tree PK Mirfield Coles Boats, Long Itchington Globe Inn,Snarestone Trinity Marina, Hinkley Goole Leisure Centre Willow Wren, Rugby The Puzzle Hall PH, Sowerby Commandery Museum, Sidbury Goose PH, Gamston Trinity Marina Shop, Hinkley Haworth Tourist Info,Main Warwickshire Fly Co, Bridge County wise Cruisers, Great Northern PH, Trowel Nursery, Trowel Street, Hawarth Long Itchington The Railway PH, Rodley Brentwood Gunthorpe Marina Trent Port PH, G’boro Halifax Tourist Info, Piece Hall, Water Travel, W’hampton The Rose & Crown PH, Skipton Coombeswood Canal Trust, Gunthorpe Tea Rooms Trent Port, G’Boro Halifax Water Boats, Warwick The Royal & Ancient, Halesowen Gullivers Tea Rooms, G’boro Torksey Lock Hebden Bridge Hotel Wharfhouse Narrowboats, Huddersfield Cuttle Inn, Long Itchington Hop Pole PH, Retford Holmfirth Tourist Centre Braunston The Elms, Torksey The Shepherds Rest, Skipton Daves of Middlewich Hume Arms PH, Torksey Huddersfield Tourist Centre Wharf Tavern, Hockley Heath Unicorn PH, Boston The Ship, Horbury D Boats, Braunston Junction Tackle, Long Eaton International Marine Supplies, Willow Marina, Stoke Golding Unicorn PH, Gunthorpe, The Swan, Marsden Debdale Wharf Marina, Kegworth Marina, Kegworth G’Boro Woodies Café, Market Drayton Walkers of Trowel, Trowel The Wagon, Uppermill Kibworth Leics Kings Marina, Newark Watergate Restaurant, Hinckley Jolly Sailor PH, Wakefield Debbies Day Boats, Fazely Union Canal Carriers Ltd Lock House Tea rooms, The Wharf PH Aspley Watermill PH, Newark K & L Tackle, Keighley Dolphin Tackle Warehouse, Little Braunston Trent Lock, Sawley The Wharside Inn, Slaithwaite Wheatsheaf, Cropwell Bishop Ledgard Bridge Boat Co., Stoke Welford Marina Lockeepers Tavern PH, The White Lion PH, Mythlroyd Wheel Inn, Findern. Mirfield Draycote Water Rangers Office Weltonfields Narrowboats, Shireoaks The William IV PH, Sowerby White Hart, Newton on Trent Leggers Inn PH, Dewsbury Bridge Trust, Dudley Daventry Lock Keepers Cottage, Lock Keepers PH, Eagle & Sun, Droitwich Wharf Inn, Welford Trent Lock, Sawley White Swan Hotel, Wiseton The Woodman, Huddersfield Sowerby Bridge Fazeley Mill Marina, Fazeley Loughborough Lock White Swan Inn, Stoke Golding Todmorden Tourist Info. Lock, Stock & Barrel PH Foxton Lock Shop NORTH WEST Lime Kilns PH, Hinckley White Swan, Dunham on Trent Tourist Info Centre, Hessle Skipton Fly Fishing Co, Rugby Lincoln Boat Club Woodlands Garden Centre, Tourist Info office, Todmorden Market Tavern, Huddersfield Fusilier PH, Leamington Alvechurch Boat Centre, Lincoln Tourist Info , Lincoln Stapleton The Barge Inn, Keadby Marsden Info. Marsden Goldstone Wharf Anderton Lock House,Bardney West Lindsey DC, G’boro The Bingley Arms, Horbury Mollys Café,Selby Harvester Inn,Rugby Anderton Lift, Anderton Malt Shovel PH, Shardlow Wheelhouse Restaurant, Torksey The Commercial PH, Skipton Middle House PH, Goole Hatton Locks Café, Hatton Claymore Navigation, Memory Lane PH, White Hart PH, The Cut waterside Cafe, MooringsPH, Sowerby Bridge Heritage Marina, Stoke Prestonbrook Sutton on Trent Newton on Trent Shipley Wharf Moorland Community Ians Tackle, Penkridge Galgate Marina, Lancaster Melbourne Tackle & Gun shop, White Swan PH, Torksey Lock TheWorks, Hebden Bridge Midland Chandleries, Café,Goole Jandco Chandlery, Worcester Melbourne Witham Tavern, Boston Tunnel End Inn, Marsden Prestonbrook Moonraker Tearoom, Slaithwaite Jannels Cruisers, Midland Canal Centre, Stenson Woodcocks PH, Lincoln Vermuyden PH, Goole Stanley Arms, Anderton Navigation Tavern, Mirfield Burton on Trent Millgate PH, Newark Wharfside Bistro, G’Boro Viking Marine, Goole White Bear Marina, Adlington Kates Boats, Warwick Muskham Ferry PH, Ye Olde Windmill PH, Redmile Navigation PH, Sowerby Bridge VolunteersPH, Copley Wigan Pier Tour Information Kilworth Marina, Nth Kilworth North Muskham Zouch Marina, Loughborough Narrowboat PH, Skipton Walton Hall Trout Fishery, Centre 22 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 AAGGAAIINNSSTT AALLLL TTHHEE OODDDDSS -- FFEESSTTIIVVAALL 22000044 VVIIEEWWSS Continued from page 1 Mayor meets the Presidents Friends he Mayoral party boarded President for a tri- umphant journey past moored boats, through TDallow Lock to the Festival - accompanied on board by the traditional music of Braunston Pickle Folk Band Among those present at The costumed character of the opening of the , the canal Festival by the Mayor engineer was there too! were John Fletcher, Chairman of IWA, Brenda Dean MP for Burton-on- Trent and Sonia Rolt, widow of Tom Rolt one of the founding members of IWA in 1946. The Mayor and Mayoress of East Staffordshire were Above: Friends of the welcomed to Horninglow President and Kildaire, George Basin- the historic canal Hopkins,Penny Clover, Neil port of Burton -on-Trent - Ratcliffe by Eric Wood (the Chairman of the Festival) Left: Robert Knight and his and his wife Doreen who daughter Elizabeth were accompanied by their daughter and grand- Right: Cotswold canal trust, children dressed in one of a variety of canal trust colourful canal costumes. stands present

BARTONBARTON TURNSTURNS MARINAMARINA

Barton Turns Marina is situ- The Marina Facilities ated in the heart of the Inland Waterway network on the We have over 230 berths At Barton Turns Marina you Trent & Mersey canal between available for permanent and will find a full range of services Burton on Trent and temporary moorings and as to meet your needs. Our facili- Lichfield close to the a privately owned marina we ties include: Staffordshire village of Barton can offer our customers com- under Needwood. petitive rates. ■ Secure Long Term Car Park ■ Security Gates with Pin It is a privately owned, pur- Code Access pose built marina which ■ Electricity to each berth stands on a 65 acre site and and water to all jetties ■ includes two lakes, new forest Full Disabled & Baby Facilities plantations, pleasant parkland ■ Hot and Cold Showers style walks with a wide range ■ Well stocked Chandlery and If we can be of any further of wildlife to watch and enjoy. Shop help to you, please do not ■ Elsan / Refuse / Waste hesitate to contact us...... Oil Disposal ■ Diesel / Gas / Coal Barton Under Needwood Our Marina has a happy, car- ■ Pump Out Burton upon Trent ing atmosphere in order to ■ Laundry with Washer / Staffordshire make you and your family feel Dryer ■ DE13 8DZ right at home when visiting or Brokerage ■ Marine Insurance Te: 01283 711666 mooring with us. Our friendly ■ Full Docking-Repair and Fax: 01283 711555 team are always here to help. Boat Yard Services www.bartonturnsmarina.co.uk MOORINGMOORING RATERATE ALLALL INC.INC. BASEDBASED ONON JETTYJETTY LENGTHLENGTH OCTOBER 2004 TOWPATH TALK 23 AAGGAAIINNSSTT AALLLL TTHHEE OODDDDSS -- FFEESSTTIIVVAALL 22000044 VVIIEEWWSS Thousands of visitors...... y nine o’clock the visitors were pouring in, and during the course of the day, they Bwere given the chance to see displays of falconry provided by Mid Wales Falconry, dog obedience displays, or even WWII re-enactment scenes. These were a just a few of the many organized events on offer that visitors were able to enjoy whilst walking among the canal trust and trade display stands. Musicians such as the band, ‘Bill Bailey’ were also on hand to ensure the event went with an up beat swing! Over 300 young visitors took part in WOW activities at the Festival. Litter ‘fishing’, bell ringing, interviewing James Brindley, build- ing a canal tunnel, canal computer games, a forest quiz, knot tying, lifesaving were also just some of twenty WOW activities which were tackled with great gusto and by the end of the day it had been the busiest Festival Saturday experienced for six years. Sunday was equally popular, in spite of a tropical-style downpour towards the end of the afternoon - the visitors stayed smiling - a few with mud ooz- ing between toes of skimpily san- daled feet! Discouraging weather on Monday meant fewer visitors but numbers were still surprisingly com- parable with other Festival Mondays. Altogether 20,000 people attended the Festival during the weekend. Enthusiastic local support and the determined efforts of the Festival team of volunteers - had turned a potential disaster into a success. Top: Bill Bailey Band Middle left: A few of the many WRG Volunteers who laboured to make the Below: Jay Bettsworth, falconer at Mid day a success Wales Falconry, with Charisma the Turkey Middle right: Taking care of business, Vulture. Charisma is female, three years WRG volunteers Eleanor Scott and Kirsty old and a native of the Americas; although Wallace aboard the Lavender boat captive bred in Britain. Right: Jay holding Diamond the hybrid fal- con. - A two year old male he is a cross between the Gyr Falcon, Praire Falcon and SHOBNALL MARINA Saker Falcon and what a flyer!

And next year...... Every boating facility & service you need A milestone on

◆ Covered dry dock (DIY or serviced) • paint dock the towpath • extensive chandlery • signwriting/painting at Shobnall • gas/diesel/pumpout • mechanical & joinery work • call-out service • CORGI gas fitter • points the Marine surveyor & BSS examiner • Boats for sale ◆ On-line chandlery – www.jannel.co.uk way - ◆ 2–8 berth hire boats with excellent choice of routes & full tuition for first-timers Preston Brook 75 JANNEL CRUISERS SHOBNALL MARINA, SHOBNALL ROAD, miles - see BURTON UPON TRENT, STAFFS DE14 2AU 01283 542718 [email protected] you there! website: www.jannel.co.uk 24 TOWPATH TALK OCTOBER 2004 Spotted Flycatchers...... Halting the decline! rospects for a because of the number of intended as part of BW’s declining bird may insects found over the Biodiversity Action Plan Pimprove, thanks to canal channel- the same for the Chesterfield Canal. Nottinghamshire Wildlife reason that bats are often You can also help the bird Trust and British found feeding over canals. by sympathetic wildlife Waterways, among oth- Other sites are open wood- gardening: have climbing ers. Nest boxes for land, parks, churchyards, plants against walls and Spotted Flycatchers have mature gardens and farm plant flowers that attract been set up along the yards. insects. Limit the use of Chesterfield Canal- at The bird is a summer visi- pesticides. Put up an West Stockwith, Drake- tor to Britain, which open-fronted nest box holes Tunnel and Wis- arrives in May and leaves designed for Spotted eton. Other boxes have in July and August, Flycatchers been put up in church- though birds passing from If you see any, pass your yards in Nottingham- northern Europe may be record on to Carl Cornish shire. seen in September. It or John Ellis, Nottingh- The Spotted Flycatcher catches insects by aerial amshire Wildlife Trust, or has declined by 78 % in sallies from a regular Richard Bennett, BW ecol- the last 25 years, so it is perch- so the nest boxes ogist for East Midlands, on the Red List Birds of for it have open fronts. It who will pass them onto Conservation Concern builds an open cup nest of Nottinghamshire Birdwa- and has its own mainly plant material and tchers . Biodiversity Action Plan, lined with feathers and Nottinghamshire Wildlife which details ways of leaves often in the fork of Trust: 0115 958 8242 increasing its numbers. a tree or in a crevice in a British Waterways (East Reasons for the decline building and will use Midlands Waterways): are not fully understood open-fronted nest boxes. 1 01636 704 481 and could relate to prob- - 2 broods per year with a lems in the African win- clutch of 4 -6 eggs. If you’ve ever wanted to know tering quarters. However, To ‘spot’ it, while on the more about birds had how to a loss of trees (especially identify them, then the week- canal, look out for a spar- end residential course Birds in elms) and removal of ivy row-sized bird, with Autumn and Winter is for you. has resulted in less nest- brown upperparts, whit- Being run with the University ing sites and areas of ish underparts and strea- of Nottingham, the course insect-rich grassland, takes place from Friday 29 king on breast and crown. October until Sunday 31 needed for food, have The juveniles are spotted. October. The cost is £120 been declining. Listen for a harsh ‘see tek including full board accommo- Canal corridors should be tek’ call. dation and tuition. Bookings good sites for the bird, must be made in advance by More nest boxes are calling 01754 762677.

Published by Towpath Talk, Whisby Lodge, Hillcroft Business Park, Whisby Road, Lincoln, LN6 3FE. Telephone 01522 697100 Printed by Mortons of Horncastle.