ennine Link PMagazine of the Huddersfield Society

Issue 197 Spring 2017 Huddersfield Canal Society Ltd Registered in England No. 1498800 Registered Charity No. 510201 Registered Address: Progress House 396 Wilmslow Road Withington M20 3BN ennine Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, , , OL3 5QR Link Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 08.30 -16.00 Friday 08.30 -13.00 P Issue 197 Telephone: 01457 871800 EMail: [email protected] DCA Website: www.huddersfieldcanal.com Patrons: Timothy West & Prunella Scales Council of Management Alan Stopher 101 Birkby Hall Road, Birkby, Huddersfield, Chairman West Yorkshire, HD2 2XE Tel: 01484 511499 Trevor Ellis 20 Batley Avenue, Marsh, Huddersfield, Vice-Chairman West Yorkshire, HD1 4NA Tel: 01484 534666 Mike McHugh The Old Chapel, Netherton Fold, Huddersfield, Treasurer & Co. Secretary West Yorkshire, HD4 7HB Tel: 01484 661799 Patricia Bayley 17 Greenroyd Croft, Birkby Hall Road, Huddersfield, Council Member West Yorkshire, HD2 2DQ Graham Birch HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 Keith Noble The Dene, Triangle, Sowerby Bridge, Council Member West Yorkshire, HX6 3EA Tel: 01422 823562 Peter Rawson 45 Boulderstone Road, , , SK15 1HJ Council Member Tel: 0161 303 8003 David Sumner MBE HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, President Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 Keith Sykes BEM 1 Follingworth, Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, HD7 5XD Council Member Tel: 01484 841519 Eric Woulds HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800 More the merrier: Volunteers from Tony Zajac HCS Ltd, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, the Diggle Community Association. Council Member Oldham, Lancashire, OL3 5QR Tel: 01457 871800

NON-COUNCIL POST Editorial 4 Community Roots Project 20 Bob Gough Administrator Chairman’s Report 7 Whitelands Tunnel - Part 2 21 Pennine Explorer Cruise 10 Street Scene Greenfield Group 24 Manchester & Pennine Update 12 Local Canal Adoption (UCAN) 26 Stalybridge Volunteer Group 16 Diggle Community Association 28 Notice of the 2017 AGM 18 Frank Carter & the SPR 30 Jidoku 39 19 220 Club - Twelfth Draw 31

The views expressed in Pennine Link are not necessarily those of Huddersfield Canal Society Ltd Cover: An alacrity of acronyms - volunteer groups from SSGS, STT, DCA and UCAN. Photos: Respective groups

2 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 3 however, much of what it envisaged as volunteering. Moreover, despite the Editorial happening did come about, not through need to make its presence felt in an Happy New Year The latter is, I believe, of particular a positive initiative, but by force of already crowded charity sector, the and welcome to importance in view of the prevailing circumstance in the form of the drastic Trust has proved to be something of 2017. climate of competing demands for the cuts in public spending which were a big hitter. With staff and volunteers pool of potential volunteers. integral to the Government’s pursuit of dedicated to fund raising, it has been As I write this in austerity. much better placed than smaller, local the early weeks Volunteering is of course nothing new. societies such as ours to secure major When faced with year on year cuts in of the year, with Down the years, charitable organisations project funds. a new resident have relied for their existence and income, public sector bodies looked, of the White House across the Atlantic effectiveness on the availability and in the first instance, at what amounted Evidence of this success is seen in the and the unknown quantity that is Brexit goodwill of volunteers. Our own Society to “soft targets” such as parks and increasing number of CRT-supported dominating the agenda at home, I am was formed by volunteers and it was gardens, libraries, museums and galleries, adoption groups in canal-side reminded of the immortal words of through the commitment and persistence community centres and not forgetting communities. As a Society we can only Bob Dylan in one of the anthems of my of those volunteers that the “Impossible . These were identified as services welcome this because it is the canal youth, “The times they are a’changin”. Restoration” became possible and and budgets which could be cut with which benefits from their work and I am However, it is not just on the world stage brought us to where we are today. arguably less impact than for example happy to publicise it through the pages where change is in the air but also much social care for the young and old. of Pennine Link. Indeed, continuing this However, in recent years, the goalposts theme, I am pleased to include the first closer to home. This lead to the inevitable outcry of in the world of volunteering have moved reports from the Stalybridge Volunteer “Save our ………….” (fill in the blank). Since early 2016, Council has been as a result of a phenomenon which can Group and the recently formed Diggle In response, up and down the land, examining and discussing the options be traced back to the year 2010. Community Association Group to add for the future of the Society. This has local action and “friends of” groups As you will no doubt recall, during the to the now regular reports from the been done because in recent years the set themselves up. As a result, it has run-up to and in the months following Greenfield and Uppermill groups. Society’s expenditure has exceeded become increasingly commonplace that year’s General Election much was income with the resulting deficits funded to find services and work formerly I have to say, however, that while written and spoken about the “Big by the sale of investments. This clearly undertaken by the local council now recognising that CRT have moved a Society” and in the early days of the cannot continue indefinitely if the Society being carried out entirely by volunteers. long way in a relatively short period Coalition Government it was promoted is to be able to continue to operate as an Therefore, almost by default, the vision of time, it is the case that they are in as one of its flagship policies. active campaigning organisation. Council of the promoters of the Big Society has some respects still feeling their way. therefore came to the decision at its Its stated aim was to create a climate come to be realised and volunteering has As a result, instances are still occurring Janaury meeting that the Society needs to that empowered local people and become, for many of us, part of our way of lack of communication giving rise to change to be become a wholly Volunteer communities, building a ‘big society’ that of life. duplication of effort. As a Society, we must of course continue to collaborate run organisation. would take power away from politicians Part of this same movement, the drive to with all canal-side groups, whoever and give it to people. Central to its cut costs by shrinking the public sector, No timescale has yet been fixed for manages the volunteers. However, if delivery was to be the role of Volunteers. saw the transfer of the change to take place because two the canal is to receive full value from the People were to be encouraged, as (BW) to the charitable sector and the interrelated questions will need to be work of the volunteers there is a need for volunteers, to take an active role in their creation of the Canal and River Trust answered in the coming months i.e. mechanisms to be devised so that we can communities. To come together in their (CRT). • What changes will need to be made neighbourhoods to do “good things”. identify where and with which activities to the way we operate to achieve a As many of you will recall, BW had at HCS’s own volunteer teams should apply However, as is so often the way with successful transition? best a rather ambivalent approach to their efforts. shiny new Government polices, the “Big volunteering with little encouragement It is into this competitive and evolving • Will the people necessary to operate Society” rapidly sank without trace with being offered. With the advent of climate for volunteering that we will as a wholly Volunteer run Society be little if anything being heard of it as early CRT this has changed with an explicit be taking the step to revert back to available? as a year after its launch. Ironically, policy of encouraging and promoting continued over ... 4 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 5 Chairman’s Report With the thought of operated arrangement. With all these Spring just around works being done now it keeps the the corner I’m cruising season free for the larger number writing these notes of boats using the canal in Summer. as a flurry of sleet is In recent months the Society’s Council bringing February has spent some time determining our to a close a few future priorities and preparing a new 5 days after the passing of Storm Doris. year Business Plan. Editor Graham Birch Frequent canal stoppage notices arrive in gives, in his Editorial, an insight into the my ‘inbox’ as the task of clearing fallen context and what we are planning. If trees is underway in the Midlands. we are to achieve all that we want, there On the Huddersfield Narrow, CRT’s will be many more opportunities for planned Winter works have been volunteering for the Society. If you have completed and the canal has been open some spare time, would like to help, but for around a month but a number of prefer the indoor life then there are a unplanned jobs have since arisen to number of office-based tasks which can hamper those venturing out by boat be identified. We’re also looking at how Bob Gough The Marsden Shuttle would not run before the main cruising season. best to distribute the Society’s publicity without our dedicated volunteers. materials in future. Please get in touch In Stalybridge the navigation has with me if you can help. recently been closed at 6W due our origins as a wholly volunteer run as we move to secure the Society’s to a problem with the cill at the head Plans are underway for a number of organisation. We do, of course, already future as an organisation dedicated to gate. Washwall damage created above Summer events all of which will take have many volunteers, the Shuttle Crew, our Vision of “ensuring the viability and 21W in Uppermill during the November place in June. Our AGM will take place the Towpath Maintenance team, the promotion of the Huddersfield Broad and 2016 floods is proving to be a longer at Standedge Visitor Centre on Friday Observers and not forgetting Council. Narrow Canals as navigable waterways job than originally envisaged and is 16th June at 6pm and this year we hope within the overall network in perpetuity.” However, as we move forward we will now unlikely to be complete until the to continue the same evening with our need to expand our volunteer base and In conclusion, I would like to thank all end of March. Repair works are being Volunteers’ Social. undertaken on the bywash apron at Lock identify people who are prepared to the contributors to this Edition and to The Pennine Explorer cruise is taking 30W on the Diggle flight and should be undertake some of the more mundane give a gentle reminder that as a Society shape. Up to 12 visiting boats will gather finished before the end of March. A but no less essential tasks necessary member this is your magazine and that at Portland Basin on Friday 23rd June in section of retaining wall between Lock for us to continue operating effectively its pages are open all our members. preparation for a week long eastbound 29E and 28E at West Slaithwaite has as a Society. For example, such tasks So if you have a tale to tell, boating cruise along the Huddersfield Narrow failed leaving unsupported stone work as organising and recording meetings, experiences to relate or thoughts and Broad canals. My article elsewhere above the navigational channel. This is managing membership and subscriptions, that you wish to share just send your in this issue provides more information. in a section that has proved troublesome dealing with correspondence and contributions, preferably in electronic We have purposely chosen to tie this in for a while and could take some time to enquiries and compiling and organising format, to Bob at the office. with our customary boat gathering and resolve. The long standing problem with printing and distribution of Pennine Link. Finally may I wish you all many pleasant free boat trips for the Stalybridge Festival the mechanical gear at Lock 24E will be days enjoying the waterways in the weekend on 24th/25th June. I feel sure we will succeed in this but tackled between 10th and 17th March coming Spring and Summer months. I am in no doubt that the next couple 2017 which should allow the guillotine In the meantime, our usual volunteer of years will be as important as any Graham Birch gate to be returned to a customer activities - Observers, Marsden Shuttle comparable period in the past 43 years

6 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 7 operation and Maintenance Team work and others to visit the planned events, (IWA) is now looking into how best to - continue to provide a good service look at the plans and send in comments. support such projects. IWA Trustees caring for and publicising our favourite have decided to set up a new Restoration From the Huddersfield Canal Society’s waterway. Our website has migrated Hub in place of its erstwhile Restoration standpoint, the Society is supportive of to its new provider and format and Committee. The aim of the Hub will the principle of towpath improvements. is working well. A new initiative for be to support, enable and champion Much of the section from Manchester your Society is enrolling Bob Gough, restoration projects. To assist with the Road to Golcar is in poor condition and now our sole member of staff, into a third of these, a High Level Panel is it would be good to see more use made contributory pension. This has become being formed from a small group of of the towpath along the lesser used mandatory for all employers. Whilst a experienced senior restoration managers, section from Longroyd to Milnsbridge. laudible policy, with which the Society to guide restoration policy and provide The devil, of course, is in the detail, is happy to comply, it has been rather a written direction and authoritative and the Society’s formal response will complex procedure which has now been reports. I was pleased to be invited to a depend on how heritage features are satisfactorily put in place. recent exploratory meeting to determine to be tackled and how narrow sections the remit of the High Level Panel. Plans have now been published to start and sharp bends are to be negotiated Chaired by John Edmonds, and involving the public consultation on the towpath to ensure the safety of users. In most a number of many of the well-known improvements between Longroyd Bridge, areas we would wish to see a soft strip figures in the canal restoration world, Huddersfield and Lowestwood Lane, maintained between canal wash-wall the meeting came up with a number of near the Titanic Mill. Part of the Cycle and solid surfacing so that boaters can recommendations to be put to the IWA City Connect initiative funded by the use mooring pins. We would also like to Trustees. Although these are challenging West Yorkshire Combined Authority, it ensure that the new surfacing is robust, times, in many ways I felt that there was comes in the second phase of a much maintainable, has an environmentally a successful ‘meeting of minds’ which larger programme of work and must satisfactory appearance and does not will help promote the development of be physically completed by March create a ‘racetrack’. How the improved an even larger waterways network in the 2018. Three consultation events have towpath will be managed to reduce future. been set up in Milnsbridge, Slaithwaite conflict between users particularly to and Huddersfield. I will join two other inhibit speeding cyclists in proximity to You might ask what is the relevance for Council members to walk the section walkers, boaters and anglers will also be the Huddersfield Narrow? Our Society with the plans later this week and after a key issue. still considers itself to be part of the attending one of the events to speak to restoration movement even though Elsewhere on the UK’s inland waterways the officers planning the work, I will be the main job is done. Promotion of there are a tremendous number of canal sending in a considered response on our own waterway is our main priority, restoration projects, some making good behalf of our Management Team. To but if the restoration projects around progress and others being relatively encourage more feedback, Bob has us: the Mancheter & Bury; the dormant. Many of the restoration groups emailed out to our members urging you ; the Hollinwood Branch; and will look enviously on the success of the further development of the Derwent and Huddersfield Narrow restoration which Pocklington succeed, the greater will be was completed at a time when Regional the critical mass of connected Northern and Lottery funding was at its height. waterways. This will be sure to benefit Following the credit crunch, continuing the Huddersfield Narrow as the shortest austerity and drastic reductions in public trans-Pennine crossing. spending, worthwhile projects are Enjoy the emerging Spring. The towpath East of chasing reduced pots of possible funds Golcar Aqueduct and the Inland Waterways Association Alan Stopher Bob Gough

8 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 9 So that volunteers can mark up their Tuesday, 27 June 2017 Pennine Explorer Cruise diaries, here’s the itinerary: • Through Standedge Tunnel to Marsden. The last week of June 2017 will be a the evening of 23rd June 2017. This will 4 miles, 0 locks, 2 hours (but spanning Friday, 23 June 2017 the whole day). busy one on the Huddersfield Narrow ensure a greater than normal number of • Meet for evening briefing at Portland Evening - Social at Standedge Canal and for the Huddersfield Canal boats passing through Stalybridge on the Basin. Volunteers on hand during the Visitor Centre. Society. Timed to coincide with the first day of the Festival, thus adding to day (by arrangement) to help boats up Wednesday, 28 June 2017 the Ashton / Down Marple to reach annual Stalybridge Festival, the Society is the spectacle for local people and visitors • Marsden to Slaithwaite (above promoting the first ever Pennine Explorer alike. The cruise will the travel eastwards the rendezvous point. Boats gauged for Standedge Tunnel. Guillotine Lock 24E) Cruise along our canals from west to east. to Huddersfield by 30th June and for 3 miles, 18 locks, 6 hours. Saturday, 24 June 2017 those boats less than 58ft long there will Thursday, 29 June 2017 The new initiative stemmed from a • Portland Basin to Stalybridge. be the option of carrying on down the • Slaithwaite to Milnsbridge (Lock 9E suggestion by Manchester & Pennine 2 ½ miles, 6 locks, 3 hours. Broad Canal and Calder & Hebble for a ) Partnership member Ray Butler aimed Afternoon - Stalybridge Festival final evening in Mirfield hosted by our Evening - Pie supper at the legendary 3 miles, 16 locks, 5 hours. at increasing the number of visiting friends, the Calder Navigation Society. Stalybridge Buffet Bar Friday, 30 June 2017 boats. For many years the Birmingham Others will be able to return from Sunday, 25 June 2017 • Golcar to Aspley Basin, Huddersfield. Canal Navigation Society has organised 2½ miles, 8 locks, 4 hours. Huddersfield in their own time. • Stalybridge to Roaches Lock. cruises to the nether regions of the Black 5 ½ miles, 8 locks 5 hours. Evening gathering, presentation of Country system to show visiting boaters Booking a place Evening - Talk by Huddersfield Canal plaques, followed by cultural tour around the network and ensure that all Society at a nearby pub. around Huddersfield. Council member Keith Sykes is keen to sections of the canal are used. Although Saturday, 1 July 2017 bring his Midlands-based up Monday, 26 June 2017 the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is not in • Roaches Lock 15W to Diggle • Huddersfield to Mirfield. for the passage and is taking bookings 6 miles, 11 broad locks, 3-4 hours. the category of ‘little used branch’ the 5 miles, 18 locks, 6 hours. from other boat crews. So far 4 boats Evening hosted by Calder Navigation sheer number of locks and distance from are booked in and that is before any Society. the busy Midlands waterways may be We’re still working on the evening events publicity has gone out to the waterways daunting for some. but suffice to say there will be something If successful we hope that the Pennine Press. If you know of anyone who is offered each evening. The durations in Explorer Cruise can extend around the Your Society is keen to introduce crews interested in bringing their boat from hours are for a single boat passage. The whole South Pennine Ring in future from further afield to the delights of elsewhere on the system please contact actual cruising days will take much longer years. As far as 2017 is concerned I’ll the Huddersfield Canals but give them Keith on [email protected]. to allow up to 12 boats to pass along be happy to see Diggle Summit mooring a helping hand on the heavily locked A modest entry fee will be made to each section of canal. looking as busy as they were when Ian Huddersfield Canals. The Canal & River cover the cost of a plaque and a year’s Bradbury took his picture (below) at the Trust has given full backing to the cruise subscription to Huddersfield Canal 2011 Bi-Centenary Celebrations. of up to 12 visiting and Society. supported the venture by setting aside Alan Stopher Offers of help welcome a special budget to fund any additional staff duties necessary to ensure all the If any of our members or local associates craft get through. An example of the would like to offer help with lock- additional cost is that we aim to have a wheeling for the visiting crews please west to east passage of the Standedge contact Bob at the office and tell him Tunnel for the cruise on a Tuesday; not what date(s) you can help. If you’ve got normally an operational day. your own windlass please bring it but I’m sure spare ones will be available from the Each evening of the cruise will involve boat crews. It would be great to have a an organised activity such as a meal, good turnout of local people to show our guided walk or presentation. The plan is visitors the delights of the Huddersfield for boats to gather at Portland Basin on Canals.

10 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 11 1842 its purpose was to serve as a feeder One is to manage a portfolio of Manchester & Pennine Update for the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal “investment properties”. These are not In Issue 195 of River Valleys and Canals had been (MBB). In the event that the proposed necessarily canalside sites but properties Pennine Link welcomed. However it had been felt development were to go ahead, part of it whose financial returns are able to (Autumn 2016) that the linking of policies under a single would adjoin a section of the canal and provide a major contribution to the I described, in heading covering both “engineered” might provide opportunities to restore annual income of the Trust so enabling it my Editorial, and “natural” waterways failed to that section. to fund its stewardship of the waterways. the contribution give sufficient emphasis to the unique This possibility in turn links to the work The other strand of its work is as which the Canal opportunities offered to the region by which is being initiated by CRT to a partner in the delivery of new and River Trust was making to the first canal network. The case had therefore develop a restoration strategy for the development. This role is confined to stages of work on the emerging Greater been made to separate out the two MBB. Jason Leach the Trust’s Enterprise involvement in canalside sites where the Manchester Spatial Framework. This policy areas and have a stand-alone and Restoration team manager attended aim is to achieve schemes of a quality work continued through into the early policy heading for canals. the meeting and gave an introduction to and scale appropriate the waterside weeks of 2017 when the Trust’s response Under the combined policy the inclusion his team’s work on the MBB, which he environment. An example quoted here to the formal consultation on the first of provisions designed to “retain and stressed is in its very early stages. was the proposal for development of the draft of the Spatial Framework was listed warehouse and adjoining land at enhance the distinctive industrial heritage His starting point was the fact that submitted ahead of the closing date of Marple Wharf where the scheme will of the river valleys and canals” and “to amongst the Trust’s charitable objectives 16th January. include a new boater facility and an maximise the benefits of locating close to is that of seeking “to restore our derelict improved facility for a disabled trip boat. The response dealt both with the set of waterways” had again been welcomed. waterways”. He explained that it was thematic policy proposals which formed However, it was felt that opportunities recognised that full restoration would We also received a welcome report on a the first part of the consultation draft and had been missed to cross reference be a long and difficult process (as we topic which I have covered in previous with the subsequent set of site allocation Policy GM12 to other relevant policy at HCS know only too well) with major updates, this being the efforts to establish proposals, where there were implications areas such as economic development, challenges to be addressed including the a base for the Trust in central Manchester. for CRT assets. There are a number of flood risk remediation, health, recreation need for land acquisition and the fact It appears now that these efforts are such allocated sites distributed across and urban cooling. The central thrust that some 40% of the Arm has shortly about to come to fruition with the region, one of the most significant of of the response was therefore to argue been infilled. agreement having been reached with which from the Trust’s point of view is for wider cross referencing linked to a the owners of land fronting onto the However, he took the positive view the proposal to develop a large expanse separation of Canals from River Valleys, Canal at the corner of Canal that none of the required works are of mainly green belt land to the south treating them as separate policy areas. Street and Princess Street,. This new insurmountable and that restoration of Bury town centre and centered upon “Manchester Hub”, which it is hoped With regard to the site allocations, she to full navigation will ultimately be Elton Reservoir. will be in place before the end of Spring advised that the Trust was aware of the possible. The approach to this will be to 2017, will in the first instance be in the The reservoir and adjoining operational high levels of public concern and interest develop a thirty year vision incorporating form of a customised container which land is owned by the Trust and it was to surrounding many of the sites. The short, medium and long term goals will be able to remain on the site and in allow Partnership members to view the Trust’s response had therefore focused on together with a short term action plan use for about 12 months. Meanwhile site and assess the issues that the first the technical and engineering issues that of restoration works to be undertaken in negotiations will continue to establish a plenary meeting of the Partnership was would arise in the event of development partnership with the MBB Canal Society. held at Elton Sailing Club on Feb. 16th. taking place at sites such as Elton permanent base in the same vicinity. It The third major item at the Elton meeting Reservoir and had avoided indicating is anticipated that this interim hub will The meeting was attended by Debbie was a presentation by Cheryl Blount- either support or opposition. provide accommodation for a welcome Fifer, the Trust’s planning lead for our Powell and Ian Sprott of the Trust’s station, exhibition space and facilities for region, who summarised for us the key The venue for the meeting was also Property and Development team on the CRT staff. At the end of this period of points of the Trust’s response. She said relevant to another of the main agenda work of that team explaining that they use in Manchester it will be able to be that the inclusion of a specific policy items. This was because when Elton have two principal strands to its work. moved for use by CRT elsewhere on the heading (Policy GM12) dealing with reservoir was constructed and opened in network.

12 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 13 News in Brief Marple Lock Open Day took place on Progress is being made with promotion of January 21st and was a hugely successful Standedge Visitor Centre for weddings event. During the day there were 1,869 and other events. To this end the visitors who had the opportunity to enter purchase of new chairs, tables, crockery the Lock and to visit the “Revealing and linen will be undertaken before the Oldknow” archives and the Tollhouse. end of the financial year. Also at Marple design work is in progress An updated management plan has been on a scheme to erect railings on the submitted for the top of the Marple Aqueduct. It is Green Flag and an inspection is awaited anticipated that a final design will be to assess the application for special available by Spring 2017 following which Heritage Status at Marple. planning consent will be sought. The 2017 Annual Outburst will The long running saga of securing the take place on Thursday July 13th in Manchester Undercroft (below) is Manchester. reaching a conclusion with work on the Graham Birch gate expected to commence shortly.

Something of a crime and disorder hot-spot ... the Dale Graham Birch Street ‘undercroft’ on the Rochdale Nine. Gating off the towpath seems to be the only practical measure.

14 - Pennine Link well need additional, but smaller, sessions the landscaped bed mentioned earlier for Stalybridge Volunteer Group to be arranged and I’m aware that some of sowing with wildflower seeds. This was our volunteers are prepared, and keen, to beyond the call of duty and ’hats off’ to all The group has been meeting regularly for volunteers at our February session. give some of their spare time on weekdays of them. Grateful thanks are also due to the last few years and currently we have This will provide a much-needed colourful as well. CRT who support us with advice, dedicated main clear up sessions along the canal display for both canal users and the Town staff, disposable supplies and by removing and in the immediate Town Centre on a Centre over the coming months. We are very well supported by our large amounts of debris following our monthly basis. committed volunteers and their efforts There are other canal side landscaped sessions. are much appreciated by the community Tesco have very kindly allowed Stalybridge areas in/close to the Town Centre that and whilst inevitably there is a build up of If you would like to get involved please Town Team (STT) to locate a container need some ‘love and attention’ and we debris between sessions, it is noticeably provide your e-mail contact details to in the corner of their car which hope to start to tackle some of these this reduced through the regular clear ups. [email protected] or contact the houses all our tools and health and safety year. We would also like to improve the The Group’s commitment was proven in Society’s Administrator, Dr Bob Gough on equipment. four lock surrounds in the Town Centre by January when some 15 members turned 01457 871800. I will then add you name painting the lock gates and gearing and by We are very fortunate to have great support out in atrocious weather conditions and to our distribution list and keep you up to removing the weed growth in the block from Holy Trinity Church and normally managed to collect a large amount of date with what’s happening. paving and generally cleaning up these meet there before our main volunteer debris as well as prepare a large section of areas. Some of these mini projects may Peter Rawson sessions, have a cup of tea, a chat and have Council Member HCS the Health and Safety briefing. Thanks are Chair, Stalybridge Town Team due again to Tesco who regularly supply refreshments for the group. Our main clear up dates for the rest of 2017 are Saturday mornings:- 25th March 29th April 27th May 17th June 22nd July 16th September 14th October 25th November We will meet at 9.30am at Holy Trinity on each occasion except 17th June when we will gather at the blue container in Tesco’s car park. Our main tasks are the removal of debris and weed growth from along the canal towpath and the surrounding areas and floating debris from the canal channel, where it can be safely netted. Currently we are also working on a large and prominent landscaped bed alongside the canal close to Armentières Square. The canal here is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and we are working closely with James Wynn of the Canal and River Trust (CRT). CRT have kindly agreed to supply an approved wildflower seed mix which, subject to weather conditions, will have been spread over this area by the

16 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 17 Notice of the 2017 AGM JIDOKU 39

HUDDERSFIELD CANAL SOCIETY LIMITED Notice is hereby given that the Thirty Seventh Annual General Meeting of the above named Company will be held at the Standedge Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6NQ on Friday 16th June, 2017 at 6.00pm to transact the following business:

1. To approve the Minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting. 2. To receive and adopt the Accounts for the Company for the year ending 31st December 2016 together with the Report of the Council of Management and of the Accountants thereon. 3. To elect Accountants and authorise the Council of Management to fix their remuneration. 4. To re-elect Mrs. Patricia Bayley as a member of the Council of Management retiring by rotation. 5. To re-elect Mr. Graham Birch as a member of the Council of Management retiring by rotation. 6. To re-elect Mr. Peter Rawson as a member of the Council of Management retiring by rotation. 7. To re-elect Mr. Eric Woulds as a member of the Council of Management retiring by rotation. 7. To consider any other nominations*. 8. Any other business. DATED the 21st Day of March 2017 By Order of the Council M. H. McHugh, Company Secretary

* Any member must give notice, in writing, of their intention to propose any other member for election and that member give notice in writing, signed, indicating his/her willingness to be elected. Such notices must be submitted to the Secretary, Mike McHugh, Huddersfield Canal Society, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham, OL3 5QR not less than four nor more than twenty-eight intervening days. Such proposals shall be voted upon The initial letters featured being: at the Meeting, either by a show of hands or ballot according to the wish of the member Panama, Kiel, Suez, Grand canal of China, St Lawrence Seaway, The Intracoastal being proposed. Waterway of the USA, Manchester , Rhine waterway, . N.B. A member entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy Fill in the missing blanks using these initial letters, bearing in mind to attend and vote on his/her behalf. The Form of Proxy enclosed must be completed and that each 3x3 block can only have one of each canal and there returned to the Administrator, Huddersfield Canal Society, Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham, OL3 5QR before the date of the Meeting. A proxy must be a must be no duplication in horizontal rows or vertical columns. Member of the Company. Solution on Page 30

18 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 19 Community Roots Project Whitelands Tunnel, Ashton-u-Lyne - Part 2 The cold bite of Winter is slowly leaving achievements of all the groups involved in us and Spring is calling. The Community the Community Roots Project that I would Roots project is shaking off the Winter like to give a big thank you to all those chill and diving into its Spring preparation, volunteers who contributed to this work. whether it is preparing the ground ready Looking forward to the Spring and Ashton Local Studies & Archives for seeding with wildflower seed (three Summer we are continuing to support sites have been chosen Moston Brook, Hopwood Hall College working on a Stalybridge and Littleborough) or working Graffiti Art Project and Bury College who with volunteer groups to prepare the canal are undertaking ecology and water surveys for the Summer season. The project is along the length of the Rochdale and working harder than ever to make sure Huddersfield Narrow canals. the Rochdale and Huddersfield Narrow canals are ready for the everyday stresses The heart of the Community Roots of a canal life and making sure both canals Project is by its very nature dependant on continue to provide a healthy diverse community involvement. We are therefore environment for our local flora and fauna. most grateful that local groups are always Detail of the Stamford Estate Plan Ref. DDS/41 dated Dec 1852 helpful and willing to come on board The last few months have seen the Bob Gough concludes a study of Whitelands overburden was being removed, the Tunnel whether it be for a one-day community Community Roots project working with Tunnel in Ashton-u-Lyne: still operated though, as Thomas Fisher, canal clean up or a regular weekly task with local groups and volunteers with many Clerk to the Aire & Calder Navigation a focus on maintaining our locks, towpaths The Huddersfield Canal Company different tasks undertaken. One such has Company, noted, in a particularly and the general canal environment. was acquired by the Manchester and dangerous state(1). It is assumed the Tunnel been working with Falinge High School Huddersfield Railway Company in 1843 All Community Roots Projects on the was completely opened out by the end of on their digital art sculpture project. Year and themselves merged with the London Rochdale and Huddersfield Narrow canals 1856 and the adjacent Whitelands Road 8 pupils from Falinge came out on the and North Western Railway Company are working to improve the involvement laid out. to dredge the canal with (LNWR) a year later. A Canal Sub- of the community, improve the quality grappling hooks to clear the canal of litter committee took care of the affairs of the At this time, two accommodation bridges of the canals and provide a sustainable and in turn take pictures of all material Huddersfield Canals (Narrow & Broad) were built at either end of the opened environment that will allow the Floating taken from the canal to highlight the issue and in the early 1850’s plans were in place tunnel. At the western (Ashton) end, Water Plantain (Luronium natans) to thrive of litter in the canal. They will now turn for opening out the Tunnel completely. road access to sand pit workings; this in our sites of special scientific interest on those pictures into digital art sculptures. A Stamford Estate plan (above), dated road would become the present day both canals. Once these have been completed, digital December 1852, shows a beacons will be installed along the Canal So if you feel like a day out on the canals particularly generous scheme and the sculptures will be able to be with a group of like-minded people you for the excavation; the viewed by all via your mobile phone whilst will always find a warm welcome from sketch of the Tunnel profile is walking on the Rochdale Canal. our volunteers on the Rochdale and certainly not to scale! In the Other projects include preparing ground Huddersfield Narrow canals. event, the canal and towpath for sowing seed, cleaning the canals of were revealed without much If you wish to get involved or have any litter, cutting back brash and low hanging change to their original widths. Ashton Weekly Reporter suggestions for a project in your area, branches, pathway repair and many other The contracts were awarded why not contact me at: tasks. All these tasks have improved the to George Hawker in 1855(1) [email protected] canals both visually and ecology-wise. on the basis he could sell the However, without the continued support I look forward to hearing from you soon excavated material, which and help of our volunteers, these worthy he advertised in the Ashton James Wynn projects would not have been able to Weekly Reporter of February Community Roots Project Officer take place. So it is with pride in the 1856 (right). While the

20 - Pennine Link Minerva Road. Incidentally, the LNWR heavily weathered 1804 datestone has took the opportunity to extend the portal been retained with each phase of parapet stonework as a boundary wall northerly re-construction. It is likely the stone There are substantial sandstone blocks, lining. A traditional rubble wall, with along Whitelands Road, signifying their commemorated a significant masonry with the remains of iron bollards at regular inclined capping stones, has been built responsibility with an impressive tablet set structure at the original Tunnel portal. intervals, defining the towpath washwall above and was probably constructed in the in the wall (above); now hidden behind The Stalybridge Junction Railway closed and the towpath has a sett surface. It is early 1860s as the first boundary wall to the the poly-tunnels of the garden centre. At in 1903 and subsequently removed from probable the towpath and feeder were newly laid out Whitelands Road. This wall the eastern (Stalybridge) end, access to the the landscape, though the arching over the reconstructed when the Tunnel was has been repaired, most professionally, with newly constructed Waterside Mill, which opened tunnel still exists. A major access opened out; it would be remarkable if the sandstone blocks, before being extended in would become Texas Street. Many years bridge to Council’s depot (now original wooden specification, even with common brick. This first brick wall has also later, the LNWR significantly extended the the site of Olympia Furnishings warehouse) ongoing repairs, had lasted that long. suffered damage and been repaired with a arching under this eastern bridge for their was constructed in the early 1970s. better quality brick. Stalybridge Junction Railway which opened The work of the Railway Company is in 1893. A well preserved 1856 datestone Walking Whitelands tunnel today, the road evident at the Ashton end with a high Built over 200 years ago, the Huddersfield has been re-located in the western parapet bridges, narrow channel and overhanging retaining wall of blue engineering brick on Narrow still retains a wealth of heritage wall. By contrast, at the Ashton end, a vegetation certainly maintain a tunnel feel. the offside, whereas, at the eastern end features to be appreciated; Whitelands before the arching, the offside wall shows tunnel is no exception, though the ravages a fascinating sequence of construction and of time take their toll. This is particularly repair (above). The lowermost portion true of the 1804 datestone and perhaps its matches the towpath boundary wall and renewal would be a worthwhile project? shows attractive courses of pink and yellow Bob Gough sandstone capped by substantial sandstone blocks; no doubt representing the retaining Additional Reference: walls proposed in the 1852 Stamford Estate 1. Minutes of the London & North Western Railway section. It is tempting to conclude the Company, Canal Sub-Committee (1855-1868), materials came from the original tunnel Canal & River Trust, Leeds Archive. Photos: The author except where credited Street Scene Greenfield Group Firstly, to recap on Winter events: Canal & River Trust (CRT) hosted another attend. It’s a fascinating place and it Christmas gathering on 15 December was good to have an opportunity to look as a ‘thank you’ to Volunteers. Once at the inner workings of the Lift itself again it took place at the Anderton Boat and enjoy a river cruise. There was Lift, Northwich and four members of an excellent lunch and it was a most the Greenfield Group were pleased to enjoyable afternoon. Thank you CRT.

Valuable work has continued on the canal towpath through Greenfield and the replacement fencing on the stretch to Uppermill is almost complete. The photos shows our dedicated volunteers digging holes for the Photos: GGRA fencing posts – it’s hard A recent session in February was Some familiar faces from the Street Scene Greenfield Group with participants in the Green work but they keep supported by the Green Heart Initiative, Heart Initiative supported by CRT. smiling! which, in turn, is being supported by Canal & River Trust. The Group has also arranged for the kerb The next 12 months’ project working to be dropped at Hall’s days have been firmed up with CRT and Lock to give access to the a list posted on the GGRA/SSGG notice towpath for buggies and board in Tesco’s, Greenfield. scooters for the disabled: The Group meet twice a month for a turning area is to be GGRA about 2 hours. If you would like to be created, just short of the involved, please contact the Project Uppermill end, so that Leader Gill on 01457 870364 or these can be easily turned email: [email protected]. around for the return trip to Greenfield.

A cheerful bunch - Peter Lowe, in suitable pose to take over from HRH Prince Edward in the Company of Gardeners, and SSGG IS GREENFIELD-BASED COMMUNITY ACTION WORKING FOR YOU TO BUILD Tesco’s Greg Barratt making Photos: SSGG no deal of man-handling CONFIDENCE AND PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY the woodwork. Other keen (A sub-group of Greenfield & Grasscroft Residents Association) volunteers have the inclination - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - to help out. New Members welcome [email protected] or ring: 01457 597666

24 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 25 For anyone interested in joining us Uppermill Community Action Network on future project days, our Following the Christmas break we Our efforts here revealed the little programme is as follows: resumed our work in January and on our known bench area nestled in the corner March Saturday 25th first project day of 2017 we focused on of the car park. Our extensive clearing April Tuesday 4th the cutting back of dead vegetation in work also involved removing ivy from Thursday 20th the wooded area under Limekiln lock. the walled area which had, over the May Saturday 6th As a result of our efforts this previously decades, become very densely Thursday 18th unused and overgrown area is beginning over-grown enabling us to bring some June Saturday 3rd to come to life with patches of wild much needed space and light to the Thursday 15th flowers starting to come into bud. trees. The usual meeting point is 10am In addition to our vegetation clearance To deal with all the collected debris, at Limekiln Lock (23W), but work in and around this area we we had the much appreciated help of a this is sometimes changed. New are also aiming to include some tree wood chipper machine kindly provided volunteers are advised to check a management in our work programme. by Phil from CRT. few days in advance. The Project We will however hold back on this until We are very pleased with the result of Day Calendar can be seen on our late Summer and through into the Winter our efforts at Wool Road. The view from website: http://ucanuppermill.com to avoid the bird-nesting season. the towpath now much clearer and there You may also contact UCAN’s Moving on into February our project is also better access to the nearby fishing Group Leader by phone on: days on the 2nd and 18th concentrated spots, while walkers who wish to take a 01457 878361, or by e-mail at: on clearing a large area of overgrown rest and enjoy the view, the benches are [email protected] All is revealed! Benches overlooking the Wool Road Basin, Dobcross. vegetation at Wool Road car park (below). available for them to use. Belinda Watson

Photos:26 - UCANPennine Link Pennine Link - 27 Diggle Community Association The Diggle stretch of the Huddersfield The work has not been without its Narrow Canal brings delight to many setbacks. A wilful act of vandalism locals and visitors who marvel at its saw the Tunnel entrance parapet walls surroundings, Flight of Locks and and the recently painted storage unit entrance to the longest, highest and sprayed with graffiti (inset right) - but deepest canal tunnel in the UK. But this is where the Diggle community with its increasing popularity the canal spirit kicked in and after a rallying call required extra attention – The Diggle was put out to help repaint the cabin Community Association (DCA) works and remove graffiti from the listed canal hard to make Diggle a great parapet, volunteers dedicated their time place to live and visit, so DCA volunteers to make a difference. It was great to see wanted to help and make a difference. such a positive turn out and especially rewarding to see younger members of Having made contact with the Canal and the Diggle community give their time so River Trust (CRT) we got the news out to freely. the community and arranged a series of work parties, initially to understand what What’s in store for the coming months? difference we could make, but then to Lots more ‘making a difference’ for plan activities which would enhance the sure but specifically we are excited to Diggle stretch for locals and visitors alike. be planting out an edible garden near the tunnel entrance, involving the local With the fantastic support of Phil Smith primary school to plant and look after from the CRT we identified improvement sunflowers next to the CRT cabin and opportunities along the stretch and set Tunnel entrance, we’re making the about making that difference. Grade II listed Horse Tunnel (Diggle The group first came together in March Subway Aqueduct) between Locks 30 2016 and has steadily increased in & 31W safer and more user friendly numbers. It now consists of fifteen and importantly we are preparing the ‘regulars‘ with another ten who join the towpath and surroundings for the many work parties when time allows - young visitors and boaters that will start to arrive DCA and old are part of the group and it really at the Diggle Portal when passages start is a great way to have a laugh and make on 20th March 2017. new friends. So don’t forget: if you are ever in Diggle Huddersfield Central Lodge Over the past 12 months we have, but make sure you pick or plant some edibles 3 Star Metro Hotel not exhaustively: picked and removed in our Portal garden ... and at the same over 100 bags of rubbish, repaired a time smile, take in the views and enjoy Pleased to support the Huddersfield Canal Society collapsed stone wall, created a potted ‘our’ beautiful canal. 11-15 Beast Market T: 01484 515551 and flower bed garden to welcome Mark Brooks Huddersfield E: [email protected] visitors and boaters who use the tunnel DCA Chairman HD1 1QF W: www.centrallodge.com and we have also repainted the CRT storage facility next to the Tunnel. Award Winning Hotel in the Heart of Huddersfield Town Centre

28 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 29 Frank Carter & The Pennine Ring 220 Club - 12th Draw Society member Frank Carter has written arranged to do a day of fundraising for The Club has For legal reasons, only Huddersfield Canal to us to tell us that in June of this year that cause on Saturday 17th June. held good and Society members are eligible to subscribe he is planning to undertake a 70 mile we now have 61 to HCS 220 Club, so if you are reading this This will be in the form of an event to be sponsored walk around the entire subscriptions, and not a Society member, join us and then held in the Community Room at Christ Pennine Ring. giving a quarterly sign up to the 220 Club. Church, Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge Prize Fund of £146 Frank will be commencing his walk on from 11.00 a.m to 4.00 pm. with a first prize AND here are the results of our twelfth Monday 19th June during which he quarterly draw: On sale will be framed and unframed of £97 and second will be raising funds for the Alzheimer’s photographic prints, presentation sets prize of £49! The Total Subscribers: 61 Society. of postcards, canal pictorial DVD’s and more who subscribe, the higher the prize Total Prize Fund: £146 fund offered for a £2 a month stake. At my request Frank has kindly agreed to collages illustrating the many facets of 1st Prize: put his thoughts and reflections on the the Rochdale Canal. All profits raised To join, you need to complete the enclosed Mr D Sumner winning £97 walk on paper and to share them with us from the sale of this work will be donated application form or it can be downloaded 2nd Prize: in a future issue of Pennine Link. directly to the Jo Cox Foundation. from our website. Do consider completing Mr P Fairhead winning £49 a Standing Order and then you’ll never Graham Birch Frank tells us also that he is an miss a draw. Congratulations to the prize winners! experienced landscape photographer who during the last four years has compiled an extensive photographic Solution to the Puzzle for Christmas record of the entire length of the Rochdale Canal. The Puzzle for Christmas in the last Issue to ‘website’ and consequently made As well as supporting the Alzheimer’s was intended as a standard substitution 12 02 23 07 into ‘the’ instead! Abject Society he is also a dedicated supporter cipher and the ‘key’ is the four numbers apologies. Here is the proper solution: of the Jo Cox Foundation. Therefore, on the image of the key. These are the 12 02 23 07 where (the) since he will be in West Yorkshire on the ordinal numbers of the alphabet, viz: 10 02 22 05 is first anniversary of her death he has also 16=P, 03=C, 12=L and 23=W where 26 01 13 04 the the letters represent Page, Column, Line, 11 02 09 09 vessel Solution to Jidoku 39 Word for the subsequent ten groups 28 01 06 03 in of four numbers. Applying the four 05 01 26 05 the numbers to that edition, should have 28 02 23 06 picture given a ten word question. I say ‘should’ 17 02 02 04 on as of the seven possibilities to get the first 14 02 44 03 page word “where”, I would pick Page 12, 17 01 10 01 three Column 2, Line 23, Word 7 before the Answer: Moored on the Calder & Hebble at proof-reader correctly changed ‘web site’ Wakefield near The Grubby Ducks

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Bob Gough Life £90.00 Transhipment Warehouse, Half £25.00 £100.00 Associate £15.00 Wool Rd, Dobcross, OL3 5QR Full £50.00 £200.00 Passing our way ... Boat Lane, Diggle Corporate £150.00 by 15th May 2017

30 - Pennine Link Pennine Link - 31