The Magazine of the & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue No. 84 - Summer 2015

Members of the public join a walk, organised by LHCRT and IWA, to view the new restoration site at Summerhill and listen to Peter Buck waxing lyrical about the construction of a staircase to cross the M6 Toll Aqueduct (15th July). ay Wha eeth rf L tr Lichfield td S Heart of the .

tel:01543 414808 mobile:0782 4848444 fax:01543 414770 www.streethaywharf.co.uk 7-DAY CALL OUT SERVICE GEN SETS FITTED DIESEL AND SOLID FUEL STOVES FITTED BOTTOM BLACKING REPAINTING AND SIGNWRITING NEW BOATS FULL & PART FIT-OUT SUPPLIED ALL MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL WORK FULL CHANDLERY STRETCHING AND REBOTTOMING GAS SAFE. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ALL STEEL WORK AND TANKS Support the boat yard on the “Lichfield Ring” Boat Transport, , Europe Cranage Arranged Site Surveys  Complete Service for DIY  Repairs Boat Hire Boat Fitting Diesel Pump Out  Mooring  Boat Sales  Laundry Trent & Mersey Canal V.A.T No. 133609427 Chairman’s Column

The AGM 2015 has come and gone where we could tell a stirring tale of success and progress. It was good to see so many members in the hall all of whom were ay Wha most supportive of the work of their Trust. I think it is the first AGM I have chaired eth rf where there were no questions from the floor which I hope signifies satisfaction with re L the work of the board and the directors over the year ended 31st December 2014. It t td was good to receive two substantial donations in the course of the evening. S .

A full house at this years AGM, 5-June

After the formal business we welcomed David Penny from the Gloucester and Hereford who entertained and informed us about the almost parallel world of canal restoration which his Trust pursues. Where most restorations concentrate, as does L&H, on rebuilding and re-watering chunks of derelict canal he advocates a far more commercial approach which involves property development and even the purchase and operation of a pub and restaurant. While your directors are not immediately thinking about emulating this scheme it gave us all plenty to think about. While our engineers are very happy to be imaginative and even daring there are no plans to run a fully watered canal between the platforms of a railway station. Even so, there are still users of M6 Toll who cannot envisage how we can get boats up to that aqueduct. When we started on this restoration we needed fertile imaginations as we had little else to build on in those days. Now, as the directors were able to report to the AGM, there are some very detailed and realisable projects in hand. Not least among these is the rerouting of the Lichfield Canal at Huddlesford in the wake of HS2.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 3 Chairman’s Column

The plans for this, and the whole redesign of the railway around Lichfield, have now gone to Parliament and there seems to be little reason why they will be opposed. HS2 Ltd is committed to constructing the new channel and, we are confident, without cost to L&H. While it will be sad to see “our” Cappers Bridge demolished after such a short life it is a price worth paying if it ensures that we have a fully navigational route from the Junction to 30. We must be eternally grateful to our own negotiating team of Peter Buck and David Dixon for committing long hours to achieving this objective. Thanks must also go to Vaughan Welch and Phil Sharpe, plus members of IWA and CRT. We hope that our friends at Lichfield Cruising Club are also able to achieve what they need from their discussions with HS2. At Summerhill our contractors have installed the replacement culvert just to the east of the aqueduct and work has continued to ensure that the Heritage Towpath Trail can soon become fully operational. Working with the owners of the quarry an electricity supply cable has been installed under the towpath with an eye to the future when pumps will be required for the deep lock by the aqueduct. Working with M6Toll Ltd protective shields will be installed on the aqueduct to ensure that anti-social behaviour cannot endanger motorists below. Meanwhile discussions continue with the developers who will be building properties alongside or close to the canal and southern bypass. We have adopted a co-operative approach with these business interests so that we can influence designs and maximise any benefits to the canal restoration. We have long-since decided that it is not our role to influence national or local planning policies and that, as with HS2, our duty is to protect and enhance the canal route. With three large developments in prospect there is much for us to watch and influence. Allied to the projected developments between London and Birmingham Roads is the extension of the bypass under the busy Birmingham railway line which will require extensive and expensive engineering works. For operational and cost reasons the creating of a tunnel for the canal close to the road crossing must be carried out in sequence. At one time there was the prospect of single tunnel for both road and canal but this is not feasible. Therefore the Trust faces a substantial bill, well above £2million within the next two years. This is, hopefully, our last “showstopper” but it is an enormous challenge which we must face very soon. I sometimes reflect that the Trust was only created in the nick of time, even if that was a quarter of a century ago. Had it happened later we would have stood no chance of installing the aqueduct, building culverts under motorways and protecting the route of the canal. I understand that in industry the mantra is for deliveries to be “Just in time”. This seems also to be the case with restoration projects but it does make for an exceedingly exciting life. Everything I have covered this far has been in the realm of “special projects” but elsewhere along the line work goes on as before. At Tamworth Road the lining work ahead of re-watering continues. The slipway for trailboats has been completed and improvements have been made to the wheelchair-friendly section of the Towpath Trail.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 4 Chairman’s Column

During the current “growing” season the pressure is on to keep summer growth in check, a task which gets ever more demanding as work on ever-lengthening sections. Just as we cannot leave our own lawns untended for fear of the neighbours, so the Trust must keep its own vegetation in order. Anyone who enjoys scrub bashing and gardening please step forward and join our team. On the Hatherton we continue to monitor the plans to electrify the Chase Line to ensure that we can navigate our canal beneath it. We owe it to the people of District and South District to progress the restoration of their canal. We were honoured to receive a cheque for £1,117.60 which was raised by the retiring Chairman of Cannock Chase Council who made L&H one of his two charities during his year in office. There are so many projects which we must now take forward as a matter of urgency. The AGM showed what we have done but more importantly we must rise to the challenge of what is still to be done. Brian Kingshott(chairman)

HS2 : Update

On 13th July, shortly before CBW 83 went to press, the government issued amendments called “Additional Provisions” (AP) to the HS2 Parliamentary Bill, and a revised Environmental Statement (ES). Parts of both are relevant to the Trust, in giving effect to the government decision to lower the proposed route at Cappers Lane where it crosses our canal route. The new design incorporates a diversion of some 250 metres from the original route, slightly to the east. It will also, once construction begins in 2018 if the Bill becomes law and the government goes ahead with the project, involve demolition of the “new” Cappers Lane Bridge over the canal, after a life of only 12 years since being built with the Trust’s close involvement. (Cappers Lane itself will also be diverted to cross HS2 a little further north). The new canal route has been designed by HS2 based on an alignment first proposed by the Trust’s Engineering Director, Peter Buck and developed by their engineers in conjunction with Peter. It remains for the Trust to agree with HS2 revised written assurances based on those negotiated last October which enabled us to withdraw our petition against the Bill. David Dixon (Vice-Chairman and Land Officer)

The views expressed in Cut Both Ways do not necessarily represent those of the Trust or the Editor. They are however published as being of interest to our readership.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 5 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2015. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mr R Kirman 30.00 TDHA Ltd (Mr S Hodgkiss) 1,500.00 IWA Notts & Derby Branch (talk) 40.00 Mr J C Morris 160.00 Mr J E Wood 317.00 Mr M G Brown 70.00 Mr E Adams 50.00 Swinfen Beaver Group site visit, 7.50 pocket money donations Miss C R Freeman (500 Club prize) 50.40 Dr J R Massy 500.00 Easyfundraising 70.15 anonymous 1,000.00 Mr R J Fenton (with sub.) 30.00 Mr J J Faulkner 30.00 Mr J W Farren (with sub.) 50.00 Mr J N Potts (with sub.) 44.00 Mr P J Smith (with sub.) 44.00 Mr D W Smith (with sub.) 25.00 Mr J A Sullivan (with sub.) 25.00 Mr P R Swindale (with sub.) 55.00 The Fundraising Co. Ltd (recycling) 25.70 Brownhills Peoples’ Alliance 500.00 anonymous 1,000.00 Commercial Management Ltd 1,200.00 (Mr R Glaser) Mr R T Willis (private talks) 75.00 Rev A J G Cooper 25.00

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 6 Donations to the Trust

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2015. Suchet, Trust & Restoration Feet of Clay Name ( in order of receipt ) Marketing and Land Fund Appeals Mrs H Blackmore (card sales) 39.85 Mr D A Parkes (with Prize Draw) 100.00 Mr M P Shimell 100.00 Wigginton Over 60s Club (talk) 60.00 Mr & Mrs R Griffiths-Jones 100.00 Braunston Marina (show dividend) 200.00 Mr & Mrs D Gray 90.00 Mr David Stanistreet 120.00 Mr Eric Wood; donated goods 171.50 Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 300.00 Mr B Kingshott (returned expenses) 637.00 Mr R O Williams (returned expenses) 232.85 Regular donors to appeals and 920.46 707.75 121.25 aggregated amounts up to £20.00.

Membership rates are: Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6; Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Small Business £100, Large Corporate £200; Life Membership £200, Family Life Membership £300 (includes children up to age 18). To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page).

We are very grateful to the following :- Jack Moody Ltd, Essington, structural material deliveries. “Oddfellows in the Boat” on Walsall Road, Lichfield, for their continuing support. WCL Cranebrook Quarries Ltd, site occupational support. Clarke Construction Services Ltd, for Summerhill site benefits. Maureen and Chris Brett, donated hand tools, including an electric sander and circular saw belonging to Maureen’s late father who would have wanted the Trust to have them.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 7 Membership Matters

Subscriptions Our sincere thanks once again to those members who, when they pay their annual subscription, feel able to add a donation towards the work of the Trust. Over the course of a year these donations add up to a very useful sum, which we feel is better raised in this way than by an increase in the basic subscription rates. In short–we need you. Please stay with the Trust and please pay when you receive your reminder. My details are: Godfrey Eland, 18 Furnival Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 6DD Email:- [email protected] Towpath Times There is still a substantial number of members for whom we have no valid e-mail address, and who therefore do not receive a copy of our newsletter, “Towpath Times”. Published eight times a year in those months when there is no Cut Both Ways, the single-page newsletter is intended to keep members up to date with what is going on in the Trust. We are also aiming as often as possible to include a “Memories” column, where members can share their memories of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals in bygone days, in which there is great interest. If you are able to share any memories like this, please send them to the email address below (in note form will be fine) and we will publish them in a future edition. If you are not receiving “Towpath Times” (N.B. please check your Junk folder in case your email program has made up its mind that you really don’t want to see it) just send an email with the heading “Towpath” giving your name and membership number (or the first line of your address), to [email protected]. Your newsletter will be sent as a “blind copy” so that no-one else is aware of your email address. Many thanks and kind regards, Godfrey Eland, Membership Secretary

Back Copies of Cut Both Ways available at £1.00 Each Copies of issues 1 to 83 are available from Bob Williams Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, WS7 0JP Cheques made payable to LHCRT Ltd.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 8 Membership Matters

********************************************************************************************* New Members 1st April to 30th June 2015 Mrs M Clark, Nottingham Mr J Buckley, Heanor Mr P J Smith, Aldridge Mr & Mrs S W Owen, St Albans Mr & Mrs D Taylor, Kings Bromley Marina Mr & Mrs D Barnes, Whittington Mr & Mrs J Culbert, Kings Bromley Marina Harry Wem, Shenstone Mr R Ridout, Haslingfield, Cambridge Mr G Kelly, Stafford Mr D Palmer, Lichfield

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Membership Total:- 1860 (Comprising 370 Adult, 872 Family, 176 Life, 411 Retired, 12 Business, 19 Other.

ANNOUNCEMENT

We regret to announce the loss of the following members:- Mr Norman Lee, Whittington, Lichfield, died 9th February 2015. Mr Derek Richards, Hammerwich, Staffs, died April 2015. Mr Stuart Stockdale, Lichfield, died June 2015.

Owing to the ever increasing cost of postage, the Trust Council has decided to discontinue sending “ Courtesy Reminders “ to those members who pay by Bankers Order. Consequently, it would be more economical for the Trust if those who pay by cheque could change to a Bankers Order, using the form available on our website, or call 01543 671427 to have one sent to you.

Our Vision To reinstate the historic Lichfield Canal and Hatherton Canal for the benefit of the community. The natural wildlife corridor from Huddlesford to Hatherton will provide a valuable amenity for walkers, cyclists, boaters and visitors to use and will bring prosperity to the area. This project will also provide an opportunity for young people to learn about our history, our heritage and our environment.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 9 Our 500 Club gives members a chance to win prizes of up to £400 every three months! 50% of the 500 Club income will be retained for capital expenditure essential for restoration of our two canals… and 50% paid in prizes to its members. Renewals have been coming in steadily and there have been several new subscribers since the last draw. 240 subscriptions were eligible for the June draw which is the highest number since the “500 Club” started in 2007. The more subscriptions we have, the more money we raise for the Capital Fund and for prize money. So please spread the word; you don’t have to be a member of LHCRT, anyone can join. The Trust would like to thank all the subscribers for their continuing support.

So please spread the word.

The winners of the June 2015 draw are: First prize £ 183.30 No 23 Mrs A M Scott, Rotherham, S.Yorks. Second prize £ 119.85 No 248 Mr M Shaw, Brownhills, Walsall. Third prize £ 49.35 No 97 Mr A J White, Godstone, Surrey.

The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be: 1st Prize £400 approximately 26% income 2nd Prize £250 approximately 17% income 3rd Prize £100 approximately 7% income

If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher the prizes. Remember, membership of the 500 Club is open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 10 (advertisement)

Michael Fabricant MP Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Lichfield. If you live in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency, and you require assistance and think your MP can help, you can either write to Michael Fabricant at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA; or you can email him by using the webform at www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/cont act.html or telephone his office at 01543 419650 where you can also make an appointment to see him at one of his regular surgeries. (advertisement)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 11 Canal Trust Makes National Awards Shortlist

Lichfield Canal’s Heritage Towpath Trail has made the shortlist for a national award. The Living Waterways Awards 2015, run by the Canal and River Trust, recognise the most inspiring and exciting waterway-based projects across the UK, and the disabled-friendly Heritage Towpath Trail, near the A51 Tamworth Road, is one of three projects vying for the top honour in the Restoration and Historic Environment category. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on October 8th. The Heritage Towpath Trail is part of an ambitious plan by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to restore the seven-mile Lichfield Canal, from Huddlesford to Brownhills, which was built at the end of the 18th century but abandoned in the 1950s.

Helen Whitehouse, chairperson of the Inland Waterways Association (Lichfield branch), presents a cheque for £500 to Peter Buck, LHCRT (Director of Engineering).

There was more good news for LHCRT when they were presented with a cheque for £500 by Inland Waterways Association Lichfield chairperson Helen Whitehouse. The Lichfield branch has always been one of our staunch supporters and we are immensely grateful for all their members do to help us.. The presentation took place during a walk on the 15th July, jointly organised by LHCRT and IWA, to view the new Lichfield Canal restoration site at Summerhill, where a 1 km section of the canal bed has been cleared, the demolished Crane Brook culvert and embankment have been reinstated, and a section of the Towpath Trail is being opened up to cross the M6 Toll Aqueduct. The event, attended by around 120 people, was led by Peter Buck, the Trust’s Director of Engineering. Tom Reid (Publicity Officer)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 12 Heart of England Way

Lichfield’s Heritage Towpath Trail is to become part of the Heart of England Way. The Trail, built by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust volunteers and completed in Spring 2014, is a disabled-friendly path running alongside Lichfield Canal next to the A51 Tamworth Road. Since its completion, the Trail has been enjoyed by families, walkers, joggers, cyclists and wheelchair-users, not only for its peaceful situation but also because it provides the perfect viewing platform to watch the Trust’s workforce carry out the restoration of the canal, which was abandoned in the 1950s. Now many more walkers will use the Trail after the Heart of England Way Association proposed that the long distance route should be diverted on to the towpath. From Lichfield down Quarry Hills Lane, the Heart of England Way will cross the A51 into Cricket Lane to join the 700 metre section of the Lichfield Canal Heritage Towpath Trail along Borrowcop Locks Canal Park and rejoin the A51 where the Trail emerges to rejoin the Heart of England Way at the Tamworth Road bridge over the A38. The decision to divert the route on to the Trail was made after a visit by Brian Keates, warden co-ordinator for the Heart of England Way voluntary warden service, who said: “We are very impressed with the work being done to restore the canal and grateful for the insight into what it all involves.” The 104 mile Heart of England Way runs from Milford Common on Cannock Chase to Bourton on the Water in the and the new section will be officially opened later in the year.

Tom Reid (Publicity Officer)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 13 Lichfield Canal Work Report

After a lot of work behind the scenes by our Trust Officers, over the last few days with a flurry of activity, a small team of volunteers has, at very short notice, completed the first section of the High Voltage Mains Cable trench and laid ducts for the cable crossing under the bed of the canal by the Cranebrook Quarry weighbridge. This has allowed Weston Power Distrubution to start work a day early to install the Transformer post and commence the installation of the Earthing grid in the trench the volunteers have excavated. The entire 600m installation was finished by end of July. Other recent work included trimming back sections of hedging along the cable route which follows the line of the canal towpath along part of the Summerhill section.

This HV supply cable will initially supply WCL Cranebrook Quarry with mains electricity, but will allow the Trust to install the short length of mains supply required for the proposed Lock 8 pumping machinery, adjacent to the M6 Toll Aqueduct.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 14 Lichfield Canal Work Report

Meanwhile Clarke Construction have returned to site to complete the channel invert slab over the culvert. Trust volunteers have completed a significant earthworks operation to trim a section of the north side of the Summerhill canal cutting and move the material generated to top up the missing fill over the new Cranebrook Culvert. Peter Buck (Engineering)

The new culvert with access road to aqueduct and Moody Block retaining wall which will be planted with native hanging / trailing plants to create a green wall.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 15 Crane Brook Culvert

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 16 Crane Brook Culvert

Completed concrete base for the bed of the canal over the culvert, 9-July.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 17 A Brief History of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals

In its 27 years of existence, the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (the LHCRT) has encountered innumerable triumphs and tribulations. As chairman Brian Kingshott says, many thought it was ‘the crackpot scheme of a few crazed fanatics’, but a quarter of a century later the project is taken seriously both locally and nationally. As recently as June 13, the Trust’s work was recognised by the Canal & River Trust in being selected as a finalist at the Living Waterways Awards, to be held in London in the autumn. Here we look at the history of the canals, and key dates in the restoration. In 1792 an Act of Parliament was passed authorising a canal from Wolverhampton to the collieries at Wyrley Bank and Essington, with a branch to Birchills near Walsall. The intention was to bring cheaper coal to Walsall and Wolverhampton. In 1794 the Wyrley and Essington Canal Company passed a Junction of the Wyrley and Essington Canal supplementary Act which enabled and the Coventry Canal in 1954 them to extend their line to Brownhills and then descend through 30 locks to Huddlesford on the Coventry Canal. A portion of the original line was opened by 1794 and the main line was opened all the way to Huddlesford on 8 May 1797. The canal enabled cheap coal to be brought to Lichfield and created regular traffic to Burton, Derby and London. The Hatherton Branch Canal, a six-mile stretch of waterway linking the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal at Calf Heath and the Cannock Extension of the Wyrley and Essington Canal near Churchbridge, was completed in 1860. The Wyrley and Essington between Ogley Locks and Huddlesford, now known as the Lichfield Canal, was abandoned in 1954 followed a year later by the Hatherton Branch Canal. An aerial view of Sandfields Pumping Station

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 18 A Brief History of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals

Cricket Lane to the humpbacked bridge which went over the Canal

Ben the horse pulling a narrowboat on the Wyrley and Essington at Bloxwich

The Lichfield Canal near Darnford Lane The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust was formed in 1988 to re- establish the links between the under used northern sections of the Birmingham Canal Navigations and the Coventry Canal in the east and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal in the west. Restoration of the two canals will bring about the enhancement and regeneration of a total of 55 miles of the inland waterways system, attract a new surge of tourism to Lichfield and provide employment opportunities through redevelopment of disused land.

The Lichfield Canal at Summerhill, Sandfields Pumping Station in 1926 behind the Boat Inn

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 19 A Brief History of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals

St John’s Bridge, which was rebuilt in the 1930s and is still used as a pedestrian underpass beneath London Road, Lichfield

The Chesterfield Road Bridge in Lichfield Lichfield Canal Key Milestones 1990 Lichfield District Council allow work to start at Fosseway Lane, the only site available at the time. 1994 Work begins on the second site at Darnford Lane, a 400 yard section purchased by the Trust, followed in 1995 by a 250 yard section purchased by Lichfield District Council and licensed to the Trust. 2000 Time capsule placed behind a brick at Lock 26 at Tamworth Road, the Trust’s third site, which now includes a Heritage Towpath Trail and the first section of the restored canal in water.

David Suchet watching the construction of the aqueduct The aqueduct over the M6Toll

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 20 A Brief History of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals

2003 Aqueduct over M6 Toll Road in position four months before opening of new motorway to traffic. 2006 Cappers Bridge, demolished when the canal was abandoned, rebuilt. 2009 Report by consultants W S Atkins recommended the complete restoration of the Lichfield Canal in five stages. 2014 Disabled-friendly Heritage Towpath Trail opens alongside the Tamworth Road. 2015 A Social Investment Business grant allows purchase of land from the Boat Inn to the M6 Toll Road, meaning that it will soon be possible to walk from the Walsall Road to Brownhills on a rebuilt Heritage Towpath Trail.

Work on the Tamworth Road section in 2007 then the next section in water alongside the Heritage Towpath Trail Chairman’s Quote Trust chairman Brian Kingshott said: “The main aspiration has always been the restoration of two potentially beautiful waterways for the enjoyment of everyone. “For boaters the opening up of fresh routes to avoid the overcrowded areas such as Fradley has always been very appealing”. “The main achievement has been to get the restoration recognised as viable and not the crackpot scheme of a few crazed fanatics. That in itself took almost ten years”. “Many will argue that the greatest achievement to date is the most visible one, namely the aqueduct over M6 Toll just east of Brownhills. Some will point to the section returned to water alongside Tamworth Road in Lichfield”. “The greatest achievement is probably to progress a multi–million pound scheme using only volunteers. You don’t have to be crazy to start on a scheme like this but it probably helps”. “A quarter of a century on from those first meetings in smoky pubs this is now a project to be taken seriously both locally and nationally”. Tom Reid (Publicity Officer)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 21 From Here and There

A Major Vacancy For almost the whole of the existence of the Trust Bob Williams has devoted himself, among many other things, to the management of its finances. He soon ceased to be “Treasurer” a job description more appropriate for a small club or society and became Finance Director. His role and duties have expanded exponentially over the years and we have benefitted immeasurably from his professionalism and dedication to our cause. He has been the lynchpin of everything we have done and achieved. Perhaps more of this later. Bob has now announced that he will be standing down at the AGM in June 2016. This will leave a huge hole in our management structure and it is vital that we move to fill it very promptly. It is clear that Bob has been performing several roles under the umbrella title of “Finance Director” and that we should be considering appointing more than one person to cover his duties. The first priority will be to find someone to operate the day to day management of the finances. Most of these operations are carried out electronically and on line. We will draw up a job specification to clarify what we need. In the meantime we would like to hear from anyone who feels they might help to cover some or all of what Bob currently does. Please feel free to contact Bob himself, Chairman, Brian Kingshott or Vice-Chairman, David Dixon. Huddlesford Heritage Gathering Please make sure that you have the date of this weekend in your diary – 19th and 20th September. This is an excellent and enjoyable weekend which deserves the support of all our members. We are indebted to Lichfield Cruising Club who host this event and fully support its organisation. Drains It has always been obvious that canals play a vital part in draining the areas through which they pass. Even when they have been filled in, eg the Lichfield, the water has to taken away sometimes via a “Big Pipe”. If you boat or walk the canals of the Black Country you will see the innumerable pipes and water courses which find their way into the canals. Many of these pipes come from the motorways. This has been cheap and easy for those disposing of unwanted water. Now, at last, it is recognised that canals take away unwanted water, attenuate possible floods, and clean up the water before it finds its way to natural water courses. As major housing projects are planned for Lichfield and elsewhere, L&H is working with the developers to find ways of taking away their water which can then be used to supply the canals.

All Correspondence should be addressed to :- Trust Secretary, Mrs D Hancock, 2 Elias Close, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TX

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 22 From Here and There

Prioritisation Some years ago we initiated feasibility studies for both canals. These added substantially to the credibility of the restoration. Especially on the Lichfield, a phasing system was suggested which would guide the whole process. On the Lichfield we planned a steady restoration “up stream” from Huddlesford to Tamworth Road. This was clear and logical. However, as with politics, “events” so often distort plans and intentions. We have to respond to the threats / opportunities posed by development projects from both the public and private sectors. The availability of funding is also a major factor. The result has been that, although our intention remains to open the canal from Huddlesford to the city we have had to divert much of our energy to projects “up-stream” of Lichfield. Thus we have been committed to major activity at Summerhill and soon between London and Birmingham Roads. This may be puzzling to some but has a logic of its own on close examination. Brian Kingshott(chairman)

Recycle, Benefit your Environment Raise Funds for our Charity `Please donate your unwanted Gold, Silver, Costume Jewellery and Watches

Parcel up your jewellery and post free of charge to: Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd, FREEPOST, CENTRAL, RECYCLING If you can, please ask your family, friends and colleagues to participate in this Jewellery Recycling Collection.

Thank you very much for your support

Would you like to receive a colour copy of Cut Both Ways in an electronic PDF format? Please email the editor ([email protected]) and request a copy.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 23 Out and About

Exploratory visit to the Canoe Club training session on the W&E Canal at Brownhills, 1-7-15.

Ben Seal, British Canoe Union met Peter Buck to discuss exciting new opportunities on the Lichfield Canal, 2-7-15

Presentation of £200 by Braunston Marina at the FMC Rally & Festival 27-6-15 (Harry Arnold) (Waterway Images)

Swinfen Beavers enjoyed a conducted walk around the canal at Tamworth Road, 13-5-15

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 24 Money Matters

As recorded in the table of donations in this issue, several generous sums have been contributed to our funds in recent weeks for which we are most grateful.

The Inland Waterways Association [IWA] The IWA, Lichfield Branch has donated £500 towards equipment needed to further the development of the Heritage Towpath Trail on the Lichfield Canal. An essential requirement of laying down a canal towpath is that it runs at a steady level above the watered channel alongside. Before a section is put into water, that may not be as easy as it sounds. Whilst in the past a trial water channel may have been used, these days modern methods prevail. A laser-beam device set up at a known reference point casts a tiny spot at an exact level over a long distance to a receiver which proves that those two points are dead level to each other: simples!

Wildlife Trusts – Our Environment Our Future In the last issue, it was said that we had not heard any more about our Expression of Interest submitted for project funding close to £1m over five years. Whilst we had high hopes of going forward to the next stage, we have now been advised that due to some 200 entries for 30 projects nationwide, our submission has not been successful. Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

Oral History Grant

Earlier this year we put in a bid to Lichfield District Council for £1,000 to take an oral history from people who remember the canal before it was abandoned in the 1960s. Happily we were awarded £500 to support the project. Oral histories are a good way of gathering a permanent record from “ordinary” people and it is a research technique in wide use. Our plans go further than creating a permanent record. We will make edited versions of some interviews available on our website and the marketing team will be able to play them when out and about meeting members of the public. In addition we hope to take some of the interviewees into local schools to tell their stories to today’s children. If you remember the canal before it was abandoned and would be willing to be interviewed I’d love to hear from you. Contact me on [email protected] Dora Hancock (Funding)

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 25 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd.

Charity No.702429 jointly& Lichfieldwith Lichfield Cruising Cruising Club Club Invite you to join them for the HUDDLESFORD HERITAGE GATHERING HISTORIC NARROWBOATS & CLASSIC CARS 19th21st & & 20th 22nd September 20135 at Lichfield Cruising Club, WS13 8PY Huddlesford Junction on the Coventry Canal Everyone Welcome (come by boat, car or on foot) and please bring your friends (plenty of free on-site car parking) Open to the public from 10am – 5pm Admission £43 (includes programme); Children free Call (01543 671427) for boat and exhibitor entry forms Downloador formsemail [email protected] from:- www.lhcrt.org.uk

HISTORIC AND TRADE NARROWBOATS CLASSIC VEHICLE COLLECTION TRADE & CRAFT STALLS....ARENA DISPLAYS BOAT TRIPS….CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC & DANCE PROGRAMME EACH DAY CAKE STALL….BOOK STALL…..BRIC-A-BRAC REAL ALE from BLYTHE BREWERY COFFEE / TEA and LICENSED BAR AVAILABLE IN THE CRUISING CLUB ALL DAY BARBECUE

Saturday Night: Food & Music in the Marquee Admission by ticket only - available in advance from (01543 671427) or our website: www.lhcrt.org.uk

Proceeds to aid the restoration of the Lichfield & Hatherton canals

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 26 Marketing and Promotion Forthcoming Events So let’s look forward to some of this year’s events which we will be attending:-

Lupin Farm Gathering Of Vintage & Classic Cars 23rd. August 10.00–4.00 pm 5th. September Whittington Country Fair 13th. September Lichfield 10K Road Race 19th., 20th. September Huddlesford Heritage Gathering

FRIDAY 20th. November Show time at Whittington Village Hall (WS14 9NH) Dandy A unique husband and wife Black Country entertainment team from Norton Canes, will bring laughter, storytelling, joy and music to entertain you all evening long. Traditional Black Country stories about life and times will be aplenty and for those of the audience who may need some assistance we are considering the services of an interpreter. (I don’t think). This year’s show will be held at :- Whittington Village Hall, Whittington WS14 9NH on Friday evening 20th November 2015 Doors and bar open from 6.30pm Supper served at 7.00pm Tickets £15 inclusive of supper, desert and show. Competitively priced bar, free car parking on site Bookings taken from 15th September 2015 full details on the web site.

Please be aware of the date of the November show Grand Prize Draw – 2015 We invite sponsors to support this valuable annual fund-raising activity with cash or prizes for tickets on sale up to November. Please email offers to bob.williams@ lhcrt.org.uk or phone 01543 671427. John Bryan (Commercial Manager)

1998 DATA PROTECTION ACT The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd will hold your details for marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act. If you do not wish to receive updates from the Trust or any third party with whom we co-operate then please advise the Trust through Director Bob Williams on 01543 671427.

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 27 Business Connect

Typical monthly breakfast meeting of the successful Business Connect group hosted by Lichfield Rugby Club.

The complete property maintenance company

Commercial and domestic FREE QUOTES T: 01543 444888 W: robertsandgwilt.co.uk 8 Barlow Drive, Fradley, Staffordshire. WS13 8TL

If you would like to become a Business Member and display your card here contact Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427 or [email protected]

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 28 Selling individually vetted, well presented boats from own moorings or from our Crick base

Browse our website for our listings with full details on all boats, also lots of useful information

Unrivalled 4-page detailed colour brochure with photos and layout drawing www.abnb.co.uk Friendly helpful advice from our experienced and knowledgeable team of boaters www.abnb.co.uk • [email protected] • Crick base NN6 7XT Open 9.30 to 5.30 every day Tel: 01788 822 115 or 01788 822 508

Cut Both Ways 15 01.inddCanal 1 Transport Services 5/1/15 16:12:36 Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964

Traditional narrow boats and tugs built to your specification, from one of the oldest & most respected boat builders in the business.

We have our own fully heated paint shop, dry dock and grit blasting facility as well as all the usual boat yard trades at your disposal.

Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370

TUKTAWA B&B Uplands Close, Cannock Wood, Staffordshire. WS15 4RH Tel–01543 684805–07790 984013 Web – www.Tuktawa.co.uk Email [email protected] £24.50 pppn – Includes breakfast–available 6.30 – 9.00am 10 minutes from Rugeley/Cannock/Lichfield Town/Bus Station/Train Station See us on Tripadvisor

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 29 LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LimiTeD. Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a Charity (No. 702429). Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from to Huddlesford Junction (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations. President Eric Wood vice-president David Suchet CBE. PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP. DIRECTORS Chairman Vice-Chairman & Land Officer Finance Brian Kingshott David Dixon Bob Williams 01547 530457–Tel/Fax 01543 258512 – Home 01543 671427 07831 572642–Mobile 07807 258957 – Mobile 07973 293834–Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Volunteer Co-ordinator Funding Dora Hancock Dora Hancock Dora Hancock [email protected] 01543 264158–Home 01543 264158–Home

IWA Nominee Environment Commerce Vaughan Welch Mike Battisson John Bryan 0121 477 9782 – Home 01543 300090 01543 683586 07971 202406 – Mobile 07984 437284–Mobile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Health & Safety Engineering Membership Bob Mullarkey (& Lichfield Cruising Club rep) Godfrey Eland 01543 251408 – Home Peter Buck [email protected] 01543 426811 – Work 01543 268041–Home 07973 719215 – Mobile 07966 123239–Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Other Officers Magazine Editor Website Publicity Officer Stefan Szulc Paul Marshall Tom Reid 01543 677156 01543 410646 01543 319754–Home [email protected] [email protected] 07840 300178–Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Hatherton Work Party Social Media Grounds Maintenance Denis Cooper Christine Howles Manager 01543 374370 – Work [email protected] Roger Barnett

LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING Limited. Company No 3686837–Chairman: John Bryan; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk

Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 30 Cut Both Ways Summer 2015 31 Braunston Marina are proud to BACK the campaign to save the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals. keep digging the ground from under their feet! Braunston Marina The Wharf, Braunston, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire. NN11 7JH Telephone: 01788 891373 Fax: 01788 891436 web site: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk email: [email protected]