Untitled - Cotswold Canals Trust

HISTORIC ROUTE
Bell House,
Wallbridge Lock,
Stroud, Glos, GL5 3JS
01453 752568
mail@cotswoldcanals.com
TRUST ADMINISTRATOR Sharon Eastwood
THE
VICE PRESIDENTS
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP
Neil Carmichael MP
Chris Coburn MBE
David Drew
Dr David Fletcher CBE
Peter Gadsden
Rt Hon Sir Richard Needham
COMPILATION, LAYOUT &
PHOTOS (unless credited)
David Jowett 01453 755535
canaldave@gmail.com
11 Upper Leazes, Stroud,
Glos., GL5 1LA
DEVELOPMENT ADVISER
Neville Nelder
THE COTSWOLD CANALS
TRUST IS A REGISTERED
CHARITY - ITS AIMS ARE:
To promote for the benefit
of the community,
the re-opening of the
Cotswold Canals
To promote the restoration
of the two waterways
to give a balance between
the needs of navigation,
development, recreation,
heritage, landscape
conservation, wildlife and
natural habitats.
Saul Junction
1
B
Printed by AST 02920 497901
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Peter Perry
perryboxy@aol.com
TEL: 01376 346705
FAX: 01376 348550
137 Notley Road, Braintree,
Essex, CM7 1HF
PLEASE MENTION THE TROW
WHEN RESPONDING TO ADS
1
A
REG. CHARITY No 269721
Reg Co: The Cotswold Canals
Trust Registered in England
No. 1207787 Registered
Office: Island House, Moor
Road, Chesham, HP5 1NZ
COPY DATE
5
5
5
5
A46
P
H
A
S
E
3
RH
A423
Sapperton
Coates
Kemble
A429
N
Ewen
Cotswold
Water
Park
CIRENCESTER
Cirencester Arm
South Cerney
North RH
Cerney Wick
Wilts
Canal
Some sections of the
Thames & Severn Canal
Latton
are in private ownership
A419
with no public access
CRICKLADE
Eisey
Marston Meysey
= Canal
Route &
mile marker
RH =
3
Daneway
Sapperton
Tunnel
RH
Front Cover Photo by John Wilkes:
Ryeford Double Lock - gate fitting day !
Frampton Mansell
Golden
Valley
Volunteers’ site
www.cct.teamconnect.org.uk
ENews Registration
www.cctmembers-newsletter.co.uk
STROUD
Chalford
Siddington
2
Round
House
S
T
R
O
U
D
W
A
T
E
R
Thrupp
Brimscombe
RH
1 Mar
1 Jun
1 Sep
1 Dec
The Cotswold Canals Trust
is a member of
Ebley
Dudbridge
Brimscombe
Port
Published by
JAN
APR
JUL
OCT
STONEHOUSE
Bowbridge
THE VIEWS & OPINIONS
HEREIN DO NOT NECESSARILY
REPRESENT THOSE OF THE
COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST
To achieve restoration of
the Cotswold Canals as a
navigable route from Saul
Junction to the River Thames
Whitminster
To
A38
Gloucester
M5
& Beyond
Eastington
Newtown
Ryeford
DESIGN & PRINT LIAISON
Sharon Kemmett of
The Design Co-operative
01453 751778
To promote the use of
all the towpath as
The Thames & Severn Way.
Cotswold Canals Trust
www.cotswoldcanals.com
TROW
is published by the
Cotswold Canals Trust.
The magazine takes its
name from the historic
Severn sailing vessels
River Severn
Gloucester/
Sharpness Canal
Kempsford
RH
River
Thames
Inglesham
To
LECHLADE London
T
H
A
M
E
S
&
S
E
V
E
R
N
From the Chairman
Chief Executive Report
by Liz Payne
culverts to join the Frome. As a
consequence, very large overflow weirs to
cope with up to 20 cubic metres of flood
water a second (a quantity that would fill one
of our locks in just twelve seconds!)
together with fish and eel passes
have to be built. The work also
has to be done whilst water is
still flowing down the canal
to avoid upsetting the
ecology.
by Ken Burgin
Stonehouse to Brimscombe - 1A
It is four years since I was elected chairman
of the Cotswold Canals Trust and during that
time I have seen the most amazing changes
to our two canals.
My first year saw the withdrawal of British
Waterways from Phase 1A which seemed a
bitter blow at the time. This coincided with
the decision to appoint a Chief Executive to
the Trust. What a wise move that was; his
enthusiasm and expertise convinced the
Heritage Lottery Fund that the scheme was
still viable with a new lead partner, Stroud
District Council. An update of the current
activities are in Ken’s report.
Martin Turner presents a certificate to Liz
Payne in September at the end of the
Centennial Cruise. The certificate had earlier
been presented to the CCT by the Wilts and
Berks Canal Trust (Melksham, Calne &
Chippenham Branch). It commemorated the
Centennial Cruise’s visit to Semington where
the Wilts & Berks Canal has a junction with
the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Last year saw the opening of our new office
and Visitor Centre at Wallbridge Lock. This has
been a tremendous success and has raised the
profile of the Trust hugely.
The
centre
overlooked the rebuilding of the A46 bridge
over the canal, now known as Stroud Brewery
Bridge, which opened to traffic in July.
adopted by the Waterway Recovery Group as
their flagship site. The Inland Waterways
Association made the lock the subject of
their Tom Rolt Centenary Appeal which has
reached the halfway stage.
In the east, a new work depot was opened at
Alex Farm, courtesy of the Co-op. After
much work in making the buildings
watertight, this large complex is enabling
serious woodworking tasks to be undertaken
to support lock restoration.
The Centennial Cruise was a concept
dreamed up to commemorate a hundred
years since the voyage of the last working
boat Gem navigated the complete length of
our two canals in 1911. From dream to
reality takes a lot of hard work, but happen
it did during the month of August, raising a
considerable amount of money (over £2500
to date) as well catching the imagination of
many people including the press, radio and
TV, making sure that many more people now
know about our long-term dream.
Further east, Inglesham Lock was gifted to
us by British Waterways and has been
Vice Presidents
The Trust is delighted that Neil Carmichael,
MP for Stroud, has agreed to become a
Vice President. He has a keen interest in
the canal and the regenerative effect it will
have on his constituency.
By the time you read this, work should be
under way on several major projects being
led by Stroud District Council (SDC) as part
of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) funded
Phase 1A programme. These include most of
the works needed to re-open the canal
between The Ocean at Stonehouse and
Lodgemore Swing Bridge near Stroud - about
half of Phase 1A.
Other work has been going
on in the meantime.
Various obstructions such
as pipes have been
removed from the
canal bed. The new
gates have been
installed in Ryeford
Double Lock but it
will be a while
before there will
be a good enough
water supply
above to
Ryeford
allow it
Lock - A
to be
big crane for
used.
big lock gates!
(Photo: Ken Burgin)
This is a substantial chunk of work with much
of the contract awarded to Galliford Try (who
used to be Morrison). It includes Ocean and
Chestnut Lane swing-bridges, the Dudbridge
Locks and overflow system including the civil
engineering works for the hydro scheme, a
flood gate near Ebley Mill and the weir to
discharge surplus and flood water into the
River Frome just upstream of it.
Much of this work is made more complex as,
in the mid 1950s, the canal was largely
emptied and modified to act as a flood relief
channel to protect properties downstream of
Stroud. This was done by re-routing the
flows of Slad Brook, Painswick Stream and
Ruscombe Brook into the canal where
previously they had passed under it in
The Trust is going from strength to strength,
with much happening. However, I feel that it
is time to hand over the chairmanship so, by
the time this magazine drops through your
letterbox, a new Chairman will have been
elected by Trust Council.
We are pleased that the previous MP,
David Drew, is staying on as Vice President
as a member of Stonehouse Town Council.
His support of the canal is well proven.
4
I would like to thank all the volunteers who
have given their time, expertise and skills
and made my task easier as Chairman.
5
A bund has been removed at Oil Mills Bridge,
Ebley and the material re-used to dam off
Griffins Mill Lock (between Bowbridge and
Thrupp) so that our volunteers can restore it.
If you would like to help restore this lock, the
Trust is keen to hear from you.
Plans are moving forward to finish off Hilly
Orchard Bridge so that disabled people and
those with pushchairs can use it; this will
allow the removal of the adjacent temporary
crossing built in the canal bed.
The area around and including repair work to
Wallbridge Upper Lock in Stroud is the
subject of a contract with Land & Water that
should be underway on 19th October.
For an observer outside of the project, it is
probably extremely difficult to appreciate
just how much paperwork and regulatory
approval work has to be completed before
anything can happen on the ground. In many
cases, the time to get through the processes
far exceeds the time actually spent carrying
out the physical work.
A great deal of design work and negotiation
has been taking place to enable the new
section of canal to be built that will replace
the length lost under Dr Newton's Way, the
Stroud east-west bypass (generally referred
to as the Capel Mill area). This will pass
under one of the viaduct arches and skirt
around the tip on the north side of the river.
The design is quite similar to one produced
by Freeman Fox Braine & Partners for the
Trust as early as 1985 and is very different to
the controversial route chosen a few years
ago. This route retains the original low two
arched aqueduct carrying the T&S Canal over
the River Frome at the upstream end.
Tenders have been invited from a short list of
four developers for the redevelopment of
Brimscombe Port. This selection process has
been under way for much of this year and
final agreements and plans will run into
2012. However, a much better picture of
what is proposed will soon start to develop as
will the overall financial position of the
project as a whole. This is because the
contribution to the project from the South
West Regional Development Agency came in
6
RYEFORD DOUBLE LOCK GATES
Opposite Page: John Wilkes captures the
movement of a gate from field to lock - note
BBC Radio Gloucestershire van
Above: Nick Bird’s photo of a bottom gate
Two photos on the right by Mike Gallagher
show installation of a balance beam
Mike also took the photo below after all six
gates had been lifted in. Trip boat “Annette”
just happened to be on a trial run
7
Dudbridge
Locks
Ebley Weir &
Floodgate to
be built here
Chestnut
Lane Swing
Bridge
Lodgemore
Lane Bridge
Stroud
Brewery
Bridge
Capel Mill Infill Site
Brimscombe Port
Upper Mills
Bridge
Oil
Mills
Bridge
PHASE 1B
PHASE 1A
the form of money to purchase Brimscombe
Port and its value to the canal project will only
be released as part of the redevelopment
process. On the positive side, it is a fantastic
site and anyone with any vision at all can see
just what potential it has. The downside is the
current economic climate which is a lot less
dynamic than when the Port was purchased
and which may yet have the capacity to
disappoint still further.
Dudbridge Lock Hydro Project
Hilly
Orchard
Footbridge
PHASE 3
being assembled. Work is continuing to kit
out the Eastern Depot (where there is more
room) with woodworking machinery to
enable the jack posts (the timber that
supports the top paddle gear) to be made.
These will use recycled greenheart which
should ensure an exceptionally long life. Part
of the plan envisages making durable
benches for use along the canal and anyone
wanting to sponsor one of these is
encouraged to get in contact.
The Trust project led by Jim White to produce
a new design of heritage style paddle gear
has reached the point where the first sets are
Towpath improvement works continue in
various places and the route under the A46
8
Keith Tibbitts is CCT's volunteer manager for
this project and is keeping supporters
informed through the Energyshare website.
Please go to the website in the margin to offer
your support or to see how we are doing.
Planning permission has now been granted
for the hydro scheme and various meetings
with the EA have resolved a number of issues
so the licenses needed to operate the
scheme should now be forthcoming.
www.energyshare.com/dudbridge-locks-hydro/
Ocean
Swing
Bridge
Grant, we will be well on the way to our
target of about £300,000. At the time of
writing, we are waiting to find out if we have
reached the final short list of 10 projects out
of the 100 previously selected on the basis of
the number of supporters. We were ranked
5th at that time and were in 2nd place out of
the 100 by the 30th September deadline for
the formal applications. Criteria other than
the number of supporters will be taken into
account but our planning consent came in 23
minutes before the 5pm deadline and this
will have put us in a strong position
compared with many. As there is £500,000
available and the normal maximum grant is
£100,000, if we make the short list, we have
an excellent chance of getting the money
provided our number of supporters continues
to grow.
The Trust is drawing up plans for a new
slipway to give access to the section of Phase
1A between the Ocean and Stroud. The
intention is for this to be built by volunteers
in time to service Stroud on Water next
summer and will then provide ongoing
access for visiting boats wanting to visit the
newly restored canal.
Wallbridge Upper Lock
Griffins Mill Lock
e plate in
St
idg
r
Br
d
ou
Ne
w
Ryeford
Double
Lock
bridge in the middle of Stroud is now
available for use providing a very useful
alternative to dodging the cars between the
roundabouts. It is, however, inevitable that
certain lengths of towpath will be closed from
time to time as the restoration work
proceeds.
The civil engineering works will be
undertaken by Galliford Try as part of the
Dudbridge Locks restoration and the
construction of the new large flood water
bypass system. This includes the intake,
which will have an automated screen clearing
system, the pipeline and the turbine house.
A late design change was the re-routing of
the pipeline to the canal side of the flood
bypass system to give a copper beech tree a
wide berth.
As was the case with Pike Bridge a few years
ago, CCT intends to be fully involved in the
project management to ensure that any
problems are resolved quickly and costs are
kept under control.
Once the civil engineering works are
complete, the mechanical and electrical
installation can start and provided the water
levels have been restored to those needed
for navigation, it should be possible to
commission the system.
The fund raising for the project is going well
and provided we secure the Energyshare
9
Phase 1B
Above: Finishing touches at Eisey Lock
(Ken Burgin)
Preparations continue for the Phase 1B
Heritage Lottery Fund bid which it is hoped
will be able to be submitted in November.
SDC has agreed to take on the role of Lead
Partner and funding has been identified to
support the stage 1 bid. If this initial bid is
successful, a further decision will be needed
before work begins on the stage 2
development process. This would then take
the project virtually to the point where work
can start. SDC is not in a position to
underwrite any funding for the construction
phase so one of the major challenges will be
to find all the matched funding needed to
execute the project. This, of course, assumes
that HLF will award the grant which cannot
be taken for granted.
In order to keep the costs within the range of
funding that might be available, the aim will
be to provide a much enhanced role for
volunteers. Ideas include the development of
the "Missing Mile Project" where one mile of
canal around the M5 and two brand new
locks could form one of the biggest canal
volunteer projects seen in a long time.
Phase 2
Above: Evening volunteer work party clears
the pound above Eisey Lock. Jon and Dave
work for Stroud District Council but are
volunteers here. L-R Jon Pontefract, Keith
Harding, Dave Marshall, George Smith
Below: Eisey Lock vacated (Ken Burgin)
After three years of hard work by Dig Deep,
WRG and others under the leadership of Jon
Pontefract, the heritage structural repair work
to Eisey Lock is all but complete. This is the
amount of time originally planned and is being
paid for through contributions from Tarmac,
the operator of the gravel pits at Eisey. It is an
impressive achievement and means that yet
another lock will require little more than regating to bring it back into commission.
Work is under way clearing the dry canal bed
upstream of the lock and we hope we will soon
be given permission to improve the canal
downstream of Rucks Bridge. As long as the
canal feeders recover after the adverse effects of
aggregate quarrying, there is a good chance that
this will result in a good length of canal in water.
Work has continued on the repair of the
substantial overflow weir part way along the
pound above Cerney Wick. This has reached a
10
point where little more can be done until the
canal banks in this pound have been repaired.
Both at Cerney Wick and Inglesham, levelling
work has shown that the banks have
compressed, slumped or contracted as
frequently they are found to be lower than the
overflow weirs that would have controlled the
working water level.
Nearby, plans are advancing for the lowering
of a Thames Water water main that crosses
the canal at an inappropriate level.
Inglesham hosted a three week long summer
camp which resulted in significant work to the
head of the lock. The tried and tested
technique of removing the defective brickwork
until sound brickwork emerges resulted in
parts of the structure looking like something
found under someone's lawn by Time Team.
Rebuilding work has commenced but there is
still plenty to complete.
Above: Top of Inglesham Lock (Ken Burgin)
Inglesham Lock has a huge overflow weir
above it fed by a separate culvert. It was
probably this large to cope with water entering
the system from the Welford Feeder.
Interestingly, the surviving top gates are
boarded right up to the balance beams. This is
unusual and the reason remains a mystery.
The other thing that is interesting about these
gates is that the bulk of each seems to have
been grafted on to an earlier heel post possibly part of the previous set and seem to
be made out of a different type of timber.
Meanwhile the IWA Tom Rolt appeal is
approaching the halfway mark and ecological
studies are identifying what work is needed to
mitigate the length of bank which will one day
be the boat landing stage for those
approaching the lock from the Thames. This
will also inform how we go about damming off
the bridge and main lock chamber so that
work can start on these next year. Once we
have this information, the planning application
can be submitted and the various EA approvals
needed can be applied for.
The Trust is working closely with the Cullimore
Group planning the recreation of about 1Km of
canal at Roundhouse Farm which is between
Eisey and Kempsford. This was filled in long
11
Above: Close up at top gates (Ken Burgin)
Below: Lots to do! (Ken Burgin)
ago and the canal restoration is part of their
mineral extraction restorations plan. The
intention is to make the restored canal wider
than the original with shallower sides. This
allows the use of the clay found on the site and
will create wide reed fringes along the canal
which will both protect the banks and create a
more extensive wildlife habitat. It will also be
more robust to water voles digging deep holes
into the banks.
Useful links are being forged with Natural
England and it is very apparent that, as they
take on a wider role, many of our aspirations
are in line with what they wish to achieve.
It is now anticipated that Natural England will
join the Cotswold Canals Partnership and this
should help greatly in resolving ecological
issues as well as increasing public access to
the countryside, particularly at the eastern end
of the Thames & Severn.
Water Transfer
The Trust will be presenting its ideas about
the Cotswold Canals based water transfer
scheme to a joint meeting of Thames Water
and the Environment Agency in November.
This will ensure that all involved can grasp
some of the subtleties of the project which
have the capacity to overcome some of the
perceived problems of water transfer.
Things to Buy -
Available for Mail Order Now
New Saul Book
Following last year’s success of the book
about Brimscombe Port, another in the series
about locations along the Cotswold Canals,
has just been published.
The new book features Saul Junction and
provides an insight into a location unique on
England’s waterways - a canal crossroads!
The book uses material from The Junction
Heritage Project, a website set up by a group
who collected memories and facts about the
waterways that meet at Saul Junction. I
gives an insight into the lives of people from
the surrounding villages and towns over the
last century.
This book contains but a small selection from
that website submitted by Iris Capps and
Lois Francis together with other pictures and
articles assembled for the publication by
David Jowett. A successful joint venture by
the two groups.
Christmas Cards
It’s three months since this year’s Christmas
Cards were released. They have been selling
well, so now it really is time to make your
purchases. Here’s a reminder of the two sets
on offer this year.
First Option is a pack of 10 cards taken from
paintings by local artists. They accepted the
challenge from art teacher, Julia Christie, to
paint a wintry picture that could be
considered for inclusion in the Cotswold
Canals Trust’s pack.
The five successful
paintings were chosen by a small panel and
can be seen below.
Second Option is a pack of cards by Paul
Joyce who has painted many of the scenes
used for cards in recent years. Each pack
consists of 10 cards of Last Days of Steam at
Brimscombe which portrays the scene that
would have been seen at Brimscombe
Station alongside the Thames & Severn
Canal around 50 years ago.
All items are available by Mail Order from the
Trust’s website www.cotswoldcanals.com
You can buy these and other items online
using Paypal or by sending a cheque,
payable to CCT Trading Ltd to Bell House,
Wallbridge Lock, Stroud, Glos., GL5 3JS
together with your name and address. Prices
here include P&P.
Don’t forget that we have stocks at the
Trust’s outlets at Saul and Bell House in
Stroud. Please state which packs of cards
you require when ordering.
Julia Christie’s Garden Studio Painters £3.95 per pack incl P&P
Pack of 10 Cards
2 Cards each of
5 Designs
2
3
4
5
Happening Now
So as the Trust approaches its 40th year,
progress continues at an ever increasing rate
and on more fronts than ever before. The
sight of the first set of lock gates being
lowered into Ryeford Double Lock is one that
should be repeated again and again as other
locks are restored.
Martin Hyde, who lives at the cottage next to
Ryeford Double Lock, was watching. Decades
ago he had seen the canal slip into deep
dereliction and the section above the lock dry
up. Watching as the new gates were craned
in to position, he said to me how pleased he
was and that he never thought he would see
it happen in his lifetime. Next year, he should
see the first boats passing through the lock
too.
12
1
1 Ryeford Bridge by Janet Johnson
2 Frozen canal at Ebley by Barry Hill
3 Snowy Bridge by Sylvia White
4 Swan at Dock Lock by Chris King
5 The Ocean by Roger Summers
Paul Joyce
Last Days of Steam at Brimscombe
Pack of 10 Cards of the same design
Saul Junction £5.95 incl P&P
£3.95 per pack incl P&P
13
Cotswold Canal Stories
Words & Photos by Mike Gallagher
Goliath Arrives in Stonehouse
Although the stretch of canal from the Ocean
to Ryeford was dredged not so long ago, the
CCT’s tug Goliath moved in early in August to
maintain the channel.
Canal Trust Chief
Engineer, Mike Hynd said that “Goliath will
tackle silt and weeds that have built up in
recent months by dragging rakes on chains
along the canal bed”.
Top: Goliath at Stonehouse
Right: Artist’s impression of
paddle gear mechanism
Below: Gate paddle gear
being machined at Truturn,
Lightpill, Stroud (Jim White)
With the co-operation of the canal-side
residents in Stonehouse, Goliath arrived on a
low-loader rented for the occasion from
Russell Machinery Transport based in
Cheltenham. It was raised up over a fence
and towpath, then lowered into the canal not
far from Nutshell Bridge, which can be seen
in the background in the photo.
Lock Gear Made Locally
Two Stroud companies will make new canal
lock gear under the direction of CCT’s Jim
White. He retired after a career in
engineering when he worked on aircraft and
Challenger tanks and took up another
challenge - to design lock paddle gear for the
restoration. Jim’s designs met ‘historic
similarity’ standards and modern health &
safety requirements.
DM Foundries Ltd and Truturn Precision
Engineering will take care of casting and
machining operations respectively. Davall
Gears of Hatfield will make the mechanisms.
Next, Jim sourced timber to make supports,
known as ‘jack-posts’, for the paddle gear. He
traced a supplier of reclaimed Greenheart, a
heavy & durable timber largely originating
from sustainable sources in Guyana. The
timber is reclaimed from piers and harbour
installations around the UK. Cotswold Canals
Trust volunteers with wood machining skills
and equipment at CCT’s Eastern and Western
depots will produce the jack-posts, at a
considerable saving by doing them in-house.
14
New Cafe at Wallbridge
The Lock-keeper’s Cafe at Wallbridge in
Stroud opened in July next to the CCT Visitor
Centre.
Wendy Townsend, the new proprietor,
described her vision. “It will become a place
to dream as you escape the daily stresses of
life - a comfortable place to meet your friends
or read a book. We will offer the best
prepared coffee in the area. It will be
complemented by cakes and light lunches.
Customers will also enjoy free newspapers,
magazines and wireless internet connection”.
The cafe uses local suppliers including
Walkers Bakery, Hania Cheeses and ales
from Stroud Brewery. The cafe is licensed to
sell local beer, cider and fine wines. The work
of local artists adorns the walls and the lockside garden is shared with the adjacent
Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre.
The story of how Wendy came to open the
cafe is worth telling. She received news in
October 2010 that she was to be made
redundant. She explained, “I became bored
with being at home all the time and was
determined not to turn the TV on during the
day. I trawled the internet looking for work
and applied for many positions. I had a few
responses and two interviews. One day while
out walking I noticed how much litter there
was everywhere. I rang Stroud District
Council and told them I would like to do
some litter picking.
"Then I spoke to someone about doing
voluntary work on the canal towpath. I went
to the Thursday Drop in Volunteering days at
the Canal Visitor Centre. I loved it! The
volunteers are a fantastic group of people.
One day whilst we were eating our lunch on
the lock-side lawn, Sheila, a friend I have
known for years, pointed out that the former
Lock-keeper’s bar was vacant. Sheila
encouraged me to open the place up as a
cafe. I jumped at the chance! The place
needed a total refit so, I became a Project
Manager. My sons Lee and Matthew did the
construction and fit out. They have been
absolute stars for their mum!”
15
Top: The cafe is sandwiched between the
lock and the CCT Visitor Centre
Above: The refurbished interior
Below: Wendy with sons Lee & Matthew
Centennial Cruise
by Martin Turner
Why did the Cotswold Canals Trust hold a
Centennial Cruise? Well, it is a hundred years
since the last cargo was transported from
Severn to Thames in a boat called Gem. It
was decided this needed celebrating by
highlighting that the link between the
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and the
Thames at Inglesham is 37 miles or so. The
long way round takes 174 miles & 148locks if
you go north and 201 miles & 135 locks if you
go south. The added fun if you go south is
that you have to go via the Severn Estuary!
August marked exactly 100 years since the
famous cargo was transported. Sixteen boats
signed up. They arrived at Saul from all over
the country, some travelling long distances
before they even started with us. Itineraries
were created, timings worked out and
organisations contacted to arrange events en
route. I was in charge of the Southern Route
via the Estuary, The River Avon in Bristol, the
Kennet & Avon Canal and the Thames to
Lechlade. Wendy from Wildcat Enterprises,
who’s idea led to the cruise, was in charge of
the Northern Route, via the River Avon, The
Stratford Canal, Grand Union Canal, Oxford
Canal and the River Thames to Lechlade.
Both the River Avon Trust and Environment
Agency agreed to discounts on licences - our
thanks to them. British Waterways gave free
licences for those moored on the Avon tremendous support from the authorities.
Special mugs were produced along with a
strictly limited edition plate to be given to
each boater and to important people on the
route. There are some still available which
you may buy from myself or Wendy.
Various Media organisations were contacted
and we had a grand departure from Saul
Junction at 10.00am on Friday 12th August.
We expected just a few people, but got a
tremendous send-off. Several TV companies,
radio and press attended plus huge support
from CCT members - a large crowd indeed.
TV and radio interviews were given. Stroud
District Council gave wonderful support with
the Chairman and Council Leader giving
speeches followed by our Chairman Liz
Payne. The atmosphere was great. We really
thought we were off on an adventure.
We allowed three weeks for the trip, more
than generous we thought allowing time for
weather etc. Well, the first thing we heard on
the Southern Route was that we could not go
down the estuary - too windy! So off we all
went to Gloucester to make a convoy along
the canal. TV people and radio loved it. We
all assembled in the docks and the crews
went to the Yacht Club for the evening.
After waving off the Northern Route on
Saturday, the rest of us cruised back past
Saul to Sharpness for the journey down the
estuary. The weather was against us so it
was Sunday Lunch in the Dockers Club. We
made trips to Dursley, back up the canal and
to Berkeley Castle; it was Wednesday and we
still had not gone! We were now very behind
schedule so much reorganising was done.
Something like 30 people had to be
contacted and all agreed to the changes.
A decision was made, in spite of the pilots, as
it was very obvious the weather on Thursday
was good. I had done the trip several times
before and knew the route, so we resolved to
go in convoy! Pilots said no way would they
approve but off we went and it was a perfect
crossing, arriving in Portishead for a short
stop-over for the trip into Bristol on the same
day. We arrived in Bristol to a wonderful
reception from the Harbourmaster, Tony
Nicholls, and Avon and Wilts IWA. Tony had
arranged wonderful free moorings opposite
SOUTHERN ROUTE PHOTOS
by Chris Handscombe:
NORTHERN ROUTE PHOTOS
Through the massive lock at Sharpness
Down the Severn (from the Severn Bridge)
As tiny dots under the 2nd Severn Crossing
Up the Bristol Avon (from Martin Turner)
Five abreast at Saul (Mike Gallagher)
Through Gloucester Lock (Chris Handscombe)
On to the Severn (Chris Handscombe)
Info stand at Stratford (Jan Thomas)
16
17
the Great Britain. We were all tired so next
day was Bristol viewing day! Before setting
off for Bath we lined up in front of the Great
Britain for a photo opportunity.
We kept in touch with the Northern Route
who had cruised up the Avon and at each
stop-over received a lovely welcome. People
had listened to the radio and had gone out to
support the cruise. They arrived in Stratford,
set up a stand and it rained and it rained, so
virtually no-one turned up. Still it did not
demotivate anyone and off they went up the
Stratford on time and on schedule.
In Bath we could not set up stands so spent
time sightseeing and talking to local Media.
Then up Widcombe flight, locked up by the
IWA. At Claverton Pumping Station we had a
special tour, (go if you can its fantastic), then
to Bradford-on-Avon and a greeting from the
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, who put on their
trip boat with a free bar - a fantastic and
wonderful evening. Next day at Semington
we met the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust at
the start of the new cut of the canal. The
council presented us with a certificate. Next
day was the climb up Caen Hill, Devizes - 29
wide beam locks that take at least six hours
- but the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and
the Avon and Wilts IWA locked us all up the
flight. It was an amazing day followed in the
evening by a reception at the K&A Trust
headquarters. This facility is superb and
something the CCT could copy in the future.
A motivating speech by Mike Rudd of the
K&A Canal Trust sent us on our way.
The result of the delays on the Severn meant
we could not stop for any selling or
fundraising so each day was go! Except, that
is, for a superb lunch at Honey Street and
yes a Bar B Q put on by the Pewsey Boat
Club and a presentation by John Webb of the
IWA at Burbage Wharf about the crane they
are restoring. We then had to motor on to
Lechlade, so pressed on through Reading up
the incredibly beautiful Thames to the other
end of the Wilts & Berks Canal at Abingdon.
There we dressed overall and assembled in
the cut for a photo shoot. Then on to Oxford
where we did a 2.5 hour live radio show. All
the boaters were interviewed plus we then
did TV who gave us three minutes on the
evening news - what tremendous publicity!
In the meantime the Northern Route had
been to Banbury for a Mayoral, plus a second
reception next day where Banbury Cakes
were served, plus of course all the media
attention. They cruised on and arrived on
time in Lechlade.
Back on the Southern Route we rushed to
Lechlade; what bends on the Thames! We
arrived just in time to a huge welcome. On
Sunday, Mayor Christine Eatwell welcomed
us at a Family Fun Day followed by a Special
Dinner, which was a wonderful evening
where Liz Payne spoke again welcoming us
and received the special certificate from the
Wilts and Berks Canal to the CCT.
What did the Trust get out of this? I think we
probably had the best publicity locally we
have had for a long time, several interviews
on radio, photos in the local press and, by
the time you read this, a nine minute video
on BBC TV. In addition we had publicity
around the route and made excellent
contacts with the local canal societies and
IWA. In Banbury, the Northern Route had the
mayoral reception and people following the
route. The result was a high profile for the
trust, a decent sum of money raised and, for
the participants, an excellent bonding which
we shall all carry with us as a good memory.
It also shows that the CCT needs more of this
type of event to keep our profile high. Next
year it will be the Stroud on Water event.
Lets make that an even bigger success!
SOUTHERN ROUTE PHOTOS
by Martin Turner
HOME STRAIGHT PHOTOS
by Mike Gallagher
Lined up alongside SS Great Britain
Wilts & Berks reception at Semington (K&A)
Martin & John Webb (IWA) at Burbage (K&A)
On the Wilts & Berks at Abingdon
On TV at Oxford (from Martin Turner)
Lechlade’s Mayor arrives on CCT trip boat
CCT sales Stand at Lechlade
Martin Turner turns his boat at Inglesham
18
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300 Club
Manager John Carter
July’s Draw was made at Wallbridge Visitor
Centre on 23rd July by Samuel Woolley from
Lympstone in Devon. He was visiting Stroud
and called at the Centre because of his
interest in industrial archaeology.
JULY
1st
2nd
3rd
RESULTS
(stake no. in brackets)
£445 Mr M Fromm Uckfield
(460)
£223 Mr C Hill
Stonehouse (426)
£075 Mrs W Read Lechlade
(413)
October’s draw was held on an unseasonable
very warm first day of the month at
Wallbridge Visitor Centre. It was made by
Gus Willson from Ashford in Kent. He was
visiting family in the area and had popped
into the centre because of his life-long
interest in canals. There aren't many in
Kent; perhaps the best known is the 19 mile
long Royal Military Canal which is mostly
unnavigable.
OCTOBER RESULTS
1st £464 Mr J Davies Stroud
2nd £232 Mr R Tarling London
3rd £078 Mr G Lowthian Gloucester
(726)
(567)
(042)
Why Not Remember
CCT in your Will ?
by Jack Telling
Full restoration of the Cotswold Canals
cannot be taken for granted. For nearly 40
years the Cotswold Canals Trust has fought
for the full restoration of the canal. Led by
Stroud District Council, restoring the canal
between Stonehouse and Brimscombe Port is
a major step forward.
As a charity we rely on voluntary
contributions to provide funds for the
restoration of the Cotswold Canals.
By
including us in your will you can have the
satisfaction of securing these Canals for the
enjoyment of future generations.
Further information from website:
www.cotswoldcanals.com
Click Appeals & Donations/Leave a Legacy
The coming years will also be full of
opportunities to link Stonehouse with Saul
Junction and Brimscombe to Inglesham and
we must be in a position to respond with
significant matched funding. It is also very
important that we continue to restore
structures and purchase land along the
Thames
&
Severn
Canal
between
Brimscombe Port and Inglesham. What we
can achieve will depend heavily on voluntary
gifts and legacies from our supporters.
Legacy Guide
Leaving a legacy to the Cotswold Canals
Trust is an ideal way of passing on the
maximum benefits of your estate as it will be
entirely free from inheritance tax. You can
make a bequest:
(a) as a specific sum of money
(b) as an item of value such as jewellry,
shares or a piece of land
(c) as the residue of your estate - i.e. what
is left after all your specific bequests
have been made and debts, tax and
costs accounted for.
If you would like to leave something to the
Cotswold Canals Trust simply ask your
solicitor to include your bequest in your will.
If you have already made a will it can be
amended, without having to make a new
one, by means of a Codicil.
This can be
done through your solicitor.
20
Bequests should be made payable to
Cotswold Canals Trust (Reg.Charity 269721)
21
Stroud on Water planning is progressing
well. We nearly have a full management
team, the majority of the infrastructure is in
place and we are now putting the core of the
festival together.
A little early yet to give you full details, but
expect a family orientated festival with many
attractions. We already have a climbing wall,
Playbus and fairground attractions. Arena
events and music all day are on the
programme so make sure you listen to the
local radio and read Enews where will
announce more. By the next Trow we will
have full details. In addition the website will
be up and running by the time you read this
for updates. Don’t forget to put June 2/3/4th
2012 in your diary now!
We still need a couple of key manager
volunteers plus of course around 150 other
volunteers to make this happen, so please
contact:
Below: Photo of the Marling School playing
fields close to Stroud (Photo taken in 2006
courtesy Stroud District Council)
Martin Turner 01291 650605
martin.turner40@btinternet.com
Martin Phillips 01453 860133
martin@douglas-phillips.org.uk
CCT on TV
Walliams vs Thames
The restoration of the Cotswold Canals has
received the attention of many TV
programmes over the years. The latest two
programmes aired in October.
As the Centennial Cruise reached its
destination in Lechlade on Sunday 4th
September, so comedian David Walliams was
preparing to set off on his Thames swim on
the Monday.
Local BBC TV (based in Bristol) Inside Out
West featured a ten minute segment
including coverage of the Centennial Cruise.
On UK Boating, the lion’s share of the
revitalised programme was given over to the
Cotswold Canals Trust.
Clive Field talked
about the formation of the Canal Society
back in 1972 and the past, present and
future of Sapperton Tunnel. Jon Pontefract
and Paul Weller spoke about volunteer work.
If you have internet access, you can still
watch the programme on www.uk-boating.tv
Look out for Episode 5. UK Boating airs
every Monday and Wednesday at 8:00pm
and Sundays at 8:30pm on Information TV
(Sky 166) with a new episode every other
Monday.
David was starting his 140 miles swim to
raise money for Sport Relief. The challenge
received much media coverage, especially on
BBC TV News and The One Show. The eagle
eyed amongst you may have caught
glimpses of the CCT’s sales stand during the
coverage on Monday.
Jan Thomas managed to detain the star for
just long enough to get a snap, CCT logo to
the fore, as you can see in the picture here.
You may remember that David achieved his
goal despite delays due to illness. According
to the Sport Relief website he swam 111,352
strokes whilst burning 68,186 calories over
an average of 18 miles a day. To date
£1,194,258 has been raised!
A419 to Stroud town centre
(around half a mile)
The
Lawns
Dudbridge
Upper Lock
Showground
Canal
Footbridge
recently
removed
22
23
A warm welcome to all those new members
listed below. They have all joined our Trust
since the previous edition of The Trow
passed its copy date. We do hope you will be
able to support our very ambitious aims for
many years to come.
Many members will be aware that we finally
had to increase our Annual Subscriptions to
£15 and £10 for family and adult
memberships respectively. Postage charges
kept on rising and were taking an increasing
proportion of our income. For existing
members this increase was voluntary.
Hugh Pringle, Southampton, Hants
David Sheekey, Margate, Kent
Pete Tuffrey, Frampton-on-Severn, Glos
Brian Grainger, AYLESBURY, Bucks
Royston Pearce, STROUD, Glos
John A. Mastin, Minchinhampton, STROUD
Mary McInnerny, STROUD, Glos
Roger I. Nisbet, ROYSTON, Herts
(Barbara) Helen Summers, STROUD, Glos
Zoe Measures, HEADLEY, Hants
John Wheeler, GLOUCESTER, GL2 7NL
Olive Turner, STROUD, Glos
Steve, Jan, Adam & Victoria Shadbolt, STROUD
David & Coralie Nurden, STROUD, Glos
Grahame Newman, Painswick, STROUD,
Sheila Doyle, STROUD, Glos
Mary Poulton, STROUD, Glos
Barry Leach, GLOUCESTER,
Laurence Davies & Siân McInally, HEMEL
HEMPSTEAD, Herts
Jill & Don Allison, NEWPORT PAGNELL,
Geoff Wickens, READING, Berks
Rex Stratford, STROUD, Glos
Audrey J. Smith, Amberley, STROUD, Glos
Hazel King, STROUD, Glos
Roger Blackmore, LEICESTER,
Nigel Card, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Nicholas & Emma Howell, STROUD, Glos
Jill Jordan, Highnam, GLOUCESTER
Paul Harris, SWINDON, Wilts
Ian, Debbie & Patsy Cooper, Eastcombe, Glos
John & Diane Moore, TETBURY, Glos
Robert & Janet McCormick, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Michael Golding, STROUD, Glos
To those who pay by cheque, do On-Line
banking, and would be willing to set up their
own Bankers Order, the details are in the
margin.
If you do not know your membership
number, do please ask me by Email. Please
let me know how much you will be paying
and the date of first payment - I will then
alter your renewal month to match.
The important total membership figure is
another record at 6353
Ruben Ireland, Eastington, STONEHOUSE,
Colin & June Streeter, Fishponds, BRISTOL
Nicola & Mark Ter-Berg, Nethergate, NORWICH
David & Susan Ruck, STROUD, Glos
Michael Gadd, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Fred Ward, STROUD, Glos
Richard Bryan, STROUD, Glos
Ann Gough, NORTHALLERTON, N. Yorks
David Boulton, Sheepscombe, STROUD,
Denise Robotham, STROUD, Glos
Neil & Nicki Baker, Kingsway, GLOUCESTER
Peter & Marie Westley, Eastcombe, Glos
John & Valerie Webb, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants
Brian & Ann Hillam, TETBURY, Glos
Christpher & Sarah King, STROUD, Glos
Jamie Sutton, STROUD, Glos
Arthur Histed, STROUD, Glos
Mark Annand, BATH, Somerset
Ned Skelton, STROUD, Glos
Stephen A. Mills, MALMSBURY, Wilts
Peter,Carol & James Robinson, Nailsworth, Glos
Jacqueline Adshead & Muriel Orrin, DISS, Norfolk
Eric & Jill Rogers, STROUD, Glos
Michael James, Pitchcombe, Glos
Brian & Liz Carter, Rodborough, STROUD
Chris Garbett, Painswick, STROUD, Glos
Philip & Sandra Hughes, Churchdown, Glos
Neil Morris, STROUD, Glos
Ned & Lindsey Neve, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants
Kenneth, Valerie & Timothy Pollard,
DURSLEY, Glos
Joyce & George Henman, STROUD, Glos
Margaret Poulton, STROUD, Glos
Brenda Oakey, STROUD, Glos
24
Brian Robbins, Saul, GLOUCESTER
Clive Cuss, TETBURY, Glos
Victoria Walker, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Barry Powell, FARNHAM, Surrey
Andrew Parnell, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Peter & Marianne Allan, STROUD, Glos
Steve Allen, STONEHOUSE, Glos
John & Marjorie Ashforth, STROUD, Glos
Patricia C. Ruskin, N. Woodchester, Glos
Chris & Val Merrick, STROUD, Glos
Jane & John Moseley, CHELTENHAM, Glos
Michelle Miles, STROUD, Glos
Desmond Titherington, CHELTENHAM, Glos
Brian D. Jarrett, Charfield, Glos
John & Yvonne Ainsworth, POOLE, Dorset
David & Diane Coleman, GLOUCESTER,
Richard Jones, Nailsworth, STROUD, Glos
Veronica Chambers, Kingsteighton,
NEWTON ABBOT, Devon
Dorothea Abbott-Baker, BUCKFASTLEIGH, Devon
Stephen & Hilary Haygarth, CHELTENHAM
John Duff, STROUD, Glos
Barbara Morris, GLOUCESTER
Jim & Jane Taylor, CHALFONT ST PETER, Bucks
Philip Hopkins & Jackie Butler, PINNER, Middx
Rob & Margaret Carruthers, WOTTONUNDER-EDGE, Glos
Victoria & Geoffrey + June & Liz Hudson, STROUD
Malcolm & Ruth Webb, Painswick, STROUD
Peter Williams, STROUD, Glos
Colin Tandy & Sally Gould, Hucclecote, Glos
Gillian & Edward Williams, STROUD, Glos
Barbara Waldron, WOKING, Surrey
Mr & Mrs V.& M. Holder, STROUD, Glos
It’s essential to include a reference for the Bank to use on the Statements - this will
be your membership number followed by initial and surname - eg 5201 C. Smith
Membership Secretary Des Pinnock
Thank you to those members who pay by
Bankers Order who have increased their
subscriptions to the new rates - I always see
these on the monthly Bank Statements.
Our Bank is Barclays, Gloucester - Sort Code 20 33 83.
Our account is called Cotswold Canals Trust and the number is 80867861
Membership Report
Stephen Uzzell, TETBURY, Glos
Martyn Hale, SWINDON, Wilts
Louis Bowman, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Phil Schubert, STROUD, Glos
Martin & Stella Gray, STROUD, Glos
Cavan McElligott, Cotham, BRISTOL
Susanne Blades, Minchinhampton, Glos
Nigel Davies, STROUD, Glos
Philip Cowley, STROUD, Glos
Douglas & Maureen Stocks, Thornbury, S. Glos.
Jill & John Thorn, Upton St. Leonards, Glos
Margaret & Vernon Griffiths, SWINDON, Wilts
John McWilliam, MALMESBURY, Wilts
Chris Reynolds, MALMESBURY, Wilts
David Sheppard, STOURBRIDGE, W. Midlands
Michael L. Wright, Nailsworth, STROUD
Tony Ross, WINDSOR, Berks
Trevor Strivens, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon
David Ashbee, DURSLEY, Glos
Colleen J. Woodacre, Thornbury, BRISTOL
Eric Hatcher, CHELTENHAM, Glos
Abigail Newton, CHIPPENHAMN, Wilts
Peter Scrutton, CHERTSEY, Surrey
Jane Cullinane, CANTERBURY, Kent
Trevor Knight, Scarfield Hill, ALVECHURCH, Worcs
Kay Dudelzak, STROUD, Glos
Mary E. Bennett, STROUD, Glos
Colin & Gail George, SWINDON, Wilts
Paul Trickett & Rachel Young (& Tricket
family), STROUD, Glos
Christine & John Rogers, Barnwood, GLOUCESTER
Rachel & Andrew Bolton, STROUD, Glos
Barry & Mary Hill, STROUD, Glos
Rachel D. Petrie, LEICESTER,
Martin & Cathy Fowler, Bishop Norton, Glos
Roger Male & Jean Young, LEAMINGTON
SPA, Warks
Rob Stubley, Tuffley, GLOUCESTER
Melvin Young, BEDFORDDALE 6112,
Barry Moss, Cambridge, GLOUCESTER
Peter & Ann Fallows, STROUD, Glos
Heather Harris, SWINDON, Wilts
Arthur Griffin, SWINDON, Wilts
Hildegard Kessler, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Anthony Hentschel, Nailsworth, STROUD
Judi, Laura & Nicola Price, Nailsworth, Glos
Rupert & Jackie Wasey, STROUD, Glos
Margaret & Malcolm Scott, CHELTENHAM,
Maria Doctor, STROUD, Glos
Paul N. Wallington, Nailsworth, STROUD
John Bale, STROUD, Glos
Lynn Duncan, STROUD, Glos
George M. Hodges, CHELTENHAM, Glos
William G. Skelly, Balgowlah North 2093,
NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia
Stephen Thorpe, Amberley, STROUD, Glos
Duncan McCalmont, BERKELEY, Glos
Irene Stewart & John Devonshire, Llantwit
Major, Vale of Glamorgan
Melanie Cheetham & Andrew Sime, STROUD
Maurice Hayers & Brenda Ind, STROUD
Thomas Davies, UPTON-ON-SEVERN, Worcs
Stephen Anderson, Arlingham, Glos
Matt Lakin & Laura Phipps +Brian Phipps,
STROUD, Glos
Nikki Simpson, STROUD, Glos
Ranth Patterson, STROUD, Glos
Philip & Judith Boocock, Eckington, Worcs
Sandy Parks, STROUD, Glos
Stanley & Zina Owen, St ALBANS, Herts
John & Jean Stanton, BERKELEY, Glos
Paulette Welch & Patrick Humphries, STROUD
Ella Gibson, Frampton-on-Severn, Glos
Tracey & Nigel Beard, STROUD, Glos
Robert & Christine Sedgbeer, Radstock,
BATH, Somerset
Janet Noyes, CIRENCESTER, Glos
John A. Bell, GLOUCESTER,
Roger Little, Down Hatherley, Glos
David Sutton, TEWKESBURY, Glos
Julie & Steven Hando, NEWPORT, Mon.
John Cumper, NEWNHAM, Glos
Daniel Holton, Yate, Sth Glos
Kevin Lee, Quedgeley, GLOUCESTER
Julie Rogers, BROADWAY, Worcs
Ron Alderwick, Rodborough, STROUD
Anthony & Margaret Swain, CHELTENHAM, Glos
Josephine & Stephen Smith, WOTTONUNDER-EDGE, Glos
David & Jennifer Phelps, GLOUCESTER,
Judy & Martin Quick, STROUD, Glos
Richard & Jane Newman, Hampton Hill, Middx
Annette & Derrick Jefferies, STROUD
Chris & Susan Witts, GLOUCESTER,
John & Rosemary Speck, Upper Pendock,
MALVERN, Worcs
Peter & Sally Collins, STROUD, Glos
Clive Tomkins & Julie Haynes, STROUD
Christine & Jim Smith, TAVISTOCK, Devon
David Bush, GLOUCESTER,
Prudence C. Townsend, STROUD, Glos
Margaret
Beaumont,
Rodborough
Common, STROUD
Marcel Ausset, SWINDON, Wilts
Geoffrey Matthews, SWINDON, Wilts
Geoffrey Smith, WITNEY, Oxon
Simon Turner, Kingsway, GLOUCESTER
Deborah Cunningham, Eastington, Glos
25
Ian Johnson & Janet Quinnell, WOKING, Surrey
Stephen R. Cawsey, Jordanston,
FISHGUARD, Pembrokeshire
Phyllis M. Smith, STROUD, Glos
Mary Newman, STROUD, Glos
Steven R. Murphy, Wheatley, DONCASTER
Matthew B. Jackson, Rodborough
Common, STROUD, Glos
Jon Shipman, DURSLEY, Glos
Ron & Margaret Major,
Avening,
TETBURY, Glos
John & Christine James, Yate, BRISTOL
John Thomas, CIRENCESTER, Glos
Peter Latimer, STROUD, Glos
Stephen Aston & Cathryn James,
WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, Glos
Richard Carman, STROUD, Glos
Chris & Shirley Tanner, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE
Tony & Jennie Hannaway, STROUD, Glos
Diana G. Crane, CIRENCESTER, Glos
Christine Headley, STROUD, Glos
Rose Acock, STONEHOUSE, Glos
Patrick Daly, STROUD, Glos
Rosalind John, Minchinhampton, STROUD,
Andrew Peacey, STROUD, Glos
Mike & Sally Hewlett, Nailsworth, Glos
Jeremy & Nicky Woodrow, Chewton
Mendip, Somerset
David & Sheila Almas, Sydenham, Ontario
Graham Eastwood, CIRENCESTER, Glos
Peter J, & E.M. Carr, DURSLEY, Glos
Paul & Janet Townsend, STROUD, Glos
William & Elizabeth Cain, WOTTONUNDER-EDGE, Glos
Jacqui & Adrian Kilburn, Nailsworth, Glos
Martyn Ractliffe, GLOUCESTER,
Michael Warwick, STROUD, Glos
Gabriel Parlour, STROUD, Glos
Dennis Cantillion, Randwick, STROUD
Lee Hathaway, STROUD, Glos
Geoffrey & Anne Amblor, Wheatley, Oxon
Catherine M. Gundry, HEADINGTON, Oxon
Alan Heaven, STROUD, Glos
Sarah Watts, CIRENCESTER, Glos
Ben Riddick, DAWLISH, Devon
Tim Greenway, Whitminster, Glos
Del Poole, Churchdown, GLOUCESTER
Brian Wood, Churchdown, Glos
Steven Jones, BERKELEY, Glos
Tim & Helen Maddocks, Sth Woodchester,
STROUD, Glos
Ian & Jacqueline Bertram, TENBY, Pembs
Tara Downs & Bart Sabel, STROUD, Glos
Henry Fildes, TETBURY, Glos
Treasurer’s Report
sponsorship from Beta Marine who advertise
regularly on the back cover of The Trow.
by Jack Telling
Centennial Cruise
Annual Report & Accounts 2011
The Annual Report & Accounts in respect of
the Trust & Trading Company have been
posted on website www.cotswoldcanals.com
Click on Document Store / CCT official
document store. Alternatively, paper copies
can be obtained from our Administrative
Office at Bell House.
Ocean Swing Bridge Appeal
Income from the Appeal now totals £18,946.
Work on the reconstruction of the bridge was
scheduled to begin in early August but for
various reasons has been delayed for a
couple of months. Work is now scheduled to
begin in early October and there is every
expectation that it will be completed before
the next edition of The Trow. In the
meantime, the Appeal remains open. Please
send donations to Sharon Eastwood, Bell
House, Wallbridge Lock, Stroud, GL5 3JS.
A full list of donors will be printed next time
but in the meantime here is a list of
donations from the following Corporate
Bodies and Charitable Trusts
Roger & Sarah Bancroft Clark Charitable Trust
IWA Stoke on Trent Branch
Lolande Trust
Dudbridge Hydro Project
Donations from this very successful Cruise
are still trickling in. To date income from
sponsors and donors amounts to £3,894
which after deducting £1,324 in respect of
the cost of publicity leaflets, signage etc.
leaves an excellent profit of at least £2,570.
Since the last edition of The Trow donations
have been received from the following firms:
Denis Brown & Sons of Nailsworth
AC Automotive
A Personal Note
At its November meeting Trust Council will
elect Officers for the forthcoming year. I have
intimated to Council that in the event of my
name being put forward as Honorary
Treasurer I would be prepared to continue
until 31st March 2012 which would give time
to find a successor.
I was elected Treasurer 12 years ago and
have held the post ever since. I feel that it
is now time to hand over the baton to
someone who can bring a fresh approach to
the role. The vacancy will be advertised on
the Trust’s website and in E-News.
The role does not require formal accountancy
or book-keeping qualifications but a
background in financial matters would
obviously be useful.
The Cotswold Canals Trust is very grateful for
the generosity of the Summerfield Trust in
donating £25,000 to this project.
Bell House Disabled Lift Appeal
in Memory of Nadine Preece
The total paid into this fund (which includes
donations from individuals and corporate
bodies) amounts to £2,967. This will be
used to pay for building work required prior
to the installation of the lift. The lift itself will
be financed by the very generous
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Wildlife in the
Cotswold Water Park
by Ben Welbourne,
Biodivesity Field Officer for the
Cotswold Water Park Trust
A Haven for Bats
Since 2005 the Cotswold Water Park Trust
(formerly the Cotswold Water Park Society)
has delivered a detailed survey of bats
across the 40 square miles of the Cotswold
Water Park. We have proven that 14 of the
18 British species of bats are present in the
CWP, with many species abundant in high
numbers, for example Soprano Pipistrelle
and Daubenton’s bat, and several rare
species such as Lesser Horseshoe bats and
Nathusius’ Pipistrelle bats also found here. In
fact, after seven years of study and
monitoring, its fair to say the CWP is perhaps
one of the most important areas in the UK
for bats.
The CWP has been subjected to over 50
years of sand & gravel extraction with more
recent built development; the loss of
hedgerows, grasslands and trees are all bad
news for bats, resulting in the loss of
roosting sites in mature trees, loss of feeding
areas and loss of connecting habitats that
enable bats to move easily and safely across
the landscape. It is arguable that the
creation of 150 lakes (so far; another 50
years of sand & gravel extraction is very
likely!) may comprise a net gain in habitat
for bats by creating large wetlands, rich in
insects and ideal for foraging bats. However,
roosts are not being replaced at the same
rate as they are being lost.
We also don’t yet understand how bats are
using the entire wider landscape of the CWP;
what routes do bats take when travelling
from their roosting sites to their foraging
areas? Fieldwork has shown this year, for
example, that a number of lakes, which were
apparently excellent feeding areas for bats,
are actually infrequently used because they
are floodlit by security lighting through the
night; bats typically avoid such well lit areas.
Lesser Horseshoe Bat
More detailed studies of bats are being
undertaken at specific locations in order to
learn how individual colonies use the CWP
and how we can further support them. Bats
typically roost in colonies, often in buildings,
trees or sometimes bridges; roosts can vary
from less than five bats, to up to several
hundred depending upon the species.
One such study site is close to the ThamesSevern Canal, near Cerney Wick and
comprises a Cotswold stone culvert; it has
been known for several years that bats
frequently roost in crevices on the underside
of the stone arch in the culvert, but it has
only been more recently that we begin to
understand the ecology of the bats using this
roost.
This roost is mainly a roost of Daubenton’s
bats, with smaller numbers of Natterer’s bats
also present. The roost is probably not a
breeding location where the females would
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gather to give birth; the females may
sometimes gather here during early spring
but then relocate to a warmer roost in which
they give birth and nurture their young.
The interesting thing about this roost is what
the males are doing. Ordinarily, bat studies
normally focus upon the breeding sites and
the females. Our studies have indicated that
this roost site may in fact be used for much
of the year by adult males and that during
late summer and autumn, when bats are
attracting mates and copulating, this site
seems to become a mating roost, where bats
may gather to breed before dispersing again.
Sometimes called swarming sites these
locations may attract bats from a wide area
and represent a location where bats from
scattered roosts across the landscape can
gather and mate, thereby exchanging
genetic material and preventing smaller
roosts from becoming inbred.
In this context, this small roost of bats
probably actually attracts larger numbers of
bats from across the wider landscape,
enhancing breeding success and population
health beyond the immediate territory of this
small roost. Consequently, this small bat
roost in a small insignificant culvert near a
disused canal is actually of very high
conservation importance which is why we
spend so much time studying it.
The long term future of this bat roost
depends upon how the canal restoration is
undertaken; restoration of the adjacent
canal doesn’t need to represent a threat,
indeed it may improve conditions for this
roost by improving connecting habitats that
link it to the wider landscape, as well as
improving and providing nearby feeding
habitats. After all, the restoration of the
canal to a linear, permanent waterbody, with
fringing vegetation, rich in insect life, should
only support these bats. The only problems
may arise if works are done insensitively, at
a sensitive time of year or too close to the
bat roost. Thankfully, the Cotswold Canals
Trust work closely with the Cotswold Water
Park Trust and together we can ensure these
bats remain a long-term feature of the canal!
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Glow Worms
This summer in the Cotswold Water Park saw
a dramatic increase in reports of strange
green lights on warm July nights, causing
great excitement and delight to those who
managed to catch a glimpse. Could they
have been Unidentified Flying Objects? Much
more interesting, they were actually the faint
green glows emitted by the elusive glow
worm, and following surveys carried out by
the Cotswold Water Park Trust over the
summer it appears there has been a huge
increase in numbers compared with 2010,
with more than three times the amount of
glowing females recorded in 2011.
Glow worms are not ‘worms’ at all, but they
are in fact beetles, or more precisely ‘female
larviform beetles’. These flightless females
show off their bioluminescent rear ends to
attract the flying males. Once they have
successfully mated, the female’s light goes
out, she lays her eggs, and then she dies.
The ultimate sacrifice for the continuation of
her species’ survival. Many factors are
having a negative impact on the population
of glow worms all across the UK, including
the loss of habitat.
Areas that were
previously strongholds for glow worms have
now been built upon. Lights from nearby
development can also provide false
attraction for males on the lookout for a
glowing mate. Changes in land management
regimes such as grazing patterns or
pesticide/herbicide use may also be altering
conditions for glow worms themselves, or for
their food source.
One of the key glow worm sites in the
Cotswold Water Park is the disused Thames
& Severn Canal. Towpaths and canal banks
provide excellent glowing opportunities for
glow worms as there is often less tree cover.
They also harbor good numbers of the
larvae’s favourite food - snails. It is no
surprise that given the recent improvement
works along the Cotswold Water Park stretch
from South Cerney to Cerney Wick, numbers
of glow worms increased this year. Removal
of dominant scrub vegetation including the
invasive and destructive Himalayan Balsam
allows shorter native vegetation to thrive.
As a result, the largely immobile adult female
has to exert less energy making her ascent,
and can use more of her resources looking
for ‘ultimate boyfriend’ material. Of course
this vital, albeit basic alteration in land
management has knock-on benefits for other
fauna and flora species along the canal,
including
small
herbaceous
plants,
invertebrates and mammals.
It’s fantastic to see that for some wildlife, such
as the glow worms, the smallest of alterations
to basic management can have a huge positive
impact. Holding back on the mowing of grass
verges during the mating season allows
females to shelter at ground level during the
day before climbing the stems at night to
display their wares. Staff and volunteers here
at the Cotswold Water Park Trust will keep
working hard for the glow worm, as well as the
continued enhancement of habitat for a
diverse range of wildlife species.
For further information, please contact
Gareth
Harris,
Biodiversity
Manager,
Cotswold Water Park Trust t: 01793 752413,
e: gareth.harris@waterpark.org
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