Autumn 2014 - Inland Waterways Association

KNOBSTICKS
Autumn 2014
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire
Clearing the Offside vegetation at Wardle Lock (during our second Working Party
there on 14th May)
Photo: Bob Luscombe
Editorial
Firstly, I want to draw your attention to the
article on page 17, which invites you to
come along to our Annual Inter-Branch
Skittles event on October 25th at
Stafford Boat Club. We took part last
year and had a really good time. Please let
Gillian know if you want to attend this year.
I must apologise to Gillian (who organises
these events) for having rather hidden her
article, but that is what happens when I try
and shoe-horn lots of different sized articles
into a fixed-size magazine. Hence, by way of
an apology, this pointer to the invitation
right at the start of the magazine.
Speaking of this being a fixed-size magazine,
we have managed to do something about
that, but in a rather roundabout way. The
magazine will stay a fixed 24 pages, but the
number of issues per year will increase from
3 to 4, coming out at (roughly) 3 monthly
intervals. The next issue will be due out to
members at the start of December, so if
anybody wants to contribute an article or
photographs, then please will they send
them to me by the start of November (or at
least let me know by then that they are
going to send me something).
We have started a new working party on
the Macclesfield Canal and Congleton, so
please read the article on pages 6-8, and
note the dates on the back cover. I decided
to major on the new Congleton group in
this magazine plus the series of Himalayan
Balsam Bashing events.
Hence the total lack of reports on the
Cheshire Locks working parties (and the
miniature report on the Caldon working
party). Don’t worry, they are both still going
strong; so, again, please note the dates and
come along to help.
Page 2
Our branch committee has had some very
long committee meetings lately, and have
come up with a new approach to their
meetings using mainly pre-circulated reports
for discussion when they gather. This has
worked very well and so, in future, the main
committee will only meet on the 2nd
Tuesday of odd-numbered months. There
will still be sub-committee meetings as
appropriate in the intervening months.
Did you manage to take advantage of the
glorious weather we had earlier in the
Summer, before the current rainy spell?
Luckily we chose well and had a beautiful
boat trip to Stratford-on-Avon to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the
Southern Stratford Canal, and the 40th
anniversary of the reopening of the Upper
River Avon. Our cats behaved themselves
well, so we even managed to return via the
Droitwich Canals (beautiful, but almost no
moorings except in Droitwich itself) and
then home up Tardebigge and through
Birmingham!
Looking forward now, don’t forget to come
along to some of the events that our branch
members are helping to organise :
Caldon Canal 40 Festival on Sunday
28th September — See Page 18.

Our Talks Season starts on Friday
10th October — See Centre Pages.

Inter-Branch Skittles on Saturday
25th October— See Page 17.
And, if that isn’t enough, then you have a
choice of three branch-led working parties
to attend each month (except in December
when they all have a rest). Their schedule is
 Caldon—2nd Thursday
 Cheshire Locks—3rd Tuesday/Saturday
 Congleton—4th Friday.
See you at some of them hopefully! Editor
KNOBSTICKS
Chairman’s Report
why and we’ll publish a summary of them in
future Knobsticks. Also if you have a really
good picture that you have taken over the
summer that you think captures the essence
of the waterways, then it would be great to
publish that too.
As you read this, the summer months will
be well advanced, and we are already seeing
the light evenings of June and July shorten. I
hope those of you who have been boating
over the last weeks and months have had an
enjoyable time and perhaps visited many old
favourite parts of the canal and river
network as well as explored new parts.
Of course there are still some months of
the main boating season remaining, and, for
some, the boating season is all year round.
One of the great things I enjoy about being
out on the Cut, is that whatever the time of
year, there is always something new and
different to see. The waterways take on
different and wonderful hues of colour as
the seasons come and go.
Personally my favourite time of year to go
boating is late Summer /early Autumn when
we (hopefully – as I’m off boating myself
again in mid-August) get those days when
the sun is still warm but the mornings are
fresh with dew and the evenings clear and
bright. (Well as I said – hopefully!). Perhaps
you might like to let me know what your
favourite time of year for being out boating
is or simply walking along the towpaths and
Autumn 2014
The branch has been very busy as usual
during the past weeks with attendance at
Etruria and Middlewich boat festivals in June
both of which were blessed with great
weather and good attendance. My personal
thanks to those members who took the
time to set up and attend our stand at both
these events.
June also saw the second anniversary of the
formation of the Canal & River Trust as a
charitable organization taking over the
responsibilities of the former British
Waterways. The anniversary was marked by
a reception held at the House of Lords and I
was pleased to be invited to attend,
primarily from a volunteer perspective. The
event was attended by a number of
members of the House of Lords as well as
MP’s and other invited guests. One of the
key points I took from the day was the very
strong endorsement of the role that
volunteers had, and would play in the future
of the charity. Each speaker made specific
comment about the great work that had
been done by such volunteers and it was
good that this was recognized in such a
strong manner at this event
Our own work party programme has
continued and indeed expanded over the
summer months. It was great that this work
was recognized by CRT when the branch
was shortlisted for the CRT Living
Waterways awards. Whilst in the end, we
didn’t win, the judges were very impressed
by both the amount and diversity of work
Page 3
Chairman’s Report
parties we regularly run. We now have
established work party programmes on the
Caldon, Trent and Mersey and Macclesfield
canals. In addition, the Caldon & Uttoxeter
Canal Trust have also recently set up a trial
work party on the Uttoxeter Canal which
was well supported too. You can read more
about the various work parties later in this
magazine. Recently I had opportunity to talk
with Les Etheridge, our IWA National
Chairman and he commented very
favourably about the amount of activity the
branch was doing and commended us for all
the great work.
Of course, as we have previously mentioned, such activity only happens if we
continue to get active support for both
leadership and attendance at these work
parties. Whilst we have been very successful
in setting up and establishing our work party
programme, the reality is that we still rely
on a very few people to both attend and, as
importantly, to lead these work parties.
I fully appreciate that for a variety of
reasons, many members are not able to get
involved in such work parties even though
they might wish to. However if we are to
sustain our active programme, then we do
need more people to volunteer, particularly
to lead the different work parties. Ideally if
we had two or three people per work party
location then the workload on any one
person would be minimised. So please let
me know if you think you could help in any
way. I know some people are concerned
about leading work parties but all relevant
training is covered and it is something that
almost anyone could do therefore. Work
parties are a great way of really making a
difference to the waterways we all love, and
help ensure that they remain viable for
future generations.
Page 4
Looking ahead: Well our busy programme
continues with two major events taking
place locally on the last weekend of
September. Firstly, the National IWA AGM
will be held in Leek on Saturday 27th. The
following day, Sunday 28th, the Caldon &
Uttoxeter Canal Trust and ourselves are
jointly hosting the celebrations for the 40th
anniversary of the reopening of the Caldon
Canal. See page 18 for full details of the
events at Cheddleton. I look forward to
meeting many of you over the weekend.
Our branch social programme starts again in
October with a very varied and interesting
programme of speakers; you will see further
details later in this edition of Knobsticks. So
do come along, as it’s a great opportunity
to not only listen to the different speakers
but also to meet up with other members to
both socialize and chat about all things to do
with the waterways in our area.
Our work party programme also continues
with a busy schedule throughout the rest of
this year and into 2015. One of the
significant events in our area for 2015 in
connection with this, will be a programme
of activity on the Macclesfield Canal in order
to potentially gain ‘Green Flag’ status. the
Macclesfield Canal being chosen as the pilot
for CRT nationally. Our branch will be
involved in both the planning and implementation of activity associated with this during
the first half of 2015 and more details will
be available over the coming months.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and do let
me know if you have any questions about
the branch or indeed want to make
comments about anything to do with the
waterways in our area.
Best wishes,
Bob
KNOBSTICKS
Himalayan Balsam Bashing in the Churnet Valley
Our Himalayan Balsam Banners on display in Cheddleton
Photo: Julie Arnold
This Summer, members of IWA North taken two work parties to remove all the
Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and Himalayan Balsam, which demonstrates that
the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust have the campaign is having some effect. The
held no less than 9 Himalayan Balsam tallest Himalayan Balsam plants were taller
clearing sessions in the Churnet Valley! than the volunteers, demonstrating the
With the growth of the plant being slightly slightly earlier growth this year compared to
advanced compared to previous years, all previous years.
the efforts were concentrated between the
middle of June and the end of July.
Thursday 12th June
A good turnout of volunteers met at
Cheddleton Top Lock for the first session.
The volunteers, who had travelled from the
surrounding area by a variety of forms of
transport including motorbike and bus,
spent a very enjoyable sunny day pulling up
all the Himalayan Balsam between
Cheddleton Locks and Basford Bridge. This
was the third year that volunteers have
tackled the Himalayan Balsam along this
stretch, and In the previous two years it had
Autumn 2014
Page 5
Himalayan Balsam Bashing in the Churnet Valley
Sunday 22nd June
Another hot sunny day dawned for the
second Himalayan Balsam session on the
Caldon Canal. This time the volunteers met
at Froghall Tunnel to work upstream
towards Cherry Eye Bridge. The embankment down towards the line of the Churnet
Valley Railway was the area that was
tackled, with entertainment in the form of
historic diesel and steam locomotives
passing close by while the volunteers were
working. The age range of volunteers on
this session went from 2.5 to sixty
something!
on this particular evening contributed to a
very small group of volunteers turning out,
it was nevertheless a beautiful sunny evening
for a stroll along the Leek Arm from the
Holly Bush pub at Denford. Some stretches
of the Leek Arm were completely clear of
Himalayan Balsam, but a very large patch
was found making its way up the embankment below the canal around Bridge 5. This
is opposite a particularly immaculate garden
and the volunteers cleared the Himalayan
Balsam a reasonable way down the bank in
order to hopefully contain the growth and
prevent it spreading up to canal level.
Monday 7th July
Wednesday 25th June
Rather than a day-time work party this was
the first of three evening work parties
trialled to make the most of the longer
evenings and to provide opportunities for
those who work, and are also busy at the
weekends, but want to have a go at
volunteering.
Whilst certain summer sporting broadcasts
Page 6
This work party took place on a delightful
summer’s evening on the Leek Arm of the
Caldon Canal, where we enjoyed pulling and
bashing the Himalayan Balsam growing on
the canal embankment in the vicinity of
Horse Bridge. The children are all members
of the Light Seekers youth group which is
run by St Andrew’s Methodist Church in
Cheddleton. [See the photograph of them
holding a banner at the top of this page—Ed]
KNOBSTICKS
Himalayan Balsam Bashing in the Churnet Valley
Thursday 10th July
We joined forces with young trainees from
the Churnet Valley Living Landscape’s youth
engagement project, to clear Himalayan
Balsam from a mile of towpath in the
Staffordshire Moorlands.
The work was carried out between
Oakmeadowford Lock and Consall Lime
Kilns on the Caldon Canal, and those
volunteers who had cleared Himalayan
Balsam in this area over the previous 3
years were extremely encouraged by the
reduction in the spread of the plant. The
reduced growth in those areas meant that
areas not tackled previously were able to be
cleared. Canal & River Trust supplied their
trailable aluminium boat to allow some
clearance on the offside of this section,
which is where the Caldon Canal shares the
course of the River Churnet.
The young trainees were there as part of a
social action and personal development
programme funded by the Cabinet Office
and led by vInspired, a youth volunteering
charity. Waterways Action Squad, the Canal
& River Trust’s youth engagement
programme, are delivering this project as
part of the Churnet Valley Living Landscapes
Partnership project in Staffordshire.
Participants are working towards a level 2
qualification in Work Based Environmental
Conservation that is accredited by City &
Guilds.
Monday 21st July
IWA and CUCT members were joined by
local residents for an evening stroll to pull
up Himalayan Balsam along the Caldon
Canal from Denford on a sunny evening in
Autumn 2014
July. Some of the Himalayan Balsam was up
to 10 feet tall, more than twice the height of
the youngest volunteer! A mile of towpath
was cleared of Himalayan Balsam during the
two hours, and the thirsty volunteers had a
well earned drink at the canalside Holly
Bush pub at Denford on their return.
Thursday 24th July
Volunteers from the Churnet Valley Railway
joined us to tackle the Himalayan Balsam
growing on the embankment between the
Caldon Canal and the Churnet Valley
Railway downstream of Consall Station.
We were also joined by some of the
trainees from the Churnet Valley Living
Landscape’s youth engagement project being
led by Canal & River Trust. The trust also
supplied their aluminium trailable workboat,
which was operated by Volunteer Leader,
Barry Keight, which enabled the Himalayan
Balsam growing at the water’s edge to be
removed. Much of the embankment down
to the railway line was cleared of Himalayan
Balsam on this swelteringly hot day.
Page 7
Himalayan Balsam Bashing in the Churnet Valley
Wednesday 30th July
Thursday 31st July
When “Support Staffordshire” contacted
IWA asking if they could host a “family
volunteering day” at quite short notice, we
had just the perfect task – Himalayan Balsam
pulling. Although 7 branch work parties
over the previous 7 weeks had tackled a lot
of the Himalayan Balsam on the Caldon
Canal, there was still a big patch left in a
location that would be ideal for tackling with
a group that included young people. The
families who had signed up for the day
gathered at Consall Nature Park for a health
and safety briefing before walking down to
Bridge 51 where they cleared all the
Himalayan Balsam. They really enjoyed the
activity, and IWA plan to hold similar events
next year. [See Photo above—Ed]
Thunder and rainstorms earlier in the day
didn’t deter 12 people from meeting in
Denstone for an evening work party at
Bridge 70 on the Uttoxeter Canal. The
work followed on from a recent WRG
Canal Camp, and the main task to be
carried out was Himalayan Balsam pulling, of
which there was still lots despite a great
deal having been strimmed and cleared
during the canal camp. Other tasks carried
out included trimming sprouting vegetation
from previously felled trees, and moving
some of the bridge coping stones that had
been found in the bed of the canal during
the canal camp.
Page 8
Article & Photos: Alison Smedley
KNOBSTICKS
The Blue Bell
Hardingswood, Kidsgrove
Dave and Kay Washbrook welcome you to a
true free house
www.bluebellkidsgrove.co.uk
Opening hours:
Monday
Closed (except Bank Holidays)
Tuesday - Friday 7:30 to 11:00pm
Saturday
1:00 to 4:00pm & 7:00 to 11:00pm
Constantly changing
Real Ales
from smaller breweries
Farmhouse Cider and Perry
Speciality bottled beers
CAMRA award-winning Pub
Autumn 2014
Page 9
Prince of Wales visits Middleport Pottery by Canal
The Prince of Wales boarded a restored
working boat to learn more about how
Stoke-on-Trent’s historic canals are cared
for and to meet some of the dedicated
volunteers working to protect and promote
important features of the city’s industrial
heritage.
His Royal Highness started his day at Etruria
Industrial Museum meeting some of the
volunteers involved in caring for the only
operational steam-driven potters' mill in the
world. He was invited to explore the
museum, home to Jesse Shirley's 1857 Bone
and Flint Mill which produced the raw
materials to make English bone china. After
a tour of the museum and its historic
workshops, the outlook moved to the
future and a number of canal related
programmes for young people.
Firstly The Prince met pupils from St
Dominic’s Priory School in Stone, who were
taking part in an educational activity through
the Trust’s ‘Explorers’ schools programme.
The programme teaches youngsters about
the history, science, geography and wildlife
of their local waterway.
Page 10
Then the Royal party moved outside onto
the towpath to meet a group of young
volunteers who are taking part in a personal
development programme which sees them
working with the Trust to improve the city’s
canals. The six-month course gives 16 to 24
year olds the opportunity to take part in
canal-based practical conservation work and
team building activities. The programme is
part of Step Up To Serve - a national
campaign launched by The Prince to double
the number of young people involved in
social action by 2020.
From Etruria, The Prince boarded Lindsay
for a 30 minute cruise on the Trent &
Mersey Canal to Middleport where he
officially opened the Middleport Pottery
following its £9m regeneration.
Whilst on board the Trust’s chairman Tony
Hales and chief executive Richard Parry
explained how the charity cares for the
city’s canals and how canals can play an
important part in future regeneration plans.
This was the first time that CRT have had a
canal cruise with the Patron since the
formation of the charity.
KNOBSTICKS
Prince of Wales visits Middleport Pottery by Canal
Guests on the boat included David
Dumbelton [See the photo right—Ed] who
took the opportunity to inform the Prince
of the Burslem Port Trust's plans to restore
the old Burslem Arm and how it would
meet the Prince's own ambitions to see
Middleport and Burslem revitalised and
regenerated. Also on board were Burslem
Port's Patrons Ian Dudson (Lord Lieutenant
of Staffordshire) and Joan Walley MP.
Waiting at the Pottery to welcome the boat
and His Royal Highness was a huge crowd
which included Roger Savage, Chairman of
Burslem Port Trust.
Article: Press Release / David Dumbelton
(Photos: CRT-Waterway Images)
Autumn 2014
Page 11
Social Meetings
PROGRAMME OF TALKS 2014 – 2015
Friday 10th October 2014, 7.45pm for 8.00pm
The Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust
A Digital Presentation on the huge amount of work being done on the Lichfield and
Hatherton Canal Restoration. To be given by Bob and Sue Williams.
Friday 14th November 2014, 7.45pm for 8.00pm
“Living Afloat”
A Digital Presentation on “Living Afloat – celebrating 50 years of the
Residential Boat Owners Association. To be given by Ivor Caplan
Friday 12th December 2014, 7.45pm for 8pm
“Burgundy to the Mediterranean”
Patrick and Angela Marks are no strangers to us and so we welcome them once
again to given their presentation on their exciting trip
“Burgundy to the Mediterranean – Boating down the Rhone”
Friday 9th January 2015 NO MEETING
Friday 13th February 2015, 7.45pm for 8pm
IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch
Annual General Meeting
To be followed a review of highlights of our Last Year including a short Travelogue
“Around the Branch” given by our Chairman Bob Luscombe entitled
“Looking Back, Looking Forward”
Page 12
KNOBSTICKS
Social Meetings
Friday 13th March 2015
NEW YEAR ANNUAL DINNER
VENUE - TO BE ADVISED
Contact: Barbara Wells on 01782 533856 or 07710 418908 for more details
Toll up, Roll up and support you Branch New Year Dinner.
Friday 10th April 2015, 7.45pm for 8pm
The Shrewsbury Canal Network
Richard Vobes is a Video / Film Producer /
Documentary Maker / TV Presenter and Writer.
Richard will give us his presentation on the workings of the Shrewsbury Canal Network.
Friday 8th May 2015, 7.45pm for 8.00pm
Peter’s Spot the Locks
A Miscellany of (~5 min) sets of pictures – some light hearted and some more serious –
with contributions from the audience, if they care to join in from their own knowledge of
the waterways. Includes “A Night in the Sheffield Floods”, what happened when we
moored on the canal and found ourselves eight feet up: ending with heading “The Radio
News Bulletin” on the day Tony Blair resigned (he was the next item). By Peter Scott.
Admission to talks is FREE
Donations to waterway causes welcome!
Refreshments available.
Non-IWA members are very welcome
Venue (unless otherwise stated):
Stoke on Trent Boat Club
Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon
STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST9 9DT
For further information contact:
Barbara Wells (01782 533856
or 07710 418908)
Email bwwells@ntlworld.com
or visit the branch webpages at:
www.waterways.org.uk
Autumn 2014
Page 13
IWA Congleton Work Party
This work party was a venture between
IWA North Staffs & South Cheshire, CRT,
Congleton Town Council, Congleton
Sustainability Group, Cheshire East Council
and Northern Rail as part of a broader
project to enhance the whole area around
Congleton Station and the canal; to initially
tidy up the whole area and encourage its
use as a more attractive destination for
boaters, cyclists and walkers, visiting the
local town or using the railway station.
Friday 23rd May started as a very wet
morning and the weather did not look
promising for the first IWA Congleton
Work Party alongside the Macclesfield Canal
near Congleton Station. However as the
start time approached, the clouds broke and
the sun shone through and 16 volunteers,
mainly from the local area turned up. They
set to work on jobs such as litter picking,
step clearance, cutting back overhanging
vegetation on the towpath, and other odd
jobs around the area.
The initiative was originally started after a
meeting with the local MP Fiona Bruce (a
local IWA member) who presented her
ideas to a small group some months ago.
Our branch, working closely with a number
of local Town Councillors responded to the
challenge by setting up this first ‘taster’
Work Party to gauge local interest in such a
project. The number of local residents who
turned up showed that there was indeed
great local support for such an initiative.
At the end of the first work party the
results spoke for themselves. With
endorsement from those volunteers, a
second work party date was quickly agreed.
Page 14
KNOBSTICKS
IWA Congleton Work Party
Friday 27th June
Despite a forecast of heavy showers and a
dull overcast morning, 14 volunteers from
the local area, arrived to support our
second work party at Congleton Station.
The work party continued the work started
at the first work party with further litter
Following discussion with the volunteers on
the day, it was decided that this will now
become a regular monthly work party on
the fourth Friday of each month, focused on
the canal area around Congleton Station
initially; with eventual plans to look at
improving the whole area from Congleton
Wharf through to Buglawton, working
alongside the organization mentioned above
to enhance Congleton as a destination area
for boaters, cyclists, walkers and all other
users of the towpath and canal.
picking and vegetation clearance from along
the towpath edge. A highlight of the work
party was the uncovering of the cobbles on
the Snake bridge 76. The transformation
from a somewhat weed covered pathway to
the open look was remarked upon by a
number of walkers on the day, as well as
many people who have seen pictures of the
bridge on Facebook.
Autumn 2014
Page 15
IWA Congleton Work Party
Friday 25th July
As with the previous two work parties,
there was great support from local residents
with 11 volunteers on the day, despite a
number of people who sent apologies due
to holidays etc. They continued to focus on
the canal around the station, as well as the
towpath south towards bridge 76. Jobs
included further litter picking and vegetation
clearance, as well as clearing cobble setts
and overhanging branches. Several passing
boaters remarked about the improvement
to the general area as well as passing on
good wishes for the team in future months.
One of the initial reasons for starting work
in this area was the fact that Congleton is
one of 10 UK finalist’s for Britain in Bloom
in the large town category. The work party
has shown the benefit of different groups
working together, including local residents,
volunteers from other work parties in
Cheshire, Congleton Town Council,
Congleton Sustainability Group + Northern
Rail (one of whose staff volunteered to do
some strimming for us during his lunch
break from painting the station), and
Sustrans, the National Cycle Network.
Page 16
The results at the end of the day really
showed that the team was having a very
positive impact. With judging for the Britain
in Bloom awards scheduled for 6th August,
the team decided to hold 2 further interim
work parties on Saturday 2nd and Monday
4th August and again there was good
support for both these ‘final tidy up’ work
parties. Judging took place on Wednesday
6th August and as part of their assessment,
they were shown the work we have been
doing around the canal area near the
station. The judges made specific comment
about how good it was to see the results
and in particular praised the community
spirit that had been a feature of the work to
date.
Over coming weeks, a full survey will be
undertaken with CRT of the stretch from
Congleton Wharf to Buglawton to establish
a plan for canal and towpath improvement
over the next 2/3 years which will also
include offside vegetation clearance through
this stretch of canal.
Article & Photos: Bob Luscombe
KNOBSTICKS
Inter-Branch Skittles Night
I know that October 2014 seems a long
time in the future from the hot heady days
of Summer and that Hot-Pot might be the
last thing on your mind, but I hope that
many of you will want to come along to our
annual Inter-Branch Skittles Night and help
us defend our win of April 2013, and retain
the trophy. The competition will be IWA
Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch and
IWA Lichfield Branch.
Date: 25th October 2014
Time: 7:30pm
The club has previously allowed all boats a
night's free mooring for the night of the
event, with up to 6 further night's free to
any members of AWCC who may needed
longer term visitor’s mooring. For any nonAWCC attendees the charge is £7 for any
further nights after the night of the event.
However, this year (because of the time of
year) Stafford Boat Club will have some of
their “Winter moorers” on site, so this may
not be possible.
Proceeds from the night to:
Location: Stafford Boat Club

Supper: Beef Hot Pot followed by
Apple Pie & cream

Cost £7.50p per head
(including skittles)
Final numbers must be confirmed to the
club (for catering) on 18th October 2014.
However it would make my life much easier
if you booked a place as soon as possible
please (why not contact me now, before
you “file” this copy of Knobsticks), so that I
know we are getting sufficient numbers for
the event to go ahead.
Skittle Alley: Boat Club’s charity
for 2014.
Raffle: NSSC branch funds.
Please pay me or Alan Chetwyn on the night
– Cheque to IWA NSSC Branch or cash.
For more information, please contact me on
01606 835606 or gillian.watson@me.com
Gillian Watson
[In the past some people have moored on the
towpath side, and walked across the bridge to
the club instead. The club have even offered to
open their back gate to shorten the walk— Ed]
Hazlehurst Working Party
Pouring rain on Thursday 8th May meant
that the planned work to continue painting
the cast iron bridge at Hazelhurst Junction
on the Caldon Canal could not take place.
As a number of stalwart volunteers from
IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire
Branch and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals
Trust turned up despite the rain and the
forecast, two useful alternative activities
were found.
Autumn 2014
Firstly, a litter pick was carried out between
Bridge 38 at Denford and Hazelhurst
Junction, and along the Leek Arm as far as
the aqueduct. A surprising amount of
rubbish was found, for such a peaceful rural
location, including discarded oil cans and
other larger items. Following that, a session
was held clearing vegetation and preparing
some ground for a new storage shed that
will be used for the storing of work party
tools.
Alison Smedley
Page 17
Caldon Canal 40 Festival
Caldon Canal 40 Festival will take place
on Sunday 28 September 2014 from 10 am
to 4 pm. Location: Cheddleton, Free Entry.
A day of festivities to mark the 40th
anniversary of the reopening of the Caldon
Canal. Enjoy a walk along the Caldon Canal
at Cheddleton. Celebrate its heritage.
Discover what’s going on today around our
local waterways.
Historic Boats, “Pedal Peak” cycling, Boat
Trips, Discovery Trail, Canal Art, stalls and
displays, FREE Children’s Activities and
much more, including …
11.30am Celebrate Caldon 40
Recreating the ceremony, 40 years to the
day in 1974, when the Caldon Canal was
reopened to navigation at Top Lock (no.13),
Cheddleton.
2.30pm Open Air Service
Beside the canal at Cheddleton Flint Mill.
Page 18
Afternoon Boat Trips
From beside Cheddleton Flint Mill, departing
at intervals from 1pm. Short “taster” trips
to experience the Caldon Canal. (Tickets at
the event only; seats subject to availability).
———
Celebrate the restoration of the Caldon
Canal and its reopening in 1974. Discover
what’s going on today around the canals and
rivers in the Churnet Valley, Staffordshire
and North Cheshire.
Have fun at this Waterway Community Day
– and say how you enjoy and value our
unique landscape and heritage.
For more information go to:
www.caldon40.org.uk
Do you have pictures of the event in 1974?
Want to have a display or stall in 2014? Visit
the above website or call 01538 361138.
Article & Photos: Julie Arnold
KNOBSTICKS
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Brass fittings, portholes, windows, mushroom vents, tiller bars and pins, pigeon boxes, rope, fenders. Solid fuel
stoves and chimneys, cookers, fridges and freezers, showerbaths and basins, water and shower pumps, Hep 2O
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Main Honda agents, outboards and generators. Parts and service. Calor gas and fittings, diesel, DIY
and yard storage, slipway, pump out.
Gifts • canal souvenirs • maps and books • clothing
Newcastle Road, Stone, Staffs.
Tel: Stone (01785) 812688 Fax: (01785) 811317
www.stoneboatbuilding.co.uk email: sale@stoneboatbuilding.co.uk
The Swan Inn
Stafford Street, Stone
Two minutes from bridge 93 at Star Lock
Serving
10 Real Ales &
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Bar Snacks available
Beer Garden
Autumn 2014
Page 19
Wardle Lock Working Party
Wednesday 14th May brought a bright
sunny day as 16 willing volunteers gathered
for the second Wardle Lock Work Party in
Middlewich. Volunteers from IWA North
Staffs & South Cheshire and Shrewsbury and
North Wales Branch, together with
members of the Trent & Mersey Canal
Society continued the work started two
weeks previously in restoring the lock and
its surrounding area to something more
resembling the days when the late Maureen
Shaw lived in the former lock cottage, acting
for many years as unofficial lock keeper.
The lock gates were finished off with a fresh
coat of paint and with the use of a CRT
work boat, the team were able to make
significant impact on the offside vegetation
that had become very overgrown over the
years restricting navigation below the lock.
Ten bags of rubbish were removed from by
the bridge at the junction of the Trent &
Mersey and Wardle Canals. Boaters at the
end of the day commented that it was like
arriving at somewhere totally different from
what they were used to. A great example of
IWA branches working together with both
local Canal Societies and CRT.
Article & Photos: Bob Luscombe
Page 20
KNOBSTICKS
Sales Events at Etruria and Middlewich
Etruria Festival 2014
After a few challenging years at Etruria it
was great to have nice weather and loads of
smiling faces. Several of us saw Tony Hales
and Richard Parry from CRT who turned up
unannounced and were very complimentary
about the event.
Meanwhile John was setting up on his own
with me popping back between dealing with
new arrival traders. Then Steve Wood
arrived, closely followed by Anne Chetwyn
and then Gary from the Lancaster Canal –
Hooray, plenty of volunteers for setting up
and tall strong ones too! It turned out that
we had plenty of volunteers over the 2 days.
Steve Wood and Alison Smedley on the Longstanding veterans, newcomers and old
display boards stand had lots of useful hands were only too happy to settle their
conversations about all the IWA and CUCT apprentices into their roles. In some cases
projects which Steve has already spent we even had children drawing in customers
several hours following up on.
from the towpath to play the nail game.
Everyone we met on Sales, Nails and display
said they had a great time, be they boaters,
stall-holders or members of the public.
Another rewarding outcome and now
looking forward to next year at Etruria!
MFAB Sales Event 2014
This year I did not have high expectations
for a successful event for our Sales and
Nails. Not like me at all to be despondent,
but I had no volunteers timed on the rota
before the start of the event, just some
promises of attendance! Never one to be
deterred I prepared and arrived on site with
John and we started to set up shop.
At this event I also have responsibility for
the Salinae field, which means that I have to
ensure that all the stalls on that field are set
up where they should be and that the stall
holders are happy:

First hurdle: I did not have a field
plan from the Council Events
Manager so I made it up.

Second hurdle: some traders were
not happy with their locations.

Third hurdle: Sue Day wanted her
boat horse display where she had
previously been, but I had to talk her
into using the other side of the field.
Autumn 2014
At the end of the Sunday, as we packed up, I
toured the other stalls on the site and they
reported a variety of outcomes — some
having done well and some disappointed, I
left them to discuss their disappointments
with the Town Council.
We were happy with our weekend; all our
volunteers put in great effort and energy to
make the event work for the IWA, and I
think that the animation in and around our
stall is what makes us successful. The
weekend was a success for IWA in that we
had plenty of interest in the display boards,
we sold grand draw tickets, the sales and
nails were busy for most of the time and we
just about matched last year’s takings.
Our success is due to the enthusiasm and
vitality of the stall and that means the staff
who just get stuck in and work together, I
am not really in charge, everyone just does
their thing in their own way, so we need to
thank all of those who supported us, even
Morris Dancers and musician friends of ours
were there helping us to pack up and
shopping for food so that we could all get
back to our house for a BBQ … a lovely
relaxing evening in good company.
Gillian Watson
Page 21
C.J. Skelhorne
Jewellery The Treasured Gift
Let Us Help You Choose The Gift That Will Always
Be Treasured
*Diamond Rings *Gold & Silver
*Watches & Watchstraps *Clocks
*Pens *Gifts *Engraving
Specialist Jewellery Repairs On the Premises
• Watch and Clock Repairs • Pearl & Bead Stringing
Silver Repairs & Plating • Valuations
01782 279547
14 Piccadilly Arcade,
Hanley, Stoke on Trent STI 1DL
Page 22
KNOBSTICKS
North Staffordshire & South Cheshire contacts
President: Chris Skelhorne
Vice President Roger Savage
roger.st21@gmail.com
Membership Officer
Beryl Smith
bs.minimo@gmail.com
01782 860018
Web-site Liaison
Chairman + Planning Officer
Geoff Smith
01782 860018
Bob Luscombe
07710 054848
webmaster.nssc@waterways.org.uk
bob.luscombe@waterways.org.uk
Other committee members
Deputy Chairman
Julie Arnold
01538 361138
Steve Wood
07976 805858
Alison Smedley
01538 385388
steve.wood@waterways.org.uk
Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club Rep.
Treasurer
Erica Martin
07860 620720
Alan Chetwyn
01782 279277
erica.martin1@ntlworld.com
(No Email)
Minutes Secretary
Secretary + Sales Officer
VACANT
Gillian Watson
01606 835606 (Contact secretary.nssc@waterways.org.uk)
secretary.nssc@waterways.org.uk
Navigation Officer
107 St Anns Road, Middlewich, Cheshire
VACANT
CW10 0AA
(Contact secretary.nssc@waterways.org.uk)
Social Secretary
Barbara Wells
01782 533856 Working Party Organiser (Cheshire
Lock Flight)
socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk
VACANT
Publicity Officer
(Contact bob.luscombe@waterways.org.uk)
Sarah Honeysett
01782 772295
Working Party Organiser (Caldon)
s.honeysett@btinternet.com
VACANT
Newsletter Editor
(Contact bob.luscombe@waterways.org.uk)
Roger Evans
01606 834471
West Midlands Region Chairman
newsletter.nssc@waterways.org.uk
Vaughan Welch
0121 477 9782
10 Long Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire,
kvwelch@mypostoffice.co.uk
CW10 0BL
The Branch committee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of odd-numbered months at
“The Holy Inadequate”, Etruria Old Road, Etruria, Stoke on Trent, ST1 5PE.
All Branch members are invited to attend.
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways
Association, the West Midlands Region, or North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch.
They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers.
© The Inland Waterways Association - Registered as a charity no. 212342
Autumn 2014
www.waterways.org.uk/staffscheshire
Page 23
Join Us on a Canal Work Party
A variety of tasks including painting and vegetation management
——————————————————————————————
Caldon Canal
2014 Dates: Thursday 11th September, Thursday 9th October, Thursday 13th November
Organised by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Caldon &
Uttoxeter Canals Trust, and supported by the Canal & River Trust (Central Shires)
——————————————————————————————
Cheshire Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal
2014 Dates: Saturday 20th September, Tuesday 21st October, Saturday 15th November
Organised by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch and the Trent & Mersey Canal
Society, and supported by the Canal & River Trust (Manchester & Pennines)
——————————————————————————————
Congleton
2014 Dates: Friday 26th September, Friday 24th October, Friday 28th November.
Organised by IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Branch,
and supported by the Canal & River Trust (Manchester & Pennines)
——————————————————————————————
Contact Bob Luscombe
Mobile 07710 054848 Email bobluscombe@waterways.org.uk
or see the IWA website www.waterways.org.uk under “Events”
Volunteers are advised to wear stout shoes and old clothes, and to bring waterproofs
(and a packed lunch and drink if staying all day) Start 10 a.m. Finish 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Page 24
KNOBSTICKS