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TEIS MAGAZINE W NOT
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VIEWS & OPINIONS OF THE
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STROUDWATER. THAMES &
SEVERN G NTRUST
~ LTD. I
Content S
Trust Council Notes
Thames End Branch
Western Branch
Spill Weir Workparty
The Sapperton Tunnel
Trip Boating 88
Boats On The Cut
Sales
Letters to the Editor
Dates
Published by the Stroudwater, Thames & Severn Canal Trust Ltd.,
a Registered Charity. at 1 Riveredge, Framilode, Glos., GL2 7LH
Printed by Earle & Ludlow, 77 Victoria Road, Cirencester, Glos.
Pictorial
"Barca Romana" arrives at the canal courtesy Romans Timber and Glos.
County Council Community Programme Workshop (see page 14).
Trust Council Notes
When you receive this Trow Summer will almost be gone leaving a memory
of very little fine weather and an excess of rain. Ironically a lack of
water at Coates prevented the trip boat starting into Sapperton Tunnel
in April. Nevertheless, the trip boat
operate as soon as the water
level rises.
On the Stroudwater Canal there has been an excess of water. On three
occasions over the last year or so a large water main has burst
emptying the reservoir holding some 2f million gallons into the canal.
Fortunately this section had been dredged and spill weirs fully restored;
but unfortunately severe damage had been caused to Ryeford Double Lock
(see picture on page 19 ). Blunder Lock, recently cleared, has now over
a metre of silt covering the bottom. At present there appears to be
some reluctance from Severn Trent Water Authority insurers to accept
responsibility for this damage. The Company of Proprietors is of course
pressing a claim.
Newtown Lock is completed and ready for gates. Our grateful thanks to
the MSC team, led by Jim Conboy, worksite, and Jan Millin, administration,
for making the final breakthrough. In June the Trustee Savings Bank
kindly donated £2,000 towards the work. It was fitting that the
presentation by Mr. D. C. Arbon, Regional Director, and Mr. Ian Bell,
District Manager, took place at the bottom of the pumped out lock
chamber. The HTV television cameras and the local press were present and
gave good coverage of this most generous gift.
County Councillor, Roy Nicholas, has recently won a major victory for
restoration of the canal in Stroud. Speaking at a County Council meeting
in July, he convinced the Council that it was putting the cart before
the horse to spend £20,000 on environmental improvements to a non
existent canal, filled in by the new East/West bypass. He was speaking
against the Planning and Transportation Committee's proposal to give
money to the Stroud Valley Project. He demanded that the unblocking
of the canal at Wallbridge must be the first priority. He said that the
effect of the infilling is that we now have a blockage which has stopped
the Canal Trust's boat trips which were raising funds for restoration.
David Boakes and I have been called to a meeting with the County
Surveyors and Property Services Departments with a view to work
commencing shortly.
Over the next few years I am sure that we shall see many new developments
along the two canals. The report commissioned by Stroud District Council
In 1986 described the old mills as pearls and the canal that which
strings them together. The first of these developments has been Ebley
Mill which is now completely restored and will house Stroud District
Conncil. The second development has just begun at Bowbridge, for years
a derelict mill and builders yard. The adjacent canal is to feature
predominently in this housing scheme. A third scheme of mill conversion
with houses at Bourne Mill is currently seeking planning consent. This
scheme will overcome a major obstacle of the infllled canal at the
l
i
t
hv n s i n o the River P r n m ~ T t
w i l l
a l s n h x v e rr
main-
A rather romantic view of the completed Newtown Lock (S. Standbridge)
bearing on t h e i n f i l l e d Brimscombe P o r t .
It is always encouraging t o r e p o r t events concerning our younger members.
Apparently G.C.S.E. is providing an opportunity t o t u r n work i n t o
p l e a s u r e o r v i c e versa. C h a r l o t t e Woodward interviewed 21 a d u l t s a t
random i n Stroud on 27th J u l y as p a r t of h e r p r o j e c t . Here are t h e
twelve questions:-
1. Did you know t h a t t h e r e i s a c a n a l i n Stroud?
2. Do you know what i t is c a l l e d ?
3 . Are you aware t h a t t h e r e i s a T r u s t t o r e s t o r e
i t a s a p u b l i c amenity?
4. To r e s t o r e :
6 miles of c a n a l s i s c o s t i n g
Right - 12
£1.25 m. Is this t o o much?-About
5. Should t h e money be s p e n t elsewhere around town?6. Do you t h i n k it i s a good i d e a t o r e s t o r e t h e
c a n a l as a p u b l i c amenity?
7. To h e l p r e s t o r e t h e c a n a l an MSC scheme of
people who have been unemployed f o r a year
work on it. Is t h i s a good i d e a ?
8. Have you e v e r used t h e c a n a l e.g. walked along
t h e towpath?
9. I f f a c i l i t i e s were provided would you use t h e
canal a s a recreational f a c i l i t y ?
10. Have you ever seen articles i n t h e l o c a l
papers about t h e c a n a l ?
11. Do you t h i n k t h a t t h e r e is enough p u b l i c i t y
explaining t h e T r u s t ' s aims t o open t h e c a n a l
as a p u b l i c amenity?
12. When t h e c a n a l is reopened a s a public amenity
do you t h i n k t h a t v i s i t o r s and t h e community
w i l l use it f o r r e c r e a t i o n ?
No-14
Yes - 21
Yes
7
No- l
Yes
-
20
No- 3 Yes
No-12 Yes
-
6
9
No- l
Yes
-
20
Yes
-
21
No- 3 Yes
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18
No- 3 Yes
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18
No- 4 Yes
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17
NO-16 Yes -
5
-
20
No- l
-
Yes
.
A t last
It is comforting f o r T r u s t Council Members t o be one s t e p ahead
month's Council Meeting Richard Attwood produced a draught copy of aims
f o r publication.
C h a r l i e Eustace, one of o u r r e g u l a r working p a r t y members t a k e s home
some of t h e s p o i l from h i s l a b o u r s . He h a s j u s t won second p r i z e i n
t h e Thornbury H o r t i c u l t u r a l Show f o r tomatoes grown in pure S.C.A.S
(Strdudwater Canal A l l u v i a l S o i l ) which i s more comatonly known as
dredgings!
Thames End Branch
Tidying a t t h e l o c k s i t e h a s continued w i t h some u s e f u l h e l p from a
f r i e n d of a f r i e n d who had a n e a t c o n t r a p t i o n c a l l e d a "Microdigger".
T h i s is t h e s o r t o f t h i n g a McAlpine grandson might well f i n d i n his
Christmas s t o c k i n g and it a p p a r e n t l y g e t s q u i t e e x c i t e d i f you show i t a
p i l e of o l d b r i c k s . The owner took one l o o k a t o u r r u b b l e problem and
went i n t o a b r i s k pas-de-deux w i t h the digger. Before you could s a y
"hardcore" t h e problem was i n t h e l o r r y and t h e busy d i g g e r was
a t t a c k i n g t h e surrounding t h i c k e t , a p p a r e n t l y having s u r p l u s energy t o
work o f f
.
The e f f e c t h a s been t o make a t least p a r t of o u r Cerney Wick s i t e look
a l o t less messy, and we are hoping t h a t i f w e p l a y o u r c a r d s r i g h t ,
t h e r e might be a l i t t l e more h e l p from our f r i e n d when w e g e t t h e crane
and cement mixer o u t of t h e way.
Other, more p o s i t i v e , a c t i v i t i e s i n c l u d e f i l l i n g w i t h c o n c r e t e t h e gaps
a t t h e back of many of t h e coping s t o n e s , and p u t t i n g i n t h e l a r g e b a u l k s
of timber which s u p p o r t t h e r a c k gear f o r t h e s i d e sluices.
The a c t u a l r a c k g e a r is i n p l a c e (none of your b e a s t l y h y d r a u l i c s ) b u t
some s u p p o r t r o l l e r s are needed and are h o p e f u l l y t o be made by one of
o u r number w i t h a l a t h e . There is a l s o a n i t s y - b i t s y problem about t h e
a c t u a l pinion s h a f t s which appear t o take a s m a l l round windlass. Our
e n g i n e e r hopes, without t o o much d i f f i c u l t y , t o c o n v e r t t h e s e t o t h e
l a r g e s q u a r e form now used on most waterways, which shows t h a t w e a r e
n o t t o t a l l y opposed t o p r o g r e s s .
Back t o t h e towpath.
Norman Townsend a t t a c k s a tree w i t h a chainsaw!
Western Branch
The G r i f f i n M i l l pound and lock t a k e t h e i r names from t h e nearby m i l l
which Iies a l o n g s i d e t h e A419 between Stroud and Thrupp. The pound was
o r i g i n a l l y c l e a r e d and rewatered by t h e Stroudwater Canal Society some
twelve y e a r s ago. The c a n a l bed was dredged and a dam was b u i l t a t t h e
head of G r i f f i n Mill Lock t o c r e a t e t h e d e l i g h t f u l environment which is
enjoyed by many people.
However, over t h e y e a r s t h e t o p end of t h e pound h a s g r a d u a l l y s l l t e d up
due t o t h e stream running down from Rodborough Common and t h e growth of
r e e d s m t h e shallow water had c r e a t e d a reed swamp and d r i v e n away most
of t h e wildfowl.
A s m a l l group of v o l u n t e e r s h a s been working i n t h e a r e a over r e c e n t months
t o remove t h e reed mat from t h e deeper water and c r e a t e a canoe channel
through t h e s i l t e d a r e a . T h i s work is almost complete and a l r e a d y t h e
more common wildfowl such as c o o t s have a l r e a d y r e t u r n e d .
J u s t above G r i f f i n Mill Lock a t t h e m i l l wharf i s J u b i l e e Bridge. This
very a t t r a c t i v e f o o t b r i d g e was b u i l t TO c e l i b r a t e t h e J u b i l e e of Queen
V i c t o r i a and r e p l a c e s an earlier b r i c k b r i d g e which c o l l a p s e d . J u b i l e e
Bridge was r e s t o r e d and r e p a i n t e d i n t h e 1970s. Over t h e years t h e
paintwork has become t a t t y and t h e brldge abutments overgrown. Aided by
s t u d e n t s from Stroud Technical College, t h e bridge has been cleaned down
and it is planned t o r e p a i n t it l a t e r i n t h e y e a r . The landowner adjacent
t o t h e bridge h a s a l s o done a s p l e n d i d j o b of c l e a r i n g t h e undergrowth
around t h e bridge and along t h e c a n a l banks.
S p i l l weir from c a n a l bed l e v e l showing t h e t h r e e ducts.(K.
Bailey)
Spill Weir Workparty
I n r e c e n t weeks anybody passing t h e Eastington work site may have noticed
s e v e r a l cars (and Doug Blake's van) parked in t h e compound but nobody
a c t u a l l y i n s i g h t . On c a r e f u l inspection you would n o t i c e a hoard on t h e
workshop door showing that w e weren't f a r away, j u s t down t h e canal a
couple of l o c k s towards t h e M5. Here e x i s t s a l a r g e and complex s p i l l
weir which has, over t h e last couple of months, emerged from beneath a
t a n g l e of undergrowth and silt.
The e x a c t purpose of t h e weir i t s e l f i s still a b i t of a puzzle t o those
who have been t o look a t it. The weir appears t o be a b l e t o operate a t
t h r e e l e v e l s . F i r s t l y , t o maintain t h e canal at its working height by
draining s u r p l u s water e i t h e r coming down t h e canal from normal lock usage
o r from emptying t h e nearby dry dock and also taking the c r o s s flow
comina i n t o the c a n a l from Meadow Brook. Secondly, i t is p o s s i b l e t o
lower t h e canal height by nearly s i x f e e t . This would be s u f f i c i e n t t o
allow work t o be c a r r i e d o u t on the paddle gear of Dock Lock and t h e
c o a l wharf below t h e s p i l l weir. Thirdly, i t is p o s s i b l e t o d r a i n t h e
c a n a l completely v i a a t r a p door i n the bed. This would probably ohly be
c a r r i e d o u t on very rare occasions when r e p a i r s t o t h e canal bed were
required o r where work was t o be c a r r i e d o u t t o t h e head of Meadow Lock
a f e w yards downstream.
The weir is constructed of brick topped with l a r g e coping s t o n e s ( i t t a k e s
four people t o r o l l them). The low l e v e l canal d r a i n c o n s i s t s of a timber
duct (probably elm) which runs from three f e e t out i n t o t h e canal bed
,: The structure from the c2
~ e l . The wooden frame is
i n place for rebuilding of the arch. f i U W : B i l l E v i l 1 stands i n
the middle of t h i s fascinating s p i l l weir structure. ( K . Bailer)
I
,
right through under the structure to emerge out into the base of the
vertical outflow shaft. The structure was originally surrounded by
vertical stanchions set into the coping stones with a single handrail
around the top. The bent remains of the rail and some of the stanchions
are still on the site but it is unlikely that any of these items can be
reused.
9
Several tasks have already been carried out as part of the reconstruction
process. A tree stump had to be removed from the front of the central
archway, This was carried out by cutting most of the roots and then
physically winching the stump from its resting position. The remaining
roots are being dug out seperately.
The main overflow level stones had been pushed forward out of position by
plant growth down the saps. These stones which are ahout fourteen indaes
square and vary in length between two and four feet, were all lifted out of
the way, cleaned and reset.
The main outflow shaft, some nine feet six inches deep, has been cleared of
debris. When we originally arrived, it was possible to easily climb down onto
the rubbish from the top. It took the best part of a day and a half using
spades, a pick and a couple of buckets on ropes to remove about a hundred
cubic feet of debris which included conputer keyboards, electrical fittings,
four toilet seats, two car leaf springs and a lawn-mower. A couple of
coping stones from the top surround were left in the outflow tunnel as it
was only just possible to drag them, let alone lift then, to their original
position, and that problem has still to be overcome. In order to carry out
any work in either the bottom of the outflow shaft or in the culvert
leading off towards the River Frome it is necessary to continuously pump
as water rapidly gathers and at present is unable to flow away as the stream
has become badly silted. At one point it has been partially filled with
soil from some building works. Although the flow of water down the surface
of the "dry" canal bed is only small, a surprising quantity flows under
the silt at the clay puddle level and it is this water which we are at
present unable to divert.
Over the last few weeks not only have the usual band of local volunteers
been working both Saturdays, Sundays and the odd evening, but we have also
had two visiting work parties. The first were a party of Scouts from
Hampton, London, who did a grand job clearing the canal bed of undergrowth
and also digging out some of the silt. The second group, I think eleven in
all, were part of the Waterways Recovery Group, London Branch. They
continued the digging out, started on the bricklaying task and also put
some concrete footings in. It was interesting to note that the three girls
in the group seemed to be doing the heavy tasks, like wielding a pi&,
digging and keeping the cement mixer filled. The fellows on the other hand
got on with bricklaying,levelling concrete and pushing the wheelbarrows.
The work is expected to take at least six months to complete. It is hoped
to eventually dam off the present route of the canal into the stream to
reflood this section so that water again flows through at least part of
this unusual structure.
The Sapperton Tunnel
W
e are g r a t e f u l t o t h e "Wilts & G l o u c e s t e r s h i r e Standard" who have
given t h e i r permission f o r a r e p r i n t of t h e following article. The
r e p o r t appeared i n t h e paper on J u l y 8 t h 1960. It i s i n t e r e s t i n g t o
n o t e t h e p e s s i m i s t i c a t t i t u d e when compared t o t o d a y ' s e x p e c t a t i o n s ,
b u t it must be remembered t h a t our Canal T r u s t d i d n o t e x i s t then!
The r e c e n t attempt by a p a r t y of Servicemen on an i n i t i a t i v e test t o
explore t h e Sapperton Tunnel h a s temporarily brought this remarkable
engineering f e a t i n t o t h e news. T h i s t u n n e l and indeed, t h e whole of t h e
W
s & S v e r n Canal, is q u i t e a remarkable h e r i t a g e l e f t u s by t h e
18th century. When it w a s opened i n 1789 t h e two and a h a l f mile tunnel
w a s the l o n g e s t i n t h e country and t h e wonder of t h e age. Today i t lies
blocked and f o r g o t t e n , while t h e whole l e n g t h of t h e c a n a l is f i l l e d with
stagnant water o r choked by weeds, except f o r a few p l a c e s where i t has
been f i l l e d i n .
A scheme f o r j o i n i n g England's p r i n c i p a l r i v e r s ( t h e Thames and t h e Severn)
was f i r s t planned n e a r l y t h r e e hundred y e a r s ago. The f i r s t p o s i t i v e s t e p
w a s taken in 1775 when a n Act was passed by Parliament f o r t h e Stroudwater
Canal, e i g h t miles i n l e n g t h , t o connect Stroud with t h e Severn a t
Framilode. When t h i s work was completed a n Act was passed i n 1783 t o
complete t h e scheme, by j o i n i n g t h e Thames a t Lechlade, w i t h a branch
leading t o Cirencester. Work s t a r t e d immediately b u t i t took more than
s i x y e a r s t o p i e r c e t h e Sapperton Tunnel, which was c u t through s o l i d
rock f o r 3,808 yards. This remember was t h e time of t h e French Revolution
s e v e r a l decades b e f o r e t h e i n v e n t i o n of t h e steam engine, y e t t h e tunnel
w a s c u t under Hailey Wood t o c a r r y t h e c a n a l under i t s most formidable
obstacle.
Boring t h e tunnel was begun from each end, and t h e method used was t o dig
p i t s every 220 yards over its c o u r s e and then run t h e t u n n e l from one p i t
t o t h e next. 'he deepest s h a f t measured 270 f e e t from ground t o s u r f a c e .
The l a b o u r e r s were paid E5 a yard, o u t of which they had t o f i n d candles
and gunpowder. The t u n n e l is f a r from s t r a i g h t and t h i s i s s a l d t o be
because t h e mason miner Charles Jones, t h e only person who could keep a
During t h e
s t r a i g h t couse underground, f r e q u e n t l y "went on t h e booze".
absence of Jones t h e t u n n e l went o f f course and t h e loops were of
considerable l e n g t h , s i n c e it took Jones s e v e r a l weeks t o g e t back i n t o
a true line.
I n J u l y 1788 King George I11 v i s i t e d t h e s c e n e of t h e o p e r a t i o n s and
about a year later t h e f i r s t c o a l barge went through t h e tunnel. The
whole canal was opened i n 1797, having c o s t t h e c o l o s s a l sum of
£200,000, of which more than £30,000 went on t h e Sapperton Tunnel.
The c a n a l played an important p a r t i n t h e network of waterways which a t
that time covered t h e country. A t i t s western end i t joined t h e
Stroudwater Canal, which communicated with t h e Gloucester & Berkeley
Canal, o f f e r i n g access t o Sharpness and ocean t r a d e . By means of t h e
River Severn t o Worcester and then by c a n a l a g a i n , t h e r e was a d i r e c t
r o u t e t o Birmingham and t h e Midlands. A t its e a s t e r n end t h e Thames
I
1
and Severn Canal joined the Thames at Inglesham, forming a link with
Oxford and intervening places. While at Cricklade there was a junction
with the Wilts and Berks Canal with access to Swindon and consequently
a link with the Rennet and Avon Canal and another junction with the
Thames at Abingdon.
At the entrance of the Sapperton Tunnel the donkeys pulling barges would
be unharnessed, to be led over the hill to the other end of the tunnel.
For the dark journey through the hill, professional "leggers" would take
over, to propel the barge through the tunnel by sheer physical strength
lying on their backs on the barges and moving along by "walking" on the
roof of the tunnel. The task of the "legger" must have been as strenuous
as almost any occupation ever devised, and it was no wonder that inns
were provided at either end of the tunnel where they, with the bargees.
could rest from their labours and slake their thirsts with ale. At the
Coates end, the famous "Tunnel House" served this purpose, and at the
other side of the hill they built the "Daneway Inn", which stands near
one of the 40 locks which enable the canal to rise from Stroud to a hei&
of nearly 350 feet.
From the first the canal was not a very flourishing project and although
opened in 1797 no dividend was paid to its shareholders until 1810. The
real death blow was struck the canal by the opening on Whit Monday 1847
of the G.W.R. line from Swindon to Gloucester, which follows much the same
route as the canal and in time took most of the trade. Work on the railway
tunnel at Sapperton began in 1837 and it was intended to construct a
longish tunnel at a low level, similar to the canal. But to save time and
money the present tunnel, which is 113 feet higher than the canal, was
constructed. Because of this there is a fairly steep gradient to the
railway line as it runs up the Golden Valley, through Chalford, to the
tunnel entrance.
Things went from bad to worse for the Canal Company, but in 1882 they came
up with an idea that must have caused no small panic at the head office of
the G.W.R.
In that year a Bill was introduced in Parliament to authorise
the Canal Company to close the canal and in its place to construct a Thames I
and Severn Railway to link Stroud and Cirencester. This railway would, of
course, mainly follow the route of the canal and would make use of the
Sapperton Tunnel. As has been explained the canal climbs the Golden Valley
much less steeply than the G.W.R. line, which would have given the proposed ,
railway certain advantages. There can be no doubt the Canal Company was
quite serious in its intention to set up a railway, but the Bill was not
well received in Parliament, and the G.W.R. was able to step in and buy
the Canal Company out.
Needless to say the G.W.R. did not make any great efforts to improve the
position of the canal, which was still a potential competitor. Protests
were made to the Board of Trade about the management of the Canal and
Sir Courtenay Boyle was asked by the board to look into the position. He
reported that while he did not think any deliberate attempt had been made
by the G.W.R. to "starve the canal" it was "eminently desirable that the
management of the Canal should vest in persons more nearly interested than
l
12
t h e p r e s e n t p r o p r i e t o r s i n keeping t h e c a n a l i n thorough r e p a i r and good
working condition".
I
1
The G.W.R. o f f e r e d t o s e l l t h e c a n a l provided t h e y were given what they
paid f o r it. This w a s a hard bargain indeed since the c a n a l was of l i t t l e
use t o t h e railway company and they had paid more t h a n it was s t r i c t l y
worth i n the f i r s t p l a c e t o e l i m i n a t e a p o s s i b l e competitor. Also t h e
c a n a l had f u r t h e r d e p r e c i a t e d durlng t h e period of t h e G.W.R. ownership.
Negotiations f o r t h e c a n a l came t o a deadlock and on Dec 28, 1893, t h e
G.W.R. announced t h e i r i n t e n t i o n of c l o s i n g i n two days time t h e canal
1 from Chalford t o Inglesham. Local p r o t e s t s were immediately f o r t h c m h g .
l A meeting of Stroud Chamber of Commerce, under t h e chairmanship of S i r
William Marling, passes a r e s o l u t i o n viewing t h e c l o s u r e with apprehension
and arranging a d e p u t a t i o n t o t h e Board of Trade. E a r l B a t h w t presided
I
a t a meeging of landowners and o t h e r s i n t e r e s t e d h e l d a t t h e o f f i c e s of
h s s r s . Mullings and Ellett i n C i r e n c e s t e r , when a s t r o n g p r o t e s t
1 was made and Mr. Ellett was a u t h o r i s e d t o make p r o t e s t s t o t h e Canal,
Company, t h e Board of Trade and o t h e r bodies.
These p r o t e s t s had some e f f e c t , and t h e "Wilts and C l o s Standard" does
record in 1904 t h a t a c o a l barge had a r r i v e d a t C i r e n c e s t e r having used
t h e Sapperton Tunnel. The barge w a s propelled through t h e t u n n e l by
means of "tunnel s t i c k s " t a k i n g over t h r e e h o u r s and t h e Captain r e p o r t e d
that i t was "in c a p i t a l o r d e r throughout".
Occasional u s e continued t o be
made of t h e c a n a l and t u n n e l u n t i l 1911 when it w a s f i n a l l y closed.
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For t h e p a s t 50 y e a r s t h e c a n a l and tunnel have been f a l l i n g i n t o an
i n c r e a s i n g state of d i s r e p a i r s o t h a t t h e t u n n e l is now completely blocked
and t h e r e can be l i t t l e doubt t h a t it w i l l never be used again. Water
t r a n s p o r t may b e slowbut i t is a l s o cheap and q u i t e s u i t a b l e f o r such
bulky commodities a s c o a l and petroleum products. It seems a c r i m i n a l
w a s t e i n a n age of i n c r e a s i n g road congestion that t h i s remarkable canal
should be s o completely neglected.
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Membership Matters
This q u a r t e r w e are pleased t o welcome t h e following new members:M
r Field
M r Hobdell
Tim Ingham
Mr Munns
Mr J e f f e r y
Mr Millar
M r Waters
Leckhampton
Dursley
Stroud
Stonehouse
Stonehouse
Chumleigh, Devon
Market Drayton, Shropshire.
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Trip Boating 88
Although the weather hasn't been too kind to us lately, the Ryeford trips
are doing well with only two Sundays since the start of the season being
total wash-outs. Our main problem is, however, still a shortage of
volunteers to operate the trips. As restoration progresses, potential
venues for tripping are increasing and we should be expanding this activity
to give the maximum input to Trust funds.
We now have a splendid new boat built by Gloucester Community Programme,
with timber donated by Romans of Gloucester. She was launched prior to
the Raft Race and on running trials proved an excellent 'swunmer', stable,
and with a good passenger capacity. It is to be hoped that she can be
fitted out and operating before the end of the season, but with our present
volunteer crews fully committed to Ryeford, it is unlikely.
1I
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It is essential that the Trust is seen to be making the maximum use of its
assets. The operation of trip-boats is a positive demonstration of the
benefits of restoration, invaluable publicity and a source of income the
Trnst badly needs. If you are considering active participation in Trust
activities, please consider the trip boats.
' TONY JONES.
From The Archives - well, only just! This photograph comes from only two
years ago, even though it sometimes seems longer. The scene is from our
"lost" stretch of canal near Wallbridge which is now buried under Stroud
Bypass. m e following letter explains further.
To The Editor,
The enclosed was taken on the afternoon of Sunday October 26th 1986, the
last day of trip boat
working under the
viaduct. It was a
lovely day!
Thought you might like
to compare this with
the picture from the
bypass in the Summer
Trow. It was taken by
my Grandson, Edgar
Martin, then aged
twelve.
Best Wishes,
J DENLEY.
11
Boats on the Cut
The Trust's fleet received another boost in June with the delivery of
our latest trip boat, "Barca Romana". This solid looking vessel was
built for us by Gloucestershire County Council Community Programme
Workshop headed by Graham Burford. It was constructed in two
connecting sections with timber kindly donated by Romans Timber of
Gloucester. It is planned to eventually use the boats for trips into
Sapperton Tunnel later in the year.
Our grateful thanks go to John Sparrow of Romans and to Graham Burford's
team. Their support is most welcome.
The boat was launched on the morning of this year's Raft Race which
was.a minor success despite the dismal weather and abundant duckweed!
Due to lack of space this time I hope to enclose a full report in
the Winter "Trow"
.
DAVID JOWEIT
ABOVE: "Barca Romana" part one is lowered into the Stroudwater
OPPOSITE ABOVE: The new trip boat returns from its maiden voyage.
OPPOSITE BEUIW: The first few contestants line up for Raft Race 88.
Paper Round
Waste paper, f o r some members of the T r u s t , h a s become an obsession/
a d d i c t i o n . Garages, garden sheds and t h e S e c r e t a r y ' s o l d cars have
become t h e c o l l e c t i n g p o i n t s f o r t h e neighbourhood. Volunteers a r e on
duty a t t h e s k i p i n London Road Car Park each Saturday from 9.00 am t o
3.00 pm. Much is c o l l e c t e d up during t h e week by t h o s e with car
trailers. The Home Farm T r u s t of Avening, a r e s i d e n t i a l home f o r a d u l t
mentally handicapped people has r e c e n t l y s t a r t e d t o h e l p i n the scheme.
M r . Tony Buckland, A s s i s t a n t Manager, wanted t o f i n d a way of g i v i n g
t h e r e s i d e n t s real l i f e experience through work and a n opportunity t o
meet with t h e g e n e r a l public.
The immediate l o c a l i t y t o t h e Home h a s been l e a f l e t e d and a r e g u l a r
paper c o l l e c t i o n round is now being e s t a b l i s h e d . Local i n d u s t r y is
a l s o included.
l
I f you know of a r e g u l a r source of paper, p l e a s e make c o n t a c t with any
T r u s t Member whose name and a d d r e s s is l i s t e d i n t h e Trow. They w i l l
a r r a n g e f o r its c o l l e c t i o n .
,
BRUCE HALL
Members' Walk
The f i n a l Members' Walk f o r this year t a k e s p l a c e on t h e 4 t h September
and s t a r t s from Walk Bridge. T h i s is t h e f i r s t b r i d g e over t h e Stroudwater
Canal towards Stroud from Saul Junction. The guide f o r this walk w i l l be
Bruce H a l l a s I s h a l l be exploring t h e waterways of t h e River Sevre
N i o r t a i s e i n Western France !
The wa&s in 1988 s t a r t e d i n January and have continued every f i r s t
Sunday of t h e month up t o September. Except f o r two very wet walks, t h e r e
have always been a t least twelve walkers and on two f i n e days n e a r l y f o r t y .
I am planning a f u r t h e r series of walks i n 1989 s t a r t i n g a t %ster.
this space f o r d e t a i l s .
RICHARD ATIWOOD
Stop Press
Watch
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Western Branch members be warned! There w i l l be no meeting on Monday
5 t h September, but t h e r e i s a s p e c i a l i n i t i a l planning meeting f o r next
y e a r ' s Carnival Weekend on Monday 19th September a t The "Bell" a t
Wallbridge i n Stroud.
Everybody is welcome, s o p u t on your t h i n k i n g caps and come t o let u s
know your good i d e a s .
BERNARD DONOVAN
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Cal ling Small Boaters
The Stroud Canals are coming back t o l i f e ! From P i k e Lock a t Eastington
through t o Bagpath Bridge a t Thrupp t h e r e is now a u s e f u l l e n g t h of c a n a l
s u i t a b l e f o r small rowing boats and canoes. If you have a small boat,
then make use of this amenity and explore Stroud by water!!
Xmas Puds!
No, i t ' s not t o o e a r l y t o p l a c e your order: Margaret Boakes h a s a g a i n
kindly o f f e r e d t o produce Christmas Puddings a t E1.75 p e r pound. E i t h e r
w r i t e o r phone your order. which can be c o l l e c t e d n e a r e r t h e time from
Stroud on a Saturday morning.
h
GRAND DRAW
PROCEEDS TO STROUD CANALS RESTORATION
Pnzes-
1st-£250
2nd-£100
lOxflO
To be drawn by (he Chairmanof Stroud D.C.
on Friday Sth Saptomber 1988
r'
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Function Room
Garden
Btb Pion 3nn
S k i t t l e Alley
R.A.O.B.
8875
Brian & MOBoulton
HiehStrstt. CRICKLADK Swindon. SN6 6DD
Tel: Swindon 750776
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Sales
A s planned i n t h e l a s t i s s u e of t h e Trow, we have attended two major l o c a l
e v e n t s during July. Both t h e C i r e n c e s t e r C a r n i v a l and Stroud Show were w e l l
supported but would have been a f a r g r e a t e r success had t h e weather been
kinder. Even s o , a g r e a t d e a l of i n t e r e s t w a s shown towards the T r u s t and
can only help t o a s s e r t o u r p o s i t i o n i n a s e r i o u s c h a r i t a b l e organisation i n
t h e a r e a surrounding t h e c a n a l .
An event t h a t was b r i e f l y mentioned i n t h e l a s t Trow w a s t h e 'Fii-st t o t a l
navigation of t h e c a n a l s i n c e 1911'. T h i s w i l l t a k e t h e form of a two day
canoe journey along t h e e x a c t l i n e of t h e c a n a l from Framilode t o Inglesham,
a d i s t a n c e of about 37 miles. Mark Loxton and myself w i l l make t h e t r i p
using s i n g l e kayaks
a f l o a t wherever possible! The main purpose of the
e x e r c i s e is t o set a s t a n d a r d f o r f u t u r e competitive e v e n t s over t h e same
r o u t e , and it is hoped i t w i l l e v e n t u a l l y become a r e g u l a r 'London to
Devizes' type challenge. W
e are hoping f o r l o c a l p r e s s and t e l e v i s i o n
e will start
coverage, s o p l e a s e look o u t f o r u s during t h e s e two days. W
from Frsmilode a t 9 am on 1 7 t h September and reach Inglesham as near t o 5 pm
a s p o s s i b l e on 1 8 t h September.
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Don't f o r g e t t h e following events:
Chalford H 1 1 1 F e t e (Bank Holiday Monday)
Monday 29th August
Sat/Sun 1 0 / l l t h Sept.
Stonehouse Transport & Engine Show.
Sat/Sun 17118th Sept.
The Great Canoe Challenger
The following are a s e l e c t i o n of some of t h e i t e m s a v a i l a b l e from me by
post at: The Courts, 27 Walton Road, Clevedon, Avon, BS21 6AE. P l e a s e add
40p per o r d e r under £20 t o h e l p towards postage and packing c o s t s . Cheques
and P o s t a l Orders should be made payable t o "S. T&S. C. T. Ltd".
Pens
Note Book
Tea Towels
20p
45p
£1.85
Pencils
20p
Address Book
45p
Trow back i s s u e 30p
Large Badges
3 0 ~
Book Mark
4 5 ~
5 Canal Walk Sheets El
Books
A Canal Walk Through Stroud
Canal Boat Cookery (Bryce)
E1.25
4 0 ~
E1,l0
Old Thames V a l l e y Recipes
Town & Country W i l d l i f e
Cotswold Churches (Verey) E4.50
Canal Walks
(Squires)
£9.95
Stroud A s It Was (Tucker) £2.15
£1.50
A complete list of a l l products on sale v i a t h e T r u s t is a v a i l a b l e from
t h e above address on r e q u e s t .
CHRIS JONFS
1
Letters to the Editor
Dear S i r ,
I am w r i t i n g t o e x p r e s s my thanks t o a l l involved w i t h t h e Severn Meander
on May 22nd. I am a new member o f the T r u s t and have never done a
sponsored walk before b u t I thoroughly enjoyed t h e experience.
The r o u t e was mainly l e v e l walking through some b e a u t i f u l c o u n t r y s i d e
and t h e o r g a n i s e r s even booked p e r f e c t weather. Add t o t h i s t h e s i g h t of
t h e Sea Scouts' F l a g s h i p R o y a l i s t making its way down the Gloucester Sharpness Canal, and t h e t r e a s u r e hunt, and you have a morning t o remember!
S
M STANDBRIDGE Churchdown, Gloucestershire.
Dear S i r ,
I am forwarding f o r p u b l i c a t i o n an i n t e r e s t i n g p i c t u r e of Ryeford Double
Lock showing t h e damage caused t o t h e n o r t h w a l l by water from a mains
pipe which b u r s t i n 1987. Some r e a d e r s w i l l n o t be aware of t h e f a c t
t h a t this is t h e second o c c a s i o n on which t h e l o c k w a l l h a s been damaged
by water running down t h e high bank.
This f i n e s t r u c t u r e w a s b u i l t by Keck i n 1779, but soon a f t e r t h e c a n a l
opened t h e w a l l c o l l a p s e d and l e g a l a c t i o n forced Keck t o r e b u i l d . I n
o r d e r t o prevent S r e p e t i t i o n h e i n s t a l l e d c i r c u l a r d r a i n a g e t r u n k s i n
t h e w a l l i n o r d e r t o a s s i s t bank drainage. Although some of t h e s e were
l o s t d u r i n g t h e r e c e n t c o l l a p s e , two have survived and are c l e a r l y
v i s i b l e i n t h e photograph ( t a k e n by M r . R . P h i l l i p s ) . The new wing w a l l
is a l s o v i s i b l e .
TERRY WILLIAElSON Dursley, G l o u c e s t e ~
Dates for your Diary
Sun
4 Sept
Fri
9 Sept
W/E 10/11 Sept
Tues 13 Sept
Thur 15 Sept
W/E 17/18 Sept
Mon 19 Sept
Tnes 20 Sept
W/E 24/25 Sept
Non
Tues
Weds
Thur
Tues
W/E
3 Oct
11 Oct
19 Oct
20 Oct
25 Oct
29/30 Oct
Members' Walk - Walk Bridge near Saul Junction
GRAND DRAW! Have you sold your tickets?
Stonehouse Transport & Engine Show
Thames End Branch Meetlng
Western Branch Noggin & Natter
The Great Canoe Challenge
Western Branch Carnival Weekend Planning
Meeting.
a
IWA EVENT - see below
W
Thames End Branch Working Weekend
Ec m
=
l
Western Branch Meeting
Thames End Branch Meeting
IWA EVENT see below
i3!3
Western Branch Noggin & Natter
&a
IWA EVENT - see below
Thames End Branch Working Weekend
-
8g
Mou
7 Nov
Tues 8 Nov
Tues 15 Nov
Thur 17 Nov
WIE 26/27 Nov
Western Branch Meetlng
Thames End Branch Meeting
IWA EVENT - see below
Western Branch Noggm & Natter
Western Branch Working Weekend
Mon
5 Dec
Tues 13 Dec
Thur 15 Dec
Western Branch Meetlng
Thames End Branch Meeting
Western Branch Noggln & Natter
32
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ah
2H~ Wa.
LI4
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w a
a
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WESTERN BRANCH VOLUNTEERS WORK ON THE TRIP BOATS AND ON RESTORATION
PROJECTS ON MOST WEEKENDS. PLEASE RING FOR MORE DETAILS
IWA EVENTS
Tues 20 Sep
Weds 19 Oct
Tues 25 Oct
Tues 15 Nov
' M 3 WILTS & BERKS CANAL An illustrated
hlstory, by Jack Dalby at Tewkesbury Marina
Yacht Club
7.30 pm
NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM present
WATERWAYS ON FILM with John Huntley, at the
New Olympus Theatre, 1621166 Barton Street,
Gloucester
7.30 pm
CREATING THE MUSEUM We are joining with the
Friends of the Museum for a talk by curator,
Tony Condor, at the Schools Room, National
Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks 7.30 pm
THE CLYDE PUFFERS An illustrated talk by
Hamish Dawson at Tewkesbury Marina Yacht Club,
Bredon Road, Tewkesbury
7.30 pm
FRONT COVER: "Barca Romana" passes under Newtown Bridge (and a low pipe!)
BACK COVER: Is this really our canal? St Cyr's Church near Stonehouse
(photo: S. Standbridge)
>
Who's Who in the S. TGS. C.T. Ltd.
DEPARTMENTS
MEMBERSHIP
SECRETARY
PRESS &
PUBLICITY
I
Ill1
EVENTS
ORGANISER
RICHARD ATWOOD 7 H~dcoteClose, Eastcornbe, Stroud,
(Brimscornbe 885057)
Glos., GL6 7EF
BRUCE HALL Springers, Watledge, Nailsworth, Glos.,
(Nailsworth 2384)
CHRIS JONES The Courts, 27 Walton Road. Clevedon,
(Clevedon 875714)
Avon, BS21 6AE
JEFFERY SHAW
GL6 OPA
The Cleeves, Nailsworth, Glos.,
(Nailsworth 3373)
1111
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VACANT Please contact the Secretary or Treasurer if
you would like to volunteer for this post.
SECRETARY
TREASURER
DERYCK WATKINSON 12 Hampton Grove, Meysey Hampton,
(Poulton 661)
Cirencester, Glos., GL7 5JN
NICHOLAS MELCHIOR 28 Grove Hill, Highworth, Swindon,
Wilts., SN6 7JN
(Swindon 762510)
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WESTERN BRANCH
CHAIRMAN
BERNARD DONOVAN 10 Mount Pleasant, Bisley Old Road,
(Stroud 77541)
Stroud. Glos., GL5 1NA
SECRETARY
TONY JONES 7 Stringers Close, Rodborough, Stroud,
Glos., GL5 3RB
(Stroud 2915)
TREASURER
ALEC WHITEHOUSE 37 Cotswold Green, Stonehouse, Glos.
GLlO 2ET
(Stonehouse 2284)
..WORKING PARTIES
WESTERN
DOUG BLAKE 19 Stratton Rd., Gloucester (Glos 415843)
BRANCH
THAMES END
NICHOLAS MELCHIOR 28 Grove Hill, Highworth, Swindon,
(Swindon 762510)
BRANCH
Wilts., SN6 7JN
WASTE PAPER
COLLECTION
BILL EVILL
Glos.
20 Victoria Road, Brimscornbe, Stroud,
(Brimscornbe 882125)
THE TROW
EDITOR
SE23 1JZ
(01 699 9816)
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