january 2014 towing path topics

Newsletter of the Lancs & Cumbria Branch of The Inland Waterways Association

January 2014

Contents From the Editor .................................................................................. 3. Notice of 2014 AGM ......................................................................... 4. Minutes of 2013 AGM ....................................................................... 5. Waterway Recovery Group News ..................................................... 9. A Light at the End of the Tunnel! ..................................................... 11. From our Scottish Correspondent ..................................................... 11. New Members ................................................................................... 13. Towpath Cycling ............................................................................... 14. Canal Watch ...................................................................................... 15. Branch Programme ........................................................................... 17.

Editor:- Alan Davies, 14 Linden Road, Colne, Lancashire BB8 9BA 01282 867469 email: [email protected]

Cover Illustration: 'Our Bridge' The bridge, to which Lancs & Cumbria Branch, contributed spans the Ribble Link at its junction with the Lancaster Canal. Line drawing by Celia Lockley from a photograph taken by David M. Smith.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Towing Path Topics are not necessarily

those of The Inland Waterways Association or of its North West Region or of the Lancs and Cumbria Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. The Association accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter.

No reproduction is permitted without acknowledgment.

The Editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication.

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Chairman Mr ALAN DAVIES 14 Linden Road, Colne. BB8 9BA 01282 867469 Vice Chairman Mrs SHARON DAVIES 14 Linden Road, Colne. BB8 9BA 01282 867469 Secretary Mr TONY DUNNING 27 Bridge End, Egremont. CA22 2RE 01946 820875 or 07730 113894 Treasurer Mrs WENDY HUMPHREYS Nether Greenlowe Farm, Bury Fold Lane, Darwen. BB3 2UA 01254 703553 Membership Secretary Mr LES FRAGLE Brock Cottage, 6 Thistleton Road, Thistleton, Preston. PR4 3XA 01995 672230 Sales Mr STEPHEN FAIRBROTHER Publicity Vacant Environment & Planning Mr ALAN DAVIES 01282 867469 Social & Meetings Secretary Mr TONY DUNNING

01946 820875 Scottish Representative Mr JOHN BURT 36 Cuthbert Street, Kirkcudbright. DG6 4HZ 01557 339081 Northern Reaches Representative Mr DAVID SMITH Brewery Wharf, 15 Dark Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley. PR6 8AE 01257 274440 Other Committee Members Miss MADELINE DEAN Runnymede, Bolton Road, Heath Charnock, Chorley. PR7 4AZ 01257 231861 Region Chairman Mr ALAN PLATT Argoed, Pen y Cefn Rd, Caerwys, Flintshire CH7 5BH 01352 720649 / 07860 250152 email: [email protected]

Head Office: The Inland Waterways Association, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA 01494 783453 Registered as a Charity. (No. 212342.) www.waterways.org.uk

IWA Lancs & Cumbria Branch Committee 2013 - 2014 email: [email protected]

Meetings start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm, are open to everyone and there is no charge for attendance. A hot drink and biscuits are available in the interval (and often for those arriving early too). We hold a raffle during the evening, the proceeds of which go towards branch funds.

Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, 14 Keighley Road, Colne BB8 0JL is on the B6250 about 200 yards east of its junction with the A56 in the centre of Colne. From the end of the M65: follow the A6068 (Vivary Way) heading towards Keighley, Skipton, A56, Earby, Barnoldswick. Continue on the A6068 until you reach the second roundabout then take the 3rd exit onto Skipton Road (A56 towards Colne) at the traffic lights turn left onto the B6250, Keighley Road. The community centre is on the right before the traffic islands. There is some roadside parking close by and lots of off-street parking in the centre of town. St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 1ES Tulketh Road is on the south side of Blackpool Road to the east of the B5411 (Woodplumpton Road). There is reasonable off-road parking for up to 20 vehicles. From M6 Junction 32, turn onto A6 South towards Preston, take next left onto B6241 Eastway, take the first exit from the roundabout, to pass under A6, then turn right at the next roundabout to continue on B6241 Eastway / Lightfoot Lane / Tom Benson Way. At next roundabout take second exit (of five) B5411 Tag Lane / Woodplumpton Road to next mini-roundabout. Take second exit (of two) B5411 Woodplumpton Road until traffic lights are reached, then turn right onto A5085 Blackpool Road. At traffic lights turn left onto A5072 Tulketh Road; the Church Hall is the first entrance on the left. Bus services from Preston Bus Station: Service 68 (Stagecoach) to Tulketh Road, St Andrew's School (drops you opposite); Service 31 or 61 (Preston Bus) to Newton Road will drop you on Blackpool Road before the traffic lights at Tulketh Road (walk on to next road [100 yards] turn left, hall on left) To return to the bus station after the meeting you will need to cross Blackpool Road.

From the Editor First of all, an apology for the length of time since the last newsletter; you may recall that after many years of editing our magazine Janet Dunning finally retired with last January’s edition. I produced a shortened version during the year as an interim measure until we found a new magazine editor. That search as so far proved in vain. So here we are with my first attempt at a full scale magazine, using Janet’s template, until I start to feel a little more adventurous. In the last newsletter we discussed the future of the branch magazine and suggested that we should produce two magazines of this type and one of the shortened version each year and asked for comments from you on this idea. Of the responses I received no one objected to that proposal, indeed a couple expressed a preference for the shortened version. In an earlier edition I asked who would prefer it sent by email and about a dozen of you said you would. Unfortunately a hard disc crash, without a thorough back up, has meant that the list I compiled has now gone forever. An email again to me at [email protected] would allow me to create another list. Not just those of you who told me before but anyone else who would like IWA to contact them by email on a more regular basis then please send me your email addresses. If IWA Head Office has your email address you will receive a bulletin every second week detailing all the up-to-date news and the involvement of IWA in many projects and discussion throughout the country.

Alan Davies

INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION LANCASHIRE & CUMBRIA BRANCH

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Lancashire & Cumbria Branch of The Inland Waterways Association will be held at St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 1ES on

Tuesday 27th February 2012 starting at 7.30pm.

AGENDA Apologies for absence Approval of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 13th February 2013 Matters arising from the minutes Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report and Presentation of the Accounts Election to Committee

Under the three-year rule Madeline Dean retires from the committee and is not seeking re-election. John Burt is resigning as he is now living in Crete. Stephen Fairbrother was co-opted to the committee during the year and is eligible for re-election. Anyone wishing to make a nomination for the committee should contact Tony Dunning, 27 Bridge End, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2RE

Under the bye-laws volunteering / nominations can be accepted from

the floor at the AGM

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Inland Waterways Association North Lancashire and Cumbria Branch

Programme 2013 - 2014

Enquiries to: 01946 820875 or 07730 113894

[email protected]

Thursday 27th February 2014 at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES Branch Annual General Meeting Followed by a talk from David Currington on the work at Stainton on the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal by the Lancaster Canal Trust and the Waterways Recovery Group (WRG) Thursday 27th March 2013 at 7.30pm The Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Colne BB8 0JL ‘50Years of Living Afloat’ A talk by Ivor Caplan Thursday 24th April at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES Programme details to be confirmed.

Future editions of TPT If anyone would care to provide a short story or article for future editions of TPT can you please send copy to the editor by email at [email protected]

Publicity Officer

If we don't tell anyone what we are doing, nobody will know! We need someone to take on the task of advertising our presence.

A poster in a local library or shop or a listing in the 'What's on' pages of the waterways magazines and local newspapers has the potential to attract a bigger audience for our speakers or increase the workforce at our work parties.

What about our successes? Shouldn't we tell someone about them? Could you be the one to spread the word about us? The branch

chairman or secretary will be pleased to hear from you.

Work Party Organiser

You may have seen that other IWA branches have adopted a length of canal in their area and hold regular work parties to make sure that the length is attractive to visitors. There is the potential for us to do something similar but, if we are going to do so, we need a work party organiser (or perhaps more than one if we decide that there is more than one site that could benefit from our regular attention).

The canal clean-ups we have done at the Preston end of the Lancaster Canal have shown that branch members will support such practical sessions whatever the weather and members of the local community have welcomed our involvement. In the past we have tidied areas alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and that was appreciated too.

If you would like to know more about what is involved contact our branch secretary.

For your information, there is no requirement for the Meetings Organiser, Work Party Organiser, Magazine Editor, Website Editor, Publicity Officer or Sales Officer to be a member of our branch committee (although they need to work alongside the committee and keep in touch).

However, new committee members are always welcome!

Minutes of the 2013 AGM Inland Waterways Association Lancashire and Cumbria Branch Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 7-30 pm on

Wednesday 12th February 2013 at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston,PR2 1ES on Tuesday 12th February 2013.

Branch Members Present: Gordon Clapham, Pat Clapham,

Martyn Clapham, Sharon Davies, Alan Davies, Stephen Fairbrother, David M Smith, Audrey Smith, Janet Dunning, Tony Dunning, Les Fragle, Carol Hannigan, Dave Hannigan, Wendy Humphreys, & David Slater. Alan Platt, Region Chairman, was also present.

Apologies for Absence: Madeline Dean, Derek Humphreys, Roger Calvert, Marguerite

Calvert, David Faulkner, Keith Midgley, G W Oxley, John Hewerdine & Dorothy Hewerdine

. Minutes of the 2012 AGM held on 29th February 2012 at

Kirkland and Catterall Memorial Hall were before everyone present and acceptance was Proposed by Alan Platt and Seconded by Alan Davies and agreed without dissent. Matters arising: None. Chairman's Report (Alan Davies): Since last year's report to this meeting an awful lot has happened

in the world of waterways, both nationally and locally. It is also very likely that that change will continue over the next few years.

Everyone now knows of the demise of British Waterways. I have not heard of very many people lamenting its passing. l have heard a lot of optimism for the future of the Canal and River Trust and its relations with the wider waterways communities. It will clearly take some considerable time for us all to realise if that optimism is well founded. It is important that we give that time to a new organisation that will need to change the culture of answering to government and its ever-changing whims to one of meeting the expectations of a much wider public and the Charity Commissioners.

As well as the major change from BW to Canal and River Trust the IWA has also undergone some major changes. The baton of National Chairman has been passed from Clive Henderson to Les Etheridge and our Regional Chairman Alan Platt now has the role of Deputy Chairman. The IWA too has to strive hard to define its relationship within the new set up and the challenge of charitable status for Canal and River Trust will be a tough nut to crack for us as an organisation that is also charitable. However, we do have the advantage of having a membership base to work with; that has been denied to the Canal and River Trust.

Our branch undertook to stage the only IWA national event to take place in 2012 with the National Campaign Rally at Haslam Park in Preston last August. I believe that grateful thanks and many congratulations should go to the organising team led by Madeline Dean. This team comprised IWA members, the friends of Haslam Park and members of the Lancaster Canal Trust. The weather was appalling for two of the three days, as it was for most of the summer. In our case flooding on the Thames ruined our plans to get back for the event! Despite the wet it seems that many brave souls had an excellent time and the objective of marking ten years of the Ribble Link and encouraging the use of the Lancaster Canal at the Preston end was well met. Inevitably, given the weather, a loss was made on the event but our thanks must go to the Waterways Recovery Group in the North West who have arranged to cover the loss.

Prior to the Campaign Rally two large-scale clean-ups on the lower end of the Lancaster Canal were undertaken and collected a large amount of rubbish both from the towpath and also by using grappling irons through the water. Since then the IWA nationally has employed Alison Smedley to assist branches in organising this type of volunteering work. Tony Dunning and I met Alison a couple of weeks ago along with Canal and River Trust volunteer coordinators who work from the Wigan office. As a result of that meeting we are planning to have a clean-up along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Saturday 6th April. We will meet at the B&Q car park at Junction 12 of the M65 and work in both directions in the Brierfield and Whitefield areas of Pendle. The local council are providing a skip and arranging for collection and disposal of all the rubbish collected. Canal and River Trust will provide all the equipment we need and undertake all the risk assessments. We are waiting for a response from B&Q about whether and how they can help on the day. It will be up to us to provide as much labour as possible though we will be using the local press to encourage as many local people as possible to turn out on the day. So please make a note in your diaries and bring as many people with you as you can.

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Canal Watch in West Lancashire, Chorley and Leyland Areas Canal and River Trust have been working with Lancashire Constabu-lary who have developed a new Canal Watch scheme in the West Lancashire, Chorley and Leyland areas. Canal Watch follows the same principles as the well established Neighbourhood Watch schemes. This is a fantastic new system designed to keep you informed of what’s happening in your area by way of email or text message. I f you have an interest in canals in those areas then sign up to the sys-tem and let the Canal Watch representatives know which information you are interested in keeping up to date with and whether you want to be informed by text, email or both.

Further details are available on the CRT Website at:

canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/5378.pdf


IWA Issues New Advice on Towpath Cycling The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has issued new advice on towpath cycling in response to the increase in demand for new or continuing use of canal and river towpaths as cycle routes. IWA acknowledges the wider benefits of en-couraging the population to cycle for recreational and transport purposes. A variety of users cycle on the towpath as commuters, with friends and family or in following the long established practice of cycling as the boaters’ choice of transportation. The benefits of cycling on towpaths in particular include: Cycling on towpaths as a form of transport plays an important role in meeting the

require (the need for cycle routes away from road traffic) of the Road Traffic Reduc-tion Act 1997.

Cycling recreationally on towpaths encourages a wider variety of users to enjoy the waterways as well as helping to promote healthy living.

The use of bicycles whilst boating, to set and close locks, is advantageous as it can minimise the use of water and reduce delays at lock flights, as well as sometimes being the most practical way in which to get help in an emergency.

Additionally, IWA welcomes the benefits of funding that can be available to navi-gation authorities for improving towpaths for cycling; funding that would not be available for general towpath improvements. Such improvements benefit all users and not just cyclists, but should be carefully monitored so as not to have adverse side effects such as increased cycling speeds. Despite these benefits there is a need to positively manage cycling on the tow-paths. Individuals often cycle on the towpath as an alternative to using the road, believ-ing the towpath to be the safer option. Whilst in some instances this is the case, there are many hazards on the towpath that cyclists are often not, but should be, aware of. Included in the cycling advice issued by IWA is a cycling code to help make cyclists more aware of the potential hazards along a towpath. IWA’s Cycling Code aims to promote good practice amongst cyclists on the towpath and to raise awareness and improve the safety of both cyclists and other towpath users. Key points of IWA’s Cycling Code include: Slow down when approaching anglers, towpath walkers and other towpath users. Be prepared to dismount when local signs or common sense indicates that you should. Watch out for hazards on the towpath such as ropes from boats, mooring stakes and

bollards. Allow anglers time to move their tackle before you try to pass. Have a bell or horn fitted to your cycle and use it. Be friendly to other waterways users. The towpaths are there for everyone to enjoy. The full IWA Cycling Code can be viewed in the IWA Briefing Note – Cycling on Tow-paths. IWA supports cycling on towpaths when properly managed. However, not all towpaths or sections of towpath are suitable for cycling on as they may be too narrow, have re-stricted views ahead, have surfaces that are susceptible to deterioration or feature a large number of hazards. Neither should towpaths be used for cycling competitions. However, there is no reason why individuals, families and small groups should not enjoy a leisurely commute or recreational bike ride along a suitable towpath as long as they are considerate in their use of the resource.

One issue that has periodically exercised the minds of your committee members is the vast area that the branch covers. Very roughly we start at Wigan, across to Newcastle and then everything north of that including all the Scottish members. The name of North Lancs and Cumbria is clearly an understatement. The Region has started a review of all the branch boundaries within the region, initially to reallocate the former Merseyside area among the other NW branches. This will provide an opportunity for a new look at just where we should be covering for membership, the waterways we should be responsible for and perhaps a branch name that more accurately reflects all of them. If anyone has any strong views or even wise words I would be grateful to hear them before detailed discussions begin.

Continuing with the theme of ongoing change, all organisations constantly evolve and our branch is no different. Janet Dunning has edited and produced the branch magazine for the last thirteen years. She now feels that it is time for someone else to take over that role as her computer equipment is becoming quite aged. Soundings have been made and someone has been lined up to produce the magazine in future. It is worth pointing out the new joint editors are not IWA members so it will require more of us to provide content for them to work with.

Madeline has been doing the sales role for most of the last thirty years and readily admits that hauling the trailer and erecting the gazebos is becoming too much for her. A volunteer to take on that role is urgently required and Madeline has promised to be a willing trainer.

Tony Dunning has been responsible for all our social events but he too now says that he is running out of ideas and contacts to maintain the standards he has set.

I first of all want extend my grateful thanks to Janet, Madeline and Tony for the selfless way they have served us all for such a long time. I am sure that is a sentiment that is shared by everyone whose paths they have crossed whilst doing those jobs.

Therefore, I make no apologies for making an appeal at this meeting for anyone to take on any of these roles or indeed to join us on the branch committee. It was from a similar appeal at a previous meeting that Les Fragle joined us and took over the role of Membership Secretary.

So, my first comments were one of continuing change. I think I have illustrated some of that change and the need for planning for further change. From here on it is down to our membership to meet the challenges we are facing. Those of us that currently serve on the branch committee are ready and willing to support anyone who wants help us move forward.

Treasurer's Report (Wendy Humphreys): The Treasurer presented the accounts and reported on the details

of the Income and Expenditure shown for the year ending 2011. An opportunity was given to those attending to put questions to the Treasurer.

The acceptance of accounts was Proposed by Alan Davies and Seconded by Tony Dunning and agreed without dissent. Statement of Committee Size: The Committee consists of a minimum of three elected members

and the Region Chairman. There is no upper limit. Election of Committee Members: John Burt and Wendy Humphreys retire under the 3-year rule. They have indicated that they are willing to stand for re-election. There were no other nominations. These nominations were Proposed by Alan Davies and Seconded by Tony Dunning and agreed without dissent. Branch Clothing The Secretary read out an email that had been received

concerning excess stock at our wholesaler’s supplier, resulting in reduced prices to us provided action was initiated by Friday.

Alan Platt, Region Chairman, gave a Power Point presentation

regarding AGMs. There being no further business of the Meeting, it closed at 8-30

p.m.

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‘Pleased to see you’ We extend a warm welcome to the following branch members who have recently either joined IWA or transferred from other branches: Mr & Mrs J & D Brooks, Lossiemouth, Morayshire Mr A A Jones, Inverness Mr A N Ross, Aberdeen Mr B Spencer, Alloa Mr A J Turner & Mrs M S Turner, Thornton - Cleveleys, Blackpool Ms L Whistlecroft & Mr Benner, Lancaster Mrs S & Mr G Aspinall, Chorley Ms D Maw, Carnforth, Mr S & Mrs V Whittam, Clayton le Moors Mr A Boyle, Paisley Mr M Macklin, Carnforth Ms J M Bateman & Mr E J Graham, Edinburgh Mr P & Mrs J Crooks, Wigton, Cumbria Mr C J & Mrs M Morris, Preston Mr A Boyd, Wigan Mr G & Mrs R Bridgewood, Chorley Mr P Farrell, Blackpool Mr T Murphy & Family, Blackpool Mr J Steele, Preston Mr S Travers, Inverness Mr A C M Wood, Anstruther Mrs C & Mr P Broadhead, Lancaster Mrs F Grubb & Family, Dumfries Mr N M & Mrs A Hellewell, Clitheroe Mr G Mercer, Castle Douglas Mr J C & Mrs M Nott, Kirkham, Preston Mr A Peppiatt, Lancaster Mr J K Sandford, Millom, Cumbria Mr R & Mrs R Gray, Aberdeen Mr L Leech & Family, Beauly, Inverness-Shire Mr S G & Mrs G P A Readman, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria Mr W Tarpey, Elgin, Morayshire Mr B Thomas, Blackpool Mr R & Mrs H Burton, Castle Douglas Mr T & Mrs J Sked, Aberdeen If you have joined our branch fairly recently you may find that your name is not on this list. However, your receipt of this issue of Towing Path Topics can be taken as confirmation of your membership and your name should appear in the next issue. - Editor

more than an hour by now. He checked again. The light had gone. It would seem that the boat blocking the tunnel had reversed back to Foulridge Wharf. Harold put his throttle into forward gear and thrashed his Widdop en-gine, the vibration on the deck coursing through his boots as he thun-dered through the tunnel. He was in sore need of slaking his thirst. Suddenly there was a crash and the barge was brought to a grinding halt, the noise of his boats steel hull screaming against the tunnel wall. Harold was pitched forward onto the tarpaulin that covered the hold. He picked himself up, stopped the engine, and went forward to investi-gate. There wedged across the width of the tunnel was a huge baulk of tim-ber. He fetched his barge pole and after tugging and heaving he prised the offending baulk away from the tunnel walls. He hitched his for-ward mooring rope around the wood and managed to drag the offend-ing article on board. As he moved forward he glanced down into the water and spotted the remains of a still smouldering candle. At Foulridge Wharf as Harold emerged, a group of his fellow boatmen were stood on the wharf watching his arrival. “Thall ave to be quick lad. The pub’s nearly ready for shutting.” “Ah don't suppose you've seen a candle by any chance? I seem to have lost one? As he stepped ashore he was handed a foaming pint.. William stepped forward and whispered in his ear. “It never pays to cut a body up at locks, does it Harold.”

A Light At the end of the Tunnel

Waterway Recovery Group to Buy New Excavator The Inland Waterways Associa-tion’s Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) plans to pur-chase a new excavator in 2014. WRG intends that the new 2.5 tonne excavator will play a key role in assisting its volunteers with waterway restoration work as well as allowing other water-way societies to undertake pro-jects without the costs involved in commercial plant hire. To en-able the excavator to be easily transported around the country WRG also plans to buy a new trailer. WRG aims to use the excavator to train the next gen-eration of waterway navvies in the operation of a technical, but essential, piece of equipment. In December 2013, WRG’s old JCB excavator Blue was donated to Buckingham Canal Society, after 17 years of service to the waterway restoration movement. Although Blue was still going strong, it began to show signs of age and WRG decided that the excavator’s days of travelling around the country to different work sites should come to an end and that a replacement was required. The new excavator, a trailer and other essential operational ac-cessories (including a quick release hitch, buckets and vandal guards) are likely to cost around £30,000. The majority of this cost can be met by generous legacies already received from supporters but some further funding is needed and plans are in hand to raise this with a range of fundraising activities during 2014.

Mike Palmer, WRG Chairman, said “We were all very sad to see Blue go after so many years of service but our volunteers give their time freely and they deserve kit that is reliable and effec-tive. It is time to find a new, modern excavator that will make waterway restoration work all the more efficient. Additionally the new model will be far more environmentally friendly with a low emission engine and use the latest eco oils. After Blue’s huge contribution to waterway restoration on many sites, the new ex-cavator is expected to continue to make a difference all across the network for years to come”. For those less familiar with WRG the following is a little of the background to the group. Waterway Recovery Group had its origins in waterways resto-ration working during the 1960s, but formally came into being in 1970. The aim was to be the coordinating force, not centred upon any individual project but backing up and assisting local groups on any worthwhile restoration project. Since then con-siderable knowledge and experience of restorations methods have been built up. Waterway Recovery Group is now a part of The Inland Waterways Association and at present WRG owns a fleet of vans, and a range of plant including dumpers, pumps, mixers, winches, and other sundry equipment. WRG activities are funded by IWA, donations and legacies. Volunteering with WRG is a great experience for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds and of different ages (18+). WRG offer volunteers a fantastic chance to learn new skills such as bricklaying; stone walling; machine operation and restoration techniques! Each week costs £56 which includes food and accommodation. WRG has launched its 2014 Canal Camps – for more details go to the WRG website www.wrg.org.uk

Waterway Recovery Group to Buy New Excavator

Page 11

Stephen Fairbrother of Feniscowles, Blackburn contributed this story

A Light at the End of the Tunnel? The basis of this story was told to me by an old boatman who I met while cruising the section of the Leeds and Liverpool between Bar-rowford Locks and Barnoldswick about twenty years ago. I have no idea if it is true. I have taken it upon myself to turn it into a story based around what the old boatman told me, but with my own ficti-tious interpretation added to the narrative. Please note that a Short Boat is a broad beam Leeds and Liverpool working barge. Two Boatmen in their respective boats had finished the climb to the top of Barrowford locks on the Saturday evening and had moored up for the night. Sunday dawned bright and warm, and William emerged from his short boat at dawn to look around him and decide how to spend this day of leisure. Harold soon emerged from his short boat. He yawned and stretched and looked around him. “Now then Harold” said William “and what has tha got planned for today lad?” “Ah thowt I'd go to Foulridge for a few pints” replied Harold. “Well now young man I'm goin that way myself” William smiled to himself and with that he cast off. “I'll see you there” he called out as he set off for Foulridge Tunnel. Harold nodded as he puffed on his brackish Briar pipe. When he came through Harold would moor in front of William ready for a quick get away the following morning. William didn't seem to mind on the previous night when he had pulled out in front of him at the bottom of the Lock Flight. About an hour later Harold set sail, easing back on the throttle at the tunnel mouth to check if there was anything coming the other way. He threw his throttle into reverse and moved back. There was a light in the tunnel. There must be a boat coming towards him. An hour passed. Still the light was there. Another hour passed and it was still in view. He moved up to the tunnel mouth and called out, “Are you stuck?” There was no reply. He backed out again. He was building up quite a thirst now. The pub would have been open for

Mike Palmer, WRG Chairman, said “We were all very sad to see Blue go after so many years of service but our volunteers give their time freely and they deserve kit that is reliable and effec-tive. It is time to find a new, modern excavator that will make waterway restoration work all the more efficient. Additionally the new model will be far more environmentally friendly with a low emission engine and use the latest eco oils. After Blue’s huge contribution to waterway restoration on many sites, the new ex-cavator is expected to continue to make a difference all across the network for years to come”. For those less familiar with WRG the following is a little of the background to the group. Waterway Recovery Group had its origins in waterways resto-ration working during the 1960s, but formally came into being in 1970. The aim was to be the coordinating force, not centred upon any individual project but backing up and assisting local groups on any worthwhile restoration project. Since then con-siderable knowledge and experience of restorations methods have been built up. Waterway Recovery Group is now a part of The Inland Waterways Association and at present WRG owns a fleet of vans, and a range of plant including dumpers, pumps, mixers, winches, and other sundry equipment. WRG activities are funded by IWA, donations and legacies. Volunteering with WRG is a great experience for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds and of different ages (18+). WRG offer volunteers a fantastic chance to learn new skills such as bricklaying; stone walling; machine operation and restoration techniques! Each week costs £56 which includes food and accommodation. WRG has launched its 2014 Canal Camps – for more details go to the WRG website www.wrg.org.uk

Waterway Recovery Group to Buy New Excavator

Stephen Fairbrother of Feniscowles, Blackburn contributed this story

A Light at the End of the Tunnel? The basis of this story was told to me by an old boatman who I met while cruising the section of the Leeds and Liverpool between Bar-rowford Locks and Barnoldswick about twenty years ago. I have no idea if it is true. I have taken it upon myself to turn it into a story based around what the old boatman told me, but with my own ficti-tious interpretation added to the narrative. Please note that a Short Boat is a broad beam Leeds and Liverpool working barge. Two Boatmen in their respective boats had finished the climb to the top of Barrowford locks on the Saturday evening and had moored up for the night. Sunday dawned bright and warm, and William emerged from his short boat at dawn to look around him and decide how to spend this day of leisure. Harold soon emerged from his short boat. He yawned and stretched and looked around him. “Now then Harold” said William “and what has tha got planned for today lad?” “Ah thowt I'd go to Foulridge for a few pints” replied Harold. “Well now young man I'm goin that way myself” William smiled to himself and with that he cast off. “I'll see you there” he called out as he set off for Foulridge Tunnel. Harold nodded as he puffed on his brackish Briar pipe. When he came through Harold would moor in front of William ready for a quick get away the following morning. William didn't seem to mind on the previous night when he had pulled out in front of him at the bottom of the Lock Flight. About an hour later Harold set sail, easing back on the throttle at the tunnel mouth to check if there was anything coming the other way. He threw his throttle into reverse and moved back. There was a light in the tunnel. There must be a boat coming towards him. An hour passed. Still the light was there. Another hour passed and it was still in view. He moved up to the tunnel mouth and called out, “Are you stuck?” There was no reply. He backed out again. He was building up quite a thirst now. The pub would have been open for

more than an hour by now. He checked again. The light had gone. It would seem that the boat blocking the tunnel had reversed back to Foulridge Wharf. Harold put his throttle into forward gear and thrashed his Widdop en-gine, the vibration on the deck coursing through his boots as he thun-dered through the tunnel. He was in sore need of slaking his thirst. Suddenly there was a crash and the barge was brought to a grinding halt, the noise of his boats steel hull screaming against the tunnel wall. Harold was pitched forward onto the tarpaulin that covered the hold. He picked himself up, stopped the engine, and went forward to investi-gate. There wedged across the width of the tunnel was a huge baulk of tim-ber. He fetched his barge pole and after tugging and heaving he prised the offending baulk away from the tunnel walls. He hitched his for-ward mooring rope around the wood and managed to drag the offend-ing article on board. As he moved forward he glanced down into the water and spotted the remains of a still smouldering candle. At Foulridge Wharf as Harold emerged, a group of his fellow boatmen were stood on the wharf watching his arrival. “Thall ave to be quick lad. The pub’s nearly ready for shutting.” “Ah don't suppose you've seen a candle by any chance? I seem to have lost one? As he stepped ashore he was handed a foaming pint.. William stepped forward and whispered in his ear. “It never pays to cut a body up at locks, does it Harold.”

A Light At the end of the Tunnel

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Waterway Recovery Group to Buy New Excavator The Inland Waterways Associa-tion’s Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) plans to pur-chase a new excavator in 2014. WRG intends that the new 2.5 tonne excavator will play a key role in assisting its volunteers with waterway restoration work as well as allowing other water-way societies to undertake pro-jects without the costs involved in commercial plant hire. To en-able the excavator to be easily transported around the country WRG also plans to buy a new trailer. WRG aims to use the excavator to train the next gen-eration of waterway navvies in the operation of a technical, but essential, piece of equipment. In December 2013, WRG’s old JCB excavator Blue was donated to Buckingham Canal Society, after 17 years of service to the waterway restoration movement. Although Blue was still going strong, it began to show signs of age and WRG decided that the excavator’s days of travelling around the country to different work sites should come to an end and that a replacement was required. The new excavator, a trailer and other essential operational ac-cessories (including a quick release hitch, buckets and vandal guards) are likely to cost around £30,000. The majority of this cost can be met by generous legacies already received from supporters but some further funding is needed and plans are in hand to raise this with a range of fundraising activities during 2014.

Treasurer's Report (Wendy Humphreys): The Treasurer presented the accounts and reported on the details

of the Income and Expenditure shown for the year ending 2011. An opportunity was given to those attending to put questions to the Treasurer.

The acceptance of accounts was Proposed by Alan Davies and Seconded by Tony Dunning and agreed without dissent. Statement of Committee Size: The Committee consists of a minimum of three elected members

and the Region Chairman. There is no upper limit. Election of Committee Members: John Burt and Wendy Humphreys retire under the 3-year rule. They have indicated that they are willing to stand for re-election. There were no other nominations. These nominations were Proposed by Alan Davies and Seconded by Tony Dunning and agreed without dissent. Branch Clothing The Secretary read out an email that had been received

concerning excess stock at our wholesaler’s supplier, resulting in reduced prices to us provided action was initiated by Friday.

Alan Platt, Region Chairman, gave a Power Point presentation

regarding AGMs. There being no further business of the Meeting, it closed at 8-30

p.m.

‘Pleased to see you’ We extend a warm welcome to the following branch members who have recently either joined IWA or transferred from other branches: Mr & Mrs J & D Brooks, Lossiemouth, Morayshire Mr A A Jones, Inverness Mr A N Ross, Aberdeen Mr B Spencer, Alloa Mr A J Turner & Mrs M S Turner, Thornton - Cleveleys, Blackpool Ms L Whistlecroft & Mr Benner, Lancaster Mrs S & Mr G Aspinall, Chorley Ms D Maw, Carnforth, Mr S & Mrs V Whittam, Clayton le Moors Mr A Boyle, Paisley Mr M Macklin, Carnforth Ms J M Bateman & Mr E J Graham, Edinburgh Mr P & Mrs J Crooks, Wigton, Cumbria Mr C J & Mrs M Morris, Preston Mr A Boyd, Wigan Mr G & Mrs R Bridgewood, Chorley Mr P Farrell, Blackpool Mr T Murphy & Family, Blackpool Mr J Steele, Preston Mr S Travers, Inverness Mr A C M Wood, Anstruther Mrs C & Mr P Broadhead, Lancaster Mrs F Grubb & Family, Dumfries Mr N M & Mrs A Hellewell, Clitheroe Mr G Mercer, Castle Douglas Mr J C & Mrs M Nott, Kirkham, Preston Mr A Peppiatt, Lancaster Mr J K Sandford, Millom, Cumbria Mr R & Mrs R Gray, Aberdeen Mr L Leech & Family, Beauly, Inverness-Shire Mr S G & Mrs G P A Readman, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria Mr W Tarpey, Elgin, Morayshire Mr B Thomas, Blackpool Mr R & Mrs H Burton, Castle Douglas Mr T & Mrs J Sked, Aberdeen If you have joined our branch fairly recently you may find that your name is not on this list. However, your receipt of this issue of Towing Path Topics can be taken as confirmation of your membership and your name should appear in the next issue. - Editor

IWA Issues New Advice on Towpath Cycling The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has issued new advice on towpath cycling in response to the increase in demand for new or continuing use of canal and river towpaths as cycle routes. IWA acknowledges the wider benefits of en-couraging the population to cycle for recreational and transport purposes. A variety of users cycle on the towpath as commuters, with friends and family or in following the long established practice of cycling as the boaters’ choice of transportation. The benefits of cycling on towpaths in particular include: Cycling on towpaths as a form of transport plays an important role in meeting the

require (the need for cycle routes away from road traffic) of the Road Traffic Reduc-tion Act 1997.

Cycling recreationally on towpaths encourages a wider variety of users to enjoy the waterways as well as helping to promote healthy living.

The use of bicycles whilst boating, to set and close locks, is advantageous as it can minimise the use of water and reduce delays at lock flights, as well as sometimes being the most practical way in which to get help in an emergency.

Additionally, IWA welcomes the benefits of funding that can be available to navi-gation authorities for improving towpaths for cycling; funding that would not be available for general towpath improvements. Such improvements benefit all users and not just cyclists, but should be carefully monitored so as not to have adverse side effects such as increased cycling speeds. Despite these benefits there is a need to positively manage cycling on the tow-paths. Individuals often cycle on the towpath as an alternative to using the road, believ-ing the towpath to be the safer option. Whilst in some instances this is the case, there are many hazards on the towpath that cyclists are often not, but should be, aware of. Included in the cycling advice issued by IWA is a cycling code to help make cyclists more aware of the potential hazards along a towpath. IWA’s Cycling Code aims to promote good practice amongst cyclists on the towpath and to raise awareness and improve the safety of both cyclists and other towpath users. Key points of IWA’s Cycling Code include: Slow down when approaching anglers, towpath walkers and other towpath users. Be prepared to dismount when local signs or common sense indicates that you should. Watch out for hazards on the towpath such as ropes from boats, mooring stakes and

bollards. Allow anglers time to move their tackle before you try to pass. Have a bell or horn fitted to your cycle and use it. Be friendly to other waterways users. The towpaths are there for everyone to enjoy. The full IWA Cycling Code can be viewed in the IWA Briefing Note – Cycling on Tow-paths. IWA supports cycling on towpaths when properly managed. However, not all towpaths or sections of towpath are suitable for cycling on as they may be too narrow, have re-stricted views ahead, have surfaces that are susceptible to deterioration or feature a large number of hazards. Neither should towpaths be used for cycling competitions. However, there is no reason why individuals, families and small groups should not enjoy a leisurely commute or recreational bike ride along a suitable towpath as long as they are considerate in their use of the resource.

Page 7

One issue that has periodically exercised the minds of your committee members is the vast area that the branch covers. Very roughly we start at Wigan, across to Newcastle and then everything north of that including all the Scottish members. The name of North Lancs and Cumbria is clearly an understatement. The Region has started a review of all the branch boundaries within the region, initially to reallocate the former Merseyside area among the other NW branches. This will provide an opportunity for a new look at just where we should be covering for membership, the waterways we should be responsible for and perhaps a branch name that more accurately reflects all of them. If anyone has any strong views or even wise words I would be grateful to hear them before detailed discussions begin.

Continuing with the theme of ongoing change, all organisations constantly evolve and our branch is no different. Janet Dunning has edited and produced the branch magazine for the last thirteen years. She now feels that it is time for someone else to take over that role as her computer equipment is becoming quite aged. Soundings have been made and someone has been lined up to produce the magazine in future. It is worth pointing out the new joint editors are not IWA members so it will require more of us to provide content for them to work with.

Madeline has been doing the sales role for most of the last thirty years and readily admits that hauling the trailer and erecting the gazebos is becoming too much for her. A volunteer to take on that role is urgently required and Madeline has promised to be a willing trainer.

Tony Dunning has been responsible for all our social events but he too now says that he is running out of ideas and contacts to maintain the standards he has set.

I first of all want extend my grateful thanks to Janet, Madeline and Tony for the selfless way they have served us all for such a long time. I am sure that is a sentiment that is shared by everyone whose paths they have crossed whilst doing those jobs.

Therefore, I make no apologies for making an appeal at this meeting for anyone to take on any of these roles or indeed to join us on the branch committee. It was from a similar appeal at a previous meeting that Les Fragle joined us and took over the role of Membership Secretary.

So, my first comments were one of continuing change. I think I have illustrated some of that change and the need for planning for further change. From here on it is down to our membership to meet the challenges we are facing. Those of us that currently serve on the branch committee are ready and willing to support anyone who wants help us move forward.

As well as the major change from BW to Canal and River Trust the IWA has also undergone some major changes. The baton of National Chairman has been passed from Clive Henderson to Les Etheridge and our Regional Chairman Alan Platt now has the role of Deputy Chairman. The IWA too has to strive hard to define its relationship within the new set up and the challenge of charitable status for Canal and River Trust will be a tough nut to crack for us as an organisation that is also charitable. However, we do have the advantage of having a membership base to work with; that has been denied to the Canal and River Trust.

Our branch undertook to stage the only IWA national event to take place in 2012 with the National Campaign Rally at Haslam Park in Preston last August. I believe that grateful thanks and many congratulations should go to the organising team led by Madeline Dean. This team comprised IWA members, the friends of Haslam Park and members of the Lancaster Canal Trust. The weather was appalling for two of the three days, as it was for most of the summer. In our case flooding on the Thames ruined our plans to get back for the event! Despite the wet it seems that many brave souls had an excellent time and the objective of marking ten years of the Ribble Link and encouraging the use of the Lancaster Canal at the Preston end was well met. Inevitably, given the weather, a loss was made on the event but our thanks must go to the Waterways Recovery Group in the North West who have arranged to cover the loss.

Prior to the Campaign Rally two large-scale clean-ups on the lower end of the Lancaster Canal were undertaken and collected a large amount of rubbish both from the towpath and also by using grappling irons through the water. Since then the IWA nationally has employed Alison Smedley to assist branches in organising this type of volunteering work. Tony Dunning and I met Alison a couple of weeks ago along with Canal and River Trust volunteer coordinators who work from the Wigan office. As a result of that meeting we are planning to have a clean-up along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Saturday 6th April. We will meet at the B&Q car park at Junction 12 of the M65 and work in both directions in the Brierfield and Whitefield areas of Pendle. The local council are providing a skip and arranging for collection and disposal of all the rubbish collected. Canal and River Trust will provide all the equipment we need and undertake all the risk assessments. We are waiting for a response from B&Q about whether and how they can help on the day. It will be up to us to provide as much labour as possible though we will be using the local press to encourage as many local people as possible to turn out on the day. So please make a note in your diaries and bring as many people with you as you can.

Canal Watch in West Lancashire, Chorley and Leyland Areas Canal and River Trust have been working with Lancashire Constabu-lary who have developed a new Canal Watch scheme in the West Lancashire, Chorley and Leyland areas. Canal Watch follows the same principles as the well established Neighbourhood Watch schemes. This is a fantastic new system designed to keep you informed of what’s happening in your area by way of email or text message. I f you have an interest in canals in those areas then sign up to the sys-tem and let the Canal Watch representatives know which information you are interested in keeping up to date with and whether you want to be informed by text, email or both.

Further details are available on the CRT Website at:



Publicity Officer

If we don't tell anyone what we are doing, nobody will know! We need someone to take on the task of advertising our presence.

A poster in a local library or shop or a listing in the 'What's on' pages of the waterways magazines and local newspapers has the potential to attract a bigger audience for our speakers or increase the workforce at our work parties.

What about our successes? Shouldn't we tell someone about them? Could you be the one to spread the word about us? The branch

chairman or secretary will be pleased to hear from you.

Work Party Organiser

You may have seen that other IWA branches have adopted a length of canal in their area and hold regular work parties to make sure that the length is attractive to visitors. There is the potential for us to do something similar but, if we are going to do so, we need a work party organiser (or perhaps more than one if we decide that there is more than one site that could benefit from our regular attention).

The canal clean-ups we have done at the Preston end of the Lancaster Canal have shown that branch members will support such practical sessions whatever the weather and members of the local community have welcomed our involvement. In the past we have tidied areas alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and that was appreciated too.

If you would like to know more about what is involved contact our branch secretary.

For your information, there is no requirement for the Meetings Organiser, Work Party Organiser, Magazine Editor, Website Editor, Publicity Officer or Sales Officer to be a member of our branch committee (although they need to work alongside the committee and keep in touch).

However, new committee members are always welcome!

Page 5

Minutes of the 2013 AGM Inland Waterways Association Lancashire and Cumbria Branch Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at 7-30 pm on

Wednesday 12th February 2013 at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston,PR2 1ES on Tuesday 12th February 2013.

Branch Members Present: Gordon Clapham, Pat Clapham,

Martyn Clapham, Sharon Davies, Alan Davies, Stephen Fairbrother, David M Smith, Audrey Smith, Janet Dunning, Tony Dunning, Les Fragle, Carol Hannigan, Dave Hannigan, Wendy Humphreys, & David Slater. Alan Platt, Region Chairman, was also present.

Apologies for Absence: Madeline Dean, Derek Humphreys, Roger Calvert, Marguerite

Calvert, David Faulkner, Keith Midgley, G W Oxley, John Hewerdine & Dorothy Hewerdine

. Minutes of the 2012 AGM held on 29th February 2012 at

Kirkland and Catterall Memorial Hall were before everyone present and acceptance was Proposed by Alan Platt and Seconded by Alan Davies and agreed without dissent. Matters arising: None. Chairman's Report (Alan Davies): Since last year's report to this meeting an awful lot has happened

in the world of waterways, both nationally and locally. It is also very likely that that change will continue over the next few years.

Everyone now knows of the demise of British Waterways. I have not heard of very many people lamenting its passing. l have heard a lot of optimism for the future of the Canal and River Trust and its relations with the wider waterways communities. It will clearly take some considerable time for us all to realise if that optimism is well founded. It is important that we give that time to a new organisation that will need to change the culture of answering to government and its ever-changing whims to one of meeting the expectations of a much wider public and the Charity Commissioners.

INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION LANCASHIRE & CUMBRIA BRANCH

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Lancashire & Cumbria Branch of The Inland Waterways Association will be held at St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 1ES on

Tuesday 27th February 2012 starting at 7.30pm.

AGENDA Apologies for absence Approval of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 13th February 2013 Matters arising from the minutes Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report and Presentation of the Accounts Election to Committee

Under the three-year rule Madeline Dean retires from the committee and is not seeking re-election. John Burt is resigning as he is now living in Crete. Stephen Fairbrother was co-opted to the committee during the year and is eligible for re-election. Anyone wishing to make a nomination for the committee should contact Tony Dunning, 27 Bridge End, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2RE

Under the bye-laws volunteering / nominations can be accepted from

the floor at the AGM

Inland Waterways Association North Lancashire and Cumbria Branch

Programme 2013 - 2014

Enquiries to: 01946 820875 or 07730 113894

[email protected]

Thursday 27th February 2014 at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES Branch Annual General Meeting Followed by a talk from David Currington on the work at Stainton on the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal by the Lancaster Canal Trust and the Waterways Recovery Group (WRG) Thursday 27th March 2013 at 7.30pm The Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, Colne BB8 0JL ‘50Years of Living Afloat’ A talk by Ivor Caplan Thursday 24th April at 7.30pm St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Preston PR2 1ES Programme details to be confirmed.

Future editions of TPT If anyone would care to provide a short story or article for future editions of TPT can you please send copy to the editor by email at [email protected]

Meetings start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm, are open to everyone and there is no charge for attendance. A hot drink and biscuits are available in the interval (and often for those arriving early too). We hold a raffle during the evening, the proceeds of which go towards branch funds.

Peter Birtwistle Community Centre, 14 Keighley Road, Colne BB8 0JL is on the B6250 about 200 yards east of its junction with the A56 in the centre of Colne. From the end of the M65: follow the A6068 (Vivary Way) heading towards Keighley, Skipton, A56, Earby, Barnoldswick. Continue on the A6068 until you reach the second roundabout then take the 3rd exit onto Skipton Road (A56 towards Colne) at the traffic lights turn left onto the B6250, Keighley Road. The community centre is on the right before the traffic islands. There is some roadside parking close by and lots of off-street parking in the centre of town. St Andrew's Church Hall, Tulketh Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 1ES Tulketh Road is on the south side of Blackpool Road to the east of the B5411 (Woodplumpton Road). There is reasonable off-road parking for up to 20 vehicles. From M6 Junction 32, turn onto A6 South towards Preston, take next left onto B6241 Eastway, take the first exit from the roundabout, to pass under A6, then turn right at the next roundabout to continue on B6241 Eastway / Lightfoot Lane / Tom Benson Way. At next roundabout take second exit (of five) B5411 Tag Lane / Woodplumpton Road to next mini-roundabout. Take second exit (of two) B5411 Woodplumpton Road until traffic lights are reached, then turn right onto A5085 Blackpool Road. At traffic lights turn left onto A5072 Tulketh Road; the Church Hall is the first entrance on the left. Bus services from Preston Bus Station: Service 68 (Stagecoach) to Tulketh Road, St Andrew's School (drops you opposite); Service 31 or 61 (Preston Bus) to Newton Road will drop you on Blackpool Road before the traffic lights at Tulketh Road (walk on to next road [100 yards] turn left, hall on left) To return to the bus station after the meeting you will need to cross Blackpool Road.

Page 3

From the Editor First of all, an apology for the length of time since the last newsletter; you may recall that after many years of editing our magazine Janet Dunning finally retired with last January’s edition. I produced a shortened version during the year as an interim measure until we found a new magazine editor. That search as so far proved in vain. So here we are with my first attempt at a full scale magazine, using Janet’s template, until I start to feel a little more adventurous. In the last newsletter we discussed the future of the branch magazine and suggested that we should produce two magazines of this type and one of the shortened version each year and asked for comments from you on this idea. Of the responses I received no one objected to that proposal, indeed a couple expressed a preference for the shortened version. In an earlier edition I asked who would prefer it sent by email and about a dozen of you said you would. Unfortunately a hard disc crash, without a thorough back up, has meant that the list I compiled has now gone forever. An email again to me at [email protected] would allow me to create another list. Not just those of you who told me before but anyone else who would like IWA to contact them by email on a more regular basis then please send me your email addresses. If IWA Head Office has your email address you will receive a bulletin every second week detailing all the up-to-date news and the involvement of IWA in many projects and discussion throughout the country.

Alan Davies

Contents From the Editor .................................................................................. 3. Notice of 2014 AGM ......................................................................... 4. Minutes of 2013 AGM ....................................................................... 5. Waterway Recovery Group News ..................................................... 9. A Light at the End of the Tunnel! ..................................................... 11. From our Scottish Correspondent ..................................................... 11. New Members ................................................................................... 13. Towpath Cycling ............................................................................... 14. Canal Watch ...................................................................................... 15. Branch Programme ........................................................................... 17.

Editor:- Alan Davies, 14 Linden Road, Colne, Lancashire BB8 9BA 01282 867469 email: [email protected]

Cover Illustration: 'Our Bridge' The bridge, to which Lancs & Cumbria Branch, contributed spans the Ribble Link at its junction with the Lancaster Canal. Line drawing by Celia Lockley from a photograph taken by David M. Smith.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Towing Path Topics are not necessarily

those of The Inland Waterways Association or of its North West Region or of the Lancs and Cumbria Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers. Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official announcement unless so stated. The Association accepts no liability for any matter in this newsletter.

No reproduction is permitted without acknowledgment.

The Editor retains the right to edit any article or letter submitted for publication.

Chairman Mr ALAN DAVIES 14 Linden Road, Colne. BB8 9BA 01282 867469 Vice Chairman Mrs SHARON DAVIES 14 Linden Road, Colne. BB8 9BA 01282 867469 Secretary Mr TONY DUNNING 27 Bridge End, Egremont. CA22 2RE 01946 820875 or 07730 113894 Treasurer Mrs WENDY HUMPHREYS Nether Greenlowe Farm, Bury Fold Lane, Darwen. BB3 2UA 01254 703553 Membership Secretary Mr LES FRAGLE Brock Cottage, 6 Thistleton Road, Thistleton, Preston. PR4 3XA 01995 672230 Sales Mr STEPHEN FAIRBROTHER Publicity Vacant Environment & Planning Mr ALAN DAVIES 01282 867469 Social & Meetings Secretary Mr TONY DUNNING

01946 820875 Scottish Representative Mr JOHN BURT 36 Cuthbert Street, Kirkcudbright. DG6 4HZ 01557 339081 Northern Reaches Representative Mr DAVID SMITH Brewery Wharf, 15 Dark Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley. PR6 8AE 01257 274440 Other Committee Members Miss MADELINE DEAN Runnymede, Bolton Road, Heath Charnock, Chorley. PR7 4AZ 01257 231861 Region Chairman Mr ALAN PLATT Argoed, Pen y Cefn Rd, Caerwys, Flintshire CH7 5BH 01352 720649 / 07860 250152 email: [email protected]

Head Office: The Inland Waterways Association, Island House, Moor Road, Chesham HP5 1WA 01494 783453 Registered as a Charity. (No. 212342.) www.waterways.org.uk

IWA Lancs & Cumbria Branch Committee 2013 - 2014 email: [email protected]

Newsletter of the Lancs & Cumbria Branch of The Inland Waterways Association

January 2014

january 2014 towing path topics

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