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CHELMSFORD BRANCH

N e w s l e t t e rA p r i l 2 0 1 3

Campaigning for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the Inland Waterways

Disclaimer:The IWA may not agree with opinions expressed in this Newsletter but encourages publication as a

matter of interest. Nothing printed herein may be construed as policy or official announcement unless stated otherwise. The IWA accepts no liability for any matter in the Newsletter

Cuton Lock Sunday Morning Walk By John G Carlaw

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Content

From the Editor Page 2 Canal Camp Page 6Notes From Molly Beard Page 3 Working Party Page 7The Great Floods 1953 Page 3 Miss Behavin Page 7Regional Chairman Page 4 The Endeavor Page 8Boat Safety Warning Page 5 Social Events Page 9Boat Safety Changes Page 5 New Trip Boat Page 9Caretaker Opportunity Page 5 Just For Fun Page 10

From The Editor

As we British like to introduce ourselves to each other with a comment about the weather I would like to follow that route with a reminder of March 2012.

The month began with a spell of mild and fine weather, though over the first weekend a short spell of unsettled conditions brought some rain which, unusually, was the heaviest over East Anglia.

From the 8th onwards it became settled again, as high pressure built, with much of England and Wales enjoying a pleasant taste of spring on Sunday 11th. By 15th, more unsettled conditions arrived, but this lasted briefly and actually brought little rain.

From 19th onwards it became settled again over most areas, and from 23rd to 29th many areas had several days of uninterrupted sunshine. This period was most notable, however, for record-breaking maximum temperatures, with some records for March being broken by as much as 4C.

The high pressure moved westward during the last two days, introducing somewhat cooler and cloudier conditions, particularly to the north-east of the UK.

It was the third warmest March on record - outshone only by 1938 and 1957, the Met office said.

An average temperature of 7.7C, compared with March 1938, which had an average of 8C, it was also the fifth driest and third sunniest March. March 2012 saw a total precipitation of 36.4mm of rain and 156.5 hours of sunshine

So for March 2013 we have had to keep our cardigans in the cupboard and kept the overcoat and wellies by the front door. Put another log on the fire, get that cup of tea and settle down with this months newsletter.

Your membership is very important we need your continued support to the Chelmsford Branch and Inland Waterways Association but most importantly for the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation which is operated by the Inland Waterways Association’s subsidiary company, Essex Waterways Ltd.

We would like to increase our contributors to this Newsletter please make time to look out your photos, articles and ideas and send them in for our next newsletter, the closing contribution dates are as follows

Summer 21/06/2013

Autumn 21/08/2013

For those on e-mail please send your input to chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk. Those without just give me a call to arrange for collection. 07837 576464.

John G Carlaw

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Notes From Molly Beard

Eighteen months ago, our Committee was down to five people, each of whom had already clocked up many years of working for the Branch. We were all delighted when a number of members, many of them younger, came forward in response to my appeal for volunteers. Each one was offering special talents and now we have a really active and effective Committee, working so well together. During the past year or so, while unable to do much myself, I have particularly appreciated their input.

At the recent A.G.M. John Gale was able to thank them all. Having been persuaded to chair the meeting, it was my pleasure to thank also those stalwart old hands who had held the Committee together during the more difficult times - especially John, who has worn so many “hats” over the years.

Also at the A.G.M., John reported that this newsletter, now edited by John Carlaw, is no longer a loss-maker and social meeting expenses are (just!) covered by income from the raffle, refreshments and donations at the door. He reported on income and donations made and on the activities of Essex Waterways Limited, under the leadership of Roy Chandler, whose Chairmanship continues almost full-time (unpaid role). Colin Edmund retired as Waterway Manager in the autumn and is now on the board of EWL. Graha Brawn is the new manager. There are two new Assistant Lengthsmen. There have been several camps and visits by Waterway Recovery Groups, although the weather has made it very difficult to complete projects.

Roy and Chris Chandler were re-elected to the Committee - all Committee members have to retire by rotation after three years and stand for re-election if they wish to remain on the Committee. The Region Chairman , Paul Strudwick, showed a CD prepared by Head Office, explaining our relationship with the new Canal and Rivers Trust and discussing the possible future of the organisation. The possible outcome of not having the Environment Agency on board, with proper financial provision, was also discussed.

The evening concluded with some pictures and commentary from members - thanks to them and to Colin, who was in charge of the audio-vis, equipment.

The Great Floods of 1953On Thursday 31 January 2013 Essex County Council held a Commemoration Service of the 1953 Floods at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Roy and I and Colin and Margaret Edmund were invited to attend as representatives ofEssex Waterways Ltd.

HRH Princess Anne, local dignitaries and survivors of the flood attended the service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the worst natural disaster of the British 20th Century.

This tragic disaster left 300 people dead along the East Coast and 2,000 people losing theirlives in coastal villages across the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Service was very moving with appropriate hymns and prayers. HRH Princess Anne gave a reading and the Cast and Crew Workshop performed a scene from “Flood”.

After the service we were invited to meet for refreshments and Roy and I were presented to HRH Princess Anne for a handshake and chat about Essex Waterways.

It is rewarding to learn that Essex Waterways is acknowledged at high level.Chris Chandler

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Regional Chairman

Writing this on a cold grey day in mid-March it seems strange to think spring and the chance to get the boat out and about on the waterways is only a few weeks away. This time last year I was talking about the formation of Canal & River Trust and the probability of restrictions on the use of the canal network due to the lack of rain. Well I got one right, British Waterways has gone and we have a shiny new CRT running our waterways. Hopefully this summer the weather will be better so we can enjoy our canals this year without too much disruption.

This year’s main objective for the London Region is to try and find a solution to the mooring problems in London. We have produced our proposals which we have widely circulated to mixed response. Some have accused us of being too lenient whilst others have accused us of an out and out attack on boaters. But I have had a number of expressions of support as well including some from continuous cruisers who are also concerned about the situation. I am having regular meetings with local residents, overstaying boaters, CRT and our friends in RBOA and NABO under the auspices of a group called The London Waterways Better Relationships Group. We are also keeping up the pressure through our regular contacts to find a way forward. One of the problems we are finding is that there is no one who represents the overstaying boaters. This makes it very difficult to have a meaningful dialogue and explore ideas on how we can move our proposals forward. I will keep you informed of any progress and anything you can do to help through your branch magazine.

This year the Region is hosting the National Festival at Cassiobury Park. I’ve had a chance to look over the site. It’s a bit smaller than we are used to but looks ideal. Talking to the festival team they are full of ideas and it looks like we will have a great festival. All we need now is lots of boats (the booking form is on the website) and good weather. We are putting together a stand showing the diversity of IWA in London. If you can help us can you contact our co-ordinator, John Brice, or your Vice Chairman.

It is with some regret that I have to report that CRT has decided not to dredge the Slough Arm this year despite many assurances that it was a priority. We will continue to press for it to be done in the next financial year. Middlesex branch are looking at ways that we could express our annoyance, perhaps in conjunction with the Slough Festival. Please look out for further announcements.

The work on our waterway the Chelmer and Blackwater goes on all the time. I know you hold regular working parties and these along with the canal camps show how a waterway can be run by a charity. If you could spare a little time please contact John Gale or Roy Chandler.

Finally Cavalcade is once again looking for volunteers. Please send any offers of volunteers to Libby at libby.bradshaw@ursa.me.uk

Paul Strudwick

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Boat Safety - Warning

We have been asked to draw your attention to the following report by a Boat Safety Examiner working locally.

When visiting a boat to carry out a Boat Safety Inspection on behalf of a new owner, the Examiner realised that he had previously carried out an inspection on the same vessel. However, the boat failed the new inspection because electricity cables were in close proximity to a gas pipe, the gas cylinder was loosely positioned in a locker together with other components including the petrol tank, there was unsecured gas pipe work, insufficient cabin ventilation and no labelling for the emergency gas valve. All of these are potentially serious faults which could result in fatalities.

The new owner reported that there was a BSS certificate when he bought the boat, but it had never been passed to him. After further research, the Examiner found that the boat had changed ownership and name several times, but when it was last inspected, the examination recorded no engine and no gas system. The Examiner therefore reports that clearly some owners are wilfully evading the safety regulations by removing dangerous equipment and simply reinstalling it after the BSS examination. The sad fact is that they are fooling nobody but themselves, as Examiners keep all records of equipment found and this will be presented when they kill themselves. Even if the boat has changed hands, they could still be implicated in a manslaughter charge!

Roy Chandler

Boat Safety - ChangesIt is also worth noting that the Boat Safety Scheme recording process has now moved to a central online database system with direct input from Boat Safety Examiners. After a successful boat examination, the owner will get a copy of a new, receipt-style certificate, called a BSS Examination Report, to keep for their own records. The change has been made possible because all navigation authorities, including Essex Waterways, now have access to the BSS central database where they can check your boat’s certification and expiry date.

The change allows BSS Examiners to provide directly the new-look certificates either as electronic files, or printed on plain paper in black ink. The new-look certificate, or BSS Examination Report, may include any failure notifications and advisory information, combined in one multi-page document. Existing BSS certificates will continue to remain valid until reaching expiry date. Boat owners should continue to pass on the BSS certification information from their boat file to the new owner if the boat is sold on. BSS examination data is already held on a central database and authorised BSS Examiners have been inputting to this for over two years. It holds only examination and boat data, no owner or personal information is included. A guide to the new-look certificate is available on the BSS website at: www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination

Roy ChandlerEssex Waterways Residential Caretaker OpportunityFrom time to time, there are opportunities for residential caretaker positions on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. There is currently a vacancy for a position at Heybridge Basin at the upstream end of the moorings (away from the facilities).

Residential Caretaker positions come with a residential mooring (which has local authority planning permission) at various locations on the Navigation, for which the incumbent is charged the going rate (dependent upon boat length). The post holder is then expected to spend a minimum of 8 hours per week undertaking maintenance and security duties at the mooring area (e.g. grass cutting) for which they receive a modest salary.

For more information please see the Essex Waterways website pages.

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Canal CampThe Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) working holidays called “Canal Camps”, are a great experience for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys meeting new people from different backgrounds and of different ages. The Camps also offer a fantastic chance to learn new skills such as bricklaying, machine operation and restoration techniques. These working holidays are open to anyone aged between 18 and 70 and volunteers come from all walks of life, with up to 20 on each camp. During 2013 WRG will be holding 23 Canal Camps throughout the country and the first of these was during February on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation.

Accommodation for the Camp was provided at Danbury Outdoor Centre and the work for the week was concentrated along the tow path between Heybridge Basin and Heybridge. You will have seen from other articles on recent Work parties that there has been a concentration on clearing excessive vegetation from this well used public bridleway which had become a narrow muddy track.

There were over 15 volunteers on the Camp and in addition to several of our regular Canal Camp attendees which included Chris (Camp Leader), Gordon (Assistant Camp Leader), Peter (Camp Cook) and Daniel (from Germany), there were several newcomers completing the residential aspect of their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. They were joined at various days during the week by some of our local regular volunteers. Bob Crow and Michael Cole (EWL’s Navigation Lengthsman) provided training for the use of brush-cutters and mowers as well as carrying out the chainsaw operations. The Buddy workboat and the larger Dredger barge were both used during the Camp.

The Camp was fortunate with dry weather conditions although the temperatures varied considerably throughout the week. The volunteer enthusiasm for the task was soon evident and considerable progress was made resulting in completing the clearance up to Wave Bridge in Heybridge. Close to here, a large multi-trunked willow tree was found to be in a dangerous condition and this had to be felled urgently as a matter of safety. A rapid response from the local authority Tree Officer assisted greatly with this operation which was undertaken by Michael and Bob. The photograph shows them planning the felling operation.

Throughout the week many users of the tow path complimented the volunteers on the excellent work that they were doing. Shortly after completion of the Canal Camp contractors from Essex County Council commenced work on surfacing the tow path using recycled tarmac with a fine granite topping. The tow path provides a very popular route between Heybridge Basin and Heybridge and also connects to adjoining recently built housing areas and a circular walk returning along the sea wall.

A sincere thank you must go to all the volunteers and groups which have worked on this project and to Essex County Council for their assistance with surfacing work.

Roy Chandler

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Working PartyIn the last ‘Newsletter’ I reported on the joint Chelmsford Branch and Essex WRG working party on the towpath between Hall Bridge and Heybridge Basin. Since then there has been a joint weekend with Essex WRG and London WRG as well as five days with Essex Waterways Ltd’s Mid Week Working Party on the same stretch.

The final two days should have been easier because the towpath had been officially closed by the County Council, but a surprising number of people were still walking it. They “didn’t know” it was closed. This was in spite of having to walk round barriers and pass very clear signs saying “Footpath Closed”. It was closed because the County Council had started to surface it, and had two dumpers and a mini digger going up and down the path. Also we were there using brush cutters.

There was also a WRG Canal Camp during this time. They cleared the stretch of towpath between Hall Bridge and Wave Bridge. A separate article by Roy Chandler covers the activities of the camp in more detail.

So the whole length between Wave Bridge at Heybridge and Heybridge Basin has been cleared, and by the time you read this will have been surfaced by the County. This means that cyclists, prams and even wheelchairs will be able to use it in winter as well as summer. Previously the mud prevented winter use.

Other work done by the Mid Week Working Party during this period has been planting willows – we have spent some five days on this. As you probably know the willows are harvested to be made into cricket bats after about fifteen to twenty years. We have now got the planting technique fairly well mastered and we can plant ninety plus in a day. This includes loading them on the boat and cruising to the site. The method of planting is fairly simple; you

make a hole about eighteen inches deep with a steel crowbar, push the willow in (the end has been sharpened to a point) and then heel it in and give it a drop of water if needed. In due course each willow will provide income for the company.

The other job the Mid Week group has done has been helping put bollards round the sea lock. These are each set in a substantial block of concrete. The previous system had chains along the length of the lock with ropes attached at intervals. When a boat came into the lock the bow and stern lines were passed through loops at the end of these ropes and returned to the boat so that the crew could control its movement. The chains and ropes were a real pain when it came to mowing the lock side. Now with neat white bollards this problem has been solved. And visually they look so very much better as well.

John Gale

Miss BehavinAt the end of January an unfortunate incident took place on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation at Paper Mill Lock when during the evening the river cruiser Miss Behavin’ was untied from its mooring and left to drift downstream on the fast flowing stream of the river. The boat became lodged on the top of the weir and had to be removed by Essex Waterway staff the following day. There was no sign of the mooring ropes and it has to be assumed that these were stolen, a very sad reflection upon society when for the sake of a few pounds worth of rope, considerable damage could have been caused to the boat and it could have been totally wrecked if it had gone further over the weir.

Photographs of the incident appeared in the national and local press.

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Social Meeting - The Endeavor

At the February 2013 branch social meeting our speaker was Peter Dolby from The Endeavour Trust. A very interesting and entertaining talk about this special cockle boat built in Leigh on Sea in 1924. It was the first of its kind, built in Leigh, to have an engine fitted.

Peter gave an interesting account of when in 1940, the Endeavour was requisitioned to be a small ship and take part in “Operation Dynamo”, which was to rescue troops from Dunkirk.

We were also told about the formation of the trust in 2001 and the extensive amount of voluntary work involved, restoring the vessel to its former glory. This also could not have been achieved without an extensive campaign to raise a large amount of money to carry out this work.

With the restoration completed, this achievement has recently earned a place in the maritime history of Britain and has been recognised by the National Historic Ships UK, the official voice for historic vessels in the UK. This is a Public Body that gives advice to central and local government and funding bodies on all matters relating to historic vessels in the UK.

If you would like to know more about the Endeavour and the Trust, please look at their website using this link:

www.endeavourtrust.co.uk

Endeavor Vital Statistics

Type: Cockle Bawley Engine: Ford 80 hpLength: 36ft Construction: Carvel, pitch pine on oakBeam: 11 ft 6 ins Builder: Cole & WiggensDraft: 3 ft 6 ins Year Built: 1926Displacement: 11.78 tons

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Social EventsApril 11thC Barltrap A live aboard’s view of the Olympics and Exclusion Zone

May 9th Tim Coghlan The Braunston Historic Narrowboat RallyJune 13th

Visit to Portwey

In November we had a very interesting presentation about “Portwey”, one of three surviving steam fired tugs. At the time it was suggested that it might be possible to arrange a visit to the tug which is usually moored in London’s Docklands.

A provisional date of 13th June has been arranged and whilst full details are still to be arranged, here is an outline for the proposed visit:

• The visit is likely to be limited to 20 members due to the restricted spaces on the vessel.

• Members will need to make their own way there, the nearest station is DLR South Quay and there is a 15 minute walk from there.

• Most areas of the vessel are accessed via vertical ladders so strong flat shoes are recommended.

• Timings and costs are yet to be finalised.

We will announce further details as soon as these are known. Meanwhile if you wish to register your interest in the visit please let Chris Chandler know chris.chandler@waterways.org.uk (01245 223732)

New Trip Boat on the Chelmer & BlackwaterEarly  March  saw  the  arrival  of  a  new  trip  boat  on  the  Chelmer  &  Blackwater  Naviga<on.  Launched  from  Wharf  Road  in  Chelmsford,  Blackwater  Dawn  has  been  purchased  by  Blackwater  Boats  who  currently  operate  the  12  person  Blackwater  Rose  from  Sandford  Lock.  

Blackwater  Dawn  is  also  a  12  person  trip  boat  but  has  a  wider  beam  with  access  and  toilet  facili<es  for  the  disabled.  An  aIrac<ve  feature  of  the  new  boat  is  the  generous  sea<ng  area  at  the  bow  which  has  a  fixed  roof  with  removable  side  screens.  The  boat  will  operate  from  Sandford  Lock  and  is  available  for  private  charters  as  well  as  regular  adver<sed  <cket  trips.  Further  details  can  be  found  at:  www.blackwater-­‐boats.co.uk  or  obtained  from  Blackwater  Boats  01206  853282

January SocialIn January this year Darren Tansley from the Essex Wildlife Trust gave a very interesting talk and presentation to the Chelmsford Branch of IWA.His talk was headed 'Vole Recovery Project' and he showed us enchanting photos of water voles along the river banks in Essex.Due to high water levels and floods last summer the water vole has had many of its habitats destroyed and this has caused low numbers of voles in our area. Darren showed us how the Trust is monitoring the vole and other mammals, such as otters, and how to become a mammal detective.Looking at paw prints in the mud and obvious signs of habitats Darren can identify the localmammals and signs of non native mammals, such as mink, which need to be removed in order for water voles to survive.The Social was very well attended, everyone enjoyed the presentation and appreciated the tea, coffee and cakes.

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Branch Committee

If you have any topics or subject that you wish to bring to the committees attention please use the contact details below

Molly Beard: Chairperson molly.beard@wareways.org.uk

John Gale: Vice Chairman & Treasurer. 24 Longleaf Drive, Braintree CM7 1XS

Paul Strudwick: London Region Chairman. Paul.strudwick@waterways.org.uk

Chris Chandler: Secretary. Chris.chandler@waterways.org.uk

Roy Chandler: Planning and Conservation. Roy.chandler@waterways.org.uk

John Carlaw: Newsletter and Membership. Chelmsford.news@waterways.org.uk John.carlaw@waterways.org.uk

Mike Huggett: Publicity. Mike.huggett@waterways.org.uk

Stephanie Mason: Refreshments. None

Jean Maxwell: Social and Fundraising. Jean.maxwell@waterways.org.uk Kirsten Smith: Youth. None Adam Wyllie: Branch Web Editor. Adam.wyllie@waterways.org

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Just For FunSUDOKUFill in the grid so that each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains the numbers one to nine (1 - 9)

Boats In Idiom

As the ripples of the waterway beat against the hull we can only hope that it is only rocking your boat.

You need to make sure that you are not in the same boat as others if you have missed the boat.

On occasions you may feel that you can push the boat out by making sure you float some body’s boat or whatever floats your boat.

Be careful not to burn your boats as you could be in the same boat or up the creek without a paddle as you were just off the boat.