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ANGLIANANGLIAN
CUTTINGSCUTTINGS
Ipswich Branch Newsletter
Autumn 2011 No. 120
The IWA may not agree with the opinions expressed in this publication. They are, however, published as
a matter of interest to our members and readers. Nothing printed can be construed as policy or an official announcement unless stated.
The IWA accepts no liability for any matter in this publication.
BAYHLAM MILL & LOCK
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YOUR COMMITTEE Chairman -
Chard Wadley
Secretary & Anglia Cuttings Editor -
Charles Stride
Treasurer
Spencer Greystrong
Membership
Clive Saville
Publicity
Brian Holt
Social Secretary
Diana Holt
River Gipping Trust
Lewis Tyler
River Stour Trust
Sue Brown
Pickerel Project Brian Cornell
Officer
Gerry Crease
*************************** IWA Ipswich - http://www.waterways.org.uk/ipswich
IWA IPSWICH BRANCH
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C H STRIDE
I have always wanted to do the ‘Grand
Ring’, South Oxford, Thames and Grand
Union, but not in a rush, so when the
opportunity came for a four week
voyage, and after persuading Pauline that
it was not such a long time, we set off at
the end of August. BW were threatening
that the Oxford would run out of water in
three weeks so we set off that way round.
Their lock restrictions and advice had
frightened off all the hire boats so we
almost had the canal to ourselves, and no
problem with water levels! Even the
middle section of the Thames was quiet,
we did not have to share a lock until we
got to Reading. There were some low
pounds on the Grand Union from Milton
Keynes northwards, but BW had
recommended the GU for hire boats!!
EDITOR’S
PONDERINGS
Part of the fascination of the Thames was
the sheer variety of different types and
styles of craft spotted, and a few examples
can be seen below and scattered
throughout this edition.
The southern Grand Union also surprised
us as to how attractive it is, We had not
ventured there before (in over 30 years of
boating!!) and expected much more
urbanisation. It is worth visiting, although
you do need some energy with all the
locks. (The Editor lost some weight!)
I don’t think Chris Coburn has taken Nb
‘Progress’ to the Mediterranean yet, so we
are going on a slightly larger vessel but do
hope to have the opportunity of taking a
few ‘canal’ photos in Venice. Watch this
space. Charles
This edition of Anglian Cuttings is being finalised in a short period between the
Editors return from nearly a month navigating the ‘Grand Ring’ and a departure
to the Eastern Mediterranean, including Venice, so perhaps a few pictures of their
canals next time!! So a special thanks to all the Contributors who sent their
information in promptly. The Cuttings does depend on Contributors so if you have
a story or items of interest please send them in.
Thames River Craft
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CHAIRMANS’ JOTTINGS
The Braunston Working Boat Rally was
held on the weekend of 25th and 26th
June 2011 and Carolyn and I went along
on the Saturday to what was a very good
event. There was a procession of over
100 old working boats cruising through
the marina from one end to the other and
then back up the canal; it was certainly a
sight to see and can highly recommend
to anyone, who has not been, to give it a
look next year.
Carolyn and I attended the National
Waterways Festival in Burton on Trent
at the end of July and had a very
enjoyable day. It is one of the best we
have attended of late with many more
interesting stands, a very good sight
layout and a bonus of exceptionally good
weather. We filled the whole day with
things to see and do which was not the
case last year when we felt we had seen
everything by midday. Members of the
IWA working on site were very pleased
with the event and hopefully this has
encouraged new members to the IWA.
There are no plans for a festival in 2012
as it is felt that with the Olympics taking
place it was better to leave 2012 free and
hold the next one in 2013.
At the beginning of July we attended the
Australian Canal Society’s gathering at
the Blue Lias, Stockton. Although we
got very wet on the boat coming down
Stockton locks on the Friday the
Saturday and Sunday were sunny and
warm. (see Charles’ report).
The winter programme is now fast
approaching and I look forward to seeing
you on the 14 October when we are
having a talk on The Suffolk Punch
Trust.
Chard
Welcome to another Anglian Cuttings. Hope you have all made the most of the
Summer; I must say the weather has been fairly varied and although it is nice not
to have too much rain it is playing havoc with the water levels in the canal. Are
we never satisfied!
DOUG TOMLINSON ’ S BENCH
Doug Tomlinson was a member of Ipswich Branch for many years and had
spent several years cruising the canals on Hotel boats. He was also very
keen on model railways and many of you may remember him giving us a talk
with his friend Brian Wilkinson with a model railway on an ironing board.
Doug left a donation to the branch in his will and it was felt by the committee
that we would like to remember Doug by putting a bench seat in a position by
the River Gipping as it was somewhere Doug would have enjoyed spending a
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OUR REGION CHAIRMAN
REPORTS
This is one of those subjects that tend to
go round in circles, it being far easier to
identify the problem, and analyse the
reasons, than come up with solutions.
One of the best ways to interest people
you meet on and around the waterways
is to talk to them, mention some thing
that IWA/WRG has done locally.
Remind them of the Festival or a river
event, and in order to help the job along,
IWA have produced a credit card sized
list of 10 reasons to join the IWA. These
can be obtained from H.O. and through
the Branch, and are a good way to spread
the word. (They are also listed on the
back page.—Editor) We do need new
blood.
Welches Dam/River Cam
The Welches Dam saga rumbles on. On
the Cam the plans by the conservators to
raise money have not gone away, GOBA
are surveying their members with a
range of options and will doubtless put
the findings to the conservators. Let us
hope they are more receptive than E.A.
NWC
Regarding the NWC, work is being done
mostly “ behind the scenes” to continue
to get as good a deal for the waterways
as possible. Funding continues to be a
concern, as is the decision that E.A.
won’t be included until later, by which
time any number of things, good or bad,
could have happened. Personally, and I
do stress Personally, I would like to have
seen the Agency dragged in from day
one. Then at least we would have been
dealing with one body, as it is nothing
will change in Eastern Region for a
while yet.
Alastair Chambers
The subject of recruiting and perhaps more importantly, retaining members has
been the topic of a number of discussions. It is no secret that our membership is
not growing, sadly quite the opposite, and is also, without wishing to be rude,
generally those retired. There is a serious shortage of young new blood.
few hours. The bench seat has
been put by the river at Hawks
Mill, Needham Market and
displays a commemorative
plaque. We felt it was
appropriate to invite his good
friend Brian Wilkinson along to
Hawks Mill to unveil the bench.
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On the 10th and 11th of September the River Gipping Trust had two very
successful days demonstrating our local activities to the wider public. Separate
reports are included below. Both days took a lot of volunteer time and
organisation and our thanks go to all those concerned—Editor
Suffolk Local History Council
On 10th September the River Gipping Trust hosted a members’ day for the Suffolk
Local History Council.
The day began by Spencer Greystrong, Lewis and Mitzi Tyler meeting Local History
members at the Needham lakes car park, having sorted out the logistics of the mini bus
transport for the end of the afternoon As ever all good plans sometimes do not follow
the intended path. What we had not reckoned on was a massive car boot sale with
traffic arriving like there was no tomorrow! Trying to identify SLHC members and
direct them to the meeting place was somewhat difficult. However, once folk arrived
they were escorted in three groups to the start of the walk.
First it was a look at Bosmere lock with its attendant stop plank store, where we
learned how the Ipswich branch of the IWA had been responsible for the restoration
work from 1993 to 1996. Then after braving the traffic to reach the river footpath, it
was a gentle amble along the river on what is now known as the Aggregate Trail.
Beautiful water meadows and flooded gravel
pits made for relaxing scenery as we
approached Creeting Lock. Work started
here in 1997 and finished in 2004. It was the
site of six WRG camps during that period.
Members admired the extensive repairs to
the accommodation bridge, and were told
how both lock walls had been restored.
Onward then to Pipps Ford lock which we
learned had originally been restored by the
National Rivers Authority (fore runner of
the EA) to the original plans for this lock as
set out in 1790.
Our eventual destination was Baylham lock where River Gipping Trust members
awaited with coffee. After a short rest, members were given a tour of the lock with
explanations of how much work had been done, and what was still to be achieved.
Home made soup, thanks to Gerry Crease, was then available to have with picnic
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lunches. (and very good it was too)
The afternoon continued with a Power Point Presentation by Spencer on the history of
the River Gipping, as well as there being a display of photographs recording work
achieved. This was comfortably enjoyed in the marquee and followed by tea and cakes.
Then it was time to return guests by minibus to their cars.
All agreed that it had been most enjoyable and informative day.
Mitzi Tyler
**********************************************************************
RGT –Heritage Open Day
The long-range forecast was dire, the short-range not much better but Sunday, 11th
September 2011 dawned bright and sunny and so it continued all day. Which was good
as we were taking part in the national Heritage Open Day for the first time by opening
and manning Baylham Lock.
Lewis Tyler adopted a ‘Meeting and Greeting’ stance on the river bridge and welcomed
our visitors – they then watched the continuous PowerPoint Presentation and had a look
at the static display of photographs, old and new. After which Chard Wadley, Spencer
Greystrong and Colin Turner explained the workings and work being carried out on the
lock.
During the course of the day, in excess of 75
attended from as far afield as Felixstowe and
Newmarket and included the Deputy Mayor
of Needham Market, Kay Oakes and County
Councillor Julia Truelove.
Various members of the Trust, including
Brian Annis, Don & Shirley Brazinski and
Trevor Chatting were in attendance during
the day and the general consensus of opinion
was that it was an excellent event and well
worthwhile the effort. We are also grateful
to Mark Murphy of Radio Suffolk who
broadcast an interview and details of the day
which helped to draw visitors in.
Perhaps it should become a regular fixture
for the Trust? LewisTyler
See Pages 10/11 for Restoration News
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In order to reach our destination from the
previous stop at Victoria Falls we had to
pass through three sets of African Border
Posts, and they still use paper forms out
there! The last stretch of our journey was
by launch until the ‘Zambezi Queen’
appeared round a corner of the river. We
were welcomed on board with traditional
African singing by the crew.
At this time of year it is the end of the
wet season for central Africa and the
Chobe is in full flood and spread over
miles of water meadows on either side,
so the ‘ZQ’ itself does not move very
far; in the dry season she sails further up
river to a second base. The river in this
area borders a major National Park and
provides water for a huge variety and
number of Africa’s wildlife. Most of our
viewing was done from the launches and
an excerpt from our travel diary
illustrates this clearly:
‘A late lunch/high tea and then we set
out on our first ‘Sundowner Cruise’.
Charles sat on the roof of the launch as
we spotted
Hippopotami,
Elephants,
Buffaloes,
Giraffes, Kudus,
and scores of
birds of many
colours such as
Bea-Eaters,
African Fish
Eagles, Egret,
AN
AFRICAN
WATERWAY
SAFARI
Earlier this year in March Pauline and I set off on a return trip to Southern
Africa. Pauline had spent much of her early years in Northern Rhodesia and my
first job was on the Union Castle mail boats to South and East Africa. We had
been back in 1999, but when our friends decided to pay their first visit , this gave
us the opportunity to return once again to this fascinating continent. Parts of the
trip took us to new destinations including three nights on the Riverboat ‘Zambezi
Queen’ based on the Chobe river, where the four countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Botswana and Namibia meet, and before it flows into the mighty Zambezi above
Victoria Falls.
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Heron and Oxpeckers. Beer, G & T’s,
etc. served. Returned to the ZQ at sunset
for a superb dinner.’
We had a ‘Sundowner’ Cruise every
evening and each time the number and
variety of animals differed. On one
morning we battled our way back
through two sets of immigration, (more
paper!) to undertake a Game Drive in the
National Park in Botswana. More variety
of animals seen and photographs taken,
of the rare Sable Antelope, Impala, baby
Crocodiles, Warthogs, Mongooses, more
Giraffe and many more Elephants, but
no ‘Big Cats’. In the wet season they use
the waterholes further inland and usually
only appear at the riverside in the dry
season, but we had many memories and
photos of them from our previous visit.
On another morning we travelled
upstream to visit the local village of
Kaseru in Namibia. The village is built
on mounds just above the river flood
levels around a large Baobab tree. We
were shown around the huts, mud walled
with tin or thatched roofs: the Chief’s
hut did have a generator and a satellite
television! The river provides the access
route, to and from, with the villagers
mainly using canoes, and the children all
travel down river to the school by boat
each Monday, returning on Friday.
The other spectacular sights on the river
are the African Sunrises and Sunsets, as
well as the cloud formations when an
afternoon storm passed around us
This was a superb return trip to Africa,
providing us with many more memories
and photographs of old and new places
to bring back, and this river safari on the
Chobe river was certainly one of the
highlights.
Charles & Pauline
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RESTORATION
REPORT
Our Grey Wagtail family fledged quite
early, and so we were able to return to
pumping out the lock in June, which let
us put scaffolding against the wall and
get on with replacing the damaged outer
brickwork skin.
Our survey report , carried out a few
years ago now, had indicated that the
brick skin had become detached from the
structure in just a few discrete areas,
and recommended patching and pointing
below the coping stones. Once we had
taken out the patches of brickwork
With the return of a number of regular members of our team from various
cruises and holidays we have been pressing on with the repair of the west wall of
Baylham Lock.
identified in the report however, it
became obvious that the problem was
more widespread, and by process of
taking out brickwork around the few
sound areas we quickly realised most of
the facing would have to come down.
In turn this meant that it would have
been unsafe to continue working with the
coping stones in place, and what had
started off as a simple patching operation
ended with the coping stones removed,
and the outer skin pretty much stripped
off for a depth of 6 feet along three
quarters of the lock.
With the good weather through the
summer however, we have made
significant progress in re-building the
skin and tying it back in to the main wall
structure to the point where at the time of
writing we are now ready to replace the
coping stones. We even remembered to
make a nesting space in the new
brickwork for our Grey Wagtail family.
Unfortunately when we moved the
stones at the start of the operation we
discovered that two had been split by
frost damage, and these will need to be
repaired or replaced.
As a bit of light relief from wall building
and brick cleaning, our work group on
Wednesday 7th September used the day
to clear part of the footpath between
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Pipps Ford and Baylham, in preparation
for the weekend walk by the Suffolk
Local History Council planned for the
following Saturday. We were a bit
surprised to be overtaken in our efforts
by a guy from the council pushing a
mower! Apparently they had the same
idea, but I’m not sure how he was going
to cope with the 8 foot high nettles,
brambles and burdock that were
blocking the route.
We think the work on the lock chamber
will take another three to four sessions to
complete, and we will then be moving
below the bridge to secure the bank and
re-lay the paved area we discovered last
spring. The Land owner also has asked
us to investigate replacing the sluice
mechanism above the mill. If we get the
go-ahead for this work, we will be at
Baylham for a little while yet.
Martin Bird
More
Thames River Craft
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9TH
OVERSEAS
GATHERING
On July 10th the Australian Canal Society Flag flew over the Grand Union Canal at
the ‘Blue Lias’ for the 9th biannual UK meeting. A total of 50 ACS Members from
Australia and the UK attended. The Australian contingent were once again led by their
very enthusiastic and hardworking President Jan Roden, ably supported by John
Colville, Membership Secretary for ACS, and his wife Anne. Sonia Rolt was the very
welcome Guest of Honour.
Ipswich Branch Boats were well represented with ‘Bruizer’, Chard & Carolyn;
‘Fringilla’, John & Joan; ‘Treivalic’, Rita & Clive; and ‘Tixal’, David & Mary
Following the Gathering Lunch Roger Squires gave a very interesting update on the
proposed BW Charity changes and Colin Edwards gave a fascinating presentation on
the 2012 Olympics site and the effects on the surrounding waterways.
The main UK organisers for the event were Chard and Carolyn, who put in a lot of
work prior to and on the day to ensure another very successful occasion, and now we
all look forward to the 10th Anniversary Meeting in July 2013.
Charles Stride
Formed in May 1988, The Australian Canal Society (ACS) is a society of people with an
enthusiasm for canals and other inland waterways around the world, particularly those of
the UK and Europe. Many of our members cruise canals and inland waterways whilst
overseas. The unique ACS was established to develop this interest in canals. It offers very
different experiences for Australians when they travel in other parts of the world. The
ACS welcomes all who are curious, fascinated, addicted, or who just wish to reminisce or
dream about waterways!
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Although you can just browse the site by
going to www.waterways.org.uk if you
would like to go further, as an IWA
member you can login using a name and
password. If you haven’t yet registered
on the site you can click on Login at the
top of the page and then choose
‘Register here’. Put a tick in the box
marked ‘I am an existing member’ and
choose your Membership type from the
drop down box. It will say how much
your membership costs but you don’t
have to pay again! Click Continue and
you’ll be asked to enter a few details
about yourself on the next 2 pages. Don’t
forget to record your user name and
password before moving on. Once
you’ve completed the login procedure
you will get an email from HQ
confirming your login details.
Now you’ve done the boring bit it’s time
to have a look our own part of the
website. You can either click on Regions
& Branches followed by Eastern and
finally Ipswich or you can type in
www.waterways.org.uk/ipswich
Our Home page has three columns – on
the left are links to the rest of our site
and in the centre are the plans for our
winter meetings. Most of the links on the
right hand side will take you to a brief
history of the various waterways in our
area. The link to the Broads will open to
a more detailed view.
The links in the left hand column will
take you to a wide and varied view of
what we’ve been up to in the Ipswich
branch, particularly the ones headed
Anglian Cuttings, Branch Awards, and
Weekend Breaks.
For something a little different, try the
two called Audio Links and Video
Links. The Audio page has a recording
of the radio play ‘A Maidens Trip’
which tells of a journey in a working
narrow boat and butty during the 2nd
World War.
The Video page has links to ‘The Golden
Age of Canals’ and ‘Julia Bradbury’s
Canal Walks’.
Please enjoy your browsing around our
web site.
Spencer Greystrong
IWA and the Internet
I’m sure many of you will be aware that the IWA have a web site and I hope you
know about your own branch’s contribution to that site. For those of you who
may not have seen either, perhaps this article might tempt you to have a look.
Thames
River Craft
Even
More
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37TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the
AGM of the Ipswich Branch of the Inland Waterways
Association
will be held at the Needham Market Community Centre,
School Street, Needham Market at
8pm on Friday 10th February, 2012
AGENDA
1) Apologies for absence
2) Approval of the 2011 AGM Minutes
3) Matters arising from those minutes
4) Chairman’s report
5) Treasurer’s report and presentation of accounts
6) Adoption of the accounts
7) Statement of committee size
8) Election of Committee members
9) Regional Chairman’s report
The AGM will be followed by an Illustrated Talk
By
Francis Hart
VENICE PAST & PRESENT
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE We gladly welcome all our new members
From Norfolk: Mr J Sharples
From Suffolk: Mr & Mrs B Arnkels-Webb; Mr & Mrs J Robinson;
Mr & Mrs M & E Fish; Mr & Mrs A & N Breen; Mr & Mrs B & S
Phillpotts; Mr & Mrs P & S King; Mr & Mrs R & J Spencer;
Mr R Thurlow; Mr & Mrs J & L Grainger; Mr G Talbot & Ms M Allen.
From Essex: Mr & Mrs F B & H Wilkinson; Mr A Southgate;
34th Colchester Scout Group Clive Saville
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DATES
for your
DIARY
WORKING PARTY DATES Working Parties are held by the River Gipping Trust at Baylham Lock
from 0900 to 1700 every Wednesday and on the first Saturday of each
month, unless that Saturday is a Bank Holiday in which case it will then be
held on the second Saturday of that month.
For further information and to confirm dates contact Martin Bird
Tel: 01394 380765 Email: [email protected]
1st
2nd
BRANCH MEETINGS & EVENTS 2011/12
Branch Meetings held at the Community Centre, School St., Needham Market
At 7.30, unless otherwise stated.
FRIDAY 14TH OCTOBER
Talk by Chris Miller—The Suffolk Punch Trust
FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
Talk by Brian Cornell—The River Thames
FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER
Illustrated talk by Hugh Turner—Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation
FRIDAY 13TH JANUARY
Members Evening
FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY
AGM/Illustrated Talk by Francis Hart—Venice Past & Present
SATURDAY 3RD MARCH — 12PM FOR 1230
Annual Lunch - Compasses Holbrook
Pre-Booking with Chard Wadley
OTHER DATES
River Stour Trust Events commence again in March 2011
See their Website http://www.riverstourtrust.org/events-2011.htm
There will be no IWA National Festival in 2012
due to the Olympics and Queens Jubilee Events
It will be back in 2013
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The Inland Waterways Association is a non-profit distribution company limited by guarantee.
Registered Office; Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire. HP5 1WA Tel: 01494 783453 Web: www.waterways.org.uk
Registered in England No. 612245. Registered as a Charity No. 212342
USEFUL WEBSITES IWA Head Office - http://www.waterways.org.uk
Waterway Recovery Group - http://www.wrg.org.uk
River Gipping Trust - http://rivergippingtrust.org.uk
River Stour Trust - http://www.riverstourtrust.org East Anglian Waterways Association –http://www.eawa.co.uk
Aylsham Navigation - http://aylsham-navigation.norfolkparishes.gov.uk
IWA Peterborough Branch - http://www.iwapeterborough.org.uk The Broads Society - http://www.broads-society.org.uk
The Australian Canal Society - http://www.auscanal.org.au/
British Waterways/Waterscape - http://www.waterscape.com Waterways Trust - http://www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk
DEFRA Dept. for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - http://www.defra.gov.uk
TEN REASONS FOR JOINING THE IWA
Campaigns for properly funded waterways
Provides a voice for you
Helps improve your local waterways
Monitors planning applications
Supports waterways restoration
Provides expert advice on restoration
Organises restoration holidays for young people
Provides over 5000 days of volunteer labour per year
Arranges affordable insurance for waterway societies
Educates people about the waterways
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