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No. 116July 1984
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Inside front cover --
Comment -
MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Elsewhere in this Newsletter we publish a letter from Surrey's Countryside Officer, Raymond Stedman, about the leaking embankment at Ash which caused the 'Grand Opening of the Hampshire-Surrey Link' to be postponed.
Yes, Society volunteers and our friends from the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and the Deepcut YTS team were more than a little disappointed that the re-opening did not take place.
Not just because they spent many hours organising and doing the job of laying thousands of tons of gravel on three miles of towpath and undertook a considerable amount of piling for bank protection between Ash Vale and Mytchett. Not only because they had to interrupt their scheduled work programmes, especially at St. John's. But mostly because the work to complete the middle length was obviously not started early enough, which lead to a hasty and exhausting last minute rush to get the work done on time.
At least one leading volunteer work organiser was so demoralised that he had no wish to join the weekend's celebration. Fortunately he was persuaded to attend and the success of the event (not to mention the quality of the beer) revived his and other flagging spirits.
Surrey cannot be blamed for a leaking canal bank — it is said that the area has always been prone to dampness. But many people believe
that the council could have done more to communicate the problem and the remedial action to the worried residents concerned. Even now the Countryside Officer writes vaguely of 'pressing on with investigations and works to right the problems'.
People should be given more specific information. Promises of good intentions are not enough. And the Society might usefully press for facts and influence action more publicly than we do.
It is difficult not to contrast this with Hampshire. From the County's enthusiastic offer to open up the Ash Cottage canal depot for the Rally, to the efficiency and hard work put in by David Gerry and the canal wardens to prepare the site and assist throughout the weekend. At the same time winning a race against time to clear, excavate and construct the new public slipway and car park at Wharf Bridge.
Good management is about planning, leadership and the commitment of an enthusiastic team. And it shows in the finished job.
POSTSCRIPT:
If the main aim of the Civic Ceremony was
publicity, Surrey and Hampshire's PRO's and
the Society's Press Officer achieved that with
TV coverage on Thames, TVS and BBC South.
Our thanks to Philip Dewhurst and Mervyn
Curtis.
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PHOTOGRAPHS
FRONT COVER:
(Top) The scene at Ash Lock as boats prepare for the Inaugural Cruise of the Basingstoke's centre length.
(Bottom Left) Ash Embankment filled with boats.
(Bottom Right) Lord Onslow, Cranley Onslow M.P., Lady Charlotte Emma, Robin Higgs and Lady Onslow.
INSIDE PAGE:
(Top Left) Lady Onslow cuts the tape to 'open' the new let-off weir on Ash Embankment.
(Top Right) Lady Onslow admiring the Rally plaque presented to her.
(Centre) Steam powered launches crossing Ash Embankment.
(Bottom Left) A 23-ft steam canoe originally electrically powered.
(Below) Steam powered launches and 'John Pinkerton' leaving Ash Lock.
(Bottom Right) Preparing for the barbecue at the Ash Lock Cottage canal depot.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Clive Durley, Geoff Halliwell and Dieter Jebens.
KAY HUMBERSTONE
It was with great regret that we learned of the death of Kay Humberstone on 5th June after a short illness. Kay and Bob Humberstone regularly crewed the 'John Pinkerton' and helped organise our sponsored walks. We offer our sincere condolences to Bob in his sad loss.
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AGM REPORT
Restoration of the 32-mile Basingstoke Canal could be completed and navigation re-opened throughout in 3 or 4 years time, Robin Higgs, Chairman, told members at the Annual General Meeting held at St. John's, Woking, on Saturday, May 5th.
Reflecting on last year being the tenth year of restoration work on the canal, Robin said it also marked a change of emphasis. With increasing lengths of the waterway being brought back into a navigable condition he commented, "We are spending more of our time discussing the work programme as it relates to the recreational requirements of the sections becoming available for leisure use".
In thanking all the volunteers who had continued to support weekend working parties, including visiting groups from the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, Waterway Recovery Group, Southampton Canal Society and the Kent and East Sussex branch of the Inland Waterways Association, Robin estimated that over 25,000 hours work had been put in. Coupled with the time spent operating the Society's trip boat "John Pinkerton" which made a profit of over £10,000 last year, he said that the voluntary work input was worth £90,000 with a further £30,000 in cash contributions.
Turning to developments affecting the canal's environment Robin referred to two applications for housing developments on the banks of the canal at Crookham Village near Fleet, and at Odiham. At the Woking end of the canal, a proposed industrial development on Brook-wood Lye and re-development of Brookwood Hospital were being followed carefully by the Society. 'The canal will be built up from end to end if we are not vigilant" he warned.
Following Robin's opening remarks the appointment of Mike Reid as Honorary Auditor for 1984 was confirmed as was the election of the Committee. The 12 members of the Committee for 1984 as elected by ballot are: Chris Brazier, Peter Coxhead, Mike Fellows, Peter Fethney, Robin Higgs, Peter Jones, David Millett, Peter Redway, Philip Riley, Andy Stumpf, Vie Trott, and Derek Truman.
Membership reduced
The Society's Treasurer, Peter Fethney presented the Accounts and pointed out that expenditure had exceeded income by £5,000. This, the Executive Committee felt, was an acceptable situation since the Society's aim was canal restoration and not profit-making. £6,000 had been spent on the dry-dock at Deepcut and £9,000 on essential maintenance of the steam dredger.
The trip boat 'John Pinkerton' continued to provide a major source of income amounting to £12,170 in 1983 with the 'Return' holiday narrow boat providing an additional £1,670. Donations of £3,800 had increased and Peter Fethney acknowledged the Society's sales achievement which had increased to £530.
The major disappointment was a drop in subscriptions by £650 representing a 14% fall in membership. Overall the Society remained financially healthy with a balance of £22,000 but the Treasurer forecast increased expenditure in 1984. The resolution to increase the subscriptions was approved after some discussion such that for the 1985 Society year (that begins in November for new members) the fees will be as follows:
Junior (under 18)/OAP Membership £2.00
Adult Membership £6.50
Family Membership £7.50
Group Membership £10.00
Life Membership £80.00
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DEEPCUT DRY DOCK REOPENED
David Millett, Vice Chairman, then presented his General Report on 1983 and the Society's progress.
"During the year Ted Williams relinquished his post as Membership Secretary, having undertaken the task for three years. Welcome to Bob Trott, who has taken over the position.
The Sales team have had another good year attending events over a wide area to promote the Society and the restoration of the canal.
Fundraising continues to be very important and the Sponsored Walk, the 200 Club and the Draw all contributed to our coffers to a very acceptable degree. Opening up the Sponsored Walk to outside groups seems to be a very successful formula.
The 'John Pinkerton' had another very successful season with a net profit of £10,502. The trip boat is responsible for nearly 30% of the Society's total income.
1983 saw the first season of the operation of 'The Return' for members to have holidays on the River Wey and River Thames. Thanks are due to Mike Borrow for making his narrow boat available and to Chris Brazier for getting the whole operation off the ground.
Three new Vice Presidents have been added to our distinguished list, namely Sir James Scott, Michael Mates, M.P. and John Humphries.
A highlight during the year was the opening of the new Dry dock at lock 28 at Deepcut.
Slipways were a feature that was missing and the hot summer showed the effect of a combination of the lack of powered craft using the canal coupled with no weed-cutting. The restored section between Aldershot and Fleet was virtually impassable.
Planning was important once again with the Society fighting proposals for development of the Kiln Bridge site at St. John's. Unfortunately we were only partly successful. The local authorities must be watched very carefully. The same applies at Freelands Farm just outside Fleet.
The Fleet Ladies Group and the Woking Events Group continued with their fundraising events. Thanks to all those involved.
Finally, thanks are due to you all for your efforts during 1983."
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"PERSEVERANCE" OVERHAULED
Bryan Jones then presented a report on the dredger crew's activities during 1983.
"Our 9'6" beam barge had its hold replated (after 8 years use) by Brian Bane and helpers and finished off by Tony Harmsworth at a total cost for steel and welding of £100. The small barge had its bottom replated by Chris Blackman and internal concrete lining replaced, the total cost being £3,500. The larger barge re-entered service on March 5th and the smaller on 12th July. Members may remember the big splash!
Our 'Thames" barge had the timber lining of its hold damaged by a Hymac during the operations at the Dog-mersfield slip. It was towed to Fleet and hauled out at Reading Road Bridge last Autumn to have this lining replaced and some welding done on the outerskin. This
was done at H.C.C.'s expense and the barge returned to service in early Spring.
Both tugs were inspected and a new clutch/gear box unit fitted to one of them. The cab (removed in order to pass under Lodge Copse Bridge in 1975!) was also replaced. Both tugs have now been repainted by Dave Parker and David Wimpenny.
Recently we have been able to take each tug out of service in order for welding to be done to their hulls which were worn through in places. This has again been done by Chris Blackman at a cost of £500 per tug.
,P>
Moving on to dredging and dredger maintenance, the previous work on the Slip had to be largely re-dredged and we finally broke through into full width canal on January 9th. By July "Perseverance" had cleared the Blacksmiths Bridge Winding Hole. By now the starboard pontoon was obviously leaking and indeed sank the dredger near the winding hole. The opportunity was taken for major overhauls to the crane itself and the boiler.
The following jobs were undertaken :-
Welding and refitting of pontoon
Welding fire box floor and smoke box of boiler
Welding to Priestman Dragline
New pinion shaft
New con. rods and piston rings, new glands and neck
bushes
New jib head pulley shaft and bushes
New design for clutch in modern oil resistant
material.
The welding work was undertaken by Chris Blackman.
The dredger passed both crane and boiler inspections and returned to service on 18th December reaching Double Bridge on 26th February 1984.
The Priestman Dragline was moved to its present site near Double Bridge on 14th March from its previous site at Goddards Field where it has been working for the last three years. This will mean a speeding up of dredging, a round trip taking only 15 minutes. During 1983 the maximum distance was Double Bridge to Goddards Field — some 2800 yards taking 1% hours.
The dredger is currently being repainted by Dave Parker — we even hope to have its name on the side after 9 years! The dredger is now operating at much improved efficiency — stoking is now a calm, almost gentlemanly occupation!"
Volunteers Put in 25,000 Hours
To round off the reports on volunteer activity the Society's working party organizer, Mike Fellows, gave the following resume.
"At lock 1 the Guildford and Reading branch of the I.W.A. led by Dick Harper-White has had a successful year. At the beginning of the year the concrete invert was poured. The new walls are now well clear of the water level.
Further up the Woodham flight, Pablo Haworth and his regular band of enthusiasts passed another landmark. Last Autumn they completed lock 5 and moved to lock 4. The first job is to demolish the chamber walls and use the rubble to build a causeway across the canal above lock 3. This is now under way.
The Society's main worksite is at the Goldsworth locks at St. John's. At lock 11 virtually all the brickwork is complete apart from the recess walls which are currently being worked on. It is hoped to be finished in July.
Lock 10 was completed in June and the work then shifted to lock 9. At this stage the five Society working parties led by Peter Jones, Jules Wood, Tony Gould, Alan Grimster and Peter Oates were re-organised. Peter
Oates dropped out of leading a regular party. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Peter as he has made the monthly journeys from Southampton since 1975.
Lock 9 has received a great deal of attention and is now half done. This was achieved by our own workers and our three regular visiting groups: The Kent and East Sussex Canal Restoration Group led by Ken Parish; the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (Newbury Working Party) led by Bill Nicholson and the London branch of the Waterway Recovery Group led by Bob Keaveney. These groups have also worked on lock 8 where the bottom cill has been cast and the top and bottom wing walls demolished. Lock 7 has also seen some work.
The main event at St. John's was the work camp held during August. This was led by Ken Parish and proved to be the most successful work camp ever held on the canal. Our expectations were exceeded and every day we had over 20 people on site. We had people from as far afield as Glasgow, Manchester, Grimsby and Norwich. Lock 8 received most of the attention where the bypass channel was completed and the bottom cill (which was 3' thick concrete) removed. The total work was equivalent to 7 months of weekend working parties and would have cost £8,000 by contractor.
The working compound at lock 11 is still under threat from developers. Indeed the whole character of the site is threatened, and it really is a pity that all thg hard work by volunteers to improve the area for the public should be spoilt by insensitive development.
Frank Jones' lock gate working party has completed the bottom gates for lock 10 and work is well advanced on the bottom gates for lock 11. During last year a second group led by Alan Grimster, working only one Sunday a month, have already nearly finished the top gates for lock 10.
The bankside clearance party, led by Bert and Betty Scammell has had a turnout averaging nine working at Woking, but then switched to the Ash — Deepcut section for the June 9th opening. In some places the towpath was almost completely overgrown, but this has now been cleared back.
On the top Surrey pound, in the Autumn it became apparent that the works for June 9th could not be completed with the labour allocated.
Peter Jones volunteered to take on a second weekend a month to do a little piling job at Anglers Flash just above Mytchett Lake. Over 200 piles were driven and tied back and the work was not completed until February. His team are still doing an extra weekend a month as still more piling was required at Grayswood Drive, below Mytchett Lake.
By the beginning of this year it was obvious that a vital requirement was to ensure that a minimum of 8" of freeboard is achieved when the canal is at its normal level.
Raising the towpath is in theory very simple but in practice required a level of detailed organising which we haven't experienced before. Access had to be sorted out, which required building a low level bridge. The towpath had to be flattened and widened. Even so, sections were so narrow that only inches existed between the wheels and the canal. Plant was ordered; a Hymac for loading, a vibrating roller for compacting and sometimes as many as six dumpers.
We have now completed the length from Ash Wharf to the Kings Head bridge, a distance of 3 miles. Thousands of tons of material have been laid. It has been the most complicated operation I have ever been involved in.
At Grayswood Drive, where the canal was leaking
into the road, solving the problem has involved us in one of the biggest sections of bank protection on the canal. 250 metres of bank is being lined with steel piles and wooden boards. Over 500 pieces of timber have to be planed and shaped. We will be finished by June 9th — but only just!
This work has not been without its problems. Because of the number of dumper journeys necessary, accidents occurred. They are genuine accidents. It is difficult to realise the concentration required and a moment's lapse on a narrow towpath can be disastrous. This must serve as a reminder to all of us that we are working in a very dangerous environment and no chances should be taken or corners cut.
Last year over 25,000 man hours of volunteer labour was used on the canal. This makes it by far the largest volunteer canal project in the country. Last year was a year of very steady, strong progress, the fruits of which can already be seen but will show up even more in the next couple of years as the restoration rapidly moves to completion.
It is difficult in a report like this to give credit to all the people who deserve it, but I must single out Martin Smith and Frank Jones, without them we would not have achieved half of what we have done.
Finally, a very big thank you to the most important people of all — the workers. 1984 promises to be a very important year as the restoration proceeds eastwards and the number of tasks left to be done dwindles rapidly. After this year there will not be another work camp on the canal as no suitable sites will remain, so come along and join the camp or one of our regular parties - before it's too late! "
Campaign Not Yet Over
Frank Jones then took the floor to present his report on the year past from the full time staffs point of view.
'The Basingstoke Canal will be restored. The campaign is over, the Society need not concern itself about the Council's commitment. Only the work needs doing and of course we are quite capable of doing that. I suggest to you that this all too common attitude is wide of the mark.
The canal will be restored only if the Society organises itself in a way that will meet the demands of today's economic pressures. The Society's role is to ensure that having undertaken to carry out the work, the Councils do so; that the work is both aesthetically pleasing in itself, and more importantly that the Councils and Local Authorities do not make the mistake of ruining what they have provided. The canal is not and must never be a municipal park in the midst of housing estates.
The canal must basically be restored by the Society and its labour resources.
A case in point is a weir built by Martin Smith and finished last July. There is no political clout to the Society if other people do the work and Martin's efforts are a great credit to him.
M.S.C. have provided £203,000 from April onwards. The bargain is the Youth Training Scheme which provides 16 weeks off the job training for 35 people. This training is very much work related, and for the remaining 33 weeks of any one individual trainee's time, he carries out work on the canal as part of his work experience. Since just after the New Year, Jim Reid and his team of four Supervisors have virtually completed the structural work on lock 14 at Brookwood and are now constructing gates. Work has begun on lock 13, and we have confidence in the Training Scheme personnel to provide an early completion date. Properly devised and conducted programmes have been the brain child of Bill Langley,
our new training officer. There is no problem with recruitment of 35 young people to fill the scheme.
Other works completed by the M.S.C. team revolve around the shortly to be opened top pound in Surrey - stop plank grooves under Mytchett Lake Railway Bridge, concreting the bank for 80 metres at the same bridge, a new section of bag work at Mytchett Lake and a 90 metre section of bank protection at Mytchett Place Road Bridge. We were all delighted when the "John Pinkerton" sailed through the section, dropping in for a pit-stop at the dry dock as she went.
Please do not let the people who work on the canal down. Fight tooth and nail to remove planning blight, and if necessary use your political clout, so hardly gained over the years, to make sure that the efforts of those who work do not go to waste. The campaign is over? Don't you believe it! "
Counties Contribution
County Council representatives reported on their respective contributions. In Hampshire work had concentrated on stabilising a major earth slip at Dogmersfield with a gabion wall at a cost of £80,000. Spoil had been used to reinforce a nearby embankment between the canal and Tundry Pond, reported canal manager, Mr David Gerry. In Surrey, canal wardens had concentrated on bank protection work along the Mytchett to Ash length and maintenance tasks associated with refilling this length with water. In a written report, Surrey's Countryside Officer, Mr Raymond Stedman, referred to Woking Borough Council's planned expenditure in excess of £100,000 on canal improvements including a new spillway at St John's as well as to the fact that the year's major effort had been the extensive bank protection work in the top pound. He commented too about Bob Potter's development at Mytchett Lake Road and advised that the newly purchased weed cutter had already seen use — also in the top pound.
During the time allowed for questions from the floor some concern was expressed over a fall in membership to 1,800. A recruitment drive was proposed by the Chairman.
The meeting concluded with an address by Mr Tony Durant, Member of Parliament for Reading West and Chairman of the Parliamentary Waterways Group. In holding the view that the Country's inland waterways network had an important heritage and purpose for leisure use, there was also evidence of development in commercial use in some regions.
Rowing Boats, Punts and Motor
Boats for Hire on the Basingstoke
Canal at Odiham. To find us, fork left
at the bottom of Odiham High Street.
TEL: ODIHAM (025 671) 2895
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WORKING PARTIES and Progress - Peter Cooper
Preparations for the 9th June reopening of the Ash-Deepcut section continued, during April and May, to divert resources from other work, and quite a lot of would-be St Johns parties ended up working on the towpath works on the Surrey top pound. Once 9th June is past, things should return to normal. Then there will be the Work Camp, which should get St Johns work going again with a vengeance.
The working parties currently operating are listed below. It is usually advisable to contact your working party leader, a few days before attending, just in case of any last minute changes of plan.
St Johns (or Goldsworth) Locks Every weekend
By the time this newsletter is published, this flight of locks should be receiving its fair share of attention once more. Lock 11 has, in the meantime, continued to progress, and is definitely in the final stages of restoration now; completion during July is confidently predicted. After that the Lock 11 party will probably spend some time on other works in the area of the lock, including bank protection, and their party is likely to be reorganised about that time. Locks 9 and 8 have not received much attention recently.
The Society's coordinator of this work is MIKE FELLOWS on Wokingham 787428, and for further details you should contact him, or one of the working party leaders listed below.
Lock 9
(JW & TG) (AG) (PJ)
30 June/1 July 8 July 14/15 July
28/29 July 12 Aug. 11/12 Aug.
25/26 Aug 9 Sept. 8/9 Sept.
Lock 11
- (KH, PR& EC) - 7/8 July, 21/22 July, 4/5 Aug, 18/19 Aug, 1/2 Sept, 15/16 Sept. (JW) Jules Wood - Farnborough 515737 (TG) Tony Gould - 01 941 3014 (AG) Alan Grimster - Brookwood 6127 (PJ) Peter Jones - Aldershot 313076 (KH) Ken Halls - Woking 23981 (PR) Peter Redway - Woking 21710 (EC) Edwin Chappell - Ashtead 72631
Dredging in Hampshire Every weekend
The dredger is now well past Double Bridge and heading towards Chequers Bridge. The dredging is quite heavy at the moment, but both tugs are now repaired and back at work again. The jib head of the steam grab has been repaired by Robin Rowe and Jack Greenslade, and the dredger is being smartened up for its 50th birthday, with transfers being applied. The dredger team could still do with a few more recruits; for further details contact ANDY STUMPF on Chesham 785720 or BRIAN BANE on Hook 3627.
Surrey towpath work
First Sunday of the month — 2 Sept.
This party will resume work after their summer recess. For exact location and other details, contact BERT and BETTY SCAMMELL on Aldershot 23215.
Lock gate building Various weekends
The two parties building lock gates are continuing to make good progress, though neither party has finished their gates yet. Both parties would welcome a few more helpers. Lock 11 bottom gates - 7/8 July, 4/5 Aug, 1/2 Sept -
details from FRANK JONES on Deepcut 835711
(workshop) or Camberley 28367 (home).
Lock 10 top gates - 22 July, 26 Aug, 23 Sept - details
from ALAN GRIMSTER on Brookwood 6127
Lock 4 (Woodham)
Second weekend of the month — 7/8 July, 11/12 Aug, 8/9 Sept.
Demolition of the old chamber walls continues, and the rubble is being used to build a causeway across the cut. This must be done before lorries will be able to deliver materials for construction work to start. For further details contact PABLO HAWORTH on Byfleet 42081.
Lock 1 (Woodham)
Third weekend of the month - 14/15 July, 18/19 Aug, 15/16 Sept.
The reconstruction of the main chamber walls is nearing completion, with the brickwork almost at the top. This party have used their Shell money to purchase a fresh dumper — which even has brakes! For further details of this party, which operates under the auspices of the Guildford branch of the IWA, you should contact DICK HARPER-WHITE on Weybridge 42074 or ROY DAVENPORT on 01-979-7075.
Work Camp
A final reminder — the Summer Work Camp will run from 28th July to 11th August, on the St Johns Flight of locks. Work is likely to include laying the bywash channel at Lock 7, piling above Lock 10, top cill work at Lock 9, building lock gates at Lock 11, demolition work at Lock 8, and other tasks. Society navvies are very welcome, indeed, are urged, to join the visiting workers; but if you plan to take part, please fill in the form to say you'll be attending. If you haven't got a form, then let MIKE FELLOWS know, on Wokingham 787428, when you'll be joining in.
Remember — this will be the last Work Camp on the Basingstoke — there won't be enough suitable work left next year - you can't put it off until next year — it's this year or never!
Surrey full-time team
One contingent of the team have almost completed chamber restoration at Lock 14 at Brookwood, and have now started work on nearby Lock 13. Meanwhile, finishing work continues on the Deepcut Flight, and a lot of help has been given to the preparations for the Deepcut-Ash reopening, mainly in bank protection work. A new intake of young people started in May, and work-related training, an essential part of this project, continues as always.
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SOCIAL JOTTINGS
CANAL TRIPS - WHERE TO FIND THEM - David Millett
For the benefit of members who may be interested in a cruise on waterways within a reasonable day's travelling distance from this area a list of trip boat operations is shown below.
RIVER WEY NAVIGATION
Trips between Guildford and Farncombe Boat House,
Godalming (1% hrs) and cruises from Guildford (1-2 hrs)
by HARRY STEVENS.
Year round afternoon and evening restaurant cruises on
the ALFRED LEROY.
Enquiries and bookings:
Guildford Boat House, Millbrook, Guildford,
Surrey.
Tel: Guildford (0483) 504494.
KENNET AND AVON CANAL
Cruises between Reading, Burghfield and Tyle Mill on
the LANCING. Public trips on Sundays to early
September.
Enquiries and bookings:
Kennet Cruises, 14 Beech Lane, Earley,
Reading, Berks. Tel: Reading (0734) 871115 Cruises from Newbury on the AVON, on Sunday afternoons.
Charter and public trips from Kintbury on the Horse-drawn KENNET VALLEY. Enquiries and bookings:
Kennet Horse Boat Co., 32a West Mills,
Newbury, Berks.
Tel: Newbury (0635)44154
Cruises from Hungerford Wharf to Dun Mill (1 hr) on the ROSE OF HUNGERFORD. Public trips weekends only. Enquiries and bookings:
Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, P.W. Buck,
17 Sanden Close, Hungerford, Berks. Tel: Hungerford (04886) 3396
Cruises from Crofton (1% hrs) on the JUBILEE during weekends when the Crofton Steam Pumping Engines are in steam. Enquiries and bookings:
Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, P.E. Chadwick,
50 Ravenglass Road, Westlea, Swindon, Wilts
Tel: Swindon (0793) 872375
Cruises from Devizes Wharf on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (2 hrs) on the CHARLOTTE DUNDAS II. Kennet and Avon Canal Trust shop and Exhibition Centre is also situated in one of the restored Wharf buildings. Enquiries and bookings:
Kennet and Avon Canal Trust,
Wharf Building, Couch Lane, Devizes, Wilts.
Tel: Devizes (0380) 71279
Cruises from Bradford on Avon to Semington on the LADYWOOD. Public trips Sunday afternoons. Enquiries and bookings:
Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, L. Bennet,
39 Southleigh, Bradford on Avon, Wilts.
Tel: Bradford on Avon (02216) 6135
Cruises from Bath (Sydney Wharf) to Bathampton and Claverton Pumping Station on the VICEROY on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Departures Bath 2pm and Bathampton 3pm.
Claverton Pumping Station (a unique 1813 waterwheel powered pump) is in operation one weekend a month. Enquire for dates. Enquiries and bookings:
Bath Canal Cruises, Dundas, Monkton
Combe, Bath.
Tel: Bath (0225) 314509 or
Limpley Stoke (022122) 2292
REGENT'S CANAL, LONDON
Daily public trips on the Regent's Canal between Little
Venice, Paddington, and Camden Lock (1& hrs return)
on the JASON or butty SERPENS.
Enquiries and bookings:
Jason's Trip, Opposite Blomfield Road, London W9, Tel: 01-286-3428
GRAND UNION CANAL
Public cruises from Ironbridge Lock, Cassiobury Park, Watford on Sundays and Bank Holidays on the ARCTURUS. Enquiries and bookings:
Bryan Nicholl, Arcturus, Cassio Wharf,
Watford WD1 SSL.
Tel: Welwyn (043871) 4528
OXFORD CANAL
Cruises from Enslow Bridge, Bletchington (2 hrs) on the
JERICO on Sundays.
Enquiries and bookings:
Oxford Canal Trips, Flagstones,
Park Lane, Long Hanborough, Oxford.
Tel: Freeland (0993) 881339
RIVER THAMES
Cruises from Radcot (near Lechlade) on the upper
Thames, on Sundays (2 hrs) on the BATTERSEA (Lift
for disabled passengers)
Enquiries and bookings:
Thames Cruises, 5 Bourton Close, Clanfield, Oxford. Tel: Clanfield (036781) 313
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Tuesday July 3
'John Pinkerton' Members' Evening. 7.30pm from Colt Hill, Odiham.
Thereafter every Tuesday evening until August 28th.
Thursday July 12
Woking Arts Festival. 'Vintage Film Evening', Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking Centre Halls, 8.00pm (see Newsletter 115).
Saturday August 25 — Monday August 27 Inland Waterways Association National Rally of Boats, Hawkesbury Junction near Coventry.
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AWAYDAY VISIT
VISIT TO BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM AND DUDLEY TUNNEL - Christine Butler
After an early start on May 6th, in cold, misty rain the weather looked brighter as we arrived at the museum at about 11.00am. We walked straight down to the canal wharf to board the trip boat which was to take us into Dudley Tunnel. Because of the very limited ventilation in the tunnel network the trip boats are electrically-powered, using milk-float motors.
The first tunnel at Dudley was started in about 1775, to transport limestone from the mines and kilns on Castle Hill, and the main through route was completed in 1792 joining the Birmingham Canal at Tipton Green to the Dudley Canal at Parkhead. Later branches were constructed to reach further limestone workings so that the insatiable local iron furnaces could be kept supplied with lime. Some of the limestone was burnt in kilns adjoining the tunnel portal at Tipton.
Coalmining activities close to the southern end of the main tunnel have caused subsidence damage intermittently throughout its life and in 1981 structural problems resulted in the closure of the affected section. However, a new 200 yard tunnel is now being cut through the rock under Castle Hill so that visitors can again see the spectacular 'singing cavern' hewn out by the limestone miners. A further section of the tunnel is closed at the moment, because of the blasting necessary to construct the new tunnel, and we were only able to go as far as the second basin where some of our party disembarked to climb Castle Hill and view the workings.
When the boat 'George' was winded in the basin for our return journey we could see various fossils in a band of harder limestone at the tunnel mouth. This rock was once a coral reef and has not been quarried because it is unsuitable for lime extraction. Two volunteers were requested by the boat crew to leg through the last length of the tunnel. They laid on a board placed across the centre of the boat, head to head with their feet on the tunnel wall, and walked along the wall to propel the boat along.
Our cruise was extended past the museum site, where visiting craft can moor at the wharf, through an industrial landscape to Tipton Junction and the New Line where we winded above Tipton Factory locks. The canal looked remarkably clean and rubbish-free considering its urban location.
On returning to the museum wharf our party dispersed to explore the exhibits. Some of these, such as the lime kilns and the canal arm leading to them, were existing features of the site before the museum was started. The extraction of coal, limestone, iron ore and clay over many decades left numerous mineshafts and this area of wasteland and exhibits are planned to illustrate all these aspects. The colliery is already partially completed using a re-opened mine-shaft, over which a wooden pit-frame has been erected. An underground gallery is planned so that visitors can see the conditions in which the miners worked underground.
The village shows typical examples of the homes in which the artisans engaged in these industries would have lived, the shops supplying their needs and premises for the subsidiary industries and businesses which would have been carried on there. Some of the buildings have been carefully moved from their original sites and re-erected in the museum to preserve them. Every brick was numbered as they were dismantled so that reconstruction could be as accurate as possible and alterations were made only where modernisation had taken place, to restore them to their original appearance. Guides and demonstrators in appropriate costume describe the buildings and their contents to visitors and this really brings them to life. The village includes a chain-makers home and workshop, a general stores with a glass-engravers workshop in the yard behind it, a row of small cottages with a garden, a chemist's shop with a photographer's parlour-studio adjoining, a small blacksmith's forge, a Methodist chapel which has been re-dedicated and is used for services and a public house. Further along the canal is a boat-dock with a repair yard. This is used for the restoration of narrow-boats and there are various wooden hulls sunk in the canal within the museum site awaiting attention.
We tended to ringer in the buildings and view rather hastily the outside exhibits because of the bitterly cold wind and the ride in the 1930's tram back to the coach park was welcome. There will soon be a trolley bus also to transport visitors to the village.
This is a fascinating museum giving a vivid impression of life in the Black Country last century. It is growing and developing constantly as new exhibits are completed so you leave it with a feeling that you would like to return in a year or so to see how it is progressing. It was a most enjoyable trip excellently organised by Rosemary and David Millett, to whom thanks are due.
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WHY THE CANAL WAS DRAINED IN FLEET
— (or ... "So now we know who pinched the water!")
Over the last few years with the rapid development in the Fleet area, the surface water and land drainage systems has not kept pace. In addition the Oakley Park and Streamside areas of Fleet would suffer serious flood problems if the Aldershot Road overflow weir was opened in an emergency to any great extent.
Hart District Council therefore, as agents for the Thames Water Authority, have decided to switch the main Fleet overflow weir to the old pumphouse site at Pyestock, and Tilburys, the contractors completed this in January. The existing weir near Reading Road Bridge will be altered to a minor overflow weir.
At the same time the developments in Church Crook-ham have meant that the main land drainage and surface water culverts under the canal near Regent Street have had to be increased in capacity once again. There are two pipes at present and one of the original ones has been reconstructed. The other existing culvert pipe had to be examined and replaced if found to be necessary. There was also a need to lay a third brand new culvert pipe.
As a result of the above Hampshire County Council staff had to drain the canal between Reading Road Bridge and Pyestock, and latterly to Pondtail Bridge, to enable contractors to complete the work.
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NON-MEMBERS SAVE SPONSORED WALK - Derek Truman
First the good news. If all the sponsored walkers collect the money promised to them, the Society will receive around £5,000. About a dozen other organisations stand to benefit from an additional sum of £1,700 raised by those who walked for their own favourite charity as well as the Society.
We owe all participants and marshals who stuck out a cold and very wet afternoon a considerable debt of gratitude. We certainly need the money.
Invidious though it is to pick out individuals and particular organisations, mention should be made of Sir Irvine Goulding who, at 74, walked all the way from Woking to Fleet; Mr Fox who pushed his wife so far in her wheelchair; the member of the Scots Guards who only heard about the walk on 16th May and yet 'persuaded' his battalion to back him to the tune of some £200; St Peters Hospital, Chertsey and Aldershot Manor School which seem set to raise very considerable sums.
The bad news is the usual one — apathy. The Society, really has to do something about itself. No more than 120 Society members walked (plus a few friends, relatives and several dogs). At least 200 people joined us from other organisations and schools. Since the weather was not at all bad in the morning, most Society members who might have been expected to join in, if only for a few miles to look at the restoration progress and raise a few pounds, simply could not be bothered to do so. After all, with 1,700 - 1,800 members it would not have been unreasonable to have seen 300 - 350 Society members turn out for this major fund raising event. Don't we really want the canal restored?
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BOOK REVIEWS
"Walks for Motorists — Thames Valley"
by Tom Lawrence (Publishers Frederick Warne)
Tom Lawrence is a member of the Society living in Ash Vale and he has written this pocket sized book of some 96 pages in such a way as to provide details of 30 circular walks in the Thames Valley. The lengths of walk vary from 2.5 miles to 8 miles and are, as the title suggests, commenced at suitable parking places.
The scope is considerable covering the river from its birthplace at Thames Head right down as far as Kingston bridge which is all but in London. For someone not familiar with the Thames some guidance as to the best places to walk is necessary and the author sets out to achieve this aim with suitable diagrams accompanying each walk and directions given to get the motorist to the start.
Once your walk has commenced there is sufficient material to ensure that you are aware of what is around you but not too much to distract you from some of the most beautiful parts of Southern England. Reference is given to the relevant Ordnance Survey sheets should you need them but they are by no means essential.
Details of the terrain to be covered are given so it should be possible to select walks that are suitable for the weather conditions and determined by your energy level after Sunday lunch!
In conclusion, this book represents a useful and accurate reference for those that want to explore "Old Father Thames" and is good value at £2.50. (Chris de Wet)
"Steam on Canals" by C.P. and C.R. Weaver. (Published by David and Charles).
I came across the existence of this book in the summer of 1983 when working on salvage of the steam N.B. "Seagull". Roy Jamieson of the Waterways Museum whetted my interest by describing it during one of our picnic lunches. At that time it had just come from the publishers. I was able to obtain a copy fairly quickly.
Later I met the authors, firstly when Phil Weaver came down to have a "look see" at the boat during one of our working party days. Subsequently he and Rodney were both present on the day of the "big lift" when we took out the engine remains and the boiler foundation ring.
But to the book. The content coverage is wider than the title suggests, since it embraces canals, rivers, and lakes, indeed the whole system of inland waterways. The story of steam is related from the middle of the 18th century up to date. One of the prime representatives of current service is the Society steam dredger "Perseverance", included incidently in the chapter on Maintenance Craft not Archaeology and Preservation!
The layout of the book is interestingly different. Each chapter deals with a type of craft e.g. Narrow Boats, Inspection Launches etc. Every chapter has a preamble covering the general features of the subject, followed by a large number of related photographs each of which has a long descriptive caption giving history of the item. The photographs chosen illustrate the period from the dawn of photography to the present day, and cover a wealth of detail which although not always the prime objective of the picture, increases interest.
Moreover the pictures contribute a very large proportion of the interest in the book. There is the inevitable photograph of the late L.T.C. Rolt on board "Cressey" when she was a steamer, and as mentioned earlier our steam dredger is featured. This includes a particular reference to the steam grab which was of course a unique feature of the Grafton dredgers. There is also a picture acknowledged to Chairman Robin Higgs showing the top part of the engine from "Seagull" that was salvaged some 10 years ago.
The research that has produced this book must be phenomenal. A source catalogue of the photographs would cover the whole country. Phil and Rodney deserve congratulations in filling a gap in the boat history of our inland waterways.
As for criticism I have only one, there is a chapter title list, but no detail index. As an information source that would have been invaluable.
Sized 6&" x 10" the 96 pages are glossy finish bound in hard-back. Available from book shops or Waterways World Book Service at £7.60 post paid.
The number of photographs? Count them yourself when you get your copy. (Stan Meller.)
200 CLUB APRIL DRAW RESULTS
1st Prize - Mr I.V. Scott £36
2nd Prize - Mrs Audrey Terry £18
3rd Prize - Mrs Christina Speight £10
4th Prize - Mrs E.N. Sandberg £10
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
I am writing in response to Derek Truman's letter and article which appeared in the last Newsletter, (No. 115).
The problems now being faced by the S.H.C.S. are only those encountered by many Voluntary Organisations throughout the area which mainly centre upon human nature and the lack of desire or interest of the general public. Members of the Society must be motivated by their Committee to attend meetings, contribute to Newsletters and last but not least going out and joining working parties and fund raising activities.
What better way of generating public interest than through publicity. I feel that the Committee over the last two or three years appear to have sat back and relied heavily upon past achievements and income without considering that the working parties, dredging crew etc. require back-up support in the way of finance to enable them to continue with the major aim of the Society, to fully restore the Basingstoke Canal.
In the past many an obvious opportunity appears to have been missed when it comes to recruiting new members and attracting additional funds for restoration work. For example why is it that one of the main sources of income and publicity, the John Pinkerton, is not exploited to its fullest extent. The John Pinkerton will, I assume, by the time that the next Newsletter is published, have made the journey from Colt Hill to Ash Lock and beyond on at least three occasions this year. Taking into account that the John Pinkerton passes through areas of high population, promotional opportunities must have been lost. The golden opportunity must have occurred over the Easter weekend when the John Pinkerton was moored for some hours near to Fleet Wharf. This occasion passed relatively unnoticed by the general public who because of other activities on the Canal at that time would have been out and about on the tow-path in greater numbers than usual. I am sure it would not have taken very much thought to have possibly organised an Exhibition aboard the John Pinkerton over that weekend promoting the activities of the Society.
There have been other occasions similar to the above example which have occurred in the past to include the lack of promotional material aboard the John Pinkerton itself where there is a captive audience. We cannot let opportunities like these pass which are relatively a cheap way of possibly attracting new members.
I would suggest that the time has now come for the Committee to adopt a more positive attitude to its future fund raising activities before it is too late. Even now the Society must be looking to 1985 so let us make that a major fund raising year.
It is perhaps not necessary to change the Society into a 'Federation' of town-based groups but why not form two or three sub-Committees reporting to the main Committee with regard to fund raising activities along the length of the Canal. These as and when required could be coordinated into one Group to cover special events in say Woking, Aldershot and Fleet. This would also give non-active members or those unable to commit themselves to physical restoration work, the opportunity of contributing for the Society's ultimate goal.
A better awareness by the Committee of the existence of the general public along with increased communication will perhaps go some of the way to resolving a fall in membership income. I must say that there does in fact
appear to be a move towards better awareness with the introduction of the 'new look' Newsletter. Let us hope that this is perhaps the start of a new era for the Society and that fellow members will join with me in taking up the challenge laid down by Derek Truman in calling for more fund raising ideas and volunteers.
Yours faithfully GRAHAM MEADE
89 Tavistock Road, Fleet
Dear Robin,
BASINGSTOKE CANAL - SURREY SECTION
I write to you in the hope that you will print this letter in your forthcoming Newsletter.
I know it is extremely disappointing to the Society that it has been necessary to postpone the official opening ceremony of the centre section due to the seepage that has been experienced in Ash. This decision was not taken lightly by the JMC but I am sure it is the right decision at this stage as the main purpose of the ceremony was to gain publicity for the project as a whole.
We are pressing on with investigations and works to right the problems and we will indeed get the problems cured as soon as possible. The local residents in Horseshoe Lane have formed a Seepage Action Group and appointed their own engineer; the County Council's engineers have already met this engineer and a plan of works will be available shortly.
This is not to say that work has stopped — quite the reverse — we have been putting clay along the affected stretches of the Canal and reinstating the ditches at the bottom of embankments. In some places there has been a measure of success but at the moment this is limited. My three Canal Wardens and most of my Countryside Team labour have been working on the problems solidly for six weeks and will go on doing so. It is seen as a major priority to make sure that we do not stop until we have got the level of seepage acceptable.
I hope that this set-back will not deter the voluntary effort as it is needed more and more at this time. I know it is very disappointing, particularly to people who have put so much effort into this top pound; I can only say that it is equally as disappointing to all of us involved in the project and especially to my own staff.
By the time this is printed you will have had your rally and let us look forward to the official opening of the centre section which we hope will not be delayed for too long.
Yours,
RAY STEDMAN, Countryside Officer, Surrey County Council.
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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Bob Trott (Membership Secretary)
Membership renewals have been coming in thick and fast since the 1 st March and it should soon be possible to let you know how many of us there are and how much was donated towards each project. A number of points have come up about renewals and I will endeavour to answer them.
Firstly, membership cards. The decision not to issue cards for the current year and thereafter has led to some criticism. It was raised at the AGM on 5th May but a straw poll showed that very few members were in favour of retaining them. It saves the cost of printing, postage and envelopes for approx. 1800 cards. Your membership number is on the address label on the envelope in which your newsletter is delivered.
A large number of people are obviously unaware of their class of membership — there are many examples of payments by both bankers order and cash, together with payments for family membership when previous class has been adult (and vice versa). Of course circumstances do change from adult to OAP or student to adult and it would be appreciated if you could notify me at renewal, but your membership number will tell you quite a lot. The letters stand for the following:—
L- Life member; O - OAP; S - Student; G - Group;
F — Family; C — Pay by cash/cheque; B — Pay by
bankers order.
The absence of a letter (except the method of payment) means an adult, while the numbers relate to where you live and the method of delivery.
The AGM voted for the acceptance of the new subscriptions effective from November 1984 for new members and March 1985"for existing ones — amounts as previously advised — but you will be notified prior to your subscription becoming due. The Administrative Committee will announce shortly the amount payable for Life Membership by instalments as mentioned at the AGM.
Do please let me know of any change of address as soon as you can. We would be very grateful if Deed of Covenant forms could be completed as described in the membership renewal form as this increases the Society income at no expense to yourselves. A 'phone call or letter will do and the best time to contact me is weekday mornings although an answerphone is installed.
There was a question regarding family membership raised at the AGM and this allows two votes only at the AGM.
I would also be very grateful if, when you write to the Society, you print your name and address, some renewals have been unreadable and usually without membership numbers.
The date approaches when those who have not renewed their membership will cease to receive Newsletters. We do not want to lose members, but have to do this in order to put our income to the best possible uses. Mistakes are made so if you fail to receive your copy and think you ought to have one, please let me know.
There have been a number of bankers orders received without a name or reference number so it has been impossible to credit some members with their subscriptions. Later on I hope to be able to publish a list of these so that they can be identified. Meanwhile if your Newsletter stops please check your bankers order is for the correct amount (why not do that anyway) and get in touch with me.
Commenting at the AGM on the fall in membership, June Sparey pointed out that the local population had probably increased by 30% since the last major recruitment drives organised by the Society. These people may not be aware of the canal or its restoration and represented a potential source of new members.
The Chairman said he was aware of the need to increase membership (currently 1800) and action will be taken.
,P>
It was suggested there should be a new Patron category of membership, paying, say £12. The idea will be pursued.
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SLIPWAYS UPDATE
The new slipway by the A325 at Aldershot (access from the Fleet-Farnborough slip road) will be in use by the time you receive this Newsletter. (Parking for cars and trailers available).
The western end slipway will be at the Barley Mow Bridge Car Park, Winchfield. (Access opposite the Barley Mow pub on the Crookham Village to Dogmersfield to Winchfield Road.) David Gerry, H.C.C's Canal Manager, advises that this slipway should be ready for the end of July.
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NEWSLETTER ADVERTISEMENT RATES
An increasing number of enquiries regarding advertising in the Newsletter has prompted us to publish the following rates for taking space: one-eighth page £10; quarter-page £18; half-page £30; full-page £50.
Advertisements can be set by the printer from clearly typed copy, but layouts cannot be specified. Any special artwork or layout required must be prepared by the advertiser or his agent and the advertisement supplied ready for reproduction. Advertisements can only be accepted on the basis of cash with order.
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WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
Guildford
Alton
Fleet
Church Crookham
Basingstoke
Fleet
Abinger Bottom
W. Byfleet
W. Byfleet
New Haw
New Zealand
W. Byfleet
Ash Vale
Ash Vale
Fleet
Fleet
Tolworth
Fleet
Ash
Odiham
Mr R. Carnell -- Guildford
Sinclair Family -- Alton
Cotterell Family -- Fleet
Mullender Family -- Church Crookham
Mr M.J.A. Matthews -- Basingstoke
Amurton Family -- Fleet
Miss L. Thomas -- Abinger Bottom
Mr P. Dixon -- W. Byfleet
Miss S. McCully --
Henman Family -- New Haw
Mr Carwardine -- New Zealand
Lawrance Family -- W. Byfleet
Mr G.J. Paine -- Ash Vale
Mrs W.M. Paine -- Ash Vale
Bullen Family -- Fleet
Mr B. Anthony -- Fleet
Mr D. Hoyle -- Tolworth
Goddard Family -- Fleet
Hatcher Family -- Ash
Mrs V. Parsons -- Odiham
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IN THE NEWS
A RALLY TO REMEMBER
The Society has enjoyed some memorable events over the years. The completion of our first pair of lock gates celebrated at Ash Vale in 1972. Water Nobsurd at Colt Hill in 1975 gave a lot of fun to hundreds of people. The completion of Lock 28 in 1979 was a major step forward in restoration progress. And other events come readily to mind. But an essential ingredient which would have turned any of those events into an occasion of complete satisfaction was missing — boats.
Rowing boats, canoes, cruisers, dinghys, skiffs, motor launches and even a coracle — over 50 of them — in all shapes, colours and sizes cruising along the Basingstoke Canal. Steam powered craft, man-powered, electrically propelled, diesel and petrol driven and even a boat under sail all did more than any words could convey to declare the navigation re-opened.
This, the first Rally of Boats on the canal since the Woking Rally in 1962, was, we hope, enjoyed by the boat owners: it was certainly a triumph for all those who have worked to restore the waterway.
Much of the hard work — even to the extent of scrubbing and hosing down the concrete apron to Ash Lock Cottage — in making the lock-side look immaculate and the canal depot the social centre for the weekend's activities was due to the efforts of the Hampshire canal rangers. Quite apart from having their work cut out to complete the new slipway for launching boats at Wharf Bridge.
By 9.00pm on Friday 8th June, in the stillness of a warm summer's evening, everything had finally been prepared. The flags and bunting were up, boats were already moored along the towpath and crews, canal rangers and Society members awaited the arrival of the flagship, 'John Pinkerton'. Unnoticed, David Gerry, Hampshire's canal manager stole away up the towpath to greet the trip boat on her first official visit to Ash Lock. He did not need a second invitation to take the tiller and steer the last few hundred yards of the canal to Ash Lock.
How to launch several dozen boats, lock down and get a flotilla off on time is one of life's mysteries that only a highly organised harbour-master such as Vie Trott can answer.
Right on time our guests the Earl and Countess of Onslow with their younger daughter, Lady Charlotte Emma and Mr Cranley Onslow, Member of Parliament for Woking, descended Ash Lock aboard the 'John Pinkerton' for the inaugural cruise of the restored centre length of the canal. The Cup Hill Morris Men danced a lively routine to celebrate the first commercial boat to lock through for over 60 years.
On Ash Embankment Lady Onslow disembarked to cut a tape and officially opened the new let-off weir built by Martin Smith and his team employed by the Society. Reflecting on the work that has been achieved jointly by the County Councils and the Society, Lady Onslow referred specifically to the efforts of the voluntary workers, saying, "without the Society's initial enthusiasm to restore the waterway and the subsequent dedicated commitment to achieving their aim, the project would not have progressed as far as it has today".
As the 'John Pinkerton' set off again to turn at Ash Wharf, the entire three-quarter mile length of the embankment appeared to be filled by boats. At Ash Wharf shoppers lined the bridge and banks at the sight of so many boats on the water normally deserted.
While many boats went on to moor at the Swan by Heathvale Bridge, the 'John Pinkerton' returned to Ash Lock and headed westwards to turn again at Claycart Bridge, Farnborough while passengers enjoyed a leisurely lunch and a glass of wine on board.
After a day of hot sunshine and perfect boating weather, crews, canal rangers, Society members and friends enjoyed the idyllic weather for a barbecue organised by Chris and Janet Brazier at the canal depot. Music and entertainment were provided by a fairground organ and a folk group parading under the unlikely though familiar name of the 'Great Bottom Flashers'. And the landlord of the Swan, Ash Vale, supplied the beer.
A thirst for knowledge was also catered for by Hampshire's Recreation Department which mounted a photographic display of the canal's history, augmented with the Society's exhibition of restoration pictures arranged by Phil Pratt who found time to show films too.
Martin Bowers and Neil Murrell were kept busy on the Society's sales stand, especially with the demand for the Society's new 12-page map guide to the canal delivered to the Rally site by canal from the printers, Charterlith near Reading Road Wharf, Fleet. The new publication costs 75p.
The Rally will go down as a highlight in the Society's history. Thanks to the organisers and the glorious weather but mostly the boat owners, especially members of the Steam Boat Assocaition, who brought their boats from as far afield as Plymouth and Lowestoft. We hope the handsome brass plaque, designed around the original canal company's seal, will remind them of a weekend in June spent exploring the Basingstoke Canal.
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TEN YEARS AGO . . . - from Newsletter No 57 July/August 1974
* David Gerry, founder member and Chairman of the Society relinquished his amateur status to become Hampshire's manager of the Basingstoke.
* Lady Lucinda Verney, wife of author and artist (and a Vice-President of the Society) Sir John Verney, officially opened a new bridge over Fleet Weir. Sir John acquired the bridge, a former ship's gangplank, for the Society. Our greetings to them both now living in Suffolk.
* Ian Cripps, George Welsh and consultant Ron Jesse were tackling the problem of detaching the dredgers two pontoons from the hull. The dredger was then on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Reading prior to being transported to the Canal at Odiham.
* David Millett was advertising the job of Social Secretary, and today he is still trying to find a volunteer. Come along, someone, give our hard working Vice-Chairman a happy anniversary present — offer your services.
* It was reported that HCC had amended their Odiham by-pass plan, eliminating "the threat of a new bridge and extensive earthworks at the Colt Hill crossing of the canal......"
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GONGOOZLERS' GOSSIP
FLAG Day held in Woking on 14th April raised £171 -just over £100 after printing expenses — for the canal's restoration. Think how much 30 similar events would have raised, up and down the canal?
£20 of "200 Club" prize money won by Mrs Nancy Sandberg has generously been donated to restoration funds. Thank you Mrs Sandberg, we hope you win again!
DOLPHIN 16 for sale. 2 Berth plus space for two young children. Fitted with toilet, cooker and sink. Powered by 6hp Evinrude outboard engine. 5 gallon petrol tank. All in good condition. £695. Apply: Stuart Browning, "Finse-Norge", 34 Parvis Road, West Byfleet, Surrey. Tel: Byfleet 54803.
STROUDWATER and Thames and Severn Canals Tow-path Guide written by our member Michael Handford and David Viner has been published by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd., priced £4.95.192 pages with illustrations by such knowledgeable authors cannot leave any questions unanswered for the explorer of these two Cotswolds waterways.
"WATERWAY Users Companion" gives addresses and facilities along BWB's 2,000 miles of inland waterways. An introductory pack of five leaflets in a wallet details Hire Boat Operators, navigation authorities and information useful to boaters i.e. water points etc. 50p plus 20p p+p from British Waterways Board, Information Centre, Melbury House, Melbury Terrace, London NW1 6JX.
HARD hats must be worn by voluntary workers working on restoration of the canal. This is a legal requirement for anyone working on construction sites.... for your safety.
HAMPSHIRE CC has dredged Broad Oak shoals again and cleaned out Broak Oak stream silt trap. A larger silt trap is planned. The off-side bank has been cleared and raised to give the 100 yard length a new look.
RANGERS have cleared Sycamores from towpath bank below Double Bridge, Dogmersfield and raised the towpath. A hawthorn hedge is being planted.
DREDGING from N. Warnborough lift bridge to Greywell is being allocated to HCC's 1985/6 Budget.
AUTUMN 3 day weekend walk (20th-23rd September) exploring and Wey and Arun Canal, cost from £85.00 per person, contact: Sussex Seen (Country Holidays) Ltd., 14 Maltravers Street, Arundel, Sussex. Tel: (0903) 882474.
WASTE paper can still be turned into cash — by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust. Take it to a skip accessible at all times at S.C.C. Birtley Depot, situated just south of Bramley on A281 to the east of the main road OS map 186 Grid ref: 018435.
HOUSE for sale. 2 beds;kitchen; lounge;hall; 120ft non-towpath Canal frontage at Fleet. Price £60,000. Contact S.D. Elliott. Tel: Fleet 5263.
16-FT steel hull canal cruiser for sale. Stuart Turner inboard engine. Complete with special break back trailer, capable of launching over bank up to 2' 6". Tel: Bob Johnson on Byfleet 46739.
HOLIDAY bookings still available to hire the "Return" 52-ft narrow boat based on Wey Navigation, operated by this Society. First come, first served! Contact: Chris Brazier, Tel: Aldershot 25460.
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COPY DATE FOR SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER : 15th JULY 1984
Published by the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society Ltd., a non profit distributing company limited by guarantee, registered as a Charity.
Editors: Dieter Jebens, Chris de Wet. Production: Jo Evans.
Collation and Distribution: Janet and George Hedger, Clive Durley and Helpers.
Editorial office: 60 Middle Bourne Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3NJ. (Farnham 715230).
Chairman: Robin Higgs, 18 Barnsford Crescent, West End, Woking. (Chobham 7314).
Vice-Chairman: David Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet. (Fleet 7364).
Hon. Treasurer: Peter Fethney, 5 Longdown, Courtmoor, Fleet (Fleet 5524).
Hon. Secretary: Philip Riley, Meadow Vale, Guildford Road, Normandy. (Worplesdon 234776).
Membership Secretary: Bob Trott, 24 The Greenwood, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2ND. (Guildford 570082).
Working Party Information: Peter Jones, Aldershot 313076 and Peter Cooper, 01 -993 1105.
Trip Boat: Ron Hursey, 119 Keith Lucas Road, Farnborough (Farnborough 519619).
Sales Manager: Aubrey Slaughter, 37 Fir Tree Way, Fleet (Fleet 23102).
Mobile Sales Stand: Martin Bowers, 162 West Heath Road, Cove. (Farnborough 513095).
Talks Organiser: Pauline Hadlow, Beaulah, Parkstone Drive, Camberley. (Camberley 28367).
Exhibitions Manager: Phil Pratt, Flat 5 Fleetwood Court, Madeira Road, West Byfleet. (West Byfleet 40281).
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