|
 No. 141 SEPTEMBER 1988
 1
|
 2,3
|
Comment -
TWO YEARS WORK TO RE-OPEN CANAL
As the aim to complete restoration by the end of 1988 has clearly missed the target, the question being asked is: when will the canal be re-opened?
Elsewhere in this issue the Society's secretary, Philip Riley, points to 1990. But how realistic is his prediction?
In the absence of any official commitment, one informed observer estimates that it will take at least two years to complete arrangements for re-housing residents of houseboats no longer canal worthy.
It is perhaps not generally known that towpath levels need to be raised: after a lot of complaints over the granite chippings surface of the topath below Arthur's Bridge, a positively
de-luxe smooth covering was laid which will now have to be dug up to raise the level by at least 18 inches. The towpath above Arthur's Bridge along the houseboat moorings, also needs to be raised which presents problems of temporary disruption for the residents.
Another problem to solve concerns the question of raising, the level of the non-towpath bank through Sheerwater. At present levels the water channel will only take two feet of water safely which is at least two feet below normal operating level. Given goodwill on the part of riparian householders, matters could be resolved quickly and amicably but there is already talk of legal positions which does not bode well.
And the houseboats at Woodham have to be moved for dredging, re-positioned and services
renewed all of which will take time.
There is also a long established leak in the bed of the canal at Sheerwater which remains a bit of a mystery. The reason must be established before a solution can be found but only now has the Council got round to surveying the area.
It is not so much a case that the jobs will necessarily take a long time to do, but that the preparatory work, legal questions and financial resources have first to be resolved. And there's enough of all three to sort out in completing the final short length of canal down to the Wey before the navigation can be re-opened.
'Woking 150' was the catalyst to getting the canal restored for navigation down to Monument Bridge earlier this year. The announcement of a Royal opening in May 1990 would undoubtedly ensure the completion of a project that has now gone on long enough.
BC NEWS WINS NATIONAL AWARD
As this issue went to press it was announced that Basingstoke Canal News has won the 1988 Tom Rolt Award, presented by the Inland Waterways Association, for the best magazine or newsletter produced by a canal society, trust or boat club. The editor receives a framed and engraved certificate and the Society gets a cash prize of £100 for campaigning purposes.
[back to top]
FRONT COVER. Bird's eye view of Ash Lock and HCC's canal depot (Alison Snell). Dawn Hatcher takes a call aboard John Pinkerton (see page 3). Keith Odle, John Schilling, Tony Newton and Ivor Herne at Ash Lock Cottage (see page 3). (Dieter Jebens/Clive Durley).
[back to top]
In the News
BRITISH TELECOM ANSWERS CALL FOR HELP
Fellow members and friends generously donated a total of £300 to the memorial fund for Allan Prince who died suddenly last December aged 39.
As crew training officer for the trip boat John Pinkerton, it was decided that a practical piece of equipment aboard the boat would make an appropriate memorial to Allan Prince who was brought up at Ash Vale and worked at the National Gas Turbine Establishment at Pyestock.
But the item chosen - a Cellphone aboard the John Pinkerton - cost £1,200.
This is where British Telecom came in to help. The Company not only found a second-hand set which it offered to the Society at half price, but also made up the £300 shortfall between the money collected and the cost price.
Mr Les Butterfield. Deputy General Manager of British Telecom, who made the offer said, "We are happy to support local ventures as part of our involvement in the community. When approached by the volunteers who run the John Pinkerton we were very pleased to be able to assist them".
The Cellnet phone was installed aboard the boat in July and used by Mr Roger Cansdale, the Boat Company's chairman. "Some parts of the canal are miles from a phone" said Mr Cansdale, "and it will be helpful to both the crews and passengers to have a phone on board in case of urgent need".
[back to top]
BIG DEMAND FOR CANAL FOLDER
The colourful map, with pictures and information about Basingstoke Canal sponsored by Woking-based Phillips Petroleum has proved to be an instant success.
With many hundreds of curious people wanting to know how to find the canal - where boating licences can be obtained, trip boat stations are located and fishing permits are sold, the professionally produced leaflet makes an excellent introduction.
What's more the 15,000 copies printed by Phillips for the Society is proving to be a nice little earner too! Many people are only too happy (and even insist) on making a donation for their copy.
Commenting on the success of the information folder, David Millett, the Society's vice-chairman said,'Thanks to Phillips Petroleum we've been able to provide thousands of people with information about the canal which is now an ever increasing part of the Society's function".
The A5 size folder will be sent free to any member requesting a copy by sending a 6 x 8-1/2" stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Dieter Jebens, 60 Middle Bourne Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU103NJ.
[back to top]
FOUR MEN AND THEIR BOATS
Missing the 5.54pm train from Waterloo to Hampton Court led Keith Odle to buy the June issue of Waterways World and read Hugh Potter's account of cruising the Basingstoke Canal.
That was how he and three fellow members of the Thames Traditional Boat Society came to plan their annual summer excursion exploring the canal. To start their leisurely 4-day trip they launched a 50-year old Canadian canoe; a vintage single skiff and a Sailer's sculling dinghy at Potter's public slipway at Mytchett. After heading eastwards to Deepcut Lock 28, they returned for a picnic on the banks of the canal at Frimley Lodge Park before spending the afternoon heading for Ash Lock. 'Here we met a novel variant on that centuries old practical joke, the canal lock-key', writes the trip organiser, Tony Newton. 'We had earlier checked that ours fitted the bottom paddles. Only when we came to work the top ones did we discover they are a bigger size!'.
On their second day the group reached Chequer's Wharf. And the third day took them all the way to Greywell Tunnel with an overnight stop at Galleon Marine, Colt Hill. The fourth and final day was spent returning to Chequers Wharf.
Tony Newton sees the Basingstoke as 'a very adaptable waterway. Four in a double skiff could easily do a single trip of the whole length (Deepcut - Greywell) in a day. Conversely, a camping boat would spend a week on it, varying boating with walking the many footpaths off the canal and sampling the numerous nearby pubs'.
Editor's Note: The Thames Traditional Boat Society exists to encourage the use of older, unpowered types of boat such as skiffs, punts and Canadian Canoes. New members (including non-boat owners) are welcome: contact the Secretary TTBS, 7 Emlyns Buildings, Brocas Street, Eton, Windsor, Berks (Tel: 0753 852413).
[back to top]
"ALDERSHOT THEN AND NOW"
The Aldershot Society is planning to stage a 'Photo Album sit-in" at Aldershot Public Library from Monday 3rd October to Saturday 8th October (closed Wednesday 10th October).
As many as 70 to 80 albums are expected to be on display with some 3,000 photos. If you have a collection of photographs about Aldershot or some aspect of life in the town or its environment, such as the canal, the Aldershot Society would like to hear from you. Contact: Patrick Foulds, telephone Aldershot 545859.
CRUISER FOR SALE
FAIRLINE FAMILY MK11 20ft G.R.P. 2 plus 2 BERTHS CRUISER 7-5 HONDA
NEW CANOPY PLUS WINTER COVER. USED ONLY ON RESTRICTED CANALS, CAN BE
SEEN ON BASINGSTOKE. BUT NO MOORING OR TRAILER. HENCE £1750 ORIGINAL
CONDITION (0705) 484218. GOOD DISCOUNT TO S.H.C.S. MEMBER
|
|
[back to top]
In the News
A TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Volunteers are on target to complete their scheduled works by the end of this year. But there is still a good deal of work to be done and it is unlikely the canal will be officially re-opened before 1990. In this review the Society's secretary, Philip Riley, looks at current problems, the need for renewed effort to tackle them and a call for members to continue supporting the Society to achieve its aims.
As we enter the final phase of our campaign to restore the 32 miles of canal from Byfleet to Greywell, there is an increasing awareness amongst many Society members that there are a number of major issues affecting the future of the canal which must be resolved if we are to enjoy the fruits of our labours. The Society's Committee feels that these issues must be given wider prominence and I have therefore been asked to provide a brief sufnmary of the position as we see it and the actions we are taking on your behalf.
Volunteers on target
At the 1985 AGM the Society announced that it had set a target date for the completion of the canal in 1988. Before making that commitment, a careful assessment was made of the work remaining to be done and it was considered that all the outstanding tasks could be completed within three years. In Surrey, the volunteer teams have kept well up to the schedule and Mike Fellows confidently expects to complete structural work on the Surrey locks by the end of this year. The dredger team in Hampshire has also made good progress but a combination of difficulties with the dredging equipment and the effects of the October 1987 storm have inevitably resulted in some delay to the programme.
However, the County Councils and the Joint Management Committee have made much slower progress in resolving a number of key issues which have been familiar to us for some time. Firstly there is the deteriorating condition of some sections of the canal which have already been restored. The poor state of several of the Deepcut locks was very apparent to many of us during the Woking 150 celebrations. On some sections of the canal, particularly in Surrey, the channel is choked with weed and virtually unnavigable it was most disappointing that many boats departed early from Woking because they could not use the canal. In Hampshire, there is a clear need in some areas for maintenance dredging and in some places trees growing into the canal almost prevent the passage of larger boats. A similar situation exists on parts of the Surrey section. On the restoration side, the County Councils are still faced with a large volume of work. For example, a number of gardens in the Sheerwater area are thought to be below operating level and some remedial works will be required in order to provide adequate protection to these properties. Undoubtedly this will be costly and time consuming. In many places the towpath is perilously close to the normal water level and a large amount of towpath raising is required. The piling and other works necessary to accommodate the 21 houseboats at Woodham have yet to commence and we are told that these will take at least 12 months to complete.
On the management side, there has been little progress in regard to the recruitment of a canal director; we
believe that this appointment is essential if the canal is to be managed and operated as a single and cohesive entity and if a clear blueprint for the future operation and maintenance of the canal is to be drawn up and implemented. The vital need for a mooring basin has also received a set-back with the proposal of Hart District, based on the recommendation of the Inspector at the recent Inquiry into the Local Plan, to remove the Pondtail mooring basin from the Plan.
Problems ahead?
The practical difficulties facing us are compounded by the threats being made by the Nature Conservancy Council to designate a large section of the canal as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A Working party has been set up by the Joint Management Committee to consider this vitally important matter and this group is still considering the mass of statistical and other scientific information produced by the NCC; some developments are expected in the autumn. In the meantime, the Committee has strongly urged the County Councils to consider what steps they should take to ensure that the proposals being put forward by the NCC are not allowed to deny to the Society and to the community at large the right to use the canal for all kinds of water-based pursuits including an acceptable level of boating activity.
We cannot see any easy solutions to these problems. On the practical side, the funding available to the County Councils is under constant pressure and when more money is needed for roads and hospitals there is less available for the canal budget. However, the fact remains that insufficient resources are being allocated in Surrey and Hampshire to ensure that the canal is maintained and operated to an acceptable standard. In effect this means that the vast investment in terms of both the physical efforts of Society members and the financial commitment by the County and Borough Councils will not provide the community at large with the valuable amenities which the canal can offer.
Unless the major obstacles to the completion of the restoration are tackled with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, the Committee is fearful that the Society's goals will not be achieved in the foreseeable future. As the situation currently stands, we doubt whether a formal opening of the canal could be considered before 1990 and in order to achieve that date it would be necessary to make a determined start on most of the outstanding work before the end of this year. The Committee is doing all it can to try and resolve these issues. We are also urging the County Councils to bring into immediate use as many sections of restored canal as possible and we are encouraging more use of of the canal by advocating an increase in the number of boat licences which can be issued. Despite many difficulties we are convinced that we can succeed but we must look to the members of the Society for support in our efforts.
Members' views
We also believe that more opportunity must be given to members to express their views on the important issues which confront the Society and to discuss these issues with the Committee. We are therefore proposing to hold an open forum at some of our forthcoming winter meetings and you will find a notice concerning the first of these elsewhere in this issue. Alternatively,
you may prefer to write to us giving your opinions. Either way, we hope you will let us have your constructive comments.
The Committee would not wish to leave you with a feeling of despondency about the future. We must not lose sight of the fact that the restoration of the Basingstoke Canal has been widely regarded as one of the most successful canal restoration projects in the United Kingdom and we believe that a very important factor in our success has been our unique partnership with the County Councils, We want to build on that partnership to ensure that our enjoyment of the canal when it is fully opened will at the very least equal the tremendous satisfaction which we have all derived from our participation in its restoration.
Aboard the John Pinkerton for the special cruise through the St. John's flight of locks earlier this year. Frank Jones, the Society's project manager with Mrs Barbara Tomlins approaching Woodend Bridge which she formally re-opened. The bridge was restored to its former 18th century design by the Society with the help of donations from the charitable trust set up by her late husband, Mr K.D. Tomlins. Impressed by the voluntary restoration work, Mrs Tomlins has made rhe Society a further generous donation of £1,000.
Mrs Tomlins' husband und his brother started a laundry business and today the family owns seven laundry and dry cleaning outlets including Ashley Cook based at Woking.
[back to top]
RAMBLES ORGANISER WANTED
A volunteer is sought to plan, organise and lead three or four rambles a year of about five miles, suitable for members with children. The programme might include other local waterways as well as the Basingstoke towpath and adjoining public footpaths.
If you enjoy walking and would like to introduce other members to countryside rambling, please volunteer. You don't need any previous experience and maps, walks literature and other information can be provided to help you plan. Interested? Then give David Millett, vice-chairman, a ring and he will give you further information. Tel: fleet 617364.
[back to top]
Waterside Watch
THE FATE OF BREWERY ROAD CAR PARK
Development of the Brewery Road car park site adjacent to the canal at Woking is in the news again. A decision may now be imminent as everyone's patience, including councillors, finally runs out.
While the attraction of creating some sort of water space area is generally agreed, the development of a mooring basin and possible leisure amenities will have to be supported, it seems, by a commercial development too.
So the various proposals for hotel developments are in the spotlight once again (see BC News No. 139, March 1988).
There are, apparently, four different proposals ranging from a 60 bedroom hotel to a 150 bedroom complex proposed by Holiday Inns.
A proposal for an 85 bedroom hotel, put forward by IBIS hotels, includes a separate block which would house a bistro, museum, exhibition/interpretation centre, workshop together with eight specialists retail units and craft workshops, according to a report in the Woking News and Mail. The scheme would also include a 'canal basin suitable for turning boats'.
At a Borough Council meeting held in July, Woking's chief planning officer, Mr George Kingston, pointed out that 120 bedrooms was the size of hotel recommended by consultants retained to advise the Council. But, according to Press reports, councillors generally spoke in favour of a smaller hotel in order to develop the water space amenity of a canal basin.
Other proposed sites for the long discussed hotel are: Vale Farm Road, considered too expensive, and a site at Woodham which is widely favoured as a practical location but cannot be considered while it remains in the Green Belt.
Naturally the Society favours as small a hotel as possible to enable a maximum amount of space to be devoted to a canal mooring basin (not just a winding hole) and canalside related amenities.
Writing in the March issue of BC News, our planning 'watchdog' Peter Coxhead felt that the IBIS Hotels proposal was 'the best so far' in getting somewhere near the Council's planning brief which emphasised the need to incorporate a mooring basin and surrounding leisure based facilities.
Presenting the Society's own design for a mooring basin complex in the May issue of BC News, Peter Coxhead wrote, 'Woking is sadly lacking a central leisure facility and we in the Society feel strongly that our proposal will enhance and enrich the quality of life in the Town'. The Society also sees the economic benefits to be derived from the water space development of the Brewery Road car park site as a place to attract visitors to the town which will be to the advantage of retailers too.
The Borough Council has a unique opportunity in having a waterway running through the town which it can make into a unique attraction and much needed feature to attract people to Woking. But it will take a positive commitment on the part of the town planners and real imagination to develop the potential and bring Woking alive outside of business hours.
[back to top]
WORKING PARTIES and Progress - by Peter Cooper
The 1988 working season is well advanced, and there are good prospects of completion of lock chamber restoration this year, though gating of these last locks will inevitably take a little longer. Still, the job is clearly nearing its finish.
The working parties operating are listed below. It's usually advisable to contact your working party leader, a few days before attending, in case there is a last minute change of plan.
Woodham Locks Most weekends
The second chamber wall at Lock 2 is now complete, and also the lower recess walls, so the main job at present is rebuilding the upper recess walls, which have started to go up. Lock 3 has received more attention lately, the biggest job being the rebuilding of the top cill, which is well advanced, though a few more courses of bricks have still to be laid on the second chamber wall. After that the top end of the lock - upper hollow posts and recess walls, and upper wing walls will have to be done.
A few more small jobs have been done on Locks 4 and 5, and some still remain, though Lock 4 can be regarded, to all intents and purposes, as finished. Some work is also in progress on the stop lock above Lock 6.
The coordinator of the Society's work on this flight of locks is MIKE FELLOWS on Wokingham (0734) 787428, and for further details you should contact him or one of the working party leaders listed below.
First weekend of the month - Locks 2 and 3
3/4 September, 1/2 October, 5/6 November
PETER JONES on Aldershot 313076
Second weekend of the month - Lock 4, etc
10/11 September
PABLO HA WORTH on Byfleet 42081
Third weekend of the month Locks 2 and 3
17/18 September, 15/16 October, 19/20 November
PETER REDWAY on Woking 21710
Fourth weekend of the month Locks 2 and 3
24/25 September, 22/23 October, 26/27 November
JULES WOOD on Farnborough 515737
When working on these locks, volunteers are asked to park their cars in the large car park near West Byfleet station. Please do not use the small car park by Lock 2, and please do not bring your car down the small lane (Faris Lane) leading down to Lock 3.
End of an era
The 11th September will be a sad and historic date in the restoration of this canal, for that is the date of PABLO HAWORTH'S last working party. Pablo has led a working party on this canal continuously, once a month - for literally longer than anyone else. He was clearing the towpath at the bottom end of the canal in the latter months of 1973, and cleared much of the towpath in the Woodham and Woking area in the following two years. Around 1976 his party began work on
restoring Lock 6 (later completed by Woking Council), but undoubtedly his greatest achievement has been to lead the working party which carried out the chamber restoration of Lock 5 (1978-83) and then of Lock 4 (1983-88).
When the Woodham Flight is declared open, and the John Pinkerton moves ceremonially down the flight, perhaps (as was done at St Johns) individual locks will be opened by relevant people who have contributed to their restoration. Pablo's contribution has been so great that he must surely be at the very top of the list of those to be asked to declare a Woodham lock open. The Society is indeed very greatly indebted to him, and we all send him our very best wishes for the future.
Dredging in Hampshire Every weekend
The steam dredger Perseverance is now through Malthouse Bridge, the passage through which was a long and difficult operation, the bridge being narrow, and with service pipes adjoining. The crew are now preparing for the annual boiler inspection and crane inspection; at about the same time the dragline will be moved to a new site at Crookham Deeps. The tugs are clearly benefitting from the attention they received early this year. Anyone who comes to work on the dredger is advised that they should keep their tetanus jabs up to date.
For further details on any aspect of the dredging operation, contact ROGER FLITTER on Fleet 622956, who hopes that visitors will make their way to a dredger demonstration during the 'Winchfield 150' celebrations on 24th and 25th September.
Lock Gate building
Work has recently been on the gates for Lock 1, as well
as those for Lock 5. Dates are:
3/4 September, 1/2 October, 5/6 November
Details from FRANK JONES on Deepcut 835711
(workshop) or Camberley 28367 (home).
Full time work
Besides their usual contribution to the lock gate programme building and fitting the full time team have been heavily involved in the restoration of Langmans Bridge, at St John's, in association with English Heritage. They have also been raising the towpath along various sections in the Brookwood Woking area.
Weekday volunteering
If you are able to come along and work on the canal during the week, even if only for a few days, then you should contact FRANK JONES on Deepcut 835711 (workshop) or Camberley 28367 (home) and he will be happy to find you some work to do. Frank has several regular weekday workers, and would particularly like to mention Paddy Donovan, whose contribution in clearing up the workshop every Monday has been very valuable in helping to keep the whole operation moving forward.
Eastrop Bridge cleared
A special working party was organised by Stan Meller at the end of July to clear Eastrop Bridge, west of Greywell Tunnel,of ivy, bushes and trees in the vicinity. Attended by five volunteers, the clearing party was approved by the local council to enable Hampshire's bridges engineer to assess work needed to ensure the safety of the bridge.
[back to top]
Coming Events
SPECIAL 'WINCHFIELD 150' CANAL TRIPS
'Winchfield 150' is your chance to cruise a part of the canal which the John Pinkerton does not usually cover from Barley Mow Bridge to Crookham Wharf which is one of the finest lengths along the entire canal. Trips are being run on both Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September from Winchfield station.
A bus will take you to either Barley Mow Bridge or Chequers Wharf, including a visit to see Perseverance, the Society's 70-ton steam dredger in action, and a oneway canal trip before returning you to the station and all the fun of a Victorian Country Fayre. (see 'Diary Dates').
Seat bookings for the special John Pinkerton 2-hour trips start at 11.00am and run throughout the day at 11.30am, 13.20pm, 14.00pm, 15.50pm and 16.30pm. Adults £1.50 each, children and senior citizens 75p each. Advance seat bookings to: Tony Karavis, Telephone: Farnborough 549037.
[back to top]
INVITATION TO ALL MEMBERS
Members will be welcome at the official opening of
Lock 1 of the Basingstoke Canal at 2.30pm on Sunday
18th September 1988.
The 11-year task of restoration of the lock has been
led by members of the Guildford and Reading Branch
of the Inland Waterways Association and the opening
ceremony will he performed by Mr Kenneth Goodwin,
National Chairman of the IWA.
Car parking near the lock is very limited so visitors
are asked to park near West Byfleet station or at New
Haw and approach on foot. Or you could come by boat.
Wellington hoots might also be useful!
[back to top]
GLOUCESTER MUSEUM FORMALLY OPENED
The National Waterways Museum at Gloucester was formally opened by the Prince of Wales on 5th August. The former Llanthony Warehouse has been converted to house the new museum and first opened in April.
In addition to two ftoors of exhibits tracing the history of inland waterways and canal boats, there is a working canal maintenance yard with a blacksmith's forge and carpenter's shop among other attractions.
Open: Easter to October daily 10.00am - 6.00pm. October Easter Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00am 4.00pm. Adults: £2. Children and Senior citizens: £1.25.
**********************************
MOORING REQUIRED
FOR OUR BRAND NEW
40' NARROWBOAT
ASH VALE AREA PREFERRED
BUT ANYWHERE ON THE
CANAL CONSIDERED
USE OF BOAT AND/OR CASH
BY AGREEMENT
TEL. MR.B.A. TIMMS
ALDERSHOT 26758 EVE/W-ENDS
FARNBORO' 512031 DAYTIME
**********************************
In striving to have the proposed mooring basin at Pondtail, Fleet, withdrawn from the Local Plan, naturalists drew attention to the commercial aspect of the proposal and 'the temptation to maximise opportunities for profit'. Such as the provision of '100 berths, slipways, toilets, repair yard, fuel point, fuel storage, manager's accommodation and office, car park, chandlery, sewage and refuse disposal, boat hire, boat
sales and a canoe clubhouse'.
Would you believe that almost all the listed facilities, except the clubhouse and boat hire, are a part of Pyrford Marina which is a quiet, attractively landscaped, mooring basin surrounded by trees, grassy banks, tucked unobtrusively away off the Wey Navigation below Pyrford Lock? (Photos: Clive Durley and Dieter Jebens).
[back to top]
In My View
IS THERE LIFE AFTER RESTORATION? - John Elliott
For me restoration of any canal has three distinct phases. First there is the need to reorientate public awareness and create an environment where restoration and use of the canal is seen as beneficial by a wide cross section of the local community. Secondly there is the actual restoration process and the associated fund raising. Lastly there is a process which ensures that the restored canal remains in that state and does not fall into disrepair again through neglect.
The first of these phases is largely complete, though the existence of a vocal and well organised group who wish to restrict usage severely is a worrying factor which perhaps highlights that the task is not yet complete. The existence of this group coupled with the recent decision not to allow a boat basin to be constructed at Pondtail does not bode well for any schemes for restoration beyond the eastern portal of Grey well Tunnel.
Restoration of the section from Greywell to the Wey is all but complete though those more intimately involved will no doubt highlight the tasks which remain. Whatever the details it is likely that the canal will be open by 1990.
The third phase is perhaps the most important. The canal fell into disrepair because of inadequate maintenance, a low level of usage and public indifference. If the level of interest falls once restoration is complete there is no guarantee that the same thing will not reoccur. Any amenity requires constant attention and use if it is to be maintained and a canal even more so because of the dangers of silting, land slips and lock gate failures. Widely based public use of the canal is its best guarantee of survival and this must mean boating, fishing, walking and even the naturalists.
Boat usage is never likely to be excessive. This is partly because the canal is a dead end, but also because the Deepcut Flight acts as a natural barrier between the western and eastern ends. No doubt some boaters will navigate the whole section but I suggest they will be the minority rather than the majority. Canal side residents
will increasingly acquire boats, but experience in Hampshire has already shown that their movements are limited and occasional.
The first boat station has opened at Odiham with a small hire fleet and there may be scope for a similar operation near Aldershot. However, the most likely place for a second boat station serving the eastern end is Woking. It is also a logical site for a second trip boat as it is unreasonable to expect the John Pinkerton to operate over the full stretch of the restored canal if it is to stay anywhere for more than a fleeting visit.
So what would I like to see the Society become? Well put simply an organisation which is highly active in representing the views of all the canal users, not just as a pressure group but also in more tangible ways. It could operate a second trip boat from Woking plus a boat station, promote fishing by organising competitions and selling licences and tackle from Sales Kiosks in Hampshire and Surrey. If the canal is to be kept in prime condition I suspect that there will always be a need for both full time and voluntary maintenance crews as the County Council funds will always be limited with a multitude of competing claims. Those who simply want to walk beside the canal can be assisted by ensuring that the footpaths are maintained and well signposted and there is a whole market for books and publications which expand the knowledge of the local community.
The list of what could be done is almost endless but the key would be that each activity encouraged use of the canal by as wide a group of people as possible. Anyone who has visited the Ironbridge Museum will have seen how history and enjoyment can be combined with a small Victorian village. You change your money into pennies, halfpennies and farthings at the village bank and then spend the proceeds at the Victorian shops. A canal-side village which depicted life in the early 1800's would attract much interest and also provide the funds which will undoubtedly be needed.
So for me there clearly is a life after restoration. If anything life seems to start then.
[back to top]
WOKING 150 ON VIDEO
The Woking 150 video is now on sale. During forty five minutes the video recalls the variety and popularity of the Woking 150, from children enjoying the antics of Zippo the Clown at the canal side circus to the awe-inspiring locomotives at Woking Station.
The video costs £11.99 (inc. p & p) and the switchboard at BAT (UK & Export) have the details on how to order a copy. BAT (UK & Export) have donated the time and expertise of their in-house video production unit with their accompanying equipment. For BAT (UK & Export) the Woking 150 video is a non-profit making gesture to give local people and transport enthusiasts a souvenir worthy of the glorious Woking 150 weekend.
There's also the side of the Woking 150 that most visitors would not have seen: locomotives being restored for the Woking 150, footplate views of locomotives working on the Watercress Line and with steam power still in use on the restoration of Basingstoke Canal.
[back to top]
ANNUAL DRAW - Yvonne Chappell
The Annual Draw is proving to be very popular this year and sales are booming. At 'Woking 150' nearly £400 worth of tickets were sold. Many of you have, I know, sold your tickets and returned the counterfoils, for which many thanks. May I remind members that if they have not yet returned their counterfoils, the closing date is 30th September 1988. Of course for those of you who have already sold all their allocation, books of tickets are still available for sale. Just give me a ring on 0372 272631 and I'll put them in the post. Every ticket sold helps the Society's funds and when sold to non-members spreads our name and fame a little further.
This year's top prize of a three night cruise on the canal, generously donated by Galleon Marine of Odiham, has been a great selling point.
I am looking forward to the Draw on Monday 10th October at the Methodist Church Hall, Brewery Road, Woking and to announcing the winners of the many prizes. The Draw will form part of the New Members Meeting. (See Diary).
[back to top]
Time Off
900 YEARS OF HISTORY
When Joseph Parker came to survey a route for the Basingstoke Canal it was not the contour lines that caused him to take the waterway in a great loop round Dogmersfield but the owner of this prestigious property which pre-dates the canal by 700 years. There was no question of cutting the canal through the park but to follow the northern perimeter.
Mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, Docce mere feld (Water lilies in-the-lake in-the-field) was the site of the original building, a medieval palace for the Bishops of Bath and Wells.
It remained an ecclesiastical residence for 400 years until becoming a Crown property in the reign of Henry VIII. Henry's son Edward VI gave it to Lord Wriothsley, the first Earl of Southampton in the 16th century.
The house was sold by the third Earl and passed through a number of different yeoman families.
In 1728, some 50 years before the canal was envisaged, the first Baronet St John built a new manor house. It was enlarged by his son, Sir Henry Mildmay,and remained in the family until 1933.
During the second World War the house accommodated Dutch and Polish airmen. It became Reed's School for girls; a seminary for Spanish priests and finally Daneshill Preparatory School.
![19th century engraving Dogmersfield House by Thomas Neale [Print: Printed Page, Bridge St, Winchester] (29K)](bcn141p9b.jpg)
In 1981 Dogmersfield House was destroyed by fire. Appropriately for the 20th century, an international computer company Amdahl, rebuilt it. The restored and extended house was re-opened by the Princess Royal in 1986.
A Walk through the Park
The car park at Barley Mow Bridge makes a convenient starting point for an attractive walk along the canal and across the park by public footpath. Start by walking eastwards along the towpath to Blacksmith's Bridge. Cross the bridge, climb the stile and follow the edge of Tundry Pond - a haven for wildfowl - to the far side of the field and follow the perimeter wire up to another stile. Incidentally, the bridge at the end of the main lake was built by the canal proprietors to provide access to the house.
Once over the stile head westwards across the pasture (the going is generally good apart from a low lying area which is often wet). At the other end of the field you join Sprat's Hatch Lane. Turn right and you get back to Barley Mow Bridge. Turn left along a track between two fields takes you to Sprat's Hatch Bridge if you want to extend the walk back along the towpath.
[back to top]
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL SHOWS YOU THE WAY
George Hedger studying one of the three canal information boards, based on the Society's map printed in 'Basingstoke Canal Restoration' by Dieter Jebens and David Robinson, which Hampshire County Council lias erected at Barley Mow. Winchfleld, Colt Hill, Odiham and at Ash Lock. (Photo: Dieter Jebens/Clive Durley).
[back to top]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
19th June, 1988
Dear Sir,
UNWARRANTED ATTACKS
I was immensely saddened to see Dr A. Lindley's comments in the latest issue of the BC News. It seems a pity that this attack, which was apparently made at a Public meeting at AlfoId, should have taken place where it did. The Surrey Wildlife Trust as well as the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society, together with the Wey Arun Canal Trust, have been members for many years of the Surrey Amenity Council, and this could easily have been a welcome discussion in a friendly atmosphere where mutual views could have been exchanged.
I did, incidentally, do the first survey and look at the Canal in 1947-48 and the campaign I ran then was more to save the trees and the green finger that the Canal was noted for than any return to pleasure boat navigation. The campaign to restore the Canal received tremendous impetus from the patronage of the late Surrey Amenity Council's Chairman, Sir Michael Cresswell. He was for many years SCC's Countryside Committee Chairman.
The worry that many of us have is that the sudden orchestration of attacks on waterway conservationists have only come in recent years with people having no understanding whatever of the problems of navigation on an artificial waterway. Most of us have made a study of conservation and its problems, and we are very worried as to why the campaign is waged not on a proper study of the problems but what is likely to cause as much fuss as possible.
Pollution is a serious problem, and one of the serious pollution problems is the large quantities of ground bait, rotting maggots, stale bread, etc. which are thrown into water courses by large scale angling matches. These large scale angling matches never have proper sanitary facilities and in many cases the river receives a substantial amount of raw sewage, but these factors are always brushed under the carpet. I did, incidentally, take this matter up as regards Broadland with the N.C.C. nearly 13 years ago, and an extract from their reply is I think
interesting :
"The primary sources of this enrichment are, firstly, leached farm fertilizers and, secondly, treated sewage effluent. However, research has shown that the relative proportions vary from river to river. The effect of excessive enrichment is to upset the balance between aquatic flowering plants and minute unicellular algae (phytoplankton), the net result being a massive increase of the latter which in turn gives rise to the turbid conditions which now characterise many of the rivers. Ground baiting probably exacerbates this problem, but in the present state of our knowledge it is impossible to assess its relative importance".
There are other factors. The word turbidity is churned out on numerous occasions in reference to boat propellers. On many of our rivers vast quantities of water are extracted for water supply. If there were no boat propellers on many rivers, artificial means would have to be sought to aerate the water.
Another problem is bank erosion. On busy narrow canals this is a problem, largely attributable to boats, but an even larger factor in many cases is the fact of driving rain, wind and heavy discharge of water during flood conditions.
Surely these matters are for across the table discussions, and apart from the difference of scale, what is the difference between clearing out the Basingstoke Canal with due understanding of preserving as much plant life as possible and Dr Lindley's Working Parties digging out village ponds.
The recent Bill for the Broads, which had the usual discussion beforehand, did highlight the appalling lack of understanding of water management. Water courses have to be managed sympathetically otherwise they will become like an overgrown garden in which everything of value ultimately dies.
Yours faithfully,
L.A.'Teddy' Edwards,
30 Grove Road, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1BE.
Dear Sir,
BENEFICIAL WORK
With pressure on the south-east of England increasing, it is inevitable that development will come to Up Nately. As far as this Society is concerned, it will take a very limited and purely beneficial form of clearing debris from the canal and restoring the towpath which can only enhance this quiet area.
The neglect of past years has led to a deterioration of this 'lost world' and the once clear waters have become dark and stagnant.
If volunteers are short of work at the end of 1988 a good clear up on both sides of the canal west of Greywell would make a good start to further restoration.
Yours faithfully,
Ken Blake, Upper Flat, 12 Lilford Road,
London SE59HX.
P.S. That old enemy, the supermarket trolley dumped in the canal is going to create havoc to navigation. The stores should be made liable for this potential menace.
Dear Sir,
ST. JOHN'S THANK YOU
I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to all those who helped make the celebrations at St John's for the official re-opening of the flight of locks in April such a success.
In particular I should like to thank members of the Kent & East Sussex Canal Restoration Group for erecting the marquee at Lock 12 for sales stands and helping with the barbecue in the evening. The work put in by Ken and Denise Halls was also much appreciated and I would also like to mention Yvonne Chappell and thank her for helping to prepare the barbecue.
My thanks to everyone who helped make the celebration a fitting and enjoyable conclusion to a successfully completed project.
Yours faithfully,
Peter Redway,
1 Redway Cottages, St John's Lye, Woking, Surrey.
Editor's note: Apologies for the delay in publishing your letter, Peter, but it got mislaid.
Dear Sir,
ODIHAM TO WESTMINSTER?
Now that the re-opening of the Canal is in sight, where could the John Pinkerton go when it is no longer confined to its home stretch? Over the past ten years its publicity value has been inestimable, and the profits generated have assisted in making completion of the restoration possible. No doubt in future years the John Pinkerton will still spend most of the summer season plying from Colt Hill and elsewhere. But what about early and late season when charters are less numerous? Here are two ideas which could stimulate further interest and publicity:
An extended cruise from Coll Hill onto the Wey Navigation to Guildford and Godalming is a possibility, taking about a week for the round trip. Passengers could book individual stages, a one-way trip, or even the whole week. Combined with accommodation at a local hotel and transport to and from the John Pinkerton each day, an attractive package aimed at the tourist market could be arranged. It could even become a regular feature on the cruise programme.
To mark the re-opening, why not let the John Pinkerton visit the Thames - either going upstream to, say, Windsor, or downstream to London. Obviously the tidal stretch would have lobe treated with caution. But think of the publicity that could be generated for the Society and the restoration of inland waterways if the John Pinkerton could he seen at Westminster or in the Pool of London. A TV company might be persuaded to make a programme about the Basingstoke Canal to mark the reopening, thus making a fitting Climax to efforts and enthusiasm of members and others involved in the restoration work over the past twenty years.
Yours faithfully,
Alan Morris
P.S. I haven'[seen any mention in BC News of the John Pinkerton's excellent start to the 1988 season - The public trips from Ash Wharf over the Easter weekend, from which the Society profited by £1,000, and some 1,000 passengers carried, with more having to be turned away.
Editor's note: Thanks for your postscript, Alan, I could have sworn I'd included JP's excellent start to the season which treasurer John Elliott estimates could be a record and will certainly take us over the £100,000 profit mark over the fen years the trip boar has been operating. I can see some competition for crewing the Odiham - Westminster trip!
Dear Sir,
GREYWELL GATHERING?
The excellent audio/visual presentation shown at the AGM certainly made a convincing argument for restoration of Greywell Tunnel. However, it raises the question; how would boats reach it? There has been, for several years, a barrier across the cut about half a mile from the tunnel mouth and propellor-driven boats are prohibited, indeed physically barred, from traversing this length of water. What purpose does this ludicrous obstruction serve? The weedcutter has been working on this stretch of canal recently to preserve the flow of water and to cut back plants far too prolific for their own good. Boat traffic would presumably achieve the same object! Many hopes and doubts have been expressed recently regarding the future role of the Society - if it lies in repairing the tunnel and extending the western end of our lovely canal, then right of navigation should be asserted and this barrier removed. Maybe the next Gathering of Boats should be at Greywell!
Yours faithfully,
"Bewildered of Yateley" Janet Greenfield,
9 Mistletoe Road. Yateley, Camberley, Surrey.
Editor's note: This stretch of canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but that should not prohibit boating.
[back to top]
OBITUARIES
It is with great regret that we learned of the death of two prominent canal conservationists this summer.
Captain LIONEL MUNK died on 16th June at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey. He was one of the early pioneers of hire boat cruising, founding Maid Line Cruisers on the Thames at Shepperton, which later moved to Thames Ditton. As well as introducing many people to the pleasures of boat cruising, Lionel Munk prompted waterways restoration, serving as chairman of the Inland Waterways Association from 1958-70 as well as the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust from 1959-66 and a number of other boat ing and Government advisory bodies.
GRAHAM PALMER who died at Oswestry, aged 49, on 26th July, founded Waterway Recovery Group, the national organisation for voluntary working parties. He was introduced to voluntary waterways by Tim and John Dodwell working on local waterways, particularly the Wey navigation in the 1960's. In 1977 he was one of the key organisers in leading 'Deepcut Dig' on the Basingstoke Canal, attended by over 600 volunteers from all parts of the country. Graham, born in Finchley, north London, moved to Oswestry five years ago after spending his working life for an insurance company in the City.
[back to top]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 24th September
Lunch time boat gathering and barbecue, now an annual event, at the Fox & Hounds, on the banks of the canal at Fleet (on the road to Crookham Village). Non-boaters welcome bring your own meat to cook.
Weekend 24th-25th September
'Winchfield 150'. Steam locos and all the fun of a Victorian Fayre in period costume, including canal trips to see 'Perseverance' in steam too. Gathering of boats at Barley Mow Bridge. Should be fun.
Tuesday 27th September
Informal meeting in the Lounge Bar of the Barley Mow, Winchfield (adjacent to the canal by the bridge of the same name).
Wednesday 5th October
Joint Meeting with IWA - Thamesside Developments for the Boater an illustrated talk hy Max Hohbs (Water Space Business Manager Thames Water). Venue (for this meeting only) St Dunstans Catholic Church Hall. Heatherside Crescent, Woking. (Near Southside of British Rail Main Line Station, next to postal sorting office) at 8.00pm.
Monday 10th October
New members evening (See 'Let's be Sociable' for details). Venue (for this and all following meetings) Methodist Church Hall, Brewery Road, Woking 7.30pm for 7.45pm.
NB: Please note earlier start time, this is because we must vacate hall by 10.00pm.
Tuesday 25th October
Drop in for a drink and chat in the Lounge Bar, Barley
Mow, Winchfield.
Tuesday 8th November
Dieter and Sonia Jebens look forward to meeting new members and others at The Fox, Frensham Road, Lower Bourne, Farnham (Ask at the bar if you don't know them).
Monday 14th November
"Digging up the Past" - Dr D.G. Bird's (Surrey Archaeology Officer) illustrated talk on recent Archaeological work in Surrey. Methodist Church Hall, Brewery Road, Woking, 7.30pm for 7.45pm.
Monday 14th November *
Joint meeting with the Railway and Canal Historical Society at the Wey Cruising Club, Wharf Road, Guildford (next to the National Trust off Woodbridge Road down by the cricket ground). 'The Oxford Canal' by Hugh Compton, 8.00pm.
Saturday I9th November
MEMBERS FORUM at Mytchett Community Centre, Mytchett Road, Mytchett, 7.30pm. A chance for members to air their views and ask questions on the future of the Society, re-opening the canal, Greywell Tunnel, the wildlife issue and anything else.
<)P>
Tuesday 22nd November
Soak up the rural atmosphere with other members in the
Lounge Bar of the Barley Mow, Winchfield.
Monday 12th December
"Vintage Adventure" Mr Paul Davies, illustrated talk on how he won the London to Sydney (Australia) race, last Spring. He did 10.000 miles in 84 days,driving a 58 year old car. Truly an adventure. Methodist Church Hall, Brewery Road,Woking. 7.30pm for 7.45pm.
Friday 16th December *
Christmas Get-Together upstairs at the Blue Anchor, Byfleet (on the old road, south of A245), 7.30pm onwards.
Tuesday 20th December
Start the Christmas celebrations over a drink with fellow members in the Lounge Bar of the Barley Mow, Winchfield.
*IWA Guildford and Reading branch meetings to which Societv members are invited and will be welcomed.
THE CANAL IDEAL FOR CANOEISTS
Brent Borough Council has long brought youngsters to the canal from their outdoor activities centre at Rotherwick near Basingstoke. Now with a slipway and car parking available at Barley Mow Bridge, unloading and launching their Canadian canoes is made easy, and parties of eager young Londoners learn the rudiments of boat handling and enjoy the experience of getting afloat. The canal makes a safe length of waterway in delightful surroundings for a taste of what for some of them may become a more serious recreation. (Photo: Dieter Jebens/ Clive Durley)
[back to top]
Time Off
A LOOK WEY DOWN SOUTH
A CONCISE and very readable history of the Wey and Arun Canal and formation of the active Trust, working towards restoration of our neighbouring 'lost' route to London, prompted us to print the following extract from a report written jointly by Surrey CC's estates surveyor and planning officers.
The Trust has a much more difficult task than faced by this Society in restoring the Basingstoke, which though derelict, was still a 'complete' canal. Lengths of the W & A Canal land have reverted back to the riparian owners, not all of whom support restoration.
In spite of the daunting problems, the Trust has already proved its ability and the feasibility of restoring what must once have been an outstandingly attractive rural navigation passing through countryside which is little changed today.
West Sussex County Council takes a 'benevolent interest' in the work going on and supports local projects that provide some immediate benefit. So long as Surrey is committed to restoring the Basingstoke it cannot become financially involved. But the Council is encouraging restoration and supporting the work if only by avoiding developments along the line of the canal.
The Canal was built to link the Rivers Wey and Arun as part of an inland waterway link between London and the South Coast.
The River Arun was made navigable between 1545 and 1575, thus enabling barges to reach Pallingham Quay above Pulborough. The River Wey Navigation was opened as far as Guildford in 1653 and extended to Godalming in 1763. Although proposals to link the two rivers dated back to 1641 it was not until 1816 that the canal actually opened.
What we know today as the Wey & Arun Canal consists in reality of two canals. Firstly, the Arun Navigation was opened in 1787 to bring commercial trade to Newbridge Wharf near Billingshurst. The final link, the Wey & Arun Junction Canal, from Newbridge to the River Wey at Stonebridge near Shalford was commenced in 1813 and opened three years later. The Canal reached its peak as a commercial waterway in 1839 but with the advent of the first railway in Sussex its fortunes declined rapidly and with the opening of the Horsham-Guildford line in 1865 (itself to close 100 years later) the canal was forced to close in 1868 and was finally abandoned in 1871.
Most of the line of the canal remains intact to this day. It leaves the River Wey at Stonebridge and climbs through Bramley and Cranleigh to the five mile summit level near Dunsfold, here it crosses the Surrey-Sussex watershed 163 feet above sea level. It winds through Sidney Wood, descends through Alfold and Loxwood to Newbridge and then follows the Arun Valley to connect with the River at Pallingham Lock.
23 miles in length, the Canal is on average about 25 feet wide and 4 feet deep. The locks are 12 feet wide and approximately 70 feet long with an average fall of about 6 feet. There were originally 26 locks, together with many bridges and three aqueducts.
In 1970 a few enthusiastic individuals formed the Wey & Arun Canal Society. More supporters were quickly gained and in 1973 the Society was re-formed as a charitable Trust Company, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust Limited.
The aim of the Trust is to attempt the restoration as a public amenity of the navigable link between the Rivers Wey and Arun, and so re-create the direct water link between London and the South Coast. The Trust believes that restoration is a feasible proposition despite several difficulties, but regardless of whether full navigational status can be achieved, the remains of the Canal should be preserved as a public amenity and a monument to a unique industrial achievement.
The Trust is an entirely voluntary organisation, relying on the support of its members and friends, as well as the generosity of local businesses and the goodwill of local councils. The Trust is fortunate to have the services of volunteer professional engineers to design and supervise its restoration work. The work is carried out by the Trust's own volunteer work force, who meet every weekend with the help of visiting voluntary groups on both long weekends and two weeks summer camps. Small-scale Manpower Services Commission Schemes under the Youth Opportunities and Community Programmes have also made a valuable labour contribution to work on some canal structures. For specialised work, the Trust employs professional contractors.
Materials, plant and sub-contractors are financed by the Trust's own fund-raising operation. Between 1981 and 1984 for example, over £50,000 was spent on restoration work. The money was raised mainly from sponsored events, recycling of waste paper and materials, lotteries and donations.
Membership Secretary: Joy Wood, 24 Griffiths Avenue, Lancing, W. Sussex BH15 OHW.
[back to top]
Social Jottings
LET'S BE SOCIABLE - Ginny Millard
The canal is nearly restored where do we go from here?
The feeling this summer has been to encourage more social activities, so we can continue to protect the canal's interests and have some fun too.
To start the ball rolling, Edwin Chappell (Membership Secretary) and Ginny Millard (Social Secretary, Surrey) invite you to their NEW MEMBERS EVENING on Monday 10th October, 7.30pm for 7.45pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Brewery Road.Woking.
We will hear about a 'Day in the Life of a Dredger Crew Member' from Roger Flitter. Then, after the Grand Draw, Roger Cansdale will tell us about 'Pinkerton's Progress' over the last 10 years.
'Old'members are WELCOME, so they can WELCOME the new members, who are especially WELCOME.
This meeting is a MUST for those who want the social side of the Society to flourish.
What next?
Dieter Jebens and his wife, Sonia look forward to meeting Society members in the Farnham area. They will be at 'The Fox', Lower Bourne (on the Frensham Road) on Tuesday 8th November to say 'hello'. In fact, wherever you live, come along.
Would you like to arrange and host one small event? What about a pub meet or a skittles evening? Would you like to lead a walk or organise a raft race on the canal?
I'm sure you would love to, but need a little help to get started.
Please phone Ginny Millard who will coordinate your ideas (01 6844209 work).
NOW IT'S UP TO YOU!
[back to top]
WILL YOU ORGANISE SOCIALS IN FLEET?
We're still looking for a volunteer to organise a programme of social events this winter in the Fleet area for Hampshire members. What's needed is a monthly programme of speakers, slide shows or films at a fixed venue. There's no dashing around, tickets to sell or printing to worry about. Just a bit of letter writing and organising. And we'll give you ideas and any assistance you need. Offers to take on this interesting but undemanding vacancy to: David Millett, vice-chairman, Tel: Fleet 617364, and he'll tell you more.
Barley Mow evenings
In the meantime, informal meetings will again be held in the Lounge Bar of the 'Barley Mow', Winchfield, (opposite the canal), on the fourth Tuesday of the month starting in September (see Diary Dates).
[back to top]
CANAL VIDEO CASSETTES FOR SALE
TWO of Arthur Dungate's audio visual slide show presentations are now available on VHS cassette.
'Restoring to Life' is the Society's 24-minute promotional film show featuring the Society's activities, especially restoration work. Arthur's latest production, 'The Promise of the Western End' is a 20-minute presentation outlining the case for restoring Greywell Tunnel and the canal westwards to Up Nately.
Each cassette (please state your requirement) costs £5.95 plus 50p packing and postage. Cheques should be made payable to the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society Ltd and sent to: Arthur Dungate, 187 Ellerdine Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 2PU.
[back to top]
Welcome to New Members
ORDINARY
Mr E.R. Deeprose, Cheam. Mr & Mrs P.G.Goulet, Shoreham. Simon Smith, Frimley. Mr 0. Parsons, Fleet.
Mr & Mrs J.T. Chamberlain, Fleet. Mr J.M. Homer, Windlesham. Beryl Hope, Ash. Mr & Mrs A.V. Thorp,
Woking. Mr T.O.R.Shaw, Woking. John & Angela Mann, Woking. Mrs M.A. Kempson, Farnborough.
Mr & Mrs D.H. Might, Woking. Peter Myall, Yeovil. Eve Steinkamp, Sheffield. Mr L. Blackshaw, West Byfleet.
David Dickens, Ash Vale. Mr S.D. Hunt, Sheerwater. Mr & Mrs J.W. Axtell, Pyrford. Miss L.J. White, Woking.
Mr & Mrs F. Lyons, New Maiden. Mr & Mrs J.M. Wood, Brookwood. Jennifer Hazlitt, Horseil. David Golding,
Wimbledon. Mr J. Hurr, Ash. Mr & Mrs T.J. Griffin, Frimley Green. Mr R.W. Horner, Stoke Poges.
Mr & Mrs P. Stevenson, Godalming. Mr & Mrs B.H. Annett, Wimbledon. Mr D. Seaton, Woking.
Mr & Mrs P.A. Gristwood, Horsell. Mrs E.G. Dorman, Woking. Mr D.G. Watson, Egham. Clifford Firth, Stoke
D'Abernon. Mr A. Bennett, Basingstoke. Mr & Mrs S.W. Preece, Up Nately. Maurice Molloy, Dogmersfield.
Peter Curson, Fleet. Mr R.L. Lennie, St. Johns. Mr & Mrs R.J. Davies, Windlesham. Mr D. Patch, Woodham.
Miss M. Egan, St Johns Lye. Mandy Hodgson, Holybourne. Peter Seager-Thomas, Woodham. Mr M.B. Malzard,
Chobham, Mr K.A. Young, Woking. Mr M. St. Vincent, Woking. Mr F.G. Halliday, Portsmouth.
Mr A.W. Smith, Brighton. Paul Alderson, Farnham. Mrs A.J. Meglaughlin, Fulham. Mrs S. Madden, Aldershot.
Dr. A.T. Price, St. Johns. Mr B.C.Hague, Woking. Mr & Mrs M.J.A. Matthews, Basingstoke. Kevin Croombs,
Farnborough. Hayley Croombs, Farnborough. Janet Readings, Knaphill. Christine Baker, Farnborough.
Mr & Mrs N.J. Jackson, St Johns. Kathleen Haworth, Castleford. Tim Dike, Wassenaar, Netherlands.
Quintin & Annette Dike, Oosterheek, Netherlands. Frank Roper, St Johns. Nigel Bird, Fleet.
Mr & Mrs R. Maynard, Westhumble. Mr M. Hornhy, Fleet. Mr K. Binks. Elstead. Ralph Booth, Fleet.
John & Rita Turner, Kingfield. Ivor Herne, Twickenham. Mr E.M. Seear, West End. Mr M.A. Waite, St Johns.
Margaret Marsh, New Maiden. Ms. T. Pegram, Bracknell. Paul Robson, Blackwater. Graham & Valerie Vine, Byfleet.
[back to top]
CANAL LAND AGENT MOVES ON
Surrey's canal land agent, Gerard Brierley is leaving the Council - in fact he will have departed by the time this issue is published to return to private practice working as a surveyor for London estate agents Barnard & Marcus.
Gerard Brierley joined Surrey County Council ten years ago specifically to take responsibility for the canal and to progress restoration.
[back to top]
MAINTENANCE DREDGER ORDER
Surrey report that, subject to formal approval, the order for a maintenance dredger can now be placed. It was agreed to buy a floating dredger basically a barge with a smaller excavator mounted at one end and a cabin at the other at the last meeting of the Joint Management Committee.
In addition to dredging areas which have accumulated silt, Hampshire also want to use the dredger for repairing worn lengths of the towpath where access is difficult overland.
[back to top]
NEW LIFT BRIDGE INSTALLED
The new lift-bridge at North Warnborough has at last been installed. Looking very much like the previous structure, except for the counterbalanced weight at one end, it is manually operated by means of a windlass.
The winching mechanism, designed by a HCC bridges engineer, is probably unique to inland waterways. The only snag users have found so far is the need to bend double to operate the windlass.
[back to top]
FISHING ON THE CANAL
Angling on the Hampshire length of the canal has always been quite clearly defined. You either contact the secretary of the Hampshire Basingstoke Canal Anglers Amalgamation (Andre Grandjean 0256 54381), or get your ticket from a specified local tackle shop, canal-side newsagent or boat hire station such as Galleon Marine.
In Surrey the procedure has not been quite so clear at least not to the newcomer. So we were pleased to meet Mr Alan MacDiarmid, Secretary to the Basingstoke Canal Surrey Angling Amalgamation (BCSAA), who had all the details at 'Woking 150'.
The Surrey length is well stocked from the County boundary down to St. Johns and even beyond a shoal of roach were spotted recently along the Brewery Road car park length at Woking. Throughout the Surrey length there are good stocks of carp, tench, roach and rudd.
Anyone new to Angling will need to get a Thames Water Authority rod licence (£ 7.50 for the first rod, £2 for a second one). Then you'll need a BCSAA licence if you are not a member of a specified Surrey angling club.
Licences, from £8 per annum to £1 per day (juniors half price) can be bought at Lightwater Angling Centre, Woking Tackle Centre, Tackle Up at Ash Vale or Johnstons Hardware, Brookwood. Tickets may also be obtained from water bailiffs and canal rangers on the bank.
Full details can be obtained by sending a SAE to: Mr Alan MacDiarmid, 50 Gloster Road, Old Woking, Surrey. Tel: Woking 69916.
Unauthorised fishing on the canal may result in prosecution!
[back to top]
GONGOOZLER'S GOSSIP
CONSERVATION appointment. L.A. 'Teddy' Edwards has been elected vice-president of the Surrey Society (formerly the Surrey Amenity Council) which he has served for 35 years. Our congratulations to him on his appointment which will surely help him put over the message that canal restorers are conservationists first and foremost.
TOTAL revenue expenditure by British Waterways Board in the year 1987/88 was £63.799,000.
LETTER of thanks to Stan Meller from the Institute of Civil Engineers for copy of John Pinkerton's contract to build the canal loaned for 'Conversazione' exhibition.
MOST exclusive boat rally this year held at Frimley Lodge Park to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Spanish Armada, attended by Janet and John Greenfield aboard Witch Wey, Dave Goodwin & Co on Demerara and the infamous Editor's canoe!
GOOD wishes and thanks for farewell party aboard John Pinkerton sent to the Society by Ray Stedman who was Countryside Officer for SCC, before leaving to run the Wilton Estate.
RUNNYMEDE Borough Council has made a £950 contribution towards cost of employing Society full-time restoration team.
DONATION of £200 from Society funds made to IWA Yorkshire Derwent Campaign Fund.
ZEPHON Common swing bridge reinstatement estimated by Society to cost £7,000 has been shelved by HCC for this year.
WEY link footbridge at Byfleet canal junction opened by Mayor of Runnymede, Mrs Brenda Owens on 21st July.
ENGINEERING study of Greywell Tunnel and canal's western end and feasibility of restoration ready for publication this autumn.
£2,000 OFFERED by the Society for a Bantam tug said to be serviceable and in good condition.
BWB spending £900.000 to restore 113-year old Anderton boat lift which has been out of action since 1983. Used to connect the Weaver Navigation 50-feet below the Trent & Mersey Canal, by raising and lowering boats in 75ft long caissons, the lift expected to be restored in the spring of 1989.
Boats on the Wey for the Guildford Water Festival in July. (Dieter Jebens).
[back to top]
COPY DATE FOR NOVEMBER 1988 NEWSLETTER : 30th SEPTEMBER 1988
Published by the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society Ltd., a non profit distributing company limited by guarantee, registered as a Charity. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Society.
Editor: Dieter Jebens. Production: Jo Evans.
Collation & Distribution: Janet and George Hedger, Edwin Chappell & helpers.
Editorial Office: 60 Middlebourne Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 3NJ. (Farnharn 715230).
Chairman: Robin Higgs. 18 Barnsford Crescent, West End, Woking, Surrey, GU24 9HX. (09905 7314)
Vice-Chairman: David Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet, Hampshire, GU139SW. (0252 617364)
Hon. Treasurer: Mrs Gwyneth Browne, 102a Aldershot Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GUIS 9NY. (0252 621745)
Hon. Secretary: Philip Riley, Meadow Vale, Guildford Road, Normandy, Surrey, GU3 2AS. (0483 234776)
Membership Secretary: Edwin Chappell, The Spinney, Meadow Road, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 1QR. (0372 272631)
Working Party Organiser: Mike Fellows, 30 Reynards Close, Winnersh, Wokingham. Berkshire, RG11 5NT. (0734 787428)
Dredger Manager: Roger Flitter. 10 George Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU13 9PS. (0252 622956)
Working Party Information: Peter Jones, 54 Wharf Road, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU12 5AY. (0252 313076)
Peter Cooper, 5 ArJdison Court, Oakley Avenue, Ealing, London, W5. (01 993 1105)
Trip Boat: Tony Karavis, 12 Loddon Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GUM 9NT. (0252 549037)
Sales Manager: Situation vacant
Talks Organiser: Mrs Janet Greenfield, 9 Mistletoe Road, Yateley, Surrey, GU17 7DT. (0252873167)
Exhibitions Manager: Phil Pratt, Flat 5, Fleetwood Court, Madeira Road, West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6BE (09323 40281)
[back to top]
| 
