Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm Location: W2 Palace of Westminster
On Tuesday 12th November, the Waterways All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) hosted its inaugural meeting in parliament.
The meeting was an opportunity for parliamentarians to meet the APPG’s secretariat (Inland Waterways Association) and elect the APPG’s officers.
The Waterways APPG has appointed Bill Esterson, MP, as its new Chair. Mr Esterson proposed officers, with existing rules meaning that one must be from the government party or parties, and at least one from the main opposition party. A show of hands supported the election of Wendy Morton as vice-chair, and Uma Kumaran along with Lord German as co-chairs.
Among the vice chairs and officers of the group are a number of newly elected MPs as well as some long-standing waterway supporters.
Bill Esterson, APPG chair, said:
It is not just boaters who make use of our waterways. Canals and rivers are a valuable resource for leisure, active travel, industry, energy, and even in the case of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal as a source for water borne district heating. The tranquillity of time spent by the water, along with the wildlife that thrives around clean waterways, is truly something to be cherished and enhanced. All these interests can coexist, and I look forward to chairing this influential All-Party Group and highlighting, both in Parliament and beyond, the importance of waterways to our nation’s economy and environment.
Charlie Norman, Director of Campaigns and Public Affairs from IWA, said:
IWA warmly welcomes Mr Esterson’s appointment as Chair of the APPGW. It’s clear that he really grasps the importance, value, and relevance of the UK’s inland waterways and the need for adequate funding. We look forward to working both with him and an almost entirely new slate of members over the course of this parliament.
IWA is delighted to announce the appointment of Hugh Pearman as the new Chair of its Heritage Advisory Panel. As an experienced and celebrated journalist, editor, and author, he brings a background gained in a distinguished career and a deep commitment to preserving the architectural and engineering heritage of Britain’s inland waterways.
Hugh spent over three decades at the forefront of architectural journalism. From 1986 to 2016, he served as the architecture and design critic for The Sunday Times, and later as editor of the RIBA Journal from 2006 to 2020. His latest book, About Architecture, explores engineering and architectural achievements including those related to canal heritage. His extensive contributions to media and heritage have included roles on Arts Council England’s architecture advisory group, co-founding the RIBA Stirling Prize in 1996, and chairing the ‘Art for Architecture’ initiative at the Royal Society of Arts from 2000 – 2004. He was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2001 and his contributions to architecture and the arts were recognised with an MBE in 2019.
Beyond his professional life, Hugh is a longstanding IWA member with a personal enthusiasm for the heritage of Britain’s inland waterways, providing planning and architectural guidance for the Association’s London Region. He is the current Chairman of a campaigning architectural heritage charity, The Twentieth Century Society.
Commenting on his appointment, Hugh said:
The waterways network is a precious and rich working historical resource, available to all, linking urban and rural locations. It exists today because of the time and effort of the thousands who have worked to save and enhance it since IWA’s founding. It is now at a vulnerable moment. We need to be on high alert and make the strongest possible case for it as a key national heritage asset.
IWA recognises the challenges facing the UK’s waterways today. Historic structures are aging, climate change is exerting pressure on water management, and funding for conservation remains uncertain or inadequate. Hugh’s leadership arrives at a crucial moment as the Association works to safeguard the waterways from degradation or loss.
Under his guidance, the IWA Heritage Advisory Panel will continue collaborating with navigation authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that conservation and celebration of the network’s heritage remain a priority.
At this year’s Annual General Meeting held at De Montfort Universityin Leicester, we introduced the Sustainable Boating Awards, in partnership with Towpath Talk. These awards highlight individuals, organisations, and businesses making a positive impact on sustainable boating. The IWA National Awards 2024 were also presented at the AGM. These awards aim to recognise members and other waterway campaigners who have contributed to the Association’s work and made the inland waterways a better place.
The results of the awards are as follows:
Sustainable Boating Awards:
NON-COMMERCIAL AWARD 2024
Awarded to the individual, charity or community organisation that, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the last twelve months.
Kay & Paul Sumpner, ENB ‘Old Nick’
…for their outstanding work promoting the online exchange of information about electric boating, including organising Electrika – the first inland waterways boat show for electric boats.
Awarded to the business that, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the last twelve months.
Mothership Marine
…for their innovative electric propulsion systems and sustainable boat fit outs, featuring larger propellers and fitting large PV cell arrays.
The judges were also impressed by their use of recycled materials in their fit outs.
COMMENDATION 2024
Ortomarine
…for their work in developing monitoring technology for electric boating and their willingness to share information with others to allow electric drives to develop faster, including access to the data from their trials on the Severn, and for their support of Electrika.
IWA National Awards
RICHARD BIRD MEDALS
For members of the Association whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Association over a sustained period.
• Pete Fleming
A key volunteer with the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG), Pete’s contributions to IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade are invaluable, particularly his dedication to event planning and volunteer leadership. He takes on key planning roles for the event build up and is on-site to lead the workcamp volunteers for the entire weekend. Pete is pivotal in ensuring everything runs smoothly and is invaluable to the team and organisation. Pete was unable to attend as he was at a Waterway Recovery Group Weekend Camp.
• Emma Greenall
A long-standing WRG volunteer, Emma has played strategic roles behind the scenes, ensuring the success of IWA Canalway Cavalcade.
Emma has confidently stepped into several strategic roles for Canalway Cavalcade, both behind the scenes and on the ground during the weekend event. She has been key to ensuring Cavalcade runs successfully and is a great asset to the team and organisation. Emma was unable to attend so alternative arrangements will be made to present the award.
• Peter Hill
Recognised for his 18 years of outstanding service as editor of Aegre – the East Midlands news magazine, championing incorporation of IWA corporate image and brand identity to enhance the Association’s profile.
• Bernard Morton
Acknowledged for his inspirational leadership of the Northampton Branch, bringing out the best in his team. None of Northampton Branch’s achievements would have been possible without his exemplary leadership skills, along with his support and encouragement of the Committee.
CHRISTOPHER POWER PRIZE
For a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.
There is a cash prize associated with this award, which is given to the waterway restoration group associated with the winner, where the winner is a named individual. The aims and objectives of the group must be consistent with IWA’s aims and objectives. The trophy, a carved wooden otter, was presented to the Association by Volvo Penta.
Ali Bottomley (Womble)
Ali’s dedication to the WRG Training Weekend has been extraordinary, having an amazing impact on both WRG and other canal restoration volunteers and societies.
BRANCH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
For the IWA Branch which, in the opinion of a panel consisting of the National Chair, Deputy National Chairs and Chief Executive, has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the Association’s aims and objectives during the past year. All Branches are considered, without need for nomination. The award consists of a silver salver, donated to IWA by former National Chair David Stevenson for the purpose in 1998.
Northampton Branch
Celebrated for their exceptional work on the Northampton Arm, transforming it into a thriving space for boaters and walkers, while supporting local schools, artists, and community groups. With its seventeen locks, the Arm is one of the longest adopted stretches of Canal & River Trust managed waterways. Working closely with local partners, schools, artists and corporates, the Branch has ensured the waterway has benefitted from painted and ceramic murals, a mosaic trail, new benches, towpath resurfacing, and the installation and maintenance of defibrillators.
CYRIL STYRING TROPHY
This is the Association’s premier award. For an IWA member who has, in the opinion of trustees, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the Association’s campaign.
Ray Alexander
Ray’s decades of service have transformed waterways across the Southwest and nationwide. His tireless commitment, knowledge, and leadership have earned him the Association’s highest honour. Ray demonstrates that in fighting for the waterways there must be a blend of hard work, patience, knowledge, loyalty, being with the right people at the right time, and producing technical and promotional documentation to a high standard.
The waterways have benefitted enormously from Ray’s long involvement. He has been a consistently influential and reliable champion and a highly respected representative of the Association.
IWA is incredibly proud to recognise these champions for their vital contributions to our waterways.
Our 65th Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 28th September at De Montfort University in Leicester. IWA thanks all of the members who attended either in person or on Zoom, and is also incredibly grateful to the volunteers and staff who helped out during the event.
Before the formal AGM commenced, attendees watched a presentation about IWA’s campaigns by Deputy National Chair, Sue O’Hare. The presentation detailed the progress made since 2023 from a campaigning perspective and provided an insight into the future of IWA campaigning including the Association’s Campaigns Strategy. The presentation also summarised the progress made by the Fund Britain’s Waterways group since its launch in June 2023 and detailed IWA’s involvement as a member of the FBW steering group. Attendees were encouraged to take action to help Fund Britain’s Waterways by signing the FBW petition, making a donation, lobbying their MP or engaging with the campaign on social media.
The campaign-focused presentation was followed by a talk on restoration by Waterway Recovery Group Chair, Mike Palmer. His presentation explored some of the successes and challenges faced in the world of waterway restoration over the past year. It also provided a reminder of the many benefits that our waterways offer, as identified in our Waterways for Today report, while highlighting the considerable value that restoring unused waterways could provide.
After a short break for refreshments, the AGM began during which members approved the minutes for the Annual General Meeting held on 23rd September 2023. Members also approved the appointments and reappointments of the following Trustees for terms of three years each:
Robert Atkins
Christl Hughes
Colin Porter
Hannah Rigley
Ian Sesnan
Presentation of the Sustainable Boating Awards took place after the formal AGM. The awards were launched earlier this year through a collaboration between Towpath Talk and IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group (SBG). The purpose of this new award scheme is to celebrate people and organisations which have had an impact in the sustainable boating community, with separate prizes for commercial and non-commercial innovations. This was followed by presentation of the annual IWA National Awards, the results of which can be viewed here.
After the formal AGM, an open discussion on residential boating took place which was facilitated by Deputy Chair of Navigation Committee, Ivor Caplan. Attendees debated the impact residential boating has on cruising, the uptake of people buying boats in the search for affordable housing, and what IWA’s involvement should be in terms of campaigning for residential boating.
Members enjoyed a free lunch before departing for a guided walk with award-winning Canal & River Trust Volunteer Rob Hetherington. The tour started at Castle Gardens on what has become known as the ‘Mile Straight’ of the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, which is a canalised section of the River Soar. From there, attendees strolled along the navigation to Lime Kiln Lock which is where the IWA National Rally of Boats was held in 1967.
Thank you to everyone who came along to this year’s Annual General Meeting. We hope that the success of this year’s event will encourage even more members to join us at next year’s AGM!
In support of Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), IWA asked boaters for their views on the state of the inland waterways network and how it impacted on their cruising in 2023. The boaters’ survey was intended both to provide a snapshot of current conditions and as a benchmark to enable the identification of future deterioration if funding continues to be inadequate. As with FBW, it covered all navigations in Britain, and it gathered crucial insight into various aspects such as condition of locks, depth of water, ease of mooring and provision of services.
726 boaters responded anonymously during March and painted a picture of declining condition since their previous cruises and in the long term over the total period that they had been boating. This really does back up FBW’s argument that our waterways are already deteriorating and action is needed urgently.
You can read the IWA press release about the results of the boaters’ survey here and a summary of the results here.
The Inland Waterway Association’s annual celebration of the waterways in London took place over the first May bank holiday from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May. Little Venice was once again transformed into a vibrant spectacle of colour and vitality as over 100 boats arrived from far and wide, and visitors from all walks of life came together to share their passion for waterways. This annual gathering saw almost 10,000 visitors on the first day, with a similar number joining on an equally sunny day on Sunday. Even the torrential rain on the bank holiday Monday did little to dampen the buzz.
There really was something for everyone with narrowboats, both modern and historic, moored alongside widebeam boats in the Pool. Continuous cruisers, liveaboards, and leisure boaters, local residents and those from further afield gathered to celebrate the waterways and highlight the importance of the theme of this year’s Cavalcade, “Funding Britain’s Waterways”. The theme reflected the widespread recognition that what we know and love about the waterways network is under threat, with the government’s decision to curtail funding for Canal & River Trust and the increased operational and inflationary demands on navigation authorities nationwide. It was encouraging to see many boaters proudly flying Fund Britain’s Waterways flags and sporting FBW banners on the sides of their boats.
The event was officially opened by the VIP party led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister who was joined by Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at Westminster City Council, Richard Parry, CEO of Canal & River Trust, and Mike Wills, National Chair of IWA, Libby Bradshaw, Ceremonial and Children’s Activities Manager for the event, and Paul Rodgers, Event Director and Chair of the organising committee.
The Lord Mayor welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked IWA for organising the event. Following brief speeches and a resounding round of applause from the thousands of visitors lining the towpath to thank the over 100 volunteers who help put on the event, the Lord Mayor was invited to ring the bell to formally open the festival. This was echoed by cheers around the Pool, the ringing of bells and horns, and the start of the Pageant.
The long weekend included a packed schedule, as always, with a unique selection of events and activities. Stallholders and food stands brought a variety of crafts and interest to the event this year, many being based locally to Little Venice. Particular highlights included many regular attendees such as hand-woven baskets made by WoodWoolWillow, Peruvian delights by Inkas Craft, Handmade by Janet, and our regular Candle Powered Victorian Steamboats. Visitors were treated to many delicious treats too, including the vibrant Caribbean Hut, flavourful Moroccan cuisine from Harissa & Lemon, and of course plenty of ice cream which proved to be popular whatever the weather! As in previous years, we welcomed the ever-professional Jervis team and their real ale bar which provided the perfect place to enjoy a break in the sunshine – and shelter during the rain!
One of the most popular destinations in Rembrandt Gardens was the Wild over Waterways marquee, which offered a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained and spark their curiosity in the waterways. Children and adults alike were entertained by whimsical performances from the ‘Suitcase Circus’ aboard the Puppet Barge. Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend. Sunday saw the return of the much-loved Teddy Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the gardens while activities for older children and young people were led by the Pirate Castle from Camden, with paddle sports taking place across the weekend.
Whilst the theme of this year’s event focused on the existential threat to the waterways nationally, the event also continued its tradition of engaging with the local community. One way of doing this is through the Schools Art Exhibition which featured a range of impressive art projects from local schools. The message that our waterways should be saved for the enjoyment of all came through loud and clear in the creative and collaborative efforts of younger canal fans.
This year’s Event Director, Paul Rodgers, who joined the organising committee for the first time this year, expressed his thanks to the team of volunteers without whom the event would not be possible. Over 100 volunteers were mobilised to deliver this year’s event both in the planning process and the hugely demanding logistical deployment on the ground. This included the experienced team from IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group, more commonly seen across the country supporting canal restoration projects, who transformed Little Venice and the surrounding area in the week before the event.
Collaboration with partners is also crucial to the success of the event with Canal & River Trust, Paddington Central and Westminster City Council taking the lead in a demonstration of what can be achieved when waterways charities, businesses, government, and the many supporters of the event come together.
This year the evenings brought a vibrant celebration of boating too. Friday night was the regular quiz, a packed tent for our annual Martin Ludgate extravaganza – raising nearly £100 from the raffle for IWA. Saturday night once again saw an open mic night in the bar, compered by Mark Saxon. On Sunday evening, Craig Haslam once again excelled as Master of Ceremonies for the Procession of Illuminated Boats, where the boaters covered their craft with as many lights as would fit to the delight of hundreds of spectators standing on the Horse Bridge and around the Pool. thrilled everyone who saw their performances and we thank them so much for their participation.
On Monday afternoon, the awards were presented by John Edmonds, Vice President of IWA London Region. The award winners for 2024 were:
Marcus Boudier Trophy
For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed Pageant, was awarded to Galatee owned by Simon Hodgkinson & Sarah LaBrasca of Slash Arts & Canal Dream CIC
The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy
For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group:
Not awarded
The Cruise Electric Trophy
For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s Procession:
Tros Yr Afon, steerer Phil Gaskell
Runner up: Galatee, owned by Simon Hodgkinson & Sarah LaBrasca of Slash Arts & Canal Dream CIC
The Graham Capelin Award
For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday Pageant or Illuminated Boats:
Purple Emperor, owned by Ian Marr
The Westminster Trophy
Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition:
Iquitos, steerer Mike Moore
Runner up: Fulbourne, steerer Robin Hendley
3rd place: Middlesex, steerer Tim Lewis
The Roger Squires Trophy
Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s ten years as their Commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition:
Purple Emperor, steerer Ian Marr
The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy
Goes to the ‘Best Boat’ at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, it is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime:
Lion, owned by Michael Pinnock
The Idle Women Shield
Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield was awarded to Thisuldo, steered by Charlotte Trimby
Runner up: Badger, steered by Naomi Goldsmith
3rd place: Free Bird, steered by Cath Jennings
The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy
Awarded for the best Boaters’ Sunday Best costume. This year, it was awarded to Hannah Maude (Iquitos).
Mike Wills, IWA National Chair, underscored the value of members, volunteers and partners in the many activities that IWA is involved in, saying:
We need your help! If you have enjoyed your experience at Cavalcade, tell others about it. Financial support is also welcome so, it the spirit of our theme this year, please donate some money! Even more importantly, consider donating some time to IWA. There are opportunities to gain hands on experience of waterway restoration, or maybe just to offer your experience, knowledge, and skills to the many areas in which we are engaged.
Plans are already underway for next year’s Canalway Cavalcade which is planned for 3rd, 4th, and 5th May 2025 and the team will welcome offers to volunteer for both the planning committee and at next year’s event.
Join the Committee
Do you love Canalway Cavalcade and would like to be a part of the team behind the scenes?
We are incredibly thankful for all of their hard work and dedication as a huge amount of effort goes into organising an event of this scale. We need to fill several vacancies on our organising committee.
There is already a superb team in place but we need extra support to make sure no one becomes overloaded. Having the organising committee at full capacity will ensure that Canalway Cavalcade remains a really fun and interesting event to be involved with!
All vacancies are voluntary roles. Meetings are held once a month on Zoom and become more frequent in the run up to the event.
If you fancy getting involved, please contact us with a short description of your experience/interests.
The 2024 Annual Waterways Restoration Conference was held in the Creative Hub at Northampton University, attracting over 100 delegates on a sunny Saturday in April. The event, which is jointly organised by the Inland Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust, was opened by Julie Sharman (Chief Operating Officer at Canal & River Trust). The theme this year focused on inclusion, collaboration, training, skills and sustainable planning.
Keynote speakers included Eoin Harris of Canal & River Trust who spoke on the topic of environmental constraints and opportunities in restoration projects. Eoin’s presentation inspired some thoughtful actions that trusts and societies can take moving forward to ensure that their projects comply with legislation and they take advantage of any opportunities created by their development work.
Eoin was followed by Mark Bevan and Francis Holden of Kuso Construction, who specialise in temporary works and were able to provide clarity on the topic and explain some of the basic lower-level tasks that are involved in temporary works. During the presentation, they provided examples of how people often fail to meet standards and the consequences of these standards not being met. A lively Q&A session ensued after their talk.
The final speaker of the afternoon was Mike Palmer, of IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group, who talked of the importance of real skills training in the practical activities undertaken by restoration groups. He also explained where and how the organisations can help and support them. Mike mentioned the new Practical Restoration Handbook which is due to be launched and explained other ways that IWA/WRG aim to lead on best practice within the inland waterways restoration sector. During the presentation, George Rogers of Chesterfield Canal Trust gave attendees a glimpse of what might be in store for next year’s Canal Camps. He is working closely with the sites team, and they are starting to talk to any group who may be interested in the possibility of holding a camp at their site in 2025.
Delegates also had the opportunity to participate in two of the following workshops:
Mental and physical challenges in restoration volunteering – Claire Cavender (Buckingham Canal Society) and Jenny Hodson (IWA)
Creating capacity for restoration – Chris Madge (Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust), George Rogers (Chesterfield Canal Trust), Terry Cavender (Buckingham Canal Society), and the IWA Restoration Hub High Level Panel
Diversifying your volunteer base – Jenny Hodson (IWA) and Darren Starling (Canal & River Trust)
Campaign and membership management within a small team – Lisa Mant (Cotswold Canals Trust)
This year, rather than a post-conference tour of a local restoration project, attendees took part in a walk around the local area during lunchtime which was led by John Pomfret. It also involved a display by members of the Canal & River Trust hydrology team who demonstrated their flume tank. After the walk, delegates watched a webinar and YouTube footage from the Angling Trust on invasive species clearance and also had time to network and share best practice tips with one another.
Attendees than enjoyed a brief update on the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign followed by a closing speech by IWA National Chair, Mike Wills.
We would like to thank Paul Rodgers for his excellent compèring of the event, the wonderful volunteers on the reception desk and in the car park, IWA Northampton Branch for their overall support, and Terry from Buckingham Canal Society for his support in the buildup to the event. Also thank you to everyone who attended on the day, we hope you got as much out of it as we, the organisers, did. We look forward to seeing you again next year at a new venue, with fresh topics inspired by the restoration field. Dates, venues and topics will be decided as soon as the team have had a chance to review the feedback from this year’s event and your suggestions for future ones.
Judged by photographers Kevin Maslin, Joe Dixey, Nicola Turner and Bobby MacKenzie.
We were delighted to receive over 150 entries to the 2023 photography competition! Amateur and professional photographers alike took part, and we received some fantastic photographs featuring Britain’s canals and rivers. Some photographs were taken using digital cameras whereas others used mobile phones. Significant advancements in technology have made photography a lot more accessible, which is good as it allows people from all walks of life to participate in competitions such as ours.
Photographs were submitted to the following four categories:
Our judging panel consisted of four exceptional waterways photographers, including Kevin Maslin who judged the competition in both 2022 and 2023. Kevin runs photography walks along the canal and his work has featured in BBC Wildlife and Waterways World magazines, as well as in the popular GeoProjects maps. He is a passionate supporter of the waterways and has attended a number of recent campaigning events including the Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) Campaign Cruises in Birmingham and Westminster last year. Kevin has very kindly given us permission to use these photographs in our FBW campaigning materials and elsewhere, such as on the front cover of the Spring 2024 edition of Waterways magazine, for which we are incredibly grateful.
We are also delighted to welcome Joe Dixey to our judging panel this year. Joe is a London-based portrait and documentary photographer who has worked with award-winning photographers such as Ewen Spencer and Phil Sharp. Joe’s photography combines authenticity and artistic skills to produce images that are unique and engaging as demonstrated by the photographs Joe captures at our events. Joe regularly photographs our annual Canalway Cavalcade event in Little Venice and also photographed our 2023 Festival of Water in Pelsall last year.
Joe and Kevin are joined by guest judge Nicola Turner; the winner of our 2022 Photography Competition. Her image of Marple on the Peak Forest Canal was chosen as the winning entry in the competition. After being shortlisted as the judge’s favourite from the British Waterscapes category, Nicola’s photograph beat over 300 entries to be crowned the overall winner of the competition.
Bobby Mackenzie completed the judging panel as our first ever young photography judge. Thirteen-year-old Bobby is one of the ‘Bluebells’, a family of four who live and continuously cruise on their narrowboat named Bluebell. Bobby and his family share their adventures through social media where they have built an impressive following under the name ‘by Bike & Boat’. Bobby is a keen waterways photographer who has captured an impressive selection of images while cruising with his family. We invited Bobby to take part on the judging panel this year in the hope that it may encourage the next generation to take to the towpaths and capture the incredible beauty of our waterways in their photography!
Congratulations to each of the category winners who will all receive £25 to spend in our online shop, plus IWA goodies. Please also join us in congratulating the overall 2023 Photography Competition winner: Nigel Essery, who submitted his photograph of Baswich on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal to the ‘Working Waterways’ category. Nigel will receive a print of his photo. A massive thank you to our judges: Kevin Maslin, Joe Dixey, Nicola Turner and Bobby MacKenzie, for judging the competition – and to everyone who entered. We hope you will enjoy seeing your photographs if they are used in our marketing materials, and that you are looking forward to our 2024 Photography Competition which will open later this year!
WORKING WATERWAYS – overall Photography competition winner
This is a great composition, with the orientation of the boat leading the eye into the photograph to focus on the man steering the boat. The subject of the photo is well framed with plenty of space around the boat and good light and colour in the photo. The colour of the surrounding vegetation contrasts well with the colours of the boat.
It’s clearly a working canal boat and both the boat and the man are characterful and interesting. A really attractive photo.
Although I’ve chosen this photo as the winner in the ‘Working Waterways’ category, the photographer submitted several other very strong entries in this category.
– Nicola Turner
PEOPLE OF THE WATERWAYS
Locking into teamwork at Milby Lock, Boroughbridge – Mervin Straughan
I selected this photo as it has an old-world charm to it, reminiscent of old paintings that depict people working in the landscape. It showcases the human aspect of the canal, reminding us that despite being a place for leisure, it still requires a lot of effort and dedication.
– Joe Dixey
PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS
This was a difficult category to judge, but I do accept that it wasn’t an easy one to interpret. Broadly speaking the entries needed to demonstrate how various man made and natural occurrences can have an adverse effect on the appearance, safety and attractiveness of our waterways.
Now I love old waterside buildings, as they give a sense of history, but when they fall into disrepair and become a potential navigation hazard, such as the former Hat Factory at Atherstone, the outlook becomes entirely different.
I like Marilyn Farmer’s image for two distinct qualities. Firstly, the reflection of the building in the water is full height. There can be a tendency to crop. Secondly the vivid high contrast blue sky is also reflected perfectly. It was clearly taken from onboard a boat and the only thing I would have done differently would have been to lose the handrail in the bottom left corner. But it’s a minor detail that could well have affected the composition as a whole and doesn’t detract from an otherwise excellent picture.
– Kevin Maslin
Hat Factory at Atherstone – Marilyn Farmer
River Wear – Taha Tariq
URBAN WILDLIFE
Our first ever ‘young photography judge’, Bobby Mackenzie, selected this photograph from Taha Tariq as the winner in the ‘Urban Wildlife’ category which contained over thirty entries. Taha’s photograph features the River Wear which crosses the city of Durham and passes alongside Durham University.
After many years of running successful Festival of Water events, several members of the committee are moving on and we now urgently seek volunteers to take on the roles listed below.
If you believe you have the skills and experience to take on any of the positions listed, we need you!
Event Chair – schedule event planning, develop project plan to ensure key tasks can be delivered on time, have oversight to ensure co-ordination of functions to deliver the event. Liaise with Finance and function managers before and during the FoW to ensure the event delivers on or better than budget.
Publicity Manager – working with IWA Head Office staff to manage publicity including posters, leaflets, local advertising near the site, local radio and social media. Produce the event brochure. Liaise with the local council to promote the event in council newsletters and potential banner and poster sites.
Attractions and Entertainments Manager – finding and booking entertainers for the entertainments marquee and booking attractions including children’s rides (within the restrictions of IWA Insurance). Liaise with the site manager regarding space needed on the event site for rides, arena, classic cars etc.
Catering Manager – find and book a suitable variety of caterers and manage caterers on site including positioning according to the site plan when they arrive on site. Liaise with publicity to promote the event.
Commercial Manager – find and book traders and exhibitors including charities and manage the traders on site including positioning stalls according to the site plan when they arrive on site. Advertise the event on appropriate websites for traders. Liaise with publicity to promote the event.
Finance Manager – manage the Festival finance including budgets and reports as necessary. Work closely with event chair to ensure the event in on or better than budget. Liaise with IWA Head Office Finance to ensure cost and income are correctly allocated and understood.
Volunteer Manager – contact any boaters and campers attending to find volunteers over the event for various tasks. Help in the information tent over the run up to, and over the event weekend, to allow the volunteers to fill the rotas for the tasks that need covering.
To find out more please send an email to dave.chapman@waterways.org.uk stating which post or posts interest you, and provide a brief outline of the experience and skills you would bring to the task.
At its AGM on Saturday 23rd September, IWA presented a number of awards to individuals and groups, celebrating their contributions to the Association and to the waterways. The Vivian Bulkeley-Johnson Salt prize, recognising an outstanding contribution to waterways freight, was awarded this year for the first time in a decade.
RICHARD BIRD MEDALS
Richard Bird Medals are awarded to members of the Association whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Association over a sustained period.
There were two recipients this year: Alan Smith and Dave Pearson.
Alan was nominated for his quiet background support for the vast amount of IWA work carried out by Christine Smith. Whilst that has been very important, it understates Alan’s contribution to IWA and the inland waterways. At Cavalcade he can always be found working on an information stand or some other part of the background work. He is also very knowledgeable about the inland waterways and is a regular contributor to the waterways press, often writing to correct errors that have appeared in print.
Dave Pearson has served on the Birmingham Black Country & Worcestershire Branch for over 10 years, with 4 years as chairman. He has supported many local and national events, enthusiastically acting as harbourmaster, a challenging job, on many occasions. He has been instrumental in developing and maintaining good relations between IWA and local waterways organisations such as the BCN Society and Coombeswood Canal Trust.
Dave largely initiated the Bradley Canal Restoration, acting as chairman during its recent phase and driving it forward. He also actively supports the Lapal Canal Restoration. He has a vast knowledge of waterways and other forms of transport which has been very beneficial to the branch and to IWA in general.
The Christopher Power Prize
The Christopher Power Prize is awarded to a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.
There is a cash prize associated with this award, which is given to a waterway restoration group associated with the winner, where the winner is a named individual. The aims and objectives of the group must be consistent with IWA’s aims and objectives. The trophy, a carved wooden otter, was presented to the Association by Volvo Penta.
This prize was awarded to John Dodwell who has nominated the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust to receive the cash prize.
Both the Trust and John are very deserving of this award.
John is Chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership which brings together various groups interested in completing the restoration of the Canal, including the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.
The Trust’s record for accessing substantial new sources of funding is outstanding, largely thanks to John’s in-depth knowledge of funders coupled with his skill in preparing bids. Funding the restoration of a canal that runs through 2 different countries – each with its own unique legislation and grant regimes – is a unique challenge.
The combination of contractors working alongside volunteers to ensure speedy delivery of new build and sympathetic restoration has proved highly effective.
The pace of progress over the past 5 years gives hope that we will see the full restoration of the Montgomery Canal achieved in the coming 5 years. As a result of his skilled leadership, the reputation of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust is at an all-time high.
Other major restoration groups are quick to praise John’s willingness to share his deep knowledge of SSSI’s and offer support in a discreet way. John is a highly effective ambassador for the wider inland waterways restoration movement.
The Branch Achievement Award
The Branch Achievement Award goes to the IWA branch which, in the opinion of a panel consisting of the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairmen and Chief Executive, has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the Association’s aims and objectives during the past year.
The award this year goes to the Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch. Not only have they carried out all their regular activities in terms of work parties and monitoring planning activities, but has also through its members been highly active in promoting the Fund Britain’s Waterways aspects of IWA’s Protect Our Waterways campaign, ensuring the success of the Birmingham Campaign Cruise in August, and also in the gaining of Heritage Inland Port status for Stourport.
The Vivian Bulkeley-Johnson Salt
The Vivian Bulkeley-Johnson Salt prize is awarded this year for the first time since 2013. It is awarded to the person or organisation who, in the opinion of Trustees, upon a recommendation from IWA’s Inland Waterways Freight Group, has made an outstanding contribution to the furtherance of commercial waterways transport in the United Kingdom. The trophy is a hall-marked solid silver salt, presented by Vivian Bulkeley-Johnson, a former IWA Treasurer from the 1950s and member of the Rothschild banking family, who financed the Willow Wren carrying operation.
This year it goes to John Spencer who runs GPS Marine, a successful family firm engaged in a wide range of inland waterways activities (based on the Thames and Medway).
John has been running a lobbying campaign to promote inland waterways freight across the board, certainly not limiting himself to GPS’s sphere of operation. He is largely responsible for the fact that pretty well all the commercial operators on the Thames are now running on HVO with the very substantial savings in emissions and particulates this represents.
Over the past couple of years, he has been extremely helpful in guiding the IWA Sustainable Boating Group with its trial work with HVO for use in inland waterways craft, and has won a wide range of freight, logistics and sustainability awards.
Subsequent to his nomination for the Salt, John has taken over as Chair of the Inland Waterways Freight Group and will be leading an active campaign to increase the use of the waterways for freight.
The Cyril Styring Trophy
The Cyril Styring trophy is the Association’s premier award and goes to an IWA member who has, in the opinion of Trustees, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the Association’s campaign.
This year it is awarded to Christine Smith.
Christine has worked in many roles in IWA and to all of them she has brought boundless quantities of enthusiasm and efficiency.
Christine was not only Deputy Chairman, but also Publicity Manager and Liaison Officer for Canalway Cavalcade for a number of years. Her devotion to her various roles within the Cavalcade team has meant that she has had more or less a full-time job for months at a time, but she has still found time to encourage others and has shown determination and resilience in the face of obstacles placed by statutory bodies. Christine has ensured the success of Canalway Cavalcade and has been largely responsible for it becoming such a major event.
In addition to Cavalcade, Christine was also Publicity Manager for the Festival of Water and, before moving out of London, served on the South London branch committee, helping to ensure the high quality of social events they run.
Christine has made an outstanding contribution to IWA and is a thoroughly deserved winner of IWA’s most prestigious award.
We have been following the progress of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society’s working boats Atlas and Malus as they take Fund Britain’s Waterways on tour. Read on to learn more about their remarkable voyage!
Birmingham Campaign Cruise
The boats started at the Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign Cruise which took place outside the Mailbox in Birmingham on 13th August.
It was here that Atlas and Malus joined approximately 50 other boats to stage a demonstration in support of the FBW campaign which calls upon national and local government to act now and protect the public benefit and natural capital of our waterways. The event was organised by volunteers working on behalf of Fund Britain’s Waterways, a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways.
The next stop for Atlas and Malus was the Brownhills Canal Festival which took place from 19th – 20th August. The event, which is organised by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, took place on the Wyrley & Essington Canal at Brownhills in the Black Country. For Atlas and Malus, the next step of the journey involved cruising on the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) from Birmingham city centre to Brownhills. They stopped at Titford Pumphouse and also moored overnight in Wolverhampton on their way to Brownhills Canal Festival.
IWA Festival of water
Following Brownhills, Atlas and Malus continued onwards to the IWA Festival of Water 2023 which was held in Pelsall over the August Bank Holiday weekend. While moored at the event on the Wyrley & Essington Canal, Atlas and Malus received a great deal of interest from festivalgoers who stopped by to admire these impressive boats and to learn more about the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign. They also welcomed members of the public aboard to have a look inside the traditional working boats.
Black Country Boating Festival
The end of August didn’t mean the end of the voyage for these two working boats however, as they continued the tour by attending the Black Country Boating Festival which took place in early September. It is an annual event which takes place at the Bumble Hole Nature Reserve on the Dudley No2 Canal. Throughout the duration of their voyage, Atlas and Malus sported the distinctive FBW boat banners and helped to raise awareness about the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign – not only at the events but also while en-route to each location! We thank the BCN Society for their support of the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign and for allowing Atlas and Malus to take #FBWonTour. Thank you also to the crew members that took part including: Steve King (Skipper), Mike Rolfe, Steve Melia and John Holian on Atlas and Mike Paine, Ann Wild and Phillip Wild on Malus.
Can you help volunteers extend the restoration towards the Welsh border?
Friday, June 2nd saw the long-awaited official re-opening of the Montgomery Canal navigation from Gronwen Bridge, near Maesbury Marsh, to the new basin at Crickheath Wharf. Some 60 official guests and a similar number of interested members of the public watched as North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Julian Glover cut the ceremonial ribbon across the canal from the bow of the steam launch Ictus.
At a reception on the wharf, Helen Morgan MP and Shropshire Council leader Lezley Picton praised the work of the volunteers who had spent eight years on this length of the restoration and unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, an outstanding fundraising effort has achieved the £1 million needed to rebuild Schoolhouse Bridge, the last remaining road bridge obstacle confronting the restoration between Crickheath and the Welsh border at Llanymynech. Contractors Beaver Bridges have excavated the infilled canal and begun work to reinstate an arched road bridge over the navigation. Completion is expected by Autumn 2023.
Volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS) have already started the next stage of the restoration from Crickheath Basin towards Schoolhouse Bridge, and the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and its partners in the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal group have launched a fresh appeal for funds to enable this effort to continue.
IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch is a member of the Restore the Montgomery Canal! group, along with SUCS and the Friends of the Montgomery Canal.
The fundraising push aims to raise £250,000 to fund the next stage towards Schoolhouse Bridge and beyond, and is again being endorsed by popular actors and TV personalities Timothy West and Prunella Scales. The appeal has already raised £50,000 towards its target and is now asking for support from well-wishers among the public.
The appeal leaflet will be included with IWA member communications as well as titles in the waterways press. Well-wishers can also donate online at www.localgiving.org/charity/restorethemontgomerycanal
Two influential boating figures from the Anglian Region have retired. Irven Forbes, Waterways Manager for the Environment Agency, and David Thomas Chief Engineer and CEO of the Middle Level Commissioners have both ‘hung up their boots’. They are replaced by Katherine Briscombe at the Agency and Paul Burrows at the MLC. Both Irven and David were friends to boating in the Anglian Region and we wish them happy retirements, just as we wish their successors, Katherine and Paul, the very best. Paul has come from the Environment Agency to the Middle Level. We strongly hope that these changes herald even closer working ties between the two Navigation Authorities. Initial indications are promising!
Siltation of the tidal Great Ouse between Denver crossing and Salter’s Lode is becoming an increasing problem, and has demanded an increasing frequency of dredging. Works on the tidal side of Denver Sluice coincided with the exit to Salter’s Lode Lock (downstream) becoming blocked and a hire boat grounding. This was quickly remedied with minimal interruption to boating. We are confident that ‘lessons have been learned’ and the risk of further blocking of Salter’s Lode minimised.
Prior to the clearing of Well Creek in the 1970s, The Old Bedford River was the only navigable link between the Middle Level and the River Great Ouse. This link was sadly lost when Welches Dam Lock was closed in 2006. A small, but determined, band of IWA members like to occasionally make passage up the Old Bedford River. This involves backing into the entrance and cutting through the silt with your propellor! Passage was last achieved in 2018 to coincide with the IWA Festival of Water in St Neots. On 2nd May Chris Howes & Christine Colbert (on Lily May) and Paula & Gerald Syred (on Platinum Fox) tried to again make passage. The siltation was 5ft up the tidal doors, and despite valiant efforts by contractors, it was impossible to get onto the Old Bedford River in the available tidal window. Thanks are due to everyone assisting, particularly Paul Separovic of the E.A. and Tom Lanarch (formerly Cams Conservators) of River and Rural Ltd.
Let’s hope the next attempt will be more successful !
A preferred site for the new Fenland Reservoir has recently been announced. This is on the Middle Level, North West of the junction of the Forty Foot Drain and the Sixteen Foot Drain. We are lobbying hard for Open Water Transfer (rather than sealed pipe). This offers the real chance of restoring boating to Welches Dam and the Horseway Channel, as well as providing a welcome and wide range of healthy outdoor leisure opportunities.
The Middle Level Commissioners invested a lot of time and effort in putting the Middle Level Bill through Parliament. This allowed them to charge boats wishing to use their waters a licence fee. Funds generated by the licence are ring fenced to be spent on the provision of navigation facilities on The Level. However because of unfortunate administration by Canal & River Trust, funds from the Gold Licence that should be going to improve facilities on the Middle Level are getting ‘lost’ and instead probably going to the Environment Agency. We are lobbying Canal & River Trust hard to remedy this clear injustice.
The small city of Ely with its shops, restaurants and glorious cathedral, has long been a popular stopping point on the river Great Ouse. The District Council enforce mooring time restrictions which in summer months ensure everyone gets a fair opportunity to moor for up to 48 hours. However in winter these same restrictions can appear over zealous. Ely District Council issues fixed penalty notices to over-stayers. We pointed out that when, this winter, the river was frozen, forcing boats to move was unreasonable and dangerous. The Council has now agreed to relax mooring restrictions when they have a ‘severe weather protocol’ in place.
Ben Di-Giulio, one of the two Denver Lock Keepers left in August, for another job within the EA. Ben will be greatly missed as a friendly face and knowledgable source of information. We all look forward to seeing the first picture of the new ‘management’ Ben, spruced up in shirt and tie, and wish him and his family the very best!
IWA returned to Pelsall this year for the first time since 2016. We welcomed visitors to our annual Festival of Water which was held at Pelsall North Common over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event attracted many hundreds of visitors throughout the weekend and was especially popular amongst families. Children enjoyed a range of activities – from having a go at driving a digger to testing their skills in the Arena with Giant Jenga, Connect 4, football and tug of war! Visitors didn’t go hungry, with an incredible choice of food and refreshments available including stone-baked pizzas, gourmet burgers, Caribbean street food and ice cream. Plenty of traders attended the festival, with numerous stalls selling everything from toys and books to marine engine parts, pet portraits, jams, chutneys, cookies and even bonsai trees. There were a number of charity stalls too with many promoting specific restoration projects in the local area and beyond including the Birmingham Canal Navigation Society (BCNS), Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT), and the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
The bar served a fantastic choice of beverages including ciders and ales. Trade was steady throughout the weekend and was spurred on by a good turnout for the Open Mic Variety Show and a superb programme of entertainment. There was never a dull moment in the Entertainments Marquee where local artistes and festival favourites performed including Miles & Margaret, The Buskateers, and Reflections.
Over 70 boats – from traditional working boats to modern narrowboats – all adorned with bunting, banners and flags – were moored on the Wyrley and Essington Canal in Pelsall. The variety and sheer volume of boats attracted a great deal of interest while the static Illuminated Boat Display proved very popular as festivalgoers enjoyed strolling along the towpath on Sunday evening to admire the vibrant spectacle.
Councillor Chris Towe, Mayor of Walsall, opened the festival on Saturday, saying how delighted he was to open the event and thanked the Inland Waterways Association for returning to Pelsall, remarking “what better a location than the Wyrley and Essington Canal”. The Mayor went on to explain how the canal is a valuable asset to the local community, having been there for 230 years.
Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge-Brownhills, also attended the Opening Ceremony. She welcomed everybody to Pelsall and hoped that they would have a great time as visitors did back when the event took place in 2016. She continued, “I know how important our canals are to us, not just in Pelsall and in Walsall but right across the Black Country and the West Midlands. Once a key part of our industrial heritage, they are now part of our local communities. We see them playing a part in the restoration of many of our local towns as well.”
Later on in the weekend, Jane Elwell, Chair of the organising committee, said: “We have between 70 and 80 boats here, all of whom have booked to come to the festival, including eight boat traders. There are also about 60 camping pitches.
“It has been a successful event. I think there would have been bigger crowds if the weather had stayed fine but that’s always the problem.”
At the Awards Ceremony on Monday afternoon four awards were presented:
Best picture coloured by a child aged 4 – 8 years was awarded to Alice
Best picture coloured by a child aged 9-13 years was awarded to Issy Patrick
The Ray Dunford Trophy for the best illuminated/decorated boat was awarded to Terry Smith for his narrowboat Moranwyl Phyllis, with commendations going to Bob and Mary Metcalf of Chedoona
The Offley and Slack Propellor Trophy, for the highest number of boats attending the festival, was awarded to the Boaters’ Christian Fellowship, with 14 boats
Thank you to everyone who attended Festival of Water 2023.
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and will look forward to seeing you again next year!
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street BACKS Birmingham campaign cruise where canal and river campaigners will descend upon ‘Britain’s Venice’ on Sunday 13th August
Boaters, walkers and other canal enthusiasts will converge in Birmingham to urge the government to adequately fund Britain’s waterways – and they want the public to get on board.
The flotilla, which will assemble for 12 noon on the canal frontage next to the Mailbox (B1 1RS), has been organised by a new campaign group called Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW). The coalition comprises more than 50 organisations including those representing boaters, anglers and other waterways users. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
It’s often said that Birmingham has more canals than Venice but their importance goes far beyond this famed statistic. Our vast and diverse canal network is a remarkable historical inheritance – cherished by the wildlife and local communities that exist around them and enjoy them today. I feel strongly that this very special legacy should be maintained, nurtured and celebrated for generations to come and I’m sure many fellow residents right across our region feel the same. That’s why I stand ready to work constructively with both local and national stakeholders to help ensure these unique waterways are preserved in the months and years ahead.
Birmingham alone has 35 miles of canals, many dating back to the 1700s. But many fell into decline when railways and roads took over the long-distance transportation of goods.
Thanks to the determination of passionate campaigners and thousands of volunteer hours, many have since been restored, boosting jobs and the economy with new residential developments alongside restaurants, bars and other businesses.
All this is under threat, say FBW’s campaigners. The government has announced it will cut £300m over the next decade from its grant to Canal & River Trust, which manages Birmingham’s waterways.
FBW’s Chair, Les Etheridge, said:
We want the prime minister to acknowledge the many social, economic and environmental benefits that Britain’s inland waterways provide and give his assurance that the government will intervene, where necessary, to ensure our rivers and canals remain fully open, navigable, safe and accessible for all. More than 8.5 million people (nearly 15% of the population) live on or within 1km of the waterways, and half of us live within 5km. In urban areas, the percentage is often much higher. Add to those figures the additional 10 million people who access the waterways for business, leisure, wellness or commuting, and it is clear that open, accessible and well-maintained waterways are vital for us all, and for Britain’s economy, ecology and wellbeing.
Ivor Caplan, one of the event organisers said:
I have lived on a narrowboat close to Birmingham and really appreciated the local heritage and contribution that these waterways made to the prosperity of the city. Along with many other residents on land and water, I enjoyed the green fingers that these canals provide between Birmingham and other West Midlands conurbations together with the varied environment that they support.
Visitors to the event will enjoy the great variety of boats, including some original working boats, as well as adding their voice to this vital campaign to ensure that these waterways are there to be enjoyed by future generations.
Inland Waterways Association Chief Executive, Professor Sarah Niblock, said:
The Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign is not just about boating. The risk to our canals and rivers is equally important for all towpath users. Do show your support for this campaign by coming along to the towpaths at the Birmingham Mailbox from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on Sunday 13th August. As well as enjoying the varied boats attending, there will be an online presentation explaining the importance of the campaign. A link will be added to this website nearer the date to access it, or via a QR code displayed at the event.
Notes to Editors:
The benefits of Britain’s inland waterways are documented in:
‘Valuing Our Waterways’ report published by the Canal & River Trust with social-value experts Simetrica-Jacobs, with all methodology aligning with 2022 HM Treasury Green Book valuation techniques (November 2022) https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/valuing-our-waterways
About Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW): FBW brings together a wide range of organisations with the sole purpose of campaigning collectively for an increase in government funding of Britain’s inland waterways to avert their decline, and to promote awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social wellbeing value they provide. Established in June 2023, it already has over 50 members representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways.
The Fund Britain’s Waterways Action Group issued the following press release on 11th July 2023 in response to a DEFRA announcement regarding Canal & River Trust Funding on 10th July 2023:
Fund Britain’s Waterways warns against the Government’s latest Canal & River Trust funding offer
After months of waiting for DEFRA to announce its decision on future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust (CRT), and less than a fortnight after the launch of Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), the Secretary of State has now confirmed that the Government plans at least to continue providing grant funding to CRT beyond March 2027 when the current grant comes to an end. Whilst this is welcomed, FBW members including the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) are deeply concerned that the Secretary of State has only gone as far to offer “over £400m” for the ten-year period from April 2027 which marks a further dramatic cut1. According to CRT it will equate to at least a 40% reduction of funding in real terms compared to recent levels2. The current funding, which has been fixed at £52.6m per annum since 2021, is already failing to keep up with inflation and the physical toll that more frequent severe weather is having on the waterways’ infrastructure.
DEFRA’s offer is simply not enough to avert the decline of CRT’s network, particularly given the charity already faces a deficit of £12 -15m. The grant it receives from DEFRA makes up almost a quarter of its income and is critical in helping it lever in other sources of income and fund its essential maintenance programme. As Richard Parry, Chief Executive of CRT, has said3 the proposed funding cuts from 2027/2028 will have a potentially “devastating impact”.
FBW is campaigning to ensure that beyond this Parliament there will be sufficient grant funding to retain the huge environmental, economic and social benefits that Britain’s inland waterways provide. That includes the 2,000 miles of waterways managed by CRT which alone contribute £6.1bn per year in economic and social value4. It is why, as part of FBW’s broader campaign, it will continue to work with CRT and others to encourage the Government to rethink this week’s funding announcement.
Les Etheridge, Chair of FBW, said:
The Government must take heed of CRT’s warnings. Otherwise, these proposed cuts will result in the closure of waterways, harming businesses and placing communities at risk as the condition of CRT’s waterways inevitably deteriorates.
IWA’s CEO, Professor Sarah Niblock, added:
The waterways renaissance has been one of the UK’s biggest success stories of the past 50 years on all levels. It is actually hard to find the words to express how devastated we feel and how fearful we are for the future in the wake of this decision. Sadly, the government don’t seem to have even referred to their own data on the sheer scale of benefits offered by the waterways to our economy, ecology and wellness. I urge everyone to express their concerns to their MPs as a priority.
About Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW): FBW brings together a wide range of organisations with the sole purpose of campaigning collectively for an increase in government funding of Britain’s inland waterways to avert their decline, and to promote awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social wellbeing value they provide. Established in June 2023, it already has over 40 members representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways – see below.
Contact: For further information, please contact the IWA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Niblock. Email: ceo@waterways.org.uk or call: 01494 783453.
Accessible Waterways Association, set up to inform, represent, and assist people who live with disabilities, impairments or accessibility issues, and who want to enjoy the inland waterways and their surrounding environments
Aqueduct Marina, an award-winning, 5 Gold Anchor, Clean Marina accredited narrowboat marina. Based on one of the best locations in the country on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal in Church Minshull. We are a full-service marina with a busy boat yard, brokerage caravan site and cafe
Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs, an affiliated group of boat clubs offering their members mutual facilities relating to boating on the inland waterways of England and Wales
Aylesbury Canal Society, promoting the use of and providing moorings on the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal for over 50 years. The Society and its members have always been involved in waterways campaigning, which is needed today as much as it was back in the 1970s when ACS was formed.
Basingstoke Canal Society, working to secure an environmentally sustainable long-term future of the Basingstoke Canal for the benefit of its users and the community
Bradley Canal Restoration Society, working toward the restoration of the Bradley Canal, from the Bradley Locks Workshop to the Walsall Canal at Moorcroft
Braunston Marina, a major centre for leisure craft and narrowboats at the crossroads of the Grand Union and Oxford Canals
British Canoeing, the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK
British Marine, trade body for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, representing 1400+ member businesses, through regional and group specific member associations which include:
British Marine’s Inland Boating Association withover 100 independent companies offering river and canal holidays on hire boats, hotel boats, plus passenger trip boats and business services
British Marine’s Passenger Boat Association representing all sectors of the passenger boat industry, including scheduled transport services, pleasure trips, private & business hire
The Broads Hire Boat Federation including operators of holiday hire cruisers and day-hire craft on the Norfolk Broads
British Marine’s London and Thames Valley Regional Association which has over 250 members, of which over 80 operate their business alongside the non-tidal and tidal River Thames
British Marine Inland Boating, formerly the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators APCO. The main trade body for inland waterway businesses, representing over 100 independent companies offering river and canal holidays on hire boats, day boats, hotel boats, passenger trip boats and business services.
Chesterfield Canal Trust, working to promote the full restoration and appropriate development of the Chesterfield Canal, and to campaign for the construction of the Rother Valley Link, a navigable waterway to join the Chesterfield Canal to the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation
Commercial Boat Operators Association, the prime trade organisation involved in the effort to sustain and increase freight carriage on our waterways for economic and environmental reasons
DBA – The Barge Association, the club for people interested in leisure and liveaboard barging on the inland waterways of UK and Europe
Electric Boat Association, championing the interests of electric boat owners
Fox Narrowboats, a long-established family business operating a marina in March in Cambridgeshire, providing narrowboat and day boat hire, and curating a comprehensive blog about Fenland waterways
Foxhangers, an established boatyard and hire fleet in Wiltshire employing approx. 35 people and providing 12,000 visitor nights each year, grown since its founding in 1997 following the restoration of the Kennet & Avon Canal after massive investment from British Waterways, local government, and the National Lottery
Great Ouse Boating Association, representing boaters on the rivers Great Ouse, Cam, Lark, Little Ouse, Wissey and associated East Anglian waterways of England
Historic Narrow Boat Club, a not-for-profit national club dedicated to preserving the working heritage of UK canals, from the boats themselves to details of the waterways on which they travel
Inland Waterways Association, the only independent, national charity dedicated to supporting and regenerating Britain’s navigable rivers and canals as places for leisure, living and business
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, the charity that restored the Kennet & Avon Canal which runs from Bristol to Reading and now operates 9 trip boats, including 4 for disabled passengers, and the world famous and fully operational Crofton Pumping Station
Kennet & Avon Trade Association, a local trade association for businesses operating on the Kennet & Avon Canal
Lowland Canals Association, aiming to promote the interests and wellbeing of boaters and other users of the lowland canals
National Association of Boat Owners, listening to boat owners, speaking out for boat owners, representing boat owners
National Inland Navigation Forum, a forum bringing together organisations with inland navigational interests
Newbury Boat Company, a family-run marina within a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Newbury
Norbury Wharf, located at the heart of the Shropshire Union Canal at Norbury Junction. Offering full boat yard facilities and hire boats all year round.
Residential Boat Owners’ Association, the only national organisation which exclusively represents and promotes the interests of people living on boats in the British Isles
River Thames Society, a charity formed in 1962 to help look after the Thames, for its protection and promotion from the source to the sea
Roving Canal Traders Association, a non-profit making organisation run to help support and promote the diverse array of existing and potential Canal & River Trust registered Roving Traders on our waterways
Royal Yachting Association, the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft, and a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising in the UK
Russell Newbery Register, started as an owners & enthusiasts club and formed to promote and preserve a valuable piece of Britain’s Industrial and Canal heritage & history
Shire Cruisers, a hire fleet and boatyard which helps customers to explore the Pennine canals and Yorkshire navigations
Shropshire Union Canal Society, working to maintain, improve and restore the Shropshire Union Canal network for over 50 years. The society’s activities include restoration work to open up the dry section of the Montgomery Canal in Shropshire, enhancement and maintenance work centred on Ellesmere on the Llangollen Canal, and bringing knowledge of the SU system to a wider audience through talks and guided walks.
Thames MotorBoaters Association, representing owners of powered craft registered on the non-tidal Thames
The Baldwin Trust, a small charity based in Leicestershire who provide therapeutic narrowboat cruises on Leicestershire waterways. With over 40 years of service to the community, in a typical season the Baldwin Trust gives over 2000 people, many of whom have mobility and other challenges, a very enjoyable day out on the water.
The Boating Association, set up over 70 years ago to promote co-operation and comradeship between all river users and all associated waterways, to ensure the extension, development and improvement of these waterways and of their facilities and amenities so as to make the waterways safer and more pleasant
Torksey Yacht Club, a small club based at the junction of the Fossdyke Navigation and the River Trent at the ancient village of Torksey
Trent and Mersey Canal Society, founded in 1974 when Harecastle Tunnel was closed, and repairs looked unlikely. Later we fought for the repair and re-opening of Anderton Boat Lift.
TrentLink, a discussion group of 1,600 cruising boaters of narrow boats to seagoing cruisers with a particular interest in the safe navigation of the tidal River Trent that links the “East Midlands” and “Yorkshire and North East” Canal & River Trust Regions
Wendover Canal Trust, bringing the Wendover Canal to life, by rebuilding and relining the canal, increasing biodiversity and attracting more people to enjoy our ever-improving green corridor and improve their wellbeing
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, the UK’s largest canal restoration project – 72 miles from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham in Wiltshire via Swindon to the River Thames Abingdon in Oxfordshire – estimated to deliver £50m economic benefit annually and £150m wellbeing benefit annually, when complete
Your Helmsman, a boat mover, helm instructor and boating coach
IWA is concerned about the thousands of jobs, health and wellbeing benefits and nature habitats that could be lost if our canals and rivers fall into disrepair due to government funding cuts following an announcement from DEFRA today. Our volunteers stopped the canal network from being concreted over in the 1950s and, since then, have supported and helped the restoration of 500 miles of navigable waterways with the opportunity to transform another 500 miles.
It’s estimated that 80,000 jobs are directly connected to Britain’s waterways, from canal side cafes to major housing, sporting and leisure developments, which collectively contribute £1.5 billion annually to the economy.
IWA issued this press release following the announcement and is now urging the public to write to their MPs to object to the Government’s announcement that it will reduce its maintenance and repair grant funding by more than £300 million in real terms over the next decade.
The Association’s National Chair, Les Etheridge, said:
Our waterways system is in very real danger of disappearing. If parts of the network fall into disrepair or close, this will be at the cost of the hundreds if not thousands of businesses that rely daily on waterways users.
He emphasised that DEFRA has cut Canal & River Trust funding at a time when the bill for maintaining these precious assets is actually growing exponentially, not falling, due to climate change and inflation:
Adverse weather events such as hot dry spells and storms have already damaged heritage buildings and structures and resulted in alarming rises in fish deaths in canals, where still water is particularly vulnerable to oxygen depletion. At a time like this, the Government should be protecting nature and wildlife, not turning its back on it.
DEFRA’s reduced grant allocation to the Canal & River Trust, the body responsible for managing and maintaining 2000 miles of UK waterways, has come in spite of much evidence accepted by the Government showing that blue-green spaces deliver substantial benefits to the economy, to individuals and communities, and to nature and biodiversity.
Our CEO, Professor Sarah Niblock, said:
We’re representing the needs of millions of people in the UK who rely on the waterways for their mental and physical health as well as for work, commuting and leisure. Among the people who will be worst hit by any decline will be those who are already most vulnerable such as those living in deprived areas, most of which have waterways running through them. In urban areas, the waterways offer some of the only glimpses of nature we get as well as a space for different parts of the community to interact.
The Environment Agency, which is funded mainly by DEFRA, received less than half the expected grant in aid funding which pays for their operational staff, maintenance work and major asset improvement or replacement projects.
Prof Niblock added:
Our inland waterways offer an incredible solution to many societal challenges – economic regeneration, addressing the mental health crisis, building community cohesion as well as mitigating the effects of climate change. The cost-benefit analysis of investment is irrefutable but it’s as if the government is now turning its back on this.
All of Britain’s waterways require considerable investment to maintain but, with some canals dating back 250 years, ageing infrastructure and the growing impact of climate change will lead to increasing repair backlogs and inevitable closures of sections of the waterways.
Mr Etheridge said:
We’re already seeing increasing and extended levels of closures and each one of those impacts businesses relying on passing trade.
The DEFRA offer of £400m over 10 years averages out as grant funding of £40m per year from 2028-2037, compared with the current £52.6m per year. At the level of spend on operating, maintaining and repairing waterways reported by CRT for 2021/22, IWA estimates that with an average grant reduction of £12.6m per year, the funding cuts would mean:
being unable to do winter maintenance on 586 miles of waterway
being unable to operate, maintain and repair 156 miles of waterway
that 50% of the spend on reservoirs will be unfunded.
Mr Etheridge said that the renaissance and popularity of the waterways is due in no small part to the work of tireless campaigners and volunteers over the past 75 years-plus, but that could soon be consigned to history.
IWA is running a campaign to Protect Our Waterways which you can learn more about here. The Association is also a founding member of Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways. FBW is campaigning for national and local government to act now and protect the public benefit and natural capital of our waterways. Visit the Fund Britain’s Waterways website to learn more.
Today IWA and its partners formally announced the formation of the Fund Britain’s Waterways Action Group (FBW) in a press release which can be viewed here. We had intended to launch the group in response to Defra’s announcement of the outcome of the review of government funding for the Canal & River Trust from 2028 onwards. However, despite being due in July 2022, the announcement has been repeatedly delayed. It is now clear that the situation is too urgent for us to wait any longer.
CRT’s government grant is fixed at its current level of £52.6m per annum until 2027. This already puts CRT in a difficult financial situation because of high inflation, the increasing impact of extreme weather resulting from climate change, and the substantial additional funding needed for reservoir maintenance in the wake of the near-collapse of the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir in 2019.
A decision by government to further reduce CRT funding would threaten real cuts in maintenance, potentially leading to decline and even closure of some waterways. It was the likelihood of this outcome that triggered the coming together of the waterways family to form FBW. Although it was CRT’s funding which provided the impetus, we are only too well aware that inadequate funding is by no means confined to CRT and is risking the whole waterway network. FBW will therefore be campaigning for all navigation authorities to receive appropriate funding.
IWA is giving its full support to FBW and is providing the secretariat and administrative functions. Our National Chair Les Etheridge is chairing the steering group, which comprises representatives of the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs, British Marine, IWA, NABO and the Royal Yachting Association. FBW already represents hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways, and membership will be broadened to include any organisation or individual with an interest in using or supporting inland waterways whether canal, river, tidal river or estuary. Plans are being made for high-profile campaign cruises and other activities, starting with a campaign cruise in Birmingham over the weekend of 12th – 13th August 2023.
Our CEO Sarah Niblock said:
Regrettably the government appears not to appreciate the case for maintaining our waterways properly, and it is the job of FBW to make sure that case is clearly heard and acted upon. It is heartening to see the waterways family coming together in their desire to take concerted action.
Our waterways need as many voices as possible to make the case for funding at a level to ensure that all the benefits documented in our Waterways for Today report can continue. Visit the Fund Britain’s Waterways page to see how you can get involved, and please also like, retweet and share our posts on social media.
Fund Britain’s Waterways calls on Government to stop inland waterways falling into disrepair
Britain’s unique and well-loved network of canals and navigable rivers is deteriorating because of inadequate funding. At a time of unprecedented challenges caused by the climate emergency and high inflation, government is failing to respond. Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways, is campaigning for national and local government to act now and protect the public benefit and natural capital of our waterways.
Management of Britain’s 5,000 miles of navigable inland waterways is fragmented. The Canal & River Trust (CRT) has the greatest responsibility covering 2,000 miles. It is already in a difficult financial situation with a fixed government grant of £52.6m per year until 2027. Defra was expected to confirm funding for 2028 onwards in July 2022 but has not yet made an announcement. Other waterways face similar problems: the Environment Agency is operating with £22m per year, one third of its identified requirement, and Scottish Canals has over £70m of maintenance work outstanding.
The consequences of failing to maintain waterway infrastructure were clearly shown by the evacuation of 1,500 local residents in case the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir collapsed in 2019. This event has shown the need for increased spend on CRT reservoirs of up to £25m per year, but it is as if the lessons have not yet been learnt.
The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the value of Britain’s inland waterways as people sought blue and green spaces to help recover. This was acknowledged in Defra’s own Environmental Improvement Plan, providing levelling up, economic, environmental, health and wellbeing benefits for us all.
The combined annual economic and social value of CRT waterways alone has been quantified as £6.1bn, including cost savings of £1.1bn for the NHS from active use of the waterways and towpaths.
Despite this greater understanding of their value, and the deteriorating state of the infrastructure today, the Government appears intent on significantly reducing its funding for the waterways, says Les Etheridge, Chair of the FBW steering group and National Chair of the Inland Waterways Association.
He said:
Government needs to recognise that saying they value the inland waterways is not enough to prevent their decline. Whilst we in FBW understand the financial pressures that everyone faces, the financial cuts are too deep, and adequate public funding needs to be allocated to maintain these national assets. FBW will be taking action starting with a campaign cruise in Birmingham over the weekend of 12th – 13th August 2023.
The initial member organisations of Fund Britain’s Waterways include:
Accessible Waterways Association, set up to inform, represent, and assist people who live with disabilities, impairments or accessibility issues, and who want to enjoy the Inland Waterways and their surrounding environments
Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs, an affiliated group of boat clubs offering their members mutual facilities relating to boating on the inland waterways of England and Wales
Basingstoke Canal Society, working to secure an environmentally sustainable long-term future of the Basingstoke Canal for the benefit of its users and the community
Braunston Marina, a major centre for leisure craft and narrowboats at the crossroads of the Grand Union and Oxford Canals
British Canoeing, the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK
British Marine, trade body for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, representing 1400+ member businesses, through regional and group specific member associations which include:
British Marine’s Inland Boating Association withover 100 independent companies offering river and canal holidays on hire boats, hotel boats, plus passenger trip boats and business services
British Marine’s Passenger Boat Association representing all sectors of the passenger boat industry, including scheduled transport services, pleasure trips, private & business hire
The Broads Hire Boat Federation including operators of holiday hire cruisers and day-hire craft on the Norfolk Broads
British Marine’s London and Thames Valley Regional Association which has over 250 members, of which over 80 operate their business alongside the non-tidal and tidal River Thames
Chesterfield Canal Trust, working to promote the full restoration and appropriate development of the Chesterfield Canal, and to campaign for the construction of the Rother Valley Link, a navigable waterway to join the Chesterfield Canal to the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation
Commercial Boat Operators Association, the prime trade organisation involved in the effort to sustain and increase freight carriage on our waterways for economic and environmental reasons
DBA – The Barge Association, the club for people interested in leisure barging on the inland waterways of Europe
Electric Boat Association, championing the interests of electric boat owners
Fox Narrowboats, a long-established family business operating a marina in March in Cambridgeshire, providing narrowboat and day boat hire, and curating a comprehensive blog about Fenland waterways
Great Ouse Boating Association, representing boaters on the rivers Great Ouse, Cam, Lark, Little Ouse, Wissey and associated East Anglian waterways of England
Historic Narrow Boat Club, a not-for-profit national club dedicated to preserving the working heritage of UK canals, from the boats themselves to details of the waterways on which they travel
Inland Waterways Association, the only independent, national charity dedicated to supporting and regenerating Britain’s navigable rivers and canals as places for leisure, living and business
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, the charity that restored the Kennet & Avon Canal which runs from Bristol to Reading and now operates 9 trip boats, including 4 for disabled passengers, and the world famous and fully operational Crofton Pumping Station
Kennet & Avon Trade Association, a local trade association for businesses operating on the Kennet & Avon Canal
Lowland Canals Association, aiming to promote the interests and well-being of boaters and other users of the lowland canals
National Association of Boat Owners, listening to boat owners, speaking out for boat owners, representing boat owners
National Inland Navigation Forum, a forum bringing together organisations with inland navigational interests
Newbury Boat Company, a family-run marina within a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Newbury
Residential Boat Owners’ Association, the only national organisation which exclusively represents and promotes the interests of people living on boats in the British Isles
Roving Canal Traders Association, a non-profit making organisation run to help support and promote the diverse array of existing and potential Canal & River Trust registered Roving Traders on our waterways
Royal Yachting Association, the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft, and a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising in the UK
Thames MotorBoaters Association, representing owners of powered craft registered on the non-tidal Thames
Torksey Yacht Club, a small club based at the junction of the Fossdyke Navigation and the River Trent at the ancient village of Torksey
with the stated intention of significantly widening membership of the Fund Britain’s Waterways action group to any organisation or individual with an interest in using or supporting inland waterways whether canal, river, tidal river or estuary (excluding navigation authorities).
The benefits of Britain’s inland waterways are documented in:
‘Valuing Our Waterways’ report published by the Canal & River Trust with social-value experts Simetrica-Jacobs, with all methodology aligning with 2022 HM Treasury Green Book valuation techniques (November 2022) https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/valuing-our-waterways
Hundreds of volunteers give their time to support the waterways through IWA. Each year, a number of these volunteers are nominated for and presented with IWA’s national awards. The awards are a way of recognising the amazing work carried out by our supporters throughout the year, and over longer periods of time too.
Nominations for the 2023 awards are now open. From fundraising efforts to restoration endeavours, it is time to say thank you for the contributions that we simply could not do without.
Nominations for the 2023 awards are invited from members, branches and regions and should be emailed to awards@waterways.org.uk or posted to Awards Panel c/o IWA Head Office, Unit 16B, Ground Floor, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham, HP5 2PX by 30th June 2023. Award nominations are then considered by an Awards Panel nominated by trustees and recommendations made to trustees for final approval.
The winners of the 2023 awards will be announced at the national AGM in September.
Award Categories
Cyril Styring Trophy – this is the Association’s premier award and is presented to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Association’s Campaign.
John Heap Salver – the Association’s major fundraising award, the John Heap Salver, is given to an IWA member who has made an outstanding contribution to raising funds for the Association.
Christopher Power Prize – this prize is awarded to the person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an amenity waterway.
Richard Bird Medals – these medals are awarded to members whose efforts and support are considered to have brought considerable benefit to the Association over a sustained period.
Click here to learn more about the award categories.
The early bank holiday in May saw the 40th anniversary celebration of the annual Canalway Cavalcade festival taking place in Little Venice, London. Glorious weather on the opening day of Canalway Cavalcade 2023 saw over 8,000 visitors to the event with 120 boats shimmering in the Pool and along the Grand Union Canal. People from all walks of life came together to share their passion for waterways with narrowboats, both modern and historic, moored alongside widebeam boats in the Pool. Continuous cruisers, liveaboards, and leisure boaters, locals and those from further afield gathered to highlight why it is so important that we #ProtectOurWaterways at this time of urgent need.
The long weekend included a packed schedule as always with a unique selection of events and activities. Stallholders and food stands brought a variety of crafts and interest to the event this year, most being based locally to Little Venice. Particular highlights included many regular attendees such as hand-woven baskets made by WoodWoolWillow, Peruvian delights by Inkas Craft, Handmade by Janet, and our regular Candle Powered Victorian Steamboats. Visitors were treated to many delicious treats too, including the vibrant Caribbean Hut, mouth-watering Mr Bombay and the delectable Greek Souvlaki. As with each year we also welcomed the ever-professional Jervis team and their real ale bar, the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon in the sunshine.
At 1.30 on our first day Libby Bradshaw, Ceremonial and Children’s Activities Manager, introduced the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, who welcomed everyone to the City of Westminster and thanked IWA for putting on the event. Richard Parry, Chief Executive of Canal and River Trust followed with his thanks. Our National Chairman, Les Etheridge, welcomed everyone to the event, paying special attention to the dedication of volunteers for organising the event. And finally Tom Claydon, Chair of the Organising Committee, thanked the volunteers, Committee members and supporters whilst also encouraging attendees to volunteer for our 2024 event. Wrapping up the presentation, Libby asked Councillor Hamza Taouzzale to ring the bell to formally open the festival. This was echoed by cheers around the Pool, the ringing of bells and horns, and the start of the Pageant.
In Rembrandt Gardens children and adults alike were entertained by Punch and Judy, a circus workshop, and the legendary Alarum Theatre with pieces such as “A Century of Boatwomen”. Faces were being painted and there was plenty of learning and joviality in the marquee over the weekend. Sunday saw the wonderful Teddy Bears’ picnic in the beautiful surrounds of the garden and the sun warmed the crowds almost the whole weekend. Other children and young people’s activities were led by the Pirate Castle from Camden, with Paddlesports taking place across the 2023 Canalway Cavalcade weekend.
This year the evenings brought a vibrant celebration of boating too. Friday night was the regular quiz, a packed tent for our annual Martin Ludgate extravaganza – raising nearly £100 from the raffle for the IWA. Saturday night saw the first variety night led by Mark Saxon our Commercial Manager, welcoming 25 brilliant artists performing spoken word and live music. On Sunday evening Craig Haslam once again excelled as Master of Ceremonies for the Procession of Illuminated Boats, where the boaters covered their craft with as many lights as would fit to the delight of hundreds of spectators standing on the Horse Bridge and around the Pool. A particular highlight included the Canal Dream Company and Slash Arts aboard the Boat Fit Co widebeam 2 Crew and A Cockapoo whose awe-inspiring laser, light and interpretive movement display blew the spectators away. We were delighted to welcome the Canal Dream Company for the second year, their programme throughout the 2023 Canalway Cavalcade weekend thrilled everyone who saw their performances and we thank them so much for their participation.
On Monday afternoon, the 2023 Canalway Cavalcade awards were presented by John Edmonds, Vice President of IWA London Region.
Marcus Boudier Trophy
For the best decorated privately entered boat in Saturday’s themed Pageant, was awarded to Chedoona owned by Bob and Mary Metcalf
Runner up: Thyme, owned by Elizabeth Jones
The Ray Dunford Buckby Can Trophy
For the best decorated boat entered by a waterway or community group:
Sola Gratia, steerer Tim Clarke
The Cruise Electric Trophy
For the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening’s Procession:
Tros Yr Afon, steerer Phil Gaskell
Runners up: The Canal Dream Company and the Slash Arts Team aboard 2 Crew and a Cockapoo, owned by Calum Henderson
The Graham Capelin Award
For the best entry by a boater who has not previously taken part in either the Saturday Pageant or Illuminated Boats:
Badger, owned by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon
Runner up: Lucky Chance, owned by Chris Pratt
The Westminster Trophy
Donated by the City of Westminster for the winner of the Boat Handling Competition:
Middlesex, steerer Robin Hendley
Runner up: Emu, steerer Ben Partridge
The Roger Squires Trophy
Presented by St Pancras Cruising Club in recognition of Roger’s 10 years as their Commodore, it is awarded to the best novice competitor in the Boat Handling Competition:
Moonraker, steerer Daniel McKnight
Runner up: Badger, steered by Naomi Goldsmith Dixon
The Mike Stevens Memorial Trophy
Goes to the “Best Boat” at Canalway Cavalcade, selected from all the boat entries at the event, it is awarded in recognition of Mike’s outstanding contribution to IWA and Canalway Cavalcade during his lifetime:
Tugby, owned by George Cutting
The Idle Women Shield
Sponsored by Jan Knox, proprietor of Canal Experience Training School, the shield was awarded to Freebird, steered by Cath Jennings
Runner up: Uplander II, steered by Sarah Honeysett
The Vic Trott Memorial Trophy
Awarded for the best Boaters’ Sunday Best costume. This year, it was awarded to the Moore family.
Tom Claydon, Chairman of the IWA Canalway Cavalcade Organising Committee said:
It’s wonderful to welcome everyone to the 40th Anniversary of IWA Canalway Cavalcade, an incredible milestone for this unique spectacle in the heart of London’s waterways. This event would not be possible without the 10,000 hours of dedicated volunteer time, and I thank each and every person for making this such a great success. Soon we start planning for 2024 and we need you to join us to make it happen! Find out how on our website.
Details about next year’s event will be released shortly. In the meantime, read on to find out how you can join the fantastic team behind this event.
Join the Committee
Do you love Canalway Cavalcade and would like to be a part of the team behind the scenes?
We are incredibly thankful for all of their hard work and dedication as a huge amount of effort goes into organising an event of this scale. In order for it to go ahead next year, we urgently need to fill several vacancies on our organising committee.
Roles include:
Chair of the committee
Marketing & Publicity Manager and Assistant
Liaison Officer
Commercial Manager
Secretary
Treasurer
Site & Services Assistant
There is already a superb team in place but we need extra support to make sure no one becomes overloaded. Having the organising committee at full capacity will ensure that Canalway Cavalcade remains a really fun and interesting event to be involved with!
Additional information including job roles are available on request. All vacancies are voluntary roles. Meetings are held once a month on Zoom and become more frequent in the run up to the event.
If you fancy getting involved, please contact us with a short description of your experience/interests. Make sure to indicate which role you think would suit you best.
Trustee Applications for 2023 are now open. We are seeking applications from candidates who demonstrate the experience and skillsets that will be needed over the next three years to complement the skills of existing Trustees on the Board and to fill any vacancies.
The role of the Association’s Trustees is to optimise the charitable benefit achieved in fulfilment of its charitable objectives. As a member of the Board, an individual Trustee’s role is to use their skills and judgement to work collectively with the other Trustees to:
ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
comply with the charity’s governing document and the law
act in the charity’s best interests
manage the charity’s resources responsibly
act with reasonable care and skill
ensure the charity is accountable
The opportunity will be further promoted on social media, through our newsletters, as well as through wider advertising. We are particularly seeking applications from individuals who are skilled in the areas of finance, fundraising, social media or Inland Waterways Association knowledge in this round of recruitment, but welcome applications from individuals with any experience they believe is valuable to the Association.
If you are interested in applying, the full applicant information pack is available here or can be obtained from IWA Head Office. Applications will close at midnight on 11 June and all applicants are asked to apply through providing a cover letter, completed skillset framework and CV to the Chair of the recruitment panel, Hannah Sterritt, at Hannah.sterritt@waterways.org.uk or via post to IWA Head Office: Unit 16B, Chiltern Court, Asheridge Road, Chesham, HP5 2PX
IWA is deeply concerned about the threat to our waterways posed by funding cuts, with for example Canal & River Trust and Scottish Canals financial situations being especially critical. Despite being recognised in the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, the condition of the waterways continues to deteriorate while government funding is decreasing.
Canals and rivers are valuable assets which can contribute to the country’s economic recovery, help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enrich the lives of local communities, as highlighted in our #WaterwaysforToday report. Ongoing funding is therefore critical if we are to not only save the waterways for today, but for the future too.
History tells us that without boats travelling along them, waterways silt up and become dirty rubbish tips. Without proper maintenance reservoirs, aqueducts, and embankments deteriorate, resulting in communities being put at increasing risk of water damage from a failing infrastructure. The added threat of climate change will only worsen the situation as severe flooding and breaches become more commonplace.
IWA is calling on national and local government to fund all waterways at a level that keeps them as major assets that can continue to contribute to the economy, peoples’ health and wellbeing, and coping with the climate crisis.
IWA will:
Raise awareness of the threat through national, local, and social media
Petition to protect our waterways from the risks funding cuts will create
Ensure Members of Parliament and local politicians are fully aware of the benefits of the waterways and the threats to them
Arrange high profile events and activities including waterways festivals and towpath stalls
Be ready to work with government to offer knowledge and expertise and solutions to improve and maintain our waterways both now and in the future
Collaborate with communities and organisations that share our passion for the waterways to widen support for the #ProtectOurWaterways campaign
Continue to provide practical assistance in the maintenance and improvement of waterways
The waterways of today would not exist without IWA who, over many years, ensured that they were saved and enhanced. Millions of hours of volunteer time and effort along with lottery funding have been invested in revitalising the waterway network. IWA will not let that network fall into disrepair again.
Our waterways benefit millions of people in the country, and it is essential that government continues to invest in them to ensure that these benefits can be maintained and increased.
To join the campaign and help to #ProtectOurWaterways, visit our campaign page here or contact protect@waterways.org.uk
IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade will return to London’s Little Venice for a 40th anniversary celebration between 29th April – 1st May 2023. The event is held annually over the three days of the early May Day Bank Holiday and is a vibrant waterways celebration. London’s Little Venice will be transformed with hundreds of colourful boats, live music, refreshment stands, craft stalls and family activities!
Boat bookings are now open for this unique festival – you can book online or download an application form from our website. The Canalway Cavalcade committee are seeking new members and volunteers so please do consider joining the fantastic team behind one of the most successful and best attended inland waterways events in the country.
Current vacancies include:
Marketing & Social Media Assistant
Secretary
Site & Services Assistant
Treasurer
All roles above require attendance at around 8 committee meetings per year, and the need for general availability during the week to take on duties attributed to the role. You will of course also be required to attend the event too.
For more information, or to register your interest in a committee role, please contact Christine Smith – christine.smith@waterways.org.uk.
If you are interested in helping out as a volunteer at the event, please complete our contact form here.
The IWA Events Committee needs your help ahead of the 2023 Festival of Water. The three-day event takes place every August Bank Holiday, and is organised and staffed entirely by volunteers. It is an opportunity each year to remind the public of everything IWA does and everything that only IWA can do for the waterways. The event is free to the public and there are live performers in the Entertainments Marquee all weekend, as well as plenty of activities for both adults and children. We attract about a hundred boats and nearly as many campers.
We also have to attract a good selection of caterers, traders and exhibitors, and this is one area where we need your help – it’s a major income stream for the Festival.
Jane Elwell, the Chair of Events, has taken on the job of recruiting caterers and traders as well as all her other responsibilities. We really need someone to take on this role, initially of course with Jane’s help. We have a core group of traders and caterers who attend every year, and we would like to reach out and add to this group, looking especially for local businesses and charities to engage with the local community.
It’s not just recruiting and selling space – someone has to record and manage traders’ application forms and their requirements for space, power and water, as well as liaising with the site team on the allocation of spaces. We can tailor the role to suit the volunteer, and in the past caterers and traders have been managed by two different volunteers.
We also need a volunteer to identify sources of grant funding and sponsorship. Finding grants that are available could become a valuable source of extra income, and so could local businesses prepared to sponsor us. We would have to make sure that we comply with any terms attached to grants, and also that any grants and sponsorships are properly acknowledged and publicised, in our programme or on banners, for instance.
For more information about volunteering as a committee member for the 2023 Festival of Water, please get in touch with IWA National Treasurer, John Butler: john.butler@waterways.org.uk
The first ever hybrid meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways (APPGW) took place on Wednesday 2nd November, with MPs in a meeting room in Westminster while representatives of waterway organisations were able to join by video link.
The hybrid APPGW meeting was chaired by Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield and APPGW Chair, and was also attended by Heather Wheeler MP for South Derbyshire, Wendy Morton MP for Aldridge and Brownhills, and Suzanne Webb MP for Stourbridge. Other MPs and peers joined by video or sent representatives to attend on their behalf.
The main purpose of the meeting was to highlight to MPs the importance of waterway funding, particularly in the context of DEFRA’s review of Canal & River Trust’s grant funding which is currently taking place.
As Richard Parry, Chief Executive of Canal & River Trust, explained in his presentation, the outcome of the DEFRA review will be critical for Canal & River Trust’s long-term financial position, with the current grant funding contract only in place until 2027.
Richard gave an overview of the Trust’s achievements during its first ten years, and explained the importance of the Trust’s waterways to the 9 million people who live within a 10 to 15 minute walk of them. He also highlighted the importance of the inland waterways to the government’s plans for ‘levelling up’, with 61% of households within 1km of their waterways experiencing wellbeing inequalities.
Richard also outlined the wider benefits that waterways can bring through access to the outdoors, mobilising volunteers and community support, water transfer, waterborne freight and helping to tackle climate change. New research published in Canal & River Trust’s new Valuing our Waterways report, shows that their waterways provide £4.6 billion in social value each year, as well as £1.5 billion in annual economic value.
Our Chief Executive, Jonathan Smith, then gave a presentation detailing our new report: Waterways for Today. This report demonstrates how the country’s network of 5000 miles of inland waterways can all contribute to the country’s economic recovery. It details the 12 most significant benefits that the inland waterways can bring to our economy, environment, local communities and lives. The target audience for the report is politicians, at national, devolved and local level. Jonathan outlined the key recommendations identified in the report, which has been sent to all MPs with waterways in their constituencies.
A lively Q&A session followed, with questions raised by waterway organisation representatives and discussed by the MPs and presenters on subjects such as the impact of climate change on the costs of maintaining safe waterways, heritage structures at risk and how waterways under restoration and those run by other navigation authorities can also get better support from government.
The meeting closed with the MPs agreeing to put in requests for an adjournment debate on the subject of waterway funding and the other issues discussed during the meeting.
Thank you to IWA members who encouraged their MPs to attend in person.
All Party Parliamentary Groups are informal cross-party groups that are run by and for Members of the Commons and Lords. Groups can decide to invite non-parliamentarians to their meetings, but they are not public meetings. Since the first Covid lockdown the APPGW meetings have been held entirely online until now, allowing many more waterways organisations to be invited than was the case when the meetings took place in small meeting rooms at Westminster.
The next National Trailboat Festival is planned to take place in 2024, and sites are under discussion about sites for 2025 and 2026. An announcement for the 2024 Festival should be made in late 2023.
Trailboat Festivals are very useful for drawing attention locally and nationally to restoration or improvement projects. In addition to a greater awareness of the project, these events can draw local political attention to successful restorations and also provide a source of additional income. When people see others gathering and the tranquil movement of pleasure boats – illuminated at night and decorated with bunting and flags – on even a small part of their previously disused canal, it gives a lot of pleasure. It adds considerably to the quality and tone of the locality – urban or rural. It leaves people wanting to see further improvement and attracts more supporters for the restoration project.
For those interested to host a Trailboat Festival in future years:
There is no set design for a Trailboat Festival as its very nature will depend upon the waterway being promoted. These events depend in part on the availability of volunteers, financial resources, and the extent of support from local politicians and the community. We have members and supporters in all parts of the country, and can certainly ask those who are local to you if they are willing to help with preparation. A Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) team could be available if requested, depending on availability, to provide manual assistance in constructing, running and dismantling as they have people who have been putting on events for many years and may be available to give advice in person, over the phone or by email. We may also be able to free loan a two-ton trailer full of the sort of gear necessary to stage an event, although a 4×4 vehicle with a tow bar is required to collect it. Some marketing for the event can be carried out centrally as part of our programme of events which is advertised each year, and our website can also be used. You can apply to our Finance Committee for help with your early organising costs.
The format for applications is to submit a written request but the first step is to check that you have the basic facilities available. Please email the Trailboat Officer for a list of required facilities. As each event tends to be unique to its waterway and to its organising committee, all we need at the outset is an Outline Proposal of your Trailboat Festival Plan. We will send you advice on what this should cover and an example for guidance. To secure the approval and support of IWA, it is necessary for us to feel sure the event is likely to take place and that the event is planned properly. Organisers will need to plan several years ahead and have a suitable budget in place. For assistance with answering the questions in the application, just email iwa.trailboat.festivals@gmail.com. We are continuously looking for applicants for Trailboat Festivals up to 4/5 years in advance to allow plenty of advertising time.
Judged by photographers Kevin Maslin, Margaret Beardsmore, Derek Pratt and Alan Stopher.
We were delighted to receive over 300 entries to this year’s photography competition! Amateur and professional photographers alike took part, and we received some fantastic photographs featuring Britain’s canals and rivers. Some photographs were taken using digital cameras whereas others used mobile phones. Significant advancements in technology have made photography a lot more accessible, which is good as it allows people from all walks of life to participate in competitions such as ours.
Photographs were submitted to the following four categories.
Our judging panel consisted of four exceptional waterways photographers including both Derek Pratt and Kevin Maslin who judged the competition last year. Derek is the author of several books and articles on canal and river photography, and has a library of over 80,000 photos taken over a period of 45 years. Kevin runs photography walks along the canal and his work has featured in BBC Wildlife and Waterways World magazines, as well as in the popular Geo Projects maps. Derek and Kevin are joined by Margaret Beardsmore; a Staffordshire-based photographer and canal-enthusiast. Margaret has been volunteering with IWA for over 25 years, being both a committee member and a leader of local work parties. Margaret is a Licentiate with the Royal Photographic Society and enjoys capturing landscapes, nature and people. She also held a Waterways Webinar on the art of waterways photography in 2020. Alan Stopher completes the judging panel as a guest judge. He won last year’s photography competition with his photograph of boaters waving at a train crossing the River Ouse in York. Alan is also a member of his local photography society in Huddersfield.
Congratulations to each of the category winners who will all receive £25 to spend in our online shop, plus IWA goodies. Please also join us in congratulating the overall photography competition winner: Nicola Turner, who will receive a print of their photo. A massive thank you to our judges: Kevin Maslin, Margaret Beardsmore, Derek Pratt and Alan Stopher, for judging the competition – and to everyone who entered. We hope you will enjoy seeing your photographs if they are used in our marketing materials, and that you are looking forward to our 2023 Photography Competition next year!
British Waterscapes – overall Photography competition winner
Landscape photography is all about capturing the light, and this wonderful image portrays that in spades. Nicola Turner was the early bird who caught the worm and her superb morning study of the Peak Forest Canal ticks all the right boxes. The diagonal composition leads the viewer’s eye into the picture and the low Winter sun filtering through the skeletal trees and picking out the details of the moored boats adds that touch of magic. The fact that this shot was taken on a camera phone reinforces my belief that it’s the photographer’s skill and not the equipment which makes a successful photograph.
– Kevin Maslin
Marple, Peak Forest Canal – Nicola Turner
Old Meets New
River Severn at Upton upon Severn – Teresa Fuller
This is an excellent image, well composed and with good exposure. The attractive boats in the foreground give interest and colour. The curve of the modern bridge provides the ‘new’ part of the brief, while there are several references to the ‘old’ element.
The couple standing on the bridge looking down at the river encourage us to look into the distance to see the traditional boat heavily laden with aggregate coming towards us.
But the ‘pièce de résistance’ is the modern lorry on the bridge carrying old steam engines. A very attractive image, well seen and well executed. Congratulations to Teresa.
– Margaret Beardsmore LRPS
Living Waterways
Digital photography has made everyone a photographer regardless of whether you’re using a digital camera or a mobile phone. This was particularly true for the Living Waterways category where the quality of photographs submitted was so great that I found it difficult choose the best one.
This photo of a boat crossing an aqueduct fits the bill as Roger has used diagonals to lead the eye to a focal point which is the boat.
– Derek Pratt
Iron trunk Aqueduct – Roger Agnew
Rochdale Canal Milepost at the entrance to Bottomley lock, S is for Sowerby Bridge – Gillie Rhodes
Heritage Details
Gillie’s image fully satisfies the requirement for portraying a heritage detail but in doing so gets so many other things right. The lighting is good in that it avoids harsh shadows, the viewer can see the texture of all the stone from which it is fashioned as well as that of the wall which gives context to the scene. I loved the way that the milestone was shown off-centre and balanced by the grasses to make an effective composition and the colour palette is easy on the eye. Well done!
Winners of the Inland Waterways Association National Awards were announced at this year’s AGM. The awards are presented annually to volunteers and groups who have made a significant impact through the work they do and their overall commitment to IWA. Please join us in congratulating the winners of the 2022 awards:
Cyril Styring Trophy
This is the Association’s premier award. It is presented to an IWA member who has, in the opinion of trustees, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the Association’s campaigns. The recipient of this year’s Cyril Styring Trophy is John Fevyer.
We think that it is fair to say that due to John’s efforts over a prolonged period of time, IWA has been able to reliably promote its campaigns all over the country in a way that would not have been possible without his superhuman and consistently reliable efforts.
John has worked tirelessly for many years to ensure IWA has a presence at events such as Canalway Cavalcade, Festival of Water (and its predecessor National Waterways Festivals), IWA Campaign Festivals , Trailboat Festivals, AGMs and also at non-IWA events such as the London Boat Show, Boat and Caravan shows at the NEC in Birmingham, the Crick Boat Show, the Braunston Historic Boat show, the Rickmansworth Festival and various other events. John joined IWA in 1970 and has worked at IWA events every year since he attended Earls Court Boat show in 1972!
He ensures that the appropriate display panels and equipment arrive at an event in good time and frequently works long hours to load, drive and unload the hire van and then, after a drive of 2-3 hours, assists local volunteers to set up marquees, display stands and sales items such as boxes of books and maps. He then does all of this in reverse at the end of a show!
Christopher Power Award
An award for a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway. This year, we presented the award to Terry Cavender from Buckingham Canal Society.
Terry regularly organises and attends up to two work parties per week. This involves preparing plant and material for tasks as well as obtaining machinery for the society. He trains members of the society to operate this machinery while also proposing them for courses.
Terry chairs regular committee meetings and attends various events throughout the year to promote the canals such as council meetings, college/work/volunteering talks, and civic events. He liaises with Canal & River Trust, local councils and other bodies to promote and apply for permissions to further the restoration of the Buckingham Canal. Terry also develops and organises work days on the canal for companies and organisations. He is also a member of IWA’s Restoration Hub‘s High Level Panel.
Branch Achievement Award
This award is for the IWA branch which has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the Association’s aims and objectives during the past year. The Branch Achievement Award went to IWALichfield Branch this year although there were many strong contenders including West Country, North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, Northampton and the newly invigorated West Riding Branch with their campaigning on Salterhebble Lock.
IWA Lichfield Branch has a strong team who work in conjunction with Canal & River Trust to cut back the off-side vegetation once a week over the winter months. Their Planning Officer responds to 200+ planning matters per year and is the lead on HS2 for IWA . The branch has close links and donates money to all the canal restoration societies in their area. Several branch members man the national IWA sales and recruiting stand at various venues around the country: Crick Boat Show, Festival of Water and Canalway Cavalcade. Members actively recruit new supporters for IWA within their branch area and have regular monthly meetings over the wintertime. They also organise walks at least 6 times per year for members and non-members, and publish an interesting branch magazine every quarter. Above all, the members of Lichfield branch enjoy themselves!
Richard Bird Medals
The Richard Bird Medals were presented to members whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Association over a sustained period. The 2022 award recipients are as follows:
David Carrington
David joined the Finance Committee in 2009 and became a member of the Investment Working Group, which he has subsequently chaired for the last 10 years. His financial advice and experience have been invaluable to IWA. David has also been a director of Essex Waterways Limited since 2013.
Mike Elwell and Jane Elwell
Mike and Jane Elwell were part of the supplies team for the old National Festival for several years. They have since been key members of the Festival of Water team since 2014, where Mike looked after finances until 2018. Jane has taken on various roles over the years including Supplies Director from 2014 and then Chair from 2017.
Sue Schwieso
Sue has recently retired from IWA Kent & East Sussex Branch committee. She joined the committee in 2005 where she immediately offered to take the vacant role of Social Secretary. She typically organised a social event every two months from September to May, with free entry to members of all waterway groups and to the public at large. Events were mostly funded by raffles to be financially neutral. Sue organised a variety of venues for the event, located throughout the wider branch area. Several group visits were arranged to places including the Royal Gunpowder Works, the Cross Ness Steam Pumping Station and a meal and boat trip up the River Rother to Bodiam. Sue has also been an active member of the Thames and Medway Canal Association with her husband.
John Hawkins
John has been a director of Waterway Recovery Group for over 30 years, during which time he has organised printed materials with help from his wife Tess (who has now sadly passed away). This has involved physically printing and collating not only Navvies, but all WRG’s leaflets from his garden shed up until very recently! John has also worked on very many WRG weekends and Camps on restoration projects throughout the country.
Mike Slade
Mike moved to Bridgwater around 2013 and it wasn’t long before he joined IWA West Country Branch and subsequently became the Volunteer Co-ordinator. Under Mike’s leadership the work parties went from strength to strength and have now recovered completely from the hiatus caused by Covid. Mike manages almost 100 registered volunteers and runs between 2 or 3 work parties every week at either the Bridgwater or Taunton ends of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal or at Langport. The Branch has two 5-mile adoption agreements with Canal & River Trust and an agreement with Somerset County Council for the volunteer work at Bridgwater Docks. Mike also runs a separate Facebook page for the volunteers, which has more than 400 followers. Mike and his volunteers have won a number of awards and many accolades for their work. Their recent awards include the Keep Sedgemoor Tidy Award as well as an award from the Canal & River Trust for the branch achieving 25,000 hours of volunteer work to date.
Sue Schwieso and IWA National Chair Les Etheridge
Mike Slade and IWA National Chair Les Etheridge
Mike and Jane Elwell with IWA National Chair Les Etheridge
David Carrington and IWA National Chair Les Etheridge
In a bid to highlight the importance of the waterways network, and as the only independent and national charity dedicated to supporting all of Britain’s navigable rivers and canals, we have produced a new report: Waterways for Today.
We are pleased to announce that the report was officially launched at our 63rd Annual General Meeting on Saturday 24th September at The Guildhall in Lichfield. News of the report was very well received by members at the AGM and hard copies were distributed to the branches in attendance.
Visit the Waterways For Today section on our website here or contact Head Office to request a hard copy.
The report demonstrates how inland waterways can contribute to the country’s economic recovery and outlines the 12 most significant benefits that the inland waterways can bring to our economy, environment, local communities and lives.
IWA returned to Burton upon Trent for the third time with the Festival of Water which delighted crowds at Shobnall Fields during the August Bank Holiday weekend. In the Arena, children (and adults) showed off their Giant Jenga skills, tried to kick footballs past the goalie, learned how to throw a rope correctly, and were taught how to drive a digger. There was a superb choice of food available at the Festival of Water 2022, from delicious chunks of meat at the carvery, sausages and bacon rolls, Vietnamese street food, pancakes and ice cream to fragrant Indian vegetarian bhajis, pakoras and spring rolls, and numerous stalls with everything from promoting charities to selling wooden toys.
The bar did brisk trade with a great choice of beers, ciders, Pimms and Prosecco and there was a continuous programme of entertainment in the Entertainments Marquee featuring local artistes and festival favourites, including the acclaimed Lucy Ward, Miles & Margaret and Burton Folk Group.
Nearly 100 boats, from traditional working boats to modern narrowboats, decked with bunting, flags and flowers were moored along the towpath and adjacent to Shobnall Fields and attracted a constant stream of admirers. The static display of illuminated boats was very popular.
Councillor Philip Hudson, Mayor of East Staffordshire, who opened the festival on Saturday, said he was delighted to welcome The Inland Waterways Association back to the Trent & Mersey Canal, one of the earliest to be built, with strong links to Burton. He hoped visitors would also visit some of the many easily accessible attractions. John Butler, IWA National Treasurer, thanked Councillor Hudson for the Council’s support and all the volunteers who make the event possible.
At the Awards Ceremony on Monday afternoon, four awards were presented:
Best picture coloured by a child aged 4 – 8 years was awarded to Charlotte Green, aged 6 and in the 9-13 years category it was awarded to Bella Whiting, aged 9.
The Ray Dunford Trophy for the best illuminated/decorated boat was awarded to Jonathan Brown for his narrowboat Brown Trout, with commendations going to Peppertree, Alice and Bezzitoo.
The Offley and Slack Propellor Trophy, for the highest number of boats attending the festival, was awarded to Stafford Boat Club, with 9 boats.
The Festival of Water Harbourmasters introduced their own special prize this year, to recognise the support of the local community, some of whom decorated their back gardens to complement the boats. Two bottles of wine were presented to Cyril Dutton for his beautiful display of flags.
Thank you to everyone who attended Festival of Water 2022.
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and will look forward to seeing you again next year!
In the meantime, you can view some of our favourite photos from the festival below.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time. In honour of the State Funeral, IWA’s office at Island House will be closed on Monday 19th September.
Her Majesty the Queen’s unwavering service and commitment over the past 70 years to our country and the Commonwealth will be long remembered.
Many in the waterways community will have fond memories of her unveiling the Kelpies in Scotland as recently as 2017. During the official opening, she also unveiled the Forth and Clyde Extension – the Queen Elizabeth II Canal – which is a new section linking the existing navigation to the Firth of Forth.
This wasn’t the Queen’s first involvement with the waterways however, as she attended many other events including:
1977 – The Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee with a pageant on the River Thames in London
1979 – The Queen visited the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port and unveiled a plaque
1986 – The Queen opened the Stoke-on-Trent Garden Festival on board Narrowboat Cactus
