The event celebrated eight decades of IWA’s work to protect, restore and promote the nation’s inland waterways, while also shining a spotlight on the potential of the River Weaver and the challenges that continue to affect its use and accessibility.
Normally moored below Sutton Weaver Bridge, The Danny was a fitting backdrop for a campaign cruise to showcase one of the country’s most under-appreciated navigations. The River Weaver combines rich industrial heritage with exceptional natural beauty. Within a short distance of former industrial sites are thriving wildlife habitats, including some of the highest concentrations of kingfishers found on any UK navigation.
The Weaver also offers a reliable and easy cruising experience due to it being non-tidal. Thanks to its large catchment area, water levels rarely become problematic, and the navigation has never been subject to lock restrictions because of low water levels. Its staffed locks make it easy to navigate, yet despite these advantages, the river remains significantly underused.
IWA believes the River Weaver deserves far greater recognition as a recreational and heritage asset and so this is also a call to action because several longstanding issues continue to limit its full potential. A lack of dredging has constrained commercial and leisure use in some areas, while concerns remain about the long-term management and maintenance of key infrastructure along the navigation because of a loss of knowledge.
More recently the closure of Marsh Lock which is the other access point onto the river via the Manchester Ship Canal from Ellesmere Port had exasperated the situation. The lock is now operable on 3 days per week, but passage must be booked, and there is a financial cost to boaters to use the Manchester Ship Canal. [This paragraph revised for clarity on 20th June 2026].
The most pressing concern is the continued closure of the iconic Anderton Boat Lift that links the River Weaver with the Trent & Mersey Canal. Despite substantial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Canal & River Trust has yet to provide a confirmed timetable for reopening the lift.
The closure has now exceeded 19 months, preventing boats from moving between two of the region’s most important waterways and restricting opportunities for tourism, recreation and economic activity.
While IWA welcomes ongoing efforts to address the technical challenges facing the structure, the charity believes that such an extended closure is unacceptable for a nationally significant heritage asset and major navigation link. Greater clarity is urgently needed regarding the programme of works and the expected reopening date.
Jim Forkin, chair of IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch, said:
“The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and its long closure plus at least another 12 months into 2027 is unacceptable. This situation needs addressing with more pressure put on Canal & River Trust to get the boat lift working again as soon as possible.
“The lack of boats on the Weaver is very disappointing; it is a beautiful river with many attractions and historic assets. To bring boats back to the river would give a much-needed financial boost to many businesses and pleasure to boaters along its course.”
Mike Wills, IWA Chair, said:
“Over the last 80 years, IWA has helped secure the future of waterways across the country. The River Weaver is one of the finest examples of what our waterways can offer, combining industrial heritage, outstanding wildlife and excellent cruising conditions. However, its potential is being held back by avoidable infrastructure issues, most notably the prolonged closure of the Anderton Boat Lift.
“We want to see this remarkable navigation fully connected, accessible and able to realise the benefits it can bring to local communities, boaters and visitors.”
As IWA celebrates its 80th anniversary, the organisation remains committed to campaigning for well-maintained, connected and thriving waterways that can be enjoyed by future generations.
The role of IWA Trustees is to drive the direction of the charity, monitor its effectiveness in achieving its goals, and ensure the organisation meets its charitable objectives. As a member of the Board, an individual Trustee’s role is to use skills and judgement to work collaboratively 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 care and skill
Ensure the charity is accountable and well managed
We are looking to complement our existing Trustees and have identified the following skillsets that we think need strengthening:
Experience of engaging and enabling participation of younger people with the charity
Health and safety management
Funding/fundraising
Environment and sustainability
experience of restoration projects (not just waterways)
Marketing, membership and recruitment
We would also welcome applications from individuals to apply if they think they have experience that would be valuable to the Association beyond those mentioned above. For example, we would like younger people (18 and over) to apply who may have very relevant skills and experience for growing IWA today.
Candidates must be passionate about our campaigning: for sufficient funding for Britain’s waterways; the sustainable operation of navigations; restoration of closed waterways; and our work to make the waterways great places to live, work, travel, play, and for wildlife, nature recovery and mitigating climate change.
Most Trustee meetings are held online. However, we feel it is important to meet in person and to visit sites and events from time to time. Reasonableexpenses are covered. We are committed to improving the diversity of our Board. We encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including those of varying ages, genders and minority ethnic backgrounds. Selection will be made on merit and the ability to best serve the Association’s charitable objectives, taking into account the current skills and experience of the Board. Candidates should have sufficient time available to be able to spend at least one to two days per month on IWA business
The Application Pack contains information about the roles and responsibilities of Trustees and contact details in case you wish to discuss potentially applying. Applications will close at 12 noon on Friday 10th July 2026 (Note: extended closing date). Applicants will be asked to submit their CV, complete a skillset questionnaire, and submit a covering email rather than completing an application form.
At this year’s AGM at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Nottingham, we celebrated the winners of the Sustainable Boating Awards, presented in partnership with Towpath Talk. These awards recognise individuals, organisations, and businesses making a real difference in sustainable boating. We also presented the IWA National Awards 2025, honouring members and waterway campaigners whose dedication has helped protect, improve, and bring new life to our inland waterways.
The results of the awards are as follows:
Sustainable Boating Awards:
NON-COMMERCIAL AWARD 2025
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.
Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust
For developing a sustainable strategy for their fleet and helping evaluate a unit that offers the possibility of converting an existing diesel boat to a parallel hybrid at an acceptable cost.
(Thank you video at the end of this article)
COMMERCIAL AWARD 2025
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.
Lynch Motors For their pioneering work in bringing to market a parallel hybrid technology that offers a cheaper and more sustainable means of retrofitting an electric drive to a diesel boat.
For members of the Association whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Association over a sustained period.
• Nigel Hardacre
A dedicated member of the branch committee since 2004, bringing IT expertise and a passion for waterways. He keeps the branch’s online presence active and engaging as well as leading hugely popular guided walks and talks. Nigel’s work has become a vital way of raising funds and awareness for the branch. He also gets stuck into working parties, putting his chainsaw and strimmer training to good restorative use.
• Nick Parker
An outstanding achievement of 17 years volunteering on IWA’s finance and investment committees. Nick’s work has been essential to the strength of the organisation. His attention to detail and persistence have helped steer IWA’s finances with wisdom and security.
• Andrew Phasey
Recognised for exceptional long-term contribution to the delivery of the IWA Certificate of Boat Management Scheme. Andrew is the heart of this training scheme and thanks to his perseverance, over 200 volunteer skippers of small passenger boats have the skills and qualifications they need to operate safely. Andrew ensured the scheme remained one of IWA’s most impactful contributions to waterway restoration.
• Jeanne and Derek Smith
Acknowledged for an incredible 50 years of continuous service. They have both shown loyalty, energy, and spirit during this time, inspiring so many others. They have organised National Trailboat Rallies, edited publications, led waterways walks, and run sales stands and websites. Extraordinary dedication.
• Verna Smith
Verna’s contributions began when she ran local branch stands with her sister. Since then, she has served as branch chair, regional chair and trustee. She has more recently been active with the Environment Agency too. Verna’s work on publicity and campaigning is truly remarkable.
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 is a carved wooden otter.
Helen Watson-Moriarty
Helen’s dedication has seen 15 miles of towpath converted and over £2.5million secured in grants. Helen has recently negotiated £10,000 from Lancaster City Council to enable CRT surveys. Alongside this, Helen is passionate about community engagement, organising events and writing walking and cycling guides.
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.
Leicestershire Branch
Celebrated for their exceptional efforts in organising the IWA Harborough ’75 event. Special recognition of Andrew and Debbie Shephard for their leadership and input. The first-class event had national significance for IWA. It was a vibrant, memorable celebration bringing people together. The event honoured the past while engaging new supporters for the future.
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.
Helen Whitehouse
Helen’s long-standing service has made her an exemplar for us all. Since joining IWA in 1983, Helen has held multiple roles, from committee to trustee. In each role she has brought energy, vision and commitment. Helen has earned the Association’s highest honour for enduring service, wit and spirit. She has run seminars, organised publicity, and supported members. Helen has also looked after IWA clothing and managed the IWA sales and recruiting stand for many years. Helen brings people together and always offers creative solutions. The waterways have benefitted enormously from Helen’s unfailing support.
IWA is incredibly proud to recognise these champions for their vital contributions to our waterways.
IWA welcomed over 100 members to its 66th Annual General Meeting on 27th September at the Jubilee Centre in Nottingham, with 80 people attending in person and 23 joining via Zoom. National Chair, Mike Wills, opened the day with thanks to members, staff and volunteers for their continued support.
The event began with an energetic presentation from Campaigns & Public Affairs Director, Charlie Norman. Charlie highlighted the successes of IWA’s campaigns, from the Bridgewater Canal breach, which garnered national press coverage, to Langport’s river regeneration project, which demonstrated the power of collaboration. Looking ahead, Charlie described 2025 as a strategic year to prepare IWA for an even stronger 2026.
An exciting announcement was the upcoming launch of the Waterways Risk Index, a pioneering mapping system unique to IWA, which will identify the most urgent challenges facing the network. Charlie emphasised how this evidence-led approach will strengthen IWA’s voice in parliament, in the press, and with communities.
There were also updates on the progress of IWA’s Freight Group and Sustainable Boating Group, alongside praise for campaigns such as Better by Barge. Each example underlined IWA’s influence in shaping the future of Britain’s waterways.
Later, Hannah Rigley and Paul Thomas shared the story of this summer’s Mon & Brec campaign. Facing unprecedented low water levels and restrictions, IWA worked alongside CRT and local communities to highlight the risks. The campaign petition gathered 14,000 signatures, secured cross-party support at the Senedd, and pushed for both immediate solutions and long-term resilience.
The formal AGM session saw members approve the minutes of the previous meeting, review finance updates, and confirm the reappointment of Trustees Mike Wills and Dave Chapman. Mike reflected that IWA has entered a new period of clarity and consolidation, with strengthened objectives and renewed energy.
The afternoon featured the presentation of IWA’s National Awards and the Sustainable Boating Awards, recognising outstanding contributions across the association. Members also heard specialist talks on sustainable boating, water management and restoration, before departing for guided visits to local canal restoration sites.
IWA has successfully completed the final details in setting up the new charity designed to increase support for the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation in Essex.
In November 2024, plans were announced by IWA’s trustees and the board of Essex Waterways Ltd to form a new charity, whose objectives were the continued success of the Navigation. With the share in Essex Waterways Ltd transferred to Essex Waterways Navigation Trust on 31st March, the arrangements are now complete.
Managed by IWA’s wholly owned subsidiary, Essex Waterways Ltd, the Navigation has been a great success. It has gone from a position of near bankruptcy and poor maintenance to a much-loved amenity enjoyed by an appreciative local population and promoted as a star attraction of the county by both Visit Essex and the local authorities.
Not only has the historic waterway been enjoyed by many visitors and locals, it has also provided significant employment with trip boats and waterside businesses, as well as maintenance work. The Navigation has become a model of efficient operation and sustainable management.
IWA and Essex Waterways Navigation Trust will maintain close relations, and some of the charitable activities performed by Essex Waterways Ltd will transfer to the new charity. Freehold ownership of the Navigation remains with the Company of Proprietors of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, established in 1793 by Act of Parliament, which has contracted Essex Waterways to manage the Navigation for as long as Essex Waterways Ltd wishes to do so.
Mike Wills, IWA national chair, said: “After a joint review by both IWA’s trustees and the directors of Essex Waterways Ltd a new chapter has started, and all the final details have now been satisfactorily settled. IWA’s commitment to the Navigation is undiminished, and we are pleased that it will stay connected as part of a wider IWA family.”
Roy Chandler, chair of Essex Waterways Ltd, said: “Taking on management of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation was a courageous decision by IWA’s trustees in 2005, and we are grateful for the confidence and support for our endeavours over the past 20 years. We believe that we have demonstrated how an inland navigation can be managed to a high standard on a modest budget, in sympathy with the local environment and support and goodwill of appreciative users We have faced many challenges over the years, and no doubt there will be many more to overcome in future years. “We appreciate the recent encouragement of Chelmsford City Council to extend Navigation into Chelmsford City Centre outlined in its recently published draft Local Plan, and we look forward to operating the recently restored historic lighter ‘Susan’ on the Navigation. At the heart of this are our enthusiastic staff and dedicated volunteers, without whom none of this would have been possible.”
The UK’s rivers and canals are home to thousands of boats, from leisure cruisers to working barges delivering freight. They are also vital green-blue corridors, enjoyed by millions of walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. However, most boats still rely on fossil fuels. IWA wants boating to be more sustainable and even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions from boats is very small, we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.
This is why IWA’s Sustainable Boating and Freight Groups has submitted a representation to the Treasury, focusing on the need to review the supply and taxation of alternative fuels.
Why Change is Needed
Environmental Benefits Moving towards cleaner energy will help protect wildlife and reduce pollution.
Economic Impact Our waterways support over 133,000 jobs and contribute billions to the UK economy.
Health & Wellbeing Active use of canals and rivers improves public health, saving the NHS over £1 billion annually due to the health benefits of active waterway use
Challenges to Greener Boating
While new boats are being built with electric or hybrid engines, most existing boats still run on diesel. Alternative fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) are cleaner but remain stubbornly expensive and difficult to access. Bankside charging infrastructure for electric boats are also limited.
What Needs to Happen?
To make sustainable boating a reality, we are calling for: ✔ Affordable, cleaner fuel Tax incentives and better availability of HVO fuel. ✔ More charging points Investment in bankside charging for electric and hybrid boats. ✔ Joined-up government support A clear strategy that helps boaters transition to net zero without unnecessary cost and complexity.
The case for government action has only grown. By simplifying the fuel supply landscape, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring a coordinated policy approach, the Government can bring in a fair and practical transition towards net zero for leisure and commercial inland boating.
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!
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.
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.
As part of the Strategic Review announced at the 2023 AGM, members and corporate members were invited to give their opinions on:
What is important to you.
The unique position that IWA holds.
How to get our message across.
What we need to do more of.
What we could do less of.
Our future priorities.
How members engage with IWA and vice-versa.
How to recruit more members.
The enhanced roles that volunteers could play in the future.
The survey ran from 27 November to 12 December 2023. It was sent to IWA members under legitimate interest for research purposes. It was anonymous so the data collected was not personally identifiable data.
6086 members received the survey – 5187 by email (260 failures) and 1159 by post – and were given web links to the Member Survey and the Corporate Member Survey.
There were 1228 responses to the Member Survey giving a response rate of 20% (although some joint members may have made individual responses which could have inflated this figure). A 2021 survey response was 13%.
There were 18 responses to the Corporate Member Survey out of the 321 Corporate Members. These responses contained some helpful comments but it was felt that there were insufficient responses to make any meaningful conclusions. IWA will be following up with a different form of consultation.
There were a tiny number of issues for respondents using iPads – paper copies of the survey were supplied where requested.
The full results are shown here and also in the Spring 2024 edition of the Association’s members’ magazine Waterways.
Mike was elected as a trustee in September 2022, having been a supporter of the Association for nearly forty years and a canal enthusiast all his adult life. Mike, who lives in York, is a Chartered Accountant and has a background in corporate reorganisation and management. More details and photos here.
Trustees also appointed three deputy national chairs, who will each act as co-ordinator for key aspects of the Association’s work:
Sue O’Hare is deputy chair for Navigation and Campaigns
Nick Dybeck is deputy chair for Waterway Restoration
Peter Marlow is deputy chair for Membership and the Environment
The Association plans to appoint a fourth deputy chair, to cover finance, later in the year.
As a result of the strategic review announced at the 2023 AGM, trustees have reaffirmed and updated the Association’s vision, mission and objectives with a renewed emphasis on its campaign work, and a renewed commitment to waterway restoration, with Waterway Recovery Group a key part of the Association’s operations. The Association has stabilised its finances, is working to reduce the complexity of its financial reporting and expects to show a modest surplus in its 2023 annual accounts. The strategic review included a members’ survey; the full results are shown here and also in the current edition of the Association’s members’ magazine Waterways.
Mike Wills said “Restoration has been key to provide the social and economic public benefits of a connected national inland waterways network. Times may be tough for navigation authorities now, but it is so important that we hold the faith with restoration groups and further develop the inland waterways for future generations. The next few years will see major challenges in maintaining and improving funding for navigation authorities and the sector in general, but IWA’s campaigning spirit and leadership of the inland waterways sector is already gathering support from leading politicians and other influential decision-makers. We wish to grow and develop our role in improving the environment and will build upon the ideas in our publication Waterways for Today, an excerpt of which is included in the current Waterways magazine”.
Trustees have agreed that IWA will not be appointing a CEO at this time. The Association will, however, be strengthening its campaigning capability by recruiting a Campaign Manager and Strategic Lead to work at the Association’s Chesham Head Office. Details are available here.
Immediate plans for 2024 include leading the major Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign alongside over one hundred waterway organisations, a reinvigorated Canalway Cavalcade and delivering WRG’s restoration working holidays, Canal Camps, which are back at full strength. A restoration conference is being held in April, and WRG’s training and weekend work parties continue apace.
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.
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.
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
We’ve been inspired by HM King Charles III’s life of service, and so we are encouraging everyone to do something as part of The Big Help Out on this Coronation bank holiday Monday 8th May for a national day of volunteering. Let’s inspire the nation to support our inland waterways. Here are some simple things that you could do to take part:
Visit your local canal or river navigation and take some photos of anything that isn’t as it should be, or that needs to be improved – e.g. poorly maintained towpath or structures, rubbish in the waterway, etc. Then send your photos to protect@waterways.org.uk – and we will follow up with the relevant authority.
Send a letter or e-mail to your MP and/or local councillors telling them how much you value the waterways in your area, and why Government should not be cutting its maintenance support to the two main navigation authorities, Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency (because that’s exactly what Defra and the Treasury plan to do).
Tell your friends about your recent visits to the waterways on social media and why you support the waterways.
Spend a few minutes collecting litter along your local canal or riverbank and share pictures to protect@waterways.org.uk to show what you’ve done. Every little helps!
We have roles all round the country from litter picking to rebuilding and restoration work; from media and web roles to secretary and chairs; social activities to helping at events.
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
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 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.
The history and architecture of our waterways was the topic of a recent meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways (APPGW).
Michael Fabricant MP, Chair of the APPGW, welcomed parliamentarians and representatives of waterway organisations to the video meeting. Presentations from 3 well known speakers from the field of waterways heritage and architecture were followed by a general question and answer session.
Liz McIvor, historian, author and TV presenter, talked about the physical remains of industrial waterways and their role in our future landscapes. Jo Bell, poet, author and industrial archaeologist, then presented on the importance of the culture of our canals as well as the built heritage, while Hugh Pearman MBE, architecture critic and author, concluded the presentations by talking about why architects, planners and developers must respond creatively to our waterways heritage.
The meeting also heard Jo Bell, who is a former Canal Poet Laureate, recite her poem, Springtime at the Boatyard.
The question and answer session included questions and discussion with MPs and peers as well as representatives from navigation authorities and waterway organisation. Among the issues discussed were better ways of protecting waterways from inappropriate development, the uniqueness of each individual waterway, Conversation Area status and other designations, and the cultural importance of the horse in the history of the waterways.
Together we have achieved a lot for the waterways, including progress towards carbon net zero waterways and raising awareness of the importance of waterways heritage. We have raised the profile of the inland waterways at government and local levels. In addition, we helped to reopen stretches of waterway, and restore other sections, operated locks, tidied towpaths, responded to planning applications and much more.
As we come towards the end of the year, here are just some of our highlights.
January – NEW SILVER PROPELLER LOCATIONS TO DISCOVER
The Kelpies – Forth & Clyde Canal. Photo by Pauline McGill
Following on from a year where people had appreciated their local waterways in new ways, it was only appropriate to start 2021 by highlighting the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways meeting about the importance of sufficiently funding rivers and canals.
The year also brought four new Silver Propeller Challenge locations, from Coventry Basin up to the Kelpies. We have now had eight crews successfully complete the challenge, despite being hampered by restrictions in 2020 and 2021. This challenge continues to encourage people to visit restoration hot spots, lesser-known gems and places that offer potential for the future.
February – CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CAMPAIGNS
Regent’s Canal, 1950 – one of IWA’s boat trips so that members could discover new waterways. Photo courtesy Canal & River Trust.
In February, we celebrated both the beginning of IWA and new leadership. We looked back on IWA’s proud, 75-year legacy of campaigning for the waterways. In doing so, we raised vital funds to protect waterways heritage with our 75th Anniversary Auction, hosted by celebrity auctioneer, Charles Hanson.
Looking to the future, our new CEO, Phil Hornsey, joined IWA. Building on IWA’s significant campaigning legacy, we are looking forward to the next phase of the charity’s vision with him at the helm.
In May we celebrated IWA Canalway Cavalcade – an event that normally takes place every year in London’s Little Venice – with a digital event encouraging supporters to share their memories of the event. Join us for IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2022.
Work parties continued throughout the year, where restrictions allowed.
June – 7,000 MILEs inland waterways uncovered
In June, our unique waterways directory update revealed 7,000 miles of British waterways. Of these, 5,000 of the miles are navigable today whilst the other 2,000 miles are either derelict or under restoration. This was as a result of further research in Scotland, improved coverage of former routes of river navigations and including more branches of the Grand Union Canal in the London area.
July – restoration gets a boost
Canal Camp volunteers hard at work
July saw our Waterway Recovery Group’s Canal Camps back out digging. Our hard-working volunteers boosted the work of restorations on the Derby Canal, the Rivery Waveney, Shrewsbury & Newport Canal and the Montgomery Canal. Given the additional Covid-safe working practices, it was a particularly impressive achievement this year.
August – iwa festival of water reveals unique heritage of worcester
IWA Festival of Water 2021 at Perdiswell Park, Worcester
IWA Festival of Water 2021 was held in Worcester at Perdiswell Park. Originally planned for 2020, it was a fitting celebration of the meeting between Rolt and Aickman 75 years ago that started IWA. Not only that, the event celebrated the history of Worcester with a heritage walk, along with the usual festival fun.
September – saving structures and stretches
A survey to help plan for the future of Aberdulais Aqueduct
September was a busy month for campaigning, with plans to save Aberdulais Aqueduct a step closer. The Grade II* listed aqueduct was at risk of further neglect following damage by flooding. We are hoping that the survey will give a better idea of the scale of the repair work and potential cost implications. Another campaigning win, the Uttoxeter Canal saw off a planning application that would have blocked the restoration.
October – saving waterways heritage
The heritage of the waterways, at risk from underfunding and climate pressures.
In October, we launched our campaign to save waterways heritage. As well as celebrating the rich, living heritage of the waterways, our campaign video highlighted the risk to this. People around Britain shared photos they had found of hidden waterways heritage, celebrating some of the less well-known canal and river heritage such as mile posts and rope marks.
November – Funding announced for the waterways sector
The Montgomery Canal
We were delighted that Bridgwater Docks will receive funding from the Government’s Towns Fund and the Montgomery Canal restoration will receive funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The local Branches have both campaigned for this funding, and we look forward to the positives that the regenerated waterways will bring to local people.
December – wendover canal
Wendover Arm re-watering
It’s always nice to end the year on a positive note where possible. As such, we were delighted to see a further section of the Wendover Canal back in water. The restoration has had a good amount of technical support from our Restoration Hub, supporting local canal trust volunteers. Therefore, it is a great example of successful restoration partnership working.
Photographers submitted their images across four categories: Heritage & Restoration; Waterscape; Built Environment; and Life & Laughter.
Our judging panel included exceptional waterways photographers Derek Pratt and Kev Maslin. 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. Kev 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.
Congratulations to this year’s worthy winners. Enormous thanks to Kev Maslin & Derek Pratt for judging this year’s competition – and to everyone who entered.
The category winners are as follows.
Waterscape
Replica steam trip boat Victoria, Linlithgow Basin, Union Canal – Maureen Wilson
The use of two compositional techniques makes this low level shot a winner. The bows of the boat are neatly placed on a third, while the colourful foreground blooms lead the eye nicely into the picture. The lovely blue sky with puffy clouds provides additional interest.
-Kev Maslin
Replica steam trip boat Victoria, Linlithgow Basin, Union Canal – Maureen Wilson
Built Environment
Emu at St Pancras -Tim Lewis
London provides the perfect backdrop for this interesting study of the built environment. It is well composed and taken from a slightly elevated viewpoint, which gives an excellent overall view of St Pancras Lock and its surroundings. The inclusion of the picture-perfect fuel boat ‘Emu’ adds a dash of colour and ably demonstrates what the canals were originally built for.
-Kev Maslin
Emu at St Pancras -Tim Lewis
Heritage and Restoration
Falkirk Wheel, Forth & Clyde Canal – Nigel Essery
This delightful photo of the Falkirk Wheel shows the rotating boat lift working as it takes a boat between the aqueduct above and the basin below. The lift restored the link between the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, replacing 11 derelict locks. Good light and a blue sky make this an interesting and unusual shot.
-Derek Pratt
Falkirk Wheel, Forth & Clyde Canal – Nigel Essery
Life & Laughter & overall competition winner
Waving at the train crossing the River Ouse at York – Alan Stopher
Kev and I chose this photo of the river Ouse at York as the overall winner in the competition.
Capturing a photo of a moving steam train over a bridge with a cruising boat on the waterway below is extremely difficult. The people waving from the moored boat adds that little extra something to what is already a very good picture. The moored boats and the edge of the paved towpath lead the eye into the picture to complete an excellent composition.
-Derek Pratt
Waving at the train crossing the River Ouse at York – Alan Stopher
The building that gave birth to IWA is singled out from other houses in the terrace by a blue plaque. “Robert Aickman,” it reads, “author and co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association lived and worked here.”
Erected in September 2015, the blue plaque is a fitting reminder of a pivotal figure in the struggle to save Britain’s canals from institutionalised neglect and destruction – and the meeting on 15th February 1946 that formalised his (and like-minded colleagues’) commitment to that cause.
Robert Aickman was an extraordinary man who, years after his death, still continues to court controversy and, more importantly, to inspire others. To these waterways enthusiasts, his former house at 11 Gower Street, London, remains their spiritual home.
Waterways legacy
At the unveiling of the Gower Street blue plaque, the very essence of Aickman’s achievement was summarised by Les Etheridge, former IWA Chairman: “Those who enjoy the waterways today owe him a great deal. Without Robert’s ‘unreasonableness’ we would have lost the Oxford Canal south of Banbury, the southern Staffs & Worcester Canal, and perhaps the Leicester Summit as well. And without his tenacity in saving the Macclesfield Canal, the restorations of the Peak Forest and Ashton Canals would have been much less likely. What a difference that would have made to the waterway network we enjoy today.”
Les Etheridge went on to describe Aickman’s finest hour – the reopening of the South Stratford Canal on the 11th July 1964 in the presence of the Queen Mother. It was, he said, “a pivotal moment – conclusively demonstrating that volunteer-led restoration was a viable model for the recovery of the waterways.”
At that 1964 event Aickman told the Queen Mother that he now intended to start working on the restoration of the Upper Avon Navigation, which was still in a state of dereliction. The Queen Mother vowed that, if he did, she would be pleased to formally reopen it. Ten years later, on 1st June 1974, she met her promise and the reopening ceremony was held at the Upper Avon’s new top lock. Among those in the official entourage was the Poet Laureate John Betjeman, also a prominent IWA member on Aickman’s persuading, and he read a poem he had written for the occasion, which concluded:
Among Aickman’s other restoration achievements were the 35 miles of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal with local IWA man Ian Wright. And had Aickman not been moved sideways in the political shenanigans within IWA in the mid-1960s, I like to think he would have stopped the new M6 blocking the northern section of the Lancaster Canal.
Disillusion
Despite his success, by the mid-1970s Aickman felt disillusioned by the continued antics of the BWB and attitudes within IWA to BWB’s proposed further canal closures. In 1973 he moved from Gower Street, surprisingly to a flat in the New Barbarism of the Barbican, and began a restless life. He largely confined his IWA activities to restoring the Upper Avon Navigation partnered with David Hutchings, the man on the ground, in whom he had total trust.
Finding the modern concrete jungle of the Barbican wasn’t conducive to writing his ghost stories, he moved to a flat in Earls Court three years later, and then twice more – once sharing with his literary agent Felix Pearson. Towards the end of 1980 he was diagnosed with cancer, for which he refused conventional treatment. He died in hospital on 22nd February 1981.
Literary Career
Aickman wanted to be remembered, however, not as the saviour of the canals but as a great writer of ghost stories, which became an increasing obsession. There was here an added twist to his stories – he really believed in an unknown supernatural force, which for good or bad influenced our daily lives. Towards the end of his posthumously published autobiography (The River Runs Uphill: A Story of Success and Failure), he insisted: “People will not accept, as Shakespeare did, that the ‘supernatural’ is no special enclave in life, but an all-pervasive element in it.”
Four of Aickman’s collections of ghost stories were republished in 2014 to mark the centenary of his birth. However, I prefer to remember Aickman for what he did to save our inland waterways. I suspect readers inspired to make the blue plaque pilgrimage to his Gower Street home will too.
This has been an incredibly tough year for many people. The continued support of our members, volunteers and donors means a lot to us. Thank you. To round off the year, we wanted to share some of the things we’ve achieved with your help. Read on to see 2020, our year in photos.
January – Parliamentary lobbying
Paul Rodgers, IWA National Chairman meeting Environment Agency’s Alice Mayne at a Parliamentary Reception January 2020
More than 65% of constituencies in England, Scotland and Wales are home to a navigable waterway or restoration project. Around 25% of these constituencies elected a new MP in the 2019 general election. All waterway MPs were presented witha briefing titled “The Future of the Inland Waterways”. At a gathering in the Houses of Parliament we explained the issues currently facing our waterways. Parliamentary campaigning is a key strand of our work and one of our principal concerns is the ongoing need for adequate funding of the publicly owned waterways operated by Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency.
February – local campaigning
Frankton Locks on the Montgomery Canal
IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch campaigned successfully to extend the opening times of Frankton Locks. Following a 10-month campaign by branch volunteers, Canal & River Trust agreed to improve opening hours for the summer of 2020. This action, in response to pressure from the branch, will improve boater access to the Montgomery Canal.
March – defra seeks IWA’s viewpoint
Waterway businesses have been badly affected by the impacts of Covid-19
Defra sought our opinions on the impact of Covid. We were clear that the effects on the waterways and their users were far-reaching. Our key concerns include boaters’ health and access to facilities, the affordability of moorings and licence fees and the impact on waterway businesses. Ongoing we are worried about the ability of navigation authorities to deal with emergency repairs due to the effects on their income.
April – watch IWa tv
April brought the launch of our waterway webinar series. As our branches cancelled meetings, events and work parties, our festivals were postponed and our full programme of Canal Camp Working Holidays had to be abandoned, we decided to bring the waterways to our supporters. Through a series of talks and presentations covering matters both local and national, we have entertained and inspired more than 1,000 people live and many more have viewed the videos on demand through IWA TV.
May – fanfare for our unique waterways heritage
Bridge 77, Congleton on the Macclesfield Canal by Martin Allaway
Proposals for Phase 2b have blighted the restorations of the Ashby Canal for many years Photographer: Angela Acott
IWA responded to a Call for Evidence by the National Infrastructure Commission for a Rail Needs Assessment for the Midlands and the North. IWA’s HS2 recommendations, if followed, would reduce impacts on the Trent & Mersey Canal and remove them altogether from the Coventry, Ashby, Soar, Trent, Erewash, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Sheffield & South Yorkshire and Aire & Calder waterways. Read more about our on-going HS2 campaign.
July – a new waterway infrastructure
Wey & Arun Canal Trust Canal centre and trip boats 2019. Photo by Dave Verrall.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for the waterways focused their attentions on waterway restoration. Waterway Recovery Group Chairman, Mike Palmer, described IWA’s vision of a fully joined up network. When considered together, waterway restorations form a national infrastructure project that includes hundreds of miles of canals and towpaths. Once restored to navigation the canals will make a massive contribution towards solving many of the issues that Government has stated it wishes to address as part of its post Covid recovery plan.
August – A TALE OF Love
The Boat House at Yelvertoft is both a tale of love and a generous gift. The house is a property left to IWA in the will of Mary Jackson for which we are incredibly grateful. It was advertised for let following refurbishment and will provide an income to the charity for many years to come.
September – a sustainable future for our waterways
In September we published a new Vision for Sustainable Boating. The report includes suggestions across four core areas to ensure our waterways help bring about zero carbon emissions by 2050.
October – keeping our canals and rivers clean
In October, 4 tonnes of rubbish were removed from the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes by volunteers from IWA’s Milton Keynes branch. Whilst this has been a difficult year for IWA, our branch volunteers across the country have been able to get out to remove debris, plastics, supermarket trolleys and bicycles from our canals and rivers.
November – waterways in progress
Langport project at Cocklemoor – looking west. Photo by Mike Slade
Following receipt of £250,000 in grants and other funding, the river frontage at Langport has been opened out. IWA’s West Country Branch team has been pushing for this project right from the very start. IWA volunteers spotted the potential for the river front regeneration, encouraging the community to get behind the initiative and persuading partner organisations and Langport Town Council to get on board.
December – supporting restorations at a local level
Tree planting team, Wendover Arm
IWA’s Chiltern Branch volunteers spent the day with supporters of the Wendover Arm Trust planting trees. On the day, John Brice (2nd from the left in the picture), was presented with the John Heap Salver. The award was given in recognition of his fundraising skills. Over 25 years he has raised more than £50,000 for the Association. Some of these funds will be used to build a slipway on the Wendover Arm at Aston Clinton which can be used by children at the local outdoor centre to get afloat in canoes.
IWA’s premier award is given to an individual IWA member who has, in the opinion of the trustees, made an outstanding contribution to furthering the Association’s campaigns.
The trophy recipient in 2020 is John Pomfret.
John joined IWA in 1969 and was active in the North East Region in the early 1970s. Later in the 1970s he joined the Inland Shipping Committee for the North East and was soon invited to attend Inland Shipping Group meetings, becoming its chairman in 1988 and retaining that role for four years. In 1992 he took over the role of chairman of IWA’s former Conservation Committee. John has been a member of IWA’s Navigation Committee providing expertise on environmental and inland shipping issues almost continuously for over thirty years. His knowledge of VHF radio usage and potential problems arising between commercial and private boaters has been invaluable to the Association.
John was elected to IWA’s Trustee Board in September 2000 and has since spent over 14 years as a Trustee and Regional Chair. He is currently a member of IWA’s Northampton Branch committee and a member of the Board of Essex Waterways Ltd. His intimate knowledge of a very wide range of inland waterways, especially those less frequently travelled has also been an important resource for the Association. He is the author of IWA’s Waterways Directory, which currently lists over 650 individual waterways and is an asset which more than 1000 people have downloaded from the website. It is also printed on the back of IWA’s unique IMRAY map of the Waterways of Great Britain.
John’s formal qualifications and experience as an ecologist provided a valuable support for the Association regarding both navigational and the environmental matters. John was able to offer expertise and up to date knowledge regarding current and changing legislation. He was appointed by Government and served for the maximum term permissible on Defra’s Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (latterly IWAC), but when his term of office expired his services were considered so valuable he was brought back as an advisor until the Council’s demise.
He authored a number of IWAC’s publications, including Britain’s Inland Waterways: Balancing the needs of navigation and aquatic wildlife, considered the standard work on the subject.
Audrey finished the tribute by saying “John’s dedicated work for the Inland Waterways Association over forty years, make him a most worthy recipient of the Cyril Styring Trophy.”
JOHN HEAP SALVER
The Salver is awarded to an IWA member who, in the opinion of the trustees, has made an outstanding contribution to raising funds for the Association.
John Brice of IWA Chiltern Branch was named as the recipient, having been involved with his branch for at least 25 years and raised over £50,000 during this time. Fundraising activities have included annual lock‐wind weekends, day trips and boat cruises as well as branch jumble sales at Rickmansworth Festival. John was the Festival Waterspace Manager for many years and his focus on raising money through the event led to the branch one year raising in excess of £1200.
Funds raised by the branch have enabled the installation of benches on the Grand Union canal and are being put towards the construction of a new slipway on the Wendover Arm.
Dave Chapman, who nominated John Brice said: “John is one of those unique individuals who has ideas, can raise funds off the back of those ideas and then can see through the projects which have been made possible because of the money he has raised. The John Heap Salver would be a very appropriate recognition of the great service he has given IWA over a very long period!”
CHRISTOPHER POWER PRIZE
This prize is awarded to a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.
The winner – Athina Beckett – was nominated by Chris Durham of IWA Milton Keynes Branch for her dedicated and enthusiastic contribution to the ongoing restoration of the Grand Union’s Buckingham Branch.
Athina joined Buckingham Canal Society in 1993 as a volunteer and as is so often the way, further roles soon followed. In 1997 she took on the job of work party leader, a role she continues to hold today, and has been particularly successful at encouraging corporate volunteering involvement with the restoration project. Athina is a Trustee of the Society and an ex – Chair of Trustees and through the years has been a volunteer with Waterway Recovery Group’s BITM group, getting hands-on involved across the country at a large number of restoration sites. Audrey said “I am delighted we have been able to recognise the work and success of such an extraordinary woman.” Athina receives the Christopher Power Prize and Buckingham Canal Society receives a cheque in the sum of £1000.
Richard Bird Medals
Received by volunteers nominated by their colleagues for the significant benefits they have brought to IWA over a sustained period.
David Venn: David caught the boating bug in 1989 after a hireboat holiday which led him to say to his wife “let’s get rid of the caravan and get a boat instead”. David has been a member of IWA for the best part of 25 years and on retiring to East Anglia became Chair of IWA Peterborough Branch where he kept up an almost constant pressure on Environment Agency to not only make sure that the Old Bedford River is navigable but also to make a symbolic point by leading campaign cruises along Horseways Channel to Welches Dam so that boats almost meet either side of the stanked off lock.
Throughout his years of involvement David also gave his expertise as an ex-fireman to advise the national festival teams on health and safety at events. The awards panel found “It would be hard to think of anybody more deserving of recognition and reward for the long term support of, and contributions to, IWA.”
Robin Bishop: Robin is Secretary of IWA West London Branch, a role he has carried out for many years, and is described by his colleague Roger Hazelgrove as “always first to volunteer to promote the work of IWA and of the branch at events and festivals where he is also pretty skilled at selling IWA merchandise.” Robin is well known across the waterways through his involvement with the Friends of Raymond, helping to take Raymond and Nutfield to waterways festivals and talking to visitors about the boat. He is dedicated to improving the canals and can often be found waterside on work parties repainting, clearing vegetation and other activities.
Adrian Sturgess: Adrian began volunteering with Waterway Recovery Group in 2005 and is now one of their most highly skilled excavator operators. He has volunteered on over 70 Waterway Recovery Group Canal Camps, training weekends and other WRG nationally organised events as well as at countless WRG regional group weekend digs.
However whilst Adrian has spent much of his time inside an excavator on site, carefully grading a slope or excavating a lock chamber, it is his time spent teaching over 200 new plant operators which means he thoroughly deserves to be recognised with a Richard Bird Medal. Presented with his award by Rick Barnes, IWA Deputy Chair, Adrian was described as “one of WRG’s main ‘go to’ plant instructors, and one of WRG’s unsung heroes, always happy to get his hands dirty in true WRG style!”
Jack Wootton: Jack joined IWA in 1979 and became Treasurer of IWA East Yorkshire Branch committee in 1993. For the next 27 years Jack remained in post, carrying out the role admirably and has now decided to take a very well-earned retirement. As well as being a dedicated supporter and valued committee member, Jack organised the all-important annual branch outings, giving supporters the opportunity to visit other waterways around the country by car and by boat and has been instrumental in the organisation of branch cruises. Helen Whitehouse, IWA Trustee described Jack’s contribution to IWA as “outstanding”.
Colin Bird: Colin joined IWA in October 1972 and joined IWA Chiltern Branch committee in 1995. Almost immediately he focused on organising trips, the first of which was to the Kennet & Avon which was so successful that they developed into annual weekends away. He has also utilised his comprehensive knowledge of not only UK waterways, but also his experiences holiday boating in Europe, to bring an interesting array of speakers to branch monthly social meetings and he has taken them online very successfully during the lockdown. Dave Chapman, IWA trustee and Chair of IWA Chiltern Branch said “Colin is the very essence of what makes IWA so good and is the reason why the branch has such a reputation for its excellent speaker programme.”
IWA’s Branch Achievement Award
Given annually to the Branch that has made the greatest progress in promoting the Association’s aims and objectives during the past year.
IWA West Country Branch is a unique combination of campaigning and practical hands-on waterside volunteer work. They bring the theme of one IWA to reality by assembling expertise from across the Association – engineers, planners and heritage advisors, WRG Forestry and WRG BITM volunteers – to advance the branch campaigning objectives. The branch also uses the advice of IWA experts to secure the greatest advantage when facing up to the giants that are Canal & River Trust and Environment Agency. The committee recognises the value of partnership and has forged excellent relationships with local planning and government authorities and both Bridgwater Town Council and Sedgemoor District Council count IWA West Country branch as their allies.
Their work is covered by local radio, TV and press and the team makes the most of social media too to raise awareness and whip up a storm when they have to.
Branch chair Ray Alexander and work party organiser Mike Slade have a motto: “There is no I in team” and the work of their branch committee; Maurice Pinner, Julian Gibson, Chris Jewell and Michael Aldridge was said by Sarah O’Grady, IWA’s Chief Executive to be “a lesson to us all in what you can achieve with a small team with big aspirations and good direction”.
