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The Magazine of the Lichfield &Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Issue 60 Summer 2009

Largest ever gathering of former working boats atBraunston Show, 28 - May - 09

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CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

The old joke about London buses seems almost appropriate to L&H activities overthe last six months or so. For the whole of our existence we have been hampered bythe lack of any authenticated and consolidated plan which showed that our restorationscheme is viable. Our first step forward was the commissioning of the Arup Reporton the Hatherton but now we have the Atkins Report on the Lichfield. We took theopportunity of our work with Atkins to ask them to issue a supplement to the ArupReport showing a viable alternative for the Hatherton which avoided the CannockExtension Canal. Both of these reports have now been delivered thus from havingno feasibility studies, two have come along together. Such projects do not comecheaply and we have spent a considerable sum in producing them but it has to bemoney well spent (see pages 14 -to 19 in this issue). Even so, we know that, if weare now to take our project in to the major league of restorations very seriousfundraising is a priority. Now we can show that the canals can, from the engineeringperspective, be restored we should begin to address that most difficult of questions– “When do you expect to have the canals open?” (continued over)

L-R Representatives of the Trust, British Waterways, Atkins,Waterway Recovery Group and IWA at the

Feasibility Study Launch, 17-7-09 (photo by Harry Arnold)

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It was a great pleasure to chair the AGM on 5th June at a very well-attended meetingin the Park View Centre in Brownhills. This was an excellent venue although therewere some problems with disability access which we hope to resolve if we decide toreturn in future years. For many years we have met in Whittington with considerablesuccess but we decided on a change for 2009 for several reasons. Whittington isabout as far away from Calf Heath at the western end of the Hatherton as you canget and we must show that we are a two canal project. Brownhills lies almost halfway between the Lord Hay Branch (the currently projected point for the Hatherton tojoin the BCN) and Ogley at the top of the Lichfield Canal. We have many friends andsupporters in Brownhills which lies within Walsall and we must engage with theplanning process in this borough as well. The atmosphere of the meeting was positiveand upbeat. In recent years we have invited a speaker from another restorationproject to round off the meeting and this year we were delighted to welcome PatrickMoss who is Chairman of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society. He has also, in hisprofessional life, had a major input into the Atkins Feasibility Study. It is good to seethat others are equally committed to overcoming the enormous challenges involvedin canal restoration. Next year we hope to hear from the Foxton Inclined PlaneTrust.

All of the above brings me back to a familiar theme. At our first Trust Council Meetingfollowing the AGM all our officers, including myself as Chairman, were re-elected forthe year ahead. This vote of confidence is reassuring but we are seriously in need ofnew people to take office. Two volunteers have come forward to help with marketingand publicity who have been welcomed with enthusiasm but many more are needed.It is a very considerable strain on our dedicated volunteers to staff our stand at awide range of events. We have had to reject some invitations recently simply throughlack of numbers.

David Moore has stood down as Chairman of the Marketing Group leaving a vitalarea in need of a new leader. We have a small team of dedicated and hard-workingsite workers, based at Tamworth Road, who need reinforcements, especially on theenvironmental side. Denis Cooper, who runs the Hatherton work parties also needsmore helpers. Please contact any of us if you have a few hours to spare.

Potentially, we are about to launch a new and major phase of our work. We can onlydo this with the enthusiastic support of our members and the wider public. As ever,we need your help.

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN

The views expressed in Cut Both Ways do not necessarily represent those ofthe Trust or the Editor. They are however published as being

of interest to our readership

Brian Kingshott

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if you live in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency, and yourequire assistance and think your MP can help, you can either write

to Michael Fabricant at theHouse of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA;

or you can email him by using the webform atwww.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/contact.html

or telephone his office at 01543 419650where you can also make an appointmentto see him at one of his regular surgeries.

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Brownhills Canal Festival

The Brownhills Canal Festival is year by year becoming a really popular day out formany local people and it certainly has helped to put the northern BCN on the map. Itis especially handy for me as my home mooring is only 45 minutes away by boat.

I decided to take my boatround a day early as theevent’s popularity meant thatmoorings might be at apremium! I was wise to do soas 4 or 5 boats had alreadyarrived when I got there onSaturday afternoon.I managed to get a pitchclose to a good spot to erectthe L & H gazebo and Iarranged with one of theorganizers to allow me toclaim the spot for the day.This was agreed, which I was

happy about because it allowed me to keep an eye on my boat and also keep thecrew happy with cups of tea throughout the day!

A peaceful night on the boat and I was just in the middle of breakfast when Dave andMavis Moore arrived and we proceeded to erect the gazebo and lay out our wares.The first hour or so seemed very slow and I was becoming a tad worried that the turnout was going to be low, but as the day progressed a steady flow of people started tostream past, and many of them took a real interest in our stall.

At one point I espied a very official person walking towards us, but in my ignoranceof local politics I wasn’t sure who he was. I thought, nothing ventured nothing gained,so I approached him and discovered he was John O’Hare, the Mayor of Walsall. Iasked him to pose for some pictures to which he very graciously agreed. He laterturned up with the Express & Star photographer and posed for pictures on my boat.

The day went well, the weather was kind, and a fair few bits and pieces had beensold. We also signed up 2 new members and 1 family membership, which is quiteunusual at the Brownhills event. As well as the usual stalls I noticed at least 3 boatswere also traders, selling their wares from their boats, which was nice to see. I wasemailed by Dave the next day to inform me that we had taken £181.75 so all in all, avery successful and enjoyable day. Photo and report by Barry Kenn

Can you see the Ice-cream van?

If you have visited a festival or show and would like to see your thoughts and photosin print, drop me a line at Stefan.Szulc@Gmail.com

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Donations the TrustWe gratefully acknowledge the following donations for

amounts over £20 from 1st April to 30th June 2009.Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration

Marketing Appeal & land fundsMrs H V Smith 25.00Mr W H Cole (with sub.) 24.00Mr D A Wight (in memory of late Son) 2,000.00Mr A Barnsley (birthday gifts) 150.00Mr B M Drew 25.00Mr M Parkes 70.00Mr P C Magee 190.00Mr D Parry 25.00Mr D M Harrison (with sub.) 50.00Mr L T Flower (with sub.) 40.00Mr R V Worrall 50.00Mr J M Smith (with sub.) 29.00Mr J W Farren (with sub.) 50.00Falcon Lodge Chapel (talk) 30.00Mrs H V Smith (Battisson’s Big 0) 25.00Mr I Christie (with sub.) 50.00Mr D G Lee (with sub.) 50.00Dr E Pringle (with sub.) 35.00Mr D A Tarrant 50.00Mr A J Marr (with sub.) 25.00Morris Ground Golfing Soc. (with sub.) 75.00Mr J E Wood (sponsored mailing) 67.80Mrs G Riggs (coin collection) 29.60Dr J R Massy 290.00Mr J N Potts (with sub.) 100.00Mr & Mrs J Lamming (with sub.) 35.00Mr F Kelley (with sub.) 25.00Mr J J Faulkner 530.00Mr J U Signer 40.00Mr & Mrs P R Swindale (with sub.) 55.00Braunston Marina: Boat Show dividend 200.00Mr R W Lloyd-Hart (with sub.) 24.00Dr T Hollingworth 67.00Mr David Stanistreet 90.00Mr J Moody (donated property rent) 150.00Mr B Kingshott (donated expenses) 438.84Mr R O Williams (donated expenses) 95.60Regular donors to appeals 480.94 295.00Aggregated donations below £20 each 1,042.67

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Membership 1174 (Including 117 Life, 13 Joint Life,12 Group,19 Corporate) Plus 484 Family. Total 1658.

Current Covenant and Gift Aid declarations 1140.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We regret to record the loss of the following members:-Mrs Carol Yeend, Coven, died 14th May 2009.

Mr Peter Lee, Barton on Humber, died 18th May 2009.Mr John Moreton, Ashford, Kent, died 15th December 2008.

We are very grateful to the following donors:-

Lichfield District Council £800 Grant Aid for information board at Tamworth Road.

New members up to 30th. June 2009Mr D.M. Harrison, Rowton, ChesterMr K.G.Gibson, HolmfirthMr I.P.Walker, CroydonMr and Mrs J.Vosper, HandsacreMr J.Walker, Old Arley, CoventryMrs Walker, Old Arley, CoventryMr A.Makin, StockportMr A.Carnell, LichfieldMr P.McNaughton, Solihull

Membership rates are:Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6;Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Corporate £200; Life Membership £200.

To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page).

For details about our Regular Giving Schemecontact Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427

Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, WS7 0JP

For the latest pictures, news and on-line ordering of sales items,don’t forget to take a look at the web site.

www.lhcrt.org.uk

Mr D.Watson, Battersea, LondonMr and Mrs Graham, SolihullMr J.A.E.Fox, Market Rasen, LincsMr G.Marks, Heath Hayes, CannockMr B.Holt, LowestoftMr P.Westwood, Shelfield, WalsallMr L.Finch, Pelsall, WalsallMr D.Gray, Brownhills, Walsall

10Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

MONEY MATTERS

Feasibility StudiesThe Chairman comments in this issue on the costly but essential work in obtainingprofessional Reports that prove the feasibility that is required to enable Councils toprotect the routes of both Lichfield and Hatherton Canals in their emerging LocalDevelopment Frameworks.

The Atkins Report for the Lichfield Canal puts the total cost of full restoration ifdone by contractors at about £40million. To this can be added land values andcontingency allowances, but a proportion can be deducted for work undertaken byvolunteers where possible. Their proposals approach the task in five phasesspread over several years from the Huddlesford (low) end to Ogley (summit), adistance of 7 miles and elevation through 30 locks which have 30 pounds.

DAVID SUCHET’S innovative Funding AppealWhen times are hard, it is often wished you could “print your own money”!Well you can now receive the Trust’s exclusive “Thirty Pound Note” carrying areceipt for your donation to the extended Suchet Appeal for funding Phase 1 toreopen Pound 30 of the Lichfield Canal as far as Darnford Lane.

Without the past generosity of members of the Trust, IWA, the public andinstitutional donors, it would not have been possible to achieve so much so far. Itis vital to connect the first part of the canal to the national system – subject ofcourse to various surveys and consents.

To start this work, a leaflet is being issued which gives more details,including tax and membership incentives.

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Although we have signed up several new 500 Club members since the last CutBoth Ways, we have also lost some memberships. Currently there are 200 activenumbers. If you pay your subscription by cheque and think that you may haveoverlooked your 2009 payment, please contact Mavis Moore who will be able tocheck the details.

In order to increase the contribution to the Capital Fund and, of course, the amountof prize money available, the number of 500 Club members needs to grow.Remember, membership of the 500 Club is now open to everyone, not just membersof Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. So please spread the word.

The winners of the draw are:1st prize No 270 £171.60 Jill Allison, Newport Pagnell.2nd prize No 217 £112.20 David Wilkes, Lichfield.3rd prize No 272 £46.20 Ian Bird, Lichfield.

The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure onland purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For anannual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successivequarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be:

1st Prize £400 approx 26% income2nd Prize £250 approx 17% income3rd Prize £100 approx 7% income

Become a member of our 500 Club for the chance towin prizes of up to £400 every three months!

50% of the 500 Club income will be retained for capitalexpenditure essential for restoration of our twocanals… and

50% paid in prizes to its members.The “500 Club” could contribute up to £3,000 a year- or even more - whilst, for just £12 a year, ClubMembers get four chances of winning prizes of upto £400 - or maybe more each time!

If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionallyincreased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higherthe prizes. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form

from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write toMavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.

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At the recent AGM it was announced that I am standing down from the roles ofMarketing Director and Chairman of the Marketing Group. The group really doesneed a new leader; I have been in place for four years and whilst I am happy to helpat events I no longer wish to have the responsibility of heading up the team. It is arewarding job and one that I have enjoyed doing, so if you feel this is something thatis up your street, please get in touch with me or any trustee.

The job has been made easier because of the assistance of the loyal members ofthe Marketing team, both those on the committee and those who turn up to man thestand at shows and events. At the AGM I expressed my grateful thanks to them all.Easter saw our President’s All Day Coffee Morning which this year was followed bya special party in the village hall to celebrate Doreen Wood’s 80th birthday. These twoevents raised in total an exceptional sum of £1403. So a big thanks to Eric andDoreen for their support.

MARKETING REPORT

The weekend of 23-25th May was approached with some trepidation; it was after allthe date of Crick Boat show. We had no need to worry however as this year’s showwas blessed with good weather. Crick certainly deserved it after the last three year’sevents had been seriously affected by wind, fire and rain. Our stand was in its usualplace in the main marquee and was quite successful, taking over £600 and giving areturn to the Trust of £448. The Lichfield Greenhill Bower held on the Bank HolidayMonday raised a further £136.

Mayor elect Terry Thomas and Penny atEric & Doreeen Wood's Easter event, 11-4-09

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MARKETING REPORT

The weekend of 27/28 June saw us at the Historic Boat Rally at Braunston and theBrownhills Canal Festival. The total sales at these two events were nearly £700 andresulted in nine memberships.

On the weekend of 11-12 July saw us at three events. Lichfield Georgian Market onSaturday where we added £405 to the Trust’s coffers. Sunday saw us at The Fuse,Lichfield and at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre where we added £60 and £35respectively. The weekend also gained us 14 new members. This must rate as oneof our most successful weekends in recruiting for some time. At all these venuesthere were many questions about our stolen JCB, proof that people do read theirlocal papers. We would like to thank the family of the late Andrew Mann for kindly donating hisbooks, pictures and collectables to the Trust. To date, the sale of some of theseitems has raised over £200.

L-R Tom Grasso, Bob Williams, Sue Williams, Tim Coghlan, Sonia Roltat FMC Rally, Braunston, 27-6-09

Mavis & David Moore

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The Atkins Feasability Study

We held our official launch of the Atkins Feasibility Study on Friday, 17th July, in theLichfield Guildhall before an invited audience of almost 100 councillors and otherswho have influence. Jim Tinnion, who led for Atkins, presented the Report and thisfollowed an illustrated update on the project by Bob Williams. Clive Henderson,National Chairman of IWA, Mike Palmer of Waterways Recovery Group spoke insupport. Tony Harvey who is currently in charge of British Waterways in our areacompleted the list of speakers. Our invitation list was limited by the size of the venueand we now intend to roll the report out to the public through the autumn. We startedwith councillors as a matter of courtesy but we know that we need the wholeheartedsupport of our members and the general public if we are to gain the essential impetus.

Executive Summary

Atkins was engaged by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited(the Trust) to undertake a study and report on the feasibility of restoring the LichfieldCanal.

The canal linked Huddlesford Junction, east of Lichfield in Staffordshire, with OgleyJunction east of Brownhills also in Staffordshire. The canal was abandoned in 1954and the alignment was sold off by the then navigation authority, the British TransportCommission. Most of the canal’s 30 locks were infilled and survive, along with muchof the former “track” (the alignment) of the canal. A few of the bridges and otherstructures are also still extant.

The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited (hereafter referred to as“The Trust”) was incorporated in 1989. The Trust aims “to promote the restoration ofthe Lichfield Canal and the Hatherton Canal to reopen links between Staffordshireand the West Midlands, for the benefit of the environment, amenity and prosperity ofthe people of the region and to enhance the nation’s inland waterway system”.

The Trust has already undertaken or funded major works at a number of locations,including the installation of an aqueduct to carry the canal over the new M6 (Toll)Road during the road’s construction, something which would have been virtuallyimpossible once the road opened.

Restoration of the canal would provide an important link between the East Midlandscanals and canals in the Black Country and towards South West England. It isestimated that there would be around 5,000 boat movements per year along therestored canal.

Atkins has completed a detailed study of the feasibility of the engineering worksrequired and the key findings are:

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Restoring the canal using the alignment shown on the Proposal Maps istechnically feasible, and can be achieved at an estimated cost of £47.7 million;There are several “pinch points” (most notably alongside the proposed LichfieldSouthern Bypass just west of London Road, and at the site of former Lock 19where the proposed alignment turns between the Southern Bypass alignmentand its original course alongside the Walsall – Brownhills – Lichfield freightrailway), but these can be resolved simply without recourse to unduly complexor convoluted engineering solutions;The vast majority of the engineering works required can be delivered usingexisting, proven technology – innovation is restricted to the development of amethod of ensuring that short pounds (sections of canal between locks) do notrun short of water whilst minimising the amount of water required to operate thecanal;There is very little adverse impact on existing development; no domestic propertywill have to be demolished to enable the canal to be restored. Four propertieswill require modifications to access and / or gardens (one of which is owned bythe Trust) and precautions may be required (subject to detailed design) to protectone further property during the construction phase.

Design parameters have been established and agreed with British Waterways, andrecommendations are made regarding construction methods and potentialengineering solutions for the structures required.

Where possible, the proposed alignment re-uses existing canal infrastructure toreduce costs and maintain and enhance the heritage value of the “legacy” structures.Detailed proposals are given for each road, railway and watercourse crossing whichwill be required to complete the restoration.

A proposal for phasing the restoration has been developed and is detailed inTable 2.1. of the full Feasibility Report.

Consideration has been given to water supply, both on completion of the wholescheme, and in the interim period whilst the various proposed restoration phasesare constructed. The water supply (“feed”) requirements of the scheme have beenassessed. Whilst potential sources of sufficient feed water have been identified forthe scheme, further work will be required to prove the viability of these sources.There are, fortunately, many potential alternative sources of water on the existingcanal system at or above the level of Ogely Junction. Further study is recommendedwhich should be taken forward by the Trust and British Waterways to assess thesuitability of all the potential water sources (with input from other stakeholders suchas the Environment Agency) and to develop a plan which will ensure that provisioncan be made to feed sufficient water to both the Lichfield Canal and to the proposedHatherton Canal restoration scheme, which takes some of its water from the samecanal pound as the Lichfield Canal.

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TITLE PAGE TOPROPOSAL MAPS

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A detailed account of the proposed route and engineering requirements is give foreach phase of the scheme. This can be found in sections 2.4 to 2.8 of the full FeasibilityReport.

The methodology for developing estimates of construction costs is described, anddetailed breakdowns of the cost estimates are included as Appendix A in the fullFeasibility Report. (available by request from Bob Williams - see page 30)Heritage and ecological impacts of the proposed restoration are set out, with detailsof consultation undertaken and proposals for mitigating adverse impacts. There arefew significant adverse impacts, and providing mitigation measures should berelatively straightforward, often using narrow strips of land which will be islanded bythe proposed canal and will have to be acquired to facilitate the restoration. Thescheme will be beneficial in heritage terms, bringing back into use many historicstructures which currently stand without a use, or are buried, and, unlike many canalrestoration schemes, very few historic structures will have to be demolished in orderto construct the canal to modern standards.

Flood risk has been considered and is limited to a short section at the east end of thescheme where the proposed canal is situated just above and adjacent to the floodplainof Darnford Brook. There will be four main watercourse crossings – two are alreadyin place (one may require repair and possibly capacity enhancement), and the othertwo will be designed to accommodate the necessary flood flows. A detailed Stage 2Flood Risk Assessment is recommended.

The planning context, in terms of national, regional and local planning policy, isexplored and a way forward proposed which includes a recommendation that thescheme should be put forward for inclusion in the emerging Local DevelopmentFramework. The Trust is understood to be making progress in this respect and theavailability of the Proposal Maps prepared as part of the study should assist in thisregard. A discussion of the development potential of the canal and the surroundingarea is provided to inform this process.

An assessment of the socio-economic benefits arising from the restoration of thecanal has been made. This includes detailed projections of the likely number ofboats/boaters and other recreational users who will make use of the restored canal,and estimates that the annual economic benefit to the area around the canal (andthe other canals connecting to the west end of the Lichfield Canal which will seelarge increases in visitors resulting from then Lichfield Canal Restorations) is around£1.8 million per year. This excludes job creation and secondary supply benefits duringthe construction phase, and maintenance and operation costs and benefits areassumed to cancel each other out.

Adopting an unadjusted Net Present Value analysis, costs break even against benefitsin year 40, so the scheme will have generated benefits equal to the costs of

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construction forty years after commencement, or thirty years after projected openingof the canal as a through route.

Potential sources of funding are reviewed and it is recommended that these aremonitored as the existing funding regimes are in a state of flux at present, so futureopportunities should be recognised and seized.

A number of recommendations for further study are made:Water Supply StudyStage 2 Flood Risk AssessmentScreening opinion for Environmental Impact AssessmentOptions Study for Provision of Alternative Moorings for Lichfield CruisingClub

Recommendations are also made as to the process for implementing each phase ofthe scheme. It is recommended that, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient fundingavailable to take advantage of synergies with the construction of the Lichfield SouthernBypass, the Trust should undertake the advanced studies and then commence therestoration in earnest by commissioning outline design of phase 1, and putting togethera funding package based on the outline design report and cost plan.

It is concluded that the scheme is feasible and desirable and should be taken forwardinto the Local Development Framework.

Estimated Costs of Restoration (Huddlesford Junction to Ogley Junction)

SUMMARY Length Sub-total Total

From itemised budget estimates, including fees and construction costs

Phase 1: Huddlesford Junction toDarnford 1.62 km £2,227,614

Phase 2: Darnford to Cricket Lane 1.52 km £6,100,901Phase 3: Cricket Lane to Lock 18 2.45 km £10,146,055Phase 4: Lock 18 to Coppice Lane 2.09 km (*) £6,746,915Phase 5: Coppice Lane to Ogley

Junction 4.00 km £12,615,070(* Phase 4 includes much of the bulk earthwork for Phase 5)

Sub-total £37,836,554Risk allowances 5% £1,891,828Construction Total £39,728,382Optimism bias 20% £7,945,676

Grand Total for Phase £47,674,058

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FROM HERE AND THERE

Funding OfficerWith the Lichfield Feasibility Study now in place we must be looking at how we movethe project forward. The Study sets out the five phases by which the canal can berestored. Although it would be logical to work from Ogley to Huddlesford, certainlyfor water supply reasons, we envisage the eastern end as the one most likely to bebrought back into use first. This end offers the best opportunity of bringing visitingboats, in useful numbers, to within walking distance of central Lichfield.Phases 1 & 2 should be looked at together as this would bring visitors to TamworthRoad, under both the A38 and the A51. Major finance will be needed and we willrequire a funding officer to research possible sources and putting a package in place.Our Finance Officer, Bob Williams, is already fully committed and we will needsomeone new to come forward.

Section 106 ApplicationThe Trust is bidding for a share of Section 106 money available in the Lichfield area.This is a pot of money which comes from development activity in the area. Thelatest way of distributing this requires the building of a case which shows why aparticular project should benefit. We have submitted our scheme for re-watering theshort section of the Lichfield between Locks 25 and 26.

L&H President and Chairman atLichfield Council S.106 presentation, 27-5-09

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FROM HERE AND THERE (continued)

Much of the work has been done by our volunteers but the final stages will require usto employ a contractor. If we are successful it will be a major and exciting stepforward. In the 20 years the Trust has been at work, despite some major constructionactivity, no water has been put into the track. That is, apart form a brief trial at Darnfordand a short-lived flash flood nearby. The psychological and scenic impact ofcompleting a small section will be immense. It will show, at a highly visible andaccessible point, just what the restored canal will look like. Decision will be madetowards the end of this year.

Crick ShowFor the first time for several years the Crick Boat Show held over the Spring BankHoliday was not marred by fire, flood or even pestilence. The Trust took its usualindoor space and enjoyed a steady flow of visitors over the three days. With donations,the operation was financially viable but was very heavy on staffing requirements.Without considerable dedication from a small number of volunteers we could notsustain such an event, especially since the income was not large relative to the cost.It remains a difficult decision as to whether the Trust benefits sufficiently from attendingbig events. We have stopped attending the NEC event in February as it was startingto cost rather than make money as well as a diminishing waterway interest. Althoughwe meet plenty of supporters they tend to be already well-informed. Our ability torecruit new members seems to be reduced now that we do not have a high visibilitycampaign or appeal. We will be attending the IWA National Festival near Nottinghamover the August Bank Holiday and will hope for a good outcome. The 2010 Nationalwill be at Beale Park near Reading and this will require careful discussion before wecommit the Trust to attending.

Southern BypassThe work on the extension to the Lichfield Bypass near Sandfields is scheduled torestart with completion anticipated for the year end. Birse Civils has been awardedthe contract by Staffordshire Highways to replace the failed Wrekin Construction.The first major task will the demolition of the partly built and faulty rail bridge. This isa section of vital interest to the Trust as it is the point where the new section of canalwithin the road’s environmental strip makes a sharp turn to join the original lineabove the former Lock 19. The engineering of this turn, and the land footprint involved,could be tricky although the Atkins Study has identified solutions. Careful monitoringof the new contractor is essential.

Doug BirchWe were delighted to hear that Doug Birch was awarded an MBE in the Queen’sBirthday Honours. Doug is a tremendous worker for all aspects of life in Brownhillsand has always been a keen supporter of L&H. Brian Kingshott

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Charity No.702429

Lichfield & HathertonLichfield & HathertonLichfield & HathertonLichfield & HathertonLichfield & HathertonCanals Restoration TrustCanals Restoration TrustCanals Restoration TrustCanals Restoration TrustCanals Restoration Trust

Steam narrow boat "President"

Saturday Night: Hot Suppers and Music in the Marqueewith local band “Funktional” – Tickets £10.00 (including supper)

HUDDLESFORD BOAT GATHERINGSaturday 19th September 2009

at Lichfield Cruising ClubHuddlesford Junction

on the Coventry CanalEveryone Welcome

(come by boat,car or on foot)

and please bring your friends(plenty of on-site car parking)

Open to the public from 10am – 4pm

Theme: Samuel Johnson’s 300th Birthday Celebrations

For more information, boat entry forms, exhibitor entry formsand Saturday evening tickets contact Sue Williams

Phone 01543 671427 or visit our website: www.lhcrt.org.ukProceeds to aid the restoration of the Lichfield & Hatherton canals

& Lichfield Cruising Club

STEAM NARROWBOAT PRESIDENTHISTORIC NARROWBOATS …. BOAT TRIPS

THE CHEESE BOAT & THE FUDGE BOATVINTAGE & CLASSIC CARS

TRADE & CRAFT STALLS …. BOOK STALLCAKE STALL ….. BRIC-A-BRAC

COFFEE / TEA AND LICENSED BARAVAILABLE IN THE CRUISING CLUB

ALL DAY BARBECUE

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Thoughts From A Lichfield Member

Dear Sue Williams,

I have just read this copy (CBW 59 Ed.) of the Society magazine and the tales oflocal officials actually hindering the slow but steady progress of the re-establishmentof our local canal is quite astonishing.

I have this afternoon attempted to get in touch with Mr Fabricant to add my concernswith yours, only to find that the full-page advertisement of his in the magazine has awebsite address which aol won’t recognise.

At present I am waiting for his secretary to call me back by phone. I shall thenarrange to meet him, or to email him.

Finally did you know that the original concept of a canal system in this country wasdiscussed at length by the world famous Lunar Society and quite possibly that it wasduring one of the regular meetings held in Darwin House? This makes the tardinessof local politicticans and paid officials to help with the restoration of the canal, almostunbelieveable. viz (from a book advertised by Amazon)...............

‘In the late 1700s, five gifted inventors and amateur scholars inBirmingham, England, came together for what one of them, ErasmusDarwin, called “a little philosophical laughing.” They also helpedkick-start the industrial revolution, as Jenny Uglow relates in thelively The Lunar Men: Five Friends Whose Curiosity Changed theWorld. Their “Lunar Society” included Joseph Priestley, the chemistwho isolated oxygen; James Watt, the Scottish inventor of the steamengine; and Josiah Wedgwood, whose manufacture of potterycreated the industrial model for the next century. Joined by other“toymakers” and scholarly tinkerers, they concocted schemes forbuilding great canals and harnessing the power of electricity, coinedwords such as “hydrogen” and “iridescent,” shared theories andbank accounts, fended off embezzlers and industrial spies, andforged a fine “democracy of knowledge.” And they had a fine timedoing so, proving that scholars need not be dullards or eccentrics’

If I have any success with Mr Fabricant, I shall of course let you know.

Sincerely, John Rowsell

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LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS

Locks 25 - 26Readers may recall that in the last issue we showed extensive progress being madewith the new bywash outlet for Lock 25 in the Borrowcop Locks Canal Park on theLichfield Canal. The outlet arch and wall are now complete and the cottage gardenre-landscaped at long last. Work is well advanced on the upper part, thanks toconsiderable assistance from the joint visit in May of Waterway Recovery Groupmembers from Essex and North West. A separate detachment also did valuablework in removing overgrowth in the canal bed on the Fosseway Lane section (seephotos).

Later this year, we should know if we are successful in obtaining a Lichfield DistrictCouncil grant from their Section 106 development funds to have the newly completedPound 26 fully restored by a contractor as a Water Park feature for the public toenjoy.

Provision for the proverbial “100 year flood” as stipulated by the Environment Agencyseems to have become an annual requirement now! The need for unusually largebywash dimensions was well demonstrated when a short heavy downpour in Juneflooded the adjacent Tamworth Road to quite a depth. Enlarging existing road drainswhich run into the canal bed would deal with this and provide extra water in future(subject to pollution traps). Council officials please note!

WRG Training week-end at Tamworth RoadThis year again we were pleased to host the annual gathering of about 50 trainersand trainees for “wergies” to expand their range of theoretical and practical skills inoperating all manner of plant and vehicles. All restoration groups get the benefit oftheir growing professionalism. With British Waterways talk of a “third sector” approach,could there be a wrg take-over?

JCB 804 theftIt is sad to report that some people have absolutely no scruples and for whom charitywork for public benefit means nothing. Early morning on 20th June (according to laterPolice evidence), thieves forcibly removed the Trust’s yellow JCB 804 mini-excavator(despite very considerable security arrangements), from the Tamworth Road siteand drove off with it on the back of a 7.5 ton, flat-bed, beaver-tail lorry – white cab, nomarkings. To make it worse, there has been some suggestion that it was stolen toorder. So far no trace has been found although witnesses have come forward andseveral leads followed up but this appears to have been the work of a well-organisedcriminal group.

Obviously, the machine was insured but the replacement cost will be considerablyhigher than the insured value.

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This will have a major impact on our finances and will reduce our work capacity.It is extremely frustrating to see the work of a volunteer group attacked in this way. Itwill take a year of fund-raising to make good what has been lost.

Reports have been widely publicised and obviously noticed when sympathisers talkto us. The “canal family” covers the whole country, often going where the Police maynot look so we appeal to everyone to report any suspicious sightings to us – contactdetails on the back page. Please can we have it back!

LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS (continued)

1998 DATA PROTECTION ACT

The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd will hold your detailsfor marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act.If you do not wish to receive updates from the Trust or any third party withwhom we co-operate then please advise the Trust through Director BobWilliams on 01543 671427.

Stolen JCB 804 excavator

Bob Williams, Project Co-ordinator

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Our Vision StatementTo restore the Lichfield Canal and the Hatherton Canal to re-open waterway

links between Staffordshire and the West Midlands, for the benefit of theenvironment, amenity and prosperity of the people of the region and to

enhance the nation’s inland waterway system.

NOTICE!

GRAND PRIZE DRAW 20091st Prize: £500 CASH

2nd Prize: Day Boat hire from Anglo Welsh, Great Haywood3rd Prize: Boat Engine Service worth £100

4th Prize: £50 Gift Voucherplus many other prizes.

Buy your own tickets or sell to others to promote our cause.Draw to be made 31st October at our Autumn Social Event.

Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust invite you to

SPEND AN EVENING IN THE COMPANY OFMALCOLM STENT

One of Birmingham’s best loved entertainers. A comedian, actor, radio presenterand playwright who has been making audiences laugh for over 30 years.

Whittington Village Hall, Saturday 31 Oct @ 7:30pmTickets: £15 each to include cooked supper.

NOTE, please bring your own drinks

Tickets will be available from Sue Williams (phone 01543 671427) orDavid Moore (phone 01543 432718)

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PHOTO GALLERY

Part of w.r.g. North West team help build the base toLock 25 bywash outlet, 3-5-09

Heads down on details of Lock 25 bywash outlet drop shaft, 5-7-09

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PHOTO GALLERY

Brian Davis completes the Lock 25 bywash outlet, 31-5-09

Barry and Brian building the Lock 25 bywash outlet, 15-4-09

29

PHOTO GALLERY

Waterway Recovery Group trainees on theLichfield Canal site, 13-6-09

Part of w.r.g. North West team explore foundation toLock 25 bywash inlet, 2-5-09

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LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TRUST LIMITEDLIMITEDLIMITEDLIMITEDLIMITED.....Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA

The Lichfield & Hath erton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as anon-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as aCharity (No. 702429).Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from OgleyJunction to Huddlesford Junction (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of theStaffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link betweenthe Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

PRESIDENT Eric Wood VICE-PRESIDENT David Suchet OBE.PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP.DIRECTORSChairman Brian Kingshott /Fax 01547 530457

Park Cottage, Hopton Castle, Craven Arms. SY7 0QFVice-Chairman Peter Magee /Fax 01543 264935& Plant 28, Johnson Close, Lichfield. WS13 6AWFinance Bob Williams 01543 671427 Fax 01543 677687

Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich. WS7 0JPSecretary Sue Williams 01543 671427& Web Master Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich. WS7 0JP

e-mail: info@lhcrt.org.ukMembership Trevor Morris 0121 354 7952Secretary 163, Halton Road, Sutton Coldfield. B73 6NZ

David Moore 01543 43271888, Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield. WS14 9NA

Planning Mike Battisson 01543 3000903, Minors Hill, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14 9DJ

Building Bob Mullarkey 01543 251408220, Upper St John Street, Lichfield. WS14 9EF

I. W. A. Vaughan Welch 0121 477 9782Representative 29, Dice Pleck, Northfield, Birmingham. B31 3XWOTHER OFFICERSMagazine Editor Stefan Szulc 01543 677156

e-mail: Stefan.Szulc@Gmail.comLichfield Work Party Bob Williams 01543 671427Hatherton Work Party Denis Cooper 01543 374370 (work)Education Officer Andrew Williams 01543 250452Environment Officer Geoff Crook 01543 254826Marketing & Sales VacantPublicity Officer Mervyn Ainge 01543 492344Membership Asst. Pat Ainge 01543 492344

LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING LIMITED.Company No 3686837

Chairman: Brian Kingshott; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams

web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk

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Braunston Marinaare proud to BACK

the campaign to save theLichfield & Hatherton Canals.keep digging the ground from under their feet!

Braunston MarinaThe Wharf, Braunston, Nr Daventry,

Northamptonshire. NN11 7JHTelephone: 01788 891373

Fax: 01788 891436web site: www.braunstonmarina.co.ukemail: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk