THE TROW The Official AQagaztne for Members and Friends

Transcription

1 --.c- - - Ttroudwater, Thames & Severn Canal Trust Limited THE TROW The Official AQagaztne for Members and Friends work in^ to restore the Cotswold CanalS. Number 60 Spring 1988

2 SPRING 1st F s m ".. AUTUMN WINTER 1st A 1st N THE VlEWS & OPI THIS MAGAZINE NECESSARILY R VIEWS & OPINIOlr STROUDWAT* " SEVERN CANAL lku>l LlU. I P-rhli rhd hu the St~m~dwatpr. Thames & Severn Canal Trust Ltd., A-" A , ----, n Reeistered char it^. at 1 Riveredge, Frdode, Glos., m Printed by Earle & Ludlow, 77 Victoria Road, Cirencester, Glos. Pictorial "How did I get down here?" The contractor's digger removes debris from Wallbridge Lock which fell in during demolition of the old bridge.

3 Secretary% Report The A.G.M. was held at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud on 21st November last year and was well attended. Members were acquainted with the current financial situation of the Trust and moves being made to place our activities on a firmer financial footing. The and Audited Accounts were presented and accepted by the members. The Secretary reported the Auditor's comments to the meeting and indicated the high cost, approximately , of the Stroud canal diversion plans necessitated by the EastIWest Bypass. The Trust had received no assistance from any source towards this expenditure. The M.S.C. programme with the major rebuilding of Newtown Lock and the dredging programme were progressing steadily. It was hoped to continue with a new scheme in the new year. Voluntary work had continued although the increasing trip boat activities had taken up much of the volunteers' effort with excellent financial returns. A fully detailed and costed restoration programme between Westfield Lock and Air Plants had been produced and a work schedule based on M.S.C. input had been prepared. The meeting closed with a fascinating lecture by Mr. Rowbotham, Honary Engineer to the Canal Company, on the Severn Navigation. The Trust has become an Associate Sponsor under the Gloucestershire County Council C.P. Agency for a 26 person scheme from January The initial work will be concentrated between Bond's Mill and Pike Bridge, Eastington including the completion of Newtown and Blunder Locks. The project for the year has been costed with a Trust input of 26,000. byone with the necessary C.P. criteria, i.e. unemployed for twelve months, (six months if registered disabled) is invited to apply to the SecretarylManager for interesting work and training on the new scheme. Fund raising We live or die by our ability to raise funds, in addition to the M.S.C. input we need approximately 50,000 per year income to survive and progress. Currently we are applying for funds to industry and Grant Making Trusts. The Company of Proprietors have continued to assist us, within their limited resources, and Stroud District Council are making a Budget Provision of E10,000 in their budget. It is a hard struggle to obtain funding as we do not have the extensive appeal of many organisations seeking funds. Any assistance, no matter how large or small, from our membership will be appreciated. Waste Paper The volunteers are busy manning the joint Stroud District Council/Trust waste paper skips at London Road Car Park in Stroud. The initial three

4 weeks have resulted in a steady income - the first regular income the Trust has ever had. We were the only organisation to volunteer to offer our services and manpower to this excellent re-cycling project, all we need now are further volunteers to continue the project. If you are interested, please contact Bruce Ball to go on the rota. Meanwhile, we are continuing with our Plant Site collection c& waste paper under the control of Bill Evill. Please continue to take your paper to the site hut. Trust Council Bruce Hall has become Chairman of the Trust Council, replacing Mike Reynolds - the longest serving Council Member - who has opted for the quiet life (he thinks) as Vice-Chairman. Due to business commitments Ken Burgin and John Garfitt have resigned from the Council although both continne to aid the Trust when possible. "Uncle" Alec Whitehouse has stepped down from the Council due to advancing years - claims! - but is still the Western Branch Treasurer and a respected adviser, especially to the Trust SecretaryIManager. Mike Glen has found his new Company occupying more and more of his time and has also regretfully resigned. Bernard Donovan is now the Western Branch Chairman and has joined the Council. We send our regards to Nicholas Melchior following his recent visit to Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon - it is rumoured that he refused to get into the ambulance until he had contacted everyone and arranged his working parties and cancelled his meetings! We appreciate you Aicholas: Finally, We are moving forward, changes happen, but we will win. DAVID BOAKES Thames End Branch Our activities have continued this quarter in a non-newsworthy way but there are some interesting notions being aired in respect of the Sapperton Tunnel of which more later. The lock gates remain stubbornly at the work site adjoining the Spine Road, and rumours about the R.A.F. letting one of their helicopters use them as a practice lump have come to nought. Also our friend with the crane lorry seems to have left the district and we are pretty well still at the drawing board. A flat bed lorry or a trailer of about one ton capacity is what is needed, and extras in the way of liftixkg or dragging capability would be a bonus.

5 The interest in the tunnel, which belongs to the Bathurst Estate, has been stimulated in part by the extraordinary success of the trip boats at the Stroud end of the canal. For this you need a section of canal which can be relied upon to stay wet come hell or high summer ( you never know, there might be a high summer this year!) There are of course fake boat trips, as in Disneyland, which actually run on rails with a foot of water over them, but we like to think of our canal as a serious waterway and do not wish to risk the displeasure of the Inland Waterways Association by resorting to trickery. Since the st- planks unda the Tarlton Bridge were built up to a proper level, it has been possible for the tunnel to be inspected and an interesting state of affairs has emerged. It appears that the eastern end of the tunnel is sound for the best part of a mile, and that a small outboard motor will push a boat without either the noise or the fumes being troublesome. This is helped by another interesting fact that the Sapperton Tunnel is really rather large in cross section. Apparently the water is clear and free from weed, there are all sorts of interesting features along the way and it is no surprise that its construction was hailed as another wonder of engineering. There are two further matters to report. One is to remind our supporters that because several of our activists have some distance to travel, we have occasionally thought it prudent to cancel a Branch Meeting (second Tuesday. The Red Lion, Cricklade) when severe weather prevailed. Obviously we try to contact those people we think might be coming, but if you are not a regular attender it is wise to phone either of the Branch Officers, if the police are asking people to stay off the roads. The other item of information is that our Work Party Organiser, Nicholas, was laid low recently by some bug to the extent of being admitted by Princess Margaret Hospital with pneumonia. He is now out of hospital but has been taken into protective custody by a determined friend until convalescence is properly complete. We send h m our good wishes and hope to have him back organising us soon. DERYCK WATKINSON Western Branch That is the first couple of months as Western Branch Chairman completed without mishap. I am very fortunate to have my predecessor, Tony Jones, as Secretary. A tough act to follow but he has a very absorbent shoulder! ltro major tasks to tackle are fund raising and increasing the membership. The waste paper collecting is proving to be very successful. No figures

6 Griffins Mill Lock looking back to Stantons Bridge. The Western Branch will be concentrating their efforts here this Spring.

7 available yet but the skip has been full on eachoccasion. Grateful thanks to Stroud District Council, the Contractor, Richard Freeth & Co., the volunteers who sometimes worked in miserable weather, and last but not least THE PUBLIC for their generous support. The boat trips will be running again this year but more people are needed to steer, crew and collect money. I promise you, it can be a very pleasant way to spend the occasional Sunday afternoon - much better than watching that oft repeated film on the box. A phone call to any of the committee members will bring further information. Very shortly trips will start running into Sapperton Tunnel from the Coates end - more of this'later. I went on the first "explore" and it was spectacular; easily the most interesting tunnel I have seen and well worth a visit. The adjacent Tunnel House pub is an excellent Free House and that too is worth visiting. Membership is growing but the Membership Secretary is rather like an amiable Moloch, never satisfied: If you can bully or cajole friends and relatives into signing up you will have his and the Committee's grateful thanks. Don't forget the foolishly generous offer from the Membership Secretary of free membership if you recruit a certain number of people (see Winter 1987 TROW). I am looking forward to the remainder of my term as Chairman. There is so much to be achieved and, in my relatively short association with the Trust, I don't recall enthusiasm being as high as it is at present. Finally work parties will be concentrating on Griffin Mil Lock and Jubilee Bridge. Meet at Bowbridge Lock on the appointed days at 9.30am. Wycliffe College students enjoy a well earned lunch break during a work5ng party weekend at Bowbridge.

8 I i: Wallbridge without t ridge. The lock below is now exposed. &W: Wycliffe Caged. A Student from rhe eollese cleaning Bowbridge Weir.

9 Down River We should like to thank the publishers George Allen & Unwin who have given permission for us to print an extract from the book "Down River" by Geoffrey Boumphrey. The book was published in 1936 and is described as "a canoe tour on the Severn and Thames". The extract relates, of course, to that part of the tour which covers our canals. The second concluding part will be printed in the next TROW. Here is the first. And so back once more to the river. Those who have followed our journey down the Severn so far will not be surprised to hear that as soon as Sabrina touches Gloucester on the north-west she heads offsorith-west, west, north-west, south-west, south-east, and finally south west again - thereby avoiding the place almost entirely. Quarter of a mile of this waywardness was all we had to put up with, and then we bade the nymph goodbye - after following her for one hundred and forty four miles. We carried our canoe round a big lock and embarked on the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal - paying sixteen shillings for the priviledge of travelling eight miles along it, afterwards refunded. The Severn below Gloucester is a dangerous river with tide-races and shifting sands. The canal avoids twenty-eight miles of this, and allows shipping from the bistol Channel to proceed safely from Sharpness, sixteen and a half miles down, right to the docks of Gloucester. We were to branch off this eastwards, half way down, and follow the Stroud-water canal to Stroud, and afterwards as much of the OM Thames & Severn Canal as remained towards the Thames. We shook off the docks and timber yards in two or three miles; the water lost its black tinge and we saw almost with astonishment after our long journey down the brown Severn that it was pale green. The high grass banks dropped lower, and we found ourselves bounded on either hand by flat green fields stretching as far as we could see to the west, to the foot of the Cotswold Edge on the east. A few elms stood up here and there, a few willows, and that was all. Every mile or so brought a low swing-bridge that we were just able to fit under without ducking. The Stroudwater Canal crosses the Gloucester near Wheatenhurst and heads stright for the hills. We found the lock-keeper at the junction expecting us. Kis grandson had been listening to the talks on which the book is based -and there is not so much traffic up to Stroud (only a canal boat or two every month or two) that we could escape being recognised. However, we had to pay twenty-three shillings for our next twelve miles - and work our own locks. A rich man's game canoei~g in this part of the country! But from the scenery point of view it was worth it. From the moment that we got on to this little canal (it is only fifteen or twenty feet wide) we found ourselves in lovely country. The water itself was a beautiful dark green - almost black, a perfect background for the yellow water-lilies and white-flowered water-weed that covered its surface here and there. A mile or two blotted out all trace of the flat country by the big canal, and the air lost the tinge of salt that had hinted of the tidal estuary beyond. We were in rich English meads, golden with buttercups, edged with willow and hawthorn, chestnut and elm and ash. Here and there a poplar contrasted superbly with the lower trees beside and beyond it. Small white clouds

10 echoed their curves in the blue sky. And the litfle canal ran on, fringed with rushes, never straightenough to look artificial, even the locks old enough to fit in with the landscape. But before we had gone far, we landed and made our way down a path edged with willows, carefully past a sitting swan (and more carefully past her mate) to a little inn. The bar was crowded, and we ended the hush which always seem to follow the entrance of strangers by getting into conversation with a man who was evidently a fisherman or something of the kind on the tidal Severn. He was relieved to hear we were not thinking of going on it- apparently he had had to rescue several foolhardy canoers. He told us of the tide racing at thirty miles an hour over barely covered sand-banks, You had to know every inch of it to have a chance, he said, and even they themselves would sometimes be unlucky. And I gathered from his voice that there is not often a chance to be unlucky twice. By MW we were forgotten and could listen to the general conversation. This was in such broad Gloucestershire that it was just as well for us each point was made two or three times. There was a grand story about a cat which had been fishing for taddy-poles and stickibacks and had fallen in. I would give a lot for a gramophone record of it, told as it was told then, with the interruptions and parallels that followed it. Gloucestershire has a fine rich dialect. We were just a little astonished at the amount of strong language that embellished the conversation. There was the usual Shavian adjective of course - that is heard almost everywhere in England; but there was also a noun that I thought was only used in the same generous and meaningless way in Lancashire, Yorkshire and the north. There were also others. The man who used them most and most powerfully was the landlord. Suddenly I saw that George was almost bursting in his efforts to stop laughing. Be caught my eye and pointed silently to a notice on the wall behind. "Persons using foul language will be requested to leave." We were still laughing when we got back to the canoe. I mentioned locks a minute ago, and their ancient appearance: perhaps decrepit would be a better word. The lock-keeper had asked us whether we had brought a winch-handle with us to work them with, and we said no, we should make portages instead. We thanked heaven that we were in a boat light enough to carry. Presumably the locks up as far as Stroud do still work; but I should hate to have worked them. Some of them look as though, if they were moved, they would fall to pieces and empty the canal above; some resemble waterfalls with beautiful jets and cascades playing through their ancient timbers; almost all are plentifully planted with weeds. As the canal gets nearer to the Stroud valley the locks increase in number. At Eastington there are six in half a mile. We carried past most of these without putting the canoe in the water. It was not very inviting water at times, as the little traffic and the slow flow through the leaks had caused an accumulation of floating matter at the head of each lock, ranging from floating weed to rotting rubbish and vegetation, with occaisionally a dead dog. But for the most part the country remained beautiful and even became more beautiful as the valley closed in on us on our slow climb. Stone 7

11 houses on the steep hills began to hint of the Cotswolds ahead, and here and there a chuch tower stood out finely. Evewhere-trees clustered in rich shapes perfectly suited to the sharply curved contours of the land. The canal was crossed every mile or two by little arched bridges which did nothing to spoil the country and often framed a lovely little view beyond. TO:- THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY, 7 Hidcote Close, Eastcornbe, Stroud, Glos., GL6 7EF I would like to become a member of the "Stroudwater, Thames & Severn Canal Trust Limited" and I enclose my subscription for the first year.... PLEASE... POST CODE..... TELFPHONE NO... AGE if under OCCUPATION Membership Class (Please tick) & Annual Subscription ADULT FAMILY YOUTH under la **NEW REDUCED RATE** PENSIONER AFFILIATION LIFE (Schools. Clubs. Groups) (Subject to approval by Trust Council) Please send details of payment by Bankers Order... and how I can benefit the Trust at no extra cost to myself with a Deed of Covenant (Tick as required)... (tax payers only) SIGNED..... DATE.....

12 Membership Matters This quarter we are pleased to welcome the following new members:- R. G. Kalse R. A. Vick B. Donovan T. Vearncombe T. Bendixson S. Boden I. Goode Mr & Mrs R Ferris. D. Bay C. Lavis Chippenham Stroud Stroud Cirencester London Stroud Witney Stroud Gretton, Glos Stonehouse R. Connelly Virginia. USA T. Jones Indiana, USA M. Kolland-Smith Shepton Mallet - - The I.W.A. is currentlv encouraninz its branches and other canal societies to promote youth activities. As an initial contribution to this initiative the Trust Council has reduced the membership subcription for youth members from 5 to 2. We hope that more young ' people will join us so that a youth section, with its own programme of activities, can be formed. -@ Finally, remember that on the 1st May which is the copy date for the Summer TROW -members who have recruited 5 NEW MEMBERS will receive ONE YEARS FREE membership and members who recruit 25 NEW MEMBBRS will receive FREE LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Inor&rto keep a record, the recruiting member should write their name and address at the top of the membership form and additionally each of the new members should have completed a Banker's Order Form. Why not use the form opposite. More are available from me or any of our Sales stands. GOOD HUNTING! Members' Walk The Members' Sunday Walks continue with walks starting from:- 3 APRIL Chalford Round House (park on minor road by Belvedere Mill). 1 MBY Tunnel House, Coates (Turn off lane linking Coates with Tarlton along gravel track by canal cutting) 5 JUNE Blunder Lock, Eastington 3 JULY Bowbridge (Turn off Stroud-Chalford Road at British Oak pub.) We meet at 2.OOpm for a gentle meander lasting about if hours. Please contact me on Brimscombe for directions or if you have suggestions for further walks.

13 Latton Bypass -The Next Step Just as the Stroud Bypass is reaching completion (with canal bridge), the Trust is facing its next challenge - the Latton Bypass. Latton is a small village just to the north of Cricklade on the A419 t d road between Swindon and Cirencester. It was once an important junction on the inland waterways map since it was here that the North Wilts Canal joined the Thames & Severn Canal. As in the case of the Stroud Bypass, there is little doubt that the road needs improving and there are currently three proposals on the table. All three would result in the current A419 being upgraded to a dual carriage way and a very severe obstacle to the future restoration of the eastern section of the Thames & Severn Canal if no bridge is provided. If a bridge is provided, it will not only remove a potential obstruction but will remove the obstruetiou already caused by the existing road. Unlike Stroud, the canal near Latton Bridge is far from obvious - it was filled in and the original bridge demolished shortly after the closure of the canal in The Trust has concentrated its efforts on the western end of the canal and therefore has a much lower profile east of the summit level. The campaign for the Stroud Bypass cost the Trust over 20,000 and this kind of outlay cannot be repeated this time. However, there are some plus points that should outweigh the above problems. The Stroud Bypass has set a very important precedent and has given the Trust a high level of credibility when fighting for bridges under sew roads. Gloucestershire County Council have recognised the importance of safeguarding the eastern part of the canal in their Upper Thames Plan which should help the Trust even though Latton is just in Wiltshire. The local people want a pedestrian underpass and the towpath under the canal will provide this. Thames Water have indicated that they will support our request for this bridge. Cerney Wick Lock (one mile upstream from Latton) is now nearing completion and the arrival of the upper gates should secure some much needed publicity. The Department of Transport proposals for the bypass are still at an early stage. It would help us all if an early agreement to include a bridge could be reached since this would avoid the Trust and the DepL of Transport having to slog it out at public enquiries etc. If the Trust is successful in securing this bridge, it can look forward to a much higher level of credibility at the eastern end of the canal, a reduction in the vulnerability of the canal to infilling and adverse development and an easier job when the time comes to restore this section. Watch this space for developments! KEN BURGIN

14 This photograph has been sent to us Erom Trust member, Mr. G.H. Standeven of Nailsworth and was taken in the mid 1950s. From left to right are Ian Standeven, Terry James and "Mandy from Burleigh House". If you have an interesting photograph from the past which features the canals (this one is from Brimsconbe Port) then I would be most grateful for the opportunity to include it in an edition of the TROW. Please send your photos to the Editor quoting your name and address. The photograph will be returned to you undamaged whether or not it is used in the magazine. Anagram Here are some anagrams compiled by active Trust member, David Bailey, of place names from alpng our canals: It's just for fun and the answers are below. No peeping: 1) OR DUST 2) USE ONE SHOT 3) SING AT ETON 4) FOIL DREAM 5) BOB SCIMMER 6) HOW F.C.

15 Trip Boating 88 Since cmencing our trip boating on the Wallbridge Pound in this has now become a major Trust fund raising activity saw the building of two new wooden boats, refitting of the twu steel boats and purchase of another outboard motor. One wooden boat was employed throughout the year at Bowbridge and the steel boats the latter half of the year at Ryeford. While the boat trips have provided a popular public service and invaluable publicity for the Trust, it is also notable that we have, in, one season, covered all building and refitting costs, repayment of loans, and are now showing a clear profit. The trip boating inwme has been a significant factor in doubling the Western Branch income in the last twelve months and our input to Trust funds. For this year it is intended that we consolidate and, if possible, expand the tripping as a self-supporting and independant Trust activity. Besides our existing venues at Bowbrldge and Ryeford a limited number of Tunnel trips may be possible at Coates, and other venues are under consideration. However, our current operation has stretched our personnel to the limit in the past year. If we are to continue, let alone expand, this very rewarding activity this year it is essential that we have more help. To achieve a regular and effective service it is proposed that we maintain a list of volunteers for boat crews and prepare a roster for the season. Our present requirements are for at least five people on Sundays and Bank Holidays, from Easter to mid-october and a minimum pool of twenty would be most welcome. No previous experience is necessary, just an interest in "selling" the canal to the public, promoting the Trust's work and sharing in a most pleasurable and profitable enterprise. A little commitment of your time, even one day a month, would be a much appreciated and positive contribution. If you consider you may help, please contact us as soon as possible. 1 I l l l l L.- 1 TRIP BOAT CO-ORDINATORS Tony Jones Te1:Stroud 2915 Nicholas Melchior Tel: Swindon

16 Tales from the Cut - The Trap 15 When I was a schoolboy at Marling, across from the lower corner of playing fields by the lock, stood the "Victoria" pub. During lunch break, having hidden school blazers and ties in the shrubbery, some of ns would scramble across the rotting lock gates to buy cider and lemonade there. The pub was kept by an ancient lady, Mrs. Clark, and had few customers. mainly employees from the gas works and a handful of old canal workers and former boatmen. On sunny days the old men would sit on the bench by the door with their pints, generally in long companionable silences. but sometimes talking of past times on the cut. Having heard the pub referred to as "The Trap" I one day asked them why it was so called. The question set the old gentlemen grinning and nudging each other. "Ah well boy", said one. "you see, way back afore you were born and the cut was busy, hie there (jerking his thumb to the pub door) was a fine handsome wench. All the young fellers off the boats, and a fair feu from the gas-house, would be round her like wasps round a jampot:" "Oh aye!", said another, "There'd be a gang up at the wharf waiting for coal, and when the gaffer sent someone down to see where the boat had got to, it'd be sitting in the lock, half a dozen more waiting around while you and the rest of 'em was a-drinking and moaning over her! Yes, the old "Vic" was a trap alright, and wasn't she lovely bait?". The sharp voice of Mrs Clark broke in. "What's this, you wicked old devils? Telling such tales to the lad! What will he think?". Chuckles were stifled, the old men ducked their heads and shuffled their feet sheepishly. "And you young man, isn't that the bell I heard? You'd better be getting back to school quick!". For all her brusque tone, there was a faint suspicion of a twinkle in her eyes. Looking at her and the old men, their eyes bright with memories. I had a glimpse of the pretty publican's daughter and the smart young boatmen of yesteryear she brought to "The Trap1'. Function Room 3Reb Pion 3nn Skittle Alley Garden R.A.O.B &in 81 MO Baulton 3 High Street, CRICKLADE Swindon. SN6 6DD Tel: Swindon

17 Sapperton Tunnel Sapperton Tunnel was constructed between 1784 and 1789 and enabled the link from the Severn, at Framilode, to the Thames, at Lechlade, to be completed. The tunnel is 3,817 yards long and is in places 200 feet below the surface. The supply of water to the swmnit pound was always a problem and trade with London was very much a one way process and despite valiant efforts by various bodies the canaldeclinedwith the last boat passing through Sapperton Tunnel in the early 1900s. Its fate was sealed by a rodt fall near the Daneway end in about Since then there have been a few explorations of the tunnel by independant persons. In 1974 the Canal Trust was instrumental in the restoration of Coates Portal to its former glory with the permission of the Bathurst Estate, who own the tunnel and the canal at the two portals. A gate was also fitted inside the Coates end to prevent unauthorised access. In 1987 the Trust fitted stop planks at Tarlton Bridge which during this winter are holding back some four or five feet of water. This has enabled the Trust, in recent weeks, to make a series of exploratory trips into the tunnel with a view to the possibility of providing public trips. I was lucky enough to be a member of one of those parties. The entrance lnto the tunnel, whilst very impressive, does not prepare one for the "time capsule" which is to follow. Over many years of canal cruising I have passed through brxck llned tunnels and the occasional smooth rock lined tunnel all with water the colour of strong tea. As we entered in one of our trip boats from the one time passing point, where boats would wait for their turn to pass through the tunnel, the water was crystal clear. The first few hundred yards are brick lined with the usual stalactites and drips of water. We then came to a section where the rock was stable and brick lining was unnecessary. The tunnel is a rugged cavern, quite unlike anything I had experienced on other canals. It was as if time had stood still for 200 years. There were marks on the roof and walls made by the miners picks and shovels and drill holes where lumps of rock had been broken away. Looking down into the water we could see the bottom quite clearly by the light of the torches and a car headlamp. The bottom had curious stippled markings which, it is thought, were made by the poles used to propel1 the boats through the tunnel. Our journey proceeded into the darkness. A t intervals there were brick lined sections which sealed the bottoms of the construction shafts. At one point the brickwork had been opened and we could see up into the shaft. Some of the rock sections were lined with stone walling to just above water level. The walling could have been laid yesterday - the mortar and surface of the stone were in perfect condition. Soon we became aware of a roaring sound and as we proceeded it became louder and louder. It was the Great Spring which, at this time of year, pours millions of gallons of pure spring water into the canal. Then in

18 17 a cavernous section of the tunnel we came upon it. The tunnel was concrete lined at this point forming a kerb at the waters edge from which a torrent of water was pouring through pipes set into the concrete. We were beluw Cassey Well in Hailey Wood. A few yards further on we came to a point which was wide enough for the boat to turn. This was 49 chains into the tunnel and would be the limit of public trips. The boat turned and although 1000 yards into the Cotswolds we could still see a spot of light - the Coates Portal! The boat now proceeded, in reverse, in order to assess the condition of the tunnel lining. We were now passing through the Long Arching where the rock is Fullers Earth. We noted that the walls bulged in many places. Eventually, a? a distance of 79 chains we could see in the distance a large heap of rubble where the tunnel side had collapsed. We proceeded no further and headed for the spot of light in the far distance. l The light at the end of the tunnel. Thia is Kings Reach, the view seen when emerging from Sapperton Tunnel through Coates Portal.

19 Letters to the Editor Dear Sir, I much enjoy the excellently-produced TROW, and I must just say a hearty "Hear, hear!" to Judy Bond's cry from the heart about the lengthy name of the Trust. It ought to be in the Guinness Book of Records, and certainly takes a lot of saying and typewriting: I've mentioned this before elsewhere, but could never think of an alternative name. But I think her "Cotswold Canals Trust" is an excellent idea - short, sharp and accurate. How about it, Cornittee? JOHN GAGG Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Dear Sir, In the Winter edition of the TROW the Membership Secretary showed an analysis of the areas in which the members of the S.T.& S. C. T. live. I was interested to see that almost one-fifth of the members live within the area described as "London, S.E. and East Anglia. Living myself in a London suburb, I was surprised to see that so many other members live far from the Canals, making practical involvement in restoration and fund-raising difficult. Time, expense and simple apathy have conspired to make me an inactive member of the Trust for several years. There must be many other South-Eastern members who. like me, have often thought of becoming more actively involved with the Trust, but have never bothered to do anything about it. I think that it is now time to do something about this as the Canals seem to be facing a more hopeful future than for many years, with popular boating trips, the Stroud Marina scheme and the great efforts of the M.S.C. workers. Together the members of the Trust living in the South East could make a big contribution if they all joined in a local group. Hopefully amongst the one hundred members living in the South-East many will heed this appeal - I know that most will only think "Oh, what a good idea, I'll have to get involved sometime..." an& then promptly forget about it. Please don't! Together we can have some fun, and rally help the Cotswold Canals practically instead of merely financially. So come on South-Easterners, we have seen local groups working successfully in the vicinity of the Canals, so why not a S.T.& S.C.T. South-Eastern Group? If any members are interested in helping me to form such a group, please write or telephone today! SIFKlN CANNON 26 Purley Bury Avenue, Purley. Surrey, CR2 1JD (Phone: )

20 The Severn Meander What is this, I hear you ask. The Severn Meander is the 1988 Sponsored Walk with a difference. The walk includes the longest village green in England, canals old and new, the longest river in Great Britain, magnificent views, a walking Treasure Hunt, and free refreshments! :! Let's make this the biggest and best canal sponsored walk in the country. We can only do it with your support. If you are not a "sponsor-collecting" petson, then sponsor yourself, but make sure you take part - you may win the walking treasure-hunt!!! The sponsor form is enclosed with this edition of the TROW and more copies can be obtained from me at 7 Eidcote Close, Eastcombe, Stroud, Glos., GL6 7EF. All walkers will receive a FREE guide to the walk. walk Awards 87 The A.G.M. in November was preceeded by the Sponsored Walk Awards for Our congratulations go to the following:- Senior Youth Waller Trophy 1st Cheney Manor Rangers E Adult Whitbread Trophy Claud Percival f Under 16s Cup Dean Franklin E Under 7s Cup Special Award Willum Boakes Open Group Boat Enterprise Western Branch Trophy DOE Woofer Troohv Mark & Ben Tavlor E Sales The Canal Trust now has a new Sales Manager. Chris Jones who lives at Victoria Cottage, Bath Road, Tunley. Bath, BA3 ldx, has volunteered for this post. Chris hopes to be at most of the national canal events so look out for, and support him. The following items are available from Chris at the above address. Please add 40p per order under E20 to help towards packing and postal charges. Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to "S T & S C TLtd." Trust Notelets (8 with envelopes) shoving canal views EO. 60 A Canal Walk Through Stroud 1.25 Trust Tea Towels 1.85 Trust Key Fobs E0.40 Trust Comb in case 0.30 Trust Bookmarks 0.45

21 3 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 12/13 Mar 18 Mar 26/27 Mar 31 Mar 3 Apr 9/10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 16/17 Apr 21 Apr 23/24 Apr 27 Apr 1 1 May 5 May 7/8 May 9 May 10 May 10 May 19 May 22 May 28/29 May 5 Jun 9 Jun 11/12 Jun 14 Jun 14 Jun 16 Jun 25/26 Jun 26 Jun IWA EVENTS Dates for your Diary - - Trust Council Meeting Sunday Afternoon Walk, Cotswold Water Park. Western Branch Meeting Thames End Branch Meeting Western Branch Working Weekend Western Branch Spring Skittles Match Thames End Working Weekend Trust Council Meeting Trip Boats Commence Western Branch Working Weekend Western Branch Meeting Thames End Branch Meeting Western Branch Mass Mow Western Branch Noggin & Natter Thames End Working Weekend Grand Draw & Film Show, Stroud Sub. Rooms Last day for receipt of copy for SUMMER Trow Sunday Afternoon Walk, Coates Trust Council Meeting Western Branch Working Weekend Western Branch Meeting Thames End Branch Meeting IWA Meeting - see details below Western Branch Noggin & Natter TEE SEVERN MEANDER - Sponsored Walk Thames End Working Weekend Sunday Afternoon Walk, Blunder Lock Trust Council Meeting Western Branch Working Weekend Thames End Branch Meeting IWA' Meeting - see details below Western Branch Nongin.. & Natter CANAL WEEKEND RAFT RACE - 10 MAY 7.30pm. Tewkesbury Marina Yacht Club, Bredon Road WATERWAYS IN AMERICA (Illustrated) A Personal View by DAVID GERRY Members and non-members welcome. 14 JUN 7.30pm Tewkesbury Marina Yacht Club, Bredon Road 9 WATERWAYS FOR ALL (Derwent RigHts Campaign) By KEN GOODWIN, IWA Chairman. All welcome. FRONT COWER: The Tunnel beckons. Coates Portal entrance, Sapperton Tunnel BACK COWER: The Canal in water above Newtown Lock last year.

22 r I - Who's Who in the S.T.&S.C.T Ltd. Z DEPARTMENTS MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY RICHARD ATlWOD 7 Hldcote Close, Eastcombe, Stroud, Glos., GL6 7EF (Br~mscombe ) PRESS & PUBLICITY BRUCE HALL Springers, Watledge, Nailsworth, Glos., (Nailsworth 2384) SALES MANAGER CItRIS JONES BA3 1DX Victorla Cottage, Bath Rd. Tunley, Bath,.TIMES END BRANCH CHAIRMAN VACANT Please contact the Secretary or Treasurer ~f you would like to volunteer for this post. SECRETARY DERYCK WATKINSON 12 Hampton Grove, Meysey Hampton, Clrencester, Glos., GL7 5JN (Poulton 661) TREASURER NICHOLAS MELCHIOR 28 Grove Hill, Hlghworth, Swindon, Wilts., SN6 7JN (Swindon ).JJESTERN BRANCH CHAIRMAN BERNARD DONOVAN 10 Mount Pleasant, Blsley Old Road, Stroud, Glos., GL5 1NA (Stroud 77541) SECRETARY MNY JONES 7 Stringers Close, Rodborough, Stroud, Glos., GL5 3RB (Stroud 2915) TREASURER ALEC WHITEHOUSE GLlO 2ET 37 Cotswold Green, Stonehouse, Glos. (Stonehouse 2284) WORKING PARTIES WESTERN BRANCH DOUG BLARE 19 Stratton Rd., Gloucester (Glos ) THAMES END BRANCH NICHOLAS MELCHIOR 28 Grove Hill, Highworth, Swindon, W~lts., SN6 7JN (Swindon ) WASTE PAPER BILL EVILL 20 Vlctorla Road, Brmscombe, Stroud, 0COLLECTION.THE TROW TEAM EDITOR DAVID JOWETT SE23 1JZ 48A Stondon Park, Forest Kill, London, ( ) PHIL GRIFFITHS 10 Smythe House, The Waterloo, Ciren- DISTRIBUTION cester, Glos.. GL7 7JN (Clrencester 4160) TEAM DES PINNOCK 7 Vicarage Close, Churchdown, Gloucester 56771)

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