Manchester Packet. Newsletter from the IWA Manchester Branch. Linotype Factory at Broadheath

Transcription

1 Manchester Packet Newsletter from the IWA Manchester Branch Linotype Factory at Broadheath Issue 36 June 2012

2 IWA Manchester Branch Committee President: John Fletcher OBE Region Chairman: Alan Platt Vice Presidents: Jim Ramsbottom, Ben Williams Chairman: Ian Price T: & Editor: 16 Wyedale Close M: Buxton SK17 9RF E: Vice-Chairman, Steve Connolly T: Navigation & 27 Hooten Lane M: Technical: Leigh WN7 3BY E: Exhibition: or Planning: Canal Society & John Palmer Cruising Club 53 Southwood Road Liaison: Great Moor Stockport SK2 7DJ Treasurer: Diana Price T: Wyedale Close M: Buxton, Sk17 9RF E: Membership: Denise Connolly T: Hooten Lane E: Leigh WN7 3BY Programme Sue Day T: & Event 12 Oakwood View E: Coordinator: Lower Beestow, Mossley Ashton-under-Lyne OL5 9QL Sales: Andrew Perry T: c/o The Boatyard, Worsley E: Dry Dock, Worsley, Manchester M28 2WN Walks & Steve Broadhead T: Tours 2 Holland Place E: tours@manchester-iwa.co.uk Macclesfield SK11 7DD Minute Barry McGuinness E: minutes@manchester-iwa.co.uk Secretary 4 Pole Lane Failsworth M35 9PB

3 Editorial Ian Price I regret to say that this is the smallest issue of our newsletter for several years. Perhaps this is because committee members are busy on their various tasks and these, as yet, have not reached a stage where progress or conclusion can be reported. Also it is the time of year that folk are out on or near the canals not talking about them. I do need more copy and although most of what is in the Packet comes from committee members it is not just a tool for telling members what the committee are doing. I would like input from members about what they might be doing, have seen, want to see happening which might be of interest to others. Copy date for the next issue is 10 th September. I have reproduced later in the Newsletter an from an American member of IWA requesting help with hiring a narrowboat for next year. If anyone is able to help him please feel free to do so and let us know how you get on. Cover photo The side view of the Linotype Factory at Broadheath, revealed as contractors clear the site, far end, whilst beginning building at near end. The question is: if they are building, will it look like the Urban Splash, twin prow apartments or will it look like the nice Linotype building now revealed? Disclaimer The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the IWA or of the Manchester Branch but are included as being of interest to our members Branch website:

4 Branch Chairman s Column Ian Price The IWA is looking for ways in which we can raise our profile and so better argue our case in the new Waterways Partnerships. It seems that in surveys of boaters IWA fails to get any credit for its efforts (despite the fact that without IWA much of the system would not have been restored/maintained). We are therefore planning to have a number of practical canal improvement events which we and Head Office can use to remind others of what we do. The first two proposed are: clean up & paint Lock 1 of the Manchester & Salford Junction Canal (where it enters the Irewell); and clearing vegetation and rubbish from the Lower Peak Forest Canal. Unfortunately I cannot give you the dates as all the necessary clearances and paperwork have yet to be completed. They will go on our website and I hope as many of you as can will join in to help promote IWA. English Heritage has issued a second consultation report recommending listing of the Manchester & Salford Junction Canal and I pleased that they have taken on board our suggestion that the whole of the underground section be included in the listing. We have further asked that Lock 1 also be included to keep the underground section in context. Unfortunately the summer outing to the Dudley Tunnels had to be cancelled through lack of numbers. Plans are still in place for trips to the Black Country Living Museum (which includes a boatyard and is where IWA s steam powered narrowboat President & it butty are kept) and to the Falkirk Wheel. Stephen Broadhead is our tours organiser and contact if you want more information or to book a place. We have started planning for a rally in Manchester to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the re-opening of the Cheshire Ring in If you have any interesting anecdotes about its restoration, re-opening or use please let us have them to incorporate in our event.

5 Out of the blue I was asked for a comment about the boaters drive-in-movie which will take place in Piccadilly Basin. It was only after I had commented that the journalist forwarded a copy of the press release which is reproduced in, part, in this issue. It looks interesting and well worth a visit on foot or by boat. It is regrettable that the organisers hadn t told us about it despite recent meetings with CityCo. Region Chairman s Report Alan Platt The development of the Canal and River Trust is now somewhat in a state of limbo as everything seems more or less ready to go, once the politicians have dotted the Is and crossed the Ts. The structure of the beast might seem a little unwieldy with a Council monitoring the Trustees, who were originally appointed by DEFRA, who in turn will appoint and control the Directors who will run the operation. There are advisory committees on heritage etc who will advise the Council and there are Area Partnerships who will advise the Area Managers. These are now all in place and in a number of these there are IWA members in place on these bodies. I myself am on the N Wales and Border Counties Partnership and we have had one formal meeting, I have attended a briefing seminar and we have had a few useful conversations and exchanges. I hope and have good grounds for believing this will be a valuable body and am sure that my colleagues on the other bodies are likewise working towards the best outcome for the waterways, which is what matters, not sectarian interests of any hue. I am sure I am not the only one who is experiencing a slight attack of split personality as I try to decide in any given situation what hat is best suited to the occasion. What only history will tell is where the balance of power lies between the trustees of the new charity and the directors; obviously the day to day management will devolve onto the executives, but the strategic and major

6 policy decisions should vest with the Trustees. The fact that to many onlookers what we have seems to be a revised version of British Waterways is inevitable given that the inclusion of EA and other navigations still lies in the future. It is also true that anything different would probably have been impractical given the timescale which has been challenging, to use the current euphemism. In summary the new Charity has the potential to be a productive and effective way forward for the Waterways and it needs and deserves our help and support. As I write in the second week in June the hoped for launch date is July 12 th when each area will have some sort of public event to launch the CRT, and hopefully get some publicity during what is a busy summer in terms of public events. The nearest I will ever get to the Games was seeing the Olympic Flame at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which gave me considerable amusement, perhaps not all of it as intended. Meanwhile the sun is trying to shine, and if it is still cold for June we can hopefully enjoy a good summer on the waterways, and in the assurance that at least there should be enough water in the cut. ****** Stop Press ****** 12 th July has been confirmed as the launch date for the Canal & River Trust ************** ******* Manchester Branch Days Out Saturday 14th July - Black Country Living Museum Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th September - Falkirk Wheel For more information and to book contact Stephen Broadhead (see committee listing) Also Stephen is continuing his Underground Tours of the Manchester & Salford Junction Canal dates to be advised.

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8 Pick a film for Manchester s first float-in movie This summer, for two nights, Ducie Street car park will become Manchester s first float-in-drive-in-walk-in cinema to celebrate the 2012 Canal Festival in Piccadilly Basin [Rochdale Canal Festival ed.]. This free event on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 August, organised by Piccadilly Partnership and CityCo, in association with The Printworks, and will cater for up to 450 people. The screening is not ticketed and will be a dropin event on a first come, first served basis. Gates will open at 6pm and the show will start at 8.30pm. Captain America, filmed just across the road, will be shown on the first night and a Twitter vote-off will decide which film will be screened on the Thursday evening. People can choose which watery classic floats their boat from the three choices The Life Aquatic, Finding Nemo and Jaws. Tweet #thelifeaquatic #findingnemo #jaws by Sunday 15 July. Hot noodles courtesy of the Northern Quarter s award-winning restaurant, Ning, will be on sale and a limited bar from 6pm for post-work drinks before the film. Those arriving early will be treated to larger-than-life projections of the 40 winning images short-listed for Manchester Photographic s Urban Canal photography prize. These images are also exhibited in the new Manchester Photographic Dale Street gallery during the festival, from August. Filmgoers will also be able to see a stop-motion film of the world s first permanent Lomography Wall being constructed on nearby Tariff Street.

9 Alexandra King, Piccadilly Partnership Director said: This is a really unique opportunity for boaters, local residents and those who work in the area to come together to enjoy the Piccadilly Basin, which is a lovely part of the city centre. Whether you moor your barge up in the basin, drive your car into the car park, or come on foot and sit in the garden we re creating, you ll have the chance to be part of this special free event that is set to be a highlight of the 2012 Canal Festival. Lucy Rogers, Development Manager for The Waterways Trust said The Rochdale Canal Festival has been running for the past six years engaging with the many communities the canal passes through a range of activities from illuminated boat and lantern parades to canoeing. The canal side movie is an exciting addition to our Canal Festival programme and is opening up the Rochdale Canal to a new audience in the City embracing the canal side setting. Request from America Dear Inland Waterways Branch Contact, We have recently become IWA members. After numerous visits to the UK, we finally discovered canal life and now have our sights set on more time cruising and perhaps eventual boat ownership. We took a hire boat out of Hilmorton Wharf in May and did the Braunston Tunnel, Napton locks, North Oxford Canal and loved it all (except perhaps the boat was a bit small -- 34'). I am also very interested in helping with the canal restoration work being undertaken by IWA. However, we live in the USA (Colorado), and recognize that what we need most are friendly compatriots in the UK who might be kind enough to offer contacts or advice in our pursuits. In the short term, we are looking to hire a 50-60' boat for 3-4 weeks in October of this year -- situated so we can cruise into London for a week or so and then back out. In the longer term, we are hoping to make contact with a private boat

10 owner, at any major UK canal basin, who would hire out a 50-60' boat to us for the summer of 2013 (June-July-August). Any help you can provide in contacting possible boat owners would be much appreciated -- perhaps someone you know that does not use their boat much any more but would welcome some regular hire income to help offset expenses. We are a young-ish (63) retired professional couple in good health, but well aware that life is short. We are highly responsible and would treat any boat hired as our own. Character references available, as for narrow-boat skills: we are competent at basic maneuvers, mooring using various methods (I can throw a decent half-hitch), double/single locks, have learned the BW water tap system and do not shrink from "pumping out" as needed. I am a "project oriented" individual who would enjoy basic engine, electrical and hydraulic maintenance. Thanks for any assistance you might be able to provide and we look forward to participating in the important work of IWA. Yours, Richard Varnes Valari Jack 1271-A Hummingbird Circle Longmont, Colorado USA richardvarnes@comcast.net [NB There are significant license and insurance implications if you are receiving a reward for the use of your boat Ed.]

11 Reminder - BRIDGEWATER CANAL Local Restrictions and Canal Closure between John Gilbert Way Bridge and Throstles Nest Bridge Old Trafford Notice is hereby given that for security reasons due to the use of Old Trafford football stadium during the Olympic Games that the mooring of pleasure craft will be prohibited from the 26 th July 2012 until the 7 th August 2012 inclusive between John Gilbert Way Bridge and Throstles Nest Bridge. The canal will be closed to all navigation between John Gilbert Way Bridge and Throstles Nest Bridge on Olympic match days only. Pleasure craft wishing to transit the section on a closed day may do so but in doing so are agreeing that the vessel, if required, may be stopped and searched by Greater Manchester Police. The match days are:- Thursday 26 th July 2012 Sunday 29 th July 2012 Tuesday 31 st July 2012 Wednesday 1 st August 2012 Saturday 4 th August 2012 Monday 6 th August 2012 Tuesday 7 th August 2012 If you wish to visit the stadium on a match day and wish to moor in the restricted area then special advance arrangements through this office can be made to accommodate your request, please note that owners wishing to moor vessels within the restricted area are agreeing that their craft may be searched by Greater Manchester Police. The Company apologises for any inconvenience caused as a result of these security measures. The Bridgewater Canal Company, Peel Dome,The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8PL mwebb@peel.co.uk Tel: Website Notice 17 Dated 25 th November 2011 Manchester Branch area Canals

12 The Bridgewater Canal, The Rochdale Canal, The Ashton Canal, The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, The Lower Peak Forest Canal, The Macclesfield Canal, The Manchester Ship Canal. In addition there are four restorations in progress within the Manchester Branch: Hollingwood Canal; The Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal; The Stockport Branch Canal; Bugsworth Basin Canal and Navigation Societies in the Region Macclefield Canal Society emal: Manchester & Bolton Canal Society Hollingwood Canal Society Manchester & Stockport Canal Society Inland Waterways Protection Society - Bugsworth Basin ian@theedgars.co.uk Wooden Canal Boat Society on the Ashton canal in Greater Manchester. These craft are a vital but hitherto largely neglected part of the canal heritage. Less than 200 wooden working boats now survive on over 2000 miles of inland waterways. The W.C.B.S. is saving as many as it can, when restored they function not as dead museum pieces but as living working boats serving today s community. As well as creating a fully functional heritage

13 boatyard the Society is now involved in a range of activities aimed at preserving and using wooden narrow boats. The Wooden Canal Boat Society, 33 Beauchamp Street, Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 8LF Contact: Chris Leah, Telephone or Mobile wcbs@beeb.net Website: The Horse Boating Society The Horse Boating Society was formed in 2001 at the Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port. The primary aim of the Society is to preserve and promote horseboating and has about 100 members and with other organisations also affiliated, the Society represents over 1000 in total. enquiries@horseboating.org.uk Website: EVENTS IN THE IWA MANCHESTER AREA 2012 For all events at Standge Visitor Centre see: July 21/22, Sat/Sun Standedge Family Fun W/e August Rochdale Canal Festival Aug 18: Launch at Sowerby Bridge Aug 19: Horseboating, a passenger boat, tickets available, from Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge Aug 22 & 23: Film Show Piccadilly Basin (see article) Aug 26: Finale in/near Manchester Aug 25/26, Sat/Sun Standedge Family Fun W/e September 8/9, Sat/Sun Standedge Crafts including the Waterways Craft Guild?

14 October Standedge Halloween. Spooky boat trips into the tunnel, pumpkin carving, etc. IWA Manchester Branch Winter Talks Programme October 2012 April 2013 Our Open Meetings are held on the 2 nd Monday in the month commencing 8pm prompt In the Brindley Room, At Dukes 92, Castle Street, Castlefield, Manchester The programme is being prepared and we hope to include a talk from members of the Manchester & Pennine Waterways Partnership which will give us all a chance to ask questions about their role and plans Up to date information on meetings and directions to the venues are on the Branch Website As Manchester Branch funds the Open Meeting venue [ 75.00] and the speaker s expenses [ approx] a donation on the night would be appreciated. If you would like a reminder of Branch Meetings, walks & events let us have your e- mail address (HO does not pass any personal information to Branches)

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