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Chris Coburn’s efforts in aid of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust have been recognised by the IWA.
He has been awarded the IWA’s major fund raising award, the John Heap Salver.
The IWA has also granted the Trust £2,000 towards its restoration costs.
Chris visited the Sankey Canal last summer in his narrow boat 'The Progress' as part of his 'Spirit of Adventure cruise.
Chris raised £4,155 towards the Trust’s fund and gave a donation of £1,323 to the Waterway Recovery Group.
The Trust’s fight to persuade the builders of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road to keep the canal’s route open continues.
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IWA has issued a new policy statement on the environment of the inland waterways.
The document covers maintenance, dredging, water quality, water usage, the built heritage, restoration,
new development, consultation, education and freight carriage.
IWA believes the waterways offer considerable potential as an environmental attraction to the public; and are a
vibrant, living resource.
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British Waterways’ proposals for its membership scheme and separate charitable trust were launched in a
blaze of publicity at London Zoo in June. A glossy 20-page brochure is available from BW’s Head Office at
Watford (tel. 01923 201115), and there is also a new website giving further details at
www.waterwaypartners.co.uk. A series of regional meetings
where BW staff will be giving presentations has been arranged. The IWA will be considering the proposals at its
July and September meetings, and asks that local officers who attend these pass their thoughts on BW’s
proposals to them. The proposals are built around three main themes:
- Waterways leisure and education
- Waterways ‘A living heritage network’
- Waterway wildlife. BW envisage that members will be offered benefits such as: ~ a waterways handbook;
~ a newsletter 3 or 4 times a year; ~ reduced admission to waterway museums; ~ discount vouchers from holiday hire boat
firms and other waterway related businesses; ~ waterway related events and lectures; ~ an education programme;
~ opportunities to take part in volunteer activities.
The Objects of the separate Trust would be:
- to help conserve the natural and built environment of the inland waterways in the UK for the benefit of the public;
- to promote the restoration, development and use of the inland waterways for navigation and commerce;
- to provide (or encourage others to provide) facilities for leisure and recreational use of the waterways;
- to educate the public about inland waterways and their history.channels the public will become better informed on
the progress and cost effectiveness of BW’s maintenance projects.
The IWA comments that they are rather similar to its own Objects.
The Trust would be effectively controlled by BW nominees, and would give access to charitable funds and Grants
not available to BW itself.
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The Government is beginning to show a touch of interest in the inland waterways as a prospective means of freight
transport. The Department of the Environment is enthusiastic in its recently published document 'Guidance on Local
Transport Plans'.
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The Rochdale Canal restoration project is still struggling to find matching funds for its Millennium Fund Grant.
Intensive IWA lobbying has persuaded the North West Regional Development Agency to conditionally agree that
funding should be made available. A final decision is awaited from its Chairman, the Lord Thomas of Macclesfield.
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The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has once again suffered from the attentions of vandals. Malicious damage caused
collapse of the tailgate support blocks at lock 74. The lock was declared unsafe until repairs were effected.
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The recently retired Chair-person of IWA, Mrs. Audrey Smith, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Her efforts in the field of inland waterways as IWA chair-person have been recognised.
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SCARS has benefited by a £667 grant from IWA from the proceeds of the National Waterways Festival at Salford Quays
last summer. The money is to be used for work on the 'St. Helen', a former St. Helens Borough pleasure boat which was
used in a local park and is now owned by SCARS. The boat is to be renovated with the ultimate aim of providing trips
along stretches of the Sankey Canal. It is to feature in SCAR’s contribution to local Millennium celebrations. At the
same time, a grant of £666 was made to the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society.
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Vale Royal Borough Council is delighted to announce the success of its efforts in co-operation with British Waterways to
secure the future of the Anderton Boat Lift. Tourist Officer, Andrea Peatie says "The announcement of the £3.3 million
award from the Heritage Lottery Fund is fantastic news. The restored working boat lift will attract thousands and
thousands of visitors to the area and will bring the River Weaver and Trent and Mersey Canal to life with lots of boats
and activities. The boat lift will be of international heritage value and will attract visitors from all over the world."
The £6.7 million scheme to restore the lift to its 1875 condition can now start.
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Following on from last year’s successful Northwich Water Festival, Vale Royal Borough Council and British Waterways
are planning to stage 'Northwich on Water' on Saturday 11th. September. Vale Royal Environment Network together with
many other organisations, activities and entertainments are joining the partnership this year. A great day out is in
prospect.
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BW has a new Chairman - Dr George Greener. He will receive £60,000 a year for his three day week appointment.
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The IWA has updated its e-mail addresses. Neil Edwards, Executive Director, is on:
neil@waterways.org.uk.
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BW is opening the winter cruising 'windows' wider this year, in anticipation of greater use of the canals over the
time of the Millennium celebrations. Normally works, where possible, are suspended for the week or so of the
Christmas and New Year period. This will be extended by a week this winter.
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