Registered Charity No. 702429

CUT BOTH WAYS WEBSITE ARCHIVES The Magazine of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Issue No. 50 - WINTER 2007

David Suchet, Dr Fitzgerald, Ted Hiscock and gallery manager Lee Benson at the exhibition at No.9 The Gallery in Brindley Place, Birmingham,
with the oil painting of Huddlesford Junction donated by Dr Hiscock (photo Bob Williams)

First of all congratulations to this magazine. This is our 50th issue and I hope that all members feel that this is something to celebrate. We did think we might compile a list of 50 things to commemorate but I will leave that to others. I am sure all our directors and officers will agree that there are always at least 50 things to be getting on with and scarcely time to do any of them. I will limit myself to offering 50 thanks to our editor, Steve Pitt, for continuing to produce an excellent magazine on time and within budget.

While on the subject of thanks we must never forget the debts we owe to our many supporters. We have a President, a Vice-President and Patrons all of whom underpin our work and encourage us in our efforts. You, the ordinary members, are also invaluable to us. We have one of the largest membership bases of any canal restoration trust and this means we have a “voice” when we are talking to government, business or local authorities. The subscriptions from members are the bread and butter of our income and this is a funding stream we need more than ever as we fund major projects. We must also not forget our Corporate Members who pay for their membership for many reasons but not least, we hope, because they value our work to the wider community and so, at the start of 2007, we offer them our sincere thanks.

In October we were delighted that our Vice President, David Suchet OBE, together with Sheila, was able to spare a day from his busy schedule to join us in Lichfield. It was an excellent opportunity to up-date him on our activities on the Lichfield Canal and to obtain some publicity for the David Suchet Appeal. After lunch, during which David did a live spot on the Ed Doolan Show, we moved to Birmingham Road in Lichfield for the formal cutting of “the first sod” of the earthworks where our culvert will carry the canal under the new road as part of the Lichfield Southern Bypass. The event was strongly supported by the constructors, the local authorities and by British Waterways and the resulting press coverage was excellent. David & Sheila were then taken on a rapid tour of the work site at Tamworth Road followed by a visit to Cappers Bridge. Then came tea at The Garrick Theatre where David met the Artistic Director and LDC Chief Executive, Nina Dawes.The day was rounded off by a fund-raising event at Brindley Place. A painting of Huddlesford Junction, painted by Dr Ted Hiscock who was at school with David, was auctioned for £1000. It was a wonderful day which benefited the Trust in so many ways.

David and Sheila Suchet are entertained to tea at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre with Nina Dawes and Adrian Jackson
(For more photos of the day go to News 2006)

Meanwhile, we must not forget the workers. We have been working hard to build a strong framework to support our physical restoration work. At the strategic level we have been meeting our engineering advisors, several of whom have joined us recently. We hope that they will perform an increasingly valuable role in planning our projects. Of course, we are still very strongly supported by Roy Sutton (on behalf of IWA) whose advice is invaluable. In parallel with this we have held meetings with our bricklayers and other site workers so that we can maximise their input and encourage them to take a more prominent part in organising and planning the routine works. This closer contact between the directors and the site workers is welcomed by both parties. It has been good to see the continuing progress which has been made at Tamworth Road using both our own workforce and the visiting work groups. We have initiated discussions with Severn Trent Water about the removal of the large drainage pipe from the bed of the canal which is essential before we can complete our works and water this section. I am confident that 2007 will see continuing progress between Lock 24 and the A38. At Darnford Lane we will be concentrating on environmental work and attention to the stream.

Meanwhile on the Hatherton, work has resumed after an enforced pause in the autumn. Here we are operating on British Waterways land and must comply with their health and safety requirements. These have recently been tightened and it was vital that our members fully comply with the current rules. Denis Cooper has now been able to bring procedures up to date and the monthly work parties are now back on schedule. There has been other good news in this area. We have always known that getting the canal through the M6 would be a major headache with much depending on how any widening of the motorway was tackled by the Highways Agency. A recent meeting with a senior official from the Agency has given us some cause for optimism. The widening will take place on the eastern side and will entail the reconstruction of the current carriageways with a projected completion date of 2015. This could mean that provision will be made for the canal but there is a very long way to go before we can be sure of anything.

Among those 50 things to be getting on with is the strengthening of our links with our local authorities and other public bodies. From the very start we have recognised that it is vital to enlist the support of influential organisations and to try to form partnerships. Any study of other restoration trusts, including those who have now successfully completed their work, shows that this is the way to get things done. 2006 has seen us work much more closely with British Waterways, Lichfield District, South Staffordshire District and Cannock Chase District. We are working with Staffordshire Highways on the current works in Lichfield and on plans for the next stage of the Southern Bypass. We are striving to change any remaining perception that the Trust is working for itself or for a limited constituency of waterways interests and are stressing that our efforts are for the good of local communities and for the heritage of the nation as a whole. We certainly have at least 50 things to do as we celebrate edition 50 of “Cut Both Ways”.

Brian Kingshott

Dear Brian,

Really appreciated your kind thoughts after my MBE award. The investiture was by Prince Charles, at Buckingham Palace; last Thursday. I have deliberately waited until after that to thank you, so that I could give you a report about “the day”.

I was accompanied by my daughter, Melanie, “Granny” and Jackie. I was so pleased they could be part of the experience. The Palace makes it a very special day with precision organisation and all the tradition one would expect of our Royals.

All the other recipients I spoke to were, like me, very surprised to have received their award but they, in the main, were recognised for a single activity. In my case, I had the whole of L & H behind me, and even in front leading! So congratulations must go to everybody.

All the best. Chris

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I would like to wish all members and friends of the Trust a Happy and Prosperous New Year for 2007.

I have been thumbing through the first edition of “Cut Both Ways” which was issued in the Spring of 1993 by John Morris who was, at that time, Chairman of “The Friends of The Trust”, a newly formed body which was the fore runner of the present L&HCRT. Although many supported and applauded Johns’ efforts in those days to put together a magazine for the Trust, there were those who were doubtful about its value and feared that ”The Friends of The Trust” might prejudice the later formation of the Trust as a registered charity. At a later date, and with careful negotiation by our solicitor, Nick Grazebrook, who did such splendid work for the Trust and many other Waterways considerations, the Trust in its present format was formed.

However, we should not forget the pioneering work done in those early days by many people such as John Morris, and Duncan Moore from Napton on the Hill, a schoolboy who single handedly produced the first copy of the “Lichfield Canal” a publication which was used to generate substantial income when sold and to supplement the submission made to the Inspectors of the public enquiry into the proposed Birmingham Northern Relief Road, now renamed the M6 Toll road.

The year of 2007 brings new faces upon the scene and I am continually mindful of the considerable work undertaken by the present incumbents. In those early days of the Trust we had little idea of the massive amount of administration and skillful negotiation which the present team now undertake in continuing the fight to bring our early ideas and aspiration to fruition.

I wish all the present team the very best of wishes and offer congratulation, for this, the 50th edition and whilst thanking them for their services I hope that you will all support them in the task of restoration of these two canals aptly named “The Cut Both Ways”

Eric Wood, President

At the year end 2006 it is pleasing to report that the Marketing team have been able to pay over to the Trust the sum of £10,500 from the year’s activities. This is about £1,000 less than 2005 and reflects on the difficult trading conditions experienced during the year. In particular, attendance at the Crick Boat show was seriously affected by a major fire at a nearby trading estate followed by bad weather on the Monday. This meant that British Waterways was unable to give their customary donation to charities exhibiting at the event. The same bad weather washed out the Lichfield Bower and our intrepid team there spent most of the afternoon hanging onto our new gazebo.

Moira Festival did not live up to previous years’ performances but on the bright side our stand at Lichfield Medieval Market produced its best ever profit. Some other events suffered because of the clash with the Football World Cup competition.

The brightest star on the scene was the collection at the ASDA supermarket, Cannock. In spite of my scepticism the collection netted £437.00.

Since the last issue we have held our Autumn Fair at Boley Park Community Hall. The event was successful, showing a profit of £422. However, it was not as well attended as we had hoped and it is not clear what the results were for our stall holders. The Jazz Evening at Whittington was a success with around 90 members and friends attending and making a welcome contribution of £950 to Trust funds.

My thanks for help at the aforementioned events and throughout the year at numerous other shows to Bob & Sue Williams and family, George Simonczyck, Trish Humphries, Pat Barton, Terry Robertson, Hilary Smith, Mavis Moore, Terry & Jean Brown, Rob Davies, Mike & Bobbie Battisson, Paul & Beverley Marshall, Barry Kenn, Peter & Pat Magee, Mike & May Brown, Eric & Doreen Wood, Peter & Jeanne Buck, Lynn Evans, and to anyone I may have inadvertently omitted. My thanks also go to those who have donated items for our sales table and raffles. In particular, I would like to express my thanks to all the members who cleared the hall following the jazz evening. I was amazed how quickly everything vanished into cupboards and storerooms.

We have already begun to make plans for 2007. We have confirmed bookings for Crick Boat Show, Lichfield Medieval Market and Whittington Fair and expect to attend most of the usual events. We are not at present looking at attending the IWA National Festival at St Ives, Cambridgeshire. It is a question of available volunteers to transport and man the display. So, if you are intending to go to the festival and think you could manage and/or transport the stand, please let me know as soon as possible.

We have thought about our 2007 autumn social event and several ideas have been put forward including a Barn Dance, Pigeon Racing, Black Country evening, Line Dancing and Country & Western entertainment. I would appreciate any feedback from members about their preferences (email: Dave Moore).

LICHFIELD CANAL WALK

We are intending to hold another canal walk in the spring. Details are not yet finalised, but as this is the only Cut Both Ways that you will receive before the event we are offering this provisional information and asking you to check with the website nearer the date for confirmation. Those of you who do not have access to the Internet can contact either me or Sue Williams for information.

DATE: Sunday 22 April from 10am onwards
Lichfield Cruising Club has kindly allowed us the use of their field as a car park and the walk will start at the Cruising Club. From there walkers will be bussed to Fosseway Lane and walk back from there to Huddlesford.

ROUTE
Please note that this is a provisional route as we still have to seek permission to use certain stretches.

The route will use as much as possible of the line of the Lichfield Canal from Huddlesford Junction to the disused railway crossing at Fosseway Lane – distance about 4 miles. The walk will involve some minor roads (ie Cappers, Shortbutts & Darnford Lanes), Darnford Park and the Darwin Walk. We hope to be able to use our expensive new culvert at Birmingham Road (subject to progress of the works). It will also mean the crossing of two major roads (A51 &A5127) but both can be crossed at traffic lights.

Going is generally fair if dry, but could be difficult in places if wet. Please be careful; good walking shoes or boots are recommended. Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on leads, and owners should clean up after them.

We intend providing refreshments at Tamworth Road and Lichfield Cruising Club.

I repeat that this is only an interim notice and you are advised to check the L&H website or telephone me (01543 432718) or Sue Williams (01543 671427) nearer the date.

Please do not attempt to use the route unless we have been given permission to do so as some of the land is private and trespass could seriously undermine our relationship with the landowners.

Dave Moore
Marketing Director

BIRMINGHAM ROAD CULVERT Execution by the Trust of a legal contract under Section 278 Highways Act 1980 on 20th September 2006 was accompanied by the first stage payment of £420,000 to Staffordshire County Council. That triggered off production of 30 pre-cast concrete canal culvert segments by Hanson in Derby which were delivered individually by low-loader in the weeks before Christmas. A second stage of £20,000 will be followed three months later by a final payment of £50,000. In addition to loans of £270,000 drawn so far, it is likely that the Trust will have to borrow another £30,000 in the short-term to meet these obligations. Construction of the culvert is expected to begin at the end of January and completed by May. It may be possible during the planned Lichfield Canal walk to take a close look at it before it is hidden underground until it becomes part of the live canal. Why not come and see it for yourself?

DAVID SUCHET APPEAL
Nearly £60,000 has been received or pledged towards the above costs. The promotional visit by David and Sheila Suchet last October certainly got good press publicity and brought in further funds, but not a lot. The Appeal remains open where new contributions would be gratefully received.

EUROPEAN FUNDING
In managing the Birmingham Road contract, the Directors took into consideration the expectation of substantial lump-sum income in 2007. Now that the Government’s six-year European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 programme is drawing to a close, retained grant monies of nearly £70,000 should become available in the coming months, subject to final audit. With the 26th and 27th member states joining the European Union on 1st January 2007, it was said some time ago that we could expect future “European money” to go East. From our point of view, that may be the same as “going West”! However, a new funding programme for the UK is being prepared with an allocation of £260million for “Regional Competitiveness and Employment 2007–2013”. The focus will be on “supporting priority areas of innovation and research and development, economic development, sustainable urban development and transitional activities.”
What can we make of that?

BIG LOTTERY BREATHING PLACES
In the last issue, we were hopeful that a relatively small bid for £2,300 towards literature and administration for a public walk over part of the Lichfield Canal would find favour. Regrettably, this was declined as “it did not meet the aims of the [funding] programme” as there was insufficient public access! No wonder they have so much unallocated funds. Still, elsewhere in this issue you will find notice of the walk which is being planned by other means.

FUNDING GROUP
The Trust’s internal Finance Group has been re-titled “Funding Group” to identify more closely with its purpose. Directors attending the December meeting first checked that short-term budgetary commitments were accounted for before exploring the most likely sources of funds for each of the next seventeen identified priorities. It has long been realised that very little funding is available for building walls and providing for boaters whereas community amenities – like a linear park along a canal channel for all manner of uses – get noticed! Preparing applications takes time, so if you have a “bad back” but a “good mind” for canal restoration, please call me on 01543 671427.

Bob Williams, Director (Finance)

The Pinch Point Problem

Since the earliest days of the Trust the ‘Pinch Point Problem’ has been hanging over our heads. What is it? Could it be that we have at last found a solution?

When the Wyrley & Essington Canal Ogley Locks Section was abandoned the land containing the original route between Shortbutts Lane and the A38 passed eventually into the hands of the Lichfield City Council. By then the canal had been infilled and grassed over. At some stage the garden of the property now No 21 Wordsworth Close was extended onto part of the former canal forming a narrow gap in the City Council’s land. It would have been quite easy to restore the canal through the gap, which became known as the pinchpoint, but plans were then developed to construct the Lichfield Southern Bypass through the same gap. There is not enough width for the bypass and a canal to pass through. Over the years many plans have been proposed for solving the pinchpoint problem – the latest being a proposal by the Staffs County Council that a tunnel should be constructed to carry the canal under the bypass from a point South of Byron Avenue to the London Road. This solution would have been prohibitively expensive and distinctly user unfriendly. Fortunately, on closer examination, the scheme was found to be impractical as the water level in the rest of the canal would have required the roof of the tunnel to be above the level of the bypass carriageway!

The Trust therefore proposed that the towpath (which would be largely used by walkers, joggers and cyclists) should share the 4 metre wide cycleway which is an intrinsic part of the bypass and is provided at great expense for – walkers, joggers and cyclists. By eliminating the towpath and reducing the width of the canal channel to 3.5 metres there is room for the bypass and one way boat traffic through the pinchpoint. As the towpath lies on the South side of the canal throughout this section it will be necessary to provide a bridge across the tail of the lock to the West of the pinchpoint to carry the towpath to the North side and another at the next lock to return it to the South side.

The County Council have accepted this concept and have asked us to provide more detail of the canal requirements. Working with Roy Sutton, the Honorary Engineering Consultant to the IWA, we have proposed the layout shown on pages 10 The original Lock 22 lies well away from the new route and Lock 23 will be partially under the bypass and at the wrong angle for the new channel. Our proposal therefore includes a two lock stair (nos 19 and 20) to the West of the tunnel under the Birmingham Road and railway, a new Lock 21 with a tail bridge and a new Lock 22 between the London Road bridge and the pinchpoint. There will be no Lock 23.

Sadly the bypass will prevent the restoration of the original St John’s wharf and mooring basin which would have been the ideal place for visiting tourists to stay while visiting Lichfield. However, we have proposed that Pound 22, West of the pinchpoint, should be wide enough to accommodate visitor and longer term moorings and that other essential feature: a winding hole.

We must stress that the layout and features shown in the plan are simply the proposals we have put to the County Highways engineers. The final design will only emerge after the detailed design and levels of the bypass carriageways have been confirmed. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that when this section of the bypass goes for planning approval we will not only have solved the pinchpoint problem (and saved the cost of a lock) but will have had every opportunity for the needs of the canal users to be taken into account.

Mike Smith, Vice-chairman

We congratulate all the lucky winners in the Grand Prize Draw whose tickets were drawn during our Jazz Evening in Whittington Village Hall on 11th November 2006. Our President Eric Wood led the proceedings, assisted by Alan Parkes who sponsored the second prize, and by other members from an audience of 90. The result for 2006 has matched the previous year, adding some £4,200 to the Trust’s funds. We give special thanks to the two top prize sponsors “Tillerman Boats” and Alan Parkes Design Ltd.

The lucky winners were:-

We wish to thank everyone who bought, and sold tickets to raise so much again this year. A new Prize Draw will start in 2007 with a new range of valuable and interesting prizes on offer. Tickets will be on sale from February and will be available to members with the next edition of “Cut Both Ways” due out in May. Click here for more details.

Note 2: A summary of the 2006 Annual Accounts, subject to audit, is available on this website (Click here for accounts). Any member wanting a copy of the full accounts in advance of the meeting should contact the Treasurer, Bob Williams.

Note 3: Non-members are welcome to attend but can not vote at the AGM.

New Members up to 2nd January 2007

Mr M G Johnston	Glascote, Tamworth
Miss J F Barnett	Kingsbury, London
Mr T J Hughes	Fradley, Lichfield
Ms T Ashby	Long Eaton
Mr P S Kitchin	York
Mr & Mrs R A Heath	Bamford, Derbys
Mr & Mrs C S E Wood	Burton On Trent
Dr E J Browning	Lichfield
Mr R Dingle	Lichfield
Mr B Rowley	Cannock
Mr C Edwards	Hereford
Mrs S Brant	Sutton Coldfield
Dr J G A Fitzgerald	Sutton Coldfield
Mr T Mann	Whittington, Lichfield
Ms M J Hille	Streethay, Lichfield

Early Tourists arrive at Darnford

I recently visited the site with Trust Member Geoff Crook, our newly appointed Environment Officer, and a Staffs Wildlife Trust Officer, Claire Waterson. The purpose of this visit was to introduce Claire to the environmental planting improvements we had made to the site - in particular the Black Poplar saplings planted two years ago. This action was in support of a Staffs County initiative to re-establish this tree, not commonly found in South Staffordshire.

Claire is looking for a local ‘lady’ Black Poplar to set seed from – does anybody know how to ‘sex’ a B P, other than the ‘males’?

We checked the health of the planting and confirmed that the site development was satisfactory, noting that the Willows planted last year were ready to be pollarded (another rural skill about which we have received welcome advice.)

The extension of the brook-side wetland has paid back dividends, encouraging the reed beds to overcome the weedier growth such that a wider range of bird life is now returning, including visits by a locally resident kingfisher.

The small remaining acid sandy area to the side of the towpath is also of local value that does not impact in any way on the ultimate restoration of the canal for narrowboat use. We discussed ways and means of constructing the canal which, if completed sensitively, can support and extend this habitat, in mitigation.

The towpath down to the lift bridge is a popular walk for locals, often daily with their dogs. This demonstrates the amenity value of such areas to the community, ultimately enhancing our chances for funding.

To finish on a bright note, as we were about to leave the site my attention was drawn to a butterfly feeding on the bountiful crop of thistles. I was informed that this would probably be the most uncommon insect I would see in my lifetime. This attractive butterfly was a Clouded Yellow, a visitor from the continent, seldom seen in our region. It is nice to know that our award-winning site is considered attractive to such an illustrious visitor - a good omen for the future?

This goes to show that one person’s scrub is another’s valuable habitat: A point perhaps to be emphasised in any leaflets we hand out on canal towpath walks. In the summer we make a point of controlling but not eradicating the ragwort (horses do not use the site). The reason for this is that just as the plant is reaching its peak the distinctive yellow-stripped caterpillars of the cinnabar moth hatch out to gorge themselves, stripping the leaves bare in a matter of days. Even these much-maligned weeds, along with nettles have their places in biodiversity.

Mike Battisson, Environment Director

WORKING PARTIES NEWS & DATES

LICHFIELD CANAL
To find our usual work site at Lock 25 on Tamworth Road (Grid ref. SK 130 083) take the A51 out of Lichfield and the site is on the right about 300 metres after Cricket Lane. Look out for the yellow sign.
Our own work parties are supplemented by WRG and ‘Dig Deep’ weekend visits. We generally work from about 9 am to 4 pm and more help is always welcome, even if you can spare only a few hours. Check for additional dates or the latest plans with Bob Williams on 01543 671427 (Email: Bob Williams) or keep checking this web site where any changes will be shown.

Work Party Dates:
February:	Sunday 4, wrgNW Sat/Sun 3/4, London WRG Sat/Sun 24/25
March:	Sunday 4, Newbury WPG Sat/Sun 10/11
April:	Sunday 1
May:	Sunday 6
June:	Sunday 3

ALL SITES: Bring old clothes, stout footwear, work gloves, and refreshment. Hard hats and basic working tools can be provided as necessary, although you are welcome to bring your own.

For details of Waterway Recovery Group Subscribe to Navvies (minimum (£1.50) from Sue Watts 15 Eleanor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9FZ

Work Party News
Through the autumn, Tamworth Road continued to claim attention with brickwork being the major focus. Concrete back-filling the off-side wall of pound 25 revealed that the poor state of some lower courses could not take the stress put on them. Fortunately, the downfall of a short section only hurt everyone’s pride but valuable lessons were learnt by studying the cause and debating the best means of correction, guided by Roy Sutton for IWA.

The Kent & East Sussex Restoration Group spent a productive week-end with Trust volunteers in early September reassessing site priorities and getting on with several important tasks. Brick walls rose up and large volumes of surplus soil were moved which also provided an opportunity for driver experience. Lock 24 infill had previously been stock-piled nearby so that the structure could be considered for repairs. However, the means of crossing the next obstacle at Cricket Lane is still well in the future. After studying the chamber, taking detailed measurements and photographs, the decision was taken to preserve it with soft earth infill for the time being so that unsightly safety fencing could then be removed.

Completing Pound 26 towpath wall and infill (photos by Bob Williams)
Lock 24 preservation (photos by Dave Moore)
Levelling Pound 25 and artistic impression of Lock 24 gates (Bob Williams)

During an extended restoration phase, presenting the site to the public is an important consideration. Not everyone can see that it has been or will again be a canal. British Waterways responded magnificently by donating a pair of bottom gates and beams replaced during winter maintenance on the Atherstone Flight. Being right beside the busy Tamworth Road, these static gates will give onlookers a convincing view of a canal until such time as the channel can by properly connected to the next section uphill.

As we look back over 2006, so much was achieved by so few. Phil Sharpe accelerated work parties to weekly in better weather, and stalwarts like Keith Grice, Brian Davis, Barry Parkes and their supporters could be there many times a week. We thank you all for such diligence and enthusiasm in getting the job done.

Bob Williams

HATHERTON CANAL
Our regular date is the third Sunday of each month, from 10 am, with some occasional extra days as required. Contact Denis Cooper on 01543-374370 (work) for details of meeting places.

Monthly work parties: Sundays; 18 February, 18 March, 15 April, 20 May, 17 June.

ALL SITES: Bring old clothes, stout footwear, work gloves, and refreshment. Hard hats and basic working tools can be provided as necessary, although you are welcome to bring your own.

Work Party News
HATHERTON CANAL WORKPARTY – SUNDAY 17th DECEMBER 2006
And finally, a few words from Barry Kenn to finish off 2006 .......

As promised, a few pics of todays work party on the Hatherton. Not really a lot to photograph at this time of year except the dangerous state of some of the trees, one of which has come down over the channel and will no doubt require the expertise of our Chain [saw] Gang. Couldn't have wished for a better day weather wise, and it was nice to finish off with a drop of wine and a mince pie or two, courtesy of Denis.

Barry Kenn

All photos taken by Barry Kenn

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