Winter - Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd

The Magazine of the Lichfield &
Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
Issue 62 Winter 2009/10
BW Narrow Boat “SEVERN DOLPHIN” Icebreaking (circa 1985).
Photo from the J. Jinks Collection.

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2
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
For the first time in my 12 years of living in the lee of Offa’s Dyke I am snowed in as
I sit to write this. Only the 4x4s, the tractors and the sheep are getting through and
the car looks like a snowdrift. Fortunately this has happened within the festive pause
in L&H activity and I am not required in Lichfield for any meetings. It will soon be
back to business as we prepare to push forward into another year of restoration. It
would be good to be able to report that 2010 will see major tangible steps in the
canal reopening process but, realistically, it will be the mixture much as before. We
were recently warned that the work on site is always the easy bit – the bit that brings
the photographs and the press releases. The long and difficult bit is putting together
the plans, commissioning the suite of reports, getting the consents from the statutory
bodies and then finding the money. We know what has to be done and must be
patient and determined as we edge forwards.
As many of you will know, and as my address shows, I live next to the ruin of a
Marcher castle. It was much “slighted” during the Civil War when it enjoyed a brief
moment of infamy, and has been slowly slipping towards final collapse over the
subsequent centuries. It sits at the end of our garden and I suspect that the cottage
was built from its pilfered stones, as was much of the village. Two years ago it was
awarded a substantial Heritage Lottery Grant after many years of frustration and
disappointment. A Trust, with a handful of members, finally pressed the right buttons
and the money came. Work is now well under way, even in the snow. It has even
attracted “Time Team” and a programme will go out on Channel 4 sometime in 2010.
The point is that persistence was rewarded and English Heritage is now handling a
major project, out of the hands of the amateurs and the volunteers.
L&H is always alert to possible funding streams although the big ones have mostly
eluded us. Our major coup was to tap into European funding a few years ago which
enabled us to rebuild Cappers Bridge, fund a feasibility study and fabricate some
bridge sections. Currently, we are awaiting the outcome of a funding process run by
Lichfield District Council which may help us to progress works at Tamworth Road.
(continued over)
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Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
We are in competition with other good causes within Lichfield and the outcome is
much too close to call. If we are given anything close to our expectations we can
make major strides at Tamworth Road. Depending on the level of funding we have
several schemes for introducing water to what we call the Borrowcop Locks Canal
Park. Our own building team, led by Brian Davis, is now well advanced in creating an
interesting bywash for Lock 25 (See below and working party news).
Diagram of the Lock 25 bywash
The water will enter a circular structure inspired by the distinctive bywashes on the
Staffs & Worcester Canal. This is both beautiful and innovative. If funding allows, we
would like to use contractors to finish Pound 26, alongside Mrs Attwood’s garden,
and then fill it with water. This work will require much preliminary activity on the lines
I mentioned earlier. The reports and the permissions must come before the building.
(continued over)
Our Vision Statement
To restore the Lichfield Canal and the Hatherton Canal to re-open
waterway links between Staffordshire and the West Midlands, for the
benefit of the environment, amenity and prosperity of the people of the
region and to enhance the nation’s inland waterway system.
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Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Observant readers will note that the Atkins Study divided the Lichfield restoration
into 5 phases with Phase 1 starting at the bottom, at Huddlesford, and then progressing
uphill towards Ogley where Phase 5 ends. We are pleased to have developed a
healthy and co-operative relationship with members of the Lichfield Cruising Club. It
might, therefore, seem illogical to be devoting major energies to the Tamworth Road
site. There are several good reasons for this. Tamworth Road has been our main
site for several years and we cannot just leave it to fit with a paper plan. It is a highly
visible project, easily seen from the road and conveniently investigated from the
footpaths. It is relatively easy to finance and it is well-regarded by the authorities and
the neighbours. Our preparatory activities at Huddlesford are likely to take some
time and it is only logical to work where we can and when we can.
Meanwhile, we must continue to show that we are a two canal Trust. We are very
conscious that we must maintain a strong presence on the Hatherton. Much of this is
in the form of a “watching brief”. Most of the section from The Roman Way to Calf
Heath is in British Waterways ownership where the channel is an important part of its
water management network. The section from the old A460, through Churchbridge,
needs careful monitoring to ensure that nothing is done which will threaten the ultimate
line of restoration. From the A5 towards the proposed link to the Lord Hay Branch at
Pelsall is a lengthy section of “new build”. This is the route recommended by the
supplementary Atkins Report. We hope, in 2010, to progress the discussions with
land owners as the first step towards building this section. Currently, we seem more
likely to get boats to Cannock from this direction rather than from the west as originally
envisaged.
Bleak January days are probably not the best time to try to plot an optimistic route
through the year ahead. Indeed, such short-termism would be misplaced. We have
always realised that canal restoration is an extended concept. We have set ourselves
ambitious targets for completion for anything else would remove the pressure and
sense of purpose yet we must not be downhearted if we do not achieve all the aims
we set ourselves. My main hope for the year ahead is that we maintain our enthusiasm
and replenish our numbers. We will always need more volunteers, more support and
more money, I appeal to all our members to help us with this.
Brian Kingshott
1998 DATA PROTECTION ACT
The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd will hold your
details for marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data
Protection Act. If you do not wish to receive updates from the Trust
or any third party with whom we co-operate then please advise the
Trust through Director Bob Williams on 01543 671427.
Cut Both Ways 5
Winter 2009/10

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a highly rewarding career change for those who have
considered such a vocation
Practical training carried out in our four clinics in the West
Midlands, free prospectus available or download from our
Website www.collegefhp.com or
Talk to our recruitment officer 0121 559 0180.
Change your profession for a more practical “Hands-on Career”
Canal Transport Services
Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964
Traditional narrow boats and tugs built to your specification, from
One of the oldest & most respected boat builders in the business.
We have our own fully heated paint shop, dry dock and grit
Blasting facility as well as all the usual boat yard trades at your
Disposal.
Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370
6
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

(advertisment)
Michael Fabricant MP
Member of Parliament for
the Constituency of Lichfield.
if you live in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency, and you
require assistance and think your MP can help, you can either write
to Michael Fabricant at the
House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA;
or you can email him by using the webform at
www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/contact.html
or telephone his office at 01543 419650
where you can also make an appointment
to see him at one of his regular surgeries.
(advertisment)
Cut Both Ways 7
Winter 2009/10

Donations to the Trust
We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for
amounts over £20 from 1 st October to 31 st December 2009.
Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration
Marketing Appeal & Land Funds
Mr P C Blundell 30.00
Mr D Gray (pledge) 240.00
Mr J R Haines 40.00
Mr D J Jarvis 30.00
Mr P Findlay 60.00
Mr A J Watts 30.00
Mrs M Ingham (pledge) 125.00
Mr P A Forshaw 250.00
Mr A F Myatt (part pledge) 60.00
Mr J C S Ford 60.00
Dr A W Read 120.00
Mr B J Holloway (part pledge) 60.00
Mrs S E Saunders 30.00
Mr A P Arnold 60.00
Longwood Boat Club 200.00
Mr E L Hill 30.00
Mr J E Grubb 30.00
Me A Rowbotham 30.00
Mrs V Naruszewicz-Neale 140.00
Mr D L Antrobus 40.00
Mr J B Atkins 30.00
Mr C Sleight 30.00
IWA, South London Branch 150.00
Mr S G Buer 50.00
Mrs T Samson 30.00
Mr P J Rice (part pledge) 30.00
Mr A D Culley (part Pledge) 60.00
Mr D C Haywood (with sub.) 50.00
Memorial gifts for James Calder dec’d 1,348.36
Mr D E Ramsbottom 30.00
Mrs S E Shaw 30.00
Mr D E Slater 30.00
Mrs P Stackhouse 30.00
Dr I S Appleyard 30.00
Mr C D Coyle 30.00
Mr & Mrs R P R Sparks 30.00
Mr L T Flower 60.00
Mr J L Norton 30.00
Mr T J Rogers 30.00
Cut Both Ways 8
Winter 2009/10

Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration
Marketing Appeal & Land Funds
Mrs M Smith 30.00
Mr M W Fear 30.00
Mrs A J Griffiths 30.00
Mr M B Jones 30.00
Mr R C Snell 30.00
Mr D J Warren 30.00
Mr P J Haslett 30.00
Mr M J Beare 50.00
Mrs J A Hodge; Pheasey Library talk 25.00
Mr K Ashcroft (pledge) 240.00
Mr M I Crompton (part pledge) 120.00
Mrs E G Tonge 120.00
Mrs J D Allison (part pledge) 60.00
Mrs P A Gaskill (pledge) 240.00
Mr R J Fenton 30.00
Mr N M Waring 100.00
Mr & Mrs R Wickham 50.00
Mr R S Birch 30.00
Mr P J Harman 30.00
Miss V I Clark 50.00
Mr L B Houghton 30.00
Mr B Seymour 30.00
Mr G K Williams 30.00
Mrs M Woolston 30.00
Mr J W Farren 100.00
Mr & Mrs D J Bradbury 25.00
Mr R G W Brunstrom 30.00
Mr R J Chapman 30.00
Mr A C Pegrum 30.00
Mrs B M Staples 30.00
Mr H Eyles 30.00
Mr D S Stevens 30.00
Mr A V H Gulvin 30.00
Mr D H Junkison 120.00
Mr P J Smith (with sub.) 44.00
Mrs P F Bennett 30.00
Mr G G Booth 30.00
Mr D R Logan 30.00
Mr G J Nicholson 30.00
Mr S W Clarke 120.00
Mr J A Laidlar 30.00
Mr S Judge (with sub.) 25.00
Cut Both Ways 9
Winter 2009/10

Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration
Marketing Appeal & Land Funds
Midlands Co-operative Society Limited
Boley Park store 25 th anniversary draw 50.00
Anonymous Charitable Giving 250.00
Mr C D Gibson 100.00
Mr M N Rayner 30.00
Mr G W Oxley 50.00
IWA, Lichfield Branch 300.00
The Four Points Ramble Association 33.50
Mr S Mundy 30.00
Mr R A Smith 400.00
Mr & Mrs R G Bradford 60.00
Mr J Moody (returned property rent) 150.00
Dr T Hollingworth 67.00
Mr David Stanistreet 90.00
Mr R H Davies (returned expenses) 405.50
Mr D Dixon (returned expenses)
Mr B Kingshott (returned expenses) 753.75
Mr D L Moore (returned expenses) 50.00
Mr R O Williams (returned expenses) 39.80
Mr J E Wood 42.03
Regular donors to appeals 568.50 425.00
Aggregated donations below £20 each 576.90 255.00
We are very grateful to the following donors:-
Mr M Allen, Great Barr, Birmingham, for historic photographs of Lichfield Canal.
Mrs J Dickinson, Fradley, Staffs., for a quantity of concrete flagstones.
Jack Moody Ltd, Hollybush Garden Centre, Essington, for supply of blue bricks.
Mr R S Birch, Wendover, for historic local maps.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We regret the loss of the following members:-
Ms M E Wilson, Cannock, died October 2009.
Mr D C Haywood, Cannock, died 2 nd December 2009.
Mrs Pat Chandler, Alrewas, died 24 th December 2009.
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Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

Mr G.Main, Deal, Kent
Mr P.D.Hingley, Piccadilly, London
Mrs B.Bridge, Littleborough, Lancs.
Mr D.E.Ramsbottom, Lichfield
Mr S.N.J.Blades, Bath
Mr R.A.Strike, Erdington, Birmingham
Mrs J.Strike, Erdington, Birmingham
Mrs M.Guest, Bromley Hayes, Lichfield
New Members up to 13th. Jan 2010
Mr and Mrs P.Roberts, Lichfield
Mr C.Plant, Guernsey
Mrs M.Woolston, Sutton Coldfield
Mrs V.R.M. Potter, Stafford
Mr A.Palfreyman, Rugby
Mr M.Beasley, Epping
Mr D.G.Thompson, Loughborough
Mr G.G.Booth, Loughborough
Membership1148 ( Including 126 Life, 17Joint Life, 12 Group, 17 Corporate)
Plus 486 Family. Total 1634. Covenanted Members 64.
Current Covenant and Gift Aid declarations 1184
GRAND PRIZE DRAW 2009 (Winners)
1 st. £500 CASH.
Mr. & Mrs. T. Thomas, Lichfield.
2 nd. Hire of DAY BOAT from ANGLO WELSH at Great Haywood.
Mrs. J. Stubbs, Lichfield.
3 rd. Life Membership of LHCRT.
Mr. E. Mobley, Walsall.
4 th. 1 day RYA Boathandling Course.
Mrs. E. Pettit, Ottery St Mary.
5 th. M&S Voucher for £50.
Ms. L. Birch, Burntwood.
6 th. Christian Lacroix Perfume
& Beauty Bag.
Mr. B. White, Tamworth.
7 th. Men’s or Ladies Cut & Blow Dry at SILKS of LICHFIELD.
Mrs. S. Jarvis, Littlewick.
8 th. Duffle Bag & Shopping Guide.
Mr. S. G. Taylor, Willenhall.
9 th. £10 Asda Voucher.
Mr. P. Stephens, Fradley.
10 th £5 Morrisons VOUCHER.
Mrs. V. Lilley, Harwich.
11
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

MONEY MATTERS
David Suchet Thirty Pound Appeal
With our thanks to more than 250 contributors so far, average donations of £1,000
per week since July 2009 has taken the Appeal Fund over £25,000. This is an excellent
start towards work on Phase 1 of the Lichfield Canal. Before there can be any more
visible work on site, a lot of effort goes into project planning where professional fees
must be met for essential studies, reports and permissions. Paradoxically, some
might say that “digging is the easy bit that comes last”! Please keep them coming to
get your own £30 note.
“Section 106” Planning Gain Fund
Lichfield District Council have yet to reach a decision on a potential grant payment
towards fully restoring Pound 26 in water at Tamworth Road.
2009 Accounts
Draft figures for last year show the following outcome which may vary slightly when
fully audited for presentation to the AGM:-
Total income £100,787
Less expenditure (£97,659)
Surplus £3,128
Less asset depreciation (£8,488)
Resources brought forward £181,379
Resources carried forward £176,018
This is a pleasing result considering that £52,000 had to be spent on two major
Feasibility Studies, initially to secure the canal routes in the Local Development
Frameworks being prepared by four of our Local Authorities. On the ground, our
regular volunteer workforce put in some 5,000 man hours throughout the year, assisted
by occasional Waterway Recovery Group visiting teams. See the Lichfield Canal
report and pictures in this edition.
Replacing our excavator which was stolen last year meant supplementing a fair
insurance settlement with funds which would have been better spent on work, not
thieves. Full accounts will be in included in the next edition for presenting to the AGM
with details of the meeting to be held on 18 th June 2010.
Cost saving
Whilst we constantly look for new funding opportunities, it is not always on the income
side. Like everyone else, we have to look carefully at costs incurred in running the
Trust. Bank charges, magazine printing and postage are under review where potential
savings of about £2,000 a year are possible by adopting alternative methods.
Bob Williams, Director (Finance)
Cut Both Ways 12
Winter 2009/10

Become a member of our 500 Club for the chance to
win prizes of up to £400 every three months!
50% of the 500 Club income will be retained for capital
expenditure essential for restoration of our two
canals… and
50% paid in prizes to its members.
The “500 Club” could contribute up to £3,000 a year
- or even more - whilst, for just £12 a year, Club
Members get four chances of winning prizes of up
to £400 - or maybe more each time!
Since the last issue of Cut Both Ways, we have registered Member Number 291 of the 500
Club. The Trust would like to thank everyone for their support during the year. However,
during 2009 we also lost some memberships which means that the amount available for
both the Capital Fund and prizes has not increased. The prizes for the December draw
have remained the same as for the September 2009 draw.
In order to increase the contribution to the Capital Fund and, of course, the amount of prize
money available, the number of 500 Club members needs to grow. Remember, membership
of the 500 Club is now open to everyone, not just members of Lichfield & Hatherton Canals
Restoration Trust. So please spread the word.
The winners of the draw are:
First prize £173.94 No 226 Mr P Stephens, Fradley, Staffs
Second prize £113.73 No 92 Philip Kimpton, Hatherton, Staffs
Third prize £46.83 No 13 Don Stevens, Cannock, Staffs
The “500 Club” Capital Fund has been established to raise funds for capital expenditure on
land purchase and rebuilding structures on the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. For an
annual subscription of £12 Club Members are allocated 1 chance in each of 4 successive
quarterly draws. Based on a membership of 500, the maximum prizes will be:
1 st Prize £400 approx 26% income
2 nd Prize £250 approx 17% income
3 rd Prize £100 approx 7% income
If there are more or less than 500 members, the prizes will be proportionally
increased or decreased. So the more 500 Club members we have, the higher
the prizes. If you want to subscribe, you can download an application form
from our website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or write to
Mavis Moore, 88 Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9NA.
13
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

CANAL FESTIVAL - PELSALL 2010
The Birmingham Canal Navigations Society is pleased to announce
that its main Summer event this year will be held on the northern
section of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). The Festival
is supported by the Inland Waterways Association, Lichfield and
Birmingham Black Country & Worcestershire Branches, Longwood
Boat Club and the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.
The dates will be 12/13th June 2010 and the location will be Pelsall
Wood Common, off Wood Lane, Pelsall.
The campaigning aims of the event are to increase the profile of
the northern BCN and to contribute to the fight against the current
reduction in funding for the Inland Waterways. This could put at risk
the future of the canals in this area unless their benefits for visiting
boaters and the local communities can be demonstrated.
The location has been used previously for successful waterways
events and the organisers are confident that a warm welcome and
full support will be received from the local community. Boaters will
have the opportunity to join a BCN Explorer Cruise on their way to
the Festival.
The Festival will include stalls, entertainment, displays and
refreshments for the public as well as being a gathering of boats
from all over the country. Entry for the public will be free. Boaters
and exhibitors are welcome to attend, for further information and
an application form please contact;
Brenda Ward, tel. 0121 355 6351 email: -
boundarypost@googlemail.com
For general inquiries please contact;
Ivor Caplan, mobile 07778 685674 email: - ihcaplan@msn.com
Membership rates are:
Adult £10; Family £15; Junior (under 18), Student, Retired or Unemployed £6;
Group (Clubs & Societies) £25; Corporate £200; Life Membership £200.
To join, please contact the Membership Secretary (see address page).
Cut Both Ways 14
Winter 2009/10

THE ENVIRONMENTAL RECOVERY OF THE TAMWORTH ROAD
RESTORATION SITE
In Ecology Matters12 (Cut Both Ways, Issue 56), published in 2008, the Tamworth
Road restoration site was described in environmental terms as being a potential
parkland site. This followed the example of the successful restorations of the
Huddersfield Narrow and Rochdale Canals described as “Linear Parks”: Thus
potentially attracting funding from a wider range of sources.
Subsequently, The Borrowcop Locks Canal Park designation for the Tamworth Road
site was adopted by the Trust in 2008, to formally identify the work in progress. Later
we were asked if the site might include a sensory garden so that those visitors with
impairments might also enjoy the canal side amenity.
In June 2009, FIRA, a company of landscape architects based in Birmingham became
interested in the project and offered to design a suitable planting plan to meet this
objective. Their suggestion, now adopted, was that the scope of the site be more
fully exploited by creating a Sensory Trail. (At this point it is worth mentioning that
FIRA won the contract to plan the development of the National Arboretum so we are
in ‘good hands’).
The plan resulting from this concept and donated to the Trust by FIRA is shown on
the centre pages of this edition. Donations are now being sought from Fund Granting
Bodies (FGBs) that focus on this type of development (Urban recovery, Environment,
Education, Healthy Living, Access for All, Schools/Youth engagement, etc.) to enable
the purchase of plants, shrubs and trees.
During 2007 groups of students from Great Barr School have visited the site to
assist with environmental maintenance work. It is anticipated that this will continue
to contribute to the completion of this planting plan.
Over the past year Members of our Environment Group, the “Green team”, have
obtained and planted varieties of provenance British wild flower bulbs: Bluebells.
Daffs, Celandine and others. If you happen to be passing the coppice next spring I
hope you might be able to stop to see the early results of this work
A further thought for the on-going site improvement is to upgrade the path from
Cricket Lane to Lock 24, that can become pretty uninviting in wet weather. This
would be to create parallel paths “green” : i.e. mowed, over what will eventually be
the canal bed; but “brown”, hard core surfaced over the towpath to assist those with
wheelchairs and buggies, who will use the path until such time as the canal is restored.
Mike Battisson,Environmental Officer
Cut Both Ways 15
Winter 2009/10

SIGHT – Plants with bright flowers, variegated foliage
or good autumn colour.
Acer campestre (field maple) - autumn colour
Angelica archangelica - striking foliage
Cytisus scoparius (broom) - bright yellow flowers
Crocosmia Lucifer - vivid red flowers (Pictured)
Epimedium grandiflorum (Barrenwort) - autumn colour
Geranium sanguineum (Crane’s-bill) - crimson flowers
Helenium vars - vivid coloured flowers
Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris) - orange seed heads
Rodgersia pinnata - vivid autumn colour to leaves
Viburnum opulus (Guelder-rose) - autumn colour
TOUCH – Soft feathery seed heads
of Achnatherum
TOUCH – Plants which have tactile foliage,
flowers or bark.
Artemesia pontica - feathery foliage
Ballota pseudodictamnus - white woolly foliage
Deschamsia var (Tussock Grass) - soft feathery foliage
Dryopteris erythrosora (Buckler Fern) - pinnate fronds
Pulsatilla vulgaris (Pasque Flower) - hairy flower buds
Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - downy twigs
Stachys lanata (Lambs Ears) - downy leaves
16
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

SOUND – Plants which make a noise in the wind.
Betula pendula (silver birch)-leaves rustle in the wind.
TASTE – Plants with edible fruit or foliage.
Malus sylvestris (Crab apple) - fruit
Prunus domestica (Damson) - fruit (Pictured)
Rubus fruiticosa (Blackberry) -f ruit
SMELL – Plants with fragrant flowers or foliage.
Lavandula Hidcote (lavender) - fragrant foliage (Pictured)
Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle) - fragrant flowers
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) - fragrant foliage
Sambucus nigra (Elder) - fragrant flowers.
Cut Both Ways 17
Winter 2009/10

MARKETING REPORT
There is very little activity in the Marketing Group at this time of year; most of the
work is with booking the stand into the summer event programme. At the end of this
piece is a list of those we have already committed ourselves to for the first six months.
Needless to say we would be delighted to see you at any or all of these events. The
Marketing Team really does need some new faces.
In October our autumn entertainment at Whittington was provided by Malcolm Stent,
one of the Black Country’s best known and loved entertainers and a frequent performer
at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Unfortunately at that time of year there is always a
lot of competition and as a result our audience was a little less than we hoped for but
those who did support us were well fed and entertained. If you get the chance to see
Malcolm at any local event I can recommend you take the opportunity to go.
Our Grand Prize draw was made at the event and the prize winners are noted in this
issue. This was the third draw that had been organised by Trish Humphries and my
thanks to her for all the work she has put into this over the last three years. Trish has
now stood down from this job and I am pleased to say the George Simonczyk has
undertaken to find the prizes for this year. If you can suggest someone or a company
that might be persuaded to donate one, please let one of the Group know.
Our only outdoor event in recent weeks has been the Lichfield Chamber of Commerce
annual Christmas Fayre in the Market Place. As usual we were at the feet of the
statue of Doctor Johnson on a Sunday morning that was quite cold but not as bad as
some we have experienced at this event. Trade was not as good as previous years
but nevertheless we raised £150 for the Trust. Our thanks to Mavis Moore who
donated a Teddy bear for a ‘Guess the name of the bear’ competition. The bear,
(lucky name Patrick) was duly delivered to an address in Streethay from whence I
learned it was due to go, with Father Christmas’s help, to a little girl in the Isle on
Man. I hope it has found a good and loving home.
Finally can I direct you to our latest venture “Ramble through The Heart of England”.
The book is written by Steve Saxton and is an account of his walk encompassing the
most northerly, southerly, easterly and westerly points of England. The Lichfield &
Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has had the good fortune to be chosen as one
of the four charities to benefit from the sales of this fascinating book. The Trust will
keep 100% of the cost of all copies sold by us. Proceeds of copies sold elsewhere
will be divided between the four beneficiaries.
18
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

MARKETING REPORT
Book Four: Ramble through The Heart of England by Steve Saxton
Book Four (softback 144 pages) covers a hundred-mile section of the journey south,
starting in Staffordshire and entering four more counties (Derbyshire, Leicestershire,
Warwickshire, and Northants) as the route swings through the very centre of England.
It begins at Star Lock in
Stone, passes through
Stafford, Lichfield, Moira,
Measham, Stoke
Golding, Bedworth and
Rugby, and ends, also
canalside, in Braunston,
Northants. Trails and
paths followed include the
Heart of England Way,
and the towpaths of eight
different canals. Not so
much a guide book, but
more of a slow travel
diary, which also details
wildlife and places,
together with local history
and other digressions.
This book is intended for
the armchair traveller but
may also inspire the
active walker.
Published in November
2009 by The Four Points
Ramble Association
Price: £8.50 (incl p&p
for mainland UK
addresses)
The four charities that have agreed to participate as beneficiaries are:
The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
The Woodland Trust
The Mary Ann Evans Hospice
Emmaus (UK)
19
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

MARKETING REPORT
The Four Points Ramble Association
A walking, writing, and charitable fundraising project set up to support and promote
wildlife and heritage conservation, as well as the relief of suffering resulting from
illness or deprivation.
A major means of achieving these objectives is through the making of grants to
selected charities: either grants of money raised by selling books, or grants of books
which the charities may sell, keeping the proceeds of all sales. The books describe
a ramble round England.
The Ramble
The Four Points Ramble challenge is to walk to each of the four extremities of
England (that is, the northernmost, southernmost, westernmost, and easternmost
tips of the mainland), then return to the starting point. The Four Points Ramble is
emphatically not conceived as a continuous, day-after-day exercise to be started
and finished in one go; that would transform a journey that should be enjoyed into
one to be endured. Neither is it creating a new Trail or Way; if others wish to
undertake the challenge, the suggestion would be to walk the Four Points by
whatever route seems best at the time.
A key part of this project is to write books, which are in part a diary of the walk but
with additional observations and digressions on subjects related to incidents on the
walk or with local connections. The digressions reflect interests in wildlife, history,
literature, music, biography, industrial archaeology (in particular, canals and railways
in the age of steam), genealogy, heraldry, church history, topography and story-telling.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Over the coming months the Marketing Team can be seen at the following events:
Sat 6 February WFEG Big Green Fair, Whittington Village Hall
Sat 6 / Sun 7 February OwnerShips Show, Braunston
Sat 6 March - am Joint Jumble Sale, Peace Hall, Penkridge
(with Lichfield IWA)
Sat 6 March - eve Quiz Night and Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper,
Hammerwich WI Hall
Sat 3 April
Eric & Doreen Wood’s Coffee Morning, Whittington Wharf
Sun 25 April Lichfield Canal Walk (10 till 4)
Sat 29 - Mon 31 May Crick Boat Show, Crick Marina, Northants
Mon 31 May
Lichfield Greenhill Bower
Fri 18 June
LHCRT AGM, Brownhills Community Centre
Sat 12 / Sun13 June Canal Festival, Pelsall 2010, Pelsall Wood Common
Sat 26 / Sun27 June Braunston Historic Boats Rally, Braunston
We would like to see you there with us.
David Moore (Director)
Cut Both Ways 20
Winter 2009/10

FROM HERE AND THERE
Hydrology
Directors work to a regular pattern of meetings. On the second Wednesday of each
month we have our Board meeting which deals with all major issues, both current
and future. These are carefully structured and take a detailed and measured view of
the Trust’s activities. There is not time to deal with much of the detail which we have
to consider and we therefore have a rotation of group meetings, usually on the fourth
Wednesday, to deal with Policy, Project Planning, Engineering and Land. Until recently
Funding was part of this rotation but we have now decided to include this on the
agenda of each of the groups. The meetings are attended by the directors especially
interested in the topic and by other officers and advisors. The Engineering Group
has recently expanded considerably and now includes several specialists who add
greatly to the discussions. We recently called an expanded version of Engineering to
a meeting at Lichfield Rugby Club to look at issues of water supply to the Lichfield
Canal. This is becoming a crucial area as we look at how we water sections of the
canal as restoration proceeds and before we can link to the obvious source at Ogley
Junction. At Tamworth Road, where the adding of water to the restored section is
becoming imminent, we have discussed how we might use the water from the
culverted water course (Big Pipe), once all the permissions are in place. We now
have some very useful ideas to be explored in greater detail.
BW on the Hatherton
The section of the Hatherton from the Wolverhampton to Cannock road to the M6
motorway is in British Waterways ownership. This former section of the Staffs &
Worcester is still an important part of the water supply system. The Trust works on
this section by courtesy of BW. Some large trees have been felled behind the Roman
Way Hotel which should help with the general appearance of the site and with public
safety. We now hear that dredging of the channel is now planned but with an
undertaking not to place the spoil on the towpath which caused considerable
inconvenience last time. BW is also in discussion with the land owner at Cats Bridge
where the dispute over boundaries has become live again. We are pleased that BW
is being proactive over determining the fence line.
M6 Developments
A few years ago we were hopeful that the congestion on the M6 around Junction 11
and northwards would push the Highways Agency towards a major widening scheme.
Had this happened it would have opened the possibility of restoring the navigation
channel through the embankment. Political pressures and financial restraints seem
to have caused the Agency to adopt the hard-shoulder running or active traffic
management. This is disappointing but it is hard to believe that the widening project
will not be approached again before long. The congestion at the confluence of the
M6 and M6 Toll and continuing pressure to link the M54 to M6 northbound cannot be
managed electronically for ever.
Cut Both Ways 21
Winter 2009/10

FROM HERE AND THERE
Grasmere Garden Centre
We keep a close eye on the ownership of land on the Ogley Flight. The Trust owns
the Top Lock Cottage and has regular discussion with other owners down the flight.
All are well-aware of the Trust’s needs and are generally sympathetic. There have
been developments at the Grasmere Garden Centre where there has been a change
of ownership. We hope to work closely with the new owners as they bring forward
any plans for the site.
Huddlesford
Huddlesford Junction has been determined as the starting point for full restoration of
the Lichfield Canal by the Atkins Feasibility Study. This is where Phase 1 of 5 starts.
The first requirement is to relocate the moorings of Lichfield Cruising Club with the
co-operation of its members. Officers of both Trust and Club are working together on
site surveying as a first step towards developing a design for an off-line mooring
facility. There are many issues to be addressed, such as the extent of any flood plain
for the adjacent Darnford Brook which must be agreed with the Environment Agency.
Agreements will also be needed with other statutory bodies and several detailed
studies commissioned. All these things take time, probably longer than the physical
work.
Railway Turn
The new contractor (replacing the failed Wrekin Construction) has made significant
progress towards linking the two sections of the Lichfield Bypass. The partially built
railway bridge has been demolished and a new one constructed. This is the point,
just beside the former Lock 19, where the diverted section of the Lichfield Canal,
running within the environmental strip of the bypass, rejoins the original line.
BW
As widely discussed in the waterways press, there has been a major reconfiguration
of BW management which means that the Trust will have to deal with new faces. We
are confident that we will continue to have an excellent working relationship with
everyone. We are particularly pleased that we will continue to work with Tony Harvey
who has moved from managing waterways from Fazeley to a wider role in promoting
regeneration across the Midlands.
Denis Cooper
We are sorry to hear that Denis Cooper has not been too well recently. Denis was
one of our original Directors and has continued to manage Trust work parties on the
Hatherton since his “retirement”. His local knowledge and sound advice are invaluable.
Best wishes also to our membership Secretary, Trevor Morris, who has had a spell in
hospital.
22
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

FROM HERE AND THERE
Vacancy
Since our AGM last June we have had a vacancy for the Chairmanship of the
Marketing Group with David Moore standing down. Despite several appeals we still
have not found a replacement and are depending on Mavis Moore chairing the
meetings in a non-executive role. We are most grateful to Mavis but we need a
longer-term solution. The Marketing Group in general needs more volunteers as
indeed do all our activities. The Group is vital to everything we do, fundraising, selling
and providing back-up for all our social activities. Anyone wishing to learn more
should contact the Chairman or any other Director. Please come forward!
Social Evening, Whittington Village Hall, 31-Oct-09.
23
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS
This is a good time to look back over last year, particularly through a selection of
photographs as presented here. As work progresses slowly from month to month
one might not realise how much was achieved by a handful of volunteers only working
on occasional days, with a couple of visits from the Waterway Recovery Group. With
more people, more could be done, and more quickly.
Former Lock 25 bywash outlet. 2008
Restoration work centred on Lock 25 in the Borrowcop Locks Canal Park by Tamworth
Road in Lichfield. The former derelict underground bywash pipe had not only to be
replaced but rebuilt to recommended dimensions that would accommodate
extraordinary flood conditions in future. Added to this, the road-side location is very
prominent and provides central access to the towpath for public access. It was thus
decided to create what we believe will be recognised as a unique feature of the
Lichfield Canal in the national system.
There are a few circular weirs to be found elsewhere, but a circular drop shaft along
the bywash in this location will be a functional attraction surrounded by a public
footpath laid to meet disability standards. Some already call it a “wishing well” but a
few coins will not go far! Work will continue in 2010 with construction using tons of
donated stone for masonry sides on a shallow open channel, topped by a new weir
beside the head of Lock 25.
24
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS
Installing Lock 25 bywash, March 2009
Not all our work is visible to the public. Behind the scenes, a new Hydrology Group
first met in December 2009 to develop themes incorporated in the Atkins Feasibility
Study as to water supply, quality and management. Phase 1 focuses attention on
mooring proposals for the Lichfield Cruising Club as a precursor towards restoring
the first section. Whilst Phase 2 follows later, much work has already been done
alongside Tamworth Road where water in the “Big Pipe” offers opportunities to
complete an isolated section of canal in water. In the coming year, we will need to
work closely with Lichfield District Council, British Waterways, Environment Agency,
Natural England and others for the necessary agreements.
Funding is of course an issue which is covered under Money Matters. To accelerate
progress, we need more volunteers to work on the ground and lots more money to
engage professionals for the major works. How can you help?
Bob Williams, Project Co-ordinator
For details about our Regular Giving Scheme
contact Bob Williams Tel 01543 671427
Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich, Burntwood, WS7 0JP
25
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS
Bywash drop shaft base. May,09
Bywash outlet and surrounding features completed. Dec, 09
Cut Both Ways 26
Winter 2009/10

LICHFIELD CANAL WORKING PARTY NEWS
Lock 25 by wash and spillway.
Lock 25 off-side Jan,09
The circular drop shaft is now
complete, and brick foundation walls
for the bridge over the spillway have
been added. Quotations for the steel
bridge and railings for around the drop
shaft are under consideration and an
order for this work should be placed in
the New Year. The stone walls each
side of the spillway are well under way,
and the laborious task of cutting up the
large stone blocks into suitable sizes
for building continues. Using this stone has created a lot of extra work, but as it was
donated and even delivered free,
it will make a considerable saving
over the cost of the nine thousand
bricks which would have been
required if we had not had the
stone. We hope to complete these
walls within the next few weeks,
and then work will begin on
building the new weir for pound
25.
Estimating completion dates for
these projects can be something
of a gamble, as it depends on the weather at this time of the year, and even more
importantly the size of the
workforce. We have a great little
team of regulars who turn up
every week even in wet or very
cold weather, and this team, along
with the WRG visits is what keeps
the work ticking over throughout
the year. Obviously when working
on a project like this spillway, there
is not room for a large labour
Bywash drop shaft completed Aug,09
Building up the bywash drop shaft Jul,09
force, but a few extra hands to
help in keeping the site and yard
buildings tidy and handing tools and materials to the bricklayers can speed up the
job considerably. When we have a large labour intensive task, such as mixing and
laying large areas of concrete, we put out an email appeal for extra workers which
usually bring a good response. Thank you all for that.
Brian Davis
Cut Both Ways 27
Winter 2009/10

Hatherton Canal
Work on the Hatherton Canal has continued in much the same steady way. As last
year, some work parties had to be postponed due to wet weather. Grass cutting and
tidying up fallen trees have been caught up on occasional days mid-week.
Earlier this year BW
asked the Trust to
confirm names of
bridges on the
Hatherton section
and since then oval
Staffs & Worcesterstyle
name plates
have been fixed to
those at Calf Heath,
Saredon Mill and
Scrawpers End. It
would be interesting
to know if the area
surrounding the last
of these, and the
Saredon Mill Bridge No.4
nearby cottages by
the feeder to Gailey
Reservoir, was
named after a
particular person or
a trade - even if
anything to be
discovered may not
be as spectacular
as the Saxon
Lichfield Angel and
Staffordshire Hoard
(Ogley Hay) which
we have at each
end of the Lichfield
Canal.
HATHERTON CANAL NEWS
Denis Cooper
Scrawpers End Bridge, carries Oak Lane over the
Hatherton Branch November 2009
28
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

Shobnall Boat Services
Considering an engine change?
Isuzu 35 + PRM 120 – £3,300 + VAT
Isuzu 42 + PRM 150 - £3,675 + VAT
Plus installation
Boat blacking
Boat painting
Full engineering services
Probably the best chandlery in the area
Shobnall Marina, Shobnall Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 2AU
01283 542718. www.sbsburton.co.uk
Bridge 33, Trent & Mersey
Come to our
fund-raising QUIZ EVENING
W.I. Hall, 95 Burntwood Rd, Hammerwich WS7 0JL
Saturday, 6th March, 2010 at 7-30pm.
£7-50 per person, including chips supper.
Bring your own drinks, and lots of friends.
Booking essential - phone 01543 671427
29
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RESTORATION TION TRUST LIMITED.
Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1WA
The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Limited was established in 1988 as a
non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee (No. 2456172) and is registered as a
Charity (No. 702429).
Principal Aims : To promote the restoration of the Wyrley and Essington Canal from Ogley
Junction to Huddlesford Junction (the “Lichfield Canal”), and the Hatherton Branch of the
Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, and also the construction of a navigable link between
the Hatherton Branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations.
PRESIDENT Eric Wood VICE-PRESIDENT David Suchet OBE.
PATRONS Chris Coburn MBE, Dr David Fletcher CBE, Michael Fabricant MP.
DIRECTORS
Chairman Brian Kingshott !/Fax 01547 530457
Park Cottage, Hopton Castle, Craven Arms. SY7 0QF
Vice-Chairman Peter Magee !/Fax 01889 578289
& Plant
The Spinney, Bellamour Way, Colton, Rugeley WS15 3LL
Finance Bob Williams ! 01543 671427 Fax 01543 677687
Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich. WS7 0JP
Secretary Sue Williams ! 01543 671427
& Web Master Norfolk House, 29 Hall Lane, Hammerwich. WS7 0JP
e-mail: info@lhcrt.org.uk
Membership Trevor Morris ! 0121 354 7952
Secretary
163, Halton Road, Sutton Coldfield. B73 6NZ
Land & Property David Dixon ! 01543 258512
78 Gaia Lane, Lichfield WS13 7LS
David Moore ! 01543 432718
88, Spring Lane, Whittington, Lichfield. WS14 9NA
Project Planning Mike Battisson ! 01543 300090
3, Minors Hill, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14 9DJ
Health & Safety Bob Mullarkey ! 01543 251408
220, Upper St John Street, Lichfield. WS14 9EF
I. W. A. Vaughan Welch ! 0121 477 9782
Representative 3, Beach Close, Northfield, Birmingham. B31 3DB
OTHER OFFICERS
Magazine Editor Stefan Szulc ! 01543 677156
e-mail: Stefan.Szulc@Gmail.com
Lichfield Work Party Bob Williams ! 01543 671427
Hatherton Work Party Denis Cooper ! 01543 374370 (work)
Education Andrew Williams ! 01543 250452
Environment Geoff Crook ! 01543 254826
Marketing & Sales
Vacant
Publicity Mervyn Ainge ! 01543 307317
Membership Asst. Pat Ainge ! 01543 492344
LICHFIELD & HATHERTON CANALS RETAIL TRADING LIMITED.
Company No 3686837 - Chairman: Brian Kingshott; Secretary: Rob Davies; Finance: Bob Williams
web site: www.lhcrt.org.uk
Cut Both Ways 30
Winter 2009/10

31
Cut Both Ways Winter 2009/10

Braunston Marina
are proud to BACK
the campaign to save the
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals.
keep digging the ground from under their feet!
Braunston Marina
The Wharf, Braunston, Nr Daventry,
Northamptonshire. NN11 7JH
Telephone: 01788 891373
Fax: 01788 891436
web site: www.braunstonmarina.co.uk
email: sales@braunstonmarina.co.uk