july 2017 aqueduct newsaqueduct news to be an innovative, one-stop-shop marina for all narrowboats,...
TRANSCRIPT
AQUEDUCT NEWS
TO BE AN INNOVATIVE, ONE-STOP-SHOP MARINA FOR ALL NARROWBOATS, CARAVANS AND THEIR OWNERS – WHERE EVERYONE WANTS TO BE.
JULY 2017
Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina Church Minshull Nantwich CW5 6DX
Telephone: 01270 525040 | Website: www.aqueductmarina.co.uk | E-mail: [email protected]
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Open Day continued 2
A View from the Top Deck 2
New Twin Paint Sheds 2
Fishing into the Marina 2
Angle Grinder 1 - Woody 0 3
I’m Ready for my Close Up 3
Meet our Team 3
The End of an Era 3
Get the Big Picture 4
New Staff Welfare Faclities 4
Dates for your Diary 4
Nantwich Show 5
New Gates for Old 5
Nobody puts Blaby in a Corner 5
July Cruising Notes 5
Marina Manners 6
Anne’s Wish Update 6
SUMBA 8
Welcome Back 8
Moorer Benefits 8
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST
Fishing into the Marina
End of an Era
Get the Big Picture
Nantwich Show
Anne’s Wish Update
Moorer Benefits
Edited by Bernie McCrae, compiled by Chris and David Owen-Roberts, copy and imagery contributed by Ellie Brown and SUMBA.
Got a story that you would like to share? We are always on the look out for new stories. If you have tale to tell please contact Bernie McCrae on 01270 525040 or email [email protected]
Boaters’ Bash and Family Fun Open Day -
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July Well here it is – the main event and seriously, if
you haven’t got your Boaters’ Bash tickets yet, go
and see Julie in Reception – they’re selling like the
proverbial hot cakes, almost, but not quite, as
quickly as Alison’s addictive quiche in The Galley.
BOATERS’ BASH SATURDAY 22ND JULY
With the jolly flags flying over the camp site, exams
season over and preparations for summer cruising
there’s a definite festival buzz around the marina. But
with infinitely classier loos!
Over on the Galley Marquee Stage on the Saturday
night we are delighted to re-introduce the band
Goodfella’s who blew the roof off two years ago. We
can guarantee you are going to want to dance by the
end of the evening to their high energy soul and blues
set. There’ll be a post set disco for those who really
have their boogie boots on. Doors open at 7.30 pm
and music starts from 9.00 pm.
To work up an appetite, try the delicious Hog Roast
served on the lawn outside the Marquee from 8.00 pm.
To save you having to queue at the bar on arrival, why
not pre-order your first round of drinks, or wine for the
evening with Holly or Mags? The Galley staff will
naturally be on hand to keep you “hydrated” throughout
the night.
Tickets are £15 but £12.50 to moorers. The
Goodfella’s gave us a wonderful evening two years
ago and they’re ready to blow the roof off again.
Please note access to the bar and marquee area will
not be permitted until 7.30 pm.
OPEN DAY MORNING – SUNDAY 23RD JULY
10.30 am Sunday morning brings the judging of the
Best Dressed Boat, Aqueduct –in-Bloom Competition.
So bust out the bunting, pop out the flower pots and
maybe be the inaugural winner! The judges have
promised to be quiet in case you partied a little heartily
last night. Look out for that prestigious certificate on
your boat.
During the day there’ll be many, attractions: pony and
trap rides, stalls, exhibits, face painting, doggie shows
trade boats and music. The Galley will of course be
open throughout the day.
BOATS TO VIEW ON THE OPEN DAY
As well as a range of classic Trade Boats there will be
a number of boats available to view:
Now we thought the Gospel of Narrowboat was
reaching far and wide but apparently there are some
Continued on page 2
NEW TWIN PAINT SHEDS
Our new deluxe twin paint
sheds opened this month. You
will probably have noticed that
we have upgraded these
workshops with roller shutter
doors, concrete floors and new
electrics.
We have specialists in both spray
and coach treatments and this
new pristine environment means
you too can have “the best boat
on the cut”. Click here to e-mail
Phil for more info..
yet to be converted. One of our contractors recently
asked, “If you hire one do they provide a driver?”
followed by, “So, how long from here to Chester then,
about an hour?”. “No” and “No”, but if you are new to
boating, allow us to explain, as this year there will a
number of boats available to view.
Maybe you’d like a chance to try and win a weekend on
a narrowboat and experience the adventure yourself.
This year, Graham and Sue Hatfield nb Sunrise will be
on hand to show people through their boat for hire and
Aqueduct Marina is offering the opportunity to win a
two night bed and breakfast weekend aboard, with
breakfast each morning in the Galley café. . Look out
for SUNRISE on C Jetty and Graham and Sue will be
on hand to show you through. Don’t forget your raffle
ticket. Best of Luck!
Knights Narrowboats, our on-site boat builders, will be
showing one of their boats ELESHANNE on the main
pontoon and the owner, moorer Rob Eddon, will also
be on hand to discuss the process of commissioning a
boat.
We will also have an Aintree Beetle Boat to view.
These cracking crafts are ideal for getting afloat for
breaks and days out with the family. We recently
became the sales agent for the Aintree Narrow Boats
Beetle range of 25ft - 40ft narrowboats, these are
fantastic short, fun starter or down size boats. We
have a 25ft Beetle as a show boat so please call in to
view.
If you are thinking of selling your boat, retire from
boating or changing your boat to match your changed
boating requirements please contact Nick Beech who
runs our brokerage or come and meet him on the day.
[email protected]. We can arrange a
valuation anywhere in the country, we will buy in your
existing boat or sell remotely from the boats home
mooring if you prefer (T&Cs apply).
But mainly the open day weekend is about having fun
so please come along and say “hello”. We are looking
forward to seeing you!
Open Day continued from page 1 A View from the
Top Deck
As you can see there is a lot
going on this month and much
for you get involved with. Try
your hand at our photo
competition, win best boat in
bloom at the Open Day, or even
man a stall!
Just a quick word about our
current planning application
(there is so much going on that
even I’ve been edited). It is part
of our long term aim to move
boatyard activities away from
the marina side, so the
application involves developing
storage and workshop facilities
to the south of the site. The
change of use for the dog
walking field to “leisure” is
largely to reflect the current
usage.
As ever keep up to date on our
Webpage, Facebook. Andrea
and I are looking forward to
seeing you at the Boater’s
Bash.
Look out next month for a
feature about Marketing to the
Millennial generation and meet
Matt the Master Blaster!
Robert Parton
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Fishing into the Marina We are still having occasional issues with fishing into
the marina from the towpath opposite. Should you
have concerns about antisocial behaviour or damage
please report it to the office.
If the office is closed: Do not confront them
If possible, take a discrete photograph
Dial the non-emergency 101 Police number and retain the
incident number provided
Report to Reception, as soon as possible.
On the couple of occasions that Police have needed to
respond they have been effective in moving the fishermen
on.
We are considering establishing a fishing club along the
stretch facing the marina in order to exert more control.
Passes to fish on the stretch opposite will be required
from Reception.
Our own fishermen are much more civilised and Minnie
and Wayne had a strike with the pike. Minnie didn’t take
any messing about
from it.
Moorer names for
our Carp so far
are, D.M. (Carpe
Diem) & Leonardo
(de Carprio).
The Board Robert Parton Managing Director [email protected] Andrea Parton Marina and Caravan Services Director [email protected] Jennifer Parton Hospitality and Social Events Director Stuart Martin Non-Executive Director Phil Langley Operations Director [email protected]
Marina Office Chris Moran General Manager [email protected] Bernie McCrae Marketing, Campaigns and PR Manager [email protected] Sarah Rayner Secretary/Accounts and Board Clerk [email protected] Julie Beedham Marina Reception [email protected]
Boat Maintenance Team Stephen Wallace Boatyard Operations Manager [email protected] Joe Sheen Engineering Manager [email protected] Rob Adair Senior Marine Engineer Will Brown Marine Engineer [email protected] Darren Smith Marine Engineer Lewis Martin Engineering Apprentice Alex Strachan Boat Yard Operator Matt Simpson Shot Blaster and Paint Sprayer Jonathan Howard Boat Painter Pat O’Shaughnessy Marina Operative
Brokerage Nick Beech Brokerage Manager [email protected]
Chandlery Paul Duncalf Chandlery Manager [email protected] David Wilkinson Chandlery Assistant [email protected] Alex Bebbington Marine Chandlery Apprentice
The Galley Restaurant Holly Critchley The Galley Manager [email protected] Kate Chantler Chef Alison Booth Chef Rosie Mason The Galley Front of House Maggie Peach The Galley Front of House Maggie, Jennifer, Niamh, Jenny, Elizabeth, Ellie, Abi, Maisie
Marina Grounds Woody—just Woody Groundsman
MEET OUR TEAM...
Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina Church Minshull Nantwich CW5 6DX
Telephone: 01270 525040 | Website: www.aqueductmarina.co.uk | E-mail: [email protected]
I’M READY FOR MY CLOSE UP...
NETV recently visited
Aqueduct Marina to do some
filming. Aqueduct Marina staff
Nick, Phil and Bernie were joined
by moorers Rob Eddon and Ellie
Brown (pick your times to
wander into The Galley!) to chat
on camera about the dos and
don’ts of buying a narrowboat
and the benefits of finding good
marina support. Some were
better at it than others…
The programme airs on NETV
Media for Holiday and Cruising
on Sky Channel 256:
Mondays 1.00 pm
Tuesdays 12.00 pm & 5.30 pm
Wednesdays 11.00am & 3.00pm
Thursdays 1.00 pm
Fridays 10.30 am
Saturdays 4.00 pm
Sundays 5.00 pm
Angle Grinder 1 - Woody 0 Ouch! Wounded Woody, our groundskeeper, is out
of action at the moment following an altercation with
an angle grinder (not sustained while working at the
marina) which caused bad tendon damage requiring
an operation.
The good news is that he’ll still be judging the pots in the
Aqueduct-Marina in-Bloom competition during the
morning of the open day. Don’t forget to bring your pots
to decorate your boat – it’ll help cheer Woody up as he
hates being out of action. Pots don’t have to be orange,
just fun!
Boat Yard Operator, Alex Strachan is Acting Deputy
Woody until his return, so the mower is still whizzing
around – we think Alex prefers his tractor though – look
at that grin! Everyone is pitching in to water Woody’s
lush and lovely planting so get well soon Woody.
CHRIS KEEPS US SAFE
It’s probably just as well then, that General Manager
Chris Moran, has just completed an advanced Health &
Safety Course with a view to ensuring we all stay safe.
(Woody has been barred from bringing the offending
angle grinder onto site). If you have any issues to flag
up then let Chris know and he’ll be glad to address your
concerns.
THE END OF AN ERA...
Dave, “Let’s get a boat, I’ll do it up
– it’ll take about 6 months”.
Stella, (Three years later) “We’re
calling this boat Brew because I’ve
made so flippin’ many, stuck on
the hard standing waiting for you
to finish”. Now, after much
cruising, Dave and Stella are
moving on to their next adventure,
so Brew is for sale. Happily we’ll
still see them around as they
come to visit Number One Son –
Joe Sheen our senior engineer.
Dave and Stella are contemplating
a mobile home as their next
project so Brew 2 could be in the
caravan park soon.
By a quirk of the signwriting many
passing boaters have mistaken
the name for BREXIT. One thing
you can be sure of – with Dave’s
skills Brew is a “strong and stable”
craft.
Aqueduct Marina Events
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2017 See our up-to-date diary online anytime via this link: http://www.aqueductmarina.co.uk/news
22nd/23rd July Boaters’ Bash and Open Day
26th August Dance Evening
23rd September Film Evening
To book marina events please contact us on 01270 525040,
email [email protected] or online
www.aqueductmarina.co.uk
27th July Nantwich Show (Aqueduct Marina will have a stand)
11th - 13th August River Weaver Festival, Winsford
1st - 3rd September Nantwich Food Festival
9th September Muscular Dystrophy ‘Tough Mudder’ at Cholmondeley
Castle (Aqueduct Marina will be taking part)
10th September Anne’s Wish Great North Run, Newcastle
13th October C&RT NW&B Annual Showcase, Northwich Memorial Court
21st October Anne’s Wish Fundraising Gig Night Claxton Hotel, Redcar, North Yorks
x
Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina Church Minshull Nantwich CW5 6DX
Telephone: 01270 525040 | Website: www.aqueductmarina.co.uk | E-mail: [email protected]
You are reading about marina
news, but this summer let’s
shift the focus to you!
Facebook/Instagram photo
competition. This summer keep
your phones and cameras really
handy.
Jimmy Olsen: “I didn’t have my
camera with me”.
Perry White: “A photographer eats
with his camera, a photographer
sleeps with his camera!”
Lois Lane: “I’m glad I’m a writer…”
If one of your party fell in the cut
and you had to consider helping him or posting a funny
picture… would you use portrait or landscape? Whilst
not advocating anything unsafe, we love seeing your
snaps so much that this Open Day marks the launch of
the Aqueduct Adventure social media photo
competition. For a chance to win, share your summer
snaps of cruising/caravanning adventures on our
Facebook and Instagram accounts using the hashtag
#aqueductadventure: Facebook: www.facebook.com/
aqueductmarinacheshire/ and Instagram:
www.instagram.com/aqueductmarina/
Photos can be of absolutely anything that the judges
feel captures the real spirit of adventure that only a
holiday afloat, or travelling around the country can
bring. We are really spoilt for choice along our
waterways: tunnels, vistas, aqueducts, watering holes
and locks make great backdrops. But we really want to
see you, having fun! It’ll also give you a great log of
your holiday.
Get the Big Picture at Aqueduct Marina At the end of September we’ll present a shortlist across
our social media platforms and your fellow moorers can
vote for their favourites. The overall winner will be
announced at the Christmas Fayre and receive a
presentation mounting of their snap. A framed mounting
of the winning photo will be displayed in reception and
you’ll also see it featured in future marketing.
So send in your photos and a brief caption of where you
are and who features etc. to share in the adventure.
There’s no limit to how many snaps you can share, just
don’t be overexposed!
Some people say photos don’t lie. Mine seem to. Some
of us are also a little bit closer to the “Old Focus Home”
and prefer to use a camera rather than a phone so email
submissions are welcome too!
You might want to filter out the “duck-face” though.
We’re boaters, we’ll probably just chuck peas and
sweetcorn at you.
Our ultra-media savvy Marketing Manager, Bernie, will
be launching the Competition at the Open Day. She’ll be
happy to give you tips on what makes a great selfie or
photo. She’s such an expert on the subject sometimes it
is hard to (ahem) shutter up. Catch up with her on the
Open Day and let’s all see what develops.
New Staff Welfare Facilities and Office When our Boatyard
Operations Manager,
Stephen Wallace
required new huts in the
boatyard we suspect he
was thinking along
these lines…
…however, we managed to provide the
yard ops, engineers and painters with a
little extra. We’ve also added a catering
cabin and welfare facilities. Enjoy boys!
Steve Wallace is now central to the action
in the yard and will be co-ordinating yard
management and boat movement from his
new offices. If
you need to use
the slipway or
take advantage of
our Moor & Store
facilities, please
contact [email protected]
External Events
To help you plan your cruise,
we’ve received the following
C&RT stoppage notices – we
hope they don’t affect you too
much!
Trent & Mersey at Middlewich
Canal closure between locks 74
& 75 (Big Lock) on July 12.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/
notice/11056/locks-74-75-trent-
and-mersey-canal-
Calveley Services
Pump out facilities at Calveley
have been closed from June
30th until further notice.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/
notice/11054/calveley-pump-out
-facility
We have had new gates
installed at the end of Jetties A
& B, and the contractors will be
on site removing the reeds that
are growing through jetty A.
Hopefully this will not cause too
much disturbance, but please
read any warning notices, leave
the temporary car park as clear
as possible and keep well clear
of the contractors. They don’t
bite but you never know...
Another month another show...
If it’s July it must be Nantwich. Join us at the 120th
Anniversary of the Nantwich Show. Be an Aqueduct
Marina Ambassador and help us try to win another
“highly commended award” for our stand. Stand J96 (In
at Gate 1 and turn sharp right). Show site map on the
board in Reception. New to boating? Take this
opportunity to join us for an introduction to boating with
our professionals. Our Galley team will also be
providing us with some mouth-watering treats!
Nantwich Show, encompassing The International
Cheese Awards, is the UK’s largest one day show with
some 450 Trade Stands. There are clothes, crafts and
the very best of food & drink. With additional displays of
cattle, horses, sheep poultry, pigeons, dogs and
Countryside Pursuit demonstrations (no sniggering at
the back there!) there is a lot to see.
For those for whom Saturday mornings aren’t the same
anymore, get your fix at James Martin’s live cookery
demonstration.
There are nostalgia fixes aplenty with an afternoon
parade of vintage cars, tractors, commercial vehicles
and machinery and contrast that with the Adrenaline
Tour stunt display.
All this takes place in the beautiful parkland setting at
The Showground, Nantwich CW5 8LD.
Advanced Sale of Tickets:
Family (2 adults 2 children) £35 Adults £15 Senior
Citizens £12 Children (5 - 16yrs inc) £5
On line at www.nantwichshow.co.uk
Nantw
ich S
how
gro
und M
ap
Nantwich Show -
In the Engineering Sheds work continues on the C&RT
narrowboat WALLABY. As you can see, a huge amount
of skill and labour are going into sorting out her colander
hull.
One of the innovative solutions, which can be seen on
the hull of C&RT’s work boat Blaby (moored near the
Service Jetty) is the use of a zinc based film galvanising
application combined with two packing to promote a hull
whose need for constant re-blacking is considerably
lessened.
There is increasing interest in this latest hull protection.
We have been talking to suppliers to develop a safe and
practical process that we can now offer to boat owners.
If you would like to learn more about this innovative new
procedure call in for a chat or email our Operations
Director Phil Langley on [email protected].
We’re experienced in a wide range of treatments and will
be happy to work with you to find the best solution for
your own craft.
Here you see Will Brown, our Boat Painter & Marine
Engineer, undertaking a final check on Blaby together
with the final 25 hr “running tests” before we release
Blaby back to C&RT.
If you see her in use on your travels around the
waterways, send a photo. We’ll be more than a little bit
proud to
see her
back in
the
battle to
preserve
our
canals.
Nobody puts Blaby in a Corner
July Cruising Notes
New Gates for Old
MARINA MANNERS
We’re not control freaks BUT
can we just point out the
correct way to do that...
The thing about cleaning up after
yourself is that nobody notices
when you do, but everybody
notices when you don’t. We know
some people enjoy cleaning up
messes that they didn’t make –
that’s why they become parents.
But, as the majority don’t, please
consider fellow moorers and
campers as you use the Elsan
disposal point and rubbish bins.
Whilst admittedly it is quite good
fun, just sploshing about with a
hose pipe, it doth not a clean
Elsan point make. Cloths and
cleaning fluid are provided in the
Elsan point, as is a mop. These
will be refreshed by us, during the
daily servicing, but please let
reception know if they are not in
situ. Please also avoid wet wipes
in the Elsan disposal – they don’t
flush and courteous boaters don’t
leave floaters.
Meanwhile over at the bin sheds:
“Brown bananas, rotten peas
Chunks of manky cottage cheese.
Bacon rinds, chicken bones,
Drippy ends of ice cream cones”.*
and
Our Yard Elves, were most
unhappy,
To tidy away a manky nappy.
Overheard in the Galley, (waist
management?) during a
discussion about a minority of
moorers’/campers’ perceived
inability to put a bin bag into a bin,
the following joke…
Q: What smells and flies a
spaceship? A: Trash Gordon!
So please, we beg you, in order
to avoid further Vogon standard
poetry and truly execrable jokes –
please put rubbish IN the bins,
not next to them. Many thanks.
* Poem extract: Sarah Cynthia Silvia Stout –
Would not take the garbage out!
Many thanks for your support for the Charity Bric a
Brac afternoon and Burger & Bingo evening in June.
Anne’s Wish had some very generous donations and
we raised a fantastic over £400 for the charity.
Andrea Parton, Aqueduct Marina’s Marina and Caravan
Services Director spotted some kayakers in the marina.
Never one to pass up on an opportunity, she sprinted
down from the office to join Alastair from “Alastair Randall
Coaching” for paddle practice in one of their double
canoes. As you can see, getting in is the hardest part
and she’s a natural!
Alastair was supervising a group of Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award silver award students who were travelling between
Nantwich and Frodsham and overnighted at Aqueduct
Marina. Good luck lads!
If you think that canoeing or kayaking might be for you,
you can download C&RT’s free guide, Paddle the Right
Way from canalrivertrust.org.uk
Anne’s Wish Update
DofE students from Manchester (below) and Andrea trys kayaking (right, above and below)
To advertise on these pages please contact [email protected] or call 01270 525040
SUMBA - Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch Adopters We’re delighted to welcome
back Mr & Mrs King nb
Kapenta. Taking advantage of
the winter Moor & Store
facilities here at Aqueduct,
Marina, Mr & Mrs King wisely
winter in Kenya and return to
us, as regular as the swifts, for
the summer. We hope you’ve
brought the lovely weather with
you and welcome back!
MOORER BENEFITS
We are always looking to add
value to your mooring
experience here at Aqueduct
Marina. To this end, here is a
reminder of the moorers’
benefits that we launched in the
Spring. Feedback suggests a
healthy take-up and a positive
response so we are working on
some additional Aqueduct
Marina Moorers’ Benefits for
you. Equally if you have any
other suggestions or ideas send
them to:
One free slipway and 2 hours
on the trailer. This offer is
proving very popular, so if you
haven’t checked your hull or
prop recently, please give us a
call.
Free use of a secure mooring
adjacent to the Marina in
Winford. (Please note, online
booking only – please see
website.)
A discounted rate at Rookery
Hall Health Club and Spa, a
luxury hotel located close by.
Well worth a visit for a
pampering treat.
Speaking of treats, try Alison’s
epic quiche and don’t forget to
get your Galley loyalty card
stamped for a free coffee!
BRIC A BRAC STALL @ AQUEDUCT MARINA’S OPEN
DAY – SUNDAY 23rd JULY
SUMBA will have a stall at Aqueduct Marina’s Open
Day. The purpose is to raise funds to help with our
ongoing work on the Middlewich Branch canal where we
carry out much admired work to facilitate the upkeep of
the adopted stretch for the benefit of all canal users.
Please come and say “hello” and give us your support.
We would welcome donations of good quality items that
we can resell at the open day. If you have donations
and/or can help run the stall or woud like more
information about SUMBA please contact Sue Russell at
– [email protected] or phone 01270 522 731
MIDDLEWICH FOLK & BOAT FESTIVAL
BETWEEN THE 16TH and 19TH June SUMBA’s
volunteers made their 3rd annual visit to support
Middlewich’s FAB. During the four days they spent 310
volunteer hours assisting and advising boaters passing
through Wardle and King’s Locks and helping to operate
the free trip boat on the Saturday and Sunday. It made
a welcome change that this
year’s weather was dry, but
the oppressive heat
throughout the event made the
post-shift “de-brief” at King’s or
back here at Aqueduct Marina
something that was really
earned! C&RT’s Jason Watts
ran a pop-up “Lock Keeper Assessment School” and two
of our friends from Upland’s Basin, Robert & Margaret
Moon and our own Irene & Bob Wales nb Skitty Kitty,
passed with flying colours and have been inducted into
the hallowed ranks of authorised windlass wielders.
Audrey & Dave Foulkes nb Little Tern did heroic work
assisting the lady who was waiting with her boat in a
long queue. In leaning against it to stretch for her rope
(we’ve all done it!) she was mildly surprised to get an
early bath. Whilst she had nearly 50 years’ boating
experience, she still needed Audrey’s advice to “just
stand up”!!
Many thanks to all the SUMBA team and our fellow
volunteers from MP&P. Additional thanks to Dave
Foulkes and Geoff Harris for helping Dave Tarpey with
the trip boat in the scorching weather – thank goodness
for sun hats. Geoff’s walkie-talkies made
communications between locks easier – especially when
Ellie finally realised which number lock she was actually
working on! And again thanks to Geoff for his bountiful
supply of water bottles and to C&RT for the provision of
much appreciated packed lunches. Also thanks to local
(Church Minshull) volunteer Andy Baddeley, who helped
to co-ordinate at SUMBA’s end and made our
contribution to the festival happen.
REASEHEATH STUDENTS RESTORE CANALSIDE
BUILDING
Between 12th and 16th June eight 3rd year joinery
students from Reaseheath College refurbished a
building which was likely to be scheduled for demolition
by Canal & River Trust.
The students undertook
the work as part of their
3rd Year NVQ exams
after their Tutor was
approached by SUMBA
who were keen to see it
restored.
The brick built hut, located between Aqueduct Marina
and Venetian Marina on the Middlewich Branch Canal,
was used as a Manager’s office for the Cholmondeston
clay pit which operated from the late 1960’s until 2002 –
the clay being used for canal repairs. In 2009 the site
was turned into a popular mooring and picnic area with
tables and barbeques – but the hut was in a bad state of
dilapidation and needed complete refurbishment
including new roof timbers, tiling, guttering, doors and
windows.
SUMBA obtained a Community Grant from Cheshire
East Council for the materials and the students fitted the
design work into their syllabus – the on-site
refurbishment requiring 266 hours of their time over 5
days. In true canal boat carrying tradition the students
and materials were transported to the site in C&RT’s 72’
historic work boat Malvern.
C&RT have now also laid field drainage through the
Sykes Hollow site – hopefully this will help to improve
the boggy ground that occurs during wet weather. Grass
seed has been spread over the filled trenches to help
nature take control again.
In the coming months the site will be further enhanced
with a disabled friendly picnic table and boat access.
The table will be made by “Men in Sheds” from Crewe,
using wood recycled by SUMBA’s volunteers when they
repaired nearby Brickyard Bridge. The ultimate
recycling! IWA’s Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch
kindly sponsored the building of this table with a £100
donation to Crewe’s ”Men in Sheds”.
Graham Russell, SUMBA’s co-ordinator said, “The
students have done a great job on the hut and it’s good
to be able to involve our local college and “Men in
Sheds” in our waterways project”.
FUTURE WORK PARTIES
SUMBA is taking a break from organised Work Parties in
July and August – restarting on September 16th.
Reminders and details of all future work parties will, as
usual, be circulated nearer their dates.
Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina Church Minshull Nantwich CW5 6DX
Telephone: 01270 525040 | Website: www.aqueductmarina.co.uk | E-mail: [email protected]
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