the last man in bcn explored flying from …rnregister.org.uk/rnrn-86-websmall.pdfcrowther propeller...

Issue 86Summer 2015

The journal of the Russell Newbery Engine Owners & Enthusiasts Club

The Last Man In BCN Explored Flying from Llangollen Rally & Cruise Pictures Poetry & Song!

www.rnregister.org.uk

Rob’sRetiring!

RNR Newsletter : Summer 20152

CONTENTSFront cover: RNR at Pelsall Common

[Andrew Laycock]Back cover: Bentley Canal, Wednesfield Junction

Then [Tony Millatt] Now [Kevin McNiff]

3 CHAIRMAN’S CHAT FROM THE EDITOR

4 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS SITUATIONS VACANT FOR SALE

5 “THANK YOU” FROM L&HRT A GIFT FROM THE BOARD MOORINGS AVAILABLE

6 LAST MAN INAutarky arrives

7 MORE THANKS — FROM CRT FAVOURITE WATERSIDE PUB

8 RALLY PHOTOCALL

10 TRIPPING ROUND THE POOLS

11 LLANGOLLEN FLYBOATS

12 NORTHERN BCN EXPLORED

14 ONE DOWN! AUTUMN GATHERING

15 POETRY AND SONG!Unless otherwise noted, Copyright © Russell Newbery Register, 2015

Next editionAll contributions for the Autumn edition willbe gratefully received. Do not worry aboutformat — in true RN fashion the editorialteam can cope with [almost] anything!

Please supply photographs as separate JPEG or GIFfiles.

Copy deadline is 16th October 2015

WHO’S WHO

RUSSELL NEWBERY REGISTER LTD

President: Dr Ian McKim ThompsonVice Presidents: Lady Carol Stamp, Mrs Susan Gibbs,David Thirlby, Allister Denyer, Graham Pearson, EleanorPhillipsWeb site: www.rnregister.org.ukThe Russell Newbery Register is a non profit distributingcompany limited by guarantee.Founded: 1994 Registered in England No: 346943Officers:Chairman: Norman C Mitchellt: 01452 415420 [email protected]: Kevin McNiffm: 07866 424988 [email protected]: Jim Comerfordm: 07887 591905 [email protected] (membership, finance): Rob Davies55 Noddington Lane, Whittington, Lichfield, Staffs. WS149PA t/f: 01543 432079 m: 07801 [email protected] Editor: Kevin McNiff [email protected] Production: Andrew Laycock m: 07870 294580Administration (merchandise): Neil MasonHillcrest, Chapel Lane, Westhumble, Surrey. RH5 6AHt: 01306 889073 [email protected] Organisers: Bob Scott and Andrew [email protected]: Andrew Laycock [email protected]

RUSSELL NEWBERY REGISTER PROPERTY LTD

A non profit distributing company limited by guaranteeFounded 2004 Registered in England No: 5316384Directors: Bob Ainsworth, Rob Davies, Dave Martin, Bob Scott.

Corporate Member

RN DIESEL ENGINE COMPANYProprietors: Dave Bixter (m: 07812 039110) Deborah Bixter (m: 07966 403132)Showroom: RN House, The Locks, Hillmorton, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 4PP t: 01788 578661Engineering workshop: 4 Oak House, Royal Oak Way North, Royal Oak Industrial Estate, Daventry

NN11 8PQ t: 01327 700023Email: [email protected]

Web site: www.russellnewbery.comField Engineers: Ian Crompton m: 07831 841108 Richard Milligan m: 07973 826260

Stop PressSituation(s) Vacant!

Full details on page 4

3RNR Newsletter : Summer 2015

For those not fully convinced, this is theSummer Edition of the newsletter, welcome!I didn’t think we’d be sitting inBirmingham in late July with our stove litand I guess many of you may have done thesame elsewhere! A truly British up-and-down summer, brrr!

Our Bostin’ Black Country themed Rallyand subsequent BCN cruise were howeversaved from the worst of the weather, exceptfor one heavily locked day. You can see andread more about these events within thisfull colour edition.

Continuing with the tide of change, avacancy is arising for the position ofAdministrator at RNR.

This edition is later than usual due to thechange in Rally date; some trees areshowing early colour change andblackberries are, well, turning blackalready! Let’s hope there can be a hint ofIndian Summer as we approach theAutumn Gathering and we can enjoy whatremains of summer!

Looking ahead to the Autumn Edition,there is still space for articles, pictures andstories so please, don’t be shy.

From The Editor

Chairman’s ChatThe “summer” continues! For all of you who could not,or even did not want to, you missed a most enjoyableRNR Rally. The venue was interesting and coped withus all; the entertainment fabulous; the beer, cider andother drinks flowed well and the camaraderie excellent.Congratulations to all involved in the organisation andthe smooth running of the whole event.

Pauline and I took off on the BCN Tour ably arrangedby our President Ian. The visit to the CRT BradleyWorks, where the replacement lock gates aremanufactured, was a real treat. The stores wereimmaculate; the whole place tidy and there is not acomputer in the place! It was a real sight to see. On ourway up the very weedy arm we were the centre ofattention; the local residents had not seen so manyboats come by for many years and they came out intheir droves to see us all moored off a new housingestate. One local even lifted her dog up to view the sightover the bridge parapet!

The Wyrley and Essington Canal [or Curly Wyrley]came next with visits to Anglesey Basin, PelsallCommon and on. The great feature of most of the tripwas WEED and RUBBISH, guaranteed to slow us downand cause some to spend a large proportion of theirtime down their weed hatch! I can honestly say I haveso far not needed to go down at all but I do have a verysharp boat hook which usually clears my prop and shaftwithout hatch diving! (having a 27inch by 23 prop doeshelp). I even fished out a crutch from Ryders Greenbottom lock - minus patient!

Both Property and Register AGMs went without a hitchsave for the ominous news from our very able andefficient Admin Manager, Rob Davies that he intends toretire from that post. HELP!

We are now hoping one or even two people willvolunteer to fill the membership and treasurer roles thatRob has so effectively carried out since the year dot.Please let me and Rob know if you are willing to take onone of the roles.

Well, that is probably too much chuntering and as wehave reached Ellesmere on the Llangollen Canal, it istime to enjoy that rare view of the August sun appearingbetween the clouds. Happy and trouble free boating toyou all and we hope to see you at the Gathering.

Brrr!


At the AGM I announced that, after careful consideration,I have decided to stand down as Administrator of theRegister. I took over in 1999 and, after 16 years I think it istime for a change. (I am sure that many of you are thinking– about time too!)

Initially, I did everything! Gradually over the years I have‘shed’ various functions (Merchandise, Newsletter etc)ending up with what I do now. Well, what does theAdministrator do? In essence I look after Membership andFinance, two jobs but in fact, as Administrator, it is 3 jobs.I am the focal point of reference for the Register and havecustody of various Register records, archives, photos etc.A fair amount of storage space is required, ideally a 4drawer filing cabinet plus space for the likes of backnumbers of the Newsletter etc. Also, approximately 5 leverarch files.

The two main jobs of Membership and Finance do knittogether well and complement each other. It makes foreasy reference to the Bank accounts, receipt of monthlystatements to check Bankers’ Order membershiprenewals and paying in of cheques for renewals etc.However, some 75% or so renewals are now paid byBankers Order which does make the job so much easier.Whilst it is not for me to dictate the way forward, ideally I

would keep the job as it is. That does not mean to say thatMembership and Finance cannot be split into two separateroles. In that case I suggest that the Administrator coversMembership and remains as the first point to reference forall things RN Register.

I have found it to be a rewarding job, building up themembership from about 120 to, currently, 240 or so. Forme it is a pleasure to be able to assist a member with aquery, helping each other is what we do in the ‘RN Family’.

As I advised Members at the AGM, I am not seeking todown tools and just walk away. Having made the decisionI need some time to sift through 16 years of accumulationand put things in a presentable order for handing over.Therefore a phased handover during the rest of this yearwould, I think, make the transfer more manageable.

If you are interested in taking on the role(s) and would,initially, like to chat it through with me, I will be happy toprovide as much help and information as I can. Formalapplication should be made to our Chairman, NormanMitchell.

Situations Vacant

Membership MattersOverall membership numbers remain somewhat static but,since June we have signed up 5 new members.So a very warm ‘RN’ welcome to:

Richard & Paula Chester-Nash, Lewes NB Finola Annet: nnnnn nnnnnn m: nnnnn nnnnnnemail: n

Samantha Higgins, Tarvin NB Mary Annem: nnnnn nnnnnnemail: n

Simon Joles, Witham NB Joannat: nnnnn nnnnnn m: nnnnn nnnnnnemail: n

If you’re anything like me,the number of passwordsneeded for anything thesedays is quite confusing. Ichallenge anyone toremember this one at a wellknown pub. Name the pubto be the winner of thisedition’s quiz. No prize mindyou, just the kudos ofgetting it right!

Ed

Engines, Boats and Bits for saleFlogging Molly [formerly Foxy Lady]

58ft R&D Fabrications 1998 with 1987 Upminster DM2engine in stern. Open plan layout with Morso Squirrelstove complete with back boiler and radiators. Rinnai gaswater heater, vannette hob , oven and grill, sterling pro 30amp charger, 440 A/hour battery, 300 watt solar panelswith 40 amp controller. Blacked 3 years ago, good survey5 years ago, fixed double bed, new Indesit washingmachine with 3 year guarantee, 12 volt shoreline fridge.Walk through bathroom with bath. Double bed by engineroom. Gas lockers in forward well deck, cratch cover.£25,000. Phone Paul Miller 07591 966747

Red Admiral56' 6" all steel narrow boat with a 1948 (rebuilt 1991) RND3. Well maintained with lounge at fore end, fully fittedGalley with new cooker last year. Bathroom with showerand bath. Sleeps 3..£48,000. Contact 01270 522231 or 01606 738341

Crowther propeller - 21 x 18 compensated RH propeller,suitable for 1.5" shaft. £300. Contact Brian Jarrett on07766 216819.


A Thank You from Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Interim figures in from our Adminstrator showed that theRally this year made a healthy surplus of £541.82. Theaccounts will be presented in due course but as a result,the Register Board have unanimously agreed to make a

matching donation from Register funds to the secondnominated cause, Atlas & Malus.

Ed

And a Gift from the Board

This year’s Rally raffle raised a total of £533. Membersattending the AGM were invited to nominate a worthycause to receive 50%, the remainder to be allocated to theRally Reserve account. There were two nominations: TheL&H Canals Restoration Trust and Atlas and Malus, the

two former working boats operated jointly by the BCNS andCoombeswood Canal Trust. The L&H were the chosenrecipients; a cheque has been sent to them and theirresponse is copied below:

On the Staffs & Worcester Canal. Runby enthusiasts. Properly supervisedand secure linear moorings at the onetime home of Russell Newbery. Usefulfacilities and convenientcommunications.

Thompson & Co., Canal Cottage,Hinksford Wharf, Hinksford Lane,Kingswinford, West Midlands. DY60RH 01384 294131 07971 291296

Moorings available


Brian explains:

Why get rid of Kyle? Why have a new boat in your 70's?Well, knees and left hip to start with; also two Christmasesago 25kg bags of coal started to feel very heavy.

Hence Autarky (which means economic & self-sufficient).

After my years of living on a canal boat & years beforeliving on a sea boat I had very clear ideas of the layoutand fit out that would hopefully see me independentlyboating into my 80s ! Seeing the DM1 being removed atDave's yard was the decisive moment; then to see thesunken 1899 iron riveted BCN Joe firmed up the designof my "new" 44' boat.

Over the coming months the steelwork was completed byReeves and Sons including removing a 4" strip down themiddle of the base plate to reduce her overall width at thebase plate to 6'8" and make her possible to pass throughall the locks (including the second lock on the Naptonflight, but as Rudyard Kipling would say that's anotherstory!) Over the following months the selected fittings andcomponents were installed behind some fine joinery byLiam at Grantham Bridge Boat Services.

The boat layout is : Boat Man’s Cabin, Engine Room, WetRoom, Galley, Saloon, Covered Cratch Area all in 44 feet!

The main items that could be classed as quirky: Gentle shallow steps down into the boat (bad knees) Composting toilet (no heavy cassette to carry) Dickinson diesel stove/c/h (no heavy coal bags) 1,000 Ltr diesel tank(for when I get iced in)

Brian also explains that at 44ft long, he is saving £107 onhis licence fee if the boat had been 45ft!

The project was not without its share of highs and lows.Brian has already touched on the aborted journey whenthe original boat was being towed to Fenny Compton; at7’ 2” wide at the base it became wedged in the Naptonflight which didn’t make for good Karma with other users!Neither were CRT too impressed when it was arranged tocrane the shell out at their Napton facility, somethingabout risk assessments, method statements and basically“you’re not putting a crane on this hardstanding, mate, sothink again. Bloomin’ elf & stupidity again!

But when the insurance company insisted on an historicboat survey, which resulted in the original iron base plateneeding to be over-plated, our intrepid boatman lost theplot! It was this work coupled with the missed paint dockbooking that had our Brian become the Last Man Into theRally. But he made it and in good time too.

To finish it off, Dave Moore sign wrote the registrationnumber while Autarky was in the top lock of The Crow,then a few weeks later did the name while at Alvechurch.

Is Brian pleased? He thinks its Bostin.

Autarky — The Last Man In

Last in at Titford Top Lock

The engine ‘ole

Freshly named at Alvechurch


Thanks from CRT West MidlandsIt always pays to say thanks!Hi Andrew – First of all apologies for taking solong to get back to you, but I’ve been tied up (notliterally J) in Leeds for a couple of days.I’m really happy you all had a great time and bythe sounds of it a very successful Rally. It readsto me like you all cram a lot in over a short spaceof time and from our point of view it’s great tohear about people cruising on some of our lesserused canals such as the Bradley Arm. There’salso a great added advantage for us because wehave recently set up an adoption scheme withsome local residents on the arm and so farthey’ve been very proactive in what can only be

described as a challenging area so seeing lots ofboats using the arm really helps.Last, but not least, thanks for the kind wordsabout many of our staff because they areappreciated and I’ll make sure everyone gets tosee your email.Thanks again for writing in to let us know howthings went and we will look forward to seeingyou all again in a couple of years time.Kind RegardsIan Darby, Customer Operations ManagerWest Midlands Waterway

Above was the reply I received after thanking Ian Darbyand Ian Lane (Waterways Manager) for all the help theyand their staff provided to ensure the rally and post rallyconvoy cruise was a success. You may notice there is abit of a clue as to which region the 2017 rally will be in!

Well we had so much Black Country material left overfrom this year!

A Pre Rally GatheringIt has become something of a tradition to meet up en route to the Rally and thisyear was no exception.

Tied up at Cambrian wharf were The Caddy, Trundlemere, Lothlorien, Galliard,Ebony and Arthur.

Its probably the quieter of the city moorings, away from walkers and cyclists

Favourite Waterside PubsHere is the first in an occasional series. Yes, this is mylocal canal side pub, but it is wonderful! Contributions fromother readers welcome.

Cape of Good Hope, Warwick A real watersidepub, the canal is just feet from the front door. The pubs wasbuilt as the same time as the canal. A painting in thelounge explains the origin of the name, which is nowapplied to this area of Warwick. However the term CapeLock is modern, to old boatmen they were Warwick locks.

The front bar is the original building with a tasteful modernextension to the rear that is sympathetic to the original.Owners New Zealander Steve Jury and his partner Emma,are proud to serve fine locally sourced food and ales.There are 3 permanent real ales, including Hook Nortonand local brewery Church Farm. Three other guest beersusually available. Wines are from Mathew Clarke and meatcomes from renowned Leamington butcher Rumps.Internal decorations include various canal related items,and local history relating to the nearby Donald Healeyfactory site.

The outside seating area is along side the canal, in fineweather the grass by the lock performs as a garden. Well

behaved dogs on leads are welcome, so too are children(they don’t have to be on a lead). Live music featuressome evenings. A great place to relax either after boatingor to watch other boats go by.

Open 12-11 Mon-Thu; 12-Midnight Fri-Sun; Mealsavailable 12-3, 6-9.15; 12-9.15 Fri-Sun..


The beads!

Right then, let’s get started!

The Grot

Roger O’DeaLock wheeler extraordinary A Ruby Wedding today!

Tank bustersWell attended tech forum

R N R[ockers]

Dandy

Phil Clayton’s musical

Michael Pearson

Craftwork

Bob May - his last Rally

The 2015 Rally Photo Call

[Photos by Jim Comerford, Andrew Laycock, Kevin McNiff, Ken Nelson]


Right then, let’s get started!

R N R[ockers]

Dandy

Phil Clayton’s musical Breakfast Rolls

Anyone want to play?

A Bostin’ supper

Just one boat picture - Swallow

Dave Moore and [r] his work forIan McKim Thompson

“Mr BCNS”Charley Johnston

Cream Tea

The 2015 Rally Photo Call

FOOD!

Techies Rule! IKEA Tent kit! As usual no instructions![Photos by Jim Comerford, Andrew Laycock, Kevin McNiff, Ken Nelson]

Part of the longest rally bar


Tripping around the Titford Pools

[Chrissy Price]

[Val Comerford][Kevin McNiff]

[Kevin McNiff ]

The Tuesday exploratory trip - in damp weather [Andrew Laycock]


The Llangollen FlyboatsWhen I heard that the new RN rally committee hadorganised the 2015 rally to be in July I feared that we mightnot be able to attend. Val & I and our good friends Hazel &John have a voluntary commitment at the LlangollenInternational Musical Eisteddfod. This is held on the firstwhole week in July as well.

We had been to our first RN rally in Stourbridge by car, butwhile we could leave the boat up in Llangollen it wouldn't bethe same and we would also miss out on the BCN cruise.There was only one thing for it – a bit of Fly-Boating. Thefour of us discussed the feasability and decided that wewould give it a go. Trying to plan, only showed that we reallyneeded a minimum of six days to get to Titford, we had fourand in my case a little less.

Monday 13th: NB North Star slipped out of the basin atLlangollen at 8:00 on Monday. I had to go on site and dosome final bits of tear-down after the previous night's UB40concert. We managed to leave at 10:00. A good startthough the narrows and we were on our way. One boatahead of us for the Pontcysyllte aqueduct with a couplealmost across towards us. The trip boat and anotherfollowing us join in the queue. Then... a couple more areseen just about to enter the trough from the far end. TheTrevor end is grid-lock as the exits are both blocked. Idecided I had to go for it, followed instantly by the trip boat.The boats at the far end pulled in. I offered an apology aswe exited which I am glad to say was graciously acceptedby the Australians on their boat. As we rounded the bend avery kind Israeli girl off a hire boat waved us through the liftbridge. Llangollen is a truly international place.

No delay at New Marton locks we had a brief stop oppositethe Ellesmere yard at about 5.30pm, where we walked upto Tescos for supplies. We finally tied for the night oppositeLyneal Wharf. A text from Hazel told us that they hadmoored at the east side of Whixall Moss – about 5 milesahead of us.

Tuesday 14th: An early set-off at 07:30. Luck was again withus at Morris Lift bridge as another crew waved us though.Now for the big jam – Grindley brook. As we rounded thebend, I saw …. no-one!. However the lock keeper had justreversed the direction so we did have to wait for 3 to comeup. The remaining locks down the Hurleston were withoutdelay and with the lock-keeper's help shot down the fouronto the Shroppie. Water under the boat at last, we madegood progress and tied at the top of Hack-green at 8:30pm.Hazel and John were opposite Overwater, maintaining thegap. Not for long!

Wednesday 15th: A determined 7:00 start saw us briefly incontact with North Star at the bottom of Audlem, with a boat

in between us. But by the time we were 'in the thick' therewere 6 in between - one boat pulling off in each pound. Itwas a slow ascent and we didn't clear the top lock at Coxbank until 12:30. We should still get to Oldbury for Saturdaythough. We bought farm supplies at Adderley top after abetter run. Tyrley turned out to be pandemonium. Avolunteer lock-assistant was turning locks round in front ofboats. There may have been reason for it, but we couldn'tsee it. The pounds were all very low with no water runningover weir, a sight rarely seen on the Shroppie, and at leastone boat ended up on the ledge at the side, as the lockswere filled. Stay in the middle at Tyrley. We cleared at 4pm.Oldbury seemed a long way off and this was Wednesday.Long pound now, so decided to push on. Ate the excellentLamb burgers from Adderley on the move, and had acouple of beers, and so spirits were revived. We caught upwith John and Hazel at bridge 21, Little Onn. It was 10 pm.Time for bed.

Thursday 16th: I needed fuel so a call at Turner's was on thecards. I checked the internet and they opened at 8am, so a7:30am start to get there for then. Don't believe everythingon the internet. They open at 8:30am. But kindly, Stuart,who had arrived early, served us and others, waiting on theroad, early. We duly caught up with John and Hazel atOxley marine where we both had pump outs at sensibleprices. Being breasted up for the services, John suggestedthat we set-off up the 21 first. Another boat coming out –they might all be set for us, and with only a small delay froma single-handed boater bow-hauling down due to a brokengearbox, we had a good run with North Star close behind.We cleared the flight at 4pm. Only the Wolverhampton levelnow until the Crow. After the water of the Shroppie it felt likenavigating in soup. Discussions on the phone suggestingovernighting in Tipton or the museum, spirits were downand the crews were rather tired, but with better progressmade, it was decided to go for it – all the way to Titford. TheM5 was a joy to behold, the junction is just around thecorner. Neil had told us, on the phone, to just come on up.The Crow gates were open and ready. We made ourselvesheard over Andrew's introductory speech as we exited thetop lock. It is a Russell Newbery Rally after all!

Tied up at 8:00pm. Was it worth it – Yes. The Rally wasexcellent and the following week we all tried our patienceswith the weed on the BCN experience.

[When I asked John for his comments, he said “I’ve donebetter things in four days!. Ed]

Recommended by RN Rally attendeesfor tasty sausages, delicious bacon,bostin faggots, splendid pork pies,crunchy scratchings and much more!

The Premier Award Winning Butchers in the Black Country Tel: 0121-552-1210


Then and now

Our President, Ian McKim Thompson, had arranged a postRally trip around the Northern BCN. I took part in a similartrip three years ago organised by Stuart and Marie Sherrattof the BCN Society in which several RN boats en route tothe Stourbridge Rally also took part – Ian as well! Thatjourney tempted me to venture into the relatively unknownreaches again, despite the potential to spend inordinatetime in the weed hatch. This year, however, I was notentwined for 90 minutes; most forays lasting around 10minutes each!

Around 23 boats took part, leaving the Titford flight [alsoknown as The Crow] in an orderly fashion throughout theMonday morning [0400 – yes it was] with a choice of routesto take, eventually stopping at Tipton or down the BradleyArm, a sight that locals were surprised but pleased to see.On Tuesday morning, we had to be at the CRT BradleyWorks at 0830, where a tour of the workshops making lockgates, balance beams and associated metalwork had beenarranged by Andrew Laycock. Some boats made it down tothe end of the arm before opening time while the restfollowed after, a good walk indeed. The day’s stop was atthe stump of the Bentley Canal in Wednesfield. Again ourboats jammed the arm and moorings alongside theNickelodeon pub [not the best on the canal by far!]. Theretail park was an extremely useful point for all manner ofshopping.

On Wednesday we made for Pelsall Common, a jewel inthe BCN crown. The journey probably saw the most visitsto the weed hatch of the week, though some were luckyenough to get away with the shaft or a twitch of reverse. Myown tally that day was 5! A very enjoyable meal was had atThe Finger Post, formally known as The Royal Oak andscene of a grisly murder several years ago.

Thursday saw Ian’s pair “jumped” by Thistledown in anearly dawn getaway towards Brownhills where some usedthe excellent CRT facilities and even more excellent visitormoorings outside Tesco. This was a short stop as we weremaking for Anglesey Basin and a short walk up toChasewater Reservoir [or further afield for some whovisited the light railway]. Despite advance notice by Ian, thepumps were not running from “the Ressie” and the levelwas around 3 bricks down; this helped many of us to gathera large amount of weed from said basin. Then onward toDaw End for another round of foaming brews, oh and food!

Friday was the last day of the cruise with, once again,many starting off very early. It didn’t stop the rain though,which fell all day through the Rushall and Ryders Greenlock flights – typical! Journey’s end was at Ryders Greentop lock where all bar 8 boats once again crammed theavailable space. The others had either pressed on toBirmingham or left at Rushall Junction to head for PerryBar. A walk in the rain, along the now unnavigableWednesbury Old Canal towards the obliterated Swan LaneJunction with the Ridgeacre Branch, and we saw a windinghole in far better condition than many on the system! Theevening ended with a meal at The Ridgeacre.

Most will agree that the journey was worth the effort and iswhat is needed to keep the channel navigable. Our thanksagain to Ian for working out a route and stops for us all. Hesays he has another one in the pipeline for when we nextvisit the Midlands.

The Northern BCN Explored

Anglesey Branch near Catshill

[Tony Millatt]

[Andrew Laycock][Kevin McNiff]

Anglesey Basin

[Tony Millatt] [Andrew Laycock]

[Andrew Laycock]

Wednesbury Old Canal(Not much difference, but it was navigable then!)


Stainless steel arch nearHeath Bridge W&E.

Situation Normal[n]! At TheFingerpost

A Motley Crew!

Competed lock gates and supervisor DaveConstable accepts a Rally plaque for the visit.

The neighbours got a surprise thisevening!

The BCN at Pelsall Common [Andrew Laycock]

Last supper at The Ridgeacre [Andrew Laycock]

The perils of WW I [Andrew Laycock]

A Rainy Rushall

[L] Part of the old boat turning system in thenow unused dock and [R] spot the notice!

Class A Weed! [Andrew Laycock]

Bradley Workshops

[Andrew Laycock]

[Tony Millatt]

Wednesbury “Old”

Are you sure thatnb Albion went this

way?

[Uncredited photos by KevinMcNiff]


Shortly before the rally, I was asked if I was looking forwardto it. I’m sure my reply was that I was more looking forwardto the Monday afterwards!

Well, the first A&B (Andrew & Bob) rally is history — andwe survived. We hope all attendees enjoyed it, or at leastparts of it!

We did have a few panics. Not the least was when twopresenters pulled out and one exhibitor requested achange of day just two weeks before hand! Thecooperation of BCNS and CRT helped enormously. So didthe willingness of the Register members who helped out,again with some undertaking new roles. Thanks to themonce more, and we hope you will volunteer again for nextyear!

The BCNS were really delighted to host us, particularly aswe consumed all the burgers and chips on Thursdayevening and purchased loads of books and maps onSunday morning. They would like us to bring the rally backto Titford in the future.

We do admit some things were not quite perfect. So nexttime we do promise:

● Decaffeinated coffee (and Earl Grey tea) on thefree drinks

● Slightly later starts on Friday and Saturdaymornings ~ but this might mean slightly laterfinishing!

● Fewer questions on the treasure hunt● More drinking time● Not to use taxi firms with names starting A1● To rein in speakers who go over their allocated

time (or at least attempt to!)

Our other major problem was fitting everything in. What weleft out will almost fill the programme for the next BlackCountry rally.

In the meantime - next year. By the time you read this, wewill have made our first site visit. Hopefully if negotiationsproceed successfully, I will be able to make anannouncement at the Autumn Gathering. We have someideas for the programme — including a Saturday afternoonevent never seen at a rally before.

Thank you to all the attendees who thanked us and havemade some suggestions. Any more comments andsuggestions are most welcome, particularly regarding thedate.

One down

Autumn Gathering: Long Itchington 25th to 27th SeptemberIn contrast to the rally, this is a very low key informal event.The only organised activity is a buffet meal at The Cuttle Innon Saturday evening . This will be in the function room inthe garden, at 7pm for 8pm. Cost £7.50 per head. If youwish to book for this, please reply to me as soon as youreceive this Newsletter. ([email protected] or 07870294580). [The closing date in the last Newsletter waswrong, it should have said 4th September not 4th August!Sorry.]

Otherwise the arrangements are as follows:Arrival: any time you like before Saturday evening.Mooring: any where on the Itchington to Bascote pound.There are some bollards near the A423 road bridge andsome Armco piling suitable for hooks. On the embankmentyou need to use pins.Parking: use the Cuttle Inn or Two Boats Car park.

Eating (other than Saturday evening): You have a choice ofsix (very different) pubs, one diner (good for breakfasts)and a Chinese restaurant (but that is a bit of a walk from thecut).Nattering: Congregate in the lounge (left) of the Two Boatson Friday and Saturday afternoon.Winding: Kayes Arm junction above Shop Lock. If comingfrom and returning to Napton and over 60 feet, a bit ofreversing with help may be necessary. We can sort it out onSaturday. Warning: do not navigate the bridge below Shoplock breasted up - it is only 13’ 10” wide!Boating supplies: Visit Warwickshire Fly Boat shop by ShopLock.Departure: Any time after Saturday evening.

Hillmorton LocksDry Dock

Tel 07812 039110Over 60 boats painted

The very best QualityNarrowboat Painting &

Sign Writing Services

Call for a Quotation forPainting your Boat

–GBBS–


The Tale of the Leaky Lock

As many of you will have experienced, thebottom lock at Glascote on the Coventry Canal,is a notoriously slow filler. This ‘ode’ hangs onthe rails adjacent to the Lock;

Just a note, to let you knowThat this here lock is very slow

So take a breath, relax and smile(You might be waiting here a while)

The problem is, (or so we are told)Is the Lock 13 is very old

Her paddles shot through wear andtear,

The water pours out here and there.

We’ve had them fixed, then fixed againBy some of Waterways finest men,And for while the lock works well,

Until again it leaks like hell.

Now if this pause in your sojournHas made you stop and think and learn

That on the cut there is a pace,That’s not for those who want to race.

So if you’re ‘rushing’, running lateThis tale of Leaky Lock you’ll hate.

If you’ve no time to gently float,Then why a blooming narrow boat.

The Bard of Glascote Locks

The “RN BCN” Song[with scant apologies to Noel Coward

and "Mad Dogs and Englishmen"]By Kevin

Dead dogs and narrowboatmen go out on theBCNIts pleasant and delightful, exciting and when,A plastic cruiser comes our wayWe look at him and what we say, isDead dogs and narrowboatmen go out on theBCN

Our President he takes his pair around theBCNFrom Norton Canes and Anglesey toStourbridge and whenA hired boat comes round his wayThe steerer hears our captain say, thatDead dogs and narrowboatmen go out on theBCN

We had a July Rally - at Tat Bank, OldburyWith forty seven narrowboats it was a sight toseeSome ventured into Titford poolsThe locals had to say thatOnly dead dogs and narrowboatmen go outon the BCN

Some ventured round the BCN, to explore theplaces where,Most narrowboats avoid to go unless theytake good careWe honed our skills when down the hatchThe weed was in our way so we sangDead dogs and narrowboatmen go out on theBCN

And now we’re back in waters deep and clearof prop debrisWe had good times, some had a laugh – “Gotrubbish - oh not Me!”We’ll meet again in twelve months whenOur Rally comes again but this timeDead dogs and RN boats should avoid theBCN

Dead dogs and RN boats go out on the BCNIts pleasant and delightful ‘cos we’re boatingwith our friendsWe’ll get a plaque for masteringThe art of weed hatch’ry then we’ll sayDead dogs and RN boats goOut on the BCOut on the BCOut on the BCN!

the last man in bcn explored flying from …rnregister.org.uk/rnrn-86-websmall.pdfcrowther propeller...

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