Features from Waterscape

February half term on the canals

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:39:11 +0000

With the kids off school for a week, you might be in need of some inspiration when it comes to great family days out. Fortunately there are lots of exciting attractions on the canals and rivers that are running children’s events and activities this half term. Waterscape rounds up the best of what’s going on. Click the links to find out more.

Half term at the National Waterways Museum, Cheshire, 12-17 February

Water management FAQs

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:14:48 +0000

Managing the water in a 200-year-old canal system throws up lots of challenges, particularly in a dry year. British Waterways’ water management team are often asked questions about their work by boaters or members of the public. Here, they’ve collected some of the most common questions and explained the answers. If you have any further questions on water management or drought mitigation, please feel free to post them in the comments. The water management team will either respond to them directly, or include them in future FAQs.

How much water is there in a lock?

Swan pedalo canal challenge for charity

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:38:26 +0000

David Walliams swam the length of the River Thames. Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton travelled to the South Pole. And now two BBC Radio Leeds presenters are taking on their own epic challenge in aid of Sport Relief. Katherine Hannah and Adam Pope are attempting to travel the entire length of the [/canals-and-rivers/leeds-and-liverpool-canal Leeds & Liverpool Canal] in a pedalo shaped like a swan.

They plan to pedal the 127 miles in just 10 days, departing from Albert Dock in Liverpool on 14 March and arriving at Granary Wharf in Leeds on 23 March. They have named their unusual craft Grace.

Canal & River Trust Council candidates - boating business

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:28:34 +0000

There are five boating business candidates standing for election to the Canal & River Trust Council. There are two seats available, and they will be elected using the single transferable vote system.

Voting is open from 8 February until noon on 9 March. Voting packs have been posted out, and are also being emailed to voters whose email addresses we have.

Canal & River Trust Council candidates - private boaters

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:26:35 +0000

There are 33 private boater candidates standing for election to the Canal & River Trust Council. There are four seats available, and they will be elected using the single transferable vote system.

Voting is open from 8 February until noon on 9 March. Voting packs have been posted out, and are also being emailed to voters whose email addresses we have.

Meet our Olympic project manager

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:16:47 +0000

Sarah Emmings is an Olympic project manager at British Waterways. Based at our Paddington office Sarah is currently working on the planning and implementation of the Olympic plans for London’s Canals.

Waterscape caught up with Sarah recently to find out her thoughts on the year ahead.

Canal Photography Competition Results

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:40:54 +0000

Since launching our canal photography competition over six months ago we’ve been inundated with your photos of life on Britain’s canals and rivers.

The aim of the competition was to start collecting photos we can use for the new Canal & River Trust website and we’ve been overwhelmed with the response. We’ve recieved hundreds of photos and they’ve been a great insight into how you see our canals & rivers.

Iron Trunk Aqueduct, 26 February

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:52:55 +0000

Come along the open day at the Iron Trunk Aqueduct to find out what works British Waterways will be doing to help restore this waterway wonder.

The aqueduct celebrated its 200th birthday on 21 January last year. Engineers from British Waterways will be carrying out a series of works to help restore this iconic Georgian structure back to its former glory.

Meet our volunteer lock keepers

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:17:19 +0000

British Waterways' volunteer lock keepers Gill Anlezarck, Peter Tomkins and Barbara Hillier share their experience of helping out on their local canals and rivers.

Watch a video about volunteer lock keeper Barbara Hillier on the River Trent.

The role of a volunteer lock keeper

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:53:46 +0000

We’re looking for people to look after locks and greet visitors. Below is a little more information about the role and what we hope to find in the ideal recruit. The role of the lock keeper is steeped in history, but is just as crucial today. In fact, where customer service and people skills are concerned, it’s more important now than ever.

As ‘the face of the waterway’, modern-day volunteer lock keepers play an integral part in the visitor experience. In plain English this means helping boaters through locks and providing a friendly welcome to all visitors. In addition to boaters, you’ll regularly meet walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and families feeding the ducks.

Unlock your volunteer potential

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:40:25 +0000

Waterway lovers are being offered the chance to volunteer as a lock keepers for the Canal & River Trust, the charity that takes over British Waterways’ responsibility for 2,000 miles of waterways in later this year.

Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years and while some duties remain the same, today’s lock keepers don’t have as difficult a time as their early predecessors. who had to haul heavy lock gates open by hand, defend themselves against river pirates and fight off toll thieves. The role of the modern-day lock keeper is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assist boaters through locks and help maintain the lock area.

Keep fit on the canals in 2012

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:19:32 +0000

When it comes to making New Year’s Resolutions, getting more exercise must be high on many people’s lists. And that’s hardly surprising, considering all the extra food and drink we often indulge in over Christmas. However, if you want to stick to your new regime beyond January, it’s important to choose a form of exercise that you really enjoy. Going to the gym can get boring and repetitive for many people, which can be a big factor in causing them to give up. However, if you try getting out and about on the canals and rivers instead, you might just find an activity you enjoy so much you actually want to exercise. Exercising on the waterways means you get fresh air, meet friendly people, and there’s always something new to see.

Walking

Mon & Brec 200

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:43:17 +0000

2012 sees the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal celebrate its 200th anniversary of opening with a year-long programme of activities and events.

Winding its way through 49 miles of scenic countryside, The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal passes through a World Heritage site on its way from Brecon past Cwmbran and the City of Newport to Cwmcarn. A 200-year-old feat of engineering, originally built as a corridor for coal and iron, the canal now supports a thriving leisure industry and is much-loved haven for people and nature.

Boaters' Update December 2011

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:01:14 +0000

This month we get into the festive spirit with some last minute gift ideas and the waterscape Christmas quiz. We announce next year’s dates for Crick Boat Show & Waterways Festival which will be held from 2 to 5 June 2012. And we report on the nomination process for boat licence holders to stand for election to the Canal & River Trust’s inaugural governing Council and feature some of the fantastic volunteers who will be chairing the Trust’s regional Waterway Partnerships.

Canal & River Trust progress report

Christmas quiz 2011

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:07:09 +0000

Are you an expert on canals and Christmas? Test your knowledge with our annual Christmas quiz and win a Cool Canals book.

To enter the competition email your answers (which spell out a famous canal landmark) along with your name and postal address to feedback@waterscape.com by 6 January.

Trustees wanted

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:32:48 +0000

The Canal & River Trust, which will take over from British Waterways in 2012, is looking for three non-executive trustees to join its existing eight trustees already in place.

The new trustees will join at an exciting time and play a key role in developing a clear vision and strategy for protecting and maintaining the waterways as a unique national treasure.

Christmas presents for canal lovers

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:29:41 +0000

Do you spend hours fretting over what to get your loved ones for Christmas each year? There’s no need to worry this December as we’ve decided to take all of the stress out of Christmas shopping for you. Take a look at our Christmas present ideas for the canal enthusiast in your life and get them something they really want this year.

Buy a book

Get involved with the Waterways Partnerships

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:35:27 +0000

Last year, the Government announced that British Waterways would transfer its canals and rivers to a charity, the Canal & River Trust. The Canal & River Trust will be up and running in 2012.

Chairs wanted

Boaters' Update November 2011

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:58:32 +0000

This month we report on the nomination process for boat licence holders to stand for election to the Canal & River Trust’s inaugural governing Council. The Council will play a pivotal role in the success of the Trust when it takes over responsibility for the care of the waterways in England and Wales. As the temperature plummets we feature some boating top tips and reminders for safe winter boating and take a look at some of the options for keeping warm afloat during the colder months.

It could be you?

A very merry canal Christmas

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:29:40 +0000

Father Christmas doesn’t just travel by sleigh – this December he’ll be paying a visit to canals and rivers up and down the country by boat. In fact, judging from waterscape’s big list of Christmas events, he’ll have a packed schedule. It’s a good thing he has magical powers, or he’d never be able to fit everything in!

Christmas is a very special time for a family visit to your local canal or river. Not only are there lots of chances for the children to meet Santa, there are also plenty of other festive things to do. Enjoy carol singing, try Christmas shopping with a difference in canalside shops and markets, or watch a magical illuminated boat parade. See waterscape’s list of Christmas events below. Booking is recommended for many of these events. Click the dates for more details.

The Canal & River Trust Council

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:25:40 +0000

In preparation for the Canal & River Trust taking over the duties of British Waterways in 2012 a Council is being formed to protect the values and responsibilities of the new trust.

The council will be comprise 35 members with a wide range of interests and expertise and will include boaters, volunteers, local government representatives and other canal users. Together they will provide the experience and perspective of the constituency they represent and a voice for their interests.

Keepers and Hunts Lock, 1 December

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:38:02 +0000

British Waterways will be carrying out essential repairs at Keepers Lock and Hunts Lock on the Trent & Mersey Canal, near Fradley. The works will take place from the 18 November - 16 December with an open day on Thursday 1st December 2011.

The open day offers the public a rare opportunity to take a guided tour of the locks. Visitors will find out fascinating facts about the Trent & Mersey Canal and see how the work is carried out by British Waterways’ team to maintain the lock.

Cycling and walking matters in London

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:55:23 +0000

If you’re a regular visitor who makes use of the canal towpaths in and around London the chances are you’ve already met Dick Vincent, British Waterways’ towpath ranger. Dick’s becoming a well-known face on the towpaths as he, along with a team of volunteer rangers, strives to make London’s towpaths more accessible to cyclists and walkers.

As London’s canals have become more enjoyable places to visit and spend leisure time, the number of walkers and cyclists using the towpaths has increased dramatically. British Waterways wants as many people to enjoy the canals as possible. However, tensions can occasionally surface when the same stretch of towpath becomes very popular.

Delph Nine Lock Flight, 30 November

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:42:50 +0000

This winter, British Waterways is inviting the public to see a lock gate replacement and find out more about the engineering works at Delph Lock 4 on the Dudley No 1 Canal.

The open day offers the public a rare opportunity to take a guided tour of these Grade II listed locks with Elizabeth Thompson, heritage advisor for British Waterways, who will be able to talk about the historical significance and heritage of the locks. There will be four sessions during the day when members of the public will also be able to spend time at the lock itself with Adam Bannister British Waterways’ supervisor; and have chance to talk with the rest of the engineering team. Visitors will be able to find out fascinating facts about their local waterway and see how the works are carried out by British Waterways’ team to maintain the lock.

Waterways partnerships

editor@waterscape.com (Editor) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:02:22 +0000

In 2012, British Waterways’ canals and rivers in England and Wales will be transferred to the care of a new waterways charity, called the Canal & River Trust. The government is placing these waterways in trust for the nation, and that means that it is important for the people who use them to have a greater say in how they are run. One of the ways that this will happen is through the Waterways Partnerships.

There will be thirteen of these partnerships – eleven representing administrative waterways regions, one for the charity's waterways museums and attractions, and one for Welsh issues. They will be made up of a range of people representing different waterways interests - such as boaters, walkers, cyclists and anglers – and people with relevant expertise in areas like volunteering, fundraising, environment, heritage and community engagement.