Derek R.

I wonder how long it took Cynthia to cycle back to Winkwell from Stoke Hammond Three? Apart from the very loose continuity, love it to bits. Derek

Or taking the real thing and canning it to sell for 'atmospheric ambience' - "When I was a lad . . ."

They look like relatives of a future Marsworth Yard . . . More character in Legoland.

I'm glad you are considering that Mike. Some of the black and whites are pure art - Hulton Picture Library quality. Just a query on the cabin shot inside Bilster - Would there have been a Torgem beside the cooker in there? Little marvels they were. Derek

What was the AA sidecar outfit for Mike - expecting a breakdown? Give us the story then! Derek

Ian's a good lad! He got his 35 year handshake last November ('08 that is), lives aboard Sentinel at Bulbourne with wife Tina in case you didn't know, but grapevine being what it is you probably do! Derek

Suzuki Katana???? Most likely a BSA C12, it has that BSA dual seat with the pronounced dip. I tried with high resolution for the bike, but it's too fuzzy, it's here anyway. Trains grown up sewing machines? Steam, oil, smoke, heat, huge pieces of reciprocating metal, giants at work, teamwork rewarded. Derek PS This would have been about four years after the start of WW.

I can imagine most of the mis-spelt names that got painted on boats were due to misunderstandings between the spoken word. Bicester is of course pronounced 'Bisster', which is not far off of Bilston, add a bit of dialect, and spelling that wasn't checked, and there's the 'odd' name. If you've got hundreds of negatives Mike, I would seriously suggest getting them professionally printed for book form. Such records even from the seventies are just too valuable to treat any other way. Everything we took for granted back then has become manna from heaven for archivists, in the same way (though it might not seems it) what we take around us today, will in thirty years time most likely be gone. Some of it we will say good riddance to, but ironically that's exactly what makes things become scarce, and sought after. Derek

The actual print was very small being taken with a Brownie Box. I haven't seen that, but Geoff assures me it is, and having taken many myself as a nipper can vouch for the size around 2" x 1.5", some were square. I think the developers and printers around that time thought people looked at photo albums with magnifying glasses! Maybe they were saving paper and ink! The scan he took and posted me by snail mail, is 6" x 4". This is quite a bit clearer than what you see on the screen, but whilst the name on TERN was a bit difficult to discern, a process of elimination through the book lists saw TERN as the most likely, and with a magnifying glass the individual letters can be distinguished even though a bit of fender rope is laying across the top bend. With KESTREL the name is very clear. This is Willow Wrens re-naming of TRIAGULUM, it's not very clear on the transference from the copy I have to the computer. Middle Northwich rubbing strakes I believe are quite distinctive too, though I ought to know, I'm afraid I haven't made a study of them. Derek

Mike, if you've got many more of this quality, you ought to be thinking about publishing in book form something along the lines of 'A Canal People', Sonia Rolts book on the photo's of Robert Longden - these are good. What camera were you using? Derek

Fabulous black and whites Mike, thank you so much for sharing. That's how Marsworth Yard ought to look - working. How does that folding rudder get locked in Mike, I see the vertical pin and the eyes into which it would fit. Does it have some kind of lifting lever to pull it right up, straighten, then drop down? Derek I got to say, that side on shot of the cratches at Rose's is just beautiful. Perfectly pin sharp on the cratches with a little fuzz of the background to keep the attention on the main article. Did you work at that, or was it chance?

Lovely pictures Mike, and you make that sound so easy single handing a pair. That took some good judgement, and no small amount of skill I'll wager. Derek

A little lad aged ten years, and a box Brownie. Geoff Hudspith's parents would take him from home for a pic-nic by the canal, and close to the railway embankment for a day out. One of his favourite spots, as he could watch trains on the West Coast main line hauled by Duchess Pacifics, Scot's, Jubilees, Patriots, Black Fives and the usual LMS classes - and also the canal boats. Above the pair in the middle distance, is the runway of RAF Cheddington opened in 1942 and taken over by the USAAF in September that year. The layout of the base can still clearly be seen today from the aerials. This shot was taken from the bridge that takes Wellington Place over the cut beside Cook's Wharf. Motor TERN, and butty KESTREL are running empty back to the pits most like. These were formerly the FMC motor EMU, and GUCC Middle Northwich TRIAGULUM. Derek

Hi Mike, welcome and thanks for the addition. The dodgy neutral could well have been due to wear on the mainshaft in the Parsons. As the plates engage and drive the shaft, grooves are created on the mainshaft splines, which if get bad enough, can catch the inner tangs of the plates and hold them up keeping them tight together and preventing drive from disengaging. Not something you want heading into a Thames lock full of Tupperware. A complete strip down and engineering job is required to fix that one. But they are tough gearboxes, so expensive work should be far apart and seldom for anyone who has one - if they are working fine, leave alone! Adjustments to the reverse band and forward drive collar are simple enough as is probably known, though some detailed knowledge of adjusting is required so as not to get it wrong. There's a guy down in Faversham - Westpoint Marine Services who knows them well, but our Mr Thompson at Uxbridge should be able to sort out any problems. Mark at Westpoint reckoned they were designed to take 200hp. I cannot vouch for that. I can concur that hand starting the PD2 was not for the faint hearted (two of us managed it together once, just to see if we could) - and a PD3 - forget it! I did have a flat battery once that wouldn't get the three over compression, but engaged a passing lady to press the starter when I gave the nod whilst getting some speed up on the handle - we made it that time! The petter will fire and run just as long as you can get it over the squeeze, it'll bang and blow all by itself after that. Derek

Thanks mark. Looks like 'Roger' loaded with sand maybe, and eased off for the turn down the arm. Timber leant up against the stairway to the workshop/warehouse. Nice shot. Acknowledgements coming through now. It's important to remember that BW need constructive alternative suggestions as to what would be a more acceptable plan for Marsworth Yard. Having already spent a substantial amount of income on consultancy, a re-run will not be well received. Interesting comment on the 'Foot Soldiers' over on CanalScape-London. Derek

Thank you Keith. I'm not sure I will be able to get to either, but I have had a lengthy and considered reply from Aiden Johnson-Hugill. In it, he cites that an alternative idea of a market place was dismissed due to there being another a mile distant. Where I live on the edge of a sizeable town we have three mens haidressers all within a 100yd length of shop fronts. They all do good business, as there is a choice of three. Banks are generally situated in close proximity to one another; Kilburn High Road in North London had 35 fast food outlets at one time, along the length from Brondesbury Park Station to Kilburn Bridge, approximately one mile. How many clothes shops can be found in any shopping arcade, they are busy places, and attract people. If the 'Moles' have not done so, I'll be replying. Derek

Woman extraordinaire, Wartime Boatwoman trainee, and International Gold Medal winning competition motorcyclist, Olga Kevelos passed away at the end of October. Also here. Derek

They might not be empty. This is the plight of Waterways tennants in Sharpness, their homes have been put up for auction over their heads. They have the chance to bid for them, but have been given notice to vacate by January. Derek

Aiden Johnson-Hugill was the author of the rapidly published 'explanation' as seen HERE. Note that in that announcement no mention is made of any boaters facilities at Tringford - only facilities for BW staff now at Marsworth. The relevant phrases are in section 2.2 Existing Uses. The last sentence of the first paragraph relates to boaters facilities - but then there is a paragraph break. The second paragraph relates to facilities for BW staff. It is in the LAST part of the LAST SENTENCE in that second paragraph that needs elaborating and defining: - "British Waterways intends to separately build a new facility at Tringford Pumping Station safeguarding these positions and delivering an improved service to canal users and visitors." Water? Refuse? Elsan? I think not, and anyway it's seven locks further south. I don't think Latham's are the bad guys in any of this, it's more likely BW have picked up on the fact that whilst the warehouse might be of historic value, its 'vandalised' appearance 'does' for it, and its presence obstructs further progress, whereas the crane takes little space, and can be moved and fitted in just about anywhere with no problem - A token gesture to the sites former use and long term purpose for existing. Section 4.2.4 Last sentence again: "Development proposals should not adversely affect inland waterways." This makes no reference to its users. The defining points are all in the words used. The "bad neighbour" referred to in the Entec submission is the concrete batching plant, and much is made of removing this, and on how the area has never contributed to the conservation area as a whole. Yet the site has been industrial from its original construction, to claim it is "out of context and inappropriate for its rural setting" (section 5.1.1) indicates a willingness to pander to the modernistic 'rural ideal' and dispose of this history in favour of 'new build'. Is Marsworth being rid of one 'bad neighbour' for 14? In that same section, point is made of a loss of 'noise, dust and vehicle movements', yet contrarily state the site is 'dilapidated and derelict' - this hardly describes a centre of activity. Further more, is this 'noise, dust and vehicle movement' now to be transposed to the residents of Tringford? Expect a softening up and brainwashing session. They will be sticking to their plan. It is described as an 'open evening', this may be so that individuals can be spoken to and reasoned with. The chances of persuasion are greater than if addressing all from the stand, especially if the attendees are largely hostile in nature. The meeting will be another 'Brownie' point for them, as it will go down on record that they met with the locals. Does anyone know if the Parish Council are meeting on the 14th? Derek PS We are not ALONE.

In Laurence's link, click on the bottom right picture to view the whole brochure. Almost tempted to consider purchase myself, but one small problem - £0. These are very small houses, though I for one would happily live in the smallest. But then I'd probably be happier still back on the boat - at least I could move it. Poorly insulated, and probably damp, they will attract developers wishing to knock the two or three into one. The others will likely end up bijou dwellings for the retired or skint(ish). Nice big garden to 3 & 4 Tug Row. Will the Yard be next? As current attitudes at BW go - probably. They've been watching 'Flogit' - Meet the 'Flogits' (Anyone old enough to remember the Huggets?) Derek

OK, you guys really should get to grips with how we are screwing up our planet. Thank heavens there's The Independent to set things straight. Read the comments.

Of course. Such details are inconsequential to their goals, 'near enough' maintains their status and salary. Are BW concerned about getting such details correct about the heritage they are custodians of? Not a bit, to get absorbed in such details distracts from the bigger picture. How about those restored rollers, steam boats, and lorries - apart from the bigger projects that require trusts and the like, it's the owner operator that ends up with the task and often makes a better job of it - not any Council or quango. And if there is a sub-government organisation in control, they will eventually be the victim of financial cuts, just as we are seeing between DEFRA and BW. It's a bat and ball game with the users as piggy in the middle - piggy supplies the balls. Derek

It's psychological blackmail. Whilst some plans show the crane in a new and impotent position, the refurbishment of same will be a coat of paint, and permanently decommissioned - can't have anyone sticking their fingers in it and getting hurt. It's like the old steam rollers that ended up concreted into kiddies playgrounds. In the end they all disappear. All the artists elevations show no crane anywhere - artistic licence, or artful absence? Either way, the postage stamp waters edge above the lock cannot be called a wharf. Here's the sharp end of the stick. It plays out like this: Slap a huge application in for the maximum - to which everyone screams "objection!" Then explain in 'practical and financial' terms how it's something or nothing, so everyone begins to believe 'something' has to be accepted - we are rational beings, and been trained to think so. Compromises are made, the encumbrance of an alleged historic building goes up in smoke one night the vandals don't get caught, a development goes ahead. The developers get what they wanted in the first place - a development; AVDC have gone some way toward achieving their compliance with their new housing quota as set by HMG; the objectors believe they have at least saved something, the breeze block eyesore is gone, alternative facilities elsewhere - job done. The people have had their say, they feel they have been listened to (shame about the old warehouse), and the fat cats have a piece of the pie - not theirs - yours. And as the full plan was not realised, there may be an adjustment made to annual licence fees. Have you ever known them to go down? There are other alternatives, but they won't happen. The Bank wins.

That was the spark, but few noticed it would seem. Another rumour? Planning states Parish Councillors were consulted in April. Publication in the press in November - small box bottom right of the page amongst other applications - and allegedly six notices placed on and around the site on 4th November, These would be the type A4 size, laminated, wind blown, often skewed and unreadable perhaps down to ground level, possibly ripped off. We've all seen the type. You have to be a bit of a planning 'anorak' to seek out some of them. But there we are. Derek Addendum: There is a correspondence from the Clerk to Marsworth Parish Council dated the 10th Nov. requesting a full discussion at a meeting held on 14th December 2009, as plans had not been received in time for a full discussion to be held on the 9th Nov. So despite said 'consultation' in April, no plans had been laid before Council prior to the 9th of November in sufficient time for a full discussion. Clearly these brochures and plans were printed and published some time before, and indicate an indecent haste with which BW have acted. Can anyone suggest why that might have been so?

Having just listened to the 'debate' available through the link Allan gave four posts back (thanks Allan) - the BW link - although an interesting collection of opinions, (I would not have called it a debate) it largely was overwhelmingly controlled by consultants, designers, and architects about what they saw the waterways as, and simply exchanging thoughts. The only contribution from the audience that I thought had any merit, was that of the only female speaker, whose question was not made available to the panel for comment, but passed over for another questioner. The words 'Cherish' and 'develop' were used by one, and in terms of creating a financially viable development. I fail to see where any cherishing can fit in the same sentence when speaking of development, and this is waterways attitude toward Marsworth yard. They see nothing to cherish, and so it will be 'developed'. Ironically, there was considerable talk of how consultation should be handled. One speaker suggested that what often happens today is a plan is published by consultants, offered for consultation, at which point it becomes something to be defended at all costs - precisely what is being carried out with Marsworth. To rub salt into the wound, we are then told through the suggestion of Nigel Crowe in his pdf attachment, and seen in Martin Clarks post with the preface by Stuart Mills, the proposition of Tringford refurbishment being reliant on the Marsworth development. Sounds like a form of Blackmail to me! In the AVDC online documentation (case notes unavailable at this instant, possibly due to weekend shut-down) consultation was with the Marsworth Parish Council back in April 2009, yet publication was not until October, and notice on site not placed until 4th November. I'll wager the waterways community would not have been present in April, nor even would have heard of same. One contributor in the audio debate rightly suggested that 'consultation' should be done at the pre-planning stage, so as not to waste more time and money than was absolutely necessary, and which suggests that any consultation taken 'after' plans have been drawn up, is merely a politically correct exercise to tick the right box in the books - all following objections back served with PR volleys. Moreover, the planning application as stands, does not mention any existing waterside facility for boaters, and only a cursory mention of that intended at Tringford. It also lays into AVDC, pointing out their obligation to housing requirements from government in no uncertain terms. Coercion is the name for that tactic. Hypocrisy is rife, in the combined English Heritage/BW pdf 'England's Historic Waterways A working Heritage' the glossy facade is littered with gems like: "In contrast, mediocre modern surroundings can harm this heritage almost as much as neglect. This document is intended as an antidote to the spread of mediocrity and neglect. With a better understanding of the special nature of waterside environments, including what works well and why, developers, architects, local authorities and other stakeholders will be well placed to help create stimulating waterfront buildings, distinctive watersides and vibrant waterspaces." The requirements of boaters must therefore be integral to any development proposals. Consultation is a vital experience to learn from local community and historians - the details of a locality and the feelings towards it. Fundamentally, this should be done before the planning stage. To bring in plans then attempt consultation is tantamount to saying ' this is what we have planned – how do you like it?' Then take a 'publish and defend' position which is exactly what is happening at Marsworth. At what stage was consultation undertaken with the local community – including that community afloat, who may be more concerned with any historic heritage than some locals. The canal infrastructure attracts those who value the past, it is an escape from the hurly burly and frenetic activity that invades much of life. The dynamic and innovative become intrusions into this comparative step-back in time, and sit as compromises at best, and horrific at the worst - just as the monstrosity of an angle box that juts out beside the Lock Keepers house at Mile End lock. What is most valuable is what has always stood, anything that we add after sufficient time has passed, is inevitably contemporary, and out of time. The relationship of the wharf to the water as at Marsworth is ended with the introduction of buildings that have no connection with the water and the waterway, and its community has lost another part of its heritage under our heritage 'managers' desire to 'cherish', yet 'develop' our waterways for the future. Through BW's failure to consult correctly, they are now having to patch the leaks in the form of blather about alternative facilities at Red Lion Bridge and at Startopsend - where was that in the planning application? It doesn't exist. Will it ever. Derek