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In saturdays Express & Star - Crane Foundry Site http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/01/31/wolverhampton-canalside-foundry-site-set-for-revival/ springy

Canal & River Trust launches flood appeal The Canal & River Trust has launched an appeal to help restore the waterways for the boaters and communities in the north of England affected by the Boxing Day floods. As water has receded, local people have been counting the cost of the repairs. On the waterways this includes damage to bridges, embankments, towpaths and canal banks. Some sections of affected waterway could be reopened in a matter of weeks, however others, where significant engineering works are needed, could be closed for several months. Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust comments: “Many people, including our supporters and boaters, were faced with some of the worst flooding the country has seen. Homes, businesses, canal banks and towpaths were destroyed. “We have been assessing the extensive damage wreaked by the floods and putting together plans for repair. Many stretches of towpath have been closed. We need to rebuild them, so we can continue to provide much needed places for people to escape to, now more than ever. “It is going to be no easy task to repair all of the damage done by the floods, but with so many communities rallying together to make this happen, we know we are not alone. “It’s been wonderful to see people cutting short their festive breaks to get involved, joining our team to clean towpaths and restore as much access as possible. Their help has given us a clearer picture of the scale of the damage and what urgently needs attention. “We are exploring all funding sources, including Government grants, to help us with the clean-up. To support this we are today launching a targeted fundraising appeal to raise vital funds for re-building the waterways in those communities that have been most impacted. “The kindness and spirit of those that have helped so far has shown what can be achieved in the face of adversity. Help us rebuild canals in the heart of flood-hit communities by making a donation today.” To find out more about the appeal please click here canalrivertrust.org.uk/donate/flood-appeal/ Ends For further information contact: jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk 020 3204 4514 Notes to editors: The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales, caring for the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures, as well as museums, archives, and hundreds of important wildlife sites. We believe that living waterways transform places and enrich lives and our role is to make sure there is always a place on your doorstep where you can escape the pressures of everyday life, stretch your legs and simply feel closer to nature. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk @CanalRiverTrust @crtcomms Stephen Hardy Communications Manager Canal & River Trust 01636 675703 07920 077190 @CRTStephen

Georgina Wood <Georgina.Wood@canalrivertrust.org.uk Today at 8:55 AM Dear Business Boating customer I would like to introduce myself as the new Business Boating Manger, taking over the West Midlands from Peter Moore. I will be responsible for business boating licencing matters. I have been fortunate enough to meet some of you already and hope to meet you all at some point. I have been in place for a number of months now and gradually taking over the West Midlands, as well as South Wales & Severn and Kennett & Avon waterways. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. I have been asked to forward the message below from Ian Lane, West Midlands Waterway Manager. Please let Ian know as soon as possible if you wish to attend the meeting. My apologies if this is of no relevance to you, but I wanted to take the opportunity of introducing myself to you. Dear All, The Trust would like to invite you to share your views on the proposed dredging on the Birmingham & Fazeley canal in 2016/17. The project team will be holding a presentation of the proposed works on the which will highlight our current areas of concerns between Aston to Fazeley. To ensure we make the most of the project we would welcome the opportunity for you to give us insight to your issues on the ground/water, so that where possible, we can try to incorporate them into the project. The meeting will be held at the Bond in Birmingham, on Friday 11th March 2016, at 10am. The Bond Company 180-182 Fazeley Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SE Please feel free to share this invite with colleagues and other interested parties on the B&F, but if you could let me know that you would like to attend so that I can work out numbers. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Ian Lane Waterway Manager West Midlands Waterway T: 01827 252054 E: ian.lane@canalrivertrust.org.uk Again, if you have any business boating matters please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind regards Georgina Georgina Wood BSc(Hons); MA; MRTPI Business Boating Manager (South West) Mobile: 07833 403145 Canal and River Trust, The Dock Office, Commercial Road, Gloucester, GL1 2EB

I have just received an email from CRT offering me a Free DVD, I thought thats OK, I already get bombarded with junk emails from them, what worse can they do. The answer is to ring me up and tell me how U can support them. No thank you CRT. Here is the link, you can only get the DVD by giving your phone number. http://www.canalrivertrustdvd.org/?utm_source=HOTWEmail&utm_medium=2016Feb&utm_term=%20IG-16-TEL-000640&utm_campaign=Heritage&utm_content=Order%20your%20free%20DVD&dm_i=2GFS,N7E1,2F3VBB,1IAQ6,0 This is the text of the letter. "Dear Brian, Join us on an expedition through 2,000 miles of waterway history by ordering your free Heritage DVD today. When watching, you will meet Nigel Crowe, our National Heritage Manager, and he will take you to some of the best historical gems, including: Pontcysyllte’s towering; Cathedral-like Aqueduct; Bingley’s beautiful Five Rise locks; the mysterious mason marks and; Foxton’s 200-year-old lock flight. This offer is only available for a limited time so order today to enjoy exploring our centuries-old waterways and discovering how the Canal & River Trust are working to maintain the 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers in our care. Claire, Canal & River Trust"

Joe Coggins <Joe.Coggins@canalrivertrust.org.uk> To Today at 5:05 PM press release 18 December 2015 RESULTS OF CANAL & RIVER TRUST COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Canal & River Trust is today (18 December 2015) announcing the results of the voting to elect new representatives to the charitys Council. Each elected candidate will take up their voluntary post for four years starting in March 2016. The elected Council representatives are as follows: Private boating: Phil Prettyman Stella Ridgway Andrew Phasey Vaughan Welch Business boating: Nigel Hamilton Andrew Tidy Volunteers: Ian McCarthy Employees: John Ellis Full results of the election are available here: www.votebyinternet.com/CRTelections2015 A further place on Council has been announced, with Nicola Benjamin co-opted by the Trusts Appointments Committee to represent the charitys Friends (those who give a regular monthly donation). Nicola will initially serve for a two-year period. We expect to run a by-election for a Friend representative in the autumn of 2017. Allan Leighton, chair of the Canal & River Trust, said: I would like to thank all those who put themselves forward for election, and all those who voted for them. The Council plays an important part in the governance of the Trust and brings new voices, ideas and perspectives to our work. I very much look forward to working with the new representatives when they join us in March. The Council is made up of up to 40 nominated, co-opted or elected members as well as the Chairs of 11 regional waterway partnerships. Together they reflect the wide appeal of the waterways from boating and angling through to walking and conservation. The Council is responsible for the appointment of Trustees, helps to shape policies and provides guidance and perspective to Trustees. Partnership Chairs are ex officio members of Council during their terms as Chairs of their Partnerships. The current nominated members of Council all finish their terms of office in March. The nominating organisations will be invited nominate their representatives on the new Council before the March meeting. ENDS For further media requests please contact: Jonathan Ludford, Canal & River Trust t 020 32044420 e jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Written by Allan Richards on "Narrowboatworld" if this is true it is disgusting. http://www.narrowboatworld.com/index.php/news-flash/8547-friend-not-allowed-to-stand-for-council

It has become my understanding today the Ruth Ruderham is no longer head of fundraising for CRT. Can anyone confirm this? I have always had a problem with this person and her job, at a reported salary of £70k I really did wonder how much she raised for each £ of salary. Much of CRT gets critised for none openness and I have yet to see this person in the public view doing anything of note. If she is gone will they replace her, maybe a willing volunteer will take her place or one of the faithful friends? One another tack I received my voters code today from Electoral Reform Services, I wonder how much their involvement with this farcical CRT election is costing? To elect a puppet committee, toothless and useless.

I am sure some will have seen this before but it really is worth a watch and a chuckle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzcthkiUfUY

Hi, Im trying to determine whether the Boat Inn Public House on the corner of Havacre Lane & Biddings Lane come first or the Canal that runs adjacent to it. The canal & river trust are adamant the canal was there first but can offer no genuine argument to support this statement. Instead they are trying to bamboozle me with a concuction of different stories that differ vastly. If anyone has any information on this issue or on how this section of canal was constructed (given the difference in ground levels) can you please contact me ASAP. It would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Jonathan Ludford <Jonathan.Ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk> To Jonathan Ludford Today at 1:11 PM 9 December 2015 CANAL & RIVER TRUST SEEKS NEW TRUSTEES The Canal & River Trust, the guardian of 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is looking for up to four new trustees to join its non-executive Board. The Board of Trustees are the key body responsible for the governance of the Trust. They are also responsible for setting the charitys strategic direction, and play an important role in helping the organisation to attract new investment and to develop new opportunities. Applicants with experience in operations and infrastructure management; charitable trusts, the heritage sector, people management and community and government relations are especially welcome. The Trust is particularly interested in applications from candidates with strong networks in, and connections to, Wales and London. Allan Leighton, chair of the Canal & River Trust Board of Trustees, said: The canals and rivers of England and Wales are a national treasure and a local haven for people and wildlife. Our long-term strategy is centred on a vision of living waterways that transform places and enrich lives, and were looking for applicants with board level experience and a passion for inland waterways who want to get involved and shape that journey. This is a great opportunity to connect our waterways with people and communities across England & Wales, and help to develop strategies that will safeguard our canals and rivers for the generations to come. Once appointed, the new trustees will serve a term of up to three years, with the potential to be re-appointed to serve a second term; they will join the Board ahead of the retirement of a number of current members of the Board who joined the Trust ahead of its establishment in 2012. Successful candidates will need to devote two to three days a month. The role is voluntary, although travel and other expenses will be fully reimbursed. For further details, please contact Saxton Bampfylde Ltd. Email QAWTD@saxbam.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0890 (during office hours). The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday 6 January 2016. ENDS For media enquiries please contact: Jonathan Ludford / 07747 897783 / jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk

RayT PM'ed me with the following, As usual no discussion on the thread, please. Feel free to start new topics to discuss if you wish We thank Ray for sending this. Theo

Stephen Hardy press release 9 September 2015 VINCE MORAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Vince Moran, Operations & Asset Management Director at the Canal & River Trust, has announced plans to retire in early 2016 after 18 yea ToStephen Hardy Today at 9:56 AM press release 9 September 2015 VINCE MORAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Vince Moran, at the Canal & River Trust, has announced plans to retire in early 2016 after 18 years’ service. Vince said; “I’ve loved my time on the waterways and it’s been a great privilege to have helped with their development and improvement. The formation of the Trust is a particular source of pride and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength. “It’s always been my intention to retire at the age of 60 and, with that milestone coming up early next year, it’s time for me to move on. I’ve met and worked with many fantastic people, both within the Trust and beyond, and I wish them well for the future.” The Trust’s chief executive Richard Parry said; “Vince has fulfilled a range of roles and has contributed widely during his 18 years of service with BW and the Trust. In recent years he has been the driver of the significant improvements we have made in safety, asset management and condition, and day-to-day operations introducing numerous improvements to our ways of working. I wish Vince the best in his well-deserved retirement.” ENDS For further media requests please contact: Stephen Hardy, communications manager, Canal & River Trust T: 01636 675703 M: 07920 077190 E: stephen.hardy@canalrivertrust.org.uk Notes to editors: The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales, caring for the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures, as well as museums, archives, and hundreds of important wildlife sites. We believe that living waterways transform places and enrich lives and our role is to make sure there is always a place on your doorstep where you can escape the pressures of everyday life, stretch your legs and simply feel closer to nature. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk / @CanalRiverTrust / @crtcomms Stephen Hardy Communications Manager Canal & River Trust 01636 675703 07920 077190 @CRTStephen Follow the Canal & River Trust on Twitter @CanalRiverTrust Please visit our website to find out more about our work www.canalrivertrust.org.uk The Canal & River Trust is a new charity entrusted with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. Get involved, join us - Visit / Donate / Volunteer at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk - Sign up for our newsletter at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/newsletter Canal & River Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales with company number 7807276 and charity number 1146792. Registered office address First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB. Elusen newydd yw Glandŵr Cymru sy’n gofalu am 2,000 o filltiroedd o ddyfrffyrdd yng Nghymru a Lloegr. Cymerwch ran, ymunwch â ni - Ewch i Rhoddion a Gwirfoddoli yn www.glandwrcymru.org.uk Mae Glandŵr Cymru yn gwmni cyfyngedig drwy warant a gofrestrwyd yng Nghymru a Lloegr gyda rhif cwmni 7807276 a rhif elusen gofrestredig 1146792. Swyddfa gofrestredig: First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB.

As I have said to many friends when my boat is sold I will no longer subscribe to CRT as a friend. Instead I have subscribed to another trust at twice what CRT were getting and I see in that venture an organisation which values and is more prudent with its finances gained. Its great to have "friends" like B&Q, Marks & Spencer etc but what do they really bring in? The paying boater and waterside user is the main source and in my opinion gets a raw deal. So goodbye CRT after 40 years with BWB, BW and you I no longer see you fit for purpose. This is the automated reply received: SupporterCare Finance To lhpvideo@yahoo...... Today at 9:12 AM Dear Laurence I want to thank you for the donations you have made to support the work of Canal & River Trust. I am sorry to hear from your bank that you have cancelled your direct debit with the Trust, as requested this has now been cancelled on our systems and no further direct debits will be taken. We will ensure that every penny you have given is spent directly and entirely on work to conserve, restore, enhance and educate people about the waterways. This means that you can be confident that your gift will make a real difference, helping to ensure that our precious canal and river network remains a haven for people and nature now and forever. Thank you once again for your kind support, it has been of great value to our work and I very much hope we can welcome you back as a friend in the future. Kindest Regards Joyce Atkins Supporter Care Administrator Canal & River Trust, First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1BB E: supportercare.finance@canalrivertrust.org.uk Tel: 0303 040 4040 (Option 2) Hmm, most trusts would have asked WHY? !!

Yesterday I attended the Manchester & Pennine Annual 'outburst', where the council of middle aged men , (all white and only one boater) report back to 'stakeholders'. It was interesting, I have not been to one before. Towpath cyclists were discussed and signage along the Ashton Canal. The Transhipment Shed report is going to be showcased at Whaley Bridge this weekend and I would urge as many to attend as you can. It will be interesting to see if they took any of the points boaters made. Marple Aquaduct consultation is also to be published and although 69% of respondents rejected the idea; they may be forced to go ahead as England Heritage was written to regarding the 'lack of a safety rail'. Although, not the Peak Forest,, CRT has applied for the Macclesfield Canal to have Green Flag status. Anyone travelling down, or have helped on work parties, will know what a difference the trimming of the offside vegetation has made and the plan is to do the same on the Peak Forest in October. Mostly, the day was about partnership and getting everyone working together to benefit the cut. I was glad that I was able to go and put names to faces. One thing the head of customer services said to me was, please keep telling us when things aren't right, because if we don't know, we can't fix it. So, keep tweeting, facebooking and phoning them. I think they might actually be listening

Today at 11:58 AM 16 July 2015 Tony Hales, chair of the Canal & River Trust, is to retire from the charity after its Annual Public Meeting and meeting of the Trusts Council in London on 23 September. In line with the organisations Articles of Association, trustees duly elected the next chair from their number when they met on 15 July. Allan Leighton, chair of the Co-Operative Group, and formerly CEO of Asda Plc and chair of the Royal Mail, will formally take over as chair of the Canal & River Trust following the meeting of Council on 23 September. Allan joined the Board in September 2014. Lynne Berry, deputy chair of the Canal & River Trust and chair of the Trusts Appointments Committee, comments: Under the leadership of Tony Hales so much has been achieved for the nations waterways. He had the vision and passion to take the waterways out of state control in what was the largest ever transfer of state infrastructure into a charitable organisation. Since that remarkable achievement in 2012, he has set the path for a bright future for the waterways for generations to come. On behalf of everyone who cares for the waterways Id like to thank him for his tremendous leadership, personal commitment and unbridled enthusiasm. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Allan Leighton as the incoming chair of the Canal & River Trust. He takes on the role at such an exciting time as the Trust looks to build on the firm foundation that has been built under Tonys chairmanship. His vast experience and insight, combined with his belief in the importance of our canal system to public life, will give us further impetus as we continue to realise the potential of the Canal & River Trust to transform places and enrich lives. Although retiring from the Trust, Tony Hales will continue to be a non-executive director of a number of other organisations. Hell remain a passionate supporter of the waterways. Tony Hales comments: I have relished seeing how our once forgotten and neglected waterways have morphed into community hubs, bringing people together, improving lives, and providing new opportunities for all ages to experience their beauty and value. A really big thanks to everyone staff, volunteers, supporters and partners without you it just couldnt have been done. New people bring new experiences and fresh perspectives and I welcome Allan Leightons appointment as chair as he takes up the mantle at this important time in the development of the Trust. Allan Leighton, trustee and chair designate of the Canal & River Trust, comments: I am delighted to be chairing such an exciting charity. Anyone who has spent time on the waterways can testify what they have to offer the people across England and Wales from amazing wildlife and unparalleled industrial heritage to life changing opportunities to get out onto the water or onto the towpaths to improve our health and mental wellbeing. As a keen canal walker and towpath runner I have been passionate about these special blue places for years. Ive been impressed by the work of the Trusts staff and volunteers and am really looking forward to working with chief executive Richard Parry and his team to build upon the strong financial foundation and fantastic support that the Trust has to secure the waterways contribution for future generations. The Trustee Board is legally responsible for ensuring the Canal & River Trust works towards its Charitable Objectives. The unpaid posts set the overarching policy and strategy for the Trust, and provide oversight of the executive team. The Canal & River Trusts Annual Public Meeting will take place at 10am on 23 September at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London, SW1P 3NZ. To book a place visit: canalrivertrustapm.eventbrite.com. The Trusts Annual Report and accounts will be published on Tuesday 21 July. ENDS For media enquiries please contact: Jonathan Ludford: 020 32044420 Jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk

9 January 2015 NEW HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICES AT CANAL & RIVER TRUST The Canal & River Trust has appointed Ian Rogers as its first permanent head of customer services. The new role supports the Trusts 10-year strategy to create stronger connections between the charity and the millions of people who use and enjoy its waterways each year, and is part of a renewed focus on improving the service the charity offers to customers. Ian, who will be starting his role on 2 February, comes from Aon, the large insurance broker, where he has been managing director of the Aon Affinity division working with SME (small anyd medium-sized enterprises) customers. Prior to that, he worked in senior customer service roles at Dataforce, Thomas Cook and Eurostar. Ians priority will be to lead the Trusts programme of customer service improvements, ensuring that all parts of the organisation put customers at the heart of what they do. He will assume direct responsibility for leisure boating, licencing and enforcement. Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: Im delighted to welcome Ian to the Trust. Our future success requires us to continue to change how we do things; to engage with all those who use or visit our waterways, or live alongside them, in a different way, and to make customer service and community involvement central to how we operate. Ians role will be vital in making these essential changes that will put our customers at the centre of our operation. As part of Trusts ten-year strategy, the charitys 11 waterway units will have greater focus on delivering excellent day-to-day customer service to boaters and other visitors, and working with their local Waterways Partnerships to create stronger relationships with local communities and stakeholders. ENDS For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, national press officer, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Ever been annoyed by those Towpath Chuggers? well it seems they want more and they are paying £9.00 per hour, travel and accommodation expenses! Is this the way forward for CRT fundraising? putting it out to a third party fim "Inspired People" - What exactly will this achieve and what is the true cost in the first place to CRT. Maybe Ruth Ruderham can explain. http://www.gumtree.com/sellerads/1030390425?page=1 http://www.gumtree.com/p/general-jobs/footpath-fundraisers-for-canal-river-trust-london-%C2%A39-hour/1030390425

Ever since Tony Dunkley's first post, this topic, like topsy, has just "grow'd". I, like many others following this case, I suspect, find it informative and educational. At the moment we are all stuck in limbo waiting for the 24th. Hopefully this thread will keep us junkies satisfied till then. One thing that hasn't been covered, in detail, is the subject of injunctions. Nigel Moore Posted 22 October 2014 - 09:12 PM "Earlier in fact the time to initiate action was from the moment they revoked the licence in the first place. That took place months before he applied for a new one and was refused. The very first thing to do under those circumstances is to apply for an injunction against them acting on the situation. If nothing else, they dont care for that, and would probably offer an undertaking not to so act without at least initial discussion within the legal department at a higher level than is ordinarily indulged in." How would a person, in Tony Dunkley's situation, go about this? What does it involve? Could they get legal aid? As an aside may I ask Tony Dunkley why you didn't apply for one? All along I have thought it was out of ignorance, as it would have been for myself and, perhaps, many others. I'm not sure that this is correct though. Only yesterday it occurred to me that you had written some very knowledgeable and insightful posts. Tom

How efficient is this, phoned CRT on Wed 18th Dec to renew our Gold licence, as we have not received our reminder yet, paid by credit card over the phone, received text on Fri 20th saying licence should be with us with in the next 5 working days, licence received Sat 21st Dec. Well done CRT.

200 YEARS OF PAINTING AND DECORATING TAKES ITS TOLL ON THE NATIONS CANAL COTTAGES Top ten dos and donts for looking after historic properties The Canal & River Trust the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of the nations inland waterways has announced £1.5m of funding to refurbish a number of its most historic canalside cottages. The properties include many humble lock keepers cottages and toll houses, which date back 200 years to when Britain was in the grip of canal mania. Most are listed, including a number which are Grade II*. In order to conserve the cottages the Trust is having to peel back years of 20th Century home décor, and sometimes damaging fads, that were once considered essential to any des res. The Trust is focusing on properties which are among the significant and best examples of their kind on the inland waterways. The programme has seen £750,000 invested in works to 13 cottages since 2011 and today the Trust has announced a further £750,000 over the next three years as it plans to refurbish and sensitively improve a further 12. Peter Chowns, conservation architect at the Canal & River Trust, comments: The Trust owns and cares for some of the finest examples of historic canalside cottages. Dating back to the 18th and 19th century, we want to conserve them because each helps tell the story of Britains former industrial waterways and of the people who helped play a crucial role in the worlds first Industrial Revolution. The work to restore these homes is revealing decades of well-intentioned but sometimes misguided decorating mistakes and 20th century maintenance oversights, ranging from use of impermeable modern paints and renders, to plastic gutters and upvc windows. Im proud that the Trust is able to commit the money required to give them the care and attention they deserve and Im eager to share the lessons learned with the many thousands of people who are the loving owners and current custodians of most of the nations historic properties. The first properties amongst the 12 to be refurbished (list follows in notes to editors) includes five Grade II* properties on the Buildings at Risk Register on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, the listed tunnel keeper's cottage at the end of Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal and a semi-detached listed stone cottage on the River Weaver which was actually taken down stone by stone and moved a couple of hundred yards in the late 19th century. With the third largest estate of listed buildings in the UK, the Canal & River Trust employs a team of specialist heritage advisors and a conservation architect to ensure that its historic buildings are well protected and sympathetically restored. Here are their top ten dos and donts for the Trusts properties, as well as the thousands of historic homes up and down the country owned by private individuals: Dont remove suspended timber floors and replace them with solid concrete. Old walls can become damp as they no longer benefit from the under floor air circulation that dried them as intended. This can cause deterioration of plaster and paintwork finishes Dont cover historic walls with modern impermeable cement-based renders, plasters or masonry paint. Old houses usually have solid walls and were built using breathable materials. Modern impermeable alternatives will trap moisture causing damp and condensation Dont repoint old walls with modern cement-based mortars. The pointing of old solid walls is generally made of lime mortar which is softer and wicks away moisture. Making repairs with modern cement mortars will impede this, ultimately causing damage to brick or stonework Dont replace historic features unless you have to, and then use matching materials. Modern plastic gutters and windows can perform just as well, but they dont have the historic integrity or appearance of the originals. Modern breathable paints reduce the need for regular repainting of timber, and traditional materials are more flexible and less prone to failure. Original features such as cornices, internal doors and fireplaces will also add value Do consider removing the polystyrene tiles and hard textured surfacing such as Artex applied to internal walls and ceilings in the 70s*. It may have been the fashion then, but these finishes are not doing your historic property any good whatsoever, and may be masking further problems Do allow the odd draught. Excessive draught-proofing by blocking chimneys, and replacing old windows and doors with UPVC alternatives leads to condensation and damp Do give your historic house the care and attention it deserves. Old houses need looking after. For example, failure to clear blocked gutters, replace slipped or broken tiles or repair defective chimney flashings is a sure-fire way to rack and ruin Do use natural insulation materials such as sheeps wool or wood fibre. These natural products are breathable, unlike most modern alternatives such as expanded polystyrene or glass mineral wool Dont worry if your house isnt a Georgian masterpiece. The millions of homes built before the Second World War will benefit from the use of traditional, breathable materials it doesnt have to be a listed lock keepers cottage or a mediaeval timber-framed hall Do employ specialist advice*. Historic properties do need specialist conservation advice, it doesnt necessarily cost much and is well worth it *Some historic materials, as well as those installed more recently, can contain hazardous substances such as lead and asbestos, which require specialist knowledge. Notes to editors The 12 properties amongst those scheduled for refurbishment: Two canalside cottages (one Grade II listed and including a toll house) at the junction of the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals within the Marple conservation area, Greater Manchester The tunnel keeper's cottage (Grade II listed) built above the southern portal of Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal, Staffordshire One (of a pair) of semi-detached Grade II listed stone cottages at Vale Royal Locks on the River Weaver (taken down stone by stone and moved a couple of hundred yards from their original location in late 19th Century) Five Grade II* listed terraced cottages and one Grade II listed cottage currently on the Buildings at Risk Register on the Llangollen Canal at Ellesmere, Shropshire The lock keepers house (Grade II listed) beside Lock 25 at the top of the Bratch lock flight on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Wombourne, Staffordshire Junction House (Grade II listed) at the junction of the Worcester & Birmingham and North Stratford canals at Kings Norton, West Midlands a substantial navigation office where tolls records were kept Ten properties recently refurbished: Two lock keepers cottages (both Grade II listed) at locks 93 & 95 on the Grand Union Canals Hanwell Lock Flight (itself a Scheduled Ancient Monument) in London St Pancras Lock House (Grade II listed) on the Regent's Canal in London a Victorian pump house by Sir John Wolfe Barry (who designed Tower Bridge) and converted into a dwelling in the 1920s The Grade II listed lock house at Stockers Lock (also Grade II listed) on the Grand Union Canal in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire a modest looking lock keepers cottage to a typical Thomas Telford design Lock keepers cottage on the Oxford Canal adjacent to the Grade II listed Lock 25 at Cropredy, Oxfordshire Two semi-detached former lock keepers cottages (both Grade II listed) at Lock 1 on the Old Main Line canal in Wolverhampton The stone built Salterhebble Lock House (Grade II listed) at the junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and Halifax Branch nr. Halifax, West Yorkshire The bridge house and lock house (both Grade II listed) at Lock 1 on the Selby Canal in Selby, North Yorkshire Three properties still under refurbishment: Junction House (Grade II listed) at the junction of the Grand Union and Regent's canals in the heart of London's Little Venice. A Georgian toll house designed by the noted engineer and architect James Morgan (supervised by John Nash, the architect of Buckingham Palace and the Brighton pavilion) with the attached stables converted to provide additional accommodation Former canal engineer's/toll keepers house (Grade II listed) on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Middlewich, Cheshire. An impressive Georgian residence forming part of a larger canal complex, including stables and a sawpit One (of a pair) of semi-detached Grade II listed stone cottages at Vale Royal Locks on the River Weaver (taken down stone by stone and moved a couple of hundred yards from their original location in late 19th Century)

CRT have released a response to the London Assembly Report on Moorings There's a link to other CWDF postings here - http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=56653 The London Assembly Report is here - http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor-assembly/london-assembly/publications/moor-or-less-moorings-on-london-s-waterways The CRT response follows here: LONDON ASSEMBLY REPORT ON MOORINGS We welcome the London Assemblys report and the recognition of the important contribution the waterways make to the life and economy of the city. In such a fast paced and hectic city, canals and rivers offer much needed peace and relaxation as well as providing vital transport corridors and recreation. We hope the Assemblys investigation leads to a greater understanding of the role the GLA, London boroughs, boaters and other canal users all need to play in helping us ensure our waterways can continue to be enjoyed now and into the future. In many respects, the Capitals waterways are busier and more popular than ever. They are enjoyed and shared by millions of Londoners and tourists each year as great places to walk, cycle, fish, cruise and live. They are a finite resource and suffer the same issues of congestion as other parts of the city. We believe the report's recommendations for increases in moorings and enhanced facilities will be challenging to deliver in light of this congestion and the limited opportunities available within London, however we welcome the opportunity to work with local planning authorities, GLA and other stakeholders to find the right solutions for the canals and the many people who use and enjoy them. The Assembly has just published its report, so well go through it and be able to respond in more detail in due course. The Canal & River Trust is a charity set up to care for 2,000 miles of waterways on behalf of the nation. In London it cares for around 100 miles of canals, rivers and docks which are enjoyed by millions of visitors each year. The Trust is actively encouraging communities to get more involved in their local waterways through adopting stretches of canal to volunteering as lock keepers or becoming towpath rangers. This month more than 800 Londoners took the opportunity to walk through a drained lock chamber in Camden and learn about the work it takes to care for the Capitals waterways. -------------------------------------------- Fran Read National Press Officer

FIRST DATES SET FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVES OPEN BOATER MEETINGS Throughout 2014, the Canal & River Trusts Chief Executive, Richard Parry, will be hosting a series of open meetings for boaters and other waterway users across the country. The meetings will offer a chance to for people to informally air views on any local or national issues and open up channels of communication for any future consultations. The first meetings will take place on: Thursday 23 January, 6pm Birmingham. The Bond, 180 - 182 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SE. Saturday 8 February, 3pm Nottingham. Waterfront, Castle Wharf, Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH. Wednesday 26 February, 6pm Banbury. The Old Auctioneer, 44 Parsons Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5NA. Richard will host these open meetings regularly, seeking to hold them in each waterway over the year. Boaters with home moorings in the local area, and continuous cruisers who have been sighted nearby, will be contacted with email invitations. Anyone else who is interested is welcome to attend and the meeting details will be available on the Canal & River Trust website. Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said: As I announced in November, I want to make sure we listen carefully to views from the cut and openly share our ideas and plans for the future so that we get input from those whose commitment to our waterways is greatest to make sure our plans align with what our customers want. These informal open meetings are another opportunity for boaters and other users to speak directly to the Trust and I hope they encourage people to share their views and ideas. If you know someone who may be interested in coming along please help spread the word and pass the details on to them. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

FUNDRAISING CHALLENGES ANNOUNCED TO SUPPORT NATION’S WATERWAYS IN 2014 Waterway enthusiasts, including walkers, runners and cyclists, can compete in two epic challenges in 2014, all in aid of raising money for the nation’s canals and rivers. The Canal & River Trust is hosting the events with the aim of raising thousands of pounds to improve local waterways. The two events: Grand Union Challenge (28 - 29 June, 2014): join hundreds of others on this multi-charity event as they walk, jog or run along the canal towpath from Little Venice in central London to Bletchley in Buckinghamshire. The inaugural canal challenge has three distance options - 25km, 50km or 100km - and a variety of start/finish points (similar to previous successful events the organisers have held on the Thames Path). Most will walk it at their own pace, quite a few will jog parts of it, and some will run the full 100 km ultra-marathon style Great British Bike Off (10-12 September, 2014): This unique three day ride, exclusive to Canal & River Trust, will see teams of cyclists journey from London to Leeds. The well-planned road route will also call at some famous waterway locations, and follow a section of a 2014 Tour De France stage (which this year begins in Yorkshire). This will be the third year of the increasingly popular Bike Off challenge, which in 2013 raised over £40,000 Ruth Ruderham, head of fundraising at the Trust said: “Our waterways are a national treasure, we want to improve them even more, and it is with this in mind that we are hosting these two challenges for 2014. Both events offer a great opportunity for you to experience the waterways in a completely different way, whether that’s journeying along the Grand Union Canal by foot, or taking in famous waterway landmarks as part of a peloton of cyclists travelling from London to Leeds. We want to see over 150 participants across both events, so if you’re looking to brush of the cobwebs and get in training this new year, they could be just the events for you. And even better, by taking part you’ll be raising money that will support important projects on local canals and rivers.” For more information about the Grand Union Challenge, including details about the routes and how to sign up, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/grandunionchallenge To find out more about the Great British Bike-Off 2014 visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/the-great-british-bike-off

The Canal & River Trust is holding its latest briefing for waterways press on Thursday 6 February at 10.30am in Hatton. The briefing, hosted by Richard Parry, will include a session on the support that the Trust, in partnership with the IWA, is giving to canal restoration efforts across the country. The briefing will also include an update on the Trusts Towpath Moorings Management project. There are a limited number of spaces available to Canal World forum members on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend please contact Stephen.hardy@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Have asked the mods to update the title to make it more relevant - thanks Mods. NEW PLANS TO HELP BOATERS AND RESIDENTS GET ALONG IN ISLINGTON Waterway charity Canal & River Trust is announcing a series of measures to improve relationships between boaters and residents at the popular visitor moorings on the Regents Canal in Islington. Some local residents have complained of noise and smoke coming from the boats, while some boaters feel they are being unfairly penalised for going about their way of life. The Trust is committed to supporting the needs of boaters and residents alike and will be working with Islington Council, sharing expertise and data, to resolve the situation. The measures, which focus on reducing noise and smoke at the moorings and encouraging a greater turnover of boats, include: - Making Islington visitor moorings a Quiet Zone, including limiting engine and generator noise to background level; - Daily weekday sightings of boats by the Trusts enforcement team, with prompt warning letters when boaters are staying too long or behaving anti-socially; - Mooring to be kept to a single line of boats in winter, with a maximum of two abreast in the summer; - Looking into recruiting monthly rotating Caretaker Boaters who will advise and provide information to boaters, report local incidents, and liaise with residents and agencies; - New signs to reinforce Quiet Zone messages and mooring arrangements; - Two new part-time Mooring Rangers on the towpath, including at weekends, to provide information, raise awareness of boating protocols, and implement mooring rules; and - Investing in a DEFRA-funded project for an Environmental Health apprentice to provide boaters with environmental advice, training and assessments. The Trust consulted with boater groups, local residents and Islington Council between 20 September and 4 October 2013. The resulting plan is a trial that will be reviewed after four months, during which time the Trust will be carrying out continuous monitoring of its effectiveness. Sorwar Ahmed, boating liaison manager at Canal & River Trust, said: Boats have been part of the fabric of Islington life since the Regents Canal was dug 200 years ago. Today, many people still choose to make their home on the water, and Londons canals are more popular than ever. Just as a house needs heating and lighting, boaters need to keep themselves warm and to generate electricity. In busy locations such as Islington, this can cause tensions with the people who live alongside the canal, as engine noise and smoke is part of life on the cut. The majority of boaters follow the requirements of keeping noise to an acceptable level, not running their generators between 8pm and 8am, and only burning clean fuel. However, there are some people who dont stick to these rules and we hope our new plans will make them think and change their behaviour. We know that views about what should be done are polarised, with residents wanting tougher measures and boaters unhappy about having more restrictions placed on them. We have to make a balanced judgment and see what can be done to improve the situation as it stands at the moment. We think our plans can do this and we are working with Islington Council to monitor things such as smoke, noise and use of moorings, which we will publish so boaters and residents can see how things are changing. For more information on the Islington Visitor Moorings Management plan, and the consultation, please visit: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/consultations/completed-consultations ENDS For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, national press officer, Canal & River Trust t 020 3204 4429 m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk