May News
IWA PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION
On 13 May 2019 The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) held a reception on the terrace of the Houses of Parliament and the invited two representatives of the Rolle Canal Society. The Chairman Ian Harrison and Committee member Michael Elliott attended and 45 MPs and 5 members of the House of Lords, along with representatives from over 30 waterways restoration societies and members of the IWA and other supporters were present. The event was a great opportunity for the Society representatives to meet fellow restoration groups and key players on the waterways scene.
A report on the event based on one prepared by the IWA is given below.
On 13 May 2019 The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) held a reception on the terrace of the Houses of Parliament and the invited two representatives of the Rolle Canal Society. The Chairman Ian Harrison and Committee member Michael Elliott attended and 45 MPs and 5 members of the House of Lords, along with representatives from over 30 waterways restoration societies and members of the IWA and other supporters were present. The event was a great opportunity for the Society representatives to meet fellow restoration groups and key players on the waterways scene.
A report on the event based on one prepared by the IWA is given below.
Ian and Mike at the reception.
The event began with a warm welcome from the event’s host Lord German followed by a presentation from Ros Kerslake OBE, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund who not only highlighted the significant funding that has already been made available to canal restorations in the UK, but also assured attendees that the waterways are an area that the fund is keen to support moving forward.
IWA Trustee, Mike Palmer introduced the Waterways in Progress report and stressed the importance of the two-way relationship between restoration societies and their MPs. He also announced the launch of IWA’s new £100,000 Waterways in Progress Grant which is being funded through IWA legacies. The news of the grant was enthusiastically received by the attending trusts and societies. Details on how to apply for a Waterways In Progress grant can be found on the IWA website.
It was then time to announce the IWA Parliamentarian of the Year. IWA Chairman, Ivor Caplan acknowledged all parliamentarians who have supported IWA throughout the year before introducing the shortlist of nominees for the award which included John Bercow, MP for Buckingham; Prime Minister, Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead; Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon; Lee Rowley, MP for NE Derbyshire and Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton SE who were all commended for their high level of support for the waterways within their constituencies. Ivor then announced that Andrew Bridgen, MP for NW Leicestershire was the worthy winner of the IWA Parliamentarian of the Year 2019 award. Mr Bridgen was particularly praised for his work with HS2 and limiting its impact on the Ashby Canal.
Commenting on the event, Ivor Caplan says: “This was a new format for our Parliamentarian of the Year event and offered attendees a welcome opportunity to network. Having so many MPs in attendance is further proof that support for our waterways is on the rise. Reports such as Waterways in Progress help to emphasise the many benefits that a waterway can bring to an area and hearing from Ros Kerslake that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is a firm believer in canal restoration is certainly heart-warming. Now is an exciting time for the UK’s waterways.”
He adds: “Andrew Bridgen is a very worthy winner of this year’s IWA Parliamentarian of the Year award. He has supported both the Ashby Canal Trust and the Ashby Canal Association in what would have otherwise been very difficult circumstances. He has worked with the District and County Councils to help resolve progress issues and has also been instrumental in securing funding for the project. We are seeing more MPs getting involved in waterways restorations and really appreciate all the help and support they provide.”
This is the tenth year that the IWA Parliamentarian of the Year award has been given to a Member of Parliament who has shown unwavering support for the waterways.
IWA Chairman Ivor Caplan speaking with Mike Palmer (IWA Trustee) in the right foreground
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - Wednesday 29th May 2019
This week we split the workforce into three small teams:
One team continued to excavate the foundations of the tucking mill. It is beginning to look as if the walls of the mill extended to abut the canal itself but much more work is required to establish the original layout.
A second team started to dismantle the wall of the canal adjacent to the tucking mill. These stones will be re-laid and cemented in to stabilise this section of the canal.
This week we split the workforce into three small teams:
One team continued to excavate the foundations of the tucking mill. It is beginning to look as if the walls of the mill extended to abut the canal itself but much more work is required to establish the original layout.
A second team started to dismantle the wall of the canal adjacent to the tucking mill. These stones will be re-laid and cemented in to stabilise this section of the canal.
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The third team started work on digging out the reeds and rushes in the canal bed south of the access bund. These have grown to a great height over recent months and completely obliterated the canal. We decided to leave the flag irises until they have finished flowering as they look really impressive at the moment!
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Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM MICHAEL ELLIOTT - Wednesday 15th May 2019
A good turnout this week meant the volunteers could tackle the work on several fronts. The final capstone of the arch was fitted, and clearance work continued on the tucking mill site. In addition, Rosemore staff had rotovated the topsoil by the lime kilns and partially picked out the stones, so we completed the stone picking.
A good turnout this week meant the volunteers could tackle the work on several fronts. The final capstone of the arch was fitted, and clearance work continued on the tucking mill site. In addition, Rosemore staff had rotovated the topsoil by the lime kilns and partially picked out the stones, so we completed the stone picking.
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We decided to drain the canal section by the kilns and tucking mill, so that work could start clearing the canal bed by the mill. While the canal is still in water upstream of the mill, a drainage pipe has washed soil across the canal at that point, making a small dam. The bed was dry in places, so work exposing the canal-side wall of the mill could start straight away. This wall is very loose and will require rebuilding from the foundations up.
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Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.
GUIDED WALK REPORT - ANNERY KILN TO RIDD INCLINED PLANE BY MIKE HARPER - 12th May 2019
The first Rolle Canal Society walk of the year started out in bright sunshine from Annery Kiln. Led by the indefatigable Chris Hassall, the assembled company were taken to Halfpenny Bridge where Chris gave us some background on the Rolle Canal and shipping on this part of the river Torridge.
Then it was into a normally inaccessible field owned by the Environment Agency and around the outside of the relatively new flood bank and alongside the route of the Rolle Canal to the bottom of the Ridd Inclined Plane. Chris' informative commentary included naming a number of the plants and flowers that could be seen as the group passed by. 
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From the bottom it was up the path to the Tarka Trail and the top of the inclined plane to see the remains of the wheel pit and the personnel entrance, before walking a little further along the trail to see the remains of the Hunters Inn. The next walk will be at RHS Rosemoor with a chance to see the fantastic restoration work that is in progress at the canal basin. |
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - Wednesday 8th May 2019
A number of volunteers were away this week so we had a small team on site. We therefore concentrated on two tasks: finishing the repairs to the southern arch of the kiln and further excavation of the old tucking mill.
We have reached the final stage of the restoration of the arch with just the keystone to be installed. This is a crucial point so great care was taken to cut the stone precisely to size using a template. The cavity is quite deep so this had to be filled with mortar first and allowed to set before the keystone can be set in place. All being well, this task should be completed next week.
A number of volunteers were away this week so we had a small team on site. We therefore concentrated on two tasks: finishing the repairs to the southern arch of the kiln and further excavation of the old tucking mill.
We have reached the final stage of the restoration of the arch with just the keystone to be installed. This is a crucial point so great care was taken to cut the stone precisely to size using a template. The cavity is quite deep so this had to be filled with mortar first and allowed to set before the keystone can be set in place. All being well, this task should be completed next week.
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We continue to dig out the foundations of the former tucking mill. This is laborious work as the site is riddled with substantial tree roots which have to be cut out. The rear wall is in a poor state although the line of the foundations is clearly discernible. A lot of earth has been removed from the central area of the mill and we are starting to get an idea of the original layout although much of this, inevitably, is still guesswork.
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We continue to dig out the foundations of the former tucking mill. This is laborious work as the site is riddled with substantial tree roots which have to be cut out. The rear wall is in a poor state although the line of the foundations is clearly discernible. A lot of earth has been removed from the central area of the mill and we are starting to get an idea of the original layout although much of this, inevitably, is still guesswork.
As usual, our resident robin joined us for lunch!
Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.
As usual, our resident robin joined us for lunch!
Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.
ROLLE CANAL GUIDED WALK - ANNERY KILN TO RIDD INCLINED PLANE
Sunday 12th May starting from Annery Kiln at 2.30pm
The first Rolle Canal Society walk of the year will be from Annery Kiln to the site of the Ridd Inclined Plane. Starting from Annery Kiln, by Halfpenny Bridge on the Bideford to Weare Giffard road, you'll be shown the site where the tub boats were hauled up an incline from the river level to the canal summit level. Part of the underground water-wheel chamber is visible beside the Tarka Trail, while orchids and other wild flowers abound in the dry canal basin. (Route includes 100 yards walking over rough meadow grass. The walk is under two miles.
Our walks are guided by Rolle Canal Society members and, where on private ground, permission has been granted by the land owners. However individuals take part at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. The income from the small charge of £2 per person makes a valuable contribution to the Society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.
Sunday 12th May starting from Annery Kiln at 2.30pm
The first Rolle Canal Society walk of the year will be from Annery Kiln to the site of the Ridd Inclined Plane. Starting from Annery Kiln, by Halfpenny Bridge on the Bideford to Weare Giffard road, you'll be shown the site where the tub boats were hauled up an incline from the river level to the canal summit level. Part of the underground water-wheel chamber is visible beside the Tarka Trail, while orchids and other wild flowers abound in the dry canal basin. (Route includes 100 yards walking over rough meadow grass. The walk is under two miles.
Our walks are guided by Rolle Canal Society members and, where on private ground, permission has been granted by the land owners. However individuals take part at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. The income from the small charge of £2 per person makes a valuable contribution to the Society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 1st May 2019
Work continued across the site this week.
Work continued across the site this week.
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Excavation of the tucking mill foundations is progressing although this work is hampered by a number of substantial tree roots which run through the area and which have damaged the rear wall of the building.
Further progress has been made on restoration of the southern arch of the lime kiln and building up the foundations of the external wall and buttress on the wharfside area. We are also continuing to repoint the west wall of the kiln - a task which is consuming significant quantities of mortar.
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Those members of the Rolle Canal Society who viewed the site after the AGM on 28th April were impressed with the progress that has been made during the last year. They were also able to see early versions of the interpretation boards prepared by RHS Rosemoor which will be installed on site when work is completed. These contain a wealth of information about the canal and the operation of the lime kiln and will provide an excellent resource when the site is opened to the public.
Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.