British waterway press release,updates, news,current events

BRECON BROWNIES HELP TO DESIGN SCULPTURES FOR NEW SEATING AREA ALONGSIDE THE MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL

Life-size sculptures of a man and his horse-drawn tram are to be the focal point of a new picnic area with seating alongside the canal towpath in Brecon.

The 2nd Brecon Brownies have been hard at work with Pembrokeshire sculptor, Robert Jakes and Brecon-based heritage interpretation consultancy, Anglezarke Dixon Associates, creating illustrations and writing text which will be inscribed into the sculptures and the seating.

Part of the ambitious Brecon Gateway project led by British Waterways, this development at Watton Wharf aims to enhance visitors’ understanding of the canal’s heritage. It will interpret the history of this section of the canal which linked with the Hay Tramway, a busy horse-drawn railway which ran from Brecon to Hay-on-Wye and Kington in the early 19th century.

Through an exciting programme of story-telling, writing and design workshops, arranged by environmental consultancy Red Kite Environment, the Brownies have helped to develop the materials for the seating and sculptures. Actors in 19th century costumes joined the workshops to bring the canal and the tramway to life while sculptor Robert Jakes helped the Brownies make 3D models of the seating and sculptures.

Jon Dixon, of Anglezarke-Dixon, is thrilled with the outcome of the workshops.
“The Brownies were spellbound by the old stories of the canal and produced some wonderful ideas for the picnic area. They’re looking forward to seeing their designs become reality and we’re excited that local children have played such a large part in developing this new picnic area,” John Dixon remarked.

The Brownies’ poems, writing, illustrations and models are currently being used by Robert Jakes to guide his creativity. During August, their work will be displayed in Theatr Brycheiniog to show exactly what is planned for Watton Wharf.

The final phase of the work will take place in the autumn when the Brownies will once again work with sculptor Robert Jakes to paint some of their designs and text onto the carved pieces of wood.

The Brecon Gateway project culminates early in 2008 with the installation of a series of information and interpretation points around the canal in Brecon.

Led by British Waterways, in partnership with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Powys County Council and Theatr Brycheiniog, the Brecon Gateway project is a celebration of the canal’s heritage in Brecon. It has been made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Assembly Government, Herian, Powys County Council and British Waterways.
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For more information contact:
Deborah Haylock, Haylock Consultancy on 07929 268357 or 01873 858187
or Pam Griffiths, External Funding Officer, British Waterways on 07919 521 413.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

·	Two photos are attached and captions are below:

1. Pia, Abigail and Bethany, from 2nd Brecon Brownies, get help with model-making from sculptor Robert Jakes.

2. 2nd Brecon Brownies, Frances and Lauren, proudly display their design for a picnic bench.

SERIES OF FREE FAMILY EVENTS GET UNDERWAY

The first of five waterside events, organised by British Waterways and sponsored by ISIS Waterside Regeneration, is being held at Brentford lock on the Grand Union Canal on Sunday 29 July. The free family festival, which will run from 12pm till 5pm, will feature a range of free entertainment, including live music, children’s shows and community stalls.

There will also be a number of paid-for activities available, including cycle hire from newly established Wizzbike.com, boat trips, angling, face painting, a merry-go-round and children’s crafts, plus a range of refreshments including a BBQ at the Holiday Inn, a Pimms bar and ice-cream van.

Louise Fishleigh, leisure development manager for British Waterways London, explains:

“We are looking forward to bringing the first of five free family events this Sunday 29 July to Brentford Lock to highlight the improvements that have taken place alongside the Grand Union Canal. Our festivals will include a host of free activities for all the family, providing some fantastic days out by the water.”

The 29 July event will be followed on each consecutive Sunday by four other festivals, at the following times: Sunday 5 August, 2-7pm; Sunday 12 August, 11am-4pm; Sunday 19 August, 2-7pm; and Sunday 26 August, 12-5pm.

A full programme along with a festival flyer can be downloaded from www.waterscape.com/brentfordwatersidefestivals

or call British Waterways London on 020 7985 7200.

Braunston Tunnel reopens, Northamptonshire

Braunston Tunnel has reopened following inspections earlier today by British Waterways engineers.

The canal on the Braunston side remains partially blocked due to the landslip but there is sufficient room for boats to navigate through this section safely.

Dredging works will commence tomorrow (Tuesday 24 July) and should be complete by the end of the day. Boaters may experience minor delays as a result of the dredging operation.

The towpath on the Braunston and Daventry side of the Tunnel will remain closed until further notice.

Jeff Whyatt, General Manager for South East Waterways, says: “We are delighted that the tunnel has been reopened so quickly and apologise for any inconvenience caused to local trade, residents and boaters as a result of the closure and thank them for their patience.”

EFRA REPORT ON BRITISH WATERWAYS

Response from Defra and British Waterways

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [EFRA] today (31 July) released the report of its findings and recommendations of its enquiry into the work of British Waterways.

The report acknowledges the commitment of Government, British Waterways and individuals to the improvement of the waterways over the past ten years with: over £520million invested by Government; more than 200 miles of canals restored and reopened; a £200million backlog of arrears eliminated; and British Waterways’ participation in approximately £7billion worth of waterside regeneration. The report identifies a number of areas where this revival might be sustained and boosted and Government and British Waterways will consider its recommendations as they work together to develop a long term strategy for the waterways.

Commenting on the report, Waterways Minister, Jonathan Shaw MP, said: “The Government is committed to continuing to work closely with British Waterways to ensure the sustainability of our inland waterways. That's why we've provided £520million of funding to British Waterways since 2000. As a result our waterways are in a better state today than they have been since before the Second World War, and they are used and enjoyed by more people than at any other time in their history.

"We will now work with British Waterways closely in carefully considering the committee's recommendations, but I can say straight away that I am committed to ensuring there is good communication and effective working relationships between Defra ministers and officials and British Waterways. Defra will fully consider the committee’s recommendations regarding future funding for British Waterways in the context of the current Comprehensive Spending Review round."

Tony Hales, Chairman of British Waterways, added: “In the last decade, British Waterways and the Government have enjoyed a successful partnership, jointly overseeing what has widely been acclaimed as a remarkable renaissance in the fortunes of Britain’s historic inland waterways.

“We welcome the EFRA Committee’s recognition of this effort and will be considering its conclusions and recommendations in more detail. British Waterways and Defra are committed to working together to secure the continued and sustainable revival of the waterways and their future contribution to the wealth, health and wellbeing of communities across the country.”

MOSS LANE SERVICE STATION IN GARSTANG RECEIVES MAKEOVER

Moss Lane service station in Garstang will be closed until the end of October, whilst a new service station is built.

The new service station will be built by Cheshire based developer CBN, who have recently built 8 eco homes by Moss Lane Bridge on the Lancaster Canal.

Almost three times the size of the existing service station, work will commence on site on the 13th August until the end of October.

The new building will house a bin store, pump out, toilet and an elsan facility and will be a fantastic resource for the thousands of boaters who visit the Lancaster Canal each year. Alternative boating facilities will be available in nearby Bilsborrow and Galgate whilst works take place.

British Waterways has identified Garstang as one of its key visitor destinations for 2007 and will shortly commence physical improvement works in partnership with Lancashire County Council, Wyre Borough Council, Garstang and District Partnership and Garstang in Bloom.

Enhancement works will include; upgrading the canal towpath between Byerworth Bridge and Cathouse Bridge, creating and improving access and signage.

Interpretation and new Information boards will also be installed to link the town with the Lancaster Canal, and, new circular walks to integrate the canal with the River Wyre and the town will also be introduced.

Information about The Lancaster Canal, which opened in 1819, is a beautiful lock-free canal stretching 41 miles, it contains many important historic structures, including many designed by the renowned engineer John Rennie. It winds its way from Kendal through the historic city of Lancaster, passing over the Lune Aqueduct a grade I listed building, to Preston, where it joins the Millennium Ribble Link. The Glasson Branch drops down through 6 historic locks and leads into the Lune Estuary and then the Irish Sea. Passing close to the Silverdale Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and through quiet rural stretches of North Lancashire, the Lancaster Canal is a haven for watching wildlife and relaxing.