THE TUB BOAT Newsletter of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society No. 80 Summer 2017
THE TUB BOAT Newsletter of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society Forthcoming Events: 2017 Forthcoming Events for 2017 Sunday 30 th July Bude-Stratton Heritage Day from 10.00am. Saturday 26 th August RNLI Weekend with BCHS tables in the marquee. Contributions for the next edition of the Tub Boat should be sent as an e mail attachment to walton50@btinternet.com or copied onto a USB memory stick or CD and sent to Peter Daniel (contact details on back page) to reach the Editor by 15th 1st March September 2017. 2017. Trustees: Chairman Chris Jewell Vice Chairman Stan Noakes Secretary Peter Daniel Treasurer Mike Moore Treasurer Events Membership Secretary Secretary Mike Betty Moore Events Minuting The Tub Secretary Boat Editor Betty Jill Vacancy (non trustee) White Moore Minuting Other trustees Secretary Jill Lucille White Opie, Anne Longley Other trustees Lucille Lesley Moores Opie, Anne Longley Membership Secretary Lesley Mike Moores Membership The Tub Boat Secretary Editor Mike (non trustee) Moore Chris Walton The views expressed by the contributors to this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society which does not accept responsibility for them. Corporate Member of Supported by
THE THE TUB TUB BOAT BOAT Newsletter of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society No. 80 Summer 2017 CONTENTS Creaks from the Chair... 2 Annual Coach Trip... 2 Bude Canal Trust Report... (by Mike Degnan) 3-6 North Devon Museum Trust 40th anniversary... 6 Rolle Canal Society visit to Bude... 7-9 The departure of the narrowboat Orbis... 10-13 No Fool like an April fool... 14 Bude Motor Classic Show... 15-16 View from the North... 17 View from the Bay... 17 1
Creaks from the Chair Since the last issue summer has more or less arrived. Local Authority and UK Government elections have taken place. Cornwall Council will have an Independent/Liberal Democrat coalition to run the Authority. Once the new cabinet is agreed and settled, BCHS will press for more clarity on the future of Bude Canal and some other relevant matters. Whilst we have Trustees to run and guide our Society on the day to day business and develop long term plans, we have a problem in relation to being able to attend outdoor events. Basically we are all getting older and the number of active Trustees needed to deal with gazebos, transporting goods etc for our sales stall is far too low. Currently the Trustees are considering how we will deal with this aspect of our activities. What we need is an influx of younger members who would be more able to deal with some of the physical aspects of attending public events with our sales stall. Anyone who feels they could assist should contact me on 01288 352298 or info@bude-canal.co.uk I wish you all a pleasant remaining summer. Any day now, weather permitting, the full-on summer season will start and dear Bude will be swarming with tourists, coming for the first time or to renew old acquaintances, and to enjoy the canal, coastal walks and beaches as well as the pubs and eateries in the town. In truth the life blood of Bude, for better or worse, and likewise for many places in the S W peninsula. Chris Jewell Annual Coach Trip Unfortunately, due to insufficient bookings, we were unable to go ahead with our trip to Fowey and Lostwithiel on 10th June this year. The bookings were well short of the number required to cover our costs. We were disappointed that, except for members of the committee, we only received one booking from the rest of our members. However, we are considering re-scheduling the trip for next May but we will not know the exact date until early next year when the tide tables are published. As we received a poor response from our members we thought it would be useful to try to get some feedback to establish what elements of the proposed trip could be changed to get your support in future. Was it the venue, date, cost, timings or other aspects of the trip which were not attractive to you? Please let us know soon so that we can take these factors into account when making our plans for next year. Thank you. Mike Moore Membership Secretary 2
Bude Canal Trust Report Work in Progress from March to June 2017 After all the tree felling and hedge laying it just remained to generally tidy up and burn the last of the accumulated brash A drainage ditch taking rainwater from higher ground under the canal has kindly been cleared out to enable us to investigate and arrange a repair to the only known wooden culvert under the canal (nearly 200 yrs old). Erosion caused by water draining through the canal bed has created a large hole nearly three feet deep down to the rotten pipe. Although not strictly part of our responsibility, there is a footpath listed on one of our leaflets: Canal to Coast, between the Tamar Lakes and Duckpool. This was surveyed during April to assess its accessibility and clarification of directional signage. Consideration is ongoing regarding the updating of the associated leaflet for possible future publication. A spell of dry weather in April gave us a chance to burn all the previously cut vegetation in the canal profile of the Burmsdon Aqueduct Bridge before moving on to Virworthy Wharf to finish preparing the picnic tables for Easter visitors. (see overleaf) 3
The first full length footpath mowing was carried out this month, surprising how high the grass had grown in some places, prompting a look at the Holsworthy Branch and cutting back vegetation overgrowth in the canal profile. On into May, with the growing season well underway a full day was spent with three of us cutting the filter beds followed the next week, ensuring the path was fully accessible from the filter beds through to the end of the permissive path. The original towpath to the right of the canal leading to the head of the Incline Plane, the full width of the Plane itself over the new section of boardwalk to an impressive display of bluebells alongside the canal profile and surrounding woods on the approach to the start of the Permissive Path. 4
Passing the farm buildings and under Burmsdon Farm Bridge the footpath was deliberately cut very narrow to avoid the Red Campion, buttercups and other wild flowers on both sides. On to the open field and the last, short shady section, before returning back to Vealand. The increasingly large hole caused in the base of the canal just north of the Holsworthy Junction where the wooden culvert, draining surface water from higher ground goes under the canal and a short section has rotted away. Having cleared the surrounding area and cleaning the exposed damaged surface, a sheet of rubber was securely glued over the damaged section before placing a steel weight bearing cage over the top and over filling with clay, tamped down to create a replacement 18 of compacted material to the base of the canal profile. A wider cut was made with the powered hand mower to the length of the footpath between Brendon Bridge and Virworthy Mill. From past experience, unless a reasonable width is created, the larger plants and ferns droop over, especially after rain, blocking reasonable access. Areas on both sides, where any wild flowers are still blooming are obviously avoided as much as possible. 5
After lunch at the Bullers Arms a group of visitors from The Rolle Canal plus members of BCHS and BCT extended their morning walk and a visit to the head of Hobbacott Incline Plane with a stroll along the Aqueduct Trail between Vealand Bridge through to Burmsdon Bridge, taking in the Filter Beds, Vealand Incline Plane and the Aqueduct Bridge over the river Tamar on the way. After returning to Vealand Bridge we then made the shorter walk northwards to the Holsworthy junction before they left for home. Some of the liner pipes were moved into position for supporting the stoned culvert structures. North Devon Museum Trust 40th Anniversary On Tuesday 11th April 2017 at 11 am I attended, by invitation, NDMT s celebration of 40 years as an organisation and the acquisition of Odun House, Appledore, Bideford as their own property. Odun House had been their base for many years but at last after much hard work and securing funds the premises are now the property of the Trust. The guest who officially opened the premises was Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, GCB, DL. Admiral Band had a distinguished naval career between 1967 and 2009. He is currently Chairman of Trustees of the National Museum of the Royal Navy and is well aware of the work by and the need for able volunteers. He congratulated NDMT on its achievements and the importance of securing the heritage of North Devon and especially the dedication of its Trustees and the volunteers who make such projects successful. 6 Chris Jewell
Rolle Canal Society visit to Bude Canal On Sunday 21st May 2017 a mixed group of Rolle Canal Society members and BCHS members met at 10.30am, at the Sea Lock, Bude, for a visit to certain aspects of the canal. The group of 13 made their way up the canal as far as the layby above Castinghouse Cottage. The main features past and present were explained by Chris Jewell. The group then drove to Helebridge and visited Whalesborough Lock, Helebridge Basin and also the Barge Workshop to view the tub boat and other heritage artefacts stored there by Bude-Stratton Town Council (who own them and the Barge Workshop). A lunch break followed at the Bullers Arms, Marhamchurch when most of the group enjoyed a tasty roast carvery. 7
After lunch the group went to Hobbacott Inclined Plane to view the locality and the massive plane, 935 feet in length, which raised and lowered tub boats through the 225 feet height difference in canal levels at either end of the plane. The group were then joined by Mike Degnan, a Trustee of Bude Canal Trust Ltd, who own the canal from Burmsdon to Lower Tamar Lake. Lower Tamar Lake was the reservoir built in the 1820s to supply the canal system with water. With Mr Degnan the group walked to Burmsdon Aqueduct where the canal crossed from Devon into Cornwall over the River Tamar. On route the site of where water treatment filter beds were located was pointed out; these dated from when the canal was purchased in 1902 by the then Stratton & Bude Urban District Council to provide a potable water supply to Bude/Stratton. This system existed until the 1980s when the Upper Tamar Lake was built to improve the volume of water needed. 8
The Vealand Inclined plane was traversed to and from the Burmsdon Aqueduct. This inclined plane was powered by one of the underground waterwheels situated at the head of the plane. The exact whereabouts of the wheelpit are not known as there was much disturbance when the water supply system was set up in the early 1900s. We then visited the junction of the canal with the branch that went to Holsworthy. Along the route a large area of forestry was harvested during the past year. The effect of the removal of this large wind break was that most of the trees along the Trust s land could not cope with the full power of winds from the north-west. Consequently the Trust has had to cut out many fallen/damaged trees so there is a much more open appearance to this section. An adjacent landowner has put in a small footbridge from his land to the towpath. He hopes to have small development on his land. The group then dispersed to their homes. The weather was very kind all day, being clear and sunny with a breeze to keep us all sane. 9 Chris Jewell
The departure of the Narrow Boat Orbis On Thursday 20th April 2017 the Orbis was set to leave Bude Canal with the intent of sailing to Bristol to re-enter the inland waterways system. The Harbour Master at Bude, Paul Vincent had pointed out that the current tides were neap and thus there was very little depth of water outside the Sea Lock to ensure floatation. However, the owners, Mr and Mrs Bond, were keen to take advantage of the very calm conditions. So at about 11.30 am that day the Orbis entered the Sea Lock and was lowered to the tide level. The outer gates opened and Orbis set forth and within 10 yards became stranded on a sandbank. The following photographs show this activity from entering the Sea Lock to exiting the lock chamber and the various efforts to overcome the sand bank. Orbis entering Sea Lock. Orbis in Sea Lock. Orbis descending in Sea Lock as water is let out. Orbis aground on sand bank outside the Sea Lock with engines on full power to try and break free. 10
Orbis still aground outside the Sea Lock with inner gate paddles and pound paddles flooding the lock chamber in an attempt to lift Orbis off the sand bank. But alas to no avail, the Orbis was not going anywhere that day. Later she was secured to the outer harbour wall where she remained over the weekend. 11
Orbis still aground but was later manoeuvred towards the harbour wall on the left where it was moored until departure on Sunday 23rd April. At about 7 am on Monday 24th April she set sail up the north coast towards the Bristol Channel. Later that day Mr Bond advised the Bude Harbour Master that they were at Watchet harbour, West Somerset. It is understood that during that week Orbis was towed to Penarth Marina by the Barry Dock Lifeboat as she was taking on water. The last information known is that Orbis was at Portishead waiting to go up to Bristol to enter the inland waterway network; the intent being to make for S E England with a view to crossing in due course to France. Chris Jewell Orbis approaching Penarth Marina. Courtesy of the Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team 12
Orbis arriving at Penarth Marina. Courtesy of the Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team Orbis at Penarth Marina. Courtesy of the Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team 13
No Fool Like an April Fool These photos was taken on 1st April showing the crane erected to load materials from boats on the river for the construction of the new Premier Inn on the Strand in Bude. 14
Bude Motor Classic Show Here are the final photos covering the Bude Motor Classic Show on 14th May and the visit by the Tavistock & District Local History Society on 13th June. 15
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View from the North By the time you read this the Summer solstice will have passed and almost imperceptibly the nights will be lengthening. At this time of year we have virtually 22 hours of daylight and fields are filled with tractors cutting grass to make silage to feed the cattle whilst they are housed indoors from October through to May. Although you will not have days as long as us down in Bude the evenings are still long enough for a pleasant evening stroll along the towpath. Perhaps you ll have the opportunity to round Cape Horn up on the aqueduct section or maybe the lure of an ice cream whilst leaning on the sea lock is more appealing. Whichever you choose don t forget to take a camera along with you as the editor is always keen to receive member s photographs for possible inclusion in future editions of the Tub Boat. Finally did you know? Barrel rock has an old propellor shaft from a 1917 shipwreck, the SS Belem, projecting from it with a barrel fitted to its top which is a navigation aid signalling safe passage to the harbour at high tide, with an intermittent lamp operating from dusk to dawn. Enjoy your summer. Clive Horton Life Member View from the Bay There are certain disadvantages to living in a Park Home, when the weather is cold it s expensive to heat and when it s hot it becomes worse than a greenhouse! Today it is 32 degrees in the shade, I have every window and door open and a floor standing fan pointing at me on full blast, the room is 34 degrees but at least in front of the fan it is beareable. I love it here though and there won t be many days like today, just one more forecast for tomorrow the 20th June and then I can put some clothes on! I hope you enjoy this edition of the Tub Boat Chris Walton Editor 17
THE TUB BOAT Newsletter of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society Atlantic Highway to Bideford A39 Kilkhampton B3254 Dexbeer Tamar Lake Virworthy Wharf Widemouth Bay Sea Lock Helebridge BUDE Stratton Marhamchurch Red Post Hobbacott Burmsdon Vealand Merrifield Puckland Chilsworthy To Bideford A388 Blagdonmoor Wharf Stanbury Wharf HOLSWORTHY River Tamar Whitstone A39 Atlantic Highway to Wadebridge North Tamerton A388 Bude Canal as built Rivers Inclined Planes B3254 Boyton Druxton Wharf Werrington LAUNCESTON Published by BUDE CANAL & HARBOUR SOCIETY Enquiries to the Hon. Secretary (Tel 01288 341653 New Inn House, Week St Mary, Cornwall, Ex22 X 6UZ) Printed by Parish Magazine Printing 01288 341617 www.bude-canal.co.uk info@bude-canal.co.uk Registered Charity Number 1086646